Patent Application
20110112689
The invention relates to access doors, and, in particular, to an egress latch for such a door.
A typical automobile has at least one access door. Such a door typically has a latch mechanism for maintaining the door in a locked state until access into or egress from the vehicle is required. The latch mechanism is typically actuated by an outside door handle to gain access to the interior of the vehicle, and by an interior door handle to facilitate exit from same. The interior door handle is typically incorporated into the door panel trim, and is positioned such that the handle may be easily reached and operated by an individual having regular or average dexterity.
A door is provided for an entryway of a vehicle which includes a controller. The door includes a latch mechanism configured to be fastened, such that the door maintains closure of the entryway. The latch mechanism is capable of being activated and released, such that the door opens the entryway. The door also includes an interior-facing surface and an exterior-facing surface. The door additionally includes a control-surface portion operatively connected to, and incorporated into the interior-facing surface. The control-surface portion is moveable relative to the interior-facing surface, such that the moving of the control-surface portion relative to the interior-facing surface activates and releases the latch.
The door may also include a control switch operatively connected to the control-surface portion, wherein the control switch is configured to release the latch. An interlock feature may be additionally included to permit the control switch to release the latch solely when the vehicle is stationary. In such a case, an auxiliary switch may also be employed to override the interlock feature and permit the latch mechanism to be released when the vehicle is in motion. The auxiliary switch may be controlled via a button positioned on the interior-facing surface.
The controller may have an algorithm adapted for regulating the operation of the latch mechanism, the control switch, the interlock feature, and the auxiliary switch.
The control-surface portion may be configured such that it is moveable by being pushed toward the exterior-facing surface. The interior-facing surface and the control-surface portion may each be configured from a plastic material, and the control-surface portion may be operatively connected to the interior-facing surface via a living hinge.
The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components,
The interior-facing surface 14 also includes an integrated control-surface portion 22. The control-surface portion 22 is operatively connected to the interior-facing surface 14, and is configured to be moveable relative to the interior-facing surface. The control-surface portion 22 is an interior trim piece shaped as an aesthetically pleasing, functional part of the interior-facing surface 14 (as shown in
By design, the control-surface portion 22 is positioned such that it may be easily and conveniently accessed by the occupant of the vehicle. Such accessibility is particularly useful to individuals having age-related physical handicaps, such as arthritis, which may cause deterioration or loss of fine motor skills necessary to activate the interior door-release handle 16. A control switch 24 is concealed under the control-surface portion 22, and is operatively connected to the control-surface portion. Control switch 24 is configured to unlock the door 12 by releasing the latch mechanism 20, preferably by being activated via control-surface portion 22, when the control-surface portion is subjected to force F.
Control-surface portion 22 is joined to the interior-facing surface 14 via a living-hinge 22A (shown in
The control-surface portion 22 and the interior-facing surface 14 are operatively connected by the living-hinge 22A, and the control-surface is structurally incorporated and fits into the interior-facing surface portion. The living-hinge 22A joins the control-surface portion 22 to the interior-facing surface 14, thus forming a single, unitary panel, while permitting the control-surface portion to bend relative to the interior-facing surface for actuating control switch 24. The control-surface portion 22 and the interior-facing surface 14 are also aesthetically integrated to create the appearance of a unitary door panel.
As shown in
Auxiliary switch 28 may be activated by a button 30. Button 30 is shown as being positioned on the interior-facing surface 14. Button 30 may be incorporated into the control-surface portion 22, or be located elsewhere on the interior-facing surface 14. Location of button 30 is preferably determined such that it may not be actuated by the occupant inadvertently. Although the auxiliary switch 28 is activated by button 30, the algorithm of controller 26 is programmed to regulate operation of the auxiliary switch 28 based on either sensed or calculated road speed of the vehicle.
While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.
