Interactive comfort system, especially for vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing an interactive comfort system, comprising the following steps: receiving a setpoint temperature (Treq) or, where appropriate, a protection temperature (Tpro) if the setpoint temperature is greater than the protection temperature; triggering the heating mode of the heating structure to allow a rise in temperature until the setpoint temperature is reached or, where appropriate, the protection temperature is reached; activating the capacitive sensor to enable the capacitive detection mode. Abstract figure: Figure 15

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 the Joule effect by supplying a conductive coating with electric current. For example, reference may be made to document US2016059669.

[0003] In particular, there is a need to improve the desired thermal comfort, in particular through greater responsiveness of the system.

[0004] The invention thus relates to an interactive comfort system, in particular intended to be installed inside a 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, this resistive layer being in particular a carbon-based sheet deposited on a substrate, • 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, - a capacitive sensor arranged to detect, in a detection zone, the presence of a part of a passenger, for example an arm, an elbow, a hand or a finger of the passenger, - a control unit configured to control the heating structure and the capacitive sensor with a heating mode of the heating structure and a capacitive detection mode of the capacitive sensor, system in which the control unit is configured to, in a phase of temperature increase of the heating structure in order to reach a predetermined temperature, start only the heating mode of the heating structure.

[0005] In the invention, "turning on only the heating mode" means leaving the capacitive sensor inactive until the predetermined temperature (e.g. a set temperature) is reached.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the predetermined temperature to be reached during the temperature rise phase of the heating structure is a set temperature.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, in the case where the control unit stores a protection temperature, and if the set temperature is chosen to be higher than this protection temperature, the system is configured to leave the capacitive sensor inactive until the protection temperature is reached and to activate the operation of the capacitive sensor from the protection temperature.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the system is configured such that the protection temperature is chosen so that, when the heating structure is at a temperature lower than this protection temperature, contact of the skin of a person with the interactive comfort system does not cause a burn on the person. Beyond this protection temperature, the contact may cause an unpleasant sensation or a burn. This protection temperature is for example chosen to be equal to 70°C or 75°C.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating mode of the heating structure and the capacitive detection mode of the capacitive sensor are triggered alternately, i.e. are not triggered simultaneously and are not implemented simultaneously. The interactive comfort system according to the invention makes it possible to ensure the proper functioning of the capacitive sensor by cutting off the heating of the heating structure during the capacitive detection mode. In particular, for example, the heating structure can be put into an electrical protection mode which makes it possible not to interfere with the capacitive detection by the capacitive sensor. Interrupting the heating of the heating structure also makes it possible not to generate parasitic electromagnetic waves due to electric currents which would circulate within this heating structure.

[0010] The invention makes it possible, in this context, to reduce the time required for the heating structure to reach the set temperature or, in the case where a protection temperature is used, to reach this protection temperature.

[0011] Leaving the capacitive sensor inactive during this temperature rise makes it possible to accelerate the heating, compared to the case where an alternation between heating mode and capacitive detection mode would have been implemented during the temperature rise of the heating structure. During the detection mode, the heating structure is not heated.

[0012] In the present invention, it is chosen not to implement this alternation between heating mode and capacitive detection mode in order to favor the temperature rise. In other words, it is accepted not to carry out capacitive detection during the temperature rise. The absence of capacitive detection during this temperature increase is not detrimental to the safety of the person(s) likely to touch the interactive comfort system.

[0013] Indeed, during this rise in temperature which can take as a starting point a resting temperature, for example an ambient temperature, the risk of burning by contact is non-existent because the heating structure is at a temperature (still quite low) which does not cause burning.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, capacitive detection is omitted during this temperature rise phase in order to favor the temperature rise.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the resting temperature is, for example, a temperature that the interactive comfort system takes when it has been left at rest for a sufficiently long period, in particular so that it is in thermal equilibrium with the ambient environment. The resting temperature is, for example, an ambient temperature, for example a temperature between 15°C and 25°C. The heating structure is not yet heated at this time.

[0016] Once the set temperature or, where appropriate, the protection temperature has been reached, the capacitive detection mode is used again to detect the approach or contact of a person on the interactive comfort system and to interrupt the heating of the heating structure in the event of detection of an approach or contact.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to, once the set temperature has been reached or, where appropriate, the protection temperature has been reached, implement the heating mode of the heating structure and the capacitive detection mode of the capacitive sensor alternately.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to interrupt the heating mode in the event of detection of contact or approach of a person on the interactive comfort system.

[0019] The set temperature can be a temperature equal to 100°C or 110°C or 120°C.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to use pulse width modulation signals (PWM signals) to control switches, in particular of the MOSFET type, to control the heating, and to switch alternately from the heating mode to the capacitive detection mode.

[0021] Other control means, other than pulse width modulated signals, may be used.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensor comprises at least one electrical armature forming a capacitive electrode, the electrical armature and the heating structure form a stack in which the electrical armature is arranged between the resistive layer and the detection zone.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the system is arranged to generate an electrical control signal for heating the resistive layer of the heating structure, this electrical control signal being configured to operate the heating structure alternately in heating mode and in electrical protection mode in which the intensity of an electric field between the resistive layer of the heating structure and the electrical armature of the capacitive sensor is actively reduced using the control signal.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, in heating mode of the heating structure, the control signal is a PMW signal whose duty cycle is adjustable according to the required heating power.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for managing an interactive comfort system as described above, comprising the following steps: - receive a set temperature or, where applicable, a protection temperature if the set temperature is greater than the protection temperature; - trigger the heating mode of the heating structure to allow a rise in temperature until the set temperature is reached or, where applicable, the protection temperature is reached; - activating the capacitive sensor to enable the capacitive detection mode.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive detection mode may last for example between 2 ms and 5 ms (millisecond) while the heating mode may last, for example, between 10 ms and 30 ms.

[0027] The method may comprise the following step: - activate the heating mode of the heating structure alternately with the capacitive detection mode, as long as no approach or contact is detected by the capacitive sensor in capacitive detection mode.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, in the event of detection of a contact (touch) or an approach on the interactive comfort system, the control unit is configured to command the interruption of the heating mode.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical armature of the capacitive sensor is formed on a support, for example a flat one, in particular one which is flexible.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, this support comprises a film made of electrically insulating material, for example based on plastic, in particular PET (Polyethylene terephthalate).

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the frame is obtained by screen printing or printing on the support.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensor comprises a plurality of armatures.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the capacitive sensor is arranged to acquire a setting temperature entered by a passenger, and a control unit is arranged to deliver a set temperature value as a function of this setting temperature entered by the passenger.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, capacitive electrodes form a sliding control bar, namely these capacitive electrodes are aligned, side by side with a small space between them, in a rectilinear row.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure is part of a heating and lighting device such as below.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and luminous structures form stacked layers.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device has a panel shape.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device is flexible, namely it can be shaped to take a predetermined shape.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure and the light structure are integral with each other.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure is in contact with the luminous structure.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure and the luminous structure are assembled by lamination.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The distribution electrodes can be seen as “parent” electrodes and the contact electrodes as “child” electrodes.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution electrodes may have different shapes, in particular curved with rounded edges.

[0052] The distribution electrodes may or may not be parallel to each other.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is deposited on the substrate, and is in the form of a sheet, in particular an ink sheet. This sheet is in particular of substantially constant thickness over its entire surface area.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrodes are deposited on the substrate by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is deposited on the substrate by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is present on one face of the substrate.

[0059] The invention also relates to a vehicle interior component, comprising a heating and lighting device as mentioned above.

[0060] 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 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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:

[0064] - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a vehicle interior automobile equipped with a heating and lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0065] - [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;

[0066] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a heating structure of the heating and lighting device of [Fig.2];

[0067] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a heating structure according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0068] - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of a light structure of the heating and lighting device of [Fig.2];

[0069] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a light structure according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0070] - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of the light structure of the [Fig.6], on the other side;

[0071] - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a detailed view of the textile sheet of the light structure of [Fig.6];

[0072] - [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation, in section, of a system of interactive comfort according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0073] - [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates a capacitive sensor equipping the interactive comfort system of [Fig.9];

[0074] - [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is an electrical diagram of the interactive comfort system of the [Fig.9] ;

[0075] - [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] illustrates the control signals used in the diagram electric of [Fig. 11];

[0076] - [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is an electrical diagram of an interactive comfort system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0077] - [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] illustrates a structure for visualizing a parasitic capacitance,

[0078] - [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] shows graphs related to a management process according to the invention, with time on the abscissa and temperature on the ordinate for the top graph, and the succession of operating modes for the bottom graph.

[0079] [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.

[0080] In the example described, heating and lighting devices 1 are integrated into the roof 102 of the passenger compartment.

[0081] As illustrated in [Fig.2], each heating and lighting device 1 is fixed on 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 50 heating structure, - 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 through light according to a pattern conferred by these openings, this mark 100 being able to be omitted if necessary, - a 110 decor which can be textile, leather, wood or plastic.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The heating and lighting device 1 may be flexible, i.e. it may be shaped to take a predetermined shape.

[0085] The heating structure 50 and the light structure 10 are assembled by lamination.

[0086] 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].

[0087] The visible light emitted by the light structure 10 is light visible to the human eye.

[0088] In the example of [Fig.5], the light structure 10 comprises for example a light engine 12 which is an electronic device with printed circuit 13, comprising the LEDs 11 and a light guide 14 for guiding the light emitted by the LED(s).

[0089] The light guide 14 comprises a plate 15 in which light can propagate, this plate comprising a light emission face 16.

[0090] The plate 15 has a complex curved shape with a main face 19 approaching a flat surface.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Thus, the plate 15 forms a surface light source.

[0095] The emission face 16 is opposite the heating structure 50.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In this example, the light structure 30 comprises a woven sheet 31.

[0098] [Fig.6] represents the face 32 of the luminous structure 30 which is opposite the heating structure 50.

[0099] [Fig.7] represents the face 33 of the luminous structure 30 which is opposite the face 32.

[0100] The textile sheet 31 comprises interlaced textile threads 35 and optical fibers 36, as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0101] The textile threads 35 comprise threads in a natural material such as vegetable threads, and / or threads in an artificial or synthetic material.

[0102] The optical fibers 36, called warp threads, are woven with textile threads 35, in weft.

[0103] 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.

[0104] The textile sheet 31 may comprise textile threads 35, arranged in warp and weft according to a canvas-type reinforcement.

[0105] 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.

[0106] The frame 35 is flexible, that is to say capable of taking a predetermined shape by deformation.

[0107] The textile sheet 31 has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0108] 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.

[0109] The textile yarns 35 may be formed from a material chosen from wool, aramid, polyamide, polyester and cotton.

[0110] 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.

[0111] The optical fibers 36 are arranged to emit light laterally towards the outside of the fiber.

[0112] One or more LEDs 11 supply the optical fibers 36 which are arranged in a convergent manner towards this or these LEDs IL

[0113] We will now describe, in more detail, the heating structure 50.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] The material of the resistive layer 51 contains a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) chosen from indium-tin oxide (ITO) and zinc oxide (ZnO).

[0118] Thus the resistive layer 51 is both transparent to the light of the luminous structure 30, and allows heat to be generated by the Joule effect.

[0119] In the example described, the entire heating structure 50 is placed between the functional face 2 and the luminous structure 30 so that light coming from this luminous structure 30 passes through the resistive layer 51 of the heating structure before reaching the functional face 2.

[0120] 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.

[0121] The electrodes 52 are deposited on the substrate 58 by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0122] 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.

[0123] Furthermore, the resistive layer 51 is deposited on the substrate by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0124] The resistive layer 51 is present on one face of the substrate 58, opposite the functional face of the device 1.

[0125] The substrate 58 is of the textile type, woven or knitted, or of the non-woven type.

[0126] The nonwoven may comprise a mixture of polypropylene fibers and / or polyester fibers. Other fibers may be used, for example natural fibers.

[0127] Alternatively, the substrate 58 may be a flexible plastic sheet or a foam such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] The distribution electrodes 72 can be seen as “parent” electrodes and the contact electrodes 73 as “child” electrodes.

[0132] Several contact electrodes 73 are connected to the same distribution electrode 72, along a right angle.

[0133] The contact electrodes 73 are parallel to each other, and form pairs each associated with a resistive layer 75.

[0134] These layers 75 are separated from each other and form several heating zones, for example with repetitive patterns.

[0135] In another example not illustrated, the distribution electrodes 72 may have different shapes, in particular curved with rounded edges.

[0136] The heating and lighting device 1 comprises the decoration 110 which is visible from the interior of the passenger compartment 100, this decoration 110 being a covering of the passenger compartment, such as for example a fabric, a leather or an aesthetic covering.

[0137] The heating structure 50 or 70, the light structure 30 and the decoration 110 form stacked layers.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] [Fig.l] shows the use case in a vehicle roof.

[0141] The passenger compartment component 120 which comprises the heating and lighting device is independent of a seat 103 of the vehicle.

[0142] 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 carried by air in forced movement within the passenger compartment.

[0143] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0144] In this example, the interactive comfort system 400 comprises: - a heating structure 401 comprising: • a resistive layer 402 in the form of a carbon-based ink sheet, similar to the resistive layer 51 previously described, • electrodes (not shown in FIG. 9) in electrical contact with the resistive layer 402 so as to allow an electric current to flow through the resistive layer 402 between these two electrodes.

[0145] The interactive comfort system 400 further comprises a capacitive sensor 403 arranged to detect, in a detection zone 404, a presence of a part of a passenger, for example an arm, an elbow, a hand or a finger of the passenger.

[0146] The capacitive sensor 403 is arranged to detect without contact a part of a passenger, for example an arm, an elbow, a hand or a finger FG of the passenger. Alternatively, this detection can be carried out with contact.

[0147] As can be seen in [Fig. 10], the capacitive sensor 403 comprises, on a flexible support 406, several electrical armatures 405 forming capacitive electrodes 405 distributed on this flexible support 406 made for example of transparent or translucent plastic material, for example in the form of a film. The electrical armatures 405 can be made of PEDOT, silver mesh or even ITO.

[0148] Certain capacitive electrodes 405, of substantially square shape, form capacitive control buttons 408 associated for example with different setpoint temperature settings for controlling the heating of the heating structure 50.

[0149] Other capacitive electrodes 405 form a sliding control bar 409, namely these capacitive electrodes 405 are aligned, side by side with a small space between them, in a straight row. This sliding control bar 409, also called “Slider” in English, can be controlled by the passage of a finger FG in proximity, without contact, or in physical contact. The sliding movement of the finger along this sliding control bar 409 allows the desired type of adjustment to be controlled, depending on the capacitive electrode 405 above which the sliding movement of the finger FG stops.

[0150] There are thus, on the flexible support 406, buttons 408 and sliding control bars 409, to allow the passenger to control different functions.

[0151] Each capacitive electrode 405 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. Each capacitive electrode 405 acts as a first conductive surface and a part of the human body, at a capacitive coupling distance with the capacitive electrode 405, acts as a second conductive surface. Changes in distance between the two conductive surfaces modify the capacitance which is detectable by a control unit 410.

[0152] The capacitive sensor 403 is arranged here to acquire a setting temperature entered by a passenger, and the control unit 410 is arranged to deliver a set temperature value as a function of this setting temperature entered by the passenger.

[0153] The capacitive sensor 403 is in the form of a flexible component which is interposed between the resistive layer 402 and an external layer 411, which serves as protection and / or decoration, in particular made of PMMA, or polymethyl methacrylate. Of course, any other electrically insulating protection and / or decoration material can be used.

[0154] Adhesive layers 412 are provided to ensure the cohesion of the stack 414. These adhesive layers 412 are for example each a double-sided adhesive sheet.

[0155] The stack 414 also includes a foam layer 415.

[0156] The stack 414 thus successively comprises: - the 415 foam layer, - one of the layers of adhesive 412, - the resistive layer 402, - one of the layers of adhesive 412, - the capacitive sensor 403, - one of the layers of adhesive 412, - the outer layer 411 in PMMA.

[0157] The capacitive electrodes 405 are obtained by screen printing or printing on the flexible support 406.

[0158] We will now describe with reference to [Fig. 11] an electrical diagram of the interactive comfort system 400, diagram on which we see the heating structure 401 symbolized by an associated resistor and one of the capacitive electrodes 405, these elements being connected to the control unit 410.

[0159] To protect the operation of the capacitive electrode 405 from electrical disturbances, the control unit 410 is arranged to generate an electrical control signal for the heating structure 401, this electrical control signal being selectively of a first type SP1 configured to operate the heating structure 401 in heating mode for a duration T1 (see [Fig. 12]) and of a second type SP2 configured to operate the heating structure 401 in electrical protection mode, for a duration T2 (see [Fig. 12]), in which the intensity of an electric field between the resistive layer 402 of the heating structure 401 and the electrical armature 405 of the capacitive sensor 403 is actively reduced using the control signal SP2, as explained below.

[0160] The phases T1 for example of 10 milliseconds (ms), and T2 for example of 2 ms, follow one another in this way, with modulations SP1 and SP2 which are a function of the heating and capacitive detection requirements.

[0161] [Fig. 12] represents, as a function of time TM, at the top, the electrical control signal SP1 for heating the resistive layer 402 alternating with the electrical control signal SP2 for electrical protection and, at the bottom, steps 417 for acquiring the capacitive signal from the capacitive sensor 403 to detect the approach, for example, of a finger FG.

[0162] As illustrated in [Fig.14], in the absence of such an electrical protection mode, a strong electric field may appear between the resistive layer 402 of the heating structure 401 and the electrical armature 405 of the capacitive sensor 403, which is accompanied by a strong parasitic capacitance Cp which prevents the capacitance Cx from being measured between the electrical armature 405 of the capacitive sensor and the part of the human body, for example the finger FG. Indeed, the value Cp may be very large (in particular due to its carbon nature and its relatively large dimensions) compared to the value Cx so that small variations in the value Cx are difficult to detect. The value Cx, due to the presence of the external layer 411 in PMMA which prevents the finger FG from coming into contact with the electrode 405, is limited.

[0163] Further explanations of this phenomenon are given below.

[0164] The electrical armature 405 of the capacitive sensor 403 is at an electrical potential, for example 3 Volts, necessary for its operation. The finger FG and the resistive layer 402 of the heating structure 401 are assimilated to the ground plane, at 0 Volts. Due to the potential difference between the electrode 405 and the user's finger FG, an electric field is established. The capacitive sensor 403 detects the variations in intensity of this field due to the approach of the finger FG, through the electrical capacitance Cx established between the finger FG and the electrode 405. If we do not put not implement the invention, it is observed that between the electrode 405 and the resistive layer 402 there is a potential difference and a parasitic electric field and electric capacitance Cp are created. The capacitance Cp is added to the capacitance Cx, which disrupts the operation of the capacitive sensor 403. The manifestation is generally a strong reduction in the sensitivity of the capacitive sensor 403, which can cause the latter to deactivate. A critical case can occur when the electric potential of the resistive layer 402 is not constant. This situation occurs when the resistive layer 402 is switched on. To modulate the heating power, the resistive layer 402 is supplied with a pulse width modulated voltage. These potential variations create a disturbance of the capacitive sensor 403 which is more difficult to filter. The capacitance Cp is all the greater as the surface area of the resistive layer 402 is large.For comparison, an electrode 405 may have dimensions of the order of 10 mm x 10 mm, while the resistive layer 402 may measure, for example, 100 mm x 500 mm.

[0165] The field between the finger FG and the electrode 405 is a desired effect while that between the electrode 405 and the resistive layer 402 is a parasitic factor.

[0166] Thanks to the invention, in the protection mode, the intensity of the electric field between the resistive layer 402 of the heating structure 401 and the electrical armature 405 of the capacitive sensor 403 is reduced, which has the consequence of having a low or very low effect of the parasitic capacitance on the side of the resistive layer 402 of the heating structure. The synchronization of the control signals on the heating structure 401 and the capacitive sensor 403 makes it possible to avoid parasitic currents between them and therefore to avoid disturbances in Cx measurements. In the invention, the resistive layer 402 itself plays a protective role during the duration T2, without having to resort to a separate device dedicated to this protection.

[0167] In the example of the invention, in heating mode of the heating structure 401 (for example over the duration T1 of [Fig. 12]), the control signal SP1 is a PMW signal whose duty cycle is adjustable as a function of the required heating power. The control signals allow voltage control.

[0168] In electrical protection mode, the control signal SP2 of the heating structure 401 is identical to the control signal of the capacitive sensor 403, as can be seen in [Fig. 12].

[0169] This synchronization makes it possible to reduce the intensity of the electric field between the resistive layer 402 of the heating structure and the electrical armature 405 of the capacitive sensor.

[0170] The control signal of the resistive layer 402 is a copy of the signal applied to the capacitive electrode 405 of the capacitive sensor.

[0171] As visible in [Fig. 11], to enable the protection mode described above, the system 400 comprises a follower amplifier 420, of gain 1, with high input impedance, configured to produce a copy of the signal SP2 coming from a control circuit 421 of the capacitive sensor 403, this copied signal being applied to the heating structure 401.

[0172] An electrical power control module 422 associated with the heating structure 401 is configured to control, in heating mode, two switches 424 on the basis of a PWM control signal.

[0173] The switches 424 are at the two terminals of the heating structure 401.

[0174] In protection mode, these two switches 424 are open and it is the copied signal which controls the heating structure 401.

[0175] In heating mode, the follower amplifier 420 is disabled (high impedance output), and one of the two switches 424 is held closed and the other of these switches 424 is operated by the heating pulse width modulated signal.

[0176] According to another embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 13], the system comprises a switch 425 formed by a transistor, associated with the capacitive sensor 403, and two switches 426 and 427 respectively at the input of the heating structure 401 and at its output.

[0177] In this example, in heating mode, switch 425 is open, and one of the two switches 426 and 427 is held closed and the other of these switches 426 and 427 is operated by the heating pulse width modulated signal.

[0178] In protection mode, switch 425 and switch 426 are controlled alternately, synchronously with capacitive sensor 403, while switch 427 is open.

[0179] We will now describe, with reference to [Fig.15], a method for managing the interactive comfort system 400 described above.

[0180] In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the control unit 410 is configured to control the heating structure 401 and the capacitive sensor 403 with a heating mode of the heating structure 401 and a capacitive detection mode of the capacitive sensor 403.

[0181] The control unit 410 is configured to, in a phase of temperature increase of the heating structure 410 in order to reach a predetermined temperature, here a set temperature Treq, start only the heating mode of the heating structure 401.

[0182] In the example described, the control unit 410 stores a protection temperature Tpro, and if the set temperature Treq is chosen to be higher than this protection temperature Tpro (as is the case in the example of [Fig. 15]), the capacitive sensor 403 is left inactive until the protection temperature Tpro is reached and then the operation of the capacitive sensor 403 is activated from the protection temperature Tpro.

[0183] The protection temperature Tpro is chosen so that, when the heating structure 401 is at a temperature lower than this protection temperature Tpro, contact of the skin of a person with the interactive comfort system 400 does not cause a burn on the person. Beyond this protection temperature Tpro, the contact may cause an unpleasant sensation or a burn. This protection temperature Tpro is for example chosen to be equal to 70°C or 75°C.

[0184] In the present invention, the heating mode (Mh) of the heating structure 401 and the capacitive detection mode (Md) of the capacitive sensor 403 are triggered alternately, i.e. are not triggered simultaneously and are not implemented simultaneously. The interactive comfort system 40a according to the invention makes it possible to ensure the proper operation of the capacitive sensor 403 by cutting off the heating of the heating structure 401 during the capacitive detection mode. In particular, for example, the heating structure 401 can be put into an electrical protection mode (as described above) which makes it possible not to interfere with the capacitive detection by the capacitive sensor 403. Interrupting the heating of the heating structure 401 also makes it possible not to generate parasitic electromagnetic waves due to electric currents which would circulate within this heating structure 401.

[0185] In [Fig. 15], on the lower graph, we see the alternation of heating mode Mh and detection mode Md.

[0186] In the example described, the heating mode Mh lasts longer than the detection mode Md. The capacitive detection mode can last for example between 2 ms and 5 ms (millisecond) while the heating mode can last, for example, between 10 ms and 30 ms.

[0187] The invention makes it possible, in this context, to reduce the time required Dreq for the heating structure 401 to reach the set temperature Treq.

[0188] We see on the graph at the top of [Fig. 15], that the temperature rise first reaches the protection temperature level Tpro before reaching the set temperature Treq.

[0189] Indeed, the time required DPro for the heating structure 401 to reach the set temperature Tpro is reduced because, during this time Dpro, the detection mode Md is not activated. By reducing the time Dpro, the time Dreq is reduced.

[0190] Leaving the capacitive sensor 403 inactive during this temperature rise makes it possible to accelerate the heating, compared to the case where an alternation between heating mode and capacitive detection mode would have been implemented during the rise. in temperature of the heating structure. During the detection mode, the heating structure 401 is not heated.

[0191] Once the set temperature Treq is reached, the heating modes Mh and detection modes Md alternate for the duration Dfonc of permanent operation.

[0192] In the present invention, it is chosen not to implement this alternation between heating mode and capacitive detection mode in order to favor the temperature rise. In other words, it is accepted not to carry out capacitive detection Md during the temperature rise. The absence of capacitive detection during this temperature rise is not detrimental with regard to the safety of the person(s) likely to touch the interactive comfort system 400.

[0193] Indeed, during this rise in temperature which can take as a starting point a resting temperature T0, for example an ambient temperature, the risk of burning by contact is non-existent because the heating structure is at a temperature (still quite low) which does not cause burning.

[0194] Capacitive detection is omitted during this temperature rise phase to prioritize temperature rise.

[0195] The resting temperature T0 is, for example, a temperature that the interactive comfort system 400 takes when it has been left at rest for a sufficiently long period, in particular so that it is in thermal equilibrium with the ambient environment. The resting temperature T0 is, for example, an ambient temperature, for example a temperature between 15°C and 25°C. The heating structure 401 is not yet, at this time, heated.

[0196] Once the set temperature Treq is reached, the capacitive detection mode Md is used again, to detect the approach or contact of a person on the interactive comfort system 400 and to interrupt the heating of the heating structure 401 in the event of detection of an approach or contact.

[0197] In permanent operation Dfonc, the control unit 403 is configured to interrupt the heating mode Mh in the event of detection of contact or the approach of a person to the interactive comfort system 400.

[0198] The set temperature Treq can be a temperature equal to 100°C or 110°C or 120°C.

[0199] The control unit 403 is configured to use pulse width modulated signals to control switches, in particular of the MOSFET type, to control the heating, and to switch alternately from the heating mode to the capacitive detection mode.

[0200] Other control means, other than pulse width modulated signals, may be used.

[0201] It is recalled that the capacitive sensor 403 comprises at least one electrical armature forming a capacitive electrode, the electrical armature and the heating structure 401 form a stack in which the electrical armature is arranged between the resistive layer and the detection zone.

[0202] Of course, it is possible not to provide, in the interactive comfort system 400, a light layer so that the heating function alone is retained, being devoid of a light function.

Claims

Claims

1. Interactive comfort system (400), in particular intended to be installed inside a passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the system comprising: - a heating structure (401) comprising: • at least one resistive layer (402) arranged to produce heat when this layer is traversed by an electric current, this resistive layer being in particular a carbon-based sheet deposited on a substrate, • 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, - a capacitive sensor (403) 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 (FG) of the passenger,- a control unit (410) configured to control the heating structure (401) and the capacitive sensor (403) with a heating mode of the heating structure (401) and a capacitive detection mode of the capacitive sensor (403), system in which the control unit (410) is configured to, in a phase (Dreq) of temperature increase of the heating structure (401) in order to reach a predetermined temperature, start only the heating mode of the heating structure (401).,

2. Interactive comfort system (400) according to the preceding claim, in which the predetermined temperature to be reached during the temperature rise phase of the heating structure (401) is a set temperature (Treq), the set temperature being in particular a temperature equal to 100°C or 110°C or 120°C.

3. Interactive comfort system (400) according to the preceding claim, in which, in the case where the control unit (410) stores a protection temperature (Tpro), and if the set temperature (Treq) is chosen to be higher than this protection temperature (Tpro), the system is configured to leave the capacitive sensor (403) inactive until the protection temperature is reached and activate the operation of the capacitive sensor (403) from the protection temperature.

4. Interactive comfort system (400) according to claim 3, wherein the system is configured such that the protection temperature (Tpro) is chosen so that, when the heating structure (401) is at a temperature lower than this protection temperature, contact of the skin of a person with the interactive comfort system does not cause a burn on the person, this protection temperature is for example chosen to be equal to 70°C or 75°C.

5. Interactive comfort system (400) according to one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the control unit (410) is configured to, once the set temperature (Treq) is reached or, where appropriate, the protection temperature (Tpro) is reached, implement the heating mode of the heating structure (401) and the capacitive detection mode of the capacitive sensor (403) alternately.

6. Interactive comfort system (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (410) is configured to interrupt the heating mode in the event of detection of contact or approach of a person on the interactive comfort system.

7. Interactive comfort system (400) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control unit is configured to use pulse width modulation signals (PWM signals) to control switches, in particular of the MOSFET type, to control the heating, and to switch alternately from the heating mode to the capacitive detection mode.

8. Interactive comfort system (400) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the capacitive sensor (403) comprises at least one electrical armature forming a capacitive electrode, the electrical armature and the heating structure (401) form a stack in which the electrical armature is arranged between the resistive layer and the detection zone.

9. Interactive comfort system (400) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the system is arranged to generate an electrical control signal for the heating of the resistive layer. of the heating structure (401), this electrical control signal being configured to alternately operate the heating structure (401) in heating mode and in electrical protection mode in which the intensity of an electric field between the resistive layer of the heating structure (401) and the electrical armature of the capacitive sensor (403) is actively reduced using the control signal.

10. Interactive comfort system (400) according to claim 9, wherein, in heating mode of the heating structure (401), the control signal is a pulse width modulation signal (PWM signals) whose duty cycle is adjustable according to the required heating power.

11. Method for managing an interactive comfort system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - receiving a setpoint temperature (Treq) or, where appropriate, a protection temperature (Tpro) if the setpoint temperature is greater than the protection temperature; - triggering the heating mode of the heating structure (401) to allow a rise in temperature until the setpoint temperature is reached or, where appropriate, the protection temperature is reached; - activating the capacitive sensor (403) to enable the capacitive detection mode.

12. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the capacitive sensing mode lasts between 2 ms and 5 ms (millisecond) while the heating mode may last, for example, between 10 ms and 30 ms.

13. Method according to one of claims 11 and 12, comprising the following step: - activating the heating mode of the heating structure (401) alternately with the capacitive detection mode, as long as no approach or contact is detected by the capacitive sensor (403) in capacitive detection mode.

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, in the event of detection of a contact (touch) or an approach on the comfort system interactive, the control unit is configured to command the interruption of the heating mode.

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