EP3507437B1 - Electronics module for a motor vehicle door handle assembly - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a module for a motor vehicle door handle arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle door handle arrangement and a method for producing and assembling a module and such a motor vehicle door handle arrangement.

Such motor vehicle door handle assemblies with a handle for operating the door of a motor vehicle are known. It is also known to arrange electronic components, such as an antenna, a coil wound around the antenna, in the handle for the automatic establishment of a radio link to an external identification transmitter and / or sensors. The terms winding and coil are used synonymously.

the end DE 10 2006 004000 A1 an antenna is known with a flexible, metal-having core which defines a longitudinal direction and has cladding surfaces which extend in the longitudinal direction, with an enclosure made of injection-molded material which only partially covers some of the circumferential surfaces of the core, and with a winding which is connected to the Core forms a coil.

the end JP 2007 191917 A a door handle with a housing is known, which has a plurality of housing sections for receiving electrical components, and with an elastically deformable connecting section for connecting the plurality of housing sections in an interior space of a handle body.

The object of the invention is to provide a module for a motor vehicle door handle arrangement in which manufacture and assembly are simplified.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a module according to claim 1 and a motor vehicle door handle arrangement according to claim 10. Advantageous further developments of the invention are given in the subclaims.

Particularly advantageous in the case of the module for a motor vehicle door handle arrangement with an antenna carrier which accommodates at least one antenna with a ferromagnetic core and a coil wound around the core, at least one connector through which the electrically conductive contact pins are guided at least from the antenna to a circuit board equipped with electronic components and connected to it, the circuit board having a connector that is used to make electrical contacts for one or more sensors and / or electronic assemblies of the module serves, and where the board is connected to electrical contact pins of the plug, it is that the board forms a load-bearing component of the module.

Because the circuit board forms a load-bearing component of the module, a compact, preassembled structural unit can be created in the form of a module, which is easy to handle and can be built into the motor vehicle door handle arrangement provided for this purpose. With the circuit board as the load-bearing component, the electronics for the motor vehicle door handle arrangement can be pre-assembled and tested before further installation, for example before the electronics are introduced into an installation space and this is encapsulated with potting compound, as is often the case to protect the electronic components.

In this case, the ferromagnetic core can lie in the antenna carrier in a form-fitting manner; in particular, the ferromagnetic core can be inserted in the direction of its longitudinal extension into a groove-shaped or dovetail-shaped receptacle in the antenna carrier. The ferromagnetic core is formed by a cuboid shape, the extension in the longitudinal direction being made significantly larger than in the other two dimensions perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. The term “inserting the core in its longitudinal direction” accordingly means an insertion direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the ferromagnetic core. For this purpose, the antenna carrier has a receptacle with a correspondingly contoured cross section. The assembly of the ferromagnetic core takes place only by pushing it into this receptacle of the antenna carrier. The receptacle of the antenna carrier can be designed in the shape of a groove or a dovetail.

The ferromagnetic core is preferably formed by two parts, in particular two parts of equal length in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the core, which lie one behind the other in the antenna carrier. The ferromagnetic core can thus be formed by two or more sections lying one behind the other in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the ferromagnetic core can be divided centrally in the longitudinal direction into two sections of equal length. By dividing the ferromagnetic core into two or more sections, a bending area or several bending areas are formed. Such a bending area prevents damage to the ferromagnetic core as a result of slight deformation of the handle.

The antenna carrier preferably has at least one bending area, the bending area being formed by a material recess. The bending areas formed by the material recess are preferably positioned in such a way that they are aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the ferromagnetic core with the dividing line of a division of the core into several sections. This means that the subdivision of the core that forms a bending area of the core and the bending area of the antenna carrier lie in the same plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the ferromagnetic core. The arrangement of such a bending area on the antenna carrier also serves to avoid damage as a result of slight deformation of the handle.

The coil is preferably wound around the antenna carrier in which the core lies.

The plug is preferably produced by single or repeated plastic encapsulation of prefabricated contact pins.

The connection piece is particularly preferably produced by one-time or repeated plastic encapsulation of prefabricated contact pins; in particular, the connection piece and the antenna carrier can be designed in one piece, in particular made of the same material.

The connection piece and antenna carrier can thus be produced in one piece and, in particular, with the same material by means of a single plastic injection molding process. Furthermore, the outer contour of the connector can have one or more recesses and / or grooves and / or projections that serve as a positioning aid and / or seal when the connector with the antenna carrier is inserted into an antenna chamber of the handle and interact with corresponding counterparts on the contour of the antenna chamber .

The connecting piece is preferably produced by single or repeated plastic encapsulation of prefabricated contact pins, with a plastic forming a flexible seal being used at least in the last plastic injection process.

The contact pins are preferably encapsulated with plastic once or repeatedly and form the connection piece; in particular, a softer material serving as a seal for an antenna chamber and / or electronics chamber can be used for a second encapsulation of plastic. The same plastic material or different plastic materials with different properties can therefore be used in several plastic injection molding processes. In a first plastic injection molding process, a harder material can thus be used to form a stable connection piece. This preliminary stage can be encapsulated with a softer plastic material in a second plastic injection molding process, as a result of which a seal is formed on the outside of the connection piece. This seal of the connection piece is particularly preferably used at least as a seal for an antenna chamber in the handle in which the antenna carrier rests.

The antenna carrier preferably has at least one sensor plate of a capacitive proximity sensor, the electrical contact of which with the circuit board is established by at least one contact pin arranged in the connector. In this case, the antenna carrier also accommodates at least one sensor plate of a capacitive proximity sensor. Accordingly, can the antenna carrier, in addition to the ferromagnetic core of the antenna, also accommodate a sensor plate of a capacitive proximity sensor.

At least one sensor sheet of a capacitive proximity sensor is preferably a form-fitting in the antenna carrier, in particular a sensor sheet of a capacitive proximity sensor can be inserted in the direction of its longitudinal extension into a groove-shaped or dovetail-shaped receptacle of the antenna carrier, in particular the sensor sheet of a capacitive proximity sensor can be inserted in the opposite direction to one inserted in the antenna carrier ferromagnetic core be inserted into a receptacle.

The term “pushing in the opposite direction” denotes the direction of movement during the respective assembly. For example, the ferromagnetic core can be inserted from the rear end of the antenna carrier into a corresponding receptacle in the antenna carrier for the core and the sensor plate can be inserted from the front end of the antenna carrier into a corresponding receptacle in the antenna carrier for the sensor plate, or vice versa. However, it is also possible to insert both the ferromagnetic core of the antenna and the sensor plate of a capacitive proximity sensor in the same direction into respective corresponding receptacles of the antenna carrier.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one sensor plate of a capacitive proximity sensor is in a form-fitting manner in the antenna carrier and is pushed in the direction of its longitudinal extension into a groove-shaped receptacle of the antenna carrier, the sensor plate and / or the antenna carrier having / have a latching connection in which the sensor plate is in releasably latched in a pre-assembly position to enable the assembly of a connector on the sensor plate.

In particular, the sensor plate can have one or more recesses on one or both longitudinal edges, into which projections of the antenna carrier engage, and the sensor plate can be in a pre-assembly position lock releasably. Alternatively or cumulatively, the antenna carrier can have one or more recesses on the inside, into which protrusions on one or both longitudinal edges of the sensor plate engage and the sensor plate detachably latch in a pre-assembly position. In this pre-assembly position, it is possible to place the connection piece to produce electrically conductive connections for connecting the sensor plate and the antenna to the circuit board. After the connection piece has been installed, the sensor plate with the connection piece can be pushed into its final assembly position, the sensor plate and / or the connection piece being / are preferably fixed by reaching behind an undercut on the antenna carrier. In this case, an undercut on the connector and / or on the sensor plate and / or on the antenna carrier is engaged from behind by a corresponding counterpart on the respectively corresponding component.

The contact pins of the plug and the contact pins of the antenna and / or a sensor can be inserted into receiving bores in the board from different sides or from the same side.

The contact pins of the plug and the contact pins of the antenna and / or a sensor can be soldered to contacts on the board from different sides or from the same side.

It is particularly advantageous if the contact pins of the plug and the contact pins of the antenna and / or a sensor are inserted from different sides, i.e. once from below and once from above, into mounting holes in the board and the contact pins are soldered to the corresponding contacts of the Board is done from the same side. This simplifies production and there is no need to turn the arrangement or use two soldering stations.

The connection piece preferably forms a form-fitting and / or force-fitting seal of an antenna chamber receiving the antenna carrier. In particular, the connection piece can be on the outside Have antenna chamber groove which forms a form fit with a recess in the wall of the antenna chamber. Through this recess in the wall of the antenna chamber, which is sealed off by means of the seal, the electrical contacts are led to the outside, as the connection piece

The connector is formed by contact pins molded with plastic, the outer contour of the connector having one or more recesses and / or grooves and / or projections that serve as a positioning aid and / or seal when the connector with the antenna carrier is inserted into an antenna chamber of the handle and interact with corresponding counterparts on the contour of the antenna chamber. At the same time, the connection piece forms a seal for the antenna chamber of the handle.

The connection piece preferably forms a form-fitting and / or force-fitting seal for a trough that receives the circuit board. As an alternative or in addition to a configuration of the connection piece that forms a seal for an antenna chamber, this can thus form a seal for a trough for receiving the circuit board.

In particular, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the connector can have an antenna chamber groove on the outside, which forms a positive fit with a recess in a wall of an antenna chamber, and the connector furthermore has a tub groove on the outside that has a recess in a wall of a tub for receiving the circuit board Forms a form fit, the antenna chamber groove and the tub groove being arranged in opposite directions.

In this embodiment, the connection piece thus forms a seal both for the antenna chamber and for the tub in a single component. The antenna is arranged in the antenna chamber. The circuit board is arranged in the tub. On the outside, the connection piece has an antenna chamber groove which enables the connection piece to be inserted into a recess in the wall of the antenna chamber in a sealing manner. Further the connection piece has a tub groove on the outside which, rotated by 180 ° in orientation, enables the connection piece to be inserted into a recess in the wall of the tub. The seal of the connection piece is particularly preferably dimensioned in such a way that the grooves of the connection piece form both a form fit and a frictional connection with the recess in the walls of the tub and the antenna chamber.

The motor vehicle door handle arrangement according to the invention has a handle with such a module. The handle preferably has a trough in which at least the circuit board rests, the trough having at least one recess in a wall for the passage of electrically conductive contact pins and the connecting piece sealing the trough in a positive and / or non-positive manner in the recess of the wall of the trough . The handle can also have an electronics chamber in which the tub with the circuit board and the plug received therein is received.

The handle preferably has an antenna chamber in which the antenna carrier rests and which has at least one recess in a wall for the passage of electrically conductive contact pins, and the connector in the recess of the wall of the antenna chamber sealing the antenna chamber in a positive and / or non-positive manner.

Preferably, the tub and the antenna chamber are each encapsulated with potting compound after the circuit board with the plug has been inserted into the tub and after the antenna carrier has been inserted into the antenna chamber. The tub and antenna chamber can thus be filled with potting compound after the components and the seal have been inserted. The pouring takes place one after the other. The entire assembly is rotated once by 180 ° between the first potting process and the second potting process, since the orientation of the trough and antenna chamber is also offset by 180 °. Through the connection piece, which acts as a seal, the respective Component fixed in the installation space and secured against floating when potting with potting compound. Accordingly, the antenna is fixed in the antenna chamber by means of the connection piece and secured against floating when potting with potting compound. During the potting process of the tub, the circuit board is fixed in the antenna chamber by means of the connection piece and secured against floating when potting with potting compound. The potting compound serves to protect against moisture and at the same time to dampen vibrations.

Fig. 1

den ersten Fertigungsschritt beim Umspritzen Kontaktstifte für die Antenne und den Näherungssensor;

Fig. 2

den zweiten Fertigungsschritt mit einem weiteren Umspritzen zur Herstellung des Anschlussstückes für die Antenne und den Näherungssensor;

Fig. 3

den Antennenträger sowie die Montage des ferromagnetischen Kerns in dem Antennenträger;

Fig. 4

das Aufbringen der Wicklung auf den Antennenträger;

Fig. 5

die Montage des Sensorblechs des kapazitiven Näherungssensors an dem Antennenträger;

Fig. 6

das Aufsetzen des Anschlussstückes auf dem Sensorblech an dem Antennenträger;

Fig. 7

das Einschieben und die Montage des Sensorblechs mit aufgesetzten Verbindungsstück in dem Antennenträger;

Fig. 8

die Verbindung der Kontaktstifte für die Antenne und den Näherungssensor an den Lötpunkten;

Fig. 9

eine alternative Ausgestaltung umspritzter Kontaktstifte zur Herstellung eines einstückigen Antennenträgers mit Anschlussstück;

Fig. 10

ein zweites Kunststoffumspritzen des Antennenträgers mit Anschlussstück nach Fig. 9;

Fig. 11

die Montage des ferromagnetischen Kerns auf den Antennenträger nach Fig. 10;

Fig. 12

das Aufbringen einer Windung auf den Antennenträger nach Fig. 11;

Fig. 13

die Montage eines Sensorblechs eines kapazitiven Näherungssensors an dem Antennenträger nach Fig. 12;

Fig. 14

das Verbinden der Kontaktstifte für die Antenne und den Näherungssensor an den entsprechenden Lötpunkten des Antennenträgers nach Fig. 13;

Fig. 15

den Umspritzvorgang von Kontaktstiften zur Herstellung des Steckers;

Fig. 16

den zweiten Kunststoffspritzvorgang zur Herstellung des Steckers;

Fig. 17

die Platine;

Fig. 18

die Montage des Steckers sowie des Antennenträgers und des Blechs zur Verriegelung auf der Platine;

Fig. 19

die Lötpunkte zum Verlöten der Kontakte mit der Platine;

Fig. 20

das Einsetzten der Platine in die Wanne;

Fig. 21

den Vergussprozess beim Vergießen der Wanne mit Vergussmasse;

Fig. 22

die Montage des Elektronikmoduls in dem Handgriff und das Einsetzen der Antenne in die Antennenkammer;

Fig. 23

den Vergussprozess beim Vergießen der Antennenkammer mit Vergussmasse;

Fig. 24

die Montage des Pads auf der Wanne;

Fig. 25

den Montageprozess der äußeren Griffschale auf dem Handgriff.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the figures and is explained below. Show it:

Fig. 1

the first production step during overmolding of contact pins for the antenna and the proximity sensor;

Fig. 2

the second manufacturing step with a further overmolding to manufacture the connector for the antenna and the proximity sensor;

Fig. 3

the antenna support and the assembly of the ferromagnetic core in the antenna support;

Fig. 4

applying the winding to the antenna support;

Fig. 5

the assembly of the sensor plate of the capacitive proximity sensor on the antenna support;

Fig. 6

placing the connector on the sensor plate on the antenna carrier;

Fig. 7

the insertion and assembly of the sensor plate with the attached connector in the antenna support;

Fig. 8

the connection of the contact pins for the antenna and the proximity sensor at the soldering points;

Fig. 9

an alternative embodiment of molded contact pins for producing a one-piece antenna carrier with connector;

Fig. 10

a second plastic encapsulation of the antenna carrier with connector after Fig. 9 ;

Fig. 11

the assembly of the ferromagnetic core on the antenna support Fig. 10 ;

Fig. 12

the application of a turn on the antenna support Fig. 11 ;

Fig. 13

the assembly of a sensor plate of a capacitive proximity sensor on the antenna support Fig. 12 ;

Fig. 14

connecting the contact pins for the antenna and the proximity sensor to the corresponding soldering points on the antenna carrier Fig. 13 ;

Fig. 15

the molding process of contact pins to manufacture the connector;

Fig. 16

the second plastic injection molding process to manufacture the connector;

Fig. 17

the board;

Fig. 18

the assembly of the connector as well as the antenna support and the plate for locking on the circuit board;

Fig. 19

the soldering points for soldering the contacts to the board;

Fig. 20

inserting the board into the tub;

Fig. 21

the potting process when potting the tub with potting compound;

Fig. 22

assembling the electronic module in the handle and inserting the antenna into the antenna chamber;

Fig. 23

the potting process when potting the antenna chamber with potting compound;

Fig. 24

the assembly of the pad on the tub;

Fig. 25

the assembly process of the outer handle shell on the handle.

Using the following description of the figures, the assembly and manufacturing method for manufacturing such a motor vehicle door handle arrangement is explained at the same time.

In Fig. 1a contact pins 11, 12, 13 are shown, which are overmolded with plastic in a first manufacturing step. The positive form 14 of the first plastic encapsulation of the contact pins 11, 12, 13 is shown in FIG Figure 1b shown. After the first process step of the plastic encapsulation of the contact pins 11, 12, 13 with the positive mold 14, the preliminary stage 15 of the connector is formed, as shown in FIG Figure 1c is shown.

According to Fig. 2 will this be in Fig. 2a illustrated preliminary stage 15 with the positive form 16 according to Figure 2b In a further process step, plastic-coated to form the connection piece 10 according to FIG Figure 2c . The positive form 16 of the second plastic encapsulation has on the outside two grooves 17, 18 each spanning three outer sides. The orientation of the two grooves 17, 18 each spanning three outer sides is opposite. These grooves 17, 18 form sealing areas. The outer section 16 forms seals, which cooperate with chambers in which electronic components of the motor vehicle door handle arrangement are located and seal these chambers. The assembly and functionality is explained below.

The contact pins 11, 12, 13 are used to couple the antenna and the sensor plate of the capacitive proximity sensor with the electronics of the motor vehicle door handle.

In the illustrated embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2 the contact pins 11, 12, 13 are encapsulated in two steps using different types of plastic. To produce the preliminary stage 15 according to Fig. 1 a harder plastic is used. To produce the complete connection piece 10 in the second plastic injection molding process with the positive mold 16, a softer plastic is used which is suitable for serving as a sealing element and which is therefore more malleable than the plastic of the preliminary stage 15.

In an alternative, not shown, the connection piece 10 is produced in a single plastic injection molding process using a plastic suitable as a sealing element. In this case, the contact pins 11, 12, 13 are overmolded with the plastic suitable as a seal in a single plastic injection molding process.

Fig. 3 shows the antenna carrier 20 produced as a plastic injection-molded part, in which the ferromagnetic core 21 of the antenna is inserted. The ferromagnetic core 21 lies in a form-fitting manner in the antenna carrier 20 and is for this purpose in the image plane according to FIG Fig. 3 inserted into the antenna support 20 from the right. On the outside, the ferromagnetic core 21 has grooves 22, 23 which are pushed over corresponding projections 24 on the inside of the antenna carrier 20. As a result of the projections 24 of the antenna carrier 20 engaging in the grooves 22, 23 of the ferromagnetic core 21, the ferromagnetic core 21 rests in the antenna carrier 20 in a form-fitting manner.

The ferromagnetic core 21 is divided in the middle and thus designed in two parts. The antenna carrier 20 has material recesses 25 which are aligned with the dividing line between the two parts of the ferromagnetic core 21. The material weakening 25 of the antenna carrier 20 and the central division of the ferromagnetic core 21 creates a bending area which is used to allow slight deformations of the antenna carrier 20 as a result of an operation of the handle by a user, without this leading to damage to the ferromagnetic core 21.

Fig. 4 shows the application of the winding 26 to the antenna carrier 20 and the ferromagnetic core 21 lying in the antenna carrier 20.

Fig. 5 shows the assembly of the sensor plate 27 of the capacitive proximity sensor in the antenna carrier 20. For this purpose, the sensor plate 27 is pushed against the direction of insertion of the ferromagnetic core 21 into a corresponding receptacle on the antenna carrier 20, as shown in FIG Fig. 5 is shown. For this purpose, the antenna carrier 20 has a corresponding receiving area on its underside, in which the sensor plate 27 rests after it has been installed in the antenna carrier 20.

The sensor plate 27 and antenna carrier 20 have notches 28 for locking the sensor plate 27 to the antenna carrier 20 in a pre-assembly position. This pre-assembly position according to Fig. 5 is used to assemble the connecting piece 10, in which the recess on the sensor sheet metal contact pin 13 of the connecting piece 10 is placed on the upwardly bent contact 29 of the sensor sheet 27, as shown in FIG Fig. 6 is shown.

The notches 28 are created in the illustrated embodiment by outside noses on the sensor plate 27, which in the preassembly position according to FIG Fig. 5 engage in corresponding recesses in the lateral guide for the sensor plate 27 on the antenna carrier 20. Since the antenna carrier 20 is made of a plastic injection molded part formed and accordingly has a reversible deformability, the sensor plate 27 can easily and without damage to the sensor plate 27 or the antenna carrier 20 from the pre-assembly position according to FIG Fig. 5 be pushed further towards its end position. The notches can also be designed kinematically reversed, in that lugs on the lateral guide for the sensor plate 27 on the antenna carrier 20 engage in correspondingly positioned recesses on the side edges of the sensor plate 27 in the preassembly position of the sensor plate 27.

After the contact 13 has been placed on the upwardly bent contact 29 of the sensor plate 27, the sensor plate 27 with the connector 10 placed thereon is pushed into the antenna carrier 20 in its final position as shown in FIG Fig. 7 . In the final position of the sensor plate 27 with the attached connector 10, the antenna contact pins 11, 12 come into contact with the antenna.

Fig. 8 shows the soldering points circled. Accordingly, the contact pins 11, 12, 13 at the in Fig. 8 marked points soldered. This creates a permanent electrically conductive connection between the contact pins 11, 12, 13 and the antenna and the sensor plate 27.

With the soldering of the contact pins 11, 12, 13, a preassembled antenna assembly 50 is thus created from the antenna carrier 20 and the connection piece 10 attached to it and the further components described above.

Fig. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the antenna support. In the alternative embodiment according to Fig. 9 are contact pins 11 ', 12', 13 'in a first plastic injection molding process with the in Fig. 9 shown positive form 14 'encapsulated. Accordingly, in the embodiment according to Fig. 9 the antenna carrier including the base of the connection piece is produced in one piece as a preliminary stage 15 'and made of the same material by encapsulating the contact pins 11', 12 ', 13' with plastic.

As in Fig. 10 As shown, a second overmolding process then takes place with the positive mold 16 'with a softer plastic that is suitable as a seal. The production of the antenna carrier 20 'formed in one piece as antenna carrier 20' with an integrated connection piece with the sealing element 16 ', its geometric design and function with regard to the externally arranged grooves 17', 18 'of the previously based on the Figures 1 to 8 illustrated embodiment corresponds. Alternatively, the contact pins 11 ', 12', 13 'can also be encapsulated in a single process with a plastic suitable as a sealing element.

In Fig. 11 the assembly of the ferromagnetic core 21 in the antenna carrier 20 'is shown.

According to Fig. 12 the winding 27 is then applied to the antenna carrier 20 ′ and the ferromagnetic core 21. The antenna carrier 20 'again has material weakenings 25 for the formation of a bending area. The ferromagnetic core 21 is also divided in the middle, so that the central division of the ferromagnetic core 21 and the recesses 25 in the antenna carrier 20 'are aligned. In an alternative, not shown, the ferromagnetic core is formed in one piece.

According to Fig. 13 Then follows the insertion of the sensor plate 27 of the capacitive proximity sensor from below into the antenna carrier 20 '. In this case, it is inserted from below, since it is not possible to insert it from the front due to the one-piece design of the antenna carrier 20 'with the connector.

Fig. 14 again shows the soldering points for soldering the contact pins 11 ′, 12 ′, 13 ′ to the corresponding antenna contacts or to the contact 29 on the sensor plate 27.

According to the Figures 9-14 The end result of the antenna assembly 50 'produced from antenna carrier 20' and connector corresponds to FIG Antenna assembly 50, which according to the previously illustrated method steps according to the Figures 1 to 8 was produced.

The antenna of the antenna carrier assembly is used for remote control of the locking system by a user and for forwarding the corresponding radio signals to the electronics on the circuit board 40 according to FIG Figure 17 as explained below. The sensor plate 27 of the capacitive proximity sensor is used to detect that a user is reaching behind the handle in order to activate the electronics of the motor vehicle door handle arrangement.

For the coupling of the electronics of the motor vehicle door handle arrangement with the motor vehicle, a connector is provided, which can be produced using the Figures 15 and 16 is explained. For this purpose, contact pins 31, 32 according to Figure 15a in a first plastic injection molding process with the positive mold 33 according to FIG Figure 15b for the production of the preliminary product 34 according to Figure 15c encapsulated. Then this is in Figure 16a shown preliminary product 34 in a further plastic injection molding process with the positive mold 35 according to FIG Figure 16b encapsulated to the connector 30 according to Figure 16c to manufacture.

In this two-stage plastic injection molding process according to Fig. 15 and 16 Different plastics are used in the respective injection process. In an alternative, not shown, the manufacturing process for manufacturing the plug 30 can be carried out in a single plastic injection molding process when the contact pins 31, 32 are overmolded. In this case, the connector is made in one piece and made of the same material.

Fig. 17 shows the circuit board 40 of the motor vehicle door handle arrangement equipped with electronic components. The populated circuit board 40 is used for processing and forwarding the signals from the antenna and from the sensor plate 27 and for coupling to the vehicle electronics via the connector 30.

In Fig. 18 is the process of assembling the plug 30 by inserting it from below into the circuit board 40 and also assembling the preassembled Antenna assembly 50 is shown on circuit board 40. The plug 30 is mounted by inserting it from below into the circuit board 40 in corresponding contact points. The assembly is carried out by inserting the contact pins 31, 32 from below into corresponding through-holes in the circuit board 40.

The antenna assembly 50 is in turn inserted from the top into corresponding recesses in the circuit board 40. The assembly is carried out by inserting the contact pins 11, 12, 13 of the antenna assembly 50 from above into corresponding through bores in the circuit board 40.

This results in the coupling of the contact pins 31, 32 of the plug 30 to the circuit board 40 and also the coupling of the contact pins 11, 12, 13 of the antenna assembly 50 to the circuit board 40. Furthermore, a locking plate 41 with contact pins is attached to the circuit board from the top 40 placed and plugged into corresponding receptacles in the circuit board 40. This results in the module 60 from the antenna assembly 50 with the antenna and the winding as well as the connection piece, the circuit board 40 and the plug 30 as shown in FIG Fig. 18 is shown. In this module 60, the circuit board 40 thus forms a load-bearing component of the electronics module 60.

Fig. 19 shows the soldering points for connecting the contact pins 11, 12, 13, 31, 32 and the sheet metal 41 for locking on the circuit board 40. The soldering points are shown in FIG Fig. 19 circled. The soldering of all contact points on the circuit board 40 takes place from the top of the circuit board 40, as shown in FIG Fig. 19 is shown. This means that the soldering of the contact pins on the circuit board 40 takes place from the same side, although the plug 30 is inserted into the circuit board 40 from a different side than the antenna assembly 50 and the locking plate 41. With the process of soldering the contact points on of the circuit board 40, the manufacturing process of the electronic module 60 is thus completed.

The module 60 thus comprises the antenna carrier 20, which accommodates the antenna with the ferromagnetic core and the coil as well as the sensor plate, the Connection piece 10, through which electrically conductive contact pins from the antenna and the sensor plate are guided to the circuit board 40 equipped with electronic components and connected to it, the circuit board 40 also being connected to the plug 30, which is used to produce the electrical contacts for the electronic assembly of the module 60 serves, and wherein the circuit board 40 is connected to electrical contact pins of the connector. The circuit board 40 forms a load-bearing component of the module 60.

Fig. 20 shows the further assembly of the preassembled electronic assembly in the form of the module 60 with the insertion into the trough 70, which is used to hold the circuit board 40. The trough 70 thus completely accommodates the circuit board 40 including the soldered contacts. To position the electronics assembly 60 in the tub 70, the tub 70 has corresponding positioning aids 71, 72 which form a form fit with corresponding recesses on the outer edges of the circuit board 40. The module 60 is thus positioned by the positioning aids 71, 72 on the trough 70, which form a form fit with corresponding counterparts on the board 40. The entire arrangement is fixed in that a nose 73 on the trough 70 engages behind an undercut 36 on the plug 30. By clipping in according to Fig. 20 the fixation of the tub 70 on the plug 30. These positioning aids 71, 72 and the nose 73 on the tub 70 and the undercut 36 on the plug 30 are shown in the enlarged detailed representations according to FIG Fig. 20 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the positioning aids 71, 72 that form a form fit are formed by bulges on the inside of the trough 70 which engage in recesses on the outer edges of the board 40. A reverse configuration is also possible, in which one or more lugs or projections on the outer edges of the board engage in corresponding recesses in the tub and thereby produce a form fit that serves as a positioning and assembly aid.

In Fig. 21 the potting process of the trough 70 with the circuit board 40 inserted therein is shown. In this potting process, the trough 70 with the board 40 embedded therein encapsulated with hardening potting compound. This potting compound serves to protect the electronic components of the circuit board 40 in the trough 70 and forms both protection against moisture and, at the same time, a damping element against vibrations.

The tub 70 is sealed by means of the seal 16. The tub 70 has a recess in which the seal 16 rests with the groove 17 in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. The wall of the trough 70 lies in the groove 17 of the seal 16 in a form-fitting manner. At the same time, a clamping effect is generated between the wall of the trough 70 and the seal 16. For this purpose, the seal 16 is formed from a reversibly deformable plastic suitable as a seal. The tub groove 17 of the seal 16 and the recess of the tub 70 are accordingly matched to one another. The tub groove 17 thus simultaneously forms a positioning aid when inserting the circuit board 40 of the electronic module 60 into the tub 70. The clamping effect of the seal 16 in the recess of the wall of the tub 70 simultaneously secures and fixes the circuit board 40 against floating during the potting process. The potting compound hardens after the potting process. The potting compound forms a protection for the circuit board 40 and the soldered contacts against moisture. The potting compound also acts as a damper against vibrations.

With the potting compound hardened in the poured tub 70, the electronic assembly 75 is created for further assembly in the handle of the motor vehicle door handle arrangement. The assembly of the assembly 75 in the handle 80 of the motor vehicle door handle assembly is based on the Fig. 22 explained.

The preassembled assembly 75 with the trough 70 filled with potting compound and the plug 30 is oriented in the opposite direction to that in FIG Fig. 22 recognizably inserted into the handle 80. The insertion takes place in such a way that the antenna assembly 50 rests in the antenna chamber 81 in the handle 80, while at the same time the tub 70 in the electronics chamber 83 rests in the handle 80.

The antenna chamber 81 in the handle 80 is also sealed by means of the seal 16. The wall of the antenna chamber 81 has a recess 82 in which the seal 16 rests with the groove 18 in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. On the outside, the seal 16 has the second groove 18 serving as an antenna chamber groove. The antenna chamber groove 18, like the tub groove 17, is designed as a circumferential groove on the outside of the seal 16. Since the orientation when the seal 16 is inserted into the trough 70 is opposite to the orientation when the seal 16 is inserted into the antenna chamber, the grooves 17, 18 of the seal 16 spanning three outer sides of the seal 16 are also arranged in opposite directions.

The wall of the antenna chamber 81 lies in the groove 18 of the seal 16 in a form-fitting manner. At the same time, a clamping effect is generated between the wall of the antenna chamber 81 and the seal 16. For this purpose, the seal 16 is formed, as explained above, from a reversibly deformable plastic suitable as a seal. The antenna chamber groove 18 of the seal 16 and the recess 82 of the antenna chamber 81 are accordingly matched to one another. The antenna chamber groove 18 thus simultaneously forms a positioning aid when inserting the antenna assembly 50 of the electronics module 60 into the antenna chamber 81.By the clamping effect of the seal 16 in the recess 82 in the wall of the antenna chamber 81, the antenna assembly 50 is secured against floating during the potting process explained below and fixed. The potting compound hardens after the potting process.

After the preassembled assembly has been inserted into the handle 80, the antenna chamber 81 is potted with potting compound, as shown in FIG Fig. 23 is indicated. Since the trough 70 is now oriented the other way round, it is clear that the casting of the trough 70 and the antenna chamber 81 take place from opposite directions. The potting of the antenna chamber 81 with potting compound in turn serves to protect the antenna assembly 50 from moisture and vibrations, since the potting compound hardens in the antenna chamber 81. The potting compound thus forms a protection of the Antenna assembly 50 and the soldered contacts against moisture. The potting compound also acts as a damper against vibrations.

A flexible pad 85 is then glued to the tub 70, as shown in FIG Fig. 24 is recognizable. The pad 85 serves to seal against water and ensures the function of the capacitive sensor plate 41 for unlocking. As in Fig. 24 It can be seen that most of the tub 70 is covered by the pad 85. Both a full-surface covering of the tub 70 and a partial covering of the tub 70 by the pad 85 are possible. At the same time, the flexible pad 85 serves to dampen vibrations.

Finally, the outer shell 90 is mounted on the handle 80, as shown in FIG Fig. 25 is recognizable. Also in Fig. 25 The axis of rotation 101 can be seen around which the entire arrangement according to FIG Fig. 25 is rotatable when installed. For this purpose, the complete handle arrangement 100 is mounted in a corresponding receptacle in the body of a motor vehicle. In the Fig. 25 The handle arrangement 100 shown is installed in a corresponding housing or directly in the motor vehicle body. The axis of rotation 101 of the handle arrangement 100 is usually at the front in the direction of travel, so that the handle hook 102 at the rear end of the handle arrangement 100 can be pulled out to the outside of the motor vehicle and acts on the door lock via a corresponding coupling and enables the motor vehicle door to be opened when the door lock is unlocked. The arrangement of the handle assembly 100 according to FIG Fig. 25 however, it is arbitrary. In particular, this can also be done the other way around on the motor vehicle or also vertically.

Furthermore, the outer shell 90 has a recess 91 through which a key is inserted in the Fig. 25 lock, not shown, can be inserted. In the installation situation, the door lock of the motor vehicle is in alignment behind the recess 91 of the outer shell 90.

List of reference symbols

10

Connector

11, 12, 13

Contact pins

11 ', 12', 13 '

Contact pins

14, 14 '

Positive plastic injection mold

15, 15 '

Preliminary stage of the connector

16, 16 '

poetry

17, 17 '

Tub groove

18, 18 '

Antenna chamber groove

20, 20 '

Antenna support

21

Ferromagnetic core

22, 23

Grooves

24

head Start

25th

Recess

26th

Winding

27

Sensor plate

28

Rest

29

Contact

30th

plug

31, 32

Contact pins

33

Positive plastic injection mold

34

Preliminary product of the connector

35

Positive plastic injection mold

36

Undercut

40

circuit board

41

Locking plate

50, 50 '

Antenna assembly

60

Electronics module

70

Tub

71, 72

Positioning aids

73

nose

75

Electronics assembly

80

Handle

81

Antenna chamber

82

Wall

83

Electronics chamber

85

Pad

90

peel

91

Recess

100

Handle assembly

101

Axis of rotation

102

Handle hook

Claims (14)

1. Module (60) for a motor vehicle door handle assembly, having an antenna carrier (20) which accommodates at least one antenna with a ferromagnetic core (21) and a coil (26) wound about the core (21), at least one connecting piece (10) through which electrically conducting contact pins (11, 12, 13) are guided, at least from the antenna to a circuit board (40) populated with electronic components, and are connected with said circuit board, wherein the circuit board (40) is connected to a plug (30) which serves to create electrical contacts for one or several sensors and/or electronic components of the module (60), and wherein the circuit board (40) is connected to electronic contact pins (31, 32) of the plug (30), characterised in that the circuit board (40) forms a bearing component of the module (60).
2. Module (60) according to claim 1, characterised in that the plug (30) is produced by one-time or repeated plastic overmoulding of prefabricated contact pins (31, 32).
3. Module (60) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the connecting piece (10) is produced by one-time or repeated plastic overmoulding of prefabricated contact pins (11, 12, 13), in particular that the connecting piece (10) and the antenna carrier (20) are formed integrally, in particular are made of a single material.
4. Module (60) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting piece (10) is produced by one-time or repeated plastic overmoulding of prefabricated contact pins (11, 12, 13), wherein at least in the last plastic overmoulding procedure a plastic is used which forms a flexible seal (16).
5. Module (60) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the antenna carrier (20) has at least one sensor plate (27) of a capacitive proximity sensor, the electrical contact of which to the circuit board (40) is created by at least one contact pin (13) arranged in the connecting piece (10).
6. Module (60) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact pins (31, 32) of the plug (30) and the contact pins (11, 12, 13) of the antenna and/or of a sensor are plugged into receiving bores in the circuit board (40) from different sides or from the same side.
7. Module (60) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact pins (31, 32) of the plug (30) and the contact pins (11, 12, 13) of the antenna and/or of a sensor are soldered with contacts of the circuit board (40) from different sides or from the same side.
8. Motor vehicle door handle assembly having a handle (80), characterised in that the handle (80) has a module (60) according to any of the preceding claims.
9. Motor vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 8, characterised in that the handle (80) has a well (70) in which at least the circuit board (40) rests, wherein the well (70) has at least one opening in a wall for the passage of electrically conducting contact pins (11, 12, 13) and wherein the connecting piece (10) rests form-fittingly and/or force-fittingly in the opening of the wall of the well (70) so as to seal the well (70).
10. Motor vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the handle (80) has an antenna chamber (81) in which the antenna carrier (20) rests and has the at least one opening in a wall (82) for the passage of electrically conducting contact pins (11, 12, 13) and wherein the connecting piece (10) rests form-fittingly and/or force-fittingly in the opening of the wall (82) of the antenna chamber (81 so as to seal the antenna chamber (81).
11. Motor vehicle door handle assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the handle (80) has a well (70) for the reception of at least the circuit board (40) and an antenna chamber (81) for the reception of at least the antenna carrier (20), wherein curing compound is poured into the well (70) after the circuit board (40) is set in, and wherein curing compound is poured into the antenna chamber (81) after the antenna carrier (20) is set in.
12. Motor vehicle door handle assembly according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the handle (80) has an antenna chamber (81), wherein the connecting piece (10) forms a form-fitting and/or force-fitting seal of the antenna chamber (81) accommodating the antenna carrier (20).
13. Motor vehicle door handle assembly according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterised in that the handle (80) has a well (70), wherein the connecting piece forms a form-fitting and/or force-fitting seal (16) of the well (70) accommodating the circuit board (40).
14. Motor vehicle door handle assembly according to any of claims 8 to 13, characterised in that the handle (80) has an antenna chamber (81) and a well (70), wherein the connecting piece (10) has on the outside an antenna chamber groove (18) which forms a form-fit with an opening in a wall (82) of the antenna chamber (81), and that the connecting piece (10) has on the outside a well groove (17) which forms a form-fit with an opening of a wall of the well (70) for the reception of the circuit board (40), in particular that the antenna chamber groove (18) and the well groove (17) are arranged running counter to one another.

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