EP2044690A2

EP2044690A2 - Anti-pinch sensor and evaluation circuit

Info

Publication number: EP2044690A2
Application number: EP07785802A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Holger WÜRSTLEIN
Original assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2006-07-13
Filing date: 2007-06-02
Publication date: 2009-04-08
Also published as: WO2008006424A3; US20090146668A1; WO2008006424A2; DE202006010813U1

Abstract

The invention relates to an anti-pinch sensor (1,1',1"), especially for detecting an obstacle in the path of a regulating element of a motor vehicle, said sensor comprising a sensor body (2), a first measuring electrode (4) which is arranged in the sensor body (2) and is used to produce a first outer electrical field (12) in relation to a counter-electrode (9), and an electrically separated second measuring electrode (6) which is arranged adjacently to the first measuring electrode (4) in the sensor body (2) and is used to produce a second outer electrical field (14) in relation to the counter electrode (9). The measuring electrodes (4, 6) are embodied in such a way that the first outer electrical field (12) has a larger range that the second outer electrical field (14). The invention also relates to an evaluation circuit suitable for evaluating an anti-pinch sensor (1,1',1"). The detection reliability of such a clamping sensor (1,1',1") is not affected by dirt or water (10) on the surface thereof.

Description

description

Pinch sensor and evaluation circuit

The invention relates to a pinch sensor, in particular for {detecting an obstacle in the path of an actuating element of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to an evaluation circuit for such a pinch sensor.

Known pinch sensors use, for example, the capacitive measuring principle to detect an obstacle. In this case, an electric field is established between a measuring electrode and a suitable counterelectrode. If a dielectric enters this electric field, the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the measuring electrode and the counterelectrode changes. In this way, theoretically an obstacle in the path of an actuating element of a motor vehicle can be detected, provided that its relative permittivity ε _r differs from the relative permittivity of air. The obstacle in the path of an actuator is detected without physical contact with the pinch sensor. If a change in capacitance is detected, timely countermeasures, such as stopping or reversing the drive, can be initiated before the obstacle is actually jammed.

The control elements of a motor vehicle may be, for example, an electrically operable window, an electrically operated sliding door or an electrically operable tailgate. It is also possible to use a pinch sensor based on the capacitive measuring principle for detecting obstacles in the case of an electrically actuable seat.

Non-contact working, based on the capacitive measuring principle pinching sensors are known for example from EP 1 455 044 A2 and EP 1 154 110 A2. These known anti-pinch sensors generate an external electric field by means of a measuring electrode and a suitable counterelectrode, so that a dielectric penetrating into this external electric field can be detected as a change in capacitance between the measuring electrode and the counterelectrode. To a high security to be able to ensure detection of a Einklemmfalles, the distance between the measuring electrode and the counter electrode is additionally designed to be flexible in both prior art Einklemmsensoren, whereby a physical contact of an obstacle with the Einklemmsensor is detected as a change in capacitance.

EP 1 371 803 A1 also discloses a pinch sensor based on the capacitive measuring principle. Here, a sensor electrode is used to generate an electric field in the opening region of the actuating element, which is connected via a shielded supply line to an evaluation unit. The electric field is generated here relative to the body of a motor vehicle as a counter electrode.

Disadvantageously, in the known, based on the capacitive measuring principle pinching the risk of misdetection of a pinching case when dirt or water is on the sensor. For even dirt or water leads to a change in capacity, so that would be mistakenly concluded that there is a jamming case.

It is an object of the invention to provide an operating according to the capacitive measuring principle pinch sensor of the type mentioned, in which the risk of misdetection in case of deposition of dirt or water is minimized. It is another object of the invention to provide a suitable evaluation circuit with which the risk of misdetection in a polluted or water-loaded sensor is as small as possible.

The first-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention for a pinch sensor of the type mentioned above in that a sensor body comprises a first measuring electrode for generating a first external electric field with respect to a counter electrode and an adjacent, electrically separate second measuring electrode for generating a second external electric field with respect to the counter electrode wherein the measuring electrodes are formed such that the first external electric field has a greater range than the second external electric field. In contrast to previously known, based on the capacitive measuring principle pinching sensors therefore two electrically separate measuring electrodes are present, each of which build an electric field against a counter electrode. The counterelectrode may be part of the pinching sensor itself. However, the counterelectrode can also be formed by the grounded body of a motor vehicle.

In a first step, the invention starts from the consideration that dirt or water, which leads to a misdetection of the pinching sensor due to the change in capacitance, acts as deposits on the surface of the sensor body. In other words, dirt or water causes a change in the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the measuring electrode and the counterelectrode by means of a near-field influencing.

In a second step, the invention is based on the consideration that an obstacle in the path of the actuating element must already be detected before a physical contact with the pinch sensor via a change in capacitance. In other words, the electrical field of a pinching sensor based on the capacitive measuring principle extends into the opening region of the adjusting element in order to detect an obstacle without contact. A capacitance change caused by an obstacle in the travel path of the adjusting element is therefore to be detected at a distance from the immediate surface of the sensor body. Thus, a capacitance change caused by dirt or water differs from a capacitance change caused by approaching an obstacle through the location of its formation.

In a third step, the invention recognizes that this difference to a separation of a trapping case from a contamination or wetting situation can be exploited in order to avoid a misdetection. This is achieved by using at least two measuring electrodes which are electrically separated from one another for establishing an external electric field in relation to a counterelectrode. Due to the fact that one of the measuring electrodes is designed to generate an electric field with a higher range than the electric field of the other measuring electrode, a change in capacitance at the surface of the sensor body of FIG - A - a change in capacity caused by an obstruction on approach.

If dirt or water is deposited or wetted on the surface of the sensor body, this causes a change in the capacitance of both the capacitor of the first measuring electrode and counterelectrode and of the capacitor of the second measuring electrode and counterelectrode. On the other hand, an obstacle approaching from the far field mainly causes a change in the capacitance of that capacitor which forms an electric field projecting further into the opening area. While the near field is still not touched by the dielectric properties of the obstacle and thus no capacity change is detectable yet, the obstacle is already detected by the electric field of greater range of the other measuring electrode or detected as a capacitance change.

The pinch sensor described thus makes it possible to detect dirt deposition or water wetting on the surface of the sensor body as a DC signal and an approaching obstacle as a difference signal and to distinguish in this respect.

The different range of the electric fields generated by means of the measuring electrodes can be influenced or achieved by the geometry and / or dimensioning of the capacitor arrangements comprising in each case one measuring electrode and the counter electrode. Thus, for example, the second measuring electrode to achieve a short-range electric field as possible be designed such that the field lines have a direct as possible course between the measuring electrode and counter electrode. On the other hand, the second measuring electrode can be designed, arranged or dimensioned such that the field lines of the generated electric field in the manner of a stray field capacitor take the longest possible detour through the opening region of the adjusting element. Also, the second measuring electrode of the counter electrode may be disposed immediately adjacent, whereas the first measuring electrode is spaced from the counter electrode. In principle, both a measuring electrode formed between the measuring electrode and the counter electrode can be used direct electric field used for detection as well as a stray field. A combination of both options is conceivable.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first measuring electrode, i. the measuring electrode for generating the electric field with a greater range, spaced from the edge in the sensor body and the second measuring electrode arranged in an edge region. This embodiment is particularly suitable for a pinch sensor, the sensor body of a counter electrode, such as in particular a grounded body of a motor vehicle, is placed. If the measuring electrodes lie at a different potential than the counterelectrode, a direct stronger electric field and space remote from the counterelectrode and a weaker electrical outside at the edge areas around the measuring electrodes will be formed in the space between the measuring electrodes and the counterelectrode (ie in the insulating body) - or form stray field. The outer field serves for the non-contact detection of a dielectric.

Since the second measuring electrode is arranged on the edge of the sensor body, the external electric field is concentrated predominantly on the space between the edge of the measuring electrode and the counter electrode. The external electric field of the second measuring electrode is thus short-range in total; it also hardly extends into the open space facing away from the counterelectrode. On the other hand, an external electric field is formed between the first measuring electrode, which is arranged at a distance from the edge of the sensor body, and the counter-electrode, whose field lines extend on curved paths between the first measuring electrode and the outer counterelectrode and thus into the counter-electrode. turned room, ie in the opening area of an actuating element, extend into it.

In an expedient embodiment of the invention, the measuring electrodes are each formed flat. In this case, the capacitance of the capacitor produced with the counterelectrode can be determined or adapted in a known manner via the size of the surface. Thus, it is possible to set the ratio of the capacitances formed from the first and second measuring electrodes to each other via the area ratios of the measuring electrodes. In particular, the range of the electric field extending into the opening region can also be increased by increasing the area of the first measuring electrode. In this respect, it is advantageous if the area of the first measuring electrode is larger than the area of the second measuring electrode. By a combination of arrangement and dimensioning, whereby in particular also the subsequent use of the pinching sensor and thus the geometry of a motor vehicle body is to be considered, a desired for the evaluation of the capacitance change capacity adjustment of the first and the second measuring electrode comprising capacitors can be achieved.

Advantageously, the measuring electrodes are dimensioned such that a dielectric introduced in the immediate vicinity into both external electric fields essentially causes no drift of the measuring capacitances to one another. In other words, the dimensioning is selected such that dirt deposition or water wetting on the surface of the sensor body leads to an approximately identical change in the capacitances of the capacitors comprising the first and second measuring electrodes. Consequently, a differential signal formed from the capacitances of the two capacitors undergoes essentially no or negligible change due to contamination or water wetting of the sensor body.

Such a configuration allows a comparatively simple circuit separation of a pinching case, wherein a dielectric in the far field leads to a divergence of the capacitances of both capacitors, of pollution in the near field, wherein a capacitance difference signal does not change. In circuit terms, only a zero signal must be separated from a signal not equal to zero.

In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the measuring electrodes are dimensioned such that a dielectric introduced in the immediate vicinity into both external electric fields causes a drift of the measuring capacitances to one another with a different sign than a dielectric in the far field, which can be identified with a trapping case. An approaching obstacle is first penetrated by the field lines of the outer electric field of greater range, whereby the capacitance of the capacitor comprising the first measuring electrode increases. On the capacity of the obstacle initially has no influence on the capacitor comprising the second measuring electrode. On the other hand, contamination or water wetting in the near field has an influence on both measuring capacities. Due to the fact that the second measuring electrode generates an electric field with a small range and extent by a corresponding dimensioning, the capacitance formed by the second measuring electrode is influenced more strongly. Thus, contamination or wetting in the near field leads to a drift of the measuring capacities with a different sign than an obstacle approaching from the far field. In turn, in a structurally comparatively simple manner, the signal of a capacitance change caused by contamination or water wetting of the sensor body can be separated from the signal of a capacitance change which is caused by a dielectric in the far field.

The dimensioning of the measuring electrodes can be determined experimentally or by means of a computer simulation. It should be noted in particular that the dimension of the first measuring electrode in relation to the second measuring electrode is highly dependent on the geometry and the material of the sensor body. In order to obtain the lowest possible drift of the measuring capacitance relative to one another during deposition or wetting on the sensor body, it is desirable for the first measuring electrode to be relatively large in relation to the second measuring electrode in order to achieve a large pay-field propagation. The real dimensions can be determined by a simulation taking into account the real materials and geometries to be used. Since, as already stated, a material deposition or a water film on the second measuring electrode, which generates a shorter-range electric field, has a stronger effect than on the first measuring electrode or on the respectively associated capacitances, the surface of the first measuring electrode is to be dimensioned correspondingly smaller.

To avoid edge effects on the electric field, which is formed by the first measuring electrode, it is advantageous to arrange a separate, adjacent to the first measuring electrode third measuring electrode in an edge region of the sensor body, which is connected in parallel to the second measuring electrode. In other words, the first measuring electrode for generating the outer electric field of greater range is advantageously located between the second and third measuring electrodes, each one are arranged for generating an external electric field with a short range in the edge region of the sensor body. In this way, in particular in a configuration of the pinching sensor in the manner of a flat cable, a symmetrical configuration is achieved in that the measuring electrodes for generating the short-range external electric field are arranged on the longitudinal sides, whereby the measuring electrode produced by the first centrally arranged measuring electrode is generated outer electric field inevitably extends over a large Nutzfeldbereich. Edge fields between the edge of the first measuring electrode and the counter electrode, on which the pinching sensor is placed, are thereby avoided.

For a pinch sensor constructed in this way, it is advantageous to make the sensor body flat and to arrange the measuring electrodes in the sensor body in each case as parallel flat conductors. For a sensor body with a width of about 10 mm, it has been found that no drift of the measuring capacitances to one another occurs due to water wetting or surface contamination if the centrally arranged first measuring electrode has a width of about 4.8 mm and the further measuring electrodes each have a width of about 1, 8 mm autweisen. The simulation carried out provided the least capacitance drift when the measuring electrodes were separated from each other by the sensor body by a distance of approximately 0.7 mm, and the sensor body in each case had an edge region with a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm in relation to the outer measuring electrodes had.

In order to achieve a useful electric field with a long range, a separate shielding electrode is provided in an expedient embodiment in the sensor body, which is arranged opposite to the measuring electrodes for aligning at least the first external electric field in a hazardous area or in the space facing away from the counter electrode. If, for example, the body of a motor vehicle is used as the counter electrode on which the pinch sensor is placed, then the separate shielding electrode is to be arranged between the body and the measuring electrodes in the sensor body. By a potential equalization between the potential on which the measuring electrodes are located and the potential on which the shielding electrode is located, it is achieved that there is no direct electric field between the measuring electrodes and the counterelectrode and thus no direct capacitance. education. Rather, the field lines of the electric field between the measuring electrodes and the counter electrode are directed into the hazardous area to be detected. The dimensioning or arrangement of the second or third measuring electrode ensures that the external electric field generated by these measuring electrodes has a shorter range than the external electric field generated by the first measuring electrode. This is achieved, for example, by the already mentioned arrangement of second or third measuring electrode in an edge region of the sensor body.

In a simple embodiment, the shielding electrode is configured as a continuous planar conductor. In an advantageous embodiment, however, the shielding electrode is subdivided into individual individual shielding electrodes arranged opposite the measuring electrodes and separated from one another. This allows a better potential equalization compared to the individual measuring electrodes to be shielded. The described shielding electrodes, whose potential is matched to that of the measuring electrodes, are also referred to as so-called driven-shield electrodes.

In an expedient embodiment, the sensor body is formed from a flexible carrier material. This makes it possible to easily guide the pinch sensor along the contour of a closing edge of a motor vehicle. In particular, the sensor body may be formed as a flexible ribbon cable. It is equally conceivable to design the sensor body as a sealing body or to integrate the sensor body into a sealing body. The sealing body is provided to seal the actuating element relative to the closing edge in the closed state. As an example, a sealing lip may be mentioned, which seals an operable side window of a motor vehicle relative to its closing edge.

A flexible ribbon cable is also referred to as FFC ("Flexible Fiat Cable"), and is characterized by the fact that in a flexible cable body parallel Leiterstruktu- ren are laid.

As an alternative to an FFC, a flexible conductor structure can also be used as the sensor body. A flexible ladder structure is also known by the term FPC ("Flexible In this case, printed conductors are specifically arranged or laid in a flexible insulating material, in particular in a multi-layered arrangement Such a configuration allows a high degree of flexibility with regard to the dimensioning and arrangement of the individual printed conductors, so that the measuring electrodes of the anti-pinch sensor in the desired Manner can be arranged or dimensioned.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the sensor body extends in a longitudinal direction, wherein the measuring electrodes along the longitudinal direction are each subdivided into individually controllable individual electrodes. As a result, the capacitance measurable between the measuring electrode and the counterelectrode is reduced, since the entire surface of the measuring electrode is divided into a plurality of interrupted individual surfaces of the separate electrodes. However, a low capacitance forming between the measuring and counterelectrodes results in a small capacitance change in relation to the total capacitance being easier to detect. The ratio of capacity change and total capacity shifts in favor of the capacity change. A pinch sensor designed in this way also allows the detection of a change in capacitance by means of a multiplex method. In this case, the individual electrodes can be controlled by means of separate supply lines either offset in time (serial) or simultaneously (in parallel).

It is advisable in this case to arrange the supply lines to the individual electrodes in the sensor body in each case between shielding electrode sections. As a result, direct capacities between the leads are safely avoided.

The second object is achieved according to the invention by an evaluation circuit which comprises measuring potential output means for outputting a predetermined measuring potential to measuring electrodes, capacity drift detecting means for detecting a mutual drift of measuring capacitances between measuring electrodes and a counterelectrode and evaluating means for outputting a detection signal as a function of the drift signal.

The measuring potential output means serve to generate a measuring potential required for detecting the measuring capacitance, which is applied to the measuring electrodes. For this purpose, the measuring potential output means may comprise, for example, a DC voltage or an AC voltage generator. Thus, a measuring capacitor can be detected, for example by means of a charging time evaluation via a DC voltage generator. An AC voltage generator allows the measuring capacitances to be detected via their complex resistance or AC resistance by means of a voltage divider. Also allows a controllable AC voltage generator, the detection of the measuring capacitances on a phase detuning. The measuring potential output means can also be designed to be able to detect the measuring capacitances via a vibration or resonance circuit detuning.

The capacity drift detecting means may be realized by electronic components. In particular, however, signals can also be digitized and compared with one another by means of a computer, subjected to a logic operation or processed in any other way in order to be able to ascertain as drift signal a change in the distance or the difference of the measuring capacitance relative to one another.

The evaluation means are configured to conclude from the detected drift signal to a pinching case and to generate a corresponding detection signal in such a case. The evaluation means can also be realized by means of electronic components or by suitable software and a corresponding computer.

In an advantageous refinement, the evaluation means are designed to output a detection signal when the drift signal changes over time in a region corresponding to the closing time of the actuating element. An evaluation circuit designed in this way offers the advantage of reliably distinguishing a drift in the measuring capacitances, which is triggered by an obstacle in the far field when approaching the pinching sensor, from a drift which is triggered, for example, by temperature changes or material tensions. The temporal change of the drift signal caused in a trapping case moves in a time frame corresponding to the closing speed of the actuating element. In this respect, such an embodiment makes it possible to increase detection reliability, since misdetections are reduced. For potential matching between the shielding electrode and the measuring electrode of the pinching sensor, potential equalizing means are advantageously included. In particular, the potential equalization means can be formed by an amplifier, which can be connected on the input side to the measuring electrodes and on the output side to a shielding electrode for supplying it with a voltage signal derived from the input signal. With such a circuit, it is possible to use the shielding electrode as a driving shield to prevent the formation of direct capacitances between the measuring electrodes and the counterelectrode.

In a first alternative, the measuring potential output means comprise an AC voltage source further comprising differential signal generating means for forming a difference signal corresponding to the difference of the measuring capacitance, and wherein the drift signal detecting means for detecting the drift of the differential signal, i. for detecting a change of the difference signal, are formed.

By means of the measuring potential output means, an alternating voltage of desired height and frequency is applied between the measuring electrodes and the counter electrode. The difference of the measuring capacitances can then be formed, for example, by detecting the corresponding AC voltage resistances, so that detection of a change or drift of the differential signal becomes possible.

From the drift of the difference signal can be reliably concluded that a pinch. A misdetection due to contamination or wetting is avoided depending on the design of the anti-pinch sensor, because the drift of the difference signal caused thereby differs, for example, in magnitude or sign from the drift caused by an obstacle approaching from the far field.

In an expedient development, the differential signal generating means for detecting the measuring capacitances each comprise a bridge circuit, wherein the measuring capacitances in the bridge branches are connected in parallel. Thus, a difference signal, which corresponds to the difference of the measuring capacitances, in comparatively simple circuitry, can be removed by tapping off the measuring capacitances. lenden voltages or by a phase difference of the voltages in the two bridge arms are determined. In the first case, a differential amplifier is used, which forms the difference between the voltages dropping across the capacitors. For this purpose, the differential amplifier may for example be preceded by a peak value detection.

In the second case, the phase difference of the tapped voltages in the bridge branches can be determined by means of a phase difference detection means. The phase difference detection means can be formed for example by means of comparators, which form a square wave signal from the tapped AC voltage, and an XOR logic module. This embodiment is useful when the pinch sensor is dimensioned such that contamination or wetting on the sensor body leads to no drift of the measuring capacitance against each other, so that in this case the output signal of the XOR logic module remains zero.

In a further alternative embodiment of the evaluation circuit, the measurement potential output means each comprise an AC voltage generator, wherein further phase difference detection means are provided for detecting a phase difference between the Meßkapazitätszweigen, and wherein the drift signal detection means are adapted to detect the phase position.

In this case, the measuring capacitance branches are respectively supplied with a precisely predetermined alternating voltage with the same frequency. By means of a suitable control circuit, the phase detuning can be compensated for each other by a suitable change in the phase position of the two alternating voltage generators. The drift of the phase position is thus recognizable to one another via a necessary readjustment of the alternating voltage signals.

Advantageously, at least one controllable compensating capacity is assigned to the measuring capacitances, wherein the evaluating means are designed to balance the measuring capacitances by activating the at least one compensating capacitance. Such a compensation capacity allows a comparison of the measuring capacitances in a long-term drift, for example, by a change in geometry or a material change is caused. It can also be achieved via a controllable compensation capacity that the measuring capacitances of the first and second (and optionally third) measuring electrode are set to the same size without trapping. This makes it possible, with circuitry known means to compensate for a superficial contamination or wetting of the anti-pinch sensor and to detect a trapping case on the other hand.

Preferably, voltage-controlled capacitance diodes which are operated in the reverse direction as controllable equalizing capacitors are used which are separated from the measuring capacitors by a coupling capacitor in each case. In this case, it is expedient for the evaluation means to be designed to control the compensation capacities as a function of the drift signal. Thus, it becomes possible to compensate for long-term drift.

The stated object is achieved in particular according to the invention by a structural unit comprising the described pinch sensor and the evaluation circuit described.

The anti-pinch sensor described, as well as the described structural unit, which includes such a pinch sensor, are particularly suitable for use in a motor vehicle, wherein the grounded body of the motor vehicle serves as a counter electrode.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Showing:

1 in a cross section a pinch sensor, which is arranged on a counter electrode,

2 schematically shows the pinch sensor according to FIG. 1 with a simplified representation of the field lines of the external electric field generated for the counterelectrode,

3 is a graph showing the resulting capacitances in the case of a wetted pinch sensor according to FIG. 1, FIG. Fig. 4 in a cross section schematically another pinch with

Shield electrode and the course of the field lines, Fig. 5 in a cross section schematically an alternative pinch with

Screening electrode, segmented measuring electrodes and the course of the field lines,

6 shows a measuring bridge circuit for detecting the measuring capacitances,

7 shows schematically a circuit arrangement for forming a difference signal corresponding to the difference of the measuring capacitance,

Fig. 8 shows schematically a further circuit arrangement for forming a difference of the measuring capacitance corresponding difference signal.

Fig. 1 shows schematically the cross section of a pinch sensor 1, which is used in particular for detecting an obstacle in the path of an actuating element of a motor vehicle. The pinch sensor 1 comprises an elongated sensor body 2 made of an electrically insulating material. In the sensor body 2, a first measuring electrode 4 is arranged approximately centrally between a second measuring electrode 6 and a third measuring electrode 7. The measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 are each designed as flat conductors. The pinch sensor 1 is placed on a counter electrode 9, which is formed for example by the grounded body of a motor vehicle.

To use the pinching sensor 1, the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 are subjected to an alternating voltage, for example, with respect to the counter-electrode 9. In this case, the measuring electrodes 6 and 7 are connected in parallel with each other electrically. Due to the potential difference, a direct electric field is formed in the insulating body 2 between the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 and the counterelectrode 9, and a weaker external electric field is formed in the space facing away from the counterelectrode 9. The measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 each form, with the counter electrode 9, a capacitor with a characteristic capacitance caused by the dimensioning of the pinching sensor 1 and by the material of the sensor body 2. In this case, the measuring electrodes 6 and 7 act through their parallel connection as a single capacitor.

Due to the arrangement of the second and third measuring electrodes 6 and 7 at the edge of the sensor body 2, only a weak external electric field forms with ringer range. Due to the shielding effect of the outer measuring electrodes 6 and 7, however, the field lines of the external electric field, which is generated by the inner first measuring electrode, are deflected into a larger space region facing away from the counterelectrode. The field lines of the external electric field of the capacitor formed from the counter electrode 9 and the inner measuring electrode 4 extend arcuately on both sides via the outer electrode 6 or 7 to the counter electrode 9. Thus, a dielectric approaching the pinching sensor 1 from the far field is first deflected by the Field lines of the first measuring electrode 4 comprehensive capacitor penetrated and leads in this capacitor to a corresponding capacitance change. The capacitance of the capacitor comprising the second and third measuring electrodes 6 and 7 is not influenced by a dielectric arranged in the far field.

The capacitances of both capacitors are influenced at close range and in particular in the event of contamination or surface wetting on the sensor body 2. Thus, the pinch sensor 1 allows a contamination by superficial contamination or by a superficial water film of a case of pinching, which is characterized by the approach of an obstacle from the far-field, to differentiate safely.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified representation of the field profile of the pinching sensor 1 according to FIG. 1. For a better understanding, the counter electrode 9 is conceptually divided in the middle underneath the pinching sensor 1 according to FIG. 1 and the resulting halves are folded upwards.

This simplistic representation results in a rectilinear field line course of the resulting external electric fields.

To illustrate, a water film 10 is further shown on the surface of the sensor body 2 of the pinching sensor 1 as contamination. One recognizes the field line profile of the first external electric field 12, which forms at a potential difference between the centrally arranged measuring electrode 4 and the counter electrode 9. Furthermore, the field line profile of a second external electric field 14 becomes visible, which correspondingly develops at a potential difference between the measuring electrodes 6 and 7 arranged at the edge and the counterelectrode 9.

In this schematic depiction, the direct capacitance between the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 and the counterelectrode 9 decisive for the anti-pinching sensor 1 shown is eliminated mentally and graphically. The illustrated field line course corresponds to that of the outer, rather weak stray fields. It can be seen that the external electric field 12 of the measuring electrode 4 used for non-contact detection of a dielectric has a greater range than the external electric field 14 which is generated by the measuring electrodes 6 and 7 arranged at the edge.

From the illustration according to FIG. 2, it is clear how the measuring capacitances of the capacitors formed from the respective measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 and the counter electrode 9 are composed. This is shown in a diagram in FIG. 3.

The measuring electrodes 4 as well as 6 and 7 as well as the "unfolded" counter-electrode 9 are again recognizable. On the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 or on the sensor body 2 there is in turn a water film 10 in the form of a surface wetting.

It will be understood that the measuring capacitances of each measuring electrode 4, 6 and 7 are each composed of three individual capacitances connected in series. Because between each measuring electrode 4,6 and 7 and the counter electrode 9, the material of the sensor body 2, the water film 10 and arranged as a transfer medium to air. In this respect, the capacitance of the capacitor comprising the first measuring electrode 4 can be regarded as a series circuit of the capacitors 16, 17 and 18. The capacitors 16, 17 and 18 can accordingly be connected through the outer measuring electrodes 6 and 7 Formed capacitances are each considered as a series connection of the capacitors 20,21 and 22 or 23,24 and 25.

In order to increase the stray field of the capacitors formed by the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7, a shielding electrode is inserted between the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 and the counterelectrode 9 of the pinching sensor 1 'shown in a cross section according to FIG. In this case, the shielding electrode is subdivided into first, second and third shielding electrodes 30, 31 and 33, which are respectively assigned to the corresponding measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7. Via a corresponding circuit, not shown here, it is achieved by circuit technology that the shielding electrodes 30, 31 and 33 are each at the same potential as the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7. In other words, the shielding electrodes 30, 31 and 33 used as so-called driven-shield electrodes. Due to the resulting potential conditions, the shielding electrodes 30, 31 and 33 thus prevent a direct capacitance or a direct electric field from being formed between the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 and the counterelectrode 9. Thus, a stray field to the counter electrode 9 is generated in each case via the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 which extends into the detection range of the pinching sensor 1 '. The detection range of the pinching sensor 1 'is significantly increased in relation to the detection range of the pinching sensor 1.

Due to the edge arrangement of the measuring electrodes 6 and 7, the external electric field 14, which is shown in dashed lines, has a shorter range than the external electric field 12 generated by the internal measuring electrode 4.

Incidentally, the direct electric field is generated by the shielding electrodes 30, 31 and 32 to the counterelectrode 9, which is illustrated by the correspondingly drawn field lines of the direct electric field 35. Thus, in the case of the pinch sensor 1 ', it is again achieved by the outer measuring electrodes 6 or 7 located at the edge and by the centrally arranged measuring electrode 4 that the range of the correspondingly generated outer electric fields 12 and 14 differs. This allows a compensation of a superficial resting on the sensor body 2 Contamination or superficial water film. The size ratios of the second and third measuring electrodes 6 and 7 to the inner first measuring electrode 4 additionally achieve that, in the case of superficial contamination or superficial water wetting, the capacitance formed by the first measuring electrode 4 and that connected in parallel by the second measuring electrode 4 change the capacitance formed in the third measuring electrodes 6 and 7 in approximately the same way. Thus, it is achieved that a superficial contamination of the sensor body 2 does not influence a difference signal of the measuring capacitance, whereas an obstacle or dielectric approaching from the far field, which constitutes a pinching case, leads to a change of the difference signal.

5 again shows in a cross section a further pinching sensor 1 ", which essentially comprises the individual components of the pinching sensor 1 ', as shown in Fig. 4. The pinching sensor 1" also comprises a flat surface extending in the longitudinal direction Sensor body 2 made of an electrical insulating material which is placed on a counter electrode 9. The inner measuring electrode 4 and the outer measuring electrodes 6 and 7 are each formed as a flat conductor. Likewise, the shielding electrodes 30, 31 and 32 are designed as flat conductors which are assigned to the corresponding measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7, respectively. Again, by means of the shielding electrodes 30, 31 and 32, the formation of a direct capacitance between the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 and the counterelectrode 9 is prevented. In this respect, the field line course of the generated external electric field 12 of the inner measuring electrode 4 and of the generated electric field 14 of the parallel-connected outer measuring electrodes 6 and 7 is identical to the field line course of the pinching sensor V according to FIG. 4.

5 includes a fourth planar shielding electrode 36, which is at the same potential as the other shielding electrodes 30, 31, and 33, respectively, and which is connected in circuit technology with it Shielding electrode 36 and the counter electrode. 9

The measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7 are - not visible - in the longitudinal direction of the pinching sensor 1 ", ie in the plane of drawing, in several separate individual divided electrodes. Between the shielding electrodes 30, 31 and 33 and the fourth shielding electrode 36 further separate supply lines 38 are arranged, which are each contacted with one of the individual electrodes. All individual components are insulated from each other by the electrical insulating material of the sensor body 2. Shield electrode sections, which prevent the formation of direct capacitances between the separate supply lines 36, can be arranged between the separate supply lines 38, respectively. The separate supply lines 38 serve to drive the individual segments or individual electrodes of the measuring electrodes 4, 6 and 7. Thus, each individual electrode of the measuring electrodes can be controlled and evaluated along the longitudinal direction of the pinching sensor 1 "via the separate supply lines 38. This allows, on the one hand, multiplexing and others a spatial resolution of a possible Einklemmfalles.

6 shows a possible evaluation circuit for evaluating one of the pinching sensors 1, 1 'or 1 "illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. For this purpose, the evaluating circuit according to FIG. 6 comprises an alternating voltage source V1 for generating a defined alternating voltage The measuring circuit shown here is constructed from two bridge branches, each comprising an ohmic resistor R1 or R2 and a measuring capacitance C1 or C3. The measuring capacitance C1 of the first bridge branch is formed by the first bridge Measuring electrode 4 and the counter electrode 9 of the anti-pinch sensors 1, 1 ', 1 "shown. The measuring capacitance C3 is that capacitance which has the capacitor formed by the parallel-connected outer shielding electrodes 6 and 7 and the counterelectrode 9 according to the illustrated pinching sensors 1, 1 ', 1 "via a respective voltage tap between the ohmic resistors R1, R2 and associated measuring capacitors C1 and C3, it is a suitably trained evaluation 39 possible to form a difference of the measuring capacitances C1.C3 corresponding difference signal and deduce a drift signal from this.

The evaluation circuit according to FIG. 6 further comprises equalizing capacitances C2 and CA associated with the measuring capacitors C1, C3, which are formed by reverse-biased, voltage-controlled capacitance diodes. By means of a corresponding control of the compensation capacitances C2 and C4, it is possible to compensate for the other and compensate for an offset of the difference signal.

Possible configurations of the evaluation means 39 are shown schematically in FIGS. 7 and 8. In each case, the measuring bridge circuit 40 is shown here as an input element in FIGS. 7 and 8.

According to FIG. 7, the voltage values obtained from the measuring bridge circuit 40 are first supplied to an amplifier 42 in each case. Each amplifier 42 is further followed by a peak value detection 43, which determines the maximum amplitude of the detected alternating voltages. Downstream is a low pass 44, respectively, to obtain a good noise suppression. Finally, the maximum values obtained are fed to a differential amplifier 45. 5 If the pinch sensor is dimensioned or adjusted with the compensation capacitances, so that the measuring capacitances C1 + C2 and C3 + C4 are identical and no drift occurs in the case of superficial contamination or wetting, then the output signal of the differential amplifier 45 can be used directly as a detection signal become. Namely, contamination or wetting by a superficial film of water can not cause a drift between the measuring capacities in this case. The difference signal remains zero. However, a drift of the measuring capacitances is produced by a dielectric approaching from the far field. For this is first penetrated only by the field lines of the external electric field 12, which causes the inner measuring electrode 4 of the anti-pinch sensors shown.

In an alternative embodiment according to FIG. 8, the detected voltages of the measuring bridge circuit 40 are first supplied to a comparator 47. For this purpose, the generation of a reference voltage is necessary with reasonable effort. By means of the comparator a square wave voltage is generated with the approximately sinusoidal output signal. The square-wave voltages thus generated are fed to an exclusive OR logic device (XOR) 38. Thus, no output signal of the Lo gikbausteins 48, if both square-wave signals are identical. On the other hand, an output signal arises when the square wave signals differ in their phase.

The output signal of the logic module 48 is then fed to a low-pass filter 49 for noise suppression and forwarded to an amplifier 50. The output signal of the amplifier 50 can in turn be used as a detection signal for a trapping case. For a drift of the measuring capacitances C1.C3 to one another will lead to a phase detuning of the voltages tapped at the measuring capacitances in the measuring bridge circuit 40 and thus to an output signal of the logic module 48.

The compensation capacitances C2 and C4 shown in FIG. 6 serve to match the measuring bridge circuit 40 in the long term, whereby relatively rapid changes due to the approach of an object are not compensated.

The compensation capacitances C2 and C4 are controlled by a microcontroller as a function of the output signal of the evaluation circuit. This is usually realized by a DC voltage or a low-pass filtered PWM signal with variable duty cycle. This DC voltage then controls the capacitance diodes used as equalizing capacitors C2 and C4 and operated in the reverse direction, which circuits are each separated from the bridge branch by a capacitor (not shown in FIG. 6). The drive is selected to achieve a balance between the regulation of long-term drifts and the detection of transient changes in an object.

By balancing the bridge branches of the measuring bridge circuit 40 is further achieved that no parasitic capacitances in the pinch between the inner first measuring electrode 4 and the outside measuring electrodes 6 and 7 occur, so that in principle a common shielding electrode (in Figs. 1 to 4 the Shielding electrodes 30, 31, 32 and 36) can be used.

By balancing the bridge arms also results that for the same series resistors (the ohmic resistors R1 and R2), the sum of the capacitances C1 and C2 and the capacitance C3 and C4 is identical. In this case, the voltages at the center taps are phase and amplitude equal and therefore identical. If the magnitude of the capacitive reactance of the bridge branches is chosen to be equal to the series resistance of the bridge branches, the measuring bridge circuit 40 is set to be the most sensitive since the phase shift in the respective bridge branches is 45 °. Between the bridge branches, the phase shift is 0 °.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.1 M ^" pinch sensor

2 sensor body first measuring electrode second measuring electrode third measuring electrode

Counter electrode (body)

10 water film

12 first electric field

14 second electric field

16 capacity 11

17 capacity 12

18 Capacity 13 0 Capacity 21 1 Capacity 22 2 Capacity 23 3 Capacity 31 4 Capacity 32 5 Capacity 33 0 first shielding electrode 1 second shielding electrode 3 third shielding electrode 5 direct field 6 fourth shielding electrode 8 supply lines 9 evaluation means 0 measuring bridge circuit 2 amplifier 3 peak detection 4 low-pass 5 differential amplifier comparator

Exclusive-OR gate

lowpass

amplifier

Claims

claims

1. pinch sensor (1, 1 ', 1 "), in particular for detecting an obstacle in the s path of an actuating element of a motor vehicle, with a sensor body (2), with a in the sensor body (2) arranged first measuring electrode (4) for generating a first external electric field (12) opposite a counter electrode (9) and with an in the sensor body (2) of the first measuring electrode (4) adjacent, electrically separated second measuring electrode (6) for generating a second external electric field (14) opposite to the counter electrode

(9), wherein the measuring electrodes (4,6) are formed such that the first external electric field (12) has a greater range than the second external electric field (14). 5 2. pinch sensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to claim 1, wherein in the sensor body (2) the first measuring electrode (4) spaced from the edge and the second measuring electrode (6) is arranged in an edge region.

3. Einklemmsensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measuring electrodes (4,6,7) are each formed flat.

4. Einklemmsensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the first measuring electrode (4) is greater than the area of the second measuring electrode (6).

5. Einklemmsensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring electrodes (4,6) are dimensioned such that a in the immediate vicinity in both outer electric fields (12,14) introduced dielectric substantially none Drift of the measuring capacitances caused to each other.

6. Einklemmsensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a peripheral region of the sensor body (2) a separate, the first measuring electrode (4) adjacent the third measuring electrode (7) is arranged, the second measuring electrode ( 6) is connected in parallel.

7. Einklemmsensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to claim 6, wherein the second and the third measuring electrode (6 or 7) are designed to be identical, and wherein the first measuring electrode (4) in the sensor body (2) between the second and the third measuring electrode (6 or 7) is arranged.

8. Einklemmsensor (1, 1 ', 1 ") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the sensor body (2) a separate shielding electrode (30) is provided, with respect to the measuring electrodes (4,6,7) for aligning at least the first electrical Field (12) is arranged in a hazardous area.

9. Einklemmsensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to claim 8, wherein the shielding electrode (30) into individual, in each case the measuring electrodes (4,6,7) arranged opposite and separate Einzelabschirmelektroden (30,31, 33) is divided.

10. pinch sensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor body (2) is formed of a flexible carrier material.

11. pinch sensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to claim 9, which is formed as a flexible ribbon cable.

12. pinch sensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to claim 10, wherein a flexible conductor structure is used as the sensor body (2).

13. Einklemmsensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to any one of the preceding claims, s wherein the sensor body (2) extends in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the

Measuring electrodes (4,6,7) along the longitudinal direction are each divided into individually controllable individual electrodes.

14. pinch sensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to claim 13, o wherein the leads (38) to the individual electrodes in the sensor body (2) are each arranged between Abschirmelektrodenabschnitten.

15. evaluating circuit, in particular for an anti-pinch sensor (1, 1 ^', 1 ^") according to one of the preceding claims 5 with measurement potential output means for outputting a predetermined sample potential to the measuring electrodes (4,6,7), with capacitance drift detection means for detecting a mutual drifts of measured capacity between measuring electrodes (4, 46, 7) and a counter electrode (9), and with evaluation means (39) for outputting a detection signal in dependence on the drift signal.

16. The evaluation circuit as claimed in claim 15, wherein the evaluation means (39) are designed to output a detection signal upon a change in the drift signal in a region corresponding to the closing time of an actuating element.

17. evaluation circuit according to one of claims 15 to 16, the further potential equalization means for potential equalization between a shield electrode (30,31, 33) and a measuring electrode (4,6,7) comprises.

18. The evaluation circuit according to claim 17, wherein the potential matching means comprise an amplifier, which has an input side with the measuring electrodes (4, 6, 7) and at the output side with a shield electrode (30, 31, 33) whose supply can be connected to a voltage signal derived from the input signal.

19. The evaluation circuit according to claim 15, wherein the measurement potential output means comprise an AC voltage source, wherein further differential signal generating means are provided for forming a difference signal corresponding to the difference of the measuring capacitance, and wherein the drift signal detecting means are configured to detect the drift of the differential signal. 0

20. evaluation circuit according to claim 19, wherein the difference signal generating means for detecting the measuring capacitance each comprise a bridge circuit (40), wherein the measuring capacitances are connected in parallel in the bridge arms. 5

21. evaluation circuit according to claim 20, wherein for forming the difference signal, either a differential amplifier (45) or a phase difference detecting means is provided. 0

22. The evaluation circuit according to claim 15, wherein the measurement potential output means for the measurement capacitances each comprise an AC voltage generator, wherein further phase difference detection means are provided for detecting a phase difference between the measurement capacitance branches, and wherein the drift signal detection means for detecting the drift the phase position are formed.

23. Evaluation circuit according to one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the measuring capacitances at least one controllable balancing capacity (C2.C4) is associated, and wherein the evaluation means (39) for balancing the measuring capacitance by controlling the at least one balancing capacity

(C2.C4) are formed.

24. Evaluation circuit according to claim 23, wherein the controllable balancing capacitances (C2.C4) are reverse-biased, voltage-controlled capacitance diodes separated from the measuring capacitors by a coupling capacitor.

s 25. Evaluation circuit according to one of claims 23 to 24, wherein the evaluation means (39) are designed to control the compensation capacitances in dependence on the drift signal.

26 assembly comprising a Einklemmsensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) according to one of the An-o claims 1 to 14 and one to the pinch sensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) connected

Evaluation circuit according to one of claims 15 to 25.

27. Use of a pinch sensor (1, 1 ^' , 1 ^" ) s according to one of claims 1 to 14 in a motor vehicle, wherein the counter-electrode (9) is the grounded Karos-5 see the motor vehicle.