Method and apparatus for automatically driving an open/close body

A method of controlling an open/close body which opens and closes an opening of a member, comprising the steps of:

• A. disengaging a clutch of a power transmission system between a drive source and the open/close body;
• B. manually moving the open/close body from one of an open position and a closed position toward the other of the open position and the closed position with the clutch disengaged;
• C. detecting a manually-induced speed of the open/close body generated in step B;
• D. activating a brake to reduce the speed of the open/close body when the speed detected in step C exceeds a reference speed even when the open/close body is forcefully closed by manually moving the open/close body;
• and
• E. engaging the clutch to connect the drive source with the open/close body to automatically finish the movement of the open/close body, following step D.

A slide mechanism of a vehicle comprising:

• a slide element movably mounted on a vehicle for movement between an open position and a closed position;
• a motor;
• a power transmission system connecting the motor with the slide element to automatically move the slide element between the open and closed positions;
• a disengageable clutch which when engaged interrupts drive transmission from the motor to the slide element to permit the slide element to be moved between the open and closed positions through manual manipulation;
• a speed detector detecting a speed of movement of the slide element;
• and
• a braking mechanism connected to the speed detector restricting movement of the slide element when the speed of movement of the slide element detected by the speed detector, during movement of the slide element in response to said manual manipulation, is greater than a reference speed.