An ECU of a vehicle has a first mode and a second mode as an operation mode of a locking device. The first mode is a mode of bringing the locking device into a locked state when a charging connector is connected to an inlet. The second mode is a mode of maintaining the locking device in an unlocked state when the charging connector is connected to the inlet. The ECU of the vehicle determines whether or not the charging connector is connected to the inlet. The ECU does not permit a setting change of the operation mode of the locking device when the charging connector is connected to the inlet.

Embodiments of systems and methods for operating a power tailgate system include overload checking a tailgate latched by a latch that is in a full-latching position, connected with a latch actuator, and activated by the latch actuator for non-revertible movement in a latching direction. Overload checking the tailgate includes operating the latch actuator to over-stroke the latch, identifying an over-stroking load on the latch actuator, and based on the over-stroking load on the latch actuator, determining whether the tailgate is overloaded or not overloaded. Over-stroking the latch includes moving the latch in the latching direction from the full-latching position to an over-stroking position, and the over-stroking load on the latch actuator is associated with its operation to over-stroke the latch.

Embodiments of systems and methods for operating a power tailgate system include overload checking a tailgate latched by a latch that is in a full-latching position, connected with a latch actuator, and activated by the latch actuator for non-revertible movement in a latching direction. Overload checking the tailgate includes operating the latch actuator to over-stroke the latch, identifying an over-stroking load on the latch actuator, and based on the over-stroking load on the latch actuator, determining whether the tailgate is overloaded or not overloaded. Over-stroking the latch includes moving the latch in the latching direction from the full-latching position to an over-stroking position, and the over-stroking load on the latch actuator is associated with its operation to over-stroke the latch.

A self-aligning locking device for a vehicle sliding door assembly includes a sliding door threshold configured to be mounted on a door panel. The threshold is configured to slide along a sliding axis. The threshold includes a latch and a tongue at a car body-engaging end of the latch. The locking device also includes a groove block and a hook plate both configured to be coupled to the car body. Optionally, the locking device can include a switch sensor. The tongue of the threshold is configured to engage the groove to maintain alignment of the hook plate to mate with the latch to lock the threshold to the car body. The optional switch sensor can be configured to generate a signal indicating a locked state of the hook with the latch responsive to actuation of the switch sensor by the latch.

A self-aligning locking device for a vehicle sliding door assembly includes a sliding door threshold configured to be mounted on a door panel. The threshold is configured to slide along a sliding axis. The threshold includes a latch and a tongue at a car body-engaging end of the latch. The locking device also includes a groove block and a hook plate both configured to be coupled to the car body. Optionally, the locking device can include a switch sensor. The tongue of the threshold is configured to engage the groove to maintain alignment of the hook plate to mate with the latch to lock the threshold to the car body. The optional switch sensor can be configured to generate a signal indicating a locked state of the hook with the latch responsive to actuation of the switch sensor by the latch.

Proximity sensors, e.g., Bluetooth sensors, are installed in a vehicle. Each sensor determines estimates approximate distance from itself to a user mobile device. In response to the distance increasing above a predetermined distance departure limit, as the sensors communicate to a vehicle control system (VCS) through Bluetooth or similar links, the VCS causes predetermined departure actions to be performed, such as locking the doors, turning off headlights, activating the vehicle's security system, and/or others. In response to the distance decreasing below a predetermined distance arrival limit, as the sensors communicate to the VCS through the link(s), the VCS causes predetermined arrival actions to be performed, such as unlocking the doors, flashing the headlights, beeping the horn, deactivating the security system, and/or others. Hysteresis may be applied to the decisions whether to perform the departure/arrival actions.

Proximity sensors, e.g., Bluetooth sensors, are installed in a vehicle. Each sensor determines estimates approximate distance from itself to a user mobile device. In response to the distance increasing above a predetermined distance departure limit, as the sensors communicate to a vehicle control system (VCS) through Bluetooth or similar links, the VCS causes predetermined departure actions to be performed, such as locking the doors, turning off headlights, activating the vehicle's security system, and/or others. In response to the distance decreasing below a predetermined distance arrival limit, as the sensors communicate to the VCS through the link(s), the VCS causes predetermined arrival actions to be performed, such as unlocking the doors, flashing the headlights, beeping the horn, deactivating the security system, and/or others. Hysteresis may be applied to the decisions whether to perform the departure/arrival actions.

A delayed return mechanism, such as for a door latch, including a housing having a hole with an axis, a cavity in the housing at least partially filled with a fluid media, a hub disposed in the cavity including a spindle hole coaxial with the hole in the housing including teeth within the spindle hole to engage a spindle, the hub being rotatable about the axis and having a fin extending radially outward in the cavity, and a channel through which the fluid media passes during rotation of the hub to control flow of the fluid media about the cavity.

A delayed return mechanism, such as for a door latch, including a housing having a hole with an axis, a cavity in the housing at least partially filled with a fluid media, a hub disposed in the cavity including a spindle hole coaxial with the hole in the housing including teeth within the spindle hole to engage a spindle, the hub being rotatable about the axis and having a fin extending radially outward in the cavity, and a channel through which the fluid media passes during rotation of the hub to control flow of the fluid media about the cavity.

A parking enforcement system configured to impair the view of a driver through a windshield of a vehicle is provided. The parking enforcement system includes a plurality of covering assemblies. Each of the covering assemblies has one or more suction assemblies configured for placement against a windshield of a vehicle. A pump assembly is configured for pneumatic communication with the one or more suction assemblies. The pump assembly is configured to develop a partial vacuum between the suction assemblies and the windshield. A release assembly is configured for pneumatic communication with the one or more suction assemblies. The release assembly has a servo motor configured to actuate release of the suction assemblies from the windshield.