SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN AUTOMOTIVE LIFTGATE

• US 20070262609A1
• Filed: 05/15/2006
• Published: 11/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: King, Daniel, Montville, Dennis, Conner, Greg, Deloughery, Colm, Hanson, Ryan, Wrobel, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,547,058 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/146.800
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 5/101 for non-load transporting vehicles, i.e. family cars including vans
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 1/1091 with a gas spring E05F1/1292 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/40 Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/622 using screw-and-nut mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/70 with automatic actuation
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/216 Clutches
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/246 by auxiliary motors, magnets, springs or weights
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/41 for closing
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/422 for opening
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/434 Electromotors; Details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/462 Electromagnets
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/354 End positions
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/36 Speed control, detection or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/506 of counterbalance
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/51 of position, of back drive
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/818 Visual
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2600/454 in or on the motor
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/252 the elements functioning only in case of emergency
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/546 Tailboards, tailgates or sideboards opening upwards

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.

Claims

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.

2. A system for operating an automotive liftgate according to claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises an encoder operatively associated with said actuator.

3. A system for operating an automotive liftgate according to claim 1, wherein said actuator comprises a lead screw driven by said motor, with said encoder counting the revolutions of said lead screw.

4. A system for operating an automotive liftgate according to claim 1, wherein said controller commands the motor drive to close the liftgate in the event that said sensor detects unintended movement of the liftgate.

5. A system for operating an automotive liftgate according to claim 1, wherein said controller commands the motor drive to maintain the liftgate in a preexisting position in the event that said sensor detects unintended movement of the liftgate.

6. A system for operating an automotive liftgate according to claim 1, further comprising an obstacle sensor, operatively connected with said controller, for detecting an obstacle in the operating path of said liftgate, with said controller commanding said motor drive to maintain the liftgate in an open position for a period of time in the event that an obstacle is detected within the liftgate operating path.

7. A system for operating an automotive liftgate according to claim 1, further comprising an obstacle sensor, operatively connected with said controller, for detecting an obstacle in the operating path of said liftgate, with said controller commanding said motor drive to maintain the liftgate in an existing position for a period of time in the event that an obstacle is detected within the liftgate operating path.

8. A system for operating an automotive liftgate according to claim 1, further comprising a load cell interposed between said actuator and the liftgate, with said load cell being operatively connected with said controller, and with said controller commanding said motor drive to place the liftgate in a predetermined position in the event that the static force exerted by the liftgate upon the actuator and load cell increases above a predetermined threshold.

9. A system for operating an automotive liftgate according to claim 1, wherein said sensor detects the time rate of change of position of the liftgate.

10. An automotive vehicle having the liftgate operating system of claim 1.

11. An automotive vehicle having the liftgate operating system of claim 7, further comprising a reverse/park aid operatively connected with said obstacle sensor, for alerting a motorist in the event that the vehicle is being operated in a reverse gear and an obstacle is located behind the vehicle.

12. A method for operating a powered liftgate installed in an automotive vehicle, comprising the steps of:

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.

13. A method for operating a powered liftgate according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of:

monitoring the operating path of the liftgate for obstacles; and

commanding the motor drive to maintain the liftgate in a preexisting position if an obstacle is detected in the liftgate path.

14. A method for operating a powered liftgate installed in an automotive vehicle, comprising the steps of:

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.

15. A method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of sounding an alarm to alert a vehicle operator in the event that the liftgate moves to an unintended position.

16. A method according to claim 14, wherein said open position comprises a fully opened position.

17. A method according to claim 14, wherein said open position comprises a partially opened position.