SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN AUTOMOTIVE LIFTGATE
First Claim
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1. A system for operating an automotive liftgate, comprising:
- at least one telescopic strut adapted to be positioned between a liftgate and an adjacent door opening panel;
a motor drive adapted for positioning a liftgate, with said motor drive comprising;
a motor;
an actuator powered by the motor, with said actuator being interposed between the motor and a liftgate; and
a clutch interposed between the motor and the actuator;
an actuator sensor for detecting movement of a liftgate; and
a controller, connected with said clutch, said motor, and said sensor, for operating said motor and said clutch, with said controller commanding the motor drive to place the liftgate in a predetermined position in the event that said sensor detects unintended movement of the liftgate.
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Abstract
A system for operating an automotive liftgate includes a motor drive adapted for positioning the liftgate, and at least one telescopic strut positioned between the liftgate and an adjacent body structure. A controller operates the motor drive so as to place the liftgate in a predetermined position, such as a fully closed or fully opened position, in the event that a sensor detects unintended movement of the liftgate.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A system for operating an automotive liftgate, comprising:
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at least one telescopic strut adapted to be positioned between a liftgate and an adjacent door opening panel;
a motor drive adapted for positioning a liftgate, with said motor drive comprising;
a motor;
an actuator powered by the motor, with said actuator being interposed between the motor and a liftgate; and
a clutch interposed between the motor and the actuator;
an actuator sensor for detecting movement of a liftgate; and
a controller, connected with said clutch, said motor, and said sensor, for operating said motor and said clutch, with said controller commanding the motor drive to place the liftgate in a predetermined position in the event that said sensor detects unintended movement of the liftgate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for operating a powered liftgate installed in an automotive vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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commanding a motor drive to place the liftgate in an open position;
monitoring the position of the liftgate after the liftgate has been opened; and
in the event that the liftgate moves to an unintended position after opening, commanding the motor drive to place the liftgate in a predetermined position. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. A method for operating a powered liftgate installed in an automotive vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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commanding a motor drive to place the liftgate in an open position;
releasing a motor drive clutch when said open position has been reached, such that the liftgate is supported solely by a plurality of telescoping struts;
monitoring the position of the liftgate after the liftgate has been opened; and
in the event that the liftgate moves to an unintended position after being opened, engaging the clutch and commanding the motor drive to place the liftgate in a closed position. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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Specification