Abstract: The seat which is provided with at least two elements which can be moved relative to each other and an actuator for maneuvering a movable element, a unit for controlling the actuator for the movement of the movable element comprises: means for measuring a force (Cu) applied manually to the movable element by a user, the control unit comprises: means for calculating the theoretical force (Cth) which must be applied by the actuator to the movable element in the direction of the force (Cu) applied manually to the movable element by the user; and means for controlling the actuator for the movement of the movable element in accordance with the theoretical force (Cth).

Abstract: It is intended to realize a signal input method which makes it possible to add another method to an existing method later in a simple manner as well as an opening/closing controller which employs two methods and can be constructed by adding another method to an existing method in a simple manner. A signal processing circuit (5) is inserted in an auto signal path of a control circuit (1) which performs opening/closing control with a pinch preventing function on the basis of an auto signal (AUTO), a close signal (UP), and an open signal (DOWN) which are input via respective signal paths. The auto signal and a detection signal of an additional pinch sensor are input to the control circuit via the signal processing circuit in the form of serial signals.

Abstract: This seatbelt apparatus includes: a belt reel around which a belt is wound; a motor which rotationally drives the belt reel; a transmitting device which transmits a driving power between the belt reel and the motor; a controller which drives the motor while controlling an electricity to be supplied to the motor; a rotation-detection device which detects a rotation status of the belt reel. The rotation-detection device outputs, in accordance with a rotation of the belt reel, a plurality of outputs including signals indicating a first state in which a current consumption by the rotation-detection device is larger than a predetermined value, and a second state in which the current consumption by the rotation-detection device is smaller than the predetermined value. The controller executes a first motor-driving process in which the motor is driven based on an output from the rotation-detection device until reaching the second state.

Abstract: The Objective of the present invention is to provide a delay unit for door with a door closer, which is capable of automatically closing the door after the elapse of a certain time since the door was opened and can be installed in case that the door closer is embedded inside the building and thereby being not exposed. The objective is solved by providing a delay unit 5 for door with a door closer comprising: a first sensor for detecting the door 2 opened to the first angle A, a lock unit 7 for electrically lock/unlock of the rotation of the rotation axis 3 of the door 2, a timer, a first sensor, and a control means, with which the first sensor, lock unit 7, and timer is connected, for controlling the lock unit 7 based on the signals from the first sensor and timer.

Abstract: A controller prestores average moving speed data, which corresponds to respective corresponding positions of a window glass of a door driven by a motor at the time of the closing movement of the window glass, as learning data. The controller senses pinching of an object by the window glass based on the learning data and the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller senses a disturbance when the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass exceeds a predetermined value. The controller updates the learning data based on the average moving speed data at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller controls execution and non-execution of updating of the learning data in response to a close state and an open state of the door.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror device includes a drive unit to turn a mirror unit with respect to a base unit. The drive unit includes a motor and a control circuit. The motor is driven with a battery voltage. A current supply to the motor is cut OFF when a motor current flowing in the motor exceeds a threshold, and the control circuit changes the threshold depending on the battery voltage.

Abstract: A windshield controller for a motorcycle includes a receiver which receives a signal transmitted from a portable communication device; a start permission device which judges whether or not to permit start of an engine based on the signal received by the receiver; and a control device which controllably drives a movable windscreen disposed on a cowling at a front portion of a vehicle body, wherein the control device judges whether or not the portable communication device is away from the vehicle body based on the signal received by the receiver, and when it is judged that the portable communication device is away from the vehicle body, the control device controls to move the movable windscreen to a standby position.

Abstract: A powered apparatus includes a driven component that is movable along a path and a drive motor that moves the driven component along the path. A motor speed detector monitors an instantaneous speed of the drive motor at each position along the path. An electronic control unit operates the drive motor and includes load profile data representing a number of motor loads associated with respective positions of the driven component along the path. A calculating component determines a calculated final rest position of the driven component by adding a current position of the driven component along the path and an adjustment coefficient representing an additional distance of travel along the path based on the instantaneous speed of the drive motor and a respective motor load associated with the additional distance of travel. A non-volatile memory component stores the calculated final rest position of the driven component.

Abstract: A method for control of door and window adjusting parameters is disclosed, the method including the steps: determining at least a first door adjusting parameter and at least a first window adjusting parameter, controlling the first door adjusting parameter and a further door adjusting parameter by considering the determined first window adjusting parameter and controlling the first window adjusting parameter and a further window adjusting parameter by considering the determined first door adjusting parameter. The above steps may also be performed in the alternative. An interaction between the two moveable elements sliding door and window pane is assured. The control of further parameters can occur in dependence from the determined parameters in such way that the risk of arising injuries and in particular damages by a crush incident between a C column of the motor vehicle and the sliding door at a window opening of the sliding door is minimized.

Abstract: A method of accurately maintaining, in position registers of memory modules, a net count of rotor signals received from a motor equipped with a rotor position sensor. A vehicle apparatus includes the memory modules and motor, as well as a driven component and processors that: (a) adjust the net count while the motor is driven; (b) monitor for, and terminate power upon encounter of, a mechanical stop; and (c) correct the net count for rotor signals received thereafter. Storage media and memory modules are encoded with processor instructions and processor-readable code that, when executed by processors, cause them to perform the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a control system for a garage door. The control system can include a motor, a pulley, a synchronous drive member, a carriage, and an operator. The pulley can be coupled to and driven by the motor. The synchronous drive member can be coupled to the pulley and driven by the pulley. The carriage can be coupled to the synchronous drive member and to a bottom edge of a garage door. The operator can be coupled to the motor and can control the motor. The operator can be mounted vertically adjacent to the garage door when the garage door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an overhead stowage bin compartment in a mobile platform, such as a commercial aircraft. A motor is operatively coupled to the compartment for moving the compartment between open and closed positions. A remotely located control system is in communication with the motor and supplies a current signal to the motor to drive the motor. The control system monitors operation of the motor and senses when the compartment is obstructed by sensing the current being supplied to the motor. The control system also senses a position of the compartment and, along with the computed required current, uses this information to determine if the weight of the compartment exceeds a predetermined maximum threshold.

Abstract: In order to reduce the time and expense of designing and operating a motor control system with multiple motors of different types, a motor control system is provided with motor control modules that monitor and record status information and update settings in a uniform manner regardless of the motor type under control. Each motor control module includes an output power stage and a motor control unit connected to each other. The status information includes status information about the output power stage or a current control loop connected to the output power stage. The settings include conditions monitored by each motor control module and corresponding actions taken by each motor control module based on the conditions. A host processor connected to the multiple motor control modules may request the common status information and send messages to update common settings of the motor control modules.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling any number of devices, such as one or more window shades, using a control system that can be connected to a wall switch by using only two wires. The various embodiments of the present invention enable a user to control a shade while using a motor that is controlled by use of two power lines.

Abstract: The garbage container, having a simple structure, a reliable performance, and being easy to install and cost effective, includes a container body, an infrared induction device, a movable cover automatically opened through infrared induction device, an infrared induction device, an automatic cover-opening device connected with the control unit, an output shaft of the driving motor connected with a cable-collecting wheel via a first set of reduction gears. One end of the cable is fixed to the cable-collecting wheel while the other end of the cable is connected with the cover. An output shaft of the cable-collecting wheel is connected with a cam via a second set of reduction gears. The protruding part of the cam is rotated to contact a cover-opening stroke switch and a cover-closing stroke switch respectively. The cover-opening stroke switch and the cover-closing stroke switch are connected respectively with the control unit through a data line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of furniture and to a device for moving a first furniture part relative to a second furniture part using a drive unit by means of which the first furniture part can be moved, in the driven manner, relative to the second furniture part via a monitoring unit for movement monitoring of the first furniture part. In order to adopt a position better between the furniture parts, the monitoring unit is designed to preset a movement of the first furniture part through a predefined movement distance away from a mechanical stop after a movement of the first furniture part to a position which is defined by the mechanical stop, with the first furniture part being locked in the position that is reached, as a final position.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.

Abstract: A trash can can include a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near a lower portion of the trash can. The detection of the object can be used to signal the trash can to open its lid. The trash can can include an electric drive unit for opening and closing the lid.

Abstract: A powered dispenser is provided for cosmetic sticks. The dispenser includes a case and a cosmetic cup that is disposed within the case and that is dimensioned for holding a cosmetic stick. A powered control mechanism is provided for moving the cup upwardly and downwardly within the case so that a cosmetic stick, such as lipstick, is selectively movable between an extended position wherein it can be applied by the user and a retracted, storage position within the case.

Abstract: The present invention provides an open/close member control apparatus capable of blocking entry of a ruffian even if forced closing operation is cancelled during closing operation of an open/close member by the forced closing operation and suppressing damage on an object which is erroneously caught. In the open/close member control apparatus for switching closing operation of a window to opening operation in the case where pinch of a foreign matter is detected and the forced closing operation of the switch is not maintained and continuing the closing operation of the window in the case where pinch of a foreign matter is detected and the forced closing operation of the switch is maintained, in the case where pinch is detected and the forced closing operation of the switch is maintained, when the maintenance of the forced closing operation is cancelled during closing operation of the window, the window opening operation is performed so that an open amount of the window becomes smaller than that in normal times.

Abstract: A device and method for operating an optoelectronic safety sensitive edge (100) for the safeguarded motor-driven movement of a gate having a closing edge (141). The device has a deformable, hollow, elastic profile (110), a light transmitter device with a light transmitter (121a), and a transmitter control system (121b), by means of which at least one operating parameter of the light transmitter (121a) can be adjusted, a light receiver device (122) with a light receiver, the light transmitter device and the light receiver device (122) being coupled optically and electrically by the transfer of dynamic signals, an optical, dynamic coupling signal (K2, K2?, K2?) within the hollow profile (110); and an evaluating device (130) with means for detecting an electric, dynamic coupling signal (K2, K2?, K2?), the evaluating device (130), generating a release signal in response to the detected, dynamic, electric coupling signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for identifying pinching situations in a motor-driven displacing device. During a displacing process along an actuating direction, values (W(n) to (W(n?m)) of a quantity (1), which characterizes the currently occurring displacing force, or a quantity derived therefrom are determined and stored, and a quantity (8) that characterizes the pinching force of the displacing device is determined on the basis of at least two stored values (W(n) to (W(n?m)).

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting and alleviating the pinching of an object in a window of a vehicle having a drive unit motor controlling a window based upon current signals received from a control switch, security system remote control, or security system controller. The detection method includes determining a current threshold for the motor, determining time required to close the window, monitoring drive unit motor current draw during a window close operation, and determining if the current threshold is reached before window close time has elapsed. The alleviation method includes determining a current threshold, determining window close time, monitoring drive unit motor current draw during a window close operation, determining if current threshold has been reached before window close time has elapsed, and positioning the window so the drive unit motor current is less than the current threshold. The methods can be programmed into a window control module.

Abstract: A barrier operating system having a diagnostic performance feature includes a motorized barrier movable between limit positions and a counterbalance system coupled to the barrier. A disconnect mechanism may be interposed between the motor and the counterbalance system so that the barrier can be moved manually without assistance from the motor. A position detection device is coupled to either the barrier or the counterbalance system and generates a barrier position signal. One of the motor and the position detection device generates operational parameter values for the barrier moving in either direction. A controller receives the operational parameter values and the barrier position signal, and as the barrier is manually moved, the controller compares operational parameter values for each direction of movement at a given position and generates a diagnostic signal based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A wiper device includes a sensor magnet fitted to an output shaft so that when wiper arms are positioned at upper reversal positions B relative to an origin position O, both hall ICs are opposed to an S-pole and when the wiper arms are positioned at lower reversal positions A relative to the origin point O, at least one of the hall ICs is opposed to an N-pole. When the wiper arms are abnormally stopped, the sensor magnet determines at the time of re-starting whether the wiper arms are positioned at the lower reversal positions A or at the upper reversal positions B relative to the origin position O and always starts the wiper arms toward the origin position O, whereby the positions of the wiper arms can be accurately detected by two hall ICs. After re-setting position data by re-starting the wiper arms toward the origin position O, the sensor magnet performs a normal control.

Abstract: A control system for an electric motor is arranged to determine the position of the motor from at least one electrical parameter by means of a position determining algorithm which is reliant on movement of the motor to determine the motor position, and to start up the motor from rest by applying voltages to the motor that are independent of the position of the motor.

Abstract: An operating device for an overhead closure which comprises a motor, operatively connected to the closure for opening and closing the closure, and at least one sensor unit mountable either the closure or a support surface bordering the closure. The sensor unit is operable to detect the presence of an obstacle obstructing a travel path of the closure and to generate a signal in response thereto. A control system is in communication with the sensor and with the motor. The control system includes a control unit which receives the signal and provides a sensing feature which stops and/or opens the closure in response to the signal. The control unit deactivates the sensing feature at a selected point prior to an end limit position of the closure. The selected point is determined by the control unit based on a calculated delay characteristic.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a barrier movement operator having a timer-to-close feature are disclosed. The methods and apparatus include arrangements for conveniently inhibiting and re-activating the timer-to-close feature and for providing a mid-stop position during movement toward the closed position. Additionally, the embodiments include methods and apparatus for reversing barrier operation.

Abstract: The apparatus for closing a closure of a vehicle comprises a closure driver for moving the closure and an electronic control unit electrically coupled to the closure driver. The electronic control unit is configured to determine if predetermined speed criteria is satisfied and to operate the closure driver so as to close the closure at a first closing speed if the predetermined speed criteria is satisfied or at a second closing speed if the predetermined speed criteria is not satisfied. The second closing speed is less than the first closing speed regardless of the position of the closure so that a squeezing force applied by the closure to an obstruction remains less than a predetermined squeezing force. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for finding a home position of a moveable member includes a magnet mounted on the moveable member and two switch-type Hall effect detectors, one on each side of the home position and equally spaced from the home position. The device includes a device for measuring movement of the moveable member and a microprocessor with a memory that receives information from the two Hall effect detectors and the device for measuring movement.

Abstract: An actuating device for a movable component includes a reversible motorized drive for driving the movable component from a normal position into an open position, the movable component being uncouplable from the reversible motorized drive in its open position. The actuating device includes a driving element movably drivable by the reversible motorized drive and engages in a crank recess and extending along the path of motion of the movable component. A length of the crank recess corresponds at least to a path of motion of the driving element between its normal position and its open position or partially open position. After adjustably driving the movable component into its open position, the driving element may be returned by the reversible motorized drive into the normal position.

Abstract: A window opening and closing controller for stably detecting jamming without having any influence on jamming load even when power voltage is changed is to be provided. In a window opening and closing controller for detecting jamming of a foreign substance on the basis of a comparing result of a changing amount of the rotational speed of a motor for opening and closing a window and a predetermined threshold value, and controlling the operation of the motor so as to open the window when there is jamming, the threshold value is constructed by a first threshold value at a normal time and a second threshold value as a reference gentler than this first threshold value. The threshold value is changed from the first threshold value to the second threshold value on the basis of the detection of closing of a door.

Abstract: A lid assembly for use with a garbage can having a frame that includes a lip at the bottom of lid and a housing. The housing is defined by a lower wall and a sidewall with an opening. A static electricity sensor is positioned in the housing. The lid assembly also includes a displaceable door that moves with the lip to open the garbage can. So that when the static electricity sensor detects the static electricity of a user, the displaceable door slides to open the garbage can and when the static electricity sensor does not detects the static electricity of a user, the displaceable door slides to close the garbage can.

Abstract: A motor control device has a target speed generating unit for generating a generated target rotational speed, speed detecting units for detecting rotational speeds of each of the plurality of motors, an average speed calculating unit for averaging the detected rotational speeds of each of the plurality of motors to calculate an average rotational speed, a drive command value output unit for outputting a drive command value to each of the plurality of motors based on the generated target rotational speed and the average rotational speed, rotation amount detecting units for detecting the rotation amounts of each of the plurality of motors, an average rotation amount calculating unit for averaging the detected rotation amounts of each of the plurality of motors to calculate an average rotation amount, and drive command value changing units for generating a feedback signal for rotation amount control corresponding to each of the plurality of motors based on the average rotation amount and the detected rotation am

Abstract: The vehicular open and close panel system includes a drive means configured to supply power for sliding, and opening and closing a panel to open and close an opening of a vehicle body; a drive mechanism configured to operate the panel by power from the drive means; and a controller configured to control an operation of the panel, wherein the controller includes a pinch detection mode of making the panel perform a pinch elimination operation upon detecting a pinch in a close direction operation, and a complete close mode of prioritizing a close direction operation, depending on a complete close operation of a passenger, and wherein after performing the pinch detection operation by the pinch detection mode, the controller changes the close direction operation to the complete close mode until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A control system and method for ensuring proper closure of a dual swing gate. The control system employs position sensors for monitoring the position of each gate arm. A “differential position” is maintained between the arms during closing to ensure proper sequencing. The control system regulates the speed of the master arm and the slave arm to ensure that the differential position is maintained throughout the closure process.

Abstract: An electric power tool “A” operates a working part 5 by repeating rotation of a motor 4 in a normal direction and in a reverse direction one or more times. The motor 4 includes a brushless motor. Sensors H for detecting a position of a rotor 15 are provided on the motor 4 so as to be advanced by an electrical angle of 30°±?° from an intermediate position between respective stator teeth 16 in a direction of the normal rotation of the rotor 15. A control part 20 for controlling the rotation of the motor 4 controls a driving signal of the motor 4 based on the results of detection by the sensors H. Moreover, the control part 20 selects a detection signal of the sensors H so that relation between the rotor 15 and the detection signal of the sensors H is equivalent in either of the normal rotation and the reverse rotation of the rotor 15.

Abstract: A panel member control system for controlling a panel member includes a motor, a rotation detecting means, and a pinching detecting means. The rotation detecting means detects a rotational speed of the motor. The pinching detecting means detects an occurrence of pinching of an object by the panel member when a pinching indicative value exceeds a pinching determination threshold. The pinching detecting means includes a disturbance detecting means and a correcting means. The disturbance detecting means determines whether the motor is in a disturbed state based on a change in the rotational speed. The correcting means corrects the pinching determination threshold in view of a result of the determination made by the disturbance detecting means.

Abstract: An operator for a barrier, such as an upward acting door, includes a control unit having two optical limit switches providing output signals to a controller to effect shut-off of the operator motor when the door reaches open and closed limit positions. The limit switches preferably include LED emitter and phototransistor sensor elements and are preferably mounted on a circuit board in close proximity to a screw member which rotates in timed relation to the position of the door. Linearly movable nut members are mounted on the screw member and include or engage optical shield members which move into positions to provide respective output signals from the optical switches. The door closed optical limit switch may incorporate a pre-limit switch function to override a signal from a door bottom edge obstruction sensor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the position-dependent control of a mobile element in a motor vehicle, wherein the element is movable in a drive movement by an electrically powered positioning device, wherein the positioning device has several different operational modes, and characteristics of a drive signal of the positing device, in particular a waviness of a drive current, are used for the determination of the position of the element. According to the invention, a characteristic variable, which influences the drive movement of the positioning device, and/or a specific value, which characterizes the positioning device, are evaluated for the determination of an error value of the determined position of the mobile element, and that the operating modes of the positioning device are controlled in dependence of the determined error value.

Abstract: A door system includes a support connected to a structure, and a door mounted on the support and movable relative to the support between an opened position and a closed position. The door includes a detection device and a remote module coupled to the detection device. The remote module includes a battery and an RF module for supporting two-way communication and sending signals indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The door system also includes a motor to drive the door, and a controller to control the motor. The controller includes a user interface and a memory. The door system also includes a base module coupled to the controller for receiving signals from the remote module. The received signals are indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The base module also sends signals related to successful transmission acknowledgements to the remote module.

Abstract: A system includes a controller and a sensor. The controller transmits a panel control signal to a motor for the motor to move a movable panel of a vehicle along a path between opened and closed positions while the motor receives power from a power source. The motor receives power from the power source upon receiving the panel control signal. The sensor detects objects in the path without monitoring the motor. The sensor generates an object signal indicative of an object being detected in the path of the panel. When the panel is moving in a closing direction, the controller transmits a panel control signal to the motor to reverse movement of the panel to an opening direction upon receiving the object signal in order to prevent the panel from entrapping an object. The controller communicates with vehicle modules over an in-vehicle local area network (LAN).

Abstract: A DC motor phase detection algorithm that monitors the change in motor current to detect pulses in the current caused by the motor's commutator brushes crossing over the gap between rotor commutator segments as the motor shaft rotates. A pulse is generated each time a commutator brush breaks and then reconnects to a commutator segment. The algorithm detects and counts the pulses in order to determine the number of revolutions the shaft has rotated. The motor phase can then be used to determine the distance, rotational or linear, that the moving portion of the load attached to the motor has traveled. If the initial position of the moving portion of the device is known then the absolute position can be calculated.

Abstract: An emitting direction control apparatus for a lamp is provided with: a driver for deflecting an emitting direction for a lamp; and a controller that control the driver to perform a deflection. The controller includes an initialization function, for setting, at an initial position, a stepping motor that serves as a driving source for the driver. The initialization function detects a first current positional angle for the stepping motor; when the first current positional angle is greater than a reference angle, rotates the stepping motor in a bumping direction at a high speed until the reference angle is reached; after the reference angle has been reached, rotates the stepping motor to a bumped position an initial number of steps at a low speed; and after the bumped position has been reached, rotates the stepping motor in the reverse direction a predetermined number of steps and sets the stepping motor in the initial position.

Abstract: To obtain an improved possibility of establishing the causes of failure in linear drive devices with an electric drive, operational data logging means shall be provided for logging data in connection with operational loads and/or an operating state of the electric drive, which occur over a certain period of time, wherein the operational data logging means can be connected to the power connection means for data logging. Means for storing data, which are based on a plurality of measurements of the same measured variable, which measurements are performed one after another, make it possible to log and evaluate data over a long period of time, preferably during the entire service life of the linear drive device. The measurements are carried out during the use of the linear drive device (14) during which it is in a loaded state.

Abstract: The device has at least one controllable divider element including a drive assembly guided within a track, the drive assembly being driven by an electric motor which is controllable by a central control unit and a local control unit, which units exchange data through an electric line located in the track and functioning as the power supply for the electric motor. According to the invention, a first direct voltage is provided in the central control unit, the voltage being connectable to the power supply line through a central switch which is actuated as a function of the data to be transmitted between the central and local control units, whereby, when the switch is opened, data are able to be transmitted from the local control unit to the central control unit. In addition, an especially advantageous initialization of the device is possible based on the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated closing system usable for passages or openings closed by a mobile structure, of the type comprising motor means, acting on said mobile structure, and means for limiting said motor, suitable to deactivate or modify the motion of said motor means in correspondence of the overcoming of a preset threshold value, wherein the system comprises means for temporarily deactivating said means for limiting the motor means, in order to allow, receiving a command, the movement of said mobile structure also in conditions of overcoming of said,threshold value.

Abstract: A method of protecting a reversible electric motor that includes an armature capable of rotating axially about itself between two angular end positions, the axial rotation of the armature undergoing a deceleration phase as each angular end position approaches, where the method involves determining a characteristic value of the deceleration phase, comparing this characteristic value to a predetermined threshold value, and applying a degraded operating mode when the characteristic value is far from the threshold value.

Abstract: Vehicle seat arrangement includes an electric adjustment mechanism, a direct current motor for adjusting a vehicle seat component, with direct current terminals configured to receive a motor current. a control device for controlling or regulating direct current motor, which applies direct current to the direct current terminals based upon adjustment speed to be set. upon receiving a comfort adjustment signal control device actuates direct current motor for a gradual comfort adjustment of vehicle seat component, upon receiving a pre-crash signal control device actuates direct current motor for a rapid pre-crash adjustment of vehicle component from a current initial position to a safe pre-crash position. Adjustment data for safe pre-crash position and initial position are stored in a memory device prior to pre-crash adjustment, and rapid pre-crash adjustment is implemented at a load and acceleration that are the maximum permissible for direct current motor at the respective operating point.

Abstract: A first area (16) for detecting an object is formed by a radio wave or an ultrasonic wave, and a second area (18) for detecting an object by means of light is formed near the first area (16). When an object is detected in the first area (16) approaching the second area (18), the second area (18) is enabled. When an object is detected in the first area (16) moving in the direction away from the second area (18), the second area (18) is disabled.