Trim element, vehicle element and vehicle having an actuation module

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative element (4) having an actuation module (5) for an electronic locking system, wherein the actuation module (5) comprises at least an external actuation element (7) and an internal actuation sensor (8) for triggering a switching function, and an electronic evaluation unit (9) connected to the actuation sensor (8), wherein the decorative element (4) forms the actuation element (7) and the decorative element (4) moves elastically when actuated, in particular into its actuated position. The invention also relates to a movable vehicle element having such a decorative element (4) and a vehicle (1) having at least one such movable vehicle element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative element, in particular an emblem, having an actuation module for a movable vehicle element, in particular a sliding door, a tailgate, or a hood / trunk of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a movable vehicle element having such a decorative element and a vehicle having at least one such movable vehicle element. Background Art

[0002] Actuation modules in the form of handle modules are known, for example, which are located on vehicle doors, tailgates, or hoods. They are usually equipped with a handle element that can be swung outwards in order to open the door, tailgate, or hood. This type of handle module can also include an electronic sensor module for unlocking the vehicle door. Document DE 10 2018 128 539 A1 discloses a system comprising a plurality of capacitive sensors for a touchpad or gesture pad, which is combined with a mechanical switch for providing access to the vehicle. Document DE 102 18 915 A1 discloses a company emblem with a press pin as a manual handle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The invention aims to provide a trim element with an actuation module, which is compact in design and allows intuitive operation. The invention also comprises a movable vehicle element with such a trim element and a vehicle with such a movable vehicle element.

[0004] The objects of the invention are achieved by a trim element having an actuation module with the features described herein. The objects of the invention are further achieved by a movable vehicle element with the features described herein. The objects of the invention are further achieved by a vehicle with the features described herein.

[0005] According to the invention, a decorative element, in particular on a movable vehicle element (such as a tailgate or hood), comprises an actuation module for an electronic locking system on a vehicle element or vehicle, wherein the actuation module comprises: at least one actuation element, which moves, in particular when actuated, for example, when pressure is applied; and an actuation sensor, which triggers a switching function of the electronic lock, for example, release, in particular opening or unlocking, of the electronic lock, wherein the decorative element forms the actuation element and, when actuated, in particular into its actuated position, moves elastically. Such elastic movement can be understood to include, in particular, a reversible movement.

[0006] Actuation by applying pressure allows actuation even at cold temperatures and in the presence of ice in the region of the actuating element configured as a decorative element. A separate emergency opening is also possible.

[0007] The actuation element is configured as an external actuation element accessible by a user from the outside.The decorative element serving as the actuation element may itself be configured as a movable element which is reversibly movable when the decorative element is actuated, in particular to its actuation position.

[0008] The actuation sensor is particularly configured as an internally positioned actuation sensor. An internally positioned actuation sensor is understood to be particularly a fully integrated sensor, in particular one that is completely housed or sealed off from the outside. This allows for safe and easy mechanical actuation, reducing actuation problems. Furthermore, the electronics of the actuation module (such as the actuation sensor and the evaluation unit) are protected from environmental factors (such as rain, snow, and dust), further preventing erroneous readings.

[0009] Both the actuating element and / or the actuating sensor can be configured for large-area operation. In particular, the actuating element has a larger actuating area than the sensor surface of the actuating sensor. This large actuating range allows for intuitive and improved actuation without requiring fine motor skills from the user.

[0010] The outer actuating element is in particular connected to an actuating sensor so that the elastic movement of the outer actuating element is transmitted as an actuating stroke (also referred to as a switching movement or switching stroke) of the actuating sensor. After the applied actuating stroke, when a predefined minimum actuating stroke is reached or exceeded, the actuating sensor generates a trigger signal or a switching signal to release, in particular to open or unlock, the lock.

[0011] The anticipated advantages of the present invention include, in particular, a decorative element configured as an integrated actuation module that allows for intuitive opening of movable vehicle elements, such as the tailgate or hood. When the decorative element, such as an emblem, is pressed on the movable vehicle element, an actuation sensor recognizes the opening command and triggers a switch function to, for example, unlock an electronic locking system. In this regard, since the decorative element functions as an actuation element, it can be pressed anywhere to trigger actuation and initiate a control signal, such as an open or lock signal. The control signal is generated by the actuation sensor via a connection between the actuation element and the actuation sensor. This allows for intuitive actuation and operation. The decorative element is configured to be flexible, particularly resiliently movable, so that a minimum actuation stroke of a few tenths of a millimeter, particularly 0.01 mm or greater, particularly in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm, particularly 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, or 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, can be detected by the actuation sensor.

[0012] For example, the decorative element can be a flexible, in particular elastic material, in particular foam, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0013] In one embodiment, a flexible element is located at least between the decorative element and at least one component of the actuation sensor. The flexible element moves when the decorative element is actuated, particularly to its actuated position. Here, at least one material of the flexible element is foam, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane. The flexible element allows for intuitive actuation, particularly opening, of the electronic locking system. The flexible element between the decorative element serving as the actuation element and the actuation sensor allows for a minimum actuation travel of a few tenths of a millimeter, particularly 0.01 mm or more, particularly in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm, particularly in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm or 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, which can be detected as an actuation travel by the actuation sensor.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the flexible element is positioned between the actuating element and the actuation sensor. Positioning the flexible element in this manner allows actuation of the actuating element to be detected by the actuation sensor. In particular, positioning the flexible element between the actuating element and the actuation sensor allows detection of the minimum actuation stroke of the actuating element.

[0015] In another embodiment, the flexible element is located in the fastening element, or between the actuating element and the fastening element. This allows for optimal detection when the actuating element is actuated, for example to open the locking system.

[0016] In one embodiment, a flexible element is located within the fastening element, for example, within a protruding mounting base. This flexible element allows the respective fastening element to be attached to the body surface of the vehicle element, allowing it to be moved, in particular elastically or by spring action. In particular, the decorative element detects a body from which the fastening element protrudes toward the exterior vehicle surface. Here, the respective fastening element can be configured, for example, as a base element with an internal thread into which a screw can be inserted.

[0017] In one embodiment of the trim element, the actuation sensor is configured as a force-activated capacitive actuation sensor. In particular, the actuation sensor is configured as a so-called MOC (metal-over-cap) module, in which the internal metallic sensor components, in particular the electrodes, of the capacitive actuation sensor are enclosed from the outside inward. Here, the actuation sensor is configured to trigger a switching function, such as, for example, unlocking and opening an electronic locking system.

[0018] In another embodiment, the actuation sensor has multiple sensor elements, which can detect a minimum actuation travel or opening travel of the actuation element of 0.01 mm or more and a maximum of 0.6 mm as the actuation stroke of the actuation sensor, so as to activate the vehicle's locking system, for example.

[0019] In particular, the actuation sensor has at least two sensor elements that are separated from one another and face each other. The sensor elements are enclosed from the outside, for example, by a decorative element. The two sensor elements are configured such that the electric field for evaluating the actuation stroke extends between them. In one embodiment of the actuation sensor, the first sensor element, which has a circuit board, can form the measuring electrode, and the second sensor element can form the opposing electrode, or vice versa.

[0020] In another embodiment, each sensor element comprises a designated sensor housing part, and the two sensor elements can be moved relative to each other via the sensor housing part. The sensor housing part is therefore particularly useful for the movable mounting of the sensor elements.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, a further flexible element is positioned between the two sensor housing components. The further flexible element can comprise, for example, a flexible, in particular elastic, material, in particular foam, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane. All further flexible elements between the two sensor housing components have the same shape, size, dimensions, and / or are made of the same material. In particular, the further flexible element provides an actuation stroke of, for example, a few tenths of a millimeter and can simultaneously perform a connection function, a repositioning function, and a sealing function between the sensor housing components.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a movable vehicle element (e.g., a hood or tailgate) having a decorative element, the decorative element comprising an actuation module for the vehicle element or an electronic locking system of the vehicle. The actuation module comprises at least one actuation element and an actuation sensor for triggering a switching function, the decorative element forming the actuation element, and a flexible element located at least between the decorative element and the actuation sensor, which moves when the decorative element is actuated, in particular into its actuated position. The actuation element and the actuation sensor can be positioned together on one side of the movable vehicle element or separately on opposite sides of the movable vehicle element.

[0023] A decorative element placed on or partially within a movable vehicle element is configured as an integrated actuation module and allows for intuitive opening of movable vehicle elements, such as a tailgate or hood. When the decorative element, such as an emblem, on the movable vehicle element is pressed, an actuation sensor recognizes the opening command and triggers a switch function, for example, to unlock an electronic locking system. This allows the movable vehicle element, such as the tailgate or hood / trunk, to be opened.

[0024] The invention also relates to a vehicle having at least one such vehicle element, which has a decorative element for an actuating module of an electronic locking system. For example, the decorative element can be a badge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective representation of a vehicle having a trim element on its outer side with an integrated actuation module,

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a trim element with an integrated actuation module, and

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a trim element with an integrated actuation module.

[0029] Identical components are marked with the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 A vehicle 1 is schematically shown. Vehicle 1 has a plurality of electrically switchable areas on its exterior. For example, vehicle 1 has a decorative element 4, in particular an emblem, in the area of a door 2 or tailgate 3. An actuation module 5 for an electronic locking system on door 2 or tailgate 3, in particular for unlocking, locking, opening, and / or closing the electronic locking system (in particular, an electronic lock), is integrated into decorative element 4. Actuation module 5 is specifically configured to detect at least one manual actuation by a user's hand.

[0031] The actuation module 5 is located in the trim element 4 on the vehicle door 2 or the tailgate 3 , in particular in or on the inner side of the trim element 4 .

[0032] The actuation module 5 allows for simple and convenient activation of corresponding functions of the vehicle 1, such as opening or closing the vehicle door 2, unlocking or locking the tailgate lock or hood lock, or opening or closing the tailgate 3. The vehicle 1 can be equipped with a plurality of actuation modules 5. The actuation module 5 can be located in one or more decorative elements 4, such as an emblem on the vehicle 1, or in a handle 6.

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a trim element 4 with an integrated actuation module 5 is shown.

[0034] The actuation module 5 comprises at least one actuation element 7 and an actuation sensor 8 , in particular capacitive, in particular force-activated, capacitive, for triggering a switching function, such as, for example, unlocking and opening an electronic locking system.

[0035] For example, the actuating element 7 is configured as an element that can be moved by actuation (e.g., application of pressure) and forms a decorative element 4 (such as an emblem). The decorative element 4 moves elastically when it is actuated, in particular to its actuated position. This elastic movement can be understood to include, in particular, reversible movement.

[0036] The actuating element 7 is configured as an external actuating element accessible to the user from the outside. Thus, the decorative element 4 serving as the actuating element 7 can itself be configured as a movable element that moves reversibly when the decorative element 4 is actuated, in particular to its actuated position.

[0037] The actuation sensor 8 is in particular configured as an internally positioned actuation sensor 8. An internally positioned actuation sensor 8 is to be understood as being in particular a fully integrated sensor which is in particular completely housed or closed off with respect to the outside.

[0038] The actuating element 7 and / or the actuating sensor 8 can be configured as a large-area element, in particular a strip, plate, disk, circular or similar element. In particular, the actuating element 7 has a larger outer actuating area than the inner sensor surface of the actuating sensor 8.

[0039] The outer actuating element 7, configured as an outer decorative element 4, is in particular connected to an actuating sensor 8 so that the elastic movement of the outer actuating element 7 is transmitted as an actuating stroke 12 (also referred to as a switching movement or switching stroke) of the actuating sensor 8. After the applied actuating stroke 12, when a preset minimum actuating stroke is reached or exceeded, the actuating sensor 8 generates a trigger signal or a switching signal to release, in particular to open or unlock, the lock.

[0040] The actuation module 5 further comprises an electronic evaluation unit 9 (also called electronics unit).

[0041] The electronic evaluation unit 9 is connected at least by means of signal technology to the capacitive actuation sensor 8. Here, the actuation stroke of the actuation element 7, in particular the actuation stroke caused by the pressure of the user's hand on the actuation module 5, is detected by means of the electronic evaluation unit 9 and based on the detected capacitance change of the capacitive actuation sensor 8. Based on the connection state of the actuation element 7 and the actuation sensor 8, the actuation stroke of the actuation element 7 represents an actuation stroke 12 that can be detected by the actuation sensor 8.

[0042] Capacitive actuation sensor 8 and electronic evaluation unit 9 are configured to generate a trigger signal for enabling a function of vehicle 1, in particular a switching function of an electronic locking system, such as a trigger signal for unlocking and opening the electronic locking system, at a detected actuation stroke of less than 0.8 mm, in particular in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.6 mm, for example in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.4 mm. In particular, capacitive actuation sensor 8 detects an actuation stroke 12 (also referred to as a switching movement or switching stroke) generated by the elastic movement or actuation travel of external actuating element 7 and can transmit this to electronic evaluation unit 9. After the applied actuation stroke 12, when a predetermined minimum actuation stroke is reached or exceeded, actuation sensor 8 and / or evaluation unit 9, respectively, generates a trigger signal or a switching signal for the locks on vehicle door 2 and / or tailgate 3, for example, to release, in particular, to open or unlock the locks.

[0043] In particular, the capacitive actuation sensor 8 and the electronic evaluation unit 9 are configured such that a minimum actuation stroke or trigger stroke of 0.01 mm or more, in particular in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.8 mm, in particular in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.6 mm or 0.01 mm to 0.4 mm, can be detected.

[0044] For example, the measured values for the capacitance change are detected and processed by the electronic evaluation unit 9 with such a resolution that a minimum actuation or triggering stroke of 0.01 mm or more, a maximum of 0.6 mm, can be detected.

[0045] The electronic evaluation unit 9 comprises an analog-digital converter and a microprocessor. The electronic evaluation unit 9 is part of a circuit board 10 which is mounted in the actuation module 5.

[0046] Decorative element 4 forms actuating element 7 of actuating module 5. Here, decorative element 4 is designed to move elastically when actuated. Specifically, decorative element 4 is designed to move reversibly and elastically. In other words, decorative element 4 moves outward from its initial (unactuated) position and then returns to its initial position upon actuation. For example, the decorative element is composed of a flexible, particularly elastic, material such as, in particular, foam, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0047] In a first embodiment, the capacitive actuation sensor 8 is configured as a so-called MOC (Metal Over Cover) module. The actuation module 5 , in particular the actuation sensor 8 , is at least partially integrated into the trim element 4 .

[0048] The trim element 4 is mounted on a body surface 11 of a movable vehicle element, in particular a door 2 or a tailgate 3. In this first embodiment, the trim element 4 with the partially integrated actuation module 5 is mounted and fastened to one side of the movable vehicle element, in particular to the body surface 11. In particular, the trim element 4 serving as the actuation element 7 and the actuation sensor 8 are mounted and fastened to one side of the movable vehicle element.

[0049] For example, the trim element 4 comprises a main body 41. A fastening element 42 projects from the main body 41 in the direction of the vehicle body surface 11. The fastening element 42 is, for example, a base element with an internal thread, into which a screw can be inserted.

[0050] The decorative element 4, in particular the respective fastening element 42, is movable, in particular elastically movable or movable under the action of a spring, relative to the vehicle body surface 11. The decorative element 4 is made of an elastic material.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, for example, a flexible element 43 is mounted in the fastening element 42. Each flexible element 43 is flush or configured as a thin layer. Each flexible element 43 comprises, for example, a flexible, in particular elastic material such as, in particular, foam, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane. The flexible elements 43 of all fastening elements 42 have the same shape, size, dimensions, and / or material.

[0052] In this embodiment, the actuation sensor 8 is partially integrated into the trim element 4 serving as the actuation element 7 and is partially mounted between the trim element 4 and the vehicle body surface 11 .

[0053] Actuation sensor 8 includes at least one first sensor element 81 and one second sensor element 82, which are separated and opposed to each other. Each of sensor elements 81 and 82 includes a matching sensor housing component 83 or 84. The two sensor elements 81 and 82 are fixed by the two sensor housing components 83 and 84 so that they can move relative to each other. Furthermore, for example, another flexible element 85 is positioned between the two sensor housing components 83 and 84.

[0054] The additional flexible elements 85 comprise, for example, a flexible, in particular elastic material such as, in particular, foam, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer and / or thermoplastic polyurethane. All additional flexible elements 85 between the two sensor housing parts 83 and 84 have the same shape, size, dimensions and / or the same material.

[0055] Furthermore, the flexible element 43 of the decorative element 4 and the additional flexible element 85 of the actuation sensor 8 have the same shape, size, dimensions and / or the same material.

[0056] The first sensor element 81 is partially integrated into the trim element 4. For example, each / corresponding sensor housing part 83 is mounted in a recess 44 of the trim element 4. The recess 44 is open in the direction of the vehicle body surface 11. The trim element 4 is made of a hard material, in particular a hard plastic material, which can be painted or chrome-plated. The sensor elements 81, 82 are connected, for example, by means of the sensor housing part 83 and the trim element 4 (e.g. Figure 2 ) is closed on the outside, for example, by a sensor housing part 84 (as shown) Figure 3 ) is enclosed on the inside, in particular remote from the vehicle body surface 11. For example, the sensor elements 81, 82 are enclosed on the outside by the decorative element 4, in particular covered with foam, metal and / or paint.

[0057] Furthermore, the first sensor element 81 may be located on the upper surface 101 of the circuit board 10 , facing the direction of the second sensor element 82 .

[0058] The second sensor element 82 is located with its sensor housing part 84 on the vehicle body surface 11. The second sensor element 82 is connected to the first sensor element 81 via an additional flexible element 85 and can be integrated into the trim element 4 as a module, in particular placed and fastened in the groove 44.

[0059] Alternatively, the second sensor element 82 can be located on the upper surface 101 of the circuit board 10 and thus integrated into the trim element 4, while the first sensor element 81 can be located on the vehicle body surface 11. One of the two sensor elements 81 or 82 is a movable sensor element 81 or 82, while the other of the two sensor elements 82 or 81 is a fixed, in particular stationary, sensor element 82 or 81.

[0060] The inner space 86 formed between the sensor housing parts 83 and 84 can be hollow or can be filled with a particularly elastic foam material. In addition, a stop 87 can be provided on the inner side of each sensor housing part 83 and / or 84.

[0061] Both the decorative element 4 and the first sensor element 81 integrated therein are designed to provide an actuation stroke 12 of, in particular, a few tenths of a millimeter, either by the decorative element 4 itself and / or by the flexible element 43 and / or the additional flexible element 85 .

[0062] The electric field extends between the two sensor elements 81 and 82 and is used to evaluate the actuation stroke 12. Depending on the configuration of the actuation sensor 8, the first sensor element 81 can form a measuring electrode with the circuit board 10 and the second sensor element 82 the opposite electrode, or vice versa.

[0063] The actuation sensor 8 is enclosed by the sensor housing parts 83 and 84 and is protected from external environmental factors (such as moisture, rain and / or splashing water). The additional flexible element 85 can simultaneously perform the connection function, the repositioning function and the sealing function between the sensor housing parts 83 and 84.

[0064] Furthermore, the decorative element 4 can cover the actuation sensor 8 located on the inside and close it from the outside by means of the fastening element 42 .

[0065] The decorative element 4 itself, the flexible element 43 of the decorative element 4, and / or the additional flexible element 85 of the actuation sensor 8 also provide a repositioning function so that after the actuation movement of the decorative element 4 serving as the actuation element 7 ends to the actuation position, the decorative element 4 returns to its initial position or rest position by itself.

[0066] The trim element 4 can be configured with the actuation sensor 8 already mounted as a pre-assembled assembly module or as a separate integrated component. In other words: the trim element 4 is mounted on the vehicle body surface 11 together with the actuation sensor 8 pre-mounted.

[0067] In another simplified embodiment of the invention, the sensor housing parts 83 and 84 can be omitted. In this embodiment (not shown), the actuation sensor 8 with the sensor elements 81, 82 is integrated directly into the decorative element 4. Instead of a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor can also be used to trigger the switching function.

[0068] Actuation sensor 8 is subjected to a force, for example, pressure on the outer side of trim element 4, as indicated by arrow 13. If the resulting actuation stroke 12 exceeds a preset threshold of a few tenths of a millimeter, this is recognized as an opening command, and the door lock is safely unlocked. Unlocking is triggered, for example, by pressing the outer side of trim element 4 in the direction of vehicle body surface 11, causing trim element 4, serving as actuating element 7, to be moved or pressed in the direction of vehicle body surface 11. With a sufficiently large actuation stroke 12 of trim element 4, trim element 4 pulls movable first sensor element 81, particularly a spring plate, a metal layer, or particularly a copper layer, on circuit board 10 and similarly presses the first sensor element in the direction of vehicle body surface 11. This causes the distance from second sensor element 82, particularly a metal layer, such as a copper layer, on the interior of sensor housing component 84 to change, and the electric field extending between the first and second sensor elements changes along with the distance. When the threshold is exceeded, an opening signal is generated, and the door lock, for example, unlocks or stops door movement.

[0069] This change in the electric field is detected by the electronic evaluation unit 9. When a preset threshold value is exceeded, the electronic evaluation unit 9 generates a corresponding control signal to open or unlock the electronic locking system on the vehicle door 2 or the tailgate 3.

[0070] Decorative element 4 completely covers actuation sensor 8. The configuration and mutual relationship of decorative element 4 and actuation sensor 8 are designed so that decorative element 4 can be actuated from any position. In other words, actuation sensor 8 detects any actuation of decorative element 4, regardless of its initial position. Based on the detected actuation stroke 12, electronic evaluation unit 9 generates a corresponding opening signal. Decorative element 4, serving as actuation element 7, is configured and positioned so that it can only be moved in one direction, specifically linearly, for example, in the actuation direction indicated by arrow 13.

[0071] During assembly of the actuation module 5, in particular due to the tolerances of the individual components, the distance between the first sensor element 81 and the second sensor element 82 may vary. This possible distance can be "nullified", i.e., eliminated as much as possible, by measuring the distance of the actuation stroke from this point.

[0072] Figure 3 A schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a decorative element 4 in combination with an actuation module 5 is shown. This second exemplary embodiment differs from the first in that the actuation sensor 8 is not integrated into the decorative element 4 and is not located on the outside of the vehicle body surface 11. In this second exemplary embodiment, the actuation sensor 8 is located on the inside of the vehicle body surface 11. The decorative element 4, which serves as the actuation element 7 of the actuation module 5, is located on the outside of the vehicle body surface 11 and is attached to the vehicle body surface 11 so that the decorative element can be moved, in particular linearly, via a flexible element 43. The decorative element 4, which serves as the actuation element 7, and the actuation sensor 8 are positioned separately from each other on opposite sides of the movable vehicle element, in particular on opposite sides of the vehicle body surface 11.

[0073] The flexible element 43 is flat in shape. For example, the flexible element 43 consists of an elastic layer made of an elastic material, such as, in particular, foam, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0074] As Figure 2Instead of recess 44 in the decorative element 4, the decorative element 4 has a tappet 45 extending in the direction of the vehicle body surface 11. When the decorative element 4 is in the rest or initial position, the tappet 45 extends through the opening 14 in the vehicle body surface 11 and rests against a stop 87 of the first sensor element 81. The stop 87 can be configured as a convex portion or a concave portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the lower sensor housing part 84 includes a circuit board 10 with the stop 87. The upper sensor housing part 83 is configured to be very narrow and has a metal surface, in particular a copper layer or a metal layer, on its side facing the second sensor housing part 84 to serve as the first sensor element 81.

[0075] As indicated by arrow 13, by pressing the decorative element 4 in the direction of the vehicle body surface 11, the decorative element 4 serving as the actuating element 7 and, together with the tappet 45, are moved or pressed in the direction of the vehicle body surface 11 and the actuating sensor 8. With a sufficiently large actuating stroke 12 of the decorative element 4, the decorative element, via its tappet 45, presses the first sensor element 81, in particular a spring plate or a metal plate, in the direction of the second sensor element 82, thereby changing the distance to the second sensor element 82, in particular a metal layer, such as a copper layer, on the circuit board 10. The electric field extending between the first and second sensor elements also changes with the distance, and when a threshold value is exceeded, an opening signal is generated, and, for example, the door lock is unlocked or the door movement is stopped.

[0076] The relative positions and configurations of decorative element 4 with tappet 45 and actuation sensor 8 with stop 87 are designed so that decorative element 4, particularly an emblem, can be pressed anywhere to change the distance between two sensor elements 81 and 82. Stop 87 can also be a recessed portion, instead of a convex portion or projection. In both exemplary embodiments, at least one of sensor elements 81 and 82, or both, can be preloaded.

[0077] according to Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, at least some parts of the circuit board 10 are covered by a suitable material 15 , such as foam and / or sealant, in order to protect the electronics of the actuation module 5 from external influences, such as water.

[0078] Reference Signs List

[0079] 1 vehicle

[0080] 2 doors

[0081] 3 Tailgate

[0082] 4 decorative elements

[0083] 41 Subject

[0084] 42 Fastening elements

[0085] 43 Flexible Components

[0086] 44 grooves

[0087] 45 tappet

[0088] 5 Actuation module

[0089] 6 handles

[0090] 7 Actuating element

[0091] 8 Actuation sensor

[0092] 81 First sensor element

[0093] 82 Second sensor element

[0094] 83 sensor housing parts

[0095] 84 Sensor housing parts

[0096] 85 Additional flexible element

[0097] 86 Interior Space

[0098] 87 Stopper

[0099] 9 Electronic Assessment Units

[0100] 10 Circuit Board

[0101] 101 upper surface side

[0102] 11 Body surface

[0103] 12 action strokes

[0104] 13 Arrow

[0105] 14 Opening

[0106] 15 materials.

Claims

1. A decorative element (4) having an actuating module (5) for an electronic locking system, wherein: The actuation module (5) comprises at least an external actuation element (7), an internal actuation sensor (8) for triggering a switching function, and an electronic evaluation unit (9) connected to the internal actuation sensor (8), wherein the internal actuation sensor (8) comprises a first internal sensor element (81) and a second internal sensor element (82), the first internal sensor element and the second internal sensor element being separated from each other and positioned opposite to each other, and an electric field extending between the first internal sensor element and the second internal sensor element, wherein the external actuating element (7) moves elastically when actuated, so that the internal actuating sensor (8) is acted upon by a force and the distance between the two sensor elements (81, 82) and the electric field extending between the two sensor elements (81, 82) change, and wherein the electronic evaluation unit (9) detects the electric field change and generates a corresponding control signal to open or unlock the electronic lock system when the electric field change exceeds a threshold value, and wherein the first flexible element (43) is arranged at least between the external actuating element (7) and at least one component of the internal actuating sensor (8), and when the external actuating element (7) is actuated to its actuated position, the first flexible element is deformed, wherein each sensor element (81, 82) comprises an associated sensor housing part (83, 84), and the two sensor elements (81, 82) are movably mounted relative to each other by means of the sensor housing parts (83, 84), and Therein, a second flexible element (85) is placed between two sensor housing parts (83, 84).

2. The decorative element (4) according to claim 1, wherein The external actuating element (7) is connected to the internal actuating sensor (8) so that the elastic movement of the external actuating element (7) is transmitted as an actuating stroke (12) of the internal actuating sensor (8).

3. The decorative element (4) according to claim 2, wherein The internal actuation sensor (8) is configured to generate a trigger signal or a switching signal when a preset minimum actuation stroke is reached or exceeded after the applied actuation stroke (12).

4. The decorative element (4) according to claim 3, wherein The first flexible element (43) is located in the fastening element (42) or between the external actuating element (7) and the fastening element (42).

5. The decorative element (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The internal actuation sensor (8) is configured as a force-activated capacitive actuation sensor.

6. The decorative element (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The sensor element (81, 82) is closed with respect to the outside.

7. The decorative element (4) according to claim 6, wherein The sensor elements (81, 82) are sealed with respect to the outside by an external actuating element (7).

8. A movable vehicle element having a decorative element (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The external actuation element (7) and the internal actuation sensor (8) are placed together on one side of the movable vehicle element or separately on opposite sides of the movable vehicle element.

9. A movable vehicle element having a decorative element (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The external actuation element (7) and the internal actuation sensor (8) are placed together on one side of the movable vehicle element or separately on opposite sides of the body surface (11) of the movable vehicle element.

10. A vehicle (1) having at least one movable vehicle element according to claim 8 or 9.

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