Sensor measuring by capacitance and detection device with capacitive sensors for the detection of a trapping situation

• US 20060139036A1
• Filed: 10/17/2003
• Published: 06/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Valmet Automotive Oy
• Original Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
• Inventors: Gutendorf, Peter
• Granted Patent: US 7,323,885 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/686
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 7/0573 power driven arrangements, e.g. electrical
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/46 responsive to changes in electrical capacitance
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/508 of detection
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/40 Protection E05Y2400/50, E05Y2400/52 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/508 for convertibles
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/542 Roof panels

Abstract

A sensor measuring by capacitance, in particular for the detection of an obstruction of objects or body parts by motor driven devices, comprising an arrangement of a multitude of electrodes on a support and means to measure a capacitance or a capacitance change, is disclosed. The sensor is of a flat and film-like embodiment with a support made out of a film material for the arrangement of the electrodes. Furthermore, a capacitive sensor system, for detection of an obstruction situation of objects or body parts with motor driven devices using several sensors of the above design, is disclosed, whereby an obstruction situation is detected, if a selection of several sensors is responding.

Claims

1. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

11. A capacitance sensor for detection of an obstuction of a motor driven device by an object or a body part, comprising:

a generally flat and film-like support;

a mulititude of electrodes arranged on one side of the support; and

a means to measure a capacitance or a capacitance change;

wherein ambient air represents the dialectric.

2. A sensor according to claim 11, further comprising an automatically readjusting threshold switch.

12. A detection device, comprising:

a capacitive sensor system for detecting whether objects or body parts are obstructing a motor driven device, the system including a plurality of sensors, each sensor including;

a generally flat and film-like support;

a mulititude of electrodes arranged on one side of the support; and

a means to measure a capacitance or a capacitance change;

wherein ambient air represents the dialectric.

4. A detection device according to claim 12, wherein an obstruction situation is detected when a selection of several sensors are responding.

5. A detection device according to claim 12, wherein the motor driven device, for which an obstruction of objects or body parts is detected, is a convertible top of a convertible vehicle.

6. A detection device according to claim 5, wherein the sensors are located in the area of elements that are connected with each other by hinge-like connections and that are elements of a convertible top linkage and/or a tensioning bow and/or a convertible top compartment cover and/or a windshield frame and/or an area adjacent to a window.

7. A detection device according to claim 5, wherein the sensors that are used to detect an obstruction situation are located between a sealing section and/or trim parts and their support.

8. A detection device according to claim 5, wherein the capacitive sensor system is interacting with a sensor system that uses measurements based on a different measuring principle in order to detect an interference into the range of motion of the convertible top mechanism wherein, after a malfunction of the detection device or an obstruction situation is recognized, the convertible top motion is controlled by a control device in a safety mode, in which the convertible top motion continues with reduced speed and power or is stopped or reversed.

9. A detection device according to claim 8, wherein the capacitive sensor system interacts with an optical sensor system.

10. A detection device according to claim 9, wherein a safety mode is started when a malfunction is recognized in the optical sensor system.