Motor vehicle control device and method for manufacturing an at least partly electrically conductive control unit for a motor vehicle control device

Abstract

There is described a motor vehicle control device (10), with an at least partly electrically conductive control unit (12) which on an actuating surface (14) includes at least one capacitive actuating area (26), and a printed circuit board (20) associated to the control unit (12), which is spaced from the actuating surface (14) and comprises at least one electrode (34). The capacitive actuating area (26) comprises at least one sensor surface (24) provided on the actuating surface (14), which via at least one electrically conductive portion (28) of the control unit (12) and a press connection element (32) is electrically and directly connected with the at least one electrode (34) on the printed circuit board (20). The printed circuit board (20) and the control unit (12) are pressed against each other, wherein the press connection element (32) is mechanically connected with the electrode (34) and/or the electrically conductive portion (28). There is furthermore described a method for manufacturing an at least partly electrically conductive control unit (12) for a motor vehicle control device (10).

Claims

1. A motor vehicle control device (10) comprising an at least partly electrically conductive control unit (12), which on an actuating surface (14) includes at least one capacitive actuating area (26), and a printed circuit board (20) associated to the control unit (12), which is spaced from the actuating surface (14) and comprises at least one electrode (34), wherein the capacitive actuating area (26) comprises at least one sensor surface (24) provided on the actuating surface (14), which via at least one electrically conductive portion (28) of the control unit (12) and a press connection element (32) is electrically and directly connected with the at least one electrode (34) on the printed circuit board (20), wherein the printed circuit board (20) and the control unit (12) are pressed against each other, and wherein the press connection element (32) is mechanically connected with the electrode (34) and/or the electrically conductive portion (28).

2. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electrically conductive portion (28) extends substantially vertically to the sensor surface (24).

3. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electrically conductive portion (28) and the sensor surface (24) are formed of the same material, in particular are integrally connected with each other.

4. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1. wherein between the sensor surface (24) and the electrode (34) a cable-free and/or plug-free electrical connection exists.

5. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the press connection element (32) in the non-pressed condition protrudes beyond an exit surface (36) of the control unit (12), which faces the printed circuit board (20), by at least 0.2 mm, in particular by at least 0.8 mm.

6. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the press connection element (32) is provided in a region which has the greatest possible distance to an outer side wall of the motor vehicle control device (10).

7. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the press connection element (32) is a press-in connector (48), in particular wherein the press-in connector (48) is attached to the electrode (34).

8. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the press connection element (32) is cohesively connected with the at least one electrically conductive portion (28), in particular injection-molded to the at least one electrically conductive portion (28).

9. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the press connection element (32) is formed of an elastic material.

10. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the press connection element (32) tapers, in particular conically tapers towards its free end.

11. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the press connection element (32) is formed of the same material as the electrically conductive portion (28), in particular wherein the press connection element (32) and the electrically conductive portion (28) are integrally connected with each other.

12. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein a control panel (16) with a control surface (18) is provided, which is associated to the actuating surface (14) of the control unit (12), wherein in a portion associated to the sensor surface (24) the control panel (16) has a thickness (D) of up to 8 mm.

13. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the control surface (18) has a height profile (46), wherein in a portion of the height profile (46) associated to the sensor surface (24) the thickness (D) of the control panel (16) varies between 0.1 mm and 8 mm.

14. The motor vehicle control device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the actuating surface (14) has a profile which substantially is adapted to a height profile (46) of the control surface (18), so that a distance between the actuating surface (14) and the control surface (18) between 0.1 mm and 8 mm is ensured.

15. A method for manufacturing an at least partly electrically conductive control unit (12) for a motor vehicle control device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, in which initially the base body (30) of the control unit (12) made of a first material is provided, to which at least the sensor surface (24) and the at least one electrically conductive portion (28) made of a second, electrically conductive material is injection-molded, wherein the second, electrically conductive material is injection-molded to the base body (30) via at least one injection point (58) which substantially is provided in the region of the electrically conductive portion (28).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the control unit (12) is manufactured by a two-component injection molding method.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein several sensor surfaces (24) and electrically conductive portions (28) each associated to the sensor surfaces (24) are injection-molded at the same time, in particular wherein the sensor surfaces (24) subsequently are separated from each other by interrupting connecting webs (52) obtained during the formation of the plurality of sensor surfaces (24).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages and properties of the invention can be taken from the following description and the drawings to which reference is made. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional representation of a motor vehicle control device of the invention according to a first embodiment,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a detail of FIG. 1,

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional representation of a motor vehicle control device of the invention according to a second embodiment,

(5) FIG. 4 shows a detail of the motor vehicle control device according to FIG. 1,

(6) FIG. 5 shows a perspective representation of a control unit manufactured by a manufacturing method according to the invention during the manufacture,

(7) FIG. 6 shows the control unit of FIG. 5 in a further perspective representation,

(8) FIG. 7 shows a schematic sectional representation of a motor vehicle control device of the invention according to a third embodiment with the control unit of FIGS. 5 and 6, and

(9) FIG. 8 shows the control unit of FIGS. 5 and 6 in a further sectional representation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle control device 10 according to a first embodiment, which comprises an at least partly electrically conductive control unit 12 which has an actuating surface 14.

(11) The motor vehicle control device 10 also comprises a control panel 16 which is associated to the actuating surface 14 of the control unit 12. The control panel 16 has a control surface 18 which forms the outer surface of the motor vehicle control device 10, which in the mounted condition faces the vehicle occupant.

(12) Furthermore, the motor vehicle control device 10 comprises a printed circuit board 20 formed separate from the control unit 12, which is associated to the control unit 12, wherein the printed circuit board 20 is arranged on a side of the control unit 12 opposite to the actuating surface 14, as will yet be explained below,

(13) On the control surface 18 of the control panel 16 switching symbols are provided on the button 22, which are associated to corresponding vehicle functions of the motor vehicle, which can be activated or deactivated when approaching or touching the corresponding button 22. The vehicle functions can be functions for adjusting the vehicle lighting, i.e. low beam, high beam, fog lamp etc., or multimedia functions of the motor vehicle.

(14) For detection of the approach or touch a sensor surface 24 of the control unit 12 is associated to the respective button 22 or the switching symbol of the button 22, which can lie in one plane with the actuating surface 14.

(15) It can also be provided that the sensor surface 24 protrudes beyond the actuating surface 14.

(16) Accordingly, the sensor surfaces 24 together with the control panel 16, in particular the control surface 18 or a control object of the vehicle occupant such as his/her finger, form a capacitive actuating area 26 via which an approach to or touch of the control surface 18 is detected.

(17) Via an electrically conductive portion 28 of the control unit 12 the corresponding signal, which is generated at the sensor surface 24, is passed away from the sensor surface 24 in direction of the printed circuit board 20, in order to be evaluated and converted there, in particular by a control and evaluation unit arranged on the printed circuit board 20. The electrically conductive portion 28 extends substantially vertically to the sensor surface 24 through a base body 30 of the control unit 12, which in contrast to the sensor surfaces 24 and the electrically conductive portion 28 is formed of an electrically non-conductive material.

(18) The control unit 12 can have been manufactured by a two-component injection molding method, wherein the sensor surfaces 24 and the associated electrically conductive portions 28 are formed of the same material, in particular of an electrically conductive silicone or an electrically conductive thermoplastic material. The sensor surfaces 24 as well as the electrically conductive portions 28 accordingly can be integrally connected with each other, wherein they have been manufactured in a common manufacturing step, for example as second component in the two-component injection molding method.

(19) The base body 30 accordingly is formed by a first (material) component, so that the sensor surfaces 24 and the electrically conductive portions 28 have been injection-molded to the base body 30, in particular in the same cavity of a mold used in the manufacture.

(20) As can be taken from FIGS. 2a, 2b, which show a detail of FIG. 1 in the region of the transition from the electrically conductive portion 28 to the printed circuit board 20, the electrically conductive portion 28 in the illustrated embodiment is electrically connected with the printed circuit board 20, in particular with an electrode 34 provided on the printed circuit board 20, via an elastic press connection element 32.

(21) In the illustrated embodiment, the press connection element 32 is an electrically conductive material which can consist of the same material as the electrically conductive portion 28.

(22) The press connection element 32 for example (subsequently) has been injection-molded to the electrically conductive portion 28, so that the press connection element 32 protrudes beyond an exit surface 36 provided on the control unit 12, which faces the printed circuit board 20. It can be provided that in the non-pressed condition the press connection element 32 protrudes beyond the exit surface 36 by at least 0.2 mm, in particular at least 0.8 mm.

(23) As the press connection element 32 is formed of an elastic material, it can be compressed, as can be taken from FIG. 2a which shows the press connection element 32 in the compressed condition. This is important, as the printed circuit board 20 is pressed against the control unit 12, in order to ensure the electrical connection. The control unit 12 and the printed circuit board 20 together form a press connection, in order to ensure the electrical connection. In so far, the printed circuit board 20, in particular the electrode 34, is directly coupled with the electrically conductive portion 28 of the control unit 12 via the press connection element 32 mechanically connected with the electrically conductive portion 28. Hence, a cable-free or plug-free electrical connection exists between the sensor surface 24 and the electrode 34 of the printed circuit board 20, in order to transmit the detected signals from the capacitive actuating area 26 to the printed circuit board 20.

(24) Furthermore, it can be provided that the press connection element 32, which in the non-pressed condition has its free end associated to the printed circuit board 20, tapers towards its free end, in particular tapers conically (see FIG. 2b). it thereby is ensured that the press connection element 32 can be compressed more easily when the printed circuit board 20 is pressed against the control unit 12, as initially less material must be compressed. In the compressed condition the bead- or mushroom-shaped design of the press connection element 32 then is obtained, as is shown in FIG. 2a.

(25) Instead of the (subsequently) injection-molded connection of the press connection element 32 to the electrically conductive portion 28 it can also be provided that the press connection element 32 is formed integrally with the electrically conductive portion 28 (and the sensor surface 24), in that during the manufacture of the control unit 12 both the electrically conductive portion 28 (and the sensor surface 24) as well as the press connection element 32 is provided as second component in the two-component injection molding method, which second component is electrically conductive.

(26) Thus, in the first embodiment there is generally obtained a mechanical and cohesive connection of the press connection element 32 with the electrically conductive portion 28, as the press connection element 32 either is injection-molded to the electrically conductive portion 28 or integrally connected with the same.

(27) In general, it can be provided that the press connection element 32 and thus the associated electrode 34 has the greatest possible distance to an outer side wall of the motor vehicle control device 10, whereby it is ensured that a touch of the motor vehicle control device 10 on its outer wall or a component associated to the outer side wall does not lead to a sensing error.

(28) In a portion associated to the sensor surface 24 the control panel 16 can have a thickness D which is up to 8 mm. It thereby is ensured that an approach to or touch of the control surface 18 can safely be detected by the underlying sensor surface 24.

(29) The sensor surfaces 24 are circumferentially formed at the actuating surface 14, wherein they each enclose a light duct 38 which is associated to the switching symbol 22 provided on the control surface 18, so that the same can be backlit correspondingly. For this purpose, corresponding light sources 40 are provided on the printed circuit board 20, which are associated to the light ducts 38 or the switching symbols 22.

(30) The electrically conductive portions 28 accordingly extend substantially parallel to the light ducts 38, wherein the electrically conductive portions 28 merely are formed as a web which extends through the base body 30.

(31) FIG. 1 furthermore reveals that the base body 30 comprises an outer frame 42 which substantially vertically protrudes from the exit surface 36. The frame 42 encloses a receiving area 44 in which the printed circuit board 20 is received, which in the mounted condition substantially flatly rests against the exit surface 36.

(32) FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the motor vehicle control device 10 according to the invention, which initially differs from the first embodiment according to FIG. 1 by the formation of the control panel 16.

(33) As can be taken from FIG. 3, the control panel 16 includes a control surface 18 which has a height profile 46, so that the thickness D of the control panel 16 varies correspondingly in a portion associated to the sensor surfaces 24.

(34) The thickness D can vary between 0.1 mm and 8 mm, in order to ensure that a touch of the control surface 18 or an approach to the control surface 18 can safely be detected by the underlying sensor surfaces 24.

(35) The actuating surface 14 of the control unit 12 likewise can have a profile which substantially is adapted to the height profile 46, in order to ensure that the distance between the actuating surface 14, in particular the sensor surfaces 24 arranged thereon, and the control surface 18 does not become greater than 8 mm.

(36) As can be taken from FIG. 4, which shows a detail of FIG. 3, the second embodiment furthermore and independent of the control panel 16 differs from the first embodiment in that the press connection element 32 is formed by a press-in connector 48 which is directly and mechanically attached to the printed circuit board 20, in particular to the electrode 34.

(37) When pressing the printed circuit board 20 against the control unit 12, in particular against the exit surface 36 of the control unit 12, the press-in connector 48 presses into the elastic electrically conductive portion 28, in order to ensure the electrical connection between the sensor surface 24 and the electrode 34.

(38) The press-in connector 48 can protrude beyond the surface of the printed circuit board 20 associated to the control unit 12, in particular by at least 0.2 mm, for example by at least 0.8 mm.

(39) In so far, a cable-free electrical connection also is created in this embodiment, which ensures a correspondingly fast and inexpensive manufacture and assembly of the motor vehicle control device 10.

(40) FIGS. 5 and 6 show a control unit 12 manufactured by a manufacturing method according to the invention from different perspectives.

(41) The control unit 12 comprises the base body 30 which by means of a first component (not electrically conductive) has been manufactured by a two-component injection molding method. In the illustrated condition, the control unit 12 also has a continuous structure 50 which has been manufactured by a second component that is formed of an electrically conductive material.

(42) The structure 50 among other things comprises the sensor surfaces 24, the electrically conductive portions 28 and the press connection elements 32 integrally connected therewith, as can be taken in particular from FIG. 6. In addition, the structure 50 comprises several connecting webs 52 which among other things still connect the sensor surfaces 24 to be separated from each other. These connecting webs 52 are necessary to ensure that the several sensor surfaces 24, the electrically conductive portions 28 and the press connection elements 32 integrally connected therewith can be manufactured in one injection molding step.

(43) In addition, the structure 50 comprises at least one continuously formed shielding web structure 54, which in particular extends between adjacent sensor surfaces 24. The shielding web structure 54 can comprise several fingers 56, which correspondingly extend along the actuating surface 14.

(44) After the sensor surfaces 24 have been isolated from each other by interrupting the connecting webs 52, the shielding web structure 54 serves to electrically isolate the adjacent sensor surfaces 24 from each other, in order to ensure exact sensing.

(45) Furthermore, the structure 50 comprises an injection point 58 which is provided in the region of the electrically conductive portions 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the injection point 58 is provided on a side face 60 of the control unit 12, which is substantially vertical to the actuating surface 14 and the sensor surfaces 24.

(46) The material of the sensor surfaces 24 and the electrically conductive portions 28 thus can uniformly run along the base body 30, in order to form a structure 50 free from cavities.

(47) FIG. 8 shows the control unit 12 in a sectional view, which reveals that the shielding web structure 54 likewise comprises electrically conductive portions 28 that extend through the base body 30 in direction of the exit surface 36. The shielding web structure 54 can thereby be grounded or be brought to a defined potential.

(48) FIG. 7 shows the motor vehicle control device 10, which comprises the control unit 12 according to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, a printed circuit board 20 and a transparent control panel 16.

(49) FIG. 7 reveals that the electrically conductive portions 28 associated to the sensor surfaces 24 are electrically connected with the electrode 34, in that the printed circuit board 20 is pressed against the exit surface 36 via a pressure part 62, so that the press connection elements 32 are compressed correspondingly.

(50) A comparison of FIGS. 7 and 8 clearly shows that the press connection elements 32 have been compressed correspondingly by the printed circuit board 20, when the same is pressed against the control unit 12 via the pressure part 62.

(51) In the pressed condition, the printed circuit board 20 rests against a circumferential collar 64, whereby it is prevented that the press connection elements 32 or the control unit 12 are/is damaged. The collar 64 in particular is part of the exit surface 36. The frame 42 correspondingly protrudes from the circumferential collar 64.

(52) FIG. 7 in particular reveals that the electrical connection of the actuating area 26 and the printed circuit board 20 is produced by two components, namely the printed circuit board 20 and the control unit 12 at least partly comprising the actuating area 26. In so far, an easy assembly of the motor vehicle control device 10 is ensured.

(53) Alternatively or in addition to the shielding web structure 54 provided on the control unit 12 a shield generally can be provided on the printed circuit board 20. Via this shield, the electrodes 34 associated to the sensor surfaces 24 and/or the sensor surfaces 24 themselves can each be shielded from each other.

(54) In so far, a shield (also a multipart shield) generally can be provided in the motor vehicle control device 10, which ensures that no sensing errors occur.