Capacitive touch power seat switch using a socket

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capacitive touch type electric seat switch using a socket, and more particularly, to a capacitive touch type electric seat switch using a socket, which can output an operation state of a knob to a vehicle AVN by recognizing a change in capacitance caused by static electricity generated from a fingertip when a user attempts to operate the electric seat switch. The electric seat switch installed in a seat of a vehicle to control a position and a function of the seat according to the present invention includes a knob moving in up, down, left, and right directions by a user's operation, an operation transmission unit transmitting an operation direction of the knob according to the movement of the knob in the up, down, left, and right directions and implementing a function of the electric seat switch through an operation signal based on the transmitted operation direction, a socket installed on a PCB provided in the operation transmission unit, a sensor electrode electrically connected to the socket and sensing a variable capacitance, and a sensor circuit unit electrically connected to the sensor electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a capacitive touch-sensitive electric seat switch using a receptacle, specifically, to a capacitive touch-sensitive electric seat switch using a receptacle that, when a user attempts to operate the electric seat switch, senses the capacitance change generated when a human body or a specific object is within a predetermined distance, enabling the function of the seat to be adjusted during knob operation to be determined in advance before the human body or specific object comes into contact with it. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, due to increased consumer convenience and demand, power seats, previously only available in high-end vehicles, are now being used in many mid-size and near-mid-size vehicles. Furthermore, their application is expanding; for example, power seats, primarily for the driver's seat, are now being used in the front passenger seat and second-row seats. At the same time, their usage frequency is also trending upwards.

[0003] With the expanding use and increasing frequency of electric seats, switches with improved performance and functionality are being actively developed.

[0004] For example, Korean Patent No. 10-1816684 discloses a "switching device for an electric seat for a vehicle".

[0005] The aforementioned prior art relates to a switching device for a vehicle electric seat, characterized by comprising: a base mounted on the seat and having fixed protrusions spaced at predetermined intervals on the outer side of the seat; and a rod slidably mounted between the intervals spaced by the fixed protrusions to move the position of the seat, and having locking protrusions protruding toward the base at both ends. When the rod slides to engage and secure the locking protrusions to the fixed protrusions, the seat is maintained in the direction in which the locking protrusions engage with the fixed protrusions. The fixed protrusions are formed of a deformable elastic material, and the locking protrusions are made of a rigid material so that when forced to move while in contact with the fixed protrusions, the locking protrusions deform and pass through the fixed protrusions. Furthermore, the purpose of this prior art is to provide a switching device for a vehicle electric seat, wherein an automatic mode is applied to the switching operation, allowing for precise seat position adjustment under normal conditions, and automatically maintaining the seat position when the user needs to make long-range adjustments, thereby improving the convenience of seat use.

[0006] However, in the aforementioned prior art, it is difficult to distinguish which switch is being operated by visual inspection when operating the switch, which may lead to operational errors in the dark, resulting in reduced operational accuracy. Furthermore, operating the seat during driving can distract the driver.

[0007] In addition, since the user needs to directly operate the power seat switch to determine which switch they want to operate, there is a problem of reduced ease of operation and accuracy of the power seat switch.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that can visually confirm the operating status of the power seat switch, so that even in the dark, it can be confirmed that the user is operating the switch, and the switch to be operated can be determined before directly operating the power seat switch.

[0009] Existing technical documents

[0010] (Patent Document 0001) Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1816684 (Publication Date: January 10, 2018) Summary of the Invention

[0011] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0012] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that by comparing and calculating the reference capacitor and the variable capacitor, the sensing signal is output to the vehicle's AVN to confirm the function that the user wants to use. This solves the problem of reduced accuracy of operation due to operational errors in dark conditions and the problem of driver distraction when operating the seat while driving.

[0013] Furthermore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that by sensing the variable capacitance generated when a human body or a specific object is within a predetermined distance by the sensor electrode, and by comparing the reference capacitance and the variable capacitance by the sensor circuit connected to the sensor electrode, a sensing signal is output and transmitted to the vehicle's AVN when the variable capacitance becomes greater than or equal to the reference capacitance, so that the function that the user wants to use can be confirmed without direct contact. Thus, the problem that the function that the user wants to operate can only be determined when the electric seat switch is actually operated can be solved.

[0014] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can understand other technical problems not mentioned more clearly through the following description.

[0015] (II) Technical Solution

[0016] The present invention, which addresses the aforementioned technical problem, provides a capacitive touch-sensitive electric seat switch using a socket. The switch comprises: a knob that moves in the up, down, left, and right directions via user operation; an operation transmission unit that transmits the operation direction of the knob based on its movement in these directions and implements the function of the electric seat switch via an operation signal based on the transmitted operation direction; a socket mounted on a PCB disposed in the operation transmission unit; sensor electrodes electrically connected to the socket and sensing a variable capacitance; and a sensor circuit section electrically connected to the sensor electrodes.

[0017] The operation transmission unit includes: an electric baffle mounted on the lower side of the knob and having a pressing portion; an SUS plate made of conductive material and mounted on the lower side of the electric baffle; an upper cover mounted on the lower side of the SUS plate and having a supporting portion; a slider mounted on the lower side of the upper cover and connected to the knob to allow the knob to move in the up, down, left, and right directions; a lower cover mounted on the lower side of the slider and connected to the upper cover to form a space for the slider to slide; a plurality of plungers mounted on the lower side of the lower cover and transmitting the operating direction of the knob through the movement of the slider; and an elastic pad mounted on the lower side of the plungers and transmitting the operating direction of the knob transmitted by the up and down movement of the plungers via a contact connection.

[0018] The SUS plate includes: an upper plate having a pair of through holes; a spacer portion formed at one end of the upper plate; and a curved end portion bent downward from one side of the spacer portion, wherein the curved end portion includes a wider upper portion and a narrower connecting portion.

[0019] The SUS plate is installed between the pressing part of the electric baffle and the supporting part of the upper cover so that the sensor electrode can sense the accurate value of the variable capacitance.

[0020] The slider includes: a base plate, the lower side of which is formed by a V-shaped cut to make close contact with the plunger; and a pair of operating levers, which are formed at predetermined intervals on the upper side of the base plate.

[0021] The sensor circuit section includes a comparator, a reference capacitor is input to one side of the comparator, and a variable capacitor from the sensor electrode is input to the other side of the comparator. The comparator compares the variable capacitor and the reference capacitor, and outputs a sensing signal when the variable capacitor becomes greater than the reference capacitor.

[0022] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0023] According to the present invention, the operation status of the electric seat switch can be visually confirmed by outputting the AVN of the vehicle, so that the user can confirm the switch being operated even in the dark, thereby increasing the accuracy and convenience of operating the electric seat switch.

[0024] In addition, the sensor electrode senses the variable capacitance generated when a human body or a specific object is within a predetermined distance, and the sensor circuit connected to the sensor electrode compares the reference capacitance and the variable capacitance. When the variable capacitance becomes greater than the reference capacitance, the sensor outputs a sensing signal and transmits it to the vehicle's AVN, thereby confirming the function that the user wants to use without direct contact. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a capacitive touch-type electric seat switch using a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This shows the view from the front. Figure 1 The main view of the status.

[0027] Figure 3 It shows that Figure 1 An exploded 3D diagram showing the decomposed state.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view showing the combined state of the upper cover, slider, plunger, and lower cover of a capacitive touch electric seat switch using a socket according to an example of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view showing the power bezel.

[0030] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the SUS board.

[0031] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the top cover.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a magnified view of the slider.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a magnified view showing the elastic pad.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a magnified view of the socket.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0036] 1: Electric seat switch 100: Knob

[0037] 200: Operation transmission unit; 210: Electric baffle

[0038] 212: Pressing part; 220: SUS plate

[0039] 222: Upper plate 222a: Through hole

[0040] 224: Separating part; 226: Bending end

[0041] 226a: Upper part; 226b: Connecting part

[0042] 230: Top cover; 232: Support section

[0043] 240: Slider 242: Base Plate

[0044] 244: Operating lever 250: Lower cover

[0045] 260: Plunger 270: Elastic Pad

[0046] 272: Contact section; 280: PCB

[0047] 300: Socket; 302: Receiving slot Detailed Implementation

[0048] Before providing a detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention are provided to illustrate the present invention more completely to those skilled in the art.

[0049] Therefore, the scope of the claims of this invention is not limited to the following embodiments and drawings.

[0050] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings in this specification are intended to provide a clear understanding of the descriptions made with reference to the drawings, and therefore contain enlarged portions. Consequently, the drawings shown in this invention may differ from the actual product.

[0051] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in order to make the description of the present invention concise and clear, the following will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 After providing a general explanation of the capacitive touch-sensitive power seat switch using a socket, refer to... Figures 2 to 10 Specific description of the components of the capacitive touch-sensitive electric seat switch using a socket.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a capacitive touch-sensitive electric seat switch using a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] According to an example of the invention, a capacitive touch-sensitive electric seat switch using a socket can be installed on a vehicle seat to control the seat's position and functions.

[0054] In addition, the sensing signal of the capacitance change can be output to the vehicle's AVN to visually confirm the operating status of the electric seat switch 1, so that the user can confirm the switch he / she wants to operate even in the dark.

[0055] In addition, when a human body or a specific object is within a predetermined distance, the sensor electrode senses the variable capacitance generated. The sensor circuit connected to the sensor electrode compares the variable capacitance with a reference capacitance. When the variable capacitance becomes greater than or equal to the reference capacitance, a sensing signal is output and transmitted to the vehicle's AVN, thus enabling the user to confirm the switch they want to use even without direct contact.

[0056] As described above, the capacitive touch electric seat switch using a socket includes a knob 100, an operation transmission unit 200, a socket 300, sensor electrodes, and a sensor circuit section. The operation transmission unit 200 includes an electric baffle 210, an SUS plate 220, an upper cover 230, a slider 240, a lower cover 250, a plunger 260, an elastic pad 270, and a PCB 280.

[0057] The following is for reference Figures 2 to 10 The components of a capacitive touch-sensitive electric seat switch that uses a socket are described in detail.

[0058] The knob 100 can be located on the outermost side, allowing it to be operated by the user. The knob 100 is the only component that can be operated by the user from the outside. That is, the user can control the position and function of the seat by operating the knob 100, therefore the knob 100 is the operating component for the user to actually operate the electric seat switch 1.

[0059] An electric baffle 210 may be provided on the lower side of the knob 100. The electric baffle 210 may be a structure that forms part of the appearance of the knob 100. That is, it may be a component that the user can visually identify.

[0060] The electric baffle 210 can prevent foreign objects from flowing into the structure described later.

[0061] Additionally, it can be used to secure the SUS board 220 described later.

[0062] The electric baffle 210 may have a pressing part 212 for pressing the SUS plate 220 to fix the SUS plate 220. The pressing part 212 is formed in the lower part of the electric baffle 210, and by pressing the SUS plate 220 provided on the lower side downward, it interacts with the support part 232 of the upper cover 230 described later, thereby preventing the SUS plate 220 from moving in the installed position.

[0063] Therefore, even when external force is applied to the SUS board 220 or the SUS board 220 is used for a long time, the SUS board 220 will not detach from its installation position, thus allowing the original function of the SUS board 220 to be performed.

[0064] In addition, the pressing part 212 can be configured to minimize the contact area with the SUS plate 220.

[0065] Additionally, the electric baffle 210 may be formed with an opening on one side so that the operating lever 244 of the slider 240, described later, can be engaged with the knob 100 on the upper side. Therefore, the operating lever 244, described later, can pass through the opening portion of the electric baffle 210 and be engaged with the knob 100 mounted on the upper side.

[0066] An SUS plate 220 can be installed on the underside of the electric baffle 210. The SUS plate 220 can sense the body of a user approaching the knob 100.

[0067] The SUS plate 220 can be formed from a metal plate or a stainless steel plate made of conductive material. Because the SUS plate 220 is formed from a conductor, the sensor electrodes described later can sense the variable capacitance by sensing the proximity of the user's body.

[0068] When a user's body or a specific object approaches within a 30mm radius, the SUS board 220 can recognize non-contact capacitive touch. That is, when a user's finger approaches within a 30mm radius, the SUS board 220 can sense the proximity by recognizing the static electricity generated from the fingertip. Therefore, the SUS board 220 can be a non-contact capacitive touch recognition component.

[0069] SUS plate 220 may include an upper plate 222 and a bent end 226.

[0070] A pair of through holes 222a can be formed on the upper plate 222, through which a pair of operating levers 244 of the slider 240 described later can pass. Therefore, the knob 100 and the operating levers 244 can be easily combined.

[0071] In addition, the upper plate 222 can be formed to have an area corresponding to the threshold set to achieve the target touch sensitivity.

[0072] The partition 224 may be formed on one end of the upper plate 222.

[0073] The spacer 224 can separate the curved end 226, which will be described later, from one side of the upper plate by a predetermined interval and bend downward.

[0074] A downwardly curved end 226 may be formed on one side of the partition 224. That is, since the curved end 226 extends downward and is connected to the socket 300 mounted on the PCB 280 described later, it can be directly connected to the socket 300 without other structures, so that the sensor electrode described later can sense the variable capacitance.

[0075] The bent end 226 can be bent into a shape corresponding to one side end of the top cover 230 described later. That is, instead of bending directly downward from the top plate 222, the bent end 226 forms a spacer 224 spaced apart by a predetermined interval to one side and is bent to correspond to the shape of the top cover 230, thereby forming a structure that is easy to manufacture and can be assembled into the support structure inside the top cover 230.

[0076] Additionally, the bent end 226 may include a wider upper portion 226a and a narrower connecting portion 226b.

[0077] To prevent damage such as bending of the end 226 under vehicle driving conditions, the upper part 226a can be made wider or its thickness increased by further bending. Therefore, since damage is prevented, the SUS plate 220 can perform its original function.

[0078] The connecting portion 226b can be formed to have a narrower width. Since the connecting portion 226b is formed to be narrower than the upper portion 226a, it can be easily connected to the receiving groove 302 of the socket 300 described later.

[0079] The top cover 230 can be located on the underside of the SUS plate 220.

[0080] The top cover 230 may have a support portion 232 formed on the upward side. The support portion 232 can support the SUS plate 220.

[0081] In addition, the support 232 can interact with the pressing part 212 of the electric baffle 210 to prevent the SUS plate 220 from moving.

[0082] Therefore, even when external force is applied to the SUS board 220 or the SUS board 220 is used for a long time, the SUS board 220 will not detach from its installation position, thus allowing the SUS board 220 to perform its original function.

[0083] Additionally, the top cover 230 may have an opening on one side, allowing the operating lever 244 of the slider 240 (described later) to be engaged with the knob 100 on the upper side. Therefore, the operating lever 244 (described later) can be engaged with the knob 100 mounted on the upper side by passing through the opening of the electric baffle 210.

[0084] Since the top cover 230 acts as a protective cover, it can protect the structure described later from foreign objects flowing in from the outside.

[0085] A slider 240 can be provided on the underside of the upper cover 230. The slider 240 can be connected to the knob 100. The slider 240 enables the knob 100 to move up, down, left, and right. Therefore, because the slider 240 and the knob 100 are connected and move together, the position and angle of the seat can be adjusted.

[0086] The slider 240 may include a base plate 242 formed by a V-shaped cut on its lower side and a pair of operating levers 244 formed by a predetermined interval on the upper side of the base plate 242. The V-shaped cut base plate 242 may be in close contact with the plunger 260 described later, and the operating levers 244 may pass through the SUS plate 220 and the electric baffle 210 to engage with the uppermost knob 100.

[0087] A lower cover 250 can be provided on the underside of the slider 240. The lower cover 250 can be attached to the upper cover 230.

[0088] The lower cover 250 can form a space in which the slider 240 can slide. That is, the lower cover 250 can be formed to be wider than the outer periphery of the slider 240 to ensure that the slider 240 can move on the lower cover 250.

[0089] Multiple engagement holes, which are described later, can be formed on the bottom surface of the lower cover 250, allowing the plungers 260 to engage and protrude. Therefore, multiple plungers 260 can be correctly engaged in designated positions.

[0090] Multiple plungers 260 can be mounted on the underside of the lower cover 250. The plungers 260 can sense the operating direction of the knob 100 based on the movement of the slider 240. That is, by operating the knob 100, the slider 240 can be moved to press the plungers 260 mounted in their respective positions. Therefore, the plungers 260 in the pressed positions transmit the operating direction to the elastic pad 270 (described later) with a pressing signal, thereby sensing the direction in which the user operates the knob 100.

[0091] An elastic pad 270 can be installed on the underside of the plurality of plungers 260. A plurality of contact portions 272 can be formed on the elastic pad 270. The plurality of plungers 260 can be installed on the upper side of the plurality of contact portions 272. That is, the plurality of mating holes, the plurality of plungers 260, and the plurality of contact portions 272 of the lower cover 250 described above can all be formed to be located on the same line.

[0092] Therefore, the contact portion 272 mounted on the elastic pad 270 can receive the operating direction from the plunger 260 pressed by the slider 240 with a pressing signal, and transmit the received pressing signal as the PCB 280 operating signal described later.

[0093] Furthermore, the elastic pad 270 can be made of a material and curtain structure corresponding to the target operating force, so that the plunger 260 can be easily reset. Therefore, even during long-term use, the plunger 260 can still perform its original function.

[0094] PCB 280 can be mounted on the underside of elastic pad 270. PCB 280 can be a general single-sided PCB, double-sided PCB, etc.

[0095] A recess can be formed on PCB 280 to accommodate the socket 300 described later.

[0096] A socket 300 can be installed on PCB 280. Socket 300 can be installed on PCB 280.

[0097] The socket 300 may have a receiving groove 302.

[0098] The receiving groove 302 can be formed by penetrating the middle part of the socket 300 in the vertical direction, so that the connecting part 226b can penetrate and be inserted into the receiving groove 302.

[0099] The bent end 226 of the SUS plate 220 can be inserted into and engaged with the receiving groove 302 formed on the socket 300. That is, the SUS plate 220 can be directly engaged with the socket 300 without the need for other structures.

[0100] In addition, by inserting the connecting portion 226b of the bent end 226 into the receiving groove 302 of the socket 300, the bent end 226 of the SUS board 220 can be prevented from detaching from the PCB 280.

[0101] A sensor electrode (not shown) electrically connected to the socket 300 can be installed in the socket 300. The sensor electrode can be a chip bonded to the PCB 280 by soldering.

[0102] The sensor electrodes can sense the variable capacitance and input the variable capacitance to the sensor circuit section described later.

[0103] The sensor electrodes can provide variable capacitance inputs to the sensor circuit section described later.

[0104] The sensor circuit section (not shown) can be electrically connected to the sensor electrodes.

[0105] The sensor circuit section can output a sensing signal through a variable capacitor input from the sensor electrodes.

[0106] The sensor circuit section may include a comparator. The comparator can sense changes in capacitance and output a sensing signal.

[0107] A reference capacitor can be input to one side of the comparator, and a variable capacitor from the sensor electrodes can be input to the other side of the comparator.

[0108] The comparator can compare the variable capacitance input from the sensor electrodes with a reference capacitance. That is, through comparison, when the input variable capacitance is above the reference capacitance, the comparator can sense contact with the user's body and generate and output a sensing signal.

[0109] Therefore, the sensor circuit can transmit the sensing signal output from the comparator to the vehicle's AVN and output the desired operation knob 100 on the AVN screen.

[0110] In addition, PCB 280 can move the position of the vehicle seat or adjust the angle and height of the seat according to the operation signal received from the elastic pad 270.

[0111] That is, PCB 280 can be a drive component that essentially implements the function of the electric seat switch 1.

[0112] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific ways without changing the technical concept or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary and not restrictive in all respects.

Claims

1. A capacitive touch-type electric seat switch using a socket, the electric seat switch being mounted on a vehicle seat to control the position and function of the seat, the electric seat switch comprising: The knob (100) can be moved up, down, left, and right by the user. The operation transmission unit (200) transmits the operation direction of the knob (100) according to the movement of the knob (100) in the up, down, left and right directions, and realizes the function of the electric seat switch (1) through the operation signal based on the transmitted operation direction; A socket (300) is mounted on a PCB (280) disposed in the operation transmission unit (200); The sensor electrodes are electrically connected to the socket (300) and sense variable capacitance; as well as The sensor circuit section is electrically connected to the sensor electrodes. The operation transmission unit (200) includes: An electric baffle (210) is installed on the lower side of the knob (100) and has a pressing part (212). SUS plate (220), formed of conductive material, is mounted on the underside of the electric baffle (210); The top cover (230) is installed on the underside of the SUS plate (220) and has a support portion (232). A slider (240) is mounted on the underside of the upper cover (230) and is coupled to the knob (100) so that the knob (100) can move in the up, down, left, and right directions; The lower cover (250) is installed on the lower side of the slider (240) and is combined with the upper cover (230) to form a space for the slider (240) to slide; Multiple plungers (260) are mounted on the underside of the lower cover (250) and transmit the operating direction of the knob (100) via the movement of the slider (240); and An elastic pad (270) is installed on the underside of the plunger (260) and transmits the operating direction of the knob (100) via the up-and-down movement of the plunger (260) in a contact connection manner.

2. The capacitive touch-sensitive electric seat switch using a socket according to claim 1, wherein, The SUS board (220) includes: The upper plate (222) has a pair of through holes (222a); A partition (224) is formed at one end of the upper plate (222); and The bent end (226) bends downward from one side of the partition (224). The curved end (226) includes a wider upper portion (226a) and a narrower connecting portion (226b).

3. The capacitive touch-sensitive electric seat switch using a socket according to claim 1, wherein, The SUS plate (220) is installed between the pressing part (212) of the electric baffle (210) and the supporting part (232) of the upper cover (230) so that the sensor electrode can sense the accurate value of the variable capacitance.

4. The capacitive touch-type electric seat switch using a socket according to claim 1, wherein, The slider (240) includes: The base plate (242) is formed on its lower side by a V-shaped cut to ensure close contact with the plunger (260); and A pair of operating levers (244) are formed on the upper side of the base plate (242) at a predetermined interval.

5. The capacitive touch-sensitive electric seat switch using a socket according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor circuitry includes a comparator, with a reference capacitor input to one side of the comparator and a variable capacitor from the sensor electrodes input to the other side of the comparator. The comparator compares the variable capacitor and the reference capacitor, and outputs a sensing signal when the variable capacitor becomes greater than the reference capacitor.

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