Method for testing the operation of an anti-trap system and diagnostic device
First Claim
1. A method for testing operation of a capacitive anti-trap system for an adjustable vehicle closing element configured to be actuated by external force and by which a body opening of a vehicle can be locked in a closed position, wherein the closing element can be moved into the closed position by a motorized drive unit, the method comprising:
- obtaining an electrical capacitance during opening or closing of the closing element; and
evaluating the electrical capacitance using the capacitive anti-trap system such that the trapping of an obstacle is detectable during the opening or closing of the closing element, wherein the evaluating comprises;
obtaining at least one measured value of the electrical capacitance for the opening or closing of the closing element;
saving at least one of a target curve and a target value for the at least one measured value; and
comparing the at least one measured value to the saved target curve or the saved target value and concluding a malfunction of the anti-trap system when the at least one measured value deviates from the saved target curve or the saved target value.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for testing the operation of a capacitive anti-trap system for an adjustable vehicle closing element actuated by external force, such as a side door, a window, a sunroof or a tailgate, wherein a body opening of a vehicle can be locked in a closed position and that is can be moved into a closed position by a motorized drive unit. The capacitive anti-trap system is configured for detecting the trapping of an obstacle when closing the vehicle closing element by evaluating an electrical capacitance that is changed by the obstacle. The electrical capacitance, which also changes when the vehicle closing element is opened, is evaluated on the basis of at least one measured value in order to test the proper operation of the anti-trap system.
14 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for testing operation of a capacitive anti-trap system for an adjustable vehicle closing element configured to be actuated by external force and by which a body opening of a vehicle can be locked in a closed position, wherein the closing element can be moved into the closed position by a motorized drive unit, the method comprising:
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obtaining an electrical capacitance during opening or closing of the closing element; and evaluating the electrical capacitance using the capacitive anti-trap system such that the trapping of an obstacle is detectable during the opening or closing of the closing element, wherein the evaluating comprises; obtaining at least one measured value of the electrical capacitance for the opening or closing of the closing element; saving at least one of a target curve and a target value for the at least one measured value; and comparing the at least one measured value to the saved target curve or the saved target value and concluding a malfunction of the anti-trap system when the at least one measured value deviates from the saved target curve or the saved target value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12)
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5. A method for testing operation of a capacitive anti-trap system for an adjustable vehicle closing element configured to be actuated by external force and by which a body opening of a vehicle can be locked in a closed position, wherein the closing element can be moved into the closed position by a motorized drive unit, the method comprising:
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obtaining an electrical capacitance during opening or closing of the closing element; and evaluating the electrical capacitance using the capacitive anti-trap system such that the trapping of an obstacle is detectable during opening or closing of the closing element, wherein the evaluating comprises; obtaining at least one measured value of the electrical capacitance for the opening or closing of the closing element; and performing at least one of (a) and (b) as follows; (a) obtaining a first measured value being representative of a changing capacitance at a first longitudinal vehicle side, obtaining a second measured value being representative of a changing capacitance at a second longitudinal vehicle side, and comparing the first and second measured values with each other during the opening or closing of the closing element to evaluate whether the anti-trap system is operating properly; and (b) registering how far the closing element is opened or closed as the at least one measured value and determining whether the at least one measured value deviates from a saved target curve to evaluate whether the anti-trap system is operating properly.
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7. A method for testing operation of a capacitive anti-trap system for an adjustable vehicle closing element configured to be actuated by external force and by which a body opening of a vehicle can be locked in a closed position, wherein the closing element can be moved into the closed position by a motorized drive unit, the method comprising:
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obtaining an electrical capacitance during opening or closing of the closing element; and evaluating the electrical capacitance using the capacitive anti-trap system such that the trapping of an obstacle is detectable during opening or closing of the closing element, wherein the evaluating comprises; obtaining at least one measured value of the electrical capacitance for the opening or closing of the closing element; and performing at least one of (a) or (b) as follows; (a) determining different types of malfunctions based on the at least one measured value including damage to a sensor element of the capacitive anti-trap system, a missing electrical connection of a sensor element of the anti-trap system, a loose contact in the electrical connection of a sensor element, a short circuit, and an interfering electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic field; and (b) determining different types of malfunctions based on the at least one measured value during the opening of the closing element and comparing the time curve of the at least one measured value with saved curves of a respective malfunction to determine which type of malfunction exists.
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9. A method for testing operation of a capacitive anti-trap system for an adjustable vehicle closing element configured to be actuated by external force and by which a body opening of a vehicle can be locked in a closed position, wherein the closing element can be moved into the closed position by a motorized drive unit, the method comprising:
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obtaining an electrical capacitance during opening or closing of the closing element; and evaluating the electrical capacitance using the capacitive anti-trap system such that the trapping of an obstacle is detectable during opening or closing of the closing element, wherein the evaluating comprises; obtaining at least one measured value of the electrical capacitance for the opening or closing of the closing element; evaluating a plurality of opening cycles on the basis of the at least one measured value, and generating an error signal only when the at least one measured value or its change over time deviates beyond a permissible tolerance range at least twice from a target value and a target curve, in particular basically at the same position of the motor vehicle closing element. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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10. A method for testing operation of a capacitive anti-trap system for an adjustable vehicle closing element configured to be actuated by external force and by which a body opening of a vehicle can be locked in a closed position, wherein the closing element can be moved into the closed position by a motorized drive unit, the method comprising:
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obtaining an electrical capacitance during opening or closing of the closing element; and evaluating the electrical capacitance using the capacitive anti-trap system such that the trapping of an obstacle is detectable during opening or closing of the closing element, wherein the evaluating comprises; obtaining at least one measured value of the electrical capacitance for the opening or closing of the closing element, wherein the at least one measured value is detected continuously during the opening of the vehicle closing element, but wherein the at least one measured value is detected only at discrete intervals when the vehicle closing element is at a standstill and is at least partially opened over a set period.
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11. A diagnostic device for testing the operation of a capacitive anti-trap system for an adjustable vehicle closing element configured to be actuated by external force, the vehicle closing element being configured to lock a body opening of a vehicle in a closed position and configured to be moved into the closed position by a motorized drive unit, wherein the capacitive anti-trap system is configured to detect the trapping of an obstacle when opening or closing the vehicle closing element by evaluating an electrical capacitance that is changed by the obstacle, wherein the diagnostic device comprises:
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a measuring unit configured to detect at least one measured value of the changing electrical capacitance, and an evaluation unit configured to; electronically evaluate the detected at least one measured value during the opening or closing of the vehicle closing element by comparing the detected at least one measured value against at least one of a saved target curve and a saved target value; and conclude a malfunction of the anti-trap system when the at least one measured value deviates from the saved target curve or the saved target value.
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Specification