EP3996121A1 - Control and/or signalling auxiliary accessible on its mounting periphery and method of mounting on a tubular support - Google Patents

Abstract

The object of the invention relates to a control auxiliary comprising a series of modules (3) each provided with a body forming a support, these bodies being attached to each other while being movable between them to occupy a deployed position or a rolled up position for together forming a sleeve intended to surround a tubular support, the auxiliary comprising a device for holding the bodies in the rolled-up position, at least two modules (3) each being equipped with at least one actuating button (14) connected to a electrical control circuit (15) supported by the body and delivering an output signal upon actuation of the corresponding key.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the technical field of mounting on a tubular support, of a control, signaling and/or warning auxiliary in the general sense, taking the form, for example, of a luminous switch and/or an audible warning light or not.

Prior technique

The object of the invention finds a particularly advantageous application, but not exclusively, for mounting an auxiliary on a tubular support accessible over all or part of its periphery. A preferred application relates to the mounting of a control auxiliary signaling an intention to stop a public transport vehicle for passengers and/or allowing a door opening control.

In the state of the art, it is known to install inside public passenger transport vehicles, vertical support bars, some of which are equipped with a control auxiliary having a button whose actuation by a passenger, warns the driver of his intention to get off at the next stop. For example, the patent application EP 2416335 describes a stop request button comprising an internal body in several parts, fixed to the support bar and on which is mounted an external body formed in several parts. One of the outer body parts is provided with a stop request push button.

Typically, the actuation button of such a control auxiliary is accessible to a passenger positioned opposite or practically opposite the button. However, in many situations, it appears difficult for passengers to access the button for actuating the control auxiliary because of the parking of passengers in front of the control auxiliary.

Along the same lines, public passenger transport vehicles are equipped in particular with actuators for opening the doors. In practice, there appears to be a difficulty in mounting such actuators in a location that is easily accessible to users.

Analysis of the state of the art leads to the observation that there appears to be a need to have a control auxiliary designed to be easily mounted on a tubular support while being easily accessible by users.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a new control auxiliary designed to be easily mounted on a tubular support while being easily accessible over the major part or even over the entire periphery of the tubular support.

To achieve such an objective, the control auxiliary is intended to be fixed on a tubular support and comprises a series of modules each provided with a body forming a support, these bodies being movable between them to occupy an unfolded position or a rolled up position. to form together a sleeve intended to surround the tubular support, the auxiliary comprising a device for holding the bodies in the rolled-up position. According to the invention, the bodies are attached to each other in the unfolded position and in the rolled-up position and at least two modules are each equipped with at least one actuation button connected to an electrical control circuit supported by the body and delivering a output signal when the corresponding key is pressed to ensure the control of at least one piece of equipment for implementing a functionality.

According to a preferred variant embodiment, all the modules are each equipped with at least one actuation button connected to an electrical control circuit supported by the body.

Advantageously, the modules include actuation keys grouped by category so that the keys belonging to the same category are capable of activating the same functionality, the electrical control circuits being configured so that, when any of the from keys of a category, deliver an output signal controlling the corresponding functionality.

The control circuits are electrically connected by a cable, to an electrical output connector to which at least one external device executing a functionality is intended to be connected.

According to one embodiment, the modules are provided with internal equipment for implementing at least one functionality activated using an actuation key fitted to the modules and the electrical control circuits are configured for, when pressing any of the keys of a category, ensure the control of the internal equipment for implementing the functionality of all the modules provided with the keys of this category.

For example, the auxiliary comprises, as a device for holding the bodies in the rolled-up position, interlocking elements arranged in a complementary manner on the bodies to lock them together, the interlocking elements cooperating with each other when these bodies are shaped to form a sleeve intended to surround the tubular support.

According to another example, the auxiliary comprises, as a device for holding the bodies in the rolled-up position, a clamp adapted to hold the bodies in the form of a sleeve and positioned in a groove arranged at each of the ends of the bodies.

Advantageously, the bodies are attached to each other while being movable to each other, using permanent and/or removable holding systems.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bodies are configured to together form a sleeve closed according to a circumference of 360° to completely surround the tubular support.

In the case where the auxiliary is mounted on a tubular support of circular section, the bodies have an arcuate profile each extending over an angular range of 360° divided by the number of actuation modules.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the auxiliary comprises, as equipment for implementing a functionality, semiconductor light sources controlled by the electrical control circuits and suitable for illuminating at least one zone of backlighting of bodies made of an optical propagation material.

Advantageously, each body has a first backlight zone formed by an edging extending on one side of the body, from one end to the other end of the body.

According to a variant embodiment, the electrical control circuits are provided with first semiconductor light sources suitable for illuminating first backlighting zones according to a color as a function of an actuation state of at least one key or two different colors depending on each actuation state of at least one key.

According to another variant embodiment, the electrical control circuits are provided with second semiconductor light sources suitable for illuminating, upon actuation of at least one actuation key, at least one backlight zone for color-blind persons equipping each module provided with an actuation key.

Typically, the modules are each provided with a protective bezel leaving the backlighting zones visible.

Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly of an auxiliary according to the invention with a tubular support using a fixing system ensuring the anchoring of at least one module on the tubular support.

Advantageously, the modules are held tight against the tubular support using clamps holding the bodies in contact with the tubular support.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method for simple mounting of a control auxiliary on a tubular support.

• mettre à disposition un support tubulaire de réception d'un auxiliaire pourvu d'un connecteur électrique de sortie ;
• mettre à disposition un auxiliaire conforme à l'invention ;
• raccorder le connecteur électrique de sortie de l'auxiliaire à au moins un équipement externe mettant en œuvre une fonctionnalité ;
• conformer les modules pour qu'ils forment ensemble un manchon entourant le support tubulaire ;
• ancrer sur le support tubulaire, au moins un module à l'aide d'un système de fixation ;
• équiper au moins certains des modules par un enjoliveur de protection.

To achieve such an objective, the method for mounting a control auxiliary implements the following steps:

• provide a tubular support for receiving an auxiliary provided with an electrical output connector;
• providing an auxiliary in accordance with the invention;
• connecting the electrical output connector of the auxiliary to at least one external device implementing a functionality;
• shape the modules so that they together form a sleeve surrounding the tubular support;
• anchoring on the tubular support, at least one module using a fastening system;
• equipping at least some of the modules with a protective trim.

According to a step of this method, at least one clamping collar is positioned around the bodies to keep them resting on the tubular support.

Brief description of the drawings

• [ Fig. 1 ] The figure 1 is an elevational view showing an embodiment of a control auxiliary fixed to a tubular support.
• [ Fig. 2 ] The picture 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along lines III-III of the figure 1 .
• [ Fig. 3 ] The picture 3 is a sectional perspective view taken substantially along lines III-III of the figure 1 .
• [ Fig. 4 ] The figure 4 is a perspective view showing the outer part of a control auxiliary in the unfolded position.
• [ Fig. 5 ] The figure 5 is a perspective view showing the interior part of the control unit in the unfolded position.
• [ Fig. 6 ] The figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the control unit taken substantially along lines VI-VI of the figure 5 .
• [ Fig. 7 ] The figure 7 is a detail view in section showing an actuation module of a control auxiliary according to the invention.
• [ Fig. 8 ] The figure 8 is a perspective view showing a control auxiliary in the unfolded position, positioned before being fixed on a tubular support.
• [ Fig. 9 ] The figure 9 is a perspective view showing the control unit being attached to a tubular support.
• [ Fig. 10 ] The figure 10 is a perspective view showing a characteristic step of mounting a control auxiliary on a tubular support according to an alternative embodiment implementing clamps.
• [ Fig. 11 ] The figure 11 is a perspective view showing the final stage of mounting a control auxiliary on a tubular support, during which protective covers are mounted.
• [ Fig. 12 ] The figure 12 is a perspective view showing a characteristic step of mounting a control auxiliary on a tubular support according to an alternative embodiment implementing fixing screws.

Description of embodiments

As appears from the drawings, the object of the invention relates to a control, signaling and/or warning auxiliary 1, intended to be fixed on a tubular support 2 in the general sense. According to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the tubular support 2 is a bar of circular section. Of course, the tubular support 2 may have a cross section different from a circular cross section such as a square or rectangular section for example.

This control auxiliary 1 is made up of a series of modules 3 attached to each other to form a single piece, facilitating its handling when it is mounted around the tubular support 2 in order to partially or preferably completely surround it. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the control auxiliary 1 comprises three modules 3 adapted to completely surround the tubular support 2. Thus, as emerges more precisely from the figure 2 and 3 for example, the control auxiliary 1 extends over 360° but it is clear that a control auxiliary can be provided with a series of modules 3 covering an angular range less than 360°. According to an example preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings, all the modules 3 have the same range of angular extension so that each module 3 extends over an angular range of 120° in the example of an auxiliary provided with three modules 3. It is clear that modules 3 could be provided with different angular extension ranges and/or a different number of modules 3.

As more precisely emerges from figures 4 to 6 , each module 3 is provided with a body 4 forming a support. The bodies 4 of these different modules 3 are attached to each other while being movable between them so as to be able to occupy either a first so-called unfolded position as illustrated for example in figures 4 to 6 or either a second so-called rolled-up position to form a tubular sleeve surrounding the tubular support 2 as illustrated for example in figure 2 , 3 and 9 to 12 .

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the control auxiliary 1 comprises three bodies 4 configured to together form a closed sleeve along a circumference of 360° to completely surround the tubular support 2. Each body 4 extends over a angular range of 360° divided by the number of modules 3. Thus, according to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, each body 4 extends substantially over an angular range of 120°. According to a preferred embodiment, each body 4 has a profile in the form of an arc of a circle making it possible to adapt to the tubular profile of circular section presented by the tubular support 2. Each body 4 thus has a so-called internal concave face intended to be directed towards the tubular support 2 and a so-called external convex face facing the external environment of the tubular support. Of course, the bodies 4 can have different shapes to adapt or not to the profile of the tubular support 2. Each body 4 has between its two internal and external opposite faces, a reduced thickness of a few mm for example.

Each body 4 has in the illustrated example an elongated shape, comprising a first transverse edge 4a delimiting a first end and a second transverse edge 4b delimiting a second end opposite the first end of the body. These first and second edges 4a, 4b are said transverse considering the longitudinal axis of the tubular support 2. Each body 4 also has a first longitudinal edge 4c and, opposite, a second longitudinal edge 4d. Each longitudinal edge 4c and 4d extends from one transverse edge 4a to the other 4b.

It should be noted that in the example illustrated, the transverse edges 4a and 4b are rectilinear and parallel to each other while the longitudinal edges 4c and 4d of a body have complementary non-rectilinear contours to allow interlocking or congruence between a first longitudinal edge 4c of a body and a second longitudinal edge 4d of the adjacent body. Thus, the bodies 4 are positioned side by side (with a central body bordered on either side by side bodies in the example shown) so as to obtain an alternation between the first longitudinal edges 4c and the second longitudinal edges 4d bodies 4. These longitudinal edges 4c, 4d have contours or profiles that can have various shapes such as pure rectilinear or rectilinear associated with curvatures.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, each body 4 has the general shape of an S. Thus, the longitudinal edges 4c, 4d of each body 4, have from the second transverse edge 4b, long parallel rectilinear contours between them to define a 4th main part of generally rectangular shape. The longitudinal edges 4c, 4d of each body 4 have, from the first transverse edge 4a, short rectilinear contours parallel to each other to define a deflected part 4f offset with respect to the main part 4e. The longitudinal edges 4c, 4d of each body 4 have, between the short rectilinear contours and the long rectilinear contours, S-shaped contours defining between them a connection zone between the main part 4e and the deviated part 4f. Advantageously, the short rectilinear contour of the second longitudinal edge 4d is offset to substantially extend in the middle of the fourth main part of the body 4 ( figure 1 ).

The bodies 4 of the modules 3 are attached to each other by being movable or articulated to each other using holding systems 6a, 6b made in any appropriate manner. These holding systems 6a, 6b can be made directly during the manufacture of the bodies 4 and/or be added to the bodies 4 after their manufacture. Furthermore, these holding systems 6a, 6b can have a permanent or removable character as will be better understood in the following description.

It should be understood that the holding systems 6a, 6b hold the bodies 4 together so that they can be folded or articulated to pass from an unfolded position to a rolled-up position to form a sleeve surrounding the tubular support 2. By example, the holding systems 6a are formed by links fixed to two adjacent bodies 4, namely between the central body 4 and each lateral body 4. As emerges more precisely from the figure 5 , the central body 4 is provided with two links 6a fixed at these longitudinal edges and also fixed on the two side bodies 4 mounted on either side of this central body. These bodies 4 are also kept attached to each other by means of closing loops 6b ensuring the maintenance of the central body 4 with an adjacent body 4. For example, each body 4 is arranged to have a hole 4t opening on the outer and inner faces, at the level of the corners delimited by the second transverse edge 4b and the longitudinal edges 4c, 4d. In the example illustrated, it should be noted that the closing loops 6b are intended to be removed after the auxiliary has been fitted on the tubular support 2 as will be better understood in the following description.

It emerges from the preceding description that the control auxiliary can be, before its assembly on the tubular support 2, easily handled insofar as it forms a single piece in several parts which can be easily folded to form a sleeve intended to surround the tubular support 2.

According to an advantageous embodiment characteristic, the control auxiliary includes a device for holding the bodies 4 in the rolled-up position, that is to say in the form of a rigid tubular sleeve. In the illustrated embodiment, the control auxiliary comprises, as a device for holding the bodies 4 in the rolled-up position, interlocking elements 8a, 8b arranged in a complementary manner on the bodies 4 to lock them together. These interlocking elements 8a, 8b are arranged to cooperate with each other when these bodies are shaped in the form of a sleeve surrounding the tubular support. These interlocking elements 8a, 8b make it possible to maintain these bodies 4 in the locked position to together form a rigid tubular structure. For example, as shown in figure 5 , these interlocking elements are formed by ribs 8a provided locally on the second longitudinal edges 4d of the bodies 4 and intended to cooperate with complementary housings 8b provided on the first longitudinal edges 4c of the bodies so that the engagement of a rib 8a in a housing 8b can allow the blocking of two adjacent bodies together.

According to a variant embodiment of the object of the invention, the control auxiliary also comprises, as a device for holding the bodies 4 in the rolled-up position, a groove 9 arranged at each of the ends of the bodies 4, parallel to the transverse edges 4a and 4b, to ensure the positioning of a clamp 11 adapted to hold the bodies in the form of a tight sleeve against the tubular support 2. For example, each groove 9 opens into one or more bridges 12 arranged punctually in the bodies so as to hold the clamps 11 in position inside the grooves 9.

According to the invention, at least two modules 3 are each equipped with at least one actuation button 14 connected to an electric control circuit 15 supported by the body 4 and delivering an output signal when the corresponding key 14 to control at least one piece of equipment implementing a feature. According to a preferred variant embodiment illustrated in the drawings, all the modules 3 of the auxiliary 1 are equipped with at least one actuating key 14. Such a variant embodiment makes it possible to distribute the actuating keys along the entire periphery of the auxiliary.

It should be understood that the actuation of a key 14 of a module 3 leads the electrical control circuit 15 which is connected to it, to control the associated functionalities or more precisely, at least one equipment for implementing a feature. This equipment for implementing a functionality can be internal or external to the control auxiliary 1. For example, a key 14 can have the function of indicating to a driver of a vehicle, in the form of the lighting of a luminous message, the intention of a person to get out of the vehicle at the next stop. The control auxiliary 1 delivers, when this key is pressed, a control signal to equipment external to the auxiliary, such as an electrical circuit allowing the lighting of the luminous message. According to another example, a key 14 can have the function of illuminating at least part of the auxiliary. When this key is activated, the associated control circuit 15 delivers a command to equipment internal to the auxiliary for the implementation of this functionality, such as an electrical circuit equipped with light sources. Of course, the equipment can implement diversified functionalities other than those mentioned by way of example, such as the emission of a sound, a vibration or the opening of doors for example.

In the example illustrated in the drawings, each module 3 is equipped with a single actuation key 14 and all the actuation keys 14 ensure the implementation of identical functionalities. In other words, regardless of the button 14 actuated, the control auxiliary 1 delivers, via an electrical control circuit 15, an output signal making it possible to control the same functionality or the same set of functionalities. As will be described in detail in the remainder of the description, for the auxiliary illustrated in the drawings, each actuation key 14 controls external equipment for implementing a first functionality (ignition circuit a message informing of a stop request) and two internal equipment for implementing a second functionality (ignition of all the modules as soon as a key 14 is activated).

It should be noted that the control auxiliary can be equipped with actuation keys 14 making it possible to carry out different functions so that the actuation of a key allows the execution of a function which is different from a function implemented by another key. Thus, the various actuation keys 14 are grouped by category so that the keys 14 belonging to the same category are capable of activating the same functionality or a set of identical functionalities whereas the keys 14 of two distinct categories carry out different functionalities. These keys of different categories can be mounted on the same module 3 or on different modules 3. For example, a control button requesting a stop can be mounted on two modules 3 while the third module 3 is equipped with a button controlling the opening of the doors. According to another example, the same module 3 can be equipped with two control keys 14 belonging to two different categories such as those requesting a stop and controlling the opening of doors.

Each actuation key 14 can be made in any suitable way by constituting, for example, a movable key with a linear stroke such as a push button or a sensitive key, or even without contact. This actuation key 14 generally has two states, an idle state and an actuated state resulting in the generation of a control output signal. Of course, the actuation key 14 can have a number of different operating states.

In the example illustrated, each actuation key 14 comprises a support plate 14a for a user cooperating with one or more electrical contacts 14b connected to the electrical control circuit 15 ( figure 7 ). According to this embodiment, the actuating key 14 is movable in translation in approach-separation relative to the electrical control circuit 15 fixed on the body 4. Of course, the actuating key 14 is mounted on the side of the face external of the body 4 to be accessible on the outside of the auxiliary 1. The support plate 14a is retained and movably mounted relative to the electrical control circuit 15, in any appropriate manner.

Conventionally, each electrical control circuit 15 is made in the form of a printed circuit 15i on which various components and electrical contacts 14b are mounted. Each printed circuit 15i is fixed in any appropriate manner to a body 4. As emerges more precisely from the figure 4 , 6 and 7 , each printed circuit 15i is mounted inside a 4l housing arranged in the body from its convex face. For example, each printed circuit 15i is fixed by snap-fastening in the body 4, using teeth provided in the body 4 and cooperating with the edge of the printed circuit.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the electrical control circuits 15 are electrically connected to each other by a harness or a connection cable such as a sheet 19 equipped with an electrical output connector 21. It should be understood that all the electrical control circuits 15 are electrically interconnected by a sheet 19 which is provided with the electrical output connector 21. As emerges more precisely from the figure 5 , the electrical control circuit of the central body 4 is connected to the electrical control circuit 15 of the adjacent modules via a cable 19 allowing electrical connection of the three control circuits 15 of the auxiliary according to the invention. This electrical output connector 21 allows in particular the connection of the electrical control circuits 15 to a source of electrical energy. Of course, it should be noted that the auxiliary 1 can be equipped internally with a source of electrical energy that can be rechargeable, possibly remotely.

The electrical output connector 21 also allows the connection of the auxiliary to at least one external equipment allowing the implementation of a functionality as already explained. For example, on the electrical output connector 21 is mounted the connector of the electrical circuit allowing the lighting of the luminous message signaling the intention of a person to get out of the vehicle at the next stop. Thus, the actuation of any one of the keys 14 belonging to the three modules 3 leads to the activation of this ignition following the emission of the control signal by the electrical control circuit 15 associated with this key 14 actuated .

According to an advantageous variant embodiment, the control auxiliary 1 is provided with at least one internal equipment for implementing at least one second functionality activated using an actuation button 14. At least one module and, preferably, all the modules 3 are provided with a internal equipment for implementing at least this second functionality activated using an actuation key 14 fitted to the modules. It should be understood that each actuation key 14 equipping a module 3 ensures the control of an external equipment for implementing a first functionality (ignition circuit of a message informing of a stop request by example as explained above) and at least one internal equipment for implementing a second functionality, namely in the example illustrated, the lighting of all the modules 3 upon activation of a key 14. For this purpose, the electrical control circuits 15 are configured to, upon actuation of any one of the keys 14 belonging to the same category, ensure the control of the internal equipment for implementing the functionality of all the modules equipped with the keys of this category.

In the example illustrated, each module 3 is provided with a first internal ignition device called for the actuation state of the key 14 and advantageously with a second internal ignition device called for color blindness. These two internal devices are controlled by the keys 14. Advantageously, these internal devices of all the modules 3 are controlled in the same way as soon as a key 14 of one of the modules 3 is actuated.

Thus, the actuation of a key 14 causes a modification of the lighting of the control auxiliary 1. For example, the actuation of a key 14 causes a modification of the color of the lighting of the auxiliary control 1 considering that at rest of the keys 14, the auxiliary control was lit with a different color. According to another example, the actuation of a key 14 causes the lighting of the control auxiliary 1, considering that when the keys 14 were at rest, the control auxiliary was not lit.

The rest of the description describes an embodiment of a first internal ignition equipment called the actuation state of the key 14. The bodies 4 are made of an optical propagation material making it possible to transmit the light coming from first semiconductor light sources 23a whose operation is controlled by the electrical circuits of control 15. The first semiconductor light sources 23a are adapted to illuminate at least a first backlighting zone 25a provided in each body 4 to be visible from outside the control auxiliary 1. Each body 4 thus constitutes a monolithic optical propagation or guiding element made of a transparent and/or translucent material. The first semiconductor light sources 23a such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the printed circuit 15i to advantageously edge-light the bodies 4 so that the latter conduct the light as far as a backlight zone.

According to an exemplary implementation, each body 4 has a first backlight zone 25a made in the form of an edging or a border extending on a longitudinal side of the body from one end of the body to the other. . As more precisely emerges from the figure 4 , this first border 25a is produced along the second longitudinal edge 4d of each body 4, extending from one transverse edge to the other, slightly projecting from the outer face of the body 4 ( figure 7 ). Of course, each body 4 can have several backlight zones 25a. For example, provision may also be made to create, as the first backlight zone 25a, all or part of the actuation key 14.

As more precisely emerges from the figure 7 , each body 4 has cavities 4n arranged so that the first semiconductor light sources 23a, mounted on the printed circuit 15i can extend into this cavity 4n and illuminate the body within its material. Such first semiconductor light sources 23a are thus mounted on the face of the so-called internal printed circuit 15i, oriented towards the internal face of the body 4. Advantageously, the first semiconductor light sources 23a which illuminate by the edge the body 4 are side-scattered to maximize the coupling of the light coming out of the light-emitting diodes. Each body 4 is configured in such a way as to optimally conduct the light coming from the first light sources to the first backlight zone 25a.

The first semiconductor light sources 23a are controlled to illuminate or not the first backlight zones 25a depending on the state of actuation of at least one key 14 of the control auxiliary 1. According to an example preferred implementation, all the first backlight zones 25a of the bodies of the auxiliary have the same lighting state, depending on the actuation state of a key 14. In other words, when a key 14 is pressed, all the first backlight zones 25a of all the bodies 4 have the same illumination. Similarly, when no key 14 is pressed, all the first backlight zones 25a of all the bodies 4 have the same illumination, different from the illumination when a key 14 is pressed.

According to a preferred mode of implementation, when all the actuation keys 14 are not activated, all the first backlight zones 25a have an illumination color. For example, provision may be made, when no actuation button 14 of the actuator is activated, to illuminate all of the first backlight zones 25a with white light. Furthermore, as soon as a key 14 is activated, all the first backlight zones 25a of all the modules 3 are lit according to a different color such as a red color for example. The electrical control circuits 15 thus drive the first semiconductor light sources 23a as a function of the actuation state of a key 14. These first semiconductor light sources 23a thus comprise light-emitting diodes emitting white light and light-emitting diodes emitting red light. These first semiconductor light sources 23a can also comprise composite light-emitting diodes emitting two lights of different colors.

According to another mode of implementation, the first backlight zones 25a are not illuminated when the keys 14 are inactive. All the first backlight zones 25a are illuminated, for example in red, only when a key 14 is pressed.

According to a preferred variant embodiment, each module 3 is provided with a second internal ignition device called for color blindness. The control circuits 15 are provided with second semiconductor light sources 23b suitable for illuminating, as soon as at least one key 14 is pressed, at least one second backlight zone for the color-blind person 25b fitted to each actuation module provided with a key 14. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings, this second backlight zone for the color-blind person 25b is in the form of a luminous rectilinear line extending above each key 14.

As more precisely emerges from the figure 4 , each second backlight zone 25b is illuminated by second semiconductor light sources 23b such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), mounted on the printed circuits 15i on the side of the external face of the printed circuit 15i ( figure 4 and 6 ). These second semiconductor light sources 23b are intended to directly illuminate a backlight zone for the color-blind person advantageously carried by a protective trim 30 intended to be fixed on the body 4 while leaving the first and second backlight zones 25a visible. , 25b. Of course, the second backlighting zones for the color-blind 25b are made of a light-conducting material. For example, each second backlight zone for the color-blind person 25b is formed by a strip of transparent material housed in the bezel 30 to be located above the second semiconductor light sources 23b.

The principle of operation of these second backlight zones for color blind people 25b is that in the absence of pressing on the keys 14, the second backlight zones for color blind people 25b are extinguished. As soon as a key 14 is actuated, at least one and preferably all of the second backlight zones for the color blind 25b are illuminated. Advantageously, the lighting color of the second backlighting zones corresponds to the lighting color of the first backlighting zones 25a obtained when the key 14 is activated, namely red in the example described.

As more precisely emerges from the figure 1 , each support 4 is intended to receive a protective trim 30 making it possible to cover each body 4 in order to reveal only the plate 14a of the keys as well as the first zones and the second backlight zones 25a, 25b. To this end, each protective trim 30 has a cutout 31 to allow the insertion of the support plate 14a of the control key 14.

The protective trims 30 are fixed to the bodies 4 of the auxiliary in any appropriate manner, for example using snap-fastening systems such as lugs or claws making it possible to hang each trim on its support 4.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the auxiliary 1 is intended to be fixed on the tubular support 2 using a fixing system 34 providing anchoring on the tubular support 2. An assembly is thus obtained comprising the auxiliary 1 in accordance with the invention fixed on a tubular support 2 using a fixing system 34. Of course, the fixing system 34 can be made in any appropriate way to allow effective fixing of the auxiliary 1 on the tubular support 2.

According to a variant embodiment, the fixing system 34 is adapted to allow the mounting of the auxiliary 1 on the tubular support 2 by fixing only one module 3 on the tubular support 2.
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figure 10 , the fastening system 34 comprises two screws 34a intended to be engaged in orifices 35 arranged to open onto the two faces of the bodies 4. For example, each body 4 has two orifices 35 arranged close to the transverse edges 4a, 4b. These screws 34a are intended to cooperate with mounting holes 2a arranged in the tubular support 2 ( figure 8 ). It should be noted that the tubular support 2 is also provided with a passage hole 2b to ensure the insertion of the electrical output connector 21 of the auxiliary 1 inside the tubular support 2.

The mounting of an auxiliary 1 on a tubular support 2 follows directly from the preceding description. The mounting method consists in providing a tubular support 2 provided with the mounting holes 2a of the auxiliary as well as a passage hole 2b to allow the electrical connection of the electrical output connector 21 in particular to a source of electrical energy and to the external equipment for implementing a functionality.

It should be noted that the auxiliary 1 can be handled easily insofar as it is in the form of a single piece in several parts which can be positioned flat next to each other. The electrical output connector 21 of the auxiliary is connected to the connector of the outgoing external equipment through the passage hole 2b. The electrical output connector 21 of the auxiliary is then inserted into the tubular support 2, through the passage hole 2b.

The various modules 3 of the auxiliary are moved or shaped so as to together form a sleeve surrounding the tubular support as illustrated for example in figure 9 . The interlocking elements 8a, 8b cooperate with each other to lock the modules 3 together so as to form a rigid sleeve. The auxiliary 1 is positioned so as to be able to put the assembly screws 34a in place in the holes 2a of the tubular support 2 by first passing through the orifices 35 ( figure 9 ). After screwing in the screws, the auxiliary 1 is thus firmly anchored on the tubular support 2, both in rotation and in movement along the tubular support 2.

According to an advantageous step in the production of this variant, the method consists in placing the clamps 11 around the bodies 4 to keep these bodies resting on the tubular support 2 ( figure 10 ). Prior to the installation of these clamps 11, the closure loops 6b are removed. As emerges from the figure 11 , the protective trims 30 can be put in place to hide in particular the mounting screws 34a.

It should be noted that the maintenance of the bodies 4 resting on the tubular support 2 can be achieved without placing the clamps 11 around the bodies 4. According to another embodiment variant illustrated in figure 12 , at least two and preferably all of the bodies 4 are fixed to the tubular support 2, using screws 34a intended to be engaged in the orifices 35 of each body 4. Of course, mounting holes 2a are provided in the tubular support 2 to receive the fixing screws 34a engaged in the holes 35 of each body 4.

Claims (15)

Auxiliary control of at least one functionality, intended to be fixed on a tubular support (2) and comprising a series of modules (3) each provided with a body (4) forming a support, these bodies (4) being movable between them to occupy an unfolded position or a rolled-up position to together form a sleeve intended to surround the tubular support, the auxiliary comprising a device (8a, 8b, 11) for maintaining the bodies in the rolled-up position, the auxiliary being characterized in that that the bodies (4) are attached to each other in the unfolded position and in the rolled-up position and in that at least two modules (3) are each equipped with at least one actuating button (14) connected to an electrical circuit of control (15) supported by the body (4) and delivering an output signal when the corresponding key is pressed to ensure the control of at least one piece of equipment for implementing a functionality. Auxiliary according to Claim 1, in which all the modules are each equipped with at least one actuation button (14) connected to an electric control circuit (15) supported by the body (4). Auxiliary according to one of the preceding claims, according to which the modules (3) comprise actuation keys (14) grouped by category so that the keys belonging to the same category are capable of activating the same functionality, the electrical circuits of control (15) being configured to, upon actuation of any one of the keys (14) of a category, deliver an output signal ensuring the control of the corresponding functionality. Auxiliary according to one of the preceding claims, according to which the control circuits (15) are electrically connected by a cable (19), to an electrical output connector (21) to which is intended to be connected at least one external equipment executing a feature. Auxiliary according to one of the preceding claims, according to which the modules (3) are provided with internal equipment for implementing at least one functionality activated using a key actuation (14) fitted to the modules and in that the electrical control circuits (15) are configured to, upon actuation of any one of the keys (14) of a category, ensure the control of the internal equipment for implementing the functionality of all modules provided with keys of this category. Auxiliary according to one of the preceding claims, according to which it comprises, as a device for holding the bodies in the rolled-up position, interlocking elements (8a, 8b) arranged in a complementary manner on the bodies (4) to lock them together , the interlocking elements (8a, 8b) cooperating with each other when these bodies (4) are shaped to form a sleeve intended to surround the tubular support. Auxiliary according to one of the preceding claims, in which the bodies (4) are attached to each other while being movable to each other, with the aid of permanent and/or removable retaining systems. Auxiliary according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bodies (4) are configured to together form a closed sleeve along a circumference of 360° to completely surround the tubular support. Auxiliary according to one of the preceding claims, according to which it comprises, as equipment for implementing a functionality, semiconductor light sources (23a, 23b) controlled by the electrical control circuits (15) and adapted to illuminate at least one backlight zone (25a, 25b) of the bodies made of an optical propagation material. Auxiliary according to the preceding claim, according to which each body (4) has a first backlight zone (25a) formed by an edging extending on one side of the body (4), from one end to the other end of the body. Auxiliary according to Claim 9, in which the electrical control circuits (15) are provided with first semiconductor light sources (23a) adapted to illuminate first zones of backlighting (25a) according to a color according to an actuation state of at least one key or two different colors according to each actuation state of at least one key. Auxiliary according to one of Claims 9 to 11, in which the electrical control circuits (15) are provided with second semiconductor light sources (23b) adapted to illuminate, upon actuation of at least one key of actuation, at least one backlight zone for the color-blind (25b) fitted to each module provided with an actuation key. Auxiliary according to one of Claims 9 to 12, according to which the modules (3) are each provided with a protective trim (30) leaving the backlighting zones visible. Assembly of an auxiliary according to one of the preceding claims, on a tubular support (2) using a fixing system (34) ensuring the anchoring of at least one module on the tubular support. Method of mounting an auxiliary (1) on a tubular support (2), implementing the following steps: - providing a tubular support (3) for receiving an auxiliary provided with an electrical output connector (21); - providing an auxiliary according to one of claims 1 to 13; - Connecting the electrical output connector (21) of the auxiliary to at least one external device implementing a functionality; - Shape the modules (3) so that they together form a sleeve surrounding the tubular support; - Anchoring on the tubular support, at least one module using a fastening system (34); - equipping at least some of the modules with a protective trim (30).

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