CAPACITIVE ELEMENT FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND ASSOCIATED ASSEMBLY METHOD

Abstract

A motor vehicle component comprising at least one wall (3) having a lower layer (6) and an upper layer (7), a motor configured to drive the movement of said component, and an electronic module configured to control said motor. The component also comprises a capacitive layer (8) positioned between the lower layer (6) and the upper layer (7) and comprising at least a first portion and a second portion comprising an electrically conductive material and a third portion comprising a dielectric material positioned between the first and second portions, the capacitive layer (8) being capable of measuring a capacitive signal and transmitting it to the electronic module. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 3

Description

Title of the invention: CAPACITIVE ELEMENT FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND ASSOCIATED ASSEMBLY METHOD technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to elements for motor vehicles and more particularly to motorized moving elements for motor vehicles.

[0002] A motorized moving part for a motor vehicle can be, for example, a center armrest, a sunroof, a door, or a glove box. The motorized part is electrically automatic and therefore has movements that may be unpredictable for a user.

[0003] The automatic movements of said element can thus prove dangerous if a user is physically close to a pinch point of such an element. Indeed, if the user places their fingers near an automatic opening and closing area of ​​a glove box, for example, or their elbow near an automatic pivoting area of ​​a center armrest, they could be pinched and injured.

[0004] Today, there are doors that include a capacitance sensor made of copper wire. However, such a sensor architecture does not allow for a sufficiently effective measurement of human presence and is difficult to integrate. Description of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a solution that addresses the aforementioned problems.

[0006] The invention therefore relates to a component for a motor vehicle comprising at least one wall having a lower layer and an upper layer, a motor configured to drive the movement of said component, and an electronic module configured to control said motor. The component also comprises a capacitive layer positioned between the lower and upper layers and comprising at least a first portion and a second portion comprising an electrically conductive material and a third portion comprising a dielectric material positioned between the first and second portions. The capacitive layer is capable of measuring a capacitive signal and transmitting it to the electronic module.

[0007] In one embodiment, the motor vehicle element is a central armrest positioned between the two seats located at the front of the motor vehicle.

[0008] Advantageously, the first and second portions of the capacitive layer comprise copper.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the lower layer of the wall comprises a coating and a base, the coating being positioned between said base and the capacitive layer.

[0010] Advantageously, the lower and upper layers comprise an electrically insulating material.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the capacitive layer includes at least one electrical connection wire connected to the electronic module.

[0012] Advantageously, the motor is configured to drive an opening and closing of the element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electronic module comprises a sensing driver configured to receive and analyze the capacitive signal from the capacitive layer and a motor driver configured to control the motor, the sensing driver transmitting the capacitive signal analysis to the motor driver. In other words, the electronic module comprises a signal processing means and a motor control means. In another embodiment, the electronic module comprises a single signal processing and motor control module.

[0014] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising an element as defined above.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method for assembling an element as defined above. It comprises the following steps: - assembly of the capacitive layer onto the lower layer by a first assembly method, - assembly of the top layer onto the capacitive layer, - connection of the capacitive layer to the electronic module by means of at least one electrical connection wire.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first means of assembling the capacitive layer onto the lower layer includes glue. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] - Fig. 1 represents an example of a motor vehicle;

[0019] - Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a central armrest;

[0020] - Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a central armrest wall;

[0021] - Figure 4 is a top view of an example of a capacitive layer of a central armrest;

[0022] - Figure [Fig. 5] graphically represents the capacity measured over time by a capacitive layer of a central armrest;

[0023] - Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an example of an electronic module of a central armrest;

[0024] - Figure [7A] is a perspective view of an example of a coating assembly and a capacitive layer of a central armrest;

[0025] - Figure [Fig. 7B] is a perspective view of an example of a layer assembly capacitive and a top layer of a central armrest;

[0026] - Figure [Fig. 7C] is a perspective view of an example of a coating assembly and a lower layer of a central armrest;

[0027] - Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a first example of an assembly of a coating and a capacitive layer of a central armrest; and

[0028] - Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a second example of an assembly of coating and a capacitive layer of a central armrest. Detailed description

[0029] We refer to [Fig.1] which represents a motor vehicle 1 in an orthogonal coordinate system X, Y, Z. The X axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 and oriented towards the rear of the vehicle 1 in normal operation, the Y axis is perpendicular to the X axis and oriented towards the left of the vehicle 1 viewed from the front, and the Z axis is perpendicular to the plane defined by the X and Y axes and oriented towards the roof of the vehicle 1.

[0030] The motor vehicle 1 includes a central armrest 2 positioned between the two seats located at the front of the vehicle 1.

[0031] The central armrest 2 of the motor vehicle 1 includes a storage compartment, a movable main wall 3 configured to adopt an open position allowing access to the storage compartment for a user and a closed position allowing the storage compartment to be isolated, a motor 4 configured to drive the movement of the armrest 2 and in particular of the main wall 3 between said open position and said closed position, and an electronic module 5 configured to control the motor 4. The opening and closing of the main wall 3 of the motorized central armrest 2 is thus automatic.

[0032] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the main wall 3 of the armrest 2 comprises a lower layer 6 oriented towards the storage of the central armrest 2, an upper layer 7 opposite the lower layer 6 and a capacitive layer 8 positioned between the lower layer 6 and the upper layer 7. The capacitive layer 8 is capable of measuring a capacitive signal and transmitting it to the electronic module 5.

[0033] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the lower layer 6 of the armrest 2 further comprises a covering 6a and a base 6b, the covering 6a being positioned between said base 6b and the capacitive layer 8. The use of a coating 6a has several advantages such as improving the tactile comfort of the armrest 2, it also allows to absorb shocks and vibrations from the vehicle 1 and provides additional protection to the armrest 2. Furthermore, it makes it easier to assemble the capacitive layer 8 onto the lower layer 6 by acting as an intermediate layer that is easier to handle.

[0034] The lower layer 6 and upper layer 7 advantageously comprise an electrically insulating material such as plastic so as not to disturb the capacitive layer 8 and in particular the collection of capacitive data from said capacitive layer 8. Indeed, the upper layer 7 and lower layer 6 protect the capacitive layer 8 from variations in the electric field which could disturb the measurements taken by the capacitive layer 8.

[0035] The capacitive layer 8 illustrated in [Fig.4] comprises a first internal portion 10, a second external portion 11 and a third separating portion 12 positioned between the first portion 10 and the second portion IL. The first and second portions 10, 11 comprise an electrically conductive material such as copper and the third portion 12 comprises a dielectric material such as ambient air or plastic.

[0036] The armrest 2 can comprise several capacitive layers 8 placed side by side. The dimensions of the capacitive layer 8 can vary according to the requirement, and the size of the different portions 10, 11, 12 of the capacitive layer 8 are also variable. Advantageously, the portions 10, 11, 12 of the capacitive layer 8 can have different shapes. The essential requirement is that the first and second portions 10, 11 be electrically conductive and that the third portion 12 be electrically insulating. In one embodiment, the capacitive layer 8 is produced by mechanically cutting a copper sheet, a single copper sheet being able to be used to cut several capacitive layers 8.

[0037] According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first and second portions 10, 11 are copper sheets separated by a plastic portion 12. The capacitive layer 8 also includes electrical connecting wires 13, 14; more specifically, the first and second portions 10, 11 each include an electrical wire 13, 14. The first portion 10 is electrically connected to the electronic module 5 by means of the electrical wire 13, and the second portion 11 provides the grounding connection by means of the electrical wire 14. The second portion 11 forms a frame surrounding the first and third portions 10, 12 and includes a perforation 15 that allows the passage of the electrical wire 13 from the first portion 10 to the electronic module 5.

[0038] Figure 5 graphically illustrates the capacitance C measured by the capacitive layer 8 between the first portion 10 and the second portion 11 during time T. The value of the capacitance C without human proximity is taken as the reference threshold R, with a margin of error E constituting a reference interval R. If the capacitance C increases and is no longer within the reference interval R, the capacitive layer 8 detects human proximity H at the armrest 2 and sends a signal to the electronic module 5 so that the latter controls the motor 4 and thus the opening and / or closing of said armrest 2.

[0039] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the electronic module 5 of the armrest 2 includes a sensing driver 16 configured to receive and analyze the capacitive signal C from the capacitive layer 8 and a motor driver 17 configured to control the motor 4. The sensing driver 16 transmits the analysis of the capacitive signal C to the motor driver 17.

[0040] Thus, the capacitive layer 8 continuously transmits data relating to the detected capacitance C to the detection driver 16, and the detection driver 16 analyzes the transmitted values. If the detection driver 16 identifies a human presence H at the armrest 2, it sends a specific signal to the motor driver 17. After receiving the signal from the detection driver 16, the motor driver 17 sends the instruction to the motor 4 to stop, that is, to halt its movement. As long as the detection driver 16 does not identify a human presence H, the motor 4 follows the instructions to open and close the armrest 2.

[0041] Now, a method for assembling the central armrest 2 is described.

[0042] During a first step illustrated in [Fig.7A], the capacitive layer 8 is assembled on the coating 6a of the lower layer 6 by means of a first assembly means, the coating 6a being decoupled from the base 6b of the lower layer 6.

[0043] Next, during a second step illustrated in [Fig.7B], the upper layer 7 is assembled onto the capacitive layer 8 by means of a second assembly means.

[0044] During a third step illustrated in [Fig.7C], the coating 6a is fixed on the base 6b of the lower layer 6, allowing the assembly of the lower layer 6 with the capacitive layer 8 and the upper layer 7.

[0045] Finally, during a fourth step, the capacitive layer 8 is connected to the electronic module 5 by means of the electrical connecting wires 13, 14 of the first and second portions 10, 11 of said capacitive layer 8. Indeed, an electrical wire 13 electrically connects the first portion 10 of the capacitive layer 8 and the detection driver 16 of the electronic module 5 of the armrest 2.

[0046] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 8A], the assembly of the capacitive layer 8 onto the coating 6a is ensured by compressing said layer Capacitive layer 8 is located between the coating 6a and the upper layer 7, which is a solid layer. The capacitive layer 8 is thus held stationary between the lower layer 6 and the upper layer 7 by means of the upper layer 7 interlocking with the lower layer 6.

[0047] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 8B], the first means for assembling the capacitive layer 8 onto the coating 6a comprises adhesive 18. Indeed, the assembly of the capacitive layer 8 onto the coating 6a is carried out by gluing said capacitive layer 8 onto the coating 6a. In this embodiment, the upper layer 7 of the armrest 2 is a flexible layer such as textile or leather.

[0048] Of course, the invention remains within the scope of the invention even if the armrest 2 has a different composition. It is thus possible to design an armrest 2 comprising a solid top layer 7 and the capacitive layer 8 bonded to the coating 6a. Furthermore, the capacitive layer 8 can have a different shape with different dimensions depending on the vehicle component in which the capacitive layer 8 is integrated and depending on the desired capacitance detection surface C.

[0049] The armrest 2 as described makes it possible to prevent an injury that could be caused by the opening and / or closing of the wall 3 of said armrest 2 by identifying a human proximity H. The capacitive layer 8 provides accuracy in the detection of the human proximity H and provides flexibility in the assembly of the armrest 2.

Claims

Demands

1. Component (2) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one wall (3) having a lower layer (6) and an upper layer (7), a motor (4) configured to drive a movement of said component (2) and an electronic module (5) configured to control said motor (4), characterized in that the component (2) also comprises a capacitive layer (8) positioned between the lower layer (6) and the upper layer (7) and comprising at least a first portion (10) and a second portion (11) comprising an electrically conductive material and a third portion (12) comprising a dielectric material positioned between the first portion (10) and the second portion (11), the capacitive layer (8) being capable of measuring a capacitive signal (C) and transmitting it to the electronic module (5).

2. Element (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portions (10, 11) of the capacitive layer (8) comprise copper.

3. Element (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the lower layer (6) of the wall (3) comprises a coating (6a) and a base (6b), the coating (6a) being positioned between said base (6b) and the capacitive layer (7).

4. Element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower and upper layers (6, 7) comprise an electrically insulating material.

5. Element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capacitive layer (8) comprises at least one electrical connecting wire (13, 14) connected to the electronic module (5).

6. Element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the motor (4) is configured to drive an opening and closing of the element (2).

7. Component (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electronic module (5) comprises a sensing driver (16) configured to receive and analyze the capacitive signal (C) from the capacitive layer (8) and a motor driver (17) configured to control the motor (4), the sensing driver (16) transmitting the analysis of the capacitive signal (C) to the motor driver (17).

8. Motor vehicle (1) comprising an element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Method of assembling an element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - assembly of the capacitive layer (8) on the lower layer (6) by means of a first assembly means, - assembly of the upper layer (7) on the capacitive layer (8), - connection of the capacitive layer (8) to the electronic module (5) by means of at least one electrical connection wire (13, 14).

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the first means for assembling the capacitive layer (8) onto the lower layer (6) comprises glue (18).

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