Heating and sensing device that detects contact between the user and the vehicle's steering wheel and heats the steering wheel

Abstract

A device (100) for a system for detecting contact between a user and a steering wheel (9) of a vehicle and heating the steering wheel (9) comprises an electrical insulation support (10); a first track (1) for heating the steering wheel (9), a second track (2) for detecting contact, and a third track (3) for avoiding detection of incorrect contact, wherein the first track (1), the second track (2) and the third track (3) are electrically conductive and are distinguished from one another and are placed on the same surface of the electrical insulation support (10), and the third track (3) is placed between the first track (1) and the second track (2).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device or component that detects contact between a user's hand or hands and a vehicle's steering wheel and heats the steering wheel. In particular, the present invention relates to a device or component applied to a steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] A particularly useful feature in the automotive field is detecting contact between the driver's hands or between the hands and the steering wheel. A component equipped with an electrically conductive track configured to act as a contact sensor can be used for this purpose. When the track is connected to an electronic control unit, the latter can actually process changes in electrical quantities, for example, changes in capacitance. These changes are induced by contact between the hands and the conductive track placed on the steering wheel, which may be indirect. The conductive track can be placed, for example, beneath the outer covering layer of the steering wheel.

[0003] Another particularly useful feature is the heating of the vehicle's steering wheel. For this purpose, a component equipped with an electrically conductive track that heats up via the Joule effect can be used.

[0004] Unfortunately, when both the heating track and the sensor track are in use, interference problems occur between the two tracks, particularly capacitive coupling and electromagnetic interference. This interference occurs especially when the heating track is in operation.

[0005] In reality, there are instances where the sensor track detects "false contact" or "false touch." That is, contact with the hand is detected even though no actual contact has occurred.

[0006] In addition to interference between the two tracks, miscontact may occur due to other factors.

[0007] In fact, certain environmental factors such as humidity and temperature generally cause an increase in capacitance that the electronic control unit misinterprets as hand contact, even when the driver is not touching the steering wheel.

[0008] For example, high humidity can cause water droplets to form on the steering wheel, which induce capacitance known as parasitic capacitance. The parasitic capacitance generated by these droplets can have a value comparable to, or similar to, the capacitance generated when a driver's hand touches the steering wheel. As a result, the parasitic capacitance caused by the water droplets on the steering wheel is misinterpreted as a touch of the steering wheel.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to overcome these disadvantages. The problem to be solved

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a device or component for a steering wheel that can avoid or minimize the detection of incorrect contact.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device or component equipped with both a heating track and a sensor track, thereby enabling the minimization or avoidance of interference between the two tracks, particularly interference that causes incorrect contact. means of solving the problem

[0012] To achieve at least one of these and other purposes that will become apparent from the present description, the device for detecting contact between a user and a steering wheel of a vehicle and heating the steering wheel according to the present invention is,

[0013] - Electrical insulation support;

[0014] - Includes a first track for heating the steering wheel, a second track for detecting contact, and a third track for avoiding the detection of miscontact.

[0015] The first track, the second track, and the third track are electrically conductive, distinct from one another, and are placed on the same surface of an electrical insulation support; the third track is placed between the first track and the second track.

[0016] According to one aspect, the present invention also relates to a steering wheel of a vehicle equipped with at least one device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[0017] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a method of operating an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, during an electric supply for heating a heating track, the third track shields the second track to avoid capacitive coupling between the first track and the second track, and optionally, the second track and the third track are placed at the same potential.

[0018] The above device can advantageously be applied to a steering wheel. In particular, the device can be attached to the steering wheel and can be placed, for example, under the outer cover layer of the steering wheel made of leather.

[0019] The first track, second track, and third track are also referred to as the heating track, sensor track, and shielding track, respectively. Effects of the invention

[0020] Due to the presence of the third track and its specific location relative to the other tracks, the device of the present invention advantageously enables the detection of miscontacts caused by interference, particularly capacitive coupling or electromagnetic interference between the heating track and the sensor track, thereby allowing such miscontacts to be avoided or minimized. In particular, miscontacts can be avoided or minimized even when the heating track is in operation.

[0021] Furthermore, the heating track and the sensor track can advantageously be positioned at the same potential by an electronic control unit, and specific positions of the three tracks on the same surface or plane of the insulating support allow possible contact or capacitive coupling of water droplets with the sensor track and the shielding track. Thus, incorrect contact caused by environmental factors such as humidity can be prevented or minimized. If the shielding track is provided, advantageously such a track and the sensor track can be positioned at the same potential in a continuous manner without interruption. Heating by the heating track can also advantageously be performed in a continuous manner.

[0022] Furthermore, by placing the three tracks on the same surface of the insulating support, the device of the present invention can be advantageously manufactured to be particularly thin and easy.

[0023] The device also advantageously allows for two distinct electronic control units, in particular, one for the heating track and the other for the sensor track and shielding track.

[0024] In any case, a single electronic control unit configured to control the three tracks, namely the sensor track, the heating track, and the shielding track, may be provided.

[0025] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of certain non-limiting embodiments.

[0026] Dependent claims describe specific embodiments of the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided as non-limiting examples in the description. FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a device according to the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates details of Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates the details of Figure 2. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a part of a steering wheel of a vehicle equipped with a device according to the present invention. In drawings, the same reference numeral indicates the same element or component. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] Referring to the drawings, a device (100) for a system that detects contact between a user and a vehicle's steering wheel (9) and heats the steering wheel (9) is described.

[0029] The device (100) comprises an electrical insulation support (10), a heating track (1) (or a first track) for heating a steering wheel (9), a sensor track (2) (or a second track) for detecting contact, and a shielding track (3) (or a third track) for avoiding or minimizing the detection of incorrect contact. In particular, the shielding track (3) enables avoiding or minimizing interference between the heating track (1) and the sensor track (2). Such interference may be, for example, generally capacitive coupling or electromagnetic interference.

[0030] The heating track (1), sensor track (2) and shielding track (3) are electrically conductive, distinct from each other, and fixed to the support member (10).

[0031] Three tracks (1, 2, 3) are placed on the same surface of the insulating support (10) and are particularly fixed. More specifically, the three tracks (1, 2, 3) are placed side by side on the surface of the insulating layer (10). The three tracks (1, 2, 3) are preferably placed completely on the surface of the insulating support (10). Preferably, the three tracks (1, 2, 3) are in direct contact with the surface of the insulating support (10).

[0032] The shielding track (3) is positioned between the heating track (1) and the sensor track (2). That is, the shielding track (3) extends between the heating track (1) and the sensor track (2). For example, the shielding track (3) extends entirely or substantially entirely (i.e., the entire length extending along its axis) between the heating track (1) and the sensor track (2), so that substantially all parasitic capacitance along the sensor track (2) is filtered. The end of the shielding track (3) optionally does not extend between the tracks (1 and 2).

[0033] Preferably, the three tracks (1, 2, 3) extend parallel to each other or substantially parallel for at least 50% of their length, for example, 70 to 100%.

[0034] Preferably, the minimum distance “d12” (Fig. 3) between the heating track (1) and the sensor track (2) is between 1.5 and 4 mm or between 2.5 and 4 mm.

[0035] Preferably, the shielding track (3) is spaced apart from both the heating track (1) and the sensor track (2). In particular, the shielding track (3) does not come into direct contact with the heating track (1) or the sensor track (2).

[0036] Preferably, the minimum distance "d31" (Fig. 3) between the shielding track (3) and the heating track (1) is 0.1 to 1.5 mm.

[0037] Preferably, the minimum distance "d32" (Fig. 3) between the shielding track (3) and the sensor track (2) is 0.1 to 1.5 mm.

[0038] Preferably, the shielding track (3) is spaced equally or approximately equally from the heating track (1) and the sensor track (2).

[0039] Preferably, the width (w1) of the heating track (1) (Fig. 3) is larger than the width (w2) of the sensor track (2) and the width (w3) of the shielding track (3).

[0040] Preferably, the width (w1) of the heating track (1) is 0.5 to 4 mm.

[0041] Preferably, the width (w2) of the sensor track (2) is 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0042] Preferably, the width (w3) of the shielding track (3) is 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0043] Generally, the width of the track refers to a measurement in a direction parallel to the surface of the support member (10) and perpendicular to the axis of the track. On the other hand, the thickness of the track refers to a measurement in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the support member (10) and the axis of the track.

[0044] In particular, referring to FIG. 2, the three tracks (1, 2, 3) each include a plurality of peaks (11', 21', 31') (or first peaks for convenience of explanation) that alternate along the X-axis by each valley (12', 22', 32') (or first valley). The X-axis is, for example, the longitudinal axis of the device (100). Peaks are also called crests, and valleys are also called valleys.

[0045] Preferably, each peak (11') of the heating track (1) corresponds to each peak (21') of the sensor track (2) and each peak (31') of the shielding track (3), and the same applies to the grooves (12', 22', 32').

[0046] Preferably, the peak (11') of the heating track (1), the peak (21') of the sensor track (2), and the peak (31') of the shielding track (3) are aligned with each other. In other words, it is preferable that each peak (11') be aligned with each peak (21') and each peak (31'). The valleys (12', 22', 32') are preferably aligned with each other in a similar manner.

[0047] Preferably, the minimum distance "d22" (Fig. 2) or spacing between the peaks (21') of the sensor track (2) is 10 to 18 mm. These distances are preferably parallel to the X-axis. Preferably, all peaks (21') are spaced apart from each other by a distance d22, but are not limited thereto.

[0048] The width of the peak (11') is indicated by “a” (Fig. 2). Typically, the width of any peak is the minimum distance between the rising stretch (311) and the falling stretch (312) of the peak, particularly the distance parallel to the axis X.

[0049] Preferably, the width “a” of each peak (11’) is greater than the width of each peak (31’) aligned with it, and the width of each peak (31’) is greater than the width of each peak (21’) aligned with it. This relationship between the widths occurs particularly when the heating track (1) is close to the periphery or outer contour of the device (100), and the shielding track (3) and sensor track (2) are further inside the heating track (1). The shielding track (3) and sensor track (2) are within the perimeter formed by the heating track (1).

[0050] Alternatively, the sensor track (2) may be arranged further outward, i.e., closer to the periphery of the device, and the shielding track (3) and heating track (1) may be arranged further inward relative to the sensor track (2). In this case, each peak (21') of the sensor track (2) has a greater length than the peak (31') of the shielding track (3) aligned with it, and each peak (31') has a greater width than the peak (11') of the heating track (1) aligned with it.

[0051] Preferably, each of the three tracks (1, 2, 3) further includes peaks (11”, 21”, 31”) (referred to as second peaks for convenience of explanation) that alternate along the X-axis, particularly by each valley (12”, 22”, 32”) (second valley).

[0052] Preferably, the first peak (11', 21', 31') and the second peak (11”, 21”, 31”) extend in opposite directions, particularly in each transverse direction, preferably orthogonal to the X-axis.

[0053] Preferably, the first peak (11', 21', 31') and the second peak (11", 21", 31") are aligned with each other, and the first trough (12', 22', 32') is aligned with the second trough (12'', 22'', 32'').

[0054] Preferably, the second peak (11', 21', 31'') has the same features and relationships as the features described for the first peak (11', 21', 31').

[0055] Each conductive track (1, 2, 3) is provided with two ends (13', 13”, 23', 23'', 33', 33”) (Fig. 1) that serve to be connected to an electronic control unit.

[0056] Preferably, the sensor track (2) and the shielding track (3) are formed to be connected to the same electronic control unit, and the heating track (1) is formed to be connected to a different electronic control unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] Alternatively, the three tracks (1, 2, 3) can be connected to the same electronic control unit.

[0058] In any case, it is preferable that the electronic control unit be formed, particularly configured, to place the sensor track (2) and the shielding track (3) at the same potential.

[0059] The device (100) may optionally include the electronic control unit or the electronic control units connected to the track (1, 2, 3) as described above.

[0060] The device (100) is flexible. In particular, the device (100) belongs to the field of flexible electronics and can also be called a flexible circuit or “Flex Foil”.

[0061] It should be noted that the device (100) of FIG. 1 is exemplified under conditions where it is supported on a plane. The three tracks (1, 2, 3) form substantially the same plane under these conditions.

[0062] Because it is flexible, the device (100) can also take other forms, such as the form shown in FIG. 4 where the device (100) is placed on the steering wheel (9) of a vehicle.

[0063] It should be understood that the illustrated support (10) is merely an example and may have other shapes not illustrated, particularly depending on the steering wheel (9) on which the device is placed.

[0064] In addition, it is evident that the shape of the track (1, 2, 3) is provided only as an example.

[0065] Preferably, three tracks (1, 2, 3) are incorporated into the insulating support (10), but are not limited thereto. For example, the tracks (1, 2, 3) are placed between two layers of the insulating support (10) that are fixed to each other to substantially form a sandwich structure.

[0066] One of the two layers of the insulating support (10) may be placed on the body of the steering wheel (9). For example, one layer of the support (10) may be placed on the metal frame of the steering wheel or on another layer of the body of the steering wheel, for example, a layer made of polyurethane or another element made of thermosetting plastic or thermoplastic plastic of the steering wheel body. The other layer of the insulating support (10) may be covered, for example, by an outer cover layer of the steering wheel made of leather.

[0067] Alternatively, the tracks can be fixed to the surface of the insulating support (10), for example, the outer surface.

[0068] In any case, it is generally desirable to provide an outer cover layer, made of leather, for example, of a steering wheel, over the three tracks (1, 2, 3) of the device (100) so that contact between the driver's hands or hands and the sensor track (2) is made in an indirect form, particularly so that capacitive coupling is made.

[0069] The device (100) preferably has a total thickness of 0.1 to 1 mm, for example, 0.1 to 0.6 mm, or 0.3 to 1 mm, or 0.3 to 0.6 mm. For example, the thickness is about 0.3 mm or about 0.6 mm.

[0070] The total thickness of the device (100) is preferably much smaller than its maximum length and maximum width. These length and width preferably correspond substantially to the maximum length and maximum width of the insulating support (10). For example, the length of the device (100) along the X-axis may be 900 to 1200 mm, and the width may be 80 to 160 mm or 80 to 100 mm. In either case, the dimensions of the device (100) may be selected according to the dimensions of any steering wheel provided to which the device (100) can be applied.

[0071] The material forming the insulating support (10) is preferably a polymer material. As a non-limiting example, the insulating support (10) may include or be made of silicone, PVC, PS, PP, PE, PC, ABS, PET, PA, PU, ​​PUR, NBR, PTFE, EPDM, etc., and may optionally include additives. The insulating support preferably includes or is made of PVC.

[0072] As a non-limiting example, each conductive track (1, 2, 3) may comprise or be made of aluminum, coarse-tan, copper, nickel silver, steel, Inconel, brass, etc. The conductive tracks (1, 2, 3) are preferably made of aluminum. The conductive tracks preferably each have a thickness of 10 to 200 μm, for example, 15 to 150 μm.

[0073] As a non-limiting example, the device (100) may be manufactured by cross-linking a silicon support having one or more of the aforementioned conductive tracks obtained by etching or cutting a foil fixed to a support (10), for example, by laser cutting.

[0074] The device (100), particularly the support (10), is preferably ductile and capable of plastic and / or elastic deformation of about 10-20% with respect to the resting configuration or initial configuration.

[0075] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a steering wheel (9) of a vehicle equipped with a device (100). In particular, the device (100) is fixed to the surface of the steering wheel (9). As previously mentioned, an outer cover layer (not shown) covering the device (100) may be provided over the device (100). This outer cover layer is preferably made of leather.

[0076] For example, the method of operation of the device (100) is such that, during the electric supply for heating the heating track (1), the shielding track (3) shields the sensor track (2) to avoid capacitive coupling between the heating track (1) and the sensor track (2), and optionally the sensor track (2) and the shielding track (3) are placed at the same potential, particularly for this purpose, that is, by an electronic control unit configured to perform the aforementioned operation.

[0077] Preferably, it should be noted that the end values ​​of the intervals of the values ​​presented in this description are included.

Claims

Claim 1 A heating and sensing device (100) for detecting contact between a user and a steering wheel (9) of a vehicle and heating the steering wheel (9), comprising: an electrical insulation support (10); a first track (1) for heating the steering wheel (9), a second track (2) for detecting the contact, and a third track (3) for avoiding the detection of incorrect contact between the user and the steering wheel (9), wherein the first track (1), the second track (2) and the third track (3) are electrically conductive and are distinguished from one another, and include tracks disposed on the same surface of the electrical insulation support (10), and wherein the third track (3) is disposed between the first track (1) and the second track (2). Claim 2 A device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the minimum distance (d12) between the first track (1) and the second track (2) is between 1.5 and 4 mm. Claim 3 A device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the minimum distance (d31) between the third track (3) and the first track (1) is between 0.1 and 1.5 mm. Claim 4 A device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the minimum distance (d32) between the third track (3) and the second track (2) is between 0.1 and 1.5 mm. Claim 5 In claim 4, the second track (2) comprises a plurality of first peaks (21') that alternate with a plurality of first valleys (22'), and the distance (d22) between the first peaks (21') is between 10 and 18 mm, the device (100). Claim 6 In claim 1, the first track (1) and the third track (3) each include a plurality of first peaks (11', 31') that alternate with a plurality of first grooves (12', 32'), and the first peaks (11', 21', 31') of the first track (1), the second track (2), and the third track (3) are aligned with each other, the device (100). Claim 7 In claim 6, the first track (1), the second track (2) and the third track (3) each include a plurality of second peaks (11'', 21'', 31") that alternate by a plurality of second grooves (12'', 22'', 32'') along the longitudinal axis of the device (100), the second peaks (11'', 21'', 31'') of the first track (1), the second track (2) and the third track (3) are aligned with each other, and the first peaks (11', 21', 31'') and the second peaks (11', 21'', 31'') extend in opposite directions, the device (100). Claim 8 In claim 7, the device (100) is provided with an electronic control unit connected to at least the second track (2) and the third track (3) and configured to adjust the potential of the second track (2) and the third track (3). Claim 9 A steering wheel (9) of a vehicle equipped with at least one device (100) according to paragraph 1. Claim 10 A method for operating a device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, during the electric supply for heating the heating track (1), the third track (3) shields the second track (2) to avoid capacitive coupling between the first track (1) and the second track (2), and optionally, the second track (2) and the third track (3) are placed at the same potential.

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