Apparatus for controlling and sensing moisture on a movable closure member, more particularly an electrically powered automotive window pane
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling and sensing a closure member movable between an open position and a closed position, more particularly an electrically powered window pane in a motor vehicle, comprising:
- a sensor having a sensor electrode generating an electric field in an opening range of the closure member anda controller connected to the sensor and detecting any change in capacitance of the sensor electrode in providing a control signal,the controller detecting a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode on the basis of the presence of film of moisture on the closure member;
wherein the sensor is operable in a first sensitivity mode and in a second sensitivity mode;
wherein the controller detecting in the first sensitivity mode a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode due to the presence of an obstruction in the opening range of the closure member; and
wherein the controller detecting in the second sensitivity mode a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode due to the presence of a film of moisture on the closure member.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling and sensing a closure member (20) movable between an open position and a closed position, more particularly an electrically powered window pane (20) of a motor vehicle (10) is provided with a sensor. The sensor comprises a sensor electrode (40) generating an electric field (F) in an opening range of the closure member (20) and a controller (22) connected to the sensor which senses any change in capacitance of the sensor electrode (40) in providing a control signal. For detecting a film of moisture (23) formed by condensation on the closing member (20) by simple and relatively low-cost means, the controller (22) detects a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode (40) caused by the presence of a film of moisture (23) on the closure member (20).
-
Citations
11 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for controlling and sensing a closure member movable between an open position and a closed position, more particularly an electrically powered window pane in a motor vehicle, comprising:
-
a sensor having a sensor electrode generating an electric field in an opening range of the closure member and a controller connected to the sensor and detecting any change in capacitance of the sensor electrode in providing a control signal, the controller detecting a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode on the basis of the presence of film of moisture on the closure member; wherein the sensor is operable in a first sensitivity mode and in a second sensitivity mode; wherein the controller detecting in the first sensitivity mode a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode due to the presence of an obstruction in the opening range of the closure member; and wherein the controller detecting in the second sensitivity mode a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode due to the presence of a film of moisture on the closure member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
Specification