FR2928016A1 - ELECTRIC CONTROL MODULE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical control module comprising: - a support (1) for electrical circuits, - a plurality of electrical contact pads (3) carried by said support (1) so that each electrical contact area ( 3) corresponds to a position of a support on said support (1), and- a surface contactor (11) disposed above the electrical contact pads (3), so that a support on said contactor (11) it connects it to the electrical contact areas (3) at the level of the support thus making it possible to determine the position of the support.According to the invention, said contactor (11) comprises: - a strip (13) connected to ground and inscribed in a closed geometric form, and a plurality of flexible tabs (15) connected to the band (13), each tab (15) being arranged facing a contact zone (3) associated so as to allow make an electrical contact.

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical control module, in particular for a motor vehicle.

More specifically, such a module finds an advantageous application for the controls located at the console between the two front seats of a motor vehicle for example to control air conditioning functions, an audio system, a control system. telephony or a navigation system. The invention can also be applied in a region of the vehicle called the dome or the ceiling lamp which is located at the usual location of the interior rearview mirror, for example to control interior lights, central locking, sunroof, lights distress or mood lights inside the vehicle. This module can also be used for window regulators, motorized exterior mirrors positioning controls or motorized seat moving controls. In the automotive field, the controls of various electrical components are conventionally performed by switches / switches. However, in view of the increasing number of electrical components to be controlled, multifunctional control devices are increasingly used because of ergonomic benefits that result. Indeed, from a single command button, made for example in the form of a joystick, associated with a display screen, it is possible to navigate in drop-down menus for controlling, for example, air conditioning, the audio system or still the navigation system. To increase the ergonomic comfort, a touch sensor technology for detecting a simple support of the driver and, depending on the position of the detected support or the displacement of this support on the surface to trigger a command, used alone or in complement of such multifunction buttons, can be considered an interesting development. Indeed, tactile sensors, especially for the automotive field, have made significant progress. Technology using pressure sensitive resistors SFR5118 - BRT0201FR (also known as FSR sensor for Force Sensing Resistor) is more and more ahead of other equivalent technologies, such as capacitive or optical technologies because of its ease of use. implementation and its robustness. Such sensors are for example known as digitizing tablet 5 ("Digitizer pad"). However, the known sensors are quite expensive, which hampers the application of tactile technologies in the automobile. Moreover, there is a touch pad with a simplified and less expensive technology. On a first dielectric support are arranged conductive tracks whose outputs are connected to an associated resistive band. Parallel to these tracks are arranged on the same support tracks connected to the mass. Then, this support is capped with a second dielectric support on which are arranged conductive tracks whose outputs are also connected to an associated resistive band. Between the two supports is disposed a spacer to prevent in the rest position any contact between the different tracks. Pressing on this known tablet is connected to the place of support the two conductive tracks to the ground track. Thus, with an electrical assembly in the manner of a divider bridge for the two resistive strips, it is possible to measure a change in resistance and thus to deduce the position of the support. However, the Applicant has found several disadvantages for this known tablet. In the automotive field, it is important that the electrical components are insensitive to the strong electromagnetic disturbances to which a vehicle may be exposed, either because of its own components in operation (for example the alternator 25 or an electric motor in operation), either because of its environment (for example when the vehicle passes under a high-voltage line or near a relay antenna for mobile telephony). SFR5118 - BRT0201EN 5 3 However, these known sensors may not be sufficiently reliable in the face of these electromagnetic disturbances, which limits their resolution and hinders the application of tactile technologies in the automobile, in particular in entry-level vehicles. . The present invention therefore aims to provide an improved electrical control module, inexpensive, ensuring improved resolution of the touch sensor and insensitive to external disturbances. To this end, the subject of the invention is an electrical control module comprising: a support for electrical circuits, a plurality of electrical contact pads carried by said support so that each electrical contact pad corresponds to a position on said support, and a surface contactor disposed above the electrical contact areas, so that a support on said contactor connects it to the electrical contact pads at the support thus making it possible to determine the position of the support, characterized in that said contactor comprises: a strip connected to the ground and inscribed in a closed geometrical shape, and a plurality of flexible tabs connected to the strip, each tab being arranged facing an associated contact pad so as to allow the establishment of an electrical contact. Preferably, each tab is extended by two parallel strips for establishing a double electrical contact.

Advantageously, the band is made in the form of a ring, and said pads are arranged in a circular configuration. According to a preferred embodiment, the tabs are made in the form of tabs. Judiciously, the tabs are oriented radially.

According to a preferred embodiment, said beaches have an elongated shape. According to an advantageous alternative, said beaches have a trapezoidal shape. Preferably, the control module comprises a central zone devoid of electrical contact pads and flexible tabs. SFR5118 - BRT0201FR

Preferably, all of the plurality of electric contact areas are divided into sectors, and said control module comprises for each sector, an associated set of resistors forming a divider bridge, so that the support position is obtained. on the one hand, the determination of the sector comprising the contact range at the level of the support and, secondly, the exploitation of the output signal of the set of resistors associated with the determined sector. Advantageously, the control module further comprises a transmission skin of a support force disposed above said contactor made of a material for transmitting light and said support comprises at least one light source for the backlighting of said skin. According to a preferred embodiment, the control module comprises a microcontroller for exploiting the signals coming from said sets of resistors (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), furthermore including an analog-digital converter, an input of which is connected to each set of resistances.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, given by way of example, without limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1a is a top view of a support for electrical circuits of an electrical control module according to a first embodiment, FIG. 1b is a view from above of a support for electrical circuits of an electrical control module according to a second embodiment, FIG. 1c is a view of above a support for electrical circuits of an electrical control module according to a third embodiment, FIG. 1d illustrates a contact range of the support for electrical circuits of FIG. 1c, FIG. 2 is a view from below of FIG. FIG. 3a is a view from above of the support of FIG. 1 on which a surface contactor is placed, SFR5118 -BRT0201EN FIG. 3b is a view in a neck According to the axis II of the control module of FIG. 3a, FIG. 4a illustrates a first embodiment of a surface contactor according to the invention, FIG. 4b illustrates a second embodiment of the surface contactor, the FIG. 4c illustrates a third embodiment of the surface contactor, FIG. 5 is an end example of the contactor of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is an electric diagram to explain the connection and the operation of the control module according to the invention. .

The invention relates to an electrical control module and more particularly to a touch control module, that is to say by a support for example of a finger or a stylus of a user. Such a module can be advantageously used in the automotive field for any control of the surface type, that is to say a command for which one walks for example a finger or a stylus on a control surface or for which the control is realized by simply pressing on a control surface. Examples include motorized seat controls, window regulators, motorized exterior mirror controls, ceiling mounted controls such as interior lighting controls, sunroof opening controls. , climate controls, multi-function telephony, navigation, audio system etc. As can be seen in FIGS. 1a to 1c, the electrical control module comprises a support 1 for electrical circuits such as for example a printed circuit board (PCB).

In a variant, it is possible to provide a flexible electrical circuit (flex circuit in English) arranged on a base having a flat or curved surface. Thus, it can achieve non-flat touch surfaces which is a benefit in terms of design. By using such a flexible circuit, it is possible, for example, to produce a tactile surface that completely conforms to the shape of a rounded instrument panel. The upper face 1a of the support 1 carries a plurality of electric contact areas 3, so that each region 3 corresponds to a position on the support 1. Each zone 3 may for example be connected to an associated element 5a. illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 1d, of connection with the lower face 1b of the support 1 (see FIG. 2), opposite to the upper face 1a bearing the regions 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 1e, the support 1 may present in addition to the contour of the support 1, a mass zone 7. It can be expected that the mass zone 7 is inscribed in a closed geometric form. As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, an electrical insulator 9 is preferably disposed on the upper face 1a of the support 1 except at the level of the zones 3, between the zones 3 and a surface contactor 11 which will be described in more detail thereafter. This electrical insulator 9 may for example form a spacer and allow to maintain in the rest position a predefined distance between the pads 3 and the contactor 11. To this end, the electrical insulator 9 may be formed by a varnish or an insulating film.

According to the invention, the surface contactor 11 illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 4c is disposed above the upper face 1a of the support 1 carrying the tracks 3 so that a bearing on the contactor 11 connects it to the tracks 3 at the support, thus enabling the position of the support to be determined. The support 1 and the contactor 11 are assembled together for example by means of fastening means 12 (FIG. 3b) inserted at the assembly points 14 of the support 1 and the contactor 11. More specifically, the contactor 11 comprises a strip 13 connected to the ground, for example at the ground area 7 of the support 1, and inscribed in a closed geometric form. Advantageously, the closed geometrical shape in which the strip 13 of the contactor 11 is inscribed corresponds substantially to the closed geometrical shape in which is inscribed the mass zone 7 of the support 1 (see FIGS. 1a to 4a and 4a to 4c). . SFR5118 - BRT0201EN The contactor 11 then forms a screen against any disturbing electromagnetic radiation and makes it possible to significantly improve the operational safety of the control module according to the invention. For this purpose, the switch 11 is made of metal, and can for example be made by stamping. Alternatively, it can be provided that the contactor 11 comprises a layer of a conductive material connected to ground, such as an elastomeric skin, preferably silicone, filled with conductive particles or such as a conductive polymer. The contactor 11 further comprises a plurality of flexible tabs 15 connected to the band 13 and the free end 17 of which is arranged opposite an associated pad 3 so as to make it possible to establish an electrical contact with the associated pad 3 during a support. For this purpose, the free end 17 is movable between a rest position in which it is raised, and an active position, for example during a support, in which it establishes an electrical contact with the pads 3 to connect the latter. to the mass. In the rest position, the absence of any electrical contact is then guaranteed, thus improving the reliability of the control module. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the free end 17 of a tab 15 is advantageously extended by two parallel strips 17a, 17b making it possible to establish a double contact. This double contact makes it possible, for example, in the event of dust or an obstacle on a contact element to provide an electrical signal, which increases the reliability of the module. Advantageously, the band 13 is made in the form of a ring (Figures 4b, 4c). For this purpose, the mass region 7 of the support 1 can be made in the form of a corresponding ring (Figures lb, 1c). In addition, the areas 3 facing the tabs 15 may be arranged in a circular configuration (Figure 1c). This circular configuration of the tracks 3 and the surface contactor 11 allows the control module according to the invention, capable of generating a touch control without an apparent button, to substitute, for example, a rotary encoder which requires a control button. ordered. According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4c, the tabs 15 are in the form of tongues 15 and are advantageously oriented radially, preferably towards the inside of the switch 11. For a better match, between the tongues 15 and the beaches 3, the latter may have an elongate shape and be oriented radially inwardly of the support 1 (see Figures la and 1c). The elongated shape and the radial orientation of the tongues 15 and the plates 3 makes it possible to optimize the electrical contacts between the tongues 15 and the plates 3 during a support.

According to an advantageous alternative, the plates 3 have a trapezoidal shape (FIGS. 1a, 1c). This trapezoidal shape of the beaches 3 both elongated and wider with respect to the tongues 15 makes it possible to further optimize the electrical contacts between the zones 3 and the tongues 15 during a support.

Preferably, the control module comprises a central zone 19 devoid of tracks 3 and lugs 15. For this purpose, the pads 3 are disposed at the periphery of the contour of the support 1 (see FIGS. 1a-1c). Thus, the central zone 19 of the support 1 is disengaged in order to allow the installation of options, for example a validation button or an illuminated logo. According to a variant not shown, it can be provided that the pads 3 and the lugs 5 of the switch 11, are arranged at the central zone 19, in a circular configuration. In this case, the pads 3 and the tabs 5 may have elongated shapes and be directed radially respectively outwardly of the support 1 and the contactor 11. Naturally, the mass zone 7 and the band 13 can also be realized. in the form of corresponding crowns. Preferably, the set of ranges 3 is divided into several sectors 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d of ranges 3. These sectors may be uniform. SFR5118 -BRT0201EN In the example illustrated in Figure 1c, there is shown four sectors 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d each having six areas 3, and being arranged in a quarter circle on the support 1. As can be seen in FIG. 2, having the lower face 1b of the support 1, and FIG. 6 showing an electrical diagram in a non-circular configuration for the sake of clarity, the connecting elements 5a associated with the tracks 3 arranged on the upper face 1a of the support 1 are connected to connecting elements 5b present on the lower face 1b of the support 1. These connecting elements 5b are interconnected by separate sets of resistors R to form respectively for each sector 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d an associated divider bridge 20a , 20b, 20c, 20d.

These dividing bridges 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are connected together on the one hand to a supply voltage + V, as an indication 5V, and on the other hand to the ground zone 7, and make it possible to determine the position of 'support. There are thus as many dividing bridges 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d as sectors 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. In this way, the number of resistors of the control module is not limited. However each divider bridge of the control module comprises a number of predefined resistors so that the output voltage stages are sufficient to be operated with inexpensive technology, which allows to increase the resolution of the control module according to the invention. . Preferably, each divider bridge 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is respectively connected to an analog output Si, S2, S3, S4. Thus, when pressing on the contactor 11 connecting for example a range 23 to the ground, one can obtain the position of the support and translate it into an appropriate command on the one hand from the determination of the sector 3a comprising the range 23 at the support, and secondly from the exploitation of the output signal taken at the analog output 25 S1 associated with the divider bridge 20a associated with the sector 3a determined. In normal operation, only one divider bridge can be activated. If several simultaneous supports solicit several divider circuits, the electrical information will either be ignored or taken into consideration if it responds to a desired scenario. SFR5118 - BRT0201 EN Moreover, as can be seen in FIG. 3b, a transmission skin 21 of a bearing force covers the contactor 11. In order to allow different tactile effects, the face of the skin 21 opposite the contactor It can be smooth in order to be able to apply sliding-type controls, that is to say to determine the direction and the evolution of the change of position, for example of a user's finger in time, and to apply a corresponding electrical control, and / or to present at the level of the legs 15 a concavity for obtaining a blistering effect, in order to achieve support with tactile feedback.

The control module then makes it possible not only to determine the position of a support, that is to say the location, but also to follow the movements for example of a finger in time, to deduce a corresponding command. For a better identification of the functions to be controlled, in particular when driving at night, the support 1 judiciously comprises at least one light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED for light emitting diodes), for the backlighting of the skin, that is to say the lighting by the back side. This light source is advantageously disposed on the central zone 19 of the support 1. As a variant, the light source may be disposed on a lateral face of the support 1.

For example, the transmission skin is provided with a pictogram showing a function that can be controlled. This pictogram is for example made of a white plastic material allowing the light coming from the light source to pass through the contactor 11.

During daytime driving, the driver clearly sees the white pictogram on the control module, and when driving at night, the backlighting allows the driver to easily locate the control. Alternatively, the transmission skin may be made of a transparent or translucent material for transmitting light rays.

In addition, the control module may include a microcontroller (not shown) for operating the signals from the divider bridge circuits 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. In addition, this microcontroller may comprise an analog digital converter 5 (not shown), an input of which is connected to each output S1, S2, S3, S4 so as to digitize the output signals at the analog outputs S1, S2, S3. S4. The exploitation of the analog signals makes it possible to deduce a command. This operation can be static, which allows to determine only the position of the support or dynamic, which allows to follow the evolution of the support position.

In addition, the contactor 11 is aptly able to deform elastically to fit any surface shape of the support 1. The contactor can then fit on a surface of the support 1 flat or in two dimensions, as well as on a surface. three dimensions. Thus, the control module operates in the following manner.

In the rest position, all the free ends 17 of the lugs 15 of the contactor 11 are raised and no electrical contact is established with the ranges 3. As the contactor 11 is connected to the ground, it acts as a screen effective protection against electromagnetic radiation. By pressing the contactor 11, for example via the transmission skin 21, the free end 17 of a tab 15 placed for example opposite an associated range 23 (FIG. 6) included in the sector 3a, establishes a electrical contact with this range 23, and connects it to the ground. The resistor R23 of the associated divider bridge 20a is then grounded, so that the divider bridge 20a delivers a new output voltage at the analog output S1.

It is then determined that the sector concerned is the sector 3a, and then the voltage is measured at the analog output S1 of the divider bridge 20a associated with the sector 3a. The analog output voltage of the circuit 20a at the output S1 is then digitized by the digital analog converter of the microcontroller to deduce a corresponding command. SFR5118 -BRT0201 EN In addition, in the case where simultaneous support is performed on different ranges 3, the electrical information will be ignored by the microcontroller are taken into consideration if it meets a desired scenario. Of course, it will be possible to follow the evolution of the output voltage in time and to deduce a corresponding command. It is thus clear that the control module according to the invention makes it possible to produce an inexpensive touch sensor while being reliable at the operating level, and in particular being protected against disturbing electromagnetic waves and ensuring good resolution. SFR5118 - BRT0201FR

Claims (6)

An electrical control module comprising: a support (1) for electrical circuits, a plurality of electrical contact pads (3) carried by said support (1) so that each electrical contact pad (3) corresponds to a position of a support on said support (1), and a surface contactor (11) disposed above the electrical contact areas (3), so that a support on said contactor (11) connects it to the electric contacting areas ( 3) at the level of the support thus making it possible to determine the position of the support, characterized in that said contactor (11) comprises: a strip (13) connected to the ground and inscribed in a closed geometrical shape, and a plurality flexible lugs (15) connected to the strip (13), each lug (15) being arranged facing a contact zone (3) associated so as to make it possible to establish an electrical contact. 2. Module according to claim 1, characterized in that each tab (15) is extended by two parallel strips (17a, 17b) for establishing a double electrical contact. 3. Control module according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the strip (13) is formed in the form of a ring, and in that said pads (3) are arranged in a circular configuration . 4. Control module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tabs (15) are formed as tabs. 5. Control module according to claim 3 taken in combination with claim 4, characterized in that the tongues (15) are oriented radially. SFR5118 - BRT0201FR 6. Control module according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said pads (3) have an elongated shape. Control module according to claim 6, characterized in that said pads (3) have a trapezoidal shape. Control module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a central zone (19) devoid of electrical contact pads (3) and flexible tabs (15). Control module according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that all of the plurality of electrical contact areas (3) are divided into sectors (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), and that said control module comprises for each sector (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) an associated set of resistors (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) forming a divider bridge, so that the position of the support being obtained from a on the one hand, the determination of the sector comprising the contact range (3) at the level of the support and, on the other hand, the operation of the output signal of the set of resistors associated with the determined sector. 10. Control module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises a transmission skin of a bearing force disposed above said contactor (11) made of a material allowing the transmission of light and in that said support (1) comprises at least one light source for the backlighting of said skin. 11 control module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a microcontroller for exploiting the signals from said sets of resistors (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), further comprising an analog converter digital, of which one input is connected to each set of resistors. SFR5118 - BRT0201EN7. 8. 9.10