Handle module for vehicle and movable vehicle element
By integrating lighting units and actuation sensors in the vehicle handle module, the problem of unclear feedback of the handle module under low light conditions is solved, and rapid visual status confirmation is achieved, improving the user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510115457.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-24
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle handle modules have difficulty providing clear feedback in low light conditions, especially the door lock status and delayed response of the actuating sensors, which lead to poor user experience.
The lighting unit and an actuation sensor are integrated in the handle module, and the lighting unit is activated to provide state feedback, such as door lock status and actuation confirmation when the user approaches or actuates the handle element.
Improve the visual feedback of the handle module under low light conditions, bridge the delay time of the actuating sensor, and enhance the user experience, especially when the tactile signal is not obvious in winter.
Smart Images
Figure CN120367478A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a handle module for a vehicle, in particular an outer door handle module, and a movable vehicle element having such a handle module. Background Art
[0002] Handle modules are well known and are used to open or close vehicle doors when a user enters and exits the vehicle. The handle module is particularly fixedly attached to the support structure of the vehicle door. In this case, the handle element can be moved, in particular linearly or pivotally, for example between a starting position (also referred to as a rest position or a retracted position) and a grasping position (also referred to as an operating position or a use position). Summary of the Invention
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved handle module and a movable vehicle element having such an improved handle module.
[0004] This object is achieved by a handle module having the features of claim 1 according to the present invention.
[0005] According to the present invention, a second object is achieved by a movable vehicle element having the features of claim 10.
[0006] Advantageous improvements are set forth in the dependent claims.
[0007] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a handle module comprising at least one handle element configured to be movable between a starting position and a grasping position in which the handle element can be grasped by a user, wherein the handle element comprises at least one lighting unit and an actuation sensor, and wherein the lighting unit and the actuation sensor are arranged to activate the lighting unit when the handle element is in the grasping position and the actuation sensor detects or has detected the approach or actuation of the user to the handle element.
[0008] The handle module is particularly arranged to provide feedback to the user of the handle element regarding the instantaneous state by means of the lighting unit, in particular whether a lock such as a door lock is locked or open and whether the actuation sensor is actuated.
[0009] In a possible embodiment, at least one covering unit is provided which covers an opening in the grasping area of the handle element in the grasping position of the handle element. At least one covering unit or another covering unit can be provided to cover or cover the handle element at least in certain areas. In other words: the corresponding covering unit is arranged to at least partially cover or cover the opening in the grasping area and / or the handle element itself.
[0010] For example, at least one lighting unit in the lighting unit can be arranged behind the covering unit, and in the activated state, the covering unit can be configured to transmit in the direction of the handle element, in particular to illuminate the handle element and / or the opening from behind. Alternatively or additionally, at least one lighting unit in the lighting unit can be integrated into the handle element, and in the activated state, the handle element can be configured to transmit in the direction of the covering unit, in particular to illuminate the covering unit and / or the opening from the front. The covering unit can be constructed separately. Alternatively or additionally, the covering unit can be an integrated part of the handle element.
[0011] In a possible embodiment, the handle element is configured to be transparent (also referred to as light-transmissive and / or image-transmissive) or translucent (also referred to as light-transmissive) at least in the region of the lighting unit. The corresponding covering unit can also be configured to be at least partially or completely transparent and / or translucent. In particular, the handle module, in particular the handle element or the bearing bracket, etc., can include such a covering unit that is configured to be transparent and / or translucent in certain regions. For example, the handle element can include an internal covering unit and / or an external covering unit. The separate covering unit and / or the transparent region of the handle element, in particular the transparent region of the corresponding integrated covering unit, is particularly understood as a material that emits and transmits light without scattering, and is therefore also suitable for emitting images, symbols, texts, etc. The separate covering unit and / or the translucent region of the handle element, in particular the translucent region of the corresponding integrated covering unit, is particularly understood as a material that allows light to transmit and scatters light in the process.
[0012] In particular, the lighting unit is integrated into the handle element in such a way that it is particularly arranged to illuminate the environment or area outside the handle element.
[0013] In an improved embodiment, for example, a proximity sensor, in particular a capacitive and / or inductive proximity sensor, is arranged in the handle element as an actuation sensor. The proximity sensor is set to identify and detect at least one approach and / or touch to the proximity sensor. For example, the proximity sensor can also be set to activate, in particular to turn on the lighting unit, when an approach and / or touch to the proximity sensor is detected.
[0014] The handle module, in particular the handle element itself, can particularly have two covering units that form the handle housing. A handle internal space is formed between the particularly front or external covering unit and the particularly rear or internal covering unit, and the lighting unit and / or the actuation sensor are arranged in this handle internal space. At least the internal covering unit, in particular the rear wall of the handle element, can be formed of a light-transmissive or partially light-transmissive material, in particular a transparent and / or translucent material.
[0015] The lighting unit can be, for example, an LED lighting unit. The lighting unit and / or the corresponding covering unit can be specifically configured as an information display and / or a status display. For example, the lighting unit can be arranged to illuminate and emit images, inscriptions, symbols, etc. in the covering unit. Optionally, the lighting unit itself can be arranged to generate images, inscriptions, symbols, etc. and emit them outward.
[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the lighting unit can be arranged to light up at intervals and / or for a limited time when activated.
[0017] At the grasping position of the handle element, especially the extended position, the covering unit is visible to the user. The covering unit is at least translucent in some areas. For example, the corresponding covering unit can be configured to be semi-transparent. The corresponding covering unit can also be translucent and have a film, varnish or another coating, especially a translucent coating by physical vapor deposition (abbreviation: PVD coating).
[0018] The lighting unit is especially arranged behind the covering unit, especially inside the handle element. The lighting unit can additionally be coupled to a driver of, for example, a tactile module and / or a pulse generator. The lighting unit is especially arranged or can be controlled to emit pulsed light. In this way, a pulsating optical feedback can or should be output, for example, regarding the position of the handle element, the status of the door lock, the output of information, etc.
[0019] The handle element constructed in this way allows for an additional quick visualization of the activation of the actuation sensor to bridge the delay time of the actuation sensor. In particular, when, for example, in winter, the user does not feel the tactile signal on the handle element, especially the vibration as the feedback of the actuation of the actuation sensor, the present invention can provide feedback. In addition, the present invention allows for the output of status indications, messages, information, etc. on the handle element, such as "open", "locked", "hello". For this purpose, the lighting unit is coupled to the actuation sensor and can be controlled accordingly. Description of the Drawings
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Among them:
[0021] Figure 1 A movable vehicle element with a handle module is schematically shown;
[0022] Figure 2 A perspective view of the handle module with the handle element in the grasping position is schematically shown;
[0023] Figure 3 Another perspective view of the handle module with the handle element in the grasping position is schematically shown;
[0024] Figure 4Another perspective view of the handle module with the handle element in the grasping position and the internal display is schematically shown; and
[0025] Figure 5 Another perspective view of the handle module is schematically shown, where the handle element is in the grasping position and the external display is located on the external covering unit.
[0026] The same components in all the figures are denoted by the same reference numerals. Detailed Description of the Invention
[0027] Figure 1 A movable vehicle element 200 of a vehicle is shown, such as a vehicle door 8, a hood, a tailgate, etc.
[0028] For opening and closing, the movable vehicle element 200 includes a handle module 1, which will be described in more detail below. In Figure 1 it, the handle module 1 is shown in its starting position 102, where the handle module 1 is arranged flush with the vehicle skin or vehicle sheet metal of the movable vehicle element 200.
[0029] Figure 2 An embodiment of the handle module 1 with a handle element 2 in the grasping position 100 is schematically shown in perspective view.
[0030] The handle module 1 includes at least one support unit 4 and a handle element 2. The handle element 2 can move, in particular linearly, between, for example, a starting position 102 (not shown, also referred to as the rest position or stowed position) and the grasping position 100.
[0031] In the grasping position 100, the handle element 2 protrudes beyond the external structure 6 of the vehicle door 8. In the grasping position 100, the handle element 2 can be grasped by the user's hand 10. In the starting position 102, not shown, the handle element 2 is arranged flush with the external structure 6, in particular the outer shell of the door.
[0032] The support unit 4 of the handle module 1 is fixed and held on the inner side of the support structure of the vehicle door 8. The handle element 2 is movable relative to the fixed support unit 4 and the support structure, in particular linearly or pivotably.
[0033] The handle element 2 further includes at least one lighting unit 12 and an actuation sensor 14. The lighting unit 12 is integrated in the handle element 2, in particular arranged and held inside the handle element 2. The handle element 2 can include an external actuation sensor 14.1 and / or an internal actuation sensor 14.2.
[0034] The lighting unit 12 and at least one actuation sensor 14 are arranged to activate the lighting unit 12 when the handle element 2 is in the gripping position 100 and the at least one actuation sensor 14 detects the hand 10 of the user approaching the handle element 2 and / or actuating the handle element 2.
[0035] For example, a proximity sensor, in particular a capacitive and / or inductive proximity sensor, can be provided as the actuation sensor 14. The corresponding actuation sensor 14 is arranged to recognize and detect at least the proximity to it and / or the touch on it. For example, the corresponding actuation sensor 14 can also be arranged to be activated, in particular to turn on the lighting unit 12, when the proximity to it and / or the touch on it is detected.
[0036] Preferably, at least in the region of the lighting unit 12, the handle element 2 is configured to be transparent (also referred to as light-transmitting and / or image-transmitting) or translucent (also referred to as light-transmitting). For example, the handle element 2 can include a covering unit 16, which is configured to be transparent and / or translucent in certain regions.
[0037] At least one covering unit 16 is arranged to at least partially cover or obscure the opening in the gripping region 104 of the handle element 2 and / or the handle element 2 itself in the gripping position 100 of the handle element 2. A plurality of covering units 16 can be provided. The corresponding covering unit 16 can be individually configured as a separate component and / or integrated as a component of the handle element 2.
[0038] In this case, at least one lighting unit in the lighting unit 12 can be arranged behind the covering unit 16, and in the activated state, the covering unit 16 is configured to transmit in the direction of the handle element 2. Alternatively or additionally, at least one lighting unit in the lighting unit 12 can be integrated into the handle element 2, and in the activated state, the handle element 2 can be configured to transmit in the direction of the covering unit 16.
[0039] For example, the handle element 2 can include an inner covering unit 16.1 and / or an outer covering unit 16.2. The inner covering unit 16.1 and / or the outer covering unit 16.2 can be individually constructed. Optionally, these covering units can be integrated into the handle element 2 or the handle module 1.
[0040] The transparent regions of the handle element 2 and / or the corresponding covering unit 16 are particularly understood as materials that emit and transmit light without scattering, and are thus also suitable for emitting images, symbols, texts, etc. The translucent regions of the handle element 2 and / or the corresponding covering unit 16 are particularly understood as materials that allow light to transmit and thus scatter light.
[0041] The handle element 2 in particular has two covering units 16 which form a handle housing. A handle interior space 2.1 is formed between the front or outer covering unit 16.2 and the rear or inner covering unit 16.1 (as Figure 4 shown), and the lighting unit 12 and / or the actuation sensor 14 are respectively arranged in this handle interior space.
[0042] In the example according to Figure 1 shown, no actuation sensor 14 detects an approach or actuation. The lighting unit 12 has not been activated and thus does not emit light.
[0043] Figure 3 Another perspective view of the handle module 1 is schematically shown, in which the handle element 2 is in the gripping position 100 and the lighting unit 12 is activated. The actuation sensor 14, in particular the inner actuation sensor 14.2, has detected the approach or actuation of the user's hand 10 and activated or switched on the lighting unit 12 so that it emits light into the environment 18.
[0044] The lighting unit 12 is integrated in the handle element 2 in such a way that it is in particular arranged to illuminate the environment 18 outside the handle element 2.
[0045] At least the inner covering unit 16.1, in particular the rear wall of the handle element 2, can be formed of a light-transmitting or partially light-transmitting material, in particular a transparent and / or translucent material.
[0046] The lighting unit 12 can be, for example, an LED lighting unit. The lighting unit 12 and / or the corresponding covering unit 16 can in particular be configured as an information display and / or a status display. For example, the lighting unit 12 can be arranged to illuminate and emit an image, an inscription, a symbol, etc. in the corresponding covering unit 16. Optionally, the lighting unit 12 itself can be arranged to generate an image, an inscription, a symbol, etc. and emit it outwards into the environment 18.
[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the lighting unit 12 can be arranged to light up at intervals and / or for a limited time when activated. For this purpose, the lighting unit 12 can be coupled, for example, to a control unit (not shown), in particular a pulse generator.
[0048] In the gripping position 100 of the handle element 2, in particular the extended position, the covering unit 16 is visible to the user. The corresponding covering unit 16 is configured to be light-transmitting at least in some areas. For example, the corresponding covering unit 16 can be configured to be translucent. The corresponding covering unit 16 can also be light-transmitting and have a film, a varnish or another coating, in particular a light-transmitting coating by physical vapor deposition (abbreviation: PVD coating).
[0049] The lighting unit 12 is particularly arranged behind the covering unit 16, in particular inside the handle element 2. The lighting unit 12 can additionally be coupled to a driver of, for example, a haptic module and / or a pulse generator. The lighting unit 12 is particularly arranged or can be controlled to emit pulsed light into the environment 18. In this way, a pulsed optical feedback can or should be output, for example, regarding the position of the handle element 2, the state of the door lock, the output of information, etc.
[0050] The handle element 2 constructed in this way allows for an additional quick visualization of the activation of the actuation sensor 14 to bridge the delay time of the actuation sensor 14. In particular, when, for example, in winter, the user does not feel the haptic signal on the handle element 2, in particular the vibration as feedback for the actuation of the actuation sensor 14, the present invention can provide feedback.
[0051] Figure 4 Another perspective view of the handle module 1 is schematically shown, in which the handle element 2 is in the grasping position 100 and has an external display 20 and an internal display 22. The external display 20 is produced by the lighting unit 12, in particular the first lighting unit 12.1, which can be activated by the external actuation sensor 14.1. The internal display 22 is produced, for example, by the second lighting unit 12.2, which can be activated by the internal actuation sensor 14.2.
[0052] Furthermore, only one actuation sensor 14 can be provided for the two lighting units 12.1, 12.2 and / or only one lighting unit 12 that can be controlled in certain areas can also be provided.
[0053] The external display 20 produced by the first lighting unit 12.1 can be configured as, for example, an information display or a message display or a status display, etc. The external display 20 can be configured as a status display, in particular a color display, and display the locked state of the lock in red for locked and green for open.
[0054] The internal display 22 produced by the second lighting unit 12.2 can be configured as, for example, an information display or a message display or a status display, etc. The internal display 22 can be personalized. In particular, status indications, messages, information, etc., such as "open", "locked", "hello", can be optically output in the environment 18, for example, on the display surface 6.1 of the external structure 6, by light emitted from the handle element 2 via the internal covering unit 16.1.
[0055] To activate the corresponding lighting unit 12, the corresponding lighting unit 12 is only coupled to the corresponding actuation sensor 14 and can be controlled accordingly only when the actuation sensor 14 or one of the actuation sensors has detected the approach or its actuation of the sensor.
[0056] Figure 5 Another perspective view of the handle module 1 is schematically shown, in which the handle element 2 is in the grasping position 100, and in addition to the internal display 22 and the external display 20, there is a personalized external display 20' on the external covering unit 16.2. According to Figure 5 the handle module 1 and Figures 1 to 4 the handle module 1 is different in that there is an additional external display 20'.
[0057] List of reference signs
[0058] 1 Handle module
[0059] 2 Handle element
[0060] 2.1 Handle internal space
[0061] 4 Support unit
[0062] 6 External structure
[0063] 6.1 Display surface
[0064] 8 Car door
[0065] 10 Hand
[0066] 12 Lighting unit
[0067] 12.1 First lighting unit
[0068] 12.2 Second lighting unit
[0069] 14 Actuation sensor
[0070] 14.1 External actuation sensor
[0071] 14.2 Internal actuation sensor
[0072] 16 Covering unit
[0073] 16.1 Internal covering unit
[0074] 16.2 External covering unit
[0075] 18 Environment
[0076] 20 External display
[0077] 20’ Additional external display
[0078] 22 Internal display
[0079] 100 Grasping position
[0080] 102 Starting position
[0081] 104 grasping area
[0082] 200 movable vehicle element
Claims
1. A handle module (1) for a vehicle, wherein, The handle module (1) includes: - At least one handle element (2) configured to be movable between a starting position (102) and a gripping position (100), in which gripping position the handle element (2) can be gripped by a user, - At least one lighting unit (12) and - An actuation sensor (14), wherein when the handle element (2) is in the gripping position (100) and the actuation sensor (14) detects or has detected a user approaching or actuating the handle element (2), the lighting unit (12) and the actuation sensor (14) are arranged to interact with each other to activate the lighting unit (12).
2. The handle module (1) according to claim 1, Among them, wherein at least one covering unit (16) is provided, which in the gripping position (100) of the handle element (2) covers the opening in the gripping area (104) of the handle element (2) and / or the handle element (2) itself.
3. The handle module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, Among them, wherein the at least one covering unit (16) or another covering unit (16) is arranged to cover the handle element (2) in certain areas.
4. The handle module (1) according to claim 2 or 3, Among them, wherein at least one lighting unit of the lighting units (12) is arranged behind the covering unit (16), and in the activated state, the covering unit (16) is configured to transmit in the direction of the handle element (2).
5. The handle module (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, Among them, wherein at least one lighting unit of the lighting units (12) is integrated into the handle element (2), and in the activated state, the handle element (2) is configured to transmit in the direction of the covering unit (16).
6. The handle module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, wherein the covering unit (16) is configured to be transparent and / or translucent in certain areas.
7. The handle module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, wherein the handle element (2) is configured to be transparent and / or translucent at least in certain areas.
8. The handle module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least two covering units (16.1, 16.2) forming a handle housing.
9. The handle module (1) according to claim 8, Among them, wherein a handle interior space (2.1) is formed between the two covering units (16.1, 16.2), and the lighting unit (12) and / or the actuation sensor (14) are arranged in the handle interior space.
10. A movable vehicle element (200) including the handle module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.