Door handle for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a door handle (10) for a vehicle (1), in particular an outer door handle (10) for a movable part (2) of the vehicle (1), comprising: a cavity (11), which is at least partially formed by a housing (12) of the door handle (10); an electronic unit (20) accommodated in the cavity (11), wherein the electronic unit (20) has a carrier unit (21), in particular a circuit board such as a printed circuit board or a printed circuit; and an electrical plug unit (30), which has at least one electrically conductive plug element (31), in particular including at least one contact pin, wherein the at least one plug element (31) is fixed to the carrier unit (21) in a materially connected manner, in particular soldered, welded or adhesively bonded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door handle for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, a handle assembly for a vehicle, and a method for manufacturing the handle assembly. Background Art

[0002] Door handles for vehicles are known from the prior art, most of which have additional electronic components within the door handle cavity. These electronic components are used, for example, to detect door handle manipulation, such as approach and / or contact. Based on this detection, the vehicle's security systems, particularly the locking system, are typically controlled. To provide this functionality, the electronic components within the door handle must be connected to the vehicle's external electronics.

[0003] To this end, electronic components, such as a printed circuit board with electronic components and the cables attached thereto, are usually installed into the cavity of the door handle during door handle installation. The cables are then routed out of the door handle cavity through the door handle opening in order to be electronically connected to the vehicle's electronics, for example, using a plug-in connection.

[0004] However, this has the disadvantage that the door handle is laborious and complex to manufacture. In particular, routing the cables out of the cavity is a difficult task that can only be done manually and is time-consuming. Furthermore, the positioning and / or securing of the circuit board and the cables connected to it are highly demanding to ensure a reliable electrical connection and, therefore, functionality of the door handle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and, in particular, to provide an improved door handle for a vehicle. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to realize a door handle that is cost-effective, easy to assemble, and convenient to install on a vehicle. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding, improved handle assembly for a vehicle. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for manufacturing a handle assembly, wherein the manufacturing of the handle assembly comprises assembling the door handle and mounting the door handle on the vehicle by means of a bearing connection, and wherein the method can be performed simply, quickly, and cost-effectively.

[0006] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a door handle having the features of the independent device claim, a handle assembly having the features of the parallel independent device claim, and a method having the features of the independent method claim. Further features and details of the invention are derived from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described with respect to the door handle and / or the handle assembly of the invention are of course also applicable with respect to the method of the invention, and vice versa. Therefore, the disclosure of these individual inventive aspects always refers to or can be referred to one another.

[0007] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a door handle for a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, in particular an outer door handle for a movable part of a vehicle, which has:

[0008] - a cavity, which is constituted at least in part by the door handle housing,

[0009] an electronic unit accommodated in the cavity, wherein the electronic unit has a carrier unit, in particular a circuit board such as a printed circuit board or a printed circuit,

[0010] An electrical plug unit having at least one electrically conductive plug element, in particular comprising at least one contact pin, wherein the at least one plug element is fastened to the carrier unit in a materially bonded manner, in particular soldered, welded or adhesively bonded.

[0011] The door handle can preferably be designed as a concealed door handle that can be moved outward from the outside of the movable part to reach an operating position. In the operating position, the door handle is used to operate the movable part. To operate, for example, force can be applied to the door handle, in particular pulling and / or pushing, to unlock and / or move the movable part. The door handle can be specifically designed for use with keyless entry and / or keyless start security systems.

[0012] The carrier unit in the sense of the present invention can be used to accommodate electronic components, such as resistors and / or capacitors and / or coils. The carrier unit can also accommodate at least one microprocessor and / or integrated circuit and / or one or more sensor units and / or one or more printed conductors.

[0013] According to the invention, the carrier unit comprises at least one electrically conductive plug element in the form of at least one contact pin, which is connected to the carrier unit in a materially bonded manner, in particular by soldering, welding or gluing.

[0014] Thus, the at least one electrically conductive plug element can form a male plug part together with the electrical plug unit, which is integrated into the door handle. This makes it possible to provide a cable-free door handle. After the door handle is attached to the vehicle, particularly a moving part of the vehicle, from the outside, a separate socket can be connected to the plug element from the inside of the vehicle or the moving part. The socket can be mechanically secured to the electrical plug unit and simultaneously electrically connected to the at least one electrically conductive plug element. This socket can, in turn, be designed with a cable that leads to the vehicle's electronics and / or another plug. This significantly simplifies the installation of the door handle on the vehicle, particularly the moving part, and the wiring of the electronics unit to the vehicle's electronics.

[0015] Furthermore, the door handle of the present invention eliminates the need to initially install the electrical plug unit with its cables, for example, during manufacture of the door handle, i.e., when the electronics unit is installed in the cavity. This significantly simplifies the installation, placement, and / or positioning of the electronics unit, and in particular the carrier unit, within the cavity of the door handle. Consequently, the door handle can be easily assembled fully automatically using a robot.

[0016] Within the scope of the present invention, an electrical connection is defined as the establishment of an electrical signal connection and / or the ability to transfer electrical energy. For example, an electrical connection exists between two components when there is an electrically conductive connection between them, such as via a conductor track. Accordingly, for an electrical connection to exist, components that are electrically connected to one another do not necessarily also need to be directly physically connected.

[0017] The present invention may also provide that the electrical plug unit and / or the electronics unit are designed to be wireless. This significantly simplifies the installation and / or placement and / or positioning of the electrical plug unit and / or the electronics unit in the door handle cavity or during assembly of the door handle. After the door handle is assembled, the assembled wireless door handle can be guided from the outside to a movable part of the vehicle for installation on a mounting connection that can be guided from the inside to the movable part of the vehicle. The mounting connection can, in turn, include an electrical cable, preferably a cable, which can be mechanically secured to the electrical plug unit, preferably by a positive and / or non-positive connection, preferably by a snap-on connection, in particular a releasable connection. This allows the electronics unit to be electrically connected to the electrical cable, especially the cable, of the mounting connection.

[0018] The present invention can also provide that the carrier unit is designed as a circuit board, in particular in the form of a printed circuit board or a printed circuit. Thus, an electronic unit with advantageous functions can be provided.

[0019] It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that the carrier unit has at least one conductor track and / or at least one sensor unit, which can be electrically connected to the socket via the at least one plug element. Thus, an operation of the door handle, such as approach and / or contact, can be realized by means of the electronic unit.

[0020] It is also advantageous within the scope of the invention if the at least one conductor track and / or the at least one sensor unit is designed as a proximity sensor, in particular a capacitive sensor. This allows a door handle function within the scope of a keyless entry and / or keyless start security system of the vehicle to be implemented.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention can provide that the electronic unit has at least one lighting unit electrically connectable to the socket via the at least one plug element. The lighting unit can thus signal a certain operating state of the vehicle's keyless entry and / or keyless start security system using a specified color and / or generally by emitting light, and / or indicate an operation of the movable element, such as unlocking and / or opening. The door handle can thus also provide other advantageous functions. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the lighting unit can be designed to emit a warning signal if, for example, the at least one sensor unit detects that a user and / or other obstacles (e.g., a sidewalk edge) or objects (e.g., a tree or tree root) are too close to the movable element to allow for harmless opening of the movable element.

[0022] The present invention may also provide that the door handle is designed as a recessed door handle and is preferably movable from a rest position to an operating position, in particular by moving the outer surface of the door handle parallel to the outer side of the movable part. In the rest position, the outer surface of the door handle is essentially flush with the outer side of the movable part, while in the operating position, the door handle can be manually operated, for example by pulling and / or pushing the door handle. This can provide a pleasant appearance and improved aerodynamics in the recessed door handle area of ​​the vehicle. At the same time, the removable door handle allows for customary and convenient operation of the movable part.

[0023] The present invention may further provide that the electrical plug unit comprises a plug housing, wherein a receptacle for the at least one plug element is formed in the plug housing, so that the at least one plug element can be electrically conductively connected to an electrical line, particularly a cable, of the support connection by mechanically connecting the plug housing to a socket of the support connection. In this way, simple installation of the door handle on the vehicle and convenient connection of the electronic unit to the vehicle's electronic system are ensured.

[0024] The present invention may further provide that the plug housing of the electrical plug unit has at least one fastening element for connecting the plug housing to the socket of the support connection in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, wherein the at least one fastening element is particularly designed as a latching projection, a latching hook, or an undercut for a complementary-shaped mating fastening element on the socket of the support connection. This allows the mechanical and electrical connection of the electrical plug unit to the socket of the support connection to be performed simply, conveniently, and in a targeted manner until the fastening element of the electrical plug unit locks onto the complementary-shaped mating fastening element of the support connection. The final installation position of the door handle on the support connection can thus be tactilely indicated by the latching of the fastening element of the electrical plug unit onto the complementary-shaped mating fastening element of the support connection.

[0025] The present invention may further provide that the plug housing of the electrical plug unit has a second elastic sealing element, in particular on at least one fixing element, in order to seal the cavity, in particular in addition to the first elastic sealing element. Thus, sealed accommodation of the electronic unit in the door handle cavity can be ensured.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention can provide that the plug housing of the electrical plug unit is designed as a plastic part, in particular as a two-component injection-molded part, preferably made of a fiber-plastic composite material. This makes it possible to provide a lightweight, inexpensive component with improved properties that can be produced quickly and in large quantities.

[0027] Advantageously, the plug housing of the electrical plug unit can have at least one plug element in the form of an injection molded part. Thus, the at least one plug element itself can protrude outward from the cavity through the plug housing and serve for electrical connection to the vehicle electronics.

[0028] The present invention may also provide that the door handle has a support arm receptacle for the bearing connection, which in particular has a completely closed circumferential contour for the bearing connection, which preferably matches the outer circumference of the bearing connection and is preferably designed to be O-shaped or essentially rectangular. This allows for simplified accommodation of the bearing connection in the support arm of the door handle. The support arm receptacle can essentially consist of the support arm of the door handle.

[0029] The present invention may also provide that the support arm receptacle has a mounting element, in particular in the form of a guide rail or guide lock, and a complementary mounting element for the support connection mechanism, for receiving the support connection mechanism in a predetermined orientation in the support arm receptacle. This reliably prevents installation errors. The door handle is always secured to the movable part in the predetermined position by means of the mounting element. Furthermore, the mounting element ensures reliable electrical contact between the electronics unit and the support connection mechanism.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention can provide that the support arm receptacle is designed to be spaced apart from the outer contour of the electrical plug unit such that the electrical plug unit is enclosed by the support arm receptacle in a sleeve-like manner, and the support arm receptacle and the plug unit together form a male plug part, in which the socket of the support connection can be releasably accommodated, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, and can be electrically conductively contacted. In this way, a straightforward installation of the socket of the support connection in the support arm receptacle can be achieved according to the plug-and-socket principle.

[0031] The present invention may further provide that the door handle comprises a fastening unit for the plug housing of the electrical plug unit in the area between the housing and the support arm receptacle for the bearing connection. In this way, the electrical plug unit can be fixed in the door handle in a manner that prevents loss and prevents slipping, so that the door handle can also be fixed to the bearing connection via the electrical plug unit.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention can provide that the fastening unit has a labyrinthine guide structure, which preferably cooperates with a circumferential shoulder of the electrical plug unit having a complementary shape. The labyrinthine guide structure allows for simple fastening of the electrical plug unit within the housing, wherein the labyrinthine guide structure predefines the correct installation movement and installation position. Furthermore, the labyrinthine guide structure enables the cavity to be sealed.

[0033] It is also conceivable that the fastening unit can have an additional seal for sealing the cavity, in particular in the labyrinth guide structure. In this way, the sealing of the cavity in the door handle and in particular the electronic unit can be significantly improved.

[0034] It is also conceivable that the fastening unit preferably extends along the outer circumference of the plug housing of the electrical plug unit. In this way, the electrical plug unit can close the bearing receptacle almost like a plug. The additional sealing effect of the fastening unit can provide a reliably sealed cavity in the door handle.

[0035] It is also conceivable that the housing of the door handle comprises a first housing and a second housing. This allows for a simple installation and / or arrangement and / or positioning of the electronics unit, in particular the carrier unit, in one of the housings within the door handle cavity, wherein the other housing can then be fastened to the first housing to form the cavity.

[0036] It is also conceivable that the housing has at least one positioning element for the carrier unit, in particular in the form of a positioning groove, for fixing the carrier unit in the cavity. In this way, the correct installation and / or arrangement and / or positioning of the electronic unit, in particular the carrier unit, in the door handle cavity can be ensured.

[0037] It is also conceivable that the housing, which in particular comprises a support arm receptacle for a bearing connection and / or a fastening unit for a plug housing of the electrical plug unit, is designed to seal the cavity, in particular to prevent the filling material from escaping the cavity. Thus, the filling material can be injected into the cavity, in order to further protect the electronic unit.

[0038] In other words, it is conceivable to inject a filler into the cavity in order in particular to seal the electronic unit, wherein the filler preferably mainly or completely surrounds the electronic unit. By means of the filler, an improved sealing of the electronic unit can be achieved.

[0039] The present invention may further provide that the housing of the door handle, in particular the first and second housings, have openings for injecting filler into the cavity. Thus, the filler can be injected into the cavity after the electronics unit is placed in the door handle cavity and one of the housings is closed with the other housing.

[0040] The invention may further provide that the housing, in particular the support arm receptacle for the bearing connection and / or the fastening unit for the plug housing of the electrical plug unit, has a wall, in particular with a first elastic seal, wherein the wall preferably separates the cavity from the support arm receptacle for the bearing connection, wherein the at least one plug element preferably extends from the cavity to the support arm receptacle for the bearing connection through the wall. In this way, a closed separation between the door handle or the area within the cavity and the area outside the door handle can be achieved.

[0041] The present invention may also provide for a partition for the electronics unit, which is arranged in particular on the outside of the door handle, for example on the side facing away from the movable part, in order to shield at least one sensor unit of the electronics unit and / or to define the detection range of the at least one sensor unit. This improves the functionality of the sensor unit.

[0042] It is also conceivable that the partition can be electrically conductive and / or metallic and / or be in the form of a coating, such as a chrome coating, on the outside of the door handle.

[0043] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the partition could be electrically connected to the electronics unit. In this way, the partition could provide a further sensor unit within the meaning of the present invention and / or be connected to a specific potential. This could thus extend the functionality of the door handle of the present invention. For example, the partition could be designed to detect contactless approach. It is also conceivable that the partition or another partition could be designed to detect touch (e.g., as part of an inductive sensor).

[0044] The present invention also achieves the object of a handle assembly for a vehicle, comprising a door handle that can be configured as described above and a mounting connection for securing the door handle to a vehicle, such as a mounting bracket of the vehicle. The mounting connection is designed to have an electrical line, in particular an electrical cable, and the mounting connection is mechanically fastened to and electrically connected to an electrical plug unit of the door handle, preferably in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, in particular detachably. The mounting bracket can also include a central plug that can be electrically connected to the vehicle electronics. The handle assembly according to the present invention achieves the same advantages as described above with respect to the door handle according to the present invention. Reference is hereby made to these advantages in full.

[0045] As already described above with respect to the door handle according to the invention, the door handle can have a support arm receptacle for the bearing connection, which in particular has a fully enclosed circumferential contour for the bearing connection, which preferably matches the outer circumference of the bearing connection and is preferably designed in an O-shape or essentially rectangular form. The support arm receptacle for the bearing connection allows for intuitive mounting of the door handle on the bearing connection.

[0046] The invention can also provide that the support arm receptacle has a mounting element, in particular in the form of a guide rail or a guide lock, which cooperates with a complementary engagement element of the support connection means in order to receive the support connection means in a defined orientation within the support arm receptacle. In this way, a correct mounting of the door handle on the support connection means can be ensured.

[0047] The present invention may further provide that the support arm receptacle is designed to be spaced apart from the outer contour of the electrical plug unit such that the electrical plug unit is sleeve-shapedly enclosed by the support arm receptacle, and the support arm receptacle and the plug unit together form a male plug element, in which the socket of the support connection mechanism can be releasably accommodated and electrically connected, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Thus, installation errors can be reliably avoided, because the electrical plug unit can form a suitable counterpart for the socket of the support connection mechanism in the support arm receptacle.

[0048] The present invention may further provide that the plug housing of the electrical plug unit has at least one fastening element for connecting the plug housing to the socket of the bearing connection in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, wherein in particular the at least one fastening element is designed in the form of a locking projection, a latching hook, or an undercut, which cooperates with a complementary-shaped mating fastening element on the socket of the bearing connection. Thus, the final installed position of the door handle on the bearing connection can be tactilely signaled by the locking of the fastening element of the electrical plug unit on the complementary-shaped mating fastening element of the bearing connection.

[0049] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is achieved by a method for producing a handle assembly for a vehicle (including the assembly of a door handle and the installation of the door handle on the vehicle), comprising the following steps:

[0050] 1) Inserting the electronic unit into the cavity of the door handle, wherein the electronic unit comprises a carrying unit and an electrical plug unit,

[0051] 2) adding a filler into the cavity so that the filler at least partially surrounds the electronic unit,

[0052] 3) a mounting connection designed to carry an electrical line, in particular a cable, is fastened to the electrical plug unit, whereby the door handle is mechanically fastened, preferably in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, in particular detachably, to the vehicle, in particular to a mounting on the vehicle,

[0053] And at the same time electrically connect the electronic unit to the wires of the support connection mechanism.

[0054] The same advantages as described above with respect to the door handle according to the invention and / or the handle assembly according to the invention can be achieved by means of the method according to the invention. Reference is hereby made in full to these advantages.

[0055] Furthermore, the present invention can provide, in a method for producing a handle assembly, that in step 1), the insertion of the electronic unit into the cavity is performed at least partially or fully automatically, preferably by a robot. This significantly speeds up the method and offers significant cost advantages.

[0056] Furthermore, the present invention may provide, in a method for manufacturing a handle assembly, that in step 1), the electronic unit is automatically positioned by at least one positioning member, particularly in the form of a positioning groove, on the housing. This ensures that the electronic unit is correctly positioned or arranged within the cavity.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention may provide, in a method for producing a handle assembly, that in step 1), the electronic unit is automatically positioned and / or automatically sealed by a fastening unit for the plug housing of the electrical plug unit, in particular in the form of a labyrinthine guide structure, and / or in step 3), the electronic unit is additionally sealed by the plug housing of the electrical plug unit, in particular by a second elastic sealing element on at least one fixing element of the plug housing. In this way, an improved door handle and an improved handle assembly can be provided, which have reliable function and extended operating time.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention may provide for a method for producing a handle assembly, the method comprising at least one further step: 4) fastening the bearing connection to the bearing receptacle of the door handle by means of screws.

[0059] Therefore, the anti-loss fixation of the door handle on the bearing connection mechanism and thus on the vehicle can be further ensured.

[0060] Advantageously, the method of the present invention is specifically designed for manufacturing a handle assembly that can be constructed as described above and having a door handle that can be constructed as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention are apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and the description can be advantageous for the present invention individually or in any combination, including:

[0062] Figure 1 The support arm of the door handle of the present invention and the support connection mechanism for the door handle of the present invention are shown in an exploded view.

[0063] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the support arm and support connection mechanism of the door handle of the present invention in an assembled state is shown in a longitudinal sectional view of the door handle.

[0064] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the support arm and the support connection mechanism of the door handle of the present invention in an assembled state is shown in a cross-section of the door handle along the support arm.

[0065] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a vehicle having a door handle of the present invention,

[0066] Figure 5 A perspective view showing the door handle of the present invention in an assembled state,

[0067] Figure 6 An exploded view showing the door handle of the present invention,

[0068] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a vehicle-side mounting base for a door handle according to the present invention is shown in an exploded view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0070] Figure 1-3 Different views show details of a door handle 10 according to the invention at a first support point I before being fastened to a bearing connection 40. The door handle 10 is designed for a vehicle 1, preferably a motor vehicle, and is in particular designed as an outer door handle for a movable part 2 of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is Figure 4 is schematically shown in FIG.

[0071] The door handle 10 has the following components:

[0072] a cavity 11 at least partially constituted by the housing 12 of the door handle 10 ,

[0073] an electronic unit 20 accommodated in the cavity 11 , wherein the electronic unit 20 comprises a carrier unit 21 , in particular a circuit board such as a printed circuit board or a printed circuit,

[0074] an electrical plug unit 30 having at least one electrically conductive contact, in particular comprising at least one contact pin (see Figure 2 ) or multiple styluses such as three styluses (see Figure 6 ), wherein at least one plug element 31 is fixed to the carrier unit 21 in a materially connected manner, in particular soldered, welded or adhesively bonded.

[0075] Within the scope of the present invention, the door handle 10 can be designed as a concealed door handle 10 that can be moved outward from the outside of the movable part 2 to reach an operating position (not shown). In the operating position, the door handle 10 is used to operate the movable part 2, for example, to unlock and / or open the movable part 2. To operate the door handle 10, for example, a force can be applied to the door handle 10, such as pulling and / or pushing. The door handle 10 can advantageously be configured for use with a keyless entry and / or keyless start security system.

[0076] The carrier unit 21 within the meaning of the present invention is designed to accommodate electronic components. In addition, the carrier unit 21 can also be designed to accommodate a microprocessor and / or an integrated circuit and one or more sensor units 22 and / or one or more conductor tracks.

[0077] The at least one electrically conductive plug element 31 , in particular in the form of at least one contact pin, is preferably connected to the carrier unit 21 in a materially bonded manner, for example by soldering, welding and / or gluing.

[0078] If you can Figure 2 and Figure 6 As can be seen in FIG, the at least one electrically conductive plug element 31 can form a male plug part together with the electrical plug unit 30, which is integrated into the door handle 10, in particular into a support arm of the door handle 10, for example in the form of a support receptacle 12. Figure 5 The door handle 10 is provided without a cable as shown, and can be electrically connected to the wire K simply by mounting the door handle 10 on the vehicle 1, which in turn can extend to another switch 60 and / or a control unit 70, as shown. Figure 7 shown.

[0079] Also like Figure 6 As shown, after the door handle 10 has been mounted on the vehicle 1, in particular the movable part 2 of the vehicle 1, from the outside, a separate socket 41 can be guided to the plug element 31 from the inside as viewed from the vehicle 1 or from the inside as viewed from the movable part 2 of the vehicle 1, the socket 41 being mechanically fixed to the electrical plug unit 30 and at the same time electrically connectable to at least one electrically conductive plug element 31.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, the socket 41 can in turn be designed with an electrical line K, for example in the form of a cable, which can lead to the vehicle's electronic system, perhaps via another central plug 60 and / or via a control unit 70 on the mounting base 101 (see Figure 7 The installation of the door handle 10 on the vehicle 1 , in particular the movable part 2 of the vehicle 1 , and the wiring of the electronic unit 20 to the electronic system of the vehicle 1 can thus be significantly simplified.

[0081] Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to initially install the electronics unit 20 and / or the electrical plug unit 30 with cables, for example, during the manufacture of the door handle 10, i.e., when the electronics unit 20 and / or the electrical plug unit 30 are installed in the cavity 11. This significantly simplifies the installation of the electronics unit 20, and in particular the carrier unit 21 and / or the electrical plug unit 30, within the cavity 11 of the door handle 10. Advantageously, this allows for simple and automated assembly of the door handle, even with the aid of a robot.

[0082] Also like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the electrical plug unit 20 and / or the electronics unit 20 or the door handle 10 itself can be designed to be wireless. After the door handle 10 is assembled, the assembled wireless door handle 10 can be guided from the outside to the movable part 2 of the vehicle 1 for installation on the support connection 40, which can be guided from the inside to the movable part 2 of the vehicle 1. The support connection 40 can in turn have an electrical line K, in particular a cable, which can be mechanically fixed to the electrical plug unit 30, preferably in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, preferably by means of a locking connection 32a, 41a, in particular detachably. This allows the electronics unit 20 to be electrically connected to the electrical line K, in particular a cable, of the support connection 40.

[0083] Also like Figure 2 As shown, the carrier unit 21 can have at least one conductor track and / or at least one sensor unit 22, which can be electrically connected to the socket 41 via at least one plug element 31. The at least one conductor track and / or the at least one sensor unit 22 can advantageously be designed as a proximity sensor, in particular a capacitive sensor, for contactless operation of the door handle 10. Thus, the door handle 10 can form part of a keyless entry and / or keyless start security system of the vehicle 1.

[0084] At least one lighting unit (not shown) may also be provided on the electronics unit 20 and electrically connectable to the socket 41 via at least one plug element 31. The lighting unit may signal, for example, using a specified color and / or generally illuminating light, to indicate a certain operational state of the keyless entry and / or keyless start security system of the vehicle 1 and / or an operation of the movable component 2, such as unlocking and / or opening. Furthermore, the lighting unit may emit a warning signal if, for example, the at least one sensor unit 22 detects that a user and / or other obstacles (e.g., a sidewalk edge) or objects (e.g., a tree or tree root) are too close to the movable component 2 to allow safe opening of the movable component 2.

[0085] Also like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the electrical plug unit 30 can have a plug housing 32, wherein, in particular, a groove for at least one plug element 31 is formed in the plug housing 32, so that the at least one plug element 31 can be conductively connected to the wire K, in particular the cable, of the support connection mechanism 40 by mechanically connecting the plug housing 32 to the socket 41 of the support connection mechanism 40.

[0086] Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 6 It is also shown that the plug housing 32 of the electrical plug unit 30 can have at least one fixing member 32a for connecting the plug housing 32 to the socket 41 of the support connection mechanism 40 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, wherein, in particular, the at least one fixing member 32a can be designed in the form of a locking protrusion, a locking hook or an undercut for a matching fixing member 41a with a complementary shape on the socket 41 of the support connection mechanism 40.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, the plug housing 32 of the electrical plug unit 20 may have a second elastic sealing member W2 , in particular at at least one fixing member 32 a , for sealing the cavity 11 in addition to the first elastic sealing member W1 (described below).

[0088] The plug housing 32 of the electrical plug unit 30 can be designed as a plastic part, for example in the form of a two-component injection molded part, preferably made of a fiber-plastic composite material. It is also conceivable that the plug housing 32 of the electrical plug unit 30 can have the at least one plug element 31 in the form of an injection molded part.

[0089] like Figure 1-3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the door handle 10 can have a support arm receptacle 12 for the bearing connection mechanism 40, which in particular has a fully closed circumferential contour for the bearing connection mechanism 40. The fully closed circumferential contour preferably matches the outer circumference of the bearing connection mechanism 40 and is preferably designed in an O-shape or essentially rectangular shape. The bearing connection mechanism 40 and the door handle 10 together form a handle assembly 100 within the meaning of the present invention.

[0090] The support arm receptacle 14 can advantageously have a mounting member 14a (e.g. Figure 2 The mounting member 14a may be designed in the form of a guide rail or guide lock for a complementary-shaped counterpart mounting member 40a of the support connection mechanism 40 in order to accommodate the support connection mechanism 40 in a defined orientation within the support arm receptacle 14.

[0091] Also like Figure 2As shown, the support arm receptacle 14 can be designed to be spaced apart from the outer contour of the electrical plug unit 30 in such a way that the electrical plug unit 30 is enclosed in a sleeve-like manner by the support arm receptacle 14, and the support arm receptacle 14 and the plug unit 30 form a male plug element in which the socket 41 of the support connection 40 can be detachably fixed, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. In this way, the socket 41 of the support connection 40 can be intuitively installed in the support arm receptacle 14 according to the plug-and-socket principle.

[0092] Also like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the door handle 10 can include a fastening unit 15 for the plug housing 32 of the electrical plug unit 30 in the area between the housing 12 and the support arm receptacle 14 for the bearing connection 40. The fastening unit 15 can be designed in the form of a labyrinthine guide structure, which preferably cooperates with a circumferential shoulder 32b of complementary shape on the electrical plug unit 30. The labyrinthine guide structure allows for simple fastening of the electrical plug unit 30 within the housing 12 of the door handle 10, with the correct installation movement and installation position of the electrical plug unit 30 within the housing 12 of the door handle 10 being predefined by the labyrinthine guide structure. Furthermore, the labyrinthine guide structure serves to seal the cavity 11. It is also conceivable that the fastening unit 15 may include an additional seal, particularly within the labyrinthine guide structure, for sealing the cavity 11.

[0093] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the fastening unit 15 can preferably extend along the outer circumference of the plug housing 32 of the electrical plug unit 30 .

[0094] like Figure 1-3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the housing 12 of the door handle 10 may have a first shell 12 . 1 and a second shell 12 . 2 to enable simple installation and / or arrangement and / or positioning of the electronic unit 20 and in particular the carrier unit 21 in the cavity 11 of the door handle 10 .

[0095] The housing 12 may further include at least one positioning element 13 for the carrying unit 21 , for example in the form of a positioning groove, so as to guide the carrying unit 21 in the cavity 11 and fix it in a correct installation position during installation.

[0096] Within the scope of the present invention, a filler can be injected into the cavity 11 in order in particular to seal the electronics unit 20, wherein the filler preferably mainly or completely surrounds the electronics unit 20. For this purpose, the housing 12 of the door handle 10, in particular the first shell 12.1 and / or the second shell 12.2, can have an opening (not shown) for injecting the filler into the cavity 11.

[0097] The housing 12 has, in particular in the lower region of the support arm receptacle 14 for the bearing connection 40, preferably below the fastening unit 15 for the plug housing 32 of the electrical plug unit 30, a wall W preferably with a first elastic seal W1 (see also FIG. Figure 2 The wall W can separate the cavity 11 from the support arm receptacle 14 for the support connection 40 , wherein at least one plug element 31 can extend through the wall W from the cavity 11 to the support arm receptacle 14 for the support connection 40 .

[0098] Also like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention can provide for a partition 23 for the electronic unit 20. The partition 23 can be arranged, in particular, from the inside on the outer side of the door handle 10, for example, on the side facing away from the movable part 2, in order to shield the at least one sensor unit 22 of the electronic unit 20 and / or to define the detection range of the at least one sensor unit 22. The partition 23 can be electrically conductive and / or metallic and / or in the form of a coating, such as a chrome coating, on the outer side of the door handle 10. It is also conceivable that the partition 23 can be electrically connected to the electronic unit 20 in order to itself function as a sensor unit.

[0099] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It can be used to illustrate the method of manufacturing the handle assembly 100 for the vehicle 1 according to the present invention (including the assembly of the door handle 10 and the installation of the door handle 10 on the vehicle 1). Figure 6 As shown, the method of the present invention has the following steps:

[0100] 1) Insert the electronic unit 20 into the cavity 11 of the door handle 10, wherein the electronic unit 20 has a carrying unit 21 and an electrical plug unit 30,

[0101] 2) Adding filler into the cavity 11 so that the filler at least partially surrounds the electronic unit 20,

[0102] 3) a support connection 40 designed to carry an electrical line K, in particular an electrical cable, is fixed to the electrical plug unit 30, whereby the door handle 10 is mechanically fixed, in particular detachably, preferably in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, to the vehicle 1, in particular to the mounting base 101 of the vehicle 1,

[0103] And at the same time, the electronic unit 20 is electrically connected to the electric wire K of the stand connection mechanism 40 .

[0104] In step 1), the electronic unit 20 can be inserted into the cavity 11 at least partially or fully automatically, preferably by means of a robot.

[0105] Furthermore, in step 1), an automatic positioning of the electronic unit 20 can be carried out by means of at least one positioning element 13 on the housing 12 , in particular in the form of a positioning groove.

[0106] Furthermore, in step 1), the electronic unit 20 can be automatically positioned and / or sealed by means of the fastening unit 15, in particular in the form of a labyrinthine guide structure, for the plug housing 32 of the electrical plug unit 30. For this purpose, a first seal W1 can be provided on the lower wall of the fastening unit 15, and an additional seal can optionally be provided within the fastening unit 15.

[0107] In step 3), the electronic unit 20 can again be additionally sealed by the plug housing 32 of the electrical plug unit 30 , in particular by a second elastic seal W2 on at least one fixing element 32 a of the plug housing 32 .

[0108] Furthermore, the present invention may provide for a method for producing a handle assembly, which method has at least one further step: 4) fastening the bearing connection 40 to the bearing receptacle 14 of the door handle 10 , for example by means of screws 53 .

[0109] In order to accommodate the screw 53, a counter-threaded element 12a (for tightening the screw 53 to the housing 12) can be provided on the housing 12, in particular on the second outer shell 12.2 of the door handle 10 housing 12, and a screw guide 12b (in the form of a pin) is provided in the support connection 40 (see Figure 3 and Figure 6 ).

[0110] Still as Figure 2 and Figure 6 As illustrated in FIG, a bearing shaft 51 can be provided on a mounting arm 50 for the support connection mechanism 40, which can be used, for example, to rotatably fix the support connection mechanism 40 on the mounting seat 101 of the vehicle 1. The mounting arm 50 can also have a functional part 52, which can guide a lock, for example, which is not shown.

[0111] at last, Figure 7 The corresponding mounting 101 is shown from the rear, on which further components such as the central plug 60 (possibly with a cable 61 to a control unit 70), the control unit 70 (possibly with a cable 71 to a motor 80) can be supported. The motor 80 can be used to move the door handle 10 from the rest position into the operating position.

[0112] The above description of the embodiments only describes the invention within the scope of examples. It is obvious that the individual features of the embodiments described can be combined freely with one another as long as it makes technical sense without exceeding the scope of the invention.

[0113] Reference Signs List

[0114] 1 vehicle

[0115] 2 Moving Parts

[0116] 3 Vehicle Electronics

[0117] 10. Door handle

[0118] 11 Cavity

[0119] 12 Housing

[0120] 12a Mating threaded part

[0121] 12b Screw guide mechanism

[0122] 12.1 First enclosure

[0123] 12.2 Second housing

[0124] 13 Positioning piece

[0125] 14 Support arm receptacle

[0126] 14a Mounting parts

[0127] 15 Fastening unit

[0128] 20 Electronic units

[0129] 21 load-bearing units

[0130] 22 sensor units

[0131] 23 partition

[0132] 30 electrical plug units

[0133] 31 plug components

[0134] 32 plug housing

[0135] 32a Fixing parts

[0136] 32b Shoulder

[0137] 40 Support connection mechanism

[0138] 40a Mating mounting hardware

[0139] 41 sockets

[0140] 41a Mating fixings

[0141] 50 Mounting Arm

[0142] 51 Support shaft

[0143] 52 functional parts

[0144] 53 screws

[0145] 60 Central plug

[0146] 61 Cable

[0147] 70 control unit

[0148] 71 Cable

[0149] 80 motor

[0150] 100 Handle Assembly

[0151] 101 Mount

[0152] K wire

[0153] W wall

[0154] W1 Packer

[0155] I First support point

[0156] II Second support point

Claims

1. A door handle (10) for a vehicle (1), comprising: - a cavity (11) which is at least partially constituted by the housing (12) of the door handle (10), - an electronic unit (20) housed in the cavity (11), wherein: The electronic unit (20) comprises a carrying unit (21). an electrical plug unit (30) having at least one electrically conductive plug element (31), wherein the at least one plug element (31) is fixed to the carrier unit (21) in a materially bonded manner, The electric plug unit (30) is designed to fix a support connection mechanism (40) on the electric plug unit (30), and the support connection mechanism is designed to have an electric wire (K). The door handle (10) is thereby mechanically fixed to the vehicle; At the same time, the electronic unit (20) is electrically connected to the wire (K) of the support connection mechanism (40), wherein the door handle (10) has a support arm receptacle (14) for the support connection mechanism (40), and the support arm receptacle (14) is designed to be spaced apart from the outer contour of the electric plug unit (30) in such a way that the electric plug unit (30) is surrounded by the support arm receptacle (14) in a sleeve shape, and the support arm receptacle (14) and the electric plug unit (30) form a convex plug component, which is integrated in the door handle, and can detachably accommodate and conductively connect the socket (41) of the support connection mechanism (40) in the convex plug component.

2. The door handle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical plug unit (30) and / or the electronics unit (20) are designed to be wireless.

3. Door handle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The carrying unit (21) is designed as a circuit board, and / or The carrier unit (21) has at least one conductor track and / or at least one sensor unit (22) which can be electrically connected to a socket (41) via the at least one plug element (31).

4. The door handle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The electronic unit (20) has at least one lighting unit which can be electrically connected to a socket (41) via the at least one plug element (31).

5. The door handle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The door handle (10) is designed as a hidden door handle (10) and is used for a movable part (2) of a vehicle (1), and It can move from a static position to a working position, wherein in the static position, the outer surface of the door handle (10) is substantially flush with the outer side surface of the movable component (2), wherein in the working position, the door handle (10) can be manually operated.

6. The door handle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The electric plug unit (30) has a plug housing (32), wherein a receiving groove for the at least one plug element (31) is formed in the plug housing (32), so that the at least one plug element (31) can be electrically conductively connected to the electric wire (K) of the support connection mechanism (40) by mechanically connecting the plug housing (32) to the socket (41) of the support connection mechanism (40).

7. The door handle (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The plug housing (32) of the electric plug unit (30) has at least one fixing element (32a) for connecting the plug housing (32) to the socket (41) of the support connection mechanism (40) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, wherein the at least one fixing element (32a) is configured in the form of a locking protrusion, a locking hook or an undercut for a matching fixing element (41a) with a complementary shape on the socket (41) of the support connection mechanism (40), and / or The plug housing (32) of the electric plug unit (30) has a second elastic sealing member (W2) on the at least one fixing member (32a) for sealing the cavity (11) in addition to the first elastic sealing member (W1).

8. The door handle (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The plug housing (32) of the electrical plug unit (30) is designed as a plastic part, and / or The plug housing (32) of the electrical plug unit (30) has the at least one plug element (31) in the form of an injection molded part.

9. The door handle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The support arm receptacle (14) has a fully closed circumferential contour for the support connection mechanism (40), the circumferential contour matches the outer periphery of the support connection mechanism and is O-shaped or substantially rectangular.

10. The door handle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The support arm receptacle (14) has a mounting element (14a) in the form of a guide rail or a guide locking element for a complementary-shaped counterpart mounting element (40a) of the support connection mechanism (40) for accommodating the support connection mechanism (40) in the support arm receptacle (14) in a specified orientation, and / or The male plug piece can accommodate and electrically connect a socket (41) of a support connection mechanism (40) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

11. The door handle (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The door handle (10) has a fastening unit (15) for a plug housing (32) of the electrical plug unit (30) in the area between the housing (12) and a support arm receptacle (14) for a bearing connection mechanism (40).

12. The door handle (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The fastening unit (15) has a labyrinth guide structure which cooperates with a circumferential shoulder (32b) of the electrical plug unit (30) of complementary shape, and / or The fastening unit (15) has an additional seal for sealing the cavity (11) within the labyrinth guide structure, and / or The fastening unit (15) extends along the outer circumference of the plug housing (32) of the electric plug unit (30).

13. The door handle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing (12) of the door handle (10) comprises a first shell (12.1) and a second shell (12.2), and / or The housing (12) has at least one positioning member (13) in the form of a positioning groove for the carrying unit (21), so as to fix the carrying unit (21) in the cavity.

14. The door handle (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The housing (12) comprising a support arm receptacle (14) for a support connection mechanism (40) and / or a fastening unit (15) for a plug housing (32) of the electrical plug unit (30) is designed to seal the cavity (11) to prevent filler from escaping from the cavity (11).

15. The door handle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Filling is injected into the cavity (11) to seal the electronic unit (20), wherein the filler mainly or completely surrounds the electronic unit (20), and / or The housing (12) of the door handle (10) has an opening for injecting filler into the cavity (11).

16. The door handle (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that A support arm receptacle (14) for a support connection (40) and / or a fastening unit (15) for a plug housing (32) of the electrical plug unit (30) has a wall (W) with a first elastic seal (W1), wherein the wall (W) separates the cavity (11) from a support arm receptacle (14) for a support connection mechanism (40), The at least one plug element (31) extends through the wall (W) from the cavity (11) to a support arm receptacle (14) for a support connection mechanism (40).

17. The door handle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A partition (23) for the electronic unit (20) is provided, the partition (23) being arranged on the outside of the door handle (10) to shield at least one sensor unit (22) of the electronic unit (20) and / or to form a detection area of ​​the at least one sensor unit (22), wherein the partition (23) is conductive and / or metallic and / or is formed in the form of a coating on the outer side of the door handle (10), The partition (23) can be electrically connected to the electronic unit (20).

18. The door handle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The door handle (10) can be mechanically fixed to the mounting seat (101) of the vehicle in a detachable manner.

19. The door handle (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The carrier unit (21) is designed as a printed circuit board or a printed circuit.

20. The door handle (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that The plug housing (32) is designed as a two-component injection-molded part made of a fiber-plastic composite material.

21. A handle assembly (100) for a vehicle (1), comprising: The door handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 20, and a support connection mechanism (40) for fixing the door handle (10) on the vehicle (1), in, The support connection mechanism (40) is designed to have an electric wire (K), and The support connection mechanism (40) is mechanically fixed and electrically connected to the electric plug unit (30) of the door handle (10).

22. The handle assembly (100) according to claim 21, characterized in that: The door handle (10) has a support arm receptacle (14) for the support connection mechanism (40), which has a fully closed circumferential contour for the support connection mechanism (40), the fully closed circumferential contour matches the outer periphery of the support connection mechanism and is designed to be O-shaped or substantially rectangular.

23. The handle assembly (100) according to claim 22, characterized in that: The support arm receptacle (14) has a mounting element (14a) in the form of a guide rail or a guide lock, which cooperates with a complementary engagement element (40a) of the support connection mechanism (40) to accommodate the support connection mechanism (40) in the support arm receptacle (14) in a specified orientation.

24. The handle assembly (100) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that: The support arm receptacle (14) is designed to be spaced apart from the outer contour of the electric plug unit (30) in such a way that the electric plug unit (30) is surrounded by the support arm receptacle (14) in a sleeve-like manner, and the support arm receptacle (14) and the electric plug unit (30) form a convex plug component in which a socket (41) of the support connection mechanism (40) is detachably accommodated and conductively connected.

25. The handle assembly (100) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that: The plug housing (32) of the electric plug unit (30) has at least one fixing member (32a) for connecting the plug housing (32) to the socket (41) of the support connection mechanism (40) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The at least one fixing element (32a) is designed in the form of a locking protrusion, a locking hook or an undercut, which cooperates with a matching fixing element (41a) with a complementary shape on the socket (41) of the support connection mechanism (40).

26. A method for manufacturing a handle assembly (100) for a vehicle according to one of the preceding claims 21 to 25, comprising the following steps: 1) Inserting the electronic unit (20) into the cavity (11) of the door handle (10), wherein: The electronic unit (20) comprises a carrier unit (21) and an electric plug unit (30). 2) adding a filler into the cavity (11) so that the filler at least partially surrounds the electronic unit (20), 3) a support connection mechanism (40) designed to have an electric wire (K) is fixed to the electric plug unit (30), whereby the door handle (10) is mechanically fixed to the vehicle, At the same time, the electronic unit (20) is electrically connected to the electric wire (K) of the support connection mechanism (40).

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that In step 1), the electronic unit (20) is inserted into the cavity (11) at least partially or fully automatically by a robot, and / or In said step 1), the automatic positioning of the electronic unit (20) is performed by at least one positioning member (13) in the form of a positioning groove on the housing (12), and / or In step 1), the automatic positioning and / or automatic sealing of the electronic unit (20) is performed by a fastening unit (15) in the form of a labyrinth guide structure for the plug housing (32) of the electrical plug unit (30), and / or In step 3), the additional sealing of the electronic unit (20) is performed by means of the plug housing (32) of the electrical plug unit (30).

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that The method comprises at least one further step: 4) fixing the support connection mechanism (40) to the support arm receptacle (14) of the door handle (10) by means of screws.

Images