Motor vehicle handle assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle handle assembly which is equipped with a handle (1) and with a sensor unit (5) in or on the handle (1). The sensor unit (5) is designed to communicate, with the aid of a communication module (5, 6, 7), with an operator seeking to access the motor vehicle and detect, with the aid of a proximity module (5, 6, 7), the proximity of the operator. According to the invention, the communication module (5, 6, 7) and the proximity module (5, 6, 7) are functionally coincident and are provided in the form of a combined communication / proximity module (5, 6, 7).

Description

[0001] Kiekert AG

[0002] P23009WO

[0003] 1

[0004] Description

[0005] Motor vehicle handle arrangement

[0006] The invention relates to a motor vehicle handle arrangement, comprising a handle and a sensor unit in or on the handle, wherein the sensor unit is equipped on the one hand with a communication module for communication with an operator wishing to gain access and on the other hand with a proximity module for detecting the proximity of the operator.

[0007] In most state-of-the-art systems, the sensor unit is designed as a multi-part unit. One component belongs to the communication module, and another, independent component belongs to the proximity module.

[0008] Vehicle door handles, or handles on or attached to vehicles, are traditionally used to open a mechanically or electrically operated vehicle lock. The handle is attached to a vehicle door and can be pivoted relative to the door, for example, to use this pivoting motion to mechanically open the lock. This pivoting motion of the handle relative to the door can also be detected by sensors. As a result, a control unit that evaluates the sensor signals activates the electric motor of the vehicle lock ("open by wire"). This also offers the further possibility of detecting the approach of a user attempting to gain entry without physical contact.Following successful completion of the authorization check, the control unit then ensures that the vehicle lock is opened electrically. Kiekert AG.

[0009] P23009WO

[0010] 2

[0011] Such a contactless opening mechanism is described as an example within the framework of the prior art according to DE 10 2013 102 701 A1. This relates to a door handle arrangement for a motor vehicle with a capacitive proximity sensor and an NFC transmitter / receiver unit. The handle, or exterior door handle, is equipped with an NFC (Near Field Communication) antenna coil and an NFC module that can be coupled to it. In this context, the NFC antenna coil functions as the sensor electrode of an additional capacitive proximity sensor. This allows the communication related to access authorization verification to be housed compactly within the exterior door handle.

[0012] Nevertheless, EP 4332333 A1 deals with a door handle and a strain gauge attached to it. In this way, a detection system is provided which reacts to deformations of the handle caused by its application by an operator.

[0013] The closest and starting point of this generic prior art, according to DE 102021 126043 A1, describes a sensor device for a door handle of a motor vehicle. This device includes a capacitive sensor with an electrically conductive electrode. The electrode is also configured to mechanically stiffen the door handle. In this context, a sensor circuit is also used, equipped with a near-field communication circuit and an additional near-field communication antenna. Furthermore, a capacitive proximity sensor is provided, which utilizes electrically conductive electrodes. These electrodes form a capacitor with variable capacitance.

[0014] The current state of the art has generally proven effective, but still offers room for improvement. Thus, both now and in the next state of the art, the communication module for communicating with an operator requesting access or their transponder is operated separately from the proximity module for detecting the operator's proximity. Kiekert AG

[0015] P23009WO

[0016] 3

[0017] are designed from one another. This leads to increased effort and considerable costs. The invention aims to remedy this situation.

[0018] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle handle arrangement in such a way that the technological effort is reduced and corresponding cost advantages compared to the prior art are observed.

[0019] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes, starting from a motor vehicle handle arrangement of the design described above, that the communication module and the proximity module functionally coincide and are designed as a combined communication / proximity module with a common single sensor unit.

[0020] According to the invention, the communication module and the proximity module form a single unit. The invention is based on the understanding that the communication module generally and essentially comprises an antenna arrangement. This antenna arrangement, as an essential component of the communication module and thus also of the communication / proximity module implemented according to the invention, assumes a further additional function within the scope of the present application. That is, the antenna arrangement, or the single sensor unit, remains capable of evaluating electromagnetic and / or capacitive signals indicating the approach of an operator.

[0021] Furthermore, the antenna array is designed as a sensor that reacts to mechanical deformations of the handle. This means that the antenna array functions as a single, shared sensor unit for both the communication module and the proximity module, and thus for the combined communication / proximity module. The antenna array can detect proximity signals from both the operator and Kiekert AG.

[0022] P23009WO

[0023] 4

[0024] Deformation signals are generated by the operator as soon as he applies pressure to the handle.

[0025] For this purpose, communication can initially take place via the antenna arrangement as an essential component, using common standards, in particular NFC (Near Field Communication). This refers to data exchange with, for example, a transponder carried by the operator or, more generally, a signal transmitter, which typically operates in the high-frequency range and has a limited range. That is, such near-field communication (NFC) typically takes place at frequencies in the megahertz or gigahertz range. This involves contactless data exchange via electromagnetic induction. Of course, other transmission standards are also conceivable, such as those detailed in DE 10 2017 121 762 A1, which serves as an exemplary reference in this context.In addition to NFC communication, communication via the Bluetooth standard or WLAN standard is also conceivable - among others.

[0026] Notwithstanding this general approach, the antenna arrangement can also generate the proximity signals capacitively, as part of a capacitor or capacitance between the handle and the approaching operator.

[0027] The combined communication / proximity module according to the invention is now used not only for the contactless exchange of data via electromagnetic induction with, for example, an operator's transponder. In this case, the antenna arrangement or single sensor unit of the combined communication / proximity module also functions as a proximity sensor. For this purpose, the communication / proximity module essentially features the previously mentioned antenna arrangement, which reacts to mechanical deformations of the handle. D. Kiekert AG

[0028] P23009WO

[0029] 5

[0030] In accordance with the invention, the antenna arrangement is not only used for contactless data exchange via electromagnetic induction or for registering capacitive changes as a result of the approach of the operator, but also simultaneously assumes the function as a force or pressure sensor.

[0031] For this purpose, the antenna arrangement is additionally designed to detect any strain caused by an applied force or pressure resulting from mechanical deformation of the handle. In other words, the antenna arrangement also assumes the functionality of a strain gauge, as is generally known in this context within the framework of EP 4 332 333 and used in the prior art. However, the dual functionality of the antenna arrangement as an essential structural element of the combined communication / proximity module, enabling contactless data exchange via electromagnetic induction and additional strain measurements, remains unprecedented.

[0032] For this purpose, the antenna arrangement advantageously features several antenna loops running lengthwise along the handle. These antenna loops ultimately amplify the signal, whether for contactless data exchange via electromagnetic induction or in their additional function as strain gauges. In principle, a single antenna loop can also be used.

[0033] Furthermore, the design is such that the combined communication / proximity module is connected to a power supply unit and a control unit. The power supply unit is specially configured in this case, generating a combined DC and AC voltage. The generated AC voltage is typically a high-frequency AC voltage, which Kiekert AG

[0034] P23009WO

[0035] 6

[0036] This takes into account the near-field communication most commonly observed in the megahertz or gigahertz range.

[0037] In this context, the control unit is now able to evaluate the signals from the antenna array of the combined communication / proximity module separately. Specifically, it monitors deformation signals from the handle and proximity signals from an operator attempting access. The proximity signals are high-frequency alternating current signals that change depending on the approach of the operator or their transponder. The control unit detects these changes and the associated data exchange between the transponder and the combined communication / proximity module, interpreting them as the proximity signal of the operator. This is distinct from the previously mentioned deformation signals.

[0038] Such deformation signals typically correspond to changes in the resistance of the antenna assembly. These changes occur because the antenna assembly, located in or on the handle, is deformed by pressure or, more generally, by a force exerted on the handle, resulting in the resistance changes to be detected. These resistance changes are usually detected via an applied DC voltage. The control unit ensures that the deformation signals, which are DC voltage signals, and the proximity signals, which are AC voltage signals, are separated and can thus be evaluated independently. Similar techniques are generally known in connection with the remote powering of antenna amplifiers, remote power supplies for satellite dishes, or in data transmission in the PC sector via PoE (Power over Ethernet). Kiekert AG

[0039] P23009WO

[0040] 7

[0041] The procedure is exemplified by the control unit evaluating the deformation signals and proximity signals simultaneously or sequentially. Typically, the relevant signals can be detected and evaluated sequentially, i.e., one after the other, because in practical operation, the approach of the operator seeking access, or of the transponder they are carrying, usually generates a signal first. Only after this signal has been detected can a corresponding deformation of the handle be expected, because the operator in question will have moved to the vehicle in the meantime.

[0042] In another advantageous variant, the combined communication / proximity module is generally arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB). This PCB can not only accommodate the communication / proximity module itself, but is also generally equipped with the control unit and the power supply. Furthermore, it has proven particularly advantageous if the antenna array, as a key structural element of the combined communication / proximity module, is implemented as a printed circuit. That is, the antenna array is printed, for example, on a film or directly onto the PCB. The PCB then also accommodates the control unit and the power supply.

[0043] The handle, with the combined communication / proximity module attached to it or within it, can be connected to a door panel or a body component. For example, the body component could be a B-pillar. The handle can then be actuated by an operator pulling on it or by applying pressure to the handle against the B-pillar. In both cases, this results in the desired mechanical deformation of the handle, allowing the antenna assembly to react accordingly. Kiekert AG

[0044] P23009WO

[0045] 8

[0046] As a result, a combined communication / proximity module is provided as an essential component of the vehicle handle assembly. This combined communication / proximity module utilizes an antenna assembly as its core component. According to the invention, the antenna assembly is not only designed for contactless data exchange in the high-frequency alternating current range. Furthermore, according to the invention, the antenna assembly also functions as a sensor that reacts to mechanical deformations of the handle. In this context, the antenna assembly also functions similarly to a strain gauge.

[0047] The integration of these two functionalities was previously considered impossible because the prior art advocates separate systems for each. This is where the key advantages lie.

[0048] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that illustrates only one embodiment; the drawing shows:

[0049] Fig. 1 shows the motor vehicle handle arrangement according to the invention in a basic perspective view and

[0050] Fig. 2 shows the associated circuit arrangement schematically.

[0051] The figures show a motor vehicle handle arrangement. This arrangement has a handle 1. According to the exemplary embodiment, the handle 1 is connected to a door leaf 2 without any restrictions and may also span a grip recess 3 in the door leaf 2 without any restrictions. This allows an operator to grasp the handle 1 and thereby swing open the door leaf 2.

[0052] According to the exemplary embodiment, the handle 1 is firmly connected to the door leaf 2, so that a [missing word] which can only be seen in Fig. 2 and [missing word] the door leaf Kiekert AG

[0053] P23009WO

[0054] 9

[0055] The associated vehicle lock 2, or vehicle door lock 4, is opened electrically. Following the electrically operated opening of the vehicle lock 4, the door leaf 2 can be swung open using the handle 1.

[0056] In this context, a single sensor unit 5 is provided in or on the handle 1. The sensor unit 5 is equipped, on the one hand, with a communication module 5, 6, 7 for communication with the operator seeking access, and on the other hand, with a proximity module 5, 6, 7 for detecting the proximity of the operator in question. For this purpose, the sensor unit 5 is designed as a component of a combined communication / proximity module 5, 6, 7 implemented according to the invention. That is, the communication module 5, 6, 7 and the proximity module 5, 6, 7 are functionally combined.

[0057] This is implemented and realized in detail such that the combined communication / proximity module 5, 6, 7 is designed with an antenna arrangement 5 as the sole sensor unit 5 and as an essential structural element. The antenna arrangement 5 in question has several antenna loops extending in the indicated longitudinal direction L of the handle 1, as can be seen from the enlarged section in Fig. 1. In this way, the antenna arrangement 5 can also detect mechanical deformations of the handle 1 in precisely this longitudinal direction L, as indicated in Fig. 1. For this purpose, the antenna arrangement 5 is placed in or on the handle 1. The other components of the combined communication / proximity module 5, 6, 7 may also be located in or on the handle 1 or even in the door leaf 2.

[0058] In the example case, such mechanical deformations of the handle 1 result from the fact that the operator seeking access encloses the handle 1 through the grip recess 3 on the door leaf 1 and, for example, applies tension or pressure, which leads to corresponding (minimal) compressions or Kiekert AG

[0059] P23009WO

[0060] 10

[0061] The elongation of the handle 1 in the longitudinal direction L corresponds to the corresponding arrows. The mechanical deformations of the handle 1 are accompanied by corresponding elongations or compressions of the antenna assembly 5 or sensor unit 5. These elongations or compressions of the antenna assembly 5 or its individual antenna loops can now be detected by means of a control unit 6.

[0062] First, the sensor unit or antenna assembly 5 is supplied with a power supply unit 7. This power supply unit 7 delivers a combined DC voltage and high-frequency AC voltage to the sensor unit or antenna assembly 5, as indicated in the schematic diagram of Fig. 2. Considering only the DC component, it becomes clear that elongations or compressions of the handle 1, and thus of the sensor unit 5, correspond to corresponding changes in resistance AR of the antenna assembly 5. These changes in resistance AR lead to voltage changes AU, which can be detected and evaluated by the control unit 6 based on the DC voltage signal from the power supply unit 7.

[0063] In addition, and independently of this, the sensor unit 5 or antenna arrangement 5 is also configured for wireless communication with a transponder 8 of the access-seeking operator in the example case. In this context, the access-seeking operator, who carries the transponder 8, initiates a data exchange between the transponder 8 and the control unit 6 via the antenna arrangement 5 as soon as the operator and thus their transponder 8 enter a reception range of the antenna arrangement 5. Therefore, in the example case, near-field communication (NFC) via electromagnetic induction is observed between the transponder 8 and the antenna arrangement 5 in the handle 1. Kiekert AG

[0064] P23009WO

[0065] 11

[0066] As part of this communication between the transponder 8 and the antenna array 5, the approach of the operator seeking access is first detected and stored as a proximity signal in the control unit 6. Additionally, an authorization check of the operator seeking access, or of the transponder 8 they are carrying, may also take place. If the authorization check is successful and the operator has approached, the control unit 6 may ensure that the vehicle lock 4, to which it is connected via data transmission, is switched from its previously locked state to the unlocked state.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the antenna arrangement 5 can also use the applied AC voltage from the power supply unit 7 to measure capacitance changes that result from the operator's proximity signals. In this case, the capacitance between the antenna arrangement 5 and the operator changes as the operator approaches. This results in changes in the AC voltage signal, which are detected by the control unit 6 and interpreted as a proximity signal.

[0068] In order to open the vehicle lock 4 electrically in this example, an additional opening signal from the antenna assembly 5 is required. For this to occur, the operator must apply force to the handle 1, either pulling or pushing. If this happens, the control unit 6 detects the corresponding deformation signal as an opening signal. This signal then activates an electric motor inside the vehicle lock 4, which opens it. The operator can then swing the door open using the handle 1, which is permanently attached to the door leaf 2. This is, of course, only an example. Kiekert AG

[0069] P23009WO

[0070] 12

[0071] In any case, the control unit 6 is able to separately evaluate signals from the combined communication / proximity module 5, 6, 7. This allows it to distinguish between the deformation signals of the handle 1 and the proximity signals of the operator seeking access. The deformation signals correspond to DC voltage signals from the antenna assembly 5, which are caused by mechanical deformations of the handle 1 and, in this example, correspond to changes in resistance AR or the applied DC voltage AU. In contrast, the proximity signals are AC voltage signals in the high-frequency range, which indicate the approach of the operator or their transponder 8 and the associated data exchange.

[0072] The control unit 6 now evaluates these deformation signals and the proximity signals simultaneously or sequentially. In most cases, sequential evaluation is sufficient because first a proximity signal from the operator seeking access or their transponder 8 is observed, and only then is a corresponding mechanical deformation signal from the handle 1 detected by the operator.

[0073] The combined communication / proximity module 5, 6, 7 is arranged on a printed circuit board 9. The antenna array 5 can be implemented as a printed circuit directly on the circuit board 9 or, for example, on a film that is electrically contacted with the circuit board 9. The control unit 6 and the power supply unit 7 are also located on the circuit board 9. The entire circuit board 9 can be placed inside the handle 1. However, it is also possible for only the antenna array 5, printed, for example, on a film, to be located inside the handle 1.

[0074] In this embodiment, handle 1 is connected to door leaf 2. However, it is also possible for handle 1 to be connected to a non-Kiekert AG

[0075] P23009WO

[0076] 13

[0077] The depicted body component, for example, a B-pillar of a vehicle body, is attached. In principle, handle 1 can also be interpreted as part of the B-pillar in question in this case. Kiekert AG

[0078] P23009WO

[0079] 14 List of reference symbols

[0080] Handle 1

[0081] Door leaf 2

[0082] Recessed handle 3

[0083] Motor vehicle door lock 4

[0084] Sensor unit 5

[0085] Antenna arrangement 5

[0086] Communication module 5, 6, 7 Proximity module 5, 6, 7

[0087] Control unit 6 Power supply unit 7 Transponder 8

[0088] Circuit board 9

[0089] Longitudinal direction 6

[0090] Resistance change AR

[0091] Voltage change AU

Claims

Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle handle arrangement, comprising a handle (1) and a sensor unit (5) in or on the handle (1), wherein the sensor unit (5) is equipped on the one hand with a communication module (5, 6, 7) for communication with an operator seeking access and on the other hand with a proximity module (5, 6, 7) for proximity detection of the operator, characterized by the fact that the communication module (5, 6, 7) and the proximity module (5, 6, 7) functionally coincide and are designed as a combined communication / proximity module (5, 6, 7) with a common single sensor unit (5).

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the combined communication / proximity module (5, 6, 7) has an antenna arrangement (5) as the only sensor unit (5) that reacts to mechanical deformations of the handle (1).

3. Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the antenna arrangement (5) has several antenna loops extending in the longitudinal direction of the handle (1).

4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the combined communication / proximity module (5, 6, 7) is equipped with a power supply unit (7) and a control unit (6).

5. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the power supply device (7) generates a combined DC voltage and AC voltage, in particular high-frequency AC voltage.

6. Arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the control unit (6) evaluates signals from the antenna arrangement (5) separately, namely, on the one hand, deformation signals from the handle (1) and, on the other hand, proximity signals from an operator seeking access.

7. Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the deformation signals and the proximity signals are evaluated simultaneously or sequentially by the control unit (6).

8. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the combined communication7proximity module (5, 6, 7) is arranged on a printed circuit board (9).

9. Arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the antenna arrangement (5) is designed as a printed circuit.

10. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the handle (1) is attached to a door leaf (2) or a body component, for example a B-pillar.

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