An entrapment detection sensor that detects entrapment caused by an opening/closing body includes an anode sensor electrode and a cathode sensor electrode. The anode sensor electrode is set on the opening/closing body at a location where entrapment caused by the opening/closing body occurs. The cathode sensor electrode is set on the opening/closing body at a location spaced apart by a gap from the anode sensor electrode. The entrapment detection sensor detects a charged object that approaches the anode sensor electrode as an entrapment subject and cancels detection of the charged object that approaches the cathode sensor electrode.

This pinching detection device of a power window is provided with: a sensor electrode provided in a windowpane; a position-detecting electrode that opposes the sensor electrode; and a control unit. The size of an opposing surface area between the sensor electrode and the position-detecting electrode increases as the windowpane is raised. The control unit detects pinching of foreign matter on the basis of a change in capacitance in the sensor electrode and detects a position in the windowpane on the basis of the change in capacitance.

This pinching detection device of a power window is provided with: a sensor electrode provided in a windowpane; a position-detecting electrode that opposes the sensor electrode; and a control unit. The size of an opposing surface area between the sensor electrode and the position-detecting electrode increases as the windowpane is raised. The control unit detects pinching of foreign matter on the basis of a change in capacitance in the sensor electrode and detects a position in the windowpane on the basis of the change in capacitance.

A device for preventing a human body from being jammed by using a change in capacitance, includes: a sensor unit which detects a change in capacitance corresponding to a gap between an external conductor pressed by a human body approaching a driven object and an internal conductor; a signal processing unit which compares a detection signal of the sensor unit with a reference value and outputs a jamming occurrence signal indicating the human body being jammed in the driven object; a motor driving unit which drives a motor to move the driven object; and a control unit which controls the motor driving unit to stop or move the driven object in the opposite direction when the jamming occurrence signal is received from the signal processing unit, thereby preventing a safety accident caused by the human body being jammed.

A device for preventing a human body from being jammed by using a change in capacitance, includes: a sensor unit which detects a change in capacitance corresponding to a gap between an external conductor pressed by a human body approaching a driven object and an internal conductor; a signal processing unit which compares a detection signal of the sensor unit with a reference value and outputs a jamming occurrence signal indicating the human body being jammed in the driven object; a motor driving unit which drives a motor to move the driven object; and a control unit which controls the motor driving unit to stop or move the driven object in the opposite direction when the jamming occurrence signal is received from the signal processing unit, thereby preventing a safety accident caused by the human body being jammed.

An obstacle detection sensor system for a movable panel of a motor vehicle includes an obstacle detection sensor disposed on an articulating mount, the obstacle detection sensor and articulating mount being hidden from view by an exterior surface of the motor vehicle in a first position, and the articulating mount providing the obstacle detection sensor with a sensor detection range including an exterior surface of the movable panel in a second position. Movement of the articulating mount from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position is coupled to movement of the movable panel.

An obstacle detection sensor system for a movable panel of a motor vehicle includes an obstacle detection sensor disposed on an articulating mount, the obstacle detection sensor and articulating mount being hidden from view by an exterior surface of the motor vehicle in a first position, and the articulating mount providing the obstacle detection sensor with a sensor detection range including an exterior surface of the movable panel in a second position. Movement of the articulating mount from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position is coupled to movement of the movable panel.

A system for operating an automatically movable panel that forms a portion of an exterior of a vehicle, and provides access to an interior of the vehicle; a motivator connected to the panel and moving the panel through a range of motion; a proximity sensor; and a control module disposed within the motor vehicle, the control module having a processor configured to execute control logic, the motivator and the proximity sensor in electronic communication with the control module. The control logic including: determining a position of the panel; receiving a plurality of passive inputs; selectively utilizing the motivator to move the panel through the range of motion based on the passive inputs; utilizing the proximity sensor to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the movable panel through the range of motion with the motivator; and informing a motor vehicle occupant of movement of the panel via a human-machine interface.

A system for operating an automatically movable panel that forms a portion of an exterior of a vehicle, and provides access to an interior of the vehicle; a motivator connected to the panel and moving the panel through a range of motion; a proximity sensor; and a control module disposed within the motor vehicle, the control module having a processor configured to execute control logic, the motivator and the proximity sensor in electronic communication with the control module. The control logic including: determining a position of the panel; receiving a plurality of passive inputs; selectively utilizing the motivator to move the panel through the range of motion based on the passive inputs; utilizing the proximity sensor to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the movable panel through the range of motion with the motivator; and informing a motor vehicle occupant of movement of the panel via a human-machine interface.

The anti-pinch protection device comprises a proximity sensor for detecting an obstacle, which penetrates the door gap between a hinge-side edge of the side door and a further vehicle component adjacent thereto. The anti-pinch protection device further comprises a control unit interacting with the proximity sensor, which is designed to output a signal indicating an imminent pinching situation whenever the proximity sensor detects an obstacle in the door gap during the closing of the side door. At least one component of the proximity sensor is thereby arranged on the inside of the further vehicle component.