WO2003049968A1 - Surface de garniture interieure d'automobile presentant des commutateurs et des controles integres - Google Patents

Surface de garniture interieure d'automobile presentant des commutateurs et des controles integres Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003049968A1
WO2003049968A1 PCT/US2002/038651 US0238651W WO03049968A1 WO 2003049968 A1 WO2003049968 A1 WO 2003049968A1 US 0238651 W US0238651 W US 0238651W WO 03049968 A1 WO03049968 A1 WO 03049968A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
component
switch
button
switch device
trim
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/038651
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Timothy F. O'brien
Robert J. Startup
Lisa A. Kidd
Original Assignee
Intier Automotive 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 Intier Automotive Inc. filed Critical Intier Automotive Inc.
Priority to AU2002366597A priority Critical patent/AU2002366597A1/en
Publication of WO2003049968A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003049968A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B60N2/58—Seat coverings
    • B60N2/5891—Seat coverings characterised by the manufacturing process; manufacturing seat coverings not otherwise provided for
    • 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
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/018—Electroluminescent panel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/044—Injection moulding
    • H01H2229/047—Preformed layer in mould
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2233/00—Key modules
    • H01H2233/002—Key modules joined to form button rows
    • H01H2233/004—One molded part
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to automotive interior trim components, and more particularly to automotive interior trim surfaces having integrated switches and controls.
  • switch components such as door lock switches or window operation switches
  • automotive interior trim component such as a door panel
  • One technique is to attach separately manufactured switch banks and/or controls to interior trim components and sub-assemblies. Once installed these switches and controls protrude out of the corresponding interior trim component in which they are installed, enabling an occupant of the vehicle to manipulate the switch or control.
  • a limitation of this approach is that the switch banks and controls are exposed to dirt and other debris, which tend to prematurely degrade the performance of conventional switch banks and controls.
  • conventional switch banks and controls used in automotive interior applications are relatively large limiting their use in the ever-shrinking packaging space of a modern automotive interior.
  • the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a switch component that is at least partially formed in an exterior surface or "skin" of an automotive interior trim component.
  • the present invention eliminates the use of conventional switch banks and controls.
  • Another advantage is that the exterior surface or "skin” protects the switch component from dirt, liquids and other debris, unlike the prior art.
  • Yet another advantage is that the present invention allows the switch component to be disassembled from the trim component if service is required.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a trim component and a switch component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a different perspective of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an inner surface of the trim component showing the attached switch component.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exterior surface of the trim component according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the trim component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are a top view and perspective view, respectively, of the individual members of the switch component.
  • FIG. 1 an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown illustrating a switch component 10 prior to assembly onto an automotive interior trim component 12.
  • trim component 12 functions as an exterior surface or "skin" of an automotive interior door panel (not illustrated).
  • the present invention is not limited to use in a door panel, but may be incorporated into other automotive trim surfaces, such as, for example, an instrument panel, over-head system or center console.
  • the present invention is not limited to use in an automobile, but may be employed in other settings where a switch or control is required.
  • an outer surface 14 of trim component 12 is exposed to the automobile cabin and an inner surface 16 faces the inner components of the door panel.
  • inner surface 16 of trim component 12 preferably includes a recess 18 that receives switch component 10 such that a bottom surface 19 of switch component 10 may be substantially flush with the inner surface 16 of trim component 12.
  • recess 18 may create a protrusion, denoted as element 20 in FIG. 1, that extends outwardly from outer surface 14.
  • trim component 12 preferably includes a plurality of bosses 22 that extend downward from recess 18, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Bosses 22 are configured in size, shape and position to mate with a plurality of apertures 24 in switch component 10 during assembly to precisely align switch component 10 within recess 18, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • buttons 26 are configured in size, shape and position to correspond to a particular function or set of functions for controlling operation of a feature of the automobile.
  • the button denoted by the element number 28 in FIG. 4 may be used to adjust the position of a side view mirror, whereas the button denoted by the element number 30 may be used to raise and lower a side window of the automobile.
  • Trim component 12 preferably includes at least two layers, wherein a first layer 32 of the trim component 12 comprises a polymeric material, such as polyurethane, that is processed to define the shape of the trim component 12.
  • a polymeric material such as polyurethane
  • the resiliency of the polymeric material provides trim component 12 with the required flexibility to enable buttons 26 to be depressed repeatedly without damage.
  • a second or outer layer 34 of trim component 12 functions as a decorative layer.
  • Second layer 34 preferably comprises a layer of water-based paint, but is not intended to be so limited. Accordingly, second layer 34 may comprise other materials, such as, for example, a solvent-based paint or a polymer.
  • the trim component 12 is preferably manufactured using a Reaction Injection Molding (RDM) process, which involves the rapid injection of a mixture of reactive materials into a closed mold through a self-cleaning mixing head mounted directly in the mold.
  • RIM Reaction Injection Molding
  • second layer 34 is preferably applied to the mold prior to injection of the polymeric material, such as, for example, by a spraying second layer 34 into the mold.
  • the RIM process enables the precise reproduction of intricate parts and patterns allowing features, such as buttons 26 and bosses 22, to be integrally formed with trim component 12.
  • each button 26 preferably includes one or more labels 36 that are visible on the surface of each button 26 for identifying its respective function.
  • each end of button 30 may include a directional arrow to indicate the direction of window travel.
  • labels 36 are etched into second layer 34 permitting at least a small degree of light to pass through the layer. Labels 36 may be etched using a laser, for example, to burn a substantial portion of second layer 34 away to expose the first layer 32.
  • An electroluminescent device (not illustrated), such as a light emitting diode (LED), may be placed between the switch component 10 and the trim component 12 to illuminate labels 36.
  • LED light emitting diode
  • other means may be used to identify the function of buttons 26 such as, for example, painting labels 36 directly onto the surface of buttons 26.
  • switch component 10 comprises an intermediate member 38 that overlays a circuit board 40.
  • Circuit board 40 includes a plurality of contacts 42 that communicate electrically with a plurality of corresponding terminals 44.
  • intermediate member 38 comprises a base 46 having a plurality of dome-shaped electrically conductive elements or "domes" 48 that extend outwardly from base 46.
  • Domes 48 provide a means of filling the gap between buttons 26 and contacts 42 and function to complete a circuit on circuit board 40 when an underside of domes 48 are forced to touch contacts 42.
  • Base 46 preferably exhibits adhesive properties enabling intermediate member 38 to be adhered to circuit board 40 to ensure that each dome 48 is properly aligned over a corresponding contact 42.
  • each button 26 may include an integrally formed finger-like member (not illustrated), a distal end of which includes an electrically conductive element.
  • the switch component 10 is not limited to the embodiments described above, but may include other devices for completing a circuit, such as a non-contacting type proximity switch.
  • the switch component 10 is assembled onto the trim component 12 by aligning the apertures 24 in the intermediate member 38 and the circuit board 40 with bosses 22 and inserting the switch component 10 into recess 18.
  • switch component 10 may be securely fixed to trim component 12 by capping the ends of bosses 22 or otherwise preventing switch component 10 from being removed from bosses 22, such as, for example, by heat staking the ends of bosses 22.
  • an underside of each dome 48 on intermediate member 38 overlays, but is not in direct contact with, a corresponding contact 42 on circuit board 40.
  • each button 26 on trim component 12 overlays one or more corresponding domes 48 on intermediate member 38.
  • a button 26 or a portion of a button When a button 26 or a portion of a button is depressed, the corresponding dome 48 beneath the depressed button 26 is forced against a corresponding contact 42 on circuit board 40 to complete a circuit.
  • depressing the portion of button 30 labeled with an upwardly directed arrow forces a dome 48 beneath button 30 to touch a contact 42 beneath the dome 48 to complete a circuit that allows a window to travel in a closed direction.
  • the present invention eliminates the use of conventional switch banks and controls. Another advantage is that the trim component or "skin" protects the switch component from dirt, liquids and other debris, unlike the prior art. Yet another advantage is that the present invention allows the switch component to be easily disassembled from the trim component if service is required.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de commutation, qui comprend un élément de commutation (10) présentant au moins un contact (42), et un élément de garniture intérieure souple (12) recouvrant l'élément de commutation (10). L'élément de garniture intérieure souple (12) présente une surface extérieure ou 'peau' (34) d'un élément séparé à l'intérieur duquel l'élément de commutation (10) est installé. L'élément de garniture intérieure souple (12) présente en outre au moins un bouton intégralement formé, placé sensiblement sur le contact (42). Au moins un élément électroconducteur (48) est disposé entre le bouton (26) et le contact (42), si bien qu'une pression sur au moins une partie du bouton (26) amène l'élément électroconducteur (48) à toucher le contact pour enclencher un circuit dans l'élément de commutation (10).
PCT/US2002/038651 2001-12-05 2002-12-04 Surface de garniture interieure d'automobile presentant des commutateurs et des controles integres WO2003049968A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002366597A AU2002366597A1 (en) 2001-12-05 2002-12-04 Automotive trim surface having integrated switches and controls

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US33809101P 2001-12-05 2001-12-05
US60/338,091 2001-12-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003049968A1 true WO2003049968A1 (fr) 2003-06-19

Family

ID=23323369

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2002/038651 WO2003049968A1 (fr) 2001-12-05 2002-12-04 Surface de garniture interieure d'automobile presentant des commutateurs et des controles integres

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2002366597A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003049968A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005024874A1 (fr) * 2003-09-09 2005-03-17 Recticel N.V. Module a commutateurs electriques
US7851719B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2010-12-14 TouchSensor Technologies, Inc. Seat control system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4421966A (en) * 1982-07-26 1983-12-20 Kb Denver, Inc. Keyboard elastomeric cover with buttons having changeable legends
US5448028A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-09-05 Davidson Textron, Inc. Armrest electrical switch arrangement with soft interior trim panel
US5747756A (en) * 1996-09-10 1998-05-05 Gm Nameplate, Inc. Electroluminescent backlit keypad

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4421966A (en) * 1982-07-26 1983-12-20 Kb Denver, Inc. Keyboard elastomeric cover with buttons having changeable legends
US5448028A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-09-05 Davidson Textron, Inc. Armrest electrical switch arrangement with soft interior trim panel
US5747756A (en) * 1996-09-10 1998-05-05 Gm Nameplate, Inc. Electroluminescent backlit keypad

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005024874A1 (fr) * 2003-09-09 2005-03-17 Recticel N.V. Module a commutateurs electriques
US7851719B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2010-12-14 TouchSensor Technologies, Inc. Seat control system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002366597A1 (en) 2003-06-23

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