Patent Publication Number: US-2022213722-A1

Title: Door assembly for motor vehicle

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to a door assembly for a motor vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Motor vehicles are known to include doors, which are mounted to a body of the motor vehicle and are moveable between closed and open positions to selectively cover and uncover openings in the body of the motor vehicle. Moving a door to an open position permits users to enter or exit the vehicle and/or permits users to insert items into, or retrieve items from, the vehicle. Vehicle doors can be opened manually or may be capable of partially or fully opening automatically using powered systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     A door assembly for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a door free of moveable exterior door handles. The door is mounted relative to an opening in a body of the motor vehicle such that the door is moveable between a fully closed position, a fully open position, and a partially open position between the fully closed and fully open positions. The assembly further includes a switch assembly including a mechanical switch configured to generate a signal when pressed, and a door presenter assembly configured to move the door from the fully closed position to the partially open position in response to the signal from the mechanical switch. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing door assembly, the assembly includes a latch assembly configured to selectively lock and unlock the door, and the latch assembly is configured to unlock the door in response to the signal from the mechanical switch. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, the switch assembly includes a capacitive switch configured to generate a signal when pressed, and the latch assembly is configured to lock the door in response to the signal from the capacitive switch. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, the latch assembly and door presenter assembly are not responsive to simultaneous signals from the mechanical switch and the capacitive switch unless the simultaneous signals are continuously received for a period of time. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, after continuously receiving the simultaneous signals for the period of time and if the simultaneous signals persist, the latch assembly and door presenter assembly are responsive to the signal from the mechanical switch and not the signal from the capacitive switch. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, at least one of the switch assembly, the door presenter assembly, and the latch assembly includes a reserve battery. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, the switch assembly is mounted relative to an applique adjacent a rear edge of the door. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, the mechanical switch is accessible via a hole in the applique. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, a fixed door handle projects outward from an exterior surface of the door, and the fixed door handle is configured to permit a user to manually move the door from the partially open position to the fully open position. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, the door includes trim, and the fixed door handle is vertically aligned with the trim and exhibits substantially the same height as the trim. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, the fixed door handle provides a slot open facing a rear of the vehicle. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, the slot is sized so as to fit no more than three fingers of an average-sized adult hand. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, a portion of the fixed door handle projects rearward of the rear edge of the door. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, the door is a front door of the motor vehicle. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing door assemblies, the mechanical switch includes a button having a perimeter and a light arranged within the perimeter of the button, the light is configured to illuminate in the form of a ring, and the button covers the light and is semi-transparent such that, when the light is activated, the light is visible through the button. 
     A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes, among other things, a door free of moveable exterior door handles. The door is mounted relative to an opening in a body of the motor vehicle such that the door is moveable between a fully closed position, a fully open position, and a partially open position between the fully closed and fully open positions. The motor vehicle further includes a switch assembly including a mechanical switch configured to generate a signal when pressed, a door presenter assembly configured to move the door from the fully closed position to the partially open position in response to the signal from the mechanical switch, and a fixed door handle on an exterior of the door. The fixed door handle is configured to permit a user to manually move the door from the partially open position to the fully open position. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing motor vehicle, the switch assembly is mounted relative to an applique of the door, the door includes trim, the fixed door handle is vertically aligned with the trim and exhibits substantially the same height as the trim, the fixed door handle provides a slot open facing a rear of the vehicle, and a portion of the fixed door handle projects rearward of the rear edge of the door. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing motor vehicles, the door is a front door of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle further comprises a rear door, the rear door is free of any exterior handles, the rear door includes a switch assembly including a mechanical switch, and the rear door includes a door presenter configured to move the rear door to a partially open position in response to a signal from the mechanical switch of the rear door. 
     A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, disregarding for a period of time simultaneous signals from a capacitive switch and a mechanical switch of a switch assembly of a door of a motor vehicle such that a latch assembly and a door presenter assembly are not responsive to the simultaneous signals for the period of time. The method further includes, after the period of time, if the simultaneous signals persist, activating the door presenter assembly and the latch assembly. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, after the activating step, manually moving the door to a fully open position using a fixed door handle on an exterior of the door. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a side of an example motor vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of two doors of the motor vehicle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of a portion of a first door of the motor vehicle, and in particular illustrates a fixed door handle from a rear perspective. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the fixed door handle. 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up view of a portion of the first door of the motor vehicle, and in particular illustrates the fixed door handle from a front perspective. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a switch assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a view of a portion of the first door, and illustrates portions of a latch assembly and a door presenter assembly. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a user pressing a mechanical switch of the switch assembly of the first door. In  FIG. 8 , the first door is in a fully closed position. 
         FIG. 9  is a view similar to  FIG. 8  and illustrates the first door in a partially open position. 
         FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIGS. 8 and 9  and illustrates a user applying a force to the fixed door handle. In  FIG. 10 , the first door is in the partially open position and is being moved by the user to a fully open position. 
         FIG. 11  is a view of a second door of the motor vehicle in a partially open position with a user applying a force to the second door. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a user touching a gripping pad of the second door. 
         FIG. 13  is a top, perspective view of another example fixed door handle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure relates to a door assembly for a motor vehicle. An example door assembly includes a door free of moveable exterior door handles. Further, the door is mounted relative to an opening in a body of the motor vehicle such that the door is moveable between a fully closed position, a fully open position, and a partially open position between the fully closed and fully open positions. The assembly further includes a switch assembly including a mechanical switch configured to generate a signal when pressed, and a door presenter assembly configured to move the door from the fully closed position to the partially open position in response to the signal from the mechanical switch. This disclosure provides a number of benefits which will be appreciated from the following description. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a front-perspective view of a first side, which in countries such as the United States is typically a driver side, of a motor vehicle  10  (“vehicle  10 ”). As shown, the vehicle  10  is a crossover sport utility vehicle (CSUV). While a CSUV is pictured, this disclosure is also applicable to other types of vehicles, such as SUVs, cars, vans, and trucks (including pickup trucks). Further, the vehicle  10  could be an electrified vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or another type of vehicle such as a vehicle powered only by an internal combustion engine. 
     The vehicle  10  includes a first door  12  and a second door  14  rearward of the first door  12 . The “forward” and “rearward” directions are labeled in  FIG. 1  and some other figures for ease of reference. The first and second doors  12 ,  14  are mounted to a body of the vehicle  10  such that they are moveable to selectively open and close to uncover and cover respective door openings formed in the body of the vehicle  10 . When closed, the first and second doors  12 ,  14 , together with a window, are configured to completely enclose a respective door opening. When the first and second doors  12 ,  14  are open, users are able to enter and exit the vehicle  10  and/or insert items into, or retrieve items from, the vehicle  10 . In this example, the first and second doors  12 ,  14  are connected to the body of the vehicle  10  by hinged connections permitting the first and second doors  12 ,  14  to pivot relative to the respective door opening. While  FIG. 1  illustrates a first side of the vehicle  10  (e.g., the driver side), it should be understood that the vehicle  10  is substantially symmetrical about its centerline, and that the opposite side (e.g., the passenger side) of the vehicle  10  is arranged similarly, and in particular includes two door openings and two corresponding doors. Further, while in  FIG. 1  there are two doors  12 ,  14 , this disclosure extends to vehicles with other door arrangements, including one or more doors on each side of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the doors  12 ,  14  from an exterior perspective. The exterior of the first door  12  extends in the forward-and-rearward directions between a front edge  16  adjacent an A-pillar of the vehicle  10  and a rear edge  18  adjacent a B-pillar of the vehicle  10 . The first door  12  extends vertically (i.e., up-and-down relative to  FIG. 2 ) from a bottom edge  20  adjacent a ground surface to a top edge  22  adjacent a top of the vehicle  10 . The first door  12  includes a main body panel  24  extending in the forward-and-rearward directions from the front edge  16  to the rear edge  18  and vertically from the bottom edge  20  to a vertical location  26  below a window opening  28  in the first door  12 . At the vertical location  26 , the first door  12  includes trim  30  covering a top edge of the main body panel  24  and extending in the forward-and-rearward direction along a bottom of a border of the window opening  28 . Adjacent the rear edge  18 , the first door  12  also includes a panel, or applique  32 , which may be referred to as a B-pillar applique, extending vertically from the trim  30  to the top edge  22  along a rear border of the window opening  28  and such that the applique  32  generally covers a portion of the B-pillar when the first door  12  is closed. 
     The exterior of the second door  14  is similarly-arranged. In particular, the second door  14  extends in the forward-and-rearward directions between a front edge  34  adjacent a B-pillar of the vehicle  10  and a rear edge  36  adjacent a C-pillar of the vehicle  10 . The second door  14  extends vertically from a bottom edge  38  adjacent a ground surface to a top edge  40  adjacent a top of the vehicle  10 . The second door  14  includes a main body panel  42  extending in the forward-and-rearward directions from the front edge  34  to the rear edge  36  and vertically from the bottom edge  38  to a vertical location  44  below a window opening  46  in the second door  14 . At the vertical location  44 , the first door  12  includes trim  48  covering a top edge of the main body panel  42  and extending in the forward-and-rearward directions along a bottom of a border of the window opening  46 . Adjacent the rear edge  36 , the second door  14  includes a C-pillar applique  50 , extending vertically from the trim  48  to the top edge  46  along a rear border of the window opening  46  and such that the applique  50  generally covers a portion of the C-pillar when the second door  14  is closed. 
     In this disclosure, both the first door  12  and the second door  14  are free of moveable exterior door handles, such as traditional door handles which are moveable to open a door. In particular, the exteriors of the first door  12  and the second door  14  are free of handles having components moveable independent of the respective first or second door  12 ,  14  and/or handles having components moveable relative to the remainder of the handle to open a respective door  12 ,  14 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 2 , the first door  12  includes a fixed door handle  52 , which does not move relative to the first door  12  nor does it include components moveable relative to the remainder of the fixed door handle  52 . Rather, the fixed door handle  52  is rigidly mounted to the first door  12  and does not include moveable components. Additional detail of the fixed door handle  52  will be discussed below. Further, in the example of  FIG. 2 , the second door  14  is free of any exterior door handles, fixed or moveable. In this way, the main body panels  24 ,  42  may be contoured to achieve a desirable aesthetic and improved aerodynamic qualities. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the fixed door handle  52  is U-shaped when viewed from above and below (as in  FIG. 4 ) such that the fixed door handle  52  provides a slot  54  open facing a rear of the vehicle  10 . The fixed door handle  52  includes a first leg  56  adjacent the first door  12  and a second leg  58  spaced-apart from the first leg  56  by the slot  54 . The first and second legs  56 ,  58  converge at a nose  60 , which is forward of the slot  54 . The fixed door handle  52 , including the first and second legs  56 ,  58  and the nose  60 , is integrally formed as a one-piece structure. In a particular example, the fixed door handle  52  is integrally formed of a single piece of plastic material. The fixed door handle  52  may be attached to the first door  12  using known techniques, including by using fasteners relative to the first leg  56 . Without moving parts, the functionality of the fixed door handle  52  is not negatively impacted in cold weather conditions such as when ice forms on the first door  12 . 
     In another example, the fixed door handle  52  includes a bottom wall  61  extending between the first and second legs  56 ,  58 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . The bottom wall  61  spans the entire distance between the first and second legs  56 ,  58  and provides a bottom boundary of the slot  54 . 
     When the fixed door handle  52  is mounted to the first door  12 , a portion of the second leg  58  projects rearward of the rear edge of the first door  12 . In particular,  FIG. 4  illustrates a plane P containing the rear edge  18  and extending perpendicular to the forward and rearward directions. As shown, a majority of the fixed door handle  52  is on one side of the plane P, namely forward of the plane P, and a portion of the second leg  58  including a free end  62  of the second leg  58  is arranged on an opposite side of the plane P. Thus, at least a portion of the second leg  58  projects rearward of the rear edge  18  to increase the ease with which a user&#39;s hand can contact the fixed door handle  52 . 
     An aspect of this disclosure relates to visually blending the fixed door handle  52  into the trim  30 ,  48 . In an example, the fixed door handle  52  is vertically aligned with the trim  30 , such that the fixed door handle  52  is provided at the same vertical location along the first door  12  as a portion of the trim  30  adjacent the fixed door handle  52 . The fixed door handle  52  is also vertically aligned with a portion of the trim  48  adjacent the fixed door handle  52 . 
     Further, the first and second legs  56 ,  58  each exhibit a height H ( FIG. 3 ) in a vertical direction which is substantially the same as a corresponding height of the trim  30 ,  48 . The nose  60  also gradually tapers moving in the forward direction so as to blend into the trim  30  and reduce the drag created by the fixed door handle  52 . 
     Additionally, the fixed door handle  52  is not bulky, and is sized so as to be smaller than traditional door handles with moveable parts. For instance, the slot  54  in some examples is sized so as to fit only two fingers of an average sized adult human hand. In another example, the slot  54  is sized so as to fit no more than three fingers of an average sized adult human hand. The reduced size of the fixed door handle  52  not only helps visually blend the fixed door handle  52  into the trim  30 ,  48  but also reduces the weight of the vehicle  10 . 
     Further still, when mounted to the first door  12 , the second leg  58  may extend outward from the first door  12  at an acute angle A relative to a ground surface, represented by dashed lines in  FIG. 5 . The angle A may correspond to an angle at which an exterior surface of the trim  30 ,  48  is inclined. The fixed door handle  52  may also be of a color matching that of the trim  30 ,  48 . 
     The above-discussed features contribute to the fixed door handle  52  being perceived as being a part of the trim  30 ,  48  from various perspectives, despite the second leg  58  projecting outward of the trim  30 . In other words, when both the first and second doors  12 ,  14  are closed, the trim  30 ,  48  and the fixed door handle  52  visually form a smooth line. 
     The first and second doors  12 ,  14  includes a number of electromechanical components.  FIG. 2  schematically illustrates some of those components relative to the first door  12 . In this example, the first door  12  includes a switch assembly  64  having two user interface buttons, a door presenter assembly  66  configured to partially open the first door  12 , a latch assembly  68  configured to selectively hold the first door  12  relative to the body of the vehicle  10 , and a controller  70 . The second door  14  includes a similar arrangement components. The below discussion focuses on the first door  12 , but it equally applies to the second door  14  and the other doors of the vehicle  10 . 
     The controller  70  includes electronics, software, or both, to perform the necessary control functions for operating the vehicle  10  and executing various functions of the first door  12 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the controller  70  is a combination vehicle system controller and powertrain control module (VSC/PCM). Although it is shown as a single hardware device, the controller  70  may include multiple controllers in the form of multiple hardware devices, or multiple software controllers within one or more hardware devices. Specifically, the controller  70  could be embodied as separate controllers, with one controller associated with each of the switch assembly  64 , the door presenter assembly  66 , and the latch assembly  68  instead of or in addition to the shared, centralized controller  70 . 
     A controller area network (CAN)  72  allows the switch assembly  64 , the door presenter assembly  66 , and the latch assembly  68  to communicate with one another and, when present, to communicate with the controller  70 . The CAN  72  may include a plurality of hard-wired connections between the switch assembly  64 , the door presenter assembly  66 , the latch assembly  68 , and the controller  70 . When a central controller  70  is not present, the switch assembly  64 , the door presenter assembly  66 , and the latch assembly  68  may be hard-wired to one another directly. Various connections of the CAN  72  are represented using lines in  FIG. 2 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the switch assembly  64  includes two switches in this example, both of which are arranged relative to the applique  32  and are spaced-apart above the fixed door handle  52 . The switch assembly  64  includes a mechanical switch  74  and a capacitive switch  76  vertically above the mechanical switch  74 . The mechanical switch  74  is configured to generate a signal when pressed, and the capacitive switch  76  is configured to generate another, distinct signal when pressed. The mechanical switch  74  includes a moveable button and the capacitive switch  76  includes a capacitive sensor that measures changes in capacitance. 
     The mechanical and capacitive switches  74 ,  76  are mounted to a common housing  78 , in this example, and are hard-wired via CAN  72  to the door presenter assembly  66 , the latch assembly  68 , and/or the controller  70 . The mechanical and capacitive switches  74 ,  76  are shaped differently, with the mechanical switch  74  exhibiting a circular shape and the capacitive switch  76  exhibiting a rectangular, and in particular square, shape. This disclosure extends to other shapes. 
     The mechanical switch  74  includes a circular frame  80  and a button  82  within the frame  80  and moveable relative to the frame  80  when pressed. The button  82  is sealed relative to the frame  80 . The button  82  is spring-biased, in this example to an open state in which the mechanical switch  74  does not create a signal. When pressed, the button  82  is moveable to a closed position which generates a signal and which is, in an example, 4-6 mm from the open position. 
     Within a perimeter of the button  82 , and beneath the button  82 , the mechanical switch  74  includes a light  84 . The light  84  is configured to illuminate in the form of a ring in this example. The light  84  is visible through the button  82 . In this regard, the button  82  is made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. The light  84  may be illuminated in one or more colors, such as white, red, or green, to indicate a status of the first door  12 , in an example. The light  84  may exhibit a shape other than a ring shape. The mechanical switch  74  has the benefit of being less likely to have its functionality impacted in cold weather conditions such as when ice is present on the switch assembly  64 . In other words, if ice is present on the switch assembly  64 , a user is more likely to be able to activate the mechanical switch  74 . For this and other reasons, the mechanical switch  74  is configured to generate a signal to unlock and open the first door  12 . 
     The housing  78  is mounted behind the applique  32 , in this example. With reference to  FIG. 5 , the applique  32  includes a hole  86  corresponding to the size and shape of the mechanical switch  74  and a raised surface  88  corresponding to the size and shape of the capacitive switch  76 . When the switch assembly  64  is mounted to the applique  32 , the mechanical switch  74  is within the hole  86  and the capacitive switch  76  is covered by the raised surface  88 . The mechanical switch  74 , and in particular the button  82 , is recessed slightly inward from an exterior surface of the applique  32 . The raised surface  88 , on the other hand, is raised above a remainder of the exterior surface of the applique  32 . The raised surface  88  may exhibit a lock symbol or be at least semi-transparent to reveal a lock symbol on the capacitive switch  76 , as examples. At least the raised surface  88  of the applique  32  is made of a material such that the capacitive switch  76  is able to be pressed indirectly by a user&#39;s finger contacting the raised surface  88 . The raised surface  88  need not be raised in all examples and could instead be flush with the applique  32 . 
     In response to the mechanical switch  74  being pressed, the latch assembly  68  is configured to unlock the first door  12  if the first door  12  is not already unlocked, and the door presenter assembly  66  is configured to present the first door  12 . Presenting the first door  12  refers to the door presenter assembly  66  moving the first door  12  to a partially open position. The partially open position is a position of the first door  12  between a fully closed position and a fully open position. In one example, the door presenter assembly  66  is configured to move, and in particular rotate, the first door  12  to a position in which the rear edge  18  of the first door  12  has traveled a distance of about 40 mm relative to the fully closed position. In this regard, with reference to  FIG. 7 , the door presenter assembly  66  includes, in one example, a linearly moveable arm  90  capable of projecting relative to the first door  12  by a distance of about 40 mm, and which is configured to selectively engage a body of the vehicle  10  to move the first door  12  to the partially open position. The door presenter assembly  66  and arm  90  are able to generate enough force to open the first door  12  even in cold weather conditions, such as when ice forms on the first door  12 . 
       FIGS. 8-10  are representative of an example door opening sequence. In  FIG. 8 , the first door  12  is in a fully closed position and a user is pressing the mechanical switch  74 . The user is directed to the mechanical switch  74  by the light  84 , which is illuminated. The mechanical switch  74  generates a signal in response to being pressed. In response to that signal, the latch assembly  68  unlocks the first door  12  and the door presenter assembly  66  moves the first door  12  to the partially open position, which is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Before unlocking the first door  12 , the vehicle  10  may perform one or more authorization steps before or after the mechanical switch  74  is pressed to confirm that the first door  12  should be unlocked. Example authorization steps include identifying whether a keyfob or mobile device of the user is within range of the vehicle  10 . As another example authorization step, the user may input a predetermined alpha-numeric code via a keypad on the exterior of the vehicle  10 . After authorization and/or as the first door  12  unlocks, the light  84  may flash in sync with flashing of the headlamps and/or taillamps of the vehicle  10 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the first door  12  in the partially open position. In the partially open position, the rear edge  18  of the first door  12  has moved about 40 mm relative to the fully closed position by the door presenter assembly  66 . In this position, the user can readily apply force to a portion of the first door  12  to manually move the first door  12  to the fully open position. In particular, the rear edge  18  of the first door  12  and the fixed door handle  52  are readily accessible and in a position such that a user can readily contact and apply a force to the first door  12 . 
     In  FIG. 10 , the user is using the fixed door handle  52  to move the first door  12  to the fully open position, and in particular has placed their index finger into the slot  54 . The user is using their index finger to apply a force to a surface of the second leg  58  to manually move the first door  12  to the fully open position. After fully opening the first door  12 , the user may enter the vehicle  10  and close the first door  12  using a handle on an interior surface of the first door  12 . After exiting the vehicle  10  and closing the first door  12 , the user may lock the first door  12  by pressing the capacitive switch  76 . 
     Relative to the second door  14 , which does not include a fixed door handle, a user may manually move the second door  14  from the partially open position to the fully open position by grasping a hem of the door adjacent the rear edge  36 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The hem  92  may include a gripping pad  94  providing a place for a user to comfortably rest their fingers, as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     An aspect of this disclosure relates to situations in which the door presenter assembly  66  and/or the latch assembly  68  simultaneously receives signals from both the mechanical switch  74  and the capacitive switch  76 . Such situations may include situations where the switch assembly  64  is contacted without intention to either lock, unlock, or open the first door  12 . Such contact may be from a user, water, rain, etc. As examples, a user may lean on the first door  12 , and in doing so may come into contact with the switch assembly  64 . Likewise, when washing the vehicle  10  or when driving the vehicle  10  in the rain, water may contact the switch assembly  64  and activate the mechanical and capacitive switches  74 ,  76 . In general, when simultaneous signals are generated by both the mechanical switch  74  and the capacitive switch  76 , neither the door presenter assembly  66  nor the latch assembly  68  is responsive to either of those signals. In other words, the door presenter assembly  66 , the latch assembly  68 , and controller  70  are configured to disregard simultaneous signals from the mechanical and capacitive switches  74 ,  76 , at least for a period of time, as discussed in more detail below. In this way, unintentional activation of the door presenter assembly  66  and/or the latch assembly  68  is prevented. 
     Another aspect of this disclosure relates to an override of the aforementioned aspect of the disclosure. In particular, in one example, after continuously receiving the simultaneous signals from the mechanical switch  74  and the capacitive switch  76  for the period of time, and if the simultaneous signals persist, the door presenter assembly  66  and latch assembly  68  are responsive to the signal from the mechanical switch  74  and not the signal from the capacitive switch  76 . In this way, in situations where the vehicle  10  is outside in the rain, for example, and a user desires to unlock and open the first door  12 , the fact that rain water is acting upon the capacitive switch  76  will not prevent a user from opening the first door  12 . In an example, in rainy conditions, the user has to press and hold the mechanical switch  74  for a period of time, during which simultaneous signals may be sent. The period of time is 750 milliseconds in one example. After the period of time, the door presenter assembly  66  and latch assembly  68  cease disregarding both signals and only disregard the signal from the capacitive switch  76 . In other words, after the period of time, the door presenter assembly  66  and latch assembly  68  are responsive to the signal from the mechanical switch  74 . The user may alternatively need to double tap the mechanical switch  74  by pressing the button twice in quick succession. In an example, the controller  70  (i.e., either a central controller or the controllers of the door presenter and latch assemblies  66 ,  68 ) is able to identify a situation where the first door  12  should be opened despite a simultaneous signal when the controller  70  first receives a signal from the capacitive switch  76 . In particular, rain, for example, will not likely be able to press the mechanical switch  74 . Thus, in rain, the capacitive switch  76  may create a persistent, continuous signal, and the controller  70  may be programmed to essentially ignore that signal and respond to the pressing of the mechanical switch  74  using one of the above-mentioned techniques, such as requiring the user to press and hold the mechanical switch  74  for a period of time or provide a double tap. 
     Another aspect of this disclosure relates to avoiding a situation in which a user may become locked out of the vehicle  10  when a main battery pack of the vehicle  10  is fully or substantially depleted. Ordinarily, the switch assembly  64 , the door presenter assembly  66 , and the latch assembly  68  are powered by a main battery pack of the vehicle  10 , which may be a battery pack configured to deliver power to propel the vehicle  10  when the vehicle  10  is a BEV. In this aspect of the disclosure, however, one or more of the switch assembly  64 , the door presenter assembly  66 , and the latch assembly  68  includes a reserve battery pack. The reserve battery pack may include one or more standard-sized batteries, such as AA batteries. The reserve battery pack may be mounted in the first door  12  and may hold enough power to unlock the latch assembly  68  and cause the door presenter assembly  66  to move the first door  12  to the partially open position. In a particular example, the capacitive switch  76  is not permitted to draw power from the reserve battery pack. Again, because the capacitive switch  76  may be responsive to rain, the capacitive switch  76  may deplete the reserve battery pack when the vehicle  10  is left outside for an extended period of time. In this aspect of the disclosure, the mechanical switch  74  is hard-wired to the reserve battery pack, the door presenter assembly  66 , and the latch assembly  68 , thereby providing the first door  12  with an independently powered system configured to open the first door  12  even in situations where the vehicle  10  is otherwise low on power. 
     Directional terms such as “vertical,” “upward,” “downward,” “forward,” “rearward,” etc., are used herein for purposes of explanation and with reference to the orientation of components illustrated in the drawings. Such directional terms should not be considered limiting. Further, it should be understood that terms such as “generally,” “substantially,” and “about” are not intended to be boundaryless terms, and should be interpreted consistent with the way one skilled in the art would interpret those terms. 
     Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples. In addition, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement. 
     One of ordinary skill in this art would understand that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is, modifications of this disclosure would come within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.