EP1096091A2 - Obstruction detection for a window - Google Patents

Obstruction detection for a window Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1096091A2
EP1096091A2 EP00203486A EP00203486A EP1096091A2 EP 1096091 A2 EP1096091 A2 EP 1096091A2 EP 00203486 A EP00203486 A EP 00203486A EP 00203486 A EP00203486 A EP 00203486A EP 1096091 A2 EP1096091 A2 EP 1096091A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
window
surface waves
receiver
transmitter
electric motor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00203486A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1096091A3 (en
Inventor
Ghosh Sharmila
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delphi Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Delphi Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delphi Technologies Inc filed Critical Delphi Technologies Inc
Publication of EP1096091A2 publication Critical patent/EP1096091A2/en
Publication of EP1096091A3 publication Critical patent/EP1096091A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
    • E05F15/40—Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
    • E05F15/42—Detection using safety edges
    • E05F15/43—Detection using safety edges responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
    • E05F15/431—Detection using safety edges responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound specially adapted for vehicle windows or roofs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/50—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
    • E05Y2900/53—Type of wing
    • E05Y2900/55—Windows

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for an electrically operated window which can detect the presence of an obstruction in the path of the window during closing, and which can stop the window.
  • the present invention has particular application for use with an electrically operated window in a motor vehicle.
  • a known obstruction detection system monitors the torque developed by the electric motor which drives the window, and, on detection of increased torque, assumes that an obstruction is preventing closing of the window. The system then stops the electric motor, and, in some cases, reverses the electric motor to open the window.
  • a system in accordance with the present invention for the detection of an obstruction in the path of a closing window which is movable by an electric motor comprises a high frequency oscillator for oscillating the window; a transmitter mountable on the window for transmitting a surface wave across the window; a receiver mountable on the window for receiving the surface waves transmitted across the window by the transmitter; and a control unit for monitoring the surface waves received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the surface waves received by the receiver.
  • the present invention also includes a method of detecting an obstruction in the path of a closing window.
  • the upper portion 10 of a window frame 12 is shown, along with a window 14 which is moved by an electric motor 16.
  • the upper portion 10 of the window frame 12 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section.
  • the window 14 is mounted on a support system (not shown) and can be raised and lowered by the electric motor 16.
  • the upper edge 18 of the window is positioned inside the upper portion 10 of the window frame 12.
  • the obstruction detection system 20 in accordance with the present invention comprises a high frequency oscillator 22, a transmitter 24, a receiver 26, and a control unit 28.
  • the oscillator 22 is mounted on, or embedded in, the glass of the window 14 and is operated to oscillate the whole of the window.
  • the transmitter 24 is mounted on the window 14 adjacent the lower edge 30 of the window.
  • the receiver 26 is mounted on the window 14 adjacent the lower edge 30, and spaced from the transmitter 24.
  • the oscillator 22, the transmitter 24 and the receiver 26 are connected to the control unit 28, which is also connected to the electric motor 16.
  • the oscillator 22 oscillates the window 14 and the transmitter 24 transmits a surface wave over the surface of the window.
  • the receiver 26 receives the surface wave transmitted by the transmitter 24.
  • the control unit 28 monitors the receiver 26. If an obstruction is present between the upper edge 18 of the window 14 and the upper part 10 of the window frame 12, the surface wave transmitted by the transmitter 24 across the surface of the window is damped. If the receiver 26 indicates no damping of the surface wave, then the control unit 28 notes that there is no obstruction between the upper edge 18 of the window 14 and the upper part 10 of the window frame 12 and allows the window to close.
  • the control unit 28 monitors that an obstruction is present, and stops operation of the electric motor 16 to prevent closing of the window 14. If required, in the latter case, the control unit 28 may cause the electric motor 16 to reverse to move the window 14 in an opening direction.
  • high frequency signal is meant a signal in the range 315 MHz to 25 GHz.
  • the transmitted surface wave preferably has a frequency in the range 315 MHz to 25 GHz.
  • the present invention provides a low cost obstruction detection system which has the benefits of easier installation when compared to previously known systems which monitor electric motor torque.

Landscapes

  • Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)
  • Window Of Vehicle (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)

Abstract

A system (20) for the detection of an obstruction in the path of a closing window (14) which is movable by an electric motor (16), the system comprising a high frequency oscillator (22) for oscillating the window; a transmitter (24) mountable on the window for transmitting a surface wave across the window; a receiver (26) mountable on the window for receiving the surface waves transmitted across the window by the transmitter; and a control unit (28) for monitoring the surface waves received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the surface waves received by the receiver.

Description

Technical Field
The present invention relates to a system for an electrically operated window which can detect the presence of an obstruction in the path of the window during closing, and which can stop the window. The present invention has particular application for use with an electrically operated window in a motor vehicle.
Background of the Invention
Electrically operated windows, especially in motor vehicles, are well known. During closing of the window, there is a risk that an object, such as a person's hand, may become trapped between the window and the frame. A known obstruction detection system monitors the torque developed by the electric motor which drives the window, and, on detection of increased torque, assumes that an obstruction is preventing closing of the window. The system then stops the electric motor, and, in some cases, reverses the electric motor to open the window.
Summary of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative system for obstruction detection for a closing window.
A system in accordance with the present invention for the detection of an obstruction in the path of a closing window which is movable by an electric motor comprises a high frequency oscillator for oscillating the window; a transmitter mountable on the window for transmitting a surface wave across the window; a receiver mountable on the window for receiving the surface waves transmitted across the window by the transmitter; and a control unit for monitoring the surface waves received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the surface waves received by the receiver.
The present invention also includes a method of detecting an obstruction in the path of a closing window.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a window and upper frame having an obstruction detection system in accordance with the present invention.
    • Description of the Preferred Embodiment
    Referring to the drawing, the upper portion 10 of a window frame 12 is shown, along with a window 14 which is moved by an electric motor 16. In general, the upper portion 10 of the window frame 12 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section. The window 14 is mounted on a support system (not shown) and can be raised and lowered by the electric motor 16. In the fully closed position of the window 14, the upper edge 18 of the window is positioned inside the upper portion 10 of the window frame 12. Such an arrangement is well known (and has particular use in motor vehicles) to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in further detail.
    The obstruction detection system 20 in accordance with the present invention comprises a high frequency oscillator 22, a transmitter 24, a receiver 26, and a control unit 28. The oscillator 22 is mounted on, or embedded in, the glass of the window 14 and is operated to oscillate the whole of the window. The transmitter 24 is mounted on the window 14 adjacent the lower edge 30 of the window. The receiver 26 is mounted on the window 14 adjacent the lower edge 30, and spaced from the transmitter 24. The oscillator 22, the transmitter 24 and the receiver 26 are connected to the control unit 28, which is also connected to the electric motor 16.
    At least during closing of the window 14 by the electric motor 16, the oscillator 22 oscillates the window 14 and the transmitter 24 transmits a surface wave over the surface of the window. The receiver 26 receives the surface wave transmitted by the transmitter 24. The control unit 28 monitors the receiver 26. If an obstruction is present between the upper edge 18 of the window 14 and the upper part 10 of the window frame 12, the surface wave transmitted by the transmitter 24 across the surface of the window is damped. If the receiver 26 indicates no damping of the surface wave, then the control unit 28 notes that there is no obstruction between the upper edge 18 of the window 14 and the upper part 10 of the window frame 12 and allows the window to close. If, however, the receiver 26 indicates that the surface wave has been damped, then the control unit 28 monitors that an obstruction is present, and stops operation of the electric motor 16 to prevent closing of the window 14. If required, in the latter case, the control unit 28 may cause the electric motor 16 to reverse to move the window 14 in an opening direction.
    By high frequency signal is meant a signal in the range 315 MHz to 25 GHz. The transmitted surface wave preferably has a frequency in the range 315 MHz to 25 GHz.
    The present invention provides a low cost obstruction detection system which has the benefits of easier installation when compared to previously known systems which monitor electric motor torque.

    Claims (4)

    1. A system (20) for the detection of an obstruction in the path of a closing window (14) which is movable by an electric motor (16), the system comprising a high frequency oscillator (22) for oscillating the window; a transmitter (24) mountable on the window for transmitting a surface wave across the window; a receiver (26) mountable on the window for receiving the surface waves transmitted across the window by the transmitter; and a control unit (28) for monitoring the surface waves received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the surface waves received by the receiver.
    2. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the oscillator (22) and the transmitter (24) operate only during closing of the window (14).
    3. A method of detecting an obstruction in the path of a closing window (14) comprising the steps of oscillating the window at a high frequency; transmitting surface waves across the window; monitoring the surface waves transmitted across the window; and stopping the closing of the window when the monitored high surface waves are damped.
    4. A method as claimed in Claim 3, comprising the additional step of moving the window in an opening direction on monitoring damping of the surface waves.
    EP00203486A 1999-10-27 2000-10-08 Obstruction detection for a window Withdrawn EP1096091A3 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    GB9925307A GB2355762B (en) 1999-10-27 1999-10-27 Obstruction detection for a window
    GB9925307 1999-10-27

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1096091A2 true EP1096091A2 (en) 2001-05-02
    EP1096091A3 EP1096091A3 (en) 2004-04-14

    Family

    ID=10863400

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP00203486A Withdrawn EP1096091A3 (en) 1999-10-27 2000-10-08 Obstruction detection for a window

    Country Status (2)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP1096091A3 (en)
    GB (1) GB2355762B (en)

    Cited By (2)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE202004014758U1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2005-11-10 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg Unit for controlling an actuating device in a motor vehicle is based on detection of an obstruction, and comprises a light guide, a surface wave sender-receiver, and a light source
    FR2899172A1 (en) * 2006-03-28 2007-10-05 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Motor vehicle`s direct current motor control device for lane departure warning system, has control unit applying control signal to motor based on information about abnormal driving situation or abnormal operation of associated equipment

    Family Cites Families (5)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE4030607A1 (en) * 1990-09-27 1992-04-16 Siemens Ag Radar principle monitoring system - uses pulse profiles to determine if object is in gap of closing window
    DE4215744C2 (en) * 1992-05-13 1997-09-18 Brose Fahrzeugteile Safety device for limiting, controlling or regulating the movement of power-operated parts, in particular parts of a vehicle body
    JP2778883B2 (en) * 1992-09-02 1998-07-23 住友電装株式会社 Vehicle window opening / closing control method and vehicle window opening / closing device
    US6088641A (en) * 1995-09-13 2000-07-11 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg Method and device for controlling a movable object
    EP1002922A3 (en) * 1998-11-18 2002-03-06 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Device to protect against jamming limbs in power windows in motor vehicles

    Cited By (2)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE202004014758U1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2005-11-10 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg Unit for controlling an actuating device in a motor vehicle is based on detection of an obstruction, and comprises a light guide, a surface wave sender-receiver, and a light source
    FR2899172A1 (en) * 2006-03-28 2007-10-05 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Motor vehicle`s direct current motor control device for lane departure warning system, has control unit applying control signal to motor based on information about abnormal driving situation or abnormal operation of associated equipment

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    GB2355762A (en) 2001-05-02
    GB2355762B (en) 2003-10-29
    GB9925307D0 (en) 1999-12-29
    EP1096091A3 (en) 2004-04-14

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