DOOR HANDLE ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A door handle assembly (1), such as an outer door handle arrangement for a vehicle including at least one vehicle movable element may have the following elements. A handle element having a handle recess. A handle cover, which may at least partially covers the handle recess. An actuating unit, which may be arranged between the handle element and the handle cover. A carrier unit including at least one sensor and at least one switch for opening a door lock. Where the carrier unit is designed to unlock the door lock when an object situated in a detection area of the sensor is detected. The actuating unit being designed to press the switch during a manual actuation.

Claims

1. A door handle arrangement, in particular outer door handle arrangement for a vehicle including at least one movable vehicle element, comprising at least: one handle element having a handle recess, a handle cover which at least partially covers the handle recess, an actuating unit, which is arranged between the handle element and the handle cover, and a carrier unit including at least one sensor and at least one switch, wherein the carrier unit unlocks a door lock in a contact-free manner upon detection of an object situated in a detection area of the sensor and/or of an object approaching the detection area, and wherein, when the door lock is unlocked, the actuating unit actuates the switch when actuated, whereupon the switch opens the door lock as a result of the actuation.

2. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the actuating unit, when actuated, presses and actuates the switch.

3. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the switch electrically opens the door lock as a result of the actuation.

4. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the carrier unit (9) is arranged on an inside of the handle cover.

5. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the detection area extends at least over a section of the handle recess.

6. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the actuating unit comprises a partially open actuating area.

7. The door handle arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the actuating area is at least partially arranged in the handle recess.

8. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is an electronic sensor, in particular, a capacitive sensor.

9. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the carrier unit comprises at least one printed circuit board which is provided in the direction of the actuating unit with the switch, in particular, a micro-switch.

10. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the switch is designed as an elastically deformable and/or movable trigger element.

11. The door handle arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the sensor detects a change in distance between the release element and the sensor when the trigger element is actuated, whereupon the sensor opens the door lock as a result of the detected change in distance.

12. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the actuating unit has an actuating flap, which is relatively movable with respect to the carrier unit.

13. The door handle arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the actuating flap is arranged on and/or in the detection area.

14. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the handle element comprises a cover support.

15. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the actuating unit is part of a cover support.

16. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the handle cover and the carrier unit are arranged on a cover support.

17. The door handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein an additional sensor is provided for an additional detection area in the area of the handle cover, the additional sensor being designed to lock the door lock upon to detection of an object situated in the additional detection area.

Description

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in greater detail with reference to drawings, in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a door handle arrangement for a movable vehicle element of a vehicle in a top view,

[0032] FIG. 2 schematically shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a door handle arrangement,

[0033] FIG. 3 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a component of the door handle arrangement in a perspective view,

[0034] FIG. 4 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a door handle arrangement in a top view,

[0035] FIG. 5 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the door handle arrangement according to FIG. 4 in a view from below,

[0036] FIG. 6A schematically shows a sectional representation of the door handle arrangement according to FIG. 4,

[0037] FIGS. 6B and 6C schematically show an actuation sequence of the door handle arrangement for opening a movable vehicle element,

[0038] FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically show another exemplary embodiment of a door handle assembly for locking a movable vehicle element, and

[0039] FIG. 8 schematically shows a sectional representation of a door handle arrangement arranged on a movable vehicle element, in particular, on a vehicle side door.

[0040] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0041] FIG. 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a door handle assembly 1 for a movable vehicle element 2 of a vehicle, not shown in greater detail in a top view. The door handle arrangement 1 is, in particular, an outer door handle arrangement. The movable vehicle element 2 is, for example, a vehicle side door.

[0042] For a better understanding of the design of the door handle arrangement 1, a coordinate system is shown, comprising a longitudinal axis x, a transverse axis y and a vertical axis z with respect to the movable vehicle element 2 designed as a vehicle side door.

[0043] The door handle arrangement 1 has a handle cover 3. The handle cover 3 is formed, for example, from a plastic material and, for example, coated with a lacquer or chrome material. The movable vehicle element 2 has a door recess 4, in which the door handle arrangement 1 is arranged.

[0044] The movable vehicle element 2 also comprises a door lock 5. The door lock 5 comprises, for example, lock electronics and a locking mechanism. For example, the door lock 5 is a so-called E-lock, in particular an E-side door lock. The door handle arrangement 1 is designed, in particular, to enable a simplified opening of an, in particular, electromechanical door lock 5.

[0045] FIG. 2 schematically shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a door handle arrangement 1.

[0046] The door handle arrangement 1 comprises a handle element 6. The handle element 6 has a handle recess 6.1. The handle element 6 is, for example, pivotably mounted on the movable vehicle element 2 in the door recess 4 by means of a hinge 6.2, in particular, a swivel hinge. The hinge 6.2 comprises a hinge shaft 6.3, which is pivotally held on the movable vehicle element 2, for example, in the door recess 4. The hinge shaft 6.3 in this case forms a pivot axis 6.4 of the handle element 6.

[0047] Alternatively, the handle element 6 may be arranged rigidly on the movable vehicle element 2. In this embodiment, the hinge 6.2 is omitted. In another alternative, the handle element 6 may be mounted on the movable vehicle element 2 by means of the hinge 6.2, wherein the handle element 6 is pivotable only in the event of an emergency actuation, for example, in the event of an accident or of an electronics malfunction, actuatable manually with a high actuation stroke and/or a greater effort for opening the movable vehicle element 2.

[0048] The handle recess 6.1 is partially covered to the outside by a handle cover 3. The handle recess 6.1 is provided to form an actuating area 7, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 6C, for a user of the vehicle. The handle recess 6.1 closes, for example, flush with the door recess 4. The actuating area 7 is formed by the handle recess 6.1. The user is able to guide his hand and/or fingers into the actuating area 7 in order to initiate an unlocking and an opening of the movable vehicle element 2.

[0049] The door handle arrangement 1 further comprises at least one actuating unit 8, which is arranged between the handle element 6 and the handle cover 3.

[0050] The handle element 6 is designed as an outer handle and has an inner, actuatable handle surface 6.5. The surface of the actuating unit 8 pointing in the direction of the handle recess 6.1 may form the actuatable handle surface 6.5. In particular, the actuating unit 8 is arranged spaced apart from the handle element 6, so that the handle recess 6.1 and the handle surface 6.5 are accessible to the user.

[0051] To form the door handle arrangement 1 including integrated switching electronics for opening a so-called E-lock of the movable vehicle element 2, the actuating unit 8 is arranged between the handle element 6 and the handle cover 3.

[0052] The door handle arrangement 1 further comprises at least one carrier unit 9, which forms the switching electronics, in particular, handle electronics. The carrier unit 9 is arranged between the actuating unit 8 and the handle cover 3. A hold-down device 10, for example, is located between the handle cover 3 and the carrier unit 9 for holding the carrier unit 9 on the handle cover 3. The carrier unit 9 comprises a fitted printed circuit board L and is coupled, for example, to the door lock 5, in particular, to its lock electronics. The carrier unit 9 comprises two switches 9.1 which may be actuated by the actuating unit 8, as shown in FIG. 3. The switches 9.1 are, in particular, micro-switches. The carrier unit 9 is provided, in particular, with the switches 9.1 in the direction of the actuating unit 8.

[0053] Such a door handle arrangement 1 including an internal actuating unit 8 and carrier unit 9 for actuating the switches 9.1 makes possible a particularly compact door handle that includes integrated handle electronics, in particular sensor/actuating electronics, for example, for an electronic door lock 5. The actuating unit 8, when it is actuated manually, actuates the switch 9.1, as a result of which a door opening, in particular a door lock opening, is initiated. For example, the actuating unit 8 is designed to press the switch 9.1 during manual actuation, as a result of which the door lock 5 is opened.

[0054] The actuating unit 8 is designed in the form of an actuating flap 8.1, which is pivotable relatively in the direction of the carrier unit 9. The actuating unit 8 is, for example, part of a cover support B and/or, for example, a handle support. The cover support B is designed to hold the handle cover 3 and the carrier unit 9 on the handle element 6. The cover support B comprises a cutout 8.2, in which the carrier unit 9 is accommodated and held. In addition, the cover support B includes mounting units 8.3 for fastening the handle cover 3 to the cover support B. The handle cover 3, for example, comprises as fastening elements 3.1 locking hooks or other suitable elements for a form-fitting or friction-locking connection. The cover support B and the actuating unit 8, for example, are formed in one piece, for example, as a two-component part. The actuating flap 8.1 is, for example, elastically formed on the cover support B. The actuating unit 8, for example, comprises a body section 8.5, which is open at the bottom. In one refinement, the body section 8.5 is part of the cover support B. The cover support B forms the actuating area 7.

[0055] The body section 8.5, for example, is essentially U-shaped in cross section. The body section 8.5 forms the actuating area 7 in the open area. The body section 8.5 is partially or completely arranged in the handle recess 6.1. The detection area 9.3 is directed into the actuation area 7. The actuating flap 8.1 is arranged within the body section 8.5. The actuating flap 8.1 forms, for example, a closed side of the actuating area 7. The actuating flap 8.1 is arranged, in particular, downstream from the detection area 9.3. The actuating flap 8.1 may be arranged on and/or in the detection area.

[0056] The cover support B is, in particular, mounted on the handle element 6 in an articulated manner. For this purpose, the cover support B comprises a hinge 8.4, which is mounted on the handle element 6 via the joint shaft 6.3. The hinge 8.4 of the cover support B and/or of the actuating unit 8, for example, corresponds to the hinge 6.2 of the handle element 6 and has a common pivot axis 6.4. The cover support B may be pivoted easily relative to the handle element 6. Due to the spring action of a return spring 11, the cover support B is returned to its initial position P1 when the actuation is released, as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0057] FIG. 3 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a component of the door handle arrangement 1 in a perspective view. FIG. 3 shows, in particular, the carrier unit 9 as a component. The switches 9.1 are arranged on one side of the printed circuit board L facing the actuating unit 8. In addition, the carrier unit 9 comprises a capacitive unlocking sensor system for unlocking the door lock 5. For this purpose, the carrier unit 9 is coupled, for example, to the locking mechanism of the door lock 5. The carrier unit 9 comprises, in particular, a sensor 9.2 or a sensor unit. The carrier unit 9 is provided with the sensor 9.2 in the direction of the handle recess 6.1.

[0058] FIG. 4 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the door handle assembly 1 in a top view.

[0059] FIG. 5 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the door handle arrangement 1 according to FIG. 4 in a view from below. The carrier unit 9 is designed to unlock the door lock 5 when an object O situated in a detection area 9.3 of the sensor 9.2, for example, a hand and/or fingers of a user, is detected, as shown in FIG. 6B. The actuating unit 8 is designed to press the switches 9.1 during manual actuation, resulting in the opening of the door lock 5. The carrier unit 9, in particular, comprises a combined handle electronics and unlocking sensor system.

[0060] In a further possible embodiment, the detection area 9.3 extends at least over a section of the handle recess 6.1. The detection area 9.3 of the sensor 9.2, for example, is directed into the handle recess 6.1. When the user reaches into the handle recess 6.1 with his hand or his fingers, the hand or the fingers are situated in the detection area 9.3, whereupon the carrier unit 9 then unlocks the door lock 5. At the same time, the object O, i.e., the hand or fingers of the user, is situated in a position provided for manually actuating the internal actuating unit 8 in the handle recess 6.1 provided for this purpose.

[0061] In one refinement, at least one switch 9.1 is designed as a trigger element AE, an operative connection being produced between the switch 9.1 and the sensor 9.2 when the switch 9.1, in particular, the trigger element AE, is actuated. The trigger element AE, for example, is designed as an electrode that is largely movable and/or deformable relative to the sensor 9.2. The sensor 9.2 is formed by a fixed electrode, for example. When the actuating unit 8 is actuated manually, it presses the trigger element AE and actuates the trigger element AE in such a way that the trigger element AE is moved and/or deformed in the direction of the sensor 9.2. The sensor 9.2 is, for example, a capacitive sensor, which detects a change in distance between the sensor 9.2 and the trigger element AE based on a change in capacitance between the two. The sensor 9.2 and the trigger element AE in this case behave similarly to a plate capacitor. For example, the sensor 9.2 generates a sensor signal as a function of a change in the capacitance, which is evaluated, for example, by an evaluation unit coupled to the carrier unit 9 and/or to the sensor 9.2. The trigger element AE is arranged in a closed state of a door opening mechanism within the door handle arrangement 1 at a predetermined distance from the sensor 9.2. A surface 9.1.1 of the triggering element AE facing the actuating unit 8 is arranged, for example, at a distance from the sensor 9.2, in particular, in a closed state of the door lock 5 and in an unactuated state of the actuating unit 8.

[0062] An exemplary sequence of the door opening mechanism is described below: The door lock 5 is locked. A user approaches the vehicle door with the intention of unlocking and opening it. A hand of the user approaches the handle recess 6.1 to unlock the vehicle door, in particular the door lock 5. If at least the user's fingers approach the actuating area 7 or if the user's fingers are situated in the actuating area 7, the sensor 9.2 detects the approach and/or the presence of the user's fingers in its detection area 9.3 by detecting a first change in capacitance, for example, between the trigger element AE and an electrical zero potential. The door lock 5 is then unlocked based on the detected signal of the first change in capacitance. If the user then actuates the actuating unit 8, for example, by exerting pressure on the actuating flap 8.1, the actuating unit 8, in particular, the actuating flap 8.1, exerts pressure on the trigger element AE. The trigger element AE deforms in the direction of the sensor 9.2, which then detects a second change in capacitance and generates a sensor signal, for example, an opening signal. The opening signal is transmitted to the door lock 5, which opens as a result of the received opening signal. The vehicle door may then be opened by the user. The actuating flap 8.1 is moved back to an initial position, for example, by a return element. As a result, pressure no longer acts on the trigger element AE, so that it is also moved back into an initial position.

[0063] FIG. 6A schematically shows a sectional representation of the door handle arrangement 1 according to FIG. 4. FIGS. 6B and 6C schematically show an actuating sequence of the door handle arrangement 1 for opening the movable vehicle element 2.

[0064] To form the door handle arrangement 1 including integrated electronics (also called handle electronics) for opening a so-called E-lock of the movable vehicle element 2, the actuating unit 8 is arranged between the handle element 6 and the handle cover 3.

[0065] The door handle arrangement 1 further comprises at least one carrier unit 9, which forms the handle electronics. The carrier unit 9 is arranged between the actuating unit 8 and the handle cover 3. The carrier unit 9 comprises a fitted printed circuit board L. The carrier unit 9 comprises two switches 9.1 actuatable by the actuating unit 8. The switches 9.1 are, in particular, micro-switches. The switches 9.1 are arranged on one side of the printed circuit board L facing the actuating unit 8. In addition, the carrier unit 9 comprises a capacitive unlocking sensor system for unlocking the door lock 5. The carrier unit 9 comprises, in particular, a sensor 9.2 or a sensor unit. The carrier unit 9 is provided with the sensor 9.2 in the direction of the handle recess 6.1. When not actuated, the actuating unit 8 or the actuating flap 8.1 is arranged spaced apart from the switches 9.1, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0066] The carrier unit 9 is designed to unlock the door lock 5 when an object O situated in a detection area 9.3 of the sensor 9.2, for example, a hand and/or fingers of a user, is detected, as shown in FIG. 6B. The detection area 9.3 extends at least over a section of the handle recess 6.1. The detection area 9.3 of the sensor 9.2, for example, is directed into the handle recess 6.1. When the user reaches into the handle recess 6.1 with his hand or his fingers, the hand or the fingers are situated in the detection area 9.3, whereupon the carrier unit 9 then unlocks the door lock 5. At the same time, the object O, i.e., the hand or fingers of the user, is situated in a position provided for manually actuating the internal actuating unit 8 in the handle recess 6.1 provided for this purpose. If the object O, in particular, the hand of the user, is situated in the detection area 9.3, the carrier unit 9 unlocks the locking mechanism of the door lock 5. The carrier unit 9 is coupled, for example, to the locking mechanism via the lock electronics. The carrier unit 9 is coupled by signals to the lock electronics. For example, a signal generated when object O is detected in detection area 9.3 is transmitted to the lock electronics and the locking mechanism is unlocked, for example, by means of an actuator.

[0067] The actuating unit 8 is designed to press the switches 9.1 during manual actuation, as a result of which the door lock 5 is opened, as shown in FIG. 6C. When the actuating unit 8 is actuated to open the door lock 5 and the movable vehicle element 2, the actuating unit 8 is pressed in the direction of the handle cover 3 and actuates the switches 9.1. When the switches 9.1 are actuated by the actuating unit 8 or by the actuating flap 8.1, a signal, for example, is sent electrically to a lock electronics, which opens the door lock 5, for example, by means of a motor. The switches 9.1 and the lock electronics are coupled by signals to one another. The movable vehicle element 2, in particular, the vehicle side door, may then be opened by pulling on the rigid or pivotable handle G. The handle G is formed in part by the cover support B and by the handle cover 3. The handle G thus comprises at least the following components of the door handle arrangement 1: The actuating unit 8 or the actuating flap 8.1, the carrier unit 9 and the handle cover 3. Both the capacitive unlocking sensor system and the switching electronics for opening the door lock 5 are, in particular, arranged in the handle G, which the user is able to grasp. When the actuation is released, the actuating unit 8 is then returned to its initial position P1 due to the spring action of the elastic actuating unit 8 or to the actuating flap 8.1.

[0068] FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically show a further exemplary embodiment of a door handle arrangement 1 for locking the movable vehicle element 2. An additional sensor 12 is provided, in particular, in the area of the handle cover 3 for an additional detection area 12.1. In this case, the additional detection area 12.1 is situated, for example, on an outside of the handle cover 3. The additional detection area 12.1 extends, for example over an outer section of the handle cover 3. The additional sensor 12 is designed to lock the door lock 5 when an object O situated in the additional detection area 12.1 is detected, as shown in FIG. 7B. The carrier unit 9, for example, is connected to the additional electronic sensor 12. The sensor 12 is, in particular, a micro-switch. The additional electronic sensor 12 for locking the door lock 5 is arranged, for example, between the handle cover 3 and the hold-down device 10 or the carrier unit 9. The additional sensor 12 is arranged, in particular, on an inside of the cover handle 3. The hold-down device 10 may thus be provided on both sides with at least one sensor 9.2, 12 and/or one carrier unit 9. In other words: The additional detection area 12.1 for locking the door lock 5 is not situated in the handle recess 6.1. The additional detection area 12.1 is directed into a vehicle surroundings and is therefore easily accessible to the user. This allows for a simplified and rapid locking of the door lock 5.

[0069] FIG. 8 schematically shows a sectional representation of a door handle arrangement 1 arranged on a movable vehicle element 2, in particular, a vehicle side door. FIG. 8 in this case shows the door handle arrangement 1 and the movable vehicle element 2 in a side view. The handle element 6, for example, is formed in two parts. Handle cover 3 and handle element 6 together form, in particular, a handle G. The handle cover 3 is directed outwards. The handle cover 3 thus points to an outside of the vehicle.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0070] 1 door handle arrangement [0071] 2 movable vehicle element [0072] 3 handle cover [0073] 3.1 fastening element [0074] 4 door recess [0075] 5 door lock [0076] 6 handle element [0077] 6.1 handle recess [0078] 6.2 hinge [0079] 6.3 hinge shaft [0080] 6.4 pivot axis [0081] 6.5 handle surface [0082] 7 actuating range [0083] 8 actuating unit [0084] 8.1 actuating flap [0085] 8.2 recess [0086] 8.3 accommodation unit [0087] 8.4 hinge [0088] 8.5 body section [0089] 9 carrier unit [0090] 9.1 switch [0091] 9.1.1 surface [0092] 9.2 sensor [0093] 9.3 detection area [0094] 10 hold-down device [0095] 11 return spring [0096] 12 sensor [0097] 12.1 detection area [0098] AE trigger element [0099] B cover holder [0100] G handle [0101] L printed circuit board [0102] O object [0103] P1 initial position [0104] x longitudinal axis [0105] y transverse axis [0106] z vertical axis