Door handle of a motor vehicle and door of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a door handle (14) of a motor vehicle (2), having a handle shell (22) within which a radar sensor (28) is arranged which comprises a housing (30), and having a communication unit (44) which has an antenna (46) and evaluation electronics (48). The antenna (46) is integrated in the radar sensor (28). The invention also relates to a door (8) of a motor vehicle (2).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Door handle of a motor vehicle and door of a motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a door handle of a motor vehicle and a door of a motor vehicle with a corresponding door handle. The door handle has a handle shell.

[0004] Motor vehicles usually have several doors through which access to the interior of the vehicle is possible. For this purpose, the door is usually adjusted, for example pivoted, relative to the body of the vehicle that encloses the interior. To facilitate operation, each door usually has a door handle with a movably mounted handle shell. By moving the handle shell, for example, a mechanism is actuated which releases the engagement of a lock with the body, thus freeing the door from the body. The handle shell also provides the user with a point of engagement, which subsequently makes it easier to pivot the door relative to the body.

[0005] Increasingly, motor vehicles also have communication units that are used to communicate with a radio key or similar. The communication unit monitors the presence of the radio key in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, and when it is detected, the motor vehicle is unlocked. The radio key is detected primarily using electromagnetic waves. Since the body is usually made of metal, the antenna used to receive the electromagnetic waves must be located outside the area surrounded by the body. The communication unit is usually located in the handle shell for this purpose. To increase comfort, the door usually has an electric motor, which drives the other components of the door relative to the body of the motor vehicle.This means that the user no longer needs to adjust the door manually. To ensure that the door is not moved into an obstacle in the vicinity of the vehicle when adjusting it, which could lead to damage, a collision protection sensor is usually fitted. If the presence of a corresponding obstacle is detected, the electric motor is shut down, thus preventing the door from moving into the obstacle. A capacitive or optical sensor, for example, is used as a collision protection sensor. However, their accuracy is comparatively highly dependent on the environmental conditions of the vehicle. For this reason, a radar sensor is increasingly being used as a collision protection sensor. During operation, this also emits electromagnetic waves, which is why it is necessary here too to position it outside the area surrounded by the bodywork.Therefore, the radar sensor is usually also positioned within the grip shell. As a result, the required space there and thus the minimum size of the grip shell are increased. Mounting both the communication unit and the radar sensor is difficult due to the limited space.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable door handle of a motor vehicle and a particularly suitable door of a motor vehicle, wherein space requirements and / or manufacturing costs are advantageously reduced, and wherein assembly is expediently simplified.

[0007] With regard to the door handle, this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and with regard to the door by the features of claim 8. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject of the respective subclaims. The door handle is a component of a motor vehicle and is suitable, expediently provided and configured therefor. In other words, the door handle, in the assembled state, is a component of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is, in particular, land-based and preferably has multiple lanes. In this case, it is suitably possible to position the motor vehicle essentially freely, in particular on a corresponding roadway. For this purpose, the motor vehicle expediently has corresponding wheels. In summary, it is preferably possible to position the motor vehicle essentially independently of other conditions on land.In other words, the motor vehicle is suitably not rail-guided. Preferably, the motor vehicle is a passenger car (car) or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck (lorry) or bus.

[0008] The door handle has a handle shell. The handle shell serves in particular as an engagement point for a user of the motor vehicle. The handle shell preferably forms a grip of the door handle. For example, in the assembled state, the handle shell is rigidly attached to a door body of a motor vehicle door. The door handle is thus in particular a so-called "wing" or an "access module". Alternatively, in the assembled state, the handle shell is movably mounted relative to the door body, preferably by means of a base module of the door handle. The base module is in particular rigidly attached to the door body. For example, the handle shell is mounted so as to be at least partially transversely movable. Particularly preferably, however, at least pivoting of the handle shell is also possible. For example, the pivot axis is essentially horizontal or vertical in the assembled state.For example, the door handle comprises a device, for example a spring, by means of which the handle shell is subjected to a force. The handle shell is thus essentially always in the same position as long as the door handle is not operated. Preferably, the handle shell forms at least a section of an exterior of the motor vehicle in the assembled state. Any base module, however, is arranged, for example, in such a way that it is essentially not visible. The door handle comprises a radar sensor arranged within the handle shell. The radar sensor is suitable, in particular provided and configured, to emit and / or receive radar waves. In particular, the radar waves have a frequency between 1 GHz and 200 GHz, between 50 GHz and 150 GHz, and expediently of 79 GHz.In particular, when the radar sensor is in operation, radar waves are emitted that are reflected and / or scattered by any object present. A portion of these waves returns to the radar sensor and is received by it. The distance and / or position of the object is determined based on the travel time of the radar waves and / or a change in the shape of the radar waves. The radar sensor serves in particular as a collision protection sensor and is used in particular to detect an obstacle when the door to which the door handle is assigned is adjusted. Alternatively, or in combination with this, the radar sensor is used, for example, as a parking sensor.

[0009] The radar sensor has a housing within which the other components of the radar sensor are expediently arranged. At least one or more radar antennas of the radar sensor are preferably arranged within the housing, which are used, for example, as transmitters and / or receivers. For example, some of the radar antennas are designed as transmitters and the others as antennas, or one or more of the radar antennas are operated alternately as transmitters and receivers. Furthermore, the radar sensor preferably comprises radar electronics, which are arranged in particular within the housing. The radar antenna(s) are operated by means of the radar electronics. In particular, an evaluation is also carried out by means of the radar electronics, so that in particular the position or at least the distance of the obstacle, if present, is determined.

[0010] The housing of the radar sensor is permeable to radar waves, in particular at least on the side facing the outside of the motor vehicle in the assembled state, and / or is suitably made of a plastic. In particular, a heat sink or the like, expediently a heat sump, is incorporated into the housing, by means of which heat generated in the housing is dissipated out of the housing. For example, part of the handle shell is formed by the housing, or the handle shell has a cutout into which the housing is inserted. The housing thus forms an outer skin of the door handle. Alternatively, the housing is, for example, completely enclosed by the handle shell.

[0011] The door handle further comprises a communication unit having an antenna and evaluation electronics. For example, the communication unit is formed thereby or comprises further components. The antenna and the evaluation electronics are expediently coupled to one another, in particular electrically and / or signal-wise, so that an exchange of signals / data between them is preferably possible. In this case, the evaluation electronics is expediently suitable, in particular provided and configured, to operate the antenna. Expediently, the radio signals received by the antenna are evaluated and / or further processed. The evaluation electronics also apply signals to the antenna, so that corresponding electromagnetic waves are emitted by the antenna.In particular, the electromagnetic waves have a frequency between 1 MHz and 50 MHz, between 10 MHz and 20 MHz and suitably 13 MHz.

[0012] In summary, the antenna serves to receive and / or transmit electromagnetic waves, which are evaluated and / or provided by the evaluation electronics. Preferably, the communication unit or at least the antenna / evaluation electronics meets a specific standard, for example a Bluetooth standard, in particular "Bluetooth low Energy" (BLE), an "Ultra wide band" standard (UWB) or a "Near Field Communication" standard (NFC). Suitably, the antenna has a corresponding impedance for the respective frequencies used. The evaluation electronics comprise, in particular, an electrical circuit, which is formed, for example, by means of several discrete electrical components. Alternatively or in combination therewith, the evaluation electronics also comprise electronic components, in particular a microcontroller or another integrated circuit (IC).For example, the evaluation electronics are formed by means of the integrated circuit.

[0013] The antenna is integrated into the radar sensor. In other words, the antenna is suitably formed by a component of the radar sensor or at least connected to it, in particular in a non-detachable manner. The antenna is suitably located at a position enclosed by an outer contour of the radar sensor, so that the antenna is integrated into the radar sensor. Thus, removing the antenna from the radar sensor requires at least partial disassembly of the radar sensor. Preferably, however, non-destructive removal of the antenna from the radar sensor is not possible.

[0014] In particular, the antenna and the radar sensor form a single unit, preferably a structural unit or module. As a result, space requirements are reduced, and separate assembly of the antenna and radar sensor is not required during the manufacture of the door handle, simplifying the process. It is also possible, in particular, to use an existing component of the radar sensor as the antenna and / or to use the antenna to assume functions of the radar sensor, so that, in particular, several functions are fulfilled by the antenna. This reduces the number of required components, which, on the one hand, further reduces the space requirements. On the other hand, manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0015] Due to the different frequencies of the electromagnetic waves assigned to the communication unit and the radar waves, mutual interference is essentially excluded, so that undisturbed parallel operation of the communication unit and the radar sensor is possible, despite their proximity to each other.

[0016] For example, the antenna is a component of the housing. In particular, the antenna is overmolded with a plastic of the housing. In other words, the antenna in particular forms a component of a wall of the housing, expediently a so-called inlay. In summary, the antenna is permanently connected to the housing and in particular embedded in the material of the housing. As a result, on the one hand, the antenna is surrounded by the plastic, thus protecting it from mechanical damage. On the other hand, electrical insulation is provided, preventing the formation of an electrical short circuit, which further simplifies assembly. The antenna also stabilizes the housing, and in particular, it is possible to reduce the thickness of any housing wall. This further reduces weight and space requirements.It is also possible to adapt the shape of the antenna to the respective requirements, whereby the housing stabilizes the shape of the antenna and essentially prevents deformation. This makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the antenna. Furthermore, since the antenna is located between the interior of the housing and the surroundings of the housing, heat is at least partially dissipated from the housing to the outside. In other words, the antenna functions at least partially as a heat sink or what is known as a heat sump. This means that, for example, an additional heat sink / heat sump is not required, or they can be designed with smaller dimensions, which further reduces space requirements and manufacturing costs.

[0017] In one alternative to this, for example, the antenna is glued to the housing. Alternatively, the antenna is printed onto the housing, creating a permanent connection to the housing, which increases robustness. With both variants, it is possible to use an existing housing and / or to manufacture the antenna separately from the housing. For example, the antenna is attached to the inside of the housing. Alternatively, the antenna is expediently arranged on the outside of the housing. This makes it possible to further develop an existing radar sensor without having to open the housing. This means that existing certification is not affected. The antenna also improves heat dissipation from the housing.

[0018] For example, the antenna is arranged inside the housing. The antenna is thus protected by the housing. In particular, the antenna is a separate component from the housing, and the housing preferably comprises a holder by means of which the antenna can be attached to the housing. This simplifies assembly. However, the antenna is particularly preferably formed at least partially by means of a conductor track of a printed circuit board that is arranged inside the housing. For example, the conductor track is a planar coil or a substantially straight conductor. For example, the antenna is formed solely by means of the conductor track, which is shaped accordingly. Alternatively, the antenna also comprises further components, expediently electrical components, such as a coil, which are preferably electrically contacted with the conductor track and which are in particular attached to the printed circuit board.The circuit board is suitably designed as a rigid circuit board. Preferably, the circuit board is a component of the radar electronics of the radar sensor. Thus, the antenna is at least partially integrated into the radar electronics, and no additional component is required for the antenna. Rather, it is only necessary to provide a corresponding conductor track on the already required circuit board. This further reduces space requirements and increases robustness.

[0019] For example, the evaluation electronics are arranged outside the housing. In an alternative, the evaluation electronics are arranged inside the housing and are thus protected by it. As a result, in particular, no separate housing is required for the communication unit, which further reduces space requirements. This also means that fewer components are required, which reduces manufacturing costs. For example, several circuit boards are arranged within the housing, one of which is assigned to the radar electronics and another to the evaluation electronics. Thus, the radar electronics and the evaluation electronics are preferably separate from one another. Alternatively, the evaluation electronics can also be formed at least partially by means of the circuit board of the radar electronics.In particular, only a single circuit board is arranged within the housing, which reduces the number of required components and thus the size of the housing as well as manufacturing costs. This also makes it possible to use individual components of the radar electronics as part of the evaluation electronics. In other words, individual components of the circuit board are assigned to both the evaluation electronics and the radar electronics, thus exploiting synergies. As a result, installation space and material costs are further reduced.

[0020] For example, a plurality of connectors are incorporated into the housing, one of which is assigned to the evaluation electronics and the other to the radar electronics, and which are in particular each electrically contacted with these. However, it is particularly preferred for a connector, preferably only a single connector, to be incorporated into the housing, which is electrically contacted with the evaluation electronics and the radar sensor, in particular the radar electronics. Consequently, to connect to other components of the motor vehicle, in particular an on-board computer and / or a bus system, all that is required is to insert a corresponding mating connector into the connector, which simplifies assembly. Even if the evaluation electronics are arranged outside the housing, expediently only the single connector is present, with the radar sensor and the antenna being electrically contacted with the connector.During assembly, a corresponding mating connector is inserted into the connector. For example, one wire connects to the mating connector, which connects the evaluation electronics to the antenna. Another wire electrically connects the radar sensor to other components of the vehicle, such as the bus system. The connector is specifically designed for this purpose.

[0021] For example, the antenna is formed at least partially by an electrical coil and / or a conductor loop. This further reduces the space requirement. Alternatively, the antenna has, in particular, a free end that is not electrically connected to other components. Thus, the antenna is designed, in particular, as a so-called rod antenna.

[0022] The door handle preferably comprises a capacitive sensor. During operation, the capacitive sensor is preferably used to determine the conductivity of the environment, in particular the permittivity. The permittivity changes depending on whether electrically conductive substances are present in the environment, such as moisture, for example water or ice. The capacitive sensor is used in particular to check whether the radar sensor is malfunctioning. If, for example, a relatively close object is detected by the radar sensor or faulty signals are generated, the capacitive sensor is used in particular to check whether the object can be detected and / or whether there is moisture nearby. It is possible that moisture, such as rain or ice, collects in the area of ​​the door handle during operation, thereby limiting the functionality of the radar sensor.The capacitive sensor is used to verify whether moisture is actually present in this area or whether there is a malfunction, such as a defect, in the radar sensor. In other words, the capacitive sensor is used to verify the plausibility of the radar sensor's measurement results / data.

[0023] For example, the capacitive sensor is a separate component or, for example, is also integrated into the radar sensor. The antenna is expediently assigned to the capacitive sensor as an electrode. In this case, for example if the function of the radar sensor is to be checked for plausibility, the antenna is supplied with an alternating electrical voltage and, in particular, a capacitance relative to a reference electrode, expediently ground, is determined. This is used to determine, in particular, the current permittivity and, from this, in particular, whether moisture is present in the area of ​​the door handle. Thus, essentially no additional components are required for the electrode. Other existing components can also be used to control the electrode. This increases the range of functions of the door handle without incurring any additional material costs. Also, no additional installation space is required.

[0024] The door is a component of a motor vehicle and is therefore suitable, in particular intended and configured, to be mounted on other components of the motor vehicle, such as preferably a body. The door is, for example, a side door, a trunk, a hood or a so-called frunk of the motor vehicle. The door has a door body which is, for example, adjustably mounted relative to a door frame. The door frame is formed, for example, by a body of the motor vehicle. At least, however, in the intended state, the door body is adjustably mounted relative to the body of the motor vehicle. For example, the door body is mounted so as to be at least partially longitudinally displaceable, so that the door is a sliding door.Alternatively, or in combination with this, the door body is pivotally mounted relative to the body, at least in the assembled state, preferably by means of one or more hinges. The door frame, which is, for example, a component of the door or the body, completely or only partially surrounds the door body when the door is closed. In particular, the door frame is a component of an A, B, and / or C pillar of the motor vehicle body or is at least partially formed therewith.

[0025] The door body has, for example, an outer skin, which is formed, for example, by a sheet metal part or a plastic part. A door module is attached to this, in particular on the inside, by means of which further components of the door are accommodated. A door panel, also referred to as a door card, is preferably located on the inside of the door module. A window pane is preferably movably mounted on the door body. In particular, the door comprises an electromotive window lifter, which includes a window lifter motor, by means of which the window pane is driven relative to the door body, so that the window pane can be adjusted by an electric motor.

[0026] The door has a door handle that is connected to the door body. For example, the door handle is movably mounted on the door body. In particular, a suitable mounting is provided for this purpose, which is provided, for example, by a base module of the door handle that is fastened to the door body. The door handle serves in particular to operate the door, for which the door handle is expediently suitable, preferably provided and configured. The door handle comprises a handle shell, within which a radar sensor comprising a housing is arranged. The door handle also comprises a communication unit that has an antenna and evaluation electronics. The antenna is integrated into the radar sensor. The communication unit and thus also the antenna expediently serve for radio communication. The radar sensor, on the other hand, serves in particular to monitor the surroundings of the motor vehicle for an object, such as an obstacle.The door expediently has an electric motor by means of which the door is driven relative to other components of the motor vehicle, in particular relative to the body. Suitably, the door body is driven by the electric motor, for example via a gear system, such as a worm gear, and / or a spindle. In this case, the radar sensor is used in particular as a collision protection sensor, or at least a collision protection sensor is present which expediently comprises the radar sensor. In this case, in particular when the door body is adjusted, or at least after receiving a request to adjust the door body, an adjustment range of the door through which the door body is to be moved when the electric motor is operating is monitored by means of the collision protection sensor. If an object is detected therein, the electric motor in particular is stopped so that the door body is not moved against the object.For example, the door will essentially stop immediately after the object is detected, or it will be moved until the door body is at a certain distance from the object.

[0027] The door preferably comprises a lock, by means of which, in particular, adjustment of the door relative to the bodywork can be prevented when the door is closed. For example, the lock is mechanically designed, and the lock is actuated by adjusting the door handle relative to the door body. Alternatively, the lock is electrically designed, and a door bolt or the like of the lock is driven, in particular, by a corresponding electric motor. In this case, for example, the adjustment of the door handle relative to the door body is detected by means of a corresponding sensor, and the electric motor is energized depending thereon. Alternatively, the door handle comprises a sensor, by means of which the position of a user's hand can be detected. The lock, in particular, is actuated depending on the position of the hand. The door handle itself is, for example, rigidly attached to the door body.In particular, the door handle is flush with the outer skin of the door, especially any sheet metal or plastic part. This reduces air resistance. For example, the door handle is driven by a corresponding adjustment motor, allowing the door handle to be positioned relative to the door body, depending on the vehicle's condition, for example. This makes operation easier for the user.

[0028] The lock is expediently operated by a control unit, often referred to as an ACU (access control unit). For example, the control unit is used solely for the operation of the lock. The lock may be mechanical, at least partially mechanical, or even purely electrical. The communication unit and the radar sensor are independent of the control unit, which facilitates installation.

[0029] In an alternative, the evaluation electronics are integrated into the control unit, particularly if they are not located within the radar sensor housing. In other words, the evaluation electronics are at least partially formed by the control unit, for example, by specific hardware and / or software routines. Consequently, the antenna is operated by the control unit, which also operates the lock. In particular, the evaluation electronics are used to identify and / or authenticate the user. For this purpose, radio communication is established with an object carried by the user, for example, a radio key, a smartphone, or a key card. If this has been successfully completed, the lock, in particular, is operated accordingly.For example, the door is unlocked or locked, particularly depending on data exchanged between the evaluation electronics and any object carried by the user. Due to its integration into the control unit, no additional components are required. The communication unit is expediently used solely for user authentication, with the lock being activated in particular depending on this. This integration shortens runtime and reduces susceptibility to errors. Furthermore, security against manipulation is increased. Preferably, any electric motor used to drive the door relative to the vehicle body is also operated by the control unit.

[0030] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a door. The motor vehicle expediently has several such doors. The motor vehicle is, in particular, land-based and is, for example, a lorry, bus, or preferably a passenger car.

[0031] The further developments and advantages explained in connection with the door handle can also be transferred to the door / vehicle as well as to each other and vice versa.

[0032] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. In the drawings:

[0033] Fig. 1 shows schematically in a side view a motor vehicle with a door having a door handle, and

[0034] Fig. 2, 3 each show a horizontal sectional view of simplified different designs of the door handle.

[0035] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a motor vehicle 2 in the form of a passenger car (car). The motor vehicle 2 has several wheels 4, which establish contact with a road surface (not shown in detail). The wheels 4 are connected by a chassis to a body 6 of the motor vehicle 2, which is partially constructed from sheet metal. The body 6 encloses an interior space.

[0037] The motor vehicle 2 has several doors 8, namely a total of four identical side doors, of which only one is shown here. The door 8 has a door body 10, which is pivotally mounted on the body 6 by means of a hinge 12. This makes it possible to pivot the door body 10 relative to the body 6 and thus cover or uncover an opening in the body 6, so that access to the interior is permitted or denied. To operate the door 8, it has a door handle 14, which is attached to the outside of the door body 10.

[0038] To prevent unauthorized access to the motor vehicle 2, the door 8 includes a lock 16 attached to the door body 10. The lock 16 has a door latch that can be brought into engagement with a corresponding receptacle in the body 6. In this case, pivoting of the door body 10 is not possible. By adjusting the door latch, the engagement is released, and pivoting of the door body 10 relative to the body 6 is possible.

[0039] The door latch is adjusted by means of an electric motor of the lock 16, which is thus designed as an electric lock. The electric motor, and thus the lock 16, is operated by a control unit 18 mounted on the door body 10. This also drives an electric motor 20 mounted on the body and supported on the door body 10 via a gear and a spindle. Thus, when the electric motor 20 is operated, the door body 10 is adjusted relative to the body 6.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic of the door handle 14 in a horizontal sectional view. The door handle 14 has a handle shell 22, which is flush on the outside with an outer skin 24 of the door body 10. The outer skin 24 forms an inwardly offset handle recess 26, into which the handle shell 22 is inserted, such that the handle recess 26 is filled in its vertically upper half by the handle shell 22. When a user reaches into the handle shell 26 with their hand, this is detected by a sensor (not shown in detail) of the door handle 14 and transmitted to the control unit 18. Depending on the detected hand movement, the electric motor 20 is operated by the control unit 18, so that the door body 10 is pivoted relative to the body 6. The handle shell 22 is made of a plastic and, on the side facing the outside of the motor vehicle 2, is colored the same color as the door body 10.A radar sensor 28 is arranged within the handle shell 22 and is secured to the inside of the handle shell 22 by means of retaining elements (not shown in detail). The radar sensor 28 has a housing 30 made of plastic. A plug 32 is inserted into the housing 30, into which a mating plug (not shown in detail) is plugged, and which is attached to a cable at one end. This cable connects the plug 32 to the control unit 18 for signaling purposes.

[0041] Arranged within the housing 30 is a radar electronics unit 34 of the radar sensor 28. The radar electronics unit 34 comprises a circuit board 36, which is electrically and signal-wise connected to the connector 32 via a ribbon cable 38. The circuit board 36 has a plurality of electrical / electronic components 40, which are attached to a circuit board body made of a glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin and are electrically connected to one another via conductor tracks (not shown in detail) of the circuit board 36. The radar electronics unit 34 is connected to the connector 32 via the ribbon cable 38 for signal-wise purposes and is also powered via the latter.

[0042] A radar antenna 42 is attached to the circuit board 36 and is operated by the radar electronics 34. The radar antenna 42 is used alternately as a transmitter and receiver, with radar waves at a frequency of 79 GHz being emitted into the surroundings of the motor vehicle 2 during transmission by the radar antenna 42. When the radar waves strike a suitable object, they are reflected and / or scattered there, with a portion of the radar waves being guided back to the radar sensor 28. There, they are received by the radar antenna 42, which now acts as a receiver. The radar electronics 34 uses this time-of-flight analysis to determine the distance between the object and the radar sensor 28. The distance determined in this way is transmitted via the ribbon cable 38 to the connector 32 and from there to the control unit 18.The door handle 14 further comprises a communication unit 44, which has an antenna 46 and an electronic evaluation unit 48 connected thereto. In the example shown, the antenna 46 is formed by a conductor track 50 of the circuit board 36, and the electronic evaluation unit 48 is formed by an interconnection of electrical / electronic components (not shown in detail), which are attached to the circuit board 36 and interconnected by means of the conductor tracks shown. In summary, the antenna 46 is integrated into the radar sensor 28.

[0043] In the example shown, the antenna 46 and the evaluation electronics 48 are arranged on different sides of the printed circuit board 26, so that the circuit board is populated on both sides. Consequently, the evaluation electronics 48 and the antenna 46 are arranged within the housing 30 and are thus protected by it. The communication unit 44 is also installed in the handle shell 22 at the same time as the radar sensor 28 is installed. The evaluation electronics 48 is connected to the connector 32 via the ribbon cable 38 for signaling and electrical purposes, and during operation, the evaluation electronics 48 is powered via the connector 32. Consequently, both the evaluation electronics 48 and the radar sensor 28 are electrically and thus signal-wise connected to the connector 32, which is incorporated into the housing 30.

[0044] The antenna 46 is operated by the evaluation electronics 48. Electromagnetic waves at a frequency of 13 MHz are emitted into the vicinity of the motor vehicle 2 by means of the antenna 46. Certain data is modulated onto the electromagnetic waves. If a corresponding device, such as a smartphone or a remote key, is located in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 2, the data can be received from it. It is also possible for the communication unit 44 to receive electromagnetic waves generated by the device, which contain other data. The communication unit 44 thus serves for radio communication with the device carried by the user. The communication unit 44 complies with a standard, namely a Bluetooth standard or an NFC standard. Based on the communication with the portable device, the user is authenticated by means of the communication unit 44.Thus, if the specific device is located in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 2 and a (digital) key or the like has been exchanged with the communication unit 44, the user is authenticated. If, however, communication with the device is not possible, or the exchanged keys do not correspond with each other, authentication has failed. After authentication has been completed, this is transmitted via the connector 32 to the control unit 18, by means of which the lock 16 is subsequently actuated, thereby releasing the locking mechanism. If the hand movement in the grip recess 26 is subsequently detected by the sensor (not shown in detail), the electric motor 22 is operated. If, however, the authentication has failed, the lock 16 is not actuated, and even if the hand is detected, the electric motor 20 is not operated.

[0045] Furthermore, an operator circuit 52 is connected to the circuit board 36, which is also electrically connected to the conductor track 50 forming the antenna 46. The operator circuit 52 is a component of a capacitive sensor 54, which also utilizes components of the evaluation electronics 48. The antenna 46 is used as an electrode, so that the antenna 46 is assigned to the capacitive sensor 54 as an electrode. The capacitive sensor 54 serves to verify the plausibility of the distance determined by the radar sensor 28. The capacitive sensor 54 also checks whether moisture, such as rain or ice, has accumulated on the outside of the handle shell 22, which could impair the functionality of the radar sensor 28.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a modification of the door handle 14 corresponding to the previous figure. The handle shell 22 is now curved and completely colored around its circumference. The handle shell 22 is also connected to the outside of the now essentially flat outer skin 24. The radar sensor 28 with the housing 30 is still arranged within the handle shell 22, with the connector 32 being inserted into the housing 30. The radar antenna 42 is arranged within the housing 30 and is attached to the circuit board 36 of the radar electronics 34, which is also arranged entirely within the housing 30. The circuit board 36 is also connected to the connector 32 by means of the ribbon cable 38. Otherwise, nothing else is arranged within the housing 30. Consequently, the housing 30 now only contains the radar electronics 34, the radar antenna 42, and the ribbon cable 38.

[0047] The antenna 46 is also present and is created by means of a closed conductor loop. The antenna 46 is arranged in a wall 56 of the cuboid-shaped housing 30, wherein the antenna 46 is laterally offset with respect to the radar antenna 42. The antenna 46 is formed by means of a copper wire or the like, and by means of this wire, the wall 56 is stabilized. During the manufacture of the housing 30, the antenna 46 is overmolded with the plastic used to manufacture the housing 30, so that the antenna 46 is embedded in the wall 56. In other words, the antenna 46 is overmolded with the plastic of the housing 30. Thus, here too, the antenna 46 is integrated into the radar sensor 28. Furthermore, lines or conductor tracks are present within the walls of the housing 30, by means of which the antenna 46 is electrically contacted with the connector 32.

[0048] Two lines 58 on the outside of the housing 30 are connected to the connector 32 via a mating connector (not shown in detail), which is plugged into the connector 32. One of the lines 58 is routed directly to another connector 60. This line 58 is assigned to the radar sensor 28. The other of the two lines 58 is assigned to the antenna 46 and is electrically contacted to the control unit 18, which is electrically connected to the further connector 60 via a further line 62. In the assembled state, a bus system of the motor vehicle 2 is connected to the further connector 60 both for signaling and electrical purposes.

[0049] The evaluation electronics 48 are integrated into the control unit 18, so that the antenna 46 is operated by the control unit 18. Therefore, the control unit 18, which forms part of the communication unit 44, authenticates the user and subsequently operates the lock 16.

[0050] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the individual exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

[0051] List of reference symbols

[0052] 2 motor vehicles

[0053] 4 wheel

[0054] 6 Body

[0055] 8 Door

[0056] 10 door bodies

[0057] 12 Hinge

[0058] 14 Door handle

[0059] 16 Castle

[0060] 18 Control unit

[0061] 20 electric motor

[0062] 22 handle

[0063] 24 Outer skin

[0064] 26 recessed grip

[0065] 28 radar sensor

[0066] 30 housings

[0067] 32 plugs

[0068] 34 Radar electronics

[0069] 36 circuit board

[0070] 38 ribbon cables

[0071] 40 components

[0072] 42 radar antenna

[0073] 44 Communication unit

[0074] 46 Antenna

[0075] 48 Evaluation electronics

[0076] 50 conductor tracks

[0077] 52 Operator circuit

[0078] 54 capacitive sensor

[0079] 56 Wall

[0080] 58 Line

[0081] 60 additional plugs

[0082] 62 additional lines

Claims

Claims 1 . Door handle (14) of a motor vehicle (2), with a handle shell (22) within which a radar sensor (28) is arranged, which comprises a housing (30), and with a communication unit (44) which has an antenna (46) and evaluation electronics (48), wherein the antenna (46) is integrated into the radar sensor (28).

2. Door handle (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the antenna (46) is overmolded with a plastic of the housing (30).

3. Door handle (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the antenna (46) is arranged within the housing (30).

4. Door handle (14) according to claim 3, characterized in that the antenna (46) is formed at least partially by means of a conductor track (50) of a printed circuit board (36) of a radar electronics unit (32) of the radar sensor (28).

5. Door handle (14) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the evaluation electronics (48) are arranged within the housing (30).

6. Door handle (14) according to claim 5, characterized in that a plug (32) is introduced into the housing (30) and is electrically contacted with the evaluation electronics (48) and the radar sensor (28).

7. Door handle (14) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a capacitive sensor (54) to which the antenna (46) is assigned as an electrode.

8. Door (8) of a motor vehicle (2), with a door body (10) to which a door handle (14) according to one of claims 1 to 7 is attached.

9. Door (8) according to claim 8, characterized by a lock (16) which is operated by means of a control unit (18), wherein the evaluation electronics (48) is integrated into the control unit (18).

Images