EP1096093A2 - Obstruction detection for a window - Google Patents

Obstruction detection for a window Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1096093A2
EP1096093A2 EP00203488A EP00203488A EP1096093A2 EP 1096093 A2 EP1096093 A2 EP 1096093A2 EP 00203488 A EP00203488 A EP 00203488A EP 00203488 A EP00203488 A EP 00203488A EP 1096093 A2 EP1096093 A2 EP 1096093A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
window
waveguide
high frequency
closing
evanescent field
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP00203488A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1096093B1 (en
EP1096093A3 (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 EP1096093A2 publication Critical patent/EP1096093A2/en
Publication of EP1096093A3 publication Critical patent/EP1096093A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1096093B1 publication Critical patent/EP1096093B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime 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 and which has an edge receivable in a portion of a window frame on closing of the window comprises a dielectric waveguide mountable on the portion of the window frame; a high frequency transmitter connected to one end of the waveguide for transmitting a high frequency signal into the waveguide to produce an evanescent field; a high frequency receiver connected to the other end of the waveguide for receiving the evanescent field; and a control unit for monitoring the evanescent field received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the signal 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 dielectric waveguide 22, high frequency transmitter 24, a high frequency receiver 26, and a control unit 28.
  • the waveguide 22 mounted on the upper portion 10 of the window frame 12.
  • the transmitter 24 is positioned at one end 30 of the waveguide 22.
  • the receiver 26 is positioned at the other end 32 of waveguide 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 transmitter 24 transmits a high frequency signal along the waveguide 22, which produces a leaky or evanescent field, to the receiver 26.
  • 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 evanescent field produced by the transmitter 24 is damped. If the receiver 26 indicates no damping of the evanescent field, 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 2.45 to 25 GHz, and preferably in the range 22 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)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Glass Compositions (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) and which has an edge (18) receivable in a portion (10) of a window frame (12) on closing of the window, the system comprising a dielectric waveguide (22) mountable on the portion of the window frame; a high frequency transmitter (24) connected to one end (30) of the waveguide for transmitting a high frequency signal into the waveguide to produce an evanescent field; a high frequency receiver (26) connected to the other end (32) of the waveguide for receiving the evanescent field; and a control unit (28) for monitoring the evanescent field received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the signal 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 and which has an edge receivable in a portion of a window frame on closing of the window, comprises a dielectric waveguide mountable on the portion of the window frame; a high frequency transmitter connected to one end of the waveguide for transmitting a high frequency signal into the waveguide to produce an evanescent field; a high frequency receiver connected to the other end of the waveguide for receiving the evanescent field; and a control unit for monitoring the evanescent field received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the signal 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 dielectric waveguide 22, high frequency transmitter 24, a high frequency receiver 26, and a control unit 28. The waveguide 22 mounted on the upper portion 10 of the window frame 12. The transmitter 24 is positioned at one end 30 of the waveguide 22. The receiver 26 is positioned at the other end 32 of waveguide 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 transmitter 24 transmits a high frequency signal along the waveguide 22, which produces a leaky or evanescent field, to the receiver 26. 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 evanescent field produced by the transmitter 24 is damped. If the receiver 26 indicates no damping of the evanescent field, 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 evanescent field 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 2.45 to 25 GHz, and preferably in the range 22 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) and which has an edge (18) receivable in a portion (10) of a window frame (12) on closing of the window, the system comprising a dielectric waveguide (22) mountable on the portion of the window frame; a high frequency transmitter (24) connected to one end (30) of the waveguide for transmitting a high frequency signal into the waveguide to produce an evanescent field; a high frequency receiver (26) connected to the other end (32) of the waveguide for receiving the evanescent field; and a control unit (28) for monitoring the evanescent field received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the signal received by the receiver.
    2. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the transmitter (24) transmits the high frequency signal along the waveguide (22) 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 transmitting a high frequency signal along a waveguide (22) mountable on a portion (10) of a window frame (12) which receives an edge (18) of the window on closing of the window; monitoring the evanescent field produced by the waveguide due to the high frequency signal transmitted along the waveguide; and stopping the closing of the window when the monitored evanescent field is 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 evanescent field.
    EP00203488A 1999-10-27 2000-10-08 Obstruction detection for a window Expired - Lifetime EP1096093B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    GB9925303A GB2355760B (en) 1999-10-27 1999-10-27 Obstruction detection for a window
    GB9925303 1999-10-27

    Publications (3)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1096093A2 true EP1096093A2 (en) 2001-05-02
    EP1096093A3 EP1096093A3 (en) 2004-04-14
    EP1096093B1 EP1096093B1 (en) 2007-05-30

    Family

    ID=10863396

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP00203488A Expired - Lifetime EP1096093B1 (en) 1999-10-27 2000-10-08 Obstruction detection for a window

    Country Status (4)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP1096093B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE363577T1 (en)
    DE (1) DE60035014T2 (en)
    GB (1) GB2355760B (en)

    Cited By (6)

    * 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
    WO2006079322A1 (en) * 2005-01-29 2006-08-03 Conti Temic Microelectronic Gmbh Method and device for monitoring an adjusting device comprising an actuator
    DE202005014446U1 (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-02-01 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg Sensor system for sensing clamp of body part or object by movement of adjustable part of adjusting device in motor vehicle, has transceiver arrangement whereby transceiver arrangement is interconnected with wave guide
    WO2007076854A1 (en) * 2006-01-05 2007-07-12 Igs Development Gmbh Device for detecting obstructions
    US7692125B1 (en) * 2005-11-29 2010-04-06 Lockheed Martin Corporation Evanescent wave coupling for Fresnel direction finding
    DE102017223627A1 (en) 2017-12-21 2019-06-27 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg Method for controlling a function relating to a vehicle access of a motor vehicle

    Family Cites Families (5)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US2493157A (en) * 1947-12-10 1950-01-03 Charles N Merralls Treadle switch
    BE1005734A5 (en) * 1992-04-29 1994-01-11 Icoms Sprl Method and detection system.
    US5621290A (en) * 1993-10-18 1997-04-15 Draftex Industries Limited Movable-window safety device
    US5661385A (en) * 1994-12-19 1997-08-26 The Regents Of The University Of California Window-closing safety system
    JPH10132669A (en) * 1996-10-30 1998-05-22 Whitaker Corp:The Piezo cable and wire harness using the same

    Cited By (6)

    * 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
    WO2006079322A1 (en) * 2005-01-29 2006-08-03 Conti Temic Microelectronic Gmbh Method and device for monitoring an adjusting device comprising an actuator
    DE202005014446U1 (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-02-01 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg Sensor system for sensing clamp of body part or object by movement of adjustable part of adjusting device in motor vehicle, has transceiver arrangement whereby transceiver arrangement is interconnected with wave guide
    US7692125B1 (en) * 2005-11-29 2010-04-06 Lockheed Martin Corporation Evanescent wave coupling for Fresnel direction finding
    WO2007076854A1 (en) * 2006-01-05 2007-07-12 Igs Development Gmbh Device for detecting obstructions
    DE102017223627A1 (en) 2017-12-21 2019-06-27 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg Method for controlling a function relating to a vehicle access of a motor vehicle

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    GB2355760A (en) 2001-05-02
    EP1096093B1 (en) 2007-05-30
    GB9925303D0 (en) 1999-12-29
    EP1096093A3 (en) 2004-04-14
    DE60035014T2 (en) 2008-01-24
    GB2355760B (en) 2003-04-09
    ATE363577T1 (en) 2007-06-15
    DE60035014D1 (en) 2007-07-12

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