Actuation module, vehicle component and calibration method
By introducing calibration elements into the actuation module of the electronic locking system, the actuation stroke of the actuation sensor is accurately adjusted, and the problem of insufficient sensitivity and accuracy of the actuation module in the prior art is solved, and efficient and precise unlocking and locking operations are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411443797.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-16
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-18
AI Technical Summary
When unlocking, locking, opening and/or closing, the actuation modules of existing electronic locking systems are difficult to achieve high sensitivity and precise actuation stroke adjustment, resulting in inconvenient operation and inefficiency.
An actuation module is designed, including a module housing, an actuation sensor and a calibration element. The actuation sensor consists of a movable sensor electrode and a fixed sensor electrode. The actuation stroke between the sensor electrodes is accurately adjusted through the calibration element to achieve a millimeter-level actuation accuracy.
By accurately adjusting the actuation stroke of the actuation sensor, high-sensitivity unlocking and locking operations are achieved, especially suitable for electronic locking systems such as doors, tailgate and hoods, improving operation accuracy and efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN119843931A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to an actuation module for an electronic locking system, in particular for unlocking, locking, opening and / or closing an electronic locking system, in particular an electronic lock of a movable vehicle component, in particular a door, a vehicle component having such an actuation module and a calibration method. Background Art
[0002] For example, handle modules on vehicle doors, tailgates or bonnets are known from the prior art. These are usually provided with a handle element which can be pivoted outwards in order to be able to open the vehicle door, tailgate or bonnet. The handle module may comprise an electronic sensor module for opening or closing the door lock. Summary of the invention
[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an actuation module which is improved compared to the prior art, and a vehicle component, such as a handle module, a trim element and / or a vehicle pillar, having such an actuation module, and a calibration method for such an actuation module.
[0004] According to the invention, the first object is achieved by an actuation module having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the second object is achieved by a vehicle component having the features of claim 8. According to the invention, the third object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 9.
[0005] The actuation module according to the invention comprises at least one module housing having at least one housing upper part with an actuation surface facing the external environment and a housing lower part which can be closed by means of the housing upper part, an actuation sensor for triggering a switching function, in particular for unlocking and opening an electronic locking system, wherein the actuation sensor is arranged in the module housing and comprises a movable sensor electrode and a fixed sensor electrode, wherein the housing lower part has at least one calibration opening for a movable calibration element, which is suitable for positioning and fixing the fixed sensor electrode relative to a predetermined sensor distance to the movable sensor electrode during assembly in the housing lower part.
[0006] The actuation module is particularly suitable as an unlocking module, in particular a flap unlocking module, for doors, fuel tank flaps, tailgates, front engine hoods and the like.
[0007] The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that, by means of the at least one calibration element, an actuation sensor with a high sensitivity can be adjusted very accurately. In particular, by means of the at least one calibration element, an actuation stroke between a movable sensor electrode and a fixed sensor electrode of the actuation sensor can be set very accurately, in particular with very small actuation strokes in the millimeter range, in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.
[0008] The actuation module comprises in particular a metal cover sensor (also referred to as MOC sensor for short) as an actuation sensor. The actuation sensor comprises a movable sensor electrode (also referred to as actuation electrode) and a fixed sensor electrode (also referred to as fixed electrode) as sensor electrodes. Due to the adjustability of the actuation stroke between the two sensor electrodes, the actuation sensor can be configured to be very sensitive, in particular for actuation strokes or actuation paths in the millimeter range. Such an actuation sensor with an actuation stroke in the millimeter range is advantageous for opening, for example, a tailgate, a door or a hood.
[0009] The actuation sensor comprises in particular two sensor elements or sensor electrodes which are arranged in parallel on top of one another and partially overlap and can be moved relative to one another. One of the sensor electrodes is designed as a movable sensor electrode and serves as a trigger element. The other sensor electrode is fixed. Due to the movement of the actuation surface, the movable sensor electrode connected to the actuation surface also inevitably moves. The movable sensor electrode is designed, for example, as a metal sheet, a metal foil or the like. The movable sensor electrode can be moved between a rest position or a non-actuated position (=starting position or rest position) into an actuated position (=switching position), in particular linearly, for example towards the fixed sensor electrode.
[0010] When the movable sensor electrode moves towards or away from the fixed sensor electrode, an evaluation unit coupled to the sensor electrode via signal technology detects the change in the field and generates a corresponding switching signal for triggering a switching function, for example an unlocking signal or a locking signal for unlocking or locking a locking system or a lock system.
[0011] In order to bring the movable sensor electrode into contact with the evaluation unit, the movable sensor electrode can include a contact spring element. Due to the flexibility of the contact spring element in the movable sensor electrode which has been fastened to the upper part of the housing, the fixed sensor electrode can be positioned relative to the fastened movable sensor electrode when assembled to the lower part of the housing, in particular positioned / adjusted to a predetermined sensor distance, and can be set to a fixed position and then fixed. The sensor distance preferably corresponds to the maximum possible actuation stroke of the actuation sensor.
[0012] In one possible embodiment, the housing lower part has, for example, at least two calibration openings, in each of which a movable calibration element can be arranged. For example, the corresponding calibration element can be configured as a calibration pin. Alternatively, the calibration element can be configured as a calibration screw or the like. In particular, the corresponding calibration element can be configured as part of a production line, in particular an assembly line, an assembly cell or the like, wherein the calibration element is movably supported by means of an adjustment element.
[0013] In particular, the calibration pin can be arranged displaceably, in particular axially displaceably, in one of the calibration openings of the module housing.
[0014] Preferably, at least two or more calibration openings are symmetrically distributed and arranged in the housing lower part symmetrically spaced relative to one another. As a result, the movable sensor electrode can adjust its position, in particular its axial height, uniformly. For example, at least two or more calibration openings can be configured as passage openings.
[0015] The vehicle component according to the invention comprises at least one actuation module as described above, wherein the vehicle component is a vehicle door, a tailgate, a handle module or a vehicle pillar.
[0016] The method according to the present invention for calibrating the above-mentioned actuation sensor during assembly of the above-mentioned actuation module comprises the following steps:
[0017] - providing at least said actuation module,
[0018] - the at least one calibration element is provided, which positions and fixes the fixed sensor electrode relative to a predetermined sensor distance to the movable sensor electrode during assembly in the module housing. In this case, the fixed sensor electrode is moved in the cavity of the module housing by means of the calibration element until the movable sensor electrode is adjusted relative to the fixed sensor electrode relative to a predetermined distance, in particular a sensor distance, between two sensor electrodes. In particular, the movable sensor electrode is positioned and fixed to the fixed sensor electrode within a predetermined tolerance window of the predetermined sensor distance. In this case, the predetermined sensor distance preferably corresponds to a maximum possible actuation travel of the actuation sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0020] Figure 1 schematically shows an actuation module with a fixed sensor electrode adjustable in a module housing,
[0021] Figure 2 Schematically shows an actuation sensor without a module housing,
[0022] Figure 3Schematic diagram showing the module housing without Figure 2 an actuation sensor, and
[0023] Figure 4 A circuit diagram of an actuation sensor and the associated adjustable actuation travel is schematically shown.
[0024] Reference numerals list
[0025] 1. Driver module
[0026] 2 module housing
[0027] 2.0 Seals
[0028] 2.1 Upper part of the housing
[0029] 2.1.1 Actuation Surface
[0030] 2.2 Lower part of the housing
[0031] 2.3 Calibration opening
[0032] 2.4 Calibration components
[0033] 2.5 Fastening the dome
[0034] 4 Actuation Sensor
[0035] 4.1 Movable sensor electrodes
[0036] 4.1.1 Contact spring element
[0037] 4.1.2 Base
[0038] 4.2 Fixing the sensor electrodes
[0039] 6. Internal Space
[0040] 8 External Environment
[0041] 10 Evaluation Units
[0042] 10.1 Components
[0043] 12 Fastening elements
[0044] 14 Electric Field
[0045] 200 Sensor distance
[0046] 202 Rest position of the actuating surface
[0047] 204 Arrow
[0048] 206 Arrow DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.
[0050] Figure 1 An actuation module 1 for an electronic locking system, in particular an electronic locking system and / or unlocking system of a vehicle, a door, a tailgate, a front hood or the like is schematically shown.
[0051] The actuation module 1 comprises at least one module housing 2 and an actuation sensor 4 .
[0052] The actuation module 1 may comprise a separate module housing 2. Alternatively, the module housing 2 may be integrated in a door handle, a vehicle handle or a vehicle housing.
[0053] The module housing 2 has an interior space 6 , also referred to as a cavity, in which an actuation sensor 4 is arranged for triggering a switching function, in particular for unlocking and opening an electronic locking system.
[0054] The module housing 2 may comprise at least one housing upper part 2.1 having an actuation surface 2.1.1 pointing outwardly toward the external environment 8 and a housing lower part 2.2. The housing upper part 2.1 may seal the housing lower part 2.2. For this purpose, a seal 2.0 may be arranged between the housing upper part 2.1 and the housing lower part 2.2. The housing upper part 2.1 may be configured as a cover or a housing shell. The housing lower part 2.2 may be configured as a housing shell.
[0055] In particular, the actuation surface 2.1.1 may form a part or a region, such as an outer surface, of the module housing 2. Alternatively, the actuation surface 2.1.1 may be constructed as a separate component.
[0056] The actuation sensor 4 can include a movable sensor electrode 4.1 (also called an actuation electrode) and a fixed sensor electrode 4.2 (also called a fixed electrode). The actuation sensor 4 is particularly configured as a so-called metal-on-cover sensor (also referred to as MOC sensor for short), which has two electrodes that can be vertically moved relative to each other for a maximum actuation travel predetermined by the sensor distance 200.
[0057] The actuation surface 2.1.1 is configured to be elastically deformable or flexible and is arranged at least partially parallel to the actuation sensor 4 in a rest position 202 (also referred to as a rest position or a starting position or a non-actuated position). The actuation surface 2.1.1 may be formed entirely of an elastic material. Alternatively, the actuation surface 2.1.1 may be segmentally flexible or elastically deformable and segmentally fixed.
[0058] The movable sensor electrode 4.1 is configured to be elastically deformable or flexible and is arranged in a rest position 202 (also called rest position or starting position or non-actuated position) at least partially parallel to the fixed sensor electrode 4.2. The movable sensor electrode 4.1 is completely formed of elastic material, in particular of a spring sheet.
[0059] The movable sensor electrode 4.1 is fastened to the housing upper part 2.1 when the actuation surface 2.1.1 is actuated according to arrow 204 in the direction of actuating the sensor 4. The movable sensor electrode 4.1 moves in the direction of the other fixed sensor electrode 4.2 so that the sensor distance 200 changes, in particular decreases.
[0060] The movable sensor electrode 4.1 serves as a triggering element. The movable sensor electrode 4.1 is configured, for example, as a metal sheet, a metal foil, etc. The movable sensor electrode 4.1 is configured in particular as a shaped profile sheet or a spring sheet with an integrated reset function.
[0061] In order to adjust the sensor distance 200, the module housing 2 comprises at least one calibration opening 2.3 for a movable calibration element 2.4, for example a movable calibration pin. The module housing 2 preferably comprises a plurality of symmetrically distributed calibration openings 2.3. Furthermore, the calibration openings 2.3 can be symmetrically spaced apart from one another. The calibration openings 2.3 can in particular be configured as passage openings in the module housing 2, in particular in the housing lower part 2.2.
[0062] The movable calibration element 2.4 is arranged in the module housing 2, in particular in the housing lower part 2.2, to position and fix the fixed sensor electrode 4.2 relative to a predetermined sensor distance 200 to the movable sensor electrode 4.1 according to arrow 206, in particular in the vertical direction, and then fix it in the set position.
[0063] By means of at least one calibration element 2.4, the actuation sensor 4 can be adjusted very precisely with high sensitivity. In particular, the actuation stroke between the movable sensor electrode 4.1 and the fixed sensor electrode 4.2 can be adjusted very precisely by means of the at least one calibration element 2.4 via the adjustable sensor distance 200, in particular with very small actuation strokes in the millimeter range, in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.
[0064] For example, during assembly, the fixed sensor electrode 4.2 is moved by the calibration element 2.4 movably supported in the corresponding calibration opening 2.3, in particular linearly onto the fastening dome 2.5 in the module housing 2, as indicated by the arrow 206. For example, the fixed sensor electrode 4.2 in operation is moved along the fastening dome 2.5 during assembly until an optimal position, in particular a predetermined optimal sensor distance 200, is set, in particular within a predetermined tolerance range. After the predetermined sensor distance 200 is set within the predetermined tolerance range, the fixed sensor electrode 4.2 is fastened by the fastening element 12, in particular a screw or a fixing pin. The calibration element 2.4 can be designed separately and then removed. For example, the calibration element 2.4 can be part of a production line or assembly line. Optionally, the calibration element 2.4 can be integrated and movably supported on the module housing 2, but prevented from being lost. The calibration element 2.4 can be configured as a calibration pin, a calibration bolt, etc.
[0065] Furthermore, during the assembly process (also referred to as the joining process), the actuation sensor 4 can be activated and powered on. Thus, the instantaneous sensor distance 200 between the fixed sensor electrode 4.2, which is movable during assembly and during operation, relative to the fixed sensor electrode 4.1, which is movable during assembly and during operation, can be directly determined for adjusting the position of the two sensor electrodes 4.1, 4.2 relative to each other.
[0066] When the actuation module 1 is actuated, for example by pressure on an actuation surface 2.1.1 of the housing upper part 2.1, the movable sensor electrode 4.1 connected to this actuation surface 2.1.1 inevitably also moves, as indicated by the arrow 204, in the direction of the interior space 6. The movable sensor electrode 4.1 is configured, for example, as a metal sheet, a metal foil or the like. In this case, the movable sensor electrode 4.1 moves from the rest position 202 or the non-actuated position (=starting position or rest position) to an actuated position (=switching position, not shown in detail), in particular linearly, for example towards the fixed sensor electrode 4.2.
[0067] When the movable sensor electrode 4.1 moves towards (upon actuation) or away from (after actuation) the fixed sensor electrode 4.2, the evaluation unit 10, signal-coupled to the sensor electrodes 4.1, 4.2, detects the change in the field and generates a corresponding switching signal for triggering a switching function, such as an unlocking signal or a locking signal for unlocking or locking a locking system or a lock system. The evaluation unit 10 is in particular a sensor electronics device, such as an integrated circuit or the like.
[0068] In order to bring the movable sensor electrode 4.1 into contact with the evaluation unit 10, the movable sensor electrode 4.1 may comprise a contact spring element 4.1.1.
[0069] The contact spring element 4.1.1 can be configured for a reset function and for a contact function for connecting the sensor to the evaluation unit 10. The contact spring element 4.1.1 is configured as a reset spring. The contact spring element 4.1.1 is configured in particular as a metal spring, in particular a spring leaf or a metal flexible flat profile.
[0070] Due to the flexibility of the contact spring element 4.1.1, when the movable sensor electrode 4.1 is already fastened to the housing upper part 2.1, the fixed sensor electrode 4.2 can be positioned relative to the fastened movable sensor electrode 4.1 during assembly in the module housing 2, in particular can be positioned and fixed to a predetermined sensor distance 200, and then fixed. The sensor distance 200 preferably corresponds to the maximum possible actuation stroke of the actuation sensor 4.
[0071] The free end of the contact spring element 4 . 1 . 1 is connected to the evaluation unit 10 via signal technology for sensor connection.
[0072] Figure 2 The actuation sensor 4 is schematically shown without the module housing 2 .
[0073] The movable sensor electrode 4.1 has four symmetrically distributed contact spring elements 4.1.1. Each contact spring element 4.1.1 is designed, for example, as a contact spring arm and is connected to the evaluation unit 10 on the fixed sensor electrode 4.2 via signal technology.
[0074] The base 4.1.2 of the movable sensor electrode 4.1 is connected to the housing upper part 2.1, such as Figure 1 shown.
[0075] Figure 3 Schematically shows the module housing 2 without the base Figure 2 Actuation sensor 4.
[0076] The base 4.1.2 of the movable sensor electrode 4.1 is in particular movably coupled to the housing upper part 2.1, so that an actuation of the actuation surface 2.1.1 is converted according to arrow 204 into an actuation of the base 4.1.2, as a result of which the sensor distance 200 to the fixed sensor electrode 4.2 changes, as Figure 1 described.
[0077] The component 10 . 1 of the evaluation unit 10 is arranged in particular on that side of the fixed sensor electrode 4 . 2 which faces away from the movable sensor electrode 4 . 1 .
[0078] Figure 4 Schematically shown is a circuit diagram of an actuation sensor 4 and an associated adjustable sensor distance 200 as an actuation travel which depends on the change of the electric field 14 between the two sensor electrodes 4 . 1 , 4 . 2 .
Claims
1. An actuation module (1), comprising at least: a module housing (2) having at least one housing upper part (2.1) with an actuating surface (2.1.1) and a housing lower part (2.2) which can be closed by means of the housing upper part (2.1), - an actuation sensor (4) for triggering a switch function, in particular for unlocking and opening an electronic locking system, in, The actuation sensor (4) is arranged in the module housing (2) and comprises a movable sensor electrode (4.1) and a fixed sensor electrode (4.2), The housing lower part (2.2) has at least one movable calibration element (2.4) which is suitable for positioning and fixing the fixed sensor electrode (4.2) relative to a predetermined distance to the movable sensor electrode (4.1) during assembly in the module housing (2).
2. The actuation module (1) according to claim 1, in, The housing lower part (2.2) has at least two calibration openings (2.3), in each of which a movable calibration element (2.4) can be arranged.
3. The actuation module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, A calibration pin is provided as a calibration element (2.4).
4. Actuation module (1) according to claim 2 or 3, in, The calibration element (2.4) is movably arranged in one of the calibration openings (2.3).
5. An actuation module (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in, The at least two or more calibrated openings (2.3) are symmetrically distributed in the housing lower part (2.2).
6. Actuation module (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in, The at least two or more calibrated openings (2.3) are designed as passage openings.
7. The actuation module (1) according to claim 1, in, The at least one movable sensor electrode (4.1) comprises a contact spring element (4.1.1).
8. A vehicle component of a vehicle having an actuation module (1) according to any of the preceding claims.
9. The method for calibrating an actuation sensor (4) when assembling an actuation module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - providing at least one actuation module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - at least one calibration element (2.4) is provided, which during assembly in the module housing (2) positions and securely arranges the fixed sensor electrode (4.2) relative to a predetermined sensor distance (200) to the movable sensor electrode (4.1).
10. The method according to claim 9, in, The fixed sensor electrode (4.2) is moved in the cavity of the module housing (2) by means of the calibration element (2.4) until the movable sensor electrode (4.1) is adjusted relative to the fixed sensor electrode (4.2) relative to the predetermined sensor distance (200) between the two sensor electrodes (4.1, 4.2).