Anti-pinch sensor
First Claim
1. An anti-pinch sensor for detecting an obstacle in the path of an actuator of a motor vehicle, the anti-pinch sensor comprising:
- a first measurement electrode;
a second electrically isolated measurement electrode spaced a distance from the first measurement electrode;
a flexible sensor body elastically supporting the first and second measurement electrodes relative to an electrically isolated ground electrode; and
a measurement electronics unit for detecting a measured capacitance between the first and the second measurement electrodes for contactless detection of the obstacle, and for detecting compression of the sensor body with respect to the ground electrode based on a corresponding change in the measured capacitance as the ground electrode is drawn closer to the first and second measurement electrodes for tactile detection of the obstacle,wherein the first measurement electrode is configured to generate an external electric field with respect to the second measurement electrode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An Anti-pinch sensor, in particular for detecting an obstacle in the path of an actuator of a motor vehicle is provided. The anti-pinch sensor includes a first measurement electrode and a second electrically isolated measurement electrode spaced a distance from the first measurement electrode, wherein the first measurement electrode is designed to generate an external electric field with respect to the second measurement electrode, and wherein the first and second measurement electrodes are elastically supported relative to an electrically isolated ground electrode. In addition, a sensor device having such an anti-pinch sensor is disclosed. The anti-pinch sensor is suitable as both a contactless and a tactile sensor. Detection of surface deposits of contaminants or water is easily possible.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An anti-pinch sensor for detecting an obstacle in the path of an actuator of a motor vehicle, the anti-pinch sensor comprising:
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a first measurement electrode; a second electrically isolated measurement electrode spaced a distance from the first measurement electrode; a flexible sensor body elastically supporting the first and second measurement electrodes relative to an electrically isolated ground electrode; and a measurement electronics unit for detecting a measured capacitance between the first and the second measurement electrodes for contactless detection of the obstacle, and for detecting compression of the sensor body with respect to the ground electrode based on a corresponding change in the measured capacitance as the ground electrode is drawn closer to the first and second measurement electrodes for tactile detection of the obstacle, wherein the first measurement electrode is configured to generate an external electric field with respect to the second measurement electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification