Surface heating system for or for a vehicle and method for producing surface heating system of such a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface heating system (101, 102, 103) of or for a vehicle (12), facing or at least partially forming an accessible surface (14) of the vehicle (12), the surface heating system (10) comprising: a base body (16) made of a substrate and forming a first surface (20) and a second surface (18), the first surface (20) facing or forming at least a portion of the accessible surface (14) of the vehicle, the second surface (18) being arranged to face or form at least a portion of the accessible surface (14) of the vehicle; and 0 the second surface (18) faces away from the first surface (20),-an excitable layer (26) arranged in or on the substrate (16) and in particular applied at least partially to the first surface (20), the excitable layer (26) 0 consisting of a material that can be excited by an excitation field (EF) and / or 0 comprising particles (28) of a particulate material that can be excited by the excitation field (EF),-an excitation source (22), and a particle material providing an excitation field (EF) and interacting with the excitable layer (26),-excitation of the excitable material or particle material resulting in thermal generation within the excitable layer (26). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a surface heating system, and to a vehicle (12) or a vehicle component comprising such a surface heating system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a surface heating system for a vehicle or for a vehicle, the surface heating system being oriented toward or at least partially forming an accessible surface of the vehicle, the present invention relating to a vehicle including such a heating system and a method for manufacturing such a heating system. Background Technology

[0002] In this specification, accessible surfaces can be understood as surfaces that are accessible to the end user of the vehicle under normal operating conditions. Such surfaces can be interior vehicle components such as armrests, seats, or steering wheels. In addition, accessible surfaces can be exterior vehicle components such as antenna covers and windshields.

[0003] Vehicle exterior surfaces are exposed to atmospheric influences. In particular, ice formation on exterior surfaces adversely affects vehicle operation. Ice formation on windows reduces driver visibility. Radar and / or lidar, commonly used in modern vehicles, detect objects in the vehicle's environment. Ice formation on the coverings of the corresponding sensors and / or radomes can lead to erroneous signal readouts, potentially causing driver assistance systems to react inappropriately using the data included in the signals. In both cases, the probability of an accident increases.

[0004] It is known, for example, that a wire is provided on a rear window, and the resistance of the wire converts applied electrical energy into heat. As a result, the window glass is heated, and ice melts and is removed. A similar scheme is known for radomes. The radome cover is provided with multiple thin, almost invisible heating wires, thin metal layers, or small metal paths (hereinafter collectively referred to as "wires") connected to circuitry. Electrical energy is automatically supplied to the wires, thereby heating the radome cover. However, this design has some drawbacks. Primarily for safety reasons in the event of a vehicle collision, the radome cover is made of polymer. The risk of high heat generation increases, particularly at the connection pins where the wires connect to the remaining circuitry, which can lead to localized overheating of the polymer. As a result, the polymer undergoes irreversible deformation and / or degradation.

[0005] Primarily regarding the radome, it's crucial to ensure that radar signals can penetrate the heated radome cover without significant distortion. This is typically achieved by providing lines only in certain areas of the radome cover. In some cases, the radome is illuminated, for example, to represent the vehicle manufacturer's brand logo. For this purpose, some areas of the radome cover are transparent or translucent, making the lines visible. This negatively impacts the vehicle's appearance. Furthermore, providing lines only in certain areas of the radome cover leads to uneven heat distribution and reduced heating effectiveness, resulting in longer or incomplete ice removal.

[0006] Some novel heating concepts attempt to address this challenge by applying a thin, nearly transparent resistive layer (e.g., internally molded or coated onto a foil) to or near the surface to be heated. For this purpose, carbon nanotubes can be dispersed in a resin. However, this results in a conductive surface that impairs radar functionality.

[0007] Some components inside a vehicle can be heated, such as seats, steering wheels, and door panels. In these cases, the corresponding components are equipped with wiring; when a certain current is applied, the resistance of the wiring causes heat to form. However, especially in the case of seats, the stress imposed on the wiring can cause it to break, thereby impairing its function. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One objective of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a surface heating system for facing or forming an accessible surface, which can be heated without the disadvantages mentioned above. In particular, the appearance of vehicle components equipped with such a surface heating system should not be adversely affected by the heating element used, and the heating should be effective and uniform.

[0009] Furthermore, the purpose of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a vehicle including such a surface heating system and a method for manufacturing such a surface heating system.

[0010] This task is accomplished by the features specified in claims 1, 9, and 11. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to a surface heating system for or for a vehicle, the surface heating system facing or at least partially forming an accessible surface of the vehicle, the surface heating system comprising...

[0012] - The substrate, which is made of a base material and forms a first surface and a second surface.

[0013] ○ The first surface faces or forms at least a portion of the accessible surface of the vehicle, and

[0014] ○ The second surface is away from the first surface.

[0015] - An excitable layer disposed in or on a substrate and particularly at least partially applied to a first surface, the excitable layer

[0016] ○ Composed of materials that can be excited by an excitation field and / or

[0017] ○ Including particles of material that can be excited by an excitation field,

[0018] - An excitation source that provides an excitation field that interacts at least partially with the excitable layer.

[0019] - Excitation of the excitable material or particle material leads to heat generation within the excitable layer.

[0020] One of the core concepts of this invention is that the excitation source and the excitation layer interact via an excitation field, and thus in a non-contact manner. The substrate material is chosen such that the excitation field can penetrate the substrate with little or no attenuation.

[0021] Therefore, there is no need to provide visible lines or the like for the surface heating system and vehicle components equipped with such systems. The excitable layer can contain nanoparticles, which can be applied while maintaining the appearance of the vehicle components. Furthermore, there is no need to connect the excitable layer to the circuitry via pins, reducing the risk of localized overheating.

[0022] Because there are no wires in the vehicle components, the design freedom of the vehicle components is increased. Furthermore, since there is no need to connect the wires to the electrical circuit, it is also easier to install vehicle components that include this surface heating system. The absence of wires also eliminates the problem of wire breakage or wear caused by stress imposed on the wires, such as in the case of seats.

[0023] The matrix or a portion thereof may be formed of an excitable material, or the matrix may include particles of a particulate material, the excitable material and the particulate material being excited by an excitation field. The particles may be embedded in the substrate of the matrix. In these cases, the excitable layer is at least partially formed by the matrix itself, without any excitable layer being applied to the matrix as an additional layer.

[0024] The excitation source does not need to be arranged on the substrate; it can be arranged inside the substrate, mounted on a second surface, or arranged separately from the substrate.

[0025] The surface heating system based on this concept can fine-tune the heating performance, for example, by applying more heating material in areas with higher desired heat output.

[0026] The excitation field can be completely or partially absorbed by the excitable layer, and can at least partially pass through the excitable layer.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the excitation field is an electromagnetic field. The generation of an electromagnetic field is quite simple and can be implemented using small electrical or electronic components that do not occupy a large amount of construction space.

[0028] In another embodiment, the layer material and / or particle material consists of or includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of magnetic iron oxide, superparamagnetic iron oxide, magnetic alloys, magnetic metal oxides and / or metal-doped iron oxide.

[0029] In this embodiment, MIONs (magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles) and SPIONs (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles) can be used, which have proven particularly suitable for being excited by electromagnetic fields to generate heat. MIONs refer to materials composed of magnetite (Fe3O4) or maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) and ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm. SPIONs are small synthetic γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite), Fe3O4 (magnetite), or α-Fe2O3 (hemite) particles with core diameters ranging from 10 nm to 100 nm. Other compounds that can be used are MANPs (magnetic alloy nanoparticles) and MMONPs (magnetic metal oxide nanoparticles).

[0030] In another embodiment, the excitation field is a magnetic induction field. Induction is a well-known process and is used, for example, in induction cooktops to generate heat in a cooking pot. The excitation source is simple to construct and essentially only requires an induction coil.

[0031] In another embodiment, the layer material and / or particle material is ferromagnetic. The ferromagnetic material or ferromagnetic particles are extensively excited by a magnetic induction field, resulting in highly efficient heat generation in the vehicle component.

[0032] In another embodiment, the Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic layer material and / or the ferromagnetic particle material is lower than the melting temperature or glass transition temperature of the substrate, particularly between 0°C and 300°C, and even more particularly between 18°C ​​and 150°C. Ferromagnetic materials are magnetic even without an applied magnetic field. However, ferromagnetic materials are only ferromagnetic below their corresponding Curie temperatures. Once the Curie temperature is reached, the application of an excitation field will not cause a further increase in temperature. By selecting ferromagnetic materials with Curie temperatures lower than the melting temperature of the substrate, such as the polymers typically mentioned, a safety mechanism is employed to prevent the substrate from overheating without requiring temperature sensors or other components for temperature control in vehicle components.

[0033] In another embodiment, the ferromagnetic layer material and / or ferromagnetic particle material is gadolinium, manganese arsenide, chromium (IV) oxide, Ce-Fe-B alloy, La-Ce-Fe-Si-C alloy, Gd-Ge-Si alloy, Mn-Fe-P-As alloy, Fe-vB-Si alloy, and / or Fe-Nd-Cr-B alloy. These compounds provide Curie temperatures within the aforementioned range. Therefore, the Curie temperature can be easily adjusted for the substrate.

[0034] In another embodiment, the surface heating system is integrated into, or interacts with, the radome, headlights, vehicle panels, or windshield. These components typically form the exterior surfaces of a vehicle that are prone to icing, and ice removal may be critical for protecting related functions. The vehicle's tires can also be heated using an excitation field. Warmer tires generally have higher elasticity and therefore better road grip, which can lead to increased vehicle handling safety.

[0035] In another embodiment, the surface heating system is integrated into or interacts with the seat, armrest, or steering wheel. These components within the vehicle interior can be heated; however, according to the invention, it is not necessary to provide these vehicle components with wires that could break under the loads to which the vehicle components may be exposed. These and other cladding components can also be heated by means of an excitation field, eliminating the need for wires. Heating the surfaces of components within the vehicle interior can help heat the entire passenger compartment, particularly when starting the vehicle at low external temperatures.

[0036] Another advantage of these components is that ferromagnetically excitable materials and / or ferromagnetic particle materials with appropriately low Curie temperatures can be selected to prevent the materials of adjacent arrangements of seats, armrests or steering wheels from being damaged by overheating and to prevent burns to users in the vehicle.

[0037] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a surface heating system according to one of the foregoing embodiments, comprising the following steps:

[0038] - Provides a substrate made of a base material and forming a first surface and a second surface, and

[0039] - Apply the excitable layer to the substrate or to the substrate, particularly to the first surface.

[0040] ○ By applying directly, or

[0041] ○ By using foil, or

[0042] ○ By treating the first surface with plasma and by treating the layer material and / or particle material with electric current.

[0043] An excitable layer can be applied to a first surface using known methods that are well-known and well-controllable. The excitable layer can be applied to the first surface by printing onto a film or directly onto the first surface, spraying, dipping, spin coating, coating, and / or mixing into a polymer blend / particle of the substrate, to name just a few application processes. The substrate or a portion thereof can be formed of a layer material, or the substrate may comprise particles of a particulate material, both of which can be excited by an excitation field. Particles can be mixed into the substrate such that they are embedded within the substrate prior to or during the formation of the vehicle part. In the latter case, the excitable layer is at least partially formed by the substrate itself, without any additional layer applied to the substrate.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the method for manufacturing a surface heating system according to one of the foregoing embodiments includes the following steps:

[0045] - Apply an excitable layer to the foil, and

[0046] - The substrate is formed by internal molding or overmolding with foil.

[0047] The excitable layer can be applied by in-mold or overmolding a foil to which suitable materials and / or particles have already been applied. In this case, the excitable layer is not applied on top of the finished substrate, but rather placed on top of the substrate at the end of the process.

[0048] No specific new process needs to be developed, so vehicle components according to the invention can be provided in a cost-effective and reliable manner.

[0049] In another step, an incentive source can be provided. This can be done more or less concurrently with the steps mentioned above, and at the same production location, or at a later stage and at a different production location.

[0050] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle or vehicle component that includes a surface heating system according to one of the embodiments previously discussed.

[0051] The technical effects and advantages discussed regarding this surface heating system are largely applicable to the vehicle and its corresponding components. In short, the absence of wiring in the vehicle components increases design freedom. Furthermore, the installation of the vehicle components is simplified because no wiring must be connected to the electrical circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein...

[0053] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the surface heating system according to the present invention is shown.

[0054] Figure 2A second embodiment of the surface heating system according to the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the surface heating system according to the present invention is shown, and

[0056] Figure 4 A vehicle according to one embodiment is shown, the vehicle including at least one vehicle component, the at least one vehicle component including a surface heating system. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a surface heating system 101 according to the present invention is shown. The surface heating system 101 can be installed in a vehicle 12 (see [reference]). Figure 4 The surface heating system 101 includes a substrate 16, which may be made of a polymer such as a thermoplastic resin. The substrate 16 forms a first surface 20 and a second surface 18. When mounted to the vehicle 12, the first surface 20 forms at least a portion of the accessible surface 14 of the vehicle 12, while the second surface 18 faces away from the first surface 20.

[0058] The surface heating system 101 includes an excitation source 22, which in the first embodiment generates an excitation field EF in the form of an electromagnetic field (EMF). For this purpose, the excitation source 22 may be equipped with a corresponding generator or transmitter (not explicitly shown) that generates the corresponding electromagnetic waves. The excitation source 22 is connected to a circuit 24 that can be activated by a central control unit (not shown) of the vehicle 12. Alternatively or cumulatively, the excitation source 22 may be activated by the driver or another passenger of the vehicle 12. The excitation source 22 may be fastened to the second surface 18 or mounted at a distance from the second surface 18 to the body of the vehicle 12.

[0059] An excitable layer 26 is applied to the first surface 20, completely or partially covering it. Even if the first surface 20 is completely covered by the excitable layer 26, this should not be construed as contradicting the statement that the first surface 20 of the substrate 16 forms at least a portion of the accessible surface 14 of the vehicle 12. The first surface 20 defines the outline or route of the accessible surface 14 within the surface heating system 101, but does not define the excitable layer 26 applied thereon. An example in which the excitable layer 26 on the first surface 20 is covered by one or more additional layers (e.g., paint, leather, coating). Again, in this case, the first surface 20 may be a portion of the accessible surface 14.

[0060] In a first embodiment, the excitable layer 26 includes particles 28, particularly nanoparticles 28, that can be excited by an electromagnetic field (EMF). The particle material can be magnetic iron oxide, superparamagnetic iron oxide, magnetic alloy, magnetic metal oxide, or metal-doped iron oxide, to name just a few. When the excitation source 22 is activated, an EMF is generated. The electromagnetic waves of the EMF first strike the second surface 18 and then penetrate the substrate 16, exiting the substrate 16 via the first surface 20. As mentioned, the substrate 16 is made of a thermoplastic material that is permeable to the EMF or at least has only a small attenuation effect on it. After exiting the substrate 16 via the first surface 20, the electromagnetic waves interact with the particles 28 of the excitable layer 26, resulting in heat generation. Ice formed on the first surface 20 or snow accumulated on the second surface 20 can be removed.

[0061] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the surface heating system 102 is shown. In this embodiment, the excitation source 22 generates an excitation field EF in the form of a magnetic induction field (MIF). Therefore, the excitation source 22 includes an induction coil 30 connected to the circuit 24. The excitable layer 26 can be subdivided into a first region 32 and a second region 34. In the first region 32, the excitable layer 26 is coherently formed from a layer material composed of a ferromagnetic material. In the second region 34, the excitable layer 26 includes a carrier material in which particles 28 are embedded. The particle material is also a ferromagnetic material. For example, the ferromagnetic material can be gadolinium, manganese arsenide, chromium oxide (IV), Ce-Fe-B alloy, La-Ce-Fe-Si-C alloy, Gd-Ge-Si alloy, Mn-Fe-P-As alloy, Fe-VB-Si alloy, and / or Fe-Nd-Cr-B alloy, to name just a few. It should be noted that the ferromagnetic material can be selected based on its Curie temperature; above the Curie temperature, the material loses its ferromagnetic properties and therefore can no longer be heated above the Curie temperature by the magnetic induction field (MIF). The Curie temperature can be selected as the melting temperature or glass transition temperature of the substrate that is 16 degrees lower than the substrate temperature to avoid any overheating and degradation of the substrate.

[0062] When excitation source 22 is activated, a magnetic field MIF is generated. The magnetic field MIF impacts the first surface 18 of the substrate 16, penetrates the substrate 16, and exits via the first surface 20. The magnetic field MIF now interacts with the excitable layer 26, causing heat generation within the excitable layer 26. Ice and snow adhering to the first surface 20 can be removed.

[0063] Regarding the interaction between the excitation field EF and the excitable layer 26, it should be noted that the excitation field EF can be completely or only partially absorbed by the excitable layer 26, and can at least partially pass through the excitable layer 26.

[0064] Figure 3A third embodiment of the surface heating system 103 according to the present invention is shown. In this case, the excitation source 22 is positioned away from the second surface 18. Additionally, particles 28 of a particle material capable of being excited by the excitation field EF are embedded inside the substrate of the substrate 16. In the third embodiment, the substrate itself forms an excitation layer 26.

[0065] In all embodiments of surface heating systems 101, 102, and 103, the excitation source 22 and the excitationable layer 26 interact via an excitation field EF and therefore in a non-contact manner. The presence of the excitation field EF does not preclude the presence of other similar electromagnetic or magnetic induction fields. As an example, vehicle 12 may be equipped with a radar sensor (not shown). The surface heating systems 101, 102, and 103 of the present invention ensure that the function of the radar sensor is not impaired by the excitation field and / or the design of the surface heating systems 101, 102, and 103 themselves.

[0066] Figure 4 A vehicle 12 comprising several vehicle components is shown, which may be equipped with surface heating systems 101, 102, 103 according to one embodiment of the invention. All vehicle components form part of an accessible surface 14 of the vehicle 12. One surface heating system 101 is part of a vehicle panel 36 (e.g., the front grille of the vehicle 12). Another surface heating system 101 is integrated into a radome 38, which is mounted to the front grille. Other vehicle components equipped with surface heating systems 101, 102, 103 according to the invention are embodied in headlights 40 and windshields 42. Other embodiments of the vehicle components may be tires 44, panels, pillars, bumpers, switches, door seals, handles, seats, floors, and steering wheels (not shown). All mentioned vehicle components 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 can be heated non-contactly using an excitation field EF.

[0067] Reference List

[0068] Surface heating systems 101, 102, and 103

[0069] 12 vehicles

[0070] 14 Accessible surfaces

[0071] 16 Matrix

[0072] 18 Second Surface

[0073] 20 First Surface

[0074] 22 Motivation Sources

[0075] 24 Circuits

[0076] 26 Excitation Layer

[0077] 28 particles

[0078] 30 Induction coil

[0079] 32 First District

[0080] 34 Second Region

[0081] 36 Vehicle Panel

[0082] 38 Antenna radome

[0083] 40 headlamp

[0084] 42 Windshield

[0085] 44 tires

[0086] EF excitation field

[0087] EMF electromagnetic field

[0088] MIF magnetic field

Claims

1. A surface heating system (101, 102, 103) for or for a vehicle (12), the surface heating system (101, 102, 103) facing or at least partially forming an accessible surface (14) of the vehicle (12), the surface heating system (10) comprising - Substrate (16), which is made of a substrate and forms a first surface (20) and a second surface (18). ○ The first surface (20) faces or forms at least a portion of the accessible surface (14) of the vehicle (12), and ○ The second surface (18) is away from the first surface (20). - An excitable layer (26), said excitable layer (26) being disposed in or on said substrate (16) and particularly at least partially applied to the first surface (20), said excitable layer (26) ○ Composed of materials that can be excited by an excitation field (EF) and / or ○ Including particles (28) of particle material that can be excited by the excitation field (EF). - Excitation source (22), which provides an excitation field (EF) that interacts at least partially with the excitable layer (26). - The excitation of the excitable material or particle material results in heat generation within the excitable layer (26).

2. The surface heating system (101, 102, 103) according to claim 1. Its features are, The excitation field (EF) is an electromagnetic field (EMF).

3. The surface heating system (101, 102, 103) according to claim 2. Its features are, The excitable material and / or particle material consists of or contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of magnetic iron oxide, superparamagnetic iron oxide, magnetic alloys, magnetic metal oxides and / or metal-doped iron oxide.

4. The surface heating system (101, 102, 103) according to claim 1. Its features are, The excitation field (EF) is a magnetic induction field (MIF).

5. The surface heating system (101, 102, 103) according to claim 4. Its features are, The excitable material and / or the particle material are ferromagnetic.

6. The surface heating system (101, 102, 103) according to claim 5. Its features are, The Curie temperature of the ferromagnetically excitable material and / or the ferromagnetic particle material is lower than the melting temperature of the substrate, and particularly between 0°C and 300°C, and more particularly between 18°C ​​and 150°C.

7. The surface heating system (101, 102, 103) according to any one of claims 5 or 6. Its features are, The ferromagnetic excitable material and / or the ferromagnetic particle material is gadolinium, manganese arsenide, chromium oxide (IV), Ce-Fe-B alloy, La-Ce-Fe-Si-C alloy, Gd-Ge-Si alloy, Mn-Fe-P-As alloy, Fe-vB-Si alloy and / or Fe-Nd-Cr-B alloy.

8. The surface heating system according to any one of the preceding claims (101, 102, 103). Its features are, The surface heating system (101, 102, 103) - Integrate into or interact with the radome (38), headlight (40), vehicle panel (36), or windshield (42), and / or -Integrated into the seat, armrest, or steering wheel, or interacts with the seat, armrest, or steering wheel.

9. A method for manufacturing a surface heating system (101, 102, 103) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - Provide a substrate (16), said substrate (16) being made of a base material and forming a first surface (20) and a second surface (18), and - Apply the excitable layer (26) to the substrate (16) or to the substrate (16), and in particular to the first surface (20). ○ By applying directly, or ○ By using foil, or ○ By treating the first surface (20) with plasma and by treating the layer material and / or the particle material with electric current.

10. The method of claim 9, comprising the following steps - Apply the excitable layer (26) to the foil, and - The substrate (16) is formed by in-mold or overmolding the foil.

11. A vehicle (12) or vehicle component (36, 38, 40, 42, 44) comprising a surface heating system (101, 102, 103) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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