Power split tailgate system and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A power, split door system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a first vehicle door arranged to articulate between a closed position and an open position;
a second vehicle door arranged to articulate between a closed position and an open position;
first and second drive means for moving the first and second doors, respectively, between the closed and open positions; and
control means for independently controlling the first and second drive means so as to control movement of the first and second doors between the open and closed positions, wherein the first and second doors are arranged such that the first door must be at least partially opened to allow opening or closing of the second door, the system being adapted such that, in the event that the first door is in the closed position and a command is received to open or close the second door, the system is configured to automatically execute a door control sequence in which;
the first door is partially articulated from the closed position toward the open position, so that the first door is in a partially open position, the articulation amount being sufficient for the second door to clear the first door such that the second door can be opened or closed; and
the second door is moved from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the closed position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power, split tailgate system is provided that allows each of an upper and a lower tailgate door to be simultaneously or independently driven between open and closed positions. The tailgate system may be operated in a chauffer mode where the lower tailgate door is opened to allow for the storage of luggage and other materials and in a manner that limits exposure of the passenger compartment.
28 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A power, split door system for a vehicle, comprising:
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a first vehicle door arranged to articulate between a closed position and an open position; a second vehicle door arranged to articulate between a closed position and an open position; first and second drive means for moving the first and second doors, respectively, between the closed and open positions; and control means for independently controlling the first and second drive means so as to control movement of the first and second doors between the open and closed positions, wherein the first and second doors are arranged such that the first door must be at least partially opened to allow opening or closing of the second door, the system being adapted such that, in the event that the first door is in the closed position and a command is received to open or close the second door, the system is configured to automatically execute a door control sequence in which;
the first door is partially articulated from the closed position toward the open position, so that the first door is in a partially open position, the articulation amount being sufficient for the second door to clear the first door such that the second door can be opened or closed; and
the second door is moved from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the closed position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of articulating a power, split door system of a vehicle, wherein the system includes a first vehicle door and a second vehicle door each arranged to articulate between a closed position and an open position, the first and second vehicle doors being further arranged such that the first door must be at least partially opened to allow the opening or closing of the second door, the method comprising:
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in the event the first door is in the closed position and a command is received to open or close the second door, automatically executing a door control sequence in which; (a) the first door is moved a portion of a distance required to move to the open position, such that the first door is in a partially open position, the distance being sufficient for the second door to clear the first door such that the second door can be opened or closed; and (b) the second door is moved from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the closed position. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification