FR3133344A1 - ANTI-PINCH DEVICE FOR VEHICLE WINDOWS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) comprising an opening (12), a frame delimiting the opening (12), and a window (18) sliding in the opening between an open position and a closed position, a rail window guidance; the frame comprising a docking post (14). The window (18) comprises a docking edge (20) capable of coming into contact with the docking post (14) in the closed position. The vehicle (10) comprises an anti-pinch system (40) comprising a light source (24) which is connected to the window (18), which is disposed in the guide rail, and which is configured to emit a ray luminous in the opening along the docking edge (20); the system (40) further comprising a photoelectric sensor, an analysis module (50) analyzing the propagation of the light ray so as to detect an obstacle in the opening. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

ANTI-PINCH DEVICE FOR VEHICLE WINDOWS

The invention concerns the safety linked to the actuation of a sliding element of a vehicle. The present invention relates more particularly to an anti-pinch system for a window of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a method of closing a window of a motor vehicle.

A motor vehicle commonly includes side windows or so-called electric sunroof panels. The driver or passenger can then activate a control unit which triggers an electric motor to close or open the window.

The control member generally includes a switch with or without a return spring. In the first case, the motor is activated as long as the user maintains the control member in a given position; releasing the control member stops the motor and therefore the window. By using a switch without a return spring, the device allows the motor to be operated in one direction or the other until another member, or the same one, is actuated to stop the motor.

At the end of its travel, the window abuts against a matched element. The motor generally shuts down when its applied torque exceeds a threshold value. This threshold value is too high for a child to be able to stop the window by hand. There is therefore a risk of injury if a child places their hand or another part of their body against the window while it is automatically closing.

The controls, and in particular the rear side window controls, are often centralized in the driver's seat of the vehicle. It is therefore common for the driver to open or close a window without being able to pay attention to the passengers' hands. This is particularly problematic with young children. We are therefore looking for solutions to limit the risk of pinching between the frame and the window.

The invention aims to improve the solutions of the state of the art, and in particular to propose a vehicle improving passenger safety. The invention also aims to provide a simple, economical solution which can be adapted to a window of a vehicle without hindering visibility through the latter.

For this purpose, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising an opening, a frame delimiting the opening, and a window sliding in the opening between at least one open position and a closed position, at minus a window guide rail; the frame comprising a docking post; the window comprising a docking edge capable of coming into contact with the docking post in the closed position; remarkable that the motor vehicle further comprises an anti-pinch system comprising a light source which is connected to the window, which is arranged in the guide rail, and which is configured so as to emit a light ray into the opening the along the berthing edge; the anti-pinch system further comprising a photoelectric sensor, an analysis module which is connected to the photoelectric sensor and which is configured to analyze the propagation of the light ray along the docking edge so as to detect an obstacle in the opening

As will be understood from reading the definition which has just been given, the invention proposes a motor vehicle with an anti-pinch system with a light source which emits a ray preceding the closing movement of the window, the emission position being from the guide rail in order to scan the entire docking edge.

Positioning the light source in the guide rail allows you to monitor the opening across its entire width. This arrangement avoids blind spots in the opening. Thus, the invention improves security since it enlarges the monitored surface in the opening. Furthermore, a window guide rail has a narrow groove preventing a passenger's finger from penetrating it. Consequently, placing the light source there, and possibly the associated sensor, does not compromise safety. On the contrary, this arrangement prevents the source from coming into contact with a finger. The anti-pinch function is optimized.

We know the document CN109577779A which describes an anti-pinch system against the edge of a pivoting door. The system includes, along one edge of the door, a laser transmitter arranged at the top of the edge of the door, and a receiver arranged at the bottom of the edge. The laser transmitter and receiver are mounted on beveled blocks. These fit into notches on the edge of the door in the event of contact with the frame. When an object or part of an individual is pressed against the edge, the laser signal between the transmitter and receiver is cut. The anti-pinch system can send a pinch risk alarm signal.

Unfortunately, this solution is not satisfactory since it does not make it possible to detect an obstacle at one of the beveled wedges. Likewise, this solution is blind to obstacles between a beveled wedge and neighboring end of the door. In addition, this solution remains complex and expensive. Since the sensors are retracted in the door, this system cannot be adapted to a window of a motor vehicle without hindering visibility. Furthermore, making notches and holes for the springs would weaken the window, and would be incompatible with window manufacturing processes in the automotive sector.

According to one embodiment, the anti-pinch system further comprises reflective means arranged opposite the light source relative to the window, and configured so as to reflect the light ray towards the photoelectric sensor, the photoelectric sensor being arranged on the side of the guide rail.

According to a complementary or alternative embodiment, the frame comprises a groove facing the guide rail and the reflective means are arranged in said groove.

Preferably, and whatever the embodiment considered, the window comprises a trajectory between the open position and the closed position, and the reflective means comprise a plurality of reflective elements distributed along the trajectory.

According to one embodiment, the photoelectric sensor is connected to the window and is arranged in the guide rail.

According to one embodiment, the guide rail comprises a window guiding direction, and the photoelectric sensor and the light source are superimposed along said guide direction.

According to one embodiment, the window comprises an edge opposite the docking edge, and the motor vehicle comprises means for driving the window between the open position and the closed position which are connected to the opposite edge, the anti- pinching further comprises a bent structure connected to the drive means; and the light source is integral with the bent structure.

Preferably, the bent structure comprises a form extending over the entire length of the window following the direction of movement of the window between the open position and the closed position, and said branch extends in the guide rail .

Preferably, the photoelectric sensor is integral with the light source and/or integrated into the light source.

Preferably, the light source comprises a laser. A laser emits a concentrated light ray which follows the docking edge without deviating from it.

Preferably, the opening comprises a separation between the reflective means and the docking amount of between 50 cm and 15 cm; preferably between 40 cm and 20 cm; values included.

According to a second aspect, the subject of the invention is a method of closing a window in an opening of a motor vehicle, remarkable in that the motor vehicle conforms to the first aspect; the method comprising the following steps: receiving a command to close the window; start of moving the window towards the closed position; emission of a light ray intended for the photoelectric sensor, the light ray propagating in the opening along the contact edge of the window; communication of a monitoring signal by the photoelectric sensor depending on the reception of the light ray; analysis of the monitoring signal in order to detect an obstacle in the opening in the event of interruption of reception of the light ray by the photoelectric sensor; interruption of the movement of the window in the event of detection of an obstacle in the opening.

Preferably, during the emission step, the anti-pinch system further comprises reflective means arranged opposite the light source relative to the window, and configured so as to reflect the light ray towards the photoelectric sensor , the light ray propagates towards the reflecting means .

Preferably, the method further comprises: after the step of interrupting the movement of the window; the following steps: display of a warning sign to a user; obtaining confirmation from the user to continue closing the opening through the window; continued closing of the opening through the window.

Preferably, the step of emitting a light ray is carried out when the docking edge of the window is at a predetermined distance from the docking edge; the predetermined distance is preferably greater than or equal to 30 cm.

The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows given with reference to the appended figures in which:

There schematizes a vehicle according to the invention.

There shows an opening with a window according to a first embodiment of the invention.

There shows an opening with a window according to a second embodiment of the invention.

There represents a diagram of a closure method according to the invention.

In the description which follows, the term “include” is synonymous with “include” and is not restrictive in that it authorizes the presence of other steps in the process or other elements in the part or in the vehicle. automobile to which it relates. It is understood that the term “understand” includes the terms “consist of”. The terms “external” and “internal” will respectively designate what is oriented towards the exterior of the vehicle and towards the interior of the vehicle.

Likewise, the terms "lower", "upper", "high" and "low" will be understood according to their usual definition, in which the terms "lower" and "lower" indicate greater proximity to the ground depending on the direction vertical as respectively the terms “upper” and “top”.

In this description, the term “longitudinal” and the term “transverse” are used according to the reference of the vehicle, in the assembly configuration. The term “longitudinal” corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “transverse” corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “forward” refers to the primary direction of travel of the vehicle. The term “rear” refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

In this description, the term “pinching” covers the action of crushing or trapping a limb, a finger or an object. The expression “anti-pinch” can be interpreted as avoiding contact, or not exerting any closing effort in the event of possible contact.

There represents a vehicle 10 according to the invention. Vehicle 10 is of the automobile type. The vehicle 10 includes several openings; such as doors 11 allowing users to enter the passenger compartment. The doors 11 are advantageously glazed.

The doors 11 are fixed in a pivoting or sliding manner to the body of the vehicle 10. The doors 10 advantageously comprise windows 18 sealingly closing corresponding openings 12. At least one or each window is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, as shown on the front door, the docking edge 20 of the window 18 is housed in a docking post. In the open position, as shown on the rear door, the docking edge 20 is at a distance from the associated docking post and intended to receive it when closing. A passage is permitted through the opening 12. At least one or each door 11 comprises a frame, or chassis, surrounding the opening 12. At least one or each window 18 slides vertically, in a translational movement. The translation movement can comprise a substantially curved trajectory when the window 18 is itself curved.

According to an alternative of the invention, the frame is partially formed by the body of the vehicle and the upper edge of the door. The frame is shared between the sash and the sash. When the door is opened, the window has an upper edge, a front edge and a rear edge which remain free of contact with the body.

Optionally, the vehicle includes a roof with a movable window (not shown). The corresponding opening is horizontal. The window is movable horizontally; for example longitudinally, between an open position and a closed position. These positions can be a forward position and a rear position respectively.

There represents a vehicle opening according to the invention. The vehicle is advantageously such as that described in relation to the . In the present figure, the opening is a front door 11. However, the present teaching applies to any door of the vehicle. This teaching can be adapted to a back door by analogy.

The door 11 comprises a frame surrounding the opening 12. The frame forms the structure of the door 11. The frame comprises vertical uprights 16 connected by a horizontal upright 14 (or docking upright 14). In the closed position, the docking edge 20 of the window fits into the docking post 14, and in particular into a seal arranged there. The vertical uprights 16 are a front upright 16 and a rear upright 16. The docking upright 14 is called upper upright 14. The front upright 16 can be an inclined upright, for example from 30° to 60°, relative to the vertical direction.

Window 18 is shown here in the open position. The window 11 can occupy several open positions, partially releasing the opening 12. The window 18 can have an opening end position where the docking edge 20 enters the structure of the opening, or remains protruding in the opening 12. The opening 12 is free between the docking edge 20 and the docking post 14. A clearance appears between these two portions. Opening 12 is angled; it has a horizontal part above, and an inclined part below.

The rear upright 16 comprises a guide slide (not shown) in which the window 18 is inserted. This guide slide provides sealing, and sliding surfaces dictating the trajectory that the window 18 follows between its closed position and its open positions , according to the opening and closing trajectory. At the front, the opening 12 is delimited by a front guide slide, which is parallel to that of the rear upright 16.

The window 18 comprises a slider edge 28 opposite the docking edge 18. The slider edge 28 is also designated as the opposite edge 28. Here, the opposite aspect is understood according to the direction of movement of the window 18, for example according to the main direction of the guide slide. The opposite edge 28 includes a slider 30 movable along the opposite edge. Furthermore, the opening 11 comprises drive means 22 for the window 18 in order to operate it between the open position and the closed position. The drive means 22 include for example a motor and a cable mechanism(s). The cursor 30 communicates the opening and closing movement of the drive means 22 to the window 18.

The vehicle includes an anti-pinch system 40, which is generally a safety system. The anti-pinch system 40 is configured so as to avoid pinching a passenger's limb in the opening 12 when closing the window 18. For this purpose, the anti-pinch system 40 comprises a light source 24. The light source 24 is placed in the guide rail (not shown), or window slide. Those skilled in the art are familiar with guide slides, so this element will not be described in more detail in this description.

When the window 18 is in the open position, the light source 24, for example a laser, emits a light ray (represented in the form of straight arrows) or a light beam into the opening 12. The light ray is directed along the docking edge 20. This ray is parallel to the docking edge 20. It illuminates any element or obstacle (not shown) placed in the opening opposite the light source 24. When an obstacle intercepts the light ray, it cuts it or deflects it, or attenuates it. Generally speaking, it modifies it.

In addition, the anti-pinch system 40 includes a photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor is advantageously integrated into the light source 24. This arrangement makes it possible to simplify the electrical connections and to form a compact transceiver module. The photoelectric sensor is positioned so as to receive the light ray; directly or indirectly. The photoelectric sensor is configured to measure the light ray, and to sense a possible change in light intensity. For example, the output signal of the photoelectric sensor varies when the light ray is cut by a possible obstacle at the docking edge 18.

The anti-pinch system 40 optionally comprises reflective means 26. The reflective means 26 comprise a mirror, or a plurality of reflective elements. These reflective elements are arranged opposite the light source 24. They are distributed along the inclined part of the frame. The reflective means 26 are arranged in the upper part of the opening 12. Their presence begins at a predefined distance from the docking post 14. This improves safety since this zone has a higher probability of pinching.

The reflecting means 26 are placed in the groove of a joint delimiting the opening 12, for example at the level of the front upright 16. In the absence of an obstacle, a light ray emitted by the light source 24 is reflected by the reflecting means 26 , then sent back to the photoelectric sensor. The light ray passes through the opening 12 twice. This arrangement is compact, and makes it possible to preserve the transparent surface of the vehicle. This improves the comfort and perceived quality of the vehicle.

The anti-pinch system 40 further comprises an analysis module 50. The analysis module 50 comprises calculation means (not shown) and a memory (not shown) on which is recorded a computer program making it possible to carry out a closing method according to the invention. The computer program may include code instructions, which when executed by the vehicle's on-board computer, allow the closing process to be carried out as described below. The closing method makes it possible to control the closing, for example automatic, of a window in an opening of a vehicle. The analysis module 50 may correspond to, or be integrated into, the vehicle's on-board computer. According to one variant, the analysis module comprises a programmable card integrated into door 11.

The analysis module 50 is connected to the photoelectric sensor and receives the output signal which it analyzes. By analyzing it, he identifies a case of cutoff of the light ray in the opening. In response to this intruder detection, the analysis module 50 cuts off the power supply to the drive means 22 in order to stop the movement of the window 18. The analysis module 50 acts on the drive means 22, or on their control unit (not shown). Therefore, the anti-pinch system 40 avoids pinching or crushing a member in the opening 18.

The safety system 40 further comprises an elbow structure 31. The elbow structure 31 matches the opposite edge 28 and the guided edge which is in the guide rail. The bent structure 31 comprises a first branch fixed to the drive means 22; for example to the sliders 30. The bent structure 31 comprises a second branch 32, for example arranged in the guide rail. The light source is integral with the bent structure 31. It is fixed to the second branch 32, preferably at its end opposite the first branch 31. This arrangement makes it possible to connect the light source 24 reliably to the drive means 22 .

There represents a vehicle opening 11 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The vehicle corresponds to that described in relation to the . In operation, the light source 24 emits a light ray towards the reflective means 26. The photoelectric sensor integrated into the light source 24 is connected to the analysis module 50 in order to identify cases where the light ray is cut; which corresponds to a case of the presence of an obstacle in the opening 12. In the event of detection of an obstacle, the analysis module 50 acts on the drive means 22 so as to interrupt the closing of the window 18, or at least the bringing together of the docking edge 18 of the docking post 20.

The second embodiment of the invention is similar to the first embodiment of the invention. However, it differs in that the bent structure is replaced by fixing means 34. These fixing means make it possible to directly fix the light source 24 to the window 18. The fixing means 34 are at a distance from the means of training 22.

The fixing means 34 can be clamping fixing means, for example screws. Thus, the position of the light source 24 can be adjusted. Replacement is simplified. Alternatively, the fixing means can be by gluing for better compactness.

The fixing means 34 are arranged in the guide rail (not shown). They are protected by the rear pillar 16 of the door 11. This configuration makes it possible to lighten the security system 40.

Following the guide direction of the guide rail, the fixing means 34 are at a distance from the docking edge 20 of the window 18. In the closed position, these fixing means 34 remain at a distance from the docking post 14. Thus, the presence of the fixing means 34 does not constrain the movements of the window 18, and does not limit the travel towards the closed position.

According to a variant of the invention, the photoelectric sensor is fixed to the window, opposite the light source in relation to said window. Thus, both the transmitter and the photoelectric receiver are each smaller than a module combining them. This allows them to be placed in thinner grooves.

There represents a diagram of a method of closing a window in an opening of a vehicle. The vehicle comprises an anti-pinch system according to the first or second embodiment of the invention.

The closing process is carried out when the window is open. It can start when the size of the opening, that is to say the distance between the docking edge and the docking post, becomes less than or equal to a threshold value. This threshold value can vary from 30 cm to 50 cm. The closure process comprises the following steps, preferably carried out in the following order.

Reception 100 of a command to close the window.

Start 102 of moving the window to the closed position.

Emission 104 of a light ray intended for the photoelectric sensor, the light ray propagating in the opening along the contact edge of the window.

Communication 106 of a monitoring signal by the photoelectric sensor depending on the reception of the light ray by said sensor.

Analysis 108 of the monitoring signal in order to detect an obstacle in the opening in the event of interruption of reception of the light ray by the photoelectric sensor.

Interruption 110 of the movement of the window in the event of detection of an obstacle in the opening.

Display 112 of a warning sign intended for a user such as the driver.

Obtaining 114 confirmation from the user to continue closing the opening through the window.

Continuation 116 of closing the opening through the window.

In the step 100 of receiving a closing command, a user; for example the driver or a passenger, activates a window closing button. This command can be a partial or total window closing command.

In response to the closing command, the window approaches the docking amount during the starting step 102 of moving the window towards the closed position.

When the docking edge of the window is at a critical distance, that is to say close to pinching or trapping a member, the step 104 of emitting a light ray begins. The light ray propagates in the opening, parallel to and at the level of the contact edge of the window; towards the photoelectric sensor. It can reach it directly or indirectly depending on the presence of reflective means. The step 104 of emitting a light ray is carried out when the docking edge of the window is at a predetermined distance from the docking edge; the predetermined distance is preferably greater than or equal to 30 cm. According to a variant of the invention, the light ray is emitted as soon as the window moves in the closing direction.

The photoelectric sensor provides an electrical signal depending on the light it receives, and therefore depending on whether or not it is illuminated by the light ray emitted by the light source. This electrical signal is transmitted during communication step 106 of the monitoring signal. The electrical monitoring signal presents a voltage variation depending on whether the sensor is reached by the light ray.

The analysis module receives and analyzes the monitoring signal during the monitoring signal analysis step 108. It compares the electrical signal to at least one reference value and identifies a case of the presence of an obstacle when the monitoring signal deviates significantly from reference values. If reception of the light ray by the photoelectric sensor is interrupted, the monitoring signal reaches a threshold value.

When an obstacle is identified during the previous step, the anti-pinch system causes the window to stop closing during the window movement interruption step 110. Pinching and crushing a limb is avoided. The safety of passengers, or more generally of any person in the vicinity of the window, is improved.

The steps of displaying 112 a warning sign; obtaining 114 a confirmation and continuing 116 with the closure remain purely optional in the context of the invention.

Claims (10)

Motor vehicle (10) comprising an opening (12), a frame delimiting the opening (12), and a window (18) sliding in the opening (12) between at least one open position and a closed position, at least one window guide rail (18); the frame comprising a docking post (14); the window (18) comprising a docking edge (20) capable of coming into contact with the docking post (14) in the closed position; characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) further comprises an anti-pinch system (40) comprising a light source (24) which is connected to the window (18), which is arranged in the guide rail, and which is configured so as to emit a light ray into the opening (12) along the docking edge (20); the anti-pinch system (40) further comprising a photoelectric sensor, an analysis module (50) which is connected to the photoelectric sensor and which is configured to analyze the propagation of the light ray along the docking edge (20) so as to detect an obstacle in the opening (12). Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-pinch system (40) further comprises reflective means (26) arranged opposite the light source (24) relative to the window (18). ), and configured so as to reflect the light ray towards the photoelectric sensor, the photoelectric sensor being disposed on the side of the guide rail. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the frame comprises a groove facing the guide rail and in that the reflective means (26) are arranged in said groove. Motor vehicle (10) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the window (18) comprises a trajectory between the open position and the closed position, and in that the reflecting means (26) comprise a plurality of reflective elements distributed along the trajectory. Motor vehicle (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the photoelectric sensor (26) is connected to the window (18) and is arranged in the guide rail. Motor vehicle (10) according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guide rail comprises a guiding direction of the window (18), and in that the photoelectric sensor and the light source (24) are superimposed in said direction guidance. Motor vehicle (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the window (18) comprises an edge opposite (28) to the docking edge (20), in that the motor vehicle comprises means of drive (22) of the window (18) between the open position and the closed position which are connected to the opposite edge (28), the anti-pinch system (40) further comprises an elbow structure (31) connected to the means of 'training ; and in that the light source (24) is integral with the bent structure (31). Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the bent structure (31) comprises a formwork (32) extending over the entire length of the window (18) in the direction of movement of the window (18). between the open position and the closed position, and in that said branch (32) extends in the guide rail. Method for closing a window (18) in an opening (12) of a motor vehicle (10), characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) conforms to one of claims 1 to 8; the method comprising the following steps: receiving (100) a command to close the window; start (102) of the movement of the window (18) towards the closed position; emission (104) of a light ray intended for the photoelectric sensor, the light ray propagating in the opening (12) along the docking edge (20) of the window (18); communication (106) of a monitoring signal by the photoelectric sensor depending on the reception of the light ray; analysis (108) of the monitoring signal in order to detect an obstacle in the opening (12) in the event of interruption of reception of the light ray by the photoelectric sensor; interruption (110) of the movement of the window (18) in the event of detection of an obstacle in the opening (12). Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the anti-pinch system (40) further comprises reflective means (26) arranged opposite the light source (24) relative to the window (18), and configured so as to reflect the light ray towards the photoelectric sensor, and in that during the emission step (104), the light ray propagates towards the reflecting means (26).