LU100744B1 - Self-Standing Sandwich Structure Including at least one Capacitive Sensor Member and/or at least one Heater Member for Automotive Vehicle Applications - Google Patents

Self-Standing Sandwich Structure Including at least one Capacitive Sensor Member and/or at least one Heater Member for Automotive Vehicle Applications Download PDF

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Publication number
LU100744B1
LU100744B1 LU100744A LU100744A LU100744B1 LU 100744 B1 LU100744 B1 LU 100744B1 LU 100744 A LU100744 A LU 100744A LU 100744 A LU100744 A LU 100744A LU 100744 B1 LU100744 B1 LU 100744B1
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LU
Luxembourg
Prior art keywords
self
layer
sandwich structure
protective layer
electrically conductive
Prior art date
Application number
LU100744A
Other languages
German (de)
Inventor
Driss Chabach
Cedric Amorosi
Raphael Bennes
Julie Distel
Alain Schumacher
Original Assignee
Iee Sa
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Publication date
Application filed by Iee Sa filed Critical Iee Sa
Priority to LU100744A priority Critical patent/LU100744B1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2018/082684 priority patent/WO2019105923A1/en
Priority to CN201880076578.1A priority patent/CN111406010B/en
Priority to DE112018005720.8T priority patent/DE112018005720T5/en
Priority to US16/766,990 priority patent/US11565739B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of LU100744B1 publication Critical patent/LU100744B1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/18—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by features of a layer of foamed material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B21/00—Layered products comprising a layer of wood, e.g. wood board, veneer, wood particle board
    • B32B21/04—Layered products comprising a layer of wood, e.g. wood board, veneer, wood particle board comprising wood as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B21/08—Layered products comprising a layer of wood, e.g. wood board, veneer, wood particle board comprising wood as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/065—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of foam
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/06—Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B9/00—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00
    • B32B9/02—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising animal or vegetable substances, e.g. cork, bamboo, starch
    • B32B9/025—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising animal or vegetable substances, e.g. cork, bamboo, starch comprising leather
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B9/00—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00
    • B32B9/04—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising such particular substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B9/045—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising such particular substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
    • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
    • B62D1/04—Hand wheels
    • B62D1/046—Adaptations on rotatable parts of the steering wheel for accommodation of switches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
    • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
    • B62D1/04—Hand wheels
    • B62D1/06—Rims, e.g. with heating means; Rim covers
    • B62D1/065—Steering wheels with heating and ventilating means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/20—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular electrical or magnetic properties, e.g. piezoelectric
    • B32B2307/202—Conductive
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/20—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular electrical or magnetic properties, e.g. piezoelectric
    • B32B2307/204—Di-electric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/546—Flexural strength; Flexion stiffness
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/554—Wear resistance
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/748—Releasability
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2457/00—Electrical equipment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2605/00—Vehicles
    • B32B2605/003—Interior finishings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2607/00—Walls, panels

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)
  • Resistance Heating (AREA)

Abstract

A self-standing sandwich structure (100) includes at least one capacitive sensor member and/or at least one heater member for automotive vehicle application. The self-standing sandwich structure (100) comprises an upper protective layer (10) that is attached, for manufacturing and storage purposes, to a carrier film member (28) of sufficiently low surface energy for enabling separating the carrier film member (28) and the upper protective layer (10) in a non-destructive manner, a lower protective layer (14), a bottom adhesive layer (16) that is attached to the lower protective layer (14), and at least an upper electrically conductive layer (18) arranged between the upper protective layer (10) and the lower protective layer (14).

Description

Self-Standing Sandwich Structure Including at least one Capacitive SensorMember and/or at least one Heater Member for Automotive VehicleApplications
Technical field [0001] The invention relates to a self-standing sandwich structure that includes atleast one capacitive sensor member and/or at least one heater member forautomotive vehicle application, a vehicle steering wheel that comprises at leastone such self-standing sandwich structure, and a method of applying at least onesuch self-standing sandwich structure to a part of a vehicle.
Background of the Invention [0002] In the field of automotive vehicle sensor application it is known to employsensors of various types for providing input to Automatic Driver AssistanceSystems (ADAS), for instance for the purpose of a seat belt reminder (SBR)system or an activation control for an auxiliary restraint system (ARS). Sensedsignals can serve as a basis for making decisions by an ADAS, for instance for adecision to deploy an air bag system to a specific vehicle seat or not.
[0003] Another example for the use of sensors in an automotive vehicleapplication is the so-called Hands on Detection (HoD), in which one or moresensors provide information about whether a driver has his hands on a steeringwheel of a vehicle or not. This information can be transferred to an ADAS such asan Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which, based on the provided sensor signal,can alert the driver and remind him or her to take control of the steering wheelagain. In particular, such HoD systems can be used in support to fulfill arequirement of the Vienna convention that the driver must remain in control of thevehicle at all times. HoD systems may as well be employed in a parkingassistance system or an ADAS that is configured for evaluating a driver activity athigh speed.
[0004] One type of sensors employed in HoD devices and systems is a torquesensor.
[0005] By way of example, application EP 2 604 487 B1 describes a controlsystem to determine a hands on wheel (HOW) condition of a hand wheel, which is employable for a lane monitoring system. The control system includes a torquesensor that monitors an amount of applied torque exerted upon the hand wheel,and a control module for monitoring the sensor. The control module includes anotch filter to attenuate a normal column mode frequency from the amount ofapplied torque to produce a filtered torque signal, wherein the normal columnmode frequency is configured to represent a range of vibrational modes of thehand wheel based on a hands off wheel condition. The control module furthercomprises a state detector to receive the filtered torque signal from the notch filter.The state detector is configured to determine if the HOW condition exists based onif the filtered torque signal exceeds an ON threshold torque value.
[0006] A widely-used type of sensor for HoD devices and other applications in theautomotive sector is the capacitive sensor. In many cases, capacitive sensors arecombined with heating devices, particularly in vehicle seats or in vehicle steeringwheels.
[0007] A capacitive sensor or capacitive sensing device, called by some electricfield sensor or proximity sensor, designates a sensor, which generates a signalresponsive to the influence of what is being sensed (a person, a part of a person’sbody, a pet, an object, etc.) upon an electric field. A capacitive sensor generallycomprises at least one antenna electrode, to which is applied an oscillating electricsignal and which thereupon emits an electric field into a region of space proximateto the antenna electrode, while the sensor is operating. The sensor comprises atleast one sense electrode at which the influence of an object or living being on theelectric field is detected. In some (so-called “loading mode") capacitive sensors,the one or more antenna electrodes serve at the same time as sense electrodes.In this case, the measurement circuit determines the current flowing into the oneor more antenna electrodes in response to an oscillating voltage being applied tothem. The relationship of voltage to current yields the complex impedancebetween the one or more antenna electrodes and ground. In an alternative versionof capacitive sensors (“coupling mode” capacitive sensors), the transmittingantenna electrode(s) and the sense electrode(s) are separate from one another. Inthis case, the measurement circuit determines the current or voltage that isinduced in the sense electrode when the transmitting antenna electrode isoperating.
[0008] The different capacitive sensing mechanisms are explained in thetechnical paper entitled "Electric Field Sensing for Graphical Interfaces" by J. R.Smith et al., published in IEEE Comput. Graph. Appl., 18(3):54-60, 1998. Thepaper describes the concept of electric field sensing as used for making non-contact three-dimensional position measurements, and more particularly forsensing the position of a human hand for purposes of providing three-dimensionalpositional inputs to a computer. Within the general concept of capacitive sensing,the author distinguishes between distinct mechanisms he refers to as "loadingmode", "shunt mode", and "transmit mode" which correspond to various possibleelectric current pathways. In the "loading mode", an oscillating voltage signal isapplied to a transmit electrode, which builds up an oscillating electric field toground. The object to be sensed modifies the capacitance between the transmitelectrode and ground. In the "shunt mode”, an oscillating voltage signal is appliedto the transmit electrode, building up an electric field to a receive electrode, andthe displacement current induced at the receive electrode is measured, wherebythe displacement current may be modified by the body being sensed. In the“transmit mode", the transmit electrode is put in contact with the user's body, whichthen becomes a transmitter relative to a receiver, either by direct electricalconnection or via capacitive coupling. “Shunt mode” is alternatively referred to asthe above-mentioned “coupling mode".
[0009] For instance, international application WO 2013/050621 A2 describeselectrically conductive textiles for occupant sensing and/or heating applications,wherein the sensor and/or heater can be attached from the backside to a surfacesuch as a driver seat, a passenger seat, a backseat, a steering wheel, a door sideof compartment, a gear shift lever, etc.
[0010] A flexible heater and/or electrode comprises a woven textile materialhaving a warp direction and a weft direction. The textile material comprises at leastone region having a low electrical conductance and at least two regions having ahigh electrical conductance. The at least two regions of high electricalconductance are adjacent to the at least one region of low electrical conductance.At least one of the at least two regions of high electrical conductance is operativelyconnected to a connection terminal of the heater and/or electrode, wherein the connection terminal serves fos connecting the haate? and/cr electrode to aneiecttenic csntml circuit. foOl 1I The gaomeuy ul a conventional sieenng wheal places higher demands on3 capacitive sense·' design and an unnoticeabte'' installation at the steer Ing wheelthan an even surface.
[0012] As a solution, international application WO 2016/096815 Al proposes aplanar tlextete carrier for use sn steering wheel heating andfer sensing Tnu planarearner which can be employed for mounting on a rim of a steering wheel withoutwrinkles, comprises a portion of planar flexible foil of roughly rectangular shapehaving two inngitedinal Sides and two lateral shies A length B of the lateral sidesis 0 $6 to 1 00 times trie perimeter of the rim A number of N cut-outs per unitlength are provided on each of the longitudinal sides. wherein the cut-outs of oneside are located in a staggered fashion relative to opposing cut-oiit portions or; theopposite side. The determining of an optimum shape and sate of the cut-outs isdescribed. Further described ss a heat earner, a heating and/or sensing device andmethods for their prodbehom [0013] Multizona HoD sensor systems having a plurality of distinct andindependent sensing sones along the steering wheel which are capable ofdistinguishing various ways of holding the vehicle steering wheel by the dover (onehand, two hands angular positions, or an advanced development [0014] For instance European patent E.P 1 292 488 81 describes a steeringwheel for a vehicle, which composes a steering eng, a hub. and at least one spokeconnecting the steering ring and the hub On the steering ring, sensors arearranged in a distubuted manner along the circumference of rhe steering ring,extending over the entire lengih of the steering nag The sensors a?e subdividedinto a plurality of segments arranged one behind another sn ths longitudinaldirection of the steenng nng Ths spacing between two segments of a sensor fromone another in the loi>yituuinai direction of the steering ring is smaller than a lingerWidth, wherein the segments of the sensors, m the longitudinal direction of thesteering ring, are shorter than a finger width By that, the thumb and the Angers ofrhe hand can be reliably distinguished from each other and o high spatialresolution is achieved.
Object of the invention [0015] It is an object of the invention to provide a reliable capacitive sensorand/or heating member that enables a multizone sensor design, shows highoperational robustness and can be integrated in a vehicle steering wheel in asimplified manner.
General Description of the Invention [0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a self-standing sandwich structure that includes at least one capacitive sensor memberand/or at least one heater member for automotive vehicle application, wherein theself-standing sandwich structure comprises an upper protective layer having a top side and a bottom side, wherein theupper protective layer is attached, for manufacturing and storage purposes,with its top side to a bottom side of a carrier film member, and wherein atleast the bottom side of the carrier film member is of sufficiently low surfaceenergy for enabling separating the carrier film member (28) and the upperprotective layer (10) in a non-destructive manner, a lower protective layer having a top side and a bottom side, a bottom adhesive layer having a top side and a bottom side, wherein thebottom adhesive layer is attached with its top side to the bottom side of thelower protective layer, and at least an upper electrically conductive layer having a top side and a bottomside that is arranged between the bottom side of the upper protective layerand the top side of the lower protective layer.
[0017] The term “self-standing”, as used in this application, shall in particular beunderstood to apply to an object or a structure that is self-standing even if notsupport by another object or another structure.
[0018] The terms “upper” and “lower”, as used in this application, shall beunderstood with reference to the carrier film member, wherein “upper” meanscloser to, and “lower" means further away from the carrier film member, which ismeant to be positioned on top of the self-standing sandwich structure.
[0019] The terms “top side” and “bottom side” ", as used in this application, shallbe understood such that a top side of a layer, at least in a state aftermanufacturing, is facing the carrier film member, and the bottom side of the layer,at least in a state after manufacturing, is facing away from the carrier film member.
[0020] The self-standing sandwich structure can be manufactured in an easy andcost-efficient manner. Further, the self-standing sandwich structure can beattached to stretchable materials and materials of high softness, such as a vehicledoor panel, a leather trim, foam, a plastic support and many more, which allows aclose-to-surface integration. The close-to-surface integration of the self-standingsandwich structure can facilitate an energy-efficient heating of a heater memberand an improved sensitivity of a capacitive sensor member.
[0021] Another advantage of the disclosed self-standing sandwich structure isthat it can facilitate a multizone functionality, which, for instance, in a suitableembodiment can allow the detection of a number of hands and their touchinglocations on a vehicle steering wheel.
[0022] Moreover, capacitive sensing and heating can be combined by the self-standing sandwich structure with low installation effort and in a cost-efficientmanner. An integration stress for furnishing vehicle parts with capacitive sensormembers and/or heater members can significantly be reduced, which can result inan improved reliability.
[0023] The carrier film member can be formed by, without being limited to, a filmof pre-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI),polytetrafluoroetylene (PTFE), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polypropylene(PP), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), paper, or any other carrier film ofsufficiently low surface energy that appears appropriate to those skilled in the art.
[0024] The protective layers are meant to have virtually negligible electricconductivity and to serve for providing protection against mechanical wear.
[0025] The disclosed self-standing sandwich structure is employable for, but notlimited to, providing at least one capacitive sensor member and/or at least oneheater member in automotive vehicle applications such as vehicle seats, headrests, door panel heaters, arm rests and, in particular, vehicle steering wheels, forheating and/or for Hands on Detection (HoD).
[Q026] The self-standing sandwich structure can. at least in pads, bemanufactured by depositing the different layers, for instance, via screen prsnting ornfoat printing or by any other method that appears to be suitable to those skiiied tnthe an. ·π the described sequence on ths lew energy surface of the earner filmmember Therefrom the seif-standing sandwich structure can be easily peeled oftto obtain a seif-standing flexible and/or stretchable stack of thin layers withdescribed sensing and/or heating fencticnalify After separating the self-standingsandwich structure and the earner hint member, the self-standing sandwichstructure can be readily ir-stailsd in an summotive vehicle part, m particular thesteering wheel, either directly on its core or on an inside of a steenng wheel trim. KX)27'i The term "vehicle’', as used in this application, shall particularly beunderstood to encompass passenger cam, trucks semi-trailer tractors and buses. 100281 Preferably, at least the upper electrically conductive layer cither compriseselectrically highly conductive material for generating low electric fosses duringoperation or comprises electncally resistive material for generating electric heatduring operation. An upper electrically conductive layer that comprises electricallyhighly conductive material can beneficially be used as a capacitive sensor membersuch as an antenne electrode of a capacitive sensor. The electrically highlyconductive material ensures adequate response when exposed to a time-vary-ngelectric field. 100291 An upper electrically conductive foyer than comprises electrically h-ghlyconductive material can, for instance, be implemented by applying a screenprinting or an inkjet printing method, using an electrically conductive ink thatcomprises silver, followed by a step of curing the ink.
[0030] An upper mectacaily conductive layer that composes electrically resistivematerial mm beneficially be «sod as a healer member and can. tor instance, beimplemented by applying si screen printing or an inkjet printing method, using anelectrically conductive ink comprising a material that has an electrical resistivitywith a positive temperature coefficient, followed by a step of curing the ink.
[Ö031] An application of high-precision manufacturing methods such as screenprinting and inkjet printing can result in low tolerances of a thickness and. thus,electrical properties of the aiectrlcaiiy conductive lave,·.
[0032] In preferred embodiments, the self-standing sandwich structure furtherincludes a lower electrically conductive layer having at top Side and a bottom Sidesrvi comprising electrically resisbve malend for generating electric neat duringoperation Hemin, the lower electrically conductive layer s& arranged between thebottom Side of the upper protective layer and the top Side of the lower protectivelayer. The upper electrically conductive layer composes elacfncaliy highlyconductive material for generating low electric losses during operation and thelower electrically conductive layer is attached with its tog safe to the bottom side ofthe upper electrically conductive layer, [0033] In this cunfigurahorc ihe upper siactncally conductive layer can beneficiallyserve as an electric bus bar for the lower electrically conductive layer, in th-s wayproviding an even current distribution ano providing a larger design freedom forheater members.
[0034] in general, the functions of the upper electrically conductive layer and thelower electrically conductive layer may ba interchanged, i.e. the upper electricallyconductive layer may comprise electrically resistive material for generating electricheat durmg opération, and the lower electrically conductive lays? may compriseelectrically highly conductive material for generating low electric losses duringoperation, [0Ü35Î in preferred embodiments, the self-standinc sandwich structure furtherincludes a lower electrically conductive layer, which has a top side and a bottomSide and is arranged between the bottom side of the upper protective layer and thetop side of the lower protective layer At least the lower electrically conductivelayer either comprises electrically highly conductive material for generating lowelecinc losses during operation or composes electrically resistive material forgenerating electric heal during operation ïne self-standing sandwich structurefurther composes a dielectric layer having a top side and a bottom side wheresnthe dielectric lever ;s attached with its tap side to the bottom side of the upperelectrically conductive layer, and is attached with its bottom side to the top Side ofthe lower electrically conductive layer 10036] A configuration <n which both the upper electrically conductive layer andthe lower electrically conductive layer comprise electrically highly conductivematerial can beneficially be employed as two distinct antenna electrodes of a capacitive sensor, wherein the two distinct antenna electrodes are electricallyinsulated and spaced apart from each other by the dielectric layer. The electricallyhighly conductive material ensures adequate response when exposed to a time-varying electric field.
[0037] A configuration in which one of the upper electrically conductive layer andthe lower electrically conductive layer comprises electrically highly conductivematerial and the other electrically conductive layer comprises electrically resistivematerial for generating electric heat during operation can beneficially be employedas a combination of one capacitive sensor member serving as an antennaelectrode of a capacitive sensor with a heater member.
[0038] In preferred embodiments of the self-standing sandwich structure, in whichboth the upper electrically conductive layer and the lower electrically conductivelayer comprise electrically highly conductive material, the self-standing sandwichstructure further includes a third electrically conductive layer having a top side anda bottom side and comprising electrically resistive material for generating electricheat during operation. Herein, the third electrically conductive layer is attachedwith its top side to the bottom side of the lower electrically conductive layer and isattached with its bottom side to the top side of the lower protective layer.
[0039] This configuration can beneficially be employed as a combination of onecapacitive sensor member serving as an antenna electrode of a capacitive sensorwith a heater member, wherein the lower electrically conductive layer canbeneficially serve as an electrical bus bar for the third electrically conductive layer.
[0040] In preferred embodiments of the self-standing sandwich structure, in whichthe upper electrically conductive layer and the lower electrically conductive layercomprise electrically highly conductive material for generating low electric lossesduring operation, the self-standing sandwich structure further includes anintermediate protective layer having a top side and a bottom side that is attachedwith the top side to the bottom side of the lower electrically conductive layer. Theself-standing sandwich structure further includes at least a third electricallyconductive layer having a top side and a bottom side that is arranged between thebottom side of the intermediate protective layer and the top side of the lowerprotective layer and either comprises electrically highly conductive material for generating low electric losses during operation or electrically resistive material forgenerating electric heat during operation.
[0041] Preferably, the self-standing sandwich structure comprises a plurality ofsandwiched layer units, wherein each sandwiched layer unit at least includes anupper protective layer, a lower protective layer, at least one electrically conductivelayer having a top side and a bottom side that is arranged between the bottomside of the upper protective layer and the top side of the lower protective layer,and a bottom adhesive layer having a top side and a bottom side. The bottomadhesive layer is attached with its top side to the bottom side of the lowerprotective layer. The sandwiched layer units are arranged on top of each other andare attached with the top side of an uppermost protective layer to the bottom sideof the carrier film member.
[0042] In this way, a self-standing sandwich structure can be provided thatcomprises one or more capacitive sensor members and/or one or more heatermembers in a compact configuration.
[0043] Preferably, sandwiched layer units of the same kind (i.e. capacitancesensor member or heater member) are identically designed for ease ofmanufacturing.
[0044] Preferably, the bottom adhesive layer comprises at least one of apressure-sensitive adhesive and a heat-activated adhesive. In this way, the self-standing sandwich structure can readily be installed in an automotive vehicle part.
[0045] Preferably, the pressure-sensitive adhesive and the heat-activatedadhesive are screen printable or inkjet printable so as to enable applying a screenprinting or an inkjet printing method during manufacturing of the self-standingsandwich structure.
[0046] In another aspect of the invention, a vehicle steering wheel is providedthat comprises at least one self-standing sandwich structure as disclosed herein.The at least one self-standing sandwich structure is fixedly attached with thebottom side of the bottom adhesive layer to a part of the vehicle steering wheel.
[0047] The benefits described in context with the self-standing sandwich structureproposed herein apply to the vehicle steering wheel to the full extent. |00A8] Preferably, tee vehicle steering wheel comprises a plurality of self-standing sandwich structures as disclosed herein The self-standing sandwichstructures are attached to at least a steering ring of the vehicle steering wheel in aplurality of mutually distinct zones In this way, a mulimone capacitive HuD sensoisystem incfeding heafing facility can readily ba implemented. 10049] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method at applying at least anaself-standing sandwich structure as disclosed herein io an automohve vehicle past,sn particular to a vehicle sheering wheel. Ths method comprises at least thefollowing steps. providing a self-standing sandwich structure as disclosed herein, peeling off the carrier film member from the self-standing sandwich structure,attaching me self-standing sandwich structure with the bottom Side of thebottom adhesive layer fu ths; automotive vehicle part and curing the adhesive layer by applying pressure or by heat treatment [0050] These and other aspects of the Invention will be apparent from andelucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter [0051| It shall be pointed put that the features ana measures detailed individuallyin the preceding description can be combined with one another in any technicallymeaningful mariner arid show further embodiments of the invention Thedescription characterizes and specifies ths invention in particular in connectionwith the figures.
Brief Description of the Drawings [00621 Further details and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description of red limiting embodiments with referenceto the attached drawing, wherein,
Fig. 1 schematically jilustraies a possible embodiment of a self-standing sandwich structure In accordance with tea invention in a sidesectional view.
Figs 2 to 6 schematically illustrate alternative possible embodiments of a self-standing sandwich structure in accordance with the invention in thesama view as Frg. 11 and
Fig. 7 schematically shows a vehicle steering wheel furnished with self- standing sandwich structures.
Description of Preferred Embodiments [0053] In the different figures, same parts are always provided with the samereference numeral, and are thus usually described only once.
[0054] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a possible embodiment of a self-standingsandwich structure 100 in accordance with the invention in a side sectional view.The self-standing sandwich structure 100 includes a capacitive sensor member forautomotive vehicle application.
[0055] The self-standing sandwich structure 100 includes an upper protectivelayer 10 that is made from a screen printable dielectric material and that has a topside and a bottom side. In alternative embodiments, the upper protective layermay be made from cured synthetic resin. The upper protective layer 10 isattached, for manufacturing and storage purposes, by applying a screen printingprocess with its top side to a bottom side of a carrier film member 28, which ismade, for instance, from polyimide (PI). The bottom side of the carrier filmmember 28 is of sufficiently low surface energy such that the material of the upperprotective layer 10 does not “wet” the carrier film member 28; i.e. only a weakbond is created between the carrier film member 28 and the upper protectivelayer 10. Thus, it is enabled that the carrier film member 28 and the upperprotective layer 10 can be separated in a non-destructive manner prior to attachingthe self-standing sandwich structure 100 to an automotive vehicle part 40.
[0056] The self-standing sandwich structure 100 further comprises a lowerprotective layer 14 that has a top side and a bottom side. The lower protectivelayer 14 is made from the same screen printable dielectric material as the upperprotective layer 10. Then, the self-standing sandwich structure 100 includes anupper electrically conductive layer 18 that has a top side and a bottom side andthat is arranged between the bottom side of the upper protective layer 10 and thetop side of the lower protective layer 14. The upper electrically conductive layer 18comprises electrically highly conductive material and is implemented by applying ascreen printing method and using an electrically conductive link comprising silver.In the automotive vehicle application, the upper electrically conductive layer 18 serves as a capacitive sensor member that ;s used as an antenna electrode cf acapacitive sensor The electrically highly conductive material ensures generatinglow electric losses and, thus, adequate response of the antenna electrode to time -varying electric fields employed during operation of the capacitive sensor [0057] Further, the sell-standing sandwich structure 100 comprises a bottomadhesive layer i$ that has a top Side and bottom s>de and is matte from a screenprintable ink comprising pressure-sensitive adhesive. In alternative embodiments,the bottom adhesive layer may compose a heat-activated adhesive The bottomadhearva layer 16 is attached with its top side to the bottom side of rhe lowerprotective foyer 14, [0058] in an automotive vehicle application, the self-standing sandwichstructure 108 can be attached to a vehicle part 40 after peeling off, for instance byhand, the carrier film member 28 from trie selfistaiiding sandwich structure 100,The seif-standing; sandwich structure 100 is then attached with the bottom side ofthe bottom adhesive layeriO to the vehicle part 4G and is fixated by curing thepressure-sensitive adhesive of the bottom adhesive layer 16 by applying pressureto the bottom adhesive layer 15, for instance by hand. The vehicle part 40 may beformed by a steering wheel and may -n general have a surface comprising leather,foam, piastsc material wood and many mors. For the case of an alternative self-standing sandwich structure Including an adhesive layer that comprises a heat-activated adhesive, the seif-standing sandwich structure is fixated fo the vehiclepart by applying a heat treatment.
[0059] In Figures 2 to 8. alternative possible embodiments cl a seif-standingsandwich structure in accordance with the invention are schematically illustrated Infoe same view as in F-'ig 1. in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, onlydifferences between the various embodiments will be described m the following (0060/ frig 2 schematically snows another possible embodiment of a seif-standing sandwich structure 200 m accordance with ths invention. The upperprotective layer 10. foe upper electrically conductive layer 18, trier lower protectivelayer 14 and the bottom adhesive layer 16 of the sell-standing sandwichstructure WO pursuant io Fig 1 can be uunsidmed to turrn one sandwiched layerumf In ibis sense, tne self-standing sandwich structura 200 pursuant to fog 2comprises a plurality of two sandwich layer units that are ideuncaily formed to the sandwich layer unit of the self-standing sandwich structure 100 pursuant to Fig. 1.The two sandwich layer units of the self-standing sandwich structure 200 pursuantto Fig. 2 are arranged on top of each other and are attached with the top side ofthe uppermost protective layer 10 to the bottom side of the carrier film member 28.In this way, the self-standing sandwich structure 200 comprises two distinct upperelectrically conductive layers 18, 18', which in an automotive vehicle applicationcan serve as capacitive sensor members that are usable as two separate antennaelectrodes of a capacitive sensor.
[0061] Fig. 3 schematically shows another possible embodiment of a self-standing sandwich structure 300 in accordance with the invention. Compared tothe embodiment of the self-standing sandwich structure 100 pursuant to Fig. 1, theself-standing sandwich structure shown 300 in Fig. 3 further comprises a lowerelectrically conductive layer 20, which has a top side and a bottom side and isarranged between the bottom side of the upper protective layer 10 and the topside of the lower protective layer 14. Both the lower electrically conductive layer 20and the upper electrically conductive layer 18 comprise electrically highlyconductive material for generating low electric losses during operation. The self-standing sandwich structure 300 further includes a dielectric layer 26 having a topside and a bottom side. The dielectric layer 26 is attached with its top side to thebottom side of the upper electrically conductive layer 18, and is attached with itsbottom side to the top side of the lower electrically conductive layer 20. In this way,the self-standing sandwich structure 300 comprises two distinct electricallyconductive layers 18, 20, which in an automotive vehicle application can serve ascapacitive sensor members that are used as two separate antenna electrodes of acapacitive sensor.
[0062] Fig. 4 schematically shows another possible embodiment of a self-standing sandwich structure 400 in accordance with the invention, which includesa heater member for automotive vehicle application. Compared to the embodimentof the self-standing sandwich structure 100 pursuant to Fig. 1, the self-standingsandwich structure 400 shown in Fig. 4 further comprises a lower electricallyconductive layer 20 having a top side and a bottom side and comprisingelectrically resistive material for generating electric heat during operation. Thelower electrically conductive layer 20 may for instance be implemented by applying a screen printing or an inkjet printing method using an electrically conductive inkthat comprises a material that has an electrical resistivity with a positivetemperature coefficient, followed by a step of curing the ink. Suitable screenprintable electrically conductive inks are commercially readily available.
[0063] The lower electrically conductive layer 20 is arranged between the bottomside of the upper protective layer 10 and the top side of the lower protectivelayer 14. The lower electrically conductive layer 20 is attached with its top side tothe bottom side of the upper electrically conductive layer 18 and is attached withits bottom side to the top side of the lower protective layer 14.
[0064] The upper electrically conductive layer 18 can serve as an electric bus barfor the lower electrically conductive layer 20, which is usable as a heater memberfor an automotive vehicle application, for instance for heating a vehicle steeringwheel.
[0065] Fig. 5 schematically shows another possible embodiment of a self-standing sandwich structure 500 in accordance with the invention, which includesa combination of a capacitive sensor member and a heater member for automotivevehicle application, for instance for a Hands on Detection (HoD) system on aheatable vehicle steering wheel.
[0066] Compared to the embodiment of a self-standing sandwich structure 300shown in Fig. 3, the self-standing sandwich structure 500 pursuant to Fig. 5 furtherincludes a third electrically conductive layer 22 having a top side and a bottomside. The third electrically conductive layer 22 comprises electrically resistivematerial for generating electric heat during operation. The third electricallyconductive layer 22 is attached with its top side to the bottom side of the lowerelectrically conductive layer 20 and is attached with its bottom side to the top sideof the lower protective layer 14.
[0067] In this configuration, the upper electrically conductive layer 18 serves, inan automotive vehicle application, as a capacitive sensor member that is used asan antenna electrode of a capacitive sensor. The lower electrically conductivelayer 20 serves as an electric bus bar for the third electrically conductive layer 22,which can be used as a heater member for the automotive vehicle application, forinstance for heating a vehicle steering wheel.
[0068; Fig. 6 schematteaiiy shows another possible embodiment ol a sell·standing sandwich structure 800 in accordance win the invention, which includesa combination of two capacitive sensor members and a heater member forautomotive vehicle application for instance for a Hands on Detection (HoD)system of a heatable vehicle steering wheel [0089] Compared to the embodiment of a self-standing sandwich structure 300shown in Fig 3, the self standing sandwich structure 609 pursuant Fig 6 tortherincludes ar; intermediate protective layer 12 having a top side and a bottom side.Tire intermediate protective layer 12 is attached with the top side to the bottomside of the lower electrically conductive layer 20 The self-standing sandwichstructure 600 further includes arranged between the bottom side of theintermediate protective layer "12 and the iop side of the lower protective layer 14, aHurd electrically conductive layer 23 having a top side and a bottom side and afourth electrically conductive layer 24 having a top side and a bottom side Thetlivd electrically conductive layer 22 comprises electrically resisnve material lorgenerating electee neat during operation. The fourth electrically conductivelayer 24 comprises electrically highly conductive material fur generating lowelectric losses during operation The fourth electrically conductive layer 24 isatiached with =ts top side to the bottom side of the intermediate protective layer 12and is attached with its bofiom side to the top side of the third electricallyconductive layer 22. The third electrically conductive layer 22 is attached with itsbottom side to the top side of the lower protective layer 14 [DOFO] in alternative embodiments, positions of the third electrically conductivelayer 22 and the fourth electncaliy conductive layer 24 may he Interchanged.
[ÖÖ71J Fig. T schematically shows a steering wheel 32 of a vehfote that is forrmdas a passenger car The vehicle steenng wheel 32 comprises three spokes 34connected to a steering ring 36. The vehicle steering wheel 32 further includes aplurality of identical embodiments of the seif-slandmg sandwichstructure 300. 4(,)0. 008 as disclosed herein lor sols capacitive sensing {self-stendmg sandwich structures 300} sole heating cn demand (self-staridlngsandwich structures 400) and combined capacitive sensing and heating ondemand (self-standing sandwich structures 6001 The self-standing sandwichstructures 300, 400. 800 are attached to the steering wheel 32 ail along the steering ring 36 and to the spokes 34 in a plurality of mutually distinct zones 38,wherein each one of the plurality of self-standing sandwichstructures 300, 400, 600 is fixedly attached with the bottom side of its bottomadhesive layer 16 to the steering ring 36 and the spokes 34 of the vehicle steeringwheel, respectively. In Fig. 7, the type of self-standing sandwichstructure 300, 400, 600 that is installed in each zone is indicated by differentlydashed lines. The plurality of self-standing sandwich structures 300, 400, 600 isconfigured to provide heat to the vehicle steering wheel 32 on demand and,further, form part of a multizone capacitive vehicle Hands on Detection (HoD)system.
[0072] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to beconsidered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments.
[0073] Other variations to be disclosed embodiments can be understood andeffected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a studyof the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word“comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article“a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, which is meant to express a quantity of atleast two. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually differentdependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannotbe used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construedas limiting scope.
List of Reference Symbols 10 upper protective layer 12 intermediate protective layer 14 lower protective layer 16 bottom adhesive layer 18 upper electrically conductive layer 20 lower electrically conductive layer 22 third electrically conductive layer 24 fourth electrically conductive layer 26 dielectric layer 28 carrier film member 32 steering wheel 34 spoke 36 steering ring 38 zone 40 automotive vehicle part 100 self-standing sandwich structure 200 self-standing sandwich structure 300 self-standing sandwich structure 400 self-standing sandwich structure 500 self-standing sandwich structure 600 self-standing sandwich structure

Claims (10)

1. Selbststehende Sandwich-Struktur (100) mit mindestens einem kapazitivenSensorelement und/oder mindestens einem Heizelement für eineKraftfahrzeuganwendung, wobei die selbststehende Sandwich-Struktur(100) aufweist: - eine obéré Schutzschicht (10) mit einer Oberseite und einer Unterseite,wobei die obéré Schutzschicht (10) zu Herstellungs- undLagerungszwecken mit ihrer Oberseite an einer Unterseite einesTrägerfolienteils (28) befestigt ist, und wobei mindestens die Unterseitedes Trägerfolienteils (28) eine ausreichend niedrige Oberflächenenergiehat, urn zu ermöglichen, dass sich das Trägerfolienteil (28) und die obéréSchutzschicht (10) zerstörungsfrei voneinander lösen, - eine untere Schutzschicht (14) mit einer Oberseite und einer Unterseite, - eine untere Klebeschicht (16) mit einer Oberseite und einer Unterseite,wobei die untere Klebeschicht (16) mit ihrer Oberseite an der Unterseiteder unteren Schutzschicht (14) befestigt ist, und - mindestens eine obéré elektrisch leitfähige Schicht (18) mit einerOberseite und einer Unterseite, die zwischen der Unterseite der oberenSchutzschicht (10) und der Oberseite der unteren Schutzschicht (14)angeordnet ist.A self-standing sandwich structure (100) having at least one capacitive sensing element and / or at least one heating element for an automotive application, the self-standing sandwich structure (100) comprising: - an upper protective layer (10) having a top and a bottom, the obéré Protective layer (10) is secured to a lower surface of a carrier sheet member (28) for manufacturing and storage purposes, and wherein at least the underside of the carrier sheet member (28) has a sufficiently low surface energy to allow the carrier sheet member (28) and the protective sheet (10) to be protected. 10) non-destructively, a lower protective layer (14) having a top and a bottom, a bottom adhesive layer (16) having a top and a bottom, the bottom adhesive layer (16) having its top at the bottom of the bottom protective layer (16). 14), and - at least one obéré electrically l viable layer (18) having an upper side and a lower side disposed between the underside of the upper protective layer (10) and the upper side of the lower protective layer (14). 2. Selbststehende Sandwich-Struktur (100) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobeimindestens die obéré elektrisch leitfähige Schicht (18) ein elektrisch hochleitfähiges Material zur Erzeugung niedriger elektrischer Verluste währenddes Betriebs oder ein elektrisch widerstandsbehaftetes Material zurErzeugung elektrischer Wärme während des Betriebs aufweist.The self-standing sandwich structure (100) of claim 1, wherein at least one of said electrically conductive layers (18) comprises an electrically highly conductive material for producing low electrical losses during operation or an electrically resistive material for generating electrical heat during operation. 3. Selbststehende Sandwich-Struktur (400) gemäß Anspruch 1, darüber hinauseine untere elektrisch leitfähige Schicht (20) aufweisend, die eine Oberseite und eine Unterseite hat und ein elektrisch widerstandsbehaftetes Materialzur Erzeugung elektrischer Wärme während des Betriebs aufweist sowiezwischen der Unterseite der oberen Schutzschicht (10) und der Oberseiteder unteren Schutzschicht (14) angeordnet ist, wobei die obéré elektrischleitfähige Schicht (18) ein elektrisch hoch leitfähiges Material zur Erzeugungniedriger elektrischer Verluste während des Betriebs aufweist und die untereelektrisch leitfähige Schicht (20) mit ihrer Oberseite an der Unterseite deroberen elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht (18) befestigt ist.A self-standing sandwich structure (400) according to claim 1, further comprising a lower electrically conductive layer (20) having a top and a bottom and having an electrically resistive material for generating electrical heat during operation and between the underside of the top protective layer (40). 10) and the upper surface of the lower protective layer (14), the upper electrically conductive layer (18) comprising electrically highly conductive material for generating low electrical losses during operation and the lower electrically conductive layer (20) having its upper surface at the lower surface of the upper ones conductive layer (18) is attached. 4. Selbststehende Sandwich-Struktur (300) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1oder 2, darüber hinaus eine untere elektrisch leitfähige Schicht (20)aufweisend, die eine Oberseite und eine Unterseite hat und zwischen derUnterseite der oberen Schutzschicht (10) und der Oberseite der unterenSchutzschicht (14) angeordnet ist, wobei mindestens die untere elektrischleitfähige Schicht (20) ein elektrisch hoch leitfähiges Material zur Erzeugungniedriger elektrischer Verluste während des Betriebs oder ein elektrischwiderstandsbehaftetes Material zur Erzeugung elektrischer Wärme währenddes Betriebs aufweist, und darüber hinaus eine dielektrische Schicht (26) miteiner Oberseite und einer Unterseite aufweisend, wobei die dielektrischeSchicht (26) mit ihrer Oberseite an der Unterseite der oberen elektrischleitfähigen Schicht (18) und mit ihrer Unterseite an der Oberseite derunteren elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht (20) befestigt ist.A self-standing sandwich structure (300) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a lower electrically conductive layer (20) having a top and a bottom and between the bottom of the top protective layer (10) and the top of the bottom protective layer (300). 14), at least the lower electrically conductive layer (20) comprising a highly electrically conductive material for generating low electrical losses during operation or an electrically resistive material for generating electrical heat during operation, and further comprising a dielectric layer (26) having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the dielectric layer (26) is fixed with its upper side to the underside of the upper electrically conductive layer (18) and with its lower side to the upper side of the lower electrically conductive layer (20). 5. Selbststehende Sandwich-Struktur (500) gemäß Anspruch 4, wobei dieuntere elektrisch leitfähige Schicht (20) ein elektrisch hoch leitfähigesMaterial zur Erzeugung niedriger elektrischer Verluste während des Betriebsaufweist, und darüber hinaus eine dritte elektrisch leitfähige Schicht (22)aufweisend, die eine Oberseite und eine Unterseite hat und ein elektrischwiderstandsbehaftetes Material zur Erzeugung elektrischer Wärme währenddes Betriebs aufweist, wobei die dritte elektrisch leitfähige Schicht (22) mitihrer Oberseite an der Unterseite der unteren elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht (20) und mit ihrer Unterseite an der Oberseite der unteren Schutzschicht(14) befestigt ist.The self-standing sandwich structure (500) of claim 4, wherein the lower electrically conductive layer (20) comprises an electrically highly conductive material for producing low electrical losses during operation, and further comprising a third electrically conductive layer (22) having an upper surface and an underside and having an electrically resistive material for generating electrical heat during operation, the third electrically conductive layer (22) having its upper side at the bottom of the lower electrically conductive layer (20) and with its underside at the top of the lower protective layer (14 ) is attached. 6. Selbststehende Sandwich-Struktur (600) gemäß Anspruch 4, wobei dieobéré elektrisch leitfähige Schicht (18) und die untere elektrisch leitfähigeSchicht (20) ein elektrisch hoch leitfähiges Material zur Erzeugung niedrigerelektrischer Verluste während des Betriebs aufweisen, und darüber hinauseine dazwischenliegende Schutzschicht (12) aufweisend, die eine Oberseiteund eine Unterseite hat und mit der Oberseite an der Unterseite der unterenelektrisch leitfähigen Schicht (20) befestigt ist, und darüber hinaus, zwischender Unterseite der dazwischenliegenden Schutzschicht (12) und derOberseite der unteren Schutzschicht (14) angeordnet, mindestens eine dritteelektrisch leitfähige Schicht (22) aufweisend, die ein elektrisch hochleitfähiges Material zur Erzeugung niedriger elektrischer Verluste währenddes Betriebs oder ein elektrisch widerstandsbehaftetes Material zurErzeugung elektrischer Wärme während des Betriebs aufweist.A self-standing sandwich structure (600) according to claim 4, wherein the upper electrically conductive layer (18) and the lower electrically conductive layer (20) comprise an electrically highly conductive material for generating low electrical losses during operation, and further an intermediate protective layer (12 ) having top and bottom surfaces secured to the top surface at the bottom of the bottom electrically conductive layer (20), and further disposed between the bottom surface of the intermediate protective layer (12) and the top surface of the bottom protective layer (14) A third electrically conductive layer (22) comprising an electrically highly conductive material for producing low electrical losses during operation or an electrically resistive material for generating electrical heat during operation. 7. Selbststehende Sandwich-Struktur (200) gemäß Anspruch 1, mehreresandwichartig angeordnete Schichteinheiten (30, 30') aufweisend, wobeijede sandwichartig angeordnete Schichteinheit (30, 30') mindestens eineobéré Schutzschicht (10), eine untere Schutzschicht (14), mindestens eineelektrisch leitfähige Schicht (18), die eine Oberseite und eine Unterseite hatund zwischen der Unterseite der oberen Schutzschicht (10) und derOberseite der unteren Schutzschicht (14) angeordnet ist, und eine untereKlebeschicht (16) mit einer Oberseite und einer Unterseite aufweist, wobeidie untere Klebeschicht (16) mit ihrer Oberseite an der Unterseite derunteren Schutzschicht (14) befestigt ist, und wobei die sandwichartigangeordneten Schichteinheiten (30, 30') übereinander liegen und mit derOberseite der am weitesten oben liegenden Schutzschicht (10) an derUnterseite des Trägerfolienteils (28) befestigt sind.A self-standing sandwich structure (200) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of sandwiched layer units (30, 30 '), wherein each sandwiched layer unit (30, 30') comprises at least one outer protective layer (10), a lower protective layer (14), at least one electrical conductive layer (18) having a top and a bottom and disposed between the underside of the top protective layer (10) and the top of the bottom protective layer (14) and having a bottom adhesive layer (16) having a top and a bottom, the bottom adhesive layer (16) is fixed with its upper side to the lower surface of the lower protective layer (14), and wherein the sandwiched layer units (30, 30 ') are superimposed and fixed to the upper side of the uppermost protective layer (10) at the lower side of the carrier sheet member (28) are. 8. Selbststehende Sandwich-Struktur (100) gemäß einem der vorhergehendenAnsprüche, wobei die untere Klebeschicht (16) einen druckempfindlichenKlebstoff und/oder einen wärmeaktivierten Klebstoff enthält.A self-standing sandwich structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom adhesive layer (16) comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive and / or a heat-activated adhesive. 9. Fahrzeuglenkrad (32) mit mindestens einer selbststehenden Sandwich-Struktur (400, 600) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei diemindestens eine selbststehende Sandwich-Struktur (400, 600) mit derUnterseite der unteren Klebeschicht (16) fest an einem Teil desFahrzeuglenkrads (32) befestigt ist.A vehicle steering wheel (32) having at least one self-standing sandwich structure (400, 600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one self-standing sandwich structure (400, 600) with the lower side of the lower adhesive layer (16) fixed to a portion of the vehicle steering wheel (16). 32) is attached. 10. Fahrzeuglenkrad (32) gemäß Anspruch 9, mit einer Vielzahl vonselbststehenden Sandwich-Strukturen (400, 600) gemäß einem dervorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die selbststehenden Sandwich-Strukturen (400, 600) mindestens an einem Lenkkranz (36) desFahrzeuglenkrads (32) in mehreren voneinander verschiedenen Zonen (38)befestigt sind. H.Verfahren zur Anbringung mindestens einer selbststehenden Sandwich-Struktur (400, 600) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 an einemKraftfahrzeugteil (40), insbesondere an einem Fahrzeuglenkrad (32), wobeidas Verfahren mindestens die folgenden Schritte umfasst: - Bereitstellen einer selbststehenden Sandwich-Struktur (400, 600) gemäßeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, - Abziehen des Trägerfolienteils (28) von der selbststehenden Sandwich-Struktur (400, 600), - Befestigen der selbststehenden Sandwich-Struktur (400, 600) mit derUnterseite der unteren Klebeschicht (16) am Kraftfahrzeugteil (40), und - Aushärten der Klebeschicht durch Aufbringen von Druck oder durchWärmebehandlung.A vehicle steering wheel (32) according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of self-supporting sandwich structures (400, 600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the self-standing sandwich structures (400, 600) are secured to at least one steering rim (36) of the vehicle steering wheel (32) a plurality of different zones (38) are attached. H. Method of attaching at least one self-standing sandwich structure (400, 600) according to one of claims 1 to 8 to a motor vehicle part (40), in particular to a vehicle steering wheel (32), the method comprising at least the following steps: - providing a self-standing sandwich Structure (400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, - removing the carrier film part (28) from the self-standing sandwich structure (400, 600), - attaching the self-standing sandwich structure (400, 600) to the lower side of the lower adhesive layer (16 ) on the motor vehicle part (40), and - curing the adhesive layer by applying pressure or by heat treatment.
LU100744A 2017-11-29 2018-03-27 Self-Standing Sandwich Structure Including at least one Capacitive Sensor Member and/or at least one Heater Member for Automotive Vehicle Applications LU100744B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
LU100744A LU100744B1 (en) 2018-03-27 2018-03-27 Self-Standing Sandwich Structure Including at least one Capacitive Sensor Member and/or at least one Heater Member for Automotive Vehicle Applications
PCT/EP2018/082684 WO2019105923A1 (en) 2017-11-29 2018-11-27 Self-standing sandwich structure including at least one capacitive sensor member and/or at least one heater member for automotive vehicle applications
CN201880076578.1A CN111406010B (en) 2017-11-29 2018-11-27 Self-supporting sandwich structure, vehicle steering wheel comprising same and application method thereof
DE112018005720.8T DE112018005720T5 (en) 2017-11-29 2018-11-27 Self-standing sandwich structure with at least one capacitive sensor element and / or at least one heating element for motor vehicle applications
US16/766,990 US11565739B2 (en) 2017-11-29 2018-11-27 Self-standing sandwich structure including at least one capacitive sensor member and/or at least one heater member for automotive vehicle applications

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Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4535221A (en) * 1983-07-01 1985-08-13 Herbert Holsworth Electrically heated steering wheel with adhesively attached foil strip heating element
WO2004067355A1 (en) * 2003-01-31 2004-08-12 W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag Heated handle and method of forming same
US20050269018A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-08 Takata-Petri Ag Heatable veneer element for motor vehicle steering wheels and process for producing such a veneer element
WO2010028155A2 (en) * 2008-09-03 2010-03-11 Adaptive Thermal Solutions, Inc. Steering wheel heater
US20100213189A1 (en) * 2009-02-26 2010-08-26 Tesa Se Heated Planar Element
EP2293647A2 (en) * 2009-09-08 2011-03-09 I.G. Bauerhin GmbH Reformable heating element
US20150367875A1 (en) * 2014-06-20 2015-12-24 Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Heater element and steering wheel
WO2016156617A1 (en) * 2015-04-03 2016-10-06 Iee International Electronics & Engineering S.A. Heating device for curved surfaces

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4535221A (en) * 1983-07-01 1985-08-13 Herbert Holsworth Electrically heated steering wheel with adhesively attached foil strip heating element
WO2004067355A1 (en) * 2003-01-31 2004-08-12 W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag Heated handle and method of forming same
US20050269018A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-08 Takata-Petri Ag Heatable veneer element for motor vehicle steering wheels and process for producing such a veneer element
WO2010028155A2 (en) * 2008-09-03 2010-03-11 Adaptive Thermal Solutions, Inc. Steering wheel heater
US20100213189A1 (en) * 2009-02-26 2010-08-26 Tesa Se Heated Planar Element
EP2293647A2 (en) * 2009-09-08 2011-03-09 I.G. Bauerhin GmbH Reformable heating element
US20150367875A1 (en) * 2014-06-20 2015-12-24 Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Heater element and steering wheel
WO2016156617A1 (en) * 2015-04-03 2016-10-06 Iee International Electronics & Engineering S.A. Heating device for curved surfaces

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