Capacitive sensor and switch assemblies with decorative conductive parts

Abstract

A capacitive sensor and switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first electrode forming a decorative conductive component on a vehicle, and a second electrode dielectrically insulated from the first electrode and electrically coupled thereto to generate an activation field. The assembly also includes a dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a controller for processing a signal generated from the activation field and sensing an object, wherein the controller determines activation of the switch based on the signal generated from the activation field.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 486,483, filed on April 18, 2017, entitled “PROXIMITY SWITCH HAVING SENSORWITH DECORATIVE METAL,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to proximity switches and, more particularly, to a proximity switch having a sensor circuit with integrated visible decorative metal. Background Art

[0004] Proximity switches, such as capacitive switches, have been used on vehicles for operating devices such as interior map and dome lighting, sunroofs, and various other devices. Capacitive switches generally use one or more capacitive sensors to generate a sense activation field and sense changes in the activation field that indicate a user actuation of the switch, where the actuation of the switch is generally caused by the user's finger approaching or contacting the sensor. The capacitive switch is generally configured to detect user actuation of the switch based on a comparison of the sensed activation field to a threshold value. The capacitive switch is generally configured to include one or more electrodes configured with circuitry formed on a substrate. It is desirable to provide a proximity switch that provides a decorative appearance and allows for a reduction in components for assembly. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a capacitive sensor assembly is provided. The capacitive sensor assembly includes a first electrode forming a decorative conductive component and a second electrode dielectrically insulated from the first electrode and electrically coupled thereto to generate an activation field. The capacitive sensor assembly also includes a dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and a controller for processing a signal generated from the activation field and sensing an object based on the signal.

[0006] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0007] The component is located on the vehicle;

[0008] The first electrode comprises a metal decorative part on the vehicle;

[0009] The capacitive sensor assembly includes an electrically insulating layer disposed between the first electrode and the vehicle mounting assembly;

[0010] The controller determines activation of the switch based on a signal generated from the activation field;

[0011] The second electrode includes a plurality of electrode fingers electrically coupled to the first electrode to generate an activation field;

[0012] A first electrode is formed on a first layer and a second electrode is formed on a second layer separated by a dielectric layer;

[0013] Decorative conductive parts including chrome;

[0014] Decorative conductive parts include aluminum; and

[0015] • The controller determines activation of the switch based on a signal generated from the activation field.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a capacitive switch assembly is provided. The capacitive switch assembly includes a first electrode forming a decorative conductive component on a vehicle, and a second electrode dielectrically insulated from the first electrode and electrically coupled thereto to generate an activation field. The capacitive switch assembly also includes a dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and a controller for processing a signal generated from the activation field and sensing an object, wherein the controller determines activation of the switch based on the signal generated from the activation field.

[0017] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0018] The first electrode comprises a metal decorative part on the vehicle;

[0019] Metal trim parts including chrome;

[0020] Metal decorative parts including aluminum;

[0021] The capacitive switch assembly includes an electrically insulating layer disposed between the first electrode and the vehicle mounting assembly;

[0022] The second electrode includes a plurality of electrode fingers electrically coupled to the first electrode to generate an activation field;

[0023] A first electrode is formed on a first layer and a second electrode is formed on a second layer separated by a dielectric layer;

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a capacitive sensor assembly is provided. The method includes the steps of forming a first electrode on a first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer on an opposite side of the first electrode; and forming a second electrode shaped as a decorative conductive component on an opposite side of the second dielectric layer. The method also includes the steps of generating an activation field using the first electrode and the second electrode; and processing a signal generated by the activation field to sense an object in the activation field.

[0025] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0026] The controller determines activation of the switch based on a signal generated from the activation field; and

[0027] The component is located on a vehicle and the decorative conductive part includes a metal decorative part.

[0028] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention may be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art from a study of the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of an automobile having an overhead console employing a pair of light assemblies having proximity switches according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the overhead console, which further illustrates Figure 1 The lamp assembly shown;

[0031] Figure 3 is an enlarged top view of a lamp assembly and a proximity switch formed thereon according to one embodiment, with a front lens removed;

[0032] Figure 3A yes Figure 3 An enlarged top view of a lamp assembly and a proximity switch, wherein an opaque layer and a lens are assembled;

[0033] Figure 4 is a side view of a lamp assembly and a corresponding proximity switch;

[0034] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of , illustrating a lamp and switch assembly;

[0035] Figure 5A yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of the VA portion;

[0036] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An enlarged view of the VB-VB portion;

[0037] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the lamp assembly and the corresponding proximity switch;

[0038] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for controlling a light assembly based on proximity switch input according to one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an overhead console having a light and proximity switch assembly according to another embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 9is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of an automobile having a capacitive sensor and switch assembly formed on a decorative conductive trim piece according to another embodiment;

[0041] Fig.10 is formed in Fig. 9 An enlarged view of a capacitive sensor and a switch assembly at X on a decorative conductive trim;

[0042] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An exploded view of the capacitive sensor and switch assembly shown;

[0043] Fig.12 It is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of , illustrating a capacitive sensor and switch assembly according to one embodiment;

[0044] Fig.13 It is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of , illustrating a capacitive sensor and switch assembly according to another embodiment; and

[0045] Fig.14 yes Fig.10 Block diagram of a control device of a capacitive sensor and switch assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present invention that may be implemented in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn according to the detailed design, and some schematic diagrams may be exaggerated or minimized to show the functional overview. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be understood as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to adopt the present disclosure in different ways.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the interior passenger compartment of the automobile 10 is generally shown with a pair of light assemblies 20, each configured according to one embodiment to include a proximity switch 22 and assembled in the overhead console 12. The illustrated vehicle 10 generally includes an overhead console 12 assembled to the headliner on the underside of the roof or ceiling at the top of the vehicle passenger compartment, generally located above the front passenger seat area. Each of the pair of light assemblies 20 provides an integrated assembly of a light and a proximity switch 22 for activating a light source to turn the light on and off. Each light assembly 20 includes a lens 32 having a light-transmitting window, a light source disposed behind the lens 32 to emit light through the transparent window of the lens 32, and a proximity switch 22 having one or more proximity sensors 24 disposed proximate or near the perimeter of the transparent window of the lens 32 and generating an activation field proximate to the transparent area of ​​the lens 32 to sense the activation of the proximity switch 22 to control the activation of the light source. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximity switch 22 is integrally assembled as part of the light assembly 20, wherein the middle portion includes the transparent window of the lens 32, which serves as a touch or sensing pad. A user may touch or come into proximity with the sensing pad to be detected by the activation field. It should be appreciated, however, that the proximity switch 22 may be assembled separately from the light assembly 20 and use its own sensing pad, and may control any number of devices or functions.

[0048] The user may activate the light source by activating a proximity switch 22 integrally provided with the light assembly 20. According to one embodiment, the light may be used as an interior map or reading light to provide interior illumination to the vehicle 10. The light assembly 20 may also be used as a dome light to provide illumination in the interior of the vehicle 10. It should be appreciated that the light may be used to provide illumination to the interior of the vehicle for other purposes and that the light assembly 20 may be located at other locations on the vehicle 10. For example, the light assembly 20 may be located in a headliner, a sun visor, a handle, a center console, or at other locations on the vehicle 10.

[0049] According to one embodiment, each proximity switch 22 disposed in each light assembly 20 is shown and described herein as a capacitive switch. Each proximity switch 22 includes a proximity sensor 24 that provides a sensing activation field to sense contact or proximity of an object (such as a user's finger) with the proximity sensor, such as a tapping or sliding motion of the user's finger. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensing activation field generated by the proximity sensor of each proximity switch is a capacitive field, and the user's finger has conductive and dielectric properties, so that changes or interferences in the sensing activation field detected in the signal generated by the activation field should be obvious to those skilled in the art. However, those skilled in the art should also understand that additional or alternative types of proximity sensors may be used, such as but not limited to inductive sensors. Exemplary Proximity Sensors at April 9, 2009 The invention is described in Touch Sensor Design Guide 10620D-AT42-04 / 09, the entire reference being incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] The proximity switch may be configured to control other devices. For example, the proximity switch 22 may control any number of vehicle devices and functions, such as controlling the movement of the sunroof 16, controlling the movement of the sunroof shade 18, controlling the activation of one or more lighting devices, and controlling various other devices and functions. Although the light assembly 20 with the proximity switch 22 is shown as being located in the overhead console 12, it should be understood that the assembly 20 and the proximity switch 22 may be located elsewhere on the vehicle 10, such as in the instrument panel, on other consoles such as the center console, integrated into a touch screen display for a radio or information system (such as a navigation and / or audio display), or located elsewhere on the vehicle 10, depending on various vehicle applications.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the proximity switches 22 are shown and described herein as capacitive switches. Each proximity switch 22 includes one or more proximity sensors 24 that provide a sensing activation field to sense a user's contact or proximity with the one or more proximity sensors 24, such as a tap or sliding action of a user's finger. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensing activation field of each proximity switch 22 is a capacitive field, and the user's finger has conductive and dielectric properties, so that changes or disturbances in the sensing activation field should be obvious to those skilled in the art. A signal can be generated based on the activation field and processed to detect user interaction.

[0052] refer to Figures 4 to 6 , the light assembly 20 is generally shown with a lens 32 made of a transparent material on the front. The lens 32 can be integrally molded as a part of the overhead console 12. The transparent window 34 of the lens 32 is light-transmissive so that visible light waves can pass through the transparent window 34. The lamp or light source 30 is disposed behind the transparent window 34 of the lens 32 to emit light forward through the transparent window 34 of the lens 32. According to one embodiment, the light source 30 may include a light emitting diode (LED) mounted to a circuit board 36. According to other embodiments, other light sources, such as incandescent lamps or a combination of one or more light sources, may be used. According to one embodiment, the lens 32 can be integrally formed as a part of the overhead console 12 and have the transparent window 34 formed therein. In this embodiment, the transparent window 34 can be molded as a part of or molded into the polymeric material forming the overhead console 12. According to other embodiments, the lens 32 can be formed as a separate component and assembled to the overhead console 12 as shown. In such an embodiment, the lens 32 may be fixedly mounted to the overhead console 12 via fasteners, adhesives, or other mounting connections, and may generally not move relative to the overhead console 12 .

[0053] The light assembly 20 includes a proximity switch 22 having a proximity sensor 24 disposed proximate or near the perimeter of a central transparent window 34 forming a sensing pad of a lens 32 and substantially surrounding the central transparent window. According to one embodiment, the proximity switch 22 has a proximity sensor 24 for generating an activation field 26 proximate to the sensing pad formed by the lens 32 to sense a user's activation of the proximity switch 22 to control activation of the light source 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximity switch 22 has a single proximity sensor 24 configured to extend substantially on all four sides of the lens 32 to substantially surround the transparent window 34 of the lens 32. In this embodiment, the proximity switch 22 substantially surrounds the lens 32 to generate an activation field 26 that generally spans substantially the entire bottom surface of the lens 32 that defines the sensing pad and is located below the lens 32.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor 24 is formed of a conductive metal material, which may also be used as a decorative metal trim. The decorative conductive metal may be plated onto the plastic reflector housing 44 around the perimeter of the lens 32 on the upper side of the overhead console 12. The conductive metal forms a pair of electrodes 40 and 50, which are used to provide a capacitance that generates the activation field 26. It should be appreciated that other forms of capacitive sensors may be used to generate the activation field 26. It should be appreciated that the activation field 26 generated by the proximity sensor 24 extends below the transparent window of the lens 32 to enable an object (such as a user's finger 28, hand or other body part) to enter the activation field 26 at the sensing pad to activate the light source 32 to turn on and off. When an object (e.g., a finger) sufficiently engages the activation field below the sensing pad (e.g., the lens 32), a disturbance is detected in the activation field, causing activation of the proximity switch 22 to begin in order to turn the light source 30 on or off.

[0055] refer to Figures 3 to 6 , shows an electrode configuration of a proximity sensor 24 according to one embodiment. The sensor 24 includes an outer electrode 40 having inwardly extending plates or fingers 42 and an inner electrode 50 having outwardly extending plates or fingers 52. The electrode fingers 42 are interleaved with the electrode fingers 52 to provide capacitive coupling between the outer electrode 40 and the inner electrode 50. The capacitive coupling generates the activation field 26.

[0056] The outer electrode 40 is connected to a first electroplating signal line 60, and the inner electrode 50 is connected to a second electroplating signal line 62. The first electroplating signal line 60 and the second electroplating signal line 62 are electrically connected to the circuit on the circuit board 36. A pulse drive input signal (e.g., voltage) is applied to one of the signal lines 60 and 62, and an output voltage proportional to the capacitance is received on the other of the signal lines 60 and 62. The input voltage provides charge coupling on one of the outer electrode 40 and the inner electrode 50, and the other of the outer electrode 40 and the inner electrode 50 provides a signal indicating the capacitive coupling between the outer electrode 40 and the inner electrode 50. The output signal and the input signal can be processed by a control circuit (such as a controller) to determine whether an object (such as a user's finger) has sufficiently interacted with the activation field 26 to activate the proximity switch 22.

[0057] The conductive material forming the proximity sensor 24, and in particular the electrodes 40 and 50, is also used to form a decorative metal trim that is visible on the front of the proximity switch 22 and the light assembly 20. The exposure of the proximity sensor 24 as a visible portion of the decorative metal trim is Figure 2 3 is a ring or bezel that generally surrounds the central transparent area 34 of the sensing pad of the lens 32. The portion of the proximity sensor 24 that is visible from the front as a decorative metal trim is a portion of the outer electrode 40. The outer electrode 40, as well as the inner electrode 50, are made of a decorative metal, such as chrome or aluminum that can be used as a shiny decorative trim. The assemblies described in the present disclosure advantageously incorporate decorative conductive materials as a trim component and electrode in an integrated manner.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, only a portion of the proximity sensor 24, and in particular a portion of the outer electrode 40, is visible from the front of the lamp assembly 20. This is because the opaque layer 26 is disposed on the lens 32 to obscure or block visibility of other portions or components of the proximity sensor 24. Figure 3A and Figure 6 In the example shown, the opaque layer 26 is shown as a ring located directly in front of or in front of the inner electrode 50 and the fingers 42 of the outer electrode 40. Thus, only the main outer ring of the outer electrode 40 is visible from the front side of the sensing pad surrounding the proximity switch assembly 20 as a decorative metal trim. It should be understood that the opaque layer 26 can be configured in other ways to enable visibility of other portions of the proximity sensor 24. It should be further understood that according to other embodiments, the opaque layer 26 may not be present, so that the entire proximity sensor including the electrodes 40 and 50 made of decorative metal is visible from the front side of the assembly.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the conductive material forming the electrodes 40 and 50 and the first plated signal line 60 and the second plated signal line 62 may be formed of chromium plated onto a thermoplastic or plastic polymer (e.g., polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material). The electrodes 40 and 50 and the plated signal lines 60 and 62 may all be formed on the reflector housing 44 by a single plating process. According to one embodiment, the process may include a vacuum metallization process. The electrodes 40 and 50 are formed on the front surface 54 of the reflector housing 44. The reflector housing 44 may have a front reflective surface 56 for reflecting light forward. The plated signal lines 60 and 62 may be formed to extend from a leg or turret 46 or 48 that contacts one of the electrodes 40 and 50 and extends through the reflector housing 44 via plated holes 61 and 63, respectively, and contact the connector 38 on the circuit board 36. Thus, a conductive signal line is formed to connect one of the electrodes 40 or 42 to one of the turrets 46 and 48. In turn, the pylons 46 and 48 are electrically connected to the circuit board 36 via the connector 38. Thus, the control circuit on the circuit board 36 can provide an electrical signal to one of the electrodes 40 and 42, and can receive and process the signal from the other of the electrodes 40 and 42 to determine activation of the switch. According to one example, the electrical signal path provided by the electroplating signal lines 60 and 62 is shown in detail in FIG. Figures 5 to 5B As shown, chrome plating forms a conductive signal path extending from each of the electrodes 40 and 50 to the circuit board 36. The underlying polymer material is dielectric and electrically insulating. It should be appreciated that other shapes and sizes and techniques may be used to provide a signal path extending from the electrodes 40 and 50 to the control circuit on the circuit board 36. It should be further appreciated that the plated circuit may be formed using a coring technique, wherein the center of an area of ​​polymer material is removed and plated to provide an electrical signal path therethrough.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the conductive material forming the proximity sensor 24 and the decorative metal trim is chrome, which may be chrome plated on a polymeric material. However, it should be understood that the decorative material may include other materials having a shiny metallic appearance and being conductive, including aluminum.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the proximity switch 22 may include: Figure 7 The control circuit shown. It includes a controller 70 having a microprocessor 72 and a memory 74. As is known in the art, the controller 70 can execute one or more control paths 100 via the processor 72 to process the capacitive sensor input from the capacitive sensor 24 and control the corresponding device, as shown in the figure, lamp 1 and lamp 2, each labeled as lamp 20. The controller 70 can process the capacitive signal sensed by each sensor 24 and compare the sensor value with a threshold value to determine the activation of the corresponding switch 22 indicating the activation of one or more control devices (such as, one of the lamps 20).

[0062] refer to Figure 8 According to a second embodiment, a light and switch assembly 20' is shown having a proximity switch 22 and a capacitive sensor 24 configured in an alternative configuration. In this embodiment, a pair of light assemblies 20' are configured with a proximity switch 22 to turn the light on and off. The proximity switch 22 is shown as a capacitive switch having a capacitive sensor 24 with a pair of electrodes 40 and 50 and corresponding interlaced electrode fingers 42 and 52. A portion of one electrode is shown surrounding each of the transparent windows 34 of the lens 32 so as to form a decorative trim shown as an annular shape surrounding the transparent window 34. The decorative trim is a portion of one electrode that is not covered by the opaque layer 26 covering the remainder of the lens 32. Therefore, the conductive decorative material (e.g., chromium) that forms the electrode that can be seen in the unmasked area not covered by the opaque layer 26 also serves as the electrode material that forms one electrode of the proximity sensor. It should be understood that according to other embodiments, the opaque layer 26 may cover more or less portions of the proximity sensor 24.

[0063] According to another embodiment, Figures 9 to 14 A capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120 is shown. In this embodiment, assembly 120 includes a first electrode that forms a decorative conductive component (such as a metal component) and a second electrode that is dielectrically insulated from the first electrode and electrically coupled thereto to generate an activation field. Assembly 120 also includes a dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Assembly 120 operates the sensor with a controller that processes a signal generated from the activation field and senses an object based on the signal. Assembly 120 may also function as a switch, wherein the controller determines activation of the switch based on the signal generated from the activation field.

[0064] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , according to one example, an interior passenger compartment of an automobile 10 is illustrated with a capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120 shown formed on a decorative conductive component 110, wherein the decorative conductive component 110 may be a decorative metal trim, such as chrome. The decorative conductive component 110 is shown mounted on a door 112 of the vehicle 10 and generally proximate to an interior door lock assembly 114. The capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120 may form a sensor and control switch for activating a control device such as an electronic door lock assembly 114 on the door 112 to lock and unlock the electronic door lock assembly. The sensor and switch assembly 120 is assembled to the decorative conductive component 110 and utilizes the decorative conductive component 110 as one of the capacitive sensor electrodes for forming the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120. It should be appreciated that according to other embodiments, the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120 may be formed in the interior of the vehicle 10 and on other decorative conductive components on the exterior of the vehicle 10.

[0065] The user may activate the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120 by tapping or sliding the user's finger into contact with or in proximity to the front sensing surface of the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120. By activating the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120, the capacitive sensor senses the presence of the user's finger interacting with the activation field and makes a switch determination to perform a dedicated function, in this example, the dedicated function is to lock or unlock the door lock assembly 114. The sensing activation field generated by the sensor is a capacitive field and the user's finger has conductive and dielectric properties, resulting in changes or disturbances in the sensing activation field that are detected by the signal generated by the activation field that are obvious to those skilled in the art. According to embodiments of the proximity switch 22, the switch function performed by the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120 may control any of a plurality of vehicle devices and functions, such as those listed above.

[0066] refer to Figures 10 to 13 , the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120 is generally shown as having various layers formed on a decorative conductive component 110, which in turn is connected or assembled to the vehicle 10 via a vehicle mounting assembly, wherein the vehicle mounting assembly may include adhesives, fasteners, and other conventional connection devices. According to one embodiment, the decorative conductive component 110 may include a metallic chrome decorative component. According to another embodiment, the decorative conductive component may include a metallic aluminum decorative component. The decorative conductive component 110 is a conductive component having an aesthetically pleasing surface (such as a shiny metal surface) for forming an A-surface decorative component surface and also for forming an electrode for the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120.

[0067] The first electrode formed by the decorative conductive component 110 is assembled into the vehicle 10 and is electrically insulated from the vehicle 10 by the insulating layer 130. In the embodiment shown, the decorative conductive component 110 can be adhered or otherwise assembled to the interior door panel to form a door trim component. The first electrode 110 also has a signal line 111. According to one embodiment, the insulating layer 130 has dielectric properties to insulate the first electrode from the vehicle ground medium and can include an electrically insulating coating or paint. An example of the insulating layer 130 is a rubber coating.

[0068] Formed on the front surface of the decorative conductive component 110 is a visible transparent dielectric layer 128. A second electrode 126 is then formed on the front surface of the dielectric layer 128 such that the second electrode 126 is dielectrically insulated from the decorative conductive component 110 forming the first electrode and electrically coupled thereto to generate an activation field in the form of an electric field. Thus, the decorative conductive component 110 forming the first electrode is formed on the first layer and the second electrode 126 is formed on a second layer separated from the first layer by the dielectric layer 128. The dielectric layer 128 is a visible transparent material that may include acrylic.

[0069] The second electrode 126 has a plurality of conductive plates or fingers 126A and a second electrode signal line 125. The first electrode signal line 111 and the second electrode signal line 125 can be electrically connected to the circuit on the circuit board and communicate with the controller. A pulse drive signal input (e.g., voltage) is applied to one of the first signal line 111 and the second signal line 125, and an output voltage proportional to the capacitance is received on the other of the first signal line 111 and the second signal line 125. The input voltage provides charge coupling on one of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 126, and the other of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 126 provides a signal indicating the capacitive coupling between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 126. The output signal and the input signal can be processed by a control circuit (e.g., a controller) to determine whether an object (such as a user's finger) is sensed to interact with the activation field sufficiently to activate the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120. According to one embodiment, the second electrode 126 is preferably formed of a substantially visually transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO). Therefore, when viewed from the front, the second electrode 126 is visually transparent.

[0070] According to one example, a printed ink layer 124 is shown formed in front of the first electrode 126, which may include printed markings for defining the sensing area of ​​the switch assembly and an icon or description of the switch function, such as "door lock". The printed ink layer 124 is a dielectric so that it is non-conductive. The printed ink layer 124 may be located on the front or back of the second electrode 126. Disposed on the front surface of the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120 is a visually transparent dielectric layer 122, such as a film that provides a protective layer over the front surface of the switch assembly 120. Therefore, the dielectric layer 122, the second electrode 126, and the dielectric layer 128 are visually transparent materials that allow an observer to look forward from the front and view the decorative conductive component 110 forming the first electrode, and also view the markings on the printed ink layer 124.

[0071] exist Fig.12 In the illustrated embodiment, the decorative conductive component 110 forming the first electrode is formed in a generally planar arrangement on a first layer dielectrically insulated from a second electrode 126 formed on the second layer and separated from the second electrode 126 via a dielectric layer 128. Thus, the dielectric layer 128 is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode to form a capacitive sensor. According to one embodiment, the decorative conductive component 110 may include a decorative metal, such as metallic chromium or aluminum, which may be formed by vacuum metallization. The decorative conductive component may be electroplated or solid.

[0072] exist Fig.13In the illustrated embodiment, the decorative conductive component 110 is shown forming a first horizontal layer 110A below the second electrode 128 and having a vertically upstanding second portion 110B slightly surrounding the second electrode 126. The second portion 120B can provide enhanced electrical coupling between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 126, especially near the perimeter of the interface of the first electrode and the second electrode. In this embodiment, according to one embodiment, the decorative conductive component 110 can be made of a conductive polymeric material. The conductive polymeric material can be a conductive plastic with carbon or steel fibers to provide electronic conduction and can provide a shiny metallic appearance on the front surface. According to another embodiment, the decorative conductive component 110 can be made of chrome or aluminum that can be formed using vacuum metallization.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120 may include Fig.14 The control circuit shown. It includes a controller 170 having a microprocessor 172 and a memory 174. The controller 170 can execute one or more control routines 200 known in the art via the processor 172 to process the capacitive sensor signals on the signal lines 111 and 125 from the corresponding capacitive sensor electrodes 110 and 126, and control one or more control devices 114 based on the sensed capacitance. The controller 170 can process the capacitive signals sensed by the sensor electrodes and compare the sensor values ​​with one or more thresholds to determine the activation of a switch indicating a control input for activating one or more control devices 114 (e.g., a door lock assembly).

[0074] Thus, the capacitive sensor and switch assembly 120 of the present disclosure advantageously integrates a decorative component of conductive material with a proximity sensor, particularly a capacitive sensor, to form a capacitive proximity switch. The capacitive proximity switch advantageously uses a single conductive material to form the conductive sensing component and the decorative trim, thereby eliminating the need for separate metal decorative parts that would otherwise interfere with the sensing capabilities of the proximity sensor and switch. Additionally, the capacitive sensor may have fewer components for assembly.

[0075] It should be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the above described structures without departing from the concept of the present invention. It should also be understood that the following claims are intended to cover this concept unless these claims explicitly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A capacitive sensor assembly, comprising: a first electrode, the first electrode forming a decorative conductive component, the decorative conductive component comprising a metal decorative component made of aluminum or chromium, wherein the first electrode located inside the capacitive sensor assembly is visible to a user; a second electrode, the second electrode being dielectrically insulated from the first electrode and electrically coupled to the first electrode to generate an activation field; a dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a controller for processing signals generated from the activation field and sensing an object based on the signals; An electrical insulating layer is disposed between the first electrode and a vehicle mounting assembly, wherein the capacitive sensor assembly is located on a vehicle.

2. The capacitive sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The controller determines activation of a switch based on the signal generated from the activation field.

3. The capacitive sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein: The second electrode includes a plurality of electrode fingers electrically coupled to the first electrode to generate the activation field.

4. The capacitive sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first electrode is formed on a first layer, and the second electrode is formed on a second layer separated by the dielectric layer.

5. The capacitive sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein: The controller determines activation of a switch based on the signal generated from the activation field.

6. A capacitive switch assembly, comprising: a first electrode, the first electrode forming a decorative conductive component on the vehicle, the decorative conductive component comprising a metal decorative component formed of chrome or aluminum, wherein the first electrode located inside the capacitive switch assembly is visible to a user; a second electrode, the second electrode being dielectrically insulated from the first electrode and electrically coupled to the first electrode to generate an activation field; a dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a controller for processing signals generated from the activation field and sensing an object, wherein the controller determines activation of a switch based on the signals generated from the activation field; An electrical insulating layer is disposed between the first electrode and the vehicle mounting component.

7. The capacitive switch assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The second electrode includes a plurality of electrode fingers electrically coupled to the first electrode to generate the activation field.

8. The capacitive switch assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The first electrode is formed on a first layer, and the second electrode is formed on a second layer separated by the dielectric layer.

9. A method of forming a capacitive sensor assembly, comprising: forming a first electrode on the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer on opposite sides of the first electrode; forming a second electrode in the shape of a decorative conductive part on an opposite side of the second dielectric layer, wherein the decorative conductive part comprises a metal decorative part formed of chrome or aluminum, wherein the second electrode located inside the capacitive sensor assembly is visible to a user; providing an electrical insulating layer between the second electrode and a vehicle mounting assembly, wherein the capacitive sensor assembly is located on a vehicle; generating an activation field by the first electrode and the second electrode; and Signals generated by the activation field are processed to sense objects in the activation field.

10. The method of forming a capacitive sensor assembly according to claim 9, wherein: A controller determines activation of a switch based on the signal generated from the activation field.

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