Abstract:
A vehicle panel control system includes a vehicle panel and a handle pivotably connected to the vehicle panel. The handle is movable about a pivot point in a first direction to unlatch or move the panel. A switch is positioned to be closed when the handle is sufficiently moved in a second direction opposite the first direction, closure of the switch is operable to unlatch or move the panel. Thus, the unlatching or movement of the panel is accomplished by either of two different motions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/148,649, filed Jan. 30, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a panel control system for a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Automotive vehicles are becoming more customizable in order to meet the values and priorities of customers. Additionally, customers generally desire flexibility to reconfigure or to access various features of a vehicle to meet their specific needs. Ease of use of vehicle components is an important factor in customer satisfaction. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A vehicle panel control system is configured to provide fingertip control of movement or unlatching of a vehicle panel by utilizing over-travel of a mechanical handle. The control system provides low clutter execution of a moving panel control switch for a moving panel system. 
         [0005]    Specifically, a vehicle panel control system includes a vehicle panel and a handle pivotably connected to the vehicle panel. The handle is movable about a pivot point in a first direction to unlatch or move the panel. A switch is positioned to be closed when the handle is sufficiently moved in a second direction opposite the first direction, closure of the switch is operable to unlatch or move the panel. Thus, the unlatching or movement of the panel is accomplished by either of two different motions. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, moving the handle in the first direction is by pulling the handle which mechanically unlatches or moves the panel. In another embodiment, moving the handle in the first direction also closes the switch; thus, the switch causes the unlatching or moving of the panel by motion of the handle in either direction. 
         [0007]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a schematic fragmentary top view of a first embodiment of a vehicle panel control system including a handle in a neutral position and a switch in an open position, with a hand shown in phantom, 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a schematic fragmentary top view of the vehicle panel control system of  FIG. 1 , with the handle pivoted in a second direction by the hand shown in phantom so that the switch is in a closed position; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a schematic fragmentary top view of a second embodiment of a vehicle panel control system including a handle in a neutral position and a switch in an open position; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a schematic fragmentary top view of the vehicle panel control system of  FIG. 3 , with the handle pivoted in a second direction by the hand shown in phantom so that the switch is in a closed position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a schematic fragmentary top view of a third embodiment of a vehicle panel control system including a handle in a neutral position and a switch in an open position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a schematic top view of the vehicle panel control system of  FIG. 5 , with the handle pivoted in a second direction by the hand shown in phantom so that the switch is in a closed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7A  is a schematic top view of the vehicle panel control system of  FIGS. 5 and 6  used in a power door system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7B  is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle panel control system of  FIGS. 5 and 6  used in a power latch system; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle panel control system of  FIGS. 5 and 6  used in a mechanical latch system; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a schematic fragmentary top view of a fourth embodiment of a vehicle panel control system including a handle in a neutral position and a switch in an open position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a schematic top view of the vehicle panel control system of  FIG. 9 , with the handle pivoted in a first direction by the hand shown in phantom so that the switch is in a closed position; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a schematic top view of the vehicle panel control system of  FIG. 9 , with the handle pivoted in a second direction by the hand shown in phantom so that the switch is in a closed position. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1-8  show various embodiments of vehicle panel control systems. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a vehicle panel control system  10  that is configured to provide fingertip control of movement or unlatching of a vehicle panel  12  by utilizing over-travel of a mechanical handle  14 . As used herein, “over-travel” is motion permitted in an opposing direction than that for which the handle  14  is designed for accomplishing its primary function of moving or unlatching vehicle panel  12 . The panel  12  is represented as a trim panel handle molding of a vehicle door. The handle  14  is pivotably connected to the panel  12  to pivot about an axis through pivot point  16 . The connection of the handle  14  to the panel  12  is via a rod  17  running through the opening in the handle connects to a portion of the panel  12  not shown for clarity in  FIG. 1 , but as is well understood by those skilled in the art. The handle  14  may be connected to the panel  12  by any known means that allow the handle  14  to pivot at pivot point  16 . 
         [0022]    The handle  14  is a traditional leverage pull handle, and is shown in a neutral position in  FIG. 1 . The handle  14  is operable to open the panel  12  by pulling the handle  14  with force F 1  applied to an inner side I of the handle  14  closest to the panel  12 , to cause pivoting in the direction of rotation indicated by arrow A. In order to pull handle  14 , a hand H would be positioned with a grip as shown, with much of the hand H in a space or cavity between the handle  14  and the panel  12 . This causes the handle  14  to pull a cable which unlatches a latch connecting the door (of which the panel  12  is a part), to a vehicle frame, as is known. Alternatively, pulling the handle  14  in direction A may be designed to cause power movement of the panel  12  or of another vehicle panel. A representative mechanical latch  236 B is shown in  FIG. 8  and may be used with any of the handles shown herein. 
         [0023]    A switch  18  is mounted to the panel  12  near the lever end  15  of the handle  14 . Although shown extending slightly outward from the panel  12 , the switch  18  is preferably integrated into the panel  12 . The switch  18  may be activated to cause power movement or electronic lock release (unlatching) of the panel  12  in an alternative mode than the mechanical unlatching or movement accomplished by pulling the handle  14  as described with respect to  FIG. 1 . When the switch  18  is open, it is not operable to unlatch or move the panel  12 ; when closed, it unlatches or moves the panel  12 . The switch  18  is open when contact element  19  is not in contact with switch body  21 . The switch  18  is normally open when the handle  14  is in the neutral position shown in  FIG. 1 . When the handle  14  is pulled in direction A, the switch  18  remains open. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the handle  14  is shown moved in an opposing direction indicated by arrow B by a hand H applying force F 2  to outer side O of the handle  14  to cause pivoting of the handle  14  about pivot point  16 . The handle  14  is designed to permit such over-travel from the neutral position of  FIG. 1 . When pivoted in directon B, the switch  18  is tripped, i.e., closed. The switch  18  is closed when contact element  19  contacts switch body  21 . Thus, the same function accomplished by pulling the handle  14  with force F 1  (either unlatching or moving the panel  12  or another vehicle panel) is accomplished by pushing with force F 2 . The amount of travel necessary to activate the switch  18  is relatively small. Additionally, applying force F 2  does not require placing fingers between the handle  14  and the panel  12 , as is required to apply force F 1 . Thus, the switch  18  may be activated with low force and low contact. This may be beneficial for operators with impaired coordination or strength, those having recently manicured nails, those wearing thick gloves, etc. The same handle  14  is used in either mode, and the location of handle  14  is a traditional location, thus mitigating confusion and promoting ease of assembly. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an alternate embodiment of a vehicle panel control system  110  is shown that utilizes a panel-mounted switch  118  near the pivot end of a handle  114 . In this alternate construction, a door handle  114  is pivotable about pivot point  116  in direction of arrow A by applying force F 1  to cause power movement or unlatching of the door of which trim panel  112  is a part, or of another panel. The force F 1  is applied by positioning hand H as shown in  FIG. 10 , on the inner side I of the handle  124 . 
         [0026]    A switch  118  is mounted to the panel  112  relatively near the pivot axis  116  of handle  114 , rather than near the end  124  of lever  126 . The switch  118  is open when the handle  114  is in the neutral position shown in  FIG. 3 , and remains open when the handle  114  is manually pulled in the direction A. When the switch  118  is open, contact element  119  is not in contact with switch body  121 , and the switch  118  is not operable to move or unlatch the panel  112  or another panel. When the switch  118  is closed, it causes unlatching or movement of the panel  112 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , when the handle  114  is moved in direction of rotation B by applying force F 2  to outer side O 1  of the handle  114 , utilizing available over-travel motion, an extension  120  from the pivot body  122  of the handle  114  interferes with the switch  118  to activate (close) the switch  118  (i.e., placing contact element  119  in contact with switch body  121 ), causing power movement of the panel  112  or of another panel or electronic lock release (unlatching) of the panel  112 . 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , an alternate embodiment of a vehicle panel control system  210  is shown that utilizes a handle-mounted switch  218 . In this alternate construction, a door handle  214  is pivotable about pivot point  216  in direction of arrow A by applying force F 1  to inner side I 2  of handle  214  to cause power movement or unlatching of the door to which trim panel  212  is a part or to cause power movement of another panel. A switch  218  is mounted to the pivot body  222  of the handle  214 , relatively near the pivot axis  216  of handle  214 , rather than near the end  224  of lever  226 . The switch  218  is open when the handle  214  is in the neutral position shown in  FIG. 5 , and when the handle is manually pulled in the direction A. When the switch  218  is open, contact element  219  is not in contact with switch body  221 , and the switch  218  is not operable to move or unlatch the panel  212  or another panel. When the switch  218  is closed, it causes unlatching or movement of the panel  212 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , when the handle  214  is moved in direction of rotation B by applying force F 2  to outer side O 2  of handle  214 , utilizing available over-travel motion, an extension  220  from the trim panel  212  interferes with the switch  218  to activate (close) the switch  218  (i.e., placing contact element  219  in contact with switch body  221 ), causing power movement of panel  212  or of another panel or electronic lock release (unlatching) of the panel  212 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 7A , the vehicle panel control system  210  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  is shown as part of a power door system  231  that includes a controller  230  operable to receive a signal  232  from the activated switch  218 , and to send a signal  234  to a power latch mechanism  236  in response to signal  232  to unlatch the door latch. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 7B , the vehicle panel control system  210  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  is shown as part of a power latch/manual door system  231 A. In system  231 A, signal  232  from switch  218  is sent directly to a power latch mechanism  236 A to unlatch the door. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the vehicle panel control system  210  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  is shown as part of a mechanical latch system  231 B, and may be used with either a manual or power door. The mechanical latch system  231 B may be either manually activated by pulling on handle  214  with force Fl to cause movement in direction of arrow A as shown in  FIG. 5 , or electrically actuated by pushing on handle  214  with force F 2  to cause movement in direction of arrow B as shown in  FIG. 6 . The mechanical latch system  231 B includes a first cable  233 A fixed at one end to the body  222  of handle  214 , and connected through a slot  241  to a lever  237  fixed to the door such that it is pivotable about point P. A second cable  233 B is fixed at one end to the lever  237  and at another end to a mechanical latch  236 B operable to latch and unlatch the door (and thereby the panel  212 ) to the vehicle frame. When the latch system  231 B is manually actuated, the force F 1  applied to handle  214  (see  FIG. 5 ) pulls on cable  233 A and causes the lever  237  to rotate in the direction of arrow Q, also pulling on cable  233 B and unlatching the latch  236 B. When the latch system is electrically actuated, the force F 2  applied to handle  214  (see  FIG. 6 ) sends a signal  232 B to electric motor  239 , causing the motor  239  to rotate lever  237  in direction of arrow Q, pulling on cable  233 B and unlatching latch  236 B. Cable  233 A may not become taught when motor  239  rotates lever  237 , as it is of a sufficient length to have play that allows it to “float” within the slot  241 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , an alternate embodiment of a vehicle panel control system  310  is shown that utilizes a handle-mounted switch  318 . In this alternate construction, a door handle  314  is pivotable about pivot point  316  in direction of arrow A by applying force F 1  to inner side I 3  of handle  314  near end  324  of lever  326  to cause power movement or unlatching of the door to which trim panel  312  is a part or to cause power movement of another panel. A switch  318  is mounted to the pivot body  322  of the handle  314 , relatively near the pivot axis  316  of handle  314 , rather than near the end  324  of lever  326 . The switch  318  is open when the handle  314  is in the neutral position shown in  FIG. 9 . When the switch  318  is open, contact element  319  is not in contact with switch body  321 , and the switch  318  is not operable to move or unlatch the panel  312  or another panel. A cam  323  on the handle body  322  is configured with a cam surface  325  that positions the contact element  319  away from the switch body  321  when the switch  318  is open in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0034]    When the handle  314  is manually pushed in the direction A as shown in  FIG. 10 , using a fingertip push of force F 1  on inner surface I 3  of the handle  314 , the cam  323  rotates with the handle  314  so that the cam surface  325  causes the contact element  319  to move into contact with the switch body  321 , closing the switch  318  causing power movement of panel  312  or of another panel or electronic lock release (unlatching) of the panel  312 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , when the handle  314  is moved in direction of rotation B by applying force F 2  to outer side O 3  of handle  314 , utilizing available over-travel motion, the cam  323  rotates with the handle  314  so that the cam surface  325  causes the contact element  319  to move into contact with the switch body  321 , closing the switch  318 , thereby causing power movement of panel  312  or of another panel or electronic lock release (unlatching) of the panel  312 . 
         [0036]    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.