Device for inductive detection activation of vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (5) for a vehicle (1) for inductively detecting activation actions, particularly actuation of vehicle components (2), comprising: - a sensor device (10) for inductively detecting activation actions to provide at least one detection signal (S1, S2), the at least one detection signal (S1, S2) being specific to detection information (VS) for activation actions; - an electronic processing device (70) for determining detection information (VS) from at least one detection signal (S1, S2) in order to detect activation actions based on detection information (VS), wherein the sensor device (10) includes at least two sensor elements (11, 12) located on different layers (L1, L2) of a printed circuit board (90), wherein the at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are electrically connected to each other through vias (91).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for inductively detecting activation actions in a vehicle. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a method for inductively detecting activation actions. Background Technology

[0002] As is known from existing technology, at least one button can be provided on a vehicle component, such as a door handle, to detect touch or movement of the handle. This actuation of the vehicle component can trigger a function in the vehicle, such as unlocking and / or opening a gate. However, due to the mechanical operation of the button, reliability may be reduced.

[0003] Furthermore, the use of inductive sensors in vehicles is known for detecting the actuation of vehicle components. For example, a so-called LDC sensor can be used for this purpose, detecting changes in inductance. However, this type of detection is often still susceptible to interference, thus reducing its reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to at least partially eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, one objective of this invention is to propose an improved solution for detecting activation actions.

[0005] The aforementioned task will be accomplished by an apparatus having the technical features of the equipment of the present invention, and a method having the technical features of the method of the present invention. Other features and details are embodied in the description and drawings. In this case, the description of features and details relating to the arrangement according to the present invention naturally also applies to the method according to the present invention, and vice versa; therefore, in respect of the disclosure of individual aspects of the present invention, mutual reference may or may always be made.

[0006] This task is solved, in particular, by a device, preferably a circuit device. The device according to the invention can be designed for use in vehicles to inductively detect activation actions. 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 be designed as a circuit device, for example, having a printed circuit board and optionally at least one housing. The activation action is, for example, an actuation of a vehicle component, preferably by a user touching and / or applying force. The device according to the invention can, in particular, be designed as an electronic circuit device and / or an inductive sensor.

[0007] Activation actions, particularly actuation of vehicle components, may include, for example, touching and / or moving and / or applying force to the vehicle component, which triggers movement of the activation device of the device according to the invention. For example, contact with the housing of the vehicle component may cause displacement of the activation device. Advantageously, the activation device is fixedly and / or movably mounted on the housing of the vehicle component or device according to the invention. Furthermore, the activation device may be formed as a conductive surface or coating on the housing.

[0008] If the vehicle is designed as a motor vehicle, particularly a hybrid or electric vehicle, it is advantageous to have a high-voltage electrical system and / or an electric motor. Furthermore, the vehicle can potentially be designed as a fuel cell vehicle and / or a passenger car and / or a semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle has a security system capable of authentication, for example, through communication with an identification transmitter (ID transmitter). Based on the communication and / or authentication, at least one function of the vehicle can be activated. If authentication by the ID transmitter is necessary for this purpose, the function can be a security-related function, such as unlocking the vehicle or moving a cover (such as a front, rear, or side cover or door) to an open position or starting the engine. When the device according to the invention successfully detects an activation action, it is possible to activate the function and / or authentication. For example, upon successful detection of an activation action, the device according to the invention outputs a trigger signal, thereby triggering the function and / or authentication. In other words, the output of the trigger signal depends on the detection of the activation action, for example, through a processing device, such as an output to a control unit of the vehicle. Therefore, the device according to the invention may include a wire and / or a plug connection or similar for detachable electrical connection to the vehicle's control unit.

[0009] It can be further envisioned that this security system is also designed as a passive access system, which initiates authentication and / or activation functions when it detects an ID transmitter approaching the vehicle, without requiring the ID transmitter to be actively and manually activated. For this purpose, for example, the security system repeatedly transmits a wake-up signal, which the ID transmitter receives upon approach, and then triggers authentication.

[0010] The device according to the invention may include the following components, preferably used to form an inductive sensor:

[0011] —A sensor device for inductively detecting activation actions to provide at least one, particularly (just or at least) first and second detection signals, wherein at least one detection signal may be specific for detection information, particularly the same, regarding the activation action.

[0012] —An electronic processing device, such as a microcontroller, is used to determine detection information from at least one detection signal in order to detect an activation action based on the detection information, particularly based on changes in the detection information.

[0013] It can be specified that the sensor device comprises at least or exactly two (or at least or exactly four) sensor elements on different layers of a printed circuit board. Therefore, a first sensor element can be arranged on the first layer, and a second sensor element can be arranged on the second layer of the printed circuit board. If more than two sensor elements are provided, for example, at least or exactly four sensor elements, then a first type of sensor element (e.g., first and third sensor elements) can be arranged on the first layer, and a second type of sensor element (e.g., second and fourth sensor elements) can be arranged on the second layer. The first and second sensor elements can be arranged one below the other, and / or the third and fourth sensor elements can be arranged one below the other, and / or the first and third sensor elements can be arranged side-by-side and / or the second and fourth sensor elements can be arranged side-by-side. This results in the sensor elements being arranged in pairs on different layers. A pair of sensors arranged one below the other can also be electrically connected to each other via vias. If necessary, sensor elements arranged adjacent to each other on the same layer can be electrically connected to each other via conductor tracks. In other words, these pairs can be electrically connected to each other via a via. Therefore, the printed circuit board can be designed as a multilayer printed circuit board. For example, sensor elements are designed as conductive elements, for instance, in the form of at least one conductive track on a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB can have, for example, at least two, at least three, or at least or exactly four layers. The layers can be securely connected together, thus stacking on top of each other. Therefore, each layer can be understood as a conductive path layer of the PCB. Furthermore, the conductive tracks of the layers can be electrically connected to each other vias. Vias can be designed as vertical electrical connections between the conductive path layers of the PCB. Electrical connections can be achieved through internal metallized vias in the carrier material of the PCB.

[0014] The stacked arrangement on different layers allows sensor elements to be used together to generate a magnetic field. If more than two sensing elements are provided, all sensing elements or pairs of sensing elements (i.e., always two sensing elements) can be used to generate a common magnetic field.

[0015] In the case of multiple detection signals, the detection signals can be specific to the same detection information; in other words, they are carriers of the same detection information, for example, having the same frequency. The detection information, such as the frequency of at least one detection signal, can be specific to the activation action, i.e., dependent on the activation action, so that the detection information can be used to detect the activation action.

[0016] For example, it can be specified that at least two sensor elements are each formed as an electric helical coil. The advantage of doing so is that interference and / or losses, such as eddy current losses, can be reduced.

[0017] At least two sensor elements, particularly pairs, can be electrically connected in parallel and / or in pairs and / or in series to perform joint inductive detection of activation. Thus, the sensor elements can be connected such that the currents through the sensor elements, particularly through the first and second sensor elements, and preferably through the third and fourth sensor elements, are in the same direction. In a bifurcated design of the sensor elements with opposite current flows, the magnetic fields generated by the sensor elements would almost cancel each other out. However, with this given connection, currents in the same direction can occur, thereby reinforcing the magnetic fields. Therefore, the first and second sensor elements and / or the third and fourth sensor elements can work together (cooperate) in pairs to generate a single magnetic field for detection.

[0018] According to an advantageous further extension of the invention, an activation device, particularly a conductive activation device, can be provided to move relative to a sensor device, preferably by an activation action. Preferably, at least two sensor elements are arranged within an effective range with the activation device to detect the movement inductively, particularly by the change in inductance generated by the movement of the activation device. In this way, the activation action can be detected inductively. The activation device can be activated, particularly moved, by the activation action, thereby changing the inductance, which can be measured in the sensor device. The change in inductance can be determined based on at least one detection signal, for example, based on the frequency of the detection signal. Thus, the change in inductance and / or frequency can form detection information. In the case of multiple detection signals, the detection signals can be compared with each other to determine the detection information. The detection information is accordingly dependent on and particularly proportional to the change in inductance. For example, the detection of the activation action is made possible by comparing the frequency with a threshold.

[0019] The given values ​​for the distance between the activation device and at least one sensor element refer to the distance of the activation device in its inactive state. On the other hand, when the activation device is actuated by an activation action, the activation device may move relative to the sensor arrangement, thereby changing the distance.

[0020] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the minimum geometric and / or spatial distances from the sensor element (especially the sensor device) to the grounding element and / or the activation device (in the inactive state, i.e., when the activation device is not activated or does not move or activate) are substantially the same. Equal distances between the sensor element and the grounding element and / or between the sensor element and the activation device create geometric symmetry, reducing interference effects. The grounding element, in particular, can have an electrical ground potential. The same distance contributes to the geometric symmetry of the structure. This also has the advantage of generating symmetrical detection signals for evaluation.

[0021] An advantageous geometric configuration will be described in more detail below. For example, the first sensor element can be positioned at the same distance from the activation device as the third sensor element. Alternatively, the distance between the activation device and the location where the first and / or third sensor elements are mounted can be constant in the inactive state of the activation device. It can also be specified that the second sensor element is positioned at the same distance from the grounding element (with ground potential) as the fourth sensor element. For example, the grounding element can be formed as a conductive surface on a layer of a printed circuit board, particularly below the layer where the second and fourth sensor elements are mounted. Furthermore, the distance between the first and / or third sensor elements and the activation device can be equal to the distance between the second and / or fourth sensor elements and the grounding element.

[0022] It is further advantageous, within the scope of this invention, to provide an activation device composed of a conductive material, particularly a metal, so as to preferably provide an inductive effect on the sensor element through activation during movement. It is also conceivable that at least two sensor elements and the activation device are arranged within an effective range so as to provide a change in inductance through movement of the activation device. For example, the activation device can be conductive, for example, as a metal, which causes a change in inductance. Furthermore, the sensor elements can be connected as part of at least one resonant circuit, and an oscillator device can be electrically connected to the sensor elements to drive at least one resonant circuit to detect changes in inductance, preferably making the detection information specific to the frequency of at least one resonant circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the processing device can be designed to detect changes in inductance based on frequency changes and, based on this, detect the activation action. In this way, movement of the activation device can be detected by the sensor elements. This is functionally equivalent to a conventionally used button, which is braked by an activation action. However, technically, using a button is more complex. The sensor elements can also detect the activation device...

[0023] The braking status of the device. Therefore, functionally, a unit consisting of at least two, exactly two, or four sensor elements and an activation device can be understood as a button.

[0024] The activation device is formed, for example, as a metallic element, such as a metal surface, metal strip, or the like. One advantage of designing an activation device made of metal is that the position of the activation device relative to the sensor device affects the inductance of the sensor element. Then, at least one resonant circuit, at least partially formed by the sensor device, can be used to measure changes in inductance. For this purpose, at least one resonant circuit can be electrically driven by an oscillator device, such as a freely vibrating oscillator.

[0025] The activation device can be movably connected to the circuit board of the device and / or the device housing and / or vehicle components. Furthermore, the oscillator device may include an oscillator, such as a clock generator and / or a square wave signal generator and / or a freely vibrating oscillator.

[0026] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, an activation device may be provided that is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the device's ground potential, i.e., particularly grounded. For example, an indirect connection can be achieved as a dynamic connection to ground, such as through a capacitor. In this way, the detection of inductance changes can be further improved.

[0027] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connector is geometrically and / or spatially arranged between at least one sensor element and the activation device, wherein preferably, the connector is designed to be elastic. For example, it is conceivable that the connector is designed as an elastic element, such as a foam pad or a coil spring, to connect at least one sensor element to the activation device (preferably electrically). The connector is, for example, elastically designed to allow relative movement between the activation device and the sensor element. Additionally, the connector may comprise elastic and conductive materials and / or (conductive) foam and / or springs, particularly coil springs. Preferably, the connector may be a foam pad or similar form. This may provide better interference suppression.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be specified that the connector directly contacts at least one sensor element, such as the first and third sensor elements. Additionally, if applicable, the connector may directly contact the activation device. The connector may be spatially arranged within the air gap between the sensor element and the activation device.

[0029] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, it is conceivable that the connector comprises a conductive material to electrically connect at least one or exactly one sensor element to the activation device. This serves to suppress interference.

[0030] Advantageously, within the scope of this invention, a shielding element can be provided for the sensor element, wherein the shielding element may comprise a conductive material that circumferentially surrounds one or more individual sensor elements. For this purpose, at least one conductive surface can be arranged on the same layer of a printed circuit board, on which the sensor elements are also disposed. In this way, the shielding element can also be formed into a pot-shaped ring surrounding the sensor element. The shielding element can be formed on the same layer, particularly attached to the same layer on which the sensor elements are also disposed. The shielding element can circumferentially surround the sensor element on that layer relative to the geometric plane of the printed circuit board layer, and preferably, and possibly up to a gap surrounding it from all sides. In other words, the shielding element can form an open ring. In this case, the shielding element can be formed as conductive tracks and / or conductive surfaces on the layer. The sensor element can also be formed as conductive tracks and / or conductive surfaces on the layer.

[0031] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, it can be specified that the shielding element is directly or indirectly electrically connected to ground potential. Therefore, passive electrical shielding can be provided by ground potential.

[0032] Furthermore, it can be specified that the shielding element is geometrically formed as an open or resistive closed loop. Advantageously, the shielding element does not form a closed loop with equal potential, i.e., a short-circuit loop. Therefore, interference with the shielding is avoided.

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least two or at least four sensor elements are symmetrically connected to each other, so as to preferably generate at least two detection signals as symmetrical and / or differential signals, thereby allowing the detection signals to have the same detection information, such as the same frequency. Therefore, the detection signals can be specific to the same detection information for the activation action. This specifically means that the detection information can be determined from two detection signals (in each case individually), without considering other detection signals of each other, or without comparing the detection signals, if necessary. For example, the detection information is the frequency of the respective (periodic) detection signals. Comparison of the detection signals makes it possible to determine the detection information with higher reliability. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the detection signals are implemented as symmetrical, particularly mass-symmetrical, and / or opposite-phase electrical signals. This makes differential evaluation of the signals possible, for example, through a comparator component, to reliably determine the detection information.

[0034] It can be further envisioned that the sensor device comprises at least or exactly two, or at least or exactly four, particularly conductive sensor elements as conductive surfaces and / or conductive tracks. The sensor elements can be symmetrically connected (towards each other) to generate detection signals as symmetrical and / or differential signals; therefore, it is preferable that the detection signals have the same detection information. The detection signals can be transmitted to the processing device, particularly to the comparator component, as differential and / or symmetrical signals, particularly in the sense of symmetrical transmission, additionally but under given conditions, with a (constant) phase difference. For example, a 180° phase difference between the detection signals makes it possible to achieve phase reversal of one detection signal and / or simultaneous zero-crossing of the detection signals, but with different signs of amplitude. Using symmetrical signals provides particular robustness to interference because they cancel each other out. To further improve robustness, the sensor device and / or the circuitry of the entire assembly according to the invention can be designed as symmetrically as possible (in terms of circuitry) to also generate two detection signals with high symmetry, particularly sine waves. Another advantage of symmetry is that temperature issues and the resulting variations have little or no negative impact.

[0035] Furthermore, the sensor device is adapted to provide at least one detection signal as first and second detection signals, wherein the electronic processing device can be adapted to compare the detection signals with each other to determine detection information based on the comparison, and to detect an activation action based on the detection information. In other words, the detection signals can be compared with each other to determine the detection information. The detection information can be an attribute of the detection signal, such as a frequency, which may depend on the inductance of the sensor device. Therefore, the activation action can be adjusted to change the detection information, in particular to change the inductance of the sensor device. Therefore, the processing device can be adapted to detect changes in inductance to infer the presence of an activation action. For this purpose, the degree of change can be compared with a threshold, etc. Therefore, the device according to the invention provides the function of an inductive sensor. However, compared with conventional inductive sensors, two detection signals can be evaluated to improve stability and reliability. For the detection of an activation action, the detection signals can be evaluated as two (equal) periodic signals by a comparator. It is possible that the detection signals are compared by the processing device, in particular a comparator, preferably a differential comparator, measuring the differential voltage of the sensor element. Therefore, the detection signal can be realized as the voltage of the sensor element of the sensor device. This has advantages over traditional solutions that rely on asymmetry to assess changes in inductance, such as LDC sensors.

[0036] Alternatively, it can be envisioned that at least two or at least four sensor elements are designed as components of at least one resonant circuit, particularly a parallel resonant circuit, to generate at least two detection signals as informational equivalents and / or periodic signals. In the resonant circuit, electrical energy is periodically exchanged between the elements of the resonant circuit, such as the sensor elements and at least one capacitor, thereby generating at least one periodic detection signal. The detection signals may correspond to different voltages in the parallel resonant circuit; for example, a first detection signal corresponds to the voltage of a first resonant circuit, and a second detection signal corresponds to the voltage of a second resonant circuit. The resonant circuit and / or sensor device may further include at least one capacitor to provide resonance in cooperation with the sensor elements (particularly in the form of coils). The resonant frequency and / or the frequency of the detection signal can then be used as detection information. For example, the detection signal is generated by electrical oscillations (particularly periodic or repetitive charge displacements) in the sensor elements, which are initiated and / or excited by an oscillator arrangement and may be influenced by an activation device. The resonant circuit can be understood as a parallel resonant circuit, particularly two symmetrically interconnected resonant circuits. Therefore, the detection signal is relative to the frequency of the electrical oscillations of the interconnected resonant circuits. In other words, the first detection signal can be specific to the first type of oscillation, and the second detection signal can be specific to the oscillation of the second resonant circuit. The resonant circuit can be symmetrical, so that the frequencies of the two detection signals are the same.

[0037] Furthermore, it is possible that at least one detection signal is a periodic and / or (especially substantially) sinusoidal signal in each case, and preferably, the different detection signals are mutually phase-shifted signals. The respective detection signals can alternatively or additionally be configured as voltages and / or currents. In this case, the detection signals can, for example, be applied as voltages to their respective resonant circuits, which are formed by the sensor device or sensor element. The resonant circuits can form a parallel resonant circuit whose frequency varies depending on the position and / or distance between the activating device and the sensor device.

[0038] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sensor device has at least two additional sensor elements, i.e., a total of at least or exactly four sensor elements, wherein the sensor elements of the sensor device can be electrically connected to each other, particularly in series, and preferably electrically connected to each other directly or indirectly in pairs through vias, and preferably directly or indirectly electrically connected to ground potential. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sensor devices can be fixed in pairs on different layers of a printed circuit board, wherein the paired sensors can be arranged adjacent to each other, particularly for detecting activation actions separately in different detection areas. "One under the other" means that at least the first and second sensor elements, as a first pair, are placed on different layers, one under the other, and at least the third and fourth sensor elements, as a second pair, are placed on different layers, one under the other, wherein, however, the first and third sensor elements can be arranged adjacent to each other, and the second and fourth sensor elements can be arranged adjacent to each other. This makes large-area detection of activation actions possible.

[0039] The sensor device can be further configured to have at least or exactly four sensor elements, of which at least two are connected to different layers of the printed circuit board, and the sensor elements can be electrically connected to each other directly or indirectly in pairs through vias, particularly directly or indirectly to ground potential.

[0040] Ground potential, also known as grounding (Masse) or simply Erde, can be formed, for example, by the vehicle body (vehicle ground) or otherwise as a circuit ground. Sensor elements can be connected in series through mutual contact, thereby generating a magnetic field particularly effectively. Furthermore, in the case of helical coils as sensor elements, the center points of the coils can make electrical contact with each other through through-holes.

[0041] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is possible that at least or exactly two sensor elements are designed to detect an activation action in a first common and / or identical detection region. Advantageously, the sensor device includes at least or exactly two additional sensor elements designed to detect the activation action in a second common and / or identical detection region. In other words, the first and second sensor elements can detect in the first detection region, and alternatively, third and fourth sensor elements can detect in the second detection region. A single, common activation mechanism can be provided for both detection regions, which moves relative to both detection regions upon activation.

[0042] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for inductively detecting activation actions in a vehicle, particularly the actuation of vehicle components. In this method, the following steps are defined and performed, preferably sequentially or in any order, or individual and / or all steps may be repeated:

[0043] —The activation action is detected inductively by a sensor device to provide at least one detection signal, which is specific to the specific detection information of the activation action.

[0044] —Determine the detection information based on at least one detection signal so as to detect the activation action based on the detection information.

[0045] In this configuration, the sensor device can be configured to have at least two sensor elements on different layers, particularly on a printed circuit board, which are electrically connected to each other via vias. For example, the sensor elements can be driven at the same potential in this manner. Therefore, the method according to the invention provides the same advantages as the device according to the invention already described in detail. Furthermore, the method is applicable to operating the device according to the invention.

[0046] Activation can be performed by evaluating the frequency of the detection signal and / or without evaluating its amplitude, i.e., omitting amplitude evaluation. This may improve the reliability of the detection.

[0047] Within the scope of this invention, further advantages can be achieved if at least two detection signals are provided during the detection period of the sensor device, and an oscillator device is connected to the sensor element respectively to generate the detection signals as in-phase and / or differential signals. For example, the processing device may include a comparator component, such as an electronic comparator, for comparing the out-of-phase detection signals, i.e., switching specifically whenever the first detection signal is greater than the second detection signal, and vice versa. The oscillator device may include at least two electronic switches that switch repeatedly and sequentially, particularly providing a clock for the resonant circuitry of the sensor arrangement. For this purpose, the oscillator device may be controlled by the processing device or become part of the processing device. The oscillator device may be further designed to drive the sensor element and, in particular, the various resonant circuitry of the sensor device in antiphase mode, and / or drive them in a manner that generates the detection signals in antiphase mode. In this case, antiphase is understood as a 180° phase shift of the detection signals relative to each other.

[0048] Preferably, the sensor device can be designed as a symmetrical circuit, with at least two sensor elements being geometrically symmetrically arranged and / or symmetrically connected in circuitry. In this way, the sensor device can provide, for example, two resonant circuits and / or one parallel resonant circuit, where the sensor elements can provide inductance. Additionally, the processing device may include a comparator component, particularly an electronic comparator, for comparing the detected signals. For example, the comparator component is part of a microcontroller. Furthermore, the comparator component can be electrically connected to the sensor elements to evaluate the detected signals (particularly differential) to detect activation. Specifically, a first detected signal may appear at a first input, and a second detected signal may appear at a second input of the comparator component. The sensor device, particularly the entire device according to the invention, can be designed to be substantially symmetrical, at least in circuitry and geometry. Furthermore, geometrically equal distances can be provided between the sensor elements and a grounding element having ground potential and / or to the activation device (and / or between the sensor elements and each other). This means that the minimum distance between the sensor elements and the grounding element and / or the activation device is the same. For example, the distance from the first and / or third sensor elements to the activation device can be the same as the distance from the second and / or fourth sensor elements to the grounding element. The symmetrical design gives it a high degree of interference suppression capability.

[0049] Alternatively, it is conceivable that at least two sensor elements are each designed as coil elements, specifically to generate magnetic fields separately, and / or to detect changes in the magnetic field during activation due to at least one or exactly one activating device approaching a sensor element. The sensor elements can be arranged in a double-wire configuration and / or interconnected to collectively (amplify) the generated field. In other words, the magnetic field generated by the first sensor element amplifies the magnetic field generated by the second sensor element. Therefore, the first and second sensor elements can form a detection unit. Similarly, a third and fourth sensor element can be interconnected, also forming another detection unit. The first and second sensing units can be arranged side-by-side, with sensor elements of the same detection unit positioned one below the other. All sensor elements of the device according to the invention are capable of detecting the same activation action, i.e., the same movement of the activating device.

[0050] A comparator component, such as an electronic comparator, can be provided to compare the detected signals of the processing arrangement. This is particularly advantageous if the sensor device forms at least one resonant circuit, especially a parallel resonant circuit, and is affected by an activation device. For example, the comparator can compare two detected signals and switch them after both signals cross zero. Thus, the processing device can detect the (resonant) frequency of the resonant circuit and / or the detected signals by measuring or counting the time of these switching processes. One advantage here is that only the frequency is evaluated, rather than the amplitude of the detected signals. The comparator can be designed as a differential comparator to compare which detected signal is larger. After both detected signals have (exactly) crossed zero, both detected signals have changed sign, and the comparator switches its output signal. The detected signals are preferably signals with opposite phases, i.e., with a phase shift of, for example, 180°, and are uniform, i.e., both are sinusoidal waves.

[0051] Furthermore, it is possible that the sensor device forms at least one resonant circuit, and the processing device is connected to the sensor device in such a way that the processing device forms a frequency meter for the frequency of the at least one resonant circuit. A single detection signal can then be evaluated relative to this frequency. In particular, when two detection signals are used, these two detection signals can each have the same frequency information, for example, periodic signals with the same period duration. The processing device can then evaluate the duration of the period. The inductive component of at least one resonant circuit can be determined by the frequency meter, and conclusions about the activation action can be drawn in this way.

[0052] Within the scope of this invention, it can be further envisioned that the sensor device forms at least one resonant circuit, and / or the processing arrangement includes a counter component for counting based on the zero-crossing points of the detected signal, and preferably determines the (particularly resonant) frequency of at least one resonant circuit, which is specific to the activation action, based on the counting results. In this way, the processing device can be designed as a frequency meter. Differential frequency measurement has the particularly stable advantage of being unaffected by interference.

[0053] It can be further envisioned that the device according to the invention includes at least one fixing device for fixing in a door handle or vehicle emblem, preferably for detecting an activation action performed by touching the door handle or vehicle emblem. For example, the fixing device may be formed in the housing of the device according to the invention. For example, the fixing device is formed as a recess for a screw or the like, and / or formed as a positioning device, such as a profile for secure fixing to a vehicle.

[0054] Also protected are vehicle components, such as door handles and / or vehicle markings, which include the device according to the invention.

[0055] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this context, the features mentioned in the claims and description may be individually or in any combination to form the core of the invention, as shown below. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a vehicle equipped with the device according to the invention, and a detailed view with further details is also shown.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a schematic circuit diagram of the device according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 3-5 This is a schematic side view of different layers of at least one device according to the present invention.

[0059] Figure 6 +7 is a schematic top view of a sensor element of at least one device according to the present invention.

[0060] Figure 8 Schematic side view of different layers of the device according to the invention.

[0061] Figure 9 and 10 The schematic diagram of the sensor element.

[0062] Figure 11 This is a visual diagram of the detected signal.

[0063] In the following views, even in different embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features. Detailed Implementation

[0064] exist Figure 1 The image shows a vehicle 1 equipped with a device 5 according to the invention. For example, the device 5 according to the invention is integrated into a vehicle component 2, specifically a door handle 2. In a magnified view, it can be seen that the device 5 according to the invention may have several layers L1, L2, L3, which are arranged on top of each other. Sensor elements 11, 12 (see...) Figure 2The detection area B1 can be set on at least or exactly two layers L1, L2, as will be described in detail below. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first detection area B1 and the second detection area B2 can be monitored. For this purpose, each detection area B1, B2 forms an inductively active area B1, B2 of at least one sensor element 11, 12 and at least one activation device 20. A separate activation device 20 can be provided for each detection area B1, B2, or -- as Figure 1 As shown, a common activation device 20 can be used. The activation device 20 is, for example, a metal element 20 that moves relative to the printed circuit board 90 of the device 5 according to the invention during activation. Furthermore, a housing 96 can be provided on which the activation device 20 is movably mounted. Additionally, at least one fastening device 95 can be provided on the housing 96 for fastening to the vehicle 1.

[0065] exist Figure 2 The diagram further details a device 5 for inductive detection activation of a vehicle 1, specifically for driving a vehicle component 2, according to the present invention. The sensor elements 11 and 12, already described, may be part of a sensor device 10 for inductive detection activation to provide at least one—as exemplified—first and second detection signals S1 and S2. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The example, Figure 2 The configuration of the sensor device 10 shown can be further expanded by additional sensor elements 13 and 14. At least two sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be connected symmetrically. Therefore, in Figure 2As shown, sensor elements 11 and 12 are electrically connected to each other, and at this connection point are still electrically connected to ground potential 80 (possibly indirectly and dynamically 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, the voltage of which can be acquired as detection signals S1 and S2. Further components of the sensor device 10 or the parallel resonant circuit can be at least one capacitor C and / or at least one resistor R, as exemplified and illustrated. Additionally, an oscillator device 73 can be provided, driven by a voltage source V, to electrically drive the parallel resonant circuit. In this way, the inductance of the sensor array 10 can be detected, which can be changed by the approach of the activation device 20 (due to an activation action). The activation action is, for example, manually applying force to the activation device 20, causing the activation device 20 to move. An air gap 21 and / or a resilient connection 30 can be provided between the activation device 20 and the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14, allowing the activation device 20 to move relative to the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14. Therefore, the activation device 20 can exert an inductive effect 22 on the sensor device 10. Consequently, the detection signals S1 and S2 are specific to the same detection information VS for the activation action, and this detection information VS is specific to the change in inductance caused by the activation action.

[0066] As can be seen, the oscillator device 73 sequentially drives the symmetrical string of sensor devices 10 to generate detection signals S1 and S2 with opposite phases. This makes it possible to generate detection signals S1 and S2 as symmetrical and / or differential and / or signals with equal and / or periodic and / or in-phase signals, so that detection signals S1 and S2 have the same detection information VS. Thus, the comparator component 71 can perform a special anti-interference evaluation on the detection signals S1 and S2 in order to determine the detection information VS by comparing the detection signals S1 and S2. Then, an electronic processing device 70 can detect an activation action based on the detection information VS. For example, the detection information VS can be specific to the frequency of the parallel resonant circuit of sensor device 10, wherein the processing arrangement 70 is configured to detect changes in inductance based on frequency changes and detect activation actions based on these changes. The processing device 70 may include a counter component 72 for counting based on the zero-crossing points of the detection signals S1 and S2 and determining the frequency of the resonant circuit specific to the activation action based on the counting result. To this end, comparator component 71 compares the first detection signal S1 with the second detection signal S2, and switches the output signal (at reference symbol VS) to a first value when the first detection signal S1 is greater than the second detection signal S2, and switches to a second value when the second detection signal S2 is greater than the first detection signal S1. By calculating these switching operations per unit time, the frequency of the detection signal can be determined as the detection information VS of counter component 72. As shown by the dashed line, comparator component 71 and / or counter component 72 and / or voltage source V can (at least partially) be part of processing device 70, particularly part of integrated circuit.

[0067] exist Figures 3 to 5 Further details of the first and second sensor elements 11 and 12 are shown in the image. Figure 5 The diagram also shows third and fourth sensor elements 13 and 14. Sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be mounted on different layers L1 and L2 of the printed circuit board 90 to detect activation actions in a common, identical detection area (B1 of sensor elements 11 and 12 and B2 of sensor elements 13 and 14, see...). Figure 1 ).according to Figure 5 Four sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be connected in pairs on different layers L1 and L2 of the printed circuit board 90 to detect activation actions in different detection areas B1 and B2 respectively. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4As illustrated in the example, sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 on different layers L1 and L2 of the printed circuit board 90 can be electrically connected to each other directly or indirectly in pairs via vias 91. In particular, they can be directly or indirectly connected to ground potential 80 on the third layer L3 of the printed circuit board 90 (via vias 91). Therefore, the minimum spatial distance D from sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 to the grounding element 80 with ground potential 80 and / or to the activation device 20 (in the inactive state) can be substantially the same.

[0068] Additionally, a shield 40 may be optionally provided, on which sensor elements 11, 12 (and possibly 13, 14) are formed on the printed circuit board 90. The shield 40 may extend around the sensor elements 11, 12 (especially 13, 14) in the form of at least one annular conductive element, for example. For example, the shield 40 is designed as at least one conductive track of the printed circuit board 90, which may optionally have a ground potential or may optionally be actively controlled by a potential having a deviation from the ground potential. For this purpose, at least one conductive surface may be arranged on the same layers L1, L2, L3, L4 of the printed circuit board 90, on which sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 are also disposed. For example, the printed circuit board is designed as a four-layer printed circuit board, such as… Figure 8 As shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The example shows a ring-shaped design of the shielding layer 40. Figure 6 , 7 Views 9 and 10 show top views of layers L1 and L2, which are located in... Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 8 The image shown is a cross-sectional view through the printed circuit board 90.

[0069] Furthermore, a connector 30 may be spatially arranged between the activation device 20 and at least one sensor element 11, 12 (and also 13, 14). For example, the connector 30 may be elastically designed. Additionally, the connector 30 may comprise elastic and conductive materials and / or (conductive) foam and / or springs, particularly helical springs. Preferably, the connector 30 may be designed as a foam pad or the like. This may provide better interference suppression.

[0070] 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 each be designed as helical coils and are spatially parallel and / or connected in pairs and / or in series for combined inductive detection. It is possible that the current flowing through sensor elements 11, 12, 13, and 14, particularly through the first 11 and the second sensor element 12, and preferably through the third 13 and the fourth sensor element 14, is in the same direction. In this way, the generated magnetic field can be amplified. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the diagram, the flow of electric current is represented by an arrow. Figure 6 The coil inputs E1 and E2 and outputs A1 and A2 are shown. Input terminal E1 can be electrically (directly) connected to output terminal A2 through a through-hole 91. The current then flows from A1 through E1, then through A2, and then through E2 again.

[0071] exist Figure 11 In the diagram, the detection signals S1 and S2 generated in this manner are schematically shown. A 180° phase shift in detection signals S1 and S2 results in phase reversal or simultaneous zero-crossing, even though the signs of detection signals S1 and S2 are different. The detection information VS can be determined by counting the zero-crossing points.

[0072] The above explanation of the embodiments is entirely a description of the invention within the context of examples. Of course, the various features of these embodiments can be freely combined with each other as long as they are technically useful and without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0073] Reference List

[0074] 1: Vehicle

[0075] 2: Door handles, vehicle parts

[0076] 5: Device

[0077] 10: Sensor device, coil element, coil arrangement, helical coil arrangement

[0078] 11: First sensor element, first coil element

[0079] 12: Second sensor element, second coil element

[0080] 13: Third sensor element, third coil element

[0081] 14: Fourth sensor element, fourth coil element

[0082] 20: Activation device, metallic element

[0083] 21: Air gap

[0084] 22: Inductive effect

[0085] 30: Connector, elastic conductive material

[0086] 40: Shielding components

[0087] 70: Processing equipment, microcontroller

[0088] 71: Comparator component

[0089] 72: Counter Component

[0090] 73: Oscillator device

[0091] 80: Ground potential

[0092] 90: Printed Circuit Board

[0093] 91: Through hole

[0094] 95: Restraint Device

[0095] 96: Outer shell

[0096] A1: First output

[0097] A2: Second Output

[0098] B1: First detection zone, effective area

[0099] B2: Second testing area, activity area

[0100] C: Capacitor

[0101] D: Distance

[0102] E1: First input

[0103] E2: Second input

[0104] L1: First floor

[0105] L2: Second layer

[0106] L3: Third Layer

[0107] L4: Fourth Floor

[0108] R: Resistance

[0109] S1: First detection signal

[0110] S2: Second detection signal

[0111] V: Voltage source

[0112] VS: Detection information.

Claims

1. A device (5) for inductive detection of activation action of a vehicle (1), i.e., actuation of a vehicle component (2), comprising: - The sensor device (10) is used for inductive detection of activation action to provide at least one detection signal (S1, S2), which is specific to the detection information (VS) of the activation action. - An electronic processing device (70) is used to determine detection information (VS) from at least one detection signal (S1, S2) in order to detect an activation action based on the detection information (VS), wherein the sensor device (10) includes at least two sensor elements (11, 12) located on different layers (L1, L2) of a printed circuit board (90), wherein the at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are electrically connected to each other through a via (91). An activation device (20) is also provided to move relative to the sensor arrangement (10) by activation action, wherein the at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are arranged within an effective range (B1, B2) with the activation device (20) to detect movement inductively, i.e., the movement of the activation device (20) provides an inductive change, wherein the minimum spatial distance (D) from the sensor elements (11, 12) to the ground element (80) and to the activation device (20) is equal in the unactuated state.

2. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are each designed as an electric helical coil.

3. The apparatus (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are electrically connected in parallel and / or in pairs and / or in series in space for joint inductive detection activation action.

4. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, An activation device (20) is provided, comprising a conductive material of metal, so as to generate an inductive effect (22) on the at least two sensor elements (11, 12) during the movement of the activation action.

5. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The activation device (2) is provided to be electrically connected directly or indirectly to the ground potential (80) of the device (5).

6. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connector (30) is arranged in the space between at least one sensor element (11, 12) and the activation device (20), the connector (30) being of a flexible design.

7. The apparatus (5) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector (30) includes a conductive material for electrically connecting at least one or exactly one sensor element (11, 12) to the activation device (20).

8. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A shield (40) is provided for the sensor elements (11, 12), the shield (40) comprising a conductive material that annularly surrounds one or more sensor elements (11, 12).

9. The apparatus (5) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shield (40) is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the ground potential (80).

10. The apparatus (5) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shield (40) is geometrically designed as an open or resistively closed loop.

11. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two sensor elements (11, 12) are symmetrically connected to each other to generate at least two detection signals (S1, S2) as symmetrical and / or differential signals. Therefore, the at least two detection signals (S1, S2) have the same detection information (VS).

12. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor device (10) is used to provide at least one detection signal (S1, S2) as first and second detection signals (S1, S2), wherein the electronic processing device (70) is used to compare these detection signals (S1, S2) with each other to determine detection information (VS) based on the comparison, and to detect activation action based on the detection information (VS).

13. The apparatus (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least two sensor elements (11, 12) are designed as part of a parallel resonant circuit to generate at least two detection signals (S1, S2) as signals with equal information and / or periodicity.

14. The apparatus (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor device (10) also has at least two sensor elements (13, 14), the sensor elements (11, 12, 13, 14) of the sensor device (10) are electrically connected to each other and are directly or indirectly electrically connected to each other through a through hole (91), and are directly or indirectly electrically connected to a ground potential (80).

15. A method for detecting activation actions on a vehicle (1), i.e., actuation of a vehicle component (2), by inductive detection, wherein the following steps are performed: - The activation action is inductively detected by the sensor device (10) to provide at least one detection signal (S1, S2), which is specific to the detection information (VS) of the activation action. - Detection information (VS) is determined based on at least one detection signal (S1, S2) to detect an activation action based on the detection information (VS), wherein the sensor device (10) includes at least two sensor elements (11, 12) located on different layers (L1, L2) of a printed circuit board (90), wherein the sensor elements (11, 12) are electrically connected to each other through a via (91). in, The device (5) according to claim 1 is operated.

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