Patent ID: 7202674
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
Classification: E05F,E05Y,H03K

Abstract:
1. A capacitance sensor connected to a vehicle, comprising; a sensor unit connected to the vehicle that includes first and second detection electrodes and an insulation member; the first and second detection electrodes are connected to respective reference capacitors; and the first and second detection electrodes are mounted so that they are spaced from each other so that they are separated by a gap, and mounted so that the first and second detection electrodes can contact each other; and the insulation member supports the first detection electrode in a manner that allows the first detection electrode to move toward the second detection electrode a sufficient distance to allow the first detection electrode to contact the second detection electrode, wherein during detecting an object when the object nears the sensor, the first and second detection electrodes are spaced from each other a first distance, and wherein during detecting an object when the object contacts the sensor, the first and second detection electrodes are moved closer together to decrease the first distance.