Vehicle door handle with electronic operation detection

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle door handle (4) with electronic operation detection, which contains a handle housing (8) with an integrated primary printed circuit board (11). Said printed circuit board is provided with a signal coupling (15) for connection to the control system of the vehicle and has at least one first electronic component (11a, 11b) for detecting actuations. One or more secondary printed circuit boards (14a, 20a) are arranged in a planar fashion and parallel with respect to the primary printed circuit board and are spatially separated therefrom by a plastic foam layer (14b, 20b) and are fixed in position with respect to the primary printed circuit board (11). Additional electronic components (20c, 14c) which interact with the components on the primary printed circuit board in order to detect operations are located on the secondary printed circuit boards.

Description

[0001] Vehicle door handle with electronic user detection

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle door handle with electronic user detection. In particular, the invention relates to a vehicle door handle with a handle housing, wherein a primary circuit board with electronic components is arranged in the handle housing. The primary circuit board includes electronic components required for signal acquisition via sensor devices in the vehicle door handle, signal processing, and signal evaluation. Furthermore, a signal coupling with connections to the electronic components of the circuit board is provided, enabling connection to a vehicle control system. Coupling to the vehicle control system occurs as soon as the vehicle door handle is installed on a vehicle.

[0003] At least some components of a sensor device for detecting an actuation are assigned to the primary circuit board, whereby only partial components of the sensor device may be arranged on the primary circuit board, in particular evaluation devices and supply devices for the sensor device.

[0004] Document EP 3 664 046 discloses a vehicle door handle with sensor electronics on a primary circuit board and a transmitter / receiver. The primary circuit board is designed as a multi-layer board and is arranged in the gripping handle of the door handle. The electronics comprise a near-field coil on the first layer and at least one inductive sensor as a component of a sensor device on a second layer.

[0005] Vehicle door handles of the aforementioned type often fulfill both

[0006] Functions of signal acquisition and communication. When a user operates a vehicle door handle, various operating actions can be detected and differentiated by sensor devices. Such door handles incorporate both mechanical switches and capacitive and inductive sensors as components of the sensor system. Their signals are evaluated by evaluation units, also components of the sensor system, to detect operating actions. The arrangement of the necessary electronic components within the handle housing must ensure that both the detection of operating actions, which typically occur outside the vehicle door handle (i.e., outside the housing), is reliably recorded, and that the sensor components located within the vehicle door handle are housed in a space-saving and protected manner.The actual sensitive elements, i.e., the components whose signals change during operation, and the power supply, control, and evaluation components can be arranged in different positions within the housing than the coupled control and evaluation units. A sensor unit is understood to be a combination of components that together form a functional detection device.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a vehicle door handle with electronic user detection, which is characterized by improved space utilization, durability and detection accuracy.

[0008] This problem is solved by providing a vehicle door handle with the features listed in the claims, the dependent claims describing advantageous embodiments of the vehicle door handle according to the invention. According to the invention, in addition to the primary circuit board, at least one secondary circuit board is formed in the vehicle door handle and within the handle housing. This secondary circuit board is arranged flat and parallel to the primary circuit board. A layer of plastic foam is arranged at least partially between the secondary circuit board and the primary circuit board, which separates the primary and secondary circuit boards and fixes them in their relative positions. At least one electronic component of the sensor device is arranged on the secondary circuit board.

[0009] The invention provides that a sandwich structure is formed from the secondary and primary circuit boards. The plastic foam layer forms at least one intermediate layer, which ensures permanent fixation of the circuit boards to each other while simultaneously providing elastic positional fixation. The plastic foam layer has sufficient restoring force to prevent the secondary circuit board from coming into direct contact with the primary circuit board when the circuit boards are subjected to typical forces during use of the vehicle door handle.

[0010] Such a sandwich structure allows for optimized use of the space within the handle housing for electronic components. The arrangement of the second electronic components of a sensor device on the secondary circuit board, combined with the arrangement of the first electronic components on the primary circuit board, and the resulting spacing between the circuit boards and electronic components, allows for a more flexible spatial arrangement within the handle housing. For example, if the primary circuit board is arranged in a central recess within the handle housing, the spacing provided by the foam layer allows the secondary circuit board, with its second electronic component, to be positioned closer to the inside of the handle housing, thus improving the detection of operating actions in the adjacent handle housing section.

[0011] The secondary and primary boards can be coupled via power supply or signal lines, particularly to supply components of the sensor assembly on the secondary board from the primary board. Another possible implementation involves arranging only passive components as the second electronic component on the secondary board, for example, with metallized sections or metallic components that form a target for an inductive sensor, which is part of the first electronic component on the primary board. Thus, two components of an inductive sensor assembly are arranged separately from the foam layer, allowing movements of the secondary board with its target to be detected relative to the primary board with its inductive sensor.

[0012] Compared to a multi-layer circuit board, this inventive solution is distinguished by the fact that relative movement between the secondary and primary circuit boards is enabled by the plastic foam layer. Alternatively, a non-porous elastic layer made of an elastic, insulating material can also be used. However, the plastic foam layer offers advantages in terms of weight and manufacturing costs.

[0013] The secondary circuit board can extend across sections of the primary board, or multiple secondary circuit boards can be arranged along the entire length of the primary board. The primary and secondary boards are connected via signal or power lines, either by overhead wires or plug connectors. The slight relative movements of the secondary board relative to the primary board, necessary for detecting operator actions and which may even be desirable, do not pose a risk to the connections. This is because the foam plastic layer absorbs excessive shear forces and restores the relative position of the primary and secondary boards to each other through restoring forces after the operator forces are released. Furthermore, it limits the deflection of the components relative to each other.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plastic foam layer extends essentially over the entire surface of the secondary circuit board.

[0015] A layer of plastic foam, extending across the entire surface of the secondary circuit board, provides optimal damping and insulation for the electronic components on both the primary and secondary boards. This results in increased mechanical stability of the system and protection of the electronic components from environmental influences and vibrations that can occur during driving.

[0016] It is advantageous to design a second electronic component of the sensor device, which is arranged on the secondary circuit board, as a metallic target. On the primary circuit board, an associated coil device for inductive detection is then to be integrated as the first electronic component in order to inductively detect a change in distance between the primary and secondary circuit boards.

[0017] This configuration enables the inductive detection of changes in the distance between the circuit boards, which is particularly useful for ensuring precise and dynamic responses to user interactions. For example, a force is exerted on the secondary circuit board by a user action. This can occur because the circuit board is in contact with moving control elements within the housing or is in contact with the deforming housing itself. A slight change in the distance between the primary and secondary circuit boards, caused by deformation of the intervening foam layer, allows the inductive sensor on one of the circuit boards to detect this change. After the force is removed, the elastic properties of the foam layer cause the circuit board to return to its original position.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, a second component of the sensor device, which is arranged on the secondary circuit board, is formed as a capacitive sensor, which is arranged on the secondary circuit board on the side facing away from the primary circuit board.

[0019] The arrangement of the capacitive sensor with a sensing element pointing away from the primary circuit board allows for the detection of approaches and actions in adjacent housing areas as well as in areas outside the housing. The intermediate foam layer enables optimal adaptation of the position of the secondary circuit board and the capacitive sensor mounted on it to the housing shape. This can be achieved by designing a more or less thick, or even wedge-shaped, layer of plastic foam.

[0020] It is preferred if the primary board and the secondary board are electrically coupled by THT connectors.

[0021] The use of plug connectors to link the primary and secondary circuit boards represents a proven, mechanically stable, and reliable contact system. Furthermore, the plug connectors function to a small extent as elastic restoring elements, which, in combination with the restoring effect of the foam plastic layer, return them to their original position after an operation that resulted in a change in the position of the primary and secondary circuit boards relative to each other.

[0022] It is advantageous if the THT connectors extend through the plastic foam layer between the primary and secondary circuit boards.

[0023] Such an arrangement of the THT connectors through the foam insulation protects them from environmental influences. The foam insulation can be constructed in multiple sections, for example, by inserting several sections after the primary and secondary boards have been connected via the THT connectors. The foam insulation can be inserted between the primary and secondary boards from different sides, allowing it to be pushed through to the connectors and bringing the two sections into contact. Constructing a multi-section foam insulation layer is straightforward and can be adapted to specific requirements.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, several secondary circuit boards are electrically coupled to the primary circuit board. Between the primary circuit board and each of the secondary circuit boards is an associated layer of plastic foam. Furthermore, an arrangement is provided which separates and fixes the primary circuit board and the secondary circuit boards relative to each other. At least one second component of the sensor device is arranged on each of the secondary circuit boards.

[0025] The arrangement of multiple secondary circuit boards, each with its own layer of foam plastic, on the primary circuit board ensures optimal positioning of each secondary circuit board relative to the handle housing in various areas of the vehicle door handle. The individual foam plastic layers can have different thicknesses or shapes to accommodate the geometry of the door handle. This geometry can extend at varying distances from the primary circuit board in different sections. This ensures a high degree of flexibility in adapting the door handle to different vehicle models and configurations.

[0026] It is particularly preferred if at least one of the secondary boards is arranged on each of the flat sides of the primary board facing away from each other.

[0027] This arrangement allows for the recording of user interactions around the handle, i.e., on different sides of the primary circuit board.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the primary circuit board with the at least one secondary circuit board is received and mounted in the handle housing in such a way that at least one of the secondary circuit boards rests against the handle housing, so that deformations of the handle housing are transferred to the secondary circuit board.

[0029] Introducing forces into the handle housing and onto the secondary circuit board allows for changes in the secondary board's position while protecting the primary board and ensuring reliable detection of operating forces. For this purpose, the handle housing can have operating sections in the contact area with the secondary board, which are, for example, movably mounted relative to the other housing sections. Through the interaction of the first electronic components of the sensor system on the primary board and the second electronic components of the sensor system on the secondary board, changes in the relative positions of the boards can be detected, particularly when capacitive or inductive components on the boards interact. These changes in position are then used to detect and evaluate the operating actions.

[0030] In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the handle housing has at least one protruding element on its inner surface that rests against the secondary circuit board. This design leads to increased sensitivity and accuracy in the detection of pressure and movement, since the deformation forces are introduced in a defined contact area of ​​the secondary circuit board, thus improving sensitivity and detection accuracy.

[0031] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0032] Figure 1 shows the arrangement of vehicle door handles according to the invention on a vehicle.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a handle assembly with a vehicle door handle according to the invention, wherein the vehicle door handle is in a retracted position.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a handle assembly with a vehicle door handle according to the invention, wherein the vehicle door handle is in an extended position.

[0035] Figure 4 shows the vehicle door handle of the embodiment of the invention from the outside.

[0036] Figure 5 schematically shows the arrangement of electronic components in the handle housing.

[0037] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the electronic components with the handle housing removed.

[0038] Figures 7a and 7b show parts of the electronic

[0039] Components in different exploded views.

[0040] Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the electronic components with detailed magnification.

[0041] Figure 1 shows an exemplary motor vehicle 1 in the form of a passenger car, which in this example has four vehicle doors 2 (two of which are visible in Figure 1), each of which can be opened by means of a respective vehicle door handle 4. The vehicle doors are securely locked by means of a respective door lock and can be opened from the outside by means of a respective actuator. According to the invention, a vehicle door handle can be used not only on vehicle doors, but also on any type of hatch of motor vehicles.

[0042] Figures 2 and 3 show the vehicle door handle according to the invention in perspective side views. A door handle carrier 5 and a drive element 6, mounted on the door handle carrier 5 or on the vehicle 1 or the vehicle door 2, are coupled to the vehicle door handle 4 for its adjustment. The handle carrier 5, the vehicle door handle 4, and the drive element 6 form a handle assembly 3 for placement on the vehicle. The vehicle door handle 4 is designed to be movable relative to the door handle carrier 5 between a retracted position and an operating position. Figure 2 shows the retracted position, whereas in Figure 3 the vehicle door handle 4 is in the operating position. The adjustability of the vehicle door handle 4 is shown only by way of example and is not essential to the invention, since the vehicle door handle 4 can also be rigidly attached to the outer skin of the vehicle.Accordingly, this adjustability will not be discussed further here, but rather the design of the vehicle door handle 4 will be discussed.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a side view of the handle housing 8 of the vehicle door handle 4. The geometry of the handle housing is merely exemplary. In this embodiment, the handle housing has a central section that provides a grip for user access. On both sides of the gripping section, projections are formed in the handle housing 8, which can provide a connection to the other components of the handle assembly 3. However, it is also possible to design such a vehicle door handle with a handle housing that is, for example, only attached to the vehicle on one side.

[0044] Figure 5 shows the arrangement of the electronic components.

[0045] The components are shown in section 10 of the handle housing 8. It is evident that the components extend through the interior of the handle housing 8, which serves as the user's handle. This allows a sensor device, which forms part of the electronic components 10, to detect user actions in this section of the housing. The connector 15 functions as a signal coupling and, after the vehicle door handle has been installed and the handle housing 8 has been positioned on the vehicle, is available for plug-in connection with a vehicle-side signaling and power supply system.

[0046] Connector 15 is coupled to a support frame 12, which holds the primary circuit board 11. The primary circuit board

[0047] Circuit board 11 extends at a distance from the inside of the handle housing 8 in a receptacle of the support frame 12 and may also be encapsulated or potted in this receptacle. For actuation by a user, an actuating cap 16a is arranged along the support frame 12, which projects through an opening in the handle housing 8. In this position, a user can directly actuate the actuating cap 16a. The actuating cap 16a is provided with a sealant 16b, which seals the actuating cap 16a against the handle housing 8. A secondary circuit board 14a is arranged between the actuating cap 16a (and its associated sealant 16b) and the primary circuit board 11. A layer of plastic foam 14b is located between the secondary circuit board 14a and the primary circuit board 11.The secondary circuit board 14a and the plastic foam layer 14b have a coordinated dimensioning, so that the secondary circuit board 14a lies on the primary circuit board 11 with its entire surface and is fully supported by the plastic foam layer 14b.

[0048] On the other side, in the illustration of Figure 5, a further secondary circuit board 20a is arranged on the top side of the primary circuit board 11, which in turn rests on the primary circuit board 11 with its entire surface through a layer of plastic foam 20b. The secondary circuit board 20a has a significantly smaller surface area than the secondary circuit board 14a. On the secondary circuit board 20a, a conductor area 20c is configured as a capacitive sensor and thus as the second electronic component of a sensor device. As the second electronic component of a sensor device, metallic areas 14c are configured as targets for inductive sensors on the secondary circuit board 14a. The metallic targets are located on the side of the secondary circuit board 14a that faces the primary circuit board 11, separated by the layer of plastic foam 14b.On the primary circuit board 11, opposite the inductive targets 14c, the first electronic component of a sensor device in the form of coils as inductive sensors 11b is arranged, which can be coupled to resonant circuits on the primary circuit board for the evaluation of their inductances. Both the capacitance sensor 20c and the corresponding inductive sensors 11b are evaluated in a manner known from the detection methods used in door handle sensors.

[0049] On the secondary circuit board 20a, as shown in Figures 5 and 6a, 6b, and 6c, a superimposed actuation structure 13 is also arranged. This actuation structure 13 may include a lighting device located on the secondary circuit board 20a, above which a diffuser is placed for light distribution. Furthermore, additional sealing means may be provided to seal the actuation structure against the handle housing. The arrangement of the secondary circuit boards 20a and 14a on the same primary circuit board 11, as well as the respective intermediate arrangement of the plastic foam layers 14b and 20b, allows the respective secondary circuit boards to be relocated to the desired actuation areas, namely closer to the inside of the housing 8.

[0050] While the second electronic components, namely the capacitive sensor 20c and the metallic targets 14c, are arranged on the secondary circuit boards, the primary circuit board 11 performs the associated control and evaluation functions through the first electronic components of the sensor device arranged on it. In the present embodiment, the connection between the primary circuit board 11 and the secondary circuit boards 14a and 20a is made by THT connections 20d from the primary circuit board 11 to each of the secondary circuit boards 14a and 20a.

[0051] As illustrated in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, the aforementioned components are combined into a single assembly which can then be inserted into the handle housing 8.

[0052] Figures 8a and 8b show the components in a spaced-apart manner in the form of an exploded view, with the actuating structure 13 removed to show the remaining components. The orientation of the components relative to each other is immediately apparent in these figures. Furthermore, force-transmitting projections 16c are shown, which are integrally formed on the actuating cap 16a and project through recesses in the sealing compound 16b. These projections 16c transmit forces acting externally on the actuating cap 16a to the secondary circuit board 14a, as they bear against it in the assembled state. In the areas where the projections 16c transmit the force to the secondary circuit board 14a when the actuating cap 16a is pressed towards the secondary circuit board 14a, the metallic targets 14c are arranged on the side of the secondary circuit board 14a facing away from it.Each inductive sensor 11b on the primary circuit board 11 is assigned a target 14c, the approach of which is detected. The plastic foam layer allows the minor, necessary deformations, while the sealant 16b, in conjunction with the other components, limits the travel of the actuating cap 16a and the projections 16c to protect the assembly from damage.

[0053] Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the arrangement, with a detailed magnification of the area revealing the sandwich-like structure of the arrangement. On the top side of the primary circuit board 11 is the plastic foam layer 20b, on which the secondary circuit board 20a with the capacitive sensor 20c and optionally other switching or sensor elements and lighting elements is arranged. Below the primary circuit board 11, a plastic foam layer 14b is arranged across the surface of the secondary circuit board 14a. Below this are sealant 16b and the actuating cap 16a. The respective plastic foam layers 14b and 20a allow relative movement of the secondary circuit boards 20a and 14a with respect to the primary circuit board 11.In this enlarged view, Figure 9 also shows the plug connector 20d, which connects the secondary circuit board 20a to the underlying primary circuit board 11 via the plastic foam layer 20b. Corresponding plug connectors are also provided for connecting the secondary circuit board 14a to the primary circuit board 11. The plug connector is located in an area that is not subject to direct pressure from the actuating cap 16a. In this way, the plug connections (THT connections) can accommodate movements within their elastic range when the plastic foam layer 14b deforms slightly and the secondary circuit board 14a approaches the primary circuit board 11. Upon removal of the actuating forces, the secondary circuit boards 14a and 20a return to their original position relative to the primary circuit board 11.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Vehicle door handle (4) with electronic user detection, wherein the vehicle door handle has a handle housing (8), wherein a primary circuit board (11) is arranged in the handle housing (8), wherein the primary circuit board (11) is connected to a signal coupling (15) is designed for connection to a vehicle control system, wherein the primary circuit board (11) has at least one first electronic component (11a, 11b) of a sensor device for detecting an actuation, characterized in that at least one secondary circuit board (14a, 20a) is electronically coupled to the primary circuit board (11), wherein the secondary circuit board (14a, 20a) is arranged planarly and parallel to the primary circuit board (11), wherein a plastic foam layer (14b, 20b) is arranged between the primary circuit board (11) and the secondary circuit board (14a, 20a), which spaces the primary circuit board (11) and the secondary circuit board (14a, 20a) apart and fixes them to each other, wherein at least one second electronic component (20c, 14c) is arranged as part of the sensor device on the secondary circuit board (14a, 20a), wherein the second electronic component (20c,14c) is arranged and configured on the secondary circuit board for interaction with the first electronic component (11a) on the primary circuit board (11).

2. Vehicle door handle according to claim 1, wherein the plastic foam layer (14b, 20b) extends substantially over the entire surface of the secondary circuit board (14a, 20a).

3. Vehicle door handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second electronic component of the sensor device, which is arranged on the secondary circuit board (14a), has a metallic target (14c), wherein an associated coil device (11b) for inductive detection is arranged on the primary circuit board to provide a To detect changes in distance between the primary circuit board (11) and the secondary circuit board (14a, 20a).

4. Vehicle door handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second electronic component of the sensor device, which is arranged on the secondary circuit board, has a capacitive sensor (20c) which is arranged on the secondary circuit board (20a) on the side of the secondary circuit board (20a) which faces away from the primary circuit board (11).

5. Vehicle door handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary circuit board (11) and the secondary circuit board are electrically connected by THT connectors (20d) for coupling the first electronic component and the second electronic component.

6. Vehicle door handle according to claim 5, wherein the THT connectors (20b) extend through the plastic foam layer between primary circuit board (11) and secondary circuit board (14a, 20a).

7. Vehicle door handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein several secondary circuit boards (14a, 20a) are electrically coupled to the primary circuit board (11), wherein an associated plastic foam layer (14b, 20b) is arranged between the primary circuit board (11) and each of the secondary circuit boards, which separates the primary circuit board (11) and the secondary circuit boards. (14a, 20a) spaced apart and fixed to each other, wherein at least one electronic component (20c, 14c) of the sensor device is arranged on each of the secondary circuit boards (14a, 20a).

8. Vehicle door handle according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the secondary circuit boards (14a, 20a) is arranged on each of the flat sides of the primary circuit board (11) facing away from each other.

9. Vehicle door handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary circuit board (11) with the at least one secondary circuit board (14a) is received and mounted in the handle housing (8) such that at least one of the secondary circuit boards (14a) rests against the handle housing, so that deformations of the handle housing are transferred to the secondary circuit board.

10. Vehicle door handle according to claim 9, wherein the handle housing (8) has at least one projecting element (16c) on its inside which rests against the secondary circuit board (14a).

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