Method of selection of deselection of automatic power door locks

• US 5,777,546 A
• Filed: 02/08/1996
• Issued: 07/07/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Chrysler Corporation (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Hyde, Stephen L., Dean, Patrick D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mullen, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): TONG, NINA C
• Application Number:
  US08/598,554
• Time in Patent Office: 880 Days
• Field of Search: 340/438, 340/439, 340/441, 340/644, 180/289, 180/281, 70/264, 70/257, 70/237
• US Class Current: 340/438
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 77/48 by electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 77/54 Automatic securing or unlocking of bolts triggered by certain vehicle parameters, e.g. exceeding a speed threshold triggered by vehicle collision E05B77/12
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5889 For automotive vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5978 With switch
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/65 Central control

Abstract

A method of selection or deselection of automatic power door locks for an automotive vehicle includes the steps of inserting a key into an ignition switch of the automotive vehicle and rotating the key a predetermined number of times. The method also includes the steps of determining whether a power door lock switch was actuated and sounding an audible tone to verify selection or deselection of automatic power door locks if the power door lock switch was actuated.

Claims

1. A method of selection or deselection of automatic door locks for an automotive vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

inserting a key into an ignition switch of the automotive vehicle;

rotating the key a predetermined number of times;

determining whether a power door lock switch was actuated; and

sounding an audible tone to verify selection or deselection of automatic power door locks if the power door lock switch was actuated.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 including the step of closing all doors of the automotive vehicle prior to said step of inserting.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1 including the step of determining whether the ignition switch is On after said step of rotating.

4. A method as set forth in claim 3 including the step of counting an increment if the ignition switch is ON.

5. A method as set forth in claim 3 including the step of determining whether a count of the ignition switch ON is equal to a predetermined count if the ignition switch is OFF.

6. A method as set forth in claim 5 including the step of determining whether the power door lock switch was actuated if the count is equal to the predetermined count.

7. A method as set forth in claim 1 including the step of determining whether the ignition switch is OFF after said step of rotating.

8. A method as set forth in claim 1 including the step of locking the doors after said step of sounding.

9. A method as set forth in claim 8 including the step of recording a status of the automatic door lock feature.

10. A method of selection or deselection of automatic door locks for an automotive vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

inserting a key into an ignition switch of the automotive vehicle;

rotating the key a predetermined number of times;

determining whether a driver side power door lock switch was actuated; and

sounding an audible tone to verify selection of automatic power door locks if the driver side power door lock switch was actuated.

11. A method as set forth in claim 10 including the step of closing all doors of the automotive vehicle prior to said step of inserting.

12. A method as set forth in claim 10 including the step of determining whether the ignition switch is On after said step of rotating.

13. A method as set forth in claim 12 including the step of counting an increment if the ignition switch is ON.

14. A method as set forth in claim 12 including the step of determining whether a count of the ignition switch ON is equal to a predetermined count if the ignition switch is OFF.

15. A method as set forth in claim 14 including the step of determining whether the driver side power door lock switch was actuated if the count is equal to the predetermined count.

16. A method as set forth in claim 10 including the step of determining whether the ignition switch is OFF after said step of rotating.

17. A method as set forth in claim 10 including the step of locking the doors after said step of sounding.

18. A method as set forth in claim 17 including the step of recording a status of the automatic door lock feature.

19. A method of selection or deselection of automatic door locks for an automotive vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

closing all doors of the automotive vehicle;

inserting a key into an ignition switch of the automotive vehicle;

rotating the key to an ignition ON position;

determining whether the ignition switch is in the ON position;

incrementing a count if the ignition switch is in the ON position;

rotating the key to an ignition OFF position;

determining whether the count of the ignition switch ON is equal to a predetermined count if the ignition switch is in the OFF position;

determining whether the power door lock switch was actuated if the count is equal to the predetermined count;

sounding an audible tone to verify selection of automatic power door locks if the power door lock switch was actuated; and

locking the doors of the automotive vehicle.

20. A method as set forth in claim 19 including the step of recording a status of the automatic door lock feature.