WO1997011473A1 - Ensemble de commutateurs electriques situes dans un accoudoir de portiere - Google Patents

Ensemble de commutateurs electriques situes dans un accoudoir de portiere Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997011473A1
WO1997011473A1 PCT/US1996/014560 US9614560W WO9711473A1 WO 1997011473 A1 WO1997011473 A1 WO 1997011473A1 US 9614560 W US9614560 W US 9614560W WO 9711473 A1 WO9711473 A1 WO 9711473A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
interior trim
trim panel
electrical switch
vehicle interior
switch assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/014560
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Scott Filion
Bruce A. Batchelder
Original Assignee
Textron Automotive Company Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Textron Automotive Company Inc. filed Critical Textron Automotive Company Inc.
Priority to US09/043,039 priority Critical patent/US5952630A/en
Priority to EP96931528A priority patent/EP0870312A4/fr
Priority to JP9512772A priority patent/JPH11512564A/ja
Publication of WO1997011473A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997011473A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/78—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
    • H01H13/785—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the material of the contacts, e.g. conductive polymers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/75—Arm-rests
    • B60N2/79—Adaptations for additional use of the arm-rests
    • B60N2/797—Adaptations for additional use of the arm-rests for use as electrical control means, e.g. switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2201/00—Contacts
    • H01H2201/022—Material
    • H01H2201/032—Conductive polymer; Rubber
    • H01H2201/036—Variable resistance
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/004—Depressions or protrusions on switch sites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/018—Layers flat, smooth or ripple-free
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/026—Car
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/008—Application power seats
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/01—Application power window
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/012—Application rear view mirror

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to electrical switches incorporated into continuous trim panel surfaces and more particularly to such trim panels having a flexible outer skin; an intermediate layer of flexible foam and a relatively rigid substrate.
  • Soft interior trim panels are currently used for vehicle interiors. These panels generally have an outer cover of leather, a plastic material that is similar to leather or a fabric material. A foam material on the back side of the outer cover provides the cover with a softer feel. A substrate is employed on the back side of the foam to support the foam and the outer cover and for mounting the soft interior trim panel in a vehicle.
  • the outer cover or skin, foam backing and substrate in combination define a composite that is known as a soft feel composite.
  • Electrical switches are currently used in applications such as arm rests, console controls and the other interior trim components that are made of a soft feel composite. In some cases such electrical switches extend through an aperture in a bezel that passes through an aperture in a trim panel. Such electrical switches may either be secured to the bezel or attached to the same structure that the trim panel is attached to. These electrical switches and bezels are hard and rigid. The gaps and cracks formed between the bezels, switches, and a trim panel may catch on clothing and cleaning materials. The switches have crevices that are difficult or impossible to clean out, allow the passage of air and moisture and may transfer heat into or out of a vehicle passenger compartment. Furthermore, noticeable fit and finish problems can arise in such arrangement since it is difficult to always accurately fit a bezel around a switch component or switch array. An example os such arrangements such as shown in United States Patent No. 4,975,547.
  • Membrane switches may also be used in this type of application as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,028 issued Sep. 5, 1995 to Filion et al. Filion discloses a membrane switch supported by a trim panel beneath a layer of flexible skin. Other examples of multiple sheet membrane switches for interior applications are shown in United States Patent Nos. 4,612,425 and 4,742,192. Such membrane switches are difficult to mold in place without introducing preload effects that can cause inadvertent accessory actuations. Moreover, membrane switches are "on-off" type switches that do not allow an occupant to vary the amount of electrical power flowing to the device that the switch controls.
  • United States Patent No. 5,398,962 has a force resistance sensor 30 having a low profile that is connected to the underside of a flexible outer cover and supported against a relatively rigid inner cover that overlies an air bag assembly.
  • the sensor 30 is associated with a circuit that will compensate for thermal differences and includes a circuit that will provide a time delay before a given change in resistance will sound the horn.
  • such an arrangement does not define a soft feel composite that is suitable for arm rest configurations or for protection against side impacts.
  • a vehicle interior trim panel electrical switch assembly (10) of the type for actuating various vehicle electrical components comprises an interior trim panel (12) including a switch panel portion (16) having a continuous outer surface (18) and an electrical switch array (20) that is supported on the switch panel portion (16) of the interior trim panel (12) .
  • the electrical switch array (20) is embedded in a soft feel substrate and the switch array (20) includes low profile force sensitive resistor switches (20a-20g) that are protected by the soft feel substrate against side impact loading while operating electrical components such as power locks, power window lifts, power seat adjusters and power rear view mirror actuators through a wide range of ambient temperature conditions.
  • the force sensitive resistor switch (20a-20g) of the present invention is protected against fluid and dust contamination and can be molded in place without being disruptive of interior design contours such as smooth continuous trim panel surfaces while maintaining the operative characteristics of the switch. Furthermore, force sensitive resistor switches have lower profiles than membrane switches and conventional mechanical switches and therefore take up less space in the trim panel (12) and can easily be incorporated into or under the continuous outer surface (18) of the switch panel portion (16) . Furthermore, the embedding thereof in a protective soft feel substrate will protect them against side impact forces.
  • Incorporating the switch array (20) into a soft feel composite or under the continuous outer surface (18) enables the switching surface on an arm rest to be substantially flat to define a side arm rest surface adjacent vehicle passengers and wherein the side arm rest surface will provide a comfortable plush feel arm resting surface without impairing the operation of the switch array.
  • the use of force sensitive resistor switches (20a-20g) provides a surface with continuous soft touch switching features and eliminates the need for a separate add-on bezel in mounting the switches 16-22.
  • Force sensitive resistor switches, or "touch" switches as they are commonly called are also very light in weight compared to conventional mechanical switches. Therefore, they not only require less space in a trim panel (12) , but are also less massive and are less of a factor in vehicle side impact collisions. Accordingly, they are less susceptable to damage in areas such as side door arm rest applications and thus can be operated following such impacts to open windows, adjusts seats or the like in order to assure easier egress from the vehicle following an accident.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle armrest switch panel constructed according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a cross sectional side view of a portion of the switch panel of Figure 1 showing one alternative switch sensor installation according to the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a cross sectional side view of a switch panel constructed according to a second alternative switch sensor installation according to the present invention
  • Figure 4A is an enlarged cross sectional view of taken along the line 4A-4A in Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows showing raised areas formed over switch sensors in the continuous outer surface of a switch panel constructed according to the invention;
  • Figure 4B is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along the line 4B-4B in Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows showing depressed areas formed over switch sensors in the continuous outer surface of a switch panel constructed according to the present invention
  • Figure 4C is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along the line 4C-4C in Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows showing raised areas formed around switch sensors in the continuous outer surface of a switch panel constructed according to the invention
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a switch panel showing a third alternative switch sensor installation according to the present invention.
  • a vehicle interior trim panel electrical switch assembly of the type for actuating various vehicle electrical components is shown at 10 in Fig. 1 as an arm rest 12 for a vehicle door 14.
  • the arm rest 12 is formed as a soft feel composite 15, shown in section in Figure 2, that includes a switch panel portion 16 that has a continuous outer surface 18 covering a switch array 20 including eight electrical switches 20a-20h. Four of the eight electrical switches are for opening and closing windows, one of the switches is for locking and unlocking doors, two are for selecting either the left or the right side view mirror for adjustment, and one multiposition switch is for adjusting the position of whichever side view mirror is selected by the two switches just described.
  • the arm rest 12 is shown as a separate member from the vertical door panel 14, but the arm rest and vertical door panel 14 could be formed as one integral interior panel.
  • the vehicle interior trim panel electrical switch assembly 10 can be employed on any interior surface of a vehicle. It can be part of the dash and instrument panel, part of a headliner and overhead console between seats or any other part of a vehicle interior.
  • the switch array 20 can vary in number and location. For example, in another application a single switch can be provided to operate an overhead light; a power operated sun roof or other electrically switched accessory on a motor vehicle. Other arrangements will depend upon the system being controlled by the switch array underlying a switch panel portion.
  • the soft feel composite 15 and switch panel portion 16 of the interior trim panel electrical switch assembly 10 comprises a substrate 22, a foam layer 24 bonded directly to the substrate and a flexible skin 26 with an underside surface 28 bonded directly to the foam layer.
  • the switch panel portion 16 may be formed from any of a number of well known materials and by any one of a number of methods to include the methods and materials described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,448,028; 5,340,149 and 5,280,947, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and incorporated herein by reference.
  • a variable resistance sensor 30 is supported on the switch panel portion of the interior trim panel. In accordance with the present invention, the sensor 30 is a force sensitive resistor having a low profile that allows it to be easily incorporated into or under the continuous surface of the switch panel portion 16 which adds to the comfort and plush feel of the vehicle interior.
  • a force sensitive resistor 30 in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 provides a smooth surface region 32 that has no bumps or ridges and thus provides a continuous soft touch switching capability. It eliminates need for a bezel in mounting the switch as shown in prior art arrangements such as shown in United States Patent No. 4,975,547. Also, it eliminates raised surface features such as disclosed in the aforesaid '028 patent. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for multiple sheet membrane switches for interior applications as shown in United States Patent Nos. 4,612,425 and 4,742,192 and can provide a switching function in association with an associated circuit or electronic control module 34 that can provide an on-off function that is not subject to thermal expansion differences.
  • Force sensitive resistor sensors 30 and associated circuit or electronic control modules 34 are light in weight and thin in profile compared to conventional mechanical switches. Therefore, they require less space in a trim panel and are less effected by side impacts when embedded in a soft feel composite.
  • the sensor 30, more particularly, is the type of thin profile unit that when flexed has a change of resistance ⁇ R that, when applied to an circuit or electronic controller module 34 during a time span ⁇ T will cause an electronic switch therein to open or close.
  • a drift in resistance due to environment or manufacturing installation does not activate the circuit.
  • the circuit effectively re-zeroes itself after a drift, since it operates only on ⁇ R over a time span ⁇ T as more specifically set forth in United States Patent No. 5,398,962 which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the force sensitive resistor sensor 30 is disposed beneath the continuous outer surface of the switch panel portion and is embedded in the soft feel composite 15 where it is protected against side impacts and the like. While being protected such embedding subjects the sensor 30 to changes in loading due to thermal expansion differences that occur during swings in ambient temperature.
  • the force sensitive resistor sensor 30 is associated with a module 34 that defines a "zeroing" circuit that negates preloading effects on a deflection rate basis. Such preloading effects are common particularly when a switch is molded in place. Therefore, the zeroing circuit allows the force sensitive resistor switch to be molded in place, if desired, without adversely affecting control operation. The zeroing circuit also negates long term dimensional changes such as result from thermal expansion.
  • An example of such a zeroing circuit is set forth in the aforesaid United States Patent No. 5,398,962.
  • the module 34 if desired can be directly coupled to a load such that the variable resistance can increase upon increased finger loading so as to allow occupants to vary the amount of electrical power flowing to the accessory controlled by the switch by varying the amount of finger pressure applied to the flexible skin overlying the switch so as to provide a variable speed window lift action since, if desired an associated electronic control module can be programmed to produce an output that will power an electric drive window lift motor to vary in speed in accordance with the level of resistance produced upon deflection of the sensor 30.
  • occupants can control, for example, the speed of power window movement.
  • a relay 36 may be employed to minimize the amount of current passing through the variable resistor switch as shown in the circuit diagram in FIGURE 2 wherein the module 34 is connected through a relay 36 to a load.
  • the force sensitive resistor sensor 30 is molded in-place between the substrate and the skin as shown in Figure 2. In-place molding may be accomplished by any one of a number of well-known methods including the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,028 and incorporated herein by reference.
  • the force sensitive sensor 30 may, alternatively, be embedded in the flexible skin. In other words, the switch is held in place as skin-casting material is cast around it as more particularly shown in United States Patent No. 5,269,559 assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference.
  • the force sensitive resistor switch may also be bonded, in a post-applied fashion, to the underside surface of the skin as shown in Figure 3 at 30a.
  • the underside surface of a flexible skin 26a on a soft feel composite 15a is made accessible via depressions 38 formed through the substrate 22a and foam layer 28a.
  • a smooth surface region 32a can be provided.
  • adhesives including acrylics, urethanes, etc.
  • the adhesives may be applied in any one of a number of forms to include pressure- sensitive backings and sprayed-on hot melts.
  • the outer skin can be vac-formed or cast and can be applied directly over the substrate by vacforming.
  • the skin 26b is shown as a PVC layer 26b 1 with a cast PVC foam layer 26b". It is directly formed over a force sensitive resistor sensor 30b on a substrate 22b.
  • the force sensitive resistor sensor 30b may be bonded to the retainer by being vac-formed in place as the skin is vac-formed over the substate 22b.
  • the control wires go through pre-existing holes 40 in the substrate 22b and the sensors 30b are loaded in place. Then the skin 38 is vacuum formed over the entire surface of substrate 22b and mounted sensors 30b. In this embodiment the wires are shown connected to a module 34b.
  • the foam material can be molded in place, pre- olded and can be any suitable foam material that will provide a desired backing, either a soft feel or, if desired, an energy absorbing characteristic as provided by the RIM materials disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,232,957 also assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference.
  • Indicia 41 can be printed on an outside face surface of the flexible skin to indicate to occupants the function of each force sensitive resistor switch as shown in Figure 1.
  • a transparent protective coating 43 may then be applied to the outside surface of the flexible skin and to the indicia.
  • the coating is applied as a liquid and is then dried to form a thin durable protective film that keeps the indicia from rubbing off - as is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,028 and incorporated herein by reference.
  • a raised area may be formed in the flexible skin adjacent the force sensitive resistor switch for guiding an occupant's finger tip to a location where the occupant may apply force to actuate the force sensitive resistor switch.
  • a depressed area may be formed.
  • Other types of surface discontinuities may be formed in the flexible skin as shown by raised nibs 46 in Fig. 4C for the same purpose and may be formed according to methods set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,028 and are incorporated herein by reference.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

Un ensemble de commutateurs électriques (10) situés dans un panneau de garniture intérieure de véhicule comporte une partie panneau (16) intégrant les commutateurs et présentant une surface extérieure continue (18). Des commutateurs à résistance sensible à la force d'appui (20a-20g) sont supportés sur cette partie panneau (16) et sont fixés à la surface intérieure d'un revêtement pelliculaire possédant une surface extérieure continue (18) et formant la couche extérieure d'un composite au toucher moelleux. Ces commutateurs sont encastrés dans le composite au toucher moelleux soit par moulage dans une couche de mousse souple, soit par montage à l'intérieur d'ouvertures préformées dans une couche de mousse souple. Dans ce mode de réalisation, ils sont associés à un module de circuit (34) qui inverse logiquement les effets de précharge dus à la dilatation thermique provoquée par les variations des conditions ambiantes. Dans un mode préféré de réalisation, cette correction s'effectue grâce à une configuration du circuit compensant ces effets de précharge sur la base de la vitesse de déflexion. Le module de circuit (34) associé à chaque commutateur (20a-20g) peut également comporter un relais pour des applications de grande puissance.
PCT/US1996/014560 1995-09-12 1996-09-11 Ensemble de commutateurs electriques situes dans un accoudoir de portiere WO1997011473A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/043,039 US5952630A (en) 1996-09-11 1996-09-11 Armrest electrical switch array
EP96931528A EP0870312A4 (fr) 1995-09-12 1996-09-11 Ensemble de commutateurs electriques situes dans un accoudoir de portiere
JP9512772A JPH11512564A (ja) 1995-09-12 1996-09-11 アームレスト電気スイッチアレー

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US361495P 1995-09-12 1995-09-12
US60/003,614 1995-09-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997011473A1 true WO1997011473A1 (fr) 1997-03-27

Family

ID=21706710

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1996/014560 WO1997011473A1 (fr) 1995-09-12 1996-09-11 Ensemble de commutateurs electriques situes dans un accoudoir de portiere

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0870312A4 (fr)
JP (1) JPH11512564A (fr)
WO (1) WO1997011473A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000070633A1 (fr) * 1999-05-18 2000-11-23 Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg Dispositif d'activation d'un auxiliaire d'ouverture et/ou d'un auxiliaire de fermeture destine a des parties mobiles verrouillables de vehicules, tels des volets, portes et equivalent
EP1220249A2 (fr) * 2000-12-22 2002-07-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Commutateur pour le montage dans des boítiers en matière plastique pour composants électriques ou tableaux de commande
DE102004005952A1 (de) * 2004-02-02 2005-08-25 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Bedieneinrichtung für ein Elektrogerät mit einem Bedien-Feld und einem Sensorelement darunter sowie Verfahren zum Betrieb der Bedieneinrichtung
DE102004013819A1 (de) * 2004-03-20 2005-10-06 Volkswagen Ag Schalter für ein Kraftfahrzeug
FR2913271A1 (fr) * 2007-03-02 2008-09-05 Dav Sa Dispositif de commande electrique pour vehicule automobile
FR3019110A1 (fr) * 2014-03-28 2015-10-02 Faurecia Interieur Ind Element de garnissage de vehicule
FR3031940A1 (fr) * 2015-01-27 2016-07-29 Faurecia Interieur Ind Tableau de commande pour vehicule et procede pour fabriquer un tel tableau de commande.
US20220118831A1 (en) * 2018-07-16 2022-04-21 Inteva Products, Llc Automotive trim piece with intuitive smart switches located under the automotive soft trim skin

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5719889B2 (ja) * 2013-08-13 2015-05-20 ヤンマー株式会社 アームレストユニット
EP3328167B1 (fr) * 2016-11-28 2019-03-20 C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni Composant de compartiment passager de véhicule à moteur, et procédé de fabrication dudit composant
JP7236219B2 (ja) * 2018-04-20 2023-03-09 株式会社イノアックコーポレーション 車両内装部材
EP3787926A4 (fr) * 2018-05-04 2022-02-23 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Composant en cuir fonctionnel et procédé de fabrication associé

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US4612425A (en) * 1984-02-22 1986-09-16 Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Steering wheel having boss portion with energy absorbing layer and membrane switch
US4742192A (en) * 1987-06-01 1988-05-03 Saturn Corporation Steering wheel rim horn blow mechanism
US4975547A (en) * 1986-10-13 1990-12-04 Murakami Kameido Co., Ltd. Multi-position electrical switch
US5086652A (en) * 1991-02-25 1992-02-11 Fel-Pro Incorporated Multiple pad contact sensor and method for measuring contact forces at a plurality of separate locations
US5222399A (en) * 1991-02-01 1993-06-29 Fel-Pro Incorporated Load washer
US5269559A (en) * 1992-04-29 1993-12-14 Davidson Textron Inc. Horn actuator incorporating a transducer in a steering wheel
US5398962A (en) * 1994-02-14 1995-03-21 Force Imaging Technologies, Inc. Horn activator for steering wheels with air bags
US5448028A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-09-05 Davidson Textron, Inc. Armrest electrical switch arrangement with soft interior trim panel

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US4612425A (en) * 1984-02-22 1986-09-16 Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Steering wheel having boss portion with energy absorbing layer and membrane switch
US4975547A (en) * 1986-10-13 1990-12-04 Murakami Kameido Co., Ltd. Multi-position electrical switch
US4742192A (en) * 1987-06-01 1988-05-03 Saturn Corporation Steering wheel rim horn blow mechanism
US5222399A (en) * 1991-02-01 1993-06-29 Fel-Pro Incorporated Load washer
US5086652A (en) * 1991-02-25 1992-02-11 Fel-Pro Incorporated Multiple pad contact sensor and method for measuring contact forces at a plurality of separate locations
US5269559A (en) * 1992-04-29 1993-12-14 Davidson Textron Inc. Horn actuator incorporating a transducer in a steering wheel
US5448028A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-09-05 Davidson Textron, Inc. Armrest electrical switch arrangement with soft interior trim panel
US5398962A (en) * 1994-02-14 1995-03-21 Force Imaging Technologies, Inc. Horn activator for steering wheels with air bags

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Title
See also references of EP0870312A4 *

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU758634B2 (en) * 1999-05-18 2003-03-27 Huf Hulsbeck & Furst Gmbh & Co. Kg Device for activating an opening mechanism and/or a closing mechanism for lockable moving parts on vehicles, such as flaps, doors or similar
US6696652B1 (en) 1999-05-18 2004-02-24 Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg Device for activating an opening mechanism and/or a closing mechanism for lockable moving parts on vehicles, such as flaps, doors or similar
US6822174B1 (en) * 1999-05-18 2004-11-23 Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg Device for activating an opening or closing mechanism for lockable moving parts on vehicles
WO2000070633A1 (fr) * 1999-05-18 2000-11-23 Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg Dispositif d'activation d'un auxiliaire d'ouverture et/ou d'un auxiliaire de fermeture destine a des parties mobiles verrouillables de vehicules, tels des volets, portes et equivalent
EP1220249A2 (fr) * 2000-12-22 2002-07-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Commutateur pour le montage dans des boítiers en matière plastique pour composants électriques ou tableaux de commande
EP1220249A3 (fr) * 2000-12-22 2004-04-14 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Commutateur pour le montage dans des boítiers en matière plastique pour composants électriques ou tableaux de commande
US7652230B2 (en) 2004-02-02 2010-01-26 E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau Gmbh Operating device for an electrical appliance having a control panel and subadjacent sensor element and method of operating such an operating device
DE102004005952A1 (de) * 2004-02-02 2005-08-25 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Bedieneinrichtung für ein Elektrogerät mit einem Bedien-Feld und einem Sensorelement darunter sowie Verfahren zum Betrieb der Bedieneinrichtung
DE102004013819A1 (de) * 2004-03-20 2005-10-06 Volkswagen Ag Schalter für ein Kraftfahrzeug
FR2913271A1 (fr) * 2007-03-02 2008-09-05 Dav Sa Dispositif de commande electrique pour vehicule automobile
WO2008107308A1 (fr) * 2007-03-02 2008-09-12 Dav Dispositif de commande électrique pour véhicule automobile
US8390422B2 (en) 2007-03-02 2013-03-05 Dav Electric control device for an automobile
FR3019110A1 (fr) * 2014-03-28 2015-10-02 Faurecia Interieur Ind Element de garnissage de vehicule
US9767942B2 (en) 2014-03-28 2017-09-19 Faurecia Interieur Industrie Vehicle trim element
FR3031940A1 (fr) * 2015-01-27 2016-07-29 Faurecia Interieur Ind Tableau de commande pour vehicule et procede pour fabriquer un tel tableau de commande.
EP3051698A1 (fr) * 2015-01-27 2016-08-03 Faurecia Interieur Industrie Tableau de commande pour vehicule et procede pour fabriquer un tel tableau de commande
US10367503B2 (en) 2015-01-27 2019-07-30 Faurecia Interieur Industrie Control panel for vehicle and method for manufacturing such control panel
US20220118831A1 (en) * 2018-07-16 2022-04-21 Inteva Products, Llc Automotive trim piece with intuitive smart switches located under the automotive soft trim skin
US12070990B2 (en) * 2018-07-16 2024-08-27 Inteva Products, Llc Automotive trim piece with intuitive smart switches located under the automotive soft trim skin

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0870312A4 (fr) 1999-08-25
EP0870312A1 (fr) 1998-10-14
JPH11512564A (ja) 1999-10-26

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