EP2076644B1 - Actuator - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an actuating device for closing and / or opening a movable part, in particular a door, a tailgate or the like, with a carrier, an actuating means, an electronics and a detector system, wherein the actuating means is arranged on the carrier. The detector system is arranged in the region of the actuating means and at least one locking or unlocking can be triggered directly or indirectly on the detector system. The electronics interact with the detector system and the electronics control a locking system for locking or unlocking.

Such actuators are known in the art, for example, from the automotive technology. The patent DE 101 53 143 C1 discloses an actuating device which is used on side doors of motor vehicles. In this case, the actuating device on an actuating means with which a door of a motor vehicle can be opened or closed. In addition, in the actuating means, a detector system is integrated, which responds to an approximation of the human hand. Upon activation of the detector system defined functions are triggered in the vehicle, such as unlocking the door lock. The electronics required for these functions are integrated in an additional housing, which is plugged onto the back of the actuator. This separate storage and mounting of the electronics to the actuator has proven to be complicated and costly. A generic actuator is in the patent EP1403456A disclosed.

Based on the aforementioned prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to develop an actuator referred to in the preamble of claim 1, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages using only a few components.

The solution of the problem is achieved by the actuating device according to the invention with the features of claim 1. In the dependent claims 2 to 15 preferred developments of the invention are listed.

According to the invention it is provided that in or on the carrier and / or in or on a handle shell integrally a receiving means is integrated and stored in the receiving means at least a portion of the electronics permanently. By the cohesive arrangement of the receiving means on the actuating device, an accommodation space for the electronics is created, in which it is stored protected from external influences. In addition, the cohesive integration of the receiving means in the actuator is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. In general, it makes sense to design the carrier or the handle shell and the receiving means of the same material and to produce in one production step.

As cohesive in the context of the invention is a compound in which the connection partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces. The cohesive connection is a non-detachable connection that can only be separated by destroying one of the two connection partners. Thus, a cohesive connection of the receiving means to the carrier by gluing, welding, laser welding, friction welding and / or soldering is possible.

As an actuating device in the context of the invention is an assembly that can serve both for opening and closing a movable part, such as a door, as well as for locking and unlocking a locking system. The term actuators fall in particular outside door handles and tailgate handles of motor vehicles. Such actuators are embedded in the outer surfaces of the body and accessible from the outside for the proper operation. Any mechanics and electronic components are arranged for the most part inside the body and thus protected from the direct impact of environmental influences.

After unlocking the locking system, the actual opening operation of the movable part takes place. For this purpose, a user can use an actuating means, which designates an assembly which makes it possible to open or close the movable part, in particular the door. It is basically conceivable that the actuating means of the actuating device is designed to be movable and / or immovable. In older motor vehicles, it is known that the closing latch of a mechanical lock is transferred from a closed to an open position by moving the actuating means. On the other hand, more modern actuating devices have actuating means which do not need to be moved, since an electrical or electromechanical adjustment of the lock takes place. For this purpose, the detector system of the actuator at a touch of the actuating means adjust the associated electromechanical lock. Subsequently, it only requires a simple pulling on the actuating means to z. B. to open the door or the tailgate.

The term detector system includes all units that monitor the environment of the actuator. In particular, this means inductive and / or capacitive sensors, which can be used for triggering a locking or unlocking. Thus, the detector system may be elements that detect an approach or a touch of the human hand. The information thus obtained is evaluated and / or processed in an electronic system. The term electronics encompasses all electrically operable elements which are used for the evaluation of the signals and information of the detector system. Likewise, the detector system can also be used to transmit a wake-up and / or identification signal.
The term locking system includes not only the mechanical components used for locking and unlocking moving parts such as the doors. Rather, all electromechanical systems are included, which control the mechanical components. Furthermore, the term locking systems also includes the existing in modern vehicles central locking. This allows complete locking or unlocking of all movable doors and flaps of a motor vehicle by actuation of a lock cylinder and / or an electronic signal generator. Such locking systems may be so-called passive or active keyless entry systems.

The carrier has a frame element and a handle shell. Depending on the purpose, the frame member and the handle shell can be constructed in one piece and together form the carrier. Optionally, the carrier can have a separate frame element in which the independent grip shell is mounted. In a first advantageous embodiment, the receiving means is arranged in one piece and / or the same material on the back of the carrier or the handle shell. In this case, the carrier or the handle shell and the receiving means form a floor and longitudinally closed space. The electronics are permanently stored in this room and protected against external influences. In order to optimize this protection, the receiving means may comprise a housing element and a cover element exhibit. This combination creates a space completely enclosing the electronics, into which external environmental influences can not penetrate.

To further protect the electronics this is encapsulated in the receiving means with a potting compound. Casting compounds of a one-component, a multicomponent resin or a synthetic synthetic resin have proved to be advantageous. In particular, polyester, polyurethane, epoxy and / or silicone resins offer both a good electrical insulation and a durable protection against external influences. In order to prevent falling out of the electronics enclosed in a potting compound from the receiving means, a groove can be provided in the interior of the receiving means. In this groove, the potting compound flows during casting and thus forms a non-positive and positive connection to the receiving means. It is also conceivable to provide a bulge instead of the groove, which forms a positive connection with the casting compound. In this way it is ensured that even with strong vibrations and shocks the electronics is safely stored or held by the potting compound in the receiving means.
It has proven to be advantageous if the receiving means, in particular the housing element, is welded onto the carrier. For this purpose, the two aforementioned components may be made of plastic. In a conceivable embodiment of the invention, the receiving means may be fixed by laser welding to the interior of the facing side of the carrier. For example, the receiving means may be laser-transparent and the surface of the carrier may absorb the laser. In particular, the surface may be coated with a specific material to make the carrier the absorbing medium. The laser welding can be done in a possible embodiment under a protective gas atmosphere. Other connection alternatives are also conceivable, for example by ultrasonic welding or gluing of the receiving means to the carrier. As adhesive material, all suitable adhesives can be used. In an opposite embodiment, it is conceivable that the receiving means is produced simultaneously with the carrier in a manufacturing step, so that the two parts are configured in one piece and of the same material.

In a further embodiment variant, the cover element can at least partially cover a head side of the housing element. To protect the electronics from environmental influences such as moisture, etc., it has proved to be advantageous if the cover element completely covers the housing element and terminates in particular towards the outside. For this purpose, appropriate seals can be introduced into the cover element, which lead to a splash-proof completion of the receiving means. It is also conceivable that in the cover element, a viewing window is recessed, through which a control of the electronics and / or the potting compound is possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the cover element may have at least one pin-like blocking means. This blocking means may be arranged on the underside of the cover element and protrude into the potting compound. If the cover element is placed on the housing element directly after the encapsulation of the electronics, the blocking agent can penetrate into the still soft potting compound. After curing of the potting compound results in a non-positive and / or positive connection between the locking means and the potting compound, whereby the lid member is firmly held on the housing member. In a further embodiment variant, the housing element has at least one holding means and the lid element has a blocking means, wherein the holding means and the blocking means form a reversibly detachable connection. In particular, the holding means may be a latching means and the blocking means may be a counter-latching means and the latching means may be arranged in a head region of the receiving means. Thus, the counter-locking means requires only a very small space and limits the interior of the receiving means insignificantly. Furthermore, the kinematics of the latching or counter-latching means can be reversed and the holding means having the counter-latching means, in which engages a latching means which is arranged on the blocking means. Optionally, the lid member may also be welded to the housing member, whereby it is permanently connected. Core point of the embodiment is a protection of the interior of the receiving means from external influences. To achieve this, the housing element and the cover element must be connected as possible element-tight.

In order to easily mount the electronics in the receiving means and secure, the receiving means may have a positioning means. The positioning means serves for defined retention of the electronics within the receiving means. The use of the positioning means also allows the electronics to be arranged centrally in the receiving means, whereby the optionally used potting compound can completely surround the electrical components. Since in general the electronics are arranged on a circuit board, it has proved to be advantageous if the positioning means interacts with the circuit board in such a way that the latter is reversibly detachably connectable to the positioning means. Thus, it has proven to be expedient if the positioning means is designed as a kind of snapper or clamp into which the circuit board can be inserted. In one conceivable embodiment, the positioning element can be connected to the receiving means in one piece and / or with the same material. This is particularly advantageous if the receiving means is made of a plastic and the positioning means is brought by pulling, casting and / or pressing in a corresponding shape. At the same time, the positioning means may also have electrical contacts, whereby an electrical connection to the board or to the electronics on the board can be produced.

In order to communicate with the detector system, the electronics generally have a number of cables emerging from the receiving means. In order to be able to guarantee a unique position of the cable even in the large-scale industrial production of the actuator, the electronics and / or the circuit board can have at least one characteristic element. This characteristic element cooperates with the positioning means and ensures a clear arrangement of the electronics and / or the board within the receiving means. The characteristic element may be a molding, a latching means, a bore and / or a structure. A nose, a counter-locking means, a pin and / or a counter-structure opposite to the structure have proven to be advantageous for the complementary positioning means. Due to the interaction of the characteristic element and the positioning means ensures that the introduction of the electronics in the receiving means only in a predefined way and Way is possible. Attempts to introduce the electronics in a location other than the intended location in the receiving means are prevented. It has proven to be advantageous if the positioning means is made of a plastic whose hardness is lower than that of the board. This ensures that when inserting the board into the positioning means no damage to the board can occur. It is also conceivable that the aforementioned characteristic element of the board is provided with electrical contacts which make electrical contact with the contacts on the positioning means. Thus, z. B. the electrical connection cable can be arranged indirectly to the contacts of the positioning means to connect the electronics electrically connected to the rest of the vehicle electrical system or electronics when mounting the board. Consequently, it is possible to dispense with additional connection cables on the circuit board or electronics.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention, the receiving means may comprise a rod-like bearing element. The bearing element can be arranged in the region of the actuating means and / or the carrier. The bearing element serves in particular as a bearing for the detector system or individual elements of the detector system. As already described, locking or unlocking of the locking system is often triggered by touching the actuating means. In order to position the detector system in the vicinity of the actuating means, it has proved to be advantageous to use a finger-like bearing element, which is arranged perpendicular to the carrier plane and projects in the direction of the actuating means. In a conceivable embodiment, the bearing element and the housing element can be connected in one piece and / or the same material. This reduces the cost of manufacturing the actuator and a uniform encapsulation of the receiving means and the bearing element with potting compound is possible. The actuating device according to the invention has an antenna, which is arranged in the receiving means, in particular on the board and / or in the bearing element. The antenna serves as part of a transmitting and receiving unit for regulating the access to the motor vehicle. Thus, a user can carry with him an electronic signaler, by means of which an authentication against the Motor vehicle is possible. For this purpose, the signal transmitter - also called ID transmitter - sends coded information. The motor vehicle receives and compares this information with stored data. In the case of a positive evaluation of the received information, the locking system can unlock or lock the doors of the motor vehicle. In modern motor vehicles often not only a single transmission of information takes place, but rather a multi-layer bidirectional communication between the electronic signal generator and the motor vehicle. For transporting the information, electromagnetic waves are generally used as the carrier system. To receive or transmit these electromagnetic waves, a transmitting and receiving unit is integrated in the motor vehicle having an antenna. It has proven to be advantageous if this antenna is arranged in the receiving means, in particular on the board.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the receiving means and / or individual elements of the receiving means comprise a plastic, a metal and / or a composite material. The term plastic refers to all substances whose basic constituent are synthetically or semisynthetically produced polymers with organic groups. In contrast, the term composite materials includes all materials that are composed of two or more bonded materials. Furthermore, the receiving means and / or individual elements of the receiving means can be produced by a transfer molding, injection molding, blow molding and / or injection blow molding.

Fig. 1

in schematischer Darstellung eine Vorderseite einer erfindungsgemäßen Betätigungsvorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine Rückseite der Betätigungsvorrichtung mit einem Aufnahmemittel,

Fig. 3

eine seitliche Aufsicht auf die Betätigungsvorrichtung mit dem Aufnahmemittel,

Fig. 4

eine Ausschnittsvergrößerung der Betätigungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 3 und

Fig. 5

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante der erfindungsgemäßen Betätigungsvorrichtung.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to a motor vehicle according to claim 15 with at least one actuating device.
Further measures, features, details, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings. In the drawings, the invention is shown schematically in several embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic front view of an actuating device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a rear side of the actuating device with a receiving means,

Fig. 3

a lateral view of the actuating device with the receiving means,

Fig. 4

an enlarged detail of the actuator Fig. 3 and

Fig. 5

a further embodiment of the actuator according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 is a front view of an actuator 10 according to the invention shown. In the embodiment shown, the actuating device 10 is an outside door handle. Such actuators 10 support in the outer surfaces of motor vehicle bodies not shown in the figures. By actuating an actuating means 30 opening and / or closing a movable door is possible. In this case, essentially only the actuating means 30 and a grip 32 of the actuating device 10 from the outside, ie from the outside of the door, accessible. The remaining elements of the actuator 10 are the door inside facing. Inserted into the handle shell 32 is a lock cylinder 43 of a locking system 40. A mechanical locking or unlocking of the locking system 40 can be triggered on the lock cylinder 43, which ensures that unauthorized persons can not gain access to the motor vehicle. In addition to the lock cylinder 43 shown, the locking and unlocking can also be controlled electrically via a passive or active keyless entry system. The actuating means 30 shown in the figures is a folding handle. Of course, the actuating means 30 may also be designed as a pull handle, revolver handle or the like, wherein expediently a detector system 60 is provided in or on the actuating means 30.

In the Fig. 2 is the back of the actuator 10 off Fig. 1 shown. The recognizable elements of the actuator 10 are on the inside of the Body of the moving part arranged. The base for the actuating device 10 forms a carrier 20 which is mounted in the inside of the door and on which the actuating means 30 and the locking system 40 are arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 20 is constructed in two parts. On the one hand, the carrier 20 has a frame element 22, which is of rectangular design and can be attached to the vehicle body by means of a receiving means 23. In the frame member 22, the handle shell 32 is mounted. This can, but does not have to be connected to the frame element 22 in one piece and / or with the same material. In Fig. 2 the back of the lock cylinder 43 is shown with a transfer means 44 arranged thereon. By means of the transmission means 44, the introduced by a key in the lock cylinder 43 rotary motion can be transmitted to a lock, not shown, resulting in a locking or unlocking.

How out Fig. 1 can be seen, the actuating means 30 stores the detector system 60. This may be a capacitive and / or inductive sensor, which detects an approaching and / or touching a human hand to the actuating means 30. In a passive keyless entry system, the detection of a human hand in the vicinity of the actuating means 30, the locking system 40 is actuated for locking or unlocking. To perform these functions, electronics 50 are required which interact with the detector system 60. According to the invention, it is provided that a receiving means 70 is integrally integrated in or on the carrier 20 and / or in or on the grip shell 32 and that at least part of the electronics 50 is permanently stored in the receiving means 70. Advantageously, the receiving means 70 is integrally and / or materially connected to the carrier 20 and / or the handle shell 32. At the in Fig. 2 In the embodiment shown, the receiving means 70 is integrated in the grip shell 32 and has a housing element 80 and a cover element 90. The two elements 80, 90 together with the handle shell 32 form a closed space in which the electronics 50 are protected from external influences. In addition, the electronics 50 can be cast in the receiving means 70 with a potting compound 110. It has proven to be advantageous if the potting compound 110 is constructed from a resin or synthetic resin.

In Fig. 3 is a cross section through the actuator 10 of the invention Fig. 2 shown along the section line II. In the embodiment shown, the housing member 80 has an L-shaped cross-section and is integrated with a free end of a bottom-side longitudinal side on the back 21 of the carrier 22 in the handle shell 32. Thus arises on the back of the handle shell 32 a ground and longitudinally closed space, which is completely closed by the top of the lid member 90 and inside the electronics 50 can store permanently. Likewise, the space of the receiving means 70 may also be open laterally, ie on the opposite side on the rear side 21, the lid element 90 in this case closing the space on the left side.

In modem actuators 10, the electronics 50 are generally disposed on a circuit board 51. In order to achieve a simple and secure mounting of the board 51 in the receiving means 70, a positioning means 100 can be incorporated in the receiving means 70. Exemplary is in Fig. 3 a recording for the board 51 shown. However, the positioning means 100 can also be a latching means, such as a snapper or a clamp, which acts in a force-locking and / or form-fitting manner with the circuit board 51. In a further embodiment, the board 51 may have a characteristic element 52 which interacts with the positioning means 100. By the characteristic element 52 ensures that the electronics 50 and / or the board 51 can be inserted only in one layer in the receiving means 70. As already mentioned above, an electrical connection can also be made via the positioning means 100 and the characteristic element 52.

For isolation and protection against external influences, the receiving means 70 is in Fig. 3 filled with a potting compound 110. In order to ensure that the entire electronics 50 or the entire circuit board 51 are enclosed by the potting compound 110, the receiving means 70 should be completely filled. In order to enable the potting compound 110 to have a good hold in the receiving means 70, optionally a groove or bulge 71 can be arranged in the interior of the housing element 80. In addition, that can Housing element 80 may be completed by the lid member 90, which is the Fig. 4 clarifies that a detail enlargement from the Fig. 3 represents. Shown is a head portion of the housing member 80 with the lid member 90. As can be seen, the lid member 90 protects the potting compound 110 from possible contact with other objects. In order to enable a reversibly releasable connection between the housing element 80 and the cover element 90, the latter has two blocking means 91. These locking means 91 cooperate with a holding means 81 and a receptacle 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the one locking means 91 is configured like a hook and engages in the receptacle 27 in the wall 20 a. The second locking means 91 has the functionality of a locking means and cooperates with the designed as a bore holding means 81. If a cover element 90 80 reversibly releasing from the housing element 80 is not desired, at least one of the blocking means 91 shown can be made so large that it protrudes into the potting compound 110. After hardening of the potting compound 110, a positive and / or positive connection with the blocking means 91 is produced. It has proven to be advantageous if the blocking means 91 is shaped like a peg and has a particular barb-like and radially extending contact surface on the outer surface. Because between this contact surface, the potting compound 110 can flow, whereby a larger surface force and / or form-fitting embedded.

In Fig. 5 a further embodiment of the actuating device 10 according to the invention is shown. In contrast to the first embodiment, the carrier 20 on a frame member 22, which completely covers the - not visible in the drawing - handle shell 32. For stiffening, the frame element 22 has rib-like structures 24. Between these structures 24, the receiving means 70 according to the invention is stored. As in the embodiment described above, the receiving means 70 has a housing element 80 and a cover element 90. In addition, a rod-like bearing element 120 is attached to one of the transverse sides of the receiving means 70. This bearing element 120 is integrally and materially connected to the receiving means 70. The function of the bearing element 120 is to support all or individual elements of the detector system 60. In addition to the in Fig. 1 As shown, the detector system 60 may also be arranged in the amount of the lock cylinder 43 in the actuator 10. In order to achieve a corresponding positioning, rod-like bearing elements 120 have proved to be advantageous, which protrude from the carrier 20 in the direction of the actuating means 30. Due to the one-piece and uniform material combination of bearing element 120 and receiving means 70, a uniform potting with the potting compound 110 can be achieved. Thus arises between the detector system 60 receiving bearing element 120 and the electronics 50 superimposed receiving means 70 no gap through which moisture can penetrate.

reference numeral

10

actuator

20

carrier

21

Back of the carrier

22

frame element

23

receiving means

24

ribbed structure

27

admission

30

actuating means

32

grip

40

locking system

43

lock cylinder

44

transmission means

50

electronics

51

circuit board

52

characteristic element of the board 51

60

detector system

70

receiving means

71

Groove or bulge

80

housing element

81

holding means

90

cover element

91

blocking means

100

positioning means

110

potting compound

120

bearing element

Claims (15)

1. An operating device (10) for opening and/or closing of a moving part of an automobile, in particular a door, a tailgate or the like,
   comprising a carrier (20), an operating means (30), an electronic system (50) and a detector system (60), wherein
   the operating means (30) is arranged on the carrier (20),
   the detector system (60) is arranged in the area of the operating means (30) and at least one locking or unlocking operation can be triggered directly or indirectly on the detector system (60),
   the electronic system (50) cooperates with the detector system (60) and
   the electronic system (50) controls a lock system (40) for the locking or the unlocking, wherein receptacle means (70) is integrated in the carrier (20) and/or in a handle shell (32) in an integrally-bonded manner, wherein at least one part of the electronic system (50) is permanently supported in the receptacle means (70),
   characterized in that
   the electronic system (50) is cast with a casting compound (110) in the receptacle means (70), and in that an antenna is arranged in the receptacle means (70) for regulating access to the automobile, whereby an authentication towards the automobile is made possible.
2. The operating device (10) according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the receptacle means (70) comprises a housing element (80) and a cover element (90).
3. The operating device (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the receptacle means (70) is connected in one piece and/or in a material-uniform manner to the carrier (20) and/or to the handle shell (32), wherein the receptacle means (70) in particular is arranged on a rear side (21) of the carrier (20) and/or the handle shell (32).
4. The operating device (10) according to one of the claims 2 to 3,
   characterized in that
   the carrier (20) and/or the handle shell (32) together with the receptacle means (70) form a space that is closed on bottom and longitudinal sides, in particular in that the carrier (20) and/or the handle shell (32) together with the housing element (80) form a space that is closed on bottom and longitudinal sides.
5. The operating device (10) according to one of the claims 2 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the electronic system (50) can be cast with the casting compound (110) in the housing element (80), wherein the casting compound (110) in particular, is a single-component resin or a multi-component resin and/or a synthetic resin, particularly preferably a polyester-, polyurethane-, epoxy- and/or silicone- resin.
6. The operating device (10) according to claim 5,
   characterized in that
   the receptacle means (70) comprises at least one notch or bulge (71), whereby a non-positive and/or positive connection is formed between the receptacle means (70) and the casting compound (110).
7. The operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the cover element (90) covers a head area of the housing element (80) in at least some areas, wherein in particular the cover element (90) seals the receptacle means (70) in such a way that the electronic system (50) and/or the casting compound (110) is/are protected from external influences.
8. The operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the housing element (80) comprises at least one retaining means (81) and the cover element (90) comprises at least one locking means (91) and the retaining means (81) and the locking means (91) form a reversibly releasable connection, wherein in particular the retaining means (81) is a latch means and the locking means (91) is a mating latch means and the latch means is arranged in a head area of the receptacle means (70).
9. The operating device (10) according to claim 8,
   characterized in that
   the locking means (91) is shaped like a pin and arranged on the lower side of the cover element (90) and protrudes into the casting compound (110).
10. The operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the receptacle means (70), in particular the housing element (80), comprises at least one positioning means (100), wherein the positioning means (100) serves for retaining and/or positioning the electronic system (50) in the receptacle means (70).
11. The operating device (10) according to claim 10,
    characterized in that
    the positioning means (100) is connected to the receptacle means (70) in one piece and/or in a material-uniform manner, in particular in that one part of the housing element (80) forms the positioning means (100).
12. The operating device (10) according to one of the claims 10 or 11,
    characterized in that
    the electronic system (50) is arranged on a circuit board (51) and the circuit board (51) is reversibly releasably connectable to the positioning means (100), wherein in particular the circuit board (51) can be inserted in the positioning means (100).
13. The operating device (10) according to one of the claims 10 to 12,
    characterized in that
    the electronic system (50) and/or the circuit board (51) comprises at least one characteristic element (52) which cooperates with the positioning means (100) and ensures a definite positioning of the electronic system (50) and/or the circuit board (51) within the receptacle means (70).
14. The operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the receptacle means (70) comprises a rod-type bearing element (120) and the rod-type bearing element (120) is arranged in the area of the operating means (30) and/or the carrier (20), wherein in particular the housing element (80) is connected to the bearing element (120) in one piece and/or in a material-uniform manner.
15. An automobile comprising an operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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