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EP1096092A1 - Obstruction detection for a window - Google Patents

Obstruction detection for a window Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1096092A1
EP1096092A1 EP00203487A EP00203487A EP1096092A1 EP 1096092 A1 EP1096092 A1 EP 1096092A1 EP 00203487 A EP00203487 A EP 00203487A EP 00203487 A EP00203487 A EP 00203487A EP 1096092 A1 EP1096092 A1 EP 1096092A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
window
fmcw radar
radar signal
transmitter
receiver
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Withdrawn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
EP00203487A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ghosh Sharmila
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delphi Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Delphi Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delphi Technologies Inc filed Critical Delphi Technologies Inc
Publication of EP1096092A1 publication Critical patent/EP1096092A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
    • E05F15/40—Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
    • E05F15/42—Detection using safety edges
    • E05F15/43—Detection using safety edges responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
    • E05F15/431—Detection using safety edges responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound specially adapted for vehicle windows or roofs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/50—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
    • E05Y2900/53—Type of wing
    • E05Y2900/55—Windows

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for an electrically operated window which can detect the presence of an obstruction in the path of the window during closing, and which can stop the window.
  • the present invention has particular application for use with an electrically operated window in a motor vehicle.
  • a known obstruction detection system monitors the torque developed by the electric motor which drives the window, and, on detection of increased torque, assumes that an obstruction is preventing closing of the window. The system then stops the electric motor, and, in some cases, reverses the electric motor to open the window.
  • a system in accordance with the present invention for the detection of an obstruction in the path of a closing window which is movable by an electric motor comprises a FMCW radar transmitter mountable on the window for transmitting a FMCW radar signal; a FMCW radar receiver mountable on the window adjacent the transmitter for receiving the FMCW radar signal transmitted by the transmitter; and a control unit for monitoring the FMCW radar signal received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the signal received by the receiver.
  • the present invention also includes a method of detecting an obstruction in the path of a closing window.
  • the upper portion 10 of a window frame 12 is shown, along with a window 14 which is moved by an electric motor 16.
  • the upper portion 10 of the window frame 12 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section.
  • the window 14 is mounted on a support system (not shown) and can be raised and lowered by the electric motor 16.
  • the upper edge 18 of the window is positioned inside the upper portion 10 of the window frame 12.
  • the obstruction detection system 20 in accordance with the present invention comprises a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar transmitter 22, an FMCW radar receiver 24, and a control unit 26.
  • FMCW frequency modulated continuous wave
  • the transmitter 22 and the receiver 24 are positioned adjacent one another adjacent the lower edge 28 of the window 14.
  • the transmitter 22 and the receiver 24 are connected to the control unit 26, which is also connected to the electric motor 16.
  • the transmitter 22 transmits an FMCW radar signal.
  • the control unit 26 monitors the receiver 24. If an obstruction is present between the upper edge 18 of the window 14 and the upper part 10 of the window frame 12, the FMCW radar signal transmitted by the transmitter 22 is damped. If the receiver 24 indicates no damping of the FMCW radar signal, then the control unit 26 notes that there is no obstruction between the upper edge 18 of the window 14 and the upper part 10 of the window frame 12 and allows the window to close. If, however, the receiver 24 indicates that the FMCW radar signal has been damped, then the control unit 26 monitors that an obstruction is present, and stops operation of the electric motor 16 to prevent closing of the window 14. If required, in the latter case, the control unit 26 may cause the electric motor 16 to reverse to move the window 14 in an opening direction.
  • FMCW radar signal is meant a signal in the range 2.45 to 25 GHz, and preferably of the order of 24 GHz.
  • the present invention provides a low cost obstruction detection system which has the benefits of easier installation when compared to previously known systems which monitor electric motor torque.

Landscapes

  • Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)

Abstract

A system (20) for the detection of an obstruction in the path of a closing window (14) which is movable by an electric motor (16), the system comprising a FMCW radar transmitter (22) mountable on the window for transmitting a FMCW radar signal; a FMCW radar receiver (24) mountable on the window adjacent the transmitter for receiving the FMCW radar signal transmitted by the transmitter; and a control unit (26) for monitoring the FMCW radar signal received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the signal received by the receiver.

Description

    Technical Field
  • The present invention relates to a system for an electrically operated window which can detect the presence of an obstruction in the path of the window during closing, and which can stop the window. The present invention has particular application for use with an electrically operated window in a motor vehicle.
    • Background of the Invention
  • Electrically operated windows, especially in motor vehicles, are well known. During closing of the window, there is a risk that an object, such as a person's hand, may become trapped between the window and the frame. A known obstruction detection system monitors the torque developed by the electric motor which drives the window, and, on detection of increased torque, assumes that an obstruction is preventing closing of the window. The system then stops the electric motor, and, in some cases, reverses the electric motor to open the window.
    • Summary of the Invention
  • It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative system for obstruction detection for a closing window.
  • A system in accordance with the present invention for the detection of an obstruction in the path of a closing window which is movable by an electric motor, comprises a FMCW radar transmitter mountable on the window for transmitting a FMCW radar signal; a FMCW radar receiver mountable on the window adjacent the transmitter for receiving the FMCW radar signal transmitted by the transmitter; and a control unit for monitoring the FMCW radar signal received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the signal received by the receiver.
  • The present invention also includes a method of detecting an obstruction in the path of a closing window.
    • Brief Description of the Drawings
  • The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a window and upper frame having an obstruction detection system in accordance with the present invention.
    • Description of the Preferred Embodiment
  • Referring to the drawing, the upper portion 10 of a window frame 12 is shown, along with a window 14 which is moved by an electric motor 16. In general, the upper portion 10 of the window frame 12 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section. The window 14 is mounted on a support system (not shown) and can be raised and lowered by the electric motor 16. In the fully closed position of the window 14, the upper edge 18 of the window is positioned inside the upper portion 10 of the window frame 12. Such an arrangement is well known (and has particular use in motor vehicles) to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in further detail.
  • The obstruction detection system 20 in accordance with the present invention comprises a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar transmitter 22, an FMCW radar receiver 24, and a control unit 26. The transmitter 22 and the receiver 24 are positioned adjacent one another adjacent the lower edge 28 of the window 14. The transmitter 22 and the receiver 24 are connected to the control unit 26, which is also connected to the electric motor 16.
  • At least during closing of the window 14 by the electric motor 16, the transmitter 22 transmits an FMCW radar signal. The control unit 26 monitors the receiver 24. If an obstruction is present between the upper edge 18 of the window 14 and the upper part 10 of the window frame 12, the FMCW radar signal transmitted by the transmitter 22 is damped. If the receiver 24 indicates no damping of the FMCW radar signal, then the control unit 26 notes that there is no obstruction between the upper edge 18 of the window 14 and the upper part 10 of the window frame 12 and allows the window to close. If, however, the receiver 24 indicates that the FMCW radar signal has been damped, then the control unit 26 monitors that an obstruction is present, and stops operation of the electric motor 16 to prevent closing of the window 14. If required, in the latter case, the control unit 26 may cause the electric motor 16 to reverse to move the window 14 in an opening direction.
  • By FMCW radar signal is meant a signal in the range 2.45 to 25 GHz, and preferably of the order of 24 GHz.
  • The present invention provides a low cost obstruction detection system which has the benefits of easier installation when compared to previously known systems which monitor electric motor torque.

Claims (4)

  1. A system (20) for the detection of an obstruction in the path of a closing window (14) which is movable by an electric motor (16), the system comprising a FMCW radar transmitter (22) mountable on the window for transmitting a FMCW radar signal; a FMCW radar receiver (24) mountable on the window adjacent the transmitter for receiving the FMCW radar signal transmitted by the transmitter; and a control unit (26) for monitoring the FMCW radar signal received by the receiver, the control unit being connectable to the electric motor to control the operation of the motor dependent on the signal received by the receiver.
  2. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the transmitter (22) transmits the FMCW radar signal only during closing of the window (14).
  3. A method of detecting an obstruction in the path of a closing window (14) comprising the steps of transmitting a FMCW radar signal adjacent the window on closing of the window; monitoring the FMCW radar signal transmitted adjacent the window; and stopping the closing of the window when the monitored FMCW radar signal is damped.
  4. A method as claimed in Claim 3, comprising the additional step of moving the window in an opening direction on monitoring damping of the FMCW radar signal.
EP00203487A 1999-10-27 2000-10-08 Obstruction detection for a window Withdrawn EP1096092A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9925305 1999-10-27
GB9925305A GB2355761A (en) 1999-10-27 1999-10-27 Obstruction detection for a window

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1096092A1 true EP1096092A1 (en) 2001-05-02

Family

ID=10863398

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00203487A Withdrawn EP1096092A1 (en) 1999-10-27 2000-10-08 Obstruction detection for a window

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1096092A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2355761A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006052006A1 (en) * 2006-11-03 2008-05-08 Webasto Ag A method for providing an anti-jamming for moving parts of a motor vehicle, in particular for the realization of a jam protection in a convertible vehicle, and anti-trap device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4030607A1 (en) * 1990-09-27 1992-04-16 Siemens Ag Radar principle monitoring system - uses pulse profiles to determine if object is in gap of closing window
DE4215744A1 (en) * 1992-05-13 1993-11-18 Brose Fahrzeugteile Limiting or controlling of parts moved by external force, esp. for collision protection of window winder, sliding roof, door or tailboard of vehicle - sensing surface acoustic surface waves produced by piezoceramic actuator transmitted over vehicle body part.
DE4321028A1 (en) * 1993-06-24 1995-01-05 Brose Fahrzeugteile Device for controlling the movement of parts which are operated by external forces
GB2288014A (en) * 1994-03-31 1995-10-04 Standard Prod Ltd Deformable sensor for powered vehicle window

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE459997B (en) * 1984-09-26 1989-08-28 Besam Ab DEVICE FOR CONTROL OF OPENING AND CLOSING DOORS, CLOSES AND CAPS
DE19518396B4 (en) * 1995-05-19 2005-05-12 Geze Gmbh Door drive for a double-sided revolving door leaf

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4030607A1 (en) * 1990-09-27 1992-04-16 Siemens Ag Radar principle monitoring system - uses pulse profiles to determine if object is in gap of closing window
DE4215744A1 (en) * 1992-05-13 1993-11-18 Brose Fahrzeugteile Limiting or controlling of parts moved by external force, esp. for collision protection of window winder, sliding roof, door or tailboard of vehicle - sensing surface acoustic surface waves produced by piezoceramic actuator transmitted over vehicle body part.
DE4321028A1 (en) * 1993-06-24 1995-01-05 Brose Fahrzeugteile Device for controlling the movement of parts which are operated by external forces
GB2288014A (en) * 1994-03-31 1995-10-04 Standard Prod Ltd Deformable sensor for powered vehicle window

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006052006A1 (en) * 2006-11-03 2008-05-08 Webasto Ag A method for providing an anti-jamming for moving parts of a motor vehicle, in particular for the realization of a jam protection in a convertible vehicle, and anti-trap device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2355761A (en) 2001-05-02
GB9925305D0 (en) 1999-12-29

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