IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,215,532
Granted Patent B2
US 12,215,532 · App. 17/729,555 · Granted Feb 4, 2025

Pinch detection system

Inventors: Dennie Wilhelmus Hendrikus Craane (Nijmegen, NL); Sergej Sergeevic Lojko (Lottum, NL)
Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
E05F15/443B60J7/0573E05Y2900/542
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,215,532
App. No.
17/729,555
Granted
Feb 4, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

An open-roof assembly is configured for covering or at least partly uncovering an opening in a vehicle roof. The open-roof assembly comprises a frame defining the opening, a moveably arranged closure member and a pressure-sensitive sensor device. The open-roof assembly comprises a closed state, in which the closure member covers the opening in the vehicle roof, and an open state, in which the closure member uncovers the roof opening at least partly. The pressure-sensitive sensor device is arranged between the closure member and the frame for detecting presence of an object between the closure member and the frame, at least when the closure member is moving from the open state towards the closed state. The pressure-sensitive sensor device extends over a device length and is configured to detect a location of a local pressure, which local pressure is exerted locally on the pressure-sensitive sensor device, along the device length.

Claims (9)

1. An open-roof assembly for covering or at least partly uncovering an opening in a vehicle roof, the open-roof assembly comprising a frame defining the opening, a moveably arranged closure member and a pressure-sensitive sensor device,

wherein the open-roof assembly comprises a closed state, in which the closure member covers the opening in the vehicle roof, and an open state, in which the closure member uncovers the roof opening at least partly,

wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor device is arranged between the closure member and the frame for detecting presence of an object between the closure member and the frame, at least when the closure member is moving from the open state towards the closed state,

wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor device extends over a sensor device length along at least one side of the opening and is configured to detect a location of a local pressure, which local pressure is exerted locally on the pressure-sensitive sensor device, along the sensor device length,

wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor device is configured to detect a local deformation due to the local pressure exerted on the pressure-sensitive sensor device, and

wherein the closure member is tiltably arranged and wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor device is arranged and configured to detect a hinge angle between the frame and the closure member.

2. The open-roof assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor device is integrated with a compressible seal arranged along a perimeter of the opening in the frame.

3. The open-roof assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor device is arranged such that an occupant of the vehicle is enabled to touch the pressure-sensitive sensor device in at least one of the closed state and the open state for operating at least one function of the open-roof assembly.

4. The open-roof assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the open-roof assembly further comprises a control unit, the control unit being configured to control the open-roof assembly in accordance with an operating parameter and being configured to execute an indirect pinch detection, wherein the control unit is configured to adapt the operating parameter upon detection of a locally exerted pressure on the pressure-sensitive sensor device.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 2, 2022
From: CRAANE, DENNIE WILHELMUS HENDRIKUS; LOJKO, SERGEJ SERGEEVIC
To: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
Reel/Frame 059783/0806 →
Priority Claims (1)
EP 21171330 · Apr 29, 2021 · regional
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20220349233A1 · Nov 3, 2022
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