DE102015219987A1 - Sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor device (100) for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle, the sensor device (100) comprising: a first decorative element (A) which is adapted to be coupled to ground and to discharge electrostatic discharges, ESD; a second decorative element (B), which is electrically decoupled with the first decorative element (A) and which is designed to detect the approach and to generate a sensor signal; a third decorative element (C) which is capacitively coupled to the second decorative element and which is adapted to receive the sensor signal via the capacitive coupling.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to systems and sensor devices for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle.

In particular, the present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle and a manufacturing method for producing a sensor device for a motor vehicle.

Technical background

Optical or capacitive sensors are typically realized in the form of printed circuit boards, conductive color prints, sheets or wires mounted, glued or ducked behind a decorated surface.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sensor device for a motor vehicle.

This object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Embodiments and further developments can be taken from the dependent claims, the description and the figures of the drawings.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle, wherein the sensor device comprises:
a first decorative element configured to be coupled to ground and to dissipate electrostatic discharges, ESD;
a second decorative element which is electrically decoupled from the first decorative element and which is designed to detect the approach and to generate a sensor signal; and
a third decorative element which is capacitively coupled to the second decorative element and which is adapted to receive the sensor signal via the capacitive coupling.

The term "decorative element" as used by the present invention refers to a component of a component for a motor vehicle. The component can be designed with a specific surface structure or with a specific three-dimensional shape and adapted to the function, the operability or the life of the component. The term "decorative element" can also be understood as a "component".

The decorated component or decorative element is in the multi-component or two components, abbreviated 2K, injection molding produced. For capacitive sensing, for example, conductive electrodes and non-conductive areas are necessary.

In the case of decoration by means of foil or paint, one component is conductive, one component non-conductive. The film can also be back-injected. When injection molding, film and plastic combine to form a high-quality decorated part.

Chrome-plated decoration means one component is chrome plated and another component is not chrome plated.

The conductive or chrome-plated component is used as a sensor electrode, or antenna, for capacitive proximity sensing. The contacting to the electronics takes place, for example, via conductive rubber or conductive adhesive, spring contacts or connecting parts. Furthermore, a non-contact coupling via a capacitive coupling can also take place.

The present invention advantageously enables the operation of applying a sensor electrode, also referred to as an antenna element, to be omitted.

The sensor device is designed, for example, as a proximity switch, also proximity switch, proximity switch and can approach, i. H. without direct contact with a user, for example, to contact a finger of the user without contact.

The sensor device can be used for example in the vehicle or motor vehicle for driver-vehicle interaction and as a trigger of security measures.

The present invention advantageously makes it possible for the sensor electrode to be decoupled from the ESD lead, since, for example, different components or decorative elements are used which take over the proximity sensing or the ESD lead-off.

According to a further, second aspect of the present invention, an evaluation electronics for reading out sensor signals is provided, wherein the evaluation electronics comprises: a readout circuit for reading from the sensor signals; and a sensor device, wherein the readout circuit is adapted to be coupled to the third decorative element and to process the capacitive coupled by the second decorative element sensor signals.

According to a further, third aspect of the present invention, a production method for producing a sensor device is provided, the method comprising the following method steps:
Forming a support element, a first decorative element, a second decorative element and a third decorative element; and
Providing the sensor device comprising the carrier element, the first decorative element, the second decorative element and the third decorative element.

Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are characterized in the subclaims.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the first decorative element and the second decorative element are arranged such that a distance between the first decorative element and the second decorative element between a minimum distance value and a maximum distance value is given. This advantageously makes it possible to avoid a malfunction of the sensor device due to electrostatic discharges.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the first decorative element and the second decorative element are arranged such that the minimum distance value prevents signal interference of the sensor signal generated in the second decorative element and the maximum distance value prevents damage to the second decorative element by electrostatic discharges. This advantageously makes it possible to minimize signal interference.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sensor device has a carrier element. This advantageously makes it possible to ensure a stable construction of the sensor device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the carrier element comprises polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose acetate, polycarbonate, glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or plastic or an electrically non-conductive material. This allows advantageous to meet different requirement profiles by different material properties.

• i) Beschichten einer Oberfläche des Trägerelements; und/oder durch
• ii) Auftragen einer Folie auf das Trägerelement; und/oder durch
• iii) Auftragen von leitfähigen Material ausgebildet werden. Dies ermöglicht vorteilhaft, zusätzliche Montage- und/oder Fertigungsschritte zu vermeiden.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the first decorative element and / or the second decorative element and / or the third decorative element by

• i) coating a surface of the carrier element; and / or by
• ii) applying a foil to the carrier element; and / or by
• iii) applying conductive material are formed. This advantageously makes it possible to avoid additional assembly and / or production steps.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the first decorative element and / or the second decorative element and / or the third decorative element comprises a metal or an electrically conductive material.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sensor device can be produced by a multi-component injection molding.

The described embodiments and developments can be combined with each other as desired.

Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the present invention also include combinations of previously or subsequently described embodiments of the present invention which are not explicitly mentioned.

The accompanying drawings are intended to provide further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain concepts of the present invention.

Other embodiments and many of the stated advantages will become apparent with reference to the figures of the drawings. The illustrated elements of the figures of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale to each other.

Brief description of the figures

Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 a schematic representation of a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 a schematic representation of a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 a schematic representation of a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 a schematic representation of a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 a schematic representation of an evaluation for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

7 a schematic representation of a flowchart of a manufacturing method for a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of embodiments

In the figures of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or functionally identical elements, components, components or method steps, unless indicated otherwise.

The motor vehicle or vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle or a hybrid motor vehicle, such as a car, a bus or a truck, or even a rail vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, such as a helicopter or airplane, or, for example, a bicycle.

The sensor device can also be used in consumer goods, eg. As vehicles, machinery, or other consumer goods, are integrated.

The 1 shows a schematic representation of a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The sensor device 100 for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle comprises, for example, a first decorative element A, a second decorative element B, and a third decorative element C. The sensor device 100 is in the 1 shown in perspective.

The first decorative element A may be designed to be coupled to ground and to discharge electrostatic discharges, ESD, also called ESD impact.

The second decorative element B can be electrically decoupled with the first decorative element A and be designed to detect the approach and to generate a sensor signal.

The third decorative element C may be capacitively coupled to the second decorative element B and configured to receive the sensor signal via the capacitive coupling.

A first decorative element A is grounded to derive a defined ESD impact defined. As a mass, for example, refers to a conductive body, which is defined as a rule with the potential 0 volts and represents the reference potential for all signal and operating voltages.

A second decorative element B is used as a sensor electrode.

The second decorative element B is electrically separated from the grounded first decorative element A. The second decorative element B is at least partially or integrally formed with a defined distance D_AB to the first decorative element A.

The defined distance D_AB guarantees an electrical flashover of the second decorative element B to the first decorative element A in an ESD impact on the second decorative element B. As a result, an ESD impact on the decorative element B defined by the electrical flashover on the first decorative element A derived become.

To use the second decorative element B for ESD-protected sensing or signal detection, for example, another electrically conductive component in the form of the third decorative element C is electrically mounted separately from the first decorative element A and the second decorative element B.

The third decorative element C is preferably mounted at a defined distance from the second decorative element B such that a defined capacitive coupling between the second decorative element B and the third decorative element C is formed.

As a minimum distance between the third decorative element C and the second decorative element B, for example, a distance of at least 3.5 mm or a distance of at least 1.5 mm or a distance of at least 0.1 mm is provided.

As a maximum distance value between the third decorative element C and the second decorative element B, for example, a distance of up to 6 mm or a distance of up to 2 mm or a distance of up to 0.5 mm is provided.

The third decorative element C can with the transmitter, z. B. by conductive rubber connected. The sensor signal is thus capacitively coupled from the second decorative element B via the insulator to the third decorative element C and fed to the evaluation.

This offers the advantage that by adapted tool and / or component design, the conductive components or decorative elements A, B, C from the same material or with the same surface coating, such as chromium or copper or aluminum, can be made. This eliminates additional or different Monday and / or manufacturing steps.

This advantageously makes it possible for an ESD decoupling to take place, although the actual sensor electrode lies directly in the ESD-hazardous area.

The sensor device 100 has, for example, a carrier element 10 having. The carrier element 10 may comprise polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose acetate, polycarbonate, glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or plastic or an electrically non-conductive material.

The carrier element 10 can provide a mechanical connection or coupling for the decorative elements A, B, C and serve as a carrier.

• i) ein Beschichten einer Oberfläche des Trägerelements 10; und/oder
• ii) Auftragen einer Folie auf das Trägerelement 10; und/oder
• iii) Auftragen von leitfähigen Material auf das Trägerelement 10 ausgebildet werden.

The carrier element 10 can serve as a support structure for the decorative elements A, B, C during production, which can be achieved, for example, by:

• i) coating a surface of the carrier element 10 ; and or
• ii) applying a foil to the carrier element 10 ; and or
• iii) applying conductive material to the carrier element 10 be formed.

The 2 shows a schematic representation of a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

It is on the left side of the 2 a bottom view of the sensor device shown and on the right side of the 2 a side view of the sensor device is shown.

The further reference numerals in the 2 are already in the 1 have been explained and are therefore not further described.

The 3 shows a schematic representation of a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The sensor device 100 in the 3 is shown in perspective.

When in the 3 the sensor device shown, the first decorative element A and the second decorative element B are arranged such that a distance D_AB between the first decorative element A and the second decorative element B is given within a minimum distance value and a maximum distance value.

As a minimum distance value between the first decorative element A and the second decorative element B, for example, a distance of at least 15 mm or a distance of at least 3 mm or a distance of at least 0.5 mm is provided.

As a maximum distance between the first decorative element A and the second decorative element B, for example, a distance of up to 60 mm or a distance of up to 10 mm or a distance of up to 5 mm is provided.

The further reference numerals in the 3 are already in the 1 have been explained and are therefore not further described.

The 4 shows a schematic representation of a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The sensor device 100 like in the 4 shown, for example, has a circuit board connector 102 on, with the PCB connector 102 is adapted to be coupled to a printed circuit board.

The sensor device 100 can also be coupled without contact with the circuit board, so that in a touch a small - for example, only a few microns long - air gap sufficient to dissipate an ESD spark.

The sensor device 100 can also be electronically coupled with a conductive ink, ie an electrically conductive paint, or a conductive rubber with the circuit board.

Furthermore, the sensor device 100 be coupled by a capacitive coupling with the circuit board.

The further reference numerals in the 4 are already in the 1 have been explained and are therefore not further described.

The 5 shows a schematic representation of a sensor device for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The sensor device 100 , like in the 5 shown, for example, has an antenna connector 104 or several antenna plugs 104 on, with the antenna plug 104 are adapted to be coupled to an antenna device.

Instead of the antenna plug 104 can also be a capacitive coupling between the antenna device and sensor device.

The further reference numerals in the 5 are already in the 1 have been explained and are therefore not further described.

The 6 shows a schematic representation of an evaluation 1000 for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The evaluation electronics 1000 for reading sensor signals includes readout circuit 200 and a sensor device 100 ,

The readout circuit 200 is adapted to the third decorative element C of the sensor device 100 to be coupled and to process the capacitive coupled by the second decorative element B sensor signals.

In other words, the sensor signals are conducted from the second decorative element B to the third decorative element C - for example, by capacitive transmission - and from there to the read-out circuit 200 - For example, by electrical transmission, by ohmic contact.

The 7 shows a schematic representation of a flowchart of a manufacturing method for a sensor device for a motor vehicle. The method comprises the following method steps:
As a first step of the method, a forming S1 of a carrier element takes place 10 , a first decorative element A, a second decorative element B and a third decorative element C.

As a second method step, provision S2 of the sensor device takes place 100 comprising the carrier element 10 , the first decorative element A, the second decorative element B and the third decorative element C.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but is modifiable in a variety of ways. In particular, the present invention can be varied or modified in many ways without departing from the gist of the invention.

In addition, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

It should also be appreciated that features or steps described with reference to any of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims (10)

Sensor device ( 100 ) for detecting an approach for a motor vehicle, wherein the sensor device ( 100 ) comprises: - a first decorative element (A) which is adapted to be coupled to ground and to dissipate electrostatic discharges, ESD; - A second decorative element (B) which is electrically decoupled with the first decorative element (A) and which is adapted to detect the approach and to generate a sensor signal; and - a third decorative element (C) which is capacitively coupled to the second decorative element and which is adapted to receive the sensor signal via the capacitive coupling. Sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the first decorative element (A) and the second decorative element (B) are arranged such that a distance (D_AB) between the first decorative element (A) and the second decorative element (B) between a minimum distance value and a maximum distance value given is. Sensor device according to claim 2, wherein the first decorative element (A) and the second decorative element (B) are arranged such that the minimum distance value prevents a signal disturbance of the sensor signal generated in the second decorative element (B) and the maximum distance value prevents damage to the second decorative element by electrostatic discharges prevented. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device comprises a carrier element ( 10 ) having. Sensor device according to claim 4, wherein the carrier element ( 10 ) Polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, cellulose acetate, Polycarbonate, glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or plastic or an electrically non-conductive material. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 5, wherein the first decorative element (A) and / or the second decorative element (B) and / or the third decorative element (C) by i) coating a surface of the carrier element ( 10 ); and / or ii) applying a film to the carrier element ( 10 ); and / or iii) applying conductive material. Sensor device according to claim 6, wherein the first decorative element (A) and / or the second decorative element (B) and / or the third decorative element (C) comprises a metal or an electrically conductive material. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor device can be produced by a multi-component injection molding. Evaluation electronics ( 1000 ) for reading out sensor signals with: - a read-out circuit ( 200 ) for reading from the sensor signals; and a sensor device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, - wherein the read-out circuit ( 200 ) is adapted to be coupled to the third decorative element (C) and to process the capacitive coupled by the second decorative element (B) sensor signals. Manufacturing method for producing a sensor device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: - forming (S1) a carrier element ( 10 ), a first decorative element (A), a second decorative element (B) and a third decorative element (C); and - providing (S2) the sensor device ( 100 ) comprising the carrier element ( 10 ), the first decorative element (A), the second decorative element (B) and the third decorative element (C).

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