Sensor installations for motorized vehicle doors

• US 8,641,125 B2
• Filed: 03/16/2011
• Issued: 02/04/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Control Solutions Incorporated (ADAMA Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Control Solutions Incorporated (ADAMA Ltd.)
• Inventors: Jimenez, Jorge, Scholtes, Nick, Signaigo, Robert C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Barnie, Rexford
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mourad, Rasem
• Application Number:
  US13/049,679
• Publication Number:
  US 20110162279A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,056 Days
• Field of Search: 296/146.4, 248/231.81, 248/316.7, 248/74.1, 49/26
• US Class Current: 296/146.4
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/42 Detection using safety edges
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2600/524 Friction
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2600/60 Mounting or coupling members; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/504 for armoured vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/531 Doors
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44 Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof

Abstract

An obstruction detection system using a safety switch with a plurality of sensors is provided. The sensors include a sensing element molded in a casing and separated from an adjacent sensor by one of a plurality of connectors. A clip has a strip portion and a first attachment arm extending at an angle from the strip portion. A second attachment arm extends from the strip portion. A barb leg is disposed at an angle relative to the strip portion. The barb leg has a first leg end and a second leg end opposite the first leg end with the barb leg connected at the first leg end to the second attachment arm and the second leg end is disposed toward and spaced apart from the strip portion.

Claims

1. An obstruction detection system, comprising:

a safety switch including a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors comprising a sensing element molded in a casing and separated from an adjacent sensor by one of a plurality of electrical connectors; and

a clip formed of a solid material including a strip portion, a first attachment arm extending at an angle from the strip portion, a second attachment arm extending from the strip portion, and a at least two barb legs, the at least two barb legs disposed at an angle relative to the strip portion and each of the at least two barb legs having a first leg end and a second leg end opposite the first leg end, the first leg end of each barb leg connected to the second attachment arm and the second leg end of each barb leg is disposed toward and spaced apart from the strip portion.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sensors comprises a touch-sensitive sensor and the casing comprises a deformable polymer material.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors comprise a plurality of cables enclosed by a polymer casing.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting bracket.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the mounting bracket is secured to the strip portion of the clip for attaching to one of the plurality of sensors.

6. An obstruction detection system, comprising:

a safety switch including a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors comprising a sensing element molded in a casing and separated from an adjacent sensor by one of a plurality of electrical connectors;

a clip including a strip portion, a first attachment arm extending from the strip portion, and a barb leg disposed at an angle relative to the strip portion and including a first leg end and a second leg end opposite the first leg end, the barb leg connected at the first leg end to the second attachment arm and the second leg end is disposed toward and spaced apart from the strip portion; and

a second clip, the second clip including;

a strip portion;

a first attachment arm extending at an angle from the strip portion;

a second attachment arm extending from the strip portion;

a cable clamp extending from an end of the second attachment arm opposite the strip portion or an end of the strip portion opposite the first attachment arm; and

a barb leg disposed at an angle relative the strip portion and including a first leg end and a second leg end opposite the first leg end, the barb leg connected at the first leg end to the second attachment arm and the second leg end is disposed toward and spaced apart from the strip portion.