Vehicle starting switch and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle start switch (100) capable of wirelessly communicating with a vehicle key approaching in a first direction (X), comprising: a circuit board (1) having a first surface (11) and a second surface (12) opposite in the first direction (X); the antenna (2) is directly arranged on the first surface of the circuit board and is used for wirelessly communicating with the car key; and the magnetic isolation sheet (3) is arranged between the antenna and the first surface. According to the invention, the magnetic isolation sheet is arranged between the antenna and the first surface of the circuit board, and the magnetic isolation sheet not only has an effect of shielding a magnetic field and avoiding eddy current loss of the magnetic field of the antenna in the circuit board, but also has an effect of gathering magnetic induction lines of the antenna, so that the communication distance between the antenna and the vehicle key is effectively increased. Therefore, when the vehicle key is close to the vehicle starting switch, the antenna can more reliably charge the vehicle key, and then the vehicle is allowed to be started.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle start switch that can wirelessly communicate with a nearby vehicle key. The present invention also relates to a vehicle having the vehicle start switch. Background Art

[0002] With the development of automotive technology, the requirement for electrification is getting higher and higher, and more and more vehicles are equipped with a passive entry and passive start system ("PEPS"). The PEPS can perform the functions of unlocking the vehicle door and starting the vehicle without the driver operating the vehicle key. This system uses a low-frequency signal to locate the vehicle key. Once the vehicle key is near the vehicle, it can exchange data with the vehicle using an RF signal (such as a Bluetooth connection). When the vehicle key leaves the vehicle, the vehicle door locks automatically and enters the anti-theft state.

[0003] When the battery of the vehicle key runs out, the vehicle key cannot send a low-frequency signal, and it is necessary to enable a spare antenna or an anti-theft antenna to start the vehicle. At this time, the vehicle key is brought close to the spare antenna, and the electromagnetic field generated by the spare antenna charges the vehicle key through mutual inductance, enabling low-frequency authentication. After successful authentication, the vehicle can be started.

[0004] The spare antenna of the passive entry and passive start system is usually integrated inside the vehicle start switch. When the available space for the vehicle start switch is limited and the antenna needs to be closely attached to the circuit board, the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna will cause eddy currents in the grounding layer of the circuit board, resulting in eddy current losses. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle start switch that overcomes the above-mentioned defects in the prior art and ensures effective wireless communication between the antenna and the vehicle key in a limited design space.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle start switch that can wirelessly communicate with a vehicle key approaching along a first direction. The vehicle start switch includes:

[0007] A circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other along the first direction;

[0008] An antenna directly disposed on the first surface of the circuit board for wireless communication with the vehicle key;

[0009] A magnetic isolation sheet disposed between the antenna and the first surface.

[0010] According to the technical solution of the present invention, by arranging a magnetic isolation sheet between the antenna and the first surface of the circuit board, the magnetic isolation sheet not only has the function of shielding the magnetic field, avoiding the eddy current loss of the antenna magnetic field in the circuit board, but also plays the role of gathering the magnetic induction lines of the antenna, thereby forming a very good action area on the side of the antenna close to the vehicle key, and effectively increasing the communication distance between the antenna and the vehicle key. Therefore, when the vehicle key is close to the vehicle start switch, the antenna can charge the vehicle key more reliably, and then allows the vehicle to be started.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle start switch further includes a button, which is arranged opposite to the first surface of the circuit board and has a first distance from the first surface along a first direction.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, the button and the antenna at least partially overlap when viewed along the first direction.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic isolation sheet is a ferrite sheet.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the magnetic isolation sheet is in the range of 0.1 to 1 mm, preferably 0.1 - 0.15 mm.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the antenna includes: an inductance coil wound around an axis in a first direction, the inductance coil being located on one side of the circuit board and having an axial edge close to the circuit board; and a bracket, the bracket having a receiving portion for receiving the inductance coil.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the axial distance between the axial edge and the first surface of the circuit board is set to be so close that if the magnetic isolation sheet is not arranged, the inductance coil will generate eddy current loss in the circuit board.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, the axial distance is not greater than 3.5 mm.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, the bracket has a first axial end facing the circuit board and a second axial end facing away from the circuit board on both sides of the receiving portion along the first direction, and the magnetic isolation sheet is pasted on the first axial end.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first axial end is provided with a connecting portion for connecting the antenna to the circuit board, and the magnetic isolation sheet is provided with a perforation adapted to the connecting portion in the edge region.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the bracket has a hollow columnar structure, has a first opening facing the circuit board at the first axial end and a second opening facing the button at the second axial end, and the magnetic isolation sheet at least partially covers the first opening.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, in a region corresponding to a first opening of the bracket, a first surface of the circuit board is provided with a light source that emits light toward the button, and the magnetic shielding sheet is provided with an opening that allows the light to pass through.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, an outer contour of the magnetic shielding sheet is adapted to an outer contour of the first axial end.

[0023] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle that includes the vehicle start switch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the general description above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and methods given below, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon study of the following specification with reference to the drawings, in which like elements are given like or similar reference numerals, and in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle start switch according to the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a bracket in a vehicle start switch according to the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 Shows the Figure 2 corresponding magnetic shielding sheet of the bracket;

[0028] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of a vehicle start switch according to the present invention is shown.

[0029] Reference Numerals:

[0030] Vehicle start switch 100

[0031] Circuit board 1, first surface 11, second surface 12, light source 13

[0032] Antenna 2, inductance coil 21, axial edge 211

[0033] Bracket 22, first axial end 221, second axial end 222

[0034] First opening 22a, protrusion 22b, card hole 22c, connector 22c'

[0035] Slot 22d, conductive pin 22d', receiving portion 22e

[0036] Magnetic shielding sheet 3, opening 3a, first through hole 3b, second through hole 3c, third through hole 3d

[0037] Button 4, First direction X, First spacing S1, Axial distance S2 Detailed implementation mode

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments and methods of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like or corresponding components. It should be noted, however, that the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to specific details, representative devices and methods, and the illustrative examples shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first", "second" and similar terms used in the specification and claims of this patent application of the present disclosure do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. When the number of components is not specified, the number of components can be one or more; similarly, terms such as "a", "the", "said" and the like do not necessarily denote a quantity limitation. The terms "comprising" or "including" and the like mean that the elements or items appearing before this word cover the elements or items listed after this word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or items. The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and the like are only used to represent the relative orientation relationship during the use of the device or the orientation relationship shown in the drawings. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative position relationship may also change accordingly. Unless otherwise explicitly described, the terms "connected", "coupled" and the like refer to the relationship in which structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other through an intermediate structure.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle start switch 100 according to the present invention is shown. The vehicle start switch 100 can communicate wirelessly with a nearby vehicle key. The vehicle key approaches the vehicle start switch 100 along a first direction X from above the figure. For the sake of simplicity, the vehicle key is not shown in the figure.

[0041] The vehicle start switch 100 includes: a circuit board 1 having a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 opposite to each other along the first direction X; an antenna 2 directly disposed on the first surface 11 of the circuit board 1 for wireless communication with the vehicle key; and a magnetic isolation sheet 3 disposed between the antenna 2 and the first surface 11.

[0042] It should be noted that "directly disposed" means that there are no other components between the antenna 2 and the circuit board 1 except the magnetic isolation sheet 3 clearly defined in the present invention. The distance between the antenna 2 and the circuit board 1 is only defined by the magnetic isolation sheet 3.

[0043] From Figure 1As can be seen, the vehicle start switch 100 further includes a button 4. The button 4 faces the first surface 11 of the circuit board 1 and has a first spacing S1 from the first surface 11 in the first direction X. The first spacing S1 is set to allow the button 4 to move a certain stroke towards the circuit board 1. When the button 4 is pressed down, this stroke is transmitted to a conductive rubber member (not shown) provided on the circuit board 1, so that the user can control the circuit board 1 by operating the button 4, thereby realizing the function of the vehicle start switch 100.

[0044] When observing the button 4 and the antenna 2 in the first direction X, they at least partially overlap, thereby ensuring that the communication distance between the antenna 2 and the vehicle key close to the button 4 is small. Here, when observing the button 4 in the first direction X, it completely covers the antenna 2. There are markings (such as words or patterns, etc.) on the button 4 to provide instructions for relevant operations to the user.

[0045] The magnetic shielding sheet 3 is preferably a ferrite sheet, specifically a soft ferrite sheet.

[0046] The thickness of the magnetic shielding sheet 3 ranges from 0.1 to 1 mm, and in the case of a ferrite sheet, the thickness is preferably from 0.1 to 0.15 mm. Since the thickness of the magnetic shielding sheet 3 such as a ferrite sheet is very small, the overall thickness of the antenna 2 and the circuit board 1 remains basically unchanged, so that the vehicle start switch 100 occupies very little space, which advantageously meets the design requirement of a compact structure in the application scenario of the present invention.

[0047] Within the scope of the present invention, the magnetic shielding sheet 3 can be positioned on the antenna 2 or on the circuit board 1. However, for the convenience of after-sales part analysis of the circuit board 1, the magnetic shielding sheet 3 is preferably positioned on the antenna 2.

[0048] From Figure 1 As can be seen, the antenna 2 includes an inductor coil 21 wound around the first direction X as the axis. The inductor coil 21 is located on one side of the circuit board 1 and has an axial edge 211 close to the circuit board 1. The axial distance S2 between the axial edge 211 and the first surface 11 of the circuit board 1 is set so close that if the magnetic shielding sheet 2 is not arranged, the inductor coil 21 will generate eddy current losses in the circuit board 1. However, due to the arrangement of the magnetic shielding sheet 3, especially a ferrite sheet, in the vehicle start switch 100 of the present invention, the eddy current losses in the circuit board 1 are greatly reduced or even completely absent. The axial distance S2 can vary according to different parameters such as the inductance, shape, and size of the inductor coil 21, and is, for example, not greater than 3.5 mm.

[0049] From Figure 1 As can be seen, the antenna 2 further includes a bracket 22, and the bracket 22 has a receiving portion 22e for receiving the inductor coil 21 (see Figure 2) Here, it is an annular groove. The bracket 22 has a first axial end 221 facing the circuit board 1 and a second axial end 222 facing away from the circuit board 1 on both sides of the accommodating portion 22e along the first direction, and the magnetic isolation sheet 3 is pasted on the first axial end 221. The pasting can be achieved by a high-temperature resistant glue. The high-temperature resistant glue is, for example, 3M glue, and for example, it should be able to withstand a high temperature of 250 °C.

[0050] Within the scope of the present invention, the bracket 22 can adopt various design methods. For example, it can have a solid columnar structure.

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the bracket 22 in the vehicle start switch 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, the bracket 22 has a hollow columnar structure, and has a first opening 22a facing the circuit board 1 at the first axial end 221 (see Figure 2 ) and a second opening (not shown) facing the button 4 at the second axial end 222. The magnetic isolation sheet 3 at least partially covers the first opening 22a, that is, it can be set to completely cover or partially cover the first opening 22a according to specific application situations.

[0052] In the area corresponding to the first opening 22a of the bracket 22, a light source 13 that emits light towards the button 4 is provided on the first surface 11 of the circuit board 1 (see Figure 4 ), such as an LED, and the magnetic isolation sheet 3 is provided with an opening 3a that allows the light to pass through (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 ), that is, when a light source needs to be provided, the magnetic isolation sheet 3 partially covers the first opening 22a.

[0053] In addition, a light guide body (not shown) is installed inside the antenna 2. The light guide body is arranged between the light source and the button 4 and can diverge the light emitted from the light source 13 so that it can illuminate a larger area on the button 4.

[0054] From Figure 2 it can be seen that the first axial end 221 of the bracket 22 of the antenna 2 is provided with a connecting portion for connecting the antenna 2 and the circuit board 1 in the edge area. The connecting portion includes two protrusions 22b, two card holes 22c for welding, and two grooves 22d for achieving electrical connection. The protrusions 22b, card holes 22c, and grooves 22d are usually constructed on the first axial end 221 of the bracket 22 in an integrally formed manner.

[0055] Figure 3 Shows the Figure 2 corresponding to the bracket 22 of Figure 3It can be seen that the magnetic isolation sheet 3 is provided with perforations adapted to the connecting portion in the edge region, including a first perforation 3b, a second perforation 3c, and a third perforation 3d.

[0056] Combined Figure 2 with Figure 3 It can be seen that the protrusion 22b extends through the first perforation 3b in the magnetic isolation sheet 3 and a through hole (not shown) in the circuit board 1 and is snapped into the through hole. The connector 22c' is installed in the card hole 22c and fixed by welding. The second perforation 3c of the magnetic isolation sheet 3 is configured to accommodate the connector 22c'. In addition, two conductive pins 22d' are respectively installed in two slots 22d to electrically connect the antenna 2 to the circuit board 1. Figure 1 Only one conductive pin 22d' is shown in , and the other conductive pin 22d' is blocked. The third perforation 3d of the magnetic isolation sheet 3 is configured to accommodate the conductive pin 22d'.

[0057] The magnetic isolation sheet 3 having the thickness and perforation structure required by the present invention can be manufactured separately by 3D printing technology or by a combination of 3D printing and laser cutting technology. The magnetic isolation sheet 3 is preferably manufactured in the form of being provided with an adhesive, so that it can be directly attached to the first axial end 221 of the antenna 2.

[0058] From Figure 3 it can be seen that the outer contour of the magnetic isolation sheet 3 is adapted to the outer contour of the first axial end 221. The outer edge of the magnetic isolation sheet 3 is arranged flush with the outer edge of the bracket 22 in this embodiment. In principle, as long as it does not affect the installation and use of adjacent components on the circuit board 1, it can also protrude from the outer edge to more effectively shield the electromagnetic field and gather the magnetic induction lines.

[0059] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of the vehicle start switch 100 according to the present invention is shown. From this, the corresponding relationship between the position of the opening 3a of the magnetic isolation sheet 3 and the light source 3 of the circuit board 1 can be seen. The magnetic isolation sheet 3 completely covers the first opening 22a of the bracket 22 except for the opening 3a, so as to more effectively shield the electromagnetic field and gather the magnetic induction lines.

[0060] The vehicle start switch 100 according to the present invention is applicable to application scenarios with limited installation space, where the antenna 2 needs to be directly disposed on the circuit board 1. However, since the axial distance S2 between the inductance coil 21 and the first surface 11 of the circuit board 1 is very small, the magnetic induction lines of the antenna 2 will generate eddy currents in the grounding layer (copper foil) of the circuit board 1, resulting in eddy current losses. This kind of eddy current loss could have been avoided by separating the antenna 2 from the circuit board 1 by a certain distance. However, this means that additional design space is required, which cannot be satisfied in these application scenarios. According to the present invention, a magnetic isolation sheet 3 is arranged between the antenna 2 and the first surface 11 of the circuit board 1. The magnetic isolation sheet 3 has the function of shielding the magnetic field, avoiding the eddy current loss of the magnetic field of the antenna 2 in the circuit board, saving design space at the same time, and making the overall structure of the vehicle start switch 100 more compact.

[0061] In addition, the magnetic isolation sheet 3 plays a role in gathering the magnetic induction lines of the antenna, thus forming a very good action area on the side of the antenna 2 close to the vehicle key, effectively increasing the communication distance between the antenna 2 and the vehicle key. Therefore, when the vehicle key approaches the vehicle start switch 100, the antenna 2 can charge the vehicle key more reliably, and then allow the vehicle to be started.

[0062] For example, it is detected that when there is no magnetic isolation sheet 3 (the antenna 2 is attached to the circuit board), the inductance value of the antenna 2 is 375 uH, the resonance frequency is 117 KHz, and the communication distance is 2 mm; after the magnetic isolation sheet 3 is set, the inductance value of the antenna 2 returns to 425 uH, the resonance frequency increases to 122 KHz, and the communication distance increases to 10 mm.

[0063] In the vehicle start switch 100 according to the present invention, since the communication distance is greatly increased, the antenna 2 can even sense the vehicle key without pressing the button 4, so the reliability is very strong. It can be imagined that if the communication distance is too short, the button needs to be pressed to start, and it may also fail at this time, which may cause the vehicle to be unable to start when the vehicle key is out of power. Through the design method of the present invention, this difficult situation encountered by end users can be effectively avoided.

[0064] This article has described in detail multiple exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art can understand that without departing from the concept of the present invention, various modifications and improvements can be made to the above specific embodiments, and various technical features and structures proposed by the present invention can also be combined without exceeding the protection scope of the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle start switch (100) capable of wireless communication with a vehicle key approaching along a first direction (X), characterized in that, Comprising: A circuit board (1) having a first surface (11) and a second surface (12) opposite to each other along a first direction (X); An antenna (2) directly disposed on the first surface (11) of the circuit board (1) for wireless communication with the vehicle key; And A magnetic isolation sheet (3) disposed between the antenna (2) and the first surface (11).

2. The vehicle start switch (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle start switch further includes a button (4) disposed opposite to the first surface (11) of the circuit board (1) and having a first spacing (S1) from the first surface (11) along the first direction (X).

3. The vehicle starting switch (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The button (4) and the antenna (2) at least partially overlap when observed along the first direction (X).

4. The vehicle starting switch (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic isolation sheet (3) is a ferrite sheet.

5. The vehicle starting switch (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The thickness of the magnetic isolation sheet (3) ranges from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

6. The vehicle starting switch (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The thickness of the magnetic isolation sheet (3) ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm.

7. The vehicle starting switch (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The antenna (2) includes: an inductance coil (21) wound around an axis along the first direction (X), the inductance coil (21) being located on one side of the circuit board (1) and having an axial edge (211) close to the circuit board (1); and a bracket (22), the bracket having a receiving portion (22e) for receiving the inductance coil (21).

8. The vehicle start switch (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The axial distance (S2) between the axial edge (211) and the first surface (11) of the circuit board (1) is set to be so close that if the magnetic isolation sheet (2) is not disposed, the inductance coil (21) will generate eddy current loss in the circuit board (1).

9. The vehicle starting switch (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The axial distance (S2) is not greater than 3.5 mm.

10. The vehicle starting switch (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that The bracket has a first axial end (221) facing the circuit board (1) and a second axial end (222) facing away from the circuit board (1) on both sides of the receiving portion (22e) along the first direction (X), and the magnetic isolation sheet (3) is adhered to the first axial end (221).

11. The vehicle start switch (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first axial end (221) is provided with a connecting portion for connecting the antenna (2) to the circuit board (1), and the magnetic isolation sheet (3) is provided with a perforation adapted to the connecting portion in the edge region.

12. The vehicle start switch (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The bracket (22) has a hollow columnar structure, has a first opening (22a) facing the circuit board (1) at the first axial end (221) and a second opening facing the button (4) at the second axial end (222), and the magnetic isolation sheet (3) at least partially covers the first opening (22a).

13. The vehicle starting switch (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that: In a region corresponding to the first opening (22a) of the bracket (22), the first surface (11) of the circuit board (1) is provided with a light source (13) for emitting light towards the button (4), and the magnetic isolation sheet (3) is provided with an opening (3a) allowing the light to pass through.

14. A vehicle, characterized in that, Including the vehicle start switch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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