EP1315188A1 - Multifunction key for a vehicle dashboard - Google Patents

Abstract

The multifunction satellite button (100) has a panel (110) with an opening (111). A spherical section (112) is held by outer arms (113). A moving section (120) has a spherical part (122) rotating to produce a limited number of pivot movements. The moving section has an outer head section (130). The rotating section connects to a rear electrical circuit (140) with a number of push button areas (141).

Description

Invention background

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. A 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 appear to be more than aesthetic considerations as a priority search for reduction of volume of all control buttons.

However, despite the sophistication of the functions that are brought to be integrated into vehicles, which results in a number increasing function keys it's 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, especially with 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 satellite touch multifunction for motor vehicle dashboard 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.

• une façade avec une ouverture, et une première partie sphérique supportée dans l'ouverture par des bras qui la relient à la façade et qui délimitent des secteurs associés aux fonctions respectives,
• un transmetteur mobile portant une seconde partie sphérique s'adaptant sur la première partie sphérique de la façade pour former une liaison à rotule, le transmetteur étant mobile par rapport à la façade selon un nombre limité de mouvements de pivotement, autour d'axes coplanaires au plan de la façade et concourants au centre de la liaison à rotule,
• un cabochon assemblé solidairement avec le transmetteur et dont une face externe définit une pluralité d'emplacements de commande de fonctions particulières correspondant à une pluralité de mouvements de pivotement particuliers, et
• un circuit électrique comportant une pluralité de boutons poussoirs ou cloques correspondant à la pluralité d'emplacements de commande et actionnés par pivotement du transmetteur.

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 coplanar axes at plan of the facade and concurrent in the center of the ball joint,
• a cap assembled integrally with the transmitter and one external face of which 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 control locations and actuated by pivoting of the transmitter.

According to a particular embodiment, the first part spherical of the facade forms a spherical housing in which articulates the second spherical part of the transmitter thus forming the connection to patella.

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 an inner wall ring 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 means of backlight.

Advantageously, the satellite button comprises a chicane defined by a rim of the cabochon cooperating with a skirt formed at level of a rim of the opening of the facade so as to oppose the scattering of light through peripheral games of the button satellite.

Order 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 slots 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 slots for increasing or to decrease by pulse the value of the activated function among said two special functions.

Advantageously, said activated function is displayed by a light.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 est une vue de face d'une touche satellite,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'une touche satellite,
• la figure 2A est une vue en perspective d'une façade,
• la figure 2B est une vue en perspective d'un transmetteur et d'un cabochon,
• la figure 3A est une vue d'une touche satellite au repos en coupe suivant IIIA-IIIA de la figure 1,
• la figure 3B est une vue d'une touche satellite en action en coupe suivant IIIA-IIIA de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'une variante d'une touche satellite,
• la figure 4A est une vue en perspective d'une façade de la figure 4,
• la figure 4B est une vue en perspective d'une face intérieure d'un cabochon de la figure 4,
• la figure 5A est une variante d'une touche satellite au repos suivant la coupe IIIA-IIIA de la figure 1,
• la figure 5B est une variante d'une touche satellite en action, suivant la coupe IIIA-IIIA de la figure 1,
• la figure 6 est une vue de face en perspective d'un autre mode de réalisation d'une touche satellite,
• la figure 7 est une vue de face en perspective avec arrachement d'une touche satellite de la figure 6,
• la figure 7A est une vue en perspective d'une façade de la figure 6,
• la figure 8A est une vue d'une touche satellite au repos en coupe suivant VIII-VIII de la figure 6,
• la figure 8B est une vue d'une touche satellite actionnée en coupe suivant VIII-VIII de la figure 6,
• la figure 8C est une vue de face d'un transmetteur et d'un circuit imprimé de la figure 6.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description given below for information but not limitation with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a front view of a satellite button,
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a satellite button,
• FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a facade,
• FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a transmitter and a cap,
• FIG. 3A is a view of a satellite key at rest in section along IIIA-IIIA of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3B is a view of a satellite key in sectional action along IIIA-IIIA of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a variant of a satellite button,
• FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a facade of FIG. 4,
• FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an interior face of a cabochon of FIG. 4,
• FIG. 5A is a variant of a satellite key at rest along the section IIIA-IIIA of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 5B is a variant of a satellite button in action, along the section IIIA-IIIA of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a satellite button,
• FIG. 7 is a perspective front view with cutaway of a satellite key from 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 VIII-VIII of FIG. 6,
• FIG. 8B is a view of a satellite button actuated in section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 6,
• FIG. 8C is a front view of a transmitter and a printed circuit of FIG. 6.

Figures 4 to 5B as well as Figures 6 to 8C correspond to different variants of satellite touch which include each a series of constituent elements whose geometry can be different from one embodiment to another, but whose function is the same. Elements having essentially the same function have the same reference numbers.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

We now refer to the drawings, and more particularly, in Figure 1 illustrating a front view of a multifunction satellite key 100 for motor vehicle dashboard. For example, the Figure 1 satellite button defines four control locations 131 associated with ventilation, air conditioning, distribution functions air and defrost. Obviously in addition to the functions related to air conditioning or heating, other functions can be combined at the command locations, among which: reading for recording data, for example a cassette player or CD, radio, navigation, telecommunications, reception-transmission of data, intensity setting, etc.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the key satellite 100 of FIG. 1, illustrating a particular embodiment. The satellite button 100 has a front panel 110, a mobile transmitter 120, a cap 130 and an electrical circuit 140. With reference in addition to FIG. 2A, the facade 110 has an opening 111 whose outline 115 has the shape of a curved cross (or a four-leaf clover). At middle of opening 111, facade 110 has a first part spherical defining 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 tabs 116 projecting perpendicularly to the arms 113 of the facade 110 around the spherical housing 112. Furthermore, guide ducts 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 rings open 123 arranged angularly spaced 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, in locking the second spherical part 122 by the tabs 116 of the facade 110 and on the other hand, by engaging the pushers 121 of the transmitter 120 in the corresponding sheaths 117 of the facade 110 while being guided by the guide pins 118. Furthermore, the rings open 123 of transmitter 120 fit in sectors 114 delimited by the arms 113 of the facade 110.

The cabochon 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 cabochon 130 allows unambiguous symbolism for functions the satellite button 100, thus avoiding any incorrect use, such as for example pressing simultaneously on two control positions different. As shown more particularly in FIG. 2B, the transmitter 120 is integrally assembled with the cap 130 by engagement and locking of projecting parts 125, forming clips, located on the exterior face of the transmitter 120 in slots 135 formed on the internal side of the cabochon 130. The correct positioning of the cabochon 130 bearing the symbolism of the functions ordered is provided by polarization means formed by lugs 124 of the transmitter 120 who engage in corresponding housing 134 of the cabochon 130. Thus, the cap 130 and the transmitter 120 are assembled from together and form a single body.

The transmitter 120 being fixed on the front 110 by in particular through the tabs 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 connection to ball thus formed is limited in its movement and is equivalent to a plurality of pivotal connections around coplanar axes in the plane of the facade 110 and concurrent in the center of the ball joint. Indeed, being 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 mobile in rotation around of an axis perpendicular to the facade 110 and remains movable relative to the facade 110 only according to a limited number of movements of pivoting at low amplitude, so as to define the locations of command 131 symbolized on the cabochon 130. Non-floating mounting of the cabochon-transmitter assembly on the facade 110 ensures good vibration resistance and guarantees unambiguous control of the desired function.

The electrical circuit 140 is fixed behind the facade 110 and comprises a plurality of push buttons or blisters 141 protected by a silicone membrane and corresponding to the plurality of positions of command 131. The push buttons or blisters 141 are actuated by via pushers 121 whose pushing force is transmitted by the pivoting of the cabochon-transmitter assembly. Being related to flexibly to the transmitter 120, the pushers 121 remain guided by their sheaths 117 perpendicular to the electrical circuit 140 during a pivoting of the transmitter 120. However, the pushers 121 can be separated from the transmitter 120 by breaking, without altering the correct operation of the device. The fact that they were part of the transmitter 120 satisfies the goal of reducing the number of parts to to assemble. 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 showing a satellite button 100 at rest. Figure 3A clearly shows the ball joint formed by the second spherical part 122 of the transmitter 120 adapting to the first spherical part 112 of the front 110. Furthermore, at rest the pushers 121 can exert a small preload on pushbuttons or blisters 141. In addition, the multifunction satellite button 100 has a baffle defined by a rim 132 of the cabochon 130 opposite a skirt 119 formed by a edge of the opening 111 of the facade 110. Thus, the light from the diodes 142 which lights up symbols on the cabochon 130, through the rings open 123 of transmitter 120, does not diffuse through games present between the cabochon 130 and the periphery of the opening of the facade 110.

Figure 3B is a sectional view illustrating a satellite key 100 in an activated mode. By pressing on one of the command 131, the cabochon-transmitter assembly pivots while driving via a push button 121 actuation of a push button or blister 141 which in turn activates the particular function which is its associated. The activation of the particular function can possibly be displayed by the lighting of an indicator light (not shown in the Figure 3B).

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a key satellite 200 according to another embodiment. In this particular mode, a cabochon 230 is assembled integrally on a transmitter 220 with a facade 210 interposed between them. As shown more in 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 to 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 transmitter 220 is mounted from the rear of the facade 210 by aligning pushers 221 linked flexibly 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. Referring more particularly to FIG. 4B, we see that the lens 230 is assembled integrally with the transmitter 220 thanks to lugs 235 forming fixing clips which are formed on the face internal of the cap 230 and which cooperate with hooks 225 (FIG. 4) correspondents formed on the side walls of the rings 223 of the 220 transmitter. 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, pins with spherical bearing 236 protrude at the center of the internal face of the cabochon 230 to adapt on 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 key satellite 200. Apart from the layout and the fact that the shape of the transmitter 220 and cabochon 230 are slightly modified in this second mode of realization, the operation of the multifunction satellite key 200 is similar to that of FIG. 1 and the descriptions given in references in Figures 1 to 3B, for example concerning the formation of a baffle forming a peripheral barrier against the backlight or the functions of the pushers, also apply to the realization of Figures 4 to 5B.

Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of a key satellite 300. In the example of FIG. 6, the lens 330 defines five backlit areas, four of which are control locations 331a, 331b, 331c, 331d corresponding to four particular functions. In in addition, the cabochon 330 allows, through its ergonomics, a symbolic unambiguous when pressing the satellite button 300. Two of the four control locations 331a, 331b can be assigned to two mutually incompatible particular functions, the two other control locations 331c, 331d allowing decrease or increase by pulse the intensity or the value of the function activated among said two particular functions. 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 key satellite 300 has a front panel 310, a mobile transmitter 320, a cabochon 330 and an electrical circuit 340. The facade 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 to the facade 310 and which delimit four sectors 314 associated with four respective particular functions. For example, the core 312 with a spherical outer wall is hollow. The transmitter 320 has in its centers a second spherical part 322 in the form of a ring outer with internal spherical 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 disc ring 325 for the passage of the link arms 313. The circumference interior forms the outline of a cylindrical part 324 which is extended by said ring with a spherical internal wall 322 (see also FIGS. 8A, 8B). of the radial walls 326 are connected 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 side of each cavity 323 by a edge of a wall 326, the pusher 321 being angularly offset by relation to the wall which carries it in order to place 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 part cylindrical 324 of the transmitter 320. The arms 313 of the facade 310, extend with play in the cavities 323 of the transmitter 320 not obstructing not the pivoting of the last. The 318 polarizing-centering device also allows oppose any rotation of the transmitter 320 around an axis perpendicular to the facade 310. The transmitter 320 thus mounted benefits from direct guidance with respect to the facade without accumulation of additional games.

The round cabochon 330 engages with play in the around the opening 311 of the facade 310. The assembly between the cabochon 330 and the transmitter 320 will be described later with reference to the Figure 8A. In this example, the ball joint has movement analogous to that of the previous embodiments. So the transmitter 320 is movable relative to the facade 310 only according to a limited number of pivoting movements at low amplitude (for example roughly 4 to 5 degrees) around coplanar axes at plan of the facade 310, defining a corresponding plurality of control locations 331.

The electrical circuit 340 is fixed behind the facade 310 and has a plurality of push buttons or blisters 341 corresponding to the plurality of control locations 331. The push buttons or blisters 341 are actuated via the pushers 321 whose pushing force is transmitted by pivoting of the cabochon-transmitter assembly. The electrical circuit 340 comprises also 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 lens 330 uniformly across the transmitter 320 which can be transparent or translucent. However the part central of the cabochon is illuminated via the hollow of the core 312 of the facade 310.

FIG. 8A illustrates an idle state of the satellite key 300 which clearly shows the ball joint formed by the hollow walled core 312 external spherical carried by the facade 310 on which the ring is articulated 322 with a spherical inner wall in the lower extension of the part cylindrical 324 of the transmitter 320. The lens 330 is integrally assembled with the transmitter 320 by hooks 335 which protrude at the inner side of the cabochon 330 and lock on the edge of the disc annular 325 of the transmitter 320. In addition, lugs 336 placed in a circularly on the inner face of the cabochon 330 are aligned with inside the cylindrical part 324 of the transmitter 320. The pins 336 of the cabochon 330 having a spherical bearing accommodate with the upper part of the inner ring 312 of the facade 310 by limiting the movement of the cabochon in relation to the facade. In addition, the button multifunction satellite 300 has 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 button 300 actuated by pressing one of the command locations 331. In this example, the pivoting of the cabochon-transmitter assembly drives the actuation of two push buttons or blisters 341 which in turn activate the particular function associated with them.

Figure 8C shows that each pivoting of the transmitter causes the actuation of a couple of push buttons or blisters 321 neighbors. Thus by having four possible pivotings, four pairs of neighboring buttons are pressed corresponding to four functions special. For example, also referring to Figure 6, when support on the top control location 318a, the torque of blisters near the top 341a, 341c is actuated by the pair of pushers corresponding 321a, 321c thus activating the air-conditioning function by lighting the associated indicator light 318a. Similarly, support on the right control location 331d, activates the torque of neighboring right blisters 341a, 341d thus increasing the intensity of the air-conditioning function.

The examples described above could be transposed to a satellite button with a total number of locations command different from four by choosing the appropriate number of arms of connection between facade and ball joint which delimit the sectors associated with different functions or settings controlled by the key.

Claims (12)

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 (113; 213; 313) which delimit sectors (114; 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) according to a limited number of pivoting movements, around 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 one external face of which defines a plurality of control locations (131; 231; 331) of particular functions corresponding to a plurality of movements specific pivot points, 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). Multifunction satellite key (100; 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first spherical part (112; 212) of the front (110; 210) is a spherical housing (112; 212) in which the second is articulated spherical part (122; 222) of the transmitter (120; 220), thus forming the ball joint. 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. Multifunction satellite key (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the transmitter (120) assembled integrally with the cap (130) is fixed on the front (110). Multifunction satellite key (200; 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cap (230; 330) is assembled integrally on the transmitter (220; 320), with the front panel (210; 310) interposed between them. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transmitter (120; 220; 320) includes push buttons (121; 221; 321) for activating the push buttons or blisters (141; 241; 341). Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the satellite button (100; 200; 300) includes a backlight means (142; 242; 342). 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 plays of the touch. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to any one 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: distribution of air, ventilation, air conditioning, data reading, car radio, navigation, telecommunications, data reception and transmission, intensity control. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to any one 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) special functions controlled by the satellite button. Multifunction satellite key (100; 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 other two control locations (331c, 331d) allowing the value of the activated function among said two particular functions to be increased or decreased by pulse. Multifunction satellite button (100; 200; 300) according to any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that said activated function is displayed by an indicator light (318a, 318b).

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