Electronic sensor module, handle module, and movable vehicle element

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12320168-B2
Application number	US-202117645469-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Dec 22, 2021
Priority date	Dec 22, 2020
Publication date	Jun 3, 2025
Grant date	Jun 3, 2025

Abstract

An electronic sensor module for a handle may have one sensor unit having a movable sensor element and a fixed sensor element which is arranged spaced apart from and opposite the movable sensor element. The module may also have an electronics unit which is electrically connected to the sensor elements for triggering a switching signal and on which the fixed sensor element is arranged. At least the movable sensor element may be encapsulated at least in some regions by a foam material and is designed as an integrated component in the form of a preassembly unit. Connection elements of the movable sensor element protrude from the foam material in a preassembly state and are connected to the electronics unit in an assembled state. A handle module and to a movable vehicle element are also described.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. An electronic sensor module for a handle, comprising:
one sensor unit, comprising:
a movable sensor element and
a fixed sensor element which is arranged spaced apart from and opposite the movable sensor element, and
one electronics unit that is electrically connected to the sensor elements for triggering a switching signal and on which the fixed sensor element is arranged,
wherein only the movable sensor element is encapsulated at least in some regions by a foam material and is designed as an integrated component in the form of a preassembly unit separable from the electronics unit,
wherein connection elements of the movable sensor element protrude from the foam material in a preassembly state and are connected to the electronics unit in an assembled state,
wherein the connection elements are electrically connected to the electronics unit and extend from a first side of the electronics unit, upon which the fixed sensor element is attached, to a second opposite side of the electronics unit,
wherein the movable sensor element comprises a base element which is encapsulated completely by the foam material.

2. The electronic sensor module according to claim 1 , wherein, in the assembled state of the preassembly unit having the electronics unit, the electronic sensor module is designed as an integrated structural unit and a separate assembly unit.

3. The electronic sensor module according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit is additionally surrounded at least in some regions by a potting material.

4. The electronic sensor module according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit is designed as a force sensor for executing a switching function.

5. The electronic sensor module according to claim 1 , wherein an actuation element is provided for actuating the movable sensor element and is arranged above and/or below the movable sensor element.

6. The electronic sensor module according to claim 5 , wherein the actuation element is encapsulated in some regions or completely by the foam material and is part of the integrated component and the preassembly unit.

7. An outside handle module for a movable vehicle element of a vehicle, wherein the handle module comprises the electronic sensor module according to claim 1 and a handle support on or in which the electronic sensor module can be arranged.

8. The outside handle module according to claim 7 , wherein the electronic sensor module is designed as a triggering unit for automatically triggering a function, said triggering function comprising triggering an unlocking and automatic opening of a door lock of the door.

9. The outside handle module according to claim 8 wherein, when an actuation element is arranged above a movable sensor element, the handle support and the actuation element surround the triggering unit in an encapsulating manner.

10. The outside handle module according to claim 9 , wherein the integrated component is arranged and mounted in the handle support on an inner side of the handle support in the region of a through opening and opposite the actuation element.

11. The outside handle module according to claim 10 , wherein the electronics unit comprises a printed circuit board having a first surface side and a second surface side, wherein an integrated circuit arrangement is arranged on the first surface side, and the sensor unit is arranged on the opposite second surface side.

12. The outside handle module according to claim 11 , wherein the sensor unit additionally comprises a sensor housing, wherein the fixed sensor element is arranged directly on the second surface side of the printed circuit board, and the movable sensor element is arranged at a distance from the fixed sensor element in a receiving opening of the sensor housing.

13. A movable vehicle element having the outside handle module according to any claim 7 , wherein the sensor module can be arranged or is arranged in or on the outside handle module.

14. An electronic sensor module for a handle, comprising:
one sensor unit, comprising:
a movable sensor element and
a fixed sensor element which is arranged spaced apart from and opposite the movable sensor element, and
one electronics unit that is electrically connected to the sensor elements for triggering a switching signal and on which the fixed sensor element is arranged,
wherein the movable sensor element is encapsulated at least in some regions by a foam material and is designed as an integrated component in the form of a preassembly unit,
wherein connection elements of the movable sensor element protrude from the foam material in a preassembly state and are connected to the electronics unit in an assembled state,
wherein the connection elements are directly electrically connected to the movable sensor element and extend through the foam to a first side of the electronics unit where they are attached with solder, wherein the fixed sensor element is attached to the first side of the electronics unit,
wherein the movable sensor element comprises a base element, wherein upper and lower surfaces of the base element are in direct facing contact with the foam material.

Assignees

• Witte Automotive Gmbh

Inventors

• Mensch Reinaldo
• Zammert Christian
• Herdering Markus

Classifications

• G01L5/00

  Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes · CPC title

• E05B83/40

  for sliding doors · CPC title

• E05B77/34

  Protection against weather or dirt, e.g. against water ingress (closures or guards for keyholes E05B17/14) · CPC title

• E05B81/76

  Detection of handle operation; Detection of a user approaching a handle; Electrical switching actions performed by door handles · CPC title

• H03K2217/96076

  with spring electrode · CPC title