Electricity: motive power systems – Automatic and/or with time-delay means – Movement – position – or limit-of-travel
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-07
2001-10-02
Nappi, Robert E. (Department: 2837)
Electricity: motive power systems
Automatic and/or with time-delay means
Movement, position, or limit-of-travel
C318S466000, C200S061430, C200S061440, C049S026000, C049S028000, C049S324000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06297605
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally pertains to motor vehicles. More particular, the present invention pertains to pinch sensing arrangement for a motor vehicle closure panel. More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiment and/or use which is shown and described for purposes of illustration, the present invention relates to a pinch sensing arrangement for a motor vehicle power liftgate.
2. Discussion
In motor vehicles such as minivans, sport utility vehicles and the like, it has become common practice to provide the vehicle body with a large rear opening. A liftgate (also referred to as a tailgate) is typically mounted to the vehicle body with hinges for pivotal movement about a transversely extending axis between an open position and a closed position. Typically, the liftgate is operated manually. However, it has been heretofore proposed to provide a power drive mechanism including a reversible electric motor to operate the door. For example, such arrangements are shown in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,531,498; 5,563,483; and 5,448,856, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
During power operation of a vehicle liftgate, the liftgate may unexpectedly encounter an obstacle in its path. It is therefore desirable to cease its powered movement in that event to prevent damage to the obstacle and/or the liftgate and its power actuator. U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,856 discloses a powered liftgate system including a feature for stopping the liftgate movement upon encountering an obstacle. In this system, a powered actuator with a reversible DC motor and a worm gear driven crank arm, efficiently operates the liftgate through a roller and guide with gas spring assist. The motor current is monitored by a control circuit that interrupts the power to the actuator motor to stop the liftgate when the current exceeds a certain level as occurs when the liftgate encounters an obstacle.
While known systems for stopping liftgate movement upon encountering an obstacle have proven adequate, it has been found that certain further precautionary features with respect to the liftgate operation are desirable and that they can be accomplished in a cost effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved pinch sensing arrangement for a motor vehicle.
In one form, the present invention provides a pinch sensing arrangement for a closure member of a motor vehicle. The closure member is mounted for articulation relative to a body portion of the motor vehicle and is driven by a drive mechanism between an open position and a closed position. The pinch sensing arrangement includes a mounting track adapted to be attached to one of the closure member and the body portion of the vehicle. The mounting track includes a resiliently deflectable portion. The pinch sensing arrangement additionally includes a sensor attached to the resiliently deflectable portion of the mounting track and elongated in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The sensor is operative for generating an electrical signal when compressed. The pinch sensing arrangement further includes a control module in electrical communication with the sensor. The control module is adapted to control the drive mechanism to articulate the closure member to the open position upon receiving the electrical signal. The mounting track can deflect after the sensor is compressed to allow the drive mechanism to react without damage to the obstacle or closure member.
In another form, the present invention provides a motor vehicle including a body and a liftgate. The liftgate is mounted to the body for articulation about a laterally extending pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. A drive mechanism drives the closure member between the open position and the closed position. The motor vehicle additionally includes a sensor carried by the liftgate. The sensor is operative for generating an electrical signal when compressed in a first direction under a first predetermined load. The motor vehicle further includes a control module in electrical communication with the sensor. The control module is operative for controlling the drive mechanism to articulate the liftgate to the open position upon receiving the electrical signal.
Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from a reading of the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Butler Frederick C
Oxley Peter L
Calcaterra Mark P.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Leykin Rita
Nappi Robert E.
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