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

• US 20030233790A1
• Filed: 05/05/2003
• Published: 12/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/06/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• 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
• Application Number:
  US10/429,582
• Publication Number:
  US 20030233790A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 49/28
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/00 Sealing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/30 characterised by the fastening means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/0212 Roof or head liners movable head-liners B60J7/0007
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2013/0287 integrating other functions or accessories
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/46 responsive to changes in electrical capacitance
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 Windows
• CPC Class Codes: F16P 3/12 with means, e.g. feelers, which in case of the presence of a body part of a person in or near the danger zone influence the control or operation of the machine F16P3/08 takes precedence

Abstract

A device for detecting an obstacle in the opening range of a closure element of a motor vehicle (10) movable between an open position and a closed position, more particularly an electrically powered window pane (20) or sunroof, comprises a sealing profile (30) sealing the closure element (20). The sealing profile (30) is made of an elastomeric material and secured to a frame (12) of the motor vehicle (10). In addition, the device comprises a sensor for detecting an obstacle in the opening range of the closure element (20) which includes at least one electrical conductor (40) generating an electrical field in the opening range of the closure element (20). Such a device is characterized by being comparatively cheap in production whilst featuring relatively simple assembly and maintenance. The reason for this is that the conductor (40) is arranged on a trim (50) providing finishing concealment of the frame (12) or the sealing profile (30) at least in part, wherein the trim (50) is stationary secured to the motor vehicle (10).

Claims

1. A device for detecting an obstacle in the opening range of a closure element of a motor vehicle movable between an open position and a closed position, more particularly an electrically powered window pane or sunroof, comprising a sealing profile sealing said closure element, said sealing profile being made of an elastomeric material and secured to a frame of said motor vehicle, and a sensor for detecting an obstacle in the opening range of said closure element, said sensor including at least one electrical conductor generating an electrical field in the opening range of said closure element, said conductor being arranged on a trim covering said frame or said sealing profile at least in part and stationary secured to said motor vehicle.

2. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said trim for electrically insulating said conductor is made of a dielectric material, preferably plastics material.

3. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said conductor is embedded in a sheathing made of an elastomeric dielectric material, said sheathing being secured to said trim.

4. The device as set forth claim 1, wherein said conductor is configured as a strand or strip.

5. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said conductor is connected to said trim by positive or non-positive locking.

6. The device as set forth in claim 5, wherein said conductor is located between at least two webs formed on said trim.

7. The device as set forth in claim 5, wherein said conductor can be clamped in place by a protuberance formed on said trim.

8. The device as forth in claim 5, wherein said conductor is located in a gap configured in said trim.

9. The device as set forth in claim 8, wherein said trim is elastically deformable at least in the region of said gap.

10. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said conductor is connected to said trim by a materially positive connection.

11. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said trim is connected to said scaling profile by positive locking.

12. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein said trim is configured as a molding extending along said sealing profile.