Control unit

Abstract

Control Element The invention relates to a control element (1) capable of selecting a function or setting a function value, comprising a fixed base (2), a movable lever (3), and a display means (4). The movable lever is capable of being moved by an operator. The position / orientation of the movable lever, relative to the fixed base (2), defines the function selection or value. The display means is capable of displaying a state representative of the function or the function value. The display means comprises at least one display screen (5). The display means includes a fixed reflective blade (8) facing the display screen so as to display a virtual image of the screen. The display means adapts this representative state according to the position / orientation of the movable lever. Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: Control unit technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a control device. Previous technique

[0002] A control element can be used to provide a command to an industrial machine or more particularly to a motor vehicle.

[0003] In the past, electromechanical control elements have been used comprising a fixed base and a movable actuator relative to the fixed base. The position and / or orientation of the movable actuator relative to the fixed base determines a value of a function associated with the control element.

[0004] Thus, a two-position push button, optionally held: pressed, released, can be used to control an on / off function. For example, such a push button can control the "hazard lights" function in a motor vehicle.

[0005] It is possible to add, where appropriate integrated into the control element, a display means, capable of displaying an indicative state of the function or the value of the function, controlled by the control element.

[0006] Thus, a "hazard warning triangle" pictogram, preferably drawn on the push button, can indicate that the function controlled by the control element is the "hazard warning lights" function. An indicator light, preferably integrated into the push button, can, by adopting different states: on, off, indicate the current value of the function: active or inactive.

[0007] More recently, control devices have been computerized and grouped into display screen pages. Computer technology allows for the programming of these screens and offers a wide range of possible commands. However, the ergonomics of such controls prove, in practice, less convenient for the user. For a given function, the user must locate its control device among various menus and submenus. Furthermore, the use of display screens, which offer little haptic feedback, requires the use of vision. This can be detrimental during driving, as the driver's gaze leaves the road to look at the screen.

[0008] Also, a new control device is sought, combining the advantages, particularly haptic, of an electromechanical control device, while offering the versatility and configurability of a display screen. Summary of the invention

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a control element capable of selecting a function or setting a value of a function, comprising a fixed base, a movable lever, and a display means. The movable lever is capable of being operated by an operator, the position / orientation of the movable lever, relative to the fixed base, defining the selection or value of the function. The display means is capable of displaying a state representative of the function or the value of the function. The display means comprises at least one display screen. The display means includes a fixed reflective blade facing the display screen so as to display a virtual image of the screen. The display means adapts said representative state according to the position / orientation of the movable lever.

[0010] Specific features or embodiments, usable alone or in combination, are:

[0011] - the mobility of the mobile maneuver is discrete, between n positions / orientations, each position / orientation being associated with a discrete value of the function,

[0012] - the mobility of the mobile maneuver is translational,

[0013] - the mobility of the mobile maneuver is rotational around an axis of rotation,

[0014] - the movable mechanism further comprises a block of translucent material or transparent, centered around the axis of rotation, regular polyhedral with n facets where n equals the number of orientations of the moving part, preferentially hollow along the axis of rotation,

[0015] - the display means further comprises a substantially per display surface pendulum to the axis of rotation, preferably coinciding with a face of the block,

[0016] - the display screen of the display means is flexible, comprises n faces with n equal the number of facets of the block, each face being arranged parallel to a facet and the display screen being fixed to the moving mechanism,

[0017] - the display means comprises n display screens with n equal to the number of facets of the block, each face being arranged parallel to a facet and the display screens are attached to the mobile mechanism.

[0018] - the reflective blade is centered on the axis of rotation and is oriented at an angle between 30 and 50° relative to the axis of rotation, preferably at an angle approximately equal to 45°,

[0019] - the face facing the reflective blade displays a pictogram in high resolution solution, while the other n-1 faces are in low resolution in order to create a bright and / or colorful atmosphere,

[0020] - the control unit includes processing electronics disposed in the fixed base.

[0021] The invention also relates to an interior vehicle trim piece comprising a control unit as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, made solely as an example, and with reference to the figures in the appendix in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] shows, in perspective view, a control element according to the invention,

[0024] [Fig.2] shows, in exploded perspective view, the principle of the control organ of the [Fig.l]. Description of the implementation methods

[0025] With reference to figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to a control element 1.

[0026] Such a control element 1 is capable of defining, by its position, a value of a function. By way of illustration, the ventilation function is used here. This control element 1 comprises a fixed base 2, a movable actuator 3, and a display means 4.

[0027] The fixed base 2 is integral with the frame of the machine whose function is controlled. This frame can be, in the case of an automobile, the dashboard, the center console, the steering wheel base, or any other fixed part. Thus, in the illustrated example, the fixed base 2 is integral with a side door. It is further articulated about a vertical axis so that the control member 1 can be retracted into a horizontal groove in the door.

[0028] The movable control 3 is capable of being operated by an operator. In the case of a vehicle control unit 1, the operator may be the driver or a passenger. The position / orientation of the movable control 3, relative to the fixed base 2, defines, preferably in a unique manner, the value of the function.

[0029] Thus, in the illustrated example, the control element 1 controls the ventilation. Each of its positions / orientations, here of which there are four, determines another value of the ventilation function, such as a ventilation power, for example one orientation defines an "off" value of the ventilation and the three other orientations define respectively three different ventilation powers / speeds.

[0030] The display means 4 is capable of displaying a state representative of the function or the value of the function. In the case of a state representative of the function, it may display a fixed image, such as a pictogram of a fan, to indicate that the control element 1 is controlling the ventilation function. In the case of a state representative of a value of the function, it may display a pictogram of a fan, the size of which corresponds to a higher ventilation speed.

[0031] According to the invention, the display means 4 comprises at least one display screen 5. A display screen 5 is understood here to be a computer screen, of the video screen type, of the LCD type or equivalent.

[0032] The invention reproduces an electromechanical control element, such as a a push button or a rotary switch. The invention thus benefits from all the advantages of such an electromechanical control element, namely: a dedicated element, easy to locate and identify, maintained states, allowing the controlled value to be known visually and haptically. The fact that the display means 4 includes a display screen 5 also allows the invention to benefit from the advantages associated with a display screen: the display can be easily modified by configuration / programming and can thus evolve according to the function, the value of the controlled function, and also according to the context. Thus, it is possible to modify the display's lighting ambiance according to a configuration. It is therefore possible to lower the display intensity level at night so as not to dazzle the driver.It is still possible to configure an ambiance according to the user's aesthetic choice: a control device can appear with a background colour of the choice.

[0033] According to another feature, the mobility of the movable actuator 3 can be proportional. This is particularly suitable for a function requiring proportional control. This is the case, for example, for a heating control indicating a continuously variable setpoint temperature.

[0034] According to another feature, the mobility of the movable actuator 3 can be discrete, between n positions and / or orientations. In this case, each position, or orientation respectively, is associated with a discrete value of the function. Thus, in the case illustrated in the figures, the control element 1 comprises four orientations. One orientation can correspond to the ventilation being off, and the other three orientations can correspond respectively to three different ventilation speeds.

[0035] According to another characteristic, the mobility of the movable arm 3 is translational. In this case, the movable arm 3 moves along a translation. It is then a cursor following any curve, which may be, among other things, circular or rectilinear.

[0036] According to another, complementary or alternative feature, the mobility of the mobile maneuver 3 is rotational around an axis of rotation A. This is the case of the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 2.

[0037] According to another feature, the movable handle 3 further comprises a block 6 of translucent or transparent material, axisymmetric about the axis of rotation A, a regular polyhedral with n facets, where n is equal to the number of orientations of the movable handle 3. It is via the block 6 that the operator maneuvers the control member 1. The facets contribute to an anti-rotation mechanism, in order to facilitate gripping by the operator and the maneuver, which is in this case rotary. In order to improve grip, the surface finish of the external lateral surfaces of the block 6 is advantageously textured or grained, in order to create a "soft touch". or even improve the grip with the operator's fingers / hand.

[0038] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a parallelepiped-shaped block 6 with a square cross-section along axis A. Block 6 here comprises four facets. The control element 1 advantageously includes four orientations of the movable actuator 3. Thus, with each rotation, the control element occupies the same volume and is identical to itself. Its state, however, changes with each elementary rotation, and the display can also change accordingly depending on the state of the control.

[0039] Block 6 is still preferentially hollow along the axis of rotation A. In other words, it has a most distal face perpendicular to the axis A and a hollow on the proximal side (the side closest to the fixed base 2).

[0040] Block 6 is made of translucent or transparent material, meaning that it is entirely transparent, entirely translucent, or partially transparent and partially translucent. In a preferred embodiment, the single face 7 perpendicular to axis A is transparent and the other faces 9-12 are translucent in order to transmit / reflect light and / or color.

[0041] According to another feature, the display means 4 further comprises a display surface 7. This display surface 7 is preferably a surface substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A. Advantageously, this display surface 7 is the face 7 of the block 6 substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A.

[0042] According to another feature, the display screen 5 of the display means 4 is a flexible video screen. Advantageously, it comprises n faces 9-12, with n equal to the number of facets of the block 6, each face 9-12 being arranged parallel to a facet. Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], the display screen 5 can roll up into the hollow of the block 6, each face 9-12 being arranged opposite a facet.

[0043] According to another feature, the display screen 5 is preferentially fixed to the movable mechanism 3 in its movement. Thus, in the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the display screen 5 belongs to the movable mechanism 3 and rotates with it when the operator moves it by applying a torque to the block 6.

[0044] According to another feature, the display means 4 further comprises a reflective blade 8. This reflective blade 8 is fixed in that it is integral with the fixed base 2. The term reflective blade 8 here designates a substantially flat, reflective or semi-reflective blade or dihedral angle, depending on the desired display effect on the display surface 7. The reflective blade 8 is centered on the axis of rotation A. It is oriented at an angle between 30° and 50° relative to the axis of rotation A, preferably at an angle substantially equal to 45°. Its orientation around the axis A is such that it faces one of the faces 9-12 of the display screen 5. Hereinafter, this face is referred to as face 9. The reflective blade 8 is in measure to return the image formed on face 9 of the display screen 5, to the display surface 7. This allows an image to be formed on said display surface 7. This image, in the illustrative example of figures 1 and 2, is a fan pictogram.

[0045] This image production method, using a display screen 5 to create an image, sending this image to a display surface 7, transmitting it via a reflective blade 8, allows the image rendering to be varied. Depending on the resolution of the display screen 5, the total or partial reflection of the reflective blade, and the transparency of the display surface 7, it is possible to obtain various effects, for example, a "holographic" effect.

[0046] According to another feature, the face 9 of the display screen 5 facing the reflective blade 8 displays a pictogram in high resolution, while the n-1 other faces 10-12 are in low resolution so as to create a bright and / or colored atmosphere.

[0047] Thus, in the example illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the face 9 displays an image representing a fan pictogram, which via the reflective blade 8 will be displayed on the display surface 7.

[0048] Here a high resolution corresponds to a resolution specified by automotive visibility standards, and allows the pictogram to be clear and recognizable.

[0049] Low resolution is a lower resolution. The other faces 10-12, in low resolution, preferentially scatter patches of light and / or color. These patches are reflected little or not at all by the reflecting plate 8. They scatter in a less directional manner, so as to be seen, in particular, through the lateral facets of the block 6, which are preferentially translucent rather than transparent.

[0050] It should be noted that a high-resolution display screen can, by configuration or by choice of the image created, behave like a low-resolution display screen.

[0051] According to another feature, a control unit 1 further comprises processing electronics 13. These processing electronics 13 interface the control unit 1 with the vehicle system. Advantageously, they measure the position / orientation of the movable maneuver 3 in order to transmit a value to the vehicle system. They can also pre-process the control signals from the display screen 5. In an advantageous arrangement, the processing electronics 13 are located in the fixed base 2, as close as possible to the control unit 1.

[0052] The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description. This description is to be considered illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this single description. Numerous embodiments are possible. List of reference signs

[0053] 1: control unit, 2: fixed base, 3: mobile maneuver, 4: means of display, 5: display screen, 6: block, 7: display area, 8: reflective blade, 9: face opposite the reflective blade, 10-12: face, 13: processing unit.

Claims

Claims

1. Control member (1) capable of selecting a function or defining a value of a function, comprising a fixed base (2), a mobile maneuver (3) and a display means (4), the mobile maneuver (3) being capable of being mobilized by an operator, the position / orientation of the mobile maneuver (3), relative to the fixed base (2), defining the selection or the value of the function and the display means (4) being capable of displaying a state representative of the function or the value of the function, the display means (4) comprising at least one display screen (5) characterized in that the display means comprises a fixed reflective blade (8) facing the display screen (5) so as to display a virtual image of the screen, the display means (4) adapting said representative state as a function of the position / orientation of the mobile maneuver.

2. Control member (1) according to claim 1, where the mobility of the mobile maneuver (3) is discrete, between n positions / orientations, each position / orientation being associated with a discrete value of the function.

3. Control member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mobility of the mobile maneuver (3) is rotary about an axis of rotation (A).

4. Control member (1) according to claim 3, where the mobile maneuver (3) further comprises a block (6) of translucent or transparent material, centered around the axis of rotation (A), regular polyhedral with n facets with n equal to the number of orientations of the mobile maneuver (3).

5. Control member (1) according to claim 4, where the display means (4) further comprises a display surface (7) substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A), preferably merged with a face of the block (6).

6. Control member (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the display screen (5) of the display means (4) is flexible, comprises n faces (5) with n equal to the number of facets of the block (6), each face (9-12) being arranged parallel to a facet and the display screen (5) is integral with the mobile maneuver (3).

7. A control member (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the display means (4) comprises n display screens (5) with n equal to the number of facets of the block (6), each face (9-12) being arranged parallel to a facet and the display screens (5) are integral with the mobile maneuver (3).

8. Control member (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the reflective blade (8) is centered on the axis of rotation (A) and is oriented at an angle of between 30° and 50° relative to the axis of rotation (A), preferably at an angle substantially equal to 45°.

9. Control member (1) according to claim 6, where the face (9) facing the reflective blade (8) displays a pictogram in high resolution, while the n-1 other faces (10-12) are in low resolution so as to create a luminous and / or colored ambiance.

10. Vehicle interior trim part comprising a control member (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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