Intuitive Handle Switch Operation for Power Sliding Doors

• US 20080047199A1
• Filed: 08/21/2007
• Published: 02/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Closures Inc (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Closures Inc (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: PRIBISIC, Mirko
• Granted Patent: US 7,937,893 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 49/31
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/70 with automatic actuation
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/232 by automatically acting means
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/3013 during manual wing operation
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/3015 Power assistance
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/531 Doors

Abstract

The invention is a sliding door assembly operable move a vehicle door between an open and a closed position. The assembly includes a motor, reversibly operable to move the door towards one of the open and the closed position. A handle is mounted to the door and a handle sensor is provided, operable to detect the grasping of the handle. When the handle is grasped, a controller activates the motor to move the door when the handle sensor is triggered. Moving the door using the handle by at least a predetermined distance causes the controller to deactivate the motor, allowing manual movement of the door.

Claims

1. A power sliding door assembly to move a vehicle door between an open and a closed position, the assembly comprising:

a motor, reversibly operable to move the door towards one of the open and the closed position;

a handle, mounted to the door;

a handle sensor, operable to detect the grasping of the handle;

a controller, connected to the handle sensor and operable to activate the motor when the handle sensor is triggered; and

where moving the door a predetermined distance causes the controller to deactivate the motor, allowing manual movement of the door.

2. The power sliding door assembly of claim 1, further including a position sensor operable to determine the position of the door relative to its open and closed position and relay the position to the controller, wherein the controller determines the direction of door movement.

3. The power sliding door assembly of claim 2, wherein grasping the handle while the door is in the closed position cause the controller to activate the motor to move the door towards the open position.

4. The power sliding door assembly of claim 2, wherein grasping the handle while the door is in the open position cause the controller to activate the motor to move the door towards the closed position.

5. The power sliding door assembly of claim 4, wherein grasping the handle while the door is located between the closed position and the open position cause the controller to determine the location of the door and to activate the motor to move the door towards one of the open position and the closed position based upon the location of the door.

6. The power sliding door assembly of claim 5, wherein the handle sensor is mounted directly to the handle.