US 12,473,758 B2
Decorative element with an actuation mode, vehicle element and vehicle
Reinaldo Mensch, Wuppertal (DE); and Ralf Höhn, Velbert (DE)
Assigned to Witte Automotive GmbH, Velbert (DE)
Filed by Witte Automotive GmbH, Velbert (DE)
Filed on Dec. 30, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/148,473.
Claims priority of application No. 10 2021 215 096.0 (DE), filed on Dec. 30, 2021; and application No. 10 2022 202 809.0 (DE), filed on Mar. 22, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0212890 A1, Jul. 6, 2023
Int. Cl. E05B 81/64 (2014.01); B60R 25/01 (2013.01); B60R 25/21 (2013.01); B60R 13/04 (2006.01)
CPC E05B 81/64 (2013.01) [B60R 25/01 (2013.01); B60R 25/21 (2013.01); B60R 13/04 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A decorative element with an actuation module for an electronic lock system, wherein the actuation module comprises at least an outer actuation element and an interior actuation sensor for triggering a switching function and an electronic evaluation unit that is connected to the actuation sensor, wherein the actuation sensor comprises a first interior sensor element and a second interior sensor element that are placed separate from and opposite to each other and between which an electrical field extends, wherein the decorative element forms the actuation element and the decorative element moves elastically when actuated so that the interior actuation sensor has force applied to it and the distance between the two sensor elements, as well as the electrical field extending between the two sensor elements, changes, and wherein the electronic evaluation unit detects the change in the electrical field and, when a threshold value is exceeded, generates a corresponding control signal to open or unlock the electronic lock system,
wherein a first flexible element is arranged at least between the decorative element and at least one component of the actuating sensor, which deforms when the decorative element is actuated,
wherein the first interior sensor element is connected to a first sensor housing and the second interior sensor element is connected to a second sensor housing, wherein at least one of the sensor housings, and the respective sensor element on the housing, moves relative to the other sensor housing and the other sensor element, and
wherein a second flexible element is arranged between the two sensor housings.