FR2832849A1 - MULTIFUNCTIONAL SATELLITE BUTTON FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DASHBOARD - Google Patents

Abstract

Multifunction satellite key (100) for a motor vehicle dashboard comprising a facade (110) with an opening (111) and a first spherical part (112) supported by arms (113) which delimit sectors associated with respective functions, a mobile transmitter (120) carrying a second spherical part (122) fitting on the first spherical part (112) of the facade to form a ball joint, the transmitter (120) being mobile with respect to the facade (110) according to a limited number of pivoting movements, around axes coplanar with the plane of the facade and concurrently at the center of the ball joint, a cap (130) integrally assembled on the transmitter (120) and of which an external face defines a plurality control locations (131) of particular functions corresponding to a plurality of particular pivoting movements, and an electrical circuit (140) comprising a plurality of push buttons (141) corresponding to the pl A number of control locations (131) and actuated by pivoting the transmitter (120).

Description

combusLible batteries.

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a multifunction satellite key for

  motor vehicle dashboard.

  Dashboards used in motor vehicles rarely use the concept of one-piece multi-function button. An example is that of the dashboard of the vehicle marketed by the

  French company "Peugeot" under the name "206 electronic".

  However, the multifunction key system used has only two control positions and its design seems to be more aesthetic than a priority search for reduction of

  volume of all control buttons.

  However, in spite of the sophistication of the functions which are brought to be integrated in the vehicles, which results in an increasing number of function keys, it is important that the dashboard

  remains as compact as possible and as simple as possible to assemble.

  The use of multifunction keys appears to be a solution. Such keys, in particular ball joints, are widely used in game consoles. But, they often have a number

  high of parts, which complicates their assembly.

  Objects and summary of the invention The invention proposes to provide a multifunction satellite key for a dashboard of a motor vehicle allowing the reduction of the volume of the dashboard and its integration into a

confined space.

  Another object of the present invention is to limit the number of parts used in the manufacture of the satellite button

  multifunction, thus facilitating its assembly and reducing its cost.

  These objects are achieved, in accordance with the invention, by means of a multifunction satellite key for a motor vehicle dashboard comprising; - a facade with an opening, and a first spherical part supported in the opening by arms which connect it to the facade and which delimit sectors associated with the respective functions, - a mobile transmitter carrying a second spherical part adapting to the first spherical part of the facade to form a ball joint, the transmitter being movable relative to, the facade according to a limited number of pivoting movements, around axes coplanar to the plane of the facade and concurrent at the center of the connection to ball joint, - a cabochon integrally assembled with the transmitter and of which an external face defines a plurality of locations for controlling particular functions corresponding to a plurality of particular pivoting movements, and - an electrical circuit comprising a plurality of push buttons or blisters corresponding to the plurality of locations of

  control and actuated by pivoting the transmitter.

  According to a particular embodiment, the first spherical part of the facade forms a spherical housing in which the second spherical part of the transmitter is articulated, thus forming the ball joint. According to another particular embodiment, the first spherical part of the facade is a core with a spherical outer wall, and the second spherical part of the transmitter is a ring with an inner wall

  spherical hinging on the first part to form the ball joint.

  The transmitter assembled integrally with the lens can

be fixed on the facade.

  As a variant, the cabochon is assembled integrally on the

  transmitter with the facade interposed between them.

  Advantageously, the transmitter includes pushers

  to activate push buttons or blisters.

  The satellite button advantageously includes a backlighting means. Advantageously, the satellite button comprises a baffle defined by a rim of the cabochon cooperating with a skirt formed at a rim of the opening of the facade so as to oppose the diffusion of light through peripheral games of the satellite button. The control locations can correspond to several of the following functions: air distribution, ventilation, air conditioning, data reading (cassette or CD player), car radio, navigation, telecommunications, reception-transmission of

data, intensity setting.

  According to a particular embodiment, the transmitter is movable according to four particular pivoting movements corresponding to four function control locations

  particulars controlled by the satellite button.

  Preferably, two of the four control locations are assigned to two mutually incompatible particular functions, the other two control locations making it possible to increase or decrease by imputation the value of the activated function among said

two special functions.

  Advantageously, the activated function is displayed by n

light.

Brief descrintion of the drawings

  The invention will be better understood on reading the description

  made below for information but not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a front view of a satellite button, - Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a satellite button, - Figure 2A is a perspective view of a facade, - Figure 2B is a perspective view of a transmitter and a cabochon, - Figure 3A is a view of a satellite button at rest in cross section IIIA-IIIA of Figure 1, - Figure 3B is a view of a satellite key in action in section along IIIA-IIIA of Figure 1, - Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a variant of a satellite button, - Figure 4A is a perspective view of a facade of Figure 4, - Figure 4B is a perspective view of an inner face of a cabochon of Figure 4, - Figure 5A is a variant of a satellite key at rest according to section IIIA-IIIA of FIG. 1, - Figure 5B is a variant of a satellite key in action, along section IIIA-IIIA of Figure 1, - Figure 6 is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a satellite button, - Figure 7 is a perspective front view with cutaway of a satellite key in FIG. 6, - FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a facade of FIG. 6, - FIG. 8A is a view of a satellite key at rest in section along V111-VIII of the Figure 6, - Figure 8B is a view of a satellite button actuated in section along V111-VIII of Figure 6, - Figure 8C is a front view of a transmitter and a

printed circuit of figure 6.

  FIGS. 4 to 5B as well as FIGS. 6 to 8C correspond to different alternative embodiments of the satellite key which each comprise a series of constituent elements whose geometry may be different from one alternative embodiment to another, but the function is the same. Elements having essentially the same function

  have the same reference numbers.

  Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

  Reference is now made to the drawings, and more particularly, to FIG. 1 illustrating a front view of a multifunction satellite key for a dashboard of a motor vehicle. By way of example, the satellite button in FIG. 1 defines four control locations 131 associated with the ventilation, air conditioning, air diffusion and defrost functions. Obviously in addition to the functions related to air conditioning or heating, other functions can be associated with the control locations among which: reading of data recording, for example a cassette or CD player, car radio, navigation, telecommunications , reception-transmission of

  data, intensity setting, etc.

  Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the satellite button 100 of Figure 1, illustrating a particular embodiment. The satellite button 100 comprises a front panel 110, a mobile transmitter, a cabochon 130 and an electric circuit 140. With further reference to FIG. 2A, the front panel 110 comprises an opening 111 whose outline has the shape of a curved crosspiece (or a four-leaf clover). In the middle of the opening 111, the facade 110 comprises a first spherical part delimiting a spherical housing 112 and supported by arms 113 which connect the spherical part 112 to the facade 110 and delimit

  sectors 114 associated with the respective specific functions.

  Optionally the arms 113 can be stiffened by reinforcements 113a.

  In this embodiment, the facade 110 also includes tongues 116 projecting perpendicularly relative to the arms 113 of the facade 110 around the spherical housing 112. Furthermore, guide sheaths 117 are carried by the facade 110, at the tops of the lobes of the contour 115 of the opening 111. In addition two guide sheaths

  117 diametrically opposite carry two guide pins 118.

  The transmitter 120, of FIG. 2 comprises open rings 123 arranged at an angular spacing of 90 around a hub carrying a second spherical part 122. In addition, a pusher 121 is flexibly linked to the periphery of each open ring 123. The transmitter 120 is plugged into the front panel 110 on the one hand, by locking the second spherical part 122 by the tabs 116 on the front panel 110 and on the other hand, by engaging the pushers 121 of the transmitter 120 in the sheaths 117 corresponding to the facade 110 while being guided by the guide pins 118. In addition, the open rings 123 of the transmitter 120 fit in the sectors 114

  delimited by the arms 113 of the facade 110.

  The cap 130 has a shape similar to that of the opening 111 of the facade 110, and has a skirt 133 which engages with play in the contour 115 of the opening 111. Due to its ergonomics, the cap 130 allows a unambiguous symbolism for the functions of the satellite button 100, thus avoiding any incorrect use, such as simultaneously pressing two different control positions. As shown more particularly in FIG. 2B, the transmitter 120 is integrally assembled with the cap 130 by engagement and locking of the projecting parts 125, forming clips, situated on the outside face of the transmitter 120 in slots 135 formed on the internal side of the cap. 130. The correct positioning of the cabochon bearing the symbolism of the controlled functions is ensured by coding means formed by lugs 124 of the transmitter 120 which engage in corresponding housings 134 of the cabochon 130. Thus, the cabochon 130 and the transmitter 120 are assembled from

  together and form a single body.

  The transmitter 120 being fixed on the facade 110 notably by means of the tongues 116 forms a ball joint by assembling the first spherical part 112 of the facade 110 with the second spherical part 122 of the transmitter 120. The ball joint thus formed is limited in its movement and is equivalent to a plurality of pivot connections around coplanar axes in the plane of the facade 110 and concurrent in the center of the ball joint. Indeed, given the particular shape of the cabochon-transmitter assembly in adequacy with the particular shape of the opening 111 of the facade 110, the cabochon-transmitter assembly is not movable in rotation about a perpendicular axis. to the facade 110 and remains movable relative to the facade 110 only according to a limited number of pivoting movements at low amplitude, so as to define the control locations 131 symbolized on the cabochon 130. The non-floating mounting of the cabochontransmitter assembly on the front 110 provides good resistance to vibrations and guarantees unambiguous control of the

desired function.

  The electrical circuit 140 is fixed behind the front 110 and comprises a plurality of push buttons or blisters 141 protected by a silicone membrane and corresponding to the plurality of control positions 131. The push buttons or blisters 141 are actuated by means of the push buttons 121, the thrust force of which is transmitted by the pivoting of the cabochon-transmitter assembly. Being flexibly linked to the transmitter 120, the pushers 121 remain guided by their sheaths 117 perpendicularly to the electrical circuit 140 when the transmitter 120 is pivoted. However, the pushers 121 can be detached from the transmitter 120 by breaking, without altering the correct operation of the device. The fact that at the outset they are part of the transmitter 120 satisfies the goal of reducing the number of parts to be assembled. The electrical circuit 140 also includes a backlight means 142 consisting, in the example of FIG. 1, of a plurality of diodes 142 corresponding to the plurality of sectors 114 delimited by the

arm 113 of the facade 110.

  Figure 3A is a sectional view along IIIA-IIIA of Figure 1 illustrating a satellite key 100 at rest. FIG. 3A clearly shows the ball joint formed by the second spherical part 122 of the transmitter 120 fitting onto the first spherical part 112 of the front panel 110. Furthermore, at rest the pushers 121 can exert a small preload on the pushbuttons or blisters 141. In addition, the multifunction satellite button 100 comprises a baffle defined by a flange 132 of the cap 130 opposite a skirt 119 formed by a flange of the opening 111 of the front 110. Thus, the light from the diodes 142 which lights up symbols on the cap 130, through the open rings 123 of the transmitter 120, does not diffuse through the clearances present between the cap 130 and the periphery of the opening of the facade 110. FIG. 3B is a sectional view illustrating a satellite button in an activated mode. By pressing on one of the control locations 131, the cabochon-transmitter assembly pivots, causing, by means of a push button 121, the actuation of a push button or blister 141 which in turn activates the particular function which is assigned to it. associated. The activation of the particular function can possibly be visualized by the lighting of an indicator light (not shown on the

Figure 3B).

  Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a satellite button 200 according to another embodiment. In this particular embodiment, a cap 230 is assembled integrally on a transmitter 220 with a front 210 interposed between them. As shown in more detail in FIG. 4A, the facade 210 comprises an opening 211 having the same shape as that of FIG. 1 and a first spherical part 212 forming a spherical housing 212 and supported by arms 213 which connect it to the facade 210 and which delimit sectors 214 associated with

  respective particular functions controlled by the key.

  The transmitter 220 has a second spherical part 222 around which rings 223 are arranged. The transmeffer 220 is mounted from the rear of the facade 210 by aligning pushers 221 linked loosely to the rings 223 of the transmitter 220 in

  guide grooves 217 of the facade 210.

  The cap 230 is engaged with clearance in the opening 211 of the facade 210. With particular reference to FIG. 4B, it can be seen that the cap 230 is assembled integrally with the transmitter 220 by means of lugs 235 forming fixing clips which are formed on the internal face of the cabochon 230 and which cooperate with corresponding hooks 225 (FIG. 4) formed on the side walls of the rings 223 of the transmitter 220. The cabochon-transmitter assembly thus fixed on the facade 210 forms a ball joint by assembling the first spherical part 212 of the facade 210 with the second spherical part 222 of the transmitter 220. Furthermore, spherical bearing lugs 236 project at the center of the internal face of the cap 230 to adapt to the convex part of the first spherical part 212 of the facade 210. As for the rings 223 of the transmitter 220, they are housed in the

  sectors 214 delimited by the arms 213 of the facade 210.

  Figures 5A and 5B are similar to Figures 2A and 2B.

  Moreover, in this second embodiment, a ball joint is always formed by housing a second spherical part of a mobile transmitter in the concavity of a first spherical part belonging to a facade. FIG. 5A illustrates a state at rest of the satellite key 200 and FIG. 5B illustrates a state in action of the satellite key 200. Apart from the arrangement and the fact that the shape of the transmitter 220 and of the cap 230 are slightly modified in this second embodiment, the operation of the multifunction satellite key 200 is

  similar to that of FIG. 1 and the descriptions given in references

  in FIGS. 1 to 3B, concerning for example the formation of a baffle forming a peripheral barrier with respect to the backlighting light or the operation of the pushers, also apply to the mode of

realization of Figures 4 to 5B.

  FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a satellite key 300. In the example of FIG. 6, the cap 330 defines five backlit zones, four of which are control locations 331a, 331b, 331 c, 331d corresponding to four particular functions. In addition, the cabochon 330 allows, by its ergonomics, an unambiguous symbolism for the actuation of the satellite button 300. Two of the four control locations 331a, 331b can be assigned to two mutually incompatible particular functions, the other two control locations 331 c, 331 d enabling the intensity or the value of the activated function among said two particular functions to be reduced or increased by impuision. Activation of the function is also displayed by one, corresponding, of two

indicator lights 318a, 318b.

  Referring also to FIGS. 7 and 7A, it can be seen that the satellite button 300 comprises a front panel 310, a mobile transmitter 320, a cabochon 330 and an electrical circuit 340. The front panel 310 comprises a circular opening 311 and a first spherical part 312 formed by a core 312 with a spherical outer wall, supported by arms 313 which connect it to the facade 310 and which delimit four sectors 314 associated with four respective particular functions. By way of example, the core 312 with a spherical outer wall is hollow. The transmitter 320 has at its center a second spherical part 322 in the form of an outer ring with a spherical internal wall 322 articulated on the hollow core

  312 to form a ball joint.

  More specifically, the front face of the transmitter 320 is formed by an annular disc 325 interrupted by cavities 323 extending radially between the inner and outer circumferences of the annular disc 325 for the passage of the link arms 313. The inner circumference forms the outline a cylindrical part 324 which is extended by said ring with a spherical internal wall 322 (see also FIGS. 8A, 8B). Radial walls 326 connect to the periphery of the cylindrical parts

  324 and spherical 322 of the transmitter 320 and define the cavities 323.

  A pusher 321 is formed on one of the sides of each cavity 323 by a rim of a wall 326, the pusher 321 being angularly offset relative to the wall which carries it in order to locate it clearly in one of the

  sectors 314 defined by arms 313.

  The transmitter 320 is fixed to the hollow core 312 of the facade 310 from the rear, aligning a polarizing-centering device 318 formed on the ring 312 with a light 327 formed on the cylindrical part 324 of the transmitter 320. The arms 313 of the facade 310, extend with play in the cavities 323 of the transmitter 320 not hampering the pivoting of the latter. The polarizing-centering device 318 also makes it possible to oppose any rotation of the transmitter 320 around an axis perpendicular to the facade 310. The transmitter 320 thus mounted benefits from direct guidance relative to the facade without accumulation of

additional games.

  The cabochon 330 of circular shape engages with play in the periphery of the opening 311 of the facade 310. The assembly between the cabochon 330 and the transmitter 320 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8A. In this example, the ball joint has a movement similar to that of the previous embodiments. Thus the transmitter 320 is movable relative to the facade 310 only according to a limited number of pivoting movements at low amplitude (for example approximately plus or minus 4 to 5 degrees) around axes coplanar with the plane of the facade 310, defining a corresponding plurality

of control locations 331.

  The electrical circuit 340 is fixed behind the front panel 310 and comprises a plurality of push buttons or blisters 341 corresponding to the plurality of control locations 331. The push buttons or blisters 341 are actuated by means of push buttons 321, the force of which thrust is transmitted by the pivoting of the cabochon-transmitter assembly. The electrical circuit 340 also includes a backlight means 342 consisting of a plurality of diodes 342. The diodes corresponding to the plurality of sectors 314 delimited by the arms 113 of the front panel 110 illuminate the control locations 331 of the cabochon 330 d 'in a homogeneous way through the transmitter 320 which can be transparent or transparent. On the other hand, the central part of the cabochon is illuminated via the hollow of the core 312 of the facade 310. FIG. 8A illustrates a state at rest of the satellite key 300 which clearly shows the ball joint formed by the hollow core 312 with a spherical outer wall carried by the facade 310 on which the ring 322 with a spherical internal wall is articulated in the lower extension of the cylindrical part 324 of the transmitter 320. The cap 330 is integrally assembled with the transmitter 320 by hooks 335 which protrude from the face internal of the cap 330 and lock on the edge of the annular disc 325 of the transmitter 320. In addition, lugs 336 placed in a circular manner on the internal face of the cap 330 are aligned inside the cylindrical part 324 of the transmitter 320. The lugs 336 of the cap 330 having a spherical bearing accommodate the upper part of the inner ring 312 of the facade 310 by limiting the movement ment of the cabochon in relation to the facade. In addition, the multifunction satellite key 300 comprises a baffle defined by a rim of the cabochon 322 opposite a skirt 319 formed by a rim of the opening of the facade 310 so as to oppose the diffusion of the

  light through the peripheral games of the satellite button 300.

  FIG. 8B shows a satellite key 300 actuated by pressing on one of the control locations 331. In this example, the pivoting of the cabochon-transmitter assembly causes the actuation of two push buttons or blisters 341 which in turn

  activate the particular function associated with them.

  FIG. 8C shows that each pivoting of the transmitter causes the actuation of a pair of neighboring push buttons or blisters 321. Thus by having four possible swivels, four cuts of neighboring buttons are actuated corresponding to four particular functions. For example, also referring to FIG. 6, when the upper control location 318a is pressed, the pair of blisters close to the top 341a, 341c is actuated by the corresponding pair of pushers 321a, 321c thus activating the function air conditioning by switching on the associated indicator light 318a. Similarly, pressing the right control location 331d activates the pair of neighboring blisters on the right 341a, 341d thus increasing the intensity of the

air-conditioning function.

  The examples described above could be transposed to a satellite key comprising a total number of control locations different from four by choosing the appropriate number of link arms between front panel and ball joint which delimit the sectors associated with

  different functions or settings controlled by the key.

Claims (10)

  1. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) for motor vehicle dashboard including; - a facade (110; 210; 310) with an opening (111; 211; 311) and a first spherical part (112; 212; 312) supported by arms (1 13; 213; 313) which delimit sectors (1 14; 214; 314) associated with respective functions, - a mobile transmitter (120; 220; 320) carrying a second spherical part (122; 222; 322) fitting onto the first spherical part (112; 212; 312) of the facade (110; 210; 310) to form a ball joint, the transmitter (120; 220; 320) being movable relative to the facade (110; 210; 310) around a limited number of pivoting movements, around of axes coplanar with the plane of the facade (110; 210; 310) and concurrent at the center of the ball joint, - a cap (130; 230; 330) assembled integrally on the transmitter (120; 220; 320) and of which an external face defines a plurality of control locations (131; 231; 331) of particular functions corresponding to a plurality of particular pivoting movements rs, and - an electrical circuit (140; 240; 340) comprising a plurality of push buttons or blisters (141; 241; 341) corresponding to the plurality of control locations (131; 231; 331) and actuated by   pivoting of the transmitter (120; 220; 320).   2. Multifunction satellite key (100; 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first spherical part (112; 212) of the facade (110; 210) is a spherical housing (112; 212) in which is articulated the second spherical part (122; 222) of the transmitter   (120; 220), thus forming the ball joint.   3. Multifunction satellite key (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first spherical part (312) of the facade (310) is a core (312) with a spherical external wall, the second spherical part (322) of the transmitter (320) is a ring (322) with a spherical internal wall hinging on the core (312) thus forming the ball joint. 4. Multifunction satellite key (100) according to any one   claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the transmitter (120)   solidly assembled with the cap (130) is fixed to the front (110).   5. Multifunction satellite button (200; 300) according to one   any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cabochon   (230; 330) is assembled integrally on the transmitter (220; 320),   with the facade (210; 310) interposed between them.   6. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to one   any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the   transmitter (120; 220; 320) includes pushers (121; 221; 321)   to activate push buttons or blisters (141; 241; 341).   7. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to one   any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the button   satellite (100; 200; 300) includes a backlight means (142; 242; 342).   8. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a baffle defined by a flange (132; 232; 332) of the cabochon (130; 230; 330) opposite a skirt (119; 219; 319) formed by a rim of the opening (111; 211; 311) of the facade (110; 210; 310) so as to oppose the   diffusion of light through peripheral games of the button.   9. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to one   any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the   control locations (131; 231; 331) of the satellite button correspond to several of the following functions: air distribution, ventilation, air conditioning, data reading, radio, navigation, telecommunications, reception / transmission of data, setting of intensity. 10. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to one   any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the   transmitter (120; 220; 320) is movable according to four particular pivoting movements corresponding to four control locations (131; 231; 331) of particular functions controlled by the satellite button.   1 1. Multifunction satellite button (1 00; 200; 300) according to claim 10, characterized in that two (331a, 331b) of the four control locations are assigned to two mutually incompatible particular functions, the two other control locations ( 331 c, 331 d) making it possible to increase or decrease by imputation the value of the activated function among said two particular functions. 12. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to one   any of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that said