EP1398434B1 - Door handle device for motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a door handle assembly for a motor vehicle door, with a handle with cap, and with at least one arranged in the interior of the handle electrical or electronic component, wherein the electrical or electronic component together with the cap and a guide bar inserted into the handle self-supporting Building unit shapes. Such door handle assemblies are known in various embodiments, including only by way of example on the EP 1 067 257 A1 , the EP 0 943 764 A1 , the EP 1 108 834 A2 and the DE 199 22 222 C2 is referenced. Such a door handle assembly is further from the post-published EP 1 284 335 A known.

The inclusion of electrical and / or electronic components in a handle of a door handle assembly in a motor vehicle plays in practice an increasing role. This can essentially be attributed to the fact that, in particular in so-called "keyless entry" systems, wireless communication takes place between an accessing vehicle user with identification device (eg transponder or smart card) and the obligatory control unit in the motor vehicle before the motor vehicle is unlocked or is locked.

The dialog usually takes place between the above-mentioned vehicle-side component or the antenna in the handle and the operator-side identification device or the transponder. For this purpose, it is known to integrate with the control unit connected antenna assemblies in the handle, which allow the aforementioned dialogue between the control unit and the operator. Flanking so-called proximity sensors or switches can be used, which initiate the mentioned dialogue.

To attach the components or the antenna in the handle is in the context of EP 1 067 257 A1 on an elongated one and recessed essentially rectangular frame, which carries the device and is inserted into the handle. This is relatively expensive, especially for each handle own storage structure must be stored.

When the door handle and transponder system after the EP 0 943 764 A1 two antenna coils are placed in the door handle, which together form a supporting structure. This too is structurally complex and associated with increased costs.

The same applies to the teaching after the EP 1 108 834 A2 because here a mounting unit of the electrical component, a connecting cable and a waterproof, flexible shell is first formed and only then this mounting unit is installed in the door outer handle.

Also at the DE 199 22 222 C2 one resorts to a coil carrier, which serves to hold an induction coil and is received in the door handle described there. There can be no question of a cost-effective solution.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing a door handle arrangement of the design described above in such a way that a structurally simple and inexpensive construction is ensured.

To solve this technical problem, a generic door handle assembly for a motor vehicle door in the invention is characterized in that the component is optionally carried together with other components of a ladder assembly and that both the cap and the guide bar are connected to the conductor arrangement.

As a result of these inventive measures, initially a structurally simple design is made available, because complex supporting structures for the component are not considered. Rather, the already existing and necessary cap for the handle is entrusted with supporting functions, which takes over in combination with the guide bar and the component as such.

As usual, the conductor arrangement serves for the electrical contacting of the component and the optional further components and ends in a conductor whip or a conductor tail, which is usually inserted into the interior of the motor vehicle door and an end-side plug or a socket for connection to local conductors wearing. This is not mandatory.

According to the invention, this conductor arrangement may be a conductor foil, that is to say a plastic foil with conductor tracks applied thereon (sprayed or glued on). With this ladder arrangement, both the cap and the guide bar are connected. This can be done with the help of a clip connection, which can be easily made and solved again.

In general, the device is designed as an antenna with ferrite core, wherein the ferrite core acts as a component carrier (together with the cap and the guide bar). Consequently, the components: ferrite core - cap - guide bar take over the function of the coil carrier after the DE 199 22 222 C2 or the task of the support frame according to the EP 1 067 257 A1 , Because of the lower material consumption compared to this, not only design but also price and weight advantages can be indicated.

In addition, the assembly is facilitated because the aforementioned self-supporting assembly of the device, the cap and the guide bar has a certain flexibility when inserting into the handle, so that in so far also work easier compared to the solution according to EP 1 108 834 A2 to be watched. Finally, the described self-supporting unit does not have to be adapted to different handling, but can be used universally as it were. Because a finally the handle with the used assembly filling potting compound ensures a perfect grip and a media-tight seal.

Since the closure cap and the guide web are respectively arranged on the end side of the component, the closure cap can additionally have an anchoring point for one end of the conductor arrangement exhibit. That is, the conductor assembly is connected end to end with the cap. In the course of the conductor arrangement, namely at the end of the component, there is also a connection between the guide web and the conductor arrangement or the conductor film.

For this purpose, the ladder assembly is for the most part equipped with opposite transverse recesses in which the holding arms of cross connectors engage. These cross connectors sucked now for the determination of the conductor arrangement or conductor foil on the one hand on the guide bar and on the other hand on the closure cap.

For this purpose, the cross connectors have retaining lugs which engage in positioning holes of the conductor arrangement. Furthermore, the transverse connectors are generally formed in two parts with positioning webs placed on the conductor arrangement and the conductor arrangement with fixing locking webs. Positioning web and locking web thus take the conductor assembly between them, wherein after the connection of positioning web and locking web and a firm connection between the cross connector and the conductor arrangement is present.

This is usually done so that first the positioning bar is placed on the ladder assembly, with the help of retaining lugs, which are usually formed on the positioning web. These retaining lugs engage - as described - in the positioning holes of the conductor arrangement, so that the positioning web occupies a fixed space on the conductor arrangement. If the locking web is then connected to the positioning web from the other side of the conductor arrangement, the desired fixing of the transverse connector to the conductor arrangement is present. In the connection of the locking web with the Positioniersteg turn the retaining lugs play a crucial role because they engage in associated (locking) holes on the locking bar.

Finally, the cap may still have retaining arms, which serve to fix the closure cap associated cross connector. In this way, the cross connector and with him the conductor assembly fixed to the cap. At the same time, the anchoring point for the end of the conductor arrangement ensures an additional definition of the conductor arrangement on the closure cap, to which, however, it is also possible to dispense. As a rule, the connection between the closure cap or its holding arms and the transverse connector and consequently the conductor arrangement is sufficient. Likewise, retaining arms on the guide bar serve for its connection to the cross connector provided at the other end of the component and consequently its fixing to the conductor arrangement.

As a result, a door handle assembly is provided which convinces by strikingly simple construction. First of all, this contributes to the fact that the component, together with the closure cap and the guide bar, forms a self-supporting structural unit inserted into the handle.

The connection of both the cap and the guide bar with the conductor arrangement takes place in each case by simple positioning and / or clip operations that can be easily made. Because the entire structural unit, including the conductor arrangement or conductor foil, has a generally flexible design, installation and, if necessary, adjustments to different manipulations are possible without problems. Flanking the introduced into the handle assembly may also be protected with a sealing compound from external influences, which is usually simply filled in the closed at the end with the cap opening and made to harden.

In this process, it is possible to work with relatively moderate temperatures which ensure sufficient flowability of the potting compound. This is of particular importance to avoid damage to the electrical or electronic components. In addition, this ensures a secure hold of the assembly in the handle, so that rattling or other mechanical noise can be reliably excluded. Here are the main benefits.

• Fig. 1 einen Schnitt durch eine Handhabe,
• Fig. 2 eine Aufsicht auf die in die Handhabe eingesetzte Baueinheit,
• Fig. 3 die Verschlusskappe im Detail in perspektivischer Aufsicht,
• Fig. 4 den Gegenstand nach Fig. 3 in perspektivischer Rückansicht und
• Fig. 5 die Leiterbahnfolie in Einzeldarstellung.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

• Fig. 1 a section through a handle,
• Fig. 2 a view of the assembly used in the handle,
• Fig. 3 the cap in detail in perspective view,
• Fig. 4 the object after Fig. 3 in perspective rear view and
• Fig. 5 the conductor foil in detail.

In the figures, a door handle assembly for a purely in Fig. 1 indicated motor vehicle door 1 shown. In this motor vehicle door 1, a recess 2 is provided in the outer door panel, in which a handle 3 is used. This handle 3 has a bearing journal 4, which engages in the recess 2 and, in conjunction with a pin receptacle 5 merely indicated there, forms a rotary joint 4, 5. As a result, the handle 3 can be pulled to pivot about this pivot 4, 5, as in Fig. 1 indicated by a double arrow.

Inside the handle 3, various electrical or electronic components 6, 7, 8 are arranged. One recognizes in the Fig. 2 an antenna 6, which is equipped with a ferrite core or plastic ferrite core and an outer coil. The antenna 6 in conjunction with a in Fig. 2 indicated control unit 10 sure that the wireless data exchange described above takes place in the "keyless entry" dialogue with a transponder, not shown. To recognize are still a capacitor 7 and a proximity switch. 8

This proximity switch 8, which in principle may also be designed as a mechanical button, is equipped with an associated proximity sensor electronics and may serve to trigger an unlocking of the motor vehicle. Basically, this is also a lock possible. In any case, the operation of the proximity switch 8 usually sets the previously described dialogue between the control unit 10 ahead of the antenna 6 with the transponder, not shown.

In the Fig. 2 can still be seen a connection device 9, which is formed in the embodiment as a plug. This connection device or the plug 9 is used in conjunction with a socket in the motor vehicle door 1 for an electrical connection of the components 6, 7, 8 with the control unit 10.

The component 6 or the antenna 6 forms, together with a closure cap or end cap 11 of the handle 3 and a guide web 12, a self-supporting assembly 6, 11, 12 which is inserted into the handle 3. In this case, closure cap 11 and guide web 12 are respectively arranged on the end side of the component 6 and the antenna 6. The component 6 or the antenna 6 thus acts with its ferrite core, as it were, as a component carrier.

The component or the antenna 6 is carried by a conductor arrangement 13 together with the further components, namely the capacitor 7 and the proximity sensor or proximity switch 8.

This conductor arrangement 13 is in the exemplary embodiment and evidently the Fig. 5 around a conductor foil 13. This conductor foil 13 has traces 14 and holes or punched holes 15, which serve for positioning of the conductor foil 13 and for connection to the closure cap 11 and the guide web 12. In addition, there are still holes or punched holes 16, which receive connection ends of the placed on the conductor sheet 13 components 6, 7, 8.

Based on Fig. 5 recognizes that the conductor foil or conductor foil 13 is designed elongated rectangular and has a led out of the handle 3 in the region of the journal 4 slide tail 17, which end carries the already mentioned connection device 9. The film tail 17 is tapered with respect to a rectangular core region 18 and also designed rectangular. The film tail or cable tail 17 in conjunction with the Connection device 9 or the plug 9, the connection already described with a socket in the motor vehicle door 1 and thus the electrical connection of the components 6, 7, 8 with the control unit 10 safely.

Both the closure cap 11 and the guide web 12 are connected to the conductor arrangement or the conductor foil 13, clipped in the context of the embodiment. For this purpose, the conductor arrangement or conductor foil 13 first of all has respective opposite transverse recesses 19, namely at the locations where on the one hand a connection with the closure cap 11 and on the other hand a connection with the guide bar 12 is made, d. H. For each end of the component 6. For in the indicated transverse recesses 19 engage holding arms 20 of cross connectors 21 a.

These transverse connectors 21 are formed in two parts and are composed of a positioning web 21a placed on the conductor arrangement or conductor film 13 and a locking web 21b fixing the conductor arrangement 13. Positioning web 21a and locking web 21b may be formed separately or similar to a hinged hinge have a connection to an edge. The positioning web 21a or the transverse connector 21 as a whole has retaining lugs 22, which respectively engage in the punched holes 15 as positioning bores 15.

The positioning web 21a thus connected to the conductor film 13 is now fixed with the aid of the locking web 21b to the interconnect film 13 arranged therebetween in that the locking web 21b receives the retaining noses 22 with holes 23 corresponding to the retaining noses 22 and is clipped to the positioning web 21a. In this way, the cross connector 21 experiences a positionally accurate fixing to the conductor foil 13.

In order to connect the conductor foil 13 with the closure cap 11, the closure cap 11 has retaining arms 24 which hold the transverse connector 21 assigned to the closure cap 11 in the longitudinal direction with latching teeth 25. For one By contrast, retaining clips 26 on the closure cap 11, which receive the retaining arms 20 of the transverse connector 21 between them, serve to fix in the transverse direction. Consequently, a clip or latching connection takes place between the transverse connector 21 and the closure cap 11, so that the transverse connector 21 and thus the conductor foil 13 are aligned exactly in comparison to the closure cap 11.

In addition, at this point, an anchoring point 27 on the closure cap 11 ensures a fixation of the end of the conductor arrangement or of the conductor foil 13 (cf. Fig. 3 ). Because the anchoring point 27 and the support arms 24 in combination with the brackets 26 ensure that the arranged between the anchoring point 27 and the cross connector 21 proximity sensor 8 undergoes proper alignment in all three spatial directions. This is of particular importance because the detection range of such a proximity sensor 8 is usually limited and, of course, is influenced by the quiescent current, which in turn can not be set too high in order not to load the vehicle battery too heavily.

The fixation of the other end of the antenna or the component 6 associated guide web 12 is done in a similar manner. Again, in turn, a two-piece cross connector 21 with positioning web 21a and locking web 21b is used. The positioning web 21a has retaining lugs 22, which engage in associated punching holes 15 or positioning holes 15 and then with the pressed against locking bar 21b for connecting the cross connector 21 with the conductor sheet 13 lead. In this case, the cross connector 21 assumes the function of the guide web 12 and simultaneously serves to guide an electrical connection line for the coil of the antenna 6 (see. Fig. 2 ).

Claims (8)

1. A door handle arrangement for a motor vehicle door (1), with a handle (3) with closure cap (11), and with at least one electric or respectively electronic component (6) arranged in the interior of the handle (3), wherein the electric or respectively electronic component (6) together with the closure cap (11) and a guide web (12) forms a self-supporting structural unit (6, 11, 12) inserted into the handle (3), characterized in that
   the component (6) if applicable together with further structural parts (7, 8) is carried by a conductor arrangement (13) and that both the closure cap (11) and also the guide web (12) are connected with the conductor arrangement (13).
2. The door handle arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the closure cap (11) and the guide web (12) are arranged respectively on the end side of the component (6).
3. The door handle arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the component (6) is constructed as an antenna with a ferrite core, wherein the ferrite core functions as a component carrier.
4. The door handle arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closure cap (11) has an anchoring point (27) for an end of the conductor arrangement (13).
5. The door handle arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the conductor arrangement (13) is equipped with opposing transverse recesses (19), into which holding arms (20) of transverse connectors (21) engage.
6. The door handle arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transverse connectors (21) have holding noses (22) engaging in positioning bores (15) of the conductor arrangement (13).
7. The door handle arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transverse connectors (21) are constructed in two parts with positioning web (21a) placed on the conductor arrangement (13) and locking web (21b) fixing the conductor arrangement (13).
8. The door handle arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the closure cap (11) has holding arms (24) for fixing the associated transverse connector (21).

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