Abstract: A device for opening and closing opening/closing body comprising: an opening/closing body to open/close with respect to an opening of a base body; a closing mechanism; a control portion to control the closing mechanism; and a position detection portion, wherein the closing mechanism includes an engaging portion provided in either one of the base body and the opening/closing body; an engaged portion provided in the other of the base body and the opening/closing body; a closing mechanism drive portion to shift the engaging portion between being an opened state and a closed state; and an interaction detection portion to detect interaction between the engaging portion and the engaged portion; and the control portion carries out zero position setting to set position information to the zero position when the engaging portion shifts to the closed state or to the opened state.

Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.

Abstract: A device has at least two components which are movable relative to one another. The first component is equipped with a rotary receptacle and wherein the second component is rotatably received on the rotary receptacle. A third component is coupled to the second component. Two connection units which are movable relative to one another and a controllable braking device are included, wherein the braking device is designed as a controllable rotary brake in order to provide controlled damping of a movement of a door device between a closed position and an open position. The first connection unit is formed on the first component, and the second connection unit is pivotably coupled to the third component. The pivot axis is oriented transversely with respect to an axis of rotation of the second component.

Abstract: A door beam structure for a vehicle side door includes a door beam having a hollow cross section, wherein the door beam includes: an outside portion forming a hollow flange of the door beam arranged to face a door skin, and an inside portion forming a hollow door beam body of the door beam.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes image capturing units, control equipment that extracts at least one living body from image information captured by the image capturing units and performs processing, and a door operating system capable of unlocking the doors of a vehicle and executing an opening operation for the doors. When a user of the vehicle is included among a plurality of the extracted living bodies and it is estimated that a predetermined type of living body is in contact with the user, the control equipment causes the doors to be operated in a first mode. When the user is included among the plurality of the extracted living bodies and it is estimated that the predetermined type of living body is not in contact with the user, the control equipment causes the doors to be operated in a second mode that differs from the first mode.

Abstract: A system includes: a door opening/closing switch which receives, from a user, a manipulation instruction for opening or closing the door; a door position sensor which detects a position of the door; a steering controller which measures a steering angle of the vehicle; a door controller which receives, from the door opening/closing switch, the manipulation signal for opening or closing the door, receives door position information from the door position sensor, receives steering angle information from the steering controller, and determines that the door and the wheel are in an interference state when the wheel is not in an aligned state in which the wheel is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, when the user attempts to open the door; and a warning device which warns the user of a situation when the door controller determines that the door and the wheel are in the interference state.

Abstract: An information system manages use of one or more areas in a vehicle permitted to be used as a pick-up and delivery destination of a pick-up and delivery product. The information system includes an information processing device. The information processing device acquires state information including at least one of information on a parking state of the vehicle and information on a surroundings situation of a parking position of the vehicle, and provides determination information for assisting in a determination as to whether or not pick-up and delivery of the pick-up and delivery product to the one or more areas is possible based on the state information, to an external device that is provided external to the information processing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a truck that includes a first wheel well and a second wheel well. A bed is positioned between the first wheel well and the second wheel well. In addition, the truck includes a two-piece cab back panel that is formed of a lower cab back panel and an upper cab back panel. The lower cab back panel is arranged adjacent to the bed and between the first wheel well and the second wheel well while the upper back panel is separated from the bed by the lower cab back panel.

Abstract: A vehicle side door opening/closing device includes a motor, a gear case to which the motor is fixed and which is fixed to a side door, a speed reducer built in the gear case, an output gear provided to the speed reducer, a rack of which an end portion is pivotably supported to a vehicle body and which is provided with a rack gear, and an engagement holding unit connected with the gear case and movably supporting the rack while constantly keeping an engagement allowance between the rack and the output gear. The side door is moved in an opening direction by pushing the rack and in a closing direction by pulling the rack respectively following the rotation of the output gear. The engagement holding unit rotates around a rotation center of the output gear by a swing of the rack following the opening/closing operation of the side door.

Abstract: A power closure actuator for powering a movable closure includes an output member configured to drive movement of the movable closure, a motor coupled through a gear reduction to drive the output member, and an integrated brake-clutch unit having an input configured to receive drive power from the electric motor. The brake-clutch unit provides independent braking and clutching between the electric motor and the output member via an electric brake actuator and an electric clutch actuator, respectively. Brake and clutch portions of the brake-clutch unit act on a rotor, and brake force can be maintained on the rotor without powering the brake actuator. A clutch disc is biased disengaged from the rotor. The integrated brake-clutch unit provides a drive state between the electric motor and the output member when the brake portion is released concurrently with the clutch portion establishing a power coupling between the clutch disc and the rotor.

Abstract: An adjustment drive of a motor vehicle, in particular for an electromotively operated tailgate, having an adjustable part. A drive unit has a first drive train and a second drive train. Each drive train has a variable-length actuation part attached to the adjustable part. The actuation part is driven by an electric motor of the respective drive train. The first drive train has at least one sensor for detection of a position of a rotating part, and the second drive train has no more than one sensor for detection of a position of a rotating part. We also describe a drive unit of an adjustment drive of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a motorized drive system for actuating a door, including at least one gear having a spindle axis and a drive axis, wherein the gear assembly is designed to convert a rotational movement about the drive axis into a rotational movement about the spindle axis; at least one spindle assembly having a threaded spindle which can be rotated about a spindle axis, wherein the threaded spindle is mechanically coupled to a part of the gear assembly that can be rotated about the spindle axis, and at least one drive assembly for driving the threaded spindle with a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft is mechanically coupled to a part of the gear assembly that can be rotated about the drive axis.

Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect movement of the closure member, detect no obstacle using the at least one non-contact obstacle sensor, and alter movement of the closure member in response to no obstacle being detected while movement of the closure member is detected.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a position of a tailgate of a vehicle. The system includes a cable connecting the tailgate to a spool configured to turn in a first direction to wind the cable, and turn in a second direction to unwind the cable. The system includes a cable release located between the spool and the tailgate, the cable release, when in the unengaged state, allowing the cable to move through the cable release when the spool turns in the first direction, and preventing movement of the cable through the cable release when force is applied to the cable from the tailgate, and the cable release, when in the engaged state, allowing the cable to move through the cable release when the spool turns in the second direction. The system includes a button configured to toggle the cable release between the engaged state and the unengaged state.

Abstract: An assembly for opening or accessing an electronic communication and entertainment device holder for repair or replacement of its contents, including a latch which can be released by the contraction of an attached muscle wire actuator in response to a low current pulse sent by an attached wireless receiver.

Abstract: A door component has a controllable rotary damper and two connector units which can be moved relative to one another. One of the two connector units can be connected to a load-bearing construction and the other one can be connected to a movable door device of a vehicle, in order to damp a movement of the door device between a closed position and an open position in a controlled manner. Two mutually engaged spindle units are arranged between the two connector units, one spindle unit being a threaded spindle and the other being a spindle nut. A first spindle unit is fastened rotatably on a coupling rod connected to one of the connector units. A magnetorheological transmission device is arranged between the coupling rod and the first spindle unit, in order to brake a rotational movement of the first spindle unit as required.

Abstract: A power tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes a tailgate configured to rotatably couple to the vehicle, the tailgate having an inner panel, an outer panel, a bottom panel, and first and second side panels defining an inner cavity. An opening is defined in at least one of the first side panel and the bottom panel, and a motor mount cartridge assembly is disposed in the inner cavity at least partially within the opening to at least partially conceal the motor mount cartridge assembly within the tailgate. When installed, the motor mount cartridge assembly covers the opening without need for a discrete cover for the opening.

Abstract: An adjustment drive of a motor vehicle, in particular for an electromotively operated tailgate, having an adjustable part. A drive unit has a first drive train and a second drive train. Each drive train has a variable-length actuation part attached to the adjustable part. The actuation part is driven by an electric motor of the respective drive train. The first drive train has at least one sensor for detection of a position of a rotating part, and the second drive train has no more than one sensor for detection of a position of a rotating part. We also describe a drive unit of an adjustment drive of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A sunshade is configured to extend over a portion of an operator area of the vehicle and includes a frame configured to be removably coupled to mounts for side view mirrors of the vehicle and a body coupled to the frame. At least a portion of the body is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: An opening-closing body control device is provided, including a switch unit provided between a power supply device and a drive source, a control unit configured to electrically connect or cut off the connection between the power supply device and the drive source by controlling a conductive state or a cut-off state of the switch unit, a voltage restriction unit configured to restrict a generated voltage of the drive source generated when the drive source is rotated by an external force to a predetermined voltage in a case in which the connection between the power supply device and the drive source is cut off, and a current detection unit configured to detect a generated current output from the drive source when the generated voltage is restricted to the predetermined voltage, wherein the control unit electrically connects the power supply device to the drive source by controlling the switch unit to be in the conductive state in response to the generated current being detected.

Abstract: A cross-sectional shape of an open-side cable 22a is formed into a round shape, and a cross-sectional shape of respective connecting units 52 between a pulley groove 50 of a pulley 46 and flange portions 51 is formed into a circular arc shape. Thus, it is possible to surely suppress damage of the open-side cable 22a caused by being strongly pressed to a corner as a conventional manner. Therefore, it is possible to improve durability of the open-side cable 22a, whereby it is possible to extend a maintenance cycle of a driving unit and obtain high reliability thereof.

Abstract: A non-contact operation sensing device for a vehicle includes: a capacitance sensor having one electric wire that is attached to a portion near a location where a metal component is provided in a vehicle body, is folded to have portions arranged in parallel, and forms a wire loop electrode whose capacitance changes according to a non-contact operation with respect to the vehicle body, wherein an interval between the portions of the electric wire arranged in parallel in the wire loop electrode is narrower at a portion close to the metal component than at a portion distant from the metal component.

Abstract: A vehicle door is provided that includes a door panel, a door handle located on the panel and having a contact surface, and one or more proximity sensors located on the handle to sense a user's hand interfacing with the handle. The vehicle door also includes an actuator for actuating the door panel, and a controller configured to control the actuator to open the door open position at a speed that varies based on the sensed user hand contacting the contact surface.

Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.

Abstract: A vehicle door system having an upper door configured to cover a top portion of an opening in the body of a vehicle and to open in an upward direction, and a lower door configured to cover a bottom portion of the opening and to open in a sideways direction. The upper door includes a deployable portion configured to form at least a portion of a canopy extending away from the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a closure frame defining an opening, and a closure for selectively covering the opening. The closure has a plurality of positions including a closed position, an open position, and an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. The vehicle also includes an actuator configured to move the closure among the plurality of positions. The vehicle additionally includes an optical sensor disposed proximate the closure. The vehicle further includes a controller. The controller is configured to automatically control the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the open position in response to a closure open request and no feature being detected by the optical sensor, and to automatically control the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the intermediate position in response to a closure open request and a feature being detected by the optical sensor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cargo box, a tailgate moveable relative to the cargo box between an open position and a closed position, and a cable affixed to the cargo box and the tailgate. At least a portion of the cable includes a shape-memory material. Additionally, the motor vehicle includes a controller configured to activate the shape-memory material when the tailgate moves between the open and closed positions. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling an actuator for a door of an autonomous vehicle comprises obtaining data pertaining to a current ride of an autonomous vehicle during operation of the autonomous vehicle; identifying, via a processor using the data, whether one or more circumstances are present that would require an adjustment of a baseline instruction for an automatic opening of the door by the autonomous vehicle via the actuator based on instructions provided to the actuator by the processor; determining an adjustment of the baseline instruction when one or more of the circumstances are present; receiving a request to open the door; and, upon receiving the request: providing the baseline instruction for the actuator to open the door, when none of the circumstances are present; and providing an alternate instruction for the actuator, based on the adjustment, when one or more of the circumstances are present.

Abstract: A device for a motor-driven adjustment of a vehicle door, in particular comprising a traction mechanism configured to be mounted to a vehicle door and comprising a motor drive unit and at least one flexible traction member, the at least one flexible traction member being connected to a check arm to be fastened to a vehicle body structure and the motor drive unit, and the motor drive unit being configured to drive the at least one flexible traction member for pulling the check arm, by the at least one flexible traction member, along an adjustment path for adjusting the vehicle door relative to the body structure.

Abstract: It is provided a method for controlling an adjusting movement of a power-operated adjustable vehicle closing element, such as e.g. a side door or a liftgate, which can automatically be adjusted in the presence of an operating event. By means of a sensor device an operating event is detected in a contactless way. For the detection of an operating event a course of measurement values detected by the sensor device in a detection time interval is evaluated. Furthermore, at least one trigger signal, in particular a trigger signal of defined signal length and/or a trigger signal that triggers an execution of an authentication process preceding the adjustment of the vehicle closing element, in which the presence of a valid identification means in a vicinity of the vehicle is checked, is generated and sent.

Abstract: A detachable lift gate hinge cover assembly includes a bracket fixed to a vehicle roof, the bracket including an attachment member having an integrally connected coupling portion. A plate assembly includes a panel having a retention member integrally connected to the panel. The plate assembly when rotated in a first rotation direction aligns the retention member with a clearance opening of the coupling portion allowing insertion of the retention member through the clearance opening to releasably engage a hook shaped end of the retention member with the coupling portion. The plate assembly when positioned in an installed position within a roof hinge pocket of the roof at least partially covers a lift gate hinge attachment area. The plate assembly when rotated in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction releases the hook shaped end from the coupling portion to release the plate assembly from the installed position.

Abstract: A powered hinge assembly includes a first gate hinge feature, a drive unit connected to the first gate hinge feature and a controller configured to displace the first gate hinge feature to an installation position upon connection to a power source. A powered tailgate assembly, incorporating the powered hinge assembly, and a method of installing a tailgate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle rear door control system includes a vehicle rear door, a keyfob sensor array, a movement detection sensor, a projector and an electronic controller. The keyfob sensor array is configured to detect proximity of an individual with an authorized keyfob. The movement detection sensor installed to the vehicle below the rear door. The projector installed proximate the rear door and aimed to project images to a ground surface rearward of the vehicle proximate the rear door. The electronic controller controls opening operation of the rear door in response to detection of the authorized keyfob and detection of a conforming gesture detected by the movement detection sensor. The electronic controller is further configured to operate the projector to project a position image to the ground surface alerting the individual to stand rearward of a portion of the positioning image during opening of the rear door.

Abstract: The motor control device is an electric motor control device including a control unit (control circuit unit) configured to output a forward-rotation command or a reverse-rotation command to the electric motor. The control unit includes a position detector (door opening/closing information generation circuit) configured to detect a rotation direction of the electric motor when a detection signal is input from a rotation sensor (Hall integrated circuit (IC)), which detects the rotation of the electric motor, while no current is supplied to the electric motor. The control unit includes an electric current supply device (pulse width modulation (PWM) command generation circuit) configured to supply an electric current by which the electric motor is rotated in an opposite direction to the detected rotation direction by increasing an electric current supply duty ratio every time the detection signal is switched.

Abstract: A method for actuating a closing element of a vehicle including optically detecting a directed movement of an object to any point in an area, generating an optical mark for localizing the point if the directed movement has initially been detected; detecting a sequence of movements of the object, wherein the sequence of movements includes the directed movement, and actuating the closing element if the detected sequence of movements meets at least one predetermined requirement.

Abstract: A vehicle door hinge system may include an actuator configured to pivot a vehicle door and a door hinge. The actuator may include a door strut. The door hinge may include a body strap, a door strap, and a strut strap having a strap end and a strut end. The strap end may be attached to the body strap, and the strut end of the strut strap and the door strut may be pivotally coupled to one another, such that the door of the vehicle is opened when the door strut is extended and closed when the door strut is retracted.

Abstract: A door restraint system includes a retractor, a retractor brake, and a retractor-deployed stay for selectively restraining opening of a vehicle door. The retractor-deployed stay is configured to spool to and from the retractor as vehicle door is translated between a closed configuration and one or more opened configurations. Door check systems including the door restraint system are described.

Abstract: A vehicle spring assembly includes a cylindrical hollow cover defining an opening at each end. A spring is disposed within the cover, and fittings disposed at each end of the cover are configured to contain the spring within the cover. Each fitting defines an aperture. An elongated damper extends in part within the spring along a direction of elongation. The damper includes a pair of opposing end sections each extending through and projecting from the aperture of one of the fittings. Each end section defines a groove. One end section is connectable to a vehicle tailgate, and the other end section is connectable to a vehicle body. Fasteners securing the fittings to the cover are disposed adjacent the grooves defined in the damper end sections.

Abstract: In a manipulation assisting control apparatus, a manipulation assistance controller causes a switch unit to be in an on-state and which executes control of a motor drive circuit to apply an assisting force, in a case where a manipulation target object is moved in a predetermined direction. A first stop controller causes the switch unit to be in an off-state and stops the control of the motor drive circuit, in a case where the manipulation target object moved in the predetermined direction stops at an end position. A second stop controller causes the switch unit to be in the on-state and stops the control of the motor drive circuit, in a case where the manipulation target object moved in the predetermined direction stops at an intermediate position or in a case where the manipulation target object moves in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An inner door panel (30) for a vehicle side door that includes an integrated side impact beam (70) formed as part of the door in a die casting process. The inner door panel (30) includes an outer frame having a top rail (38), a bottom rail (40), an inner side rail (42) and an outer side rail (44) defining a central opening (34). The impact beam (70) includes a main beam portion (72), a first end support portion (74) and a second end support portion (78). The first end support portion is formed to the side rail (42) and the second end support portion (78) is formed to the outer side rail (44), where the main beam portion (72) extends across the opening (34).

Abstract: A door pop-up system includes a check link, which is rotatably coupled to a body of a vehicle, and a pressure member, which is rotatably arranged inside a door. The check link has a tip portion to enter the inside of the door. The pressure member presses a tip of the check link in a movement direction of the check link in which the check link moves as the door in a closed position is actuated to be opened. The door in a closed position is actuated to be opened by rotation of the pressure member and pressing of the tip of the check link with the pressure member. The pressure member has a pressure surface at which the tip of the check link is pressed. The pressure surface has a restriction surface to restrict displacement of the check link in a height direction.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a door and a controller. The door is configured to transition to a partially opened position between a fully opened position and a closed position. The controller is programmed to issue an insufficient door clearance notification in response to an object being detected within a swing radius of the door between the closed position and the partially opened position. The controller may be further programmed to issue the insufficient door clearance notification in response to an object being detected within an egress path from the partially opened position of the door.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a drum that is rotatable about a drive axis, and an actuator for rotating the drum. A first cable is attached to the drum, and is spooled about the drum in response to rotation of the drum. The first cable extends through an opening in the tailgate structure, and is attached to a sidewall of a cargo box. A first guide assembly includes a first roller guide defining a first roller groove. The first cable is engaged with and guided by the first roller groove. The first guide assembly redirects a path of the first cable, and is rotatable relative to the tailgate assembly about a first guide axis. The first roller guide rotates about the first guide axis to maintain the first cable within the first roller groove as the tailgate assembly rotates about the tailgate axis between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A battery changing device (10) for an at least electrically drivable vehicle (100), having at least one receiving part (11) for receiving at least one battery module (20), wherein the receiving part (11) is moveable between an operating position, in which the battery module (20) is operable on the vehicle (100), and a changing position, in which the battery module (20) is interchangeable to the vehicle (100). A drive (40) is operationally connected to a closure element (12), as a result of which the closure element (12) is moveable into a closing position, in which the battery module (20) is operable on the vehicle (100), and into an open position, in which the battery module (20) is interchangeable to the vehicle (100).

Abstract: A method for controlling an adjusting movement of a power-operated adjustable vehicle closing element, via which a body opening of a vehicle can be closed and which can automatically be adjusted for clearing the body opening in the presence of an operating event is provided.

Abstract: A side spoiler arrangement for a motor-driven tailgate of a motor vehicle is provided. The side spoiler arrangement case includes at least one spoiler element arranged along a lateral edge of a rear window. The spoiler element provides a function for improving the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle. An obstruction sensor device is fastened to the spoiler element and coupled to a drive of the tailgate.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a vehicle warning system is provided. The system includes a vehicle having a door movable between a closed position and a fully open position, and an outer zone associated with the door. The outer zone defines an area providing a sufficient clearance to move the door to the fully open position. The system further includes an active safety system that monitors the outer zone and generates a warning signal if an object is located within the outer zone such that the door does not have sufficient clearance to move to the fully open position.

Abstract: An optical measuring device for a vehicle includes an optical transmitter that generates transmitter radiation and radiates it into a monitoring region, and a receiver that receives resulting receiver radiation from the region. An evaluation and control unit evaluates the receiver radiation for object recognition. A first transmitter generates a first light field on a surface in the region by emitting directed first transmitter radiation and a second transmitter generates a second light field in the adjacent surroundings of the first field by emitting directed second transmitter radiation. The unit receives and evaluates first receiver radiation reflected by the first field and second receiver radiation reflected by the second field via the receiver, wherein the unit generates an output signal when it detects change in the reflected second receiver radiation caused by a trigger object detected in the region and reflected first receiver radiation unchanged by the object.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a door of a vehicle relative to a door frame of the vehicle is provided. The position of the door is sensed and a door open command or a door close command is received. Opening or closing of the door at preselected speeds is initiated based on the command received. The length of time that the open command or close command is continuously received is then determined. The door is moved at a relatively slow speed for a predetermined initial time period and after the predetermined initial time period has ended the door is moved at a relatively faster speed.

Abstract: A door opening/closing apparatus automatically opens and closes a door, and the door is supported by a vehicle body such that the door can open and close in a vertical direction. A plurality of link members connect the door and the vehicle body, and at least one of the link members is driven by the drive motor. A drive motor is provided integrally on or within at least one of the link members, and a connection shaft connects the link member having the drive motor and another link member that is adjacent to the former link member. The connection shaft is rotated by the drive motor.