CN115606097A - Device for electrically detecting an activation action for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (5) for a vehicle (1) for the inductive detection of an activation action, in particular the actuation of a vehicle component (2), comprising: -a sensor device (10) for inductively detecting an activation action to provide at least one detection signal (S1, S2), the at least one detection signal (S1, S2) being specific for detection information (VS) of the activation action, -an electronic processing device (70) for determining the detection information (VS) from the at least one detection signal (S1, S2) in order to detect the activation action on the basis of the detection information (VS), wherein the sensor device (10) comprises at least two sensor elements (11, 12) located on different layers (L1, L2) of the printed circuit board (90), wherein the at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are electrically connected to each other by means of a via (91).

Description

Device for electrically detecting an activation action for a vehicle

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for electrically detecting an activation action for a vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for the inductive detection of an activation operation.

Background

It is known from the prior art that at least one push button may be provided on a vehicle component, for example a door handle of a vehicle, to detect a touch or movement of the door handle. Such actuation of a vehicle component may trigger a function in the vehicle, such as unlocking and/or opening a flap of the vehicle. However, reliability may be reduced due to mechanical operation of the button.

Furthermore, in order to detect the actuation of vehicle components, it is also known to use inductive sensors in vehicles. For example, a so-called LDC sensor can be used for this purpose, which can detect changes in inductance. However, this type of detection is still often susceptible to interference, so the reliability is also reduced here.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages mentioned at least partially. In particular, it is an object of the invention to propose an improved solution for detecting an activation action.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of the independent device claim and a method having the features of the independent method claim. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, the features and the detailed description relating to the arrangement according to the invention naturally also apply to the method according to the invention and vice versa, so that in the disclosed aspects relating to the individual aspects of the invention, mutual reference can be made either at all times or at all times.

The object is achieved in particular by an arrangement, preferably a circuit arrangement. The device according to the invention can be designed for use in a vehicle for the electrically inductive detection of an activation action. For this purpose, the device according to the invention can be fitted, for example, to a vehicle component. The device according to the invention can be designed, for example, as a circuit arrangement with a printed circuit board and optionally at least one housing. The activation action is, for example, an actuation of a vehicle component, preferably a touch and/or application of force by a user. The device according to the invention can be designed in particular as an electronic circuit arrangement and/or as an inductive sensor.

The activation action, in particular the actuation of the vehicle component, may comprise, for example, a touching and/or a movement and/or a force application of the vehicle component, which triggers a movement of the activation device of the device according to the invention. For example, contact with the housing of the vehicle component may result in displacement of the activation device. Advantageously, the activation device is fixedly and/or movably mounted on the housing of the vehicle component or device according to the invention. Furthermore, the activation means may be formed as a conductive surface or coating on the housing.

It is also advantageous if the vehicle is designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a hybrid or electric vehicle, preferably with a high-voltage electrical system and/or an electric motor. Furthermore, it is possible for the vehicle to be designed as a fuel cell vehicle and/or as a passenger car and/or as a semi-automatic or automatic vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle has a security system that can authenticate, for example by communicating with an identification transmitter (ID transmitter). At least one function of the vehicle may be activated based on the communication and/or authentication. If authentication of the ID transmitter is necessary for this purpose, the function may be a safety-related function, such as unlocking the vehicle or moving a cover (e.g., front or rear or side cover or door) of the vehicle to an open position or starting the engine. When the device according to the invention successfully detects the activation action, it is possible to initiate the function and/or authentication. For example, upon successful detection of an activation action, the device according to the invention outputs a trigger signal, thereby triggering the function and/or authentication. In other words, the output of the trigger signal depends on the detection of the activation action, e.g. by the processing means. For example to a control unit of the vehicle. To this end, the device according to the invention may comprise a wire and/or a plug connection or the like for detachable electrical connection with the control unit of the vehicle.

It is further contemplated that the security system is also designed as a passive access system that initiates authentication and/or activation functions upon detection of the ID transmitter approaching the vehicle without the need for active manual activation of the ID transmitter. To this end, for example, the security system repeatedly transmits a wake-up signal, which the ID transmitter can receive when it approaches, and then triggers authentication.

The device according to the invention may comprise the following components, preferably intended to form an inductive sensor:

sensor means for the inductive detection of an activation action to provide at least one, in particular (exactly or at least) first and second detection signal, wherein the at least one detection signal may be specific for in particular the same detection information about the activation action,

electronic processing means, for example a microcontroller, for determining detection information from the at least one detection signal in order to detect the activation action on the basis of the detection information, in particular on the basis of a change in the detection information.

It can be provided that the sensor device comprises at least or exactly two (or at least or exactly four) sensor elements on different layers of the printed circuit board. Thus, the first sensor element may be arranged at a first layer and the second sensor element may be arranged at a second layer of the printed circuit board. If more than two sensor elements are provided, for example at least or exactly four sensor elements, a first one of the sensor elements (for example the first and third sensor elements) may be arranged on the first layer and a second one of the sensor elements (for example the second and fourth sensor elements) may be arranged on the second layer. The first and second sensor elements may be arranged one below the other and/or the third and fourth sensor elements may be arranged one below the other and/or the first and third sensor elements may be arranged side by side and/or the second and fourth sensor elements may be arranged side by side. This results in the sensor elements being arranged in pairs with each other on different layers. The pair of sensors arranged one below the other may also be electrically connected to each other by a via hole. If necessary, in the same layer

The sensor elements arranged adjacent to one another can be electrically connected to one another by conductor tracks. In other words, the pairs may be electrically connected to each other through a via hole. The printed circuit board can thus be designed as a multilayer printed circuit board. For example, the sensor element is designed as an electrically conductive element, for example in the form of at least one conductor track of a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may have, for example, at least two layers or at least three layers or at least or exactly four layers. The layers may be securely joined together so as to be stacked upon one another. Each layer can therefore be understood as a conductor path layer of the printed circuit board. Furthermore, the electrically conductive tracks of the layers may be electrically connected to each other by vias (vias). The vias may be designed as vertical electrical connections between conductor path layers of a PCB (printed circuit board). The electrical connection may be made through internal metallized holes in the carrier material of the printed circuit board.

The superposed arrangement on the different layers allows the sensor elements to be used together for generating a magnetic field. If more than two sensor elements are provided, all sensor elements or pairs of sensor elements (i.e. always two sensor elements) may be used to generate a common magnetic field.

In the case of a plurality of detection signals, the detection signals may be specific for the same detection information, in other words carriers of the same detection information, for example having the same frequency. The detection information, such as the frequency of the at least one detection signal, may be specific to, i.e. dependent on, the activation action, so that the detection information may be used to detect the activation action.

For example, it can be provided that the at least two sensor elements are each formed as an electrical spiral coil. This has the advantage that disturbances and/or losses, such as eddy current losses, can be reduced.

It is possible to choose to electrically connect at least two sensor elements, in particular in pairs, spatially in parallel and/or bifilar and/or mutually in series, in order to perform a joint inductive detection of the activation action. It may thus be that the sensor elements may be connected such that the currents of the sensor elements, in particular the currents through the first and second sensor elements, and preferably the third and fourth sensor elements, are in the same direction. In the case of a bifurcating design of the sensor element and an opposite current flow, the magnetic fields generated by the sensor element will almost cancel each other out. However, for this given connection, currents in the same direction can occur, so that the magnetic fields reinforce one another. Thus, the first and second sensor elements and/or the third and fourth sensor elements may be coupled together (cooperate) in pairs to generate a magnetic field and be used for detection.

According to an advantageous further development of the invention, an activation device, in particular an electrically conductive activation device, can be provided to be moved relative to the sensor device, preferably by an activation action, wherein preferably at least two sensor elements are arranged within an effective range with the activation device to detect the movement inductively, in particular to generate an inductance change by the movement of the activation device. In this way, the activation can be detected inductively. The activation means can be activated, in particular moved, by an activation action, in such a way that the inductance is changed, which can be measured in the sensor device. The change in inductance may be determined from at least one detection signal, for example, from the frequency of the detection signal. Thus, the change in inductance and/or frequency may form the detection information. In the case where there are a plurality of detection signals, the detection signals may be compared with each other to determine detection information. The detection information accordingly depends on and is in particular proportional to the inductance change. For example, the detection of an activation action is made possible by comparing the frequency with a threshold value.

The following reference to a given value of the distance between the activation device and the at least one sensor element refers to the distance of the activation device in the inactive state. On the other hand, when the activation means is actuated by the activation action, there may be a movement of the activation means relative to the sensor arrangement, thereby causing a change in distance.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the minimum geometrical and/or spatial distance of the sensor elements, in particular the sensor device, to the grounding element and/or the activation device (in the inactive state, i.e. when the activation device is not moved by the activating action or has no activating action) is substantially the same. The same distance between the sensor element and the ground element and/or between the sensor element and the activation means may result in a geometrical symmetry to reduce interference effects. The ground element may in particular have an electrical ground potential. The same distance gives the structure geometric symmetry. This also has the advantage that a symmetrical detection signal can be generated for evaluation.

In the following, an advantageous geometrical configuration will be described in more detail. For example, the first sensor element may be kept at the same distance from the activation means as the third sensor element. Additionally or alternatively, the distance between the activation device and the location where the first and/or third sensor element is mounted may be constant in the inactive state of the activation device. It can also be provided that the second sensor element, like the fourth sensor element, is at the same distance from the ground element (having ground potential). For example, the grounding element may form a conductive surface on a layer of the printed circuit board, in particular below the layer where the second and fourth sensor elements are fixed. Furthermore, the distance between the first and/or third sensor element and the activation device may be equal to the distance between the second and/or fourth sensor element and the ground element

The distance of (c).

It is further advantageous if, within the scope of the invention, an activation device is provided which consists of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal, in order to provide an inductive influence on the sensor element, preferably by the activation action, during the movement. It is also alternatively envisaged that at least two sensor elements are arranged within an effective range with the activation means to provide the change in inductance by movement of the activation means. For example, the activation device may be electrically conductive, e.g. as a metal, which causes the inductance change. Furthermore, the sensor element may be connected as part of at least one resonant circuit, and the oscillator means may be electrically connected to the sensor element for driving the at least one resonant circuit to detect a change in inductance, preferably to make the detected information specific to the frequency of the at least one resonant circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the processing means may be designed to detect the change in inductance on the basis of the change in frequency and to detect the activation action on the basis thereof. In this way, the movement of the activation device can be detected by the sensor element. This is functionally equivalent to the traditionally used push button, which is actuated by an activating action. However, the use of buttons is technically complicated. The sensor element being able to detect activation

A stationary braking condition. Functionally, a unit consisting of at least two or exactly two or four sensor elements and an activation device can therefore be understood as a push button.

The activation means are for example formed as a metal element, such as a metal surface or a metal strip or the like. An advantage of the design of the activation means made of metal is that the position of the activation means relative to the sensor means influences the inductance of the sensor element. Then, at least one resonant circuit, which is formed at least partially by the sensor means, can be used to measure the change in inductance. For this purpose, at least one resonant circuit can be electrically driven by an oscillator device, for example a freely vibrating oscillator.

The activation device may be removably attached to a circuit board of the device and/or to the device housing and/or to a vehicle component. Furthermore, the oscillator means may comprise an oscillator, such as a clock generator and/or a square-wave signal generator and/or a free-running oscillator.

Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention to optionally provide an activation device which is electrically connected directly or indirectly to the ground potential of the device, i.e. in particular is grounded. For example, the indirect connection may be implemented as a dynamic connection to ground, e.g. via a capacitor. In this way, the detection of the change in inductance can be further improved.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that a connection is arranged geometrically and/or spatially between the at least one sensor element and the activation device, wherein preferably the connection is designed to be elastic. For example, it is conceivable that the connection is designed as a resilient element, such as a foam pad or a helical spring, in order to connect (preferably electrically) the at least one sensor element with the activation device. The link is for example of elastic design to allow relative movement of the activation device and the sensor element. Furthermore, the link may comprise a resilient and electrically conductive material and/or a (conductive) foam and/or a spring, in particular a coil spring. Preferably, the connector may be in the form of a foam pad or the like. This may provide better interference suppression.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the connection directly contacts at least one sensor element, for example the first and third sensor elements. Alternatively, the link may be in direct contact with the activation device, if applicable. The connection may be spatially arranged in an air gap between the sensor element and the activation means.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the connection to comprise an electrically conductive material in order to electrically connect at least or exactly one sensor element with the activation device. This serves to suppress interference.

It may be provided within the scope of the invention to provide the sensor elements with a shield, wherein the shield may comprise an electrically conductive material, which annularly surrounds the individual sensor element or elements. For this purpose, at least one conductive surface can be arranged on the same layers of the printed circuit board, while the sensor elements are also arranged on these layers. In this way, the shield can also be formed as a pot-shaped ring around the sensor element. The shield may be formed on, in particular attached to, the same layer on which the sensor element is also provided. The shield can surround the sensor elements on the layer in a ring-shaped manner with respect to the geometric plane of the layers of the printed circuit board, and preferably, possibly, up to a gap, is enclosed from all sides. In other words, the shield may form an open loop. In this case, the shield may be formed as a conductive track and/or a conductive surface on the layer. The sensor elements may also be formed as conductive tracks and/or conductive surfaces on the layer.

Furthermore, it is possible within the scope of the invention to provide that the shield is electrically connected directly or indirectly to ground potential. Thus, the passive electrical shield may be provided by ground potential.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the shield is geometrically formed as an open or resistively closed ring. Advantageously, the shield does not form a closed, i.e. short-circuit ring of equal potential. Thus, interference with the shielding is avoided.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least two or at least four sensor elements are connected symmetrically to each other in order to preferably generate at least two detection signals as symmetrical and/or differential signals, so that the detection signals can have the same detection information, for example the same frequency. Thus, the detection signal may be specific for the same detection information of the activation action. This means in particular that the detection information can be determined from the two detection signals (in each case separately) and, if necessary, the respective other detection signal can also be disregarded and no comparison between the detection signals can take place. The detection information is, for example, the frequency of the respective (periodic) detection signal. The comparison of the detection signals makes it possible to determine the detection information with higher reliability. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the detection signal to be embodied as a symmetrical, in particular mass-symmetrical, and/or oppositely phased electrical signal. This causes the signal to be

Is possible, for example by means of a comparator component, in order to reliably determine the detection information.

It is further conceivable that the sensor device comprises at least or exactly two or at least or exactly four, in particular electrically conductive, sensor elements as electrically conductive surfaces and/or conductor tracks. The sensor elements may be connected symmetrically to each other (to each other) in order to generate the detection signals as symmetrical and/or differential signals, and it is therefore preferred that the detection signals have the same detection information. The detection signal can be transmitted as a differential and/or symmetrical signal, in particular in the sense of a symmetrical transmission, additionally but in given cases together with a (constant) phase difference to the processing means, in particular to the comparator component. For example, a phase difference of 180 ° between the detection signals makes it possible to achieve that the phase inversion of one of the detection signals and/or the zero crossing of the detection signals occur simultaneously, but the amplitudes differ in sign. The use of symmetric signals may be particularly robust to interference because they cancel each other out. In order to further improve the robustness it is preferred that,

the sensor device according to the invention and/or the entire circuit can be designed as symmetrically as possible (in terms of the circuit) in order to also form two detection signals with a high degree of symmetry, in particular sine waves. Another benefit of symmetry is that temperature problems and the resulting changes have no or less negative impact.

It may further be that the sensor means are adapted to provide at least one detection signal as the first and second detection signals, wherein the electronic processing means may be adapted to compare the detection signals with each other to determine detection information based on the comparison, and to detect the activation action based on the detection information. In other words, the detection signals may be compared with each other to determine the detection information. The detection information may be an attribute of the detection signal, such as a frequency, which may depend on the inductance of the sensor device. Thus, the activation action may be adjusted to change the detection information, in particular to change the inductance of the sensor device. Thus, the processing means may be adapted to detect a change in inductance to infer the presence of an activation action. For this purpose, the degree of change may be compared with a threshold value or the like. The device according to the invention thus provides the function of an inductive sensor. However, the two detection signals can be evaluated for improved stability and reliability compared to conventional inductive sensors. For the detection of the activation action the detection signal can be evaluated by one comparator as two (equal) periodic signals. It is possible that the detection signal is processed by processing means, in particular a comparator, preferably

And a differential comparator for measuring the differential voltage of the sensor elements for comparison. The detection signal can thus be realized as a voltage of a sensor element of the sensor device. This has advantages over conventional solutions relying on asymmetric evaluation of the inductance change, such as LDC sensors.

Alternatively, it is conceivable for at least two or at least four sensor elements to be designed as components of at least one resonant circuit, in particular a parallel resonant circuit, in order to generate at least two detection signals as information-equivalent and/or periodic signals. In the resonant circuit, electrical energy is periodically exchanged between elements of the resonant circuit, such as the sensor element and the at least one capacitor, in order to thereby generate at least one periodic detection signal. The detection signals may correspond to different voltages of the parallel resonant circuit, e.g. a first detection signal corresponds to the voltage of the first resonant circuit and a second detection signal corresponds to the voltage of the second resonant circuit. The resonance circuit and/or the sensor device may further comprise at least one capacitor to provide resonance in cooperation with the sensor element, in particular in the form of a coil. Then, the resonance frequency and/or the frequency of the detection signal may be used as the detection information. The detection signal is generated, for example, by electrical oscillations (in particular periodic or repeated charge displacements) in the sensor element, which are generated by an oscillator

Arranged to be activated and/or fired and may be influenced by the activation means. A resonant circuit is understood to mean a parallel resonant circuit, in particular two symmetrically interconnected resonant circuits. The detection signal is thus directed to the frequency of the electrical oscillation of the interconnected resonant circuits. In other words, the first detection signal may be specific for a first kind of oscillation and the second detection signal may be specific for an oscillation of the second kind of resonance circuit. The resonant circuit may be symmetrical such that the frequencies of the two detection signals are the same.

Furthermore, it is possible that at least one detection signal is in each case a periodic and/or (in particular substantially) sinusoidal signal, and preferably that the different detection signals are mutually phase-shifted signals. The respective detection signal may alternatively or additionally be formed as a voltage and/or a current. In this case, the detection signal can be applied, for example, as a voltage to the respective resonant circuit formed by the sensor device or the sensor element. The resonant circuit may form a parallel resonant circuit, the frequency of which varies depending on the position and/or distance of the activation means from the sensor means.

Furthermore, it is conceivable for the sensor device to have at least two further sensor elements, i.e. a total of at least or exactly four sensor elements, wherein the sensor elements of the sensor device can be electrically connected to one another, in particular in series, and preferably directly or indirectly in pairs via the via holes, and preferably directly or indirectly in electrical connection to ground potential. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sensor device can be fixed in pairs on different layers of the printed circuit board, wherein the sensors in the pairs can be arranged next to one another, in particular in order to detect the activation action separately in different detection areas. By paired one under the other is meant that at least first and second sensor elements are arranged one under the other on different layers as a first pair and at least third and fourth sensor elements are arranged one under the other on different layers as a second pair, wherein, however, the first and third sensor elements may be arranged adjacent to each other and the second and fourth sensor elements may be arranged adjacent to each other. This makes it possible to detect activation actions over a large area.

It is further possible for the sensor device to have at least or exactly four sensor elements, of which at least two are connected to different layers of the printed circuit board, it being possible for the sensor elements to be electrically connected to one another directly or indirectly in pairs via the via holes, in particular directly or indirectly to ground potential.

The ground potential, also referred to as ground (master) or earth (Erde), may be formed, for example, by the vehicle body (vehicle ground) or otherwise as a circuit ground. The sensor elements can be connected in series by their mutual contact, so that a magnetic field is generated particularly effectively. Furthermore, in the case of a spiral coil as sensor element, the center points of the coils may be electrically contacted to each other through via holes.

Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention to choose that at least or exactly two sensor elements are designed to detect an activation action in a first common and/or identical detection area. Advantageously, the sensor device comprises at least or exactly two further sensor elements which are designed to detect an activation action in a second common and/or identical detection region. In other words, the first and second sensor elements may detect at a first detection zone and optionally the third and fourth sensor elements may detect at a second detection zone. A single, common activation means may be provided for both detection zones, which is moved relative to both detection zones by an activation action.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method for the inductive detection of an activation action in a vehicle, in particular the actuation of a vehicle component. In this case, it is provided that the following steps are carried out, preferably in the specified order or in any order, one after the other, it also being possible for individual steps and/or all steps to be repeated:

-performing an electrical induction detection of the activation action by the sensor device to provide at least one detection signal, the at least one detection signal being specific for specific detection information of the activation action,

-determining detection information from the at least one detection signal for detecting the activation action from the detection information.

In this case, provision can be made for the sensor arrangement to have at least two sensor elements on different layers, in particular on a printed circuit board, which sensor elements are electrically connected to one another by way of vias. For example, the sensor elements may be driven at the same potential in this way. The method according to the invention therefore brings about the same advantages as the device according to the invention, which has been described in detail. Furthermore, the method may be adapted for operating the device according to the invention.

The detection of the activation action may be performed by evaluating the frequency of the detection signal and/or not evaluating the amplitude of the detection signal, i.e. omitting the evaluation of the amplitude. This may improve the reliability of the detection.

Within the scope of the invention, further advantages are achieved if at least two detection signals are provided during detection by the sensor device and one oscillator device is connected to the sensor element, respectively, in order to generate the detection signals as in-phase and/or differential signals. For example, the processing means may comprise a comparator component, such as an electronic comparator, for comparing the out-of-phase detection signals with each other, i.e. in particular switching each time the first detection signal is larger than the second detection signal and vice versa. The oscillator means may comprise at least two electronic switches which are switched repeatedly and successively, in particular to provide a clock for the resonant circuit of the sensor arrangement. To this end, the oscillator device may be controlled by the processing device or be part of the processing device. The oscillator device may further be designed to drive the sensor elements and in particular the various resonant circuits of the sensor device in anti-phase and/or in anti-phase

The phases are driven in such a way that they generate detection signals. In this case, anti-phase is understood to mean that the detection signals are phase-shifted by 180 ℃ relative to each other.

Preferably, it can be provided that the sensor device is designed as a symmetrical circuit, and that the at least two sensor elements are geometrically symmetrically arranged and/or electrically symmetrically connected sensor elements. In this way, the sensor device may provide, for example, two resonance circuits and/or one parallel resonance circuit, wherein the sensor element may provide an inductance. In addition, the processing means may comprise a comparator component, in particular an electronic comparator, for performing the comparison of the detection signals. The comparator means is for example part of a microcontroller. Furthermore, a comparator component can be electrically connected with the sensor element to evaluate the detection signal (in particular the differential) to detect the activation action. In particular, the first detection signal may be present at a first input and the second detection signal may be present at a second input of the comparator component. The sensor device, in particular the entire device according to the invention, can be designed to be substantially symmetrical at least in terms of circuitry and geometry. Furthermore, geometrically equal distances of the sensor elements to a grounded element having a ground potential and/or to the activation means (and/or the sensor elements to each other) may be provided. This means that the minimum distance between the sensor element and the ground element and/or the activation means is the same. For example, the distance from the first and/or third sensor element to the activation device may be the same as the distance from the second and/or fourth sensor element to the ground element. The symmetrical design makes it highly interference-suppressing.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that at least two sensor elements are each designed as a coil element, in particular in order to generate a magnetic field separately, and/or in order to detect a change in the magnetic field during the activation action as a result of at least or exactly one activation means being in proximity to the sensor elements. The sensor elements may be arranged and/or interconnected in a two-wire fashion to collectively (amplify) generate the field. In other words, the magnetic field generated by the first sensor element amplifies the magnetic field generated by the second sensor element. Thus, the first and second sensor elements may form one detection unit. Likewise, the third and fourth sensor elements may be connected to each other, also forming another detection unit. The first and second sensing units may be arranged side by side and the sensor elements of the same detection unit may be arranged one below the other. It is possible that all sensor elements of the device according to the invention detect the same activation action, i.e. the same movement of the activation means.

A comparator component, for example an electronic comparator, may be provided which is used to compare the detection signals of the processing arrangement. It is particularly advantageous if the sensor device forms at least one resonant circuit, in particular a parallel resonant circuit, and is influenced by the activation means. For example, the comparator may compare the two detection signals with each other and switch after a zero crossing of the two detection signals, so that the processing means may detect the (resonance) frequency of the resonance circuit and/or the detection signal in this way by measuring or counting the time of these switching processes. One advantage here is that only the frequency is actually evaluated, and not the amplitude of the detection signal. The comparator may be designed as a differential comparator comparing which detection signal is larger. After both detection signals have (just) crossed zero, both detection signals thus change sign, the comparator switches its output signal. The detection signals are preferably signals that are opposite in phase, i.e. have a phase shift of e.g. 180 °, and are uniform, i.e. all sine waves, for example.

It is further possible that the sensor device forms at least one resonant circuit and that the processing device is connected to the sensor device in such a way that the processing device forms a frequency meter for the frequency of the at least one resonant circuit. A single detection signal can then be evaluated with respect to this frequency. In particular, when two detection signals are used, the two detection signals may each have the same frequency information, e.g., periodic signals having the same period duration. The processing device may then evaluate the duration of the period. By means of the frequency meter, the inductive component of the at least one resonant circuit can be determined and in this way conclusions can be drawn about the activation action.

It is further envisaged within the scope of the invention that the sensor device forms at least one resonant circuit, and/or that the processing arrangement comprises a counter component to count on the basis of zero-crossings of the detection signal, and to determine, preferably on the basis of the result of the counting, a (in particular resonant) frequency of the at least one resonant circuit, which frequency is specific for the activation action. In this way, the processing device can be designed as a frequency meter. The differential measurement of the frequency has the advantage of being particularly stable, unaffected by interference.

It is further envisaged that the device according to the invention comprises at least one fixing means for fixing in the door handle or in the sign of the vehicle, preferably for detecting an activation action in the manner of touching the door handle or the sign of the vehicle. For example, the fixing means may be formed in the housing of the device according to the invention. For example, the fastening device is formed as a recess for a screw or the like and/or as a positioning device, such as a profile (profiler) for positive fastening to the vehicle.

Also protected are vehicle components, such as door handles and/or vehicle signs, which comprise the device according to the invention.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, wherein embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this case, the features mentioned in the claims and the description can be essential for the invention either individually or in any combination, what is shown below.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle with a device according to the invention, in addition to showing a detailed view with further details,

figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a device according to the invention,

figures 3-5 are schematic side views of different layers of at least one device according to the invention,

figure 6+7 is a schematic top view of a sensor element of at least one device according to the invention,

figure 8 is a schematic side view of the different layers of the device according to the invention,

figures 9 and 10 are schematic circuit diagrams of the sensor element,

fig. 11 is a schematic view of the visualization of the detection signal.

In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same features, even in different embodiments.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, a vehicle 1 with a device 5 according to the invention is shown. The device 5 according to the invention is integrated, for example, in a vehicle component 2, in particular a door handle 2. In an enlarged representation it can be seen that the device 5 according to the invention may have several layers L1, L2, L3, which are arranged on top of each other. The sensor elements 11, 12 (see fig. 2) can be arranged on at least or exactly two layers L1, L2, as will be described in more detail below. In addition, it can be seen that the first detection zone B1 and the second detection zone B2 can be monitored. For this purpose, the detection regions B1, B2 each form at least one sensor element 11, 12 and at least one electrically active region B1, B2 of the activation device 20. A separate activation device 20 may be provided for each detection area B1, B2, or a common activation device 20 may be used, as shown in fig. 1. The activation means 20 is, for example, a metal element 20 which moves during the activation action relative to the printed circuit board 90 of the device 5 according to the invention. Additionally, a housing 96 may be provided to which activation device 20 is movably mounted. In addition, at least one fastening device 95 may be provided on the housing 96 for fastening on the vehicle 1.

In fig. 2, the device 5 for electrically induction detecting an activation action, in particular the driving of a vehicle part 2, according to the invention for a vehicle 1 is shown in further detail. The sensor elements 11, 12 already described can be part of a sensor device 10 for the electrically inductive detection of an activation action in order to provide at least one, as shown by way of example, a first and a second detection signal S1, S2. As illustrated in fig. 9 and 10, the configuration of the sensor device 10 shown in fig. 2 can be further expanded by additional sensor elements 13, 14. At least two sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 can be symmetrically connected. Thus, in fig. 2, the sensor elements 11, 12 are shown electrically connected to each other, at which point they are still electrically connected to ground potential 80 (both indirectly and dynamically, as indicated by the dashed lines). The at least two sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 can be part of a parallel resonant circuit, the voltage of which can be detected as the detection signals S1, S2. Further components of the sensor device 10 or of the parallel resonant circuit may be

To be at least one capacitor C and/or at least one resistor R, as shown by way of example and in the schematic. Furthermore, an oscillator device 73 may be provided, which is driven with a voltage source V in order to electrically drive the parallel resonant circuit. In this way, the inductance of the sensor arrangement 10 can be detected, which inductance can be changed by the proximity of the activation device 20 (due to the activation action). The activation action is, for example, a manual force applied to activation device 20, resulting in movement of activation device 20. An air gap 21 and/or a resilient connecting means 30 may be provided between the activation means 20 and the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14, so that the activation means 20 and the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 move in a relative movement. Thus, the activation device 20 can exert an inductive influence 22 on the sensor device 10. The detection signals S1, S2 are therefore specific for the same detection information VS of the activation action, which detection information VS is specific for the inductance change due to the activation action.

It can be seen that the oscillator device 73 sequentially drives the symmetrical string of sensor devices 10 in succession to generate the detection signals S1, S2 in opposite phase. This makes it possible to generate the detection signals S1, S2 as symmetrical and/or differential and/or equal in information and/or periodic and/or in phase signals, so that the detection signals S1, S2 have the same detection information VS. In this way, a particularly interference-proof evaluation of the detection signals S1, S2 can be performed by the comparator component 71 in order to determine the detection information VS by comparing the detection signals S1, S2. An electronic processing device 70 can then detect the activation action on the basis of the detection information VS. For example, the detection information VS may be specific to the frequency of the parallel resonant circuit of the sensor device 10, wherein the processing arrangement 70 is configured to detect a change in inductance based on the change in frequency and to detect an activation action based on this. The processing means 70 may comprise a counter element 72 for counting the zero crossings of the detection signals S1, S2 and for determining the frequency of the resonant circuit specific for the activation action on the basis of the result of the counting. To this end, the comparator section 71 compares the first detection signal S1 with the second detection signal S2 and switches the output signal (at reference sign VS) to a first value when the first detection signal S1 is greater than the second detection signal S2 and to a second value when the second detection signal S2 is greater than the first detection signal S1. By counting these switching operations per unit time, the frequency of the detection signal can be determined as the detection information VS of the counter section 72. As indicated by the dashed lines, the comparator unit 71 and/or the counter unit 72 and/or the voltage source V may (at least partly) be part of the processing means 70, in particular of an integrated circuit.

In fig. 3 to 5, further details of the first and second sensor elements 11, 12 are shown. In fig. 5, additionally third and fourth sensor elements 13, 14 are shown. The sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 can be mounted on different layers L1, L2 of the printed circuit board 90 in order to detect the activation action in a common, identical detection area (B1 for the sensor elements 11, 12 and B2 for the sensor elements 13, 14, see fig. 1). According to fig. 5, four sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 can be connected in pairs on different layers L1, L2 of the printed circuit board 90 in order to detect an activation in different detection areas B1, B2, respectively. Furthermore, as shown by way of example in fig. 3 and 4, the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 on the different layers L1, L2 of the printed circuit board 90 can be electrically connected to one another directly or indirectly in pairs via the via 91, in particular (via the via 91) directly or indirectly with the ground potential 80 on the third layer L3 of the printed circuit board 90. The minimum spatial distance D of the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 to the ground element 80 having the ground potential 80 and/or to the activation device 20 (in the inactive state) can thus be substantially the same.

Furthermore, it is optionally provided that the shielding 40 of the sensor elements 11, 12 (and possibly 13, 14) is formed on the printed circuit board 90. The shield 40 may for example extend in the form of at least one annular conductive element around the sensor elements 11, 12 (in particular 13, 14). For example, the shield 40 is designed as at least one conductor track of the printed circuit board 90, which track can optionally have a ground potential or can optionally be actively electrically controlled by a potential having a deviation from the ground potential. For this purpose, at least one conductive surface can be arranged on the same layers L1, L2, L3, L4 of the printed circuit board 90, on which the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 are also provided. For example, the printed circuit board is designed as a four-layer printed circuit board, as shown in fig. 8. The ring-shaped design of the shielding layer 40 is exemplarily shown in fig. 6 and 7. Fig. 6, 7, 9 and 10 show top views of the layers L1, L2, which are shown in fig. 3 to 5 and 8 as transverse sectional views through the printed circuit board 90.

Furthermore, it is possible to spatially arrange a connection 30 between the activation device 20 and the at least one sensor element 11, 12 (also 13, 14). For example, links 30 are of resilient design. Furthermore, the link 30 may comprise a resilient and electrically conductive material and/or a (conductive) foam and/or a spring, in particular a coil spring. Preferably, the links 30 may be designed as foam pads or the like. This may provide better interference suppression.

In fig. 6 and 7 and 9 and 10 it is shown that the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 can each be designed as a helical coil and be electrically connected in parallel in space and/or in two lines and/or in series with one another for joint inductive detection. It is possible that the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14 are connected in such a way that the currents through the sensor elements 11, 12, 13, 14, in particular through the first 11 and the second sensor element 12, preferably through the third 13 and the fourth sensor element 14, are in the same direction. In this way, the generated magnetic field can be amplified. In fig. 9 and 10, the flow of current is indicated by an arrow. Fig. 6 shows the inputs E1, E2 and outputs A1, A2 of the coil. The input E1 may be electrically (directly) connected to the output A2 via a via 91. The current then passes from A1 through E1, then A2, then E2.

In fig. 11, the detection signals S1, S2 generated in this way are schematically shown. The phase shift of the detection signals S1, S2 by 180 ° results in a phase reversal or simultaneous zero crossing, although the signs of the detection signals S1, S2 are different. By counting the zero crossings the detection information VS can be determined.

The above explanations of the embodiments describe the invention entirely in the context of examples. Of course, the individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another as long as it is technically useful, without leaving the scope of the invention.

List of cited references

1: vehicle

Door handle, vehicle part

5: device

10 Sensor device, coil element, coil arrangement, spiral coil arrangement

11 A first sensor element, a first coil element

12 A second sensor element, a second coil element

13 A third sensor element, a third coil element

14 A fourth sensor element, a fourth coil element

20 Activating means, metal elements

21 Air gap

22 Influence of electric induction

30 A connection object, an elastic conductive material

40 Shielding piece

70 Processing device, microcontroller

71 Comparator component

72 Counter assembly

73 Oscillator device

80 Earth potential

90 Printed circuit board

91 Through hole

95 Fastening device

96: outer casing

A1 The first output

A2 A second output

B1: first detection area, active area

B2: second detection zone, active area

C is capacitor

D is the distance

E1: first input

E2 The second input

L1 first layer

L2 second layer

L3 third layer

L4 fourth layer

R is resistance

S1: first detection signal

S2: second detection signal

V: voltage source

VS: information is detected.

Claims (18)

1. Device (5) for the inductive detection of an activation action, in particular the actuation of a vehicle component (2), for a vehicle (1), comprising:

-sensor means (10) for inductively detecting the activation action to provide at least one detection signal (S1, S2), the at least one detection signal (S1, S2) being specific for detection information (VS) of the activation action,

-an electronic processing means (70) for determining detection information (VS) from the at least one detection signal (S1, S2) for detecting an activation action on the basis of the detection information (VS), wherein the sensor device (10) comprises at least two sensor elements (11, 12) on different layers (L1, L2) of the printed circuit board (90), wherein the at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are electrically connected to each other by means of vias (91).

2. Device (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are each designed as an electrical spiral coil.

3. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are electrically connected in parallel in space and/or in two lines and/or in series with each other for jointly inductively detecting an activation action.

4. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an activation device (20) is provided for movement relative to the sensor arrangement (10) by an activation action, at least two sensor elements (11, 12) being arranged with the activation device (20) in an effective range (B1, B2) for the electrically induced detection of the movement, in particular for providing an inductance change by the movement of the activation device (20).

5. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum spatial distance (D) of the sensor elements (11, 12) to the grounding element (80) and/or to the activation means (20) is substantially equal in the unactuated state.

6. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an activation device (20) is provided, which comprises an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal, in order to generate an electrical inductive influence (22) on the sensor element (11, 12) during the movement of the activation action.

7. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an activation device (20) is provided which is electrically connected directly or indirectly to the ground potential (80) of the device (5).

8. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connection (30) is arranged in the space between the at least one sensor element (11, 12) and the activation means (20), which connection (30) is of elastic design.

9. An arrangement (5) according to claim 8, characterized in that the connector (30) comprises an electrically conductive material for electrically connecting at least or exactly one sensor element (11, 12) with the activation device (20).

10. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shield (40) is provided for the sensor elements (11, 12), which shield (40) comprises an electrically conductive material which annularly surrounds the individual sensor element or elements (11, 12).

11. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shield (40) is electrically connected directly or indirectly to ground potential (80).

12. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shield (40) is geometrically designed as an open or resistively closed loop.

13. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are symmetrically connected to each other for generating at least two detection signals (S1, S2) as symmetrical and/or differential signals, whereby the at least two detection signals (S1, S2) have the same detection information (VS).

14. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (10) is adapted to provide at least one detection signal (S1, S2) as a first and a second detection signal (S1, S2), wherein the electronic processing means (70) are adapted to compare these detection signals (S1, S2) with each other to determine a detection information (VS) depending on the comparison and to detect an activation action based on the detection information (VS).

15. Device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two sensor elements (11, 12) are designed as part of a parallel resonant circuit in order to generate at least two detection signals (S1, S2) as informative equal and/or periodic signals.

16. Arrangement (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (10) further has at least two sensor elements (13, 14), the sensor elements (11, 12, 13, 14) of the sensor device (10) being electrically connected to each other and to each other directly or indirectly via the via (91) and to a ground potential (80) directly or indirectly.

17. Method for the electric induction detection of an activation action on a vehicle (1), in particular the actuation of a vehicle component (2), wherein the following steps are carried out:

-an inductive detection of the activation by the sensor device (10) for providing at least one detection signal (S1, S2), the at least one detection signal (S1, S2) being specific for the detection information (VS) of the activation,

-determining the detection information (VS) on the basis of at least one detection signal (S1, S2) in order to detect an activation action on the basis of the detection information (VS), wherein the sensor device (10) comprises at least two sensor elements (11, 12) on different layers (L1, L2) of the printed circuit board (90), wherein the sensor elements (11, 12) are electrically connected to each other by means of a via (91).

18. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device (5) according to any of the preceding claims is operated.

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