Squeeze detection system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an open roof assembly for a vehicle roof comprising a moveably arranged closure member, a drive assembly for moving the closure member and a control unit operably coupled to the drive assembly. The control unit comprises a crush detection unit for detecting a crush of the closure member against an object. The crush detection unit comprises a first crush detection system and a second crush detection system. The first crush detection system is configured to detect a crush against a soft object and the second crush detection system is configured to detect a crush against a hard object. The crush detection unit is configured to adjust a configuration setting of the first crush detection system to configure the first crush detection system to detect a crush against the hard object upon the second crush detection unit detecting a crush against the hard object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a compression detection system for detecting compression of an object by a movable closed member of an open roof assembly. Furthermore, this invention relates to a corresponding method for detecting compression. Background Technology

[0002] Open roof assemblies are well known. An open roof assembly is configured to be installed in a vehicle roof and includes at least one movably arranged closure member. The closure member is configured and arranged to cover an opening in the roof or at least partially expose an opening in the roof. Typically, but not necessarily, the closure member is a transparent panel and includes glass or a suitable plastic. The closure member may be configured to tilt or slide.

[0003] During movement, i.e., tilting or sliding movement, foreign objects may become lodged between the edge of an opening in the roof and the moving closing member. To prevent damage to the closing member and the lodged object, a compression detection system is known. This compression detection system is designed to detect compression of the foreign object as quickly as possible and reverse the movement to ensure the safe release of the foreign object. It is necessary to detect the compression as quickly as possible so that the force applied to the foreign object remains as small as possible. Legal requirements applicable to certain jurisdictions limit the maximum force under specific conditions.

[0004] Several different crush detection systems are known. One known type of crush detection system is an indirect system, in which the characteristics of the open roof system are detected while the closing member is moving. The detected characteristics are analyzed immediately, and unexpected values ​​of these characteristics can be used to determine that crushing has occurred.

[0005] Compression detection systems need to be able to detect compression of any foreign object, regardless of its characteristics. Indirect compression detection systems need to be designed taking into account the characteristics of different types of foreign objects. Specifically, the stiffness or compressibility of the object needs to be considered. The harder the object, i.e., the higher its compressibility, the faster the applied force increases with the displacement of the closing member. Stiffness or compressibility can be expressed in spring stiffness, in N / mm². In the case of soft objects with relatively low spring stiffness (e.g., approximately 10 or 20 N / mm²), the closing member can move a short distance before reaching, for example, the maximum compressive force of 100 N, thus giving the compression detection system a short period of time to accurately detect whether compression has actually occurred. This prevents overly frequent false compression detections. However, in the case of hard objects with relatively high spring stiffness (e.g., approximately 65 N / mm²), there is less available time, and reliable detection becomes more challenging.

[0006] Known compression detection systems are typically suitable for the reliable detection of soft objects or the timely detection of hard objects. Therefore, existing technologies have proposed combining both systems to enable timely and appropriate detection of both soft and hard objects. However, compression detection systems suitable for hard object detection remain susceptible to erroneous compression detection and consequently, unnecessary reversal of the closing member, which can obviously annoy vehicle passengers and other users. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a compression detection system that can detect compression of soft and hard objects in a timely and reliable manner.

[0008] In a first aspect, this objective is achieved in an open roof assembly according to the invention for covering or at least partially exposing an opening in the roof. The open roof assembly includes a movably arranged closing member, a drive assembly for moving the closing member, and a control unit operatively coupled to the drive assembly for controlling the movement of the closing member. The control unit includes a compression detection unit for detecting compression of an object by the closing member. The compression detection unit includes a first compression detection system and a second compression detection system. The first compression detection system is configured to detect compression of a soft object having a stiffness below a first predetermined threshold, and the second compression detection system is configured to detect compression of a hard object having a stiffness above a second predetermined threshold. The compression detection unit is configured to adjust the configuration settings of the first compression detection system to detect compression of the hard object when the second compression detection unit detects compression of the hard object.

[0009] The compression detection unit comprises two separate compression detection systems that cooperate to reliably detect compression of any foreign object. The first compression detection system is initially configured to reliably detect compression of soft objects, where slow changes in operation over time can be detected in a timely manner to stop or reverse the closing member. The second compression detection system is configured to detect compression of hard objects, where sudden changes in operation can be detected quickly and acted upon. Sudden changes can be detected so quickly that even sudden changes due to, for example, road conditions, might be detected as compression. Detection is so fast that there is sufficient time to adjust the configuration settings of the first compression detection system to also detect compression of hard objects. Adjusting this configuration allows the first compression detection system to detect objects close to or replacing soft objects, although this configuration for hard object detection might lead to erroneous reversals if used continuously. However, by using this compression detection unit, hard objects are effectively detected twice before reversal begins: the first time by the second compression detection system and the second time by the first compression detection unit. Therefore, the chance of incorrect compression detection is reduced. For example, a single short deviation from normal operation might be detected by the second squeeze detection system as potential squeezing of a hard object, after which the first squeeze detection system might not detect any further deviations, thus preventing incorrect squeeze detection from occurring.

[0010] It should be noted that the first detection unit can also operate to detect compression of soft objects, while the second compression detection system detects compression of hard objects. When the second compression detection system detects potential compression of a hard object, the first compression detection system may already be detecting deviations from normal operation without confirming that a soft object is being compressed. Then, by adjusting the configuration settings of the first compression detection system, the detection of compression of hard objects by the first compression detection system may not need to start from scratch, but can continue from the already detected deviations, thereby ensuring timely detection.

[0011] In embodiments of the open-top roof assembly, the compression detection unit is configured to determine that compression has occurred when the first compression detection system has detected compression. Essentially, the second compression detection unit is configured to adjust the settings of the first compression detection system when compression of a hard object is suspected. The actual determination that compression has occurred is based on the compression detection of the first compression detection system, and is independent of the stiffness of the foreign object.

[0012] In embodiments of the open-top vehicle assembly, the compression detection unit is configured to readjust the configuration settings of the first compression detection system to detect compression of a soft object if no compression of a hard object is detected within a predetermined time period after adjusting the configuration settings of the first compression detection system. Furthermore, if a second compression detection system detects potential compression of a hard object but the first compression detection system subsequently fails to detect such compression, the compression detection unit can reset its original configuration by resetting the configuration settings of the first compression detection system to their original values. This prevents accidental or erroneous detection of compression. For example, the readjustment of the configuration settings can be gradual or incremental.

[0013] In embodiments of the open-top assembly, the configuration setting includes a detection threshold, and adjusting the configuration setting includes lowering the detection threshold. Compression of a hard object needs to be detected earlier than compression of a soft object because the compressive force increases more rapidly while the closing member is moving. Lowering the detection threshold allows for earlier detection. For example, any physical characteristics related to the force applied by the drive assembly through the closing member can be monitored. Then, when such physical characteristics exceed a predetermined threshold, compression can be considered to have occurred. Lowering the threshold inevitably leads to earlier detection. Examples of potentially relevant physical characteristics are motor current, motor speed, the position of the closing member, the positional advancement of the closing member, and combinations thereof. Other suitable characteristics may also be used.

[0014] In embodiments of the open roof assembly, the first compression detection system is configured to detect compression by comparing a characteristic detected during movement of the closing member with a predetermined reference value for that characteristic. As described above, physical characteristics related to the movement of the closing member and / or the force applied by the closing member can be monitored. To determine whether a deviation from normal operation has occurred, the reference value can be stored and used for comparison. In certain embodiments, for example, this value can depend on the position of the closing member, which can improve accuracy. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, this improvement in accuracy reduces the chance of erroneous reversals. Such compression detection systems are known in the prior art and will therefore not be described further here.

[0015] In embodiments of the open-top assembly, the second crush detection system is configured to detect crushing by applying a mathematical model of the open-top assembly. Using a mathematical model and suitable mathematical theory, a fast and accurate system can be designed, enabling rapid detection of any unexpected behavior. For example, the second crush detection system can use a state-space representation as the mathematical model and a disturbance observer to detect deviations from normal operation. However, other systems and mathematical operations and theories can be used alternatively or additionally.

[0016] In one aspect, a method is provided for detecting compression of a movablely arranged closed member of an open roof assembly. The method includes the steps of: detecting compression of a soft object using a first compression detection system, the soft object having a stiffness below the first predetermined threshold; and detecting compression of a hard object using a second compression detection system, the hard object having a stiffness above the second predetermined threshold. The method further includes the steps of: when the second compression detection system detects compression, adjusting the configuration settings of the first compression detection system to configure the first compression detection system to detect compression of the hard object; and after adjusting the configuration settings of the first compression detection system, using the first compression detection system to detect compression of the hard object.

[0017] In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of determining that compression has occurred when the first compression detection system has detected compression in at least one of the steps of detecting compression on a soft object and detecting compression on a hard object.

[0018] In an embodiment, the method further includes the following step: if no compression of a hard object is detected within a predetermined time period after adjusting the configuration settings, the configuration settings of the first compression detection system are readjusted to detect compression of a soft object.

[0019] In an embodiment of the method, the configuration setting includes a detection threshold, and the method includes a step of adjusting the configuration setting, the step of which includes lowering the detection threshold.

[0020] In an embodiment of the method, the step of detecting extrusion using a first extrusion detection system includes a further step comprising the steps of: detecting a characteristic during movement of the closing member; and comparing the characteristic with a predetermined reference value for such characteristic.

[0021] In an embodiment of the method, the step of detecting the extrusion using a second extrusion detection system includes applying a mathematical model of the open roof assembly.

[0022] On the other hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided storing computer-executable instructions for instructing a control unit of an open roof assembly to perform a method. It should be noted that the crush detection unit described above can be implemented in hardware or software. Specifically, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various processing devices, such as microcontrollers, microprocessors, ASICs, FPGAs, etc., can be suitably used. Furthermore, the control unit including the crush detection unit can be implemented as a single processing unit or multiple processing units. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The further scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that although embodiments of the invention are shown, the detailed description and specific examples are given only by way of illustration, as various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this detailed description made with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1A A perspective view of the roof with an open roof assembly is shown;

[0025] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A Exploded view of the open roof assembly;

[0026] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It shows being squeezed and stuck. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Foreign objects between the closing components and the frame of the open roof assembly;

[0027] Figure 2C The force exerted by the closing member on the stuck foreign object is shown;

[0028] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the compression detection unit is shown;

[0029] Figure 3B As shown in Figure 3A A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the extrusion detection method in the extrusion detection unit; and

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the system response time of the squeeze detection unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used in various views to identify the same or similar elements.

[0032] Figure 1A A roof 1 with an open roof assembly is shown. The open roof assembly includes a movable panel 2a and a fixed panel 2b. The movable panel 2a is also referred to as a closing member because it is movable above a first roof opening 3a, thereby enabling the first roof opening 3a to be opened and closed. A vent 4 is arranged at the front side of the first roof opening 3a.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be in a closed position, which is the position in which the movable panel 2a is arranged above and closes the first roof opening 3a, and is therefore generally arranged in the plane of the roof 1. Furthermore, the movable panel 2a can be in an inclined position, which is the position in which the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a is raised compared to the closed position, while the front end FE of the movable panel 2a remains in the closed position. Additionally, the movable panel 2a can be in an open position, which is the position in which the movable panel 2a slides open and the first roof opening 3a is partially or completely exposed.

[0034] It should be noted that the roof 1 shown corresponds to a passenger vehicle. However, the invention is not limited to passenger vehicles. It is also conceivable that any other type of vehicle may be equipped with a movable panel.

[0035] Figure 1B It shows the relationship with Figure 1A The roof shown has the same panels 2a and 2b. Specifically, although Figure 1A The open roof assembly in the open position is shown, but Figure 1B This is an exploded view of the open roof assembly in the closed position. Furthermore, in Figure 1B The exploded view shows the presence of a second roof opening 3b. The first roof opening 3a and the second roof opening 3b are disposed within the frame 5 of the open roof assembly. The edge 5a of the frame 5 defines the first roof opening 3a.

[0036] The second roof opening 3b is arranged below the fixed panel 2b, allowing light to enter the vehicle's interior passenger compartment through the fixed panel 2b, assuming the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or a similar transparent panel, for example, made of plastic or any other suitable material. The second roof opening 3b with a transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b is optional and can be omitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly.

[0037] The air guide plate 4 is typically made of a flexible material, such as a woven or nonwoven fabric, a web, or a mesh with through-holes arranged therein. The flexible material is supported by a support structure 4a (e.g., a rod-like or tubular structure), which is directly or indirectly hinged to the frame 5 at a hinge joint 4b.

[0038] The air deflector 4 is positioned in front of the first roof opening 3a and adjusts airflow when the movable panel 2a is in the open position. In the raised position, the air deflector 4 reduces inconvenient noise caused by airflow during driving. When the movable panel 2a is in the closed or tilted position, the air deflector 4 is pressed downwards below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a.

[0039] Normally, when the movable panel 2a slides to the open position, the air guide plate 4 is raised by spring force, and when the movable panel 2a slides back to its closed position, the air guide plate 4 is pushed down by the movable panel 2a. Figure 1A In the image, the movable panel 2a is shown in the open position, and the air guide plate 4 is shown in the raised position. Figure 1B In the diagram, the movable panel 2a is shown in the closed position, and the air guide plate 4 is correspondingly shown in the position where it is pressed downwards.

[0040] Figure 1B A drive assembly with a first guide component 6a, a second guide component 6b, a first drive cable 7, and a second drive cable 8 is further shown. The first guide component 6a and the second guide component 6b are arranged on corresponding side ends SE of the movable panel 2a, and each may include a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame 5, and the mechanism includes a movable portion and is slidably movable within the guide. The first drive cable 7 and the second drive cable 8 are disposed between the mechanism of the respective guide components 6a, 6b and the electric motor 9.

[0041] Drive cables 7 and 8 connect electric motors 9 to the mechanisms of the corresponding guide components 6a and 6b, such that the mechanisms begin to move when the electric motor 9 is operated. Specifically, the cores of drive cables 7 and 8 move via the electric motor 9, thereby pushing or pulling the mechanisms of the corresponding guides 6a and 6b. Such drive components are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. Furthermore, any other suitable drive components can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the electric motors can be operably arranged between the corresponding guides and mechanisms of the guide components 6a and 6b, and in such embodiments, the drive components can be completely omitted.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, guide components 6a, 6b can begin to move as the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a is raised, thereby bringing the movable panel 2a to an inclined position. Then, guide components 6a, 6b can slide from the inclined position to bring the movable panel 2a to an open position. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be moved to the inclined position by raising the rear end RE, while the open position is reached by first lowering the rear end RE and then sliding the movable panel 2a under the fixed panel 2b or any other structure or element disposed behind the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a. In another exemplary embodiment, the movable panel 2a may be movable only between a closed position and an inclined position, or only between a closed position and an open position.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor 9 is mounted near or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a at the recess 10. In another embodiment, the electric motor 9 can be positioned at any other suitable location. For example, the electric motor 9 can be arranged near or below the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a or below the fixed panel 2b.

[0044] Control module 11 is schematically shown and operatively coupled to electric motor 9. Control module 11 can be any type of processing module, a software-controlled processing module, or a dedicated processing module (e.g., an ASIC), all of which are well known to those skilled in the art. Control module 11 can be a standalone control module, or it can be operatively connected to another control module, such as a multipurpose, universal vehicle control module. In yet another embodiment, control module 11 can be embedded in or as part of such a universal vehicle control module. Essentially, control module 11 can be embodied by any control module suitable for, capable of, and configured to perform operations on electric motor 9 and thus on the movable roof assembly.

[0045] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the frame 5 and the movable closing member 2a is shown. The foreign object FO is arranged between the movable closing member 2a and the edge 5a of the frame 5. The movable closing member 2a moves toward the edge 5a in the closing direction D.

[0046] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A The system comprises a closing member 2a, a foreign object FO, and a frame 5, wherein the closing member 2a has already advanced in the closing direction D. The leading edge of the closing member 2a contacts the foreign object FO. As the closing member 2a advances further, the foreign object FO becomes stuck between the edge 5a and the closing member 2a. Due to this sticking, the closing member 2a can only move further in the closing direction D by compressing the foreign object FO. The stiffness of the foreign object FO determines the possible amount of movement and any force required for this. If the foreign object FO is soft and therefore has a relatively low stiffness, for example, expressed as a low spring stiffness, the closing member 2a can advance with a slowly increasing force. If the foreign object FO is hard and therefore has a relatively high stiffness, for example, expressed as a high spring stiffness, the closing member 2a can only advance with a rapidly increasing force.

[0047] Figure 2C This illustrates the relationship between location and required force. Specifically, location is represented on the horizontal axis, and the applied force is represented on the vertical axis. F max This indicates the maximum force applied to the foreign object before the movement of the closing member is interrupted and preferably reversed.

[0048] exist Figure 2C In the middle, the solid line represents the undisturbed closed-loop movement M.cl During this period, forces are applied by or on the closing member. At position x1, the foreign object is compressed. If the foreign object is hard and therefore has high stiffness, the applied force is applied during the closed movement M disturbed by the hard object. ho (Dashed line) The force increases rapidly during this period and reaches its maximum at position x2. If the foreign object is soft and has low stiffness, the applied force increases rapidly during the closed movement M disturbed by the soft object. so (Dashed line) The force increases slowly during the period and reaches its maximum at position x3. For example, from... Figure 2C It is evident that if a soft object is squeezed, a significantly longer displacement length can be used for squeeze detection and interruption / reversal of closed movement compared to squeezing a hard object.

[0049] It should be noted that upon detection of compression, the control unit and drive assembly (including inertia and clearance within the drive assembly) require some time before the closing member actually stops or reverses, and consequently, the displacement of the closing member also requires some time. Therefore, and given the rapid increase in force under compression of a hard object, it is necessary to detect compression of a hard object with a relatively small force to prevent exceeding the maximum force F in a timely manner. max This makes the detection inevitably more sensitive to incorrect compression detection.

[0050] To reliably and timely detect both hard and soft foreign objects without excessive false detections, numerous different compression detection systems have been described in the prior art. However, a single compression detection system remains unavailable for any type of foreign object with varying stiffness. Therefore, combinations of two or more compression detection systems have been proposed. However, reliably detecting hard foreign objects while preventing excessive false detections remains challenging, as this could lead to excessive and unnecessary reversals and potentially prevent open-top roof assemblies from closing when driving on, for example, rocky or rough roads.

[0051] Figure 3A The control unit of the open roof assembly is shown (e.g.) Figure 1BAn embodiment of the compression detection unit 20 used in or combined with the control unit 11). The compression detection unit 20 includes an input terminal 21 and an output terminal 22. The input terminal 21 may be configured to receive input signals from the control unit, wherein the input signals include one or more data signals representing one or more physical characteristics sensed, measured, or generated by the control unit, the physical characteristics relating to the movement of the closing member, as known in the art. For example, physical characteristics may include the voltage and current supplied to an electric motor, the rotational speed of such electric motor, the position of the closing member, the speed of the closing member, temperature, and any other characteristics related to the movement of the closing member. The data signals are fed to a first compression detection system 100 and a second compression detection system 200. All data signals may be fed to each compression detection system 100, 200, or a particular data signal may be fed to a particular one of the compression detection systems 100, 200, for example depending on which such data signals are required by such compression detection systems 100, 200.

[0052] The output signal at output terminal 22 is configured to indicate that a squeeze has been detected, so that the control unit can stop or reverse the movement of the closing member in response to such output signal.

[0053] The first compression detection system 100 is configured to detect compression of soft objects. However, the first compression detection system 100 can still be adjusted to detect compression of hard objects by adjusting configuration settings, although such detection of hard objects may be less reliable.

[0054] Many compression detection systems are known to be suitable as primary compression detection systems. Known and common systems compare the force applied by a drive assembly that drives a movable closing member with a predetermined reference value. To improve accuracy, this reference value can depend on the position of the closing member. This position-dependent reference value can be determined or updated during a previous, uninterrupted closing movement.

[0055] Any other force-related characteristic can be used instead of force. For example, the current supplied to the electric motor of the drive assembly, the voltage supplied to the electric motor of the drive assembly, the speed of the rotary motor, the travel speed of the closing member, etc., can be suitable for detecting abnormal closing operations caused by compression.

[0056] The configuration of this first compression detection system 100 can be set as a threshold for the difference between the actual characteristic value and a reference value. When the difference exceeds the threshold, compression can be determined to have occurred. In the case of soft objects, a relatively high threshold can be selected because there is sufficient time remaining to reverse the movement before reaching maximum force. In the case of hard objects, detection needs to be faster, and therefore a lower threshold is required, which leads to reduced reliability because the threshold may be unexpectedly exceeded, for example, due to rocky or rugged terrain.

[0057] The second compression detection system 200 is configured to detect compression of a hard object. The second compression detection system 200 may be suitable for detecting only hard objects, or may be configured to detect compression of soft or hard objects, or may be suitable for detecting compression of any kind of object.

[0058] Suitable compression detection systems for rapidly detecting compression of hard objects are known. For example, mathematical models of mechanical systems, including drive components and closing members, can be used to rapidly detect abnormal movement or behavior of the mechanical system. As is known in the art, such mathematical models can be used in conjunction with disturbance observers and state-space representations.

[0059] If the second compression detection system 200 detects compression, the configuration settings of the first compression detection system 100 are adjusted. Therefore, as described above, the threshold can be lowered, enabling the first compression detection system to detect compression of either a soft or hard object. Then, if the first compression detection system 100 also detects compression, it is presumed that compression has actually occurred, as it has been detected twice, thus reducing the chance that it is an accidental or incorrect detection. The compression detection of the first compression detection system 100 is then used as the output signal of the compression detection unit 20.

[0060] It should be noted that the first extrusion detection system and the second extrusion detection system 100 and 200 can be different systems, but they can also be similar systems, each with its own configuration settings.

[0061] Figure 3B It shows the result of Figure 3A The method for performing extrusion detection by the extrusion detection unit 20. The first extrusion detection system 100 performs steps 100-106, while the second extrusion detection system 200 performs steps 201-203.

[0062] A first step 101 of the first detection system 100 includes receiving an input signal representing data required to detect the occurrence of a squeeze. The received data is processed in a second step 102 of the first squeeze detection system 100 to generate at least one first output value, which is compared with a first threshold in a third step 103 of the first squeeze detection system 100. If the first output value does not exceed the first threshold, the method returns to the first step 101. However, if it does exceed the first threshold, the first squeeze detection system 100 detects that a squeeze has occurred in a fourth step 104, and a corresponding output signal 105 is generated and output.

[0063] The first step 201 of the second compression detection system 200 includes receiving an input signal representing data required to detect the occurrence of compression. The received data is processed in a second step 202 of the second compression detection system 200 to generate at least one second output value, which is compared with a second threshold in a third step 203 of the second compression detection system 200. If the second output value does not exceed the second threshold, the method returns to the first step 201. However, if it does exceed the second threshold, the second compression detection system 200 triggers a further step 106 in the first compression detection system 100, in which the first threshold is adjusted to increase the detection sensitivity for compression of hard objects.

[0064] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates the overall behavior of the extrusion detection unit, specifically the unit detection time T. 20 .exist Figure 4 In the icon, the horizontal axis represents the stiffness of the object being squeezed, and the vertical axis represents the response time, which is the time required to detect the squeezing of the object.

[0065] Maximum detection time T max Indicated by dashed lines. For safety reasons, detection should be performed after the maximum detection time T. max A squeeze was previously detected to allow the open roof assembly to stop and potentially reverse the movement of the closing component.

[0066] An exemplary first detection time T of the first compression detection system 100 Represented by a dashed line. First detection time T1 00 This is represented as a constant, meaning it is independent of stiffness. In another exemplary embodiment, this may be different. Nevertheless, to detect compression of the soft object in a timely manner, the first detection time T... 100 It should be lower than the maximum detection time T for objects at least within the predetermined low stiffness range. maxIn the illustrated example, the first compression detection system is configured to detect compression of an object having a stiffness less than the fourth representative spring stiffness SR4, because the first detection time T 100 Below the maximum detection time T for this type of object max .

[0067] An exemplary second detection time T of the second extrusion detection system 200 The second detection time T is indicated by a dashed line. 200 This is shown as having a decreasing slope, i.e., a response time that decreases with increasing stiffness. In another exemplary embodiment, this may be different. Nevertheless, in order to detect the compression of a hard object in a timely manner, the second detection time T 200 It should be lower than the maximum detection time T for objects at least within the predetermined high stiffness range. max In the illustrated example, the second compression detection system is configured to detect compression of an object having a stiffness higher than the first representative spring stiffness SR1, because the second detection time T 200 Below the maximum detection time T for this type of object max .

[0068] In the compression detection unit, when the second compression detection system detects a hard object, the first detection system needs to perform a second detection to prevent false detections. Therefore, after the second detection system detects compression of the hard object, the first detection system requires a certain amount of time. This additional detection time T is [not specified in the original text]. add Added to the second detection time T 200 However, due to adjusted configuration settings (e.g., adjusted thresholds), the additional detection time T... add Compared to the first detection time T 100 short.

[0069] In practice, the unit response time T can be used as shown in the figure. 20 To detect compression of an object. For objects with a stiffness lower than the second representative spring stiffness SR2, the first compression detection system will detect compression first. Therefore, for compression of an object with a stiffness in the range [0-SR2], the unit detection time T 20 Similar to the first detection time T 100 .

[0070] For compression of an object with stiffness in the range of [SR2–SR3], it is expected that the second compression detection system will detect the compression before the first compression detection system detects it. The configuration settings of the first compression detection system will then be adjusted accordingly. Nevertheless, within the range of [SR2–SR3], even without adjusting the configuration settings, the first compression detection system will detect the compression at the first detection time T. 100Squeezing was detected. This detection can only be faster with adjustments to the configuration settings. Therefore, in the worst-case scenario, the first detection time T... 100 Or the squeezing might be detected earlier.

[0071] For the compression of an object with a stiffness higher than the third representative spring stiffness SR3, the second compression detection system detects the compression at the second detection time T. 200 An extrusion was detected. Then, the configuration settings of the first extrusion detection system were adjusted, and the additional detection time T was... add Within the system, the first detection system also detected compression. Therefore, the unit detection time T 20 Equal to the second detection time T 200 and additional detection time T add sum.

[0072] As mentioned above, Figure 4 The graphical representation of the compression detection unit is schematic and for illustrative purposes only. In practice, for example, for very high stiffness, the relationship between response time and stiffness may not be as illustrated by the second detection time T in the diagram. 200 It is linear and does not necessarily become zero. However, as... Figure 4 The graphical representation shown may be suitable for designing and constructing an extrusion detection unit. For example, the stiffness thresholds for the configuration of the first and second extrusion detection systems can be appropriately selected to ensure a reliable extrusion detection unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the stiffness threshold for the first extrusion detection system, i.e., the fourth representative spring stiffness SR4, can be selected to be approximately 20 N / mm, and the stiffness threshold for the second extrusion detection system, i.e., the first representative spring stiffness SR1, can be selected to be approximately 15 N / mm.

[0073] This document discloses detailed embodiments of the invention; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention that can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to contemplate any suitable detailed structure to employ the invention differently. Specifically, features set forth and described in individual dependent claims may be applied in combination, and thus any advantageous combinations of such claims are disclosed.

[0074] Furthermore, it is anticipated that structural elements can be generated by applying three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Therefore, any reference to a structural element is intended to cover any computer-executable instructions that instruct a computer to produce such a structural element using 3D printing technology or similar computer-controlled manufacturing techniques. Additionally, any such reference to a structural element is also intended to cover a computer-readable medium carrying such computer-executable instructions.

[0075] Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. As used herein, the term "a" or "an" is defined as one or more. As used herein, the term "multiple" is defined as two or more. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the terms "including" and / or "having" are defined as "comprising" (i.e., open-ended language). As used herein, the term "connection" is defined as a connection, but not necessarily a direct connection.

[0076] The invention has been described in this way so that it is clear that it may vary in many ways. Such changes should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An open-top roof assembly for covering or at least partially exposing an opening in a roof, the open-top roof assembly including a movably arranged closing member, a drive assembly for moving the closing member, and a control unit operatively coupled to the drive assembly for controlling the movement of the closing member, wherein the control unit includes a compression detection unit for detecting compression of an object by the closing member, the compression detection unit including a first compression detection system and a second compression detection system, wherein... The first compression detection system is configured to detect compression of a soft object, the stiffness of which is below a first predetermined threshold; and • The second compression detection system is configured to cooperate with the first compression detection system to detect compression of a hard object, the stiffness of which is higher than a second predetermined threshold. wherein The compression detection unit is configured to adjust the configuration settings of the first compression detection system to detect compression of the hard object when the second compression detection system detects compression of the hard object. Its features The configuration setting includes a detection threshold, and the adjustment of the configuration setting includes lowering the detection threshold; The first compression detection system is configured to detect compression by comparing a physical characteristic detected during movement of the closing member, which is related to the movement of the closing member and / or to the force applied by the closing member, with a predetermined reference value for such physical characteristic; and The second crush detection system is configured to detect crushing by applying a state-space representation of the open roof assembly as a mathematical model and an interference observer for detecting deviations from normal operation.

2. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The compression detection unit is configured to determine that compression has occurred when the first compression detection system has detected compression.

3. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The compression detection unit is configured to readjust the configuration settings of the first compression detection system to detect compression of a soft object if no compression of a hard object is detected within a predetermined time period after adjusting the configuration settings of the first compression detection system.

4. A method for detecting the compression of a movablely arranged closed member of an open roof assembly, the method comprising the following steps: a) Detecting compression of a soft object using a first compression detection system, the soft object having a stiffness below a first predetermined threshold; b) Use a second compression detection system in conjunction with the first compression detection system to detect compression of a hard object having a stiffness higher than a second predetermined threshold. c) When the second compression detection system detects compression, the configuration settings of the first compression detection system are adjusted to configure the first compression detection system to detect compression of a hard object, wherein the configuration settings include a detection threshold, and adjusting the configuration settings includes lowering the detection threshold; as well as d) After adjusting the configuration settings of the first compression detection system, use the first compression detection system to detect compression on a hard object. in Detecting extrusion using the first extrusion detection system includes: detecting physical properties related to the movement of the closing member and / or related to the force applied by the closing member during movement of the closing member, and comparing the physical properties with a predetermined reference value for such physical properties. Detecting an extrusion using the second extrusion detection system includes: applying a state-space representation of the open roof assembly as a mathematical model and an interference observer for determining deviations from normal operation.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: e) When the first compression detection system has detected compression in at least one of steps a and d, it determines that compression has occurred.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the method further comprises the following step: f) If no compression of a hard object is detected within a predetermined time period after adjusting the configuration settings, the configuration settings of the first compression detection system are readjusted to detect compression of a soft object.

7. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for instructing a control unit of an open roof assembly to perform the method according to claim 4.

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