Abstract:
The invention relates to an actuator ( 10 ) for closing and/or opening a mobile part, especially a door, a tailgate or the like. Said actuator comprises a support ( 20 ), an actuating element ( 30 ), an electronic unit ( 50 ) and a detector system ( 60 ), the actuating element ( 30 ) being arranged on the support ( 20 ), the detector system ( 60 ) being arranged in the region of the actuating element ( 30 ) and at least a locking or unlocking action being triggerable directly or indirectly on the detector system ( 60 ). The electronic unit ( 50 ) interacts with the detector system ( 60 ) and the electronic unit ( 50 ) controls a locking system ( 40 ) for locking or unlocking. The invention is characterized in that a receiving unit ( 70 ) is integrated into the support ( 20 ) and/or into a handle shell ( 32 ) in a material fit, at least a part of the electronic unit ( 50 ) being permanently accommodated in the receiving unit ( 70 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to an operating device for opening and/or closing a moving part, in particular a door, a tailgate or the like, having a carrier, operating means, an electronic system and a detector system, such that the operating means are arranged on the carrier. This detector system is arranged in the area of the operating means and at least one locking or unlocking operation can be triggered either directly or indirectly on the detector system. The electronic system cooperates with the detector system and controls a lock system for the locking or unlocking operation. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Such operating devices are familiar to those skilled in the art, e.g., from automotive engineering. The patent DE 101 53 143 C1 discloses an operating device used on the side doors of motor vehicles. The operating device here has operating means with which a door on a motor vehicle can be opened or closed. In addition, a detector system that responds to proximity of the human hand is integrated into the operating means. In the event of response, functions such as unlocking of the door lock that are defined by the detector system are triggered in the motor vehicle. The electronic system required for these functions is integrated into an additional housing, which is attached to the rear side of the operating device. This separate mounting and support of the electronic system on the operating device has proven to be complicated and cost intensive. 
         [0003]    Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention develops an operating device which will avoid the aforementioned disadvantages while using only a few parts. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    According to the present invention, it is provided that the receptacle means are integrated into or onto the carrier and/or into or onto a handle shell in an integrally bonded manner and at least a portion of the electronic system is permanently supported in the receptacle means. Due to the integrally bonded arrangement of the receptacle means on the operating device, an accommodating space for the electronic system is created, where the electronic system can be stored so that it is protected from external influence. In addition, the integrally bonded integration of the receptacle part into the operating device is accomplished easily and inexpensively. In general, it is advisable to design the carrier and/or the handle shell and the receptacle means to be of the same material and to manufacture them in one manufacturing step. 
         [0005]    A bond in which the bonding partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces is considered to be an integrally bonded connection in the sense of the present invention. The integrally bonded connection is an inseparable bond which can be released only by destruction of one of the two bonding partners. An integrally bonded connection of the receptacle part to the carrier by adhesive gluing, welding, laser welding, friction welding and/or soldering is possible. 
         [0006]    A module which can serve to open as well as to close a moving part, e.g., a door, and also for locking and unlocking a lock system may be considered as the operating device in the sense of the present invention. The term “operating device” includes in particular exterior door handles and trunk lid handles on motor vehicles. Such operating devices are recessed in the exterior surfaces of the vehicle body and are accessible from the outside for functional operation. Any mechanical systems and electronic components will be arranged largely in the interior of the vehicle body and are thereby protected from direct exposure to environmental influences. 
         [0007]    The actual opening operation of the moving part takes place after unlocking the lock system. To do so, the user may make use of operating means, which can be understood to refer to a module that allows the moving part, in particular the door, to be opened and/or closed. It is essentially conceivable for the operating means of the operating device to be designed to be movable and/or immovable. In older vehicles, it is known that by moving the operating means, the lock striker plate of a mechanical lock is transferred from the closed position to an open position. Modern operating device, however, have operating means that no longer need be moved because there is an electric and/or electromechanical adjustment of the lock. To this end, the detector system of the operating device may adjust the respective electromechanical lock on contact with the operating means. Then simply pulling on the operating means is all that is required, e.g., to open the door or the trunk lid. 
         [0008]    The term “detector system” is understood to include all units which monitor the environment of the operating device. In particular, this refers to inductive and/or capacitive sensors which may be used for triggering the locking or unlocking operation. The detector system may thus comprise elements that detect the proximity of or contact with the human hand. Information obtained in this way is analyzed in an electronic unit and/or processed further. The term “electronic unit” comprises all electrically operable elements which are used for analyzing the signals and information of the detector system. The detector system may likewise also be used for transmitting a wake-up signal and/or an identification signal. 
         [0009]    The term “lock system” comprises not only the mechanical components used for locking and unlocking moving parts such as doors, but instead it also comprises all electromechanical systems that trigger mechanical components. In addition, the term “lock system” also includes the central lock system used in modern vehicles. This allows complete locking and unlocking of all movable doors and tailgates of a motor vehicle by operating a locking cylinder and/or an electronic signal generator. Such lock systems may be so-called passive or active keyless entry systems. 
         [0010]    The inventive carrier has a frame element and a handle shell. Depending on the intended purpose, the frame element and the handle shell may be designed in one piece and together may form the carrier. The carrier may optionally have a separate frame element in which the independent handle shell is supported. In a first advantageous design variant, the receiving shell is designed in one piece and/or is made of the same material arranged on the rear side of the carrier and/or the handle shell. The carrier and/or the handle shell and the receiving element form a space that is closed longitudinally and at the bottom. According to the invention, the electronic system is permanently stored in the space where it is protected from external influences. To optimize this protection, the receptacle means may have a housing element and a cover element. This combination results in a space completely surrounding the electronic system into which no environmental influences can penetrate from the outside. 
         [0011]    For further protection of the electronic system, it may be cast with a casting compound in the receptacle means. Casting compounds comprising a single component resin, a multicomponent resin or a synthetic resin have been found to be advantageous here. In particular polyester resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy resins and/or silicone resins offer both good electric insulation as well as permanent protection against external influences. To prevent an electronic system embedded in a casting compound from falling out of the receptacle means, a groove may be provided in the interior of said receptacle means. The casting compound flows into this groove in casting and thus forms a form-fitting and non-positive bond to the receptacle means. Instead of a groove, it is also conceivable to provide a bulge which forms a form-fitting connection with the casting compound. This ensures that the electronic system will be held and/or supported securely in the receptacle means by the casting compound even in the presence of extreme vibration and shaking. 
         [0012]    It has proven expedient if the receptacle means, in particular the housing element, are welded onto the carrier. To this end, the two aforementioned components may be made of plastic. In one conceivable embodiment of the invention, the receptacle means may be attached to the side of the carrier facing the interior by laser welding. For example, the receptacle means may be designed to be laser transparent so that the surface of the carrier absorbs the laser. In particular, the surface may be coated with a certain material so that the carrier becomes the absorbent medium. Laser welding may then be performed under a protective gas atmosphere in one possible embodiment. Other alternative joining methods are also conceivable, e.g., by ultrasonic welding or by adhesive gluing of the receptacle means to the carrier. The adhesive material used may be selected from all suitable adhesives. In a contrary exemplary embodiment, it is conceivable for the receptacle means to be manufactured simultaneously with the carrier in one manufacturing step, so that the two parts are designed in one piece and of the same material. 
         [0013]    In another design variant, the cover element may cover a head side of the housing element in at least some areas. To protect the electronic system from environmental influences such as moisture, etc., it has proven advantageous if the cover element completely covers the housing element and in particular is sealed with respect to the outside. In addition, seals may be incorporated into the cover element, leading to sealing of the receptacle means in a manner that is protected from splash water. It is also conceivable for an inspection window to be inserted into the cover element, through which monitoring of the electronic system and/or the casting compound is possible. 
         [0014]    In another advantageous embodiment, the cover element may have at least one rod-type blocking means. This blocking means may be arranged on the underside of the cover element and may protrude into the casting compound. If the cover element is placed on the housing element immediately following the casting of the electronic system, the blocking means may penetrate into the casting compound while still soft. After curing of the casting compound, the result is a non-positive and/or form-fitting bond between the blocking means and the casting compound so that the cover element is held securely on the housing element. In another design variant, the housing element has at least one restraining means and the cover element has blocking means, such that the restraining element and the blocking means form a reversibly releasable connection. In particular the restraining means may be catch means, the blocking means may be mating catch means, and the catch means may be arranged in the head area of the receptacle means. The mating catch means require only a very small design space and restrict the interior of the receptacle means to an insignificant extent. In addition, the kinematics of the catch means and/or mating catch means may be reversed, and the restraining means may have the mating catch means with which the catch means arranged on the blocking means engage. Optionally the cover element may also be welded to the housing element so that it is inseparably attached. The core of this exemplary embodiment is protection of the interior space of the receptacle means from external influences. To achieve this, the housing element and the cover element must be joined together as tightly as possible. 
         [0015]    To be able to easily install and securely restrain the electronic system in the receptacle means, the receptacle means may have positioning means. The positioning means serve to hold the electronic system in a defined position within the receptacle means. Use of the positioning means also makes it possible for the electronic system to be arranged centrally in the receptacle means, so that the casting compound which is optionally used can completely surround the electronic components. In general, the electronic system is arranged on a circuit board, so it has proven advantageous if the positioning means cooperate with the circuit board in such a way that the latter is reversibly connectable to the positioning means. It has thus proven expedient if the positioning means are designed as a type of snap lock or clamp into which the circuit board can be inserted. In one conceivable embodiment, the positioning element may be connected to the receptacle means in one piece and/or made of a uniform material. This is advantageous in particular when the receptacle means are made of a plastic and the positioning means can be brought into a corresponding form by drawing, casting and/or pressing. At the same time, the positioning means may also have electric contacts so that an electric connection can be established to the circuit board and/or to the electronic system on the circuit board. 
         [0016]    To communicate with the detector system, the electronic system in general has a number of cables emerging from the receptacle means. To be able to guarantee an unambiguous position of the cables even in large-scale industrial production of the operating device, the electronic system and/or the circuit board may have at least one characteristic element. This characteristic element cooperates with the positioning means and ensures a defined arrangement of the electronic system and/or the circuit board within the receptacle means. The characteristic element may be a recess, catch means, a borehole and/or a structure. For the complementary positioning means, the following have proven advantageous: a nose, mating catch means, a pin and/or a mating structure opposite the given structure. The cooperation of the characteristic element and the positioning means ensures that the electronic system can be introduced into the receptacle means only in a predefined type and manner. Attempts to insert the electronic system into the receptacle means in a position other than the intended position are thus prevented. It has proven advantageous if the positioning means are made of a plastic having a lower hardness than the circuit board. This ensures that on insertion of the circuit board into the positioning means, there cannot be any damage to the circuit board. It is also conceivable that the aforementioned characteristic element of the circuit board may be provided with electric contacts which enter into an electric connection with the contacts on the positioning means. Thus the electric connecting cables, for example, may be arranged directly on the contacts of the positioning means to connect the electronic system electrically to the other vehicle electric and/or electronic system on installation. Consequently, additional connecting cables on the circuit board and their electronic system may be omitted. 
         [0017]    In another advantageous embodiment of the inventive operating device, the receptacle means may have a rod-type bearing element. The bearing element may be arranged in the area of the operating means and/or the carrier. The bearing element serves in particular as a bearing for the detector system or individual elements of the detector system. As already described above, the locking or unlocking of the lock system is often triggered by contact with the operating means. To position the detector system in the vicinity of the operating means, it has proven advantageous to use a finger-type bearing element which is arranged perpendicular to the carrier plane and protrudes in the direction of the operating means. In one conceivable embodiment, the bearing element and the housing element may be connected in one piece and/or may be made of the same material. This reduces the cost in manufacturing the operating device and allows a uniform casting of the receptacle means and the bearing element with casting compound. 
         [0018]    The inventive operating device may optionally have an antenna arranged in the receptacle means, in particular on the circuit board and/or in the bearing element. The antenna serves as part of a sending and receiving unit for regulating access to the motor vehicle. For example, the user may carry an electronic signal generator on him, by means of which authentication with respect to the vehicle is possible. To this end, the signal generator, also known as an ID generator, sends coded information. The vehicle receives and compares this information with stored data. In the event of a positive evaluation of the received information, the lock system may lock or unlock the doors of the vehicle. In modern vehicles, not only is there often a one-time transmission of information but instead there is often multilayer bidirectional communication between the electronic signal generator and the motor vehicle. To convey the information, electromagnetic waves are generally used as the carrier system. To receive and/or to send these electromagnetic waves, a sending and receiving unit having an antenna is integrated into the vehicle. It has proven advantageous for this antenna to be arranged in the receptacle means, in particular on the circuit board. 
         [0019]    In another advantageous embodiment, the receptacle means and/or individual elements of the receptacle means contain a plastic, a metal and/or a composite material. The term “plastic” is understood to refer to all substances in which synthetic polymers, i.e., semisynthetically created polymers with organic groups, are the basic component. In contrast with that the term composite material is understood to include all materials comprising two or more materials bonded together. In addition, the receptacle means and/or individual elements of the receptacle means can be manufactured by injection molding, extrusion, blow molding and/or injection blow molding. 
         [0020]    Furthermore, the invention is directed to a motor vehicle having at least one operating device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0021]    Additional measures, features, details and effects of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings. The invention is diagrammed schematically in several exemplary embodiments in the drawings, in which 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram of a front view of an inventive operating device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a rear side of the operating device having a receptacle means; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of the operating device having the receptacle means; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  shows an enlarged section of the operating device from  FIG. 3 ; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  shows another design variant of the inventive operating device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of an inventive operating device  10 . In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the operating device  10  is an exterior door handle. Such operating devices  10  are mounted in the exterior surfaces of the vehicle body of vehicles (not shown in the figures). By operating the operating means  30 , it is possible to open and/or close a movable door. Essentially only the operating means  30  and a handle shell  32  of the operating device  10  are accessible from the outside, i.e., from the exterior side of the door. The other elements of the operating device  10  face the interior side of the door. A lock cylinder  43  of a lock system  40  is countersunk in the handle shell  32 . The mechanical locking or unlocking of the lock system  40  can be triggered on the lock cylinder  43 , thereby making it possible to ensure that unauthorized persons cannot gain access to the motor vehicle. In addition to the lock cylinder  43  shown here, the locking and/or unlocking operation may also be controlled electrically by a passive or active keyless entry system. The operating means  30  illustrated in the figures include a tailgate handle. The operating means  30  may also be designed as a pull handle, a revolver handle or the like, such that a detector system  60  is expediently provided in or on the operating means  30 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows the rear side of the operating device  10  from  FIG. 1 . The discernible elements of the operating device  10  are arranged on the inside of the body of the moving part. The basis for the operating device  10  is formed by a carrier  20 , which is supported in the inside of the door and on which the operating means  30  and the lock system  40  are arranged. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the carrier  20  is designed in two parts. First, the carrier  20  has a frame element  22 , which is designed in the form of a rectangle and can be mounted on the vehicle body by means of a receptacle means  23 . The handle shell  32  is supported in the frame element  22 . The handle shell may, but need not, be connected in one piece to the frame element  22  and/or made of the same material as the latter. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  shows the rear side of the lock cylinder  42  with transmitting means  44  arranged thereon. By way of the transmitting means  44 , the rotational movement introduced into the lock cylinder  43  by using a key can be transmitted to a lock striker plate (not shown), which leads to the locking or unlocking operation. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the operating means  30  support the detector system  60 . This may involve a capacitive and/or inductive sensor, which detects proximity of and/or contact with the operating means  30  by a human hand. In the case of a passive keyless entry system, the lock system  40  is triggered for the locking or unlocking operation by detection of a human hand in the vicinity of the operating means  30 . To perform these functions, an electronic system  50  is required which cooperates with the detector system  60 . According to the invention, it is provided that a receptacle part  70  is integrated into or onto the carrier  20  and/or into or onto the handle shell  32  in a physically bonded manner and at least part of the electronic system  50  is permanently supported in the receptacle means  70 . The receptacle means  70  are advantageously connected to the carrier  20  and/or the handle shell  32  in one piece and/or made of the same material. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the receptacle means  70  are integrated into the handle shell  32  and have a housing element and a cover element  90 . The two elements  80 ,  90  together with the handle shell  32  form a closed space in which the electronic system  50  is supported in such a way that it is protected from external influences. In addition, the electronic system  50  may be cast with a casting compound  110  in the receptacle means  70 . It has been found to be advantageous if the casting compound  110  is made of a resin or synthetic resin. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  shows a cross section through the inventive operating device  10  from  FIG. 2  along sectional line I-I. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the housing element  80  has an L-shaped cross section and is integrated into the handle shell  32  with one free end of a longitudinal side on the bottom and on the rear side  21  of the carrier  22 . In this way, a space that is completely closed by the cover element  90  placed on it from above and can hold the electronic system  50  permanently in its interior is formed on the rear side of the handle shell  32 , said space being closed on the bottom and on the longitudinal sides. Likewise, the space of the receptacle part  70  may also be opened on the side, i.e., on the side opposite the rear side  21 , so that the cover element  90  seals the space on the left side in this case. 
         [0032]    In modern operating devices  10 , the electronic system  50  is generally arranged on a circuit board  51 . To achieve a simple and secure installation of the circuit board  51  in the receptacle means  70 , positioning means  100  may be introduced into the receptacle means  70 . For example, a receptacle for the circuit board  51  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . However, the positioning means  100  may also be catch means such as a snap lock or a clamp which cooperates in a non-positive and/or force-fitting manner with the circuit board  51 . In another embodiment, the circuit board  51  may have a characteristic element  52  which cooperates with the positioning means  100 . The characteristic element  52  ensures that the electronic system  50  and/or the circuit board  51  can be plugged into the receptacle means  70  in only one position. As already mentioned previously, an electric connection may also be established via the positioning means  100  and the characteristic element  52 . 
         [0033]    For insulation and protection against external influences, the receptacle means  70  in  FIG. 3  are filled with a casting compound  110 . To be sure that the entire electronic system  50  and/or the entire circuit board  51  is/are surrounded by the casting compound  110 , the receptacle means  70  should be completely filled. To allow a good hold for the casting compound  110  in the receptacle means  70 , optionally a groove and/or a bulge  71  may be provided in the interior of the housing element  80 . In addition, the housing element  80  may be closed by the cover element  90 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 4  which shows an enlargement of a detail from  FIG. 3 . A head area of the housing element  80  with the cover element  90  is shown. As this shows, the cover element  90  protects the casting compound  110  from possible contact with other objects. To allow a reversibly detachable connection between the housing element  80  and the cover element  90 , the latter has two blocking means  91 . These blocking means  91  together with restraining means  81  and a receptacle  26 . In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the first blocking means  91  are designed with a hook shape engaging in the receptacle  27  in the wall  20 . The second blocking means  91  have the function of catch means and cooperate with the restraining means  81  designed as a borehole. If a cover element  90   80  [sic,  90 ] hat is reversibly releasable by the housing element  80  is not desired, at least one of the blocking means  91  shown here may be designed to be large, so that it protrudes into the casting compound  110 . After hardening of the casting compound  110 , a non-positive and/or force-fitting connection to the blocking means  91  is formed. It has proven to be advantageous if the blocking means  91  are pin shaped and have a hook-shaped contact face on the outer surface running radially because the casting compound  110  can flow between these contact faces, thereby embedding a large surface area in a non-positive and/or form-fitting manner. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the inventive operating device  10 . In contrast with the first exemplary embodiment, the carrier  20  has a frame element  22  which completely covers the handle shell  32  (not visible in the drawing). For reinforcement, the frame element  22  has rib-like structures  24 . The inventive receptacle means  70  are supported between these structures  24 . As also disclosed in the exemplary embodiment described above, the receptacle element  70  has a housing element  80  and a cover element  90 . In addition, a rod-like bearing element  120  is mounted on one of the transverse sides of the receptacle means  70 . This bearing element  120  is connected in one piece to the receptacle means  70  and is made of the same material. The function of the bearing element  120  consists of supporting some or all of the elements of the detector system  60 . In addition to the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the detector system  60  may also be arranged at the height of the lock cylinder  43  in the operating device  10 . To achieve a suitable positioning, rod-shaped bearing elements  120  have proven advantageous, protruding away from the carrier  20  in the direction of the operating means  30 . Through the inventive one piece combination of the bearing element  120  and the receptacle element  70  which are made of the same material, a uniform casting with the casting compound  110  can be achieved. Thus no interspace through which moisture can penetrate is formed between the bearing element  120  that receives the detector system  60  and the receptacle means  70  restraining the electronic system  50 .