US20050134485A1 - Touch pad for motor vehicle and sensor therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

An interface comprises an interior trim component having a touch pad and a target area associated with the touch pad. A non-movable switch is located behind the target area. The switch is operable to actuate and de-actuate an electrically operated device of the motor vehicle. The target area is associated with a sensitive operating portion or region of the switch.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
• This invention relates in general to motor vehicles and more particularly to an interface for controlling operations of a motor vehicle. Most particularly, the invention relates to a touch pad for motor vehicles.
• A conventional interface for a motor vehicle typically includes a switch or a switch array, which generally comprises a large number of switches, that is mounted in and around the armrests, console, and/or dashboard of the motor vehicle. By convention, motor vehicles employ mechanical switches, which have physically moving (e.g., sliding) parts that create contact between conductors. Openings are provided in the interior trim components of the motor vehicle for receiving the switches. The openings commonly attract dust and dirt. This dust and dirt is difficult to reach. Consequently, the interior trim component is difficult to clean.
• The physical characteristics of the switches usually occupy space (i.e., usually about 0.5 to 5 mm) for the mechanical movement of the switches. This limits the ability to style and craft the interior trim component. The switches are also subject to wear and mechanical breakdown due to the moving parts of the switches and thus may become unreliable.
• The requirement for the switch openings in the interior trim components requires increased cut lines during the production of the interior trim components and the unique character of each of the switches requires an increased parts count.
• What is needed is a highly-reliable interface with non-movable switches that is easy to use and that increases the ability to style and craft an attractive, easy-to-clean, environmentally protected interior component while reducing cut lines and total parts count.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
• The present invention is directed towards an interface that meets the foregoing needs. The interface comprises an interior trim component having a touch pad and a target area associated with the touch pad. A non-movable switch is located behind the target area. The switch is operable to actuate and de-actuate an electrically operated device of the motor vehicle. The target area is associated with a sensitive operating portion or region of the switch.
• Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a motor vehicle interior trim component according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of a portion of the interior trim component shown inFIG. 1 showing hazard flasher and rear defogger switches.
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged front elevational view of a portion of the interior trim component shown inFIG. 1 showing a vent switch array of the motor vehicle climate control.
• FIG. 4 is an enlarged front elevational view of a portion of the interior trim component shown inFIG. 1 showing a temperature control switch array of the motor vehicle climate control.
• FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway front elevational view of alternative temperature control switch array.
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in plan of a non-movable switch that is adapted for use with the motor vehicle interior trim component.
• FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a sensing zone for the switch shown inFIG. 6.
• FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation in plan of another non-movable switch that is adapted for use with the motor vehicle interior trim component.
• FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view in plan of a motor vehicle interior trim component with the switch shown inFIG. 8 in combination with an audio driver assembly for providing audio and tactile sensations.
• FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the portion of the motor vehicle interior trim component shown inFIG. 9.
• FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view in plan of a motor vehicle interior trim component with the switch shown inFIG. 8 in combination with a tone generator and a tactile transducer for providing audible and tactile sensations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated inFIG. 1 an interface for a motor vehicle including a motor vehicle interior trim component, generally indicate at10. Theinterior trim component10 supports a switch or a switch array, which is a large number of switches, that is operable to actuate and de-actuate one or more electrically operated devices (not shown) of the motor vehicle, such as the driver's and passenger's heated seats, hazard flashers, rear defogger, and climate control system of the motor vehicle.
• Theinterior trim component10 is preferably made of a material, such as a plastic-based material, that is molded or otherwise crafted as desired to produce a substantially rigid structure having a desired style. The molding of interior trim components is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of the invention and thus will not be described in further detail.
• Theinterior trim component10 is preferably molded in a single piece, having unitary construction, and preferably having no openings, at least where switches are located, for collecting dust and dirt and thus is relatively easy to wash or otherwise keep clean.
• Theinterior trim component10 may be substantially flat or non-ornamental in style or have tactile features, such as, for example, deformations, such as raised areas, depressed areas, or both raised and depressed areas, to permit a user to easily locate the switches.
• Theinterior trim component10 according to the present invention may comprise a trim bezel, face plate orfascia20, which preferably has atactile identifier22, such as the trough or mote shown inFIG. 2, to provide an appearance of a switch, such as the rear defogger and hazard flasher switches shown, and visually identify or define the location of such switches. Other switches, such as the driver's and the passenger's heated seats and the climate control switches, may be formed in a similar manner. Atactile guide24 may be provided within and concentric to thetactile identifier22. Thetactile guide24 is preferably in the form of a crown, in contrast to the trough or mote described above. The profile of thetactile guide24 preferably does not exceed the profile of thefascia20. A target ortarget area26 is located within thetactile guide24 and is preferably in the form of a dimple, cavity or like depression, in contrast to the crown which forms thetactile guide24. The dissimilar topographies allow the user to visually identify the location of the switch and a sensitive operating portion or region (i.e., the target area26) of the switch for actuating and de-actuating different electrically operated devices (not shown) when the switch is operated by a user. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, theinterior trim component10, or at least portions thereof where switches are located, may be transparent or translucent and back-lit, as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, to enable the user to visually identify the location of the switches when operating the motor vehicle in the dark. Moreover, the switches may carryindicia28,30, such as the standard rear defogger and hazard flasher switch identification symbols shown, to allow the user to easily associate the switches with the devices the switches operate.
• Thefascia20 may further be provided with atactile identifier32 in the form of a protruding member, similar in shape to an adjustment knob, for identifying a home position or starting point for a switch array, such as the vent switch array shown inFIG. 3, for controlling the function or operation of an electrically operated device, such as the vents of the motor vehicle climate control system. Atactile guide34, such as the crown shown, may be formed about thetactile identifier32 to guide the user to thetactile identifier32. The profile of thetactile guide34 preferably does not exceed the profile of thefascia20. Extending from thetactile identifier32 are spokes orveins36 that may function to guide the user to various targets or target areas38. In the illustrated embodiment, the target areas38 are dimples that function to provide a tactile sensation when encountered by the user. The target areas38 may be located within an auxiliarytactile guide40, which may be provided about and concentric to thetactile identifier32 and thetactile guide34. The target areas38 identify the sensitive operation portion or region of the switches in the switch array that actuate and de-actuate the electrically operated device when the switch is operated by the user. Theinterior trim component10, or at least portions thereof where switches are located, may be transparent or translucent and back-lit to enable the user to visually identify the location of switches when the motor vehicle is operated in the dark. Moreover, theinterior trim component10 may carryindicia42, such as the standard vent identification symbols shown, to allow the user to easily associate the switches with the devices the switches operate. Furthermore, theinterior trim component10 may haveareas44 associated with each target area38 that are transparent or that otherwise permitindicators40, such as light emitting diodes (LED) (not shown), to be viewed when the switches associated withcorresponding areas44 are operated. Other switch arrays, such as the fan motor speed control switch array shown inFIG. 1, may be formed in a similar manner to the vent control switch array described above.
• Another example of a switch array is illustrated inFIG. 4. This switch array is suitable for use as the temperature control switch array of the motor vehicle climate control system. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, thefascia20 may have therein atactile identifier46, such as the relief shown. A plurality of targets ortarget areas48, such as the dimples, cavities or like depressions shown, may be located within thetactile identifier46. Atactile guide50, such as the raised button shown, may be located within thetactile identifier44, preferably in the axial center of thetactile identifier46 and equidistantly betweenopposing target areas48 to function as a home position for the switch array. The illustrated switch array may have switches associated with outeraxial target areas48 that cause the operating temperature of the motor vehicle climate control system to operate at maximum cold and hot temperatures. Switches associated with inneraxial target areas48, when stimulated, cause incremental changes in the operating temperature of the motor vehicle climate control system. The switch array may haveareas52 that are transparent or that otherwise permit an indicator, such as an LED (not shown), to be viewed when certain conditions are met. For example, theareas52 may be color-coded. In accordance with known standards,areas52 associated with cooler thermostatic temperatures may be blue whileareas52 associated with warmer thermostatic temperatures may be red.
• Another example of a switch array is illustrated in a partially cutaway view inFIG. 5. This switch array is suitable for use as the temperature control switch array of the motor vehicle climate control system as well. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, a plurality oftarget areas54 may be provided for more discrete control of the climate control system. Eachtarget area54 has associated therewith a switch and an associatedvisual indicator56, such as an LED (not shown), which provides a visual indication when the switch associated therewith is operated. Theindicators56 associated with the switch causing the climate control system to operate at cooler temperatures may be blue and theindicators56 associated with the switch causing the climate control system to operate at warmer temperatures may be red.
• In accordance with the present invention, the switches are non-mechanical or non-movable touch cells or switches, such as, but not limited to, resistive, inductive, piezoelectric and capacitive switches. A capacitive switch that is suitable for carrying out the invention is shown at58 inFIG. 6. Theswitch58 may be of the type described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0057020, published May 16, 2002, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Thefascia20 may be in the form of a substantially rigid substrate having afront surface20a, which may form a part of theinterior trim component10 of the motor vehicle and may be decorated and contoured for switches. Theswitch58 may include one or more independent dielectric substances, which may support one or more electrodes and one or more electrical components (i.e., one or more R-C filters or networks and integrated circuits). In the illustrated embodiment, a first one of the dielectric substances may support at least afirst electrode64. A second one of the dielectric substances may support at least asecond electrode68. One or more electrical components may be supported by either dielectric substance, or by a separate component. The first andsecond electrodes64,68 are associated with a touch sensor. The touch sensor is cooperatively formed by the dielectric substances, the electrodes, and the electrical components. Theelectrodes64,68 are preferably separated to provide three-dimensional separation therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second dielectric substances are defined by first and second printedcircuit boards72,74. The second printedcircuit board74 has an opening through which a portion (i.e., the target area26) of thefascia20 passes. Thesecond electrode68 is supported by the first printedcircuit board72 about the opening. Thefirst electrode64 is supported by the first printedcircuit board72, coincident with the opening in the second circuit printedboard74, and opposite thetarget area26. The first and second printedcircuit boards72,74 are spaced apart to provide the preferred three-dimensional separation between theelectrodes64,68. Due to the three-dimensional separation of theelectrodes64,68, thesecond electrode68 forms a background capacitive sensor for detecting ambient conditions and, to a lesser extent, external disturbances while thefirst electrode64 forms a capacitive sensor that detects both detecting ambient conditions and external disturbances but has a greater coupling to the external disturbances. This construction provides an accurate detection of external disturbances when a stimulus (i.e., a touch input) is placed between the first andsecond electrodes64,68 and, more so, in greater proximity to thefirst electrode64.
• The operation of theaforementioned switch58 is best understood with reference to the diagrammatic representation inFIG. 7. In the drawing, there is illustrated a portion of thefascia20 having atarget area76 within which astimulus78 is sensed. Thestimulus78 is via a touch input, such as an operator's finger. The instant invention is most suitably adapted for sensing a covered or gloved finger because of the three-dimensional separation between theelectrodes64,68 (shown inFIG. 6). The sensitivity of theswitch58 may be adjustable by adjusting the external disturbance detected by theelectrodes64,68. Theswitch58 is not operated unless and until thestimulus78 actually enters “into” thetarget area76 and is in greater proximity to thefirst electrode64 than thesecond electrode68. In this way, the disturbance of thestimulus78 must be detected by the first andsecond electrodes64,68 but, to a greater extent, by thefirst electrode64 in order for theswitch58 to operate.
• Analternative switch80, similar to theswitch58 described above, is illustrated inFIG. 8. A switch suitable for this application is likewise in described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application Publication. Thisswitch80 comprises afirst electrode82 and a second electrode84 spaced from and surrounding thefirst electrode82. Unlike the above-describedswitch58, theelectrodes82,84 of thisswitch80 are oriented in the same plane. A signal is provided to theswitch80 to generate an electric field about theswitch80. Introduction of a stimulus, such as an operator's finger, near theswitch80 disturbs the electric field. A control circuit (not shown) detects disturbances in the electric field and generates a control signal in response. The control signal controls the operation of an electrically operated device of the motor vehicle.
• Theinterior trim component10 according to the invention may have attached thereto anaudio driver assembly86, as shown inFIG. 9, for providing audible and/or tactile switch feedback. Thefascia20 of theinterior trim component10 may be in the form of an acrylic, polycarbonate or other lightweight, high-performance material and is ideally a tough, durable, shatter-resistant, and heat-resistant material. Thefascia20 may be a relatively dark transparent or translucent material, such as a flat smoked polycarbonate material. Thefascia20 may be flat, as shown, or may have tactile features, such as those described above. Anapplique88, which may include a plurality of layers, may be disposed behind or adjacent an inner surface of the fascia20 (i.e., below thefascia20 when viewingFIG. 9). Theapplique88 may, for example, have an outermost dark translucent or transparent layer, such as a black layer, which is disposed in the foreground. An intermediate layer may be provided behind or adjacent the outermost layer (i.e., below the outermost layer when viewingFIG. 9). The outermost layer may be etched and the intermediate layer may be translucent and an intermediate color, such as gray, which preferably contrasts well with the color of the outermost layer to provide a visual indication of the presence of theswitch80. In addition, the intermediate layer may be etched and an innermost layer may be provided adjacent the intermediate layer in the background, or opposite the outermost layer (i.e., below the intermediate layer when viewingFIG. 9). The innermost layer may be a lighter color, such as white, which contrasts well with the color of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer may also be etched with a pattern representing a conventional or standard symbol. The lighter color of the innermost layer may be displayed through the etched intermediate layer. The layers may be paint layers, such as a black paint layer, a gray paint layer, and a diffused white paint layer.
• An example of a smokedpolycarbonate fascia20 with anapplique88 as described above is illustrated inFIG. 10. Thefascia20 is generally indicated at20. The dark outermost layer is indicated at90. Theoutermost layer90 may be etched to reveal the intermediate layer to indicate the location of a switch at92 and optionally reveal a visual indicator at94. The intermediate layer may be similarly etched to reveal the innermost layer to provide a visual indication (i.e., such as the rear defogger symbol shown) of the switch function at96 and the visual indicator of the switch condition at94. It should be appreciated that a source oflight100, such as the LEDs shown inFIG. 9, may be located behind or in the background of theapplique88 for emitting light through theapplique88 and thefascia20. This provides a visual indication of the location of a switch and the operable condition of the switch when the motor vehicle is operated in the dark.
• In accordance with the present invention, theswitch80, theaudio driver assembly86, and thelight source100 may be supported by a flexible printedcircuit board98 that is located behind or adjacent theapplique88. The flexible printedcircuit board98 may conform tightly to the shape of thefascia20, whether thefascia20 is flat or has tactile features. Consequently, theaudio driver assembly86 may be located sufficiently close to thefascia20 to produce a tactile sensation when operating theswitch80.
• It should be understood that atone generator102 and atactile transducer104, as shown inFIG. 11, may be used in addition to, or in the place of, theaudio driver assembly86 described above to produce audible and/or tactile switch feedback. Thetone generator102 and thetactile transducer104, together with theswitch80 and alight source100, may similarly be supported by a flexible printedcircuit board106. Thetone generator102 may function to produce audible sensations, such as soft soothing tones, to provide an audible sensation when theswitch80 is operated. Thetactile transducer104 may provide tactile sensations, such as clicking or thumping sensations, when theswitch80 is operated. Thetactile transducer104 may be in the form of a solenoid, which, when used in this application, may be referred to as a stamper or thumper. Upon operating theswitch80, the solenoid may be energized to displace a plunger, such as indicated at108, which may tap, thump, vibrate, or otherwise cause a tactile sensation through theinterior trim component10.
• It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art of the invention that various components of the invention may be programmable. For example, as stated above, the sensitivity of theswitches58 and80 may be adjusted to accommodate the tactile features, or lack thereof, in thefascia20. The intensity of thelight source100 may be programmed as desired. The frequency of theaudio driver assembly86 may be programmed to control the audible and tactile sensations produced therewith. For example, higher frequency signals could be produced by theaudio driver assembly86 to produce audible sensations while lower frequency signals could be produced by theaudio driver assembly86 to produce tactile sensations. Both high and low frequency signals can be produced to produce both audible and tactile sensations. These programmable features may be achieved by a controller, such as a microcontroller or processor, as indicated at110 inFIG. 9 and instructions in memory accessed by thecontroller110. The controller and suitable control circuitry may be supported by or otherwise connected to the printedcircuit board72,98,106 to control the operation of theswitch58,80, thelight source100, theaudio driver assembly86, thetone generator102, and thetactile transducer104. The control circuitry may include individual latching switches for toggling individuallight sources100 and triggering theaudio driver assembly86, thetone generator102, and thetactile transducer104 to produce audible and tactile sensations when theswitch58,80 is operated. Alternatively, theaudio driver assembly86, thetone generator102, and thetactile transducer104 may have an integral controller or control circuitry to control the operation thereof independently.
• It should further be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that theaudio driver assembly86, in addition to producing audible sensations, may also function as a center speaker for the motor vehicle.
• In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the switches, thelight sources100, theaudio driver assembly86, thetone generator102, and thetactile transducer104 are contained within a box orhousing112 so as to be a self-contained unit. Theentire housing112 is preferably very small or thin and simple to remove from the interior trim component.
• Through the use of mechanical or non-movable touch pads or switches, multiple parts and motion can be eliminated. The elimination of motion permits the elimination of gaps, which would otherwise be provided between the moving parts. Through the elimination of gaps, the appearance of theinterior trim component10 is improved, as is the cleanability of theinterior trim component10 and the environmental protection afforded by theinterior trim component10.
• The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims (20)

1. A touch pad for use in a motor vehicle, comprising:

a motor vehicle interior trim component having a touch pad having at least one target area associated with the touch pad; and

at least one non-movable switch located behind the target area, the switch being operable to actuate and de-actuate an electrically operated device of a motor vehicle, the target area being associated with a sensitive operating region of the switch.

2. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the interior trim component is molded and has no openings associated with the target area.

3. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the interior trim component has tactile features that permit a user to easily identify the target area via tactile sensations.

4. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the interior trim component is at least partially translucent and back-lit to enable a user to visually identify the location of the switch when operating the motor vehicle in the dark.

5. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the interior trim component carries indicia that allows a user to associate the switch with the electrically operated device that the switch operates.

6. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the switch is a capacitive switch.

7. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the switch is a capacitive switch including at least one electrode for sensing external disturbance representing a stimulus for operating of the switch.

8. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the switch is a capacitive switch including at least one dielectric substance and at least one electrode for sensing external disturbance representing a stimulus for operating the switch.

9. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the switch is a capacitive switch including two or more independent dielectric substances, a first one of the dielectric substances having a first electrode and a second one of the dielectric substances having a second electrode so as to provide three-dimensional separation between the first and second electrode, whereby the first and second electrodes form background capacitive sensors for detecting external disturbance, the second electrode having a greater coupling to the external disturbance than the first electrode.

10. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the switch is a capacitive switch supported by first and second printed circuit boards, and wherein the second printed circuit board has an opening through which the target area of the touch pad passes, the second electrode being supported by the first printed circuit board about the opening, the first electrode being supported by the first printed circuit board, coincident with the opening in the second circuit printed board, and opposite the target area.

11. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the switch is a capacitive switch including a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from and surrounding the first electrode so as to be oriented in the same plane, whereby the switch is adapted to generate an electric field that is subject to disturbance by a stimulus, the disturbance being detected by a control circuit, which is adapted to generate a control signal that actuates and de-actuates the electrically operated device.

12. The touch pad ofclaim 1, further comprising an audio driver assembly operatively connected to the switch for producing an audio sensation when the switch is operated.

13. The touch pad ofclaim 1, further comprising an audio driver assembly located behind the interior trim component and sufficiently to the interior trim component to produce a tactile sensation when the switch is operated.

14. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the switch is supported on a flexible printed circuit board that is located behind the interior trim component and which conforms to the shape of the interior trim component.

15. The touch pad ofclaim 1, further comprising a tone generator operatively connected to the switch for producing an audible sensation when the switch is operated.

16. The touch pad ofclaim 1, further comprising a tactile transducer operatively connected to the switch for producing a tactile sensation when the switch is operated.

17. The touch pad ofclaim 16, wherein the tactile transducer is in the form of a solenoid that is energized to displace a plunger, which engages the interior trim component when the switch is operated.

18. The touch pad ofclaim 1, wherein the sensitivity of the switch is adjustable.

19. The touch pad ofclaim 1, further comprising audio driver assembly that is programmable to operate at different frequencies to produce an audio sensation, a tactile sensation, or both audio and tactile sensations.

20. The touch pad ofclaim 19, wherein the audio driver assembly functions as a speaker for the motor vehicle.

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