Safety system for a closed compartment of a vehicle

• US 6,485,081 B1
• Filed: 08/25/2000
• Issued: 11/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Uhlmann, Eugenie V., Taylor, David W., Teowee, Gimtong, McCarthy, Kevin C., Schofield, Kenneth, Lynam, Niall R., Bingle, Robert L., Koops, Roger L., Bos, Brent J., Hoekstra, Eric J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dayoan, D. Glenn
• Assistant Examiner(s): GUTMAN, HILARY L
• Application Number:
  US09/648,560
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 296/76, 702/56, 702/64, 292/DIG.29, 292/DIG.43, 292/DIG.65, 491/41, 340/522, 340/425.5
• US Class Current: 296/76
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/30 for compartments other than passenger or driving compartments, e.g. luggage or engine compartments
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/10 Illuminating devices on or for locks or keys; Transparent or translucent lock parts; Indicator lights
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 79/20 using flexible connections, e.g. Bowden cables
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/54 Electrical circuits for locking several wings simultaneously E05B77/48
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/26 Emergency opening means for persons trapped in the luggage compartment
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 85/12 Inner door handles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 292/43 Rear deck lid latches
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 292/65 Emergency or safety
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/65 Central control

Abstract

A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle includes a gas operable assist device and at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector. The release system is positionable within a compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid. The compartment has a release mechanism for opening the deck lid and the release system is adapted for operation from the interior of the compartment. The gas operable assist device is connectable to the release mechanism and is operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to a user input to the manual input device or a detection of an occupant within the compartment by the occupant detector. The gas operable assist device includes at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element.

Claims

1. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said release system being positionable within a trunk compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said release system being adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism, said gas operable actuating device comprising a compressed gas container which includes a movable piston in communication with a compressed gas source; and

at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector, said gas operable assist device being operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to at least one of a user input to said manual input device and a detection of an occupant within the trunk compartment by said occupant detector, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element, said gas operable assist device utilizing energy stored within said at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid, wherein said gas operable assist device comprises a compressed carbon dioxide container.

2. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said release system being positionable within a trunk compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said release system being adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism; and

at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector, said gas operable assist device being operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to at least one of a user input to said manual input device and a detection of an occupant within the trunk compartment by said occupant detector, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element, said gas operable assist device utilizing energy stored within said at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid, wherein said gas operable assist device is actuatable to generate a pulling action on a cable connected to the release mechanism.

3. The release system of claim 2, wherein said gas operable assist device is actuatable to generate a force of at least approximately 10 Newtons at the release mechanism.

4. The release system of claim 2, wherein said gas operable assist device is actuatable to generate a force of at least approximately 50 Newtons at the release mechanism.

5. The release system of claim 2, wherein said manual input device comprises a handle for activating the release mechanism for opening the deck lid, the user input being at least one of a movement and a contact of said handle by a user.

6. The release system of claim 2 further comprising a control which is operable to actuate said gas operable assist device in response to said manual input device or said occupant detector.

7. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said release system being positionable within a trunk compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said release system being adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism; and

at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector, said gas operable assist device being operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to at least one of a user input to said manual input device and a detection of an occupant within the trunk compartment by said occupant detector, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element, said gas operable assist device utilizing energy stored within said at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid, wherein said gas operable assist device comprises a pyrotechnic element.

8. The release system of claim 7, wherein said gas operable assist device includes a canister containing an explosive substance, which generates a high volume of gas when actuated.

9. The release system of claim 8, wherein the resultant gas generated by actuation of said explosive substance causes a mechanical element to move, thus exerting a force at a portion of the release mechanism to release the deck lid.

10. The release system of claim 7, wherein said gas operable assist device is operable to mechanically actuate the release mechanism irrespective of electrical power to said release system.

11. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said release system being positionable within a trunk compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said release system being adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism; and

at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector, said gas operable assist device being operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to at least one of a user input to said manual input device and a detection of an occupant within the trunk compartment by said occupant detector, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element, said gas operable assist device utilizing energy stored within said at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid, wherein said gas operable assist device is selectably locked to limit unintentional actuation of said gas operable assist device.

12. The release system of claim 11, wherein said gas operable actuating device comprises a compressed gas container which includes a movable piston in communication with a compressed gas source.

13. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said release system being positionable within a trunk compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said release system being adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism; and

at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector, said gas operable assist device being operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to at least one of a user input to said manual input device and a detection of an occupant within the trunk compartment by said occupant detector, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element, said gas operable assist device utilizing energy stored within said at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid, said manual input device comprising a handle for activating the release mechanism for opening the deck lid, the user input being at least one of a movement and a contact of said handle by a user, wherein said assist device is operable to increase the mechanical advantage of said handle such that a lesser force is required on said handle to activate the release mechanism.

14. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said release system being positionable within a trunk compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said release system being adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism; and

at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector, said gas operable assist device being operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to at least one of a user input to said manual input device and a detection of an occupant within the trunk compartment by said occupant detector, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element, said gas operable assist device utilizing energy stored within said at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid, wherein said release system includes a manual input device and wherein said manual input device is operable to activate the release mechanism independent of said assist device.

15. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said release system being positionable within a trunk compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said release system being adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism; and

at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector, said gas operable assist device being operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to at least one of a user input to said manual input device and a detection of an occupant within the trunk compartment by said occupant detector, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element, said gas operable assist device utilizing energy stored within said at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid, wherein said release system includes an occupant detector and wherein said occupant detector comprises at least one of a motion sensor and a temperature sensor.

16. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said release system being positionable within a trunk compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said release system being adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism; and

a manual input device and an occupant detector, said gas operable assist device being operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to at least one of a user input to said manual input device and a detection of an occupant within the trunk compartment by said occupant detector, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element, said gas operable assist device utilizing energy stored within said at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid, wherein said occupant detector comprises a first sensor, disposed in the trunk compartment, for generating an alert signal responsive to sensed conditions in the trunk compartment, and a controller, coupled to the sensor, for receiving the alert signal and generating a control signal in accordance with the alert signal, said gas operable assist device being actuatable by said controller.

17. The release system of claim 16, wherein said controller receives a motion signal, generated by the vehicle, indicative of vehicle motion.

18. The release system of claim 17, wherein the control signal will not actuate said gas operable assist device while the vehicle is in a non-stationary state.

19. The release system of claim 18 further comprising an output indicator, coupled to said controller, for receiving the control signal and outputting an indication in accordance with the alert signal.

20. The release system of claim 19, wherein said output indicator is selected from the group consisting of headlamp, horn, siren, pager, mirror indicator and dashboard indicator.

21. The release system of claim 16, wherein the alert signal is generated by the first sensor sensing a predetermined quantity of stimuli within a predetermined period of time.

22. The release system of claim 21 further comprising a temperature sensor, coupled to said controller, for sensing compartment ambient temperature, wherein said controller generates the control signal based on a lower quantity of stimuli when the compartment ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.

23. A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said release system being positionable within a trunk compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said release system being adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism; and

at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector, said gas operable assist device being operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to at least one of a user input to said manual input device and a detection of an occupant within the trunk compartment by said occupant detector, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element, said gas operable assist device utilizing energy stored within said at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid;

a control which is operable to actuate said gas operable assist device in response to said manual input device or said occupant detector; and

at least one illumination source, said control being operable to at least occasionally activate said at least one illumination source to provide illumination of said manual input device.

24. The release system of claim 23, wherein said control is operable to deactivate said at least one illumination source a period of time following activation of said at lease one illumination source.

25. An apparatus adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said apparatus being positionable within a trunk compartment substantially enclosed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said apparatus adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element;

a control circuit for activating said gas operable assist device when the deck lid is closed in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event;

a manual input device for manually activating the release mechanism for opening the trunk compartment, said manual input device having an attachment for interconnection with the release mechanism of the trunk compartment; and

at least one illumination source which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of said manual input device.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said gas operable actuating device comprises a compressed gas container which includes a piston in communication with a compressed gas source.

27. An apparatus adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said apparatus being positionable within a trunk compartment substantially enclosed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said apparatus adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element;

a control circuit for activating said gas operable assist device when the deck lid is closed in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event;

a manual input device for manually activating the release mechanism for opening the trunk compartment, said manual input device having an attachment for interconnection with the release mechanism of the trunk compartment, said manual input device being movable to actuate the release mechanism; and

at least one of a motion sensor and a temperature sensor, said at least one activating event being at least one of a movement of said manual input device, a detection of a movement within the trunk compartment by said motion sensor and a detection of a predetermined temperature of an object within the trunk compartment by said temperature sensor.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said control circuit further activates at least one of an alarm, a lock release, a horn and at least one auxiliary illumination source on the vehicle in response to at least one of a movement of said manual input device, an output of said motion sensor and an output of said temperature sensor.

29. An apparatus adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said apparatus being positionable within a trunk compartment substantially enclosed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said apparatus adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element;

a control circuit for activating said gas operable assist device when the deck lid is closed in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event; and

at least one of a motion sensor and a temperature sensor, said at least one activating event being at least one of a detection of a movement within the trunk compartment by said motion sensor and a detection of a predetermined temperature of an object within the trunk compartment by said temperature sensor.

30. An apparatus adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said apparatus being positionable within a trunk compartment substantially enclosed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said apparatus adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element;

a control circuit for activating said gas operable assist device when the deck lid is closed in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event; and

an occupant detector, wherein said occupant detector comprises a first sensor, disposed in the trunk compartment, for generating an alert signal responsive to sensed conditions in the trunk compartment, said control circuit being coupled to the sensor and operable to receive the alert signal and generate a control signal in accordance with the alert signal.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said control circuit receives a motion signal, generated by the vehicle, indicative of vehicle motion.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the control signal will not actuate said gas operable assist device while the vehicle is in a non-stationary state.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 further comprising an output indicator, coupled to said control circuit, for receiving the control signal and outputting an indication in accordance with the alert signal.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said output indicator is selected from the group consisting of headlamp, horn, siren, pager, mirror indicator and dashboard indicator.

35. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the alert signal is generated by the first sensor sensing a predetermined quantity of stimuli within a predetermined period of time.

36. The apparatus of claim 35 further comprising a temperature sensor coupled to said control circuit for sensing compartment ambient temperature, wherein said control circuit generates the control signal based on a second quantity of stimuli that is a lower quantity of stimuli than said predetermined quantity of stimuli when the compartment ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.

37. An apparatus adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said apparatus being positionable within a trunk compartment substantially enclosed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said apparatus adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element, said gas operable actuating device comprising a compressed gas container which includes a piston in communication with a compressed gas source; and

a control circuit for activating said gas operable assist device when the deck lid is closed in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event, wherein said gas operable assist device comprises a compressed carbon dioxide container.

38. An apparatus adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said apparatus being positionable within a trunk compartment substantially enclosed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said apparatus adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element; and

a control circuit for activating said gas operable assist device when the deck lid is closed in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event, wherein said gas operable assist device is actuatable to generate movement of a cable connected to the release mechanism.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 further including a manual input device for manually activating the release mechanism for opening the trunk compartment, said manual input device having an attachment for interconnection with the release mechanism of the trunk compartment.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said manual input device is movable to actuate the release mechanism.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein said at least one activating event is movement of said manual input device.

42. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said gas operable assist device is actuatable to generate a force of at least approximately 10 Newtons at the release mechanism.

43. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said gas operable assist device is actuatable to generate a force of at least approximately 50 Newtons at the release mechanism.

44. An apparatus adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said apparatus being positionable within a trunk compartment substantially enclosed by the deck lid, the trunk compartment having a release mechanism for opening the deck lid, said apparatus adapted for operation from the interior of the trunk compartment and comprising:

a gas operable assist device connectable to the release mechanism, said gas operable assist device including at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element; and

a control circuit for activating said gas operable assist device when the deck lid is closed in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event, wherein said gas operable assist device comprises a pyrotechnic device.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said gas operable assist device includes a canister containing an explosive substance, which generates a high volume of gas when actuated.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the resultant gas generated by actuation of said explosive substance causes a mechanical element to move, thus exerting a force on a portion of the release mechanism to release the deck lid.