EP3827455B1 - Control module with toggle switches - Google Patents

Control module with toggle switches Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3827455B1
EP3827455B1 EP19735581.1A EP19735581A EP3827455B1 EP 3827455 B1 EP3827455 B1 EP 3827455B1 EP 19735581 A EP19735581 A EP 19735581A EP 3827455 B1 EP3827455 B1 EP 3827455B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lever
toggle
control module
module according
axis
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP19735581.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3827455A1 (en
Inventor
Stéphane DALMAYRAC
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dav SA
Original Assignee
Dav SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3827455A1 publication Critical patent/EP3827455A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H23/16—Driving mechanisms
    • H01H23/162—Driving mechanisms incorporating links interconnecting tumbler and contact arm
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/28—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions
    • H01H23/30—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions with stable centre positions and one or both end positions unstable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H21/02—Details
    • H01H21/18—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H21/22—Operating parts, e.g. handle
    • H01H2021/225—Operating parts, e.g. handle with push-pull operation, e.g. which can be pivoted in both directions by pushing or pulling on the same extremity of the operating member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H21/02—Details
    • H01H21/18—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H21/22—Operating parts, e.g. handle
    • H01H21/24—Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/008—Actuators other then push button
    • H01H2221/018—Tumbler
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/025—Light-emitting indicators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a control module, in particular for a vehicle interior and with tilting keys.
  • Rocker type keys can be integrated into a passenger compartment in the form of alignments or bars of rocker keys, in particular at the level of the central console of the vehicle, at the level of the space between the two driver and passenger seats.
  • Toggle keys such as the one described in the document DE 11 2008 001366 T5 , can in particular tilt in two opposite and substantially aligned directions (up and down, forward and backward or left and right). In each of these directions, a component driven in motion by the tilting of a body of the key actuates an electrical switch, for example a pressure switch.
  • an electrical switch for example a pressure switch.
  • two electrical switches are then provided, one per tilting direction. These keys can then control complementary logic functions such as lowering or increasing a sound volume, raising or lowering in a drop-down menu, decreasing or increasing a power or set temperature of an air conditioning device.
  • rocker keys that can only be rocked in one direction, even in the case of horizontal key bars on vertical surfaces, diminishes the quality of the interface as perceived by the user.
  • the control module thus obtained comprises only one electrical switch actuated by the lever regardless of the direction of tilting of the key body.
  • the control module may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.
  • the two arms of the lever can be straight and aligned.
  • the two branches can be aligned with the tilting axis when the key body is in the neutral position.
  • the lever may comprise a cylindrical pivot made in one piece with the branches at the level of the intersection of the lever with the pivot axis.
  • the key body may include a key body light guide, with an exit diopter on the visible surface of the key body forming a decoration or a symbol
  • the lever may include a lever light guide, comprising an output diopter input intended to collect light from a light source, and an output diopter arranged opposite an input diopter of the light guide of the key body.
  • the tubular pivot may have a bore in which the lever light guide is arranged, and a diameter greater than the transverse dimensions of the branches of the the sink.
  • the cylindrical pivot can be oriented in the direction of the button body in the assembled state of the control module.
  • the control module may further comprise two stops, limiting the rotational movement of the lever between a neutral position and an actuation position of the electric switch.
  • the lever may include a stop finger, at one end of one of the branches, cooperating with the two stops to limit the rotational movement of the lever.
  • the key may further comprise elastic return means, in power take-off with the lever, defining the neutral position of the key body adopted in the absence of actuation by the user.
  • the elastic return means may comprise a torsion spring in power take-off with a central portion of the lever and/or a compression spring in power take-off with one of the branches of the lever.
  • the arms may comprise at their distal end a finger having a bearing surface curved in the plane containing the tilting axis and the tilting directions.
  • the electrical switch may be a pressure switch comprising a blistering body compressed by the first branch during rotation of the lever.
  • control module embodiment can be mounted on surfaces oriented in different ways: vertical or horizontal surface of a central console or door, or inverted horizontal at the level of a ceiling light or rear-view mirror.
  • the figure 1 schematically represents a control module 100, comprising a screen S, and a control element according to the invention, here in the form of an alignment of keys 101.
  • the alignment of keys 101 is arranged at the level of a substantially horizontal surface or at least slightly inclined at the base of the central console, between the driver and passenger seats of the vehicle.
  • the alignment of keys 101 is here in particular arranged under a screen S of the control module 100 which can in particular be tactile, and cooperates with said screen S for the display of data relating to the functions controlled by means of the control module 100.
  • These functions may in particular include the air conditioning of the passenger compartment (temperature, power, air heating or cooling), media playback (sound volume, playback source, navigation in tracks, radio), management of on-board telephony, management of a navigation assistant, defrosting of one or more windows or mirrors, interior lighting, vehicle headlights, etc.
  • a user U is interacting with the control module by switching a key of the alignment of keys 101 by means of his finger.
  • Key alignment 101 is shown in more detail at picture 2 .
  • the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N of the alignment 101 can be tilted by rotation around a tilting axis B, parallel to the alignment of the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N .
  • Some are associated with two-state logic functions, and others with logic functions requiring the direction of switching to be distinguished.
  • the directions of tilting are for example here towards the front and the rear of the vehicle, the directions of the forces necessary for the tilting of the key T 1 , T 2 ... T N define an axis of actuation A orthogonal to the tilting axis B, containing the two tilting directions (two-way arrows) starting from an intermediate neutral position.
  • the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N are aligned transversely in the vehicle, that is to say in the axis going from the passenger side to the driver's side, and the actuating axis A goes from the front to the rear of the vehicle. Indeed, the user tilts the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N substantially towards the front or the rear of the vehicle.
  • Actuation A and tilting B axes generate a plane corresponding substantially and/or at least locally to the surface in which the alignment of keys 101 is located.
  • the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N are engraved, painted or cut pictograms indicative of the function controlled by tilting the associated key T 1 , T 2 ... T N.
  • the pictograms can notably represent rising arrows and descending, a symbol of window being defrosted, a seated figure with air conditioning air outlets pointed at his face and feet, the characters "AUTO” indicating automated air conditioning management, a fan diagram for the power of the a blower, the characters "A/C” indicating simple heating or air conditioning of the air blown into the passenger compartment, etc.
  • pictograms can in particular be backlit, for example with light guides whose exit diopter includes a mask delimiting the corresponding pictogram, and an entry diopter located opposite a light-emitting diode, arranged under the visible surface of a frame of the interface, immobile with respect to the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N .
  • the visible portion of the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N can also be painted, metallized or covered with a decorative sticker according to aesthetic needs.
  • the contact surface with the finger of the user U can be metallized and connected to a capacitive detector, so as to detect and interpret the contact of the finger of the user U even before the tilting of the keys T 1 , T 2 .. .T N .
  • a single T key is shown exploded out of the control module 100 in picture 3 .
  • the key T comprises a key body 1 and a lever 3.
  • This key T is associated with a two-state function, for example an on or off state, and comprises a single electrical switch 5, for example a pressure switch, which emits an electrical signal when actuated by pressure on a blistering body, for example by closing a pressure sensing circuit.
  • the key body 1 is the part comprising a front portion la at least partially visible in the mounted state, located in front of the tilting axis B, intended to be manipulated by a user in a first direction of tilting and a second tilting direction opposite to the first.
  • a rear portion 1b of the key body 1 is arranged behind the tilting axis B opposite the front part 1a, in particular behind the surface on which the key alignment 101 is arranged and hidden by said surface, for example by means of a cover comprising a window through which passes at least partially the portion before the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N .
  • the key body 1 can be tilted around the tilting axis B by pressing the user U on the front portion 1a, and its movement causes the taking into account of an actuation by the user U of the interface module 100 for controlling a function of the vehicle when it switches from a neutral intermediate position to one of two extreme tilting positions.
  • the elastic means 7 are shown next to the key body 1 for a better understanding, but are, in the assembled state, advantageously arranged in a tubular housing inside the key body 1, around a shaft or a rod materializing the tilting axis B, represented by a circular opening on the side of the key body 1.
  • the rear portion 1b of the key body comprises arms, a first 11a and a second 11b, extending rearwards, in particular perpendicular to the tilting axis B and to the actuation axis A.
  • arms 11a, 11b are in particular arranged diagonally opposite with respect to the tilting axes B and actuation axes A, at the level of two opposite corners of a rectangular rear surface of the key body 1.
  • the lever 3 comprises two branches 3a, 3b, coming, in the assembled state, between the arms 11, and is rotatable around a pivot axis P perpendicular to the axes of tilting B and actuation A. Said axis pivot P is therefore roughly parallel to the arms 11a, 11b.
  • the pivot axis P extends in particular from the outside towards the inside of the control module 100, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the row of keys 101 is arranged.
  • the branches 3a, 3b extending from the pivot axis P, on either side of the plane containing the pivot axis P and the actuation axis A,
  • the two branches 3a, 3b are here in particular straight and aligned, giving the shape of a square section bar to the pivot 3.
  • a first arm 11a, a first branch 3a and the electric switch 5 are aligned in a plane parallel to the tilting axis B and to the actuation axis A, the first branch 3a is placed between the first arm 11a and the electrical switch 5, the second arm 11b is aligned with the second branch 3b in the same plane and arranged on the same side of the second branch 3b as the electrical switch 5.
  • lever 3 actuates the electrical switch 5 regardless of the direction of tilting of the key body 1 due to the force exerted thereon by one of the arms 11a, 11b.
  • the arms 11a, 11b comprise at their free ends fingers 13, comprising a support surface curved around the pivot axis P to maintain a support on the branches 3a, 3b with a constant force during the rotation of the lever 3.
  • the fingers 13 can in particular be made of elastomer in order to limit the vibrations and the wear of the branches 3a, 3b and of the fingers 13 themselves, which then improves the haptic feedback and the noises, and thus increases the perceived quality of the interface module 100.
  • Lever 3 has a pivot 33 at its center, here in the form of a cylindrical pivot integral with branches 3a, 3b.
  • the cylindrical pivot 33 cooperates in the assembled state of the key T with a complementary housing or bore of the frame for the maintenance and the rotational mobility of the lever 3 around the pivot axis P.
  • the cylindrical pivot 33 can in particular be oriented forwards (in the direction of key body 1, figure 3 and 5 ) for more compactness with long arms 11a, 11b so as to obtain a significant lever, or else towards the rear (direction opposite to the key body 1), in order to place the lever 3 as close as possible to the key body 1 .
  • the pivot 33 can alternatively be a bore, intended to cooperate with a corresponding lug of the frame.
  • the arms 11a, 11b press on the end portions of the branches 3a, 3b by means of the fingers 13, to exert a greater torque.
  • the electrical switch 5 is arranged at one of the ends of the first branch 3a of the lever 3, opposite the first of the arms 11a of the key body 1, on the path in rotation of the first branch 3a, in a plane parallel to tilting B and actuating axes A.
  • the first branch 3a presses the electric switch 5 and actuates it.
  • the key body 1 and the lever 3 can in particular be made of plastic, in particular molded plastic, in particular by injection.
  • the key T may also include means for generating haptic feedback, which for example increases a resistive torque when approaching the positions in which the electrical switch 5 is actuated.
  • additional springs can be installed so as to be compressed only at the end of travel when the key body 1 tilts.
  • the electric switch 5 can, by means of a blistering body, generate the haptic feedback when it is compression to generate a control signal.
  • FIG 4 shows the T key in side sectional view and in rear view in three states, from top to bottom: in neutral position, pressed in one direction, pressed in the other direction.
  • the cutting diagrams on the left in figure 4 are side views of the T key: the tilting axis B is orthogonal to the image plane, the pivoting axis P is on the other hand in the image plane.
  • the diagrams on the right figure 4 are rear views of the T key: the tilting axis B is contained in the image plane, the pivoting axis P is orthogonal to the image plane.
  • the key T is seen from inside the control module, thus revealing parts normally hidden from the user U.
  • the lever 3 is shown in transparency.
  • the key T is represented on a vertical surface: the actuation axis A goes from bottom to top.
  • the embodiment of the figure 4 also provides for the installation of a stop system, limiting the rotational travel of the lever 3.
  • a stop system limiting the rotational travel of the lever 3.
  • two stops 91, 93 are arranged on the rotation path of a stop finger 95 extending one end of the one of the branches 3a, 3b, here the first 3a.
  • the stops 91, 93 are in particular integral with a frame, immobile with respect to the body of the keys 1 of the various keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N .
  • the stops 91, 93 can be made in the form of a frame shoulder on which a thin layer (approximately 0.5mm) of rubber is glued or deposited. A firm stop is thus obtained while avoiding vibrations and therefore noises detrimental to the perceived quality of the interface.
  • the branches 3a, 3b of the lever 3 are aligned with the tilting axis B.
  • the two arms 11a, 11b bear against the branches 3a, 3b, one at the top left and the other at the bottom right in the rear view (right in the first line).
  • Particular embodiments are obtained by spacing the arms 11a, 11b of the lever 3 along the actuating axis A with a sufficiently small gap so that they each encounter a branch 3a, 3b, and drive it in rotation during the tilting of the key body 1.
  • the stop finger 95 bears against the upper stop 91, which precisely materializes and stabilizes said neutral position by cooperating with the elastic means 7 which press the stop finger 95 against the upper stop 91.
  • the user exerts pressure upwards (arrow under the key body 1).
  • the front portion la of the key body 1 tilts upwards
  • the rear portion 1b tilts downwards by rotation of the key body 1 around the tilting axis B.
  • the first arm 11a at the top left in the rear view then drives the lever 3 in clockwise rotation for the chosen representation (arrow above said arm 11).
  • the first branch 3a located under the first arm 11a is then pressed by said arm 11a against the electric switch 5, which is then actuated, for example by pushing in or compressing a blistering body.
  • the stop finger 95 is then in contact with the lower stop 95 according to the representation of the figure 4 .
  • the user exerts downward pressure (arrow above the key body 1).
  • the front portion 1a of the key body 1 tilts downwards, the rear portion 1b tilts upwards.
  • the second arm 11b in bottom right on the rear view then drives the lever 3 in clockwise rotation for the chosen representation (arrow above said arm 11).
  • the second arm 11b at the bottom right in the rear view then drives the lever 3 in clockwise rotation for the chosen representation (arrow below said arm 11b) by exerting a torque relative to the pivot axis P.
  • the first branch 3a located opposite the second arm 11b is then pressed by the action of said second arm 11b against the electrical switch 5, which is then actuated.
  • the figure 5 illustrates an embodiment in which a surface of the front portion 1a of the key body 1 is backlit by means of light guides.
  • the key body 1 includes a key body light guide 15, and the lever 3 includes a lever light guide 35.
  • These light guides 15, 35 are in particular made of transparent plastic material and of high index, for example polycarbonate. They may in particular be colored, or else be transparent over the entire visible spectrum, any coloring then coming by choice of the light source.
  • the key body light guide 15 comprises an exit diopter corresponding to the portion of the body before it must appear lit, for practical or simply aesthetic reasons. This may for example be a center line to enable the T key to be located in the dark, or else a symbol making it possible both to locate and to distinguish the T key in the dark.
  • the key body light guide 15 is contained in the key body 1, and has an input interface located on the rear face of said key body 1, in particular between the arms 11.
  • the key body light guide key 15 is in the form of a straight cylinder with a tetrahedral or trapezoidal generatrix.
  • the present lever light guide 35 is contained in a bore in the center of the lever 3, in particular in the center of the cylindrical pivot 33 and passes through it along the pivot axis P.
  • the lever light guide 35 has a diopter input on the rear face of said cylindrical pivot 33, in front of which a diode or other light source is placed in the assembled state of the control module 100.
  • the lever light guide 35 On the front face of the cylindrical pivot 33, the lever light guide 35 has an output diopter, facing the input diopter of the key body light guide 15.
  • the path of a light ray is represented by figure 5 in the form of arrows.
  • the ray first enters the lever light guide 35 through its entrance diopter, and leaves it through its exit diopter.
  • the light ray is then picked up by the input diopter of the key body light guide 15, and is guided by the latter to its output diopter, where it is emitted towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle intended for user U.
  • the tubular pivot 33 has a diameter greater than the transverse dimensions of the branches 3a, 3b of the lever 3, in particular their thickness along the axis of actuation AT.
  • the entire lever 3 can be made of transparent plastic so as to form a light guide.
  • the entrance diopter of the lever light guide 35 can also be in the form of a lens for shaping the collected light beam.
  • the figures 6a and 6b illustrate an alternative arrangement of the elastic means 7, in power take-off with lever 3, which then drives the key body by action on arms 11.
  • the elastic means 7 comprise a compression spring in PTO with one of the branches 3a, 3b of the lever 3, here the second 3b.
  • the spring in compression is connected to the face of the second branch 3a diagonally opposite the electric switch 5, at the level of a zone on which none of the arms 11a, 11b of the key body 1 comes to bear.
  • the elastic return means 7 comprise a torsion spring engaged with a central portion of the lever 3, in particular the cylindrical pivot 33, in which it can be integrated.
  • the springs can in particular be helical springs, or leaf springs, in power take-off with a static element, for example the frame of the control module 100.
  • the embodiment of the figure 6b also comprises an electrical switch 5 in the form of an optical sensor: it comprises a light emitter generating a light beam on the rotational path of the first branch 3a, and a photodiode, the emitter and the photodiode being arranged on either side other of the first branch 3a parallel to the pivot axis P, the control signal is then a voltage drop across the terminals of the photodiode when the lever 3 interrupts the beam.
  • the optical sensor as a whole is thus in the plane parallel to the axes of pivoting P and actuation A which contains the first and the second branches 3a, 3b.
  • electrical switch 5 may include an electromagnetic sensor, and lever 3 may include a target.
  • the electromagnetic sensor can be a Hall effect sensor, and the first branch 3a then includes a magnet.
  • the T key for interface module thus allows more possibilities of arrangements of the elastic means and the end stops, by making it possible to arrange them at the level of the lever 3 which is not present in the conventional T key architectures.
  • the figures 7a and 7b are schematic representations in rear view of the key body 1 and of the lever 3 of two particularly compact embodiments in the direction of the actuating axis A of the key T.
  • the lever 3 is rectilinear (branches 3a, 3b straight and aligned), and inclined with respect to the tilting axis B.
  • the lever 3 has two curved branches 3a, 3b giving it an "S" shape in the plane of the figure 7b .
  • the free ends of the branches 3a, 3b are aligned with the tilting axis B and the branches 3a, 3b taper in the direction of their free ends.
  • the branches 3a, 3b due to their deformability, can thus form a means of generating haptic feedback by controlled deformation against a limit stop 91, 93 in the extreme positions and/or in the neutral position.
  • the thickness of the key body 1 along the actuation axis A can then be reduced to the thickness of the arms 11a, 11b along this axis A.
  • the key T can therefore be extremely compact.
  • the key T can thus be similar, for an external user U, to rocker keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N having two electric switches each actuated by the tilting of the key body 1 according to one of the directions of opposing pressure.
  • the control module can then comprise one or more keys with two conventional electric switches 5, and one or more rocker keys T according to the invention in the same alignment of keys 101.
  • the invention makes it possible to connect two-state functions to keys T indistinguishable from conventional rocker keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N for three-state functions (rest, up, down for example) without however incorporating a second electrical switch 5.
  • the additional components (lever 3, pivot of said lever 3), advantageously obtained in molded plastic, only represent a minimal additional cost, largely compensated by the saving of an additional electrical switch 5.
  • an electrical connection is saved, which makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the printed circuits required, and the power of the logic elements downstream such as processors and integrated circuits.

Description

La présente invention concerne un module de commande, en particulier pour habitacle de véhicule et à touches basculantes.The present invention relates to a control module, in particular for a vehicle interior and with tilting keys.

Dans le cadre des habitacles de véhicules, il est souhaitable de permettre à l'utilisateur, qui est souvent le conducteur, d'accéder facilement et rapidement aux commandes des différents modules fonctionnels du véhicule (dispositif multimédia, climatisation, éclairage...).In the context of vehicle interiors, it is desirable to allow the user, who is often the driver, easy and quick access to the controls of the various functional modules of the vehicle (multimedia device, air conditioning, lighting, etc.).

Les touches de type touches à bascule peuvent être intégrées dans un habitacle sous forme d'alignements ou barres de touches basculantes, notamment au niveau de la console centrale du véhicule, au niveau de l'espace entre les deux sièges conducteur et passager.Rocker type keys can be integrated into a passenger compartment in the form of alignments or bars of rocker keys, in particular at the level of the central console of the vehicle, at the level of the space between the two driver and passenger seats.

Les touches à bascule, comme par exemple celle décrites dans le document DE 11 2008 001366 T5 , peuvent en particulier basculer dans deux directions opposées et sensiblement alignées, (haut et bas, avant et arrière ou gauche et droite). Dans chacune de ces directions, un composant entraîné en mouvement par le basculement d'un corps de la touche actionne un commutateur électrique, par exemple un commutateur à pression.Toggle keys, such as the one described in the document DE 11 2008 001366 T5 , can in particular tilt in two opposite and substantially aligned directions (up and down, forward and backward or left and right). In each of these directions, a component driven in motion by the tilting of a body of the key actuates an electrical switch, for example a pressure switch.

Pour chaque touche, on prévoit alors deux commutateurs électriques, un par direction de basculement. Ces touches peuvent alors contrôler des fonctions logiques complémentaires telles que baisser ou augmenter un volume sonore, monter ou descendre dans un menu déroulant, diminuer ou augmenter une puissance ou température de consigne d'un dispositif de climatisation.For each key, two electrical switches are then provided, one per tilting direction. These keys can then control complementary logic functions such as lowering or increasing a sound volume, raising or lowering in a drop-down menu, decreasing or increasing a power or set temperature of an air conditioning device.

Certaines fonctions du véhicule n'ont cependant que deux états logiques, par exemple l'état allumé ou éteint d'un dispositif de dégivrage de vitre, d'un éclairage etc. Cependant pour des raisons esthétiques ou pratiques il est intéressant de rendre ces fonctions contrôlables par des touches à bascule d'une même barre de touches que les touches précédemment mentionnée.Some vehicle functions, however, have only two logic states, for example the on or off state of a window defroster, lighting, etc. However, for aesthetic or practical reasons, it is advantageous to make these functions controllable by rocker keys of the same bar of keys as the previously mentioned keys.

Ces touches ne nécessitent cependant en théorie qu'un seul commutateur électrique, en implémentant lesdites touches pour fonctions à deux états sous forme de touche à bascule classique, un des deux commutateurs est alors redondant.These keys, however, theoretically only require a single electrical switch, by implementing said keys for two-state functions in the form of a conventional rocker key, one of the two switches is then redundant.

Dans le cas de barres de touches horizontales sur des surfaces verticales, il est aussi connu de limiter le basculement d'une touche au sens vertical vers le bas, qui est relativement naturel ou spontané pour un utilisateur. Par exemple on peut installer une butée mécanique bloquant le basculement vers le haut de la touche, et ainsi de n'installer qu'un seul commutateur électrique actionné en fin de course lors du basculement vers le bas.In the case of horizontal key bars on vertical surfaces, it is also known to limit the downward tilting of a key in the vertical direction, which is relatively natural or spontaneous for a user. For example, it is possible to install a mechanical stop blocking the upward tilting of the key, and thus to install only one electrical switch actuated at the end of its travel during the downward tilting.

Dans le cas de barres de touches disposées au niveau d'une surface sensiblement horizontale ou d'un alignement vertical des touches, il n'y a cependant plus de sens de basculement vertical vers le bas clairement défini et préféré.In the case of key bars arranged at the level of a substantially horizontal surface or of a vertical alignment of the keys, there is however no longer a clearly defined and preferred direction of vertical tilting downwards.

L'installation de deux commutateurs électriques dont un redondant représente un surcoût, tandis que toutes les pistes et unités électroniques reliées aux touches doivent être surdimensionnées pour adapter le commutateur électrique supplémentaire.The installation of two electrical switches, one of which is redundant, represents an additional cost, while all the tracks and electronic units connected to the keys must be oversized to accommodate the additional electrical switch.

En outre, la présence de touches à bascule ne pouvant être basculées que dans une seule direction, même dans le cas de barres de touches horizontales sur des surfaces verticales, diminue la qualité de l'interface telle que perçue par l'utilisateur.Furthermore, the presence of rocker keys that can only be rocked in one direction, even in the case of horizontal key bars on vertical surfaces, diminishes the quality of the interface as perceived by the user.

Afin de résoudre au moins partiellement le problème précédemment mentionné, l'invention a pour objet un module de commande à touches à bascule, en particulier pour habitacle de véhicule automobile, présentant au moins une touche, comportant un corps de touche, présentant une portion avant destinée à être manipulée par un utilisateur selon une première direction de basculement et une deuxième direction de basculement opposée à la première, ainsi qu'une portion arrière opposée à la portion avant, le corps de touche étant articulé en basculement autour d'un axe de basculement perpendiculaire aux deux directions de basculement entre une première et une deuxième position extrémale en passant par une position neutre, caractérisé en ce que :

  • la touche comporte en outre un levier, inclinable par rotation autour d'un axe de pivotement s'étendant perpendiculairement à l'axe de basculement et aux directions de basculement, avec une première branche et une deuxième branche s'étendant à partir de l'axe de pivotement, de part et d'autre du plan contenant l'axe de pivotement et les deux directions d'actionnement,
  • la touche comporte un commutateur électrique, disposé aligné avec la première branche du levier selon la première direction d'actionnement, en vis-à-vis de ladite première branche,
  • la portion arrière du corps de touche comporte un premier et un deuxième bras, la première branche étant disposée entre le premier bras et le commutateur électrique, le deuxième bras étant disposé du même côté de la deuxième branche que le commutateur électrique en face de ladite deuxième branche, de sorte que le levier vienne actionner le commutateur électrique quelle que soit la direction de basculement du corps de touche.
In order to at least partially solve the aforementioned problem, the subject of the invention is a rocker button control module, in particular for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, having at least one button, comprising a button body, having a front portion intended to be manipulated by a user according to a first direction of tilting and a second direction of tilting opposite to the first, as well as a rear portion opposite to the front portion, the key body being articulated in tilting around an axis of tilting perpendicular to the two tilting directions between a first and a second extreme position passing through a neutral position, characterized in that:
  • the key further comprises a lever, tiltable by rotation about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the tilt axis and to the tilt directions, with a first branch and a second branch extending from the pivot axis, on either side of the plane containing the pivot axis and the two directions of actuation,
  • the key comprises an electrical switch, arranged aligned with the first arm of the lever in the first direction of actuation, opposite said first arm,
  • the rear portion of the key body comprises a first and a second arm, the first arm being arranged between the first arm and the electrical switch, the second arm being arranged on the same side of the second arm as the electrical switch opposite said second branch, so that the lever actuates the electrical switch regardless of the direction in which the button body tilts.

Le module de commande ainsi obtenu ne comporte qu'un seul commutateur électrique actionné par le levier quel que soit le sens de basculement du corps de touche.The control module thus obtained comprises only one electrical switch actuated by the lever regardless of the direction of tilting of the key body.

Le module de commande peut en outre présenter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises seules ou en combinaison.The control module may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

Les deux branches du levier peuvent être rectilignes et alignées.The two arms of the lever can be straight and aligned.

Les deux branches peuvent être alignées avec l'axe de basculement lorsque le corps de touche est en position neutre.The two branches can be aligned with the tilting axis when the key body is in the neutral position.

Les deux bras peuvent être alignés avec l'axe de basculement et les deux branches peuvent:

  • être incurvées de sorte à donner une forme en "S" au levier avec des extrémités libres alignées avec l'axe de basculement et
  • s'affiner en direction de leurs extrémités libres.
Both arms can be aligned with the tilt axis and both arms can:
  • be curved so as to give an " S " shape to the lever with free ends aligned with the axis of tilting and
  • taper towards their free ends.

Le levier peut comporter un pivot cylindrique venant de matière avec les branches au niveau de l'intersection du levier avec l'axe de pivotement.The lever may comprise a cylindrical pivot made in one piece with the branches at the level of the intersection of the lever with the pivot axis.

Le corps de touche peut comporter un guide de lumière de corps de touche , avec un dioptre de sortie sur surface apparente du corps de touche formant une décoration ou un symbole, et le levier comporter un guide de lumière de levier, comportant un dioptre d'entrée destiné à recueillir de la lumière d'une source lumineuse, et un dioptre de sortie disposé en vis-à-vis d'un dioptre d'entrée du guide de lumière du corps de touche.The key body may include a key body light guide, with an exit diopter on the visible surface of the key body forming a decoration or a symbol, and the lever may include a lever light guide, comprising an output diopter input intended to collect light from a light source, and an output diopter arranged opposite an input diopter of the light guide of the key body.

Le pivot tubulaire peut présenter un perçage dans lequel le guide de lumière de levier est disposé, et un diamètre supérieur aux dimensions transverses des branches du levier.The tubular pivot may have a bore in which the lever light guide is arranged, and a diameter greater than the transverse dimensions of the branches of the the sink.

Le pivot cylindrique peut être orienté en direction du corps de touche à l'état assemblé du module de commande.The cylindrical pivot can be oriented in the direction of the button body in the assembled state of the control module.

Le module de commande peut comporter en outre deux butées, limitant le mouvement en rotation du levier entre une position neutre et une position d'actionnement du commutateur électrique.The control module may further comprise two stops, limiting the rotational movement of the lever between a neutral position and an actuation position of the electric switch.

Le levier peut comporter un doigt de butée, à une extrémité d'une des branches, coopérant avec les deux butées pour limiter le mouvement en rotation du levier.The lever may include a stop finger, at one end of one of the branches, cooperating with the two stops to limit the rotational movement of the lever.

La touche peut comporter en outre des moyens de rappel élastiques, en prise de force avec le levier, définissant la position neutre du corps de touche adoptée en l'absence d'actionnement par l'utilisateur.The key may further comprise elastic return means, in power take-off with the lever, defining the neutral position of the key body adopted in the absence of actuation by the user.

Les moyens de rappel élastiques peuvent comporter un ressort en torsion en prise de force avec une portion centrale du levier et/ou un ressort en compression en prise de force avec une des branches du levier.The elastic return means may comprise a torsion spring in power take-off with a central portion of the lever and/or a compression spring in power take-off with one of the branches of the lever.

Les bras peuvent comporter à leur extrémité distale un doigt présentant une surface d'appui courbée dans le plan contenant l'axe de basculement et les directions de basculement.The arms may comprise at their distal end a finger having a bearing surface curved in the plane containing the tilting axis and the tilting directions.

Le commutateur électrique peut être un commutateur à pression comportant un corps cloquant comprimé par la première branche lors de la rotation du levier.The electrical switch may be a pressure switch comprising a blistering body compressed by the first branch during rotation of the lever.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description suivante, donnée à titre d'exemple illustratif et non limitatif, et des dessins annexés parmi lesquels :

  • la figure 1 montre schématiquement un habitacle de véhicule, avec un module de commande à alignement de touches,
  • la figure 2 montre plus en détail l'alignement de touches,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en éclaté des principaux éléments d'une touche de l'alignement,
  • la figure 4 illustre l'actionnement de la touche à bascule, avec des vues de profil et de dos dans le cas d'une touche au repos, actionnées vers le haut et vers le bas,
  • la figure 5 est une vue en éclaté d'un autre mode de réalisation de la touche,
  • les figures 6a et 6b illustrent des positions possibles pour des moyens de rappel élastiques au niveau d'un levier de la touche,
  • les figures 7a et 7b sont des vues arrière du corps de touche et du levier de deux modes de réalisations compacts.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:
  • the figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle interior, with a key alignment control module,
  • the picture 2 shows in more detail the alignment of keys,
  • the picture 3 is an exploded view of the main elements of an alignment key,
  • the figure 4 illustrates the actuation of the rocker key, with profile and back views in the case of a key at rest, actuated up and down,
  • the figure 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the key,
  • the figures 6a and 6b illustrate possible positions for elastic return means at the level of a lever of the key,
  • the figures 7a and 7b are rear views of the key body and the lever of two compact embodiments.

Les réalisations décrites en faisant référence aux figures sont des exemples. Bien que la description se réfère à un ou plusieurs modes de réalisation, ceci ne signifie pas nécessairement que chaque référence concerne le même mode de réalisation, ou que les caractéristiques s'appliquent seulement à un seul mode de réalisation. De simples caractéristiques de différents modes de réalisation peuvent également être combinées pour fournir d'autres modes de réalisation.The embodiments described with reference to the figures are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined to provide other embodiments.

Les termes tels que "premier" et "deuxième" utilisés plus bas sont donnés pour un simple référencement sans indiquer de préférence ou d'ordre de montage particulier.The terms such as "first" and "second" used below are given for simple reference without indicating any particular preference or order of assembly.

Un certain nombre de qualificatifs de position tels que "au-dessus" ou "au-dessous", "en bas", "à gauche" etc. sont aussi utilisés en lien avec les figures. Ces qualificatifs ne servent qu'à aider la compréhension des figures décrites et du mode de réalisation qu'elles représentent. En particulier, le même mode de réalisation de module de commande peut indifféremment être monté sur des surfaces orientées de différentes façon : surface verticale ou horizontale d'une console centrale ou portière, ou horizontale inversée au niveau d'un plafonnier ou rétroviseur.A number of positional qualifiers such as "above" or "below", "bottom", "left" etc. are also used in connection with figures. These qualifiers only serve to help the understanding of the figures described and of the embodiment they represent. In particular, the same control module embodiment can be mounted on surfaces oriented in different ways: vertical or horizontal surface of a central console or door, or inverted horizontal at the level of a ceiling light or rear-view mirror.

La figure 1 représente schématiquement un module de commande 100, comprenant un écran S, et un élément de commande selon l'invention, ici sous forme d'alignement de touches 101. L'alignement de touches 101 est disposé au niveau d'une surface sensiblement horizontale ou au moins peu inclinée à la base de la console centrale, entre les sièges conducteur et passager du véhicule.The figure 1 schematically represents a control module 100, comprising a screen S, and a control element according to the invention, here in the form of an alignment of keys 101. The alignment of keys 101 is arranged at the level of a substantially horizontal surface or at least slightly inclined at the base of the central console, between the driver and passenger seats of the vehicle.

L'alignement de touches 101 est ici en particulier disposé sous un écran S du module de commande 100 pouvant notamment être tactile, et coopère avec ledit écran S pour l'affichage de données relatives aux fonctions contrôlées au moyen du module de commande 100.The alignment of keys 101 is here in particular arranged under a screen S of the control module 100 which can in particular be tactile, and cooperates with said screen S for the display of data relating to the functions controlled by means of the control module 100.

Ces fonctions peuvent notamment comprendre la climatisation de l'habitacle (température, puissance, chauffage ou refroidissement d'air), la lecture de médias (volume sonore, source de lecture, navigation dans les pistes, radio), la gestion d'une téléphonie embarquée, la gestion d'un assistant de navigation, un dégivrage d'une ou plusieurs vitres ou miroirs, un éclairage intérieur, les phares du véhicule etc.These functions may in particular include the air conditioning of the passenger compartment (temperature, power, air heating or cooling), media playback (sound volume, playback source, navigation in tracks, radio), management of on-board telephony, management of a navigation assistant, defrosting of one or more windows or mirrors, interior lighting, vehicle headlights, etc.

En figure 1, un utilisateur U est en train d'interagir avec le module de commande en basculant une touche de l'alignement de touches 101 au moyen de son doigt.In figure 1 , a user U is interacting with the control module by switching a key of the alignment of keys 101 by means of his finger.

L'alignement de touches 101 est représenté plus en détail en figure 2.Key alignment 101 is shown in more detail at picture 2 .

Les touches T1, T2... TN de l'alignement 101 peuvent être inclinées par rotation autour d'un axe de basculement B, parallèle à l'alignement des touches T1, T2... TN. Certaines sont associées à des fonctions logiques à deux états, et d'autres à des fonctions logiques nécessitant de distinguer le sens de basculement.The keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N of the alignment 101 can be tilted by rotation around a tilting axis B, parallel to the alignment of the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N . Some are associated with two-state logic functions, and others with logic functions requiring the direction of switching to be distinguished.

Les directions de basculement sont par exemple ici vers l'avant et vers l'arrière du véhicule, les directions des forces nécessaires au basculement de la touche T1, T2... TN définissent un axe d'actionnement A orthogonal à l'axe de basculement B, contenant les deux directions de basculement (flèches à double sens) en partant d'une position neutre intermédiaire.The directions of tilting are for example here towards the front and the rear of the vehicle, the directions of the forces necessary for the tilting of the key T 1 , T 2 ... T N define an axis of actuation A orthogonal to the tilting axis B, containing the two tilting directions (two-way arrows) starting from an intermediate neutral position.

Dans la configuration des figures 1 et 2, les touches T1, T2... TN sont alignées de façon transverse dans le véhicule, c'est-à-dire dans l'axe allant du côté passager au côté conducteur, et l'axe d'actionnement A va de l'avant à l'arrière du véhicule. En effet, l'utilisateur bascule les touches T1, T2... TN sensiblement vers l'avant ou l'arrière du véhicule.In the configuration of figures 1 and 2 , the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N are aligned transversely in the vehicle, that is to say in the axis going from the passenger side to the driver's side, and the actuating axis A goes from the front to the rear of the vehicle. Indeed, the user tilts the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N substantially towards the front or the rear of the vehicle.

D'autres configurations sont possibles, notamment avec des touches T1, T2... TN alignées de l'avant vers l'arrière du véhicule et un axe d'actionnement A transverse, ou bien avec un axe d'actionnement A vertical.Other configurations are possible, in particular with keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N aligned from the front to the rear of the vehicle and a transverse actuation axis A, or else with an actuation axis A vertical.

Les axes d'actionnement A et de basculement B génèrent un plan correspondant sensiblement et/ou au moins localement à la surface dans laquelle l'alignement de touches 101 est implanté.Actuation A and tilting B axes generate a plane corresponding substantially and/or at least locally to the surface in which the alignment of keys 101 is located.

Au-dessus des touches T1, T2... TN sont gravés, peints ou découpés des pictogrammes indicatifs de la fonction contrôlée par basculement de la touche T1, T2... TN associée. Les pictogrammes peuvent notamment représenter des flèches montantes et descendantes, un symbole de vitre en cours de dégivrage, un personnage assis avec des sorties d'air de climatisation pointées sur son visage et ses pieds, les caractères "AUTO" indiquant une gestion de climatisation automatisée, un schéma de ventilateur pour la puissance d'une soufflerie, les caractères "A/C" indiquant un chauffage simple ou un conditionnement de l'air soufflé dans l'habitacle etc.Above the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N are engraved, painted or cut pictograms indicative of the function controlled by tilting the associated key T 1 , T 2 ... T N. The pictograms can notably represent rising arrows and descending, a symbol of window being defrosted, a seated figure with air conditioning air outlets pointed at his face and feet, the characters "AUTO" indicating automated air conditioning management, a fan diagram for the power of the a blower, the characters "A/C" indicating simple heating or air conditioning of the air blown into the passenger compartment, etc.

Ces pictogrammes peuvent en particulier être rétroéclairés, par exemple avec des guides de lumière dont le dioptre de sortie comporte un masque délimitant le pictogramme correspondant, et un dioptre d'entrée située en vis-à-vis d'une diode électroluminescente, disposés sous la surface apparente d'un châssis de l'interface, immobile par rapport aux touches T1, T2... TN.These pictograms can in particular be backlit, for example with light guides whose exit diopter includes a mask delimiting the corresponding pictogram, and an entry diopter located opposite a light-emitting diode, arranged under the visible surface of a frame of the interface, immobile with respect to the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N .

La portion apparente des touches T1, T2... TN peut aussi être peinte, métallisée ou recouverte d'un autocollant décoratif selon des besoins esthétiques. La surface de contact avec le doigt de l'utilisateur U peut être métallisée et reliée à un détecteur capacitif, de sorte à détecter et interpréter le contact du doigt de l'utilisateur U avant même le basculement des touches T1, T2... TN.The visible portion of the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N can also be painted, metallized or covered with a decorative sticker according to aesthetic needs. The contact surface with the finger of the user U can be metallized and connected to a capacitive detector, so as to detect and interpret the contact of the finger of the user U even before the tilting of the keys T 1 , T 2 .. .T N .

Une touche T seule est représentée en éclaté hors du module de commande 100 en figure 3.A single T key is shown exploded out of the control module 100 in picture 3 .

La touche T comporte un corps de touche 1 et un levier 3. Cette touche T est associée à une fonction à deux états, par exemple un état allumé ou éteint, et comporte un seul commutateur électrique 5, par exemple un commutateur à pression, qui émet un signal électrique lorsqu'il est actionné par pression sur un corps cloquant, par exemple par fermeture d'un circuit de détection de pression.The key T comprises a key body 1 and a lever 3. This key T is associated with a two-state function, for example an on or off state, and comprises a single electrical switch 5, for example a pressure switch, which emits an electrical signal when actuated by pressure on a blistering body, for example by closing a pressure sensing circuit.

Le corps de touche 1 est la pièce comportant une portion avant la au moins partiellement apparente à l'état monté, située à l'avant de l'axe de basculement B , destinée à être manipulée par un utilisateur selon une première direction de basculement et une deuxième direction de basculement opposée à la première.The key body 1 is the part comprising a front portion la at least partially visible in the mounted state, located in front of the tilting axis B, intended to be manipulated by a user in a first direction of tilting and a second tilting direction opposite to the first.

Une portion arrière 1b du corps de touche 1 est disposée derrière l'axe de basculement B à l'opposé de la partie avant 1a, notamment derrière la surface sur laquelle l'alignement de touche 101 est disposé et cachée par ladite surface, par exemple au moyen d'un cache comportant une fenêtre par laquelle passe au moins partiellement la portion avant la des touches T1, T2... TN.A rear portion 1b of the key body 1 is arranged behind the tilting axis B opposite the front part 1a, in particular behind the surface on which the key alignment 101 is arranged and hidden by said surface, for example by means of a cover comprising a window through which passes at least partially the portion before the keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N .

Le corps de touche 1 peut être basculé autour de l'axe de basculement B par pression de l'utilisateur U sur la portion avant 1a, et son mouvement entraîne la prise en compte d'un actionnement par l'utilisateur U du module interface 100 pour le contrôle d'une fonction du véhicule lorsqu'il bascule d'une position intermédiaire neutre en une de deux positions extrémales de basculement.The key body 1 can be tilted around the tilting axis B by pressing the user U on the front portion 1a, and its movement causes the taking into account of an actuation by the user U of the interface module 100 for controlling a function of the vehicle when it switches from a neutral intermediate position to one of two extreme tilting positions.

Des moyens élastiques 7, ici sous forme de ressort de ressort hélicoïdal disposé autour de l'axe de basculement B assurent un retour à la position neutre du corps de touche 1 en l'absence d'actionnement par l'utilisateur U. Les moyens élastiques 7 sont montrés à côté du corps de touche 1 pour une meilleure compréhension, mais sont, à l'état monté avantageusement disposés dans un logement tubulaire à l'intérieur du corps de touche 1, autour d'un arbre ou d'une tige matérialisant l'axe de basculement B, représenté par une ouverture circulaire sur le côté du corps de touche 1.Elastic means 7, here in the form of a coil spring arranged around the tilting axis B, ensure a return to the neutral position of the key body 1 in the absence of actuation by the user U. The elastic means 7 are shown next to the key body 1 for a better understanding, but are, in the assembled state, advantageously arranged in a tubular housing inside the key body 1, around a shaft or a rod materializing the tilting axis B, represented by a circular opening on the side of the key body 1.

La portion arrière 1b du corps de touche comporte des bras, un premier 11a et un deuxième 11b, s'étendant vers l'arrière, notamment de façon perpendiculaire à l'axe de basculement B et à l'axe d'actionnement A. Les bras 11a, 11b sont en particulier disposés de façon diagonalement opposée par rapport aux axes de basculement B et d'actionnement A, au niveau de deux coins opposés d'une surface arrière rectangulaire du corps de touche 1.The rear portion 1b of the key body comprises arms, a first 11a and a second 11b, extending rearwards, in particular perpendicular to the tilting axis B and to the actuation axis A. arms 11a, 11b are in particular arranged diagonally opposite with respect to the tilting axes B and actuation axes A, at the level of two opposite corners of a rectangular rear surface of the key body 1.

Le levier 3 comporte deux branches 3a, 3b, venant, à l'état assemblé, entre les bras 11, et est mobile en rotation autour d'un axe de pivotement P perpendiculaire aux axes de basculement B et d'actionnement A. Ledit axe de pivotement P est donc sommairement parallèle aux bras 11a, 11b. L'axe de pivotement P s'étend en particulier de l'extérieur vers l'intérieur du module de commande 100, selon une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à la surface dans laquelle l'alignement de touches 101 est disposé.The lever 3 comprises two branches 3a, 3b, coming, in the assembled state, between the arms 11, and is rotatable around a pivot axis P perpendicular to the axes of tilting B and actuation A. Said axis pivot P is therefore roughly parallel to the arms 11a, 11b. The pivot axis P extends in particular from the outside towards the inside of the control module 100, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the row of keys 101 is arranged.

Les branches 3a, 3b s'étendant à partir de l'axe de pivotement P, de part et d'autre du plan contenant l'axe pivotement P et l'axe d'actionnement A,The branches 3a, 3b extending from the pivot axis P, on either side of the plane containing the pivot axis P and the actuation axis A,

Les deux branches 3a, 3b sont ici en particulier rectilignes et alignées, donnant une forme de barre de section carrée au pivot 3.The two branches 3a, 3b are here in particular straight and aligned, giving the shape of a square section bar to the pivot 3.

Un premier bras 11a, une première branche 3a et le commutateur électrique 5 sont alignés dans un plan parallèle à l'axe de basculement B et à l'axe d'actionnement A, la première branche 3a est disposée entre le premier bras 11a et le commutateur électrique 5, le deuxième bras 11b est aligné avec la deuxième branche 3b dans le même plan et disposé du même côté de la deuxième branche 3b que le commutateur électrique 5.A first arm 11a, a first branch 3a and the electric switch 5 are aligned in a plane parallel to the tilting axis B and to the actuation axis A, the first branch 3a is placed between the first arm 11a and the electrical switch 5, the second arm 11b is aligned with the second branch 3b in the same plane and arranged on the same side of the second branch 3b as the electrical switch 5.

Ainsi le levier 3 vient actionner le commutateur électrique 5 quelle que soit la direction de basculement du corps de touche 1 du fait de la force exercée sur celui-ci par l'un des bras 11a, 11b.Thus the lever 3 actuates the electrical switch 5 regardless of the direction of tilting of the key body 1 due to the force exerted thereon by one of the arms 11a, 11b.

Les bras 11a, 11b comportent à leurs extrémités libres des doigts 13, comportant une surface d'appui courbée autour de l'axe de pivotement P pour maintenir un appui sur les branches 3a, 3b avec une force constante au cours de la rotation du levier 3. Les doigts 13 peuvent notamment être en élastomère afin de limiter les vibrations et l'usure des branches 3a, 3b et des doigts 13 eux-mêmes, ce qui améliore alors le retour haptique et le bruits, et augmente ainsi la qualité perçue du module d'interface 100.The arms 11a, 11b comprise at their free ends fingers 13, comprising a support surface curved around the pivot axis P to maintain a support on the branches 3a, 3b with a constant force during the rotation of the lever 3. The fingers 13 can in particular be made of elastomer in order to limit the vibrations and the wear of the branches 3a, 3b and of the fingers 13 themselves, which then improves the haptic feedback and the noises, and thus increases the perceived quality of the interface module 100.

Le levier 3 comporte un pivot 33 en son centre, ici sous forme d'un pivot cylindrique venant de matière avec les branches 3a, 3b. Le pivot cylindrique 33 coopère à l'état assemblé de la touche T avec un logement ou perçage complémentaire du châssis pour le maintien et la mobilité en rotation du levier 3 autour de l'axe de pivotement P. Le pivot cylindrique 33 peut notamment être orienté vers l'avant (en direction du corps de touche 1, figures 3 et 5) pour plus de compacité avec des bras 11a, 11b longs de sorte à obtenir un levier important, ou bien vers l'arrière (direction opposée au corps de touche 1), afin de placer le levier 3 au plus près du corps de touche 1.Lever 3 has a pivot 33 at its center, here in the form of a cylindrical pivot integral with branches 3a, 3b. The cylindrical pivot 33 cooperates in the assembled state of the key T with a complementary housing or bore of the frame for the maintenance and the rotational mobility of the lever 3 around the pivot axis P. The cylindrical pivot 33 can in particular be oriented forwards (in the direction of key body 1, figure 3 and 5 ) for more compactness with long arms 11a, 11b so as to obtain a significant lever, or else towards the rear (direction opposite to the key body 1), in order to place the lever 3 as close as possible to the key body 1 .

Le pivot 33 peut en alternative être un perçage, destiné à coopérer avec un ergot correspondant du châssis.The pivot 33 can alternatively be a bore, intended to cooperate with a corresponding lug of the frame.

Les bras 11a, 11b appuient sur des portions extrémales des branches 3a, 3b au moyen des doigts 13, pour exercer un couple plus important.The arms 11a, 11b press on the end portions of the branches 3a, 3b by means of the fingers 13, to exert a greater torque.

Le commutateur électrique 5 est disposé au niveau d'une des extrémités de la première branche 3a du levier 3, en vis-à-vis du premier des bras 11a du corps de touche 1, sur le trajet en rotation de la première branche 3a, dans un plan parallèle aux axes de basculement B et d'actionnement A. Lorsque le levier 3 est entraîné en rotation, la première branche 3a vient alors appuyer sur le commutateur électrique 5 et l'actionne.The electrical switch 5 is arranged at one of the ends of the first branch 3a of the lever 3, opposite the first of the arms 11a of the key body 1, on the path in rotation of the first branch 3a, in a plane parallel to tilting B and actuating axes A. When the lever 3 is rotated, the first branch 3a then presses the electric switch 5 and actuates it.

Le corps de touche 1 et le levier 3 peuvent en particulier être réalisés en plastique, notamment en plastique moulé, en particulier par injection.The key body 1 and the lever 3 can in particular be made of plastic, in particular molded plastic, in particular by injection.

La touche T peut en outre comporter des moyens de génération d'un retour haptique, qui augmentent par exemple un couple résistif à l'approche des positions dans lesquelles le commutateur électrique 5 est actionné. Par exemple, des ressorts additionnels peuvent être installés de sorte à être comprimés uniquement en fin de course en basculement du corps de touche 1. En alternative, le commutateur électrique 5 peut, au moyen d'un corps cloquant générer le retour haptique lors de sa compression pour générer un signal de commande.The key T may also include means for generating haptic feedback, which for example increases a resistive torque when approaching the positions in which the electrical switch 5 is actuated. For example, additional springs can be installed so as to be compressed only at the end of travel when the key body 1 tilts. Alternatively, the electric switch 5 can, by means of a blistering body, generate the haptic feedback when it is compression to generate a control signal.

Le fonctionnement de la touche T est illustré en figure 4, qui montre la touche T en vue en coupe latérale et en vue arrière dans trois états, de haut en bas : en position neutre, actionnée dans une direction, actionnée dans l'autre direction.The operation of the T key is illustrated in figure 4 , which shows the T key in side sectional view and in rear view in three states, from top to bottom: in neutral position, pressed in one direction, pressed in the other direction.

Les schémas de coupe à gauche en figure 4 sont des vues de côté de la touche T : l'axe de basculement B est orthogonal au plan de l'image, l'axe de pivotement P est en revanche dans le plan de l'image.The cutting diagrams on the left in figure 4 are side views of the T key: the tilting axis B is orthogonal to the image plane, the pivoting axis P is on the other hand in the image plane.

Les schémas à droite en figure 4 sont des vues arrières de la touche T : l'axe de basculement B est contenu dans le plan de l'image, l'axe de pivotement P est orthogonal au plan de l'image. Dans ces images, la touche T est vue depuis l'intérieur du module de commande, révélant ainsi des pièces normalement cachées à l'utilisateur U. Pour une meilleure visualisation, le levier 3 est représenté en transparence.The diagrams on the right figure 4 are rear views of the T key: the tilting axis B is contained in the image plane, the pivoting axis P is orthogonal to the image plane. In these images, the key T is seen from inside the control module, thus revealing parts normally hidden from the user U. For better visualization, the lever 3 is shown in transparency.

Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 4, la touche T est représentée sur une surface verticale : l'axe d'actionnement A va de bas en haut.In the embodiment of the figure 4 , the key T is represented on a vertical surface: the actuation axis A goes from bottom to top.

Le mode de réalisation de la figure 4 prévoit aussi l'installation d'un système de butée, limitant la course en rotation du levier 3. A cette fin, deux butées 91, 93 sont disposées sur le parcours en rotation d'un doigt de butée 95 prolongeant une extrémité de l'une des branches 3a, 3b, ici la première 3a. Les butées 91, 93 sont en particulier solidaires d'un châssis, immobile par rapport aux corps de touches 1 des différentes touches T1, T2... TN.The embodiment of the figure 4 also provides for the installation of a stop system, limiting the rotational travel of the lever 3. To this end, two stops 91, 93 are arranged on the rotation path of a stop finger 95 extending one end of the one of the branches 3a, 3b, here the first 3a. The stops 91, 93 are in particular integral with a frame, immobile with respect to the body of the keys 1 of the various keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N .

Les butées 91, 93 peuvent être réalisées sous forme d'un épaulement de châssis sur lequel une couche fine (environ 0.5mm) de caoutchouc est collée ou déposée. On obtient ainsi une butée franche tout en évitant des vibrations et donc des bruits nuisant à la qualité perçue de l'interface.The stops 91, 93 can be made in the form of a frame shoulder on which a thin layer (approximately 0.5mm) of rubber is glued or deposited. A firm stop is thus obtained while avoiding vibrations and therefore noises detrimental to the perceived quality of the interface.

Lorsque la touche T est en position neutre (figures de la première ligne), les branches 3a, 3b du levier 3 sont alignées avec l'axe de basculement B. Les deux bras 11a, 11b sont en appui contre les branches 3a, 3b, l'un en haut à gauche et l'autre en bas à droite dans la vue arrière (à droite en première ligne). Des modes de réalisation particuliers sont obtenus en espaçant les bras 11a, 11b du levier 3 selon l'axe d'actionnement A avec un écart suffisamment petit pour qu'ils rencontrent chacun une branche 3a, 3b, et l'entraînent en rotation lors du basculement du corps de touche 1.When the T key is in the neutral position (figures in the first line), the branches 3a, 3b of the lever 3 are aligned with the tilting axis B. The two arms 11a, 11b bear against the branches 3a, 3b, one at the top left and the other at the bottom right in the rear view (right in the first line). Particular embodiments are obtained by spacing the arms 11a, 11b of the lever 3 along the actuating axis A with a sufficiently small gap so that they each encounter a branch 3a, 3b, and drive it in rotation during the tilting of the key body 1.

Dans la position neutre, le doigt de butée 95 est en appui contre la butée supérieure 91, qui matérialise précisément et stabilise ladite position neutre en coopérant avec les moyens élastiques 7 qui pressent le doigt de butée 95 contre la butée supérieure 91.In the neutral position, the stop finger 95 bears against the upper stop 91, which precisely materializes and stabilizes said neutral position by cooperating with the elastic means 7 which press the stop finger 95 against the upper stop 91.

Dans les figures de la deuxième ligne, l'utilisateur exerce une pression vers le haut (flèche sous le corps de touche 1). La portion avant la du corps de touche 1 bascule vers le haut, la portion arrière 1b bascule vers le bas par rotation du corps de touche 1 autour de l'axe de basculement B.In the figures of the second line, the user exerts pressure upwards (arrow under the key body 1). The front portion la of the key body 1 tilts upwards, the rear portion 1b tilts downwards by rotation of the key body 1 around the tilting axis B.

Le premier bras 11a en haut à gauche sur la vue arrière entraîne alors le levier 3 en rotation dans le sens horaire pour la représentation choisie (flèche au-dessus dudit bras 11). La première branche 3a située sous le premier bras 11a est alors pressée par ledit bras 11a contre le commutateur électrique 5, qui est alors actionné, par exemple par enfoncement ou compression d'un corps cloquant.The first arm 11a at the top left in the rear view then drives the lever 3 in clockwise rotation for the chosen representation (arrow above said arm 11). The first branch 3a located under the first arm 11a is then pressed by said arm 11a against the electric switch 5, which is then actuated, for example by pushing in or compressing a blistering body.

Dans la position extrémale correspondant à un état actionné du commutateur électrique 5 (position représentée), le doigt de butée 95 est alors en contact avec la butée inférieure 95 selon la représentation de la figure 4.In the extreme position corresponding to an actuated state of the electrical switch 5 (position shown), the stop finger 95 is then in contact with the lower stop 95 according to the representation of the figure 4 .

Dans les figures de la troisième ligne, l'utilisateur exerce une pression vers le bas (flèche au-dessus du corps de touche 1). La portion avant la du corps de touche 1 bascule vers le bas, la portion arrière 1b bascule vers le haut. Le deuxième bras 11b en bas à droite sur la vue arrière entraîne alors le levier 3 en rotation dans le sens horaire pour la représentation choisie (flèche au-dessus dudit bras 11).In the figures of the third line, the user exerts downward pressure (arrow above the key body 1). The front portion 1a of the key body 1 tilts downwards, the rear portion 1b tilts upwards. The second arm 11b in bottom right on the rear view then drives the lever 3 in clockwise rotation for the chosen representation (arrow above said arm 11).

Le deuxième bras 11b en bas à droite sur la vue arrière entraîne alors le levier 3 en rotation dans le sens horaire pour la représentation choisie (flèche au-dessous dudit bras 11b) en exerçant un couple par rapport à l'axe de pivotement P. La première branche 3a située en vis-à-vis du deuxième bras 11b est alors pressée par l'action dudit deuxième bras 11b contre le commutateur électrique 5, qui est alors actionné.The second arm 11b at the bottom right in the rear view then drives the lever 3 in clockwise rotation for the chosen representation (arrow below said arm 11b) by exerting a torque relative to the pivot axis P. The first branch 3a located opposite the second arm 11b is then pressed by the action of said second arm 11b against the electrical switch 5, which is then actuated.

Dans la position extrémale correspondant à l'état actionné du commutateur électrique 5 (position représentée), le doigt de butée 95 est à nouveau en contact avec la butée inférieure 95 selon la représentation de la figure 4.In the extreme position corresponding to the actuated state of the electric switch 5 (position represented), the stop finger 95 is again in contact with the lower stop 95 according to the representation of the figure 4 .

La disposition des bras 11a, 11b en opposition diagonale par rapport aux axes d'actionnement A et de basculement B leur permet ainsi d'occasionner une rotation du levier 3 dans un seul sens quel que soit le sens de basculement du corps de touche 1. La rotation du levier 3 déclenche alors l'actionnement du commutateur électrique 5, qui est alors uniquement requis en un unique exemplaire.The arrangement of the arms 11a, 11b in diagonal opposition with respect to the axes of actuation A and tilting B thus allows them to cause a rotation of the lever 3 in a single direction regardless of the direction of tilting of the key body 1. The rotation of the lever 3 then triggers the actuation of the electrical switch 5, which is then only required in a single copy.

D'autres modes de réalisation directement déduits de celui qui est décrit peuvent être obtenus par symétrie et rotation de 180° de la configuration de la figure 4. En particulier, entre les figures 3 et 4, la disposition des bras 11 est différente, la différence correspondant à une symétrie plane : les bras 11 sont, en considérant l'axe d'actionnement A vertical et l'axe de basculement B horizontal, en haut à gauche et en bas à droite en figure 3, et en haut à droite et en bas à gauche en figure 4.Other embodiments directly deduced from the one described can be obtained by symmetry and 180° rotation of the configuration of the figure 4 . In particular, between figures 3 and 4 , the arrangement of the arms 11 is different, the difference corresponding to a plane symmetry: the arms 11 are, considering the actuation axis A vertical and the tilting axis B horizontal, at the top left and at the bottom right in picture 3 , and top right and bottom left in figure 4 .

La figure 5 illustre un mode de réalisation dans lequel une surface de la portion avant la du corps de touche 1 est rétroéclairée au moyen de guides de lumière.The figure 5 illustrates an embodiment in which a surface of the front portion 1a of the key body 1 is backlit by means of light guides.

Pour ce faire, le corps de touche 1 comporte un guide de lumière de corps de touche 15, et le levier 3 comporte un guide de lumière de levier 35. Ces guides de lumière 15, 35 sont en particulier réalisés en matériau plastique transparent et d'indice élevé, par exemple en polycarbonate. Ils peuvent en particulier être colorés, ou bien être transparents sur tout le spectre visible, une éventuelle coloration venant alors par choix de la source de lumière.To do this, the key body 1 includes a key body light guide 15, and the lever 3 includes a lever light guide 35. These light guides 15, 35 are in particular made of transparent plastic material and of high index, for example polycarbonate. They may in particular be colored, or else be transparent over the entire visible spectrum, any coloring then coming by choice of the light source.

Le guide de lumière de corps de touche 15 comporte un dioptre de sortie correspondant à la portion du corps avant la devant apparaître éclairée, pour des raisons pratiques ou simplement esthétique. Ce peut par exemple être une ligne médiane pour permettre de localiser la touche T dans le noir, ou bien un symbole permettant à la fois de localiser et de distinguer la touche T dans le noir.The key body light guide 15 comprises an exit diopter corresponding to the portion of the body before it must appear lit, for practical or simply aesthetic reasons. This may for example be a center line to enable the T key to be located in the dark, or else a symbol making it possible both to locate and to distinguish the T key in the dark.

Le guide de lumière de corps de touche 15 est contenu dans le corps de touche 1, et présente un dioptre d'entrée situé sur la face arrière dudit corps de touche 1, en particulier entre les bras 11. Le guide de lumière de corps de touche 15 est de forme de cylindre droit à génératrice tétraédrique ou trapézoïdale.The key body light guide 15 is contained in the key body 1, and has an input interface located on the rear face of said key body 1, in particular between the arms 11. The key body light guide key 15 is in the form of a straight cylinder with a tetrahedral or trapezoidal generatrix.

Le guide de lumière de levier 35 présente est contenu dans un perçage au centre du levier 3, en particulier au centre du pivot cylindrique 33 et le traverse le long de l'axe de pivotement P. Le guide de lumière de levier 35 présente un dioptre d'entrée sur la face arrière dudit pivot cylindrique 33, en face duquel une diode ou autre source de lumière est placée à l'état assemblé du module de commande 100. Sur la face avant du pivot cylindrique 33, le guide de lumière de levier 35 présente un dioptre de sortie, faisant face au dioptre d'entrée du guide de lumière de corps de touche 15.The present lever light guide 35 is contained in a bore in the center of the lever 3, in particular in the center of the cylindrical pivot 33 and passes through it along the pivot axis P. The lever light guide 35 has a diopter input on the rear face of said cylindrical pivot 33, in front of which a diode or other light source is placed in the assembled state of the control module 100. On the front face of the cylindrical pivot 33, the lever light guide 35 has an output diopter, facing the input diopter of the key body light guide 15.

Le trajet d'un rayon lumineux est représenté en figure 5 sous forme de flèches. Le rayon entre d'abord dans le guide de lumière de levier 35 par son dioptre d'entrée, et en ressort par son dioptre de sortie. Le rayon lumineux est alors capté par le dioptre d'entrée du guide de lumière de corps de touche 15, et est guidé par celui-ci jusqu'à son dioptre de sortie, où il est émis vers l'habitacle du véhicule à destination de l'utilisateur U.The path of a light ray is represented by figure 5 in the form of arrows. The ray first enters the lever light guide 35 through its entrance diopter, and leaves it through its exit diopter. The light ray is then picked up by the input diopter of the key body light guide 15, and is guided by the latter to its output diopter, where it is emitted towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle intended for user U.

Pour permettre l'installation d'un guide de lumière de levier 35 de diamètre plus important, le pivot tubulaire 33 présente un diamètre supérieur aux dimensions transverses des branches 3a, 3b du levier 3, en particulier leur épaisseur selon l'axe d'actionnement A.To allow the installation of a lever light guide 35 of larger diameter, the tubular pivot 33 has a diameter greater than the transverse dimensions of the branches 3a, 3b of the lever 3, in particular their thickness along the axis of actuation AT.

En alternative, l'intégralité du levier 3 peut être réalisée en plastique transparent de sorte à former un guide de lumière. Le dioptre d'entrée du guide de lumière de levier 35 peut aussi être en forme de lentille pour la mise en forme du faisceau lumineux recueilli.Alternatively, the entire lever 3 can be made of transparent plastic so as to form a light guide. The entrance diopter of the lever light guide 35 can also be in the form of a lens for shaping the collected light beam.

Les figures 6a et 6b illustrent une disposition alternative des moyens élastiques 7, en prise de force avec le levier 3, qui entraînent alors le corps de touche par action sur les bras 11.The figures 6a and 6b illustrate an alternative arrangement of the elastic means 7, in power take-off with lever 3, which then drives the key body by action on arms 11.

En figure 6a, les moyens élastiques 7 comportent un ressort en compression en prise de force avec une des branches 3a, 3b du levier 3, ici la deuxième 3b. En particulier, le ressort en compression est relié à la face de la deuxième branche 3a diagonalement à l'opposé du commutateur électrique 5, au niveau d'une zone sur laquelle aucun des bras 11a, 11b du corps de touche 1 ne vient en appui.In figure 6a , the elastic means 7 comprise a compression spring in PTO with one of the branches 3a, 3b of the lever 3, here the second 3b. In particular, the spring in compression is connected to the face of the second branch 3a diagonally opposite the electric switch 5, at the level of a zone on which none of the arms 11a, 11b of the key body 1 comes to bear. .

En figure 6b les moyens de rappel élastiques 7 comportent un ressort en torsion en prise avec une portion centrale du levier 3, en particulier le pivot cylindrique 33, dans lequel il peut être intégré.In figure 6b the elastic return means 7 comprise a torsion spring engaged with a central portion of the lever 3, in particular the cylindrical pivot 33, in which it can be integrated.

Les ressorts peuvent en particulier être des ressorts hélicoïdaux, ou bien des lames-ressort, en prise de force avec un élément statique, par exemple le châssis du module de commande 100.The springs can in particular be helical springs, or leaf springs, in power take-off with a static element, for example the frame of the control module 100.

Le mode de réalisation de la figure 6b comporte aussi un commutateur électrique 5 sous forme de capteur optique : il comporte un émetteur de lumière générant un faisceau lumineux sur la course en rotation de la première branche 3a, et une photodiode, l'émetteur et la photodiode étant disposés de part et d'autre de la première branche 3a parallèlement à l'axe de pivotement P, le signal de commande est alors une chute de tension aux bornes de la photodiode lorsque le levier 3 interrompt le faisceau. Le capteur optique dans son ensemble (émetteur, diode et faisceau) est ainsi dans le plan parallèle aux axes de pivotement P et d'actionnement A qui contient la première et la deuxième branche 3a, 3b.The embodiment of the figure 6b also comprises an electrical switch 5 in the form of an optical sensor: it comprises a light emitter generating a light beam on the rotational path of the first branch 3a, and a photodiode, the emitter and the photodiode being arranged on either side other of the first branch 3a parallel to the pivot axis P, the control signal is then a voltage drop across the terminals of the photodiode when the lever 3 interrupts the beam. The optical sensor as a whole (emitter, diode and beam) is thus in the plane parallel to the axes of pivoting P and actuation A which contains the first and the second branches 3a, 3b.

En alternative, le commutateur électrique 5 peut comporter un capteur électromagnétique, et le levier 3 peut comporter une cible. Par exemple le capteur électromagnétique peut être un capteur à effet Hall, et la première branche 3a comporte alors un aimant.Alternatively, electrical switch 5 may include an electromagnetic sensor, and lever 3 may include a target. For example, the electromagnetic sensor can be a Hall effect sensor, and the first branch 3a then includes a magnet.

La touche T pour module d'interface permet ainsi plus de possibilités de dispositions des moyens élastiques et des butées de fin course, en permettant de les disposer au niveau du levier 3 qui n'est pas présent dans les architectures de touche T classiques.The T key for interface module thus allows more possibilities of arrangements of the elastic means and the end stops, by making it possible to arrange them at the level of the lever 3 which is not present in the conventional T key architectures.

Les figures 7a et 7b sont des représentations schématiques en vue arrière du corps de touche 1 et du levier 3 de deux modes de réalisation particulièrement compacts dans le sens de l'axe d'actionnement A de la touche T.The figures 7a and 7b are schematic representations in rear view of the key body 1 and of the lever 3 of two particularly compact embodiments in the direction of the actuating axis A of the key T.

Dans les deux figure 7a, 7b, la touche T est en position neutre, et les deux bras 11a, 11b sont alignés avec l'axe de basculement B.In both figure 7a, 7b , the key T is in the neutral position, and the two arms 11a, 11b are aligned with the tilting axis B.

Dans le mode de réalisations de la figure 7a, le levier 3 est rectiligne (branches 3a, 3b rectilignes et alignées), et incliné par rapport à l'axe de basculement B.In the embodiment of the figure 7a , the lever 3 is rectilinear (branches 3a, 3b straight and aligned), and inclined with respect to the tilting axis B.

Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 7b, le levier 3 a deux branches 3a, 3b incurvées lui donnant une forme en "S" dans le plan de la figure 7b. Les extrémités libres des branches 3a, 3b sont alignées avec l'axe de basculement B et les branches 3a, 3b s'affinent en direction de leurs extrémités libres. Les branches 3a, 3b, du fait de leur déformabilité peuvent ainsi former un moyen de génération du retour haptique par déformation contrôlée contre une butée de fin de course 91, 93 dans les positions extrémales et/ou dans la position neutre.In the embodiment of the figure 7b , the lever 3 has two curved branches 3a, 3b giving it an "S" shape in the plane of the figure 7b . The free ends of the branches 3a, 3b are aligned with the tilting axis B and the branches 3a, 3b taper in the direction of their free ends. The branches 3a, 3b, due to their deformability, can thus form a means of generating haptic feedback by controlled deformation against a limit stop 91, 93 in the extreme positions and/or in the neutral position.

L'épaisseur du corps de touche 1 selon l'axe d'actionnement A peut alors être réduite à l'épaisseur des bras 11a, 11b selon cet axe A. La touche T peut en conséquence être extrêmement compacte.The thickness of the key body 1 along the actuation axis A can then be reduced to the thickness of the arms 11a, 11b along this axis A. The key T can therefore be extremely compact.

La touche T peut ainsi être semblable, pour un utilisateur U extérieur, à des touches à bascules T1, T2... TN ayant deux commutateurs électriques actionnés chacun par le basculement du corps de touche 1 selon l'une des directions de pression opposées. Le module de commande peut alors comporter une ou plusieurs touches à deux commutateurs électriques 5 classiques, et une ou plusieurs touches à bascule T selon l'invention dans un même alignement de touches 101.The key T can thus be similar, for an external user U, to rocker keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N having two electric switches each actuated by the tilting of the key body 1 according to one of the directions of opposing pressure. The control module can then comprise one or more keys with two conventional electric switches 5, and one or more rocker keys T according to the invention in the same alignment of keys 101.

En permettant d'utiliser un seul commutateur électrique 5 pour une touche T basculant dans les deux sens, l'invention permet de relier des fonctions à deux états à des touches T indiscernables des touches à bascule classiques T1, T2... TN pour fonctions à trois états (repos, monter, descendre par exemple) sans pour autant incorporer de deuxième commutateur électrique 5.By making it possible to use a single electric switch 5 for a key T rocking in both directions, the invention makes it possible to connect two-state functions to keys T indistinguishable from conventional rocker keys T 1 , T 2 ... T N for three-state functions (rest, up, down for example) without however incorporating a second electrical switch 5.

Les composants supplémentaires (levier 3, pivot dudit levier 3), avantageusement obtenus en plastique moulé, ne représentent qu'un surcoût minimal, largement compensé par l'économie d'un commutateur électrique 5 supplémentaire. En outre, avec un commutateur en moins, une liaison électrique est économisée, ce qui permet de réduire les dimensions des circuits imprimés requis, et la puissance des éléments logiques en aval tels que les processeurs et circuits intégrés.The additional components (lever 3, pivot of said lever 3), advantageously obtained in molded plastic, only represent a minimal additional cost, largely compensated by the saving of an additional electrical switch 5. In addition, with one switch less, an electrical connection is saved, which makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the printed circuits required, and the power of the logic elements downstream such as processors and integrated circuits.

Claims (15)

  1. Control module (100) with toggle switches (T1, T2, TN), in particular for a motor vehicle passenger compartment, having at least one toggle switch (T), having a toggle switch body (1), having a front portion (1a) intended to be manipulated by a user in a first toggle direction and a second toggle direction opposite the first, and also a rear portion (1b) opposite the front portion (la), the toggle switch body (1) being articulated so as to toggle about a toggle axis (B) perpendicular to the two toggle directions between a first and a second end position via a neutral position, characterized in that:
    • the toggle switch (T) also has a lever (3), which is inclinable by rotation about a pivot axis (P) extending perpendicular to the toggle axis (B) and to the toggle directions, with a first branch (3a) and a second branch (3b) extending from the pivot axis (P), on either side of the plane containing the pivot axis (P) and the two actuation directions,
    • the toggle switch (T) has an electrical switch (5), disposed aligned with the first branch (3a) of the lever (3) in the first actuation direction, facing said first branch (3a),
    • the rear portion (1b) of the toggle switch body (1) has a first and a second arm (11a, 11b), the first branch (3a) being disposed between the first arm (11a) and the electrical switch (5), the second arm (11b) being disposed on the same side of the second branch (3b) as the electrical switch (5), facing said second branch (3b), such that the lever (3) actuates the electrical switch (5) regardless of the toggle direction of the toggle switch body (1).
  2. Control module according to Claim 1, characterized in that the two branches (3a, 3b) of the lever (3) are rectilinear and aligned.
  3. Control module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two branches (3a, 3b) are aligned with the toggle axis (B) when the toggle switch body (1) is in the neutral position.
  4. Control module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two arms (3a, 3b) are aligned with the toggle axis (B) and in that the two branches (3a, 3b):
    • are curved so as to give an "S" shape to the lever (3) with free ends aligned with the toggle axis (B) and
    • narrow in the direction of their free ends.
  5. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (3) has a cylindrical pivot (33) that is integral with the branches (3a, 3b) at the intersection of the lever (3) with the pivot axis (P).
  6. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toggle switch body (1) has a toggle switch body light guide (15), with an exit dioptric interface on the visible surface of the toggle switch body (1) forming a decoration or a symbol, and in that the lever has a lever light guide (35), having an entrance dioptric interface intended to receive light from a light source, and an exit dioptric interface disposed facing an entrance dioptric interface of the toggle switch body light guide (15).
  7. Control module according to Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the tubular pivot has a hole in which the lever light guide (35) is disposed, and a diameter greater than the transverse dimensions of the branches (3a, 3b) of the lever (3).
  8. Control module according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the cylindrical pivot (33) is oriented in the direction of the toggle switch body (1) when the control module (100) is in the assembled state.
  9. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also has two stops (91, 93), limiting the rotational movement of the lever (3) between a neutral position and a position of actuation of the electrical switch (5).
  10. Control module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lever (3) has a stop finger (95), at one end of one of the branches (3a, 3b), which cooperates with the two stops (91, 93) so as to limit the rotational movement of the lever (3).
  11. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toggle switch (T) also has elastic return means (7), in force-engagement with the lever (3), defining the neutral position of the toggle switch body (1) that is adopted in the absence of actuation by the user (U).
  12. Control module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the elastic return means (7) have a torsion spring in force-engagement with a central portion of the lever (3).
  13. Control module according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the elastic return means (7) have a compression spring in force-engagement with one of the branches (3a, 3b) of the lever (3).
  14. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arms (11) have at their distal end a finger (13) having a bearing surface that is curved in the plane containing the toggle axis (B) and the toggle directions.
  15. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical switch (5) is a pressure switch having a blister body compressed by the first branch (3a) during the rotation of the lever (3) .
EP19735581.1A 2018-07-24 2019-07-08 Control module with toggle switches Active EP3827455B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1856831A FR3084512B1 (en) 2018-07-24 2018-07-24 ROCKING BUTTON CONTROL MODULE
PCT/EP2019/068277 WO2020020624A1 (en) 2018-07-24 2019-07-08 Control module with toggle switches

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3827455A1 EP3827455A1 (en) 2021-06-02
EP3827455B1 true EP3827455B1 (en) 2022-03-09

Family

ID=63722611

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19735581.1A Active EP3827455B1 (en) 2018-07-24 2019-07-08 Control module with toggle switches

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3827455B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3084512B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2020020624A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5150629Y2 (en) * 1971-10-27 1976-12-04
DE102006051028B4 (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-08-28 Visteon Global Technologies Inc., Van Buren Switching device for control and regulating devices which can be operated with rocker switches
WO2008143346A1 (en) * 2007-05-23 2008-11-27 Idec Corporation Operation device for switch, and pendant for teaching

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2020020624A1 (en) 2020-01-30
FR3084512B1 (en) 2021-01-01
FR3084512A1 (en) 2020-01-31
EP3827455A1 (en) 2021-06-02

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