Resumen
A multifunction steering-wheel is prepared for incorporating a device to select an unlimited number of functions. The device is constituted by a floating wheel, housed in a position of the steering-wheel easily accessible for the driver, in association with an intermediate wheel and a means for securing stably the wheel in the chosen position. A mechanically operated switch permits confirmation of the selection made. The generation of two signals out of phase by a small angle, permits two microprocessors to perform, respectively, the encoding of the signals received and the allocation of an output associated with each function selected. <IMAGE>
Reivindicaciones
1. Multifunction steering-wheel, specially a steering-wheel of a type of those used for steering motor vehicles, able to incorporate a selection and control device operable and easily accessible from a comfortable position for the driver, situated in such a manner that it may only be actuated in a voluntary manner by said driver, said device being prepared for carrying out an unlimited number of functions, characterised in that it comprises: a floating wheel (2) to which access is possible from one or more positions of the steering-wheel (1), capable of engagement in an intermediate wheel (3) configured so as to present a multiplicity of radial formations provided with gaps having predetermined geometry and inclination; emitting and receiving means of light signals, constituted by a pair of optocouplers (4), of those in which an emitter transmits the light signal to the receiver through the configuration of said intermediate wheel (3), so that the photosensitive areas of the receiver, out of phase, permit the angle turned through and the direction of rotation of the wheel (2) to be known; a mechanically operated switching means (6), and in association with said wheel (2); means (5) of stable positioning of the different settings of the wheel (2); a printed circuit board (7), in association with the assembly, for holding the components thereof, and electronic means for generating signals and processing the signals received. 2. Multifunction steering-wheel in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that each setting of the wheel (2) has an associated determined function (or the variation of the magnitude of said function), confirmation of which is carried out by depressing the switch (6) in association with said wheel (2). 3. Multifunction steering-wheel in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the generation has been foreseen of two signals "ab" and "ac" out of phase with each other by an angle ϕ. 4. Multifunction steering-wheel in accordance with claim 1 in association with claim 3, characterised in that the electronic means include two microprocessors, of those in which a first microprocessor carries out the encoding of the signals received and transmits them to the second microprocessor by means of which the enabling is performed of the different outputs associated with each respective function. 5. Multifunction steering-wheel in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that in a variant of embodiment, it has been foreseen that the device incorporate a rotary part (8), operable through gearing or the like from the floating wheel (2), provided with flexible contacts, capable of moving over the printed circuit board (7), by means of which contacts the selection is made of two respective circuits which serve to generate the signals "ab" and "ac" out of phase. 6. Multifunction steering-wheel in accordance with one or more of the previous claims, characterised in that it further includes the provision of means of displaying the active or selected function, said means being constituted by a display panel or other presentation located in the steering-wheel itself, or where appropriate, by light-emitting indicators associated with the respective pushbuttons.
