Passive entry side door latch release system

A vehicle passive entry side door latch release system engageable with a release cable connected a door latch. The door latch release system may include a movable linkage assembly engageable with the release cable, a motor including an output shaft having a pinion engageable with a rack affixed to or formed with the linkage assembly to move the release cable to unlatch the door latch, and an electronic control unit for controlling the motor. The electronic control unit may operate the motor upon receiving an actuation signal. The invention also provides a vehicle including the door latch release system described above, and various embodiments thereof.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to vehicle door latch release systems, and, more particularly, to a vehicle passive entry side door latch release system that can operate with existing door latch assemblies.

b. Description of Related Art

In recent years, automatic vehicle door latch release systems have become increasingly popular and are now available in a variety of new automobiles. Such door latch release systems normally operate by sending an electrical signal to a latch release unit when an operator either pulls an outside door handle, depresses an actuation switch underneath or adjacent the handle, or otherwise approaches the vehicle with a remote access unit. Once the outside handle is pulled or otherwise actuated, the latch release unit must release the latch or otherwise unlock the door within 50 ms or less to enable seamless operation of the latch release (or unlocking) and door opening functions.

More specifically, the operation of a typical passive latch release system is initiated when a user carrying a remote transmitter (i.e. a key fob) approaches a vehicle. The latch release system is thus activated upon the user's approach and verifies an encoded signal sent by the remote transmitter to activate the system. The latch release system then authenticates the encoded signal and performs a series of functions for allowing the user to open the door.

Such an exemplary passive latch release system is disclosed for example in U.S. Patent App. No. 2004/0195845 to Chevalier. Referring toFIGS. 1-3of Chevalier, the latch arrangement (100) includes an electric motor (34) controlled by an electronic control unit (7) and further includes a plurality of actuators (700,800) arranged to release, lock and/or unlock the latch to a vehicle door. The electronic control unit (7), which controls motor (34) to release, lock and/or unlock the latch, is responsive to movement of an external manual actuator for allowing the door to be opened.

As readily evident, latch release systems, such as the system disclosed by Chevalier, thus require a relatively complex latch release assembly for actuating a door latch via the outside door handle or otherwise via a remote unit. However, for existing conventional latch release systems which generally include an outside door handle and latch rod assembly for operating a door latch from the outside of a vehicle, and an inside door handle and release cable assembly for operating the door latch from the inside of a vehicle, the noted Chevalier passive latch release system is inoperable without removal and replacement of the existing latch release assembly. As readily evident, while such removal and replacement of the existing latch release assembly may be performed on a limited basis, it would be beneficial to have a door latch release system which is operable with existing latch release assemblies while minimizing the time and expense of modifying or otherwise replacing an existing assembly for automatic latch release operation.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a door latch release assembly, which is economical to manufacture, install and service, in vehicles with existing conventional latch release assembly designs, as well as in vehicles where the latch release or door unlock assembly is operable by pulling one or more release cables. There also remains a need for a door latch release assembly which is robust in design for long term use in a variety of vehicles, which reduces design and tooling costs, and which further meets automotive fit and operation requirements for such components.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention solves the problems and overcomes the drawbacks and deficiencies of prior art passive door latch release systems by providing a vehicle passive entry side door latch release system engageable with a release cable connected to a door latch. The door latch release system may include a movable linkage assembly engageable with the release cable, a motor including an output shaft having a pinion engageable with a rack affixed to or formed with the linkage assembly to move the release cable to unlatch the door latch, and an electronic control unit for controlling the motor. The electronic control unit may operate the motor upon receiving an actuation signal.

For the door latch release system described above, the linkage assembly may include one or more apertures for insertion and retention of the release cable. The linkage assembly may also be spring biased towards the release cable to maintain the door latch in a latched configuration.

The invention also provides a vehicle passive entry side door latch release system engageable with a first release cable connected to an inside door handle and with a second release cable connected to a door latch. The door latch release system may include a movable linkage assembly engageable with the first and second release cables, means for moving the linkage assembly to move the second release cable to unlatch the door latch, and means for controlling the means for moving. The means for controlling may operate the means for moving upon receiving an actuation signal.

For the door latch release system described above, in an exemplary embodiment, the means for moving may be a motor including an output shaft having a pinion engageable with a rack affixed to or formed with the linkage assembly for moving the second release cable. Alternatively, the means for moving may be a rotary solenoid engageable with the linkage assembly for moving the second release cable, or a solenoid including a movable shaft engageable with the second release cable for moving the second release cable. Yet further, the means for moving may be a linear actuator including a movable shaft engageable with the second release cable for moving the second release cable. The linkage assembly may include one or more respective apertures for insertion and retention of each of the first and second cables. The linkage assembly may also be spring biased towards the second release cable to maintain the door latch in a latched configuration. The actuation signal may be provided by movement of an outside door handle, actuation of a switch adjacent the outside door handle, and/or a remote actuation unit, and/or other means known in the art.

The invention yet further provides a vehicle including a passive entry side door latch release system engaged with a first release cable connected to an inside door handle and with a second release cable connected to a door latch. The door latch release system may include a movable linkage assembly engaged with the first and second release cables, means for moving the linkage assembly to move the second release cable to unlatch the door latch, and means for controlling the means for moving. The means for controlling may operate the means for moving upon receiving an actuation signal.

For the vehicle including the door latch release system described above, the means for moving may be a motor including an output shaft having a pinion engaged with a rack affixed to or formed with the linkage assembly for moving the second release cable. Alternatively, the means for moving may be a rotary solenoid engaged with the linkage assembly for moving the second release cable, or a solenoid including a movable shaft engaged with the second release cable for moving the second release cable. Yet further, the means for moving may be a linear actuator including a movable shaft engaged with the second release cable for moving the second release cable. The linkage assembly may include one or more respective apertures for insertion and retention of each of the first and second cables. The linkage assembly may be spring biased towards the second release cable to maintain the door latch in a latched configuration. The actuation signal may be provided by movement of an outside door handle, actuation of a switch adjacent the outside door handle, and/or a remote actuation unit, and other means known in the art. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second release cables may be joined together to substantially form a unitary cable. The linkage assembly may be connected to first and second locations of the unitary cable to unlatch the door latch by pulling the unitary cable in a direction away from the door latch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIGS. 1-5illustrate a vehicle door latch release system according to the present invention, generally designated “door latch release system100,” andFIGS. 6-12illustrate additional embodiments thereof.

As is known in the art, a conventional automobile door latch release system generally includes an inside door handle connected to a door release latch by means of a release cable, and further includes an outside door handle connected to the door release latch by means of a latch rod. As is also known in the art, in order to open a conventional vehicle door from the outside, the door must first be unlocked and thereafter opened by, for example, the outside door handle. Further, in order to open a conventional vehicle door from the inside, for vehicles with a lock over-ride feature, the inside door handle may be used to open the door with or without the lock engaged. For vehicles which do not have such a lock over-ride feature for the inside door (i.e. for a rear door), the door must first be unlocked and thereafter opened by the inside door handle. The present invention may therefore be used with vehicles including a lock over-ride feature for the interior door handle, for vehicles for which a latch release cable may be pulled to unlock a door, as well as for vehicles for which a latch release cable may be pulled for opening a latch or other functions.

Referring toFIG. 1, the present invention generally provides door latch release system100disposed at an intermediate location between a vehicle door inside handle102and its corresponding release latch104(or lock). Door latch release system100may be controlled by an electronic control unit105which actuates system100upon receiving a signal from a source107, such as upon movement of an outside door handle (not shown), actuation of a switch (not shown) adjacent the outside door handle, a remote actuation unit (not shown), or by means of another source or method for providing an actuation signal.

In greater detail, referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, door latch release system100may generally include a movable linkage assembly106being formed as an elongated structure having a longitudinal arm108and an integrally formed cross-bar110. As readily evident to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure, a variety of other structures may be used for assembly106without departing from the scope of the present invention. Arm108may include a return spring112mounted therewith for maintaining release latch104in a latched configuration. In the embodiment illustrated, spring112may be a coil spring, but other biasing means known in the art may be used instead. Cross-bar110may include respective first and second apertures114,116for permitting insertion and retention of respective first and second release cables118,120. In the embodiment illustrated, each release cable118,120may include respective end retainers122,124formed as enlarged rounded knobs for retention of the cables within the respective apertures of cross-bar110. Further, cables118,120may be respectively connected to inside door handle102and release latch104at their respective opposite ends126,128. Cables118,120may also each include a sleeve130with an enlarged end-piece132for permitting sliding movement of the cables within each sleeve, as well as for limiting movement of the cables in the direction away from linkage assembly106.

Referring toFIGS. 2-5, in the particular embodiment illustrated, a motor134may be used to move linkage assembly106in the direction of arrow-A by means of a pinion136mounted on shaft138thereof, with the pinion being engageable with a rack140formed on or otherwise connected to arm108of assembly106. As evident to those skilled in the art, respective teeth142,144of pinion136, rack140may be formed and dimensioned for permitting rapid movement of assembly106in the direction of arrow-A, per the time-constraints discussed below.

In operation, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, as a user having, for example, a remote access unit (i.e. source107) approaches the vehicle having the door latch release system100mounted therein, an actuation signal may be sent to electronic control unit105. Electronic control unit105may thus energize, for example, within a time interval of less than 10 ms, and verify signal authenticity, for example, within a time interval of less than 100 ms. If authentication fails, electronic control unit105may simply prevent energizing of motor134. If the signal is authentic, electronic control unit105may energize motor134to rotate shaft138and pinion136therewith for moving linkage assembly106in the direction of arrow-A, for example, in less than 50 ms. In this manner, linkage assembly106may pull release cable120to unlatch door latch104, and thus enable opening of the vehicle door (not shown) in a seamless manner in less than 140 ms from energizing of electronic control unit 105 and opening of the vehicle door. As shown inFIG. 4particularly, release cable118may remain in its original position since it is only moved when inside door handle102is pulled.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 5, compared toFIG. 4, when inside door handle102is pulled by an occupant to open the vehicle door, release cable118may pull linkage assembly106, and therewith release cable120to unlatch door latch104. Thus the present invention allows for unhindered operation of a vehicle door by means of the door latch release system100when a user approaches the vehicle from the outside via a remote access unit (i.e. source107), or alternatively from the inside when a user simply pulls inside door handle102to unlatch door latch104in a known manner.

In a modification to door latch release system100a, the first and second release cables118a,120amay be joined together to substantially form a unitary cable1000. For this configuration, linkage assembly106amay be connected to a first location1002and a second location1004of the unitary cable1000to unlatch door latch104aby pulling the unitary cable1000in a direction away from the door latch104a.

Referring next toFIGS. 6-8, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 6, there is disclosed an alternative embodiment of a door latch release system200(which replaces system100) disposed at an intermediate location between a vehicle door inside handle102(seeFIG. 1) and its corresponding release latch104(seeFIG. 1). As discussed above for door latch release system100, system200may likewise be controlled by an electronic control unit105(seeFIG. 1) which actuates system200upon receiving a signal from source107(seeFIG. 1), such as upon movement of an outside door handle (not shown), actuation of a switch (not shown) adjacent the outside door handle, and/or a remote actuation unit (not shown). Door latch release system200may generally include a movable linkage assembly206formed as an elongated plate or rod shaped structure having respective first and second apertures214,216for permitting insertion and retention of respective first and second release cables218,220(in a similar manner as cables118,120). In the embodiment illustrated, each release cable218,120may include respective end retainers222,224formed as enlarged rounded knobs for retention of the cables within the respective apertures of assembly206. Further, cables218,220may be respectively connected to inside door handle102(similar toFIG. 1) and release latch104(similar toFIG. 1) at their respective opposite ends226,228. Cables218and220may also include a sleeve230with an enlarged end-piece232for permitting sliding movement of the cables within each sleeve, as well as for limiting movement of the cables in the direction away from linkage assembly206.

Referring toFIGS. 6-8, in the particular embodiment illustrated, instead of motor134as used inFIG. 2, a rotary solenoid234may be used to move linkage assembly206in the direction of arrow-A by rotating the assembly.

In operation, as shown inFIGS. 1,6and7, as a user having, for example, a remote access unit (i.e. source107; seeFIG. 1) approaches a vehicle having the door latch release system200mounted therein, an actuation signal may be sent to electronic control unit105(seeFIG. 1). Electronic control unit105may thus energize, for example, within a time interval of less than 10 ms, and verify signal authenticity, for example, within a time interval of less than 100 ms. If authentication fails, electronic control unit105may simply prevent energizing of rotary solenoid234. If the signal is authentic, electronic control unit105may energize rotary solenoid234for moving linkage assembly206in the direction of arrow-A, for example, in less than 50 ms. In this manner, linkage assembly206may pull release cable220to unlatch door latch104, and thus enable opening of the vehicle door (not shown) in a seamless manner in less than 140 ms. As shown inFIG. 7particularly, release cable218may remain in its original position since it is only moved when inside door handle102is pulled.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 8, compared toFIG. 7, when inside door handle102is pulled, release cable218pulls linkage assembly206, and therewith release cable220to unlatch door latch104. It should be noted that release cable220may be pulled with the assistance of rotary solenoid234.

Thus as with the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-5, the embodiment ofFIGS. 6-8allows for unhindered operation of the vehicle door via door latch release system200when a user approaches the vehicle from the outside via a remote access unit, or alternatively from the inside when a user simply pulls inside door handle102to unlatch door latch104in a known manner.

Referring next toFIG. 9, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 9, there is disclosed an alternative embodiment of a door latch release system300(which replaces system100) disposed at an intermediate location between a vehicle door inside handle102(seeFIG. 1) and its corresponding release latch104(seeFIG. 1). As discussed above for door latch release system100, system300may be controlled by an electronic control unit105(seeFIG. 1) which actuates system300upon receiving a signal from source107(seeFIG. 1), such as upon movement of an outside door handle (not shown), actuation of a switch (not shown) adjacent the outside door handle, and/or a remote actuation unit (not shown). Door latch release system300may generally include links306,308connected to opposite ends thereof, with each link including respective first and second apertures314,316for permitting insertion and retention of respective first and second release cables318,320(similar to cables118,120). In the embodiment illustrated, each release cable318,320may include respective end retainers322,324formed as enlarged rounded knobs for retention of the cables within the respective apertures of links306,308. Further, cables318,320may be respectively connected to inside door handle102(similar toFIG. 1) and release latch104(similar toFIG. 1) at their respective opposite ends326,328. Cables318,320may also each include a sleeve330with an enlarged end-piece332for permitting sliding movement of the cables within each sleeve, as well as for limiting movement of the cables in the direction away from links306,308. In the particular embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, instead of motor134as inFIG. 2, a solenoid334may be used to pull link308.

In operation, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 9, as a user having, for example, a remote access unit (i.e. source107) approaches the vehicle having the door latch release system300mounted therein, an actuation signal may be sent to electronic control unit105(seeFIG. 1). Electronic control unit105may thus energize, for example, within a time interval of less than 10 ms, and verify signal authenticity, for example, within a time interval of less than 100 ms. If authentication fails, electronic control unit105may simply prevent energizing of solenoid334. If the signal is authentic, electronic control unit105may energize solenoid334for pulling link308, for example, in less than 50 ms. In this manner, link308may pull release cable320to unlatch door latch104, and thus enable opening of the vehicle door (not shown) in a seamless manner in less than 140 ms.

Thus as with the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-5, the embodiment ofFIG. 9allows for unhindered operation of the door latch via door latch release system300when a user approaches the vehicle from the outside via a remote access unit, or alternatively from the inside when a user simply pulls inside door handle102to unlatch door latch104in a known manner.

Referring next toFIGS. 10-12, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 10, there is disclosed an alternative embodiment of a door latch release system400(which replaces system100) disposed at an intermediate location between a vehicle door inside handle102(seeFIG. 1) and its corresponding release latch104(seeFIG. 1). As discussed above for door latch release system100, system400may be controlled by an electronic control unit105(seeFIG. 1) which actuates system400upon receiving a signal from a source107(seeFIG. 1), such as upon movement of an outside door handle (not shown), actuation of a switch (not shown) adjacent the outside door handle, and/or a remote actuation unit (not shown). Door latch release system400may generally include a pivotable linkage assembly406being formed as an elongated structure having respective first and second apertures414,416for permitting insertion and retention of respective first and second release cables418,420(similar to cables118,120). In the embodiment illustrated, each release cable418,420may include respective end retainers422,424formed as enlarged rounded knobs for retention of the cables within the respective apertures of assembly406. Further, cables418,420may be respectively connected to inside door handle102(similar toFIG. 1) and release latch104(similar toFIG. 1) at their respective opposite ends426,428. Cables418and420may also include a sleeve430with an enlarged end-piece432for permitting sliding movement of the cables within each sleeve, as well as for limiting movement of the cables in the direction away from linkage assembly406. Referring toFIG. 10, in the particular embodiment illustrated, instead of motor134as inFIG. 2, a linear actuator434may be used to pull cable420. Actuator434may include a spring436for biasing linkage assembly406, which is pivotable about pivot408, and thus maintains cable420in the latched configuration ofFIG. 10.

In operation, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, as a user having, for example, a remote access unit (i.e. source107) approaches the vehicle having the door latch release system400mounted therein, an actuation signal may be sent to electronic control unit105. Electronic control unit105may thus energize, for example, within a time interval of less than 10 ms, and verify signal authenticity, for example, within a time interval of less than 100 ms. If authentication fails, electronic control unit105may simply prevent energizing of linear actuator434. If the signal is authentic, electronic control unit105may energize linear actuator434for pulling cable120, for example, in less than 50 ms. In this manner, linkage assembly406may pull release cable420to unlatch door latch104, and thus enable opening of the vehicle door (not shown) in a seamless manner in less than 140 ms. As shown inFIG. 11, release cable418may remain in its original position since it is only moved when inside door handle102is pulled.

Referring toFIGS. 10 and 12, compared toFIG. 11, when inside door handle102is pulled, release cable418may rotate linkage assembly406about pivot408in a clock-wise direction as shown inFIG. 12, and therewith, with the assistance of linear actuator434(i.e. by sending a signal to actuator434upon pulling of door handle102), pull release cable420to unlatch door latch104.

Thus as with the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-5, the embodiment ofFIGS. 10-12allows for unhindered operation of the door latch via door latch release system400when a user approaches the vehicle from the outside via a remote access unit, or alternatively from the inside when a user simply pulls inside door handle102to unlatch door latch104in a known manner.

It should be noted that while the door latch release systems described above have been described for unlatching a door latch104, the latch release systems may likewise be used with vehicles for which the pulling of a release cable (such as cable120; seeFIG. 2) only unlocks the door without releasing the latch (i.e. for rear doors). Those skilled in the art would further readily appreciate in view of this disclosure that the principles of the present invention may be readily applied in either case which allows a door to be only unlocked or a latch to be released (as discussed above) as long as the unlatching or unlocking (or yet another function) requires the pulling of a release cable.

To summarize, the door latch release systems described above are beneficial in that they can be used with existing latching systems with over-ride, as well as with latching (or unlocking) systems which utilize a release cable. The noted systems prevent costly development of new passive entry side door latches, and work independently of the electronic control unit to thus allow for independent design, installation, operation and maintenance of the systems. The systems may also be implemented with minimal change of an internal door structure, thus avoiding the implementation of expensive and complex passive door latch release systems.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.