Actuation device for an access system of a vehicle, for actuating a movable part of the vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuation device (1) for an access system of a vehicle (100), for actuating a movable part (2) of the vehicle, in particular in the form of a door or a hinged panel of the vehicle (100), the actuation device comprising: - a housing (3), - an electronics unit (9) having a printed circuit board (12), wherein the printed circuit board (12) has a switching element (11), in particular in the form of a microswitch, and at least one LED (13), - an electronics unit housing (8) for the arrangement of the electronics unit (9), wherein the electronics unit housing (8) is sealed by means of a potting compound (14) and the electronics unit housing (8) can be arranged within the housing (3), - an actuation element (4) which is transparent to light, wherein the actuation element (4) can be backlit by means of the LED (13), - an elastic membrane (5) which is impervious to light, wherein the housing (3) and the actuation element (4) are connected by means of the elastic membrane (5), - a shielding cap (6) for arrangement on the transparent actuation element (4), wherein the shielding cap (6) at least partially covers the actuation element (4) such that the actuation element (4) can be backlit, by light generated by the LED (13), through a light exit region (16).

Description

[0001] Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG

[0002] Steeger Street 17

[0003] 42551 Velbert

[0004] Actuating device for a vehicle access system, for operating a moving part of the vehicle.

[0005] Description

[0006] The invention relates to an actuating device for an access system of a vehicle, for actuating a movable part of the vehicle, in particular in the form of a door or a flap of the vehicle, with the features specified in the preamble of claim 1. It further relates to a trim panel with such an actuating device.

[0007] It is known from the prior art that actuating devices in the form of vehicle trim panels are used to activate the vehicle's electric lock. The electric lock is, for example, an electrically controlled door lock. Unlocking the lock can be triggered, for instance, by an ID transmitter (identification transmitter), which transmits a code to the vehicle's security system for authentication purposes. It is also possible that the activation of the electric lock, such as waking the ID transmitter and / or unlocking or opening the lock, only occurs upon or after the approach of the operator, or of an operator's hand, and / or upon the operator exerting force on an actuating device of the trim panel during or after successful authentication. The approach or force is detected by sensors in the actuating device.A disadvantage has been found to be that the detection by the sensors is often prone to errors and / or interference. For example, capacitive sensors can be used to detect proximity, but external influences such as humidity or rain often lead to faulty detection. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the sensors can be insufficient, which reduces the user's convenience when activating the electric lock.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of designing the actuating device in such a way that it has a simple and inexpensive design from a manufacturing perspective and that user comfort is improved. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages, in particular to create an actuating device for closing and opening a movable part of a motor vehicle that avoids these disadvantages, especially by providing an actuating device that has satisfactory functionality, is easy for the user to operate, and simultaneously provides illumination of the actuating element for defined states.

[0009] The problem according to the invention is solved by the features of claim 1 and by a cladding part with the features of claim 11. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] According to the invention, the shielding cap is provided that the actuating element at least partially covers it in such a way that the light generated by the LED on the actuating element can be backlit through a light emission area.

[0011] The main advantage of this actuating device according to the invention is that, especially in darkness, the user can recognize the exact position of the push button on the vehicle.

[0012] Advantageously, the shielding cap can have a cylindrical shape, and the light exit area can be formed between the membrane and the shielding cap. This allows for the simple implementation of an actuating device with edge illumination.

[0013] The design is very cost-effective and simple if the shielding cap has a cylindrical shape with a flange and the light exit area is formed within the shielding cap. With this type of light exit area in the shielding cap, the flange closes the opening between the membranes, thus improving the functionality of the actuating device in the event of snow entering the opening.

[0014] An improvement to the invention provides that the diaphragm is injection-molded onto the housing and the actuating element, in particular by means of a two-component injection molding process. In this way, the actuating device is designed to provide a seal. At the same time, the flexible diaphragm enables the movement of the actuating element.

[0015] It can also be provided that the housing and the actuating element are made of a plastic, in particular a polyamide. This allows the design to be very cost-effective and simple.

[0016] An improvement to the invention provides that the membrane is made of an elastic material, in particular a rubber-like material, preferably silicone. This improves its functionality when used outdoors at cold temperatures.

[0017] Advantageously, the actuating element can have a plunger. This can improve the feel of the actuating device.

[0018] It can also be provided that the shielding cap is made of the same material as the actuating element. This minimizes assembly and tooling effort.

[0019] The design is very cost-effective and simple if the shielding cap is formed by a coating on the actuating element.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a cladding part comprising at least one actuating device according to claim 1.

[0021] It can further be provided that the trim panel has an opening designed for the installation of the actuating device, with a support for connecting the actuating device to the trim panel. This allows for secure and easy installation without affecting the appearance of the visible trim panel. Furthermore, the actuating device can be attached to trim panels with different geometric shapes. Only the support is adapted to the respective trim panels; the actuating device itself remains unchanged.

[0022] An improvement to the invention provides that the carrier is arranged with the actuating device in a positive-locking and / or force-locking manner, preferably using a screw connection or a bayonet fitting for fastening. This allows for simple and straightforward fixing of the actuating device to the carrier, which can also be carried out using machine tools.

[0023] The design is very cost-effective and simple if the carrier is attached to the cladding panel in a form-fit, force-fit, and / or material-fit manner, preferably using a snap-fit ​​connection. This allows for simple and straightforward fixing of the carrier and the actuating device to the cladding panel, which can be done without tools.

[0024] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims.

[0025] Further details, features, and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawing, which illustrates exemplary preferred embodiments of the invention. The drawing shows:

[0026] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle with a fairing part and an actuating device according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective oblique view of a vehicle according to the invention.

[0027] Fairing part (front),

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a perspective oblique view of a device according to the invention.

[0029] Trim panel (rear side),

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a perspective exploded view of a cladding part according to the invention, Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of a 2K housing component in a perspective exploded view (front side),

[0031] Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a 2K housing component in a perspective oblique view (rear side),

[0032] Fig. 7 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0033] Actuating device in a perspective exploded view, Fig. 8 a schematic sectional view of an actuating device according to the invention.

[0034] Actuating device,

[0035] Fig. 9 shows a second embodiment of a 2K housing component in a perspective exploded view,

[0036] Fig. 10 shows a second embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0037] Actuating device in a perspective view,

[0038] Fig. 11 shows a second embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0039] Actuating device in a perspective exploded view, Fig. 12 a schematic sectional view of an actuating device according to the invention.

[0040] Actuating device according to a second embodiment,

[0041] Fig. 13 shows a third embodiment of an actuating device in a perspective exploded view,

[0042] Fig. 14 shows a third embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0043] Actuating device in a perspective view,

[0044] Fig. 15 shows a third embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0045] Actuating device in a perspective exploded view, Fig. 16 a schematic sectional view of an actuating device according to the invention.

[0046] Actuating device according to a third embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle 100 with a trim panel 30 and an actuating device 1 according to the invention. The vehicle 100 has a movable part 2, in particular in the form of a door or flap. Furthermore, the trim panel 30 is arranged on the door 2. The actuating device 1 is provided within the trim panel 30. The actuating device 1 serves to activate an electric lock of the vehicle 100 or to open or close the movable part 2, in particular in the form of a door or flap.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a perspective oblique view of a cover part 30 according to the invention (front side). The cover part 30 includes the actuating device 1. Fig. 3 shows a perspective oblique view of a cover part 30 according to the invention (rear side). A support 40 can be provided for attaching the actuating device 1 to the cover part 30.

[0049] Fig. 4 shows a perspective exploded view of a cladding part 30 according to the invention. The cladding part 30 has an opening designed for accommodating the actuating device 1. The carrier 40 has threaded connecting bosses designed for screwing the actuating device 1 onto it. The carrier 40 can be positively and / or frictionally connected to the actuating device 1. Furthermore, the carrier 40 is positively and / or frictionally connected to the cladding part 30 and / or materially bonded.

[0050] Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of a 2K housing component in a perspective exploded view (front view). The 2K housing component comprises a housing 3 and an actuating element 4, the two components being connected to each other by means of a flexible diaphragm 5 using a 2K injection molding process. The diaphragm 5 is made of a first material. The housing 3 and the actuating element 4, on the other hand, are made of a second material. The first material consists of a dimensionally elastic, softer plastic, in particular a polyamide, than the second material. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 5, the diaphragm 5 has a bellows-like design. The actuating element 4 is made of a light-transparent and UV-protected plastic. The elastic diaphragm 5, however, is made of an opaque material, in particular a rubber-like, elastic material, preferably silicone.The actuating element 4 can be backlit by means of the LED 13. Furthermore, the 2K housing component can include a shielding cap 6.

[0051] The diaphragm 5 reliably seals the interior of the housing 3 from the exterior, among other things, to ensure satisfactory functionality of the actuating device 1. In the present embodiment, the diaphragm 5 is at least partially arc-shaped. This facilitates the movement of the actuating element from an unactuated position, which is shown by way of example in Fig. 6, to an actuated position (not explicitly shown), in which the actuating element 4 contacts a switching element 11 arranged inside the housing 3. Furthermore, a defined restoring force emanates from the bellows-like edge region of the actuating element 4 in the actuated position, which moves the actuating element 4 back from the actuated position to the unactuated position. Furthermore, the Fig.Figure 6 shows that a plunger 7 is provided within the actuating element 4, which improves the haptic feedback for the user during the actuation process. Figure 7 shows a first embodiment of an actuating device 1 according to the invention in a perspective exploded view. The actuating device 1 comprises the 2K housing component with an electronics housing 8. The electronics housing 8 serves to accommodate an electronics unit 9, the electronics unit 9 comprising a printed circuit board 12. At least one LED 13 and a switching element 11, in particular in the form of a microswitch, are arranged on the printed circuit board 12. Connecting cables are provided on the printed circuit board 12, which are equipped with a seal 15. After the electronics unit 9 is mounted in the electronics housing 8, it is sealed with a potting compound 14 as shown in the schematic sectional view of Figure 8.

[0052] To create ring illumination on the actuating device 1, a shielding cap 6 is provided for placement on the transparent actuating element 4. The shielding cap 6 at least partially covers the actuating element 4 such that the light generated by the LED 13 can be backlit through a light emission area 16. Recesses for the LED and for the microswitch 11 are provided in the electronics housing 8. The electronics housing 8, with pre-assembled electronics 9, is connected within the housing 3 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. Furthermore, the actuating device 1 can have a connector 10 that can be snapped onto the housing 3.

[0053] Fig. 9 shows a second embodiment of a 2K housing component in a perspective exploded view. The second embodiment corresponds essentially to the first embodiment except for the shielding cap 6 and a minimal modification of the actuating element 4. Here, the shielding cap 6 has a cylindrical shape with a flange. The light emission area 16 is formed in the shielding cap 6. A round light emission area 16 is formed centrally in the shielding cap 6. The actuating element 4 is adapted to the shielding cap 6 such that the actuating element 4 projects at least partially into the light emission area 16 of the shielding cap 6, as can be clearly seen, for example, in the sectional view of the actuating device 1 in Fig. 12.

[0054] The two-component housing component comprises a housing 3 and an actuating element 4, the two components being connected to each other by means of a flexible membrane 5 using a two-component injection molding process. The membrane 5 is made of a first material. The housing 3 and the actuating element 4, on the other hand, are made of a second material. The first material consists of a dimensionally elastic, softer plastic, in particular a polyamide, than the second material. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 9, the membrane 5 has a bellows-like design. The actuating element 4 is made of a light-transparent and UV-protected plastic. The elastic membrane 5, however, is made of an opaque material, in particular a rubber-like, elastic material, preferably silicone. The actuating element 4 can be backlit by means of the LED 13. Furthermore, the two-component housing component can include a shielding cap.

[0055] 6 include.

[0056] The diaphragm 5 reliably seals the interior of the housing 3 from the exterior, among other things, to ensure satisfactory functionality of the actuating device 1. In the present embodiment, the diaphragm 5 is at least partially arc-shaped. This facilitates the movement of the actuating element 4 from an unactuated position, which is shown by way of example in Fig. 10, to an actuated position (not explicitly shown), in which the actuating element 4 contacts a switching element 11 arranged inside the housing 3. Furthermore, a defined restoring force emanates from the bellows-like edge region of the actuating element 4 in the actuated position, which moves the actuating element 4 back from the actuated position to the unactuated position. Fig. 12 also shows that a plunger

[0057] 7 is provided within the actuating element 4, which improves the haptic feedback for the user during the actuating process.

[0058] The actuating device 1 comprises the 2K housing component with an electronics housing 8. The electronics housing 8 serves to accommodate an electronics module 9, the electronics module 9 comprising a printed circuit board 12. At least one LED 13 and a switching element 11, in particular in the form of a microswitch, are arranged on the printed circuit board 12. Connecting cables, provided with a seal 15, are attached to the printed circuit board 12. After the electronics module 9 is mounted in the electronics housing 8, it is sealed with a potting compound 14, as shown in the exploded view of Fig. 11 and in the schematic sectional view of Fig. 12.

[0059] Fig. 13 shows a third embodiment of an actuating device 1 in a perspective exploded view. The second embodiment corresponds essentially to the first embodiment except for the design of the shielding cap 6. Here, the shielding cap 6 has a cylindrical shape with a flange, the flange having circumferential recesses which serve as light emission areas 16, as can be clearly seen in the sectional view of Fig. 16.

[0060] The two-component housing component comprises a housing 3 and an actuating element 4, the two components being connected to each other by means of a flexible membrane 5 using a two-component injection molding process. The membrane 5 is made of a first material. The housing 3 and the actuating element 4, on the other hand, are made of a second material. The first material consists of a dimensionally elastic, softer plastic, in particular a polyamide, than the second material. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 13, the membrane 5 has a bellows-like design. The actuating element 4 is made of a light-transparent and UV-protected plastic. The elastic membrane 5, however, is made of an opaque material, in particular a rubber-like, elastic material, preferably silicone. The actuating element 4 can be backlit by means of the LED 13. Furthermore, the two-component housing component can include a shielding cap.

[0061] 6 include.

[0062] The diaphragm 5 reliably seals the interior of the housing 3 from the exterior, among other things, to ensure satisfactory functionality of the actuating device. In the present embodiment, the diaphragm 5 is at least partially arc-shaped. This facilitates the movement of the actuating element 4 from an unactuated position, which is shown by way of example in Fig. 16, to an actuated position (not explicitly shown), in which the actuating element 4 contacts a switching element 11 arranged inside the housing 3. Furthermore, a defined restoring force emanates from the bellows-like edge region of the actuating element 4 in the actuated position, which moves the actuating element 4 back from the actuated position to the unactuated position. Fig. 12 also shows that a plunger

[0063] 7 is provided within the actuating element 4, which improves the haptic feedback for the user during the actuating process.

[0064] The actuating device 1 comprises the 2K housing component with an electronics housing 8. The electronics housing 8 serves to accommodate an electronics module 9, the electronics module 9 comprising a printed circuit board 12. At least one LED 13 and a switching element 11, in particular in the form of a microswitch, are arranged on the printed circuit board 12. Connecting cables, provided with a seal 15, are attached to the printed circuit board 12. After the electronics module 9 is mounted in the electronics housing 8, it is sealed with a potting compound 14 as shown in the exploded view of Fig. 15.

[0065] In all embodiments, the shielding cap can be made of the same material as the actuating element. The shielding can, for example, be provided by a coating on the actuating element.

[0066] Alternatively, in all embodiments, the shielding cap can be manufactured as a single piece with the actuating element using an injection molding process with two different plastics. The actuating element is made of an opaque plastic, while the light-emitting areas are made of a translucent plastic. The invention described above is, of course, not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated. It is evident that numerous modifications, obvious to a person skilled in the art, can be made to the embodiments shown in the figure, depending on the intended application, without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention includes everything contained in the description and / or illustrated in the drawing, including anything that would be obvious to a person skilled in the art in contrast to the specific embodiments.

[0067] List of reference signs

[0068] Actuating device, movable part of the vehicle, in particular in the form of a door or a flap

[0069] Housing

[0070] Actuating element

[0071] membrane

[0072] Shielding cap

[0073] Pestle

[0074] Electronic housing

[0075] electronics

[0076] Plug

[0077] Switching element

[0078] Circuit board

[0079] LED

[0080] potting compound

[0081] seal

[0082] light emission area

[0083] Trim panel

[0084] carrier

[0085] vehicle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Actuating device (1) for an access system of a vehicle (100), for actuating a movable part (2) of the vehicle, in particular in the form of a door or a flap of the vehicle (100), comprising: - a case (3), - an electronics (9) with a printed circuit board (12), wherein the printed circuit board (12) has a switching element (11), in particular in the form of a microswitch and at least one LED (13), - an electronics housing (8) for arranging the electronics (9), wherein the electronics housing (8) is designed to be sealed by means of a potting compound (14) and the electronics housing (8) can be arranged inside the housing (3), - a light-transparent actuating element (4), wherein the actuating element (4) can be backlit by means of the LED (13), - an elastic membrane (5) which is opaque, wherein the housing (3) and the actuating element (4) are connected by means of the elastic membrane (5), - a shielding cap (6) for arrangement on the transparent actuating element (4), characterized in that the shielding cap (6) covers the actuating element (4) at least partially in such a way that the actuating element (4) can be backlit by light generated by the LED (13) through a light emission area (16).

2. Actuating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shielding cap (6) has a cylindrical shape and the light emission area (16) is formed between the membrane (5) and the shielding cap (6).

3. Actuating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shielding cap (6) has a cylindrical shape with a flange and the light emission area (16) is formed in the shielding cap (6).

4. Actuating device (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the light emission area (16) is formed in the flange.

5. Actuating device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diaphragm (5) is injection-molded onto the housing (3) and the actuating element (4) in a material-bonded manner, in particular by means of a two-component injection molding process.

6. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (3) and the actuating element (4) are made of a plastic, in particular of a polyamide.

7. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane (5) is made of an elastic material, in particular a rubber-like material, preferably silicone.

8. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (4) has a plunger (7).

9. Actuating device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shielding cap (6) is formed of the same material as the actuating element (4).

10. Actuating device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding cap (6) is formed by a coating on the actuating element (4).

11. Trim part (30) for a vehicle (100) comprising at least one actuating device (1) according to claim 1.

12. Covering part (30) according to claim 11, wherein the covering part (30) has an opening designed for arranging the actuating device (1), wherein a support (40) for connecting the actuating device (1) to the cladding part (30) is provided on the cladding part (30).

13. Cladding part (30) according to claim 12, wherein the carrier (40) is positively and / or force-fit connected to the actuating device (1).

14. Trim part according to claim 12, wherein the support (40) is attached to the trim part (30) is connected by a form-fit and / or force-fit and / or material-fit connection.

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