Device for controlling and monitoring a movable closure element, especially an electrically driven window pane of a motor vehicle

0001The invention relates to a device for controlling and monitoring a movable between an open position and a closed position Closure element, in particular an electrically driven window pane a motor vehicle. The device is provided with a sensor, comprising a sensor electrode in an electrical field to a generates opening portion of the closure. In addition, the apparatus comprises a sensor connected to the control unit to which a change of the detected capacitance of the sensor electrode and providing a control signal.

0002Such a device usually takes a pinch application, to pinching, for example, a human body part between the closing element and the closing element at least partially enclosing frame to prevent. The operation of a such capacitive pinch protection is based on an electrically by a conductive barrier caused in the opening range of the closure Influence of the electric field, which change as the can be detected capacitance of the sensor electrode. In contrast to a so-called tactile anti-trap, the physical contact of the obstacle requires a sensor, the presence of an obstacle is in the opening range of the closure in which capacitive pinch protection consequently contactless detected.

0003A capacitive protection system is described in EP 1154110 A2. The well-known anti-trap has two electrical conductor, the electrical, the producing field in the opening range of a closure member. one the two conductors, the sensor electrode is sealing in a the closing integrated gasket and having a predetermined electrical Charge applied. In this way, can be between the sensor electrode and the other conductor, the ground electrode, for example, grounded is, determine a reference capacitance. The change in the capacity of the Sensor electrode relative to the reference capacitance due to the presence an obstacle in the opening range of the closure is detected by means of a control device, which is a control signal for a the Closing member driving motor provides. To non-conductive Materials such as wood or plastic, which have no or only a cause insignificant capacitive change, to recognize the Pinch provided with a so-called soft spot. The Soft Spot is realized in that the sensor electrode receiving portion the seal is designed deformable. In this way results in a physical contact of the obstacle with the seal change the relative position of sensor electrode and base electrode and thus a change in capacitance. The well-known anti-trap features thus by an active redundancy of the nipping a an obstacle regardless of the material from which the obstacle effectively prevented.

0004Furthermore, capacitive sensors are known for determining the relative Moisture used reach. By absorbing water, the Capacity of such a capacitor, for example, of a polymer thin film exists with bilateral metallization, reversibly changed. Such humidity sensors frequently therefore in Luftgütesensierung, Climate control systems or to the fitting of windows Application.

0005A capacitive moisture sensor for detecting moisture is installed on the windshield of a motor vehicle, is in the EP 0753438 B1. The humidity sensor has a glass laminate layer and at least three non-grounded electrodes formed on an inner surface the glass laminate layer are arranged on. The electrodes form two scanning on an outer surface of the glass laminate layer. The difference the determined in the sampling areas amount of moisture as Mass used to generate an output signal. In addition to the Electrodes can be provided a shield which the sensitivity the electrode towards the outer surface of the glass laminate layer. A disadvantage of the known humidity sensor has been found, that the electrodes are arranged directly on the glass laminate layer are. In this way results firstly a comparatively costly and cost-intensive production. Secondly, the moisture sensor is exclusively for fixed windows, such as the windshield or the rear window of a motor vehicle. For movable window panes, as is often the side windows of a Motor vehicle are the known humidity sensor, however, is unsuitable, since the window pane attached to the electrodes in this case with moving and thereby changing the scan.

0006The invention <b>task</b> provide a device of the initially named educate kind such that a simple and relatively cost-effective manner by condensation on the reveals closing element formed fitting.

0007To achieve this object, in a device with the above Features according to the invention is provided in accordance with claim 1, that the control device is a capacitive change in the sensor electrode on Due to the presence of a layer of moisture on the closing element detected.

0008The invention does not adopt the recognition, a capacitive sensor to use as a moisture sensor, which in a simple and comparatively inexpensive Way be used for moving locking elements can. This is due primarily to the fact that the electric field generating in the opening range of the closure sensor electrode is arranged stationary, for example at a closing element sealing the Seal along a the closing at least partially enclosing frame extends. A through on the closing element Condensation formed fitting changes the permittivity of the electrical Field and is consequently a capacitive change of the sensor electrode capture. The signal provided by the control device control signal may be supplied, for example, an air conditioner, which then passed through a appropriate regulation of the air temperature, flow rate and distribution of the Located on the closing element existing fitting. If it is at the closing element, for example, a window pane can be ensuring in this way a clear view.

0009Advantageous embodiments of the inventive device make the Subjects of claims 2 to 12 constitute.

0010In a preferred embodiment of the inventive device the sensor in a first sensitivity mode and in a second sensitivity mode operable. Here, the control unit detects in the first sensitivity mode a capacitive change of the sensor electrode on the basis of Presence of an obstacle in the opening range of the closure. The control unit further detects in the second sensitivity mode a capacitive change in the sensor electrode due to the presence of a layer of moisture on the closing element.

0011Such a configuration is based on the finding, a capacitive Sensor both as a moisture sensor as well as an anti-trap to use. This combinatorial native use of the capacitive sensor is the different Sensitivitätsmodi allows that prevent interfere with the control signals provided by the control unit with each other. If the sensor is operated in the first sensitivity mode, then the sensitivity of the sensor is adjusted so that the change in Capacitance of the sensor electrode on the presence of an obstacle in due to the opening portion of the closure is. Is located the sensor on the other hand in the second sensitivity mode, then the sensitivity of the sensor such that a closing element located on the Moisture layer a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode causes.

0012Moreover, it is advantageous if the controller in said first sensitivity mode a control signal for a D, as closing element driving motor provides. In the presence of an obstacle in the opening range of the closure can in this way the movement of the closure stopped or reversed.

0013It is also advantageous if the control unit in the second sensitivity mode a control signal for an air conditioner provides. The often a Regulation enacting air conditioning, the air temperature quantity, and distribution in, for example the interior of a motor vehicle shall settle, that a versions on the closing element, for example a window pane, Fitting is removed.

0014In a preferred embodiment of the inventive device the sensor is in the open position of the closure in the first Sensitivity mode and in the closed position of the closure in the second sensitivity mode operated. The closed position of the closure is relatively easy to detect, for example, by means of proximity sensors, and enables insofar an accurate and reproducible Switching from said first sensitivity mode to said second sensitivity mode.

0015In a further preferred embodiment of the inventive device is the closing sealing gasket provided of an elastically deformable material, preferably an elastomeric Material, produced and at a the closing at least partially enclosing frame is fixed. The sensor electrode is in this Case advantageously arranged in the region of the seal, so that a Spread of the electric field generated from the sensor electrode in the entire opening range of the closure results.

0016The sensor electrode, for example, arranged on a panel be. Preferably, the sensor electrode is, however, integrated in the seal, to ensure a simple and practical handling. The Sensor electrode is advantageously either a metal strand in the seal is embedded or as an electrically conductive region of the Seal formed.

0017Preferably, the seal has at least one sealing lip, which at the Closing element is applied, and at least one retaining lip positively and / or positively connected to the frame is on. The sealing lip contributes to an effective sealing of the closure, whereas the retaining lip secure attachment of the seal guarantees to the frame.

0018To the electric field in the opening range of the closure produce, the sensor is advantageously a basic electrode comprising preferably formed by the frame. The frame is in this Case expediently grounded.

0019yield Details and further advantages of the inventive apparatus themselves. from the following description of a preferred embodiment In the embodiment only schematically representative Drawings illustrate in detail:<dl tsize="6" compact="compact"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a side view of a motor vehicle and</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a section along the line II in FIG. 1.</dd></dl>

0020The motor vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1 is in the area of ​​a door 11 having a provided by an electric motor 21 driven windowpane 20th The a closing element performing window pane 20 is in a direction of movement y movable between an open position and a closed position.

0021As shown in FIG. 2 are closer can be seen, the door 11 comprises a frame 12, to which a window pane 20 sealing gasket 30 is arranged. The made of an electrically non-conductive, elastomeric material, such as EPDM rubber (EPDM), made gasket 30 is provided with Sealing lips 31 is provided which guide the window pane 20 and seal. In addition, the seal 30 is provided with retaining lips 32 that a reliable 30 ensure attachment of the seal to the frame 12th

0022Furthermore is seen from Fig. 2 that, in the gasket 30, a metal strand as trained sensor electrode 40 is embedded. The sensor electrode 40 may alternatively be an electrically conductive region of the seal 30 are formed, which can be manufactured for example by coextrusion.

0023The sensor electrode 40 is part of a sensor and, together with a formed by the grounded frame 12 base electrode to an electric field F in the opening range of the window pane 20 to produce. The sensor is connected with a control unit 22, the change in a 40 detects the capacitance of the sensor electrode and a control signal provides. The control unit 22 may be an independent unit or component of be an electronic control of the electric motor 21st

0024The sensor is in a first sensitivity mode and in a second Sensitivity mode operable. In the first sensitivity mode detects the Control unit 22 is a capacitive change in the sensor electrode 40, which by the presence of an obstacle in the opening range of the window pane 20 is caused. The control unit 22 sets, in this case Control signal for the window pane 20 driving electric motor 21 ready. The control signal stops the electric motor 21 or performs a reversal the movement of the window 20 caused, so that a nipping prevents the obstacle between the window glass 20 and the frame 12 becomes.

0025however the sensor is operated in the second sensitivity mode, then detects the control unit 22 is a capacitive change in the sensor electrode 40, which through a window located on the disc 20 moisture layer 23 is caused. The fitting as the window pane 20 pointing moisture layer 23 changes the permittivity of the electrical Field Fund makes sense that change in the capacitance of the sensor electrode 40 noticeable. The control unit 22 provides in the second sensitivity mode a control signal for an air conditioner which makes it possible to Control of the air temperature, flow rate and distribution to on the windowpane remove 20 existing fitting 23rd In this manner, a clear view ensured by the windowpane 20th

0026The change from the first sensitivity mode to said second sensitivity mode occurs in the closed position of the window pane 20. The sensor is in the open position of the window pane 20 in the first sensitivity mode and in the closed position of the window pane 20 in the second Sensitivity mode operated. With open window pane 20 results thus a capacitive crush protection. By contrast, the sensor is in the closed Window pane 20 a humidity sensor represents. Is an alternative it is also possible the sensor exclusively in the second sensitivity mode to operate. In this case, the sensor functions both in closed and in its open window pane 20 as Humidity sensor.

0027The above described device for controlling and monitoring the in Door 11 movable window pane 20 is characterized by a sensor from, which allows a through condensation on the window pane 20 formed fitting 23 in a simple and relatively inexpensive to identify ways. In addition, the device is distinguished by the combinatorial native Possibility of using the sensor both as a moisture sensor as Also a pinch of. Prerequisite for combinatorial use native of the sensor are different for the function Sensitivitätsmodi "Moisture determination" on the one hand and "pinch" on the other. Because the different Sensitivitätsmodi ensure that mutual Impaired provided by the control unit 22 Control signals and thus a malfunction does not occur. Not least, the Combining native use of the sensor as a humidity sensor and a pinch the vorzufindenden especially in vehicle requirements for a simple and relatively inexpensive construction invoice.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

0028<dl tsize="2" compact="compact"><dt>10</dt><dd>motor vehicle</dd><dt>11</dt><dd>door</dd><dt>12</dt><dd>frame</dd></dl><dl tsize="2" compact="compact"><dt>20</dt><dd>windowpane</dd><dt>21</dt><dd>electric motor</dd><dt>22</dt><dd>control unit</dd><dt>23</dt><dd>moisture layer</dd></dl><dl tsize="2" compact="compact"><dt>30</dt><dd>poetry</dd><dt>31</dt><dd>sealing lip</dd><dt>32</dt><dd>retaining lip</dd></dl><dl tsize="2" compact="compact"><dt>40</dt><dd>sensor electrode</dd></dl><dl tsize="1" compact="compact"><dt>F</dt><dd>electric field</dd><dt>y</dt><dd>direction of movement</dd></dl>