阅读说明：本技术 具有传感器和接地装饰部件的车辆装饰组件 (Vehicle trim assembly with sensor and grounded trim component ) 是由 萨蒂亚纳拉亚纳·拉朱·韦穆拉帕提 马修·安东尼·马科夫斯基 史蒂文·J·安蒂利亚 于 2019-09-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了“具有传感器和接地装饰部件的车辆装饰组件”。提供了一种车辆装饰组件,其包括接近传感器、位于接近传感器附近的第一导电装饰部件、位于接近传感器附近的第二导电装饰部件以及导电塔,所述导电塔形成在第一导电装饰部件上并电联接到第二装饰部件以在装饰部件与电接地之间形成导电路径。(The present disclosure provides a "vehicle trim component with a sensor and a grounded trim component". A vehicle trim assembly is provided that includes a proximity sensor, a first conductive trim component located proximate to the proximity sensor, a second conductive trim component located proximate to the proximity sensor, and a conductive tower formed on the first conductive trim component and electrically coupled to the second trim component to form an electrically conductive path between the trim component and an electrical ground.)

1. A vehicle trim component, comprising:

a proximity sensor;

a first conductive decorative component located proximate to the proximity sensor;

a second conductive decorative component located proximate to the proximity sensor; and

a conductive tower formed on the first conductive trim component and electrically coupled to the second trim component to form an electrically conductive path between the trim component and an electrical ground.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first decorative conductive decorative member comprises an inner decorative ring and the second decorative member comprises an outer ring surrounding the inner ring.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the inner trim ring substantially surrounds a sensing pad of the proximity sensor.

4. The assembly of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a conductive cup formed on the second conductive decorative member, wherein the conductive tower is matingly received in the conductive cup.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the conductive tower comprises a plurality of tapered ribs.

6. The assembly of any of claims 1-3, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor is configured as a proximity switch to control a lamp, and wherein the proximity sensor is located on a lens of the lamp and the lens provides a sensing pad.

8. The assembly of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first and second decorative conductive trim components each comprise chrome.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the chromium is chrome plated.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to vehicle trim and sensor assemblies, and more particularly to a vehicle trim assembly having a proximity sensor and a grounded trim component.

Background

Vehicle consoles, such as overhead consoles, typically have trim components with vehicle controls including activation buttons for lights, climate control settings, sound systems, and other vehicle features. Some activation buttons may include proximity switches, such as capacitive switches that generate an electric field. Proximity switches may be used to operate interior maps and overhead lights, sunroofs, and various other devices on the vehicle. Capacitive switches typically employ one or more capacitive sensors to generate an electrical activation field. To enhance the decorative appearance of the switch and to sense the touch area, the vehicle console may be equipped with one or more decorative components. The presence of a conductive trim component, such as a chrome ring, may interfere with the electric field generated by the capacitive sensor. It may be desirable to provide a decorative assembly that provides a decorative appearance and does not interfere with the operation of the capacitive sensor.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle trim component is provided. A vehicle trim assembly includes a proximity sensor, a first conductive trim component located proximate to the proximity sensor, a second conductive trim component located proximate to the proximity sensor, and a conductive tower formed on the first conductive trim component and electrically coupled to the second trim component to form an electrically conductive path between the trim component and an electrical ground.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention may include any one or combination of the following features:

the first decorative conductive trim component comprises an inner decorative ring and the second decorative trim component comprises an outer ring surrounding the inner ring;

the inner trim ring substantially surrounds the sensing pad of the proximity sensor;

the trim component further comprises a conductive cup formed on the second conductive trim component, wherein the conductive tower is matingly received in the conductive cup;

the conductive tower comprises a plurality of tapered ribs;

the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor;

the proximity sensor is configured as a proximity switch to control the lamp, and wherein the proximity sensor is located on a lens of the lamp and the lens provides a sensing pad;

the first and second decorative conductive trim components each comprise chromium; and is

Chromium is chromium plated.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle trim component is provided. The vehicle trim assembly includes a proximity sensor proximate to the sensing mat, an inner conductive trim component surrounding the proximity sensor, an outer conductive trim component surrounding the inner conductive trim component, and a conductive tower connecting the first trim component to the second trim component to form an electrically conductive path between the trim component and ground.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include any one or combination of the following features:

the conductive tower forms part of one of the first and second decorative members;

a conductive cup connected to the other of the first and second decorative members;

the conductive tower comprises a plurality of tapered ribs;

the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor;

the proximity sensor is configured as a proximity switch to control the vehicle light;

the proximity sensor is located on the lens of the lamp, and the lens provides the sensing pad;

each of the first and second conductive decorative components comprises chromium; and is

Chromium is chromium plated.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle trim component is provided. The vehicle trim assembly includes a proximity sensor proximate to the sensing mat, an inner conductive trim component surrounding the proximity sensor, an outer conductive trim component surrounding the inner conductive trim component, a conductive tower electrically formed on the first trim component, and a conductive cup formed on the second trim component and electrically connected to the tower to form an electrically conductive path between the trim component and ground.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include any one or combination of the following features:

the first decorative member includes a decorative ring that substantially surrounds the sensing pad and the second conductive decorative member surrounds the first decorative member with the tower snap-fit into the cup.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle having an overhead console trim assembly with electrically conductive inner and outer trim components (such as chrome rings) and a proximity sensor for activating a light assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an overhead console trim assembly further illustrating the trim component and light assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a portion of a trim assembly including trim components and a light;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the trim component shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portion V of FIG. 4, showing the inner trim component with the conductive connector towers connected to the outer trim component;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the conductive connector towers exploded from the connection to the outer trim member;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a conductive connector turret exploded from a connector cup on an outer trim member;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a conductive connector tower;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is an exploded front perspective view of the trim component;

FIG. 13 is an exploded rear perspective view of the trim component; and is

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a control for controlling a light based on user input sensed with a proximity sensor.

Detailed Description

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some of the diagrams may be enlarged or minimized to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, an interior passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle 10 is generally shown having an overhead console trim assembly 12 with a pair of light assemblies 20, each light assembly 20 configured to include a proximity switch 22 having a proximity sensor, according to one embodiment. The illustrated vehicle 10 generally includes an overhead console trim assembly 12, the overhead console trim assembly 12 being assembled to a headliner on the underside of a roof or headliner atop the passenger compartment of the vehicle, generally above the front passenger seating area. Each of the pair of lamp assemblies 20 provides an integral assembly of a lamp and a proximity switch 22, the proximity switch 22 being used to activate the light source of the lamp to turn the lamp on and off. Each lamp assembly 20 includes an outer lens 32 having a transparent window, a light source disposed behind the outer lens 32 to illuminate light through the transparent window of the lens 32, and a proximity switch 22 having one or more proximity sensors disposed on or near the transparent window of the outer lens 32 and generating an activation field proximate the outer lens 32 to sense activation of the proximity switch 22 to control activation of the light source. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximity switch 22 is integrally assembled as part of the lamp assembly 20, with a central portion (including a transparent window) of the outer lens 32 serving as a touch or sensing pad 34. The user may contact or be in close proximity to the sensing pad 34 for detection by the activation field. However, it should be understood that the proximity switch 22 may be assembled proximate to one or more conductive decorative components but separately from the light assembly 20 and employ its own sensing mat and may control any of a number of devices or functions.

A user may activate and deactivate the light source by activating a proximity switch 22 provided integrally with the light assembly 20. According to one embodiment, the lights may be used as interior map or reading lights to provide interior lighting to the vehicle 10. The lamp assembly 20 may also be used as a dome lamp to provide illumination within the interior of the vehicle 10. It should be understood that the lamp may be used to provide illumination for the interior of the vehicle for other purposes, and that the lamp assembly 20 may be located elsewhere on the vehicle 10. For example, the light assembly 20 may be located in a headliner, a sun visor, a handle, a center console, or other location on the vehicle 10. It should be understood that the trim component 12 may be located elsewhere in the vehicle, with or without a light assembly.

According to one embodiment, each proximity switch 22 provided in each lamp assembly 20 is shown and described herein as a capacitive switch. Each proximity switch 22 includes a proximity sensor that provides a sensing activation field to sense contact or proximity of an object (such as a user's finger) closely related to the proximity sensor, such as a tap or swipe motion by the user's finger. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the sensed activation field generated by the proximity sensor of each proximity switch 22 in the exemplary embodiment is a capacitive field, and that the user's finger has conductive and dielectric properties that cause a change or disturbance in the activation field detected in the signal generated by the sensed activation field. However, those skilled in the art will also appreciate that additional or alternative types of proximity sensors may be used, such as, but not limited to, inductive sensors. An exemplary proximity sensor is shown at 2009 years, 4 months and 9 days

Touch sensor design guidelines, 10620D-AT42-04/09, are described, and the entire reference is hereby incorporated by reference.

The proximity switch installed in the trim component 12 may be configured to control other devices. For example, the proximity switch 22 may control any of a number of vehicle devices and functions, such as controlling movement of the roof window or sunroof 16, controlling movement of the sunroof shutter 18, controlling activation of one or more lighting devices, and controlling various other devices and functions. Although the light assembly 20 with the proximity switch 22 is shown in the overhead console trim assembly 12, it should be understood that the assembly 20 and proximity switch 22 may be located in other trim assemblies, such as a center console, instrument panel, steering wheel, headliner, door, pillar, seat, handle, or other location on the vehicle 10.

The proximity switch 22 is shown and described herein as a capacitive switch, according to one embodiment. Each proximity switch 22 includes one or more proximity sensors that provide a sensing activation field to sense contact or proximity of a user closely associated with the one or more proximity sensors, such as a tap or swipe motion by a finger of the user. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the sensing activation field of each proximity switch 22 in the exemplary embodiment is a capacitive field, and that the user's finger has a conductivity and dielectric properties that result in variations or disturbances in the sensing activation field. A signal may be generated based on the activation field and processed to detect a user interaction indicative of a desired user input.

Referring to fig. 3-13, the lamp assembly 20 is generally shown with an outer lens 32 made of a transparent material and located on the front side. The transparent window of the outer lens 32 is light transmissive to allow visible light waves to pass through the transparent window. A lamp or light source 92 is disposed behind the transparent window of the lens 32 to illuminate light forward through the transparent window of the outer lens 32. According to one embodiment, the light source 92 may include a Light Emitting Diode (LED) mounted to a circuit board 94. According to other embodiments, other light sources may be employed, such as incandescent light bulbs or a combination of one or more light sources. The outer lens 32 may be formed as a separate component and assembled to the trim component 12 as shown. The outer lens 32 may be fixedly mounted to the trim component 12 by fasteners, adhesives, or other mounting connections and generally does not move relative to the trim component 12.

The lamp assembly 20 includes a proximity switch 22, the proximity switch 22 having a proximity sensor 24 disposed on an upper surface of an outer lens 32. According to one embodiment, the proximity switch 22 has a proximity sensor for generating an activation field proximate a sensing pad 34 formed by the outer lens 32 to sense user activation of the proximity switch 22 to control activation of the light source 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximity switch 22 has a single proximity sensor configured to extend centrally on the inner surface of the outer lens 32 to generate the activation field 26 that substantially spans the entire bottom surface of the outer lens 32 defining the sensing pad 34 and beneath the outer lens 32. The proximity sensor may be made of a substantially visible transparent conductive material, such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO).

It will be appreciated that other forms of capacitive sensors may be employed to generate the activation field. It will be appreciated that the activation field generated by the proximity sensor extends below the sensing pad 34 of the outer lens 32 to enable an object, such as a user's finger, hand or other body part, to enter the activation field 26 at the sensing pad to activate the light source 92 to turn it on and off. When an object, such as a finger, sufficiently engages the activation field under the sensing pad 34 of the outer lens 32, a disturbance in the activation field is detected, causing activation of the proximity switch 22 to turn the light source on or off.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the vehicle console trim assembly 12 is generally shown to include a light and a portion of the inner and outer decorative chromium trim components 80 and 70 with the surrounding portion of the console removed. The trim component 12 has a first or outer decorative chrome trim component 70 that extends generally in a somewhat rectangular ring shape around a pair of light assemblies 20 as best shown in fig. 2. The outer chrome trim component 70 is made of a conductive material that is used to form a decorative metallic trim component that is visible on the front side of the trim component 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer chrome trim component 70 is shaped as a ring or shroud that generally surrounds both lamps 20. In addition, the trim component 12 has a pair of separate second or inner chrome trim parts 80 that are each positioned above the outer lens 32 and are formed within an outer peripheral portion of the outer lens 32 that extends inwardly in a rectangular or square ring shape. Thus, the inner chrome decorative member 80 can be seen from the outside by looking through the transparent outer lens 32. The exterior chromium decorative member 70 and the interior chromium decorative member 80 are mechanically separated from each other on separate chromium-plated structures; however, by electrically connecting the chrome plating to electrical ground via a conductive tower connection as described herein, both the outer chrome trim component 70 and the inner chrome trim component 80 are electrically grounded. It should be understood that the inner and outer trim components 80, 70 can have other shapes and sizes, such as circular rings, split rings, triangular rings, and other shapes.

Referring to fig. 3-13, the components of the console decor assembly 12 are generally shown in detail. As best shown in fig. 12 and 13, the trim component 12 includes an exterior chrome plated trim part 70 having a chrome plated surface that covers substantially the entire part. The chrome-exterior decorative member 70 has a rearwardly extending conductive connector cup 72 formed on the rear side that is positioned to engage a conductive connector tower 82, as shown and described herein. The outer lens 32 is disposed within an opening 74 provided in the exterior chrome plated trim component 70. The outer lens 32 fits within the opening 74 to close the opening 74 and allow light to pass through the transparent outer lens 32. The proximity sensor 24 is formed on the inner surface of the outer lens 32, typically in the region of the sensing pad 34. The proximity sensor 24 generates an electrically active field that extends generally downwardly across and outwardly from the outer surface of the sensing mat 34. The chrome-internally plated trim component 80 is assembled into the opening 74 and onto the chrome-externally plated trim component to sandwich the peripheral portion of the outer lens 32 and the proximity sensor 24 therebetween. As such, the outer lens 34 extends through the opening 74 and may be flush therewith or may extend forwardly therefrom.

The internally chrome plated decorative member 80 includes an internal chrome ring that extends within the opening 74 behind the outer lens 32 to provide a second conductive decorative member. A conductive connector tower 82 formed as a chrome plated part of the internally chrome plated decorative part 80 extends forwardly and engages the inner conductive surface of the conductive connector cup 72 on the externally chrome plated decorative part 70 to provide an electrical connection of the externally chrome plated decorative part 70 to ground and to provide a ground connection between the internally chrome plated decorative part 80 and the electrical ground. Each of the chrome exterior decorative member 70 and the chrome interior decorative member 80 is formed of a conductive chrome coating. Thus, most or all of the outer surfaces of the outer and inner decoration members 70 and 80 allow current to pass therethrough. The internally chrome plated trim component 80 has a pair of rearwardly extending towers 84, each tower configured to engage a corresponding pair of connectors 90 provided on a front side of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 94. The printed circuit board 94 includes a light source, such as a Light Emitting Diode (LED)92, disposed on a front surface of the printed circuit board 94. The inner lens 88 is disposed between the printed circuit board 94 and the internally chrome plated trim component 80. In this way, light emitted from the LED 92 passes through the inner lens 88 and through the outer lens 32 to function as a lamp.

In addition, the printed circuit board 94 has a sensor plug connector 96 that is electrically connectable with a connector 95 connected to the proximity sensor 24, the connector 95 may extend from the flexible circuit. The printed circuit board 94 also has a controller 100, the controller 100 including control circuitry and a microprocessor according to one embodiment to generate an activation signal and determine the sensed proximity of an object, such as a user's finger, in close proximity to the proximity sensor. The printed circuit board 94 also includes a ground path, schematically shown by the identifier 91, that enables the chrome-plated exterior trim component 70 and the chrome-plated interior trim component 80 to be grounded via the electrical path through the conductive connector tower 82, the conductive connector cup 72, and the pair of connectors 90.

Referring to fig. 12 and 13, an electrode configuration of the proximity sensor 24 is shown, according to one embodiment. The proximity sensor 24, shown implemented as a capacitive sensor, includes a first electrode 40 having a first extension plate or finger 42, and a second electrode 50 having a second extension plate or finger 52. The first electrode fingers 42 are interdigitated with the second electrode fingers 52 to provide capacitive coupling between the first electrode 40 and the second electrode 50. The capacitive coupling generates an activation field 26. It should be understood that the proximity sensor 24 may be otherwise configured with other electrode and finger arrangements.

The first electrode 40 is coupled to a first signal line 60, and the second electrode 50 is coupled to a second signal line 62. The first signal line 60 and the second signal line 62 are electrically connected to the circuit on the circuit board 94 through connectors 95 and 96. A pulsed drive input signal (e.g., voltage) is applied to one of the signal lines 60 and 62 and an output voltage proportional to capacitance is received on the other of the signal lines 60 and 62. The input voltage provides a charge coupling on one of the first and second electrodes 40, 50, while the other of the first and second electrodes 40, 50 provides a signal indicative of the capacitive coupling between the first and second electrodes 40, 50. The output signal and the input signal may be processed by a control circuit (such as controller 100) to determine whether an object, such as a user's finger, interacts sufficiently with the activation field to activate the proximity switch 22.

The conductive trim component forms a decorative metallic trim component that is visible on the front side of the proximity switch 24 and the light assembly 20. The outer and inner trim parts 50 are made of a decorative metal, such as chromium or aluminum, which can be used as a shiny decorative trim part. The trim component 12 set forth in the present disclosure advantageously incorporates decorative and conductive materials as a trim component piece that is located proximate to the proximity sensor and is electrically grounded to reduce or prevent signal interference with the proximity sensor 24.

According to one embodiment, the conductive material forming the outer and inner trim components 70, 80 may be formed of chromium plated on a thermoplastic or plastic polymer, such as a Polycarbonate (PC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material. According to one embodiment, the outer trim part 70 and the inner trim part 80 may be formed through a two-shot molding process. According to another embodiment, the outer decoration member 70 and the inner decoration member 80 may be formed on the case 44 in a single plating process. According to one embodiment, the process may include a vacuum metallization process.

The outer conductive decorative member 70 and the inner conductive decorative member 80 each include a dielectric material 81 forming the core of the member and a chrome plating 85 coated on top of the dielectric material 81. In this way, each of the outer conductive decorative member 70 and the inner conductive decorative member 80 has a conductive layer that conducts current on the outer side. The inner conductive trim component 80 fits within the opening 74 in the outer trim component 70 such that the forward facing conductive connector towers 82 snap fit within the rearward facing conductive connector cups 72 provided on the outer conductive trim component 70. As such, the outer surfaces of each of the conductive towers 82 and the conductive cups 72 physically engage each other to provide a current path therebetween.

The conductive connector towers 82 are formed to include a plurality of ribs 85 that are tapered when extended forward or downward, as shown in fig. 5-10. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of ribs 85 are provided on the conductive connector tower 82, on opposite sides of each other, or at one hundred and eighty degrees (180 °) from each other. According to one embodiment, each rib 85 has a tapered surface that tapers downwardly from the top as shown in fig. 6, which may taper at an angle of up to forty-five degrees (45 °), and more particularly according to one particular embodiment, in the range of twenty to twenty-five degrees (20 ° to 25 °). The conductive cup 72 has a conductive chrome plated inner vertical sidewall for receiving the tower 82. In this manner, the conductive connector towers 82 can be easily aligned, effectively snap-fit into the conductive cups 72 during assembly and maintain resistive contact for current conduction therebetween.

The entire outer surface of each of the outer and inner decorative members 70 and 80 may be chrome plated to allow for the conduction of electrical signals through the conductive surface for the purpose of grounding each of the outer and inner conductive decorative members 70 and 80. Alternatively, a portion of the outer surface of the conductive decorative members 70 and 80 can be chrome plated to provide a ground signal path. The chrome plated surface provides electrical conductivity between the outer conductive trim component 70 and the inner conductive trim component 80 via the conductive connector towers 82 and the conductive connector cups 72. In addition, the inner conductive trim component 80 provides electrical conductivity through the plated surface of the upwardly extending tower 84 into the electrical circuit provided on the printed circuit board 94, which provides a path to electrical ground. In this manner, when the inner conductive trim component 80 is inserted into the outer conductive trim component, the connector towers 82 are caused to snap fit into the conductive cups 72, completing the circuit. In this way, the conductivity of the ground circuit connecting the outer conductive trim component 70 and the inner conductive trim component 80 to the circuit board 94 via the upper extension tower 84 is provided.

It should be understood that other shapes and sizes and techniques may be employed to provide signal paths extending from the electrodes 40 and 50 to control circuitry on the circuit board 94. It should also be understood that the plated circuits may be formed using a coring technique, wherein areas of the polymeric material are cored out and plated to provide electrical signal paths therethrough.

According to one embodiment, the conductive material forming the proximity sensor 24 and the outer and inner decorative conductive decorative members 70, 80 is chrome, which may be chrome plated onto the polymeric material. However, it should be understood that the decorative material may include other materials that have a shiny metallic appearance and are electrically conductive, including aluminum.

According to one embodiment, the proximity switch 20 may include a control circuit as shown in fig. 14. Including a controller 100 having a microprocessor 104 and a memory 106. Controller 100 may execute one or more control routines 102 via processor 104 to process capacitor sensor inputs from capacitance sensor 24 and control corresponding devices shown as lamp 1 and lamp 2, respectively labeled as lamp 20, as is known in the art. The controller 100 may process the capacitance signal sensed by each of the capacitive sensors 24 and compare the sensor value to a threshold value to determine activation of the corresponding switch 22, which indicates activation of one or more control devices, such as one of the lights 20.

Thus, a vehicle trim assembly 12 is provided that advantageously employs a proximity sensor 24 and first and second conductive trim components 70 and 80, with the first and second conductive trim components 70 and 80 being grounded to prevent interference with the proximity sensor 24. The vehicle trim assembly advantageously employs a conductive tower 82 that allows the first and second trim components 70, 80 to be electrically coupled together to form a ground path.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle trim component having: a proximity sensor; a first conductive decorative component located proximate to the proximity sensor; a second conductive decorative component located proximate to the proximity sensor; and an electrically conductive tower formed on the first electrically conductive trim component and electrically coupled to the second trim component to form an electrically conductive path between the trim component and an electrical ground.

According to one embodiment, the first decorative conductive trim component comprises an inner decorative ring and the second decorative trim component comprises an outer ring surrounding the inner ring.

According to one embodiment, the inner trim ring substantially surrounds a sensing mat of the proximity sensor.

According to one embodiment, the invention also features a conductive cup formed on the second conductive trim component, wherein the conductive tower is matingly received in the conductive cup.

According to one embodiment, the conductive tower includes a plurality of tapered ribs.

According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor is configured as a proximity switch to control a lamp, and wherein the proximity sensor is located on a lens of the lamp and the lens provides a sensing pad.

According to one embodiment, the first and second decorative conductive trim components each comprise chrome.

According to one embodiment, the chromium is chrome plated.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle trim component having: a proximity sensor proximate to the sensing pad; an inner conductive trim component surrounding the proximity sensor; an outer conductive trim component surrounding the inner conductive trim component; and a conductive tower connecting the first trim component to the second trim component to form an electrically conductive path between the trim component and ground.

According to one embodiment, the conductive tower forms a portion of one of the first and second decorative members.

According to one embodiment, the conductive tower is connected to a conductive cup on the other of the first and second decorative members.

According to one embodiment, the conductive tower includes a plurality of tapered ribs.

According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor is configured as a proximity switch to control a vehicle lamp.

According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor is located on a lens of the lamp, and the lens provides the sensing pad.

According to one embodiment, each of the first conductive decorative member and the second conductive decorative member comprises chromium.

According to one embodiment, the chromium is chrome plated.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle trim component having: a proximity sensor proximate to the sensing pad; an inner conductive trim component surrounding the proximity sensor; an outer conductive trim component surrounding the inner conductive trim component; a conductive tower formed on the first trim component; and a conductive cup formed on the second decorative member and electrically connected to the tower to form an electrically conductive path between the decorative member and ground.

According to one embodiment, the first decorative member includes a decorative ring that substantially surrounds the sensing mat and the second conductive decorative member surrounds the first decorative member with the tower snap-fit into the cup.