Patent Abstract:
Two sensors ( 20, 30 ) which cooperate with one another are used in the interior of an activator ( 10 ) in order to trigger functions in a vehicle, said sensors ( 20, 30 ) being a proximity sensor ( 20 ) with a capacitive electrode ( 21 ) and a pressure sensor ( 30 ) with a pressure measuring element ( 31 ). The intention is that the pressure measuring element ( 31 ) will be acted on when pressure is applied manually ( 44 ) to an application point ( 43 ) on the outside of the actuator ( 10 ). It is proposed that in order to improve the method of functioning that the electrode ( 21 ) of the proximity sensor ( 20 ) be provided with a breakthrough ( 22 ) and that the pressure transmission between the application point ( 43 ) on the actuator ( 10 ) and the pressure measuring element ( 31 ) be lead through the breakthrough ( 22 ) in the electrode ( 21 ). The space between the application point ( 43 ) and the pressure measuring element ( 31 ) is spanned by a pressure transmitting means ( 50 ) which passes through the breakthrough ( 22 ). The functioning of the proximity sensor ( 20 ) is not hampered just as the functioning of the pressure measuring element ( 31 ) is unimpeded.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     (not applicable) 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     (not applicable) 
     THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     (not applicable) 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     (not applicable) 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Invention 
     The invention is directed to a device of the kind given in the preamble of claim  1 . The proximity sensor and the pressure sensor cooperate. The signals coming from them are evaluated together in the control apparatus and are led to a common output signal, which serves for controlling the desired functions in a vehicle. 
     (2) Description of Related Art 
     The German printed Patent document DE 10 2004 019 571 A1 shows a known device of this kind. A piezo element operates here as a pressure measurement member, which piezo element is directly turned toward the point of attack of the handle, in order to be subjected to pressure by a tappet furnished at the point of attack in case of an actuation. This piezo element is carried by an electrode, wherein the electrode is directed away relative to the outer point of attack of the actuator. The buildup of the electric field is interfered with by the proximity sensor through the piezo element lying thereon. 
     The German printed Patent document DE 10 2005 046 542 A1 shows a device, wherein the piezo element is disposed between two electrodes of the proximity sensor as a dielectric. Here the electrodes shield the piezo element relative to the outer point of attack at the actuator. Thereby an interference free mode of operation of the piezo element is not any longer certain. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to develop a reliable device of the kind indicated in the preamble of claim  1 , which is space saving and where the effects of the proximity sensor and of the pressure sensor are not hindering each other mutually. This is accomplished by the features recited in claim  1 , wherein the features have the following particular importance. 
     Even though the electrode of the proximity sensor can in certain cases be disposed in front of the pressure measurement member of the pressure sensor relative to the outer point of attack at the actuator, the pressure measurement member is not shielded, since the electrode exhibits a breakthrough in alignment with the pressure measurement member. This breakthrough is disposed in the path of the pressure transfer between the outer point of attack of the actuator and the pressure measurement member. The pressure measurement member is in this case disposed in a plane, which plane—relative to the point of attack of the actuator—is disposed below the breakthrough. 
     However, is also possible to place the pressure measurement member in the plane, in which plane is located the electrode with its breakthrough. In certain cases the plane for the pressure measurement member could also be located in front of the breakthrough of the electrode. The electrode like a frame surrounds in both cases the pressure measurement member positioned in alignment with the breakthrough. A pressure exertion in the region of the point of attack of the actuator this way passes over a large area through the breakout up to the pressure measurement member. 
     The pressure transfer agent can be formed bodily and for example consist of a tappet. In this case the tappet is positioned in the region of the point of attack of the actuator with its one end, for example at the inner wall of the actuator, while the operating end is directed toward the pressure measurement member through the breakthrough. Such a tappet formed as a cone is recommended for an amplification of the pressure transfer obtained by focusing, wherein the large face base plane of the cone is turned toward the point of attack, while the narrowing end of the cone is directed toward the pressure measurement member. 
     Alternatively or additionally to the recited pressure transfer agents there can be furnished for this purpose also a medium, which fills the space between the point of attack, the breakthrough in the electrode and the pressure measurement member. Such a medium can also by itself be yielding elastically. It is recommended to form the medium incompressible in itself for obtaining a good transfer of the pressure. It is particularly simple to employ a casting mass as a medium, wherein the casting mass fills fully or in part the receiver in the actuator. 
     The steps of the invention effect that the effect of the electrode toward the outside is not shielded by the pressure measurement member and that the pressure measurement member on its side stands in effective connection through the breakthrough in the electrode immediately with the pressure transfer path up to the outer attack point of the actuator. Since the breakthrough is employed for the pressure transfer, vice versa also the electrode does not interfere with the operational effect of the pressure measurement member. 
     Further steps and advantages of the invention result from the further claims, the description and the drawings. An embodiment example of the invention is shown in part schematically and in part concrete. There is shown in: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  a schematic longitudinal section through an actuator into which the invention device is integrated, 
         FIG. 2  a schematic longitudinal sectional view through the pressure measurement member employed in the invention device, 
         FIG. 3  view of a part piece of a concrete actuator, wherein an insert belonging to the invention is partially pulled out from the actuator, 
         FIG. 4  shows a part piece of the insert shown in  FIG. 3  prior to the incorporation of the part piece into the actuator of  FIG. 3 , 
         FIG. 5  shows schematically a part piece of a first alternative embodiment to  FIG. 1  of the invention device, 
         FIG. 6  shows a second alternative of this device, and 
         FIG. 7  shows a third alternative of the invention device with employing the construction recognizable in  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A handle for actuating of a lock in a vehicle not shown in detail serves as an actuator  10  for triggering of functions in a vehicle. The actuator  10  has a receiver  11 , for example in the shape of a bore hole, wherein the opening  13  of the bore hole is disposed at the one end  12  of the handle  10 . 
     The actuator ( 10 ) is a handle for a door of the vehicle and wherein the receiver in the handle consists of a blind pocket hole ( 11 ), wherein the opening ( 13 ) of the blind pocket hole ( 11 ) is turned toward the one end ( 12 ) of the handle and wherein the equipped insert ( 15 ) is insertable into the interior of the handle ( 10 ) through the opening ( 13 ) of the blind pocket hole. 
     An insert  15  in the sense of the arrow  14  recognizable from  FIG. 3  can be inserted through this opening  13  into the interior of the actuator  10 . The insert  15  has a stopper  16  at its outer end, wherein the stopper  16  closes the opening of the bore hole  11  in the plug in situation according to  FIG. 1 , and supports itself on the circumference at the inner faces  17  of the bore hole. The insert ( 15 ) has a stopper ( 16 ) in the region of the opening ( 13 ) of the blind pocket hole ( 11 ) and wherein the stopper ( 16 ) at least partially closes the opening ( 13 ) of the blind pocket hole ( 11 ) in case of insertion and wherein the stopper ( 16 ) supports itself circumferentially at least point wise at the inner face ( 17 ) of the receiver ( 11 ). A cover  18  recognizable from  FIG. 1  can conclude the handle end  12  on the outer side of the stopper  16 . Such a cover  18  should be adapted with respect to material and color to the outer face of the actuator  10 . 
     The insert  15  has a support wall  19  extending in the course direction of the handle. A printed circuit board  40  is attached at at least one side of this support wall  19 , wherein the printed circuit board  40  exhibits a conductor path for schematic indicated electronic device components  41 . The device components  41  are coordinated to various sensors  20 ,  30 , and communication apparatus for the vehicle. These device components have in principle the following construction and the operational effect described in the following. An additional capacitive element can be disposed on the oppositely disposed side of this support wall  19 , wherein the capacitive element can belong to an electronic closure system. 
     The actuator  10  is a component of this electronic closure system, which for example serves for unbolting and/or locking of the already recited lock at a door or flap of the vehicle. The actuator  10  is then a handle of the door or of the flap and consists of a so-called pulled handle as shown by way of parts in  FIG. 3 . The handle in case of a manual actuation is also used for the mechanical opening of the lock. This electronic closure system is controlled both by a remote effect as well as also by a manual pressure actuation, wherein two together cooperating sensors  20 ,  30  are provided in the interior of the actuator  10 . In the present case the sensors  20 ,  30  serve for bolting the lock, while the previously recited additional capacitive element, which is not shown in detail, is employed for opening of the closure system. 
     If an authorized person approaches the vehicle or, respectively, the hand of the authorized person does, then initially during the so-called “keyless entry”, a testing of the access authorization takes place. The authorized person is in fact in possession of an identification donor, which shall be called in the following “ID-donor”. An identification taker entering into communication already at a distance, is coordinated to this ID-donor in the vehicle, wherein correspondingly the identification taker is designated as “ID-taker”. A mono or bidirectional communication takes place between the ID-donor and the ID-taker upon approach of the authorized person, and wherein the communication effects the recited unbolting or bolting of the lock in a successful case. This communication is triggered by a proximity sensor  20  in the present case, wherein at least the following device components, disposed in the interior of the actuator  10 , belong to the proximity sensor  20 . 
     The proximity sensor  20  comprises a capacitive electrode  21 , wherein the capacitive electrode  21  builds up an electric field in the outer space  42  around the actuator  10 . If the hand of the authorized person passes into this electrical field, the electrical device components belonging to the proximity sensor  20  determine a capacitive change, wherein the capacitive change is transmitted to an electrical control apparatus. At least some of these device components of the proximity sensor  20  and of the control apparatus can also be disposed in the interior of the actuator  10 . A bolting of the lock takes place upon successful communication for example as already recited. 
     After the manual actuation, thus a motor driven closure of the lock takes place within a defined time span. A pressure sensor  30  participates in the triggering of the closure motion of the lock, wherein at least one pressure measurement member  31  of the pressure sensor  30  is also disposed in the interior of the actuator  10 , and in fact in a particular combination with the previously recited electrode  21  of the proximity sensor  20 . 
     The operational effect of the pressure sensor  30  is triggered when a pressure in the sense of the force arrow  44  is exerted at a predetermined attack position characterized with the reference character  43  in  FIG. 1 . In fact the electrode  21  of the proximity sensor  20  is disposed below this point of attack  43 , however the electrode  21  has a breakthrough  22  at this position. The pressure measurement member  31  of the pressure sensor  30  is disposed below the breakthrough  22  at a distance  23 . In addition at least the space  24  is filled with an yielding casting mass  50 , wherein the casting mass  50  fills the complete receiver  11  in the present case. This casting mass  50  is filled into the interior of the actuator  10  after incorporation of the equipped insert  15 . The casting mass  50  therefore is present on a path marked with the arrow  45 , wherein a pressure  44  exerted at the point of attack  43  passes through the breakthrough  22  in the electrode  21  up to the pressure measurement member  31  and thereby sets the pressure sensor  30  active. 
     The electrode  21  of the proximity sensor  20  consists of an essentially U-shaped angled sheet metal section according to the first embodiment example as seen in a cross-sectional view and as best seen from  FIG. 1 . This U-shape can be subdivided into two U-legs  26 ,  27 , wherein the two U-legs  26 ,  27  are connected to each other by way of a U-middle web  25 . The breakthrough  22  is disposed in the U-middle web  25 . The ends of the two U-legs  26 ,  27  are supported at the one side of the support wall  19  by the insert  15 , for example the U-leg  26  is contacted with the conductor path of the circuit board  40  and with the associated electrical device components  41  by the insert  15  through electrical connections  28 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the pressure measurement member  31 , which is there in  FIG. 1  only schematically indicated, is disposed in the U-interior region between the two legs  26 ,  27  and the U-middle web  25 . The already recited distance  23  can here exist. It can be recognized from presentation in  FIG. 2  how such a pressure measurement member  31  can look. 
     The pressure measurement member consists out of the device unit  31  according to  FIG. 2  containing several device components. Initially a conductor foil  32  belongs to the device unit  31 , wherein the conductor foil  32  is directed toward the breakthrough  22  of the electrode  21  and therefore initially has to receive the pressure transfer  45 . As can concretely be recognized in  FIG. 4 , the conductor foil  32  has a grid work  34  made out of electrically conducting rods  33 , which contact with a piezo element  35  disposed below the conductor foil  32 . The piezo element  35  is seated on the annular spacer  36 , wherein the annular spacer  36  contacts electrically the piezo element  35  on the oppositely disposed side. These device elements  32 ,  35 ,  36  are pre-mounted on a carrying plate  37 . Contacts or, respectively, electrical connectors  38 ,  39  start out from the carrying plate  37 , wherein the contacts or, respectively, the electrical connectors  38 ,  39  are connected with the already recited electrical paths of the circuit board  40 . The carrying plate  37  can also have integrated electrical paths for the connection of the conducting grid work  34  and the spacer  36 . The carrying plate  37  is therefore designated as “Print”. 
     The steps recited in claim  25  have a proper inventive importance, wherein the steps are to be considered as an alternative to the steps recited in claim  1 . In this case the grid work  34  is at the same time used for the purpose in the conductor foil  32  of the pressure measurement member  31  in order to effect the functions of an electrode of a proximity sensor. A corresponding preparation of the electrical field generated by the grid work  34  is necessary, which field responds to the approaching of a person. The previously described electrode  21  with its breakthrough  22  can be dispensed within this alternative, because this task is already taken care of by the grid work  34 . The mesh openings operate as a plurality of breakthroughs, which breakthroughs allow the pressure actuating forces to pass to the piezo element  35 . The grid work  34  is also in itself bendable based on its geometrical structure which favors the pressure transfer up to the piezo element  35 . 
     It is to be understood that instead of the grid work  34  also a different arrangement of the important conductor rods  33  in the conductor foil  32  could be arranged, namely for example in the form of a family of electrical conductors disposed next to each other, wherein the electrical conductors are connected to each other in a different way as by crossing conductor rods. A wound double spiral of electrical conductors is for example suitable for this purpose, wherein the individual windings can move away from each other in their radial distances without further problem upon rotation of the conductor foil  32  during a pressure exertion  44 . The grid work could finally also be formed as a meander. 
     The interior  11  of the actuator  10  could also be filled with another material instead of the casting mass  50 , for example of material with a grain structure. It is important that an exertion of pressure  44  passes up to the pressure measurement member  31  through the above described path  45 . Therefore also massive elements could be arranged in the region of the path  45 , wherein the massive elements grip through the breakthrough  22  of the electrode  21  and this way take care of the pressure transfer  45 . Examples for the situation are illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , wherefrom the following construction results. 
       FIG. 5  shows schematically and in enlarged form an upper region of the device of the present invention in a first alternative to  FIG. 1 . The  FIG. 6  shows the same region according to a second alternative, while  FIG. 7  illustrates a third alternative of the invention by way of the  FIG. 2 . While the same reference characters as in the first embodiment example of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  are employed in these alternative embodiments according to  FIGS. 5 through 7 , therefore to some extent initially the previous description holds. Therefore it is sufficient to describe only the differences of these three alternatives to the first embodiment example of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     A medium illustrated by point hatching is in fact also present in the receiver  11  according to  FIG. 5 , however a tappet  46  serves as a further essential pressure transfer means, wherein the tappet  46  is seated on the foot side at the inner face  47  of said yielding wall  48 , which yielding wall  48  generates the already above recited outer side  27  of the actuator  10 . The free work end  49  of the tappet is aligned with the pressure measurement member  31 . The tappet  46  passes through the breakthrough  22  of the electrode  21 . Upon a pressure exertion  44 , the pressure over the tappet  46  is continued in the sense of the pressure transfer path  45  through a layer designated with reference character  51  of the local medium  50 . 
     The second embodiment example of  FIG. 6  has a similar construction. Here a conical element  52  operates as a tappet. The conical element  52  is turned with its large area cone basis  53  to the above described inner face  47  of the handle  10 . The narrowing cone end  54  is directed toward the pressure measurement member  31 , wherein the pressure measurement member  31  rests on a support  37  or on a circuit board. Layers  55 ,  56  of a medium  50  furnished also in this situation can be disposed above and/or below this cone element  52  and the layers  55 ,  56  can thereby participate at the pressure transfer. The conical element  52  acts during the pressure exertion  44  as a pressure amplifier, since the cone element  52  collects the load impinging on its large cone basis  53  and concentrates and therefore amplifies at its narrow end  54  transfers onto the pressure measurement member  31 . The device of  FIG. 6  is therefore particularly good pressure sensitive and thereby safe in its functioning. 
     The situation illustrated already by way of  FIG. 2  is present in the third embodiment example of  FIG. 7 . The feature comprises that the pressure measurement member  31  with its various elements is enveloped like a frame by an electrode  57  of a proximity sensor not shown in detail. Also in this case, the electrode  57  exhibits thus the previously described breakthrough  58 , wherein the pressure measurement member  31  is disposed in the breakthrough  58 . In the present case the electrode  57  is arranged on the already in connection with  FIG. 2  described support plate  37  or at an analogous circuit board. The carrier plate  37  is therefore carrier both of the electrode  57  as well as of the pressure measurement member  31 , without that these two sensors interfere against each other. 
     The decisive element of the pressure measurement member  31 , that is the piezo element  35 , is disposed in the plane  60  emphasized by point hatching according to the third embodiment example of  FIG. 7 . Also the analogous plane of the electrode  57  is drawn in  FIG. 7  through a dash—dotted line  59 . As can be taken from the comparison of the planes  60 ,  59 , even the plane  60  of the pressure measurement member can be positioned somewhat in front of the electrode  57 . The position of the planes  59 ,  60  is consequently not important, even though the construction according to  FIGS. 1 through 6  has proven to be particularly good. 
     List of reference characters 
     
         
           10  actuator, door handle 
           11  receiver, bore hole 
           12  first end of  10   
           13  opening of  11   
           14  arrow of the insertion motion of  15   
           15  insert 
           16  stopper of  15   
           17  inner face of  16   
           18  cover for  13  at  15   
           19  support wall of  15  for  20 ,  30 ,  40   
           20  proximity sensor 
           21  electrode of  20   
           22  breakthrough in  21   
           23  distance between  21 ,  31  ( FIG. 1 ) 
           24  space between  43 ,  22 ,  31  ( FIG. 1 ) 
           25  U-middle web of  21  ( FIG. 1 ) 
           26  first U-leg of  21  ( FIG. 1 ) 
           27  second U-leg of  21  ( FIG. 1 ) 
           28  electrical connection between  26  and  40  ( FIG. 1 ) 
           29  outer side of  10  ( FIG. 1 ) 
           30  pressure sensor 
           31  pressure measurement member of  30 , device unit 
           32  conductor foil of  31  ( FIG. 2 ) 
           33  conductor rod in  32  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ) 
           34  grid work from 33 ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ) 
           35  piezo element ( FIG. 2 ) 
           36  spacer ( FIG. 2 ) 
           37  support plate, print ( FIGS. 1 through 3 ) 
           38  electrical connector for  33 ,  34  ( FIG. 2 ) 
           39  electrical connector for  36  ( FIG. 2 ) 
           40  circuit board 
           41  electrical device components for  20 ,  30   
           42  outer space of  10  for electrical field 
           43  point of attack at  10   
           44  force arrow of the pressure exertion on  43  ( FIG. 1 ) 
           45  force transfer path ( FIG. 1 ) 
           46  tappet ( FIG. 5 ) 
           47  inner face of  48  ( FIG. 5 ) 
           48  wall of  10  ( FIG. 5 ) 
           49  working end of  46  ( FIG. 5 ) 
           50  casting mass, medium ( FIGS. 1 ,  5  through  7 ) 
           51  layer of  50  ( FIG. 5 ) 
           52  conical element ( FIG. 6 ) 
           53  cone base of  52  ( FIG. 6 ) 
           54  narrowed cone end of  52  ( FIG. 6 ) 
           55  upper layer of  50  ( FIG. 6 ) 
           56  lower layer of  50  ( FIG. 6 ) 
           57  electrode of  20  ( FIG. 7 ) 
           58  breakthrough of  57  ( FIG. 7 ) 
           59  plane of  57  ( FIG. 7 ) 
           60  plane of  35  ( FIG. 7 )

Technology Classification (CPC): 4