Vehicle access system with sensor

• US 20030216817A1
• Filed: 05/14/2003
• Published: 11/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Key Plastics L L C (Key Plastics)
• Original Assignee: Key Plastics L L C (Key Plastics)
• Inventors: Pudney, Richard
• Application Number:
  US10/437,788
• Publication Number:
  US 20030216817A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/17
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/77 comprising sensors detecting the presence of the hand of a user
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/78 as part of a hands-free locking or unlocking operation
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/00 Power-operated mechanisms for wings motor-operated accessories in locks for completing closing or initiating opening of a wing E05B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/68 Handles, cranks
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/814 Sound emitters, e.g. speakers
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/822 Light emitters, e.g. LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/852 Sensors
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/86 by hand
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/531 Doors
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/538 Interior lids
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/546 Tailgates
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/962 Capacitive touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/960755 Constructional details of capacitive touch and proximity switches
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/96078 Sensor being a wire or a strip, e.g. used in automobile door handles or bumpers

Abstract

A system arrangement is disclosed. The system arrangement is comprised of a vehicle component, a sensor that senses a user'"'"'s interaction with the vehicle component, and a controller operable to receive an input from the sensor in response to the user'"'"'s interaction with the vehicle component and provide an output. Embodiments of the system also include a port and a port mechanism selectively operable in response to output to provide a function with respect to operation of the port, including the unlatching of the port.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a vehicle component;

a sensor that senses a user'"'"'s interaction with the vehicle component;

a controller that receives an input from the sensor associated with the user'"'"'s interaction with the vehicle component and provides an output;

a port; and

a port mechanism that is selectively operable in response to the output to provide a function with respect to operation of the port;

wherein the function includes the latching or unlatching of the port.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle component includes a handle.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the handle does not include any moving parts.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the port includes a door, window, lift gate, or other access opening of a vehicle.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the port mechanism includes a latch mechanism.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the port mechanism includes an opening assist mechanism that is selectively operable in response to the output.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is supplied with power when the port is in a closed configuration.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is without power until after the controller receives an authorization.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the port mechanism is without power when the sensor is without power.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein the sensor is substantially embedded or enclosed within the handle.

11. The system of claim 2, wherein the handle includes a structural part and a cover.

12. The sensor of claim 11, wherein the sensor is positioned between the structural part and the cover.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the structural part is integrally formed with the cover.

14. The system of claim 2, wherein the handle includes a key cylinder housing.

15. The system of claim 2, wherein the door handle includes a mechanical component to facilitate mechanical operation of the port mechanism.

16. The system of claim 2, wherein door handle includes a housing portion and a pull-bar portion, the sensor positioned substantially in the housing portion.

17. The system of claim 2, wherein the handle is an interior handle.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle component includes an antenna.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle component includes an emblem.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the emblem includes identifying information.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a proximity sensor.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an electro-capacitive sensor.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a field effect sensor.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the output is selectively communicated to the port mechanism in response to a predetermined vehicle condition.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is locked by rendering the sensor inoperable and unlocked by rendering the sensor operable.

26. The system of claim 1, wherein when the vehicle achieves a predetermined operating condition, the sensor is rendered inoperable.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more vehicle components include sensors that are cooperatively interacted with in a predetermined timing or sequence pattern to generate the output.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured for receiving an active entry identification.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein a key fob provides an active entry signal to the system.

30. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured for receiving a passive entry identification.

31. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller includes a logic device or a processor.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the controller includes a microchip.

33. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is positioned substantially within the handle.

34. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is included as a part of a central processing unit for a vehicle.

35. A system comprising:

a vehicle component;

a means for sensing a user'"'"'s interaction with the vehicle component;

a means for receiving an input from the means for sensing and providing an output;

a port; and

a means for unlatching or latching the port.

36. A component for use in a vehicle to facilitate opening of a port, comprising:

a protective housing that is rigidly secured to the port; and

a sensor positioned within the housing;

wherein the position of the housing remains unchanged relative to the port and the sensor senses a user'"'"'s interaction with the housing and provides an output to authorize opening of the port.

37. The component of claim 36, wherein the protective housing comprises a handle.

38. The vehicle component of claim 36, wherein the protective housing comprises an emblem.

39. A handle for use in a vehicle to authorize a mechanism to unlatch a port, comprising:

a structural part;

a cover; and

a sensor positioned substantially between the structural part and the cover;

the sensor operable to sense a user'"'"'s interaction with the handle and to authorize operation of the mechanism to unlatch a port.

40. The handle of claim 39, wherein the structural part and cover are integrally formed.

41. The handle of claim 39, wherein the handle does not include any moving parts.

42. The handle of claim 39, wherein the port includes a door and the handle is rigidly and non-movably secured to the door.

43. The handle of claim 39, wherein the port includes a door and at least one of the structural part and cover are integrally formed with the door.

44. The handle of claim 39, wherein the handle includes an antenna.

45. The handle of claim 39, wherein the handle includes a key cylinder housing.

46. The handle of claim 39, wherein the handle includes a mechanical component to facilitate mechanical operation of the mechanism.

47. The handle of claim 39, wherein handle includes a housing portion and a pull-bar portion, the sensor positioned in the housing portion.

48. An emblem for use in a vehicle to authorize a mechanism to unlatch a port, comprising:

a protective housing; and

a sensor positioned within the protective housing;

the sensor operable to sense a user'"'"'s interaction with the housing and to authorize operation of the mechanism to unlatch a port.

49. The emblem of claim 48, wherein the emblem includes identification information.

50. The emblem of claim 48, wherein the protective housing is integrally formed with a component of the vehicle.

51. The emblem of claim 48, wherein the port is a door and at least a portion of the protective housing is integrally formed with the door.

52. The emblem of claim 48, wherein the protective housing includes a structural part and a cover.

53. A vehicle control device comprising:

a sensor that senses a user'"'"'s interaction with the vehicle control device, the vehicle control device being substantially located within the vehicle;

a controller that receives an input from the sensor associated with the user'"'"'s interaction with the vehicle control device, evaluates a present condition associated with the vehicle; and

, if the evaluation of the condition meets a predefined criteria, permits the mechanical operation of the vehicle control device.

54. The device of claim 53, wherein the vehicle control device is a movable component, lever, or shifter.

55. A method for latching or unlatching a port comprising:

providing a vehicle component, a sensor that senses a user'"'"'s interaction with the vehicle component, a controller that receives an input from the sensor and provides an output, and a port mechanism for latching or unlatching the port;

providing power to the controller;

sensing the user'"'"'s interaction with the vehicle component;

providing a signal to the controller that the user has interacted with the vehicle component;

sending an output from the controller to the port mechanism; and

activating the port mechanism to latch or unlatch the port.

56. A method as recited in claim 55, wherein the controller is powered in response to an active signal received from the user.

57. A method as recited in claim 56, wherein the active signal is produced by a key fob.