Electronically-controlled vehicle door system

Details Electronically-controlled vehicle door system Electronically-controlled vehicle door system

1999-06-29

2001-07-10

Dayoan, B. (Department: 3627)

Movable or removable closures

Panel with closure feature

Modified to accommodate lock or latch

C292S336300

Reexamination Certificate

active

06256932

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to vehicle door systems and more particularly to a vehicle door system having a handle which is not mechanically linked to the door latch mechanism.
2. Discussion
Modern vehicle door systems typically include interior and exterior door handles which are coupled to the vehicle door and mechanically linked to the door unlatch mechanism. The mechanical links are conventionally rigid mechanical linkages which are typically formed from a steel rod. Alternatively, these mechanical links may include Bowden-type cables. The mechanical links extend from the handle through a hole in the door and are routed to the unlatch mechanism. Despite the widespread use of such system, several drawbacks are apparent.
One such drawback is the ability of water and dust to infiltrate into the door and/or passenger compartment from the hole in the door required to route the mechanical linkage from the door handle to the unlatch mechanism. Water and dust which enters the door can impair the operation of the linkage and/or unlatching mechanism through corrosion or the accumulation of grime. Water or dust entering the passenger compartment substantially impairs the comfort of the vehicle occupants.
Another drawback concerns the relative intolerance of mechanical links to variation in the fabrication of the door. Frequently, variation in the fabrication of the door will impair the mechanical links from properly functioning, necessitating their adjustment or replacement. Such adjustments represent a significant warranty expense for vehicle manufacturers.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an improved vehicle door system which does not require a mechanical linkage coupling the door handle to the door unlatching mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a vehicle door system which does not include a mechanical link between the door handle and the door unlatching mechanism.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a handle mechanism for a vehicle door system which permits the vehicle door to be unlatched without the use of mechanical links.
The vehicle door system of the present invention includes a vehicle door, a stationary handle fixed to the vehicle door, a door switch, a wiring harness having a sealing grommet, a power latching mechanism and a control module. The door switch is mounted to the stationary handle in a manner which permits the door switch to be actuated when the stationary handle is gripped to open the vehicle door. The wire harness extends from the door switch through an aperture in the vehicle door and couples the door switch to the control module. The sealing grommet substantially seals the aperture to inhibit the infiltration of water and dust into the vehicle door. Actuation of the door switch causes the generation of a door switch signal which is received by the control module. Upon receipt of the switch signal, the control module determines the latched condition of the power latching mechanism and controls its operation according to a predetermined control methodology.
Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


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