Molded part

Abstract

The invention relates to a molded part (10), comprising a decorative layer (11) having a front surface (12) designed as a visible surface and a rear surface (13) opposite the front surface (12), and a carrier (14) arranged on a rear surface (13) of the decorative layer (11). The invention is characterized in that one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements (15) are arranged at or in the molded part (10), the one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements (15) being provided for detecting a touch or approach of an operator to the front face (12) of the decorative layer (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a molded part, in particular a decorative and / or facing part for the interior of a vehicle, which is designed as a molded part.

[0002] A large number of decorative and veneer parts (eg, door trims, consoles, and instrument panels) are installed in the interior space of a vehicle. The decorative and veneer parts also include operating buttons or cover parts for operating buttons.

[0003] Such a molded part comprises a decorative layer and a carrier arranged on the rear side of the decorative layer, the decorative layer having a front side designed as a visible side and a rear side opposite the front side.

[0004] It is often necessary to integrate sensor elements and / or operating elements into such molded parts in order to realize a so-called "touch" function on the surface of the molded part. To date, in particular capacitive sensor elements and / or operating elements have been used for this purpose. However, a disadvantage of capacitive sensor elements and / or operating elements is that they cannot be used behind an electrically conductive layer of the molded part, since the conductive layer would affect the sensor. Thus, it is not possible, for example, to provide a touch sensor or operating element behind an electrically conductive decorative surface such as aluminum or carbon.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of specifying a new molded part, in particular a new molded part which at least largely avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages and / or allows the integration of a touch sensor or an operating element behind an electrically conductive surface.

[0006] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The molded part according to the present invention comprises a decorative layer and a carrier arranged on the back side of the decorative layer, the decorative layer having a front side configured as a visible side and a back side opposite to the front side. The molded part according to the present invention is characterized in that one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements are arranged at or in the molded part, wherein the one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements are configured to detect an operator's touch or approach to the front side of the decorative layer.

[0008] In particular, the molded part according to the invention is a decorative and / or facing part for a vehicle interior, which is designed as a molded part.

[0009] The operating principle of sensor elements and / or operating elements based on CMUT (Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers) technology is based on the transmission and detection of ultrasound.

[0010] In particular, the invention has the advantage that, compared to capacitive sensors, with the novel CMUT sensor the touch or approach of an operator's hand or finger can be detected via a conductive surface or layer of the molding, for example a decorative layer made of aluminum or carbon.

[0011] The touch or approach of the operator refers not only to the touch or approach of the operator himself, but also to the touch or approach of an object used by the operator as an auxiliary tool (e.g., a pen). The touch or approach of the front surface of the decorative layer by the operator or the object used by the operator is detected by the CMUT sensor element and / or the operating element.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment variant of the present invention, the decorative layer comprises a conductive material or is formed of a conductive material. In particular, the conductive material is or comprises aluminum and / or carbon and / or stainless steel. Alternatively, the decorative layer may also be formed of a non-conductive material. However, the advantages of the present invention are particularly evident in the case of conductive materials.

[0013] Preferably, the carrier is a plastic carrier, for example made of polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC-ABS). Preferably, the carrier is transparent or translucent. Alternatively, the carrier can also be formed from stainless steel. It can be provided that the decorative layer and the carrier are both formed from a single stainless steel layer. The carrier can have the same layer thickness overall. Alternatively, the carrier can be thinned in sections, preferably in the region of the CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements.

[0014] According to a further development of the invention, the CMUT sensor element and / or the operating element is attached to the rear side of the carrier, in particular is adhesively bonded and / or clamped and / or welded and / or screwed to the rear side of the carrier.

[0015] In particular, one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements are attached to the back side of the carrier without air gaps and / or without intermediate layers. In particular, a defined attachment without air gaps or without intermediate layers is particularly important in order to ensure error-free detection. For this reason, in the case of bonding, an adhesive system with consistent properties (e.g. hardness, etc.) must be used for the attachment.

[0016] Particularly preferably, one or more symbols are arranged on the front side of the decorative layer, wherein each symbol is assigned a CMUT sensor element and / or operating element and / or each CMUT sensor element and / or operating element is arranged on the rear side of the carrier in the region of the symbol.

[0017] Preferably, the symbols are one or more functional symbols or geometric figures or shapes or lines following shapes which are displayed on the visible side of the decorative layer of the molding (i.e., are particularly recognizable in a top view of the visible side of the decorative layer). In addition, the symbol can also be one or more letters, wordmarks, characters or other design elements.

[0018] It can be provided that the one or more symbols are respectively formed in the decorative layer by one or more through holes, in particular microperforations formed by the through holes, wherein the one or more through holes extend from the back side of the decorative layer through the decorative layer to the front side of the decorative layer, and wherein a lighting system is arranged on the back side of the decorative layer, in particular arranged at or in the carrier, the lighting system for example comprising one or more LEDs, wherein light emitted from the lighting system is guided or can be guided through the one or more through holes for displaying the symbols on the front side of the decorative layer.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that the one or more symbols are formed by a local printed coating and / or a colored coating on the front side of the decorative layer.

[0020] It can also be provided that the one or more symbols are formed by depressions formed in the surface of the decorative layer, for example by means of embossing, and / or by elevations from the surface of the decorative layer.

[0021] Furthermore, hybrid forms are also possible, in which the symbols are formed partly by means of through-holes (with or without backlighting) and / or partly by means of a colored coating and / or a printed coating and / or partly by means of recesses and / or elevations.

[0022] According to a variant embodiment of the present invention, the molded part includes one or more feedback elements for generating a feedback signal, wherein the one or more feedback elements are connected to one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements so as to output a feedback signal to the operator when the one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements detect that the operator touches or approaches the front side of the decorative layer.

[0023] It can be provided that the feedback element is or includes a tactile feedback element (e.g. a vibration device) for outputting a tactile feedback signal, and / or a visual feedback element (e.g. a lighting device) for outputting a visual feedback signal, and / or an auditory feedback element (e.g. a speaker) for outputting an auditory feedback signal.

[0024] An improvement of the present invention provides that the molded part has a control device, wherein the control device is connected to one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements, wherein when the CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements detect an operator's touching or approaching the front side of the decorative layer, the control device generates a control signal to control an external unit.

[0025] The control signals can, for example, control external units (such as electrical and / or electronic units) arranged in the interior of the motor vehicle, such as backrest and / or armrest adjustment, air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, radio and / or navigation systems, etc.

[0026] The following will further describe other features and advantages of the present invention in more detail based on the description of the embodiments and with reference to the attached schematic diagrams. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a molding according to the invention is shown in a schematic sectional view; Figure 2 A second embodiment of a molding according to the invention is shown in a schematic sectional view; Figure 3 A third exemplary embodiment of a molded part according to the invention is shown in a schematic sectional view.

[0028] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the drawings, parts and components corresponding to each other are also denoted by the same reference numerals in different embodiments.

[0029] Figures 1 to 3 The decorative and / or facing parts according to the present invention are respectively shown, which are used in the interior space of a vehicle and are configured as a molded part 10. The molded part 10 includes a decorative layer 11 and a carrier 14 arranged on the back side 13 of the decorative layer 11, and the decorative layer 11 has a front side 12 configured as a visible surface and a back side 13 opposite to the front side 12.

[0030] A plurality of CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements 15 are arranged on the molding 10 and are provided for detecting a touch of the front side 12 of the decorative layer 11 by an operator.

[0031] The decorative layer 11 is formed of a conductive material, wherein preferably, the conductive material is aluminum or carbon. Preferably, the carrier 14 is a transparent or translucent plastic carrier, preferably made of polycarbonate (PC) or polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC-ABS).

[0032] The CMUT sensor element and / or operating element 15 is attached to the back side 16 of the carrier 14 , in particular glued, clamped or welded thereto.

[0033] A plurality of symbols 17 are arranged on the front side 12 of the decorative layer 11, wherein each symbol 17 is assigned a CMUT sensor and / or control element 15, and each CMUT sensor and / or control element 15 is arranged in the region of the symbol 17 on the back side 16 of the carrier 14. For example, the symbol 17 is a functional symbol displayed on the visible surface of the decorative layer 11 of the molded part 10. In addition, the symbol 17 can also be one or more letters, words, characters or other design elements.

[0034] according to Figure 1 In an embodiment of the present invention, each symbol 17 is formed in the decorative layer 11 by a plurality of through holes 18, in particular microperforations formed by the through holes 18. The through holes 18 extend through the decorative layer 11 from the back side 13 of the decorative layer 11 to the front side 12 of the decorative layer 11. An illumination system 19 including one or more LEDs is arranged on the back side 13 of the decorative layer 11, attached to the back side of the carrier 14. Light emitted from the illumination system 19 can be guided through the through holes 18 so as to display the symbol 17 on the front side 12 of the decorative layer 11 by backlighting.

[0035] according to Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the symbols 17 are respectively formed by a local printed coating and / or a colored coating 20 on the front side 12 of the decorative layer 11.

[0036] according to Figure 3 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the symbol 17 is formed by a recess 21 formed in the surface of the decorative layer 11 by means of embossing.

[0037] Furthermore, mixed forms are also possible, in which the symbols 17 are formed partly by means of through-holes (with or without backlighting) and / or partly by means of a colored coating and / or a printed coating and / or partly by means of recesses and / or elevations.

[0038] according to Figures 1 to 3 The molded part 10 according to the present invention includes one feedback element 22 for each CMUT sensor element and / or operating element 15 for generating a feedback signal, wherein the feedback element 22 is connected to the respective CMUT sensor element and / or operating element 15 so as to output a feedback signal to the operator when the operator's touch to the front surface 12 of the decorative layer 11 is detected by the CMUT sensor element and / or operating element 15. The feedback element 22 may be a tactile feedback element (e.g., a vibration device) for outputting a tactile feedback signal, or a visual feedback element (e.g., a lighting device) for outputting a visual feedback signal, or an auditory feedback element (e.g., a speaker) for outputting an auditory feedback signal.

[0039] The molded part 10 further comprises a control device 23, wherein the control device 23 (e.g. a microcontroller) is connected to the CMUT sensor element and / or the operating element 15, wherein the control device 23 generates a control signal for controlling an external unit when a touch of the front side 12 of the decorative layer 11 by an operator is detected by the CMUT sensor element and / or the operating element 15. The control signal can, for example, control an electrical unit and / or an electronic unit arranged in the interior of the motor vehicle, such as a backrest and / or armrest adjustment device, air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, a radio and / or a navigation system, etc.

[0040] Reference Mark List 10 Molded parts 11 Decorative layer 12. Front (decorative layer) 13 Back side (decorative layer) 14 Carrier 15 CMUT sensor element and / or operating element 16 Back side (carrier) 17 Symbols 18 Through Holes 19 Lighting System 20 Printed coating and / or colored coating 21 recess 22 Feedback element 23 Control device.

Claims

1. A molded part (10), comprising: A decorative layer (11) and a carrier (14) arranged on the back side (13) of the decorative layer (11), wherein the decorative layer (11) has a front side (12) configured as a visible surface and a back side (13) opposite to the front side (12), It is characterized in that One or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements (15) are arranged at or in the molded part (10), wherein the one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements (15) are configured to detect an operator's touch or approach to the front side (12) of the decorative layer (11).

2. The molded part (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The decorative layer (11) comprises a conductive material or is formed from a conductive material.

3. The molded part (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The conductive material is or comprises aluminum and / or carbon and / or stainless steel.

4. The molded part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The CMUT sensor element and / or operating element (15) is attached to the back side (16) of the carrier (14).

5. The molded part (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The CMUT sensor element and / or operating element (15) is attached to the back side (16) of the carrier (14) without an air gap and / or without an intermediate layer.

6. The molded part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that One or more symbols (17) are arranged on the front side (12) of the decorative layer (11), wherein each symbol (17) is assigned a CMUT sensor element and / or operating element (15), and / or each CMUT sensor element and / or operating element (15) is arranged on the back side (16) of the carrier (14) in the region of the symbol (17).

7. The molded part (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The one or more symbols (17) are respectively formed in the decorative layer (11) by one or more through holes (18), wherein the one or more through holes (18) extend from the back side (13) of the decorative layer (11) through the decorative layer (11) to the front side (12) of the decorative layer (11), and wherein a lighting system (19) is arranged on the back side (13) of the decorative layer (11), wherein light emitted from the lighting system (19) is guided or can be guided through the one or more through holes (18) for displaying the symbol (17) on the front side (12) of the decorative layer (11).

8. The molded part (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The one or more symbols (17) are formed by a local printed coating and / or a colored coating (20) on the front side (12) of the decorative layer (11).

9. The molded part (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that The one or more symbols (17) are formed by recesses (21) in the surface of the decorative layer (11) and / or protrusions from the surface of the decorative layer (11).

10. The molded part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The molded part (10) comprises one or more feedback elements (22) for generating a feedback signal, wherein the one or more feedback elements (22) are connected to the one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements (15) so as to output a feedback signal to the operator when the one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements (15) detect that the operator touches or approaches the front surface (12) of the decorative layer (11).

11. The molded part (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The one or more feedback elements (22) are or include a tactile feedback element for outputting a tactile feedback signal, and / or a visual feedback element for outputting a visual feedback signal, and / or an auditory feedback element for outputting an auditory feedback signal.

12. The molded part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The molded part (10) has a control device (23), wherein the control device (23) is connected to the one or more CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements (15), wherein when the CMUT sensor elements and / or operating elements (15) detect an operator's touch or approach to the front side (12) of the decorative layer (11), the control device (23) generates a control signal to control an external unit.

13. The molded part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The molded part is a decorative and / or facing part for the vehicle interior which is designed as a molded part.

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