The invention relates to a handle unit (10) to trigger the function of a lock (19) for opening and/or for closing a moving part (42), in particular a door, a tailgate or similar of a motor vehicle (40), with one electronic unit (20, 20′) and one actuating element, wherein the electronic unit (20, 20′) is used for data communication with a vehicle part, in particular with a security system; the actuating element monitors an actuation zone (60) and a signal is triggered by means of the actuating element by a movement of an object (100) within the actuation zone (60). The invention provides that the actuating element optically monitors the actuation zone (60) so that the detection of a specified motion pattern (30) due to movement of the object (100) will cause a triggering of the signal.