Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism with an actuating device

Abstract

Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) with an actuating device (3) which - at least one actuating element (3.1), - a housing (3.2) and - at least one detection unit (3.3) with a sensor (3.3.1), a triggering element (3.3.2) and an evaluation unit (3.3.3), wherein the detection unit (3.3) is arranged in the housing (3.2), includes, wherein the actuating element (3.1) is arranged outside the housing (3.2) and in an area accessible from the outside for actuation, wherein the trigger element (3.3.2) is arranged at a distance from the sensor (3.3.1) in a locked state of the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2), wherein upon actuation of the actuating element (3.1) in the direction of the housing (3.2) and the sensor (3.3.1) arranged therein, the actuating element (3.1) deforms the triggering element (3.3.2), and wherein the sensor (3.3.1) detects a change in a distance (a) between the trigger element (3.3.2) and the sensor (3.3.1) and wherein the evaluation unit (3.3.3) transmits an opening signal (s1) to the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) when it determines a reduction in the distance between the triggering element (3.3.2) and the sensor (3.3.1) based on the change in distance detected by the sensor (3.3.1), wherein the housing (3.2) has an elastic housing side (3.2.1.2) concealing the trigger element (3.3.2) and the actuating element (3.1) comprises at least one actuating plate (3.1.2) which has a reinforcement (3.1.2.1) formed by a thickening of a wall thickness, wherein the actuating plate (3.1.2) rests on the elastic housing region (3.2.1) with a centrally arranged reinforcement (3.1.2.1) and the actuating plate (3.1.2) is arranged at a distance from the elastic housing region (3.2.1) in the region next to the reinforcement (3.1.2.1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism with an actuating device.

[0002] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanisms are known, for example, in motor vehicles in which a vehicle door lock is electrically unlocked.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2014 107 809 A1 discloses a door handle, in particular an outside door handle of a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor which comprises a first metal surface arranged inside the door handle and a second metal surface arranged at a distance therefrom, which second metal surface can be bent in the direction of the first metal surface, as well as a detection device by means of which a change in capacitance or inductance caused by the change in the distance between the metal surfaces can be detected.

[0004] Further access systems for a vehicle are known, for example, from DE 10 2017 120 393 A1, DE 10 2016 122 550 A1 or US 2018 / 0 209 182 A1.

[0005] An actuating device for a vehicle with an elastically deformable actuating surface is known from US 2006 / 0 060 458 A1.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism, in particular for an electric vehicle lock, with an actuating device, which is improved compared to the prior art.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention with a door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism which has the features of claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0009] According to the invention, a door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism is provided with an actuating device comprising at least one actuating element, a housing, and a detection unit with at least one sensor, at least one trigger element, and an evaluation unit, wherein the detection unit is arranged in the housing. The trigger element arranged within the housing is spaced from the sensor when the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism is in the locked state, wherein the sensor detects a change in the distance between the trigger element and the sensor. In particular, the sensor generates a signal when the trigger element moves into a detection range of the sensor due to the change in distance. The sensor behaves as a fixed electrode, in particular a measuring electrode, and the trigger element as a movable electrode, in particular a reference electrode.The evaluation unit evaluates the sensor signal and transmits an opening signal to the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism if it determines a reduction in the distance between the trigger element and the sensor based on the change in distance detected by the sensor.

[0010] The actuating device designed in this way enables a compact design that requires less installation space than conventional actuating devices. Due to the arrangement of the detection unit within the housing, opening the housing, for example, for actuating a switch, as is the case with known actuating devices, is not necessary.

[0011] The housing is thus sealed against external influences. Furthermore, the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism enables a switchless operating unit for electrically opening a door, thus reducing wear on the actuating device compared to switch-based actuating devices.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the trigger element is designed to be elastically deformable. In particular, the trigger element is a sheet metal, for example a sheet metal tongue or tab. This allows the trigger element to be elastically deformed when subjected to force, in particular when the actuating element is actuated. The elastic deformation results in a change in distance, which is detected by the sensor. The change in distance between the trigger element and the sensor can also include a regional change in the distance between the trigger element and the sensor. In other words: the trigger element is only deformed in a specific area towards the sensor, so that the distance only changes between this area of ​​the trigger element and the sensor. Alternatively, the trigger element can also be made of a non-metallic, elastically deformable material.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the housing is a one-piece plastic housing. This allows for optimal sealing of the housing against external influences. The detection unit located inside the housing is thus protected. Opening the housing is not necessary due to the switchless design of the actuating device.

[0014] For example, the housing has a housing side that conceals the triggering element, in particular a housing wall, which is designed to be elastically deformable. This enables force to be transmitted from the housing to the triggering element when the actuating element is actuated. For example, the wall thickness of this housing side is thinner than on other housing sides, so that the elasticity of the housing is increased in this area. Alternatively or additionally, the plastic in this area can also be provided with an elastic material that is either covalently bonded to the plastic or interacts externally with the plastic. Furthermore, the elastic housing side can also be made of a different material than the rest of the housing, so that it is not designed in one piece, but in two or more parts.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the actuating element is arranged on the elastic side of the housing. This enables force transmission in the actuating direction from the actuating element to the housing and thus to the trigger element. The actuating element has a high-quality plastic surface, particularly in an actuating area, which provides the actuating element with mechanical stability, corrosion protection, and an attractive appearance.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the sensor is a capacitive sensor, so that the change in distance between the sensor and the triggering element is detected based on a change in capacitance between the triggering element and the sensor, which in this case form a plate capacitor. The sensor generates a sensor signal for evaluation depending on a change in capacitance. Furthermore, the triggering element can, for example, be connected to an electrical zero potential and electrically switchably coupled to the evaluation unit. This enables a temporally alternating evaluation of a capacitance detected between the triggering element and the sensor and an evaluation of a capacitance detected by means of a capacitance of the triggering element relative to the electrical zero potential. The latter serves in particular to detect the approach of an object, in particular a user's hand, to the actuating element.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the sensor is an inductive sensor, in particular a so-called inductance to digital converter (LDC) sensor.

[0018] The distance change is detected due to a frequency shift of the sensor's oscillating circuit, which results from the change in distance between the trigger element and the sensor. The sensor comprises an oscillator, which uses an oscillating circuit to generate an alternating electromagnetic field that emanates from an active surface of the sensor. This type of inductive sensor enables particularly high sensitivity, allowing the frequency shift of the oscillating circuit to be easily detected.

[0019] In particular, the detection unit is based on so-called Metal over Cap (MoC) technology, which shields the sensor from external influences. A user's hand or finger within the sensor's detection range is replaced by the trigger element. This enables the detection of even micro-movements. Furthermore, the detection unit is robust against vibrations and temperature-resistant.

[0020] To automatically return the actuating element to an initial position, particularly a non-actuating position, at least one reset element can be arranged between the actuating element and the housing. According to one embodiment, the reset element is a closed-cell foam, e.g., a flexible polyurethane foam. The reset element is characterized by good compressibility, which enables rapid and low-wear reset of the actuating element.

[0021] Furthermore, the door unlocking and / or opening mechanism comprises a door lock and a control unit. For example, the door unlocking and / or opening mechanism has the following functions: - the evaluation unit of the actuating device transmits an opening signal to the control unit if the evaluation unit determines a change in the distance, in particular a reduction in the distance, between the triggering element and the sensor based on the position detected by the sensor and - the control unit of the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism generates a control signal based on the opening signal and transmits this to the door lock to unlock the door lock.

[0022] With this type of door unlocking and / or opening mechanism, a trigger threshold for transmitting the opening signal can be individually set. The door unlocking and / or opening mechanism can thus be individually adapted to the manufacturer's wishes and / or specifications.

[0023] The door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism is provided in particular for a vehicle door, which is, for example, a vehicle side door and / or a vehicle tailgate.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the actuating device can be arranged in the region of an outside door handle. For example, the actuating device is arranged on an outer side of the outside door handle or on a side of the outside door handle facing the vehicle.

[0025] Alternatively, the actuating device can be arranged in an engagement recess incorporated in the vehicle's outer skin. The engagement recess can be arranged in any area of ​​the vehicle's outer skin. For example, the engagement recess is arranged in an area of ​​the vehicle's outer skin of the vehicle door that faces the outside door handle. Due to the small installation space required by the actuating device, the arrangement position of the actuating device in the vehicle door can be individually adapted to the wishes and / or specifications of a manufacturer.

[0026] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0027] Showing: Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle door comprising a door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism with an actuating device, a door lock and a control unit, Fig. 2 a block diagram with a vehicle door and the actuating device in the area of ​​an outside door handle, Fig. 3 a block diagram with a vehicle door and the actuating device in the area of ​​an intervention recess, Fig. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of an actuating device for a door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism, Fig. 5 schematically shows a perspective view of a detection unit of the actuating device, and Fig. 6 schematically shows a plan view of the detection unit according to Fig. 5.

[0028] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram with a vehicle door 1 comprising a door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism 2.

[0030] The vehicle door 1 is a component of a vehicle (not shown in detail) and is, for example, a vehicle side door or a vehicle tailgate. To open the vehicle door 1, it has the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism 2.

[0031] The door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism 2 comprises an actuating device 3, a door lock 4, in particular an electrically controllable door lock 4, and a control unit 5.

[0032] The actuating device 3 is in the Fig. 4 to 6. The actuating device 3 is particularly intended to detect an actuation for unlocking and opening the vehicle door 1 and to transmit this to the control unit 5. In particular, the actuating device 3 transmits an opening signal s1 to the control unit 5, which, in response thereto, transmits a control signal s2 to the door lock 4, which then unlocks so that the vehicle door 1 can be opened.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram with a vehicle door 1 and the actuating device 3, which is arranged in the region of an outside door handle 6. For example, the actuating device 3 is arranged on an outer side of the outside door handle 6 or on a side of the outside door handle 6 facing the vehicle door 1.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram with an alternative arrangement of the actuating device 3 in the vehicle door 1. Here, the actuating device 3 is arranged in the region of an engagement recess 7, which is incorporated into the vehicle outer skin of the vehicle door 1. The engagement recess 7 can be arranged in any region of the vehicle outer skin. For example, the engagement recess is arranged in a region of the vehicle outer skin of the vehicle door 1 that is opposite the outside door handle 6.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the actuating device 3.

[0036] The actuating device 3 comprises an actuating element 3.1, a housing 3.2 and a detection unit 3.3.

[0037] The actuating element 3.1 is arranged outside the housing 3.2 and in an area of ​​the vehicle door 1 that is visible to a user or at least accessible with one hand for actuation.

[0038] The actuating element 3.1 is essentially plate-shaped, with the actuating element 3.1 in the illustrated embodiment having a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The lateral legs are formed by angled edge regions 3.1.1. The central leg is formed by an actuating plate 3.1.2 that connects the angled edge regions 3.1.1 to one another and runs essentially parallel to an elastic housing region 3.2.1. The angled edge regions 3.1.1 of the actuating element 3.1 encompass the elastic housing region 3.2.1 at the edges. Open ends of the angled edge regions 3.1.1 are each hook-shaped and engage in a form-fitting manner in an undercut 3.2.1.1 made on the outside, in particular on the outer edge, in the elastic housing region 3.2.1.

[0039] The actuator plate 3.1.2 rests on the elastic housing area 3.2.1 with a centrally arranged reinforcement 3.1.2.1, so that a force can be transferred from the actuator plate 3.1.2 to the elastic housing area 3.2.1. The reinforcement 3.1.2.1 is formed by a thickening of the wall thickness of the actuator plate 3.1.2.

[0040] In areas adjacent to the reinforcement 3.1.2.1, the actuating plate 3.1.2 is arranged at a distance from the elastic housing area 3.2.1. A return element 3.1.3 is arranged in each of the spaces formed thereby. The return element 3.1.3 enables the actuating element 3.1 to be returned to an initial position as shown, which in particular corresponds to a non-actuated position. The return element 3.1.3 is, for example, a closed-cell foam, e.g., a flexible polyurethane foam. In the illustrated embodiment, two return elements 3.1.3 are arranged between the elastic housing area 3.2.1 and the actuating plate 3.1.2.

[0041] The actuating element 3.1 further comprises, at least in the area of ​​the actuating plate 3.1.2, in particular on a side facing away from the housing 3.2, a high-quality plastic surface, by means of which the actuating element 3.1 has mechanical stability, corrosion protection and an attractive appearance.

[0042] Housing 3.2 encloses detection unit 3.3 and is, for example, a one-piece plastic housing. This allows for optimal sealing of housing 3.2 against external influences. The detection unit 3.3 located within housing 3.2 is thus protected.

[0043] According to the present embodiment, the housing 3.2 comprises the elastic housing portion 3.2.1 and a rigid housing portion 3.2.2 angled relative thereto. Both housing portions 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 form an L-shape, with the rigid housing portion 3.2.2 forming the vertical leg in the viewing direction and the elastic housing portion 3.2.1 forming the horizontal leg in the viewing direction.

[0044] The rigid housing area 3.2.2 serves in particular to fasten the actuating device 3 in the vehicle door 1. The elastic housing area 3.2.1 serves to transmit force from the actuating plate 3.1.2 to the detection unit 3.3 and is designed to be elastic in that it has an elastic housing side 3.2.1.2 which runs parallel to the actuating plate 3.1.2.

[0045] For elasticity, this housing side 3.2.1.2 is designed, for example, with a reduced wall thickness compared to other housing sides. Alternatively or additionally, the material, in particular the plastic, can also be provided with an elastic material in this area, which is either covalently bonded into the material or interacts externally with the material. Furthermore, the elastic housing side 3.2.1.2 can also be made of a different material than the rest of the housing 3.2, so that it is not a single piece, but rather a two- or multi-piece construction.

[0046] The detection unit 3.3 arranged in the housing 3.2 comprises a sensor 3.3.1, a trigger element 3.3.2 and an evaluation unit 3.3.3. The sensor 3.3.1 arranged within the housing 3.2 forms in particular a fixed electrode and the trigger element 3.3.2, also arranged within the housing 3.2, forms an electrode movable relative to the fixed electrode. The evaluation unit 3.3.3 serves to determine an actuation of the actuating element, which is inferred from a determined reduction in the distance between the sensor 3.3.1 and the trigger element 3.3.2, and according to the embodiment shown, is in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 an integral part of a printed circuit board L, on which the sensor 3.3.1 is also arranged, in particular fastened.

[0047] Sensor 3.3.1, for example, is a capacitive sensor that detects a change in distance between sensor 3.3.1 and trigger element 3.3.2 based on a change in capacitance between them. Sensor 3.3.1 and trigger element 3.3.2 behave like an ideal plate capacitor. Specifically, sensor 3.3.1 generates a sensor signal depending on a change in capacitance, which is evaluated by evaluation unit 3.3.3.

[0048] Alternatively, sensor 3.3.1 is an inductive sensor based on so-called inductance-to-digital converter (LDC) technology. Here, the change in distance between sensor 3.3.1 and trigger element 3.3.2 is detected based on a frequency shift of a resonant circuit of sensor 3.3.1. For example, sensor 3.3.1 includes an oscillator (not shown) that uses a resonant circuit to generate an alternating electromagnetic field that emerges from an active surface of sensor 3.3.1. The signal generated by sensor 3.3.1 as a function of the detected frequency shift is converted, for example, into a digital signal and evaluated by evaluation unit 3.3.3.

[0049] When the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism 2 is locked, the trigger element 3.3.2 is arranged within the housing 3.2 at a predetermined distance a from the sensor 3.3.1 and is concealed by the elastic housing side 3.2.1.2. The trigger element 3.3.2 is elastically deformable and is, for example, a sheet metal element, in particular a sheet metal tongue or tab. Alternatively, the trigger element 3.3.2 can also be formed from a non-metallic, elastically deformable material.

[0050] Furthermore, the trigger element 3.3.2 is attached to the printed circuit board L at each end face. For example, the trigger element 3.3.2 is screwed and / or welded and / or soldered to the printed circuit board L. The trigger element 3.3.2 thus extends essentially semicircularly over the sensor 3.3.1, with the distance between the trigger element 3.3.2 and the printed circuit board L being greatest in a center of the trigger element 3.3.2. The sensor 3.3.1 is arranged on the printed circuit board L in this area.

[0051] The described elasticity, arrangement, and fastening of the trigger element 3.3.2 enable a deformation of the trigger element 3.3.2 in the central region upon application of force, particularly upon actuation of the actuating element 3.1, in the direction of the sensor 3.3.1. The deformation of the trigger element 3.3.2 occurs in a micrometer to millimeter range, e.g., between 0.1 millimeters and 10 micrometers.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger element 3.3.2 is still connected to an electrical zero potential GND and thus grounded. Furthermore, the trigger element 3.3.2 is electrically switchably coupled to the evaluation unit 3.3.3. This enables a temporally alternating evaluation, for example, of a capacitance between the trigger element 3.3.2 and the sensor 3.3.1 as well as an evaluation of a capacitance between the trigger element 3.3.2 and the electrical zero potential GND. The latter serves in particular to detect the approach of an object, in particular a user's hand, to the actuating element 3.1. This can be used as additional protection for a door opening request. Thus, by means of the actuating device 3, both an approach to the actuating element 3.1 and a mechanical actuation of the actuating element 3.1 can be detected simultaneously.An “electronic lock opening” function and a “vehicle unlocking” function can therefore be carried out within the same functional area.

[0053] Alternatively, the detection unit 3.3 can also be designed such that only one actuation of the actuating element 3.1 is detected.

[0054] The actuating device 3 has a particularly compact design, whereby due to the arrangement of the detection unit 3.3 within the housing 3.2, opening of the housing 3.2 is not necessary and the detection unit 3.3 is protected from external influences.

[0055] Alternatively, snap-disk switches can also be used as the detection unit 3.3. Snap-disk switches are purely mechanical and provide haptic feedback.

[0056] The Fig. 5 to 6 show the acquisition unit 3.3 in different views. The acquisition unit 3.3 is in Fig. 5 in a perspective view and in Fig. 6 shown in a top view.

[0057] The following describes an example sequence of operations of the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism 2: A user approaches the vehicle door 1 with the intention of opening it. The door lock 4 of the vehicle door 1 is locked. To open the vehicle door 1, the user's hand approaches the actuating device 3. The detection unit 3.3 detects the approach of the user's hand by detecting the capacitance between the trigger element 3.3.2 and the electrical zero potential GND. The user then actuates the actuating element 3.1 by exerting pressure on the actuating plate 3.1.2. This pressure is transferred from the actuating plate 3.1.2 to the elastic housing side 3.2.1.2, which in turn transfers the pressure to the trigger element 3.3.2 by deformation. The trigger element 3.3.2 deforms in the direction of the sensor 3.3.1, which then detects a change in capacitance and generates a sensor signal and sends it to the evaluation unit 3.3.3. The evaluation unit 3.3.3 evaluates the sensor signal and detects actuation of the actuating element 3.1. The evaluation unit 3.3.3 then generates an opening signal s1 and transmits this to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 detects a user's opening request based on the opening signal s1 and generates a control signal s2, which is transmitted to the door lock 4, which is then unlocked. The vehicle door 1 can now be opened by the user. The actuating plate 3.1.2 is moved back to its initial position by means of the return elements 3.1.3. This means that no more pressure acts on the elastic housing side 3.2.1.2 and thus on the trigger element 3.3.2, so that these are also moved back to an initial position. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 vehicle door 2 Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism 3 Actuating device 3.1 Actuating element 3.1.1 angled edge area 3.1.2 Actuator plate 3.1.2.1 Reinforcement 3.1.3 Reset element 3.2 Housing 3.2.1 elastic housing area 3.2.1.1 Undercut 3.2.1.2 elastic housing side 3.2.2 rigid housing area 3.3 Recording unit 3.3.1 Sensor 3.3.2 Trigger element 3.3.3 Evaluation unit 4 Door lock 5 Control unit 6 Outside door handle 7 recess GND electrical zero potential L circuit board a distance s1 opening signal s2 control signal

Claims

[1] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) with an actuating device (3) which - at least one actuating element (3.1), - a housing (3.2) and - at least one detection unit (3.3) with a sensor (3.3.1), a triggering element (3.3.2) and an evaluation unit (3.3.3), wherein the detection unit (3.3) is arranged in the housing (3.2), includes, wherein the actuating element (3.1) is arranged outside the housing (3.2) and in an area accessible from the outside for actuation, wherein the trigger element (3.3.2) is arranged at a distance from the sensor (3.3.1) in a locked state of the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2), wherein upon actuation of the actuating element (3.1) in the direction of the housing (3.2) and the sensor (3.3.1) arranged therein, the actuating element (3.1) deforms the triggering element (3.3.2), and wherein the sensor (3.3.1) detects a change in a distance (a) between the trigger element (3.3.2) and the sensor (3.3.1) and wherein the evaluation unit (3.3.3) transmits an opening signal (s1) to the door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) when it determines a reduction in the distance between the triggering element (3.3.2) and the sensor (3.3.1) based on the change in distance detected by the sensor (3.3.1), wherein the housing (3.2) has an elastic housing side (3.2.1.2) concealing the triggering element (3.3.2) and the actuating element (3.1) comprises at least one actuating plate (3.1.2) which has a reinforcement (3.1.2.1) formed by a thickening of a wall thickness, wherein the actuating plate (3.1.2) rests on the elastic housing region (3.2.1) with a centrally arranged reinforcement (3.1.2.1) and the actuating plate (3.1.2) is arranged at a distance from the elastic housing region (3.2.1) in the region next to the reinforcement (3.1.2.1). [2] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) according to claim 1, wherein the trigger element (3.3.2) is designed to be elastically deformable. [3] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (3.2) is a one-piece plastic housing. [4] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (3.1) is arranged on the elastic housing side (3.2.1.2). [5] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating plate (3.1.2) rests on the elastic housing region (3.2.1) with a centrally arranged reinforcement (3.1.2.1), so that a force can be transmitted from the actuating plate (3.1.2) to the elastic housing region (3.2.1). [6] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (3.3.1) is a capacitive sensor. [7] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) according to claim 6, wherein the trigger element (3.3.2) is connected to an electrical zero potential (GND) and is electrically switchably coupled to the evaluation unit (3.3.3). [8] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor (3.3.1) is an inductive sensor. [9] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one return element (3.1.3) is arranged between the actuating element (3.1) and the housing (3.2). [10] Door unlocking and / or door opening mechanism (2) according to claim 9, wherein the return element (3.1.3) is a closed-pore foam.

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