System and method for automatic recovery of a closed vehicle door

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for recovery of automatic closure of vehicle doors. A system for operating an access door in a vehicle having a vehicle body includes a powertrain configured to operate the vehicle in a propulsion mode. The system also includes a door mechanism configured to latch a door to the vehicle body and an actuator configured to apply a force to the door to affect door closure and latching. The system additionally includes an electronic controller configured to identify when the vehicle is in motion and to detect when the access door is not fully closed and latched. The controller is further configured to determine when a force required to fully close and latch the door using the actuator exceeds a threshold force value. The controller is further configured to trigger the actuator to apply a first force that exceeds the threshold force value to fully close and latch the door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] introduction

[0002] This disclosure focuses on a recovery strategy for automatically closing vehicle doors, including systems and methods. Background Technology

[0003] A typical vehicle has at least one door to provide access to the vehicle's interior for the vehicle occupant. This access door is typically either hinged to swing outwards relative to the vehicle body or configured to slide relative to the vehicle body. Access doors usually have a latching mechanism to keep the door closed until entry or exit from the vehicle is required. The latching mechanism is typically actuated by an outer door handle to grant access to the vehicle's interior and by an inner door handle to allow occupants to exit the vehicle.

[0004] Vehicles often feature enclosed cargo areas located either at the front or rear of the vehicle body. These cargo enclosures are typically designed with hinged cargo doors, such as trunk lids or tailgates, for both security and easy access. Generally, similar to the vehicle's side doors, cargo enclosure doors employ latching mechanisms to keep the enclosure closed until access is required. In modern vehicles, the latching mechanisms for both side doors and cargo doors are often power-actuated. Additionally, some vehicles offer automatic and / or remote actuation of the respective doors. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A system for operating an access door in a vehicle having a vehicle body includes a powertrain configured to operate the vehicle in a propulsion mode. The system also includes: a door mechanism configured to latch a door to the vehicle body; an actuator configured to apply force to the door to affect door closure and latching; and a sensor configured to detect the state of the access door relative to the vehicle body. The system additionally includes an electronic controller that communicates with the actuator and the door position sensor and is configured to detect when the vehicle is in motion and when the access door is not fully closed and latched. The electronic controller is also configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door using the actuator exceeds a threshold force value. The electronic controller is further configured to apply a first force exceeding the threshold force value using the actuator to fully close and latch the door.

[0006] The electronic controller can be configured to apply a first force by triggering a series of first predetermined (100%) pulse width modulation (PWM) signals (e.g., multiple fast PWM signals).

[0007] The electronic controller can be configured to apply the first force by increasing voltage to the actuator.

[0008] The electronic controller can be configured to apply the first force by engaging a reduction gear with an actuator.

[0009] The electronic controller can also be configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door does not exceed a threshold force value. In this embodiment, the electronic controller may be additionally configured to trigger an actuator to apply a second force not exceeding the threshold force value to fully close and latch the door.

[0010] The electronic controller can be configured to apply a second force by triggering a second predetermined pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.

[0011] The electronic controller can also be configured to use sensors to determine when the access door is not fully closed and latched after the second force is applied. In this embodiment, the electronic controller may be additionally configured to continue applying the second force to maintain the closing force on the door and thereby prevent the door from opening, such as until the vehicle operator notices the door.

[0012] The electronic controller can be configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds a threshold force value by determining when the vehicle is positioned on a ramp that tends to resist the closing of the door. In this embodiment, the ramp exceeds a threshold angle value programmed into the electronic controller.

[0013] The electronic controller can be configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds a threshold force value by determining when the ambient temperature exceeds a first threshold temperature value.

[0014] The electronic controller can be configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds a threshold force value by determining when the ambient temperature is below a second threshold temperature value.

[0015] The electronic controller may be additionally configured to determine when the door is fully closed and when the latch fails, and to trigger a sensor signal or alarm to the vehicle operator.

[0016] The electronic controller may be additionally configured to determine when the door is fully closed and when the latch fails, and to trigger and display a countdown timer to the vehicle operator before the door is powered closed.

[0017] A method for operating access gates using the system described above is also disclosed.

[0018] This invention includes the following technical solutions:

[0019] 1. A system for operating an access door in a vehicle having a vehicle body, the system comprising:

[0020] A powertrain configured to operate the vehicle in a propulsion mode;

[0021] A door mechanism configured to lock the door latch to the vehicle body;

[0022] An actuator configured to apply force to the door to affect door closing and latching;

[0023] Sensors configured to detect the state of the access gate relative to the vehicle body; and

[0024] An electronic controller, which communicates with the sensor and the actuator, and is configured to:

[0025] The sensor identifies when the vehicle is in motion relative to the road surface and uses the sensor to determine when the access gate is not fully closed and latched.

[0026] Determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door using the actuator exceeds a threshold force value; and

[0027] A first force exceeding the threshold force value is applied via the actuator to completely close and latch the door.

[0028] 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is configured to apply the first force by triggering a series of first predetermined pulse width modulation (PWM) signals.

[0029] 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is configured to apply the first force by increasing voltage to the actuator.

[0030] 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is configured to apply the first force by engaging the reduction gear with the actuator.

[0031] 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is additionally configured to:

[0032] Determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door does not exceed the threshold force value; and

[0033] The actuator is used to apply a second force, not exceeding the threshold force value, to completely close and latch the door.

[0034] 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the electronic controller is configured to apply the second force by triggering a second predetermined pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.

[0035] 7. The system according to claim 5, wherein the electronic controller is additionally configured to:

[0036] After the second force is applied, the sensor is used to determine when the access door is not fully closed and latched; and

[0037] Continue to apply the second force to maintain the closing force on the door and thereby prevent the door from opening.

[0038] 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds the threshold force value by determining when the vehicle is located on a ramp that tends to resist the closing of the door, and wherein the ramp exceeds the threshold angle value.

[0039] 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds the threshold force value by determining when the ambient temperature exceeds a first threshold temperature value.

[0040] 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds the threshold force value by determining when the ambient temperature is below a second threshold temperature value.

[0041] 11. A method of operating an access door in a vehicle having a vehicle body and a powertrain, the method comprising:

[0042] The electronic controller identifies when the vehicle is in motion relative to the road surface;

[0043] The electronic controller uses sensors to determine when the access door has not been fully closed and latched by the door mechanism, wherein the sensors are configured to detect the state of the access door relative to the vehicle body;

[0044] The electronic controller determines when the force required to fully close and latch the door using the actuator exceeds a threshold force value; and

[0045] The actuator is used via the electronic controller to apply a first force exceeding the threshold force value to completely close and latch the door.

[0046] 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein applying the first force includes triggering a series of first predetermined pulse width modulation (PWM) signals.

[0047] 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein applying the first force includes increasing the voltage to the actuator.

[0048] 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein applying the first force includes engaging the reduction gear with the actuator.

[0049] 15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

[0050] The electronic controller determines when the force required to fully close and latch the door does not exceed the threshold force value; and

[0051] The actuator is used via the electronic controller to apply a second force, not exceeding the threshold force value, to completely close and latch the door.

[0052] 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein applying the second force includes triggering a second predetermined pulse width modulation (PWM) signal via the electronic controller.

[0053] 17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

[0054] After the second force is applied, the sensor is used via the electronic controller to determine when the access door is not fully closed and latched; and

[0055] Continue to apply the second force to maintain the closing force on the door and thereby prevent the door from opening.

[0056] 18. The method of claim 11, wherein determining when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds the threshold force value includes determining when the vehicle is located on a ramp that tends to resist the closing of the door, and wherein the ramp exceeds a threshold angle value.

[0057] 19. The method of claim 11, wherein determining when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds the threshold force value includes determining when the ambient temperature is outside a temperature range bounded by a first threshold temperature value and a second threshold temperature value.

[0058] 20. A system for operating an access door in a vehicle having a vehicle body, the system comprising:

[0059] A powertrain configured to operate the vehicle in a propulsion mode;

[0060] A door mechanism configured to lock the door latch to the vehicle body;

[0061] An actuator configured to apply force to the door to affect door closing and latching;

[0062] Sensors configured to detect the state of the access gate relative to the vehicle body; and

[0063] An electronic controller, which communicates with the sensor and the actuator, and is configured (programmed to):

[0064] Identify when the vehicle is in the propulsion mode and use the sensors to detect when the access door is not fully closed and latched;

[0065] Determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door using the actuator exceeds a threshold force value;

[0066] The actuator is triggered to apply a first force exceeding the threshold force value to completely close and latch the door;

[0067] Determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door does not exceed the threshold force value;

[0068] The actuator is used to apply a second force not exceeding the threshold force value to completely close and latch the door;

[0069] After the second force is applied, the sensor is used to determine when the access door is not fully closed and latched; and

[0070] Continue to apply the second force to maintain the closing force on the door and thereby prevent the door from opening.

[0071] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of this disclosure, will readily become apparent from the following detailed description of the multiple embodiments and multiple best modes for carrying out the described disclosure when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Figure 1 The schematic top view of the vehicle according to this disclosure shows that the vehicle has a passenger compartment with a corresponding access door and a cargo enclosure and has a system for automatically operating the access door.

[0073] Figure 2 It is based on this disclosure, Figure 1 The schematic top view of the vehicle shown illustrates one of the access doors in an open position, with the door actuator applying a closing force to the door.

[0074] Figure 3 Based on this disclosure Figure 2 The image shows a side view of the vehicle, illustrating that the vehicle is located on a slope.

[0075] Figure 4 The operation according to this disclosure is illustrated in flowchart format as follows: Figure 1-3 The method of accessing the door in the vehicle shown. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The embodiments of this disclosure as described herein are intended to be illustrative. Other embodiments may take various forms and alternative forms. Additionally, the drawings are generally schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ this disclosure in various ways.

[0077] Certain terms may be used in the following description for reference only, and therefore these terms are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions referenced in the accompanying drawings. Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “in front,” “behind,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “side,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” describe the orientation and / or position of portions of a part or element within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, which is made clear by reference to the text describing the part or element in question and the associated drawings.

[0078] Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used to describe individual components. Such terms may include the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings, and are used descriptively in the accompanying drawings, and do not imply a limitation on the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, the teachings herein may be described in accordance with functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may include several hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform a specified function.

[0079] Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar parts. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle 10 positioned relative to a road surface 12 in the XY plane is shown. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 14. As shown, the vehicle body 14 is arranged relative to a longitudinal centerline CL. The vehicle body 14 generally defines six body sides. The six body sides include a first body end or front end 16, an opposing second body end or rear end 18, a first lateral body side or left side 20, a second lateral body side or right side 22, a top body portion 24 that may include a vehicle roof, and an underbody portion (not shown) generally facing the road surface 12. The left side portion 20 and the right side portion 22 are generally parallel to each other and arranged relative to the longitudinal centerline CL of the vehicle body 14, and span the distance between the front end 16 and the rear end 18.

[0080] The sides 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 of the vehicle body, together with the bottom portion, define the exterior 26 of the vehicle. The body 14 also defines the passenger compartment or interior 28. The passenger compartment 28 is adapted to accommodate vehicle passengers and their belongings. Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 also includes at least one access opening 30 defined by body 14 and providing access to vehicle interior 28. While vehicle body 14 defines five individual access openings 30 as shown, nothing precludes the possibility that vehicle body may have fewer or more access openings. Vehicle 10 also includes a plurality of access doors 32, each of the access openings 30 having one door. Each of the side access doors 32 may be outwardly pivotable or slidable relative to vehicle body 14 along the X-axis and latched to vehicle body in a closed position. Thus, each access door 32 is configured to selectively cover and open at least a portion of the corresponding access opening 30 to control passage between vehicle exterior 26 and vehicle interior 28.

[0081] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, four of the access openings 30 are side entrances configured to provide access to the passenger compartment 28, while the fifth opening 30 provides access to the cargo enclosure 34 at the rear end 18. As shown, the access door 32 can be configured as a tailgate for a fully or partially enclosed cargo area, wherein at least one side of the trunk opens to the passenger compartment 28. Although not shown, the cargo enclosure 34 can also be configured as a separate compartment, such as a fully enclosed trunk, for example in a conventional sedan body style, where the corresponding access door 32 operates as a hinged trunk lid. Tailgate or trunk lid type access doors 32 are typically hinged at the rear end 18 to swing upwards and / or outwards relative to the vehicle body 14.

[0082] Although the cargo enclosure 34 is primarily described and shown throughout the drawings as being positioned at the rear end 18 of the vehicle body 14, this cargo enclosure may also be arranged closer to the front end 16. This front-mounted cargo enclosure 34 (not shown) may be used, for example, in rear-engine or mid-engine vehicles. The disclosed tailgate belongs to the type commonly used in the interior and storage compartments of drive vans, station wagons, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). As envisioned herein, each access door 32 includes a mechanism 32A (in... Figure 1 and Figure 2(As shown in the diagram), the mechanism is configured to selectively latch a door to the vehicle body 14 and release the door from the vehicle body. Mechanism 32A may include individual components, some of which may be mounted to the actual door 32, and some of which may be mounted to the vehicle body 14. The vehicle 10 also incorporates a drive unit or actuator 36 (e.g., employing an electric motor and gear or worm gear drive) for each access door 32. Each actuator 36 is configured to apply a force (and the resulting torque) to the corresponding door 32 to affect its closing (and optionally opening). Closing the corresponding access door 32 via the actuator 36 allows mechanism 32A to automatically latch the corresponding door to the vehicle body 14.

[0083] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, vehicle 10 also includes a powertrain 38 with a power unit (not shown) configured to operate the vehicle in a propulsion mode 38A, such as by applying powertrain torque. Propulsion mode 38A can be activated when the vehicle is turned on by the key and the powertrain 38 is set to a drive or reverse operating range (i.e., not parked). Then, when the vehicle brakes are not engaged, power can be supplied to vehicle 10 via the power unit. A powertrain neutral range can also be selected, in which vehicle 10 can be moved, but not by its own power. Powertrain 38 may also include a transmission assembly (not shown) configured to select this operating range when the vehicle is turned on by the key.

[0084] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The vehicle 10 additionally includes a system 40 for operating access doors 32, including a restoration strategy for automatically closing the doors of the vehicle 10 (such as the doors described above). The restoration strategy is implemented if the vehicle operator has not closed and latched the access doors 32 before initiating vehicle movement. System 40 may include door position or proximity sensors 42, each sensor 42 mounted to a corresponding one of the access doors 32 on the vehicle body 14. Additionally, the vehicle 10 may include latch sensors 43 configured to detect the latching state of a corresponding mechanism 32A (i.e., whether the corresponding mechanism is latched). Sensors 43 may be mounted to the corresponding door 32 or the vehicle body 14. Thus, each sensor 42 and 43 is configured to detect the state of the corresponding access door 32 relative to the vehicle body 14, which can be used to determine whether the corresponding access door 32 has been fully closed and latched. The vehicle 10 also includes an energy storage device 44 (such as one or more rechargeable batteries) that provides a 12-volt or 48-volt power supply. System 40 also includes an electronic controller 46 mounted on vehicle 10 and operatively communicating with door position sensor 42, latch sensor 43, and corresponding actuator 36. The electronic controller 46 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a body control module (BCM), configured to receive data signals from various vehicle sensors and regulate the operation of vehicle systems, including system 40.

[0085] The electronic controller 46 can operationally communicate with such vehicle systems and sensors via a data network (e.g., a controller area network (CAN bus)) arranged in the vehicle 10. An energy storage device 44 is used to generate electricity to operate vehicle sensors (such as sensors 42 and 43), the electronic controller 46, and various other vehicle systems (such as powertrain, lighting, infotainment systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems). The electronic controller 46 includes a memory that is tangible and non-transitory. The controller's memory can be a recordable medium that participates in providing computer-readable data or processing instructions. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. The non-volatile media used by the electronic controller 46 can include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks, as well as other persistent storage.

[0086] The volatile medium of each of the controller's memories may include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which may constitute the main memory. Instructions may be transmitted via one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wires containing system buses connected to the vehicle system. The memory of the electronic controller 46 may also include flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, other optical media, etc. The electronic controller 46 may be equipped with a high-speed master clock, necessary analog-to-digital (A / D) and / or digital-to-analog (D / A) circuitry, input / output circuitry and devices (I / O), and appropriate signal conditioning and / or buffering circuitry. Algorithms required by or thus accessible to the electronic controller 46 (generally indicated via digital 46A) may be programmed in the controller, stored in memory, and executed automatically to provide the required functionality, such as for the operating system 40.

[0087] The electronic controller 46 is configured (i.e., structured and programmed) to identify or detect when the vehicle 10 is in motion relative to the road surface 12. This determination can be made based on whether the vehicle 10 is in propulsion mode 38A or using vehicle position or motion sensors 48. The electronic controller 46 is also configured to use door position sensors 42 and / or latch sensors 43 to determine when one or more access doors 32 are not fully closed and latched (in...). Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The electronic controller 46 is additionally configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch a particular door 32 via the actuator 36 exceeds a threshold force value 50 (representing a sufficient closing force under normal conditions). The electronic controller 46 is further configured to trigger the actuator 36 to apply a first force F1 (and the resulting torque) exceeding the threshold force value 50 to fully close and latch the door 32. The first force F1 can be generated by providing additional or increased electrical power to the corresponding actuator 36 or by increasing the output force of the actuator via mechanical means.

[0088] Electronic controller 46 may be configured to apply a first force F1 via actuator 36 by triggering a series of first predetermined (100%) pulse width modulation (PWM) signals 52 (e.g., a series of consecutive signals) using energy storage device 44 or a boost converter (not shown). Electronic controller 46 may also be configured to apply the first force F1 by increasing the voltage supplied to actuator 36 by energy storage device 44. Alternatively or additionally, electronic controller 46 may be configured to apply the first force F1 by engaging reduction gear 54 with actuator 36, thereby increasing the mechanical leverage of the actuator. With the application of the thus increased closing force (first force F1), the open access door 32 may be fully closed and latched. Electronic controller 46 may additionally be configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch door 32 does not exceed a threshold force value 50. In this embodiment, electronic controller 46 may trigger actuator 36 to apply a second force F2 (and the resulting torque) not exceeding the threshold force value 50. In other words, when the normal closing force is considered sufficient to completely close and latch the open access door 32, a second force F2 is applied.

[0089] Specifically, the electronic controller 46 may be configured to apply a second force F2 by triggering a second predetermined PWM signal 56. The electronic controller 46 may also be configured to, after the initial application of the second force F2 (which may be extended for a predetermined duration programmed into the controller), determine (using the corresponding door position sensor 42 and / or latch sensor 43) when the door 32 is not fully closed and latched. The electronic controller 46 may then continue to apply the second force F2 (i.e., extend the application of the second force) and thereby maintain the closing force on the door 32 and prevent the door from opening, for example, until the vehicle operator can notice the door. The electronic controller 46 may also be configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door 32 exceeds a threshold force value 50 by determining when the vehicle 10 is located on a ramp θ ​​that tends to resist the closing of the door.

[0090] For example, in a vehicle 10 with a forward-hinged side door 32, the vehicle will be positioned with its front end 16 pointing in a direction downward along this slope θ, such that gravity will tend to keep the door open (in Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). When the slope θ exceeds the threshold angle value of 58 (in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, gravity overcomes friction in the door mounting and / or hinge hardware and actuator 36, causing the door to swing or slide open. The ramp θ ​​can be detected by vehicle sensor 60. A threshold angle value 58 can be programmed into electronic controller 46 for comparison with the amplitude detected by vehicle sensor 60.

[0091] The electronic controller 46 can also be configured to determine when the ambient temperature exceeds a first threshold temperature value 62. Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) determines when the force required to fully close and latch the door 32 exceeds a threshold force value 50. Fluctuations in ambient temperature can affect door mounting and / or hinge hardware, as well as friction in the actuator 36. Ambient temperature can be determined via a temperature sensor 64, which is disposed on the exterior of the vehicle body 14 and communicates with the electronic controller 46. The electronic controller 46 may be further configured to determine when the ambient temperature is below a second threshold temperature value 66 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door 32 exceeds a threshold force value 50. When the ambient temperature is outside the range defined by the first threshold 62 and the second threshold 66, it may be necessary to increase the force required to close access to the door 32.

[0092] The vehicle's infotainment system can be used to generally inform the vehicle operator of the status of system 40, such as via display screen 68. Electronic controller 46 may additionally be configured to determine whether the door 32 is fully closed and whether the latch has failed (e.g., using the corresponding door position sensor 42 and / or latch sensor 43), and if such an event is detected, generate a sensory signal or alarm 70 (auditory and / or visual) to the vehicle operator. Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The electronic controller 46 may be further configured to determine when the door 32 is fully closed and the latch fails, and to set a countdown timer 72 before triggering the actuator 36 to power-close the door. The countdown timer 72 may be displayed using the vehicle's infotainment system to inform the operator of the impending power-off.

[0093] Figure 4 Describing the above about Figure 1-3 The described system 40 is used to operate a vehicle access door 32 in a method 100. Generally, method 100 aims to provide automatic powered closing of an open access door 32 of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. The method begins in block 102 by recognizing, via electronic controller 46, when the vehicle 10 is in motion, which can be achieved using sensor 48 or by recognizing that the powertrain 38 is operating in a propulsion mode 38A. Following block 102, the method proceeds to block 104. In block 104, the method includes determining, via electronic controller 46, when the access door 32 has not been fully closed and latched by the corresponding door mechanism 32A. Following block 104, the method continues to block 106. According to this disclosure, in block 106, the method includes determining, via electronic controller 46, when the force required to fully close and latch the door 32 using actuator 36 exceeds a threshold force value 50.

[0094] Following block 106, the method continues to block 108 to close the detected access door 32 by force. In block 108, the method specifically includes triggering actuator 36 via electronic controller 46 to apply a first force F1 configured to exceed a threshold force value 50 to fully close and latch the door 32. Determining when the force required to fully close and latch the door 32 exceeds the threshold force value 50 may include determining when the vehicle 10 is located on a slope that tends to resist door closure (e.g., exceeding a threshold angle value 58). Determining when the force required to fully close and latch the door 32 exceeds the threshold force value 50 may also include determining when the ambient temperature is outside a temperature range bounded by a first threshold temperature value 62 and a second threshold temperature value 66, as described above regarding... Figure 1-3 As described.

[0095] Such as about Figure 1-3 It is also described that applying the first force F1 may include triggering a series of first predetermined (100%) pulse width modulation (PWM) signals 52. Applying the first force F1 may also include increasing the voltage to the actuator 36 or engaging the reduction gear 54 with the actuator. After block 108, the method may proceed to block 110. In block 110, the method includes determining, via the electronic controller 46, when the force required to fully close and latch the door 32 does not exceed a threshold force value 50. After block 110, the method may continue to block 112 and includes applying a second force F2, not exceeding the threshold force value 50, using the actuator 36 via the electronic controller 46 to fully close and latch the door 32. Applying the second force F2 may include triggering a second predetermined pulse width modulation (PWM) signal 56 via the electronic controller 46.

[0096] After the second force is initially applied in frame 112, the method may proceed to frame 114 to determine, via electronic controller 46, when access door 32 is not fully closed and latched. After frame 114, the method may continue to frame 116 to continue applying the second force F2 or extend the application of the second force F2, thereby maintaining a closing force on access door 32 and thus preventing the door from opening, such as until the vehicle operator notices the door. In each of frames 106, 110, and 114, the method may additionally determine when the full closure and latching of access door 32 fails and display an alarm 70 to the vehicle operator via electronic controller 46. Additionally, in each of frames 106, 110, and 114, the method may include triggering (and displaying) a countdown timer 72 via electronic controller 46 before trigger actuator 36 forces the open / unlatched access door 32 to close. After each of boxes 108, 112, and 116, the method may return to box 102 or end in box 118.

[0097] The detailed description and accompanying drawings support and describe this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features of the embodiments shown in the drawings or the various embodiments mentioned in this description are not necessarily to be construed as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each feature described in one of the examples of embodiments may be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments to produce other embodiments that are not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Therefore, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for operating an access door in a vehicle having a vehicle body, the system comprising: A powertrain configured to operate the vehicle in a propulsion mode; A door mechanism configured to lock the door latch to the vehicle body; An actuator configured to apply force to the door to affect door closing and latching; A sensor is configured to detect the state of the access gate relative to the vehicle body; as well as An electronic controller, which communicates with the sensor and the actuator, and is configured to: The sensor identifies when the vehicle is in motion relative to the road surface and uses the sensor to determine when the access gate is not fully closed and latched. Determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door using the actuator exceeds a threshold force value; as well as A first force exceeding the threshold force value is applied via the actuator to completely close and latch the door.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to apply the first force by triggering a series of first predetermined pulse width modulation (PWM) signals.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to apply the first force by increasing voltage to the actuator.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to apply the first force by engaging the reduction gear with the actuator.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic controller is additionally configured to: Determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door does not exceed the threshold force value; as well as The actuator is used to apply a second force, not exceeding the threshold force value, to completely close and latch the door.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to apply the second force by triggering a second predetermined pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The electronic controller is additionally configured to: After the second force is applied, the sensor is used to determine when the access door is not fully closed and latched; and Continue to apply the second force to maintain the closing force on the door and thereby prevent the door from opening.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds a threshold force value by determining when the vehicle is located on a ramp that tends to resist the closing of the door, and wherein the ramp exceeds a threshold angle value.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds a first threshold temperature value by determining when the ambient temperature exceeds a first threshold temperature value.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to determine when the force required to fully close and latch the door exceeds a second threshold temperature value by determining when the ambient temperature is below that threshold temperature value.

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