Vehicle device for sensing and detecting activation behavior

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle (1) device (5) for sensing and detecting activation behavior, particularly the operation of a vehicle component (2), comprising: a sensor assembly (10) for sensing and detecting activation behavior to provide first and second detection signals (S1, S2), wherein the detection signals (S1, S2) are specific to the same detection information (VS) regarding the activation behavior; and an electronic processing device (70) for comparing the detection signals (S1, S2) with each other to determine the detection information (VS) and detecting activation behavior based on the detection information (VS).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle device for sensing and detecting activation behavior. The invention also relates to a method for sensing and detecting activation behavior. Background Technology

[0002] It is known from existing technology that at least one button can be incorporated into vehicle components such as door handles to detect touch or movement of the handle. Operation of these components can trigger vehicle functions, such as unlocking and / or opening the vehicle's hood. However, due to the mechanical nature of the button's operation, reliability may be reduced.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known that inductive sensors are used in vehicles to detect the operation of vehicle components. For example, so-called LDC sensors that detect changes in inductance can be used for this purpose. However, this form of detection is generally susceptible to interference, which may reduce reliability in this case. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to at least partially eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, the objective of this invention is to provide an improved solution for detecting and / or probing activation behavior.

[0005] Hereinafter, the features and details described with respect to the apparatus of the invention are obviously also applicable to the method of the invention, and vice versa; therefore, the disclosures regarding these aspects of the invention are always cross-referenced or can be cross-referenced.

[0006] This task is accomplished, in particular, by a device, and preferably a circuit device. The device according to the invention can be designed in a vehicle to sense and detect activation behavior. For this purpose, the device according to the invention can, for example, be mounted on a vehicle component. The device according to the invention can, for example, be designed as a circuit device comprising a printed circuit board and optionally at least one housing. Activation behavior is, for example, operation of a vehicle component caused, preferably by a user touching and / or applying force.

[0007] Activation actions, particularly operations on vehicle components, may include, for example, touching and / or moving and / or applying force to the vehicle component, which triggers movement of the activation mechanism of the device of the present invention. For example, touching the housing of the vehicle component can cause movement of the activation mechanism. The activation mechanism is advantageously fixedly and / or movably mounted on the housing of the vehicle component or the device of the present invention. Additionally, the activation mechanism may be designed as a conductive surface or coating on the housing.

[0008] It is also advantageous for the vehicle to be designed as a motor vehicle, particularly a hybrid or electric vehicle, preferably with a high-voltage onboard power supply and / or an electric motor. It may also be feasible for the vehicle to be designed as a fuel cell vehicle and / or a passenger car and / or a semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle. The vehicle advantageously has a safety system that performs authentication, for example, through communication with an identification transmitter (ID transmitter). Based on said communication and / or authentication, at least one function of the vehicle can be activated. If authentication by the ID transmitter is required for this, the function may be a safety-related function such as door unlocking or movement of a vehicle hood (such as a front hood, rear hood, side hood, or door) to an open position or allowing engine start. It is possible that the function and / or authentication is initiated when the activation behavior is successfully detected by the device of the present invention. For example, upon successful detection of the activation behavior, a trigger signal is output by the device of the present invention, which triggers the function and / or authentication. In other words, the trigger signal is output, for example, by a processing device based on the detection of the activation behavior. This output is achieved, for example, for the vehicle controller. For this purpose, the device according to the present invention may have cables and / or plug-in mechanisms, etc., for detachable electrical connection to the vehicle controller.

[0009] It is also conceivable that this security system could be designed as a passive access control system, which initiates verification and / or activation of functions upon detecting the ID transmitter's approach to the vehicle without requiring active manual operation of the ID transmitter. For this purpose, for example, the security system could repeatedly emit wake-up signals, which could be received by the ID transmitter upon approach, subsequently triggering verification.

[0010] The device according to the invention may have the following components, preferably forming a sensing sensor:

[0011] - A sensor assembly for sensing activation behavior, which in particular has at least or exactly two or four sensor elements to preferably (at least or exactly) provide first and second (electrical) detection signals, wherein the detection signals can be dedicated to the same detection information regarding the activation behavior.

[0012] - An electronic processing device, such as a microcontroller, is used to compare detection signals to determine the detection information (through the comparison) and preferably to detect activation behavior based on the determined detection information, especially changes in the detection information.

[0013] In other words, the detection signals can be compared to each other to determine detection information. Detection information can be the performance characteristics of the detection signals, such as frequency, which may depend on the inductance of the sensor component. Activation behavior can therefore be designed to change the detection information, specifically the inductance of the sensor component. Therefore, the processing device can be designed to determine the change in inductance to infer the presence of activation behavior. For this purpose, the degree of change can be compared to, for example, a threshold. The device of the present invention thus provides the functionality of a sensing sensor. However, unlike common sensing sensors, it evaluates two detection signals to improve stability and reliability.

[0014] The device according to the invention can be designed in particular as an electronic circuit device and / or a sensing sensor. To detect activation behavior, a comparator can be used to evaluate the detection signal as two periodic (identical) signals.

[0015] It is possible to compare the detected signal in such a way that the processing device, and in particular the comparator, preferably a differential comparator, measures the differential voltage of the sensor element. The detected signal can therefore be designed as the voltage of the sensor element of the sensor assembly. This has advantages over common solutions that rely on asymmetric evaluation based on inductance changes, such as those used in LED sensors.

[0016] The detection signal can be specific to the same detection information regarding activation behavior. This specifically means that the detection information can be determined from two detection signals (each for itself), perhaps without considering the other detection signal and without performing a comparison. For example, the detection information could be the frequency of each detection signal. The comparison of the detection signals here allows for a more reliable determination of the detection information.

[0017] It is also conceivable that the sensor assembly has at least or exactly two sensor elements, especially conductive ones. These sensor elements can be symmetrically (mutually) connected to generate the detection signal as a symmetrical signal and / or a differential signal, thus preferably having the same detection information. The detection signal can here be designed as a differential signal and / or a symmetrical signal, especially in the sense of symmetrical transmission, but it may also be transmitted to the processing device and especially the comparator component with a (constant) relative phase difference. For example, a 180° phase difference between the detection signals here allows for phase reversal of one of the detection signals, and / or zero crossings of the detection signals, although occurring simultaneously, with different signs of amplitude. The use of symmetrical signals can reliably prevent interference effects because they cancel each other out. To further improve robustness, the circuitry of the sensor assembly and / or the entire device of the invention (in terms of circuitry) can be configured as symmetrically as possible so that the two detection signals are also configured with high symmetry and, especially, sinusoidal shape. Another advantage of symmetry is that temperature issues and the resulting variations have no negative impact or only a slight negative impact.

[0018] It is also possible that the detection signal is periodic and / or (especially substantially) sinusoidal and / or has a phase difference. The detection signal can alternatively or additionally be designed as voltage and / or current, but of the same type (as current or voltage). Here, the detection signal can, for example, be applied as a voltage to a respective oscillating circuit, wherein the oscillating circuit is particularly composed of sensor assemblies or sensor elements. The oscillating circuits can form a parallel oscillating circuit whose frequency varies depending on the position and / or distance of the activation mechanism relative to the sensor assembly.

[0019] It is also conceivable to design the detection signal as a symmetrical, especially ground-symmetrical and / or inverted electrical signal. This allows for differential evaluation of the signal, for example, using comparator components, to reliably determine the detection information.

[0020] The activation mechanism can be operated by activation behavior, particularly motion, and in this way alters the inductance that can be measured in the sensor assembly. The comparison of the detected signals, i.e., differential evaluation, can provide detection information, particularly as information related to the frequency of the detected signals. This information is correspondingly related to and particularly proportional to the change in inductance. The detection of the activation behavior can therefore be achieved, for example, by comparing the frequency with a threshold.

[0021] It may be feasible to activate the detection behavior by evaluating the frequency of the detection signal and / or without evaluating the amplitude of the detection signal, i.e., abandoning amplitude evaluation. This could improve the reliability of the detection.

[0022] It is also possible that the sensor assembly has at least two sensor elements as part of at least one oscillating circuit, particularly a parallel oscillating circuit, to preferably generate detection signals in the form of identical and / or periodic signals. In one oscillating circuit, electrical energy is periodically exchanged between the elements of the oscillating circuit, such as the sensor elements, and at least one capacitor, thereby obtaining a periodic detection signal. The detection signal here may correspond to different voltages in the parallel oscillating circuit, i.e., a first detection signal corresponds to a voltage on a first oscillating circuit, and a second detection signal corresponds to a voltage on a second oscillating circuit therein. The oscillating circuit and / or the sensor assembly may also have at least one capacitor to provide resonance in cooperation with the sensor element (especially in the form of a coil). The resonant frequency and / or the frequency of the detection signal can then be used as detection information. The detection signal originates, for example, from electrical oscillations (especially periodic or repetitive charge migrations) in a sensor element that can be started and / or excited by the oscillator assembly and can be affected by an activation mechanism. The oscillating circuit can be understood as a parallel oscillating circuit, particularly as two symmetrically connected oscillating circuits. The detection signal is therefore specific to the electrical oscillation frequency of the connected oscillating circuits. In other words, the first detection signal can be dedicated to oscillation in the first oscillation circuit, and the second detection signal can be dedicated to oscillation in the second oscillation circuit. The oscillation circuits can be symmetrically configured so that the frequencies of the two detection signals are equal.

[0023] When the sensor assembly has at least two sensor elements, another advantage within the scope of the invention is obtained, wherein an oscillator assembly can be connected to each sensor element to generate detection signals as inverted and / or differential signals. For example, the processing device can have a comparator component, such as an electronic comparator, to compare the inverted detection signals, i.e., switching particularly whenever a first detection signal is greater than or opposite to a second detection signal. The oscillator assembly can have at least two electrical switches that repeatedly and sequentially switch on and off to provide, in particular, a timing mechanism for the oscillation circuit of the sensor assembly. For this purpose, the oscillator assembly can be controlled by or be part of the processing device.

[0024] The oscillator assembly can also be designed for inverted control and / or to control the sensor element of the sensor assembly and, in particular, the various oscillation circuits, i.e., the detection signal is generated inverted. Inverted here means that the detection signals are 180° out of phase with each other.

[0025] Preferably, the sensor assembly is designed as a symmetrical circuit with at least two sensor elements. In this way, the sensor assembly can, for example, provide two oscillating loops and / or one parallel oscillating loop, in which the sensor elements can provide inductance. Alternatively or additionally, the processing device can have a comparator component, especially an electronic comparator, for performing a comparison of the detection signals. The comparator component is, for example, part of a microcontroller. Furthermore, the comparator component can be electrically connected to the sensor element to evaluate the detection signal (especially differentially) to detect activation behavior. Specifically, a first detection signal can be applied to a first input of the comparator component, and a second detection signal can be applied to its second input. The sensor assembly, and especially the entire device of the present invention, can be designed at least primarily symmetrically in terms of circuitry and geometry. Geometrically, it can also be specified that the sensor elements are at the same distance from a grounding element and / or activation mechanism (and / or sensor elements to each other) having a ground potential. This means that the shortest distances of the sensor elements from the grounding element and / or activation mechanism are the same. For example, the distances of the first and / or third sensor elements from the activation mechanism can here be equal to the distances of the second and / or fourth sensor elements from the grounding element. The symmetrical design achieves a high degree of interference suppression.

[0026] The sensor elements are advantageously electrically connected to each other and preferably connected to ground potential. It may be specified that the activation mechanism is also electrically connected or directly connected to this ground potential.

[0027] It is also possible to spatially arrange a connector between the activation mechanism and at least one of the sensor elements. This connector may be designed to be elastic, for example. Alternatively, the connector may be made of an elastic conductive material and / or (conductive) foam material and / or a spring, especially a helical spring. Preferably, the connector may be designed as a foam pad, etc. This can achieve improved interference suppression.

[0028] It is also conceivable to include a shield for the sensor element. This shield could, for example, extend in a ring around the sensor element. For this purpose, at least one conductive surface can be arranged on the same layer of a printed circuit board, on which the sensor element is also located.

[0029] In particular, sensor elements in the form of coils can form at least one oscillating circuit to generate a detection signal as a symmetrical signal of at least one oscillating circuit, which is then differentially evaluated by a comparator component, especially an electronic comparator. This allows the evaluation to be performed independently of the DC layer of the oscillator assembly. It also mitigates the negative effects of temperature variations.

[0030] It is also conceivable that a sensor assembly has at least or exactly two sensor elements, each designed as a helical coil and preferably arranged in parallel and / or bilinear configurations and / or electrically connected in series for joint sensing and detection. However, it is also possible to connect the sensor elements such that the current flowing through the sensor elements, particularly through the first and second sensor elements and preferably through the third and fourth sensor elements, is in the same direction. In the case of bilinear sensor element designs with opposite current flow, the magnetic fields generated by the sensor elements will approximately cancel each other out. However, under the specified connection, the current flow may be in the same direction, thus strengthening the magnetic field itself. The first and second sensor elements and / or the third and fourth sensor elements can therefore be used, at least in pairs, to jointly (cooperately) generate the magnetic field and thus detect.

[0031] Furthermore, optionally within the scope of this invention, the sensor assembly has at least or exactly two sensor elements designed to detect activation behavior within a first common and / or identical detection range, and advantageously has at least or exactly two additional sensor elements designed to detect activation behavior within a second common and / or identical detection range. In other words, the first and second sensor elements can perform detection within the first detection range, and optionally, the third and fourth sensor elements perform detection within the second detection range. For the two detection ranges, a single common activation mechanism can be provided, which moves relative to the two detection ranges due to activation behavior.

[0032] Optionally, it is conceivable that the sensor assembly has at least two sensor elements, each designed as a coil element, specifically to generate a magnetic field and / or to detect changes in the magnetic field caused by at least one or exactly one activation mechanism approaching the sensor element during activation. These sensor elements can be arranged in pairs and / or connected to collectively (reinforce) the magnetic field. In other words, the magnetic field generated by the first sensor element reinforces the magnetic field generated by the second sensor element. Thus, the first and second sensor elements can form a detection unit. Similarly, the third and fourth sensor elements can be interconnected to similarly form another detection unit. The first and second detection units can be arranged side-by-side, with the sensor elements of the same detection unit stacked on top of each other. It is possible that all the sensor elements of the device of the present invention detect the same activation behavior, i.e., the same movement of the activation mechanism.

[0033] Optionally, the sensor assembly may be specified to have at least two or exactly two sensor elements mounted on different layers of a printed circuit board in order to detect the activation behavior, particularly within a common and / or identical detection range. Stacking on different layers allows the sensor elements to be used together to generate a magnetic field. The printed circuit board may be designed, for example, as a multilayer printed circuit board.

[0034] It is also conceivable that a sensor assembly has at least four or exactly four sensor elements that can be mounted in pairs on different layers of a printed circuit board, wherein these pairs can be arranged side-by-side, particularly to detect activation behavior separately within different detection ranges. Pair stacking means that at least the first and second sensor elements are stacked as a first pair on different layers, and at least the third and fourth sensor elements are stacked as a second pair on different layers, but here, the first and third sensor elements can be arranged side-by-side, and the second and fourth sensor elements can be arranged side-by-side. This allows for the detection of activation behavior over a large area.

[0035] It is also feasible to have at least two sensor elements on different layers of a printed circuit board, wherein the sensor elements are electrically connected in pairs directly or indirectly to each other via through-hole contacts, and particularly directly or indirectly to ground potential. The ground potential, also simply referred to as ground or ground wire, can be formed, for example, through the vehicle body (vehicle ground) or, in addition, as a circuit ground. By connecting the sensor elements to each other, the sensor elements can be connected in series, thus generating a magnetic field very efficiently. Furthermore, in the case where a helical coil is used as a sensor element, the center points of the coils can be electrically connected to each other via through-hole contacts.

[0036] Alternatively, an activation mechanism can be provided to move relative to a sensor assembly via activation, wherein the sensor assembly preferably has at least two sensor elements arranged within the effective range of the activation mechanism to provide the inductance change caused by the movement of the activation mechanism. The activation mechanism can be designed to be conductive, for example, designed to be metallic, causing the inductance change. Furthermore, the sensor elements can be connected as part of at least one oscillating circuit, and an oscillator assembly is electrically connected to the sensor elements to control the at least one oscillating circuit to detect the inductance change, preferably such that the detection information is specific to the frequency of the at least one oscillating circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the processing device can be designed to detect the inductance change based on a frequency change and thereby detect the activation behavior. In this way, the movement of the activation mechanism can be determined by the sensor elements. This is functionally similar to the conventional use of a button operated by activation. However, the use of a button is technically more complex. The sensor elements also recognize the operation of the activation mechanism. Thus, a unit consisting of at least two, exactly two, or four sensor elements and an activation mechanism can be understood as a button.

[0037] The activation mechanism is designed, for example, as a metallic element such as a metal surface or metal strip. An advantage of using metal for the activation mechanism is that its position relative to the sensor assembly affects the inductance of the sensor element. At least one oscillating circuit, at least partially constituted by the sensor assembly, can then be used to measure changes in inductance. For this purpose, the at least one oscillating circuit can be electrically driven using an oscillator assembly such as a free-running oscillator.

[0038] The activation mechanism can be movably mounted on the printed circuit board of the device and / or the housing of the device and / or vehicle components. Furthermore, the oscillator assembly can have an oscillator such as a pulse sensor and / or a rectangular signal generator and / or a free-oscillating oscillator.

[0039] A comparator component, such as an electronic comparator, can be provided to compare the detection signals by the processing device. This is particularly advantageous when the sensor assembly forms at least one oscillating loop, especially a parallel oscillating loop, which is affected by an activation mechanism. For example, the comparator can compare the two detection signals and switch after both detection signals cross zero, so that the processing device can measure the (resonant) frequency of the oscillating loop and / or the detection signals by measuring or counting the switching process over time. One advantage here is that only the frequency is evaluated, not the amplitude of the detection signals. The comparator can here be designed as a differential comparator, which compares which detection signal is larger. When the two detection signals complete (exactly) one zero crossing, the two detection signals thus change their signs and the comparator switches its output signal. The detection signals are preferably inverse signals, i.e., having a phase difference of, for example, 180°, but are homogeneous, i.e., both are sinusoidal, for example.

[0040] It is also possible that the sensor assembly forms at least one oscillating loop, and the processing device is connected to the sensor assembly such that the processing device forms a frequency meter for the frequency of the at least one oscillating loop. In particular, the two detection signals can each have the same information about the frequency, for example, having the same period duration as periodic signals. The processing device can then evaluate the period duration. The frequency meter allows the inductive portion of the at least one oscillating loop to be determined, and activation behavior can be inferred in this way.

[0041] Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the sensor assembly forms at least one oscillating loop, and / or the processing device has a counter component to perform counting based on the zero-crossing of the detection signal, preferably determining the frequency (especially the resonant frequency) of the at least one oscillating loop specific to the activation behavior based on the counting result. In this way, the processing device can be designed as a frequency meter. Frequency differential measurement here offers the advantage of being extremely stable relative to interference effects.

[0042] It is also conceivable that the device according to the invention has at least one fixing mechanism for mounting in a vehicle's door handle or emblem, preferably for detecting activation behavior in the form of touching the door handle or emblem. This fixing mechanism may, for example, be formed within the housing of the device of the invention. For example, the fixing mechanism is designed as a groove for screws, etc., and / or a positioning mechanism such as for clearly defining the outline for fixing to the vehicle.

[0043] The subject of this invention is also a method for vehicles for sensing and detecting activation behaviors, particularly the operation of vehicle components. The following steps are specified herein, preferably sequentially or in any order; however, individual or all of the steps may also be repeated:

[0044] - Specifically, the activation behavior is detected by a sensor assembly (preferably driven by an oscillator assembly) to provide first and second detection signals, wherein the detection signals are specific to the same detection information associated with the activation behavior.

[0045] - Perform mutual comparison of detection signals, especially digitally and / or through electronic processing devices, to determine detection information and detect activation behavior based on the detection information, especially based on changes in the detection information.

[0046] Therefore, the method of the present invention provides the same advantages as explicitly described with respect to the apparatus of the present invention. Furthermore, this method may be applicable to operating the apparatus of the present invention.

[0047] It is also claimed that a vehicle component, such as a door handle and / or logo, has the device of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Other advantages, features, and details of the present invention are derived from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the features mentioned in the claims and specification may be important to the invention individually or in any combination, wherein:

[0049] Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with the device of the present invention is shown, which is also shown in a detailed view with other details.

[0050] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of the device of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 3-5 A side view schematic diagram of each different layer of at least one device of the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 6 and 7 A top view schematic diagram of at least one sensor element of the device of the present invention is shown.

[0053] Figure 8 A schematic side view of the different layers of the device of the present invention is shown.

[0054] Figure 9 and 10 The circuit diagram of the sensor element is shown.

[0055] Figure 11 A schematic visualization of the detected signal is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0056] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0057] Figure 1 A vehicle 1 is shown with the device 5 of the present invention. For example, the device 5 of the present invention is integrated into a vehicle component 2, specifically a door handle 2. As shown in the enlarged illustration, the device 5 of the present invention may have a plurality of layers L1, L2, L3, which are stacked and mounted. Sensor elements 11, 12 (see…) can be disposed on at least or exactly two of the layers L1, L2. Figure 2 As will be detailed below, a first detection range B1 and a second detection range B2 can also be monitored. For this purpose, detection ranges B1 and B2 respectively form the effective sensing ranges B1 and B2 of at least one of the sensor elements 11 and 12 and at least one activation mechanism 20. Each detection range B1 and B2 can be provided with its own activation mechanism 20, or as... Figure 1 A common activation mechanism 20 is used. The activation mechanism 20 is, for example, a metal element 20 that moves relative to the printed circuit board 90 of the device 5 of the present invention during activation. A housing 96 may also be provided, on which the activation mechanism 20 is movably mounted. At least one fixing mechanism 95 may also be provided on the housing 96 for mounting on the vehicle 1.

[0058] Figure 2 The device 5 for a vehicle 1, according to the invention, for sensing and detecting activation behavior, particularly the operation of vehicle component 2, is shown, along with other details. The described sensor elements 11, 12 may be part of a sensor assembly 10 for sensing and detecting activation behavior, in order to provide first and second detection signals S1, S2. As in... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As exemplarily shown in the example, such as Figure 2 The configuration of the sensor assembly 10 shown can be expanded to include other sensor elements 13 and 14. At least two sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be symmetrically connected. Therefore, in Figure 2The sensor elements 11 and 12 are shown to be electrically connected to each other and also electrically connected to ground potential 80 at this connection point (possibly indirectly connected, as shown by the dashed lines). At least two sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be part of a parallel resonant circuit whose voltages can be measured as detection signals S1 and S2. Other components of the sensor assembly 10 or the parallel resonant circuit can be at least one capacitor C and / or at least one resistor R, as illustrated by example. Additionally, an oscillator assembly 73 can be provided, connected to a voltage source V, to energize and operate the parallel resonant circuit. In this way, the inductance of the sensor assembly 10 can be detected, which can change due to the approach of the activation mechanism 20 (due to activation). Activation is, for example, manually applying force to the activation mechanism 20, thus causing movement of the activation mechanism 20. An air gap 21 and / or an elastic connector 30 may be provided between the activation mechanism 20 and the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14, allowing movement in the form of relative motion between the activation mechanism 20 and the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14. The activation mechanism 20 can therefore allow the inductive effect 22 of the sensor assembly 10. Thus, the detection signals S1 and S2 can be dedicated to the same detection information VS regarding the activation behavior, wherein the detection information VS is dedicated to the inductance change caused by the activation behavior.

[0059] As can be seen, the oscillator assembly 73 is connected to the symmetrical branch of the sensor assembly 10 to generate detection signals S1 and S2 in an inverted manner. This allows the detection signals S1 and S2 to be generated as symmetrical and / or differential and / or identical and / or periodic and / or inverted signals, such that the detection signals S1 and S2 have the same detection information VS. In this way, the comparator assembly 71 can evaluate the detection signals S1 and S2 in a particularly interference-resistant manner so as to determine the detection information VS by comparing the detection signals S1 and S2. The electronic processing device 70 can then detect activation behavior based on the detection information VS. For example, the detection information VS can be specific to the frequency of the parallel oscillation circuit of the sensor assembly 10, wherein the processing device 70 is designed to detect inductance changes based on frequency changes and thereby detect activation behavior. The processing device 70 can have a counter assembly 72 to perform counting based on the zero crossings of the detection signals S1 and S2, and determine the frequency of the oscillation circuit specific to the activation behavior based on the counting result. The comparator component 71 compares the first detection signal S1 with the second detection signal S2, and always switches the output signal (at reference VS) to the first value when the first detection signal S1 is greater than the second detection signal S2, and switches to the second value when the second detection signal S2 is greater than the first detection signal S1. By counting the switching process per unit time, the frequency of the detection signal, which is the detection information VS, can be determined by the counter component 72. As shown by the dashed line, the comparator component 71 and / or the counter component 72 and / or the voltage source V (at least partially) may be part of the processing device 70, especially an integrated circuit.

[0060] Figure 2 The method steps of the present invention are also described. Therefore, according to the first method step, in particular by means of the sensor assembly 10, the sensing detection of activation behavior is performed to provide first and second detection signals S1, S2, wherein the detection signals S1, S2 are specific to the same detection information VS associated with the activation behavior. According to the second method step, the detection signals S1, S2 are subsequently compared, particularly by means of an electronic processing device, to determine the detection information VS and to detect the activation behavior based on the detection information VS.

[0061] Figure 3-5 The first and second sensor elements 11 and 12, with other details, are shown. Figure 5 Third and fourth sensor elements 13 and 14 are also shown. Sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be mounted on different layers L1 and L2 of a printed circuit board 90 to detect within a common, identical detection range (B1 is used for sensor elements 11 and 12, while B2 is used for sensor elements 13 and 14, see...). Figure 1 Activation behavior within ) . According to Figure 5These four sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be stacked in pairs on different layers L1 and L2 of the printed circuit board 90 to detect activation behavior in different detection ranges B1 and B2, respectively. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As illustrated, sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be electrically connected to each other directly or indirectly via via contacts 91 in pairs on different layers L1 and L2 of the printed circuit board 90, and in particular (via via contacts 91) directly or indirectly to ground potential 80 on the third layer L3 of the printed circuit board 90. Optionally, a shield 40 is formed on the printed circuit board 90 for the sensor elements 11, 12 (and perhaps 13, 14). The shield 40 can extend around the sensor elements 11, 12 (and especially 13, 14) for example, in the form of at least one annular conductive element. For example, the shield 40 is designed for this purpose as at least one printed conductor of the printed circuit board 90, which optionally has a ground potential, or alternatively is actively electrically driven. For this purpose, at least one conductive surface can be arranged on the same layers L1, L2, L3, and L4 of the printed circuit board 90, on which the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disposed. The printed circuit board is designed, for example, as a four-layer printed circuit board, such as... Figure 8 As shown. The ring design with shielding 40 is in Figure 6 and Figure 7 The example is shown in the text. Figure 6 , 7 as well as Figure 9 and 10 This shows a top view of layers L1 and L2, which are located in... Figure 3-5 and Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of the printed circuit board 90 is shown.

[0062] It is also feasible to spatially provide a connector 30 between the activation mechanism 20 and at least one of the sensor elements 11, 12 (or possibly 13, 14). The connector 30 may be designed to be elastic, for example. Alternatively, the connector 30 may be made of an elastic conductive material and / or (conductive) foam material and / or a spring, especially a helical spring. Preferably, the connector 30 may be designed as a foam pad, etc. This can result in improved interference suppression.

[0063] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 and Figure 10The diagram shows that sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be designed as helical coils and arranged in a spatially parallel and / or bilinear manner and / or electrically connected in series for common sensing measurements. It is feasible to connect sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 such that the current flowing through sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14, especially through the first sensor element 11 and the second sensor element 12, and preferably through the third sensor element 13 and the fourth sensor element 14, is in the same direction. In this way, the generated magnetic field can be strengthened. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the diagram, the flow of current is indicated by arrows. Figure 6 The diagram shows the input terminals E1 and E2 and the output terminals A1 and A2 of the coil. Input terminal E1 can be (directly) electrically connected to output terminal A2 via through-hole contact 91. Current flows from A1 through E1, then A2, and subsequently through E2.

[0064] Figure 11 The diagram schematically illustrates the detection signals S1 and S2 generated in this manner. The 180° phase difference between detection signals S1 and S2 results in phase reversal or simultaneous zero-crossing, but here, the signs of detection signals S1 and S2 are different. The count of zero-crossings now allows the determination of the detection information VS.

[0065] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative and illustrates the invention within the scope of examples. Obviously, the various features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other as long as they are technically meaningful, without exceeding the scope of the invention. List of reference numerals in the drawings.

[0066] 1 vehicle

[0067] 2 door handles, vehicle parts

[0068] 5 devices

[0069] 10. Sensor assembly, coil element, coil assembly, helical coil assembly

[0070] 11 First sensor element, first coil element

[0071] 12. Second sensor element, second coil element

[0072] 13. Third sensor element, third coil element

[0073] 14. Fourth sensor element, fourth coil element

[0074] 20 Activation mechanism, metal components

[0075] 21 air gap

[0076] 22 Inductance Effect

[0077] 30 connecting mechanism, conductive material

[0078] 40 shielding

[0079] 70 Processing device, microcontroller

[0080] 71 comparator components

[0081] 72 counter components

[0082] 73 Oscillator Components

[0083] 80 ground potential

[0084] 90 Printed Circuit Boards

[0085] 91 Through-hole Contact Section

[0086] 95 Fixed Mechanism

[0087] 96 casing

[0088] A1 First Output Terminal

[0089] A2 Second Output Terminal

[0090] B1 First detection range, effective range

[0091] B2 Second Detection Range, Effective Range

[0092] C capacitor

[0093] E1 first input terminal

[0094] E2 second input terminal

[0095] L1 First Floor

[0096] L2 Level 2

[0097] L3 third level

[0098] L4 Fourth Floor

[0099] R resistor

[0100] S1 First Detection Signal

[0101] S2 Second Detection Signal

[0102] V voltage source

[0103] VS detection information

Claims

1. A device (5) for sensing and detecting activation behavior in a vehicle (1), comprising: - Sensor assembly (10) for sensing and detecting activation behavior to provide first and second detection signals (S1, S2), wherein, The first and second detection signals (S1, S2) are specific to the same detection information (VS) regarding activation behavior. - An electronic processing device (70) is configured to compare the first and second detection signals (S1, S2) with each other to determine the detection information (VS) and to detect activation behavior based on the detection information (VS). The activation behavior includes the operation of vehicle component (2), and The sensor assembly (10) forms at least one oscillating circuit, and the processing device (70) has a counter component (72) for performing counting based on the zero crossings of the first and second detection signals (S1, S2) and determining the frequency of the at least one oscillating circuit specific to the activation behavior based on the counting result.

2. The device (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (10) has at least two sensor elements (11, 12) that are symmetrically connected to each other to generate the first and second detection signals (S1, S2) as symmetrical signals and / or differential signals, such that the first and second detection signals (S1, S2) have the same detection information (VS).

3. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (10) has at least two sensor elements (11, 12) as part of a parallel oscillating circuit to generate the first and second detection signals (S1, S2) as identical and / or periodic signals.

4. The device (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (10) has at least two sensor elements (11, 12), wherein an oscillator assembly (73) is connected to these sensor elements (11, 12) respectively to generate the first and second detection signals (S1, S2) as inverted and differential signals.

5. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (10) is designed as a symmetrical circuit with at least two sensor elements (11, 12), and the processing device (70) has a comparator component (71) for comparing the first and second detection signals (S1, S2), the comparator component (71) being electrically connected to these sensor elements (11, 12) to differentially evaluate the first and second detection signals (S1, S2) to detect activation behavior.

6. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (10) has at least two or exactly two sensor elements (11, 12), each designed as a helical coil and arranged in parallel and / or bilinear manner in space and / or electrically connected in series with each other for common sensing detection.

7. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (10) has at least two or exactly two sensor elements (11, 12) to detect activation behavior within a first common detection range (B1), and the sensor assembly has at least two or exactly two other sensor elements (13, 14) to detect activation behavior within a second common detection range (B2).

8. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (10) has at least two sensor elements (11, 12), each designed as a coil element to generate a corresponding magnetic field and to detect changes in the magnetic field caused by at least one or exactly one activation mechanism (20) approaching the sensor element (11, 12) during activation.

9. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (10) has at least two or exactly two sensor elements (11, 12) which are fixed on different layers (L1, L2) of a printed circuit board (90) to detect activation behavior within a common detection range (B1).

10. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (10) has at least four sensor elements (11, 12, 13, 14) that are stacked in pairs on different layers (L1, L2) of a printed circuit board (90).

11. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (10) has at least two sensor elements (11, 12) on different layers (L1, L2) of a printed circuit board (90), wherein the sensor elements (11, 12) are connected to ground potential (80) directly or indirectly through through-hole contacts (91).

12. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, An activation mechanism (20) is provided for movement relative to the sensor assembly (10) by the activation behavior, wherein the sensor assembly (10) has at least two sensor elements (11, 12) arranged in an effective region (B1, B2) containing the activation mechanism (20) to provide an inductance change caused by the movement of the activation mechanism (20), wherein the sensor elements (11, 12) are connected as part of at least one oscillating circuit, and an oscillator assembly (73) is electrically connected to the sensor elements (11, 12) to drive the at least one oscillating circuit to detect the inductance change, such that the detection information (VS) is specific to the frequency of the at least one oscillating circuit, wherein the processing device (70) is designed to detect the inductance change based on the frequency change and thereby detect the activation behavior.

13. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device (5) has at least one fixing mechanism (95) for installation in the door handle or logo of the vehicle (1) to detect activation behavior in the form of touching the door handle or the logo.

14. A method for operating a vehicle (1) for sensing and detecting activation behavior using a device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The activation behavior includes the operation of vehicle component (2), and the method performs the following steps: - The sensor detection that performs the activation behavior provides first and second detection signals (S1, S2), wherein the first and second detection signals (S1, S2) are specific to the same detection information (VS) regarding the activation behavior. - Perform a comparison between the first and second detection signals (S1, S2) to determine the detection information (VS) and detect the activation behavior based on the detection information (VS).

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