Control system with a handling knob

A control device intended for a user to choose and select functions in a vehicle, the device comprising:

• a knob that can be manipulated in rotation about a main axis with respect to a fixed support, wherein the knob is operable to a neutral position in which the main axis coincides with a neutral axis that is fixed with respect to the support;
• a printed circuit board on which the knob and at least one direction sensor are secured, the printed circuit board being pivotally mounted relative to the support about an axis transverse to the neutral axis so as to occupy several activated positions, wherein the main axis is inclined with respect to the neutral axis when the knob is displaced in several directions orthogonal to the neutral axis;
• a plurality of direction sensors which are arranged on the printed circuit board about the main axis so as to allow the detection of separate activated positions about the neutral axis;
• a housing in which the printed circuit board is arranged, wherein the housing defines an inner wall of which forms the bearing surface of the device, the housing also defining an opening through which the knob, secured to the printed circuit board, passes, wherein the housing includes
• a flexible membrane filling said opening;
• the knob comprising a cap bearing on the membrane, said membrane having elastic properties biasing the knob toward its neutral position from the associated activated position,
• wherein the printed circuit board is pivotally mounted by a ball joint type connection which is arranged between the printed circuit board and the support.