Interactive comfort system, especially for vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to an interactive comfort system (300), in particular intended to be installed inside a passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the system comprising: a heating structure (50) comprising: at least one resistive layer (51) arranged to produce heat when this layer is traversed by an electric current, at least two electrodes (52) in electrical contact with the resistive layer (51) so as to allow an electric current to flow through the resistive layer between these two electrodes, an interactive member (301) actuable by a passenger, in particular to control the operation of the heating structure (50), this interactive member being carried by the heating structure (50). Abstract figure: Figure 9

Description

Title of the invention: Interactive comfort system, in particular for vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to an interactive comfort system, in particular for a vehicle. The vehicle may be of the land, sea or air type.

[0002] Heating panels are known which comprise a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver heat by Joule effect by supplying electric current to a conductive coating. For example, reference may be made to document US2016 / 0059669.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known to use lighting devices in the passenger compartment of motor vehicles. These interior lighting devices are increasingly in demand by car manufacturers.

[0004] There is a need for devices that can perform different functions, including heating and lighting, and that are relatively compact.

[0005] There is also a need to allow the passenger to manage the desired thermal comfort in a user-friendly and intuitive manner.

[0006] The invention thus relates to an interactive comfort system, in particular intended to be installed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the system comprising: - a heating structure comprising: • at least one resistive layer arranged to produce heat when this layer is traversed by an electric current, • at least two electrodes in electrical contact with the resistive layer so as to allow an electric current to flow through the resistive layer between these two electrodes, - an interactive organ operable by a passenger, in particular to control the operation of the heating structure, this interactive organ being carried by the heating structure.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to integrate, in the same system, the heating structure and the elements which allow its control. Thus, it is possible to have a more compact and more intuitive system to use.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member is arranged to interact without contact with a part of a passenger, for example an arm, an elbow, a hand or a finger of the passenger.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member is arranged to operate also with physical contact type interactions. Thus the person can touch the interactive organ to control the operation of the heating structure.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member is arranged to detect, in a detection zone, a presence of a part of a passenger, for example an arm, an elbow, a hand or a finger of the passenger, when this part of the passenger is in the detection zone of the interactive member.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member is arranged to be actuable, when a part of the passenger is in a detection zone of the interactive member, less than a certain distance from the interactive member, for example less than 2 centimeters or 1 centimeter from the interactive member.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member is arranged to be actuable, for example when the presence of a passenger's finger is in the detection zone of the interactive member.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member is arranged to control the starting or stopping of the heating structure. Thus the interactive member acts as a switch.

[0014] As a variant, the interactive member is configured so that the passenger, by bringing a finger close to the interactive member, can actuate this interactive member, for example to increase or decrease the set temperature of the heating structure, to adjust the sensation of comfort that he desires.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member comprises a capacitive sensor arranged to detect, in a detection zone, a presence of a part of a passenger, for example an arm, an elbow, a hand or a finger of the passenger.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, this capacitive sensor is arranged to measure the capacitance that appears between two surfaces. In particular, the value of this capacitance increases as the distance between the two surfaces decreases. The capacitive sensor acts as a first conductive surface and a part of the human body, at a capacitive coupling distance with the capacitive sensor, acts as a second conductive surface. Changes in distance between the two conductive surfaces modify the capacitance that is detectable by the interactive comfort system.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensor is arranged to be supplied with an alternating voltage, and a change in distance between the two conductive surfaces modifies the capacitance and results in a change in the alternating voltage waveform which is detectable.

[0018] Alternatively, the interactive comfort system is configured to measure the capacitance between two neighboring capacitive sensors so as to detect the approach of a part of a person.

[0019] The capacitive sensor thus makes it possible to detect, in the detection zone, the presence of a part of the human body.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensor is arranged to control an adjustment of an operating parameter of the heating structure, for example an adjustment of the set temperature of the heating structure.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member comprises several capacitive sensors arranged to control several different settings.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensors are associated with different setpoint temperature settings to control the heating of the heating structure.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensors form a sliding control bar, namely these capacitive sensors are in particular aligned in a rectilinear row. This sliding control bar can be actuated by passing a finger nearby, without contact, or in physical contact. The sliding movement of the finger along this sliding control bar makes it possible to control the desired type of adjustment, depending on the capacitive sensor above which the sliding movement stops.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensors of the control bar are identical.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, each capacitive sensor of the control bar is of polygonal shape, for example rectangle or square, or of rounded shape.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacing between two neighboring capacitive sensors of the control bar is constant.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensor extends at least partially overlapping the resistive layer.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensor extends at least partially between the two electrodes in electrical contact with the resistive layer.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensor forms a control button, for example to turn off or turn on the heating structure.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member comprises an approach detector configured to detect the approach of a part of a passenger, for example the elbow or arm of a passenger, and to automatically control a reduction in heating or an interruption of heating by the heating structure.

[0031] This makes it possible in particular to prevent any burning sensation that a passenger might feel when touching the heating structure which would be at a high temperature.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the approach detector is of the capacitive type.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, this approach detector is arranged to measure the capacitance that appears between two surfaces. The value of this capacitance increases as the distance between the two surfaces decreases. The approach detector acts as a first conductive surface and a part of the human body, at a capacitive coupling distance with the approach detector, acts as a second conductive surface. Changes in the distance between the two conductive surfaces modify the capacitance that is detectable by the interactive comfort system.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the approach detector has a polygonal shape, for example rectangular or square, or a rounded shape.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive comfort system comprises a light device arranged to display a light indicator which is superimposed on the interactive member or surrounds it.

[0036] Thus the interactive organ is made visible thanks to the light indicator.

[0037] The interactive organ may not be visible to the passenger, by default. When the passenger approaches a part of the body, for example a finger, an approach detector detects this approach of the part of the body, and the interactive comfort system controls the illumination of the light device so as to make the interactive organ visually visible. The passenger can then operate this interactive organ.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the light device comprises a light source such as an LED.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the lighting device is part of a heating and lighting device as described below.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure comprises a substrate on which the resistive layer and the electrodes are formed.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member is carried by the substrate of the heating structure.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the substrate is made of a flexible material.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the substrate is capable of taking a shape predetermined by deformation.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the substrate is extensible.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensor comprises a component capacitive, in particular in the form of a conductive plate, for example metallic, which is carried by the heating structure, being electrically insulated from the resistive layer and the electrodes of the heating structure.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensor(s) are connected to a data processing unit, in particular forming part of an on-board computer, arranged to receive data from the capacitive sensor(s) and control the operation of the heating structure.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the interactive member is arranged to acquire a setting temperature entered by a passenger, and the data processing unit is arranged to deliver a set temperature value as a function of this setting temperature entered by the passenger.

[0048] The invention also relates to a method for interactively managing comfort, in particular inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, using an interactive comfort system as described above, the method comprising the following step: - operate the interactive organ of the interactive comfort system, to control the operation of the heating structure, by selecting a value of a parameter representative of thermal comfort, this parameter being in particular a temperature in the passenger compartment desired by the passenger.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure is part of a heating and lighting device such as below.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device comprises a functional face towards which heat produced by the heating structure and light produced by the light structure can be sent, this functional face being configured to diffuse the heat and light thus received towards the outside of the heating and lighting device, for example towards an area of ​​a vehicle interior.

[0051] The functional face is thus a face of the heating and lighting device on which the heating and lighting functions are manifested, for example to heat an area of ​​a vehicle passenger compartment and / or to illuminate an area of ​​this passenger compartment or to create a light effect visible from the passenger compartment.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the material of the resistive layer contains a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) chosen from indium-tin oxide (ITO) and zinc oxide (ZnO).

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one region of the heating structure, in particular the entire heating structure, is placed between the functional face and the luminous structure so that light from this luminous structure passes through the resistive layer of the heating structure before reaching the functional face.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and luminous structures form stacked layers.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device has a panel shape.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device is flexible, namely it can be shaped to take a predetermined shape.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure and the light structure are integral with each other.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure is in contact with the luminous structure.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure and the light structure are assembled by lamination.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the light structure comprises a light source, in particular in the form of one or more LEDs (light-emitting diodes).

[0061] The visible light emitted by the light structure is light visible to the human eye. This light which passes through the resistive layer produces an effect perceptible to the human eye and contributes, for example, to the decoration of the passenger compartment and / or the atmosphere in the passenger compartment.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the light structure comprises a light engine.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the light engine is an electronic device, in particular a printed circuit device, comprising one or more LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and at least one light guide for guiding the light emitted by the LED(s).

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the light guide of the light engine comprises a plate in which light can propagate, this plate comprising at least one light emission face.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate has, at least locally, a planar shape, and the light emission face is, at least locally, planar.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate has a complex shape different from a flat shape.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the light guide plate extends along a curved surface.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate is made of plastic-based material.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate is manufactured with a predetermined shape, namely that it does not deform or does not deform substantially when it is integrated into the heating and lighting device.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate has two faces separated by the thickness of the plate, one of these faces having optical activation reliefs arranged to cause the deflection of the light towards the light emission face which is opposite the face on which the reliefs are made.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate forms a light source surface, with homogeneous or heterogeneous light diffusion.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the light emission face is opposite the heating structure.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the luminous structure comprises a textile sheet.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the textile sheet comprises interlaced textile yarns and optical fibers.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the textile threads comprise threads in a natural material such as plant threads, and / or threads in an artificial or synthetic material.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the textile sheet comprises warp optical fibers woven with weft textile yarns.

[0077] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the textile sheet comprises optical fibers in weft woven with textile yarns in warp.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the textile sheet comprises textile threads arranged in warp and weft according to a canvas-type reinforcement.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical fibers are punctually linked to said armature so as to double said armature, the optical fibers being substantially positioned on a surface parallel to the surface defined by the armature.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the frame is flexible, that is to say capable of taking a predetermined shape by deformation.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical fibers are linked to the frame by textile warp threads or weft threads.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the textile yarns and the optical fibers form a woven sheet.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the textile sheet has a thickness of less than 1 mm, in particular between 0.1 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0084] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical fibers each comprise one or more zones for emitting light towards the outside of the fiber.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, these emission zones are on a lateral surface of the optical fiber.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, these zones have various shapes, for example a circular zone, an elongated zone, a cross-shaped zone, a zigzag zone, etc.

[0087] These emission zones can be perceived from the passenger compartment as points or spots or light patterns.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the light emission zones comprises activation reliefs, for example in the form of grooves, for sending the light out of the optical fiber.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, these reliefs, in particular grooves, are produced by laser attack or by sandblasting on the optical fiber.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure comprises an electrode network comprising a plurality of distribution electrodes and a plurality of contact electrodes supplied with electric current by the distribution electrodes.

[0091] The distribution electrodes can be seen as “parent” electrodes and the contact electrodes as “child” electrodes.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the contact electrodes are, at least for some of them, in particular for all the contact electrodes of the electrode network, parallel to each other.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrode network comprises distribution electrodes arranged to conduct electric current from an electrical source to the contact electrodes, several contact electrodes being connected to the same distribution electrode.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the distribution electrodes is rectilinear over at least part of its length, and the contact electrodes which are associated with this distribution electrode are connected, for example perpendicularly, to this distribution electrode.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution electrodes may have different shapes, in particular curved with rounded edges.

[0096] The distribution electrodes may or may not be parallel to each other.

[0097] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrode network comprises at least two distribution electrodes which are parallel to each other over at least part of their length, and their associated contact electrodes are arranged between these two distribution electrodes and are alternated with an inter-distance which decreases in relation to the decrease in the voltage present between the pairs of electrodes so as to maintain the electrical power between the pairs of contact electrodes substantially uniform.

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrodes and the resistive layer are carried on a substrate made of a flexible material capable of taking a predetermined shape by deformation, this substrate being in particular also extensible.

[0099] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrodes are deposited on the substrate by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0100] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is deposited on the substrate by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is present on one face of the substrate.

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is arranged opposite the functional face of said device.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, the substrate is of the textile type, woven or knitted, or of the non-woven type.

[0104] This nonwoven may comprise a mixture of polypropylene fibers and / or polyester fibers. Other fibers may be used, for example natural fibers.

[0105] The threads forming the substrate may or may not be extensible.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the substrate may be a flexible plastic sheet or a foam such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, the substrate has a surface area of ​​at least 10 cm2, or at least 50 cm2, or at least 500 cm2.

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrodes are made of conductive material, in particular metallic material such as ink loaded with conductive particles, in particular silver or copper particles.

[0109] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrodes are metallic adhesive tapes, for example made of copper.

[0110] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is a continuous layer.

[0111] Alternatively, the resistive layer comprises a plurality of discrete resistive elements forming this layer.

[0112] According to one aspect of the invention, these discrete resistive elements form repetitive patterns.

[0113] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device comprises a decoration visible from inside the passenger compartment, this decoration being for example a covering of the passenger compartment, such as for example a fabric, a leather or an aesthetic covering.

[0114] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure, the luminous structure and the decoration form stacked layers.

[0115] The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to carry out, in addition to the heating and lighting functions, a decorative function, for example with a predetermined leather or fabric zone, visible from the passenger compartment.

[0116] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device comprises a mask made of a material which blocks the light coming from the luminous structure and comprising openings to let this light pass according to a pattern provided by these openings.

[0117] The invention also relates to a vehicle interior component, comprising a heating and lighting device as mentioned above.

[0118] According to one aspect of the invention, the component is chosen from one of the following habitable components: - a component designed to be integrated into a vehicle door, - a component designed to be integrated into a dashboard, - a component for dressing a foot cellar, - a component of a roof or passenger compartment roof trim, - an armrest trim component, - a component of a glove box, - a pillar cladding component.

[0119] According to one aspect of the invention, the passenger compartment component which comprises the heating and lighting device is independent of a seat of the vehicle.

[0120] According to one aspect of the invention, the passenger compartment component which comprises the heating and lighting device is arranged to heat by thermal radiation or by thermal conduction or thermal contact, and not by heating by heat transported by air in forced movement within the passenger compartment.

[0121] In particular, the heating and lighting device is not crossed by any air flow intended to cool or heat the passenger compartment. Preferably, the heating and lighting device is separate from the air movement system such as an HVAC of the vehicle.

[0122] The invention also relates to a method for producing a heating and lighting device as mentioned above, comprising the following steps: - provide a light structure capable of emitting visible light, - provide a heating structure comprising: • at least one resistive layer arranged to produce heat when an electric current flows through this layer, this resistive layer being made of a material capable of allowing light emitted by the luminous structure to pass through, • at least two distribution electrodes, said distribution electrodes being in electrical contact with the resistive layer so as to allow an electric current to flow through the resistive layer between these two electrodes, - assemble these two structures together.

[0123] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description given below for information purposes in relation to drawings in which:

[0124] - [Fig. 1][Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of a vehicle interior in car equipped with a heating and lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0125] - [Fig.2][Fig.2] is a schematic representation, in section, of the device of heating and lighting according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0126] - [Fig.3][Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a heating structure of the heating and lighting device of [Fig.2];

[0127] - [Fig.4][Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a heating structure according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0128] - [Fig.5][Fig.5] is a schematic representation of a light structure of the heating and lighting device of [Fig.2];

[0129] - [Fig.6][Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a light structure according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0130] - [Fig.7][Fig.7] is a schematic representation of the light structure of the [Fig.6], on the other side;

[0131] - [Fig.8][Fig.8] is a detailed view of the textile sheet of the light structure of [Fig.6];

[0132] - [Fig.9][Fig.9] is a schematic representation of a comfort system in interactive according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0133] - [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates details of the interactive comfort system of [Fig.9]

[0134] - [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] illustrates another example of an interactive comfort system according to the invention;

[0135] - [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] illustrates another example of an interactive comfort system according to the invention.

[0136] [Fig.l] shows a passenger compartment 100 of a motor vehicle V. Doors 101 and the roof 102 of the passenger compartment are also shown. Seats 103 for passengers are also visible.

[0137] In the example described, heating and lighting devices 1 are integrated into the roof 102 of the passenger compartment.

[0138] As illustrated in [Fig.2], each heating and lighting device 1 is fixed to a roof structure 105 and comprises, in a stack, successively: - a light structure 10 capable of emitting visible light, placed against the roof structure 105, - a heating structure 50, - a rigid substrate 80, which is, in the example described, a structural part made of translucent plastic material, or of transparent plastic material, - a layer of flexible material 90, here a layer of foam, arranged to give the heating and lighting device 1 a feeling of softness to the touch, this layer 90 being able to be omitted if necessary, - a mask 100 made of a material which blocks the light coming from the light structure 10 and comprising openings to let this light pass according to a pattern conferred by these openings, this mask 100 being able to be omitted where applicable, - a 110 decor which can be textile, leather, wood or plastic.

[0139] Each heating and lighting device 1 has a panel shape, with a functional face 2 towards which heat H produced by the heating structure 50 and light L produced by the light structure 10 can be sent, this functional face 2 being configured to diffuse the heat H and light L thus received towards the passenger compartment 100.

[0140] The functional face 2 is thus an external face of the heating and lighting device 1 on which the heating and lighting functions are manifested, to heat an area of ​​the passenger compartment 100 and / or to illuminate an area of ​​this passenger compartment 100 or to create a light effect visible from the passenger compartment 100.

[0141] The heating and lighting device 1 may be flexible, i.e. it may be shaped to take a predetermined shape.

[0142] The heating structure 50 and the light structure 10 are assembled by lamination.

[0143] As described with reference to [Fig.5], the light structure 10 comprises light sources 11, here in a row of LEDs (light emitting diodes). Only two LEDs 11 are shown in [Fig.5].

[0144] The visible light emitted by the light structure 10 is light visible to the human eye.

[0145] In the example of [Fig.5], the light structure 10 comprises a light engine 12 which is an electronic device with a printed circuit 13, comprising the LEDs 11 and a light guide 14 for guiding the light emitted by the LED(s).

[0146] The light guide 14 comprises a plate 15 in which light can propagate, this plate comprising a light emission face 16.

[0147] The plate 15 has a complex curved shape with a main face 19 approaching a flat surface.

[0148] This plate 15 comprises facets 17 for injecting the light from the LEDs 11, these facets 17 being at the end of narrowed, bent regions 18 of the plate 15.

[0149] The plate 15 is made of plastic-based material, with a predetermined shape, namely that it does not deform or does not deform substantially when it is integrated into the heating and lighting device 1.

[0150] The plate 15 has two faces separated by the thickness of the plate, one of these faces having optical activation reliefs 20 arranged to cause the deflection of the light towards the light emission face 16 which is opposite the face on which the reliefs 20 are made.

[0151] Thus, the plate 15 forms a surface light source.

[0152] The emission face 16 is opposite the heating structure 50.

[0153] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, a light structure 30 has been illustrated, which can, in another example of implementation of the invention, be used instead of the light structure 10 previously described, in the heating and lighting device 1.

[0154] In this example, the light structure 30 comprises a woven sheet 31.

[0155] [Fig.6] represents the face 32 of the luminous structure 30 which is opposite the heating structure 50.

[0156] [Fig.7] represents the face 33 of the luminous structure 30 which is opposite the face 32.

[0157] The textile sheet 31 comprises interlaced textile threads 35 and optical fibers 36, as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0158] The textile threads 35 comprise threads in a natural material such as vegetable threads, and / or threads in an artificial or synthetic material.

[0159] The optical fibers 36, called warp threads, are woven with textile threads 35, in weft.

[0160] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, not illustrated, the textile sheet may comprise optical fibers 36 in weft woven with textile threads 35, in warp.

[0161] The textile sheet 31 may comprise textile threads 35, arranged in warp and weft according to a canvas-type reinforcement.

[0162] The optical fibers 36 are then punctually linked to the textile threads of the frame 35 by means of textile threads, the optical fibers 36 being substantially positioned on a surface parallel to the surface defined by the frame 35.

[0163] The frame 35 is flexible, that is to say capable of taking a predetermined shape by deformation.

[0164] The textile sheet 31 has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0165] The optical fibers 36 may each be formed by a core sheathed in a fluoropolymer. The core of the optical fibers may be formed from a material chosen from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC). Alternatively, the optical fibers may each be formed by a glass fiber yarn.

[0166] The textile yarns 35 may be formed from a material chosen from wool, aramid, polyamide, polyester and cotton.

[0167] Due to the weaving pattern, the optical fibers 36 extend mainly on the face 32 of the sheet 31, without being unduly masked by the textile threads 35 which cover more of the opposite face 33.

[0168] The optical fibers 36 are arranged to emit light laterally towards the outside of the fiber.

[0169] One or more LEDs 11 supply the optical fibers 36 which are arranged in rows of convergent manner towards this or these LEDs 11.

[0170] We will now describe, in more detail, the heating structure 50.

[0171] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], this heating structure 50 comprises a resistive layer 51 arranged to produce heat when this layer is traversed by an electric current I, this resistive layer being made of a material capable of allowing light emitted by the luminous structure 10 or 30 to pass through.

[0172] The heating structure 50 further comprises two distribution electrodes 52, which are in electrical contact with the resistive layer 51 so as to allow an electric current I to flow through the resistive layer 51 between these two electrodes 52.

[0173] These electrodes 52 have parallel sections 53 between which the resistive layer 51 is located, and transverse sections 54 which are connected to electrical supply wires 55.

[0174] The material of the resistive layer 51 contains a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) chosen from indium-tin oxide (ITO) and zinc oxide (ZnO).

[0175] Thus the resistive layer 51 is both transparent to the light from the luminous structure 10 or 30, and allows heat to be generated by the Joule effect.

[0176] In the example described, the entire heating structure 50 is placed between the functional face 2 and the luminous structure 10 so that light from this luminous structure 10 passes through the resistive layer 51 of the heating structure before reaching the functional face 2.

[0177] The electrodes 52 and the resistive layer 51 are carried on a substrate 58 made of a flexible material capable of taking a predetermined shape by deformation, this substrate being in particular also extensible.

[0178] The electrodes 52 are deposited on the substrate 58 by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0179] The electrodes 52 are made of conductive material, in particular metallic material such as ink charged with conductive particles, in particular silver or copper particles.

[0180] Furthermore, the resistive layer 51 is deposited on the substrate by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0181] The resistive layer 51 is present on one face of the substrate 58, opposite the functional face of the device 1.

[0182] The substrate 58 is of the textile type, woven or knitted, or of the non-woven type.

[0183] The nonwoven may comprise a mixture of polypropylene fibers and / or polyester fibers. Other fibers may be used, for example natural fibers.

[0184] Alternatively, the substrate 58 may be a flexible plastic sheet or a foam such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

[0185] The substrate 58 has a thickness of less than 1 cm, and an area of ​​at least 10 cm2, or at least 50 cm2, or at least 500 cm2.

[0186] In another example illustrated in [Fig.4], the heating structure 50 can be replaced, in the heating and lighting device 1, by a heating structure 70 which comprises an array of electrodes 71 as described below.

[0187] This network of electrodes 71 comprises two rectilinear distribution electrodes 72 and a plurality of contact electrodes 73 supplied with electric current by the distribution electrodes 72.

[0188] The distribution electrodes 72 can be seen as “parent” electrodes and the contact electrodes 73 as “child” electrodes.

[0189] Several contact electrodes 73 are connected to the same distribution electrode 72, along a right angle.

[0190] The contact electrodes 73 are parallel to each other, and form pairs each associated with a resistive layer 75.

[0191] These layers 75 are separated from each other and form several heating zones, for example with repetitive patterns.

[0192] In another example not illustrated, the distribution electrodes 72 may have different shapes, in particular curved with rounded edges.

[0193] The heating and lighting device 1 comprises the decoration 105 which is visible from the interior of the passenger compartment 100, this decoration 105 being a covering of the passenger compartment, such as for example a fabric, a leather or an aesthetic covering.

[0194] The heating structure 50 or 70, the light structure 10 or 30 and the decoration 105 form stacked layers.

[0195] The device 1 thus makes it possible to carry out, in addition to the heating and lighting functions, a decorative function, for example with a predetermined leather or fabric zone, visible from the passenger compartment.

[0196] Generally, the device 1 can be used to form a component 120 chosen from one of the following habitable components: a component designed to be integrated into a vehicle door, a component designed to be integrated into a dashboard, a footwell trim component, a component of a roof or passenger compartment roof trim, an armrest trim component, a component of a glove box, a pillar dressing component.

[0197] [Fig.l] shows the use case in a vehicle roof.

[0198] The passenger compartment component 120 which comprises the heating and lighting device is independent of a seat 103 of the vehicle.

[0199] The passenger compartment component 120 which includes the heating and lighting device 1 is arranged to heat by thermal radiation or by thermal conduction or thermal contact, and not by heating by heat transported by air in forced movement within the passenger compartment.

[0200] We will now describe, with reference to figures 9 and 10, an interactive comfort system 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which integrates the heating and lighting device 1 described above.

[0201] This system 300 comprises: - the heating structure 50 of the heating and lighting device 1, with its electrodes 52, - the light structure 10 of the heating and lighting device 1, which is capable of emitting visible light that can be modulated in color and intensity, - an interactive member 301 that can be actuated by a passenger to control the operation of the heating structure 50, this interactive member 301 being carried by the heating structure 50.

[0202] The interactive member 301 is arranged to interact without contact with a part of a passenger, for example an arm, an elbow, a hand or a finger of the passenger, and to also operate with physical contact type interactions.

[0203] The interactive member 301 is arranged to detect, in a detection zone 302, a presence of a part of a passenger, for example an arm, an elbow, a hand or a finger of the passenger, when this part of the passenger is in the detection zone 302 of the interactive member 301.

[0204] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the interactive organ 301 comprises several capacitive sensors 303 arranged to control several different settings.

[0205] The capacitive sensors 303 are associated with different setpoint temperature settings to control the heating of the heating structure 50.

[0206] The capacitive sensors 303 form a sliding control bar 305, namely these capacitive sensors 303 are aligned in a rectilinear row. This sliding control bar 305 can be actuated by passing a finger nearby, without contact, or in physical contact. The sliding movement of the finger along this sliding control bar 305 makes it possible to control the desired type of adjustment, depending on the capacitive sensor 303 above which the sliding movement stops.

[0207] The square-shaped capacitive sensors 303 of the control bar 305 are identical.

[0208] The spacing between two neighboring capacitive sensors 303 of the control bar 305 is constant.

[0209] Each capacitive sensor 303 is arranged to measure the capacitance that appears between two surfaces. The value of this capacitance increases as the distance between the two surfaces decreases. The capacitive sensor 303 acts as a first conductive surface and a part of the human body, at a capacitive coupling distance with the capacitive sensor, acts as a second conductive surface. Changes in the distance between the two conductive surfaces alter the capacitance that is detectable by the interactive comfort system.

[0210] Each capacitive sensor 303 is arranged to be supplied with an alternating voltage, and a change in distance between the two conductive surfaces modifies the capacitance and results in a change in the alternating voltage waveform which is detectable.

[0211] Each capacitive sensor 303 comprises a capacitive component, in the form of a conductive plate, for example metallic, which is carried by the heating structure, being electrically insulated from the resistive layer and the electrodes of the heating structure.

[0212] The capacitive sensors 303 are connected to a data processing unit 310, forming part of an on-board computer, arranged to receive data from the capacitive sensor(s) 303 and control the operation of the heating structure 50.

[0213] Thus, the interactive member 301 is arranged to acquire a setting temperature entered by a passenger, and the data processing unit 31 is arranged to deliver a set temperature value as a function of this setting temperature entered by the passenger.

[0214] In another example illustrated in [Fig.4], the interactive comfort system is configured to measure the capacitance C between two neighboring capacitive sensors 303 so as to detect the approach of a part of a person.

[0215] The control bar 305 overlaps the resistive layer 51 of the heating structure 50, between the electrodes 52, while being insulated from this resistive layer 51.

[0216] The interactive member 300 further comprises an approach detector 311 of capacitive type, configured to detect the approach of a part of a passenger, for example the elbow or the arm of a passenger, and to automatically control a reduction in the heating or an interruption of the heating by the heating structure 50.

[0217] This makes it possible in particular to prevent any burning sensation that a passenger might feel when touching the heating structure 50 which would be at a high temperature.

[0218] The approach detector 311 is arranged to measure the capacitance that appears between two surfaces. The value of this capacitance increases as the distance between the two surfaces decreases. The approach detector 311 acts as a first conductive surface and a part of the human body, at a capacitive coupling distance with the approach detector 311, acts as a second conductive surface. Changes in the distance between the two conductive surfaces modify the capacitance that is detectable by the interactive comfort system.

[0219] In the example which has just been described, a single control bar 305 is provided on the heating structure 50.

[0220] In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 11], two control bars 305 may be provided in association with the heating structure 50. These control bars 305 are arranged parallel to each other. Other arrangements are, of course, possible.

[0221] In this example, in addition to the control bars 305, capacitive sensors 307 are provided on the heating structure 50, each of which forms a control button, for switching off or on the heating structure 50 or for actuating a lighting device.

[0222] The interactive comfort system 300 comprises a light device arranged to display a light indicator 309 which surrounds the interactive member 300.

[0223] Thus the interactive organ 301 is made visible thanks to the light indicator 309. For example, the light indicator 309 is formed by light frames which surround the capacitive sensors 303.

[0224] The interactive member 301 may not be visible to the passenger, by default. When the passenger approaches a part of the body, for example a finger, an approach detector detects this approach of the part of the body, and the interactive comfort system 300 controls the illumination of the light device so as to make the interactive member visually visible. The passenger can then operate this interactive member 300.

[0225] In the example described, the light device is the light structure 10.

[0226] Thanks to the invention, the passenger of the vehicle can actuate the interactive member 301 of the interactive comfort system 300, to control the operation of the heating structure 50, by selecting a value of a parameter representative of thermal comfort, this parameter being in particular a temperature in the passenger compartment desired by the passenger.

Claims

Claims

1. Interactive comfort system (300), in particular intended to be installed inside a passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the system comprising: - a heating structure (50) comprising: • at least one resistive layer (51) arranged to produce heat when this layer is traversed by an electric current, • at least two electrodes (52) in electrical contact with the resistive layer (51) so as to allow an electric current to flow through the resistive layer between these two electrodes, characterized in that the heating structure comprises - a substrate on which the resistive layer and the electrodes are formed, the substrate being made of a flexible material, and - an interactive member (301) actuable by a passenger, to control the operation of the heating structure (50), this interactive member being carried by the heating structure (50).

2. System according to the preceding claim, in which the interactive member (301) is arranged to interact without contact with a part of a passenger, for example an arm, an elbow, a hand or a finger of the passenger.

3. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the interactive member (301) comprises a capacitive sensor (303) arranged to detect, in a detection zone (302), a presence of a part of a passenger, for example an arm, an elbow, a hand or a finger of the passenger.

4. System according to the preceding claim, in which the interactive member (301) comprises several capacitive sensors (303) arranged to control several different settings.

5. System according to the preceding claim, in which the capacitive sensors (303) form a sliding control bar (305).

6. System according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which the sensor capacitive (303) extends at least partially overlapping the resistive layer (51) of the heating structure (50).

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the interactive member (301) comprises an approach detector (311) configured to detect the approach of a part of a passenger, for example the elbow or the arm of a passenger, and to automatically control a reduction in the heating or an interruption of the heating by the heating structure (50).

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the interactive comfort system (300) comprises a light device (10) arranged to display a light indicator (309) which is superimposed on the interactive member (301) or surrounds it.

9. System according to claim 3 and possibly one of the other preceding claims, in which the capacitive sensor(s) (303) are connected to a data processing unit (310), in particular forming part of an on-board computer, arranged to receive data from the capacitive sensor(s) and control the operation of the heating structure.

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