Device and method for controlling the movement of a both motorically and manually movable vehicle part

A device for controlling the movement of a both motorically and manually movable vehicle part, the device comprising:

• a drive unit having a controllable rotational speed for motorically moving the vehicle part;
• a coupling device for coupling the drive unit with the vehicle part;
• a control unit controlling the drive unit and the coupling device such that during a manual movement of the vehicle part, the coupling device couples the drive unit with the vehicle part if the vehicle part has reached a pre-defined position;
• and
• wherein for coupling the drive unit with the vehicle part, the control unit controls the rotational speed of the drive unit depending on a moving speed of the vehicle part, the control unit being configured to synchronize the rotational speed of the drive unit with the movement of the vehicle part prior to establishing the coupling of the drive unit with the vehicle part;
• and
• wherein the coupling device comprises three coupling states, wherein:
• in a first coupling state, the drive unit is decoupled from the vehicle part such that the vehicle part is manually movable independent from the drive unit;
• in a second coupling state, the drive unit is coupled with the vehicle part for motorically moving the vehicle part and the coupling device is continuously energized for actuation;
• and in a third coupling state, the drive unit is coupled with the vehicle part for arresting the vehicle part in an at least partially opened position, wherein the coupling device is not energized for the actuation.