Liftgate anti-pinch detector utilizing back-up sensors

• US 6,836,209 B2
• Filed: 05/30/2003
• Issued: 12/28/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/04/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Ploucha, Joseph E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pope, Daryl C
• Application Number:
  US10/449,444
• Publication Number:
  US 20040040771A1
• Time in Patent Office: 578 Days
• Field of Search: 340/435, 340/943, 340/425.5, 340/428, 340/426.24, 340/426.26, 340/426.29, 367/909, 49/26, 49/28, 318/280
• US Class Current: 340/435
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/00 Power-operated mechanisms for wings motor-operated accessories in locks for completing closing or initiating opening of a wing E05B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/43 responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/44 Sensors therefore E05Y2400/322, E05Y2400/33, E05Y2400/55, E05Y2400/56, E05Y2400/852 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/822 Light emitters, e.g. LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/546 Tailgates

Abstract

An improved system for detecting the presence of an object in the path of a liftgate relies upon the sensor/transmitters that are used for collision avoidance systems to detect the presence of an object rearwardly of a vehicle moving in a reverse direction. Known sensors are provided to look for the presence of an object when the vehicle is being moved in a reverse direction. The sensors are now also actuated when the liftgate is being moved to its closed position. Should an object be detected, further movement of the liftgate is stopped. The present invention thus detects the presence of an object in the path of a liftgate prior to any contact. Further, the invention combines two prior control modules into a single control module.

Claims

1. A vehicle incorporating a back-up collision avoidance sensor and a liftgate anti-pinch system comprising:

a liftgate pivotally attached to a vehicle frame and having structure for supporting said liftgate to move between an open and a closed position;

a back-up collision avoidance system including a transmitter sensor adjacent a rear of said frame for detecting the presence of an object in the path of the vehicle when the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction, said back-up collision avoidance system communicating with a display for providing an indication to an operator of the vehicle that an object is in the path of the vehicle; and

said back-up sensors also being actuated when said liftgate is being moved to said closed position, and movement of said liftgate to said closed position being blocked when an object has been detected by said back-up collision avoidance system.

2. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein said structure includes a drive for driving said liftgate to said closed position, and said motor being stopped if an object is detected in the path of said liftgate as it moves toward said closed position.

3. A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein said back-up collision avoidance system utilizes ultrasonic transmitters/sensors.

4. A control system for a vehicle comprising:

a control;

an input to said control from a back-up collision avoidance system to identify the presence of an object rearwardly, of the vehicle; and

inputs to said control to provide an indication of when the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction, and when a liftgate is being moved to close, and said control providing output signals to control a movement system for the liftgate when the liftgate is being moved to close to prevent movement of the liftgate to a closed position when the presence of an object has been identified, and to further provide an indication to a vehicle operator of the presence of an object rearwardly of the vehicle, at least when the vehicle is being moved in a reverse direction.

5. A method of operating a vehicle comprising the steps of:

(1) providing a back-up collision avoidance system for detecting an object rearwardly of a vehicle;

(2) sensing for the presence of an object rearwardly of the vehicle, at least when the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction;

(3) providing a liftgate movable between an opened and closed position, and sensing for the presence of an object rearwardly of the vehicle through said back-up collision avoidance system when said liftgate is being moved to a closed position, and blocking further movement of said liftgate when an object is detected during said movement to said closed position.

6. A method as set forth in claim 5, wherein said liftgate is driven to close by a motor, and said motor being stopped should an object be detected.