Frame with operating unit, in particular door opener

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle frame (1.1) comprising:-at least one frame part (1.2) and-a functional surface (1.3), the functional surface (1.3) being integrated into the frame part (1.2) and comprising a functional unit (2) having a light-transmissive carrier (2.1) on which at least one sensor (2.2), sensor electronics (2.3) and a lighting unit (2.5. 1) are arranged, the lighting unit (2.5. 1) in the enabled state is arranged such that the functional unit (2) is visible from the outside in the frame portion (1.2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle frame, in particular a door frame, having an operating unit, in particular an opener, for opening a movable vehicle element of a vehicle, such as a door, tailgate, bonnet, etc. The invention also relates to a vehicle having such a vehicle frame. BACKGROUND

[0002] Operating units for vehicles are generally known. These can be integrated, for example, as buttons, touchscreens, etc. in the cockpit of a vehicle. Operating levers on the door are also known for opening, for example, a tailgate or a bonnet. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a vehicle frame having an operating unit, in particular an opener, which is visually inconspicuous. Furthermore, a vehicle having such an improved vehicle frame is provided.

[0004] According to the invention, the first object is achieved by a vehicle frame having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the second object is achieved by a vehicle having the features of claim 8.

[0005] Advantageous refinements are given in the dependent claims.

[0006] The vehicle frame, in particular the door frame, according to the invention comprises a frame part, in which a functional surface, in particular an operating unit, is arranged, which functional surface comprises a light-transmissive carrier, in particular a translucent carrier, on which at least one sensor and sensor electronics are implemented.

[0007] In particular, the lighting unit in the activated state is configured to make the functional unit visible from the outside in the frame part. For example, the lighting unit can be configured to illuminate or backlight the functional unit.

[0008] Furthermore, a protective element can be provided which forms an outer frame surface of the frame part. For example, the protective element forms an outer frame surface facing the user.

[0009] Preferably, the protective element is translucent. For example, the protective element can be configured as a translucent film element, a translucent base or a translucent coating. The protective element is preferably configured as a physical vapor deposition layer, a lacquer layer, a polyurethane layer, a physical vapor deposition film, etc.

[0010] The translucent carrier and / or the translucent protective element are in particular understood as the material of the carrier or the protective element, through which light can pass, but elements, components, etc. arranged behind it are not visible. In other words: The translucent carrier and / or the translucent protective element are not transparent, but only translucent, so that they are partially light-transmissive.

[0011] In a possible refinement, the protective element is applied directly to the inner side of the frame part. The functional unit is preferably arranged below the protective element and within the frame part. Thus, the functional unit can be, for example, encapsulated or enclosed by the frame part. In particular, the functional unit can be arranged between the inner frame skin and the outer frame skin. For example, the functional unit can be arranged on the inner side of the outer frame skin.

[0012] The vehicle according to the application comprises the above-mentioned frame. The frame can be, for example, a door frame, a window frame, an A-pillar frame, a B-pillar frame and / or a C-pillar frame.

[0013] For example, the functional unit can be an operating unit. For example, as an operating element, the operating unit can comprise a sensor display and / or a capacitive electrode sensor, in particular a so-called MOC sensor (metal over capacitive).

[0014] The light-transmissive carrier can be, for example, a printed circuit board, a translucent film, in particular a PVD film, or a carrier layer applied directly to the frame, for example by spraying onto the frame.

[0015] Such a light-transmissive or translucent carrier does not interrupt the design of the frame or the vehicle panel, for example the B-pillar, and is not visible from the outside.

[0016] Furthermore, illumination (= illumination unit) can be realized on the carrier, which is arranged and disposed in such a way that the sensor display and / or the sensor configured to actuate a sensor or a proximity sensor becomes visible or visible.

[0017] In other words: In each case, only when the sensor and / or the sensor display is illuminated, in particular backlit, is it perceived. Otherwise, it will remain "invisible".

[0018] The application provides a design without gaps and with illumination for making the functional unit, for example the operating element, visible. It allows a modular design, which is suitable for various vehicle manufacturers, in particular those that do not require a handle. If a display is used, communication with the driver is also possible, or for example a parking timer can be displayed.

[0019] For example, the sensor display can be protected by additional electrodes. In particular, the sensor display or the sensor can be deactivated before entering a washing line. Activation can also be controlled as required or on an event. The sensor display can also be combined with an antenna for NFC / UWB. After detecting the proximity of a user, the sensor display or the sensor can be activated. For example, the proximity can be determined and optionally evaluated by UWB (for Ultra Wide Band) / BLE (for Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0020] Furthermore, separate sensor fields can also be produced by the PVD coating. Thus, the decorative surface can be covered with different functions. Backlighting is also possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Embodiments of the application are explained in detail below with reference to the drawings. Therein:

[0022] Figure 1 A vehicle door with a functional unit integrated in the vehicle frame is schematically shown,

[0023] Figure 2 An example of a functional unit configured as an operating unit is schematically shown, and

[0024] Figure 3 A part of a vehicle frame with an integrated functional unit and a protective element is schematically shown in a sectional view.

[0025] The same components in all the figures are denoted by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 A vehicle frame 1.1, in particular a door frame, in particular a vehicle door 1, is shown. The vehicle frame 1.1 can alternatively be a window frame, an A-pillar frame, a B-pillar frame, a C-pillar frame, etc.

[0027] The vehicle frame 1.1 comprises a frame part 1.2 and a functional surface 1.3. The functional surface 1.3 is integrated in the frame part 1.2. The functional surface 1.3 comprises a functional unit 2 which is, for example, provided to trigger, activate or deactivate a function, for example to open or close a lock, by a user’s operation.

[0028] The functional unit 2 comprises, for example, a light-transmissive carrier 2.1 on which at least one sensor 2.2 and sensor electronics 2.3 (as shown) are implemented. Figure 2 The functional unit 2 is, for example, an operating unit, a switch unit, a display unit, a button unit, etc. The following examples are described by means of a functional unit 2 configured as an operating unit. Thus, the operating unit is referred to as operating unit 2 in the following.

[0029] Figure 2 An example of an operating unit 2 is shown.

[0030] For example, the operating unit 2 can comprise a sensor display 2.4 as operating element or a capacitive electrode sensor, in particular a so-called MOC sensor (Metal Over Capacitive), as sensor 2.2.

[0031] The light-transmissive carrier 2.1 can be, for example, a semi-transparent printed circuit board 2.1.1, a semi-transparent film, in particular a PVD film, or a carrier layer directly sprayed onto the vehicle frame 1.1.

[0032] This light-transmissive or translucent carrier 2.1 does not interrupt the design of the vehicle frame 1.1 or of the vehicle panel (e.g. B-pillar) and is not visible from the outside.

[0033] Furthermore, a lighting device 2.5 can be implemented on the carrier 2.1, which is arranged and disposed in such a way that the sensor display 2.4 or the sensor 2.2 becomes visible or visible, which is configured to actuate the sensor or the proximity sensor. The lighting device 2.5 is in particular a lighting unit 2.5.1, e.g. a light source, e.g. a light emitting diode or the like. For example, the lighting device 2.5 can be configured as a ring light or a light emitting diode film or a light emitting diode strip or the like.

[0034] The lighting unit 2.5.1 is arranged to make the operating unit 2 visible from the outside in the frame part 1.2 in the activated state.

[0035] In particular, the lighting unit 2.5.1 is arranged to illuminate or back-light the operating unit 2.

[0036] In other words: The sensor 2.2 and / or the sensor display 2.4 is only perceived in each case when it is illuminated, in particular back-lit, by the lighting unit 2.5.1. Otherwise, it will remain "invisible".

[0037] The invention provides a design without gaps and with a lighting device 2.5 for making the sensor 2.2 as operating element and / or the sensor display 2.4 as simulated operating element visible. The operating unit 2 allows a modular design and is suitable for various vehicle manufacturers, in particular those that do not require a handle. If a sensor display 2.4 is used, communication with the driver is also possible, or for example a parking timer can be displayed.

[0038] The sensor display 2.4 can be protected, for example, by an additional electrode. In particular, the sensor display 2.4 or the sensor 2.2 can be deactivated before entering a washing line. Activation can also be controlled as required or on the basis of events. The sensor display 2.4 can also be combined with an antenna for NFC / UWB. Activation of the sensor display 2.4 or the sensor 2.2 can take place after detection of the user's proximity. For example, proximity can be determined and optionally evaluated by UWB (for Ultra Wide Band) / BLE (for Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0039] The sensor electronics 2.3 and / or the sensor display 2.4 can be coupled to another unit, in particular a lock unit, a locking unit, an unlocking unit or the like, in particular in terms of signals. Then, depending on the operation on the operating unit 2, the respective function of the other unit can be triggered, activated or deactivated.

[0040] Figure 3A part of the vehicle body 1.1 with the integrated functional unit 2 and the protective element 3 is shown schematically in a sectional view. The vehicle body 1.1 comprises a first frame skin 1.4 and a second frame skin 1.5.

[0041] The protective element 3 forms, in particular, an outer frame surface of the frame part 1.2, in which the functional unit 2, for example the above-mentioned operating unit 2, is arranged.

[0042] For example, the protective element 3 forms a user-facing outer frame surface in the frame part 1.2. To this end, the protective element 3 can be applied, for example, to the first frame skin 1.4 forming the outer frame surface. Alternatively, the protective element 3 can itself form the first frame skin 1.4.

[0043] The protective element 3 is translucent. For example, the protective element 3 can be configured as a translucent film element, a translucent substrate, a translucent frame or a translucent coating.

[0044] Preferably, the protective element 3 is formed as a physical vapor deposition layer, a lacquer layer, a polyurethane layer, a physical vapor deposition film or the like on the respective frame skin 1.4, 1.5 (in the example of the first frame skin 1.4).

[0045] For example, the protective element 3 can be applied directly to the inner side of the frame part 1.2 of the respective frame skin 1.4, 1.5.

[0046] In other words: The functional unit 2 is arranged below the protective element 3 and within the frame part 1.2. Thus, the functional unit 2 is encapsulated or enclosed by the frame part 1.2 and is protected arranged within the vehicle body 1.1.

[0047] Furthermore, the PVD coating can also generate a separate sensor field for the sensor 2.2, which, for example, has several sensor segments. Thus, it is possible to cover the decorative surface with different functions. Backlighting is also possible.

[0048] List of reference signs

[0049] 1 vehicle door

[0050] 1.1 vehicle body

[0051] 1.2 frame part

[0052] 1.3 functional surface

[0053] 1.4 first frame skin

[0054] 1.5 second frame skin

[0055] 2 functional unit / operating unit

[0056] 2.1 carrier

[0057] 2.1.1 Printed circuit board

[0058] 2.2 Sensor

[0059] 2.3 Sensor electronics

[0060] 2.4 Sensor display

[0061] 2.5 Illumination device

[0062] 2.5.1 Illumination unit

[0063] 3 Protection element

Claims

1. A frame (1.1), comprising: - at least one frame part (1.2) and - Functional surface (1.3), The functional surface (1.3) is integrated into the frame portion (1.2) and includes a functional unit (2) having a light-transmitting carrier (2.1) on which at least one sensor (2.2), a sensor electronics device (2.3), and an illumination unit (2.5.1) are arranged. The illumination unit (2.5.1) in the enabled state is configured to make the functional unit (2) visible from the outside in the frame portion (1.2).

2. The frame (1.1) according to claim 1, in, The lighting unit (2.5.1) is configured to illuminate or backlight the functional unit (2).

3. The frame (1.1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, A protective element (3) is provided on the outer frame surface that forms the frame portion (1.2).

4. The frame (1.1) according to claim 3, in, The protective element (3) is semi-transparent.

5. The frame (1.1) according to claim 3 or 4, in, The protective element (3) is configured as a translucent film element, a translucent substrate, or a translucent coating.

6. The frame (1.1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in, The protective element (3) is applied directly to the inside of the frame portion (1.2).

7. The frame (1.1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, in, The functional unit (2) is located below the protective element (3) and inside the frame portion (1.2).

8. A vehicle having a frame (1.1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, in, The frame (1.1) is a door frame, a window frame, an A-pillar frame, a B-pillar frame, and / or a C-pillar frame.

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