Device for sensing an obstacle in the opening range of a powered closure element for a motor vehicle

• US 20030233183A1
• Filed: 06/11/2003
• Published: 12/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems GmbH (Cooper-Standard Holdings Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems GmbH (Cooper-Standard Holdings Incorporated)
• Inventors: Nuber, Roland
• Granted Patent: US 6,936,986 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/49
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/46 responsive to changes in electrical capacitance
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/542 Roof panels
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 Windows
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2017/9602 characterised by the type or shape of the sensing electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/96078 Sensor being a wire or a strip, e.g. used in automobile door handles or bumpers

Abstract

A device for sensing an obstacle in the opening range of a movable closure element of a motor vehicle, more particularly an electrically powered window pane or sunroof is defined. The device is provided with at least one sensor electrode generating an electrical field in the opening range of the closure element. It is furthermore provided with a control unit for detecting a change in the capacitance of the electrical field caused by the presence of an obstacle in the opening range of the closure element, the control unit providing a control signal for a drive powering the closure element. The sensor electrode is connected to the control unit either directly or via a shielded conductor. The control unit is arranged on an electronic controller of the drive and compensates the influence of the shielded conductor on the electrical field.

Claims

1. A device for sensing an obstacle in the opening range of a movable closure element of a motor vehicle, more particularly an electrically powered window pane or sunroof, comprising at least one sensor electrode generating an electrical field in the opening range of said closure element and a control unit detecting a change in the capacitance of the electrical field caused by the presence of an obstacle in the opening range of said closure element and providing a control signal for a drive powering said closure element, said sensor electrode being connected to said control unit by a shielded conductor, said control unit being arranged on an electronic controller of said drive and compensating the influence of said shielded conductor on said electrical field.

2. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said control unit is grounded, preferably by said drive.

3. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said shielded conductor is connected to said electronic controller by means of a connector.

4. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said control unit is integrated in said connector.

5. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said control unit is integrated in said electronic controller of said drive.