DE102016008100A1 - Sensor assembly for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor assembly for a motor vehicle (42), comprising a number of functional parts, wherein the number of functional parts comprises at least a first sensor electrode (6) and an electronic unit (10) electrically connected thereto, and at least one first layer (2). and a second layer (22) having flexible carrier (4), wherein the functional parts are each fixed in position in a predetermined position and protected from external influences between the first layer (2) and the second layer (22).

Description

The invention relates to a sensor assembly for a motor vehicle and a method for producing such a sensor assembly.

In modern motor vehicles, sensor modules are used, for example, for the contactless opening of a flap of the motor vehicle, for example a tailgate.

Such a sensor assembly is for example in the DE 10 2013 021 142 A1 disclosed. The sensor assembly comprises a rigid carrier. The carrier is formed from a plastic injection molded part. Two capacitive sensor electrodes and an electronic unit associated with the sensor electrodes are mounted on the carrier. The electronic unit assumes the function of a control and evaluation unit. One of the electrodes together with the electronics unit forms a capacitive sensor. Thus, two capacitive sensors are provided, with which a predetermined operating event of a user, for example a kick movement, can be detected. When detected operator event z. B. the opening or closing a tailgate triggered. The sensor assembly is intended for installation in a vehicle bumper. The installation space of the bumper varies depending on the vehicle manufacturer, vehicle model and equipment level. According to the DE 10 2013 021 142 A1 Slots are provided in the carrier. The slots allow a certain, but limited, adaptation of the carrier to the respective installation space, in that the slots allow a deformation of the carrier for simplified attachment, for example by means of gluing or welding. However, it is not possible to use identical parts over different vehicle models, in particular different manufacturers. In each case, it is a suitable design to construct and manufacture supports adapted to the installation space.

Furthermore, the sensor electrodes and the electronics unit are exposed to external influences such as dirt, water, stone chipping, etc. when installed in the motor vehicle as intended. These influences can lead in the longer term to damage, for example, of the sensor electrodes and / or the electronics unit.

Moreover, it is simply possible in the known carrier to remove the electronic unit, which is held only latching on the carrier, and z. B. misused with the electronics unit of another vehicle. This can lead to problems in the functioning up to the failure of the desired function, in this case the non-contact opening and / or closing of the tailgate.

The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a cost-effective sensor assembly is to be specified which offers improved protection of the sensor assembly against external influences and abuse. Furthermore, a simple and inexpensive method for producing a sensor assembly is to be specified.

This object is achieved by a sensor assembly having the features of claim 1 and a method for producing a sensor assembly having the features of claim 8. Advantageous and expedient embodiments are subject of the dependent claims and the description.

According to the invention, a sensor assembly for a motor vehicle, is provided with a number of functional parts. The number of functional parts comprises at least a first sensor electrode and an electronic unit electrically connected thereto. Furthermore, the sensor module comprises a flexible carrier having at least one first layer and a second layer, wherein the functional parts are each fixed in position in a predetermined position and protected from external influences between the first layer and the second layer.

The arrangement of the functional parts between the two layers provides protection against external influences. Rockfalls, splashes, rain, ice, snow, mud and the like can not come into contact with the functional parts in the sensor device according to the invention or at least hardly directly. The risk of damage to the functional parts is minimized. Furthermore, due to the arrangement between the two layers, the electronic unit is not readily accessible and can not be abused and, if necessary, replaced.

Furthermore, a sensor module can be provided by the flexible design of the carrier, which can be easily adapted to different installation spaces. The carrier has a planar configuration and has a longitudinal extension along an X-axis and a width extension along a Y-axis running perpendicular to the X-axis, which extends a vertical extent of the carrier along a Z axis perpendicular to the X axis and to the Y axis. Axis by a multiple, for example, more than 10 times exceed. In the context of the present application, flexible means that the carrier is not dimensionally stable or rigid at least about the X-axis and the Y-axis, but flexible, preferably flexible (also termed shape-unstable or dimensionally unstable).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first layer and the second layer are connected in sections, preferably cohesively, to one another. The connection can be made for example by means of gluing or welding. Such a connection is easy to produce.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the functional parts is fixed in position exclusively by the connection of the first layer and the second layer in the predetermined position. In other words, there is no separate attachment of the functional part on the first or the second layer of the carrier. The position of the functional part within the sensor assembly is defined and secured solely by the connection of the first layer and the second layer. Such an embodiment is therefore inexpensive to implement.

It is also possible that each of the functional parts is fixed in position only by the connection of the first layer and the second layer in the predetermined position.

Of course, it is according to a further embodiment of the invention also possible that at least one of the functional parts, if necessary in addition, on the first layer, in particular materially, is fixed. The fixation can z. B. done by gluing.

It is thus possible to fix a functional part either a) by the connection of the two layers or b) to fix the functional part itself on one of the layers or to ensure the positional fixation of the functional part by a combination of the possibilities a) and b).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first layer and / or the second layer is formed as a mat, in particular as a foam mat or rubber mat. Such mats are characterized in particular by their low weight and flexibility. For a foam mat, an open-pore or closed-cell foam can be used. The latter variant offers particular advantages in terms of sealing against water, rain, snow and the like.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first layer or the second layer is at least partially electrically conductive, and in particular has an electrically conductive coating. When using the sensor assembly to detect an operating event, this embodiment can advantageously help to minimize interference. For example, when the sensor assembly is installed as intended in a bumper of a motor vehicle, the first or second position, which is at least partially electrically conductive, may be connected to a reference potential, in particular ground potential. This can be used to shield unwanted influences from a region which lies on the side of the sensor assembly facing away from the user. Such undesirable influences can z. B. caused by moving metallic parts or water or disturbing electromagnetic influences and adversely affect the detection of valid operating events.

• a) Bereitstellen einer ersten Lage eines flexiblen Trägers,
• b) Anordnen von einer Anzahl von Funktionsteilen in jeweils einer vorbestimmten Position auf der ersten Lage, wobei die Anzahl von Funktionsteilen zumindest eine erste Sensorelektrode und eine damit elektrisch verbundene oder verbindbare Elektronikeinheit umfasst,
• c) Anordnen einer zweiten Lage des flexiblen Trägers auf der ersten Lage derart, dass die Funktionsteile jeweils in der vorbestimmten Position lagefixiert und geschützt vor äußeren Einflüssen zwischen der ersten Lage und der zweiten Lage angeordnet sind.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a sensor assembly is provided with the steps:

• a) providing a first layer of a flexible carrier,
• b) arranging a number of functional parts in a respective predetermined position on the first layer, wherein the number of functional parts comprises at least a first sensor electrode and an electronic unit electrically connected or connectable thereto,
• c) arranging a second layer of the flexible carrier on the first layer such that the functional parts are each fixed in position in the predetermined position and are protected from external influences between the first layer and the second layer.

The first layer can for example be provided as a continuous material from a roll and cut to the dimensions required for space requirements of the motor vehicle or tailored. The functional components can then be arranged, either manually or automatically, at predetermined positions on the first layer. Subsequently, the application of the second layer is carried out such that the functional components are protected against external influences between the two layers.

The inventive method can be automated or at least partially automated and cost-effective.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the first layer and the second layer, preferably form-fitting, are interconnected. This bonding preferably takes place in such a way that the positional fixing of at least one of the functional parts, more preferably of each functional part, exclusively by the connection of the first layer and the second layer. With regard to advantages of such a method, reference is made to the above statements with respect to the sensor assembly, which apply mutatis mutandis.

The invention will now be described in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the appended figures, wherein:

1 a schematic plan view of a first layer of a carrier of a sensor assembly according to the invention with functional components arranged thereon;

2 a schematic plan view of the sensor assembly in a first embodiment;

3 a schematic plan view of the sensor assembly in a second embodiment;

4 a schematic sectional view of the sensor assembly of the second embodiment; and

5 a schematic view of a motor vehicle rear, in which the sensor assembly according to the invention is installed, shows.

1 shows in a schematic plan view one with the reference numeral 2 designated first layer of a carrier described in more detail below 4 (see eg 2 ). The first location 2 is designed as a flat, pliable foam mat with a substantially rectangular geometry. Other geometries are conceivable.

The first location 2 (and the carrier 4 ) has a longitudinal extent along an X-axis, a width extent along a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis, and a height extent along a Z-axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis ( 4 ) on.

On the first location 2 are functional components arranged, namely a first sensor electrode 6 , a second sensor electrode 8th as well as an electronics unit 10 , The first sensor electrode 6 is with the electronics unit 10 via a first connecting cable 12 and a first connector 14 electrically connected. The second sensor electrode 8th is with the electronics unit 10 via a second connecting cable 16 and a second connector 18 electrically connected. The electronics unit 10 serves as a control and evaluation device, by means of which on the one hand, the first sensor electrode 6 and the second sensor electrode 8th alternately applied with an alternating voltage and on the other hand, an evaluation of a at the first sensor electrode 6 and the second sensor electrode 8th capacity or capacity change is recorded and evaluated. The electronics unit 10 also has a third plug connection 20 on, which for connecting one in the 1 Not shown connection and supply line of the motor vehicle is used. About the connection and supply line is the electronics unit 10 with an electrical supply of the vehicle and with a higher-level control unit, for example via a LIN bus connection, coupled.

In the embodiment according to 1 is the first sensor electrode 6 formed as a flat band (also called flat conductor). The second sensor electrode 8th is, however, designed as a round conductor and z. B. have the structure of a conventional coaxial cable. Other combinations and configurations of the sensor electrodes 6 . 8th are conceivable.

The functional components in the form of the first sensor electrode 6 , the second sensor electrode 8th and the electronics unit 10 are on the first location 2 arranged in predetermined positions. For example, the functional components can be placed manually or automatically. To facilitate manual hanging up, the first layer 2 For example, be provided with markings indicating the predetermined position of the respective functional component. In the embodiment of the 1 are the functional components only on the first layer 2 applied without being fixed separately.

In order to ensure reliable operation of the sensor module, in particular in the detection of operating events, it must be ensured that the position of the functional components corresponds to one another according to predetermined criteria. In particular, the functional components should not be movable relative to one another since, for example, an approach of the first sensor electrode 6 and the second sensor electrode 8th To each other or a distance from each other a robust and reliable detection of operating events made it difficult. So could an undesirable approach of the first sensor electrode 6 and the second sensor electrode 8th to each other to an undesirable overlap of the sensor electrodes 6 . 8th associated capacitive measuring fields lead and make it difficult to distinguish a valid operating event of unwanted influences on the capacity. The functional components are therefore fixed in position on the carrier.

When in the 2 illustrated first embodiment of the invention, the position fixation of the functional components is exclusively by a partially cohesive connection of the first layer 2 and a second location 22 , The first location 2 and the second location 22 together make up the vehicle 4 , The carrier is multi-layered. Here is the second layer 22 on the provided with the functional components first layer 2 placed so that the functional components between the first layer 2 and the second location 22 are arranged. The first location 2 and the second location 22 of the carrier 4 are partially joined cohesively, for example, glued together. The splices can be designed differently. In the 2 are denoted by the reference numeral 24 for example, a variety of im Essentially circular splices designated. These circular splices 24 are in particular the second sensor electrode 8th arranged around and ensure their location fixation on the carrier 4 , With the reference number 26 one is the electronics unit 10 framing adhesive point called. The framing splice 26 ensures the position fixing of the electronic unit 10 and additionally fixes the framing adhesive 26 continuous first connection line 12 and second connection line 16 , With the reference number 28 are strip-shaped splices for fixing the position of the first sensor electrode 6 designated. The strip-shaped splices 28 have in the end region of the longitudinal extent of the first sensor electrode 6 an angled approach, which the first sensor electrode 6 embraces in the end region. For fixing the position of the first sensor electrode 6 is also one with the reference numeral 30 designated arcuate splice provided. Other embodiments of the splices are conceivable. So is in the 2 by way of example another with the reference numeral 32 designated splice in the form of an ellipse. Essential in the in the 2 illustrated first embodiment is that the positional fixation of the functional components on the support 4 exclusively by the partially cohesive connection of the first layer 2 with the second layer 22 he follows.

When in the 3 illustrated embodiment, the functional components, however, to fix the position even on the first layer 2 of the carrier 4 attached, preferably glued. The cohesive connection of the first layer 2 and the second location 22 is in this embodiment by a at the outer edge of the first layer 2 and the second location 22 circumferential adhesive bond 34 implemented. This can be ensured in particular an improved sealing of the functional parts against moisture. Furthermore, in the 3 one on the third plug connection 20 connected adapter connection cable 36 shown. The adapter connection cable 36 is out of the carrier 4 led out and points to her outside the carrier 4 lying end of an adapter connector 38 on, which serves to connect a connection and supply line of the motor vehicle. The adapter connection cable 36 has two single lines, which with circular splices 24 are fixed in sections. Similarly, the first connection line 12 and the second connection line 16 with circular splices 24 fixed in sections. By fixing the position is achieved in particular that even with vibration or other shocks releasing the connectors is reliably avoided. The splices 24 furthermore serve for the cohesive connection of the first layer 2 with the second layer 22 ,

The manufacture of the sensor module according to the invention will now be described with particular reference to FIGS 4 , described.

It will be the first location 2 of the carrier 4 on a firm surface 40 provided. Then the functional components, including the first connecting cable 12 , the second connection line 16 and possibly the adapter connection cable 36 , in predetermined positions on the first layer 2 arranged. Here is the electronics unit 10 in width extension of the first layer 2 between the first sensor electrode 6 and the second sensor electrode 8th and in the longitudinal extent of the first layer 2 arranged approximately in the middle.

In the first embodiment ( 1 and 2 ), the functional parts are only loose, ie without their own fixation, on the first layer 2 hung up. In the second embodiment ( 3 and 4 ), the functional components on the other hand, on the first layer 2 glued to fix the position.

Then, by means of a metering device at predetermined locations on the first layer 2 applied an adhesive. In the first embodiment, the adhesive is applied, for example, to the in 2 applied splices shown. In the second embodiment, the adhesive according to 3 applied circumferentially. Subsequently, the second layer 22 applied such that the functional components between the first layer 2 and the second location 22 are arranged. For the positive connection of the first layer 2 and the second location 22 For example, by means of one or more stamp pressure on the splices can be exercised. After curing of the adhesive, the two layers are positively connected to each other, wherein the functional parts are each fixed in position in its predetermined position and protected from external influences between the first layer and the second layer are arranged.

Regarding 5 Finally, an example of a proper use of the sensor assembly according to the invention will be described.

In the 5 is with the reference numeral 42 a motor vehicle referred to, which is a tailgate 44 and a bumper 46 having. The sensor module according to the invention 48 is in the bumper 46 installed, the carrier 4 in the 5 is indicated only schematically. The sensor assembly allows a user 50 can trigger a non-contact opening and possibly closing the tailgate by means of a defined as a predetermined operating event kick movement.

The sensor assembly 48 is doing so in the bumper 46 installed that the Longitudinal extension of the carrier 4 in the width direction of the vehicle 42 extends. In terms of optimized water management is the electronics unit 10 preferably in comparison to the representation in the 1 to 3 arranged rotated 90 ° counterclockwise. That is, the electronics unit 10 is preferably arranged so that the plug connections 14 . 18 . 20 the electronics unit 10 when installed in the vehicle as intended 42 in the direction of the ground on which the vehicle 42 usually stands, is oriented. Regarding the 1 to 3 does that mean that the plug connections 14 . 18 . 20 preferably in the direction of the second sensor electrode 8th point. This ensures that, for example, in case of damage to the first layer 2 or the second layer 22 , in the area of the plug connections 14 . 18 . 20 occur occurring moisture and penetration into the plug connections can be prevented.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, combinations of individual features of the embodiments are conceivable without departing from the subject matter of the invention. Thus, it is possible, for example, the above-described variants of the positive connection of the first layer 2 and the second location 22 to combine with each other, it is again possible, one or more of the functional components themselves cohesively with the first layer 2 or the second layer 22 connect to.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

First location

4

carrier

6

First sensor electrode

8th

Second sensor electrode

10

electronics unit

12

First connection line

14

First plug connection

16

Second connecting cable

18

Second plug connection

20

Third plug connection

22

Second location

24

Circular splice

26

Framing splice

28

Strip-shaped splice

30

Arched splice

32

Elliptical splice

34

Circumferential splice

36

Adapter cord

38

Adapter connector

40

document

42

motor vehicle

44

tailgate

46

bumper

48

sensor assembly

50

user

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102013021142 A1 [0003, 0003]

Claims (10)

Sensor assembly for a motor vehicle ( 42 ), with a number of functional parts, wherein the number of functional parts at least a first sensor electrode ( 6 ) and an electronics unit electrically connected thereto ( 10 ) and at least one first layer ( 2 ) and a second layer ( 22 ) having flexible support ( 4 ), wherein the functional parts each fixed in position in a predetermined position and protected from external influences between the first layer ( 2 ) and the second layer ( 22 ) are arranged. Sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first layer ( 2 ) and the second layer ( 22 ) in sections, preferably cohesively, are interconnected. Sensor assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least one, in particular each, of the functional parts exclusively by the connection of the first layer ( 2 ) and the second layer ( 22 ) is fixed in position in the predetermined position. Sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the functional parts on the first layer ( 2 ), in particular cohesively, is fixed. Sensor assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional parts a second sensor electrode ( 8th ). Sensor assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer ( 2 ) and / or the second layer ( 22 ) is designed as a mat, in particular as a foam mat or rubber mat. Sensor assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer ( 2 ) or the second layer ( 22 ) is formed at least partially electrically conductive, and in particular has an electrically conductive coating. Method for producing a sensor module, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: a) providing a first layer ( 2 ) of a flexible carrier ( 4 b) arranging a number of functional parts in a respective predetermined position on the first layer ( 2 ), wherein the number of functional parts at least a first sensor electrode ( 6 ) and an electrically connected or connectable electronic unit ( 10 c) arranging a second layer ( 22 ) of the flexible support ( 4 ) on the first layer ( 2 ) such that the functional parts are each fixed in position in the predetermined position and protected from external influences between the first layer ( 2 ) and the second layer ( 22 ) are arranged. Method according to claim 8, wherein the first layer ( 2 ) and the second layer ( 22 ) In sections, preferably cohesively, are interconnected. Method according to FIG. 8 or 9, wherein the positional fixing of at least one of the functional parts, preferably of each functional part, exclusively by connecting the first layer (FIG. 2 ) and the second layer ( 22 ) he follows.

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