Convertible power top control system

• US 6,630,807 B2
• Filed: 04/26/2002
• Issued: 10/07/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Pehrson, Alona E, Zondag, James E, Martek, Kenneth R
• Primary Examiner(s): Nappi, Robert E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MILLER, PATRICK L
• Application Number:
  US10/134,117
• Publication Number:
  US 20020158596A1
• Time in Patent Office: 529 Days
• Field of Search: 318/445, 318/446, 318/563, 318/565, 318/603, 318/626, 318/364-366
• US Class Current: 318/445
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 7/0573 power driven arrangements, e.g. electrical
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/41 Detection by monitoring transmitted force or torque E05F15/48 takes precedence; Safety couplings with activation dependent upon torque or force, e.g. slip couplings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/695 Control circuits therefor
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/42 for multiple openings
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/508 for convertibles
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/542 Roof panels
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 Windows
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 7/0851 for motors actuating a movable member between two end positions, e.g. detecting an end position or obstruction by overload signal

Abstract

A method and system of controlling a movable body portion of a vehicle where the body portion is moved by a motor responding to a control input. Power is applied to the motor upon actuation of the control input and a timer is maintained concurrent with the application of power. Power is removed from the motor as a function of expiration of the timer or relinquishment of the control input. The timer provides a maximum amount of time that power may be applied to the motor, thereby preventing damage to the movable body portion in the event it becomes jammed while being moved by the motor.

Claims

1. A control system for raising and lowering at least one window and a convertible top of a vehicle, the control system comprising:

a body controller module having a timer;

an input switch connected to said body controller module, said input switch arranged to provide to the body controller an Indication of the desired position of the convertible top and the at least one window;

a power top motor mechanically linked to the convertible top;

a window motor arrangement mechanically linked to the at least one window;

said body controller module effecting operation of said power top motor and said window motor arrangement in response to said input switch, said body controller continually effecting said operation until the earlier of said timer reaching a predetermined amount of time and relinquishment of said Indication of the desired position; and

said predetermined amount of time being of a first duration when said power top motor is controlled to rotate in a first direction, of a second duration when said power top motor is controlled to rotate in a second direction, and of a third duration when said power top motor is controlled to rotate simultaneously with said window motor arrangement.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said predetermined amount of time is greater than an amount of time needed for said power top motor to move the convertible top from an initial position to said desired position.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said predetermined amount of time is less than a reaction time of a circuit protection element protecting said power top motor.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising said predetermined amount of time being a function of a system voltage.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said input switch comprises a resistively multiplexed switch.