Electronic sensor unit for detecting the noncontact actuation of a door or flap on a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic sensor unit, particularly an electronic sensor unit with a lighting device for marking a target region (Y) in order to identify a detection region (X) of said sensor unit. Corresponding sensor units according to the prior art consist of a plurality of individual components, the assembly of which is laborious and error-prone. The electronic motor vehicle sensor unit (1) according to the invention comprises a housing (2), a control and evaluation device (3) arranged in the housing (2), and at least one capacitive sensor electrode (4a, 4b) with a detection region (X, X'), wherein the capacitive sensor electrode (4a, 4b) is coupled to the control and evaluation device (3) and is arranged in the housing (2). The sensor unit further comprises a lighting device (5a) with an illuminant (5c) that can emit an optical signal, wherein the lighting device (5a) is coupled to the control and evaluation device (3), and a target region (Y) identifying the detection region (X) can be marked outside the housing with the lighting device (5a). The housing (2), the control and evaluation device (3), the at least one capacitive sensor electrode (4a, 4b) and the lighting device (5a) form an integrated assembly.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to an electronic sensor unit for a motor vehicle for detecting contactless actuation of a door or a door flap on the motor vehicle. Background technique [0002] The electronic sensor unit includes a control and evaluation device coupled to the capacitive sensor electrodes in order to detect changes in the capacitance of the sensor electrodes when the user touches or approaches them. The sensor unit also includes a lighting device with which a target area can be marked on the background, wherein the target area should inform the user in which area the vehicle door or the door flap can be operated primarily without contact. [0003] The control and evaluation circuit causes the sensor electrodes to be periodically charged and discharged at a defined frequency and evaluates at least one parameter of the current- or voltage curve for detecting the change in capacitance as a function of the regularly charged and discharged sensor elec...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This makes the device expensive to install and prone to assembly errors, for example when wiring multiple components

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