(12) United States Patent
`Williams, Jr. et al.
`
`USOO6323565B1
`US 6,323,565 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`*Nov. 27, 2001
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`(73)
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`OPERATING A POWER LIFTGATE IN AN
`AUTOMOBILE
`
`Inventors: Robert M. Williams, Jr., Grand Blanc,
`Patrick D. Dean, Armada; Richard L.
`Long, Clarkston; Ernest P. Minissale,
`Novi, all of MI (US)
`Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Auburn
`Hills, MI (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`Notice:
`
`This patent is Subject to a terminal dis
`claimer.
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`Appl. No.: 09/413,843
`Filed:
`Oct. 6, 1999
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`(51)
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/166,029, filed on
`Oct. 5, 1998, now Pat. No. 6,091,162, and a continuation
`in-part of application No. 09/163,147, filed on Sep. 29,
`1998, now Pat. No. 6,075,460.
`Int. Cl. ...................................................... B60L 1/00
`U.S. C.
`307/10.1; 340/825.69;
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`700245
`
`Field of Search ........................... 307/10.1; 340/426,
`340/825.69; 701/49
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4/1993 Cameron et al. .
`D. 334,735
`9/1998 Pinardi et al. .
`D. 398,588
`1/1987 Takemura et al. .
`4,634,945
`10/1992 Yamagishi et al..
`5,155,937
`8/1994 Matsuda et al. .
`5,343,475
`10/1996 Kowall et al..
`5,563,483
`5/1997 Duckworth et al. .
`5,627,529
`12/1997 Luitje.
`5,701,418
`6/2000 Minnissale et al. ............ 340/825.69
`6,075,460
`6,091,162 * 7/2000 Williams, Jr. et al. ............. 307/10.1
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Josie Ballato
`ASSistant Examiner Sharon Polk
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Mark P. Calcaterra
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A method and apparatus for operating a power liftgate in an
`automobile, Such as a minivan, is disclosed. The invention is
`comprised in a control System that includes a user input
`interface for receiving power liftgate actuation requests from
`a user. The actuation signals are carried to a body control
`module (BCM) where the request is broadcast to a power
`liftgate module (PLGM) over a serial data bus communica
`tions network meeting the SAE J1850 multiplex communi
`cations protocol Standard. Upon receipt of the actuation
`message, the PLGM monitorS Several operating conditions
`of the automobile and makes a determination whether or not
`to carry out the power liftgate activation request. Power
`liftgate actuation is controlled by the PLGM via electric
`includes interior Switches as well as a RKE System.
`18 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`motors located at or near the liftgate. The user input interface
`
`68
`
`?
`Outside
`Liftgate
`Handle
`Swich
`
`10-
`62
`Y
`
`54
`
`52
`
`?
`E |
`
`Motor
`
`48
`
`\
`
`Power
`
`|
`
`50
`
`Y
`| "So"
`
`inclin
`
`x
`
`Ex
`
`14
`
`Power
`
`idi sing
`ES
`
`(-32. 34)
`Primary
`Second
`atch
`Latch
`
`36
`l
`lock
`Satus
`
`44
`
`Y
`tape
`Switch
`
`E |
`Handle
`38/
`
`| E | End of
`Status
`Travel
`\-40 42-7
`
`E.
`Sensor
`V46
`
`Overhead
`Console
`Switches
`20-7
`
`22
`
`sis
`
`"T"
`rke
`Receiver
`x
`
`| 58 J
`
`24
`56 -
`1
`
`RKE
`Transmitter
`AAAA a
`titlé,
`
`Body
`
`(BCM)
`
`E. K. —- SAE J1850 Data Bus
`N-1s
`M
`
`y
`
`X
`
`
`
`m
`Ignition
`
`30
`
`Engine
`SE
`26/
`
`I
`E.
`2s
`
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov.27, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 6,323,565 B1
`US 6,323,565 B1
`
`adel
`
`YoYMS
`
`ve
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`ve
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`OFcv
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`Or
`
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`
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`
`JOSUaS
`
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`
`49079
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`
`
`
`Buiyourg
`
`JOJOW
`
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`Buipiis
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`
`JoJOyy100q
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`09
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`cg
`
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`
`JamMod
`
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`
`Joog
`
`ainpow
`
`(Wasd)
`
`vi
`
`Jooq
`
`4007
`
`SJOJOW
`me
`
`cb
`
`L‘Sid
`
`82
`
`92
`
`oe
`
`vou]
`
`
`
`sng&}eqOS8lLfAVS
`
`
`
`vS
`
`
`89
`89
`
`apisino
`
`ayebyy
`
`a[pueH
`
`youmg
`
`ZZ
`
`Jelildd
`
`sayoyMg
`
`peauleag
`
`alosuos)
`
`SBYoMS
`
`------------------------r--------------------------an-a---------------
`
`AMY
`
`JOAI9D9Y
`
`99
`
`Joyusuel|dyYy
`
`IPR2022-00602
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov.27, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 6,323,565 B1
`
`eH
`
`speys
`
`JOSUuas
`
`JeAedL
`
`Yous
`
`JaMOd
`
`QL
`
`Buiyoulg
`
`JOJOW
`
`JOMOd
`
`ayebyrq
`
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`
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`
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`
`Joyenjoy
`
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`
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`ayebyq
`
`ainpow
`
`L8
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`sng&}eq0S8bfAVSWOdOL
`
`v9
`
`(WO1d)
`
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`
`
`
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`
`IPR2022-00602
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 27, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 6,323,565 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`Overheadlockout
`Enabled?
`
`ls Lockout Switch
`Latched?
`
`Yes
`
`Lockout Enabled
`
`100
`
`Go To
`Fig.4
`
`20J
`
`
`
`Lockout Disabled
`
`
`
`Liftgate Opens (or
`Closes)
`
`ls Input liftgate
`Request?
`
`
`
`20O
`
`
`
`
`
`No
`
`2OP
`
`20N
`
`Inoperable
`
`Yes
`
`ls Vehicle being
`Refueled?
`
`
`
`Yes
`
`ls input a Left
`Sliding Door
`Request?
`
`No
`
`200
`
`
`
`
`
`No
`
`2OR
`
`Left Door Opens
`(or Closes)
`
`Right Door Opens
`(or Closes)
`
`FG. 3A
`
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 27, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US 6,323,565 B1
`
`22A
`
`22C
`
`Inoperable
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`Overhead Lockout
`Enabled?
`
`22H
`
`
`
`Child Lockdoor
`lock Enabled?
`
`Yes
`
`Inoperable
`
`22
`
`22J
`
`
`
`22G
`
`
`
`inoperable
`
`Yes
`
`ls Vehicle being
`Refueled?
`
`Yes
`
`22L.
`
`No
`
`No
`
`22K
`
`ls input a Left
`Sliding Door
`Request?
`
`No
`
`22M
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Left Door Opens
`(or Closes)
`
`Right Door Opens
`(or Closes)
`
`FIG. 3B
`
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 27, 2001
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 6,323,565 B1
`
`68A
`
`Liftgate
`handle
`
`
`
`Inoperable
`
`Yes
`
`Engine Cranking?
`
`
`
`
`
`is Vehicle in Motion or
`Transmission in D,L,R2
`
`Yes
`
`ls Liftgate in Full Open
`Position?
`
`Yes
`
`Liftgate will remain in full
`Open position. Input
`inoperable
`
`
`
`No
`
`
`
`Liftgate will Power Close or
`remain Closed, input inoperable
`
`68H
`
`s Liftgate in Closed
`Position?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`68
`
`68
`
`ls Liftgate Locked?
`
`Yes
`
`inoperable
`
`No
`
`68.
`
`No
`
`68K
`
`Liftgate functions
`Manually
`
`68M
`
`ls Liftgate in Open
`Position?
`
`Yes
`
`handle Not Feasible,
`Use Alternate input
`
`No
`
`is Liftgate Opening
`or Closing?
`
`Openin
`9.
`
`Liftgate functions
`Manually
`
`Closing
`
`
`
`Liftgate Opens
`
`FIG. 3C
`
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 27, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 6,323,565 B1
`
`
`
`Unlock
`
`Lock
`
`|
`Left
`
`-
`Right
`
`|-
`Lift Gate
`
`-
`Panic
`
`
`
`
`
`60J
`
`60
`
`Locks all Doors
`and Liftgate
`
`Pressed Twice
`-
`within 5 seconds?
`
`
`
`Yes
`
`60
`
`No
`
`Unlocks Drivers
`Door
`
`6OM
`
`Unlocks all Doors
`and Liftgate
`
`Unlocks Door (or
`Liftgate)
`
`No
`
`Vehicle equipped
`with Power Option?
`
`60O
`
`60C)
`
`6OT
`
`Yes
`
`ls Input Liftgate
`
`No
`
`ls input a Left
`Sliding Door
`Request?
`
`
`
`
`
`6OP
`
`6OS
`
`Inoperable
`
`Yes
`
`ls Vehicle being
`Refueled?
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`No
`
`No
`
`6OV
`
`Left Door Opens
`(or Closes)
`
`Right Door Opens
`(or Closes)
`
`FIG. 3D
`
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 27, 2001
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`US 6,323,565 B1
`
`100
`
`100A
`
`1OOD
`
`ls Desired input
`from the RKE?
`
`Unlock
`
`lgnition Position
`
`Has Titleout
`Period elapsed?
`
`Yes
`
`Desired input from
`Overhead Console or
`B-Pilar?
`
`Inoperable
`
`
`
`No
`
`Yes
`
`100G
`
`Inoperable
`
`Yes
`
`OOE
`
`10OF
`
`Inoperable
`
`Engine Cranking?
`
`
`
`No
`
`100
`
`
`
`100
`
`
`
`1OOK
`
`ls Vehicle in Motion of
`Transmission in D, R,
`
`
`
`
`
`ls Door or Liftgate in
`Full Open Position?
`
`Yes
`
`Door and Liftgate will
`remain in full Open
`position. inputinoperable
`
`No
`
`102
`
`
`
`
`
`Door and Liftgate will Power
`Close or remain Closed. Input
`inoperable
`
`
`
`F.G. 4
`
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`

`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`OPERATING A POWER LIFTGATE IN AN
`AUTOMOBILE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
`Ser. No. 09/166,029, filed Oct. 5, 1998 and entitled,
`“Method and Apparatus for Operating a Power Sliding Door
`in an Automobile” which is now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
`6,091,162, and a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 09/163,147, filed Sep. 29, 1998
`and entitled “Method for Operating a Power Sliding Door
`and a Power Liftgate using Remote Keyless Entry System”
`which is now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,460.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates generally to the remote
`operation of powered convenience accessories in
`automobiles, and Specifically automobiles having a power
`Sliding door and/or a power liftgate. More particularly, the
`present invention relates to the method and apparatus for
`electronically controlling the operation of a power sliding
`door and/or a power liftgate in a minivan including, in one
`aspect of the invention, the use of a remote keyleSS entry
`System.
`2. Discussion
`It is well-known that electronics have been employed in
`automobiles to encompass a wide variety of automotive
`Systems and accessories. In today's automobiles, electroni
`cally controlled convenience accessories Such as power
`operated central locking Systems for doors, trunk and gas
`tank cap, power adjustable Seats and Steering wheels, power
`windows and doors and theft deterrent devices, among
`others, are commonplace.
`Electronic control Systems routinely employ microcon
`trollers and/or microprocessors that are programmed to
`interact with a variety of Sensors and actuators to Sense,
`measure, monitor and control nearly every functional aspect
`of automobile operation. Often, Several or more control
`Systems combine together to comprise a Single vehicle
`electrical System and each control System is interdependent
`upon one or more others for data or performance in order to
`accomplish its tasks and objectives. AS Such, the control
`Systems are designed to share data with one another, as
`necessary, acroSS one or more communication interfaces
`within the vehicle electrical System. For reasons of design
`cost, complexity, reliability and functionality, as new control
`Systems are Subsequently introduced into a vehicle electrical
`System, It is desirable to minimize the additional circuitry
`and programming that is required to implement the new
`control System.
`Among automobiles today, minivans enjoy a Sustained
`popularity in the marketplace, and have done So Since their
`introduction in the early 1980's. Minivans often include one
`or more Sliding doors, as well as a rear liftgate for access to
`the vehicle.
`It has become desirable to employ a power convenience
`device for automatically operating (e.g., opening and
`closing) the sliding doors and liftgates of minivans in order
`to avoid having the vehicle users manually open and close
`these heavy doors.
`Thus, a primary objective of the present invention is to
`provide a power convenience device which Substitutes for
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,323,565 B1
`
`2
`the use of physical effort on the part of the automobile user
`to open and close a sliding door or liftgate of a minivan.
`Another objective of the present invention is to provide an
`electronic control System for operating power sliding doors
`and/or a power liftgate in a minivan with a minimal amount
`of electrical circuitry being added to the overall vehicle
`electrical System and which can take advantage of
`controllers, Switch inputs and an SAE Standard data bus
`already hardwired within an automobile.
`In addition, another objective of the invention is to
`accommodate the monitoring of multiple inputs for the same
`function by a body control module and Subsequently broad
`casting the information over a Standard data bus to a control
`module controlling the operation of the Sliding door or
`liftgate.
`Still another objective of the present invention is to
`provide a remote keyless entry (RKE) System as a user input
`interface to a power Sliding door or liftgate control System
`which enables a sliding door or liftgate to be opened
`remotely using a remote keyleSS entry device. A further
`objective of the present invention is to provide Such a remote
`keyleSS entry System that allows a single RKE user input
`device, Such as a key fob, to be utilized for a variety of
`combinations of power door and liftgate options that may be
`incorporated in a minivan.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`Accordingly, the present invention is directed to method
`and apparatus for operating a power sliding door or liftgate
`in an automobile. An electronic control System includes a
`user input interface for receiving sliding door or liftgate
`actuation requests from a user. The actuation Signals are
`carried to a body control module (BCM) where the request
`is broadcast either to a power sliding door module (PSDM)
`or a power liftgate module (PLGM), as appropriate, over a
`Serial data bus communications network meeting the SAE
`J1850 multiplex communications protocol standard. Upon
`receipt of an actuation message the PSDM (or PLGM)
`monitorS Several operating conditions of the automobile and
`makes a determination whether or not to carry out the power
`sliding door (or power liftgate) activation request. Power
`sliding door actuation is controlled by the PSDM via electric
`motors located at or near the power doors. Power liftgate
`actuation is controlled by the PLGM also by electric motors
`located at or near the power liftgate. The user input interface
`includes interior Switches as well as a RKE System.
`One advantage of the present invention is the ability to
`incorporate a power Sliding door or liftgate control System in
`an automobile with a minimal amount of electrical circuitry
`thereby reducing packaging Size and costs.
`This invention also has the advantage of being able to
`both unlock and open a door or liftgate with the Single push
`of one button from both inside and outside the vehicle.
`This invention also has the advantage of using only one
`key fob for an RKE user interface regardless of how many
`power door and/or liftgate features are included on the
`vehicle.
`Various other features and advantages will become appar
`ent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of
`Studying the teachings of the Specification, the drawings, and
`the claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The various features and advantages of the present inven
`tion will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon
`reading the following Specification, in which:
`
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`

`3
`FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic
`control System of the present invention showing the features
`for operating power sliding doors in an automobile;
`FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the electronic
`control System of the present invention showing the addi
`tional features for operating a power liftgate in an automo
`bile;
`FIG. 3A is a process flow diagram of the electronic
`control System of the present invention showing a method
`for operating power sliding doors and a power liftgate in an
`automobile utilizing the overhead console user input
`Switches,
`FIG. 3B is a process flow diagram of the electronic
`control System of the present invention showing a method
`for operating power sliding doors in an automobile utilizing
`the B-pillar user input Switches,
`FIG. 3C is a process flow diagram of the electronic
`control System of the present invention showing a method
`for operating a power liftgate in an automobile utilizing the
`outside liftgate handle user input Switch;
`FIG. 3D is a process flow diagram of the electronic
`control System of the present invention showing a method
`for operating power sliding doors and a power liftgate in an
`automobile utilizing the remote keyleSS entry user Input
`device; and
`FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram of the electronic control
`System of the present invention showing the possible effect
`of the ignition position on requests from the overhead
`console, B-pillar and remote keyleSS entry modes of user
`input.
`
`15
`
`25
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`It should be understood from the outset that while the
`drawings and following discussion relate to a particular
`embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment
`merely represents what is presently regarded as the best
`mode of practicing the invention and other modifications
`may be made to the particular embodiment without depart
`ing from the Spirit and Scope of the invention.
`Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, simplified block diagrams
`of an electronic control system 10 of the present invention
`and process flow diagrams illustrating its method of opera
`tion for actuating power doors and/or a liftgate in an
`automobile, Such as a minivan or the like, are illustrated. AS
`is well-known, minivans can include either one or two side
`sliding doors (e.g. a driver's Side and/or a passenger's Side)
`and a rear liftgate. Also, interior overhead consoles in
`minivans are common which house electronic Switches that
`are easily accessed by the vehicle occupants to actuate
`vehicle accessories. Additionally, user-actuated Switches are
`located on the B-pillar of the vehicle, that is, a roof structural
`Support member that is located between the front and rear
`passenger compartments.
`A control system 10 as embodied in the present invention
`is one part of the complete vehicle electrical System (not
`shown) which generally includes numerous electrical feeds,
`output loads, Sensors and control modules. Consequently, in
`order for the control system 10 of the present invention to
`operate as intended, all the related components in the vehicle
`electrical System must provide accurate information, as
`necessary, for Satisfying the logical functional parameters
`required for carrying out a user's request for a power sliding
`door and/or power liftgate operation.
`The control System 10 controls the operations of opening
`and closing of a power sliding door or power liftgate
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,323,565 B1
`
`4
`convenience accessories by directing the function of the
`Several sliding door and liftgate motors within the vehicle.
`Also, the control System 10 provides the vehicle occupants
`with audible warning Signals, either preceding or Simulta
`neous with carrying out the Sliding door or liftgate activation
`requests by the user(s).
`The control system 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to
`comprise Several control modules including a body control
`module (BCM) 12, a power sliding door module (PSDM) 14
`and a power liftgate module (PLGM) 16. The control
`modules 12, 14, 16 are either microcontroller or
`microprocessor-based, the PSDM 14 and PLGM 16 being
`microprocessor-based with a Suitable microprocessor
`coming, for example, from the MC68HCO8 family of micro
`processors manufactured by Motorola. The control modules
`12, 14, 16 communicate with each other over an electronic
`Serial data bus communications network 18, Such as the
`Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) multiplex (MUX)
`protocol standard J1850. The modules 12, 14, 16 can receive
`Switch inputs and Sensor information, as well as control
`motors to various components of the vehicle.
`Additionally, the control system 10 includes a plurality of
`input actuation devices for the power doors and/or liftgate.
`Diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1 are overhead console
`Switches 20, B-pillar switches 22, and outside liftgate handle
`switch 68, as well as a remote keyless entry (RKE) system
`24. The Switches 20, 22, 68 and RKE system 24 are operable
`in response to user inputs for activation of the power door or
`liftgate vehicle accessories.
`According to the present invention, function of the power
`door and/or liftgate features is also contingent upon inputs
`from several other control modules and Switches not directly
`part of the control system 10. For example, also broadcast
`ing information to the control system across the SAE J1850
`data bus are a single board engine controller (SBEC) 26, an
`electronic automatic transmission controller (EATX) 28 and
`an ignition Switch 30.
`A group of Switches and Sensors, including a primary
`latch Switch 32, a Secondary latch Switch 34, a lock Status
`Switch 36, a sliding door handle Switch 38, a child lock
`status Switch 40, an end of travel switch 42, a tape Switch 44
`and a Hall effects sensor 46 communicate information to the
`PSDM 14 that determines power sliding door accessory
`operability. A separate group of Switches and Sensors,
`including another primary latch Switch 64, Secondary latch
`Switch 66, outside door handle Switch 68, end of travel
`Switch 70, tape Switch 72 and Hall effects sensor 74 com
`municate information to the PLGM 16 that determines
`power liftgate accessory operability.
`In regard to the present invention, the BCM12 monitors
`for user activation requests for the power door and/or liftgate
`accessories from the RKE System 24, the overhead console
`Switches 20, the B-pillar switches 22 and the outside liftgate
`handle Switch 68. In addition, the BCM12 is able to receive
`and monitor broadcasts from the SBEC 26 and EATX 28.
`According to the method of the present invention, certain
`conditions are required to be satisfied for the BCM 12 to
`make a determination to Send activation messages to the
`PSDM 14 or PLGM 16 over the J1850 data bus 18, as
`required. The BCM12 provides J1850 data bus 18 messages
`to various control modules in the vehicle electronics System,
`including the PSDM 14 and PLGM 16, as necessary in
`response to power accessory activation requests from the
`user. The BCM12 sends information, Such as Switch status,
`and inputs, Such as power Sliding door and power liftgate
`activation requests from the overhead console Switches 20,
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`the B-pillar switches 22, the outside liftgate handle Switch
`28 and the RKE system 24, to the PSDM 14 and PLGM 16,
`as appropriate.
`The BCM 12 also operates a chime 54 of three single
`tones when a successful J1850 data bus 18 broadcast by the
`BCM 12 of an interior Switch button press has been com
`municated to the PSDM 14.
`In order to eliminate ignition-off-draw, the BCM 12
`provides a wake-up ground signal to the PSDM 14 or PLGM
`16, as necessary. During low power mode, the BCM 12
`periodically wakes-up and monitors for a newly active input.
`Upon a new signal being sensed, the BCM12 exits its low
`power “Sleep’ State and enters its normal “awake' State.
`When the BCM12 is awakened, the BCM12, in turn, wakes
`up the PSDM 14 and PLGM 16. However, the BCM12 will
`not wake up as a result of any message from of the interior
`Switches (e.g., the overhead console Switches 20 and the
`B-pillar switches 22) after a predetermined “timeout'
`period, Such as five minutes for example, has elapsed
`Subsequent to the vehicle ignition being cycled from “on” to
`“off.” When the BCM12 goes into “sleep” mode, it removes
`the wake-up ground signal to the PSDM 14 and PLGM 16
`causing them to also go into “sleep” mode. At all other times
`(e.g., when the wake-up ground signal is being applied by
`the BCM12 to the PSDM 14 and PLGM 16) the PSDM 14
`and PLGM 16 are in the operating mode.
`Both the PSDM 14 and PLGM 16 communicate over the
`J1850 data bus 18 with the following other vehicle controls:
`the body control module 12, the electronic automatic trans
`mission controller 28, and the Single board engine controller
`26. Through this interface, the PSDM 14 and PLGM 16
`provide memory Storage, instructions, and diagnostics. The
`PSDM 14 and PLGM 16 are operational when a wake-up
`(power-up) ground signal is received from the BCM 12,
`independent of the ignition Switch 30 power.
`The PSDM 14 drives three devices, the sliding door motor
`48 the cinching motor 50 and the motor drive clutch 52.
`When a door activation request is broadcast from the BCM
`12 over the J1850 data bus 18 to the PSDM 14, the PSDM
`14 interprets the necessary inputs and outputs from its
`40
`control modules, Switches and Sensors. Based on that
`information, the PSDM 14 makes a determination of
`whether to actuate the power sliding door motor 48 to open
`or close, as appropriate, or to neglect to actuate the power
`Sliding door.
`If the PSDM 14 detects an increase in door effort as the
`sliding door is being actuated, the PSDM 14 will suspect that
`there is an obstruction in the doors path and reverse the
`direction of travel of the sliding door. If two consecutive
`obstructions occur, the PSDM 14 shuts down and stalls the
`sliding door motor 48.
`The power cinching motor 50 is controlled by the PSDM
`14. During a sliding door close cycle, when the Sliding door
`is almost closed, Such as within about the last Several
`millimeters of door travel, the PSDM 14 provides power to
`the cinching motor 50 to close the sliding door into a
`primary “closed’ position.
`The PSDM 14 also controls the motor drive clutch 52.
`When a power sliding door activation request is Sent from
`the BCM 12 via J1850 data bus 18 to the PSDM 14, the
`PSDM 14 again interprets the necessary inputs and outputs
`from the control modules, Switches and Sensors. Based on
`that information, the PSDM 14 makes a determination of
`whether or not to actuate the motor drive clutch 52 to operate
`the Sliding door gear mechanism.
`The PSDM 14 receives speed pulse and battery voltage
`level inputs over the J1850 data bus 18 from the SBEC 26.
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`The PSDM 14 also receives gear position park-reverse
`neutral-drive-low (PRNDL) information over the J1850 data
`bus 18 from the EATX 28.
`In addition, the PSDM 14 monitors Switches and sensors
`for State conditions, whose data are utilized to determine if
`and when sliding door operations are initiated and carried
`out by the PSDM 14.
`The sliding door handle Switch 38 is a low current Switch
`to ground that is activated when a vehicle occupant manu
`ally operates either the interior or exterior sliding door
`handles. When the PSDM 14 receives a ground signal input
`from the door handle Switch 38, this indicates a request of
`the PSDM 14 to disengage the motor drive clutch 52 and
`turn off the sliding door motor 48. This feature allows a user
`to Stop the powered activation of a sliding door if desired,
`Such as in the case of an emergency situation. The control
`system 10 still enables the power sliding doors to be fully
`manually operational from the interior and exterior door
`handles.
`The end of travel Switch 42 is a low current Switch to
`ground that is activated when the power sliding door is fully
`open. When the PSDM 14 receives a signal input from the
`end of travel Switch, the PSDM 14 stops the sliding door
`open motion and shuts down the sliding door motor 48.
`The child lock Switch 40 is a low current Switch to ground
`that is activated when the child lock safety feature on the
`door is engaged. When the PSDM 14 receives a ground
`signal input from a child lock Switch 40, the PSDM 14
`Subsequently disregards power sliding door activation
`requests originating from the corresponding sliding doors
`B-pillar switch 22. However, activation requests from all
`other switches and the RKE system 24 remain valid. This
`feature provides an additional Safety function for children
`occupants of the vehicle.
`The primary and secondary latch Switches 32, 34 are low
`current Switches to ground that are associated with the
`physical position of the sliding doors. When the PSDM 14
`receives a ground Signal input from a primary latch Switch
`32, the PSDM 14 stops and shuts down the power cinching
`motor 50. When the input from a secondary latch 34 is
`grounded, the PSDM 14 disengages the sliding door drive
`motor 48 and activates the cinching motor 50. Obstructions
`to the travel of the power sliding door in between the
`Secondary 34 and primary 32 latch positions are detected
`with a tape Switch 44, as discussed further herein. The
`primary and Secondary latch Switches 32, 34 are cooperable
`with a ratchet and pawl mechanism on the sliding door to
`determine whether the sliding door latch is open or closed.
`The BCM12 receives door ajar status from the primary latch
`Switch which is hardwired to the BCM 12.
`The lock switch 36 is a low current switch to ground that
`is activated when the sliding door lock is in the “locked”
`position. When the PSDM 14 receives a ground signal input
`from a lock Switch 36, the PSDM 14 reads the lock Switch
`36 status and determines whether or not to operate the power
`door in response to a door activation request. If the door is
`locked, the PSDM 14 will not activate the sliding door motor
`48 to operate the door on a B-pillar Switch 22 activation. In
`that case, the door has to be in an unlocked State to operate.
`However, a sliding door activation request received from the
`overhead console Switch 20 or the RKE system 24 will
`initiate a sliding door activation because upon RKE System
`24 actuation, the BCM 12 first unlocks the door and then
`broadcasts a message to the PSDM 14 to actuate the power
`sliding door. This prevents the sliding door motor 48 from
`becoming damaged due to trying to open a locked door.
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`The tape Switch 44 is an analog current Switch to ground
`which is activated when an obstruction blocks travel of the
`power sliding door during its actuation. When the PSDM 14
`receives an analog Signal input from the tape Switch 44, the
`PSDM 14 instructs the sliding door motor 48 and/or cinch
`ing motor 50 to first stop and then reverse the direction of
`travel of the power sliding door that is obstructed.
`The PSDM 14 drives the Hall effects sensor 46. The
`PSDM 14 monitors and controls the position and speed of
`the door motion by providing power to the Hall effects
`sensor 46.
`The PLGM 16 communicates over the J1850 data bus 18
`with the BCM 12. The PLGM controls the power liftgate
`actuation via electric motors located at or near the liftgate.
`The PLGM 16 also drives three devices, the liftgate motor
`76, the cinching motor 78 and the motor drive clutch 80.
`When a liftgate activation request is broadcast from the
`BCM 12 over the J1850 data bus 18 to the PLGM 16, the
`PLGM 16 interprets the necessary inputs and outputs from
`its control modules, Switches and Sensors. Based on that
`information, the PLGM 16 makes a determination of
`whether to actuate the power liftgate motor 76 to open or
`close, as appropriate, or to neglect to actuate the power
`liftgate. When a Successful activation request has been made
`by the liftgate handle user input switch 68, the PLGM 16
`operates a chime 81 of three Single tones to indicate opera
`tion of the power liftgate function.
`If the PLGM 16 detects an increase in door effort as the
`liftgate is being actuated, the PLGM 16 will suspect that
`there is an obstruction in the liftgate's path and reverse the
`direction of travel of the liftgate.
`The power cinching motor 78 is controlled by the PLGM
`16. During a liftgate close cycle, when the liftgate is almost
`closed, Such as within about the last Several millimeters of
`liftgate travel, the PLGM 16 provides power to the cinching
`motor 78 to close the liftgate into a primary “closed”
`position.
`The PLGM 16 also controls the motor drive clutch 80.
`When a power liftgate activation request is Sent from the
`40
`BCM 12 via J1850 data bus 18 to the PLGM 16, the PLGM
`16 again interprets the necessary inputs and outputs from the
`control modules, Switches and Sensors. Based on that
`information, the PLGM 16 makes a determination of
`whether or not to actuate the motor drive clutch 80 to operate
`the power liftgate gear mechanism.
`The PLGM 16 receives speed pulse and battery voltage
`level inputs over the J1850 data bus 18 from the SBEC 26.
`The PLGM 16 also receives gear position park-reverse
`neutral-drive-low (PRNDL) information over the J1850 data
`bus 18 from the EATX 28.
`In addition, the PLGM 16 monitors Switches and sensors
`for State conditions, whose data are utilized to determine if
`and when liftgate operations are initiated and carried out by
`the PLGM 16.
`The end of travel Switch 70 is a low current Switch to
`ground that is activated when the power liftgate is fully
`open. When the PLGM 16 receives a signal input from the
`end of travel switch 70, the PLGM 16 stops the liftgate open
`motion and shuts down the liftgate motor 76.
`The primary and secondary latch switches 64, 66 are low
`current Switches to ground that are associated with the
`physical position of the liftgate. When the PLGM 16
`receives a ground Signal input from a primary latch Switch
`64, the PLGM 16 stops and shuts down the power cinching
`motor 78. When the input from a secondary latch Switch 66
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`is grounded, the PLGM