Abstract: A sensor array for detecting the approach and movement gestures of a user at a motor vehicle includes a capacitive sensor array and at least one control device that is coupled to the sensor array and detects a change in the capacitance of the sensor array. The sensor array includes at least two sensor electrode arrays which are arranged at spatially offset positions on the motor vehicle. The sensor electrodes are configured as elongate electrode arrays and are arranged with the same spatial orientation. The control and evaluation device is designed for cyclical activation and evaluation of the sensor electrodes with changeable, electrode-specific, different cycle rates.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating a door or hatch on a vehicle, wherein the apparatus has a sensor unit in order to allow detection of an object in at least one detection area which joins the motor vehicle, with the result that the detection can he used to activate the operation of the moving portion, wherein the sensor unit is in the form of a coaxial cable, wherein a conductor of the coaxial cable which is in the form of a metal, core is used as an active screen.

Abstract: A solution for sensor electronics provided in a door handle of a vehicle with a sensor control circuit (6) that is provided on a circuit board (1) and with a sensor electrode (11) of a capacitive sensor for detection of the approach of an object to the door handle connected to the sensor control circuit through which the sensitivity is improved, interference is decreased, and a compact structure is achieved.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor array including a sensor electrode which detects the intrusion of an object, a shield electrode and a background electrode. A control and evaluation circuit is coupled to the sensor electrode which detects a change in the capacitance of the sensor electrode. The sensor electrode periodically evaluates at least one of a current and voltage profile to detect the capacitance change. The shield electrode is coupled to the sensor electrode through the control and evaluation circuit such that it has no influence on the measured capacitance. The background electrode is controlled such that its potential is periodically switched between the reference potential and a second potential. When the sensor electrode is coupled with the first potential, the background electrode may be located on the reference potential. When the sensor electrode is not coupled with the first potential, the background electrode may be located on the second potential.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a sensor system (10) for a vehicle (100), comprising at least one or two sensors (11, 12) which have respective detection regions (11b, 12b) and metrologically detect changes in these detection regions (11b, 12b) and emit them as measured signals (11a, 12a), a control unit (15), especially in the form of a microprocessing unit which is connected to the sensors (11, 12), the control unit (15) evaluating the measured signals (11a, 12a) and generating at least one control signal (16) based thereon, at least one memory (18) in which at least the last control signal (16) is stored, and an interface (19) via which the control unit (15) forwards at least the last control signal to an external control module (21). At least one measured signal (11a, 12a) of a sensor (11, 12) is detected by the control unit (15) in a number of measurement steps (11.1-4, 12.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor array includes a sensor electrode, a shielding electrode and a background electrode which are surrounded by insulator materials and connected to a control and evaluation circuit. The sensor electrode detects the entry of an object into a space ahead of the sensor electrode. The control and evaluation circuit detects a capacity change of the sensor electrode as compared to a reference potential. The shielding electrode is connected to the sensor electrode via the control and evaluation circuit in such a manner that its potential follows. The three electrodes are arranged behind each other. The insulating materials are arrayed between the sensor electrode and the detection zone and include at least one plastic layer that directly surrounds the sensor electrode and a plastic layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating a virtual switch (50) by means of a sensor system (17.2) which detects an actuation of the switch (50), the sensor system (17.2) having at least two non-contact sensors (11, 12). The method comprises the following steps: a) starting the method, b) monitoring at least one sensor (11), starting a first timer (11.2) for a first period (11.3) if the first sensor (11) is activated (by an approaching object), d) starting a second timer (12.2) for a second period (12.3) if the second sensor (12) is activated (by an approaching object) and the first period (11.3) is not yet exceeded, and e) actuating the virtual switch (50) if at least one sensor (11, 12) is deactivated and the second period (12.3) is not yet exceeded, some of steps a) to e) proceeding simultaneously or chronologically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for actuating a moving part (10) of a vehicle (1), particularly a trunk lid (10.1), a side door (10.2), or the like, without contact, comprising a first detection means (11) for detecting an object in a first detection area (11a) and a second detection means (12) for detecting an object in a second detection area (12a) so that the actuation of the moving part (10) can be activated through the detection means (11, 12). According to the invention, the first detection means (11) is designed as a first capacitance sensor (11), and the second detection means (12) is designed as a second capacitance sensor (12), wherein means (13, 14) are provided, with which the detection areas (11a, 12a) can be specified in areas separated from each other.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor module with a sensor electrode which is used to detect the entry of an object into a space ahead of the sensor electrode, wherein the sensor electrode is formed from a wire. Parallel to the sensor electrode, auxiliary electrodes extend within a plastic carrier that possesses recesses to receive the sensor electrode and the auxiliary electrodes and partially surrounds them along their circumference. The sensor electrodes can be pressed into the plastic carrier by overcoming an elastic forming force and are held within their recesses by the elastic reshaping process.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor array includes a sensor electrode, a shielding electrode and a background electrode which are surrounded by insulator materials and connected to a control and evaluation circuit. Using the sensor electrode that extends along a first coordinate line, the entry of an object into a space ahead of the sensor electrode is detected. The control and evaluation circuit detects a capacity change of the sensor electrode as compared to a reference potential. The shielding electrode is connected to the sensor electrode via the control and evaluation circuit in such a manner that its potential follows. The three electrodes are arranged behind each other along a second coordinate line that is perpendicular to the first coordinate line. The insulating materials are arrayed between the sensor electrode and the detection zone. The central axis of the cylinder lies within the plane that is formed by the first and second coordinate lines.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor array comprises a sensor electrode by which the intrusion of an object into a space in front of the sensor electrode is detected, a shield electrode and a background electrode. A control and evaluation circuit is coupled with the sensor electrode. This control and evaluation circuit detects a change in the capacitance of the sensor electrode in comparison to a reference potential, in that the sensor electrode, at a given frequency, periodically and repeatedly couples with a given first potential evaluates at least one parameter of a current and voltage profile dependent on the periodic charging and discharging of the sensor electrode in order to detect the capacitance change, The background electrode is arranged at a distance behind the sensor electrode.

Abstract: A solution for sensor electronics provided in a door handle of a vehicle with a sensor control circuit (6) that is provided on a circuit board (1) and with a sensor electrode (11) of a capacitive sensor for detection of the approach of an object to the door handle connected to the sensor control circuit through which the sensitivity is improved, interference is decreased, and a compact structure is achieved. This task is solved by sensor electronics with a ground-metallization plane having a ground potential and a shielding electrode provided between the sensor electrode (11) and the ground-metallization plane, whereby the circuit board (1) has at least four metallization planes (7, 8.