US20190138202A1 - Heatable vehicle keypad assembly and keypad heating method - Google Patents
Heatable vehicle keypad assembly and keypad heating method Download PDFInfo
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- US20190138202A1 US20190138202A1 US15/806,455 US201715806455A US2019138202A1 US 20190138202 A1 US20190138202 A1 US 20190138202A1 US 201715806455 A US201715806455 A US 201715806455A US 2019138202 A1 US2019138202 A1 US 2019138202A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- keypad
- based material
- touch
- heating element
- sensitive sensor
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
- H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
- H03K17/96—Touch switches
- H03K17/962—Capacitive touch switches
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
- G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
- G06F3/04886—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
- G06F3/044—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
- H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
- H03K17/96—Touch switches
- H03K17/9627—Optical touch switches
- H03K17/9631—Optical touch switches using a light source as part of the switch
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/84—Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/02—Details
- H05K1/0201—Thermal arrangements, e.g. for cooling, heating or preventing overheating
- H05K1/0212—Printed circuits or mounted components having integral heating means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K2217/00—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00
- H03K2217/94—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00 characterised by the way in which the control signal is generated
- H03K2217/96—Touch switches
- H03K2217/9607—Capacitive touch switches
- H03K2217/960755—Constructional details of capacitive touch and proximity switches
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/18—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
- H05K1/181—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components associated with surface mounted components
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
- H05K2201/10—Details of components or other objects attached to or integrated in a printed circuit board
- H05K2201/10007—Types of components
- H05K2201/10151—Sensor
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
- H05K7/1422—Printed circuit boards receptacles, e.g. stacked structures, electronic circuit modules or box like frames
- H05K7/1427—Housings
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to a keypad of a vehicle and, more particularly, to heating areas associated with the keypad.
- keypads include a touch-sensitive keypad accessible from an exterior of the vehicle.
- the keypads can be near, for example, a B-pillar or a window of the vehicle.
- Doors of the vehicle can lock or unlock in response to a user inputting an appropriate code into the keypad.
- Other functions of the vehicle can also be controlled through the keypad, such as, for example, locking or unlocking a trunk compartment.
- the keypad can permit control of such functions from outside the vehicle, and without requiring the user to manipulate a physical latch on the door or to interface directly with a key fob.
- the keypads can be disposed adjacent a transparent panel of the vehicle, such as adjacent a rear side window panel of the vehicle. A build-up of contaminants, such as ice, snow, etc., can interfere with a user viewing and interacting with the keypad.
- a heatable keypad assembly includes, among other things, a touch-sensitive sensor providing a keypad, and a heating element that includes a conductive polymer-based material and is disposed adjacent the touch-sensitive sensor.
- the touch-sensitive sensor and the heating element interface directly with a transparent panel of a vehicle.
- the transparent panel is a window.
- the touch-sensitive sensor and the heating element directly contact a surface of the window that faces a passenger compartment of a vehicle.
- the touch-sensitive sensor is a capacitive sensor.
- the assembly includes a printed circuit board.
- the touch-sensitive sensor is sandwiched between the printed circuit board and the transparent panel.
- the conductive polymer-based material includes a carbon filler and an extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base
- the conductive polymer-based material further includes a maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene compatibilizer.
- a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies includes a housing.
- the touch-sensitive sensor and the conductive polymer-based material are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the housing.
- the housing is a polymer or polymer-based material that is less electrically conductive than the conductive polymer-based material.
- the heating element is an in-molded component that is in-molded within a cavity provided by the housing.
- a keypad heating method includes, among other things, holding a heating element having a conductive polymer-based material near a touch-sensitive sensor.
- the touch-sensitive sensor provides a keypad adjacent a transparent panel of a vehicle.
- the method further includes activating the conductive polymer-based material to heat an area of the transparent panel adjacent the keypad.
- the transparent panel is a vehicle window.
- a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes directly contacting a surface of the transparent panel that faces a passenger compartment of the vehicle with both the capacitive sensor and the conductive polymer-based material.
- a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes flexing the conductive polymer-based material when holding the conductive polymer-based material against the transparent panel.
- the touch-sensitive sensor is a capacitive sensor.
- the conductive polymer-based material includes a carbon filler.
- a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes sandwiching the touch-sensitive sensor and the heating element between a housing and the transparent panel during the holding.
- a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes in-molding the heating element within a cavity of the housing.
- a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes holding a printed circuit board within a cavity of the housing using the heating element.
- the housing is a polymer or polymer-based material that is less electrically conductive than the conductive polymer-based material.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a rear side window panel area of a vehicle.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a keypad having a plurality of virtual buttons illuminated on the rear side window panel.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the rear side window panel of FIGS. 1 and 2 with selected portions cut away to show a heatable keypad assembly.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a section view taken at line 4 - 4 in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a section view taken at line 5 - 5 in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a section view taken at line 6 - 6 in FIG. 3 .
- This disclosure relates generally to a keypad assembly for a vehicle.
- the keypad is a heatable keypad assembly.
- Thermal energy is generated by activating a conductive polymer-based material within the heatable keypad assembly.
- the thermal energy can inhibit ice, snow, etc. from accumulating on areas of a vehicle associated with the keypad. Buildup of such contaminants could interfere with a user viewing and interacting with the keypad.
- FIG. 1 shows a driver side rear side window 10 of an exemplary vehicle 14 .
- the window 10 includes a relatively transparent region 18 and a relatively opaque region 22 .
- the opaque region 22 can be established by applying a coating, such as a blackout coating, to an inwardly facing surface of the window 10 .
- a heatable keypad assembly 26 is disposed along an interior side of the window 10 within the opaque region 22 .
- the keypad assembly 26 can selectively illuminate a plurality of virtual buttons 30 through the opaque region 22 .
- the virtual buttons 30 can be illuminated in response to a user contacting the window 10 in an area near the keypad assembly 26 .
- the virtual buttons 30 when illuminated, are visible from outside the vehicle 14 .
- the plurality of virtual buttons 30 are in a designated region 32 of the window 10 . Respective areas of the designated region 32 corresponding to the virtual buttons 30 are substantially touch-sensitive. That is, one of the virtual buttons 30 of the keypad assembly 26 can be activated by a user touching an area of the designated region 32 corresponding to that one of the virtual buttons 30 .
- the heatable keypad assembly 26 includes a touch-sensitive sensor comprising a capacitive sensor.
- the capacitive sensor can be utilized to sense a user's fingers contacting the window 10 in the areas corresponding to the virtual buttons 30 .
- the heatable keypad assembly could include a touch-sensitive sensor comprising optical switches.
- the optical switches emit light through respective areas of the designated region corresponding to the virtual buttons 30 .
- a user's contact with the areas corresponding to the virtual buttons 30 can then be detected by a sensor that detects light reflected back by the user's finger toward the keypad assembly.
- the designated region 32 having the virtual buttons 30 is exposed to an environment outside the vehicle 14 .
- Contaminants 34 such as ice, snow, frost, etc. can build up on the window 10 in the designated region 32 .
- the buildup of the contaminants 34 can interfere with a user's ability to view the virtual buttons 30 , as well as a user's ability to interact with the virtual buttons 30 .
- a layer of ice on the window 10 may prevent a capacitive sensor within the keypad assembly 26 from detecting a user's fingers.
- the exemplary keypad assembly 26 can selectively generate thermal energy.
- the thermal energy can heat the designated region 32 of the window 10 and portions of the keypad assembly 26 .
- Heating the designated region 32 can, among other things, inhibit the contaminants 34 from building up within the designated region.
- the heating for example, melts the contaminants 34 .
- Inhibiting a build-up of contaminants 34 can reduce the likelihood for the contaminants 34 interfering with the user's viewing virtual buttons 30 or interacting with the virtual buttons 30 .
- the keypad assembly 26 in an exemplary embodiment, includes a capacitive sensor 40 , a printed circuit board 44 , a heating element 48 , and a housing 52 .
- the keypad assembly 26 can be sandwiched between the window 10 and an area of sheet metal 56 such that the keypad assembly 26 is pressed against a surface 60 of the window 10 that faces a passenger compartment.
- the capacitive sensor 40 is, in this example, a capacitive flex circuit that is adhesively secured to the surface 60 .
- the capacitive sensor 40 is pressed against the surface 60 when in the installed position.
- the capacitive sensor 40 is operably coupled to the printed circuit board 44 via a, for example, zero insertion force socket. A user's fingers tapping the window 10 can be detected via data passed from the capacitive sensor 40 to the printed circuit board 44 .
- the capacitive sensor 40 can be adhesively secured to the surface 60 of the window 10 via a peel-and-stick adhesive, such as adhesive tape sold under the 3M® 468MP tradename.
- the heating element 48 in this exemplary embodiment, extends about a periphery of the printed circuit board 44 and, in at least areas 64 , directly contacts the surface 60 of the window 10 .
- the heating element 48 comprises a material that is conductive and polymer-based.
- the material is relatively flexible, which can facilitate good contact with the surface 60 as the heating element 48 is pressed against the surface 60 .
- the material comprises a carbon filler within an extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base.
- exemplary carbon fillers could include carbon black, graphite, and synthetic exfoliated graphite.
- the polyethylene resin can be, for example, an ethylene-hexene copolymer, such as ethylene-hexene copolymers sold under the MARLEX® HXM 50100 tradename.
- Such a material has a molecular weight higher than conventional high-density polyethylenes, which can result in improved ductility and strength over conventional high-density polyethylenes.
- the extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base can be relatively rigid when compared to conventional high-density polyethylenes and have, for example, a flex modulus of 1,200 MPa.
- the extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base can have a relatively low brittleness temperature when compared to conventional high-density polyethylenes.
- the brittleness temperature can be, for example, less than or equal to 75° C.
- Rigidness and low brittleness temperatures can provide relatively high impact strength at low temperatures versus conventional high-density polyethylenes.
- the extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base can provide relatively robust tensile impact with an acceptable Vicat softening temperature and heat deflection temperatures, as well as high elongations at brakes of greater than 700%.
- thermal conductivity for the extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base is relatively low (about 0.25 w/m ⁇ K) and the volume resistivity is relatively low (about 10 16 ohm ⁇ cm).
- the carbon filler increases thermal and electrical conductivity for the material.
- the specific composition of the filler of the material can be adjusted depending on desired material properties.
- the material includes a filler that comprises a blend of 8% (by weight) TIMEX® C-THERM TM011 Graphite, 10% natural graphite, and 7% ENSACO 350 g Conductive Carbon Black.
- a filler can enhance ductility of the material at relatively low cost.
- an additive of 1-3% maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene compatibilizers is added to the material.
- This additive has, in some exemplary embodiments, been found to improve bonding of the base to the filler, which can further enhance impact strength and ductility.
- the material can, in some examples, have a thermal conductivity of about 2.5 Watts/m ⁇ K and a volume resistivity of about 10 2 Ohm ⁇ cm, an elongation at break of about 25%, a flexural strength of about 300 MPa and a flexural modulus of about 1.4 Gpa. Also, the material can have a heat deflection temperature of about 95° C., which is above the typical operating temperature of the material and the Vicat softening temperature of the material.
- the specific mix of the base, filler, and, if required, additive can be adjusted to influence thermal conduction and electrical conduction of the material.
- the heating element 48 can operably couple to the printed circuit board at area 68 .
- a gold contact pad, or a contact pad of another material can be incorporated on the printed circuit board 44 in the area 68 to facilitate electrical conductivity between the printed circuit board 44 and the heating element 48 .
- an interconnector can be used in the area 68 to electrically couple the heating element 48 to the printed circuit board 44 .
- An example interconnector can include interconnectors manufactured by SHIN-ETSU®.
- the capacitive sensor 40 , the printed circuit board 44 , and the heating element 48 are disposed within a cavity 76 of the housing 52 .
- the housing 52 together with the window 10 , substantially enclose the capacitive sensor 40 , the printed circuit board 44 , and the heating element 48 within the cavity 76 .
- Sandwiching the keypad assembly 26 against the surface 60 of the window 10 can slightly deform or flex at least the heating element 48 . Again, such slight deformation can ensure good contact between the heating element 48 and the surface 60 of the window 10 , as well as facilitating coupling of the heating element 48 to the printed circuit board 44 .
- the housing 52 can be a polymer or polymer-based material. Relative to the conductive polymer-based material of the heating element 48 , the housing 52 is substantially non-conductive.
- the printed circuit board 44 is operably coupled to a keypad heating controller 80 of the vehicle 14 ( FIG. 1 ) via electrical leads, for example.
- the keypad heating controller 80 can be a stand alone controller or incorporated as a portion of another controller within the vehicle 14 .
- the keypad heating controller 80 can include a programmable memory portion and a processor portion.
- the processor portion can be configured to execute a program stored in the memory portion. Exemplary programs can activate the printed circuit board 44 to cause the printed circuit board 44 to communicate electrical current from a power source 84 through the heating element 48 in response to various inputs.
- the keypad heating controller 80 can be programed to, for example, cause the printed circuit board 44 to activate the heating element 48 in response to an external temperature around the vehicle 14 falling below a threshold temperature, such as a threshold temperature below which contaminants 34 are likely to form on the window 10 .
- Heating element 48 Conducting electrical current through the heating element 48 generates thermal energy. As the heating element 48 is pressed against the interior surface 60 of the window 10 , thermal energy from the heating element 48 , when activated, can heat the designated region 32 of the window 10 . The heating element 48 can also heat the printed circuit board 44 and the capacitive sensor 40 . Thermal energy from these components can then pass to other areas within the designated region 32 .
- Heating the designated region 32 can raise a temperature of the window 10 within the designated region to inhibit contaminants 34 from accumulating within the designated region 32 . Raising the temperature of the designated region 32 can, for example, melt ice from the designated region 32 .
- the heating element 48 is in-molded within the cavity 76 of the housing 52 .
- the housing 52 could be formed and then positioned within a mold cavity to provide a desired profile of the heating element 48 .
- Material can then be injected into the mold cavity against housing 52 .
- the material cures to form the heating element 48 within the cavity 76 of the housing 52 .
- the printed circuit board 44 is positioned within the cavity 76 prior to molding the heating element 48 . After molding the heating element 48 , the printed circuit board 44 is held within the cavity 76 by the heating element 48 .
- a person having skill in this art and the benefit of this disclosure could understand how to structurally differentiate a heating element in-molded within the cavity 76 from a heating element that is not in-molded.
- a heating element of a keypad assembly that can be used to defrost and otherwise melt snow and ice from an area of a window near the keypad assembly.
- the keypad assembly can be manufactured in some examples utilizing an in-molding approach, which can save manufacturing costs.
- the heating element can be a relatively flexible conductive polymer-based material.
- the flexibility facilitates deformation of the heating element as the heating element is pressed against an interior facing surface of the window. The deformation can ensure good contact between the heating element and the window, which can facilitate thermal conductivity from the heating element to the window.
- the deformation can also ensure robust electrical contact between the heating element and, for example, a printed circuit board, which can eliminate more complicated and costly mechanisms for connecting a heating element to a printed circuit board.
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Abstract
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to a keypad of a vehicle and, more particularly, to heating areas associated with the keypad.
- Many vehicles incorporate keypads. Some keypads include a touch-sensitive keypad accessible from an exterior of the vehicle. The keypads can be near, for example, a B-pillar or a window of the vehicle.
- Doors of the vehicle can lock or unlock in response to a user inputting an appropriate code into the keypad. Other functions of the vehicle can also be controlled through the keypad, such as, for example, locking or unlocking a trunk compartment. The keypad can permit control of such functions from outside the vehicle, and without requiring the user to manipulate a physical latch on the door or to interface directly with a key fob.
- The keypads can be disposed adjacent a transparent panel of the vehicle, such as adjacent a rear side window panel of the vehicle. A build-up of contaminants, such as ice, snow, etc., can interfere with a user viewing and interacting with the keypad.
- A heatable keypad assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a touch-sensitive sensor providing a keypad, and a heating element that includes a conductive polymer-based material and is disposed adjacent the touch-sensitive sensor.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing assembly, the touch-sensitive sensor and the heating element interface directly with a transparent panel of a vehicle.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the transparent panel is a window.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the touch-sensitive sensor and the heating element directly contact a surface of the window that faces a passenger compartment of a vehicle.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the touch-sensitive sensor is a capacitive sensor.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the assembly includes a printed circuit board. The touch-sensitive sensor is sandwiched between the printed circuit board and the transparent panel.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the conductive polymer-based material includes a carbon filler and an extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the conductive polymer-based material further includes a maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene compatibilizer.
- A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies includes a housing. The touch-sensitive sensor and the conductive polymer-based material are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the housing.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the housing is a polymer or polymer-based material that is less electrically conductive than the conductive polymer-based material. Also, the heating element is an in-molded component that is in-molded within a cavity provided by the housing.
- A keypad heating method according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, holding a heating element having a conductive polymer-based material near a touch-sensitive sensor. The touch-sensitive sensor provides a keypad adjacent a transparent panel of a vehicle. The method further includes activating the conductive polymer-based material to heat an area of the transparent panel adjacent the keypad.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the transparent panel is a vehicle window.
- A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes directly contacting a surface of the transparent panel that faces a passenger compartment of the vehicle with both the capacitive sensor and the conductive polymer-based material.
- A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes flexing the conductive polymer-based material when holding the conductive polymer-based material against the transparent panel.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the touch-sensitive sensor is a capacitive sensor.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the conductive polymer-based material includes a carbon filler.
- A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes sandwiching the touch-sensitive sensor and the heating element between a housing and the transparent panel during the holding.
- A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes in-molding the heating element within a cavity of the housing.
- A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes holding a printed circuit board within a cavity of the housing using the heating element.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the housing is a polymer or polymer-based material that is less electrically conductive than the conductive polymer-based material.
- The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
- The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a rear side window panel area of a vehicle. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a keypad having a plurality of virtual buttons illuminated on the rear side window panel. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the rear side window panel ofFIGS. 1 and 2 with selected portions cut away to show a heatable keypad assembly. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a section view taken at line 4-4 inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 illustrates a section view taken at line 5-5 inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a section view taken at line 6-6 inFIG. 3 . - This disclosure relates generally to a keypad assembly for a vehicle. In particular, the keypad is a heatable keypad assembly.
- Thermal energy is generated by activating a conductive polymer-based material within the heatable keypad assembly. The thermal energy can inhibit ice, snow, etc. from accumulating on areas of a vehicle associated with the keypad. Buildup of such contaminants could interfere with a user viewing and interacting with the keypad.
-
FIG. 1 shows a driver siderear side window 10 of anexemplary vehicle 14. Thewindow 10 includes a relativelytransparent region 18 and a relativelyopaque region 22. Theopaque region 22 can be established by applying a coating, such as a blackout coating, to an inwardly facing surface of thewindow 10. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , aheatable keypad assembly 26 is disposed along an interior side of thewindow 10 within theopaque region 22. Thekeypad assembly 26 can selectively illuminate a plurality ofvirtual buttons 30 through theopaque region 22. Thevirtual buttons 30, can be illuminated in response to a user contacting thewindow 10 in an area near thekeypad assembly 26. Thevirtual buttons 30, when illuminated, are visible from outside thevehicle 14. - The plurality of
virtual buttons 30 are in a designatedregion 32 of thewindow 10. Respective areas of the designatedregion 32 corresponding to thevirtual buttons 30 are substantially touch-sensitive. That is, one of thevirtual buttons 30 of thekeypad assembly 26 can be activated by a user touching an area of the designatedregion 32 corresponding to that one of thevirtual buttons 30. - In this exemplary embodiment, the
heatable keypad assembly 26 includes a touch-sensitive sensor comprising a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can be utilized to sense a user's fingers contacting thewindow 10 in the areas corresponding to thevirtual buttons 30. - In another exemplary embodiment, the heatable keypad assembly could include a touch-sensitive sensor comprising optical switches. The optical switches emit light through respective areas of the designated region corresponding to the
virtual buttons 30. A user's contact with the areas corresponding to thevirtual buttons 30 can then be detected by a sensor that detects light reflected back by the user's finger toward the keypad assembly. - The designated
region 32 having thevirtual buttons 30 is exposed to an environment outside thevehicle 14.Contaminants 34 such as ice, snow, frost, etc. can build up on thewindow 10 in the designatedregion 32. The buildup of thecontaminants 34 can interfere with a user's ability to view thevirtual buttons 30, as well as a user's ability to interact with thevirtual buttons 30. For example, a layer of ice on thewindow 10 may prevent a capacitive sensor within thekeypad assembly 26 from detecting a user's fingers. - The
exemplary keypad assembly 26 can selectively generate thermal energy. The thermal energy can heat the designatedregion 32 of thewindow 10 and portions of thekeypad assembly 26. Heating the designatedregion 32 can, among other things, inhibit thecontaminants 34 from building up within the designated region. The heating, for example, melts thecontaminants 34. Inhibiting a build-up ofcontaminants 34 can reduce the likelihood for thecontaminants 34 interfering with the user's viewingvirtual buttons 30 or interacting with thevirtual buttons 30. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 to 6 with continuing reference toFIG. 3 , thekeypad assembly 26, in an exemplary embodiment, includes acapacitive sensor 40, a printedcircuit board 44, aheating element 48, and ahousing 52. Thekeypad assembly 26 can be sandwiched between thewindow 10 and an area ofsheet metal 56 such that thekeypad assembly 26 is pressed against asurface 60 of thewindow 10 that faces a passenger compartment. - The
capacitive sensor 40 is, in this example, a capacitive flex circuit that is adhesively secured to thesurface 60. Thecapacitive sensor 40 is pressed against thesurface 60 when in the installed position. Thecapacitive sensor 40 is operably coupled to the printedcircuit board 44 via a, for example, zero insertion force socket. A user's fingers tapping thewindow 10 can be detected via data passed from thecapacitive sensor 40 to the printedcircuit board 44. - In some examples, the
capacitive sensor 40 can be adhesively secured to thesurface 60 of thewindow 10 via a peel-and-stick adhesive, such as adhesive tape sold under the 3M® 468MP tradename. - The
heating element 48, in this exemplary embodiment, extends about a periphery of the printedcircuit board 44 and, in atleast areas 64, directly contacts thesurface 60 of thewindow 10. - The
heating element 48 comprises a material that is conductive and polymer-based. The material is relatively flexible, which can facilitate good contact with thesurface 60 as theheating element 48 is pressed against thesurface 60. - In an exemplary embodiment, the material comprises a carbon filler within an extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base. Exemplary carbon fillers could include carbon black, graphite, and synthetic exfoliated graphite. The polyethylene resin can be, for example, an ethylene-hexene copolymer, such as ethylene-hexene copolymers sold under the MARLEX® HXM 50100 tradename. Such a material has a molecular weight higher than conventional high-density polyethylenes, which can result in improved ductility and strength over conventional high-density polyethylenes.
- The extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base can be relatively rigid when compared to conventional high-density polyethylenes and have, for example, a flex modulus of 1,200 MPa. The extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base can have a relatively low brittleness temperature when compared to conventional high-density polyethylenes. The brittleness temperature can be, for example, less than or equal to 75° C. Rigidness and low brittleness temperatures can provide relatively high impact strength at low temperatures versus conventional high-density polyethylenes. The extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base can provide relatively robust tensile impact with an acceptable Vicat softening temperature and heat deflection temperatures, as well as high elongations at brakes of greater than 700%.
- In some examples, thermal conductivity for the extra high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin base is relatively low (about 0.25 w/m·K) and the volume resistivity is relatively low (about 1016 ohm·cm). The carbon filler increases thermal and electrical conductivity for the material.
- The specific composition of the filler of the material can be adjusted depending on desired material properties. In one specific example, the material includes a filler that comprises a blend of 8% (by weight) TIMEX® C-THERM TM011 Graphite, 10% natural graphite, and 7% ENSACO 350 g Conductive Carbon Black. Such a filler can enhance ductility of the material at relatively low cost.
- In some exemplary embodiments, an additive of 1-3% maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene compatibilizers is added to the material. This additive has, in some exemplary embodiments, been found to improve bonding of the base to the filler, which can further enhance impact strength and ductility.
- The material can, in some examples, have a thermal conductivity of about 2.5 Watts/m·K and a volume resistivity of about 102 Ohm·cm, an elongation at break of about 25%, a flexural strength of about 300 MPa and a flexural modulus of about 1.4 Gpa. Also, the material can have a heat deflection temperature of about 95° C., which is above the typical operating temperature of the material and the Vicat softening temperature of the material.
- The specific mix of the base, filler, and, if required, additive can be adjusted to influence thermal conduction and electrical conduction of the material.
- In the
exemplary keypad assembly 26, theheating element 48 can operably couple to the printed circuit board atarea 68. In some examples, a gold contact pad, or a contact pad of another material, can be incorporated on the printedcircuit board 44 in thearea 68 to facilitate electrical conductivity between the printedcircuit board 44 and theheating element 48. - In another example, an interconnector can be used in the
area 68 to electrically couple theheating element 48 to the printedcircuit board 44. An example interconnector can include interconnectors manufactured by SHIN-ETSU®. - In the
exemplary keypad assembly 26, thecapacitive sensor 40, the printedcircuit board 44, and theheating element 48 are disposed within acavity 76 of thehousing 52. Thehousing 52, together with thewindow 10, substantially enclose thecapacitive sensor 40, the printedcircuit board 44, and theheating element 48 within thecavity 76. - Sandwiching the
keypad assembly 26 against thesurface 60 of thewindow 10 can slightly deform or flex at least theheating element 48. Again, such slight deformation can ensure good contact between theheating element 48 and thesurface 60 of thewindow 10, as well as facilitating coupling of theheating element 48 to the printedcircuit board 44. - The
housing 52 can be a polymer or polymer-based material. Relative to the conductive polymer-based material of theheating element 48, thehousing 52 is substantially non-conductive. - The printed
circuit board 44 is operably coupled to akeypad heating controller 80 of the vehicle 14 (FIG. 1 ) via electrical leads, for example. Thekeypad heating controller 80 can be a stand alone controller or incorporated as a portion of another controller within thevehicle 14. - The
keypad heating controller 80 can include a programmable memory portion and a processor portion. The processor portion can be configured to execute a program stored in the memory portion. Exemplary programs can activate the printedcircuit board 44 to cause the printedcircuit board 44 to communicate electrical current from apower source 84 through theheating element 48 in response to various inputs. Thekeypad heating controller 80 can be programed to, for example, cause the printedcircuit board 44 to activate theheating element 48 in response to an external temperature around thevehicle 14 falling below a threshold temperature, such as a threshold temperature below whichcontaminants 34 are likely to form on thewindow 10. - Conducting electrical current through the
heating element 48 generates thermal energy. As theheating element 48 is pressed against theinterior surface 60 of thewindow 10, thermal energy from theheating element 48, when activated, can heat the designatedregion 32 of thewindow 10. Theheating element 48 can also heat the printedcircuit board 44 and thecapacitive sensor 40. Thermal energy from these components can then pass to other areas within the designatedregion 32. - Heating the designated
region 32 can raise a temperature of thewindow 10 within the designated region to inhibitcontaminants 34 from accumulating within the designatedregion 32. Raising the temperature of the designatedregion 32 can, for example, melt ice from the designatedregion 32. - In similar exemplary embodiments, the
heating element 48 is in-molded within thecavity 76 of thehousing 52. For example, thehousing 52 could be formed and then positioned within a mold cavity to provide a desired profile of theheating element 48. - Material can then be injected into the mold cavity against
housing 52. The material cures to form theheating element 48 within thecavity 76 of thehousing 52. - In some examples, the printed
circuit board 44 is positioned within thecavity 76 prior to molding theheating element 48. After molding theheating element 48, the printedcircuit board 44 is held within thecavity 76 by theheating element 48. - A person having skill in this art and the benefit of this disclosure could understand how to structurally differentiate a heating element in-molded within the
cavity 76 from a heating element that is not in-molded. - Features of the disclosed examples include a heating element of a keypad assembly that can be used to defrost and otherwise melt snow and ice from an area of a window near the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly can be manufactured in some examples utilizing an in-molding approach, which can save manufacturing costs.
- The heating element can be a relatively flexible conductive polymer-based material. The flexibility facilitates deformation of the heating element as the heating element is pressed against an interior facing surface of the window. The deformation can ensure good contact between the heating element and the window, which can facilitate thermal conductivity from the heating element to the window.
- The deformation can also ensure robust electrical contact between the heating element and, for example, a printed circuit board, which can eliminate more complicated and costly mechanisms for connecting a heating element to a printed circuit board.
- The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. Thus, the scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/806,455 US10296213B1 (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2017-11-08 | Heatable vehicle keypad assembly and keypad heating method |
DE202018106298.0U DE202018106298U1 (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2018-11-05 | Heated vehicle keypad assembly |
CN201821825660.3U CN210162022U (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2018-11-07 | Heatable keyboard assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/806,455 US10296213B1 (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2017-11-08 | Heatable vehicle keypad assembly and keypad heating method |
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US20190138202A1 true US20190138202A1 (en) | 2019-05-09 |
US10296213B1 US10296213B1 (en) | 2019-05-21 |
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US15/806,455 Active US10296213B1 (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2017-11-08 | Heatable vehicle keypad assembly and keypad heating method |
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US (1) | US10296213B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN210162022U (en) |
DE (1) | DE202018106298U1 (en) |
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US11405984B2 (en) * | 2020-01-22 | 2022-08-02 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Motor vehicle including heater for exterior interface |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20010032833A1 (en) * | 2000-02-07 | 2001-10-25 | Collins Jerry R. | Heater for the key entry of a vehicle |
TW445471B (en) * | 2000-05-03 | 2001-07-11 | Darfon Electronics Corp | Computer keyboard using hard printed circuit board to manufacture push button circuit |
US6349450B1 (en) * | 2000-06-20 | 2002-02-26 | Donnelly Corporation | Vehicle door handle |
US6646226B1 (en) * | 2002-10-29 | 2003-11-11 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Heated computer keyboard |
US7327559B2 (en) * | 2005-05-13 | 2008-02-05 | Sound Starts, Inc. | Apparatus and method for heating the hands of keyboard users |
US7989725B2 (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2011-08-02 | Ink-Logix, Llc | Proximity sensor for a vehicle |
US20090195512A1 (en) * | 2008-02-05 | 2009-08-06 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Touch sensitive display with tactile feedback |
JP5430921B2 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2014-03-05 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Conductive film and transparent heating element |
EP2405708A1 (en) | 2010-07-07 | 2012-01-11 | Saint-Gobain Glass France | Transparent plate with heatable coating |
CN201965581U (en) | 2010-11-09 | 2011-09-07 | 陈年康 | Electrothermal touch screen |
US20120133494A1 (en) * | 2010-11-29 | 2012-05-31 | Immersion Corporation | Systems and Methods for Providing Programmable Deformable Surfaces |
JP5887947B2 (en) * | 2011-03-28 | 2016-03-16 | ソニー株式会社 | Transparent conductive film, heater, touch panel, solar cell, organic EL device, liquid crystal device, and electronic paper |
KR20130032659A (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2013-04-02 | 삼성전기주식회사 | Transparent heatting device |
US9580586B2 (en) * | 2012-12-12 | 2017-02-28 | Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc. | Polypropylene compounds with enhanced haptics |
US9327649B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-05-03 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Rearview mirror assembly |
CN105612083B (en) | 2013-10-09 | 2018-10-23 | 麦格纳覆盖件有限公司 | To the system and method for the control that vehicle window is shown |
CN204743465U (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2015-11-11 | 南安卓泰五金有限公司 | Interconnected mirror of antifog type intelligence |
US10474289B2 (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2019-11-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Touchscreen panel with heating function |
US10067599B2 (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2018-09-04 | Ncr Corporation | Touchscreen defroster |
-
2017
- 2017-11-08 US US15/806,455 patent/US10296213B1/en active Active
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2018
- 2018-11-05 DE DE202018106298.0U patent/DE202018106298U1/en active Active
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US10296213B1 (en) | 2019-05-21 |
CN210162022U (en) | 2020-03-20 |
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