Patent ID: 12214734

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used throughout the present disclosure, unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “or” encompasses all possible combinations, except where infeasible. For example, the expression “A or B” shall mean A alone, B alone, or A and B together. If it is stated that a component includes “A, B, or C”, then, unless specifically stated otherwise or infeasible, the component may include A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, or A and B and C. Expressions such as “at least one of” do not necessarily modify an entirety of the following list and do not necessarily modify each member of the list, such that “at least one of “A, B, and C” should be understood as including only one of A, only one of B, only one of C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

In the figures, an “up” direction is understood to be such a direction that points toward a user, whereas a “down” direction is such a direction that points away from the user and, in particular, toward a vehicle structure.

FIG.1depicts a schematic representation of the layer structure of a functional interior trim part10. The interior trim part10shown inFIG.1has several layers arranged one above the other. The lowest layer is a base support1on which the other layers are arranged or supported by it. An electrical shielding layer2is arranged directly above the base substrate1, on which in turn a functional layer3is arranged.

It is important here that the electrical shielding layer2is arranged below the functional layer3. Here, the electrical shielding layer2is arranged between the functional layer3and the base substrate1as an example. Alternatively, it would be possible here, for example, to arrange the electrical shielding layer2under the base substrate1.

A haptic layer4is arranged above the functional layer3. The haptic layer4has a greater layer thickness than the electrical shielding layer2and the functional layer3and is made of a soft material which yields accordingly when touched and thus leaves a “soft” impression on the user.

A decorative layer5is arranged on the haptic layer4. The decorative layer5is optional. Alternatively, the haptic layer4or, more precisely, the surface of the haptic layer4facing the user (operating surface) can be processed in such a way that it already meets the visual requirements for the interior trim part10.

FIGS.2aand2bdepict more clearly how the electrical shielding layer2works. In particular, it is clear here what the shielding layer2is arranged for between the base substrate1and the functional layer3.

FIG.2adepicts a layered structure with the base substrate1, the functional layer3, the haptic layer4and the decorative layer5. In particular, in the layered structure ofFIG.2a,the electrical shielding layer2is thus not arranged.

FIG.2aalso depicts the electric field lines of the functional layer3, which emanate in a circle from the functional layer3. The electric field lines are used here to represent the electric field as a space in which forces can be exerted on charges from the functional layer3.

In particular, it can be seen that the electric field does not reach the operating surface that can be reached by the user's finger, in this case decorative layer5. Consequently, interaction of the user with the functional layer3is not possible in the layer structure shown inFIG.2a.

FIG.2bdepicts the layered structure of the functional interior trim part10according to the present invention, in which the electrical shielding layer2is arranged in addition to the base support1, the functional layer3, the haptic layer4and the decorative layer5. Here, the electrical shielding layer2is arranged in such a way that it is sandwiched between the base support1and the functional layer3.

The electrical shielding layer2is formed of a conductive material or has such a conductive material and is connected to ground. As a result, the electrical shielding layer2leads to a selective sensor field expression in the direction of the operating half-space.

A possible interaction with the field lines of the sensor array therefore only occurs from the touch side and not from the B side of the array.

With increased spatial sensitivity, the signal-to-noise ratio increases, so that with higher field excitation, higher sensitivity is possible without false sensing.

As a result, the arrangement leads to improved detection of the field lines altered by touch operation (either interference, attenuation or dissipation), because the interference signals are shielded from the side facing away from the haptic layer and thus have no influence on the field lines required for operation detection.

Thus, the electric field extends further from the functional layer3towards the user.

Consequently, a user can reach the electric field with his finger and thereby interact with the functional layer3. If the user's finger is in the electric field, a small charge transport occurs. This can be detected or measured so that the contact position of the finger can be determined. The processing of this information takes place in a controller.

Thus, the electrical shielding layer2also enables capacitive operation through the relatively thick haptic layer4. This makes it possible to integrate an operating zone “invisibly” in a comfort zone.

Since the devices and methods described in detail above are examples of embodiments, they can be modified to a wide extent by the skilled person in the usual manner without leaving the scope of the invention. In particular, the mechanical arrangements and the proportions of the individual elements with respect to each other are merely exemplary. Some preferred embodiments of apparatus according to the invention have been disclosed above. The invention is not limited to the solutions explained above, but the innovative solutions can be applied in different ways within the limits set by the claims.