GB2301225A - Switch to prevent trapping of an object - Google Patents

Switch to prevent trapping of an object Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2301225A
GB2301225A GB9510609A GB9510609A GB2301225A GB 2301225 A GB2301225 A GB 2301225A GB 9510609 A GB9510609 A GB 9510609A GB 9510609 A GB9510609 A GB 9510609A GB 2301225 A GB2301225 A GB 2301225A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
jaws
end regions
switch
regions
electrically conductive
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9510609A
Other versions
GB9510609D0 (en
Inventor
Michael Paul Kilby
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.)
STANDARD PROD Ltd
Original Assignee
STANDARD PROD Ltd
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 STANDARD PROD Ltd filed Critical STANDARD PROD Ltd
Priority to GB9510609A priority Critical patent/GB2301225A/en
Publication of GB9510609D0 publication Critical patent/GB9510609D0/en
Publication of GB2301225A publication Critical patent/GB2301225A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/14—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
    • H01H3/141—Cushion or mat switches
    • H01H3/142—Cushion or mat switches of the elongated strip type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J10/00—Sealing arrangements
    • 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
    • E05F15/44—Detection using safety edges responsive to changes in electrical conductivity
    • E05F15/443—Detection using safety edges responsive to changes in electrical conductivity 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

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Window Of Vehicle (AREA)
  • Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)

Abstract

A switch intended for use in an anti-trap sensor system comprises first and second jaws (1, 2) capable of flexing relative to each other and having first end regions (3, 7) formed of an insulating material, but with second free end regions (5, 9) formed of an electrically conductive material. When relaxed, the free end regions (5, 9) are spaced apart but when a lateral force is applied to one of the jaws (1, 2) the electrically conductive regions (5, 9) are forced into contact and permit a signal to be generated which can be interpreted so as to cause for example an electric motor tending to close a window pane to reverse, so as to free any trapped object. The jaws (1, 2) are so shaped that, as soon as the electrically conductive regions (5, 9) abut, there is left between the jaws (1, 2) a hollow zone so as to accommodate any over travel of the closing window pane or the like, thus taking care of the inertia usually associated with systems which stop and then reverse closing window panes.

Description

SWITCH TO PREVENT TRAPPING OF AN OBJECT This invention relates to a switch intended to assist in the prevention of an object being trapped.
Whilst not limited to the use of electrically powered sunroof s and sliding windows in motor vehicles, nonetheless the switch of the present invention will be described with particular reference to incorporation in anti-trap sensor systems intended to prevent a finger from being seriously trapped and damaged between a leading edge of a closing electrically-powered window pane and the window frame, or between the leading edge of a closing electrically-powered sunroof and the edge around the aperture intended to be closed by the sunroof.
Systems are known which become activated when an object, such as a finger, becomes trapped between, for example, the leading edge of a closing window pane and the window frame. There is, however, a finite time between the time that the sensing system recognises that an object has been trapped and the time that the trapped object is freed. This is because a finite time is required for the sensor to detect the trap and to send a signal to the mechanism which controls the electric motor which powers the window pane, and for the mechanism firstly to stop the motor and secondly to cause the motor to reverse so as to release the trapped object. Also the closing window pane has a certain amount of inertia.Thus, although the existing systems can recognise the presence of a trapped object and can release it, nonetheless damage or pain can be inflicted on the trapped object before full release occurs.
According to the present invention, there is provided a switch intended for use in an anti-trap sensor system, the switch comprising; first and second jaws having first end regions capable of flexing relative to each other and formed of an electrically insulating material, the first and second jaws also having free second end regions formed of an electrically conductive material; wherein, when relaxed, the second end regions of the first and second jaws are spaced apart, there also being considerable spacing between an intermediate region of the first jaw and an intermediate region of the second jaw; but wherein, when an object applies lateral force on an intermediate region of one of the first and second jaws, the second end regions of the first and second jaws are caused to abut to establish electrical contact between their conductive second end regions, whilst still leaving a not inconsiderable spacing between the intermediate regions of the first and second jaws, such that continued movement under inertia of the forceapplying object can be absorbed by a corresponding reduction of said not inconsiderable spacing.
It is the provision of the considerable spacing between the intermediate regions of the first and second jaws, once electrical contact has been established between the electrically conductive second end regions of the first and second jaws, which allows any over travel of the electrically powered window pane or the like, and the object trapped by the window pane, to be accommodated until such time as the mechanism controlling the window pane has had time to stop and reverse the direction of travel of the window pane.
Conveniently the intermediate region of one or each of the first and second jaws is arcuate so that, when the second end regions of the first and second jaws just abut, there is a hollow zone or bubble formed between the intermediate regions of the first and second jaws.
If desired, electrical conductors can be embedded in the electrically conductive material at the second end regions of the first and second jaws.
The intermediate regions of the first and second jaws can be formed of an insulating material or, if preferred, the electrically conductive material present at the second end regions of the first and second jaws may extend, at least part way, along the intermediate regions.
A switch in accordance with the present invention can be formed as an extrudate.
The electrically insulating material forming part of the switch of the present invention and the electrically conductive material forming another part of the switch of the present invention may be formed from conventional electrically insulating and conducting materials, respectively, these being well known in the art. For instance, the conductive material could be a formulated ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) terpolymeric compound containing sufficient conductive filler (such as carbon black) to reduce its volume resistivity to make it conductive; or it could be a conductive elastomer such as the relevant grade of Santoprene (trade mark).
The present invention also provides a vehicle, building or the like having an edge which defines an aperture, a closure member for closing off the aperture and electrically-powered control means for moving the closure member so as to close off or open the aperture, there also being provided a switch according to the present invention in association with the control means such that if an object becomes trapped between the closure member and the edge, the switch can detect the trapping of the object and can cause reversal of the powered means so as to reverse the direction of movement of the closure member, thereby permitting the trapped object to be freed.
For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-section through an embodiment of a switch in accordance with the present invention, in a relaxed condition; and Figure 2 is a cross-section through the same switch as in Figure 1, but deformed in response to the application of an external force.
Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a switch which has a first jaw generally indicated by the reference numeral 1 and the second jaw generally indicated by the reference numeral 2.
The first jaw 1 has a first end region 3, an arcuate intermediate region 4, and a second end region 5 in which is embedded an electrical conductor 6.
Somewhat similarly, the second jaw 2 has a first end region 7, an intermediate region 8 and a second end region 9 in which is embedded an electrical conductor 10. The first end regions 3, 7 and intermediate regions 4, 8 are formed of an electrically insulating material, whereas the second end regions 5, 9 are formed of an electrically conductive material. The first end regions 3, 7 are integral, and, in order to assist in the flexing of the first and second jaws 1, 2 about their first end regions 3, 7 a recess 11 is provided.
In the relaxed condition of the switch, as shown in Figure 1, the electrically conductive material second end regions 5, 9 are well spaced apart, as are also the intermediate regions 4, 8, of the first and second jaws 1, 2.
When a lateral force is applied, as indicated by the arrow "A" shown in Figure 2, there is relative flexing of the jaws 1, 2 in the region of the recess 11 until the point is reached at which the electrically conductive second end regions, 5, 9 abut each other.
In practice, with the switch associated with suitable circuitry which controls the operation of, say, an electric motor which causes movement of a window pane, the contacting of the second end regions, 5, 9 permits a signal to be sent to, or detected by, the circuitry which can cause the motor firstly to stop and then to reverse so as to release any object trapped by the previously advancing leading edge of the window pane.
However, as a finite time is required for the signal to be generated, transmitted and acted upon, and also in view of the inertia of the advancing window pane, the window pane will continue to advance for some time before it stops and is then reversed. If the trapped object were hard up against a hard component, damage or pain could be inflicted on the trapped object.
However, as can be seen particularly clearly in Figure 2, as soon as the conductive second end regions 5, 9 abut, there is formed a hollow region 12 which provides for take-up of the trapped object during any limited over travel of the window pane.
In the illustrated embodiment the second jaw 2 is shown as having an intermediate region 8 which is arcuate on the that face which faces the hollow zone 12 but which is planar on the opposite face; such a planar configuration might be suitable to assist in attachment to some member associated with a window frame but which is variable depending upon the component to which it is to be fixed.

Claims (7)

1. A switch intended for use in an anti-trap sensor system, the switch comprising; first and second jaws having first end regions capable of flexing relative to each other and formed of an electrically insulating material, the first and second jaws also having free second end regions formed of an electrically conductive material; wherein, when relaxed, the second end regions of the first and second jaws are spaced apart, there also being considerable spacing between an intermediate region of the first jaw and an intermediate region of the second jaw; but wherein, when an object applies lateral force on an intermediate region of one of the first and second jaws, the second end regions of the first and second jaws are caused to abut to establish electrical contact between their conductive second end regions, whilst still leaving a not inconsiderable spacing between the intermediate regions of the first and second jaws, such that continued movement under inertia of the forceapplying object can be absorbed by a corresponding reduction of said not inconsiderable spacing.
2. A switch according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate region of one or each of the first and second jaws is arcuate.
3. A switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein electrical conductors are embedded in the electrically conductive material in the region of the second end regions of the first and second jaws.
4. A switch according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the intermediate regions of the first and second jaws are also formed of an electrically insulating material.
5. A switch according to any preceding claim, which has been formed by extrusion or co-extrusion.
6. A switch substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawing.
7. A vehicle, building or the like having an edge which defines an aperture, a closure member for closing off the aperture and electrically-powered control means for moving the closure member so as to close off or open the aperture, there also being provided a switch according to any preceding claim in association with the control means such that if an object becomes trapped between the closure member and the edge, the switch can detect the trapping of the object and can cause reversal of the powered means so as to reverse the direction of movement of the closure member, thereby permitting the trapped object to be freed.
GB9510609A 1995-05-25 1995-05-25 Switch to prevent trapping of an object Withdrawn GB2301225A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9510609A GB2301225A (en) 1995-05-25 1995-05-25 Switch to prevent trapping of an object

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9510609A GB2301225A (en) 1995-05-25 1995-05-25 Switch to prevent trapping of an object

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9510609D0 GB9510609D0 (en) 1995-07-19
GB2301225A true GB2301225A (en) 1996-11-27

Family

ID=10775018

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9510609A Withdrawn GB2301225A (en) 1995-05-25 1995-05-25 Switch to prevent trapping of an object

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2301225A (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4080519A (en) * 1975-08-08 1978-03-21 Michalson George M Pressure-operated tape switches

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4080519A (en) * 1975-08-08 1978-03-21 Michalson George M Pressure-operated tape switches

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9510609D0 (en) 1995-07-19

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)