Handle assembly and vehicle door
By employing a combination design in the door handle assembly that uses a first actuation sensor to detect proximity and actuation, and a second actuation sensor to detect minute travel, the problem of needing actuation at a specific point in the prior art is solved, achieving sensitive and safe door operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing door handle assemblies require pressing or pulling at specific points to be activated, which lacks sensitivity and safety, resulting in inconvenience and potential misoperation.
A combined design of two actuation sensors is adopted, in which the first actuation sensor detects proximity and actuation, and the second actuation sensor detects minute actuation strokes. Through signal technology linkage, a trigger signal is generated only when both sensors detect actuation, and the design is verified in conjunction with an evaluation unit.
It enables sensitive detection of the handle actuation at any point, improving safety and response speed, avoiding misoperation, and enhancing the reliability of the door function.
Smart Images
Figure CN121701030A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a handle assembly, in particular an outside door handle assembly, and to a vehicle door having such a handle assembly. BACKGROUND
[0002] Handle assemblies with actuation sensors are known. Here, various sensors are known for detecting actuation and / or proximity. For example, sensors are known which activate a function in the vehicle by actuation, for example generate an unlocking signal, in order to open a trunk or a tailgate, for example, automatically. Such sensors are, for example, pushbuttons, capacitive sensors, strain gauges and piezoelectric sensors, which can identify actuation and activate a vehicle function. It is also known to use sensors for actuating vehicle functions inside the vehicle.
[0003] Capacitive sensor assemblies are generally known as proximity sensors or touch sensors for capacitive touch recognition in order to recognize the presence of a hand or a hand operation, for example, at a handle, for example at an outside handle of a vehicle, and to release or freeze a function, for example a locking or unlocking function. SUMMARY
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved handle assembly which is more functional and a vehicle door having such an improved handle assembly.
[0005] The first object of the invention is achieved by a handle assembly having the features of claim 1. The second object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle door having the features of claim 10.
[0006] The handle assembly according to the invention comprises at least a handle element, a handle carrier, a first actuation sensor arranged in an actuation region of the handle element and a second actuation sensor arranged or arrangeable at or in a stationary handle part.
[0007] Here, the two actuation sensors are signal-technically associated with one another in such a way that a trigger signal is only generated when both actuation sensors detect actuation. In particular, the two actuation sensors can be adapted in such a way that the second actuation sensor only responds, in particular can be activated or detects, when the first actuation sensor detects actuation at the handle element.
[0008] For example, an evaluation unit can be provided which is signal-technically coupled to the first actuation sensor and to the second actuation sensor.
[0009] The first actuation sensor is, for example, a proximity sensor and / or a touch sensor, in particular a capacitive sensor. The second actuation sensor is, for example, a travel sensor, in particular a capacitive travel sensor, an inductive sensor, a DMS sensor or the like. The second actuation sensor is in particular designed as a so-called MoC sensor (MoC = Metal Over Capacitive) for detecting an actuation travel of the handle element. The MoC sensor is highly sensitive and is adapted to detect actuation travels of a few micrometers, in particular more than 10 micrometers, at the handle element. For example, the MoC sensor detects an actuation force, in particular a pressing force, applied to the handle element, which is fed to a digital processing unit (evaluation unit) in order to determine the pressure and, from this, to determine the actuation travel. The MoC sensor can be implemented, for example, on a printed circuit board on which the evaluation unit is also implemented.
[0010] The advantages achieved by the application are in particular that it is not necessary to press or pull the handle element at a specific point. Rather, the handle element can be actuated, i.e. pressed or pulled, at any point, since the first actuation sensor has detected the approach to the handle element and / or the actuation, and the second actuation sensor detects the gripping and actuation of the handle element.
[0011] For example, the second actuation sensor can be arranged at or in the stationary handle part outside the actuation area of the handle element, in particular at or in the bearing bracket. In particular, the second actuation sensor, which is designed as a MoC sensor, can be arranged at any point, in particular at a point which is not necessarily gripped and thus outside the actuation area of the handle element. In particular, the second actuation sensor can be integrated at a protected point in the door handle assembly and at a point at which a slight actuation travel can be detected. The first actuation sensor is directly integrated in the actuation area of the handle element, in particular at the front side or the back side of the handle element. Since the first actuation sensor has detected the approach and / or the actuation, and the second actuation sensor is adapted to detect a particularly slight actuation travel, a particularly rapid reaction can be carried out, in particular a trigger signal for unlocking the door lock is generated.
[0012] Here, the first actuation sensor can have a first measurement sensitivity and the second actuation sensor can have a second measurement sensitivity. The measurement sensitivities of the two actuation sensors can be different from one another, for example.
[0013] Furthermore, the door handle assembly can be designed as an injection-molded component made of only one plastic material. This makes it possible to avoid complex two-component (2K) components with soft and hard components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] Embodiments of the application are explained in greater detail with reference to the drawings. In which:
[0015] Figure 1 A handle assembly with two actuating sensors is shown schematically in an exploded view; and
[0016] Figure 2 A handle assembly in an assembled state is shown schematically.
[0017] The same components in all the figures are denoted by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Figure 1 A handle assembly 1 with two actuating sensors 2 is shown schematically in an exploded view. The handle assembly 1 is in particular a door handle assembly, for example a door outside handle assembly, of a vehicle door 20.
[0019] The handle assembly 1 comprises a handle element 4, a handle carrier 6, a first actuating sensor 2.1 arranged within an actuation region 100 of the handle element 4, and a second actuating sensor 2.2 which can be arranged at the handle carrier 6.
[0020] For example, the second actuating sensor 2.2 can be arranged at a stationary handle piece or stationary handle component 8.
[0021] For example, the handle assembly 1 can comprise a bearing bracket 8.1 as stationary handle component 8, at which the handle element 4 is movably supported by means of the handle carrier 6. To this end, the handle carrier 6 comprises a bearing arm 6.1 which is movably supported at the bearing bracket 8.1. The bearing arm 6.1 is for example designed as an extension arm and / or a hinged arm. The handle element 4 is arranged and held at the handle carrier 6 in a detachable manner, in particular by means of a snap connection, a clamping connection, a clip connection, a screw connection, etc.
[0022] The bearing bracket 8.1 is fixedly held at a vehicle component, in particular the vehicle door 20. The second actuating sensor 2.2 is arranged within or at the bearing bracket 8.1 as stationary handle component 8.
[0023] Additionally or alternatively, a transmission element 10 can be provided which is arranged between the handle element 4 and the second actuating sensor 2.2.
[0024] Here, the two actuating sensors 2 are in signal-technological terms associated with one another in such a way that a trigger signal 106 is only generated when both actuating sensors 2 have detected an actuation of the handle element 4. In particular, the two actuating sensors 2 can be adapted in such a way that the second actuating sensor 2.2 is only responsive, in particular can only be activated or detects, when the first actuating sensor 2.1 has detected an approach and / or an actuation at the handle element 4.
[0025] For example, there can be provided an evaluation unit 12, which can be coupled in a signal-technical manner with the first actuating sensor 2.1 and the second actuating sensor 2.2. The evaluation unit 12 is, for example, an evaluation electronics, in particular an integrated circuit.
[0026] The first actuating sensor 2.1 is, for example, a proximity sensor and / or a touch sensor, in particular a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a DMS sensor, etc.
[0027] The second actuating sensor 2.2 is, for example, a travel sensor, in particular a capacitive travel sensor (also referred to as displacement sensor or force-displacement sensor), an inductive sensor, a DMS sensor, etc. The second actuating sensor 2.2 is in particular designed as a so-called MoC sensor (MoC = Metal Over Capacitive) for detecting an actuating travel of the handle element 4. The MoC sensor is highly sensitive and is adapted to detect actuating travels of a few micrometers, in particular more than 10 micrometers, at the handle element 4. For example, the MoC sensor detects an actuating force, in particular a pressing force, which is applied to the handle element 4, which is transmitted to the evaluation unit 12 in order to determine the pressure and, from this, to determine the actuating travel.
[0028] The second actuating sensor 2.2 can be integrated, for example, on a printed circuit board 14, on which the evaluation unit 12 can also be integrated.
[0029] The second actuating sensor 2.2 is designed as a sensor module, which comprises a printed circuit board 14 as a carrier for arranging stationary sensor electrodes 2.2.1 of the second actuating sensor 2.2. A mobile sensor element 2.2.2 of the second actuating sensor 2.2 (as shown) is arranged in a manner spaced apart from the stationary sensor electrodes 2.2.1, in particular is movably supported or correspondingly flexibly designed, for example, at the optional transmission element 10 or at the printed circuit board 14. The stationary sensor electrodes 2.2.1 and / or the printed circuit board 14 are arranged and held or fixed at the stationary handle part 8, in particular at the bearing support 8.1. Figure 2
[0030] Upon actuation of the handle element 4, the movement performed thereby can, for example, directly control the actuating sensors 2.1, 2.2 or, optionally, transmit it to these actuating sensors via the transmission element 10, so that the mobile sensor electrode 2.2.2 is moved directly by the handle actuation or, optionally, moved relative to the stationary sensor electrodes 2.2.1 on the printed circuit board 14 by the movement of the transmission element 10 or the movement of the transmission element 10 actuates the mobile sensor electrode 2.2.2 so that it is moved relative to the stationary sensor electrodes 2.2.1.
[0031] The advantages achieved by the application are particularly that the handle element 4 does not have to be pressed or pulled at a specific point. Rather, the handle element 4 can be actuated, i.e. pressed or pulled, at any point, since the first actuation sensor 2.1 already detects the approach to the handle element 4 and / or detects the actuation, and the second actuation sensor 2.2 directly or indirectly detects the gripping and actuation of the handle element 4.
[0032] The first actuation sensor 2.1 is directly integrated in the actuation region 100 of the handle element 4, in particular in the region of the handle recess at the front side or back side of the handle element. Alternatively, the first actuation sensor 2.1 can also be integrated at the handle bracket 6 or bearing support 8.1 in the actuation region 100.
[0033] The first actuation sensor 2.1 is particularly integrated as a thin-film sensor in the surface of the front side or back side of the handle element 4. For example, the first actuation sensor 2.1 is designed as an ultra-thin film, which is printed with a capacitive sensor array and is embedded in the surface, in particular in the lacquer layer.
[0034] Since the first actuation sensor 2.1 already detects the approach and / or the actuation and the second actuation sensor 2.2 is adapted to detect particularly subtle actuation travel, the reaction, in particular the generation of the trigger signal 106 for unlocking the door lock, can be carried out particularly quickly.
[0035] The second actuation sensor 2.2, which is designed as a MoC sensor, can in particular be arranged at any point, in particular at a point which is not necessarily gripped and thus located outside the actuation region 100 of the handle element 4. For example, the second actuation sensor 2.2 can be integrated at a protected point in the door handle assembly 1 and at a point which enables detection of subtle actuation travel.
[0036] The second actuation sensor 2.2, which is designed as a MoC sensor, can for example be integrated, in particular mounted, in the bearing support 8.1 or at a suitable point at the bearing support. This can for example be at the inwardly facing back side of the bearing support 8.1 or at a position in the handle assembly 1 which is advantageous for the design.
[0037] For detecting the actuation travel of the handle element 4 by means of the second actuation sensor 2.2, the actuation travel of the handle element 4 relative to the stationary bearing support 8.1 is either directly controlled by the handle movement itself or can alternatively be transmitted by means of a transmission element 10 arranged between the bearing support 8.1 and the second actuation sensor 2.2. The optional transmission element 10 is designed, for example, as a lever mechanism, in particular as a steering lever 10.1. The steering lever 10.1 is spring-preloaded and rotatably supported at the bearing support 8.1. A return spring 10.2 is arranged, for example, at the optional transmission element 10 for automatically returning the transmission element 10 when the handle element 4 is released. Furthermore, the steering lever 10.1 comprises a bearing journal 10.3 by means of which the steering lever 10.1 is rotatably supported at the bearing support 8.1.
[0038] The first actuation sensor 2.1 designed as a capacitive sensor is positioned within the actuation region 100 such that a user's approach or intentional actuation is detected or can be detected. The evaluation of the event and / or the distinction between an intentional actuation and an unintentional actuation is carried out by means of corresponding evaluation electronics of the evaluation unit 12. By evaluating the two signal sources, for example by means of a sensor fusion of the first actuation sensor 2.1 designed as a capacitive sensor and the second actuation sensor 2.2 designed as a force-displacement sensor, in particular a MoC sensor, an intentional actuation is determined, in particular verified. The information of the two actuation sensors 2 can be logically linked by means of an AND gate. In other words: Only when both actuation sensors 2 detect and output a valid signal, in particular at the same time, is this recognized as an intentional actuation by means of the evaluation unit 12 and a corresponding trigger signal 106, for example for unlocking the vehicle lock, is generated by means of the evaluation unit 12 and transmitted to the lock release of the vehicle lock. This sensor fusion of the two actuation sensors 2 results in a more robust, more secure detection of the actuation at the handle assembly 1 while providing greater design freedom.
[0039] Figure 2 The handle assembly 1 without bearing support 8.1 and without handle element 4 is shown in the assembled state.
[0040] The first actuation sensor 2.1 is integrated in the handle element 4. One of the bearing arms 6.1 is connected in a kinematically coupled manner to the transmission element 10. For example, the bearing arm 6.1 and the transmission element 10 are connected to one another by means of a plug-in connection 16. The second actuation sensor 2.2 is designed as a sensor module with a sensor housing 2.2.3 in which a printed circuit board 14 is held. The transmission element 10 is rotatably supported at the stationary handle part 8, in particular at the bearing support 8.1 (as shown in Figure 1 For this purpose, the transmission element 10 comprises, for example, a bearing journal 10.3.
[0041] The sensor housing 2.2.3 can be easily mounted, in particular plugged, on the bearing bracket 8.1. For example, the sensor housing 2.2.3 comprises at least one corresponding guide element 2.2.4, for example a pair of guide elements 2.2.4, which can be fitted, in particular plugged, into corresponding mating guide elements at the bearing bracket 8.1.
[0042] The transmission element 10 can also comprise a jacking rod 10.4, which extends in the direction of the mobile sensor electrode 2.2.2. Upon actuation of the handle element 4 in the direction of the arrow 102, the transmission element 10 is moved in the direction of the arrow 104, in particular in the direction of the mobile sensor electrode 2.2.2, so that the mobile sensor electrode is actuated and moved relative to the stationary sensor electrode 2.2.1. The actuation stroke is detected by means of the evaluation unit 12 and, in combination with the sensor signal of the first actuation sensor 2.1, a trigger signal is generated upon safe recognition of the actuation.
[0043] List of reference signs
[0044] 1 handle assembly
[0045] 2 actuation sensor
[0046] 2.1 first actuation sensor
[0047] 2.2 second actuation sensor
[0048] 2.2.1 stationary sensor electrode
[0049] 2.2.2 mobile sensor electrode
[0050] 2.2.3 sensor housing
[0051] 2.2.4 guide element
[0052] 4 handle element
[0053] 6 handle carrier
[0054] 6.1 bearing arm
[0055] 8 stationary handle part
[0056] 8.1 bearing bracket
[0057] 10 transmission element
[0058] 10.1 turning lever
[0059] 10.2 return spring
[0060] 10.3 bearing journal
[0061] 10.4 roof bar
[0062] 12 evaluation unit
[0063] 14 printed circuit board
[0064] 16 plug connection
[0065] 20 vehicle door
[0066] 100 actuation region
[0067] 102 arrow
[0068] 104 arrow
[0069] 106 trigger signal
Claims
1. A handle assembly (1), particularly an exterior door handle assembly, comprising at least: -Handle component (4), -Handle bracket (6), - A first actuation sensor (2.1) arranged within the actuation region (100) of the handle element (4), and - A second actuation sensor (2.2) is arranged or can be arranged at or within the fixed handle component (8), wherein the two actuation sensors (2.1, 2.2) are coupled to each other in a signaling manner such that a trigger signal (106) is generated or can be generated only when both actuation sensors (2.1, 2.2) detect actuation.
2. The handle assembly (1) according to claim 1, in, The second actuation sensor (2.2) generates a trigger signal (106) only when the first actuation sensor (2.1) has detected actuation and / or proximity.
3. The handle assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, It also includes an evaluation unit (12) that is coupled to the first actuation sensor (2.1) and the second actuation sensor (2.2) in a signal technology manner.
4. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first actuation sensor (2.1) is a proximity sensor and / or a touch sensor.
5. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first actuation sensor (2.1) is a capacitive sensor.
6. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The second actuation sensor (2.2) is a stroke sensor.
7. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The second actuation sensor (2.2) is a capacitive stroke sensor.
8. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first actuation sensor (2.1) has a first measurement sensitivity, and the second actuation sensor (2.2) has a second measurement sensitivity.
9. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The second actuation sensor (2.2) is arranged in the fixed handle component (8) outside the actuation area (100) of the handle element (4).
10. A vehicle door (20) having a handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.