Patent Description:
An open-roof assembly is well-known. The open-roof assembly is configured to be mounted in a vehicle roof and comprises at least one moveably arranged closure member. The closure member is configured and arranged to cover an opening in the vehicle roof or at least partly uncover the opening in the vehicle roof. Usually, but not necessarily, the closure member is a transparent panel and comprises glass or a suitable plastics. The closure member may be configured to tilt or to slide.

During a movement, i.e. a tilting movement or a sliding movement, a foreign object may become trapped between an edge of the opening in the vehicle roof and the moving closure member. In order to prevent damage to the closure member and the trapped object, it is known to provide a pinch detection system. Such a pinch detection system is intended to detect a pinch with a foreign object as soon as possible and to reverse a movement to ensure safe release of the foreign object. A pinch needs to be detected as soon as possible such that a force exerted on the foreign object is kept as small as possible. Further, legal requirements applicable in certain jurisdictions limit the maximum force under specified conditions.

Several different pinch detection system are known. One of the known kinds of pinch detection systems is an indirect system, wherein a property of the open-roof system is detected, when the closure member is moving. The detected property is immediately analysed and an unexpected value of the property may be used to determine that a pinch has occurred.

A pinch detection system needs to be able to detect a pinch with any foreign object irrespective of properties of the foreign object. Indirect pinch detection systems need to designed with different kind of properties of foreign objects in mind. In particular, a stiffness or compression rate of the object needs to be considered. The stiffer the object, i.e. the higher the compression rate of the object, the faster an exerted force increases with displacement of the closure member. The stiffness or compression rate may be represented with a spring rate expressed in N/mm. With a soft object having a relatively small spring rate, e.g. a spring rate of about <NUM> or about <NUM> N/mm, the closure member may move over a small distance before a maximum pinch force of e.g. 100N is reached, giving the pinch detection system a small period of time to accurately detect whether a pinch actually has occurred. Thus, it is possible to prevent too frequent false pinch detections. However, with a hard object having a relatively large spring rate, e.g. about <NUM> N/mm, there is less time available and reliable detection becomes more challenging.

Another known embodiment of a pinch detection system comprises a direct detection. For example, a pressure sensitive sensor is provided along an edge of the moveably arranged closure member or along an edge of the roof opening. Usually, the known pressure sensitive sensor functions like a switch, wherein upon application of sufficient pressure, two electrodes are brought into electrical contact. In another known embodiment, a capacitive measurement is performed. In a particular embodiment thereof, an approaching object may be detected when it is nearby, but not yet touching.

The known direct pinch detection systems are relatively simple in the sense that they only provide an output indicating that a pinch occurred or is about to occur. Thus, the sensor adds costs to the open-roof assembly for pinch detection. In normal use, however, such pinch detection system does not add functionality or any improved user experience. Therefore, such costs are commercially not feasible and, as a result, the known direct pinch detection systems are commonly omitted and the indirect pinch detection systems are used instead. Still, as above described, reliable detection of a pinch with a hard object may be challenging for an indirect pinch detection system and a direct pinch detection system may sometimes be preferred over an indirect pinch detection system. It is noted that <CIT> discloses an 'accident preventing arrangement for a panel moved by switchable drive'.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a direct pinch detection system that reliably and timely detects a pinch with an object and that is commercially feasible.

In a first aspect, the object is achieved in an open-roof assembly for covering or at least partly uncovering an opening in a vehicle roof according to claim <NUM>.

Instead of merely detecting a pinch by detecting an exerted pressure on the pressure-sensitive device, the pressure-sensitive sensor device is configured to detect a location of the exerted pressure along its length. Thus, more information is obtained when an object touches the pressure-sensitive device. Such additional information may be used to provide further functionality other than for merely detecting a pinch as described in more detail hereinafter in the description of certain embodiments.

The pressure-sensitive sensor device may be technically provided by one or more of a number of embodiments employing generally known methods and techniques. For example, a number of individually pressure-sensitive switches may be arranged in an elongated array or a number of capacitive sensors may be applied.

In an embodiment of the open-roof assembly, the pressure-sensitive sensor device is configured to detect a local deformation due to the local pressure exerted on the pressure-sensitive sensor device. In this embodiment, a local pressure is detected, including the location and a local deformation, which may provide information regarding shape or size of an object exerting the pressure. In an exemplary embodiment of a sensor detecting a local deformation employs capacitive sensing. An example of such a sensor is disclosed in <CIT>. The disclosed sensor comprises a reference strip and a sliding strip, separated from each other by a spacer. Electrodes are located on the reference strip and the sliding strip. Bending of the sensor results in shifting of the sliding strip with respect to the reference strip. Measurements obtained from the electrodes show such shifting. Due to the presence of multiple electrodes, a location of the exerted pressure is detectable and a local deformation can be derived from the measurements.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an open-roof assembly is provided 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. The open-roof assembly comprises a closed state, in which the closure member covers the opening (3a) in the vehicle roof, and an open state, in which the closure member uncovers the roof opening (3a) 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 further extends over a sensor 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 sensor device length. The pressure-sensitive sensor device is moreover configured to detect a local deformation due to the local pressure exerted on the pressure-sensitive sensor device (<NUM>). Also, the closure member is tiltably arranged and the pressure-sensitive sensor device, which is configured for detecting a local deformation, is arranged and configured to detect a hinge angle between the frame and the closure member. For example, the pressure-sensitive device may be arranged extending between the frame and the closure member such that the pressure-sensitive sensor device forms a substantially right angle, which is detectable by the pressure-sensitive sensor. Upon tilting the closure member, a part of the pressure-sensitive sensor device coupled to the closure member is moved away from the frame, due to which the pressure-sensitive sensor device no longer forms a right angle, but an obtuse angle. The change in angle is detectable by the pressure-sensitive sensor device. A tilt angle between the frame and the closure member may be derived from the change in angle of the pressure-sensitive sensor device. In this embodiment, a pressure sensitive sensor device for detecting a pinched or trapped object is advantageously further used for detecting a tilt angle of the closure member, thereby enabling to omit or simplify any other position detection system, which improves a cost-effectiveness of the pressure-sensitive sensor device.

In an embodiment of the open-roof assembly, the pressure-sensitive sensor device is integrated with a compressable seal arranged along a perimeter of the opening in the frame. As well known in the art, a compressible compressable seal may be provided along a perimeter of the opening in the frame, for example for reducing noise when the open-roof assembly is in the closed state. The pressure-sensitive sensor device may be arranged in a compartment of the compressable seal, may be arranged on a surface of the compressable seal or may be integrated in the compressable seal. While, in this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor device is arranged on the frame, in another embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor device may be arranged on the closure member.

According to both aspects of the invention, the pressure-sensitive sensor device is configured to detect a position of the moveably arranged closure member. As above-mentioned, a tilt angle may be detected, or a pressure may be exerted on the pressure-sensitive sensor device when the open-roof assembly is in the open state. For example, a protruding element, e.g. a roller on an extending arm, may be configured to push on the pressure-sensitive sensor device when the closure member is in its position of the open state. According to the first aspect of the invention according to claim <NUM>, the closure member is slidably arranged and wherein the closure member exerts locally a pressure on the pressure-sensitive sensor device, when the open-roof assembly is in the open state. For example, in a known embodiment of an open-roof assembly, the closure member is first tilted and then slides. After the tilting movement, an edge of the closure member may still be at a level of the pressure-sensitive sensor device and may thus locally push the pressure-sensitive sensor device, while the closure member slides. Hence, another position detection system may be omitted or simplified.

In an embodiment of the open-roof assembly, 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. With the localized detection enabled with the pressure-sensitive sensor device, a human-machine interface may be provided. Detecting the touch of an object like a human finger, or the like, at a specific location along the sensor length may be interpreted as a command, for example to open or to close the closure member. In particular for use in the closed state, the pressure-sensitive sensor device may need to be arranged such that pressure may be exerted even when the closure member is arranged in contact with or close to the pressure-sensitive sensor device.

In an embodiment of the open-roof assembly, 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. While the pressure-sensitive sensor device may be used for preventing a pinch or entrapment, a further pinch detection system may be present as well. In particular, an indirect detection method may be present. In a practical exemplary embodiment, the operating parameter may be a speed of the closure member during a closing movement, i.e. when moving from the open state towards the closed state. If pressure is exerted on the pressure-sensitive sensor device at a location away from an edge of the moving closure member, the speed of the closure member may be reduced, possibly combined with a kind of warning signal. In another embodiment, the operating parameter may relate to the indirect pinch detection system. For example, as mentioned above, the indirect detection system may comprise a threshold that is configured relatively high to prevent accidental incorrect pinch detection. When pressure is exerted on the pressure-sensitive sensor device, the threshold may be lowered in order to timely detect an actual pinch situation.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description with reference to the appended schematical drawings, in which:.

The second roof opening 3b is arranged under the fixed panel 2b such that light may enter a vehicle interior passenger compartment through the fixed panel 2b, presuming that the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or a similarly transparent panel, for example made of a plastic material or any other suitable material. The second roof opening 3b with a transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b is optional and may be omitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly.

<FIG> further illustrates a drive assembly having a first guide assembly 6a, a second guide assembly 6b, a first drive cable <NUM> and a second drive cable <NUM>. The first and second guide assemblies 6a, 6b are arranged on respective side ends SE of the moveable panel 2a and may each comprise a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame <NUM>, while the mechanism comprises moveable parts and is slideably moveable in the guide. The first and the second drive cables <NUM>, <NUM> are provided between the mechanisms of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b and a electric motor <NUM>.

The drive cables <NUM>, <NUM> couple the electric motor <NUM> to the mechanisms of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b such that upon operating the electric motor <NUM>, the mechanisms start to move. In particular, a core of the drive cable <NUM>, <NUM> is moved by the electric motor <NUM> such to push or pull on the mechanisms of the respective guides 6a, 6b. Such a drive assembly is well known in the art and is therefore not further elucidated herein. Still, any other suitable drive assembly may be employed as well without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in a particular embodiment, an electric motor may be operatively arranged between the respective guides and the respective mechanisms of the guide assemblies 6a, 6b and, in such embodiment, a drive assembly may be omitted completely.

In the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor <NUM> is mounted near or below the front end FE of the moveable panel 2a at a recess <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electric motor <NUM> may be positioned at any other suitable position or location. For example, the electric motor <NUM> may be arranged near or below the rear end RE of the moveable panel 2a or below the fixed panel 2b.

A control module <NUM> is schematically illustrated and is operatively coupled to the electric motor <NUM>. The control module <NUM> may be any kind of processing module, either a software controlled processing module or a dedicated processing module, like an ASIC, which are both well known to those skilled in the art. The control module <NUM> may be a stand-alone control module or it may be operatively connected to another control module, like a multipurpose, generic vehicle control module. In yet another embodiment, the control module <NUM> may be embedded in or be part of such a generic vehicle control module. Essentially, the control module <NUM> may be embodied by any control module suitable for, capable of and configured for performing operation of the electric motor <NUM> and thus the moveable roof assembly.

<FIG> shows an open-roof assembly <NUM> in the open state. The open-roof assembly comprises the frame <NUM>, in which the opening 3a is provided, and the moveably arranged closure member 2a is slid away to uncover the opening 3a. The closure member 2a is supported on the frame <NUM> by a suitable guide assembly comprising a stationary element <NUM> mounted on the frame <NUM> and a movable element <NUM>, slidably supported by the stationary element <NUM>. The movable element <NUM> is mounted on the closure member 2a such that the closure member 2a is slidably mounted. Usually, the moveable element <NUM> and closure member 2a are tiltable for lifting the closure member 2a out of a plane of the vehicle roof, when moving from the closed state to the open state, as above described in relation to <FIG>.

The frame <NUM> comprises a frame edge 5a forming a perimeter of the opening 3a. A compressable seal <NUM> is arranged around the perimeter, close to the frame edge 5a.

A cross-section of the open-roof assembly <NUM> of <FIG> along line II-II is shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the open-roof assembly <NUM> is illustrated in the closed state. In the closed state, the closure member 2a is in contact with the compressable seal <NUM>. The compressable seal <NUM> removes the guide assembly from view from a passenger compartment and reduces noise entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Referring to <FIG>, the compressable seal <NUM> is provided with a pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> arranged in an internal channel <NUM> of the compressable seal <NUM>. For example, the pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> is embodied as a strip-shaped sensor comprising a reference strip and a sliding strip, separated from each other by a spacer. The reference strip and the sliding strip have electrodes located thereon. Bending of the sensor results in shifting of the sliding strip with respect to the reference strip and thus shifting of the electrodes relative to each other. Measurements obtained from the electrodes show such shifting. Due to the presence of multiple electrodes, a location of the exerted pressure is detectable and a local deformation can be derived from the measurements. Such a sensor is described in more detail in <CIT>, for example. In another embodiment, another kind of sensor device may be applied equally well. For example, a capacitive measurement or contact detection (e.g. a switch) based sensor device may be used, wherein such sensor device is configured to detect locally applied pressure and to detect the location of the applied pressure.

The pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> is thus arranged between the closure member 2a and the frame <NUM> for detecting presence of an object between the closure member 2a and the frame <NUM>. In particular, when an object is trapped between the closure member 2a and the frame <NUM>, pressure is applied on the compressable seal <NUM>. Such pressure and its location is detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM>, which may supply a corresponding detection signal to a control unit (cf. control unit <NUM> of <FIG>; not shown in <FIG>). The control unit may be configured to respond to such detection signal by controlling a movement of the closure member 2a, such as stopping a movement, reversing a movement, starting a movement, changing a speed of movement, and the like. As described in more detail hereinafter in relation to the embodiment of <FIG>, the control unit may perform other operations as well in response to the detection signal.

<FIG> illustrate a second embodiment of an open-roof assembly <NUM>, wherein the closure member 2a (not shown in <FIG> for clarity) is tiltably (hingably) mounted. A stationary element <NUM> of a guide assembly is mounted on the frame <NUM> and a moveable element <NUM> is coupled to the stationary element <NUM> through a hinge <NUM>. The moveable element <NUM> comprises a protruding arm <NUM>, which extends over the compressable seal <NUM>. The closure member 2a is attached to the moveable element <NUM> such that the closure member 2a may rotate around the hinge <NUM>.

A first pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> is integrated in the compressable seal <NUM> at a position of the front end (FE) of the closure member 2a. A second pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> is arranged on top of a large part of the remainder of the compressable seal <NUM>. Further, each end of the second pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> is attached to the protruding arm <NUM> of the moveable element <NUM>. At least the second pressure-sensitive device <NUM> is configured to detect a deformation such that the second pressure-sensitive device <NUM> is configured to detect an angle <NUM> between the protruding arm <NUM> and an upper surface of the compressable seal <NUM>. When the hingable closure member 2a is in the closed state, the angle <NUM> corresponds to a substantially right angle. In the open state, the angle <NUM> will be become an acute angle. The detected angle <NUM> may be used by a control unit to control the operation of the opening and closing of the closure member 2a, wherein the detected angle <NUM> represents a position of the closure member 2a.

As apparent to those skilled in the art, the pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> configured to detect a deformation may be used solely for detecting a position of the moveable closure member 2a, in which case the pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> may be embodied as a short strip extending between the compressable seal <NUM> (or any other element stationarily attached to or part of the frame <NUM>) and the closure member 2a. Further, there may be provided one such a short strip or two, one at each hinge <NUM>.

In the first and the second embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, the pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> and the first and second pressure-sensitive sensor devices <NUM>, <NUM> extend completely around the perimeter of the opening 3a. In another embodiment, only relevant parts of the perimeter may be provided with such a pressure-sensitive sensor device.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of an open-roof assembly <NUM>, wherein the closure member 2a is slidably arranged. The pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> is shown to be arranged in the compressable seal <NUM>, but may as well be arranged on the compressable seal <NUM> or may be arranged on or in any other element stationary mounted on the frame <NUM>. In this embodiment, the closure member 2a or an element attached to the closure member 2a slides along the pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> such that the pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM> detects a local pressure <NUM> that moves with the sliding movement of the closure member 2a.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, a tip end of the closure member 2a slides over the compressable seal <NUM>, thereby exerting the local pressure <NUM> on the pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM>. In another embodiment, a protruding element may be mounted on the closure member 2a, wherein the protruding element exerts the local pressure <NUM> on the pressure-sensitive sensor device <NUM>. For example, a rotatable element, e.g. a roller or wheel, may be mounted on the closure member 2a such that the rotatable element rolls over the compressable seal <NUM>, thereby reducing wear of the compressable seal <NUM> as compared to an element sliding over the compressable seal <NUM>.

Detection of the position in accordance with the embodiment of <FIG> may be used as a feedback to a control unit controlling a movement of the closure member 2a. Other parts or elements known from the prior art for detecting a position or a speed of movement may, optionally, be omitted in such embodiment.

<FIG> shows an embodiment similar to the embodiment of <FIG>. Further, an anti-trap zone <NUM> is shown and arrow <NUM> indicates a closing movement direction. In the closing movement direction the closure member 2a moves from the open position towards the closed position.

Further, in <FIG>, a number of object touches are indicated, wherein an object touch corresponds to a local pressure exerted by an object on the pressure-sensitive sensor device integrated or embedded in the compressable seal <NUM>. A first object touch <NUM> is indicated just in front of the closure member 2a, wherein it is assumed that the closure member 2a is moving in the closing movement direction <NUM>. The first object touch <NUM> is outside the anti-trap zone and may therefore be regarded as not immediately leading to an entrapment. The closure member 2a may move further in the closing movement direction <NUM>. In an embodiment, a speed of the movement of the closure member 2a may be reduced, a visible or audible warning signal may be provided, or the like. In an embodiment, it may be regarded a control signal from a user indicating that the closure member should stop and stay in its position.

A second object touch comprises two simultaneous second object touches 82a, 82b, e.g. two fingers tapping on the compressable seal <NUM>, exerting pressure on the pressure-sensitive sensor device. Such a simultaneous dual object touch 82a, 82b may be recognized as a user command. In a control unit (not shown in <FIG>) any specific command may be linked to such a user command, even in dependence of a position of the closure member 2a, for example. In a closed state, it may be interpreted as a user command for opening; in the open state, it may be interpreted as a user command for closing. Further, if the closure member 2a is moving, it may be interpreted as a user command for stopping such movement. Still, if the front edge (FE) of the closure member 2a is in the anti-trap zone <NUM> and the closure member 2a is moving in the closing movement direction <NUM>, it may be regarded as a potential entrapment and the closure member 2a may be stopped and possibly reversed to a full open state or to an open state at a position where the front edge (FE) is just outside the anti-trap zone <NUM>, for example.

A third object touch <NUM> is in the anti-trap zone <NUM>. Depending on the state of the closure member 2a, i.e. whether the closure member 2a is closed, open, in stand-still or moving, the closure member 2a may be controlled to change its state. In a particular embodiment, the third object touch <NUM> may affect an anti-trap system or anti-pinch system that is based on an indirect detection. For example, based on an electrical current consumption of a motor driving the closure member 2a in relation to a position or speed of the closure member 2a, it may be determined that a movement of the closure member 2a is obstructed. Such an indirect detection system commonly uses a predetermined threshold such that, as soon as a particular parameter exceeds such threshold, a potential pinch is detected. The threshold is usually relatively high to prevent accidental, incorrect pinch detection, which may result in potentially relatively late detection, resulting in potentially relatively high forces exerted by the closure member 2a on the pinched object. If the third object touch <NUM> is detected in the anti-trap zone <NUM>, the threshold may be lowered to detect an actual pinch sooner, thereby reducing a force exerted by the closure member 2a. Additionally or alternatively, a speed of the closure member 2a may be reduced. Further, an audible or visible warning signal may be provided.

A fourth object touch <NUM> is at a position below the closure member 2a. Entrapment of an object is not expected at such position of the fourth object touch <NUM>. Therefore, the fourth object touch <NUM> may be interpreted as a user command and in a control unit one or more commands may be linked to such fourth object touch <NUM>, e.g. depending on actual conditions, like a state of the closure member 2a, daylight or night-time conditions for operating a lighting device or a sunblind device, or any other command as apparent to those skilled in the art.

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in expectedly any appropriately detailed structure. In particular, features presented and described in separate dependent claims may be applied in combination and any advantageous combination of such claims are herewith disclosed.

Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly.

Claim 1:
An open-roof assembly for covering or at least partly uncovering an opening (3a) in a vehicle roof, the open-roof assembly comprising a frame (<NUM>) defining the opening, a moveably arranged closure member (2a) and a pressure-sensitive sensor device (<NUM>),
wherein the open-roof assembly comprises a closed state, in which the closure member covers the opening (3a) in the vehicle roof, and an open state, in which the closure member uncovers the roof opening (3a) at least partly,
wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor device (<NUM>) is arranged between the closure member (2a) and the frame (<NUM>) for detecting presence of an object between the closure member (2a) and the frame (<NUM>), at least when the closure member (2a) is moving from the open state towards the closed state, and
wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor device (<NUM>) extends over a sensor 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 (<NUM>), along the sensor device length,
wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor device (<NUM>) is configured to detect a position of the moveably arranged closure member (2a, and
the closure member (2a) is slidably arranged and wherein the closure member (2a) exerts locally a pressure on the pressure-sensitive sensor device (<NUM>), when the open-roof assembly is in the open state,
characterised in that
the closure member (2a) is configured to slide along the pressure-sensitive sensor device (<NUM>) for the pressure-sensitive sensor device (<NUM>) to detect the position of the local pressure exerted by the closure member (2a), that moves with the sliding movement of the closure member (2a).