Device and method for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system

Abstract

The present application relates to a device and method for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system. The device for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system comprises a motor unit, a sealing strip, a current detection unit and a controller, the motor unit powers a driving unit and an electric latch for opening and closing a vehicle closure; the sealing strip applies a counterforce in a direction opposite to the closing direction of the vehicle closure when the vehicle closure is in a predetermined period; the current detection unit detects the current consumption of the motor unit in real time; the controller controls the motor unit so that the closing force generated by the power is applied in the closing direction of the vehicle closure, wherein the size of the closing force changes from an initial value, and the motor unit comprises a motor of the driving unit and a motor of the electric latch.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0044481, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 7, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system that can change the magnitude of the closing force according to the magnitude of the reaction force caused by the weather strip. Background Technology

[0003] The matters described in this background section are only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission that they correspond to prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0004] When the motor operates to electrically close the vehicle closure, the closing force generated by the motor overcomes the reaction force of the sealing strip, and the electric latch can lock and close the vehicle closure. However, when the vehicle closure is electrically closed, if the closing force is smaller than the reaction force of the sealing strip, quality problems such as the vehicle closure not closing or not closing completely may occur. Therefore, the closing force is fixed at a value higher than the reaction force, which leads to the following problem: even if the reaction force changes, the closing force may not change. Furthermore, since the reaction force of the sealing strip may differ between vehicles, and the closing force (the force required to close) may vary depending on the vehicle's mass, mass production technology may set the closing force larger than it would under actual use conditions to prevent a decrease in factory productivity, or the closing force may be increased during the production stage compared to the development stage. Therefore, the following problem may exist: if a person becomes trapped between the vehicle closure and the sealing strip due to the excessive closing force, fatal injury may occur.

[0005] Therefore, a device and method for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system that can solve the above problems are proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An example of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system.

[0007] Another example of the invention is to improve safety performance by changing the magnitude of the closing force when closing vehicle closures by varying the magnitude of the reaction force caused by the sealing strip.

[0008] Another example of the invention is that even when the magnitude of the closing force changes with the magnitude of the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, the vehicle closure can be automatically closed by setting the magnitude of the closing force to be higher than the magnitude of the reaction force.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is not limited to the above-described purposes, and other purposes not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0010] According to the present invention, a vehicle apparatus may include: a motor assembly comprising a motor for a closure actuator assembly and a motor for an electric latch, wherein the motor assembly is configured to provide power to the closure actuator assembly and the electric latch for opening and closing vehicle closures; a sealing strip configured to generate a reaction force in the opposite direction to the closing force based on the vehicle closure being located at a predetermined time period, wherein the closing force is the force that causes the vehicle closure to close; a current sensor configured to detect current consumption of the motor assembly in real time; and a controller circuit configured to: adjust the magnitude of the closing force from an initial value based on the detected current consumption, and control the motor assembly to apply the adjusted closing force along the direction of closure of the vehicle closure.

[0011] The controller circuit in the device is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from an initial value to a first value based on the following factors: the vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the process of the vehicle closure closing N times, where N is a natural number; and the maximum value of the current consumption of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is within the first drive reference current range N times, wherein the current consumption of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is measured in real time by a current sensor N times, and wherein the first value has a force magnitude lower than the initial value.

[0012] The controller circuit in the device is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from a first value to a second value based on the following factors: the vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the N closure cycles of the vehicle closure; and the maximum current consumption value of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is within the second drive reference current range N times, wherein the second value has a force magnitude lower than the first value, and wherein the upper and lower limits of the second drive reference current range are respectively less than the upper and lower limits of the first drive reference current range.

[0013] The controller circuit in the device is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from an initial value to a first value based on the following factors: the vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the process of the vehicle closure closing N times, where N is a natural number; and the maximum value of the current consumption of the motor of the electric latch is within the first electric latch reference current range N times, wherein the current consumption of the motor of the electric latch is measured in real time by a current sensor N times, and wherein the first value has a force magnitude lower than the initial value.

[0014] The controller circuit in the device is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from a first value to a second value based on the following factors: the vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the N closing cycles of the vehicle closure; and the maximum current consumption value of the motor of the electric latch is within the second electric latch reference current range N times, wherein the second value has a force magnitude lower than the first value, and wherein the upper and lower limits of the second electric latch reference current range are respectively less than the upper and lower limits of the first electric latch reference current range.

[0015] The controller circuit in the device is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from an initial value to a first value based on the following factors: the vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during N closure cycles of the vehicle closure, where N is a natural number; the maximum current consumption value of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is within the first drive reference current range N times, wherein the current consumption value of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is measured in real time by a current sensor N times; and the maximum current consumption value of the motor of the electric latch is within the first electric latch reference current range N times, wherein the current consumption value of the motor of the electric latch is measured in real time by a current sensor N times, and wherein the first value has a force magnitude lower than the initial value.

[0016] The controller circuit in the device is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from a first value to a second value based on the following factors: the vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during N closure cycles of the vehicle closure; the maximum current consumption of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is within the second drive reference current range N times; and the maximum current consumption of the motor of the electric latch is within the second electric latch reference current range N times, wherein the second value has a force magnitude lower than the first value, wherein the upper and lower limits of the second drive reference current range are respectively less than the corresponding upper and lower limits of the first drive reference current range, and wherein the upper and lower limits of the second electric latch reference current range are respectively less than the upper and lower limits of the first electric latch reference current range.

[0017] The vehicle closure in the device may include at least one of a vehicle door, a vehicle tailgate, or a vehicle trunk.

[0018] The predetermined time period in the device is the period during which the vehicle closure begins to contact the sealing strip and generates a reaction force from the sealing strip on the vehicle closure.

[0019] The controller circuit in the device is configured to control the motor assembly so that when the sealing strip is replaced, the magnitude of the closing force changes to the initial value.

[0020] According to the present invention, a method performed by a device of a vehicle may include: providing power to a closure actuator assembly and an electric latch via a motor assembly for opening and closing a vehicle closure, wherein the motor assembly includes a motor for the closure actuator assembly and a motor for the electric latch; based on the vehicle closure being located at a predetermined time period, a vehicle sealing strip generating a reaction force in the direction opposite to the direction of the closing force, wherein the closing force is the force that causes the vehicle closure to close; detecting the current consumption of the motor assembly in real time; adjusting the magnitude of the closing force from an initial value based on the detected current consumption; and controlling the motor assembly to apply the adjusted closing force along the direction of closure of the vehicle closure.

[0021] According to the present invention, a vehicle may include: a closure panel configured to move between an open position and a closed position; a motor configured to provide a closing force for closing the closure panel; an electric latch configured to secure the closure panel in the closed position; a sealing strip configured to contact the closure panel in the closed position and generate a reaction force against the closing of the closure panel; a processor; and a memory storing at least one instruction, which, when executed by the processor in communication with the memory, is configured to cause the vehicle to: detect a current level of the motor corresponding to the reaction force caused by the sealing strip against the closing of the closure panel; determine a maximum value of the current level detected during a predetermined number of consecutive closure panel closing events; and, for the predetermined number of consecutive closure panel closing events, adjust the magnitude of the closing force of the motor based on the maximum value repeatedly falling within a reference current range.

[0022] When executed by a processor communicating with the memory, at least one instruction in the vehicle is configured to cause the vehicle to: determine the current level of the motor when the electric latch is initially locked during a closing event of the closing panel, and use the determined current level as the maximum value.

[0023] When executed by a processor communicating with the memory, at least one instruction in the vehicle is configured to cause the vehicle to: change the magnitude of the closing force from an initial value to a first value for a predetermined number of consecutive closing panel events, based on the maximum value repeatedly being within a first reference current range; and change the magnitude of the closing force from the first value to a second value lower than the first value for a predetermined number of consecutive closing panel events, based on the maximum value repeatedly being within a second reference current range lower than the first reference current range. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The described and other examples, features, and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example of a device for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system is shown; Figure 2 An example of a motor unit is shown; Figure 3 An example of the time period during which the reaction force caused by the sealing strip is applied to the vehicle closure is shown; Figure 4 Exemplary magnitudes of the closing force and reaction force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system are shown; Figure 5 An example of the variation in current consumption of the motor in the drive unit is shown; Figure 6 An example of changing the standard closing force via a controller is shown; Figure 7 An example of RPM variation of the motor in the drive unit is shown; Figure 8 An example of the duty cycle variation of the motor in the drive unit is shown; Figure 9 An example of a method for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system is shown; Figure 10 An example of the steps for controlling the motor unit is shown; and Figure 11 An example computing system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] While the invention can be modified and taken in various alternative forms, specific examples are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0026] It will be understood that while the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may be similarly referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the invention. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related enumerations.

[0027] Terms such as “unit,” “component,” and “part” can be used to describe various components, but components should not be limited by these terms. These terms can refer not only to physically / visually distinct components, but also to a portion of a function or component, even if the corresponding portion is not explicitly defined.

[0028] The terminology used herein to describe examples of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The articles “a” and “an” are in the singular form because they refer to a single object, but their use herein should not preclude the existence of more than one object. In other words, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, elements of the invention referred to in the singular form may include one or more. It will be further understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” and / or “comprises” are used herein, they indicate the presence of the described features, values, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or inclusion of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in general dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be construed as having an idealized or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined in this application.

[0030] For the purposes of this application and claims, the exemplary phrases “at least one of A, B, or C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” are used, which means “at least one A, or at least one B, or at least another C, or any combination of at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C.” Furthermore, as used herein, exemplary phrases such as “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” etc., may refer to each of the listed items or all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “at least one of A or B” may refer to (1) at least one A; (2) at least one B; or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0031] The terms "module" or "unit" used in this specification refer to software and / or hardware components that perform specific operations / functions / tasks. However, "module" or "unit" is not to be construed as limited to software or hardware. A "module" or "unit" may be configured to reside in addressable storage media or be executed by one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, a "module" or "unit" may include at least one of the following: components (such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components), processes, functions, attributes, programs, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables. The functionality provided in a component, "module," or "unit" may be combined into a smaller number of components, "modules," or "units," or further divided into additional components, "modules," or "units."

[0032] In this invention, a "module" or "unit" can be implemented as a processor and a memory. "Processor" should be broadly interpreted to include general-purpose processors, central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontrollers, state machines, etc. In some contexts, "processor" can refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). For example, "processor" can refer to a combination of processing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such combination. Furthermore, "memory" should be broadly interpreted to include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. "Memory" can refer to various types of processor-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage devices, and registers. The memory can be in electronic communication with the processor when the processor can read information from the memory and / or record information in the memory. The memory integrated into the processor is in electronic communication with the processor.

[0033] One or more features described herein can be provided as a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium for execution on a computer. The medium may continuously store a computer-executable program or temporarily store the program for execution or download. Furthermore, the medium can be a variety of recording or storage devices in the form of a single hardware device or a combination of hardware devices, and is not limited to media directly connected to some computer systems, but can also be distributed across a network. Examples of such media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes configured to store program instructions; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs or DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floppy disks; and ROM, RAM, or flash memory. Further examples of such media include media or storage media managed by application stores that distribute applications or various other sites or servers that provide or distribute software.

[0034] In a hardware implementation, the processing unit for performing these techniques may be implemented as one or more ASICs, DSPs, digital signal processing devices, programmable logic devices, field-programmable gate arrays, processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, or computers or combinations thereof to perform the functions described in this invention.

[0035] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for adaptively controlling the closing force in an automated vehicle opening and closing system. The closing force is the force applied by a motor that counteracts the reaction force of a sealing strip when the vehicle closure contacts it during closure. A motor assembly drives the closure via a closure actuator assembly and an electric latch, while a current sensor measures the motor current of the motor assembly in real time. A controller compares the current measured during repeated closure with a predetermined reference range and adjusts the closing force when a small reaction force is detected, thereby reducing the risk of injury (e.g., if an object such as a hand obstructs the closure) while maintaining reliable closure. When the sealing strip is replaced, the closing force is reset to its initial value.

[0036] Examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 An example of a device for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system according to an example of the present invention is shown.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100 may include a controller 10, a motor unit 20, a drive unit 30, an electric latch 40, a vehicle closure 50, a sealing strip 60, and a current detection unit 70. However, the invention is not limited thereto and may include other components not shown (e.g., position sensors, limit switches, damping units, or wireless control modules, etc.).

[0039] In the description of examples of the present invention, the closing force may refer to the force applied by the motor unit 20 in the closing direction of the vehicle closure 50 to electrically close the vehicle closure 50 (e.g., when automatically closing a tailgate, trunk, or sliding door, etc.). Figure 1 In the image, the arrow indicates the direction in which the force is transmitted.

[0040] Vehicle closure 50 may include a trunk, tailgate, and door, and according to the example, vehicle closure 50 may be a trunk (e.g., a car trunk lid, an SUV tailgate, or a minivan sliding door, etc.).

[0041] The motor unit 20 is a device that provides power for the electric closing of the vehicle closure 50, and the power can be provided to the drive unit 30 and the electric latch 40 through the motor unit 20 (e.g., via direct gear connection, belt drive or chain drive, etc.).

[0042] The drive unit 30 and the electric latch 40 can receive power from the motor unit 20 and apply a closing force to the vehicle closure 50 in the direction of closing. According to the example, from the fully open state of the trunk to the initial locking of the electric latch 40, a closing force can be applied by the drive unit 30 in the direction of trunk closing, and a closing force can be applied to the vehicle closure 50 by the electric latch 40 to fully close the vehicle closure 50 and secure it to the vehicle body. The trunk is ultimately locked by the electric latch 40, and the closed state of the trunk can be maintained (e.g., even during vehicle vibration, sudden braking, or minor collisions).

[0043] The sealing strip 60 is located between the vehicle closure 50 and the vehicle body, but is attached to the vehicle body. Air, water and noise introduced from the outside can be blocked by the sealing strip 60 (e.g., road noise, rain or dust penetration).

[0044] Furthermore, from the moment the vehicle closure 50 contacts the sealing strip 60 until the vehicle closure 50 is finally closed, the sealing strip 60 may exert a reaction force on the vehicle closure 50. The reaction force caused by the sealing strip 60 may be the force generated as the sealing strip 60 is compressed during the process of the vehicle closure 50 being closed by the closing force. The material of the sealing strip 60 may be ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), but is not limited to these (e.g., silicone rubber, PVC-based elastomers, or natural rubber blends, etc.).

[0045] EPDM is a synthetic rubber made by mixing ethylene, propylene and diene monomers. It has excellent weather resistance, heat resistance and ozone resistance, and can be used as a sealing strip for vehicles (e.g., to maintain elasticity in cold climates or resist degradation under ultraviolet radiation).

[0046] TPE is a thermoplastic elastomer, a material that is as soft as rubber but as processable as thermoplastics, and has flexibility and elasticity. Therefore, TPE can be used as a sealing strip in vehicles (e.g., for weight reduction, easy recycling, or integration with rigid plastic trim pieces).

[0047] The controller 10 controls the motor unit 20 to apply the closing force generated by the power provided by the motor unit 20 to the vehicle closure 50, or the motor unit 20 can be controlled by the controller 10 so that the magnitude of the closing force can be changed (e.g., increasing the force in cold weather to compensate for hardened seals, or decreasing the force when low resistance is detected, etc.).

[0048] The current detection unit 70 detects the current consumption of the motor unit 20 in real time, so that the value of the current consumption of the motor unit 20 detected by the current detection unit 70 can be provided to the controller 10 (e.g., for identifying obstacles, monitoring seal compression, or adjusting motor torque, etc.).

[0049] Figure 2 An example of a motor unit according to an example of the present invention is shown.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, motor unit 20 may include motor 20a of drive unit and motor 20b of electric latch. According to the example, motor 20a of drive unit can provide power to drive unit 30, and motor 20b of electric latch can provide power to electric latch 40 (e.g., via gear train, worm gear or belt drive, etc.).

[0051] exist Figure 2 In this illustration, for the purposes of describing the invention, the motor 20a of the drive unit and the motor 20b of the electric latch are shown as being included in the motor unit 20. However, according to the example, the motor 20a of the drive unit may be included in the drive unit 30, and the motor 20b of the electric latch may be included in the electric latch 40 (e.g., as an integrated sub-component for ease of manufacture or maintenance, etc.).

[0052] Refer to together Figure 1 and Figure 2 The current consumption of the motor unit 20 detected by the current detection unit 70 may include the current consumption of the motor 20a of the drive unit (e.g., the closure actuator assembly) and the current consumption of the motor 20b of the electric latch (e.g., measured separately or in combination for diagnostic purposes to determine the total system load, etc.).

[0053] Figure 3 An example is shown of the time period during which the reaction force caused by the sealing strip is applied to the vehicle closure, as exemplified by an example according to the invention (e.g., during trunk closure, door sealing, or tailgate locking).

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the process of closing the vehicle closing member 50 of the automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100 can be divided into a period 80 without the reaction force caused by the sealing strip and a period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip (e.g., the pre-contact movement period and the sealing member compression period, etc.).

[0055] The period 80 during which there is no reaction force caused by the sealing strip can be the time from the moment when the vehicle closure 50 begins to close until the vehicle closure 50 contacts the sealing strip 60. During the period 80 during which there is no reaction force caused by the sealing strip, the closing force for closing the vehicle closure 50 can be applied to the vehicle closure 50 in the direction of closure (e.g., driven only by the motor without sealing strip compression, thus allowing for faster movement and lower current consumption, etc.).

[0056] The period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip can be the period from the moment when the vehicle closure 50 begins to contact the sealing strip 60 until the vehicle closure 50 is fully locked. Here, from the moment the vehicle closure 50 begins to contact the sealing strip 60, the sealing strip 60 is compressed, generating a reaction force caused by the sealing strip 60, such that the reaction force caused by the sealing strip 60 can be applied to the vehicle closure 50 in the opposite direction to the closing direction of the vehicle closure 50, and the closing force for closing the vehicle closure 50 can be applied to the vehicle closure 50 in the closing direction of the vehicle closure 50 (e.g., to overcome the compression of the seal for a waterproof closure, to compensate for temperature-hardening materials, or to ensure proper latch engagement, etc.).

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the magnitude of the reaction force and closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system according to an example of the present invention.

[0058] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, the X-axis (horizontal axis) can refer to the magnitude of the closing force and reaction force (e.g., measured in Newtons, kilograms, or pounds). Fw and F'w can refer to the reaction force caused by the sealing strip 60, while F1, F2, and F'1 can refer to the closing force.

[0059] Refer to together Figure 3 and Figure 4 F2 can refer to the closing force during the period 80 without the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, while F1 and F'1 can refer to the closing force during the period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip (e.g., during seal compression, latch engagement, or secondary locking).

[0060] According to the example, the size of F1 can be set to a value greater than the size of F2. The size of F2 can be set to a value smaller than the size of Fw, but if the size of F1 is smaller than the size of Fw, the vehicle closure 50 may not close. Therefore, the size of F1 can be set to a value greater than the size of Fw so that the vehicle closure 50 can close (e.g., to ensure a sufficient seal, proper latching operation, or compliance with leak-proof standards, etc.).

[0061] The magnitude of the reaction force caused by the sealing strip 60 can vary depending on the deterioration of the sealing strip 60 and the mass of the vehicle body, but is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, if the sealing strip 60 is formed of EPDM, the magnitude of the reaction force can be reduced by 30% when the vehicle closure remains in the closed state for 70 hours (e.g., due to material compression deformation, loss of elasticity, or deformation caused by prolonged pressure).

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, due to the deterioration of the sealing strip 60 and differences in vehicle body mass (e.g., uneven frame alignment, hinge wear, or assembly tolerances), the magnitude of the reaction force of Fw may decrease to F'w. For example, in the prior art automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100, the magnitude of F1 is fixed, so when the magnitude of the reaction force decreases to F'w, if a person is trapped between the vehicle closure 50 and the sealing strip 60, fatal injury may occur due to the high closing force compared to the reaction force. To minimize this problem, the device for controlling the closing force of the automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100 according to the example can change the magnitude of the closing force by changing F1 to F'1 when the magnitude of the reaction force caused by the sealing strip 60 decreases (e.g., by reducing the motor torque output, adjusting the closing speed, or modifying the control algorithm, etc.). The following will refer to... Figures 5 to 8 Describe its details.

[0063] Figure 5 An example of the variation in current consumption of the motor of the drive unit according to an example of the present invention is shown (e.g., under different sealing conditions, ambient temperature, or closing speed, etc.).

[0064] exist Figure 5 In this diagram, the X-axis (horizontal axis) represents time in seconds (s). The Y-axis (vertical axis) represents the magnitude of the current (I), measured in amperes (A). Furthermore, iD0, iD1, and iD2, indicated on the Y-axis (vertical axis), can each represent a reference current. The reference current can be a value set to define the reference current range described below (e.g., a threshold current range used to trigger torque adjustment or safety intervention, etc.).

[0065] Figure 5Each graph shown can represent the change in the magnitude of the current consumed by the motor 20a of the drive unit included in the device for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system according to an example of the present invention over time (e.g., from the start of panel movement to the final latch engagement, etc.).

[0066] The period of current change can be a period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, and the period before entering the period of current change can be a period 80 without the reaction force caused by the sealing strip (e.g., free movement without obvious sealing resistance).

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, when the vehicle closure 50 enters the period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, the current consumed by the motor 20a of the drive unit may gradually increase until the electric latch 40 initially locks to overcome the reaction force of the sealing strip 60 and close the vehicle closure 50 (e.g., gradually increasing torque to avoid sudden impact, etc.). Furthermore, with prolonged use of the sealing strip 60, the magnitude of the reaction force may decrease; therefore, the current consumed by the motor 20a of the drive unit to overcome the reaction force of the sealing strip 60 will decrease (e.g., requiring recalibration of motor control parameters, etc.).

[0068] According to the example, among initial vehicles, short-term vehicles, and long-term vehicles of the same type but with different usage durations, the sealing strip 60 of the initial vehicle can exert a stronger reaction force on the vehicle closure 50 than the sealing strips 60 of the short-term and long-term vehicles (e.g., due to minimal compressive deformation or wear). Therefore, the current consumption of the electric latch 40 of the initial vehicle may be the greatest at initial locking, and the amount of change in current consumption until the initial locking of the electric latch 40 of the initial vehicle may also be the greatest.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a standard for changing the closing force via a controller, according to an example of the present invention (e.g., based on a real-time current monitoring threshold).

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, the controller 10 can change the value of the closing force based on the current consumption of the motor 20a of the drive unit, the current consumption of the motor 20b of the electric latch, and the value of n.

[0071] The current consumption of the motor 20a of the drive unit can be the maximum value among the current consumption values ​​of the motor 20a of the drive unit detected in real time by the current detection unit 70. Here, the maximum value can be the current consumption value measured when the electric latch 40 is initially locked (e.g., during the primary latch engagement).

[0072] The current consumption of the motor 20b of the electric latch can be the maximum value among the current consumption values ​​of the motor 20b of the electric latch detected in real time by the current detection unit 70.

[0073] iD0, iD1, and iD2 can refer to the reference current of motor 20a of the drive unit, and iL0, iL1, and iL2 can refer to the reference current of motor 20b of the electric latch. The unit can be amperes (A).

[0074] iD0 can be set to the maximum value among the current consumption values ​​of the drive unit motor 20a measured by the current detection unit 70 of the initial vehicle (e.g., a newly manufactured vehicle, a demonstration vehicle, or a factory-calibrated test vehicle). The value of iD1 can be set to a value smaller than iD0 (e.g., representing a vehicle with moderate seal wear or partial compression deformation), and the value of iD2 can be set to a value smaller than iD1 (e.g., representing a vehicle that has been used for a long time, a vehicle stored at extreme temperatures, or a vehicle with deteriorated seal profile).

[0075] iL0 can be set to the maximum value of the current consumption of the electric latch motor 20b measured by the current detection unit 70 of the initial vehicle (e.g., a newly produced vehicle, a prototype test vehicle, or a vehicle after factory inspection). The value of iL1 can be set to a value smaller than iL0 (e.g., corresponding to a vehicle with slight latch wear, partial lubrication loss, or slight alignment deviation, etc.), and the value of iL2 can be set to a value smaller than iL1 (e.g., related to vehicles after prolonged use, exposure to extreme weather, or latch assembly fatigue, etc.).

[0076] The range in which the maximum value of the current consumption value of the motor 20a of the drive unit is less than iD0 and greater than iD1 can be set as the first drive unit reference current range (e.g., threshold current range), and the range in which the maximum value of the current consumption value of the motor 20a of the drive unit is less than iD1 and greater than iD2 can be set as the second drive unit reference current range (e.g., indicating a reduction in sealing resistance).

[0077] The range in which the maximum value of the current consumption of the motor 20b of the electric latch is less than iL0 and greater than iL1 (e.g., typically a moderately aged latch mechanism, a latch with partial seal compression, or a latch after seasonal temperature cycling, etc.) can be set as the first electric latch reference current range (e.g., threshold current range), and the range in which the maximum value of the current consumption of the motor 20b of the electric latch is less than iL1 and greater than iL2 (e.g., associated with latches after long-term wear, repeated high-load operation, or exposure to dust and moisture ingress, etc.) can be set as the second electric latch reference current range (e.g., threshold current range).

[0078] n and N are natural numbers. n can refer to the number of times the vehicle closure 50 closes consecutively when the maximum value of the current consumption measured by the current detection unit 70 is included in the reference current range. N can refer to the target number of times the vehicle closure 50 must close consecutively when the maximum value of the current consumption measured by the current detection unit 70 is included in the reference current range. n can be a value less than or equal to N, and N can be pre-specified as a natural number (e.g., N = 3 consecutive closures).

[0079] As described above, the initial value of the closing force can be set to a value greater than the magnitude of the reaction force of the sealing strip 60 (e.g., when the sealing strip is new, harder due to low temperature, or made of a high-hardness material). The first value can be set to a value with a force magnitude lower than the initial value (e.g., suitable for seals under moderate compression, partially worn seals, or seals that have softened seasonally), and the second value can be set to a value with a force magnitude lower than the first value (e.g., for severely aged seals, seals after repeated compression cycles, or seals whose elasticity has decreased due to material fatigue).

[0080] According to the example, when the vehicle closure 50 is in the period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, if the current consumption value of the motor 20a of the drive unit when the electric latch 40 is initially locked, as measured by the current detection unit 70, is within the aforementioned first drive unit reference current range (e.g., threshold current range) (e.g., indicating moderate sealing resistance, typical characteristics of a vehicle in the middle of its service life, etc.), and the vehicle closure 50 is closed n times consecutively, if n and N are the same value, the controller 10 can change the magnitude of the closing force from the initial value to the first value.

[0081] Furthermore, when the vehicle closure 50 is in the period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, if the current consumption value of the motor 20a of the drive unit when the electric latch 40 is initially locked, as measured by the current detection unit 70, is within the aforementioned second drive unit reference current range (e.g., indicating minimal sealing resistance, possibly due to long-term wear, environmental degradation, or low compression design, etc.) and the vehicle closure 50 is closed consecutively n times, if n and N are the same value, the controller 10 can change the magnitude of the closing force from the first value to the second value.

[0082] According to another example of the invention, when the vehicle closure 50 is in a period 90 with a reaction force caused by the sealing strip, if the maximum value of the current consumption value of the motor 20b of the electric latch, as measured by the current detection unit 70, is included in the aforementioned first electric latch reference current range (e.g., indicating moderate latch engagement load, common under average use conditions, etc.) and the vehicle closure 50 is closed n times consecutively, if n and N are the same value, the controller 10 can change the magnitude of the closing force from the initial value to the first value.

[0083] Furthermore, when the vehicle closure 50 is in the period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, if the maximum value of the current consumption value of the motor 20b of the electric latch, as measured by the current detection unit 70, is included in the aforementioned second electric latch reference current range (e.g., indicating a low-load latch engagement condition, such as in a worn latch mechanism, a softened seal, or a reduced preload condition), and the vehicle closure 50 closes continuously n times, if n and N are the same value, the controller 10 can change the magnitude of the closing force from the first value to the second value.

[0084] According to another example of the invention, when the vehicle closure 50 is in the period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, if the maximum value of the current consumption value of the motor 20a of the drive unit and the maximum value of the current consumption value of the motor 20b of the electric latch, as measured by the current detection unit 70, are respectively within the aforementioned first drive unit reference current range and first electric latch reference current range (e.g., threshold current range) (e.g., indicating overall moderate resistance in both the closing motion and the locking step), and the vehicle closure 50 closes continuously n times, if n and N are the same value, the controller 10 can change the magnitude of the closing force from the initial value to the first value.

[0085] Furthermore, when the vehicle closure 50 is in the period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, if the maximum value of the current consumption of the motor 20a of the drive unit and the maximum value of the current consumption of the motor 20b of the electric latch, as measured by the current detection unit 70, are respectively within the aforementioned second drive unit reference current range and second electric latch reference current range (for example, indicating the minimum resistance between movement and locking, which may be due to severe wear or seal deterioration, etc.) and the vehicle closure 50 closes continuously n times, if n and N are the same value, the controller 10 can change the magnitude of the closing force from the first value to the second value.

[0086] After the controller 10 changes the magnitude of the closing force to a first or second value, when the sealing strip 60 is replaced with a new product, the magnitude of the reaction force caused by the replaced sealing strip 60 can be the magnitude of the reaction force caused by the sealing strip 60 of the initial vehicle described above. According to the example, when the sealing strip 60 is replaced with a new product, the controller 10 can change the changed closing force to the initial value (e.g., to ensure sufficient sealing performance).

[0087] Figure 7 An example of the variation in revolutions per minute (RPM) of the motor of the drive unit according to an example of the present invention is shown (e.g., when the trunk lid, sliding door, tailgate or other electric vehicle closure, etc. are closed).

[0088] exist Figure 7 In this diagram, the X-axis (horizontal axis) can represent time in seconds (s). The Y-axis (vertical axis) can represent RPM. Furthermore, RPM0, RPM1, and RPM2 indicated on the Y-axis can each represent a reference RPM (e.g., the highest achievable RPM for initial seal compression, a mid-range RPM for medium resistance, or a lower RPM for soft or aged seals, etc.). The reference RPM can be a value set to define a reference RPM range.

[0089] Figure 7 Each graph shown can illustrate the RPM of the motor 20a of the drive unit included in the device for controlling the closing force of the automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100 according to an example of the present invention over time (e.g., RPM decrease due to increased load, fluctuations caused by latch engagement, or changes from environmental factors such as low temperature).

[0090] The period of RPM change can be a period 90 with the reaction force caused by the seal, while the period before entering the period of RPM change can be a period 80 without the reaction force caused by the seal (e.g., when the closure moves freely without contacting the seal or obstruction).

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, when the vehicle closure 50 enters the period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, the RPM can gradually decrease until the electric latch 40 initially locks to overcome the reaction force of the sealing strip 60 and close the vehicle closure 50 (e.g., decreasing from 300 RPM to 180 RPM within 1 to 2 seconds). Furthermore, as mentioned above, the magnitude of the reaction force may decrease with prolonged use of the sealing strip 60; therefore, the amount of RPM change required by the motor 20a of the drive unit to overcome the reaction force of the sealing strip 60 may decrease (e.g., the RPM of the old seal decreases from 120 RPM to only 40 RPM within the same timeframe).

[0092] According to the example, when the change in RPM of the motor 20a of the aforementioned drive unit is detected by an RPM detection unit (not shown) (e.g., an optical encoder, a Hall effect sensor, or an integrated motor control chip, etc.), a device capable of changing the closing force for controlling the closing force of the automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100 can be configured.

[0093] Figure 8 An example of the variation of the motor duty cycle of the drive unit according to an example of the present invention is shown (e.g., during different vehicle use phases or environmental conditions such as hot summer or cold winter).

[0094] exist Figure 8 In this context, duty cycle refers to the percentage of time a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal remains in the ON state within one cycle. If the percentage of time the PWM signal is in the ON state decreases and the percentage of time the signal is in the OFF state increases, the duty cycle may decrease (e.g., from 80% ON to 60% ON within repeated cycles).

[0095] like Figure 8 As shown, the input of the motor 20a of the drive unit can be controlled such that the duty cycle is high during the initial use of the vehicle until the initial locking of the electric latch 40 (e.g., 85% to 90% ON to provide a strong closing force, etc.) to overcome the reaction force of the sealing strip 60 and close the vehicle closure 50 during the period 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, and the duty cycle gradually decreases as the vehicle is used (e.g., after several years it decreases to 65% to 70% ON due to the softening of the sealing strip, etc.).

[0096] According to the example, a device can be configured to control the closing force of the automatic vehicle opening and closing system, which can change the closing force when the duty cycle of the PWM signal provided to the motor 20a of the drive unit changes (e.g., to adjust to compensate for sealing stiffness, latching conditions, or user preferences, etc.).

[0097] Figure 9 An example of a method for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system according to an example of the present invention is shown (e.g., applicable to tailgates, sliding doors, trunk lids, or liftgates, etc.).

[0098] Figure 9 Each step of the method shown for controlling the closing force of the automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100 can be performed by the device described above for controlling the closing force of the automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100 (e.g., using the controller 10, current detection unit 70 and motor unit 20 working together).

[0099] Reference Figure 9According to the example, the device for controlling the closing force of the automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100 can be powered by the motor unit 20 (S200). The power provided in step S200 can be supplied to the above-mentioned reference. Figure 1 The described drive unit 30 and electric latch 40 can generate a closing force (e.g., a closing force for compressing a sealing strip, engaging a latch, or overcoming minor obstacles).

[0100] Furthermore, the device for controlling the closing force of the automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100 according to the example can be configured such that the vehicle closure 50 begins to close by the power provided in step S200, and the vehicle closure 50 can be in a predetermined period of time so that the reaction force caused by the sealing strip 60 can be applied to the vehicle closure 50 (S300). Step S300 can be performed during the aforementioned period of time 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip, which can be the period of time 90 with the reaction force caused by the sealing strip (e.g., the last 5 to 10 cm of travel when the sealing element is engaged, etc.).

[0101] According to the example, the current consumption of the motor unit 20 is detected in real time during the period 90 when there is a reaction force caused by the sealing strip (S400), and changes in current consumption can be detected (e.g., an increase from 2.5A to 3.2A indicating seal compression, etc.). Step S400 can be performed by the aforementioned current detection unit 70 (e.g., using a shunt resistor or a Hall effect current sensor, etc.).

[0102] Furthermore, the device for controlling the closing force of the automatic vehicle opening and closing system 100, according to the example, can determine whether the maximum value of the current consumption values ​​of the drive unit motor 20a and the electric latch motor 20b is within the reference current range described above, based on the current consumption value detected in step S400, and control the motor unit 20 (S500) (e.g., by reducing torque output, adjusting the duty cycle, or modifying RPM, etc.). Step S500 can be executed by the controller 10 described above.

[0103] Figure 10 An example of the steps for controlling a motor unit according to an example of the present invention is shown (e.g., logic covering both initial setup and adaptive adjustment during long-term use, etc.).

[0104] According to the example, it is determined whether the maximum value of the current consumption value is within a reference current range (e.g., a threshold current range) (S510). Step S510 may be a step of determining whether the maximum value of the current consumption value of the motor 20a of the drive unit measured in step S400 is included in the aforementioned first drive unit reference current range and second drive unit reference current range (e.g., thresholds iD1 and iD2, etc.), and may be a step of determining whether the maximum value of the current consumption value of the motor 20b of the electric latch measured in step S400 is included in the aforementioned first electric latch reference current range and second electric latch reference current range (e.g., thresholds iL1 and iL2, etc.).

[0105] In step S510, if the maximum value of the current consumption is within the reference current range, and the vehicle closure 50 closes n times (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 consecutive closures) when the maximum value of the current consumption is within the reference current range, then it is determined whether n has the same value as N (S520) (e.g., a preset adjustment trigger count).

[0106] If n and N have the same value, as described above, the closing force can be changed to a first value with a force magnitude lower than the initial value or a second value with a force magnitude lower than the first value (S530) (e.g., reducing the peak force from 120N to 90N, or from 90N to 70N, etc.).

[0107] Steps S510, S520 and S530 can be executed by controller 10 (e.g., implemented by software, firmware or hardware circuitry).

[0108] Figure 11 An example computing system (e.g., a computing device for a vehicle, closed system 100, or any other device) is illustrated. One or more controllers, processors, etc. (such as one or more components of closed system 100) described herein, as well as any other components and devices described herein, can be provided by, for example... Figure 11 The computing system shown is implemented or is implemented in the computing system.

[0109] The computing system 1000 may include at least one processor 1100, a memory 1300, a user interface input device 1400, a user interface output device 1500, a storage device 1600, and a network interface 1700 connected to each other via a bus 1200.

[0110] Processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in memory 1300 and / or storage device 1600. Each of memory 1300 and storage device 1600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, memory 1300 may include read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM).

[0111] A communication interface, such as network interface 1700 (also referred to as a communication device, communicator, communication module, communication unit, etc.), enables software and / or data to be transmitted between the device and one or more external devices and / or between one or more components of the device. The communication interface may include a receiver, transmitter, transceiver, modem, network interface and / or adapter (such as an Ethernet adapter), radio transceiver, antenna, communication port, PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transmitted via the communication interface may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, infrared, or other signals that can be received by the communication interface. These signals may be provided to the communication interface via a communication path of the device, which may be implemented using, for example, wires or cables, optical fibers, cellular links, radio frequency (RF) links, and / or other communication channels. The communication interface can communicate using one or more communication protocols, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G New Radio (NR), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), Controller Area Network (CAN), or Local Interconnect Network (LIN).

[0112] Therefore, the operation of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the exemplary examples disclosed in the specification can be directly implemented using hardware modules, software modules, or a combination of hardware and software modules executed by processor 1100. Software modules can reside on storage media such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically EPROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk drives, removable disks, or optical disc ROMs (CD-ROMs) (e.g., memory 1300 and / or storage device 1600).

[0113] The storage medium can be connected to the processor 1100. The processor 1100 can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be integrated with the processor 1100. The processor and storage medium can be implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC can be located in the user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can be implemented using separate components in the user terminal.

[0114] According to an example of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system includes: a motor unit that provides power to a drive unit and an electric latch for opening and closing vehicle closures; a sealing strip that applies a reaction force in the opposite direction to the closing direction of the vehicle closure when the vehicle closure is in a predetermined time period; a current detection unit that detects the current consumption of the motor unit in real time; and a controller that controls the motor unit such that the closing force generated by the power is applied in the closing direction of the vehicle closure, wherein the magnitude of the closing force changes from an initial value, and the motor unit includes a motor of the drive unit and a motor of the electric latch.

[0115] When the vehicle closure is closed N times (where N is a natural number) within a predetermined time period and the maximum value of the current consumption of the motor of the drive unit, measured in real time by the current detection unit, is within the reference current range of the first drive unit in all N times, the controller can control the motor unit to change the magnitude of the closing force from the initial value to a first value, wherein the first value may have a force magnitude lower than the initial value.

[0116] When the vehicle closure is closed N times during a predetermined time period and the maximum value of the current consumption of the motor of the drive unit, measured in real time by the current detection unit, is within the reference current range of the second drive unit in all N times, the controller can control the motor unit to change the magnitude of the closing force from a first value to a second value. The second value may have a force magnitude lower than the first value, and the upper and lower limits of the reference current range of the second drive unit may have magnitudes smaller than the upper and lower limits of the reference current range of the first drive unit.

[0117] When the vehicle closure is closed N times (where N is a natural number) within a predetermined time period and the maximum value of the current consumption of the electric latch motor, measured in real time by the current detection unit, is within the first electric latch reference current range for all N times, the controller can control the motor unit to change the magnitude of the closing force from the initial value to a first value, wherein the first value may have a force magnitude lower than the initial value.

[0118] When the vehicle closure is closed N times during a predetermined time period and the maximum value of the current consumption of the electric latch motor, measured in real time by the current detection unit, is within the second electric latch reference current range for all N times, the controller can control the motor unit to change the closing force from a first value to a second value. The second value can have a force smaller than the first value, and the upper and lower limits of the second electric latch reference current range can be smaller than the upper and lower limits of the first electric latch reference current range.

[0119] When the vehicle closure is closed N times (where N is a natural number) within a predetermined time period and the maximum value of the current consumption of the drive unit motor and the maximum value of the current consumption of the electric latch motor, both measured in real time by the current detection unit, are within the reference current range of the first drive unit and the reference current range of the first electric latch, respectively, during all N times, the controller can control the motor unit to change the magnitude of the closing force from an initial value to a first value, wherein the first value may have a force magnitude lower than the initial value.

[0120] When the vehicle closure is closed N times during a predetermined time period, and the maximum values ​​of the current consumption of the drive unit motor (measured in real time by the current detection unit) and the maximum values ​​of the current consumption of the electric latch motor (measured in real time by the current detection unit) are both within the reference current range of the second drive unit and the reference current range of the second electric latch, respectively, in all N times, the controller can control the motor unit to change the magnitude of the closing force from a first value to a second value. The second value can be a force magnitude lower than the first value, and the upper and lower limits of the reference current range of the second drive unit and the reference current range of the second electric latch can be smaller than the upper and lower limits of the reference current range of the first drive unit and the first electric latch.

[0121] Vehicle closures may include one or more of the vehicle's doors, tailgate, and trunk.

[0122] The predetermined time period can be the period during which the vehicle closure begins to contact the sealing strip and generates a reaction force exerted by the sealing strip on the vehicle closure.

[0123] The controller can control the motor unit so that when the sealing strip is replaced, the magnitude of the closing force changes to the initial value.

[0124] According to another example of the present invention, a method for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system includes: providing power to a drive unit and an electric latch via a motor unit for opening and closing a vehicle closure; when the vehicle closure is in a predetermined time period, applying a reaction force in the opposite direction to the closing direction of the vehicle closure; detecting the current consumption of the motor unit in real time; controlling the motor unit such that the closing force generated by the power is applied in the closing direction of the vehicle closure, wherein the magnitude of the closing force changes from an initial value, and the motor unit includes a motor for the drive unit and a motor for the electric latch.

[0125] The control may include controlling the motor unit such that when the vehicle closure is in a predetermined time period during N closures (where N is a natural number) and the maximum value of the current consumption of the drive unit's motor, measured in real time while the current consumption is detected in real time, is within the reference current range of the first drive unit in all N closures, the magnitude of the closing force is changed from an initial value to a first value, wherein the first value may have a force magnitude lower than the initial value.

[0126] The control may include controlling the motor unit such that when the vehicle closure is in a predetermined time period during N closures and the maximum value of the current consumption of the drive unit's motor, measured in real time during real-time current consumption detection, is within the reference current range of the second drive unit in all N closures, the magnitude of the closing force is changed from a first value to a second value. The second value may have a force magnitude lower than the first value, and the upper and lower limits of the reference current range of the second drive unit may have magnitudes smaller than the upper and lower limits of the reference current range of the first drive unit.

[0127] The control may include a control motor unit such that when the vehicle closure is in a predetermined time period during N closures (where N is a natural number) and the maximum value of the current consumption of the electric latch motor, measured in real time while the current consumption is detected in real time, is within a first electric latch reference current range for all N closures, the magnitude of the closing force is changed from an initial value to a first value, wherein the first value may have a force magnitude lower than the initial value.

[0128] The control may include a control motor unit such that when the vehicle closure is in a predetermined time period during N closures and the maximum value of the current consumption of the electric latch motor, measured in real time during real-time current consumption detection, is within a second electric latch reference current range for all N closures, the magnitude of the closing force is changed from a first value to a second value. The second value may have a force magnitude lower than the first value, and the upper and lower limits of the second electric latch reference current range may have magnitudes smaller than the upper and lower limits of the first electric latch reference current range.

[0129] The control may include a control motor unit such that when the vehicle closure is within a predetermined time period during N closures (where N is a natural number) and the maximum value of the current consumption of the drive unit motor (measured in real time during real-time current consumption detection) and the maximum value of the current consumption of the electric latch motor (measured in real-time during real-time current consumption detection) are within the first drive unit reference current range and the first electric latch reference current range, respectively, for all N closures, the magnitude of the closing force is changed from an initial value to a first value, wherein the first value may have a force magnitude lower than the initial value.

[0130] The control may include a control motor unit such that when the vehicle closure is within a predetermined time period during N closure cycles, and the maximum value of the current consumption of the drive unit motor and the maximum value of the current consumption of the electric latch motor, measured in real time during real-time current consumption detection, are both within the reference current range of the second drive unit and the reference current range of the electric latch respectively during all N closure cycles, the magnitude of the closing force is changed from a first value to a second value. The second value may have a force magnitude lower than the first value, and the upper and lower limits of the reference current range of the second drive unit and the reference current range of the second electric latch may be smaller than the upper and lower limits of the reference current range of the first drive unit and the reference current range of the first electric latch.

[0131] Vehicle closures may include one or more of the vehicle's doors, tailgate, and trunk.

[0132] The predetermined time period can be the period during which the vehicle closure begins to contact the sealing strip and generates a reaction force exerted by the sealing strip on the vehicle closure.

[0133] The method may further include: controlling the motor unit so that when the sealing strip is replaced, the magnitude of the closing force changes to the initial value.

[0134] The apparatus and method for controlling the closing force of an automatic vehicle opening and closing system according to an example of the present invention can minimize personal injury and improve safety performance by changing the magnitude of the closing force as the magnitude of the reaction force caused by the sealing strip changes, and can automatically close the vehicle closure even when the magnitude of the closing force changes by setting the magnitude of the closing force to be greater than the magnitude of the reaction force.

[0135] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly recognize other effects not mentioned in the following description.

[0136] While examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle apparatus, the apparatus comprising: A motor assembly including a motor for a closure actuator assembly and a motor for an electric latch, wherein the motor assembly is configured to power the closure actuator assembly and the electric latch for opening and closing vehicle closures of a vehicle; A sealing strip configured to generate a reaction force in the opposite direction to the closing force based on the vehicle closure being in a predetermined time period, wherein the closing force is the force that causes the vehicle closure to close. A current sensor configured to detect the current consumption of motor components in real time; and The controller circuit is configured as follows: Based on the detected current consumption, the magnitude of the closing force is adjusted from the initial value. The control motor assembly applies an adjusted closing force along the direction in which the vehicle's closing mechanism closes.

2. The device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller circuit is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from an initial value to a first value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the process of the vehicle closure closing N times, where N is a natural number, and The maximum current consumption of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is measured N times within the first drive reference current range, wherein the current consumption of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is measured N times in real time by a current sensor. The first value has a force magnitude that is lower than the initial value.

3. The device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The controller circuit is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from a first value to a second value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the N closure cycles of the vehicle closure, and The maximum current consumption of the motor in the closure actuator assembly is N times the value within the second drive reference current range. Wherein, the second value has a force magnitude lower than the first value; Wherein, the upper and lower limits of the second driving reference current range are smaller than the upper and lower limits of the first driving reference current range, respectively.

4. The device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller circuit is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from an initial value to a first value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the process of the vehicle closure closing N times, where N is a natural number, and The maximum current consumption of the electric latch motor is measured N times within the reference current range of the first electric latch, wherein the current consumption of the electric latch motor is measured N times in real time by a current sensor. The first value has a force magnitude that is lower than the initial value.

5. The device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The controller circuit is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from a first value to a second value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the N closure cycles of the vehicle closure, and The maximum current consumption of the motor of the electric latch is N times within the reference current range of the second electric latch. Wherein, the second value has a force magnitude lower than the first value; Wherein, the upper and lower limits of the second electric latch reference current range are less than the upper and lower limits of the first electric latch reference current range, respectively.

6. The device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller circuit is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from an initial value to a first value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the process of the vehicle closure closing N times, where N is a natural number. The maximum current consumption of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is measured N times within the first drive reference current range, wherein the current consumption of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is measured N times in real time by a current sensor. The maximum current consumption of the electric latch motor is measured N times within the reference current range of the first electric latch, wherein the current consumption of the electric latch motor is measured N times in real time by a current sensor. The first value has a force magnitude that is lower than the initial value.

7. The device for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The controller circuit is configured to control the motor assembly such that the magnitude of the closing force changes from a first value to a second value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the N closing cycles of the vehicle closure. The maximum current consumption of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is N times within the range of the second drive reference current, and The maximum current consumption of the motor of the electric latch is N times within the reference current range of the second electric latch. Wherein, the second value has a force magnitude lower than the first value; Wherein, the upper limit and lower limit of the second driving reference current range are respectively smaller than the corresponding upper limit and lower limit of the first driving reference current range; Wherein, the upper and lower limits of the second electric latch reference current range are less than the upper and lower limits of the first electric latch reference current range, respectively.

8. The device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle closure includes at least one of the vehicle's doors, tailgate, or trunk.

9. The device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined time period is the period during which the vehicle closure begins to contact the sealing strip and generates a reaction force from the sealing strip on the vehicle closure.

10. The device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller circuit is configured to control the motor assembly so that when the sealing strip is replaced, the magnitude of the closing force changes to the initial value.

11. A method performed by a device of a vehicle, the method comprising: Power is supplied to the closure actuator assembly and the electric latch via a motor assembly for opening and closing vehicle closures, wherein the motor assembly includes a motor for the closure actuator assembly and a motor for the electric latch; Based on the vehicle closure being in a predetermined time period, the vehicle's sealing strip generates a reaction force in the opposite direction to the closing force, where the closing force is the force that causes the vehicle closure to close. Real-time monitoring of current consumption of motor components; Based on the detected current consumption, the magnitude of the closing force is adjusted from the initial value; The control motor assembly applies an adjusted closing force along the direction in which the vehicle's closing mechanism closes.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The control motor assembly includes a control motor assembly that causes the magnitude of the closing force to change from an initial value to a first value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the process of the vehicle closure closing N times, where N is a natural number, and The maximum current consumption of the motor in the closure actuator assembly is N times the value within the first drive reference current range. Among them, the current consumption value of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is measured in real time N times; The first value has a force magnitude that is lower than the initial value.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The control motor assembly includes a control motor assembly that causes the magnitude of the closing force to change from a first value to a second value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the N closure cycles of the vehicle closure, and The maximum current consumption of the motor in the closure actuator assembly is N times the value within the second drive reference current range. Wherein, the second value has a force magnitude lower than the first value; Wherein, the upper and lower limits of the second driving reference current range are smaller than the upper and lower limits of the first driving reference current range, respectively.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The control motor assembly includes a control motor assembly that causes the magnitude of the closing force to change from an initial value to a first value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the process of the vehicle closure closing N times, where N is a natural number, and The maximum current consumption of the motor of the electric latch is N times within the reference current range of the first electric latch. Among them, the current consumption value of the motor of the electric latch is measured in real time N times; The first value has a force magnitude that is lower than the initial value.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The control motor assembly includes a control motor assembly that causes the magnitude of the closing force to change from a first value to a second value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the N closure cycles of the vehicle closure, and The maximum current consumption of the motor of the electric latch is N times within the reference current range of the second electric latch. Wherein, the second value has a force magnitude lower than the first value; Wherein, the upper and lower limits of the second electric latch reference current range are less than the upper and lower limits of the first electric latch reference current range, respectively.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The control motor assembly includes a control motor assembly that causes the magnitude of the closing force to change from an initial value to a first value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the process of the vehicle closure closing N times, where N is a natural number. The maximum current consumption of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is N times within the first drive reference current range, and The maximum current consumption of the motor of the electric latch is N times within the reference current range of the first electric latch. Among them, the current consumption value of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is measured in real time N times; Among them, the current consumption value of the motor of the electric latch is measured in real time N times; The first value has a force magnitude that is lower than the initial value.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The control motor assembly includes a control motor assembly that causes the magnitude of the closing force to change from a first value to a second value based on the following factors: The vehicle closure is located within the predetermined time period during the N closing cycles of the vehicle closure. The maximum current consumption of the motor of the closure actuator assembly is N times within the range of the second drive reference current, and The maximum current consumption of the motor of the electric latch is N times within the reference current range of the second electric latch. Wherein, the second value has a force magnitude lower than the first value; Wherein, the upper and lower limits of the second driving reference current range are smaller than the upper and lower limits of the first driving reference current range, respectively; Wherein, the upper and lower limits of the second electric latch reference current range are less than the upper and lower limits of the first electric latch reference current range, respectively.

18. A vehicle comprising: A closing panel configured to move between an open position and a closed position; An electric motor configured to provide the closing force for closing the closure panel; An electric latch configured to hold the closing panel in the closed position; A sealing strip configured to contact the closure panel at the closed position and generate a reaction force that resists the closing of the closure panel; processor; as well as A memory that stores at least one instruction, which, when executed by a processor communicating with the memory, is configured to cause the vehicle to: The current level of the motor is detected, and this current level corresponds to the reaction force caused by the sealing strip resisting the closing of the closure panel. Determine the maximum value of the current level detected during a predetermined number of consecutive closing events of the closing panel. For a predetermined number of consecutive closing events of the closing panel, the closing force of the motor is adjusted based on the maximum value repeatedly falling within the reference current range.

19. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein, When executed by a processor communicating with the memory, the at least one instruction is configured to cause the vehicle to: determine the current level of the motor when the electric latch is initially locked during a closing event of the closing panel, and use the determined current level as the maximum value.

20. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein, When executed by a processor communicating with the memory, the at least one instruction is configured to cause the vehicle to: For a predetermined number of consecutive closing panel closing events, based on the fact that the maximum value repeatedly falls within the range of the first reference current, the magnitude of the closing force is changed from the initial value to the first value; For a predetermined number of consecutive closing panel events, based on the fact that the maximum value repeatedly falls within a second reference current range below the first reference current range, the magnitude of the closing force is changed from a first value to a second value below the first value.

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