Abstract: A liftgate alert apparatus for alerting drivers when a liftgate is down before driving includes a pressure switch configured to be coupled to an air line of an airbrake system of a truck or a trailer. The pressure switch is closed when the airbrake system is activated. A roller switch is in operational communication with the pressure switch and is configured to be coupled to a liftgate. The roller switch is closed when the liftgate is in a down position. An alarm is in operational communication with the pressure switch, the roller switch, and a power source. The alarm has an alarm ground wire. The alarm is configured to be coupled within a cab of the truck or on a front end of the trailer and activates an audio and or visual alert when both the pressure switch and the roller switch are closed.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method for a vehicle with a dump body has at least four sensors on the vehicle one to monitor the position of the dump body relative to a discharge end, one to monitor the position of a gate at the discharge end, one to monitor gate locks, and one to monitor a speed and direction of the vehicle. The sensors are arranged to provide an output signal to a display which includes a programmable controller and software to provide a warning signal to the display for any unsafe conditions.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle includes a frame to which at least a first and second drive wheels are attachable. The vehicle further includes a brake assembly operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels to enable brakes to be selectively applied to the first and second drive wheels. The riding lawn care vehicle also includes a steering assembly with first and second steering levers. First and second steering levers are operably coupled to first and second drive wheels respectively to facilitate turning of the riding lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels responsive to positioning of first and second steering levers. First and second steering levers are also operably coupled to the brake assembly to activate the brake assembly in response to one of the first or second steering levers being rotated about a vertical axis of the respective lever.

Abstract: A braking system for an elevator includes an electromagnetic brake operably connected to an elevator car. A control circuit is operably connected to the electromagnetic brake and includes a switching mechanism to selectively modify a rate of engagement of the electromagnetic brake to selectively modify deceleration of the elevator car. A method of engaging an electromagnetic brake for an elevator system includes detecting one or more operational characteristics of the elevator system and selecting a first position or a second position of a switching mechanism disposed at a brake control circuit depending on the sensed operational characteristics. Electrical current is directed through one or more components of the brake control circuit, depending on the position of the switching mechanism, to determine a rate of engagement of the electromagnetic brake. A flow of electrical current through the brake control circuit is stopped, thereby causing engagement of the electromagnetic brake.

Abstract: A door latch for a motor vehicle includes a supporting body, a closing assembly cooperating with a latch striker, an opening mechanism having an opening lever rotatable about a first axis, and an inertia lever hinged to the supporting body about a second axis and being free to rotate about the second axis between a release position in which the inertia lever is decoupled from opening mechanism, and a first blocking position and a second blocking position in which the inertia lever engages the opening lever and prevents the opening mechanism from moving the closing assembly from a closing configuration to an opening configuration.

Abstract: A monitoring and alert system for retro-fitting to latching mechanisms. A master control unit is located proximate to an operator of the system. It includes a user interface having: an input enabling an operator to arm the system and then allow it to operate with minimal interaction of the operator. It also includes an output alerting the operator as to the status of the system in relation to a plurality of prescribed conditions. One or more slave units having sensing units detecting a latched and unlatched state are attached to a discrete latching mechanism for detecting the latching status thereof. Each slave unit comprises sensing means to detect whether the latching mechanism is in a latched state or an unlatched state.

Abstract: A control assembly for use with a vehicle having a pivot arm for controlling output of the vehicle includes a bracket, a yoke attached to the pivot arm, and a shaft engaged to the yoke and extending into the bracket. The pivot arm is rotatable about a first axis of rotation between a neutral position and a plurality of forward positions and a plurality of reverse positions. When in the neutral position, the pivot arm may also rotate about a second axis of rotation between an operative position and a stopped position, and a switch may be engaged when the pivot arm is rotated to the stopped position. A return to neutral assembly may provide a return force to the pivot arm when it is rotated about the first axis of rotation away from the neutral position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock with a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch and a pawl, a trigger lever which acts on the pawl, a blocking lever which acts on the trigger lever, a first actuating lever which acts on the trigger lever and which acts on the blocking lever via a first leg spring, and a second actuating lever which acts on the trigger lever and which acts on the blocking lever via a second leg spring.

Abstract: A vehicle security system for monitoring a vehicle and notifying a user includes at least two image capture devices (ICD), sensors, a global positioning system tracking module (GPSTM), a control module (CM), and a monitoring device. The ICD are positioned at predetermined locations of the vehicle for capturing and transmitting images of a target object. The sensors generate sensor data variables based on a detection of the target object. The GPSTM generates and transmits signals based on a position of the vehicle to a monitoring device. The CM receives the captured images and sensor data variables. The CM analyzes the received images and sensor data variables based on predefined criteria to trigger auxiliary units. The CM transmits the images and sensor data variables based on the predefined criteria to the monitoring device. A graphical user interface displays the images for monitoring the vehicle and notifies the user.

Abstract: An inertial blocking member subassembly being part of a release handle assembly associated with a vehicle door, the inertial blocking member subassembly being activated by an acceleration force associated with an impact event, the release handle assembly having a release handle framework supporting a bell crank assembly and a manually actuatable door handle grip, the door handle grip operatively coupled to the bell crank assembly to unlatch the vehicle door upon manual actuation of the door handle grip. The inertial blocking member subassembly includes a blocking member associated with the release handle assembly framework, movable in at least one of rotation about an axis of rotation and translation along the axis of rotation. The blocking member has a center of gravity which is offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A latch for a door of a motor vehicle includes a supporting body, a closing assembly adapted to cooperate with a latch striker, and an opening mechanism which can move between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. An inertia lever is fitted to the supporting body and is free to oscillate from a first position to a second position. The latch includes a blocking lever movable between a release position and a stable blocking position. The inertia lever and the blocking lever are coupled in such a way that movement of inertia lever from the first position and the second position causes the movement of blocking lever from the release position to the stable blocking position.

Abstract: A latch assembly having: a chassis; a latch bolt, movably mounted to the chassis for movement between a closed position for retaining a striker in the latch assembly and an open position for releasing the striker from the latch assembly; a pawl rotatably mounted to the latch assembly via a pawl pivot pin for rotation between an engaged position wherein the pawl retains the latch bolt in the closed position and a disengaged position wherein the pawl is disengaged from the latch bolt such that the latch can move to the open position; and wherein the pawl rotates about a surface of the pawl pivot pin comprising a first arcuate portion and a second arcuate portion, wherein a radius of the first arcuate portion is smaller than a radius of the second arcuate portion.

Abstract: A vehicle panel handle for opening a panel of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The panel handle includes a handle lever configured to rotate around a first rotation axis between a resting position wherein the panel is closed and an opening position wherein the panel is open, a latch lever configured to rotate around a second rotation axis and to cooperate with the handle lever for opening the panel when the handle lever around the first rotation axis for reaching the opening position, and a counter weight configured for preventing the unwilling rotation of the handle lever. The counter weight has an elongated shape and is configured to rotate around a third rotation axis between an unblocking position in which the latch lever is not prevented from rotating, and a blocking position where the latch lever is preventing from rotating.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for source device detection. Source device detection may be performed for a variety of types of connectors such as cables or board/substrate connectors across which a DC voltage or stable presence signal is normally supplied during connections when the power signal of the connector is not present. An alternating power source is coupled to a capacitor of known capacitance via a switch. The capacitor is in series with an effective capacitance of a sink device, a connector, and a source device. When the switch is open, the voltage between the capacitor and the effective capacitor is read to determine if a source device is present and On, and when closed, if the source device is present and Off or in Stand-By, or not present. The methods, systems, and apparatuses described include tunability for the capacitor based on temperature and effective capacitance variations.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a latch mechanism having a fork-bolt that is configured to engage a striker and prevent opening of the vehicle door when the latch mechanism is in a latched configuration. The latch mechanism includes a lock mechanism that disconnects an exterior door handle from the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism is locked. The lock mechanism includes a lock lever having a center of mass that is spaced apart from an axis of rotation of the lock lever whereby the lock lever rotates and locks the latch mechanism in the event of a side impact.

Abstract: A vehicle security system for monitoring a vehicle and notifying a user includes at least two image capture devices (ICD), sensors, a global positioning system tracking module (GPSTM), a control module (CM), and a monitoring device. The ICD are positioned at predetermined locations of the vehicle for capturing and transmitting images of a target object. The sensors generate sensor data variables based on a detection of the target object. The GPSTM generates and transmits signals based on a position of the vehicle to a monitoring device. The CM receives the captured images and sensor data variables. The CM analyzes the received images and sensor data variables based on predefined criteria to trigger auxiliary units. The CM transmits the images and sensor data variables based on the predefined criteria to the monitoring device. A graphical user interface displays the images for monitoring the vehicle and notifies the user.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle comprising a user interface, a first sensor coupled to a child seat for detecting a child seat belt status; a gear selector for selecting a vehicle gear, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the gear selector, and configured to cause the user interface to present a first notification if a first alarm condition is detected based on the child seat belt status and a selected gear. Embodiments also include a method of providing child seat monitoring in a vehicle, the method comprising receiving a gear position from a vehicle gear selector, receiving a child seat belt status from a first sensor coupled to a vehicle child seat, and presenting a first notification using a vehicle user interface if the gear position is a non-park position and the child seat belt status is unbuckled.

Abstract: A vehicle window control panel for controlling a plurality of vehicle window assemblies comprises a common window control switch and a plurality of selector interfaces. The common window control switch is configured for controlling operation of a window assembly when the window assembly occupies an active state. The plurality of selector interfaces is electrically coupled to the common window control switch, and each of the plurality of selector interfaces is associated with an associated window assembly and configured for selectively coupling the associated window assembly to the common window control switch so as to cause the associated window assembly to occupy an active state. Each of the plurality of selector interfaces is also configured for selectively decoupling the associated window assembly from the common window control switch so as to cause the associated window assembly to occupy an inactive state.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly for maintaining the vehicle door in a closed position including during an angled impact to the door latch of the vehicle. The latch assembly includes a catch, a pawl, and an actuator coupled to a door latch base. The catch is movable to and from a closed position wherein the catch is configured to grasp a portion of a striker coupled to the vehicle to maintain the door closed. The catch is also movable to and from an open position wherein the catch is configured to release the striker to allow the door to open. The pawl is configured to maintain the catch in the closed position until the door handle is actuated. The latch assembly includes a blocking plate including an extension member which is deformable during an impact to align with one of or both a pawl lifter and the pawl member to prevent their rotation and thereby maintain the latch assembly and the vehicle door in a latched position during such an impact.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of individually controllable vehicle roof modules. Each of these modules includes: a frame, an adjustable wind deflector carried at a fore end portion of the frame, a window panel carried on the frame, and a first motor structured to selectively open the window panel by moving the window panel away from the fore end portion and over its aft end portion when electrically energized. Each module also includes a shade and a second motor structured to selectively adjust the shade over a range from an undeployed state to a deployed state when electrically energized. The modules each carry a locking mechanism with a locked state to fix the frame in a respective roof opening and establish an electrical power circuit to energize the motors; and an unlocked state to remove the frame from the roof opening, and open the electrical power circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle interior structure has a driver's seat disposed inside a cabin, a rear passenger's seat disposed on a vehicle rear side of the driver's seat inside the cabin, and a partition panel arranged along a vehicle width direction between the driver's seat and the rear passenger's seat. Both ends of the partition panel in the vehicle width direction are disposed close to left and right side walls of the cabin, respectively. At least one of an upper edge and a lower edge of the partition panel is provided with a fragile section including a recess formed by a cutout extending toward a vertical center, and a protrusion protruding such that a distance from the vertical center to a tip of the protrusion in a vertical direction is greater than that of the recess.

Abstract: A dual manual disengagement mechanism for an electric transit door operator having a disengagement shaft extending from the operator comprises a first pinion lever (3) secured to the disengagement shaft, a second pinion lever (14) intermeshed with the first pinion gear, a first cable (17) connected to the first pinion-lever via a clevis end (15) having an elongate slot, a second cable (23) connected to the second pinion lever via a clevis end (16) having an elongate slot. The length of the slots in the clevis ends is such that the pulling of one cable to rotate the disengagement shaft will not cause a tug on the other cable.

Abstract: A smart entry system includes a smart control unit that detects whether communication with a portable device has been established, and a centralized control unit that unlocks a driver's door when a driver's door unlock operation is detected and establishment of communication with the portable device is detected. The centralized control unit includes a timer unit that measures time when a passenger's door open operation is detected or when a passenger's door open operation is detected and the fact that communication with the portable device has not been established is detected. The centralized control unit unlocks at least one of the passengers' doors along with the driver's door when a driver's door unlock operation is detected and establishment of communication with the portable device is detected while the timer unit is measuring a certain period of time.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes sensing movement of an interior door handle of the vehicle with a sensing device, such as a door lock switch. A position of a door of the vehicle is sensed with a door position sensor, after movement of the interior door handle is sensed, to determine if the door remains in an unopened position after movement of the interior door handle is sensed, or if the door moves into an opened position after movement of the interior door handle is sensed. When movement of the interior door handle is sensed and the door remains in the unopened position after movement of the interior door handle, instructions are provided with an audio or video device related to the proper procedure for unlocking and opening the door.

Abstract: An inertial blocking member subassembly comprising: an inertial blocking member associated with a release handle assembly framework, the blocking member having a center of gravity offset from an axis of rotation, and the blocking member being rotationally and translationally movable between an at-rest position, in which the blocking member does not prevent actuation of the release handle, and an engaged position, in which the blocking member prevents actuation of a release handle. A biasing element biases the blocking member into the engaged position. As a result of an acceleration force acting on the blocking member center of gravity, the blocking member is rotationally and translationally moved from the at-rest position to the engaged position, and in which engaged position the blocking member is retained by a blocking member retainer until disengagement of the blocking member retainer from one of the release handle assembly framework and the blocking member.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle comprising a user interface, a first sensor coupled to a child seat for detecting a child seat belt status; a gear selector for selecting a vehicle gear, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the gear selector, and configured to cause the user interface to present a first notification if a first alarm condition is detected based on the child seat belt status and a selected gear. Embodiments also include a method of providing child seat monitoring in a vehicle, the method comprising receiving a gear position from a vehicle gear selector, receiving a child seat belt status from a first sensor coupled to a vehicle child seat, and presenting a first notification using a vehicle user interface if the gear position is a non-park position and the child seat belt status is unbuckled.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed to restrain movement of engine components in the event of a collision. A system may comprise an upper intake manifold; a cam cover; a shear catch located between the upper intake manifold and the cam cover; an upper component of the shear catch is arranged on the upper intake manifold; a lower component of the shear catch is arranged on the cam cover; and the upper component and the lower component are arranged opposite each other such that they engage when the upper intake manifold is subjected to shear forces. Variations to the size, arrangement, and shape of a shear catch are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for a motor vehicle door lock (1), comprising a handle (7), and a locking lever (10) which renders the handle (7) inactive when accelerating forces (a) of a predetermined magnitude occur, for example, in the event of an accident. In the normal operation, the locking lever (10) is displaced when impinged upon by the handle (7) and the handle (7) is simply rendered inactive in the locked operation.

Abstract: A fuel door and a sliding door are on the same side of a vehicle. The sliding door has power locking and power child locking. To prevent the sliding door from interfering with the fuel door during refueling, a lock controller responds to the fuel door moving to the open position by 1) preserving a current outside locked or unlocked state and a current inside locked or unlocked state of the sliding door, 2) initiating or maintaining the outside locked state and inside locked state, and 3) after the fuel door moving to the closed position, restoring or maintaining the preserved current outside locked or unlocked state and the preserved current inside locked or unlocked state.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a method of alerting a user to the presence of a mobile device in a vehicle. In some example embodiments, a method includes identifying, via an in-vehicle computing system of a vehicle, presence of a mobile device. The method further includes providing an alert responsive to the user exiting the vehicle when the mobile device is still located in the vehicle.

Abstract: A functional head for a fragrance container includes a housing wall section and a spring-loaded valve plate. The housing wall section has an inlet opening for admitting air into an inlet channel, an outlet opening for discharging a mixture of fragrance and air from an outlet channel, and a recess. The valve plate is biased to close the openings and is displaceable by a plunger inserted into the recess to thereby open the openings.

Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a motor vehicle door includes at least one sensor that detects a distance from the vehicle to an object near the vehicle. The sensor is also configured to provide input to an automatic parallel parking system of the vehicle. The system may include at least one ultrasonic sensor on each side of the vehicle to detect the distances to objects on opposite sides of a vehicle. The system utilizes a plurality of detected distances and vehicle positions or velocities to determine a location of the detected object relative to the vehicle. The system selectively actuates the door brake to prevent the vehicle door from contacting the detected object as the door is opened.

Abstract: DA hood apparatus for a vehicle includes a hinge arm having on a lower end thereof a first hinge shaft is coupled. An articulated link is coupled at a first end thereof to the hinge arm via the first hinge shaft and coupled at a second end thereof to a vehicle body via a second hinge shaft, and includes a plurality of joints formed by hingedly coupling a plurality of link aims, thus allowing the link arms to be operated by respective hinge shafts. An actuator is coupled at a first end thereof to the second hinge shaft and coupled at a second end thereof to an associated link arm of the articulated link, so that, in the event of a forward collision of the vehicle, the actuator is triggered to allow the hood to pop up.

Abstract: A belt buckle for a motor vehicle is provided wherein, through the use of the belt buckle, a tongue of a seat belt is mechanically receivable and, through the use of a switch, an insertion status of the tongue is detectable. A device is assigned to the switch through the use of which the switch position of the switch is wirelessly communicable to a receiver circuit.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to index the door window glass of a vehicle to disengage the glass from the window sealing interface prior to opening the door. A door latch including an unlatching lever selectively connectable to the inside and outside door handles is configured such that moving either handle to actuate the latch causes an initial change in the position of the unlatching lever prior to latch release. A sensor in the latch detects the initial change in position of the unlatching lever and signals an indexing mechanism to move the glass to the indexed position prior to latch release, such that the glass does not substantially interfere with the sealing interface when the door is moved from a closed position. The system may be configured such that the door lock mechanism must be unlocked prior to the indexing mechanism moving the window to an indexed position.

Abstract: A starting apparatus starts an engine of a vehicle in response to a wireless signal transmitted from a remote control and keeps the engine running when a door of the vehicle is opened after the engine of the vehicle has been started. Moreover, a function controller included in the starting apparatus disables a function of a powered window apparatus and a sunroof apparatus of the vehicle in response to start of the engine of the vehicle and enables the functions of the powered window apparatus and the sunroof apparatus when a door of the vehicle is opened after the engine of the vehicle has been started.

Abstract: A door locking system is provided for a motor vehicle. The door locking system includes, but is not limited to a mechanical door opening safety catch and a warning unit configured to generate a first warning signal that is exclusively suppressed by a manual activation of the mechanical door opening safety catch. A motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a vehicle body, a rear vehicle door that is linked on the vehicle body and facing away from a vehicle travel direction, the rear vehicle door configured to pivot, a door opening safety catch configured to be mechanically activate upon the pivot of the rear vehicle door, and a warning unit configured to generate a first warning signal that is exclusively suppressed by the mechanical activation of the door opening safety catch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for controlling the opening of an automobile door (100). According to the invention, the device (130) includes means (131, 132, 133) for blocking said control in the event of a side impact. The invention can be used for automobile safety with respect to side impacts.

Abstract: A vehicle security device to be installed in a vehicle of a type including a vehicle audio entertainment system being configurable via a vehicle data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle may include an audio entertainment system content interface. The audio interface may be selectively operable to communicate audio content relating to a vehicle security breach condition to the vehicle audio entertainment system. The device may also include a controller coupled to the audio entertainment system content interface for detecting a vehicle security breach condition. The controller may also be for configuring the vehicle audio entertainment system, via the vehicle data communications bus, so that the audio content related to the vehicle security breach condition plays through the vehicle audio entertainment system based upon detecting the vehicle security breach condition.

Abstract: A seat belt monitoring system is provided. The seat belt monitoring system includes a seat belt system. The seat belt system has a first portion including a seat belt webbing and a tongue. The seat belt system also includes a buckle. A radio frequency device is associated with the first portion. The seat belt monitoring system further includes a radio frequency receiver that detects either a signal from the radio frequency device or a particular spatial relationship between the radio frequency device and a second radio frequency device placed near the buckle of the seat belt system.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for automatically ensuring passenger safety by identifying article(s) in need of securing in a vehicle and attaching at least one wireless signaling component to each article. Each wireless signaling component includes a wireless signaling device and a mechanical blocking device that controls a wireless signal emitted from the wireless signaling device. The emitted wireless signaling indicates a state of the article. State information relating to a state of each article is generated and received at a data network device, which generates state results based on this state information. The state results are output to an end user, whereby the state results identify those articles that are secured, unsecured, and/or improperly secured, for automatically ensuring passenger safety.

Abstract: The disclosed seat belt retractor and seat belt apparatus may comprise: an electric motor; a spool that is capable of winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint in association with the driving of the electric motor; and a controller for controlling the electric motor. A starting condition can be defined by the state of the seat belt relative to a vehicle occupant and the state of a vehicle door corresponding to the seat belt and, in cases where a starting condition is satisfied, the controller can be configured to control the electric motor to rotate in the belt winding direction such that the motor output of the electric motor is varied according to a satisfaction pattern of the starting condition.

Abstract: Seating positioning determining based on wireless signals. The seat positioning may include assessing seating location within a vehicle or other environment. The seat positioning may be used with various vehicle system to control their operation based on the seat positioning. The seat positioning inquiry may also include additional information, such as but not limited to seat identification information and seat safety system information.

Abstract: The disclosed seat belt retractor and seat belt apparatus may comprise: an electric motor; a spool that is capable of winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint in association with the driving of the electric motor; and a controller for controlling the electric motor. A starting condition can be defined by the state of the seat belt relative to a vehicle occupant and the state of a vehicle door corresponding to the seat belt and, in cases where a starting condition is satisfied, the controller can be configured to control the electric motor to rotate in the belt winding direction such that the motor output of the electric motor is varied according to a satisfaction pattern of the starting condition.

Abstract: A system for disabling a vehicle carrying a storage tank includes a coupler component supported by the vehicle for receiving a connection from a delivery line. A cap is attachable to an end of the coupler component for preventing connection of the delivery line when the cap is attached. A proximity sensor is disposed outside of the coupler component and senses whether the cap is attached without making contact with the cap. A switch is in electrically connected to the sensor and disables at least one drive element of the vehicle, e.g., the transmission, when the cap is not attached to the coupler component.

Abstract: A safety logic for vehicle rollover detection systems comprising a main rollover detection logic and at least one protection device for the occupant or occupants of the vehicle, including a vehicle lateral acceleration sensor (11), which generates an output signal indicating a near rollover event, when a lateral acceleration of a vehicle exceeds the first predefined threshold value (15) or, when a lateral acceleration of vehicle exceeds the second predefined threshold value (16) that is lower than the first predefined threshold value (15) and simultaneously at least one additional safety logic activation signal is present (1, 1?, 1?, 1??).

Abstract: An engine of a hybrid electric vehicle is started following a determination that the vehicle is not moving, the ignition system is in a run state, a door is open, and the engine is not running to alert a driver that the vehicle is in a drive state.

Abstract: A vehicle passenger-restraining device has a rollover detection device that detects or predicts a rollover of the vehicle, a front airbag that deploys in front of the passenger when the rollover detection device detects or predicts the rollover of the vehicle, and a pushing device that pushes the passenger forward when the rollover detection device detects or predicts the rollover of the vehicle.

Abstract: An opening/closing controlling apparatus of the present invention has an automatic opening/closing mechanism for automatically opening and closing an opening/closing object such as a door; a collision detecting sensor for detecting a collision of a vehicle; a time measuring device for measuring a time from a time when the collision detecting sensor detects a collision of the vehicle; and an opening/closing controller for prohibiting automatic opening/closing of the opening/closing object from the time of the collision of the vehicle and for permitting the automatic opening/closing by the automatic opening/closing mechanism after passage of a predetermined time since the collision. The present invention successfully achieves high reliability in the event of a vehicle accident.

Abstract: A safety system for a locking device of a motor vehicle includes a unit control device which has at least one power switch for controlling an electromechanical unit in a blocking state, a central control device including signal links to the unit control device and further unit control devices of the motor vehicle, at least the electromechanical unit being controllable through the central control device via the signal links, and an electrical lead connection which is independent of the signal links. The unit control device is connected to the central control device through the independent electrical lead connection. A potential of a control connection of the power switch or a power connection of the unit control device is controllable by the central control device via the independent electrical lead connection.