Pressure or touch operated switch for actuating vehicle functions comprises an orthogonal array of pressure pick-up strips connected via evaluation devices to e.g. heating elements under, on or in the inner lining of a vehicle

摘要

A switching element (21) for operating junction of car (20) and which is operated by pressure or touch, is incorporated in car inner lining (22). The element contains at one or more pressure pick-up strips, preferably in an intersecting orthogonal array, for detecting pressure exerted on the strip(s). So when point corresponding to where two particular sets of strips cross each other is pressed, the exerted pressure is evaluated (24) and a signal generated is to perform a given functionality, e.g. to control a window motor (25). The switching element (21) may be used to control heating elements (wires), preferably as a mesh, temperature sensors, and/or narrow elliptical or circular cross-section lighting strips which are less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm in diameter or strips of piezoelectric material connected to an infotainment module. The heating elements, temperature sensors, light strips or piezoelectric material strips are preferably carried on, under or woven into, the textile carrier or lining or the automobile.. Independent claims are included for car inner lining.