E-latch with microcontroller onboard latch and integrated backup sensor

• US 20070145821A1
• Filed: 11/15/2004
• Published: 06/28/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures, Inc.
• Inventors: Pribisic, Mirko, Bombski, Boguslaw, Bagg, Jonathan, Mekky, Tony
• Granted Patent: US 7,791,218 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/10.100
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0097 including means for monitoring voltage, e.g. for indicating low battery state
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 77/02 for accident situations
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/14 operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/54 Electrical circuits for locking several wings simultaneously E05B77/48
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/78 as part of a hands-free locking or unlocking operation
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/86 using capacitors

Abstract

A latching assembly is used on a door of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle includes a main electric supply and a striker. The latching assembly includes a ratchet that is selectively rotatable with respect to the striker to latch and unlatch the door. The latching assembly includes a pawl that is selectively engagable with the ratchet to selectively prevent the ratchet from rotating. The latching assembly includes a motor which is electrically connected to the main electric power supply. The motor is operatively connected to the pawl for pivoting the pawl into and out of engagement with the ratchet. The latching assembly also includes a backup battery disposed adjacent the motor for supplying electric power when the motor is disconnected from the main electric supply.

Claims

1. A latching assembly for a door of a motor vehicle having a main electric power supply and a striker, said latching assembly comprising:

a ratchet selectively rotatable with the striker to latch and unlatch the door;

a pawl selectively engagable with said ratchet to selectively prevent said ratchet from rotating;

a motor electrically connected to the main electric power supply and operatively connected to said pawl for pivoting said pawl into and out of engagement with said ratchet; and

a backup battery disposed adjacent said motor for supplying electric power when said motors is disconnected form the main electric supply.

2. A latching assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a capacitive element for storing a charge for immediate discharge when said motor is disconnected from the main electric supply.

3. A latching assembly as set forth in claim 2 including a voltage sensor for sensing the voltage provided by the main electric power.

4. A latching assembly as set forth in claim 3 including a converter for charging and maintaining said capacitive element.

5. A latching assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said converter is a DC/DC converter.

6. A latching assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said capacitive element includes a plurality of capacitors.

7. A latching assembly as set forth in claim 6 including a microcontroller for monitoring said plurality of capacitors.