Proximity switch with locking control for controlling a movable plate

Abstract

Proximity switch (22, 24, 26) for controlling a movable plate, comprising: a proximity sensor that detects an object (50, 52) in a detection activation field; at least one first and second locking sensor (30, 32) on opposite sides of the proximity sensor near the proximity sensor for detecting an object (50, 52); and Control circuits that control movement of a movable plate based on the detected object (50, 52) in the activation field and the first lock sensor (30) and the second lock sensor (32).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to sensors and switches, and more particularly to proximity switches for controlling movement of a movable plate to prevent inadvertent activation.

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with various user-operated switches, such as switches for operating devices such as power windows, sunroofs or moonroofs, and various other devices. Generally, these types of switches must be operated by a user to activate or deactivate a device or perform some type of control function. Proximity switches, such as capacitive switches, use one or more proximity sensors to generate a sensing activation field and detect changes in the activation field that indicate user actuation of the switch, usually caused by a user's finger close to or in contact with the sensor. Proximity switches are typically configured to detect user actuation of the switch based on a comparison of the sensing activation field to a threshold value.Unintentional contact or proximity to the switch can cause unintended operation, such as closing a sunroof. It is desirable to provide an improved proximity switch that reduces or prevents unintentional activations.

[0003] DE 10 2010 009 607 A1 discloses a touch-sensitive sensor system with memory. DE 10 2008 026 367 A1 discloses a method and device for positioning a motor-operated vehicle accessory. DE 103 21 964 A1 discloses a vehicle roof with an operating device for operating at least one electrical vehicle component by a vehicle occupant.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a proximity sensor for a movable plate is provided. The proximity sensor detects an object in a detection activation field. Furthermore, at least one first and second locking sensor are provided on opposite sides of the proximity sensor, proximate to the proximity sensor for detecting an object. The switch further includes control circuits that control the movement of a movable plate based on the detected object in the activation field and the first locking sensor and the second locking sensor.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a capacitive vehicle switch is provided for controlling a movable panel on a vehicle. The capacitive switch has a capacitive sensor mounted in a vehicle for detecting an object in a detection activation field and at least one first and second locking sensor on opposite sides of the proximity sensor proximate to the capacitive sensor for detecting an object. The switch further includes control circuitry that controls movement of a movable panel based on the detected object in the activation field and the one or more locking sensors, and prevents movement of the movable panel when the first locking sensor and the second locking sensor detect an object.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a movable plate is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a sensing activation field with a proximity sensor and processing the sensing activation field to detect user activation of the proximity sensor. The method also comprises the step of detecting activation of at least first and second locking sensors on opposite sides of the proximity sensor proximate to the proximity sensor. The method further comprises the step of preventing at least some movement of the movable plate when activation of the first locking sensor and the second locking sensor is detected.

[0007] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will become apparent and understood by those skilled in the art upon reading the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings shows: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a movable glass sunroof and an overhead console utilizing proximity switches, according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of the roof console and also shows the proximity switches and the Fig. 1 shown lock switch; Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through the locking switch and further illustrates the proximity sensor and the locking sensors in relation to objects; Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a proximity switch with a locking control according to an embodiment; Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for controlling the glass sunroof device based on user input from a proximity switch according to one embodiment; and Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for controlling the sunroof assembly based on user activation of a proximity switch according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] As required, 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 that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed design; some schematic representations may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate functionality. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0010] Now with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 generally illustrates, according to one embodiment, a movable glass sunroof 12 and the interior of a passenger compartment 18 of a vehicle 10 having a switch assembly 20 utilizing a plurality of proximity switches 22, 24, and 26. The vehicle 10 generally includes an overhead console 14 mounted to the headliner 16 on the underside of the roof or ceiling at the top of the passenger compartment 18, generally above the driver / passenger seating area. The switch assembly 20 including proximity switches 22, 24, and 26 is provided in the overhead console 14, according to one embodiment. The various proximity switches 22, 24, and 26, according to the embodiment shown and disclosed herein, can control a variety of vehicle features and functions, such as the movement of the glass sunroof or moonroof.In the present embodiment, switch 22, labeled "Close," can be activated to close the sunroof 12, switch 24, labeled "Tilt," can be activated to tilt the sunroof to an angled position, and switch 26, labeled "Open," can be activated to open the sunroof 12. In one embodiment, according to a single-touch closing process, the sunroof closes completely via a motor upon detecting a proper single momentary activation of the close switch 22. In another embodiment, according to a proportional control process, the sunroof closes by actuating the motor only when the close switch 22 is properly activated.

[0011] It is understood that these and other proximity switches may be implemented to control a variety of other vehicle devices and functions related to movable panels, such as movable side door windows and rear windows. It is further contemplated that the switches may be implemented to control other devices, including lighting devices, such as interior map / reading lights and dome lights. It is further understood that the proximity switches 22, 24, and 26 and lock sensors may also be located elsewhere on the vehicle 10, such as in the instrument panel, on other consoles such as a center stack, integrated into a touchscreen display for a radio or infotainment system such as navigation and audio displays, or located elsewhere in the vehicle 10.

[0012] The proximity switches 22, 24, and 26 are shown and described herein as capacitive switches according to one embodiment. Each proximity switch 22, 24, and 26 includes at least one proximity sensor that provides a sensing activation field for sensing a touch or close proximity of a user relative to the one or more proximity sensors, such as a swipe of a user's finger. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the sensing activation field of each proximity switch 22, 24, and 26 is a capacitive field, and the user's finger has electrical conductivity and dielectric properties that cause a change or disturbance in the sensing activation field, as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. Those skilled in the art should also understand that additional or alternative types of proximity sensors may be used, such as:These include inductive sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, resistive sensors, similar sensors, or a combination thereof. Examples of proximity sensors are available in the ATMEL. ® Touch Sensors Design Guide, 10620 D-AT42-04 / 09, dated April 9, 2009, which is incorporated by reference into the present disclosure in its entirety.

[0013] The Fig. 1 and Fig. The proximity switches 22, 24, and 26 shown in Figure 2 each provide control of a vehicle component or device, such as a movable panel, to provide a particular control function. One or more of the proximity switches may be configured to control movement of a sunroof or glass sunroof 16 to cause the glass sunroof to move in an open or closed direction, tilt the glass sunroof, or stop movement of the glass sunroof based on a control algorithm, as described herein. Other proximity switches may be configured to move other movable panels, such as power door windows up and down. Various other vehicle controls may be controlled using the proximity switches described herein.

[0014] Additionally, first and second interlock sensors 30 and 32 are provided on opposite lateral sides of one or more of the proximity switches, such as proximity switch 22. The interlock sensors 30 and 32 are spaced apart from the proximity switch 22, but are located in close proximity to the proximity sensor 22 or close enough to the proximity sensor 22 to detect inadvertent activation by an object. The interlock sensors 30 and 32 detect contact or close proximity to an object and serve to prevent activation, or at least functionality, of a control device or function due to an object detected by the interlock sensors 30 and 32.The lock sensors 30 and 32 operate to detect an object on opposite sides of the closure switch 22 to prevent the closure of the sunroof 12 if an occupant inadvertently touches the switch 22 or is in close proximity to the switch 22. Inadvertent activation may occur if a user's knee or elbow, or another large object, is in close proximity to the switch 22, as opposed to the user's finger. According to one embodiment, if both lock sensors 30 and 32 detect an object, activation of the closure switch 22 is prevented from causing a motor to either close the sunroof 12 according to a manual activation or close the sunroof 12 according to a single-touch close routine.In a single-touch closing routine 100, a single actuation of switch 22 causes the motor to close the sunroof even though the user removes their finger from the switch. In another embodiment, one or more interlock sensors may be disposed adjacent to a switch to detect an object and thereby prevent activation of the sunroof 12.

[0015] In the capacitive sensor embodiment, proximity switches 22, 24, and 26 and lock sensors 30 and 32 each comprise capacitive plates or electrode pads, which may be formed as part of the capacitor and electronic circuitry on a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may be incorporated into the overhead console. The overhead console 14 may be sandwiched between the roof and the headliner 16 such that the overhead console 14 extends from the headliner 16. Electrical signals are applied to each of the capacitive switches 22, 24, and 26 and the lock sensors 30 and 32. According to one embodiment, electronic circuitry provides electrical signals to each of the capacitive switches 22, 24, and 26, each with a charge burst length for charging the capacitive sensors. The charge burst length determines the basic amplitude of the detection activation field and the sensitivity of the corresponding proximity switches 22, 24 and 26.The locking sensors 30 and 32 can also be capacitive sensors that function similarly to the switches 22, 24 and 26.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 3, an example of a proximity switch 22 is provided in relation to the first and second locking switches 30 and 32 and a small object 52 (e.g., finger) and a large object 50 (e.g., knee). The proximity switch 22 creates an activation field 42, which may include an array of overlapping fields, such as the three overlapping fields shown. Each of the locking sensors 30 and 32 creates an actuation field 46, 44, respectively. In the present embodiment, the switch 22 is positioned at a location that is recessed in height relative to the locking sensors 30 and 32. The proximity switch 22 is recessed below a touch surface such that the switch 22 has a depth D relative to the locking sensors 30 and 32.The depth D can be in the range of 3-10 mm, and more preferably 4-7 mm, and according to one embodiment, the depth D can vary depending on the size of the expected object and the distances between the locking sensors, which can be in the range of 15-25 mm. Due to the recessed arrangement of the proximity switch 22 relative to the locking sensors 30 and 32, inadvertent contact with the switch 22 can be prevented. Furthermore, it should be understood that the distance D is small, so the contact surface is more comfortable without requiring excessive depth.

[0017] By arranging the capacitive switch 22 in a trough, certain objects of sufficient size, such as a knee or arm 50, will always trigger the locking sensors 30 and 32, whereas a smaller object such as a user's finger 52 can be swiped over or near the switch 22 without activating both locking sensors 30 and 32. The activation fields for the locking sensors 30 and 32 can, according to one embodiment, be as sensitive as or more sensitive than that of the proximity switch 22. According to a more aggressive design approach, the field strength and / or sensitivity of the locking sensors 30 and 32 can be increased relative to the switch 22 such that an object would still activate the locking sensors 30 and 32 before the activation field 42 of the switch 22.By keeping the activation fields of the locking sensors 30 and 32 and the switch 22 close together, a user's finger can actuate the single-touch closure switch 22 by touching the switch 22 without triggering both locking sensors 30 and 32, while still allowing detection of an inadvertent actuation. Each of the locking sensors 30 and 32 generates corresponding activation fields 46 and 44, respectively. Thus, the switch 22 can detect an object whenever the object touches the switch 22 or is positioned within the activation field 42. Similarly, the locking sensors 30 and 32 can detect an object when it touches them or when the object is located within the corresponding activation fields 46 and 44, respectively.

[0018] It is understood that the proximity switch 22 can be actuated by a swipe of a user's finger touching an exterior surface of the sensor housing near the switch 22 or close enough to the switch 22 that the finger moves through the sensing activation field 42. Activation of the proximity switch 22 can cause the device, such as the sunroof, to perform a specific function to close the sunroof. Closing is typically achieved by actuation by an electric motor. Although a single sensor or activation field may be used, it is understood that multiple sensors or a sensor array may be used to provide multiple overlapping activation fields. It is also understood that the activation field 42 may also be rectangular or a field with a curved shape.If a user's hand moves through the activation field 42 of the sensor 22 and at least one or both of the detection activation fields 46 and 44 provided by the lock sensors 30 and 32, respectively, activation of the control device is prevented, or at least some functionality is controlled. In one embodiment, closing of the sunroof is prevented by preventing operation of the motor. In another embodiment, closing of the sunroof is prevented according to a single-touch close routine, allowing the user to manually operate the switch to close the sunroof as long as the user's finger remains in continuous contact with the switch 22 or in close proximity to the switch 22.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 4, the proximity switch assembly 20 is shown according to one embodiment. Close switch 22, toggle switch 24, and open switch 26 provide inputs to a controller 60 as shown. Additionally, the first lock switch 30 and the second lock switch 32 also provide inputs to the controller 42. The controller 60 may include control circuitry, such as a microprocessor 62 and memory 64. It is understood that other analog and / or digital control circuitry may be used to provide control of the sunroof assembly 12 and its lock control. The controller 60 processes one or more routines 100 stored in memory 64 and executable by the microprocessor 62 based on the inputs of one or more of the proximity switches 22, 24, and 26 and the lock sensors 30 and 32.It will be appreciated that the control means 60 may provide an output to a motor 11 based on detection of one or more of the locking sensors 30 and 32 to control activation of a control device 12, such as the glass sunroof, so as to restrict at least some functionality if one or both of the locking sensors detects an object at the same time that the closure switch 22 detects an object.

[0020] The control means 60 provides control outputs to one or more devices, such as the motor 11 of the sunroof device 12, based on user activation of the proximity switches 22, 24, and 26, and further based on detected outputs of the first and second locking sensors 30 and 32. According to one embodiment, the sunroof 12 may be controlled to be actuated to a closed position based on the activation of the closing switch 22 when neither the first nor the second locking sensor detects an object. In another embodiment, the sunroof 12 may close whenever the closing switch 22 is activated and either the first or the second locking sensors 30 and 32, or none of them, detects an object.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 5 illustrates, according to one embodiment, a control routine 100 for controlling the operation of a controller based on user activation of a proximity switch and sensed outputs from lock sensors. Routine 100 begins at step 102 and proceeds to decision step 104 to determine if both lock sensors are activated, and if so, returns to step 104. If both lock sensors are determined to be deactivated, routine 100 proceeds to decision step 106 to determine if the sunroof close switch is activated. If the sunroof close switch is activated, routine 100 proceeds to provide a predetermined pulse, such as a 51-millisecond pulse, on the sunroof open line at step 108.Routine 100 then proceeds to decision block 110 to determine whether a user's finger has left the switch's area within six seconds and returns while the sunroof is closing. If the user's finger has not left the switch's area within six seconds, routine 100 proceeds to step 112 to set a sunroof open switch stuck flag and exits at step 114.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 6, according to another embodiment, a control routine 200 is shown for controlling the operation of a control device, such as a sunroof, based on activation of the proximity switch and the lock sensors. In the present embodiment, routine 200 begins at step 202 and proceeds to step 204 to determine if the sunroof close switch is activated and, if not, returns. If the sunroof close switch is activated, routine 200 proceeds to decision step 206 to determine if both lock sensors are activated and, if not, returns to step 202. If both lock sensors are activated, routine 200 proceeds to step 208 to provide a 51-millisecond pulse on the sunroof open line.Routine 200 then proceeds to decision step 210 to determine whether a user's finger has left the switch's field and, if so, provides a 51-millisecond pulse on the sunroof open line at step 212 before returning to step 204. If the user's finger has not left the switch's field at decision step 210, routine 200 proceeds to decision step 214 to determine whether the user's finger has been in the field for 120 seconds and, if so, sets a sunroof open position stuck flag at step 216 before exiting at step 218.

[0023] The proximity switch assembly 20 advantageously prevents the inadvertent activation of the proximity switch 22 when a movable panel, such as a glass sunroof or a vehicle window, is controlled and detected when large objects come into contact with the proximity sensor 22 and the locking sensors 30 and 32. In addition, the proximity switch assembly 20 further allows the execution of a standard test, a so-called knee-ball test, which is designed to address the inadvertent actuation of a control switch of a movable panel. Accordingly, when a predetermined object, such as a 40 mm ball, is brought into contact with the proximity switch assembly 20, the proximity switch assembly 20 prevents at least some movement of the control panel due to detection of the object by the locking sensors 30 and 32.

[0024] Accordingly, the proximity switch assembly 20 and method advantageously provide for controlled activation of a proximity switch, such as a capacitive switch, to prevent inadvertent activation of the switch through the use of one or more interlock sensors. By using the interlock sensors, inadvertent activation of a switch, such as for a sunroof, can prevent the sunroof from closing around an object if the sunroof is inadvertently activated to the closed position, such as via a single-touch closing routine, or can reduce the risk of inadvertent activation of a switch. While the striker panel described herein is a sunroof, it is understood that other striker panels, such as side and rear windows of a vehicle, can also utilize the proximity switch assembly with interlock sensors.It is further understood that other control devices may use locking sensors as described herein.

[0025] It is to be understood that variations and changes may be made to the above structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless the language of the claims expressly indicates otherwise. Key to symbols Fig. 2 22 Close 24 cigarettes 26 Open Fig. 4 22 locking switches 30 1. Lock sensor 32 2. Lock sensor 24 toggle switches 26 opening switches 60 tax funds 64 memory 100 control routine 12 Glass sunroof system Fig. 5 104 ARE BOTH LOCK SENSORS ACTIVATED? 106 IS THE SLIDING GLASS ROOF CLOSING SWITCH ACTIVATED? 108 PROVIDE A 51 ms PULSE ON THE SUNROOF OPEN LINE 110 Has the user's finger left the switch area within 6 seconds? 112 FLAG FOR GLASS SLIDING ROOF OPENING SWITCH HANGING SET 114 END Fig. 6 204 IS THE GLASS SLIDING ROOF CLOSING SWITCH ACTIVATED? 206 ARE BOTH LOCK SENSORS ACTIVATED? 208 PROVIDE A 51 ms PULSE ON THE SUNROOF OPEN LINE 210 Has the user's finger left the switch area? 212 PROVIDE A 51 ms PULSE ON THE SUNROOF OPEN LINE 214 Has the user's finger been in the field for 120 seconds? 216 FLAG FOR GLASS SLIDING ROOF OPENING SWITCH HANGING SET 218 END

Claims

[1] Proximity switch (22, 24, 26) for controlling a movable plate, comprising: a proximity sensor that detects an object (50, 52) in a detection activation field; at least one first and second locking sensor (30, 32) on opposite sides of the proximity sensor near the proximity sensor for detecting an object (50, 52); and Control circuits that control movement of a movable plate based on the detected object (50, 52) in the activation field and the first lock sensor (30) and the second lock sensor (32). [2] The proximity switch (22, 24, 26) of claim 1, wherein the control circuits prevent at least some movement of the movable plate when the first lock sensor (30) and the second lock sensor (32) detect an object (50, 52). [3] The proximity switch (22, 24, 26) of claim 2, wherein the control circuits prevent single-touch closing of the movable plate when the first lock sensor (30) and the second lock sensor (32) detect an object (50, 52). [4] Proximity switch (22, 24, 26) according to claim 2, wherein the control circuits prevent closing of the movable plate when the first lock sensor (30) and the second lock sensor (32) detect an object (50, 52). [5] Proximity switch (22, 24, 26) according to claim 1, wherein the proximity switch (22, 24, 26) is installed in a vehicle (10) for use by a vehicle occupant to control a movable window panel. [6] Proximity switch (22, 24, 26) according to claim 5, wherein the movable window panel comprises a glass sliding roof (12). [7] Proximity switch (22, 24, 26) according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor. [8] The proximity switch (22, 24, 26) of claim 1, wherein the control circuits control the movable plate to prevent operation when both the first and second lock sensors (30, 32) are activated. [9] Proximity switch (22, 24, 26) according to claim 1, wherein the first locking sensor (30) and the second locking sensor (32) each comprise a capacitive sensor. [10] Proximity switch (22, 24, 26) according to claim 1, further comprising an output for providing an output signal to a motor (11) for controlling the movable plate. [11] Capacitive vehicle switch for controlling a movable plate on a vehicle (10), comprising: a capacitive sensor installed in a vehicle (10) for detecting an object (50, 52) in a detection activation field; at least one first and second locking sensor (30, 32) on opposite sides of the proximity sensor near the capacitive sensor for detecting an object (50, 52); and Control circuits that control movement of the movable plate based on the detected object (50, 52) in the activation field and the one or more locking sensors (30, 32) and prevent movement of the movable plate when the first locking sensor (30) or the second locking sensor (32) detects or detects an object (50, 52). [12] A method for controlling a movable plate, the method comprising: Providing a detection activation field with a proximity sensor; Processing the detection activation field to detect user activation of the proximity sensor; Detecting activation of at least one first and second locking sensor (30, 32) on opposite sides of the proximity sensor; and Preventing at least some movement of the movable plate when the actuation of the first locking sensor (30) and the second locking sensor (32) is detected. [13] The method of claim 12, wherein the proximity sensor is installed in a vehicle (10) for use by a vehicle occupant. [14] The method of claim 13, wherein the movable panel comprises a sliding glass roof (12). [15] The method of claim 12, wherein single-touch closing of the movable plate is prevented when the actuation of the first lock sensor (30) and the second lock sensor (32) is detected. [16] The method of claim 12, wherein closing of the movable plate is prevented when activation of the first lock sensor (30) and the second lock sensor (32) is detected. [17] The method of claim 12, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor. [18] The method of claim 12, wherein movement of the movable plate is prevented when both the first and second lock sensors (30, 32) are activated.

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