Proximity sensor including a multilayer elastomer assembly

• US 8,552,746 B2
• Filed: 12/22/2010
• Issued: 10/08/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Inventors: Pfau, Douglas Allen, Krier, James Frederick, Whitton, David Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Vincent Q
• Application Number:
  US12/975,996
• Publication Number:
  US 20120161795A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,021 Days
• Field of Search: 324/658, 324/679, 324/686, 324/690
• US Class Current: 324/679
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2003/0293 with an integrated touch switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/032 Feedback about selected symbol, e.g. display
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/962 Capacitive touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/94036 Multiple detection, i.e. where different switching signals are generated after operation of the user is detected at different time instants at different locations during the actuation movement by two or more sensors of the same or different kinds
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/96027 Piezoelectric snap spring
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/96042 with illumination

Abstract

A capacitive sensor includes a conductive elastomer portion formed into a pre-determined shape to sense a touch of a user within a sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion, a dielectric portion disposed adjacent the conductive elastomer portion within the sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion, and a controller in electrical communication with the conductive elastomer portion to detect a change in an electrical characteristic of the conductive elastomer portion.

Claims

1. A capacitive sensor comprising:

a conductive elastomer portion to sense a touch of a user within a sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion;

a non-conductive elastomer portion formed into a pre-determined shape disposed adjacent the conductive elastomer portion, wherein at least a portion of the non-conductive elastomer portion is within the sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion; and

a controller in electrical communication with the conductive elastomer portion to detect a change in capacitance of the conductive elastomer portion.

2. The capacitive sensor according to claim 1, wherein the controller initiates a first event in response to the change in the capacitance of the conductive elastomer portion exceeding a first threshold.

3. The capacitive sensor according to claim 1, wherein the controller triggers a second event in response to the change in the capacitance of the conductive elastomer portion exceeding a second threshold.

4. The capacitive sensor according to claim 1, wherein the non-conductive elastomer portion includes a decorative finish.

5. The capacitive sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit board in electrical communication with the conductive elastomer portion and the controller to provide electrical intercommunication between the conductive elastomer portion and the controller.

6. The capacitive sensor according to claim 5, wherein the conductive elastomer portion abuts a conductive portion of the circuit board to provide electrical communication between the conductive elastomer portion and the circuit board.

7. The capacitive sensor according to claim 5, further comprising a clamping structure disposed adjacent at least one of the conductive elastomer portion and the non-conductive elastomer portion to secure the conductive elastomer portion in direct contact with a conductive portion of the circuit board.

8. A capacitive sensor comprising:

a conductive elastomer portion to sense a touch of a user within a sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion;

a non-conductive elastomer portion formed into a pre-determined shape disposed adjacent the conductive elastomer portion, wherein at least a portion of the non-conductive elastomer portion is within the sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion;

a controller in electrical communication with the conductive elastomer portion to detect a change in an electrical characteristic of the conductive elastomer portion; and

a circuit board in electrical communication with the conductive elastomer portion and the controller to provide electrical intercommunication between the conductive elastomer portion and the controller, wherein the conductive elastomer portion abuts a conductive portion of the circuit board to provide electrical communication between the conductive elastomer portion and the circuit board.

9. A capacitive sensor comprising:

a conductive elastomer portion to sense a touch of a user within a sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion;

a non-conductive elastomer portion formed into a pre-determined shape disposed adjacent the conductive elastomer portion, wherein at least a portion of the non-conductive elastomer portion is within the sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion;

a controller in electrical communication with the conductive elastomer portion to detect a change in an electrical characteristic of the conductive elastomer portion;

a circuit board in electrical communication with the conductive elastomer portion and the controller to provide electrical intercommunication between the conductive elastomer portion and the controller; and

a clamping structure disposed adjacent at least one of the conductive elastomer portion and the non-conductive elastomer portion to secure the conductive elastomer portion in direct contact with a conductive portion of the circuit board.