Multidirectional actuator with variable return force

A multidirectional actuator (18) comprising:

• a bottom support (22) with a main, vertical axis “A” of symmetry;
• a top actuation member (24) that is mounted so as to tilt relative to the bottom support (22) between a central rest position in which the main axis “B” of the actuation member (24) is generally coaxial with the vertical axis “A” of the support (22), and several actuation positions that are distributed angularly about the vertical axis “A” of the support (22) and in each of which the main axis “B” of the actuation member (24) is inclined relative to the vertical axis “A” of the support (22);
• and
• means (48, 60) of returning the actuation member (24) to its central rest position which exert on the actuation member (24) a return force, whose vertical component is not zero and is oriented upwards, at at least one bearing point “P” situated radially at a distance from the vertical axis “A” of the support (22), characterized in that the value of the vertical component of the return force varies according to the angular position of the actuation member (24) about the vertical axis “A” of the support (22).