INTEGRATION OF SWITCHES IN LININGS

Abstract

An operating element for a vehicle interior is integrated in a flexible material and comprises an electroluminescent layer arranged between a first conducting layer and a second conducting layer. The arrangement of the first conducting layer, the second conducting layer and the electroluminescent layer is configured to be operable as a capacitive sensor.

Claims

1. An operating element for a vehicle interior, the the operating element being integrated in a flexible material and comprising an electroluminescent layer arranged between a first conducting layer and a second conducting layer, the arrangement of the first conducting layer, the second conducting layer and the electroluminescent layer being configured to be operable as a capacitive sensor.

2. The operating element of claim 1, wherein the arrangement of the first conducting layer, the second conducting layer and the electroluminescent layer is additionally configured to be operated as a light source.

3. The operating element of claim 1, wherein the operating element is fit into one or more cutouts in the flexible material.

4. A method for operating an operating element of claim 2, wherein, in a first mode, the operating element is operated as a capactive sensor, wherein a pressure exerted on the operating element is detected by a change in capacitance, and, in a second mode, the operating element is operated as a light source.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the strength of a pressure exerted on the operating element is indicated by brightness.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein a duration of the pressure exerted on the operating element is indicated by the brightness.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the arrangement according to the invention consisting of an electroluminescent layer and two conducting layers.

[0016] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a plurality of possibilities of fitting the operating element according to the invention in the vehicle interior.

[0017] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates two possibilities of fitting the operating element according to the invention to the steering wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an arrangement 1 comprising first and second conducting layers 3 and 4 and an electroluminescent layer 2 surrounded by the two conducting layers 3, 4. Therefore, the arrangement 1 of the three layers is operable as a capacitor when an electric voltage is applied between the two conducting layers 3, 4. A contact or a pressure exerted on the layer arrangement 1 leads to a measurable change in capacitance, via which the contact or the pressure can be detected. If the electroluminescent layer 2 is excited to light emission by application of a continuous or alternating voltage between the conducting layers 3, 4, the arrangement 1 of the three layers can also be operated as a light source and can transmit optical signals to the user.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates possibilities of arranging the operating element of the invention in the vehicle interior. The operating element consists of a light sheet 1 that is fit into cutouts, for example in the form of perforations in a flexible material. The flexible material can then be used in diverse ways as a lining by being attached to a surface of the interior that is easily reachable by the user. The shape of this surface is subject only to a few restrictions since the flexible material can be adapted to the contours of the surface and can thus be clamped or adhesively bonded onto a multiplicity of surfaces. The actuation takes place via a contact of the sheet 1 or by pressure being exerted on the sheet 1. In the variant depicted here, operating elements are arranged directly next to one another. Thus, related functions or steps of a functional component, such as an air conditioning system, can be activated. For user-friendly positioning of the operating elements, it is crucial that they are easily reachable by the seated user and that the position of the operating elements is in an intuitively easily detectable relationship with the functional component that is to be operated. Furthermore, for operation by the driver, it is important that the operating elements are easily reachable by the driver from an upright sitting position and make it as easy as possible for the driver to keep his/her attention directed towards the traffic during the operating process.

[0020] For the driver, such an easily reachable first position 5 is provided, for example, at the sides of the front dashboard region. For example, an operating element for deactivating the airbag can be attached here. The center console has further positionings 6 on surfaces that are equally easily reachable by driver and passenger. For example, operating elements for the air conditioning and ventilation systems can be attached here. Control of the window opening mechanism customarily takes place via switches in the door side lining. Switches of this type can be replaced in a simple manner by an operating element that is attached at a position 7 of the inner door surface. Further easily reachable positions 8 are located on the B pillar in the center of the passenger cell. For operations which are carried out when the vehicle is stationary, positions 9 on various surfaces in the trunk are appropriate.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates two different possibilities of attaching the operating element according to the invention to the steering wheel. As in FIG. 1, this involves a light sheet 1 that is fit into cutouts, for example perforations, in a flexible material. One possibility includes attaching one or more operating elements to the upper side 10 of the steering wheel. Further possible positions 11 are located on the lower sides of the steering wheel. Both positions 10, 11 are easily reachable by the driver and can be actuated without the driver being excessively distracted for the operation.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0022] 1 Layer arrangement [0023] 2 Electroluminescent layer [0024] 3 First conducting layer [0025] 4 Second conducting layer [0026] 5 First positioning of the operating element [0027] 6 Second positioning of the operating element [0028] 7 Third positioning of the operating element [0029] 8 Fourth positioning of the operating element [0030] 9 Fifth positioning of the operating element [0031] 10 Sixth positioning of the operating element [0032] 11 Seventh positioning of the operating element