A vehicle headlight has a segmented light guide device in which segments are selectively controlled to operate in an output state that reduces glare to oncoming vehicle drivers. Vehicle sensors and controller circuitry are used to identify areas of glare removal in the light pattern of the headlight and control the corresponding segments in the light guide device to operate in a selected light output state that reduces glare. The segments can be operated in a focused output state for vehicle driver visibility, or in a scattered output state to reduce glare. The segments can be operated in a clear or transparent output state for vehicle driver visibility, or in a reflected output state to reduce glare. Reflected light can optionally be re-directed. The light guide device can employ bi-stable liquid crystal shuttering or liquid crystal switchable mirror technology.
B60Q 1/06 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
B60Q 1/076 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle by electric means
F21S 41/60 - Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
2.
DUAL FUNCTION LATCH ASSEMBLY FOR DUAL DOOR PILLAR-LESS DOOR SYSTEM AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE LATCH ASSEMBLY
A latch assembly for a closure system having first and second closure members each movable between open and closed positions and method of operation are provided. The assembly includes a primary latch mechanism that has a primary actuation group to control actuation of the first closure member. The latch assembly also includes a secondary latch mechanism that has a secondary actuation group operable to control actuation of the second closure member. A controller unit is coupled to the primary and secondary actuation groups and determines which of the primary actuation group and the secondary actuation group to actuate and controls actuation of at least one of the primary actuation group and the secondary actuation group accordingly. The primary and secondary latch mechanisms, primary and secondary actuation groups, and controller unit are all integrated into the housing. 4836-9007-7396 v2 [28925-847]
A closure latch assembly for installation in a vehicle door and method of construction thereof is provided. The closure latch assembly has at least one ratchet, a primary pawl, and an auxiliary pawl. At least one ratchet is moveable between a striker capture position and a striker release position. The primary pawl is moveable between a closed position and an open position. The auxiliary pawl is moveable between a closed position and an open position. An auxiliary pawl release lever is moveable between a rest position, whereat the auxiliary pawl is located in its closed position and the primary pawl is located in its closed position, and an engaged position, whereat the auxiliary pawl is moved to its open position and the primary pawl is moved to its open position.
A powered actuator includes a leadscrew as an extensible member connected to a closure, such as a vehicle side door, and is configured to move linearly for opening or closing the closure. The first powered actuator also includes a gearbox having a gearbox housing, the gearbox configured to apply a force to the extensible member for causing the extensible member to move linearly. One or more sealing assembly seals the gearbox housing as the extensible member translates linearly. A gearbox housing may include apertures on opposite sides thereof, with one aperture facing a shut face and the other aperture facing an inner cavity of the closure. The extensible member may be sealed at each aperture relative to the gearbox housing. One sealing assembly may be fixed at an aperture, with the extensible member translating therethrough.
E05F 15/622 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms using screw-and-nut mechanisms
E05F 15/614 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by a motor acting directly on the wing pivot axis
A closure latch assembly includes a latch module having a ratchet and a pawl, with the ratchet being moveable between a striker capture position and a striker release position and the pawl being moveable between a ratchet holding position, whereat the ratchet is maintained in the striker capture position, the a ratchet release position, whereat the ratchet is biased toward the striker release position. An actuator module including a power actuator is operably coupled to a drive gear. The drive gear has an actuation feature fixed thereto. A latch release mechanism operably couples the actuation feature to the pawl, wherein rotation of the drive gear via energization of the power actuator causes the latch release mechanism to move the pawl between the ratchet holding position and the ratchet release position.
E05B 81/20 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
A cable-operated drive mechanism for a powered motor vehicle sliding closure panel and method of construction of the cable-operated drive mechanism is provided. The cable-operated drive mechanism includes a cable drum mechanism having a first cable drum supported for rotation about a first drum axis and a second cable drum supported for rotation about a second drum axis. A first cable winds and unwinds about the first cable drum in response to rotation of the first cable drum in opposite directions and a second cable unwinds and winds about the second cable drum in response to rotation of the second cable drum in opposite directions. A drive member is operably coupled to at least one of the first cable drum and second cable drum to drive the first and second cable drums in unison with one another.
E05F 15/655 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings specially adapted for vehicle wings
B60J 5/06 - Doors arranged at the vehicle sides foldable
E05F 15/643 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings operated by flexible elongated pulling elements, e.g. belts, chains or cables
E05F 15/662 - Motor units therefor, e.g. geared motors
7.
VEHICLE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE WITH RADAR MODULE AND THERMAL MANAGEMENT
A vehicle exterior component, such as a handle assembly, a light module, a mirror housing, or an applique holds a radar sensor. A stand-alone radar module for mounting within a vehicle exterior component comprises a module housing defining an interior space configured to hold a radar module including a heat source, and a sealing material extending between the radar module and the module housing for blocking moisture and other contaminants. Several different arrangements attaching a heat sink to a radar IC for dissipating heat from the radar IC are provided.
G01S 7/02 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
A closure latch assembly for a dual-door closure system in a motor vehicle includes an anti-chucking mechanism and cinching mechanism in cooperation with a latch mechanism. The anti-chucking mechanism cooperates with the latch mechanism to provide an anti-chucking feature, while the cinching mechanism cooperates with the latch mechanism to provide a cinching feature, wherein an anti-chucking cancellation mechanism prevents interference of the anti-chucking mechanism with the cinching mechanism.
E05B 77/38 - Cushion elements, elastic guiding elements or holding elements, e.g. for cushioning or damping the impact of the bolt against the striker during closing of the wing
A non-contact object and/or gesture detection system includes at least one sensor configured to sense an object or motion within a field of view (FOV) using radio frequency radiation. Various sensor and brackets are provided which may allow a position and/or tilt of the sensor to be adjusted for controlling the FOV. A sensor housing includes a vent filter that breathable but impermeable to liquids. Various antenna designs are provided to provide desired FOV sizes and shapes, particularly for optimizing a radiation pattern that is relatively wide and shallow. A steerable antenna layout is also provided for controlling the location of the FOV without an adjustable bracket. A sensor housing including a projector mount for an icon projector is provided. A seal prevents debris from entering between the antenna and the bumper.
A counterbalance mechanism for coupling with a closure panel to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism including: a housing coupled at one end to one of the closure panel and a body of a vehicle by a first connector and at another end by a second connector to the other of the body and the closure panel, the housing containing an extension member and a spring positioned along a longitudinal axis, the spring positioned adjacent to the first connector; the first connector having a body with a connection portion coupled by a connection to an end of the housing positioned at the one end; and a spring retention mechanism for inhibiting extension of the spring out of the one end of the housing, the spring retention mechanism including: a spring retainer positioned between the spring and the end; and a retainer pin positioned between the spring retainer and the end; wherein upon decoupling of the connection portion with the end, the retainer pin inhibits movement of the spring and the spring retainer towards the one end along the longitudinal axis.
A contact sensor and method of construction thereof are provided. The contact sensor has a sensor body extending along an axis between a first end and an opposite second end. The sensor body has an internal cavity extending from the first end to the second. A first conductor extends through the internal cavity between the first end and the second end. A second conductor extends through the internal cavity, in spaced relation from the first conductor, between the first end and the second end. A wire harness is fixed in electrical communication with the first conductor and the second conductor adjacent at least one of the first end and the second end of the sensor body. The first conductor and the second conductor do not extend axially outwardly from the internal cavity beyond the first end and the second end of the sensor body.
A power closure member actuation system for moving a vehicle closure member between an open position and a closed position includes an actuator and a user movement sensor configured to sense a motion input from a user on the closure member to move the closure member. A user interface is configured to detect a user interface input to modify at least one stored motion control parameter associated with the movement of the closure member. A controller is configured to modify the at least one stored motion control parameter in response to detecting the user interface input. The controller detects the motion input and in response generates a force command using the at least one stored motion control parameter. The controller then commands movement of the closure member receiving the force command to vary an actuator output force acting on the closure member to move the closure member.
E05F 15/614 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by a motor acting directly on the wing pivot axis
A detection system for a closure panel of a vehicle and corresponding method of operation are provided. The system includes a detection module including a sensor subassembly for detecting an object in a detection zone and sensing a motion and characteristics of the object and outputting a corresponding sensor signal. The system also includes a gesture selector for accepting a user input from a user to select a valid activation gesture and a controller arrangement coupled to the sensor subassembly. The controller arrangement receives the user input from the gesture selector and adjusts a plurality of predetermined thresholds representing the valid activation gesture by the user required to move the closure panel based on the user input. The controller arrangement analyzes the sensor signal and determines whether the sensor signal is within the plurality of predetermined thresholds and then initiates movement of the closure panel accordingly. BLOOMFIELD 28925-614 2304938v4
E05F 15/70 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation
E05F 15/74 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects using photoelectric cells
E05F 15/76 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects responsive to devices carried by persons or objects, e.g. magnets or reflectors
E05F 15/77 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation using wireless control
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
14.
POWER SLIDING DOOR PULLEY ASSEMBLY WITH TENSIONER AND BLOCKING FEATURE
A pulley assembly with tensioner for a motor vehicle sliding closure panel and method of facilitating assembly of a motor vehicle sliding closure panel to a motor vehicle is provided. The pulley assembly with tensioner includes a housing and a bearing hub biased for sliding movement within housing from a pre-assembled position to an assembled position. An axle supporting an adjuster pulley is carried by the bearing hub for conjoint movement between the pre-assembled position and the assembled position. A blocking feature is configured to extend into the housing to a primary blocking position to maintain bearing hub in the pre-assembled position. The blocking feature is moveable to a release position, whereat bearing hub is biased to the assembled position. The blocking feature is moveable to a secondary blocking position, whereat the bearing hub is prevented from returning from the assembled position to the pre-assembled position.
A hinge assembly for assisting in moving a pivotal closure member from a closed position toward an open position relative to a motor vehicle body and for releasably holding the closure member in the open position, and method of construction thereof are provided. The hinge assembly has a first mount member configured for operable connection to one of the closure member and the motor vehicle body; a second mount member configured for operable connection to the other of the closure member and the motor vehicle body; at least one linkage operably coupling the first mount member to the second mount member; and at least one elastically deformable joint coupling the at least one linkage to at least one of the first mount member and the second mount member.
E05D 11/00 - Additional features or accessories of hinges
E05C 17/00 - Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith
E05D 11/06 - Devices for limiting the opening movement of hinges
A vehicle lamp including a plurality of solid state light emitters that emit light that passes through a cold mirror to be converted to human visible light by a conversion layer. Some converted light will exit the lamp in the desired direction. Some converted light will transmit toward the cold mirror be reflected by the cold mirror toward the exit of the lamp. A micro-optics layer is optically connected to the solid state light emitters to direct the light therefrom to the cold mirror. Controller is provided to control solid state light emitters and/or the controllable elements of microprism layer.
B60Q 1/06 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
F21S 41/30 - Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
F21S 41/37 - Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings
A latch assembly for a closure panel and corresponding method of operation are provided. The assembly includes an actuation group to latch and unlatch the closure panel using power from a main power source during normal operation. A first backup energy source is selectively coupled to the actuation group and stores energy during normal operation and supplies the energy during a failure. A second backup energy source is selectively coupled to the first backup energy source and supplies energy thereto during the failure. A latch controller is coupled to the backup energy sources and detects latch operation and whether there is normal operation. The latch controller charges the first backup energy source using energy from the second backup energy source based on the detection of latch operation and the failure and disconnects the second backup energy source during normal operation to conserve energy stored in the second backup energy source.
A vehicle lamp including a plurality of solid state light emitters and mircrolenses or microprisms optically connected to the light emitters. A base layer is configured to be adhered to a vehicle component (e.g., body) and support the solid state light emitters and the microprism layer. The microprism layer is optically connected to the matrix of solid state light emitters. A plurality of light direction controlling structures in the microprism layer can each control the direction of the light emitted from the solid state emitters and/or their lumen output levels from the lamp. Controller circuitry is provided to control solid state light emitters and/or the controllable elements of microprism layer.
F21S 41/63 - Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates
B60Q 1/04 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
F21S 41/153 - Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines arranged in a matrix
G02F 1/19 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-reflection or variable-refraction elements not provided for in groups
An entry backup energy assembly is provided for an electric latch that is powered by a main power source during a normal operating condition. The entry backup energy assembly includes a backup battery electrically coupled to an activation switch that is moveable to one of an activated state and a deactivated state. The entry backup energy assembly also includes a backup controller coupled to the activation switch and the backup battery and the electric latch. The backup controller is configured to receive power from the backup battery in response to movement of the activation switch to the activated state and wirelessly communicates with a user authentication unit to authenticate a user. The backup controller provides the backup electrical energy to the electric latch and enables the user to operate the electric latch during a failure operating condition in response to the user being authenticated.
B60R 16/033 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems characterised by the use of electrical cells or batteries
E05B 47/00 - Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
E05F 15/77 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation using wireless control
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H02J 9/04 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source
A ball socket assembly including a socket housing defining a socket. A ball mount is received by and coupled with the socket and is pivotable relative to the socket housing. An anti-rotation member is coupled with the socket housing and moveable between a locked position in which the anti-rotation member engages the ball mount and prevents pivoting of the ball mount relative to the socket housing in at least one direction, and an unlocked position in which the anti-rotation member is spaced from the ball mount and allows pivoting of the ball mount relative to the socket housing in the at least one direction.
A cable-operated drive mechanism for a vehicle sliding closure panel includes a housing and a motor configured to selectively rotate an output shaft. A cable drum is supported in the housing for rotation in response to rotation of the output shaft. A first cable coupled to the cable drum extends through a first cable port for operable attachment to the vehicle sliding closure panel. An adjuster pulley in the housing is moveable between assembly and installed positions. A second cable coupled to the cable drum engages the adjuster pulley and extends, in non-reversed bending fashion, through a second cable port for operable attachment to the vehicle sliding closure panel. The second cable has an assembly free-length when the adjuster pulley is in the assembly position and an installed free-length when the adjuster pulley is in the installed position, with the installed free-length being less than the assembly free-length.
E05F 15/643 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings operated by flexible elongated pulling elements, e.g. belts, chains or cables
22.
ACTIVE PEDESTRIAN HOOD HINGE WITH INTEGRATED LATCH ASSEMBLY
An active hinge including a hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle hood, a body bracket for attachment to a vehicle body, and a deploy bracket pivotally connected to the hood bracket and the body bracket. A pawl is pivotally connected to one of the hood bracket and the deploy bracket. A bolt is fixed to one of the hood bracket and the deploy bracket. The pawl is moveable between an unlocked position in which the pawl is spaced from the bolt, and a locked position wherein the pawl engages the bolt to fix the hood bracket to the deploy bracket. An actuator is configured to move the locking hook from the first to the second position and to cause the hood bracket to move. At least one locking element limits movement of the hood bracket relative to the body bracket.
The present disclosure relates to a closure latch assembly for a vehicle door, and more particularly to a closure latch assembly for a vehicle door equipped with a powered reset feature. To this end, the present disclosure relates to the use of a power actuator to actuate an actuatable mechanism in a power-on state, and an electronic reset circuit mechanism to reset the actuatable mechanism when the power actuator is in a power-off state. The electronic reset circuit mechanism is coupled to an electric motor associated with the power actuator.
An actuation system and method of operation for moving a closure panel in one of a normal drive state and a back drive state are provided. The actuation system includes a mechanical coupling for moving the closure panel. A motor with a shaft is directly and operably connected to the mechanical coupling to directly move the mechanical coupling. A sensor detects movement of the closure panel and couples to a controller connected to the motor. The controller moves the closure panel with the motor based on a detected motor movement command in the normal drive mode. The controller also detects movement of the closure panel using the at least one sensor and selectively brakes the movement of the closure panel based on the movement detected in the back drive state.
E05F 15/655 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings specially adapted for vehicle wings
E05F 15/662 - Motor units therefor, e.g. geared motors
E05F 15/689 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for vertically-sliding wings specially adapted for vehicle windows
E05F 15/697 - Motor units therefor, e.g. geared motors
A carrier module for a motor vehicle door assembly having inner and outer panels defining an internal door cavity between the inner and outer panels, with the inner panel having a central opening bounded by an inner periphery and at least one access opening remote from the central opening is provided. The carrier module includes a wall having an outer periphery sized to close off the opening in the inner panel, wherein the wall has at least one access port configured to register with the at least one access opening. Further, the carrier module includes at least one cover configured to close off the at least one access port, wherein the cover is readily removable to allow access to a component within the cavity.
B62D 65/06 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components the sub-units or components being doors, windows, openable roofs, lids, bonnets, or weather strips or seals therefor
A method for determining a capacitance value of a capacitive sensor begins by applying a sensor signal (Vx) to the capacitive sensor. The sensor signal (Vx) includes a number of charge-discharge pulse pairs distributed over a first period of time (T/N), with each pulse pair having a different pulse period. The method then proceeds by accumulating a number (N) of samples of a reference voltage (Vs) measured across a reference capacitor (Cs) that is coupled to the capacitive sensor over a second period of time (T) to produce an accumulated capacitance value (ACCUMULATED). The accumulated capacitance value (ACCUMULATED) is then divided by the number (N) of the samples to determine the capacitance value (Cx) of the capacitive sensor.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitance; Measuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance method; Measuring loss factor; Measuring dielectric constants
E05F 15/46 - Detection using safety edges responsive to changes in electrical capacitance
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
27.
AN OZONE CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME
An ozone cleaning system includes a cabinet defining a cleaning space, and an ozone generator disposed in fluid communication with the cleaning space and configured to produce and introduce ozone therein for cleaning items with ozone. An ozone neutralization unit is attached to the cabinet and includes an inlet and outlet tube each disposed within the cabinet. The ozone neutralization unit includes a heater/blower assembly in fluid communication with each tube and operable for heating and recirculating the ozone within the cleaning space. A method of operating the ozone cleaning system includes receiving an input to commence an ozone cleaning cycle, and then producing and introducing ozone into the cleaning space. The method proceeds by determining if the ozone cleaning cycle is complete, and then initiating and executing an ozone neutralization cycle to accelerate the rate of ozone neutralization after the ozone cleaning cycle is complete.
A61L 2/16 - Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
D06M 11/34 - Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with inorganic substances or complexes thereof; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment, e.g. mercerising with oxygen, ozone, ozonides, oxides, hydroxides or percompounds; Salts derived from anions with an amphoteric element-oxygen bond with oxygen, ozone or ozonides
A tire inflation apparatuses is provided for maintaining a predetermined inflation pressure of a pair of tires mounted on a dual wheel unit of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a first and a second pump unit that are connected to a housing that includes a mounting structure for engaging a complementary mounting structure of the dual wheel unit. The first and second pump include first and second pump rods configured to translate in response to rotation of the dual wheel unit. A gearset and an eccentric drive mechanism are arranged to reciprocate the first and second pump rods.
B60C 23/12 - Arrangement of tyre-inflating pumps mounted on vehicles operated by a running wheel
F04B 35/01 - Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for the means being mechanical
A closure panel assembly including: a closure panel configured for coupling to a vehicle and for being operated between a closed position and an open position; a closure panel drive system mounted on the closure panel, the closure panel drive system including a motor; and a first drive shaft coupling a drive output of the motor to a first attachment pivot point of a first linear actuator used in operating the closure panel between the closed position and the open position, such that the closure panel drive system is mounted remotely from the first attachment pivot point.
A vehicle defining an opening with a closure panel adapted to cover the opening generally includes a window in the closure panel. Furthermore, a rear window defrosting wire is often mounted to the window. A user interface system is disclosed to include a capacitive switch wire having a portion mounted to the window proximate to, and overlapping with, the rear window defrosting wire, and a capacitive switch control unit connected to the capacitive switch wire and adapted to interpret a change a capacitance near the terminus of the capacitive switch wire as a command request. The system includes a projector and a controller adapted to control the projector to project an image onto the window proximate to the terminus of the capacitive switch wire, receive an indication of receipt of the command request and transmit a command to cause a state change in an element of the vehicle.
B60Q 1/26 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
B60J 1/20 - Accessories, e.g. wind deflectors, blinds
B60Q 1/34 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating change of drive direction
B60Q 1/44 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating braking action
B60Q 1/52 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for indicating emergencies
B60R 16/02 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric
G06F 3/0481 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
G09F 21/04 - Mobile visual advertising by land vehicles
An active hinge with a reset mechanism that disables an additional degree of freedom in the hinge's movement to permit the trailing edge of a vehicle hood to lift is disclosed. The active hinge includes a deployment bracket on which a reset clip is mounted, a hood bracket for attachment to the vehicle's hood, and a body bracket for attachment to the vehicle's body. To re-lock movement between the deployment bracket and the hood bracket, an engagement tab on the reset clip enters a notch in the hood bracket whereby the reset clip rotates until a locking tab on the clip engages a hole in the deployment bracket. Curved surfaces mounted on the engagement and locking tabs provide surface-to-surface contact between the reset clip and the deployment bracket, whereby the deployment bracket is not scratched when the reset clip is rotated, thereby precluding rust from developing on the deployment bracket.
Vehicle parts, and more particularly wire and wire assembly parts, manufactured from a non-heat-treatable, wrought aluminum alloy are disclosed. The wire and wire assembly parts are shaped into different forms that meet certain strength and bendability requirements and are capable of being manufactured using forming, threading and swaging. The aluminum alloy used to manufacture the parts is a non-heat-treatable, wrought alloy formed predominantly from aluminum (Al) metal, which is alloyed primarily with magnesium (Mg), and which also includes silicon (Si), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), titanium (Ti), beryllium (Be) and other elements.
C22C 21/06 - Alloys based on aluminium with magnesium as the next major constituent
C22C 21/08 - Alloys based on aluminium with magnesium as the next major constituent with silicon
C22F 1/05 - Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working of aluminium or alloys based thereon of alloys of the Al-Si-Mg type, i.e. containing silicon and magnesium in approximately equal proportions
B62D 29/00 - Superstructures characterised by material thereof
33.
DUAL MOTOR DEVICE WITH APPLICATION TO POWER CINCH AND LATCH MECHANISM
A rotary drive actuation system for actuating a latch including: an output shaft having a member affixed at one end of the output shaft for coupling to a component of the latch; a common drive element affixed to the output shaft at the other end of the output shaft; and a plurality of motors coupled to the common drive element for simultaneously driving the common drive element and the output shaft in a first rotary direction to effect actuation of the latch.
A method for operating a closure panel of a vehicle, comprising: using a processor, determining whether a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor located on a periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated to indicate an object moving across the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor; and, controlling the closure panel to open or close when the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor have been sequentially activated.
A latch assembly for driving a closure panel from a closed panel position to an open panel position. The latch assembly comprises: a latch mechanism having a first latch element for retaining a mating latch component in a latched position and for moving the mating latch component from the latched position to an unlatched position when released, the movement of the first latch element biased towards the unlatched position by a latch biasing element; and an actuation system having: a mechanical energy storage system having a device for storing mechanical potential energy for assisting the latch biasing element in moving the mating latch component from the latched position to the unlatched position; a mechanical advantage system having a plurality of advantage elements for engaging the device, such that movement of the plurality of advantage elements is associated with a trigger force and cooperation of the plurality of advantage elements provides for amplification of the trigger force as an initiating force to release the stored mechanical potential energy; and a trigger system configured to provide the trigger force to release the stored mechanical potential energy.
A friction based counterbalance mechanism for coupling with a closure panel to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel for at least a portion of a path between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism including: an elongate member positioned on a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the counterbalance mechanism, the elongate member having a peripheral surface, the elongate member having a proximal end for coupling to one of the closure panel and a body of a vehicle; a travel member having a body and at least one friction member mounted on the body, the travel member positioned on the longitudinal axis for reciprocation there along and for providing contact between the at least one friction member and the peripheral surface, said contact for generating a friction force in a first region along the longitudinal axis and in a second region along the longitudinal axis; and a support member coupled to the travel element at a proximal end and for coupling at a distal end to the other of the closure panel and a body of a vehicle, the support member for guiding said reciprocation. The friction based counterbalance mechanism can be incorporated as part of a biasing strut such as a spring configured strut.
A capacitive sensing system for a liftgate of a vehicle includes at least one elongate capacitive sensor mounted on a trim panel of the liftgate. The at least one elongate capacitive sensor is arranged to extend over an area of the trim panel. The capacitive sensing system also includes a controller coupled to the at least one elongate capacitive sensor for monitoring changes in a capacitance value of the at least one elongate capacitive sensor, with the capacitance value changing when an obstacle approaches the area.
H03K 17/955 - Proximity switches using a capacitive detector
38.
PROACTIVE SAFETY METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS, AND SAFETY METHODS AND DEVICES FOR BLOCKING OPERATION OF LATCHES FOR OCCUPANT INGRESS AND EGRESS CLOSURE PANELS
A method for controlling a blocking component for a latch of a closure panel of a vehicle, the latch having latch components including a ratchet and pawl, the method comprising: determining whether an occupant is in the vehicle and whether a speed of the vehicle is above a first threshold; and blocking release of the latch by positioning the blocking component whenever the occupant is in the vehicle and the speed is above the first threshold, automatically without occupant intervention, into a blocking position adjacent to at least one of the latch components to restrict movement of the at least one of the latch components which movement would cause the latch to open, wherein the blocking position is adjacent either the ratchet or the pawl, and restricts movement of the ratchet or pawl, respectively.
An obstacle sensor for a closure panel of a vehicle includes an elongate non-conductive case which encloses a first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes. The first and second electrodes are separated by a portion of the case, with a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode. The changed capacitance of the obstacle sensor provides a proximity indication of the obstacle to the obstacle sensor. The second and third electrodes are separated by an air gap formed in the case, with a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the case by the obstacle. The changed resistance of the obstacle sensor provides a contact indication of the obstacle with the obstacle sensor.
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 3/02 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with propagation of electric current
In an aspect, an enclosure member for a circuit board includes first, second, third, fourth and fifth walls that define an interior. The first and second walls face each other. The third and fourth walls face each other. The fifth wall faces an opening. The first and second support members face the second wall. The second support member is spaced longitudinally from the first support member. The first and second walls are spaced apart by a distance that increases towards the opening. Any surfaces in the interior that at least partially face the second wall have a distance from the second wall that does not decrease towards the opening. The interior is free of surfaces that face the fifth wall and are perpendicular to the second wall thereby preventing die lock during molding, while providing the enclosure member with first and second support members that are spaced longitudinally.
An electronic latch assembly (1) for a closure device (2) of a motor vehicle (3), having an actuator group(6) operable for actuation of the closure device (2) and an electric motor (6d) controllable to drive the actuator group (6); the electronic latch assembly (1) has a backup energy source (20), and a control unit (21) controlling the electric motor (6d) and the backup energy source (20) to provide a backup supply voltage (V sc ) during an emergency operating condition. The control unit (21) is configured to enter an emergency mode to cause disabling of actuation of the closure device(2), upon detecting the occurrence of the emergency operating condition, and to maintain disabled the actuation of the closure device(2), during the emergency operating condition.
E05B 81/86 - Electrical circuits characterised by the power supply; Emergency power operation using capacitors
E05B 77/12 - Automatic locking or unlocking at the moment of collision
E05B 81/14 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
42.
ELECTRONIC LATCH OF A MOTOR-VEHICLE CLOSURE DEVICE, PROVIDED WITH AN IMPROVED BACKUP ENERGY SOURCE
An electronic latch assembly (1) for a closure device (2) of a motor vehicle (3), having an actuator group (6') operable to control actuation of the closure device (2) and an electric motor (9) controllable to drive the actuator group(6') and supplied, during a normal operating condition, by a main power source (4) of the motor vehicle (3) providing a main supply voltage (Vbatt); the electronic latch assembly (1) has a backup energy source (20), and a control unit (21) controlling the backup energy source (20) to supply the electric motor (9) during a failure operating condition. The backup energy source (20) has a super capacitor group (22), which stores energy during the normal operating condition and provides a backup supply voltage (Vsc) to supply the electric motor (9) during the failure operating condition.
E05B 81/86 - Electrical circuits characterised by the power supply; Emergency power operation using capacitors
E05B 77/12 - Automatic locking or unlocking at the moment of collision
E05B 47/00 - Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
E05B 81/14 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
43.
BACKUP ENERGY SOURCE FOR AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS AND RELATED CONTROL METHOD
A backup energy source (1) for an automotive system (102) in a motor vehicle (101) is designed to receive a main supply voltage (Vbatt), during a normal operating condition, and to provide a backup supply voltage (Vsc) during a failure operating condition, different from the normal operating condition. The backup energy source (1) has a control unit (2), and a supercapacitor group (4), operable by the control unit (2) to store energy during the normal operating condition and to provide the backup supply voltage (Vsc) during the failure operating condition. A diagnostic module (10) is coupled to the supercapacitor group (4) to provide the control unit (2) with information concerning an operating status of the supercapacitor group (4).
In an embodiment, a latch includes a ratchet and pawl. A lock includes a link pivotable between unlocked and locked positions wherein a release lever operates the pawl, and the lever disconnects from the pawl respectively. A cam rotates between unlocking and locking positions wherein the link can move to the unlocked position, and the link pivots to the locked position respectively. An override member rotates between actuatable and non- actuatable positions wherein the lever can engage the override member to unlock the cam, and the lever disconnects from the override member respectively. The lock is positionable in an unlocked state wherein the link is unlocked, a locked state wherein the link is locked, the cam is in the locking position and the override member is actuatable, and a second locked state wherein the link is locked, the cam is in the locking position and the override member is non-actuatable.
E05B 77/24 - Functions related to actuation of locks from the passenger compartment of the vehicle preventing use of an inner door handle, sill button, lock knob or the like
E05B 77/26 - Functions related to actuation of locks from the passenger compartment of the vehicle preventing use of an inner door handle, sill button, lock knob or the like specially adapted for child safety
45.
CLOSURE PANEL DRIVE SYSTEM WITH THIRD POSITION HOLD
In an aspect, a drive system is provided for a closure panel for a vehicle. The drive system is capable of supporting the closure panel in an intermediate position between open and closed positions. The drive system supports the closure panel against a closing force.
In one aspect a vehicle latch is provided having a ratchet, a primary pawl, an auxiliary ratchet and a secondary pawl, and further including a gear that is movable to a secondary pawl locking position wherein the gear directly blocks movement of the secondary pawl and locks the secondary pawl in an auxiliary ratchet holding position to prevent premature or unintended opening of the latch.
In an aspect, a latch is provided for a vehicle door, and includes a housing, a ratchet and pawl, a release lever, a primary lock lever, an inside lock lever and a double lock lever. The primary lock lever is movable between locked and unlocked positions to prevent or permit a connection of the release lever to the pawl. The inside lock lever is movable by a lock knob on the door and is operatively connectable to the primary lock lever to cause movement of the primary lock lever to the locked position and unlocked position respectively. The double lock lever is movable between a double locked position to operatively disconnect the inside lock lever from the primary lock lever (e.g. via a link), and a non-double locked position in which the double lock lever operatively disconnects the inside lock lever to the primary lock lever.
In an aspect, a latch for a closure panel for a vehicle is provided, and includes a ratchet, a pawl, a release lever, and an extension member. The ratchet is movable between a primary closed position, a secondary closed position and an open position. The pawl is movable between a primary locking position, a secondary locking position and an unlocking position. The release lever is movable between a home position and an actuated position. When the pawl is in the primary locking position the release lever has a selected amount of reach for driving the pawl to the secondary locking position during movement of the release lever to the actuated position. When the pawl is in the secondary locking position the extension member is movable to a position to extend the reach of the release lever to drive the pawl from the secondary locking position to the unlocked position during movement of the release lever from the home position to the actuated position.
A closure panel latch assembly can include an overslam bumper mechanism comprising a biasing element as a spring formed from a metallic material positioned relative to a slot of the latch assembly. The biasing element resists entry of a striker into the slot beyond a selected position in order to inhibit contact of the striker with a bottom end of the slot. Also provided is a closure panel latch assembly configured with the biasing element as a resilient element positioned relative to the slot of the latch assembly; The biasing element is coupled to the striker engagement member, such that the striker engagement member is positioned to engage the striker and resist travel of the striker towards the bottom end, wherein the biasing element controls the resistance to movement of the striker engagement member by the striker.
A bed, comprising: a user support structure including a body support member having a head region and a foot region, and a foot support member positioned proximate the foot region of the body support member and projecting laterally from the body support member; a frame for supporting the user support structure on a support surface; a coupling mechanism coupling the user support structure to the frame and providing for relative movement there-between; and an actuator that is configured to move the user support structure relative to the frame between a user rest position and a user reception/departure position, such that when in the user rest position the body support member is oriented to support the body of a user lying at least indirectly thereon, and when in the user reception/departure position, the body support member is oriented laterally to the foot support member such that the foot support member is oriented to support the user standing thereon.
A47C 17/86 - Parts or details for beds, sofas or couches only not fully covered in a single one of the groups , , , , , or
A47C 19/22 - Combinations of bedsteads with other furniture or with accessories, e.g. with bedside cabinets
A61G 7/005 - Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons having adjustable mattress frame tiltable around transverse horizontal axis, e.g. for Trendelenburg position
51.
AUTOMATIC DOOR CONTROLLER AND DOOR ACTUATION EQUIPMENT
An actuated hinge assembly for facilitating pivoting movement of a door, the hinge assembly including: a first hinge member; a second hinge member pivotally coupled to the first hinge member; a powered actuator operatively coupled to the first hinge member, the actuator configured to drive relative rotation of the first hinge member and the second hinge member with respect to each other; wherein one hinge of the first hinge member and the second hinge member is configured for mounting to the door and the other of the first hinge member and the second hinge member is configured for mounting to a door frame of the door. Also included is a controller unit configured to control actuation of a powered latch assembly and/or the actuated hinge assembly using control signals received from a transponder.
An integrally moulded object body is disclosed for retaining fasteners in a pre-attachment position and deforming to accommodate attachment tolerances. The object body has a fastener retaining portion that has an aperture defined therein that has a fastener-engaging edge that grips the shaft of the fastener in the pre-attachment position. The fastener retaining is deformable to allow the fastener to move laterally and be attached off-center from the pre-attachment position to accommodate attachment tolerances. The fastener retaining portion can have areas of weakness to allow deformation. These areas of weakness can comprise areas of reduced thickness or radial extensions that extend towards the perimeter of the fastener retaining portion. The object body also has a clearance portion that defines a mounting face that the fastener does not extend past in the pre-attachment position. The object body can further comprise a compression portion that engages with the shoulder of the fastener and is compressed between the shoulder the object that the object body is attached onto in the attachment position. The compression portion can also have a bushing that provides increased torque retention by engaging with the fastener shoulder and the object that the object body is attached onto.
B62D 65/06 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components the sub-units or components being doors, windows, openable roofs, lids, bonnets, or weather strips or seals therefor
F16B 29/00 - Screwed connection with deformation of nut or auxiliary member while fastening
F16B 41/00 - Measures against loss of bolts, nuts, or pins; Measures against unauthorised operation of bolts, nuts, or pins
F16B 5/02 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of fastening members using screw-thread
A latch assembly for driving a closure panel from a closed panel position to an open panel position. The latch assembly comprises: a latch mechanism having a first latch element for retaining a mating latch component in a latched position and for moving the mating latch component from the latched position to an unlatched position when released, the movement of the first latch element biased towards the unlatched position by a latch biasing element; and an actuation system having: a mechanical energy storage system having a device for storing mechanical potential energy for assisting the latch biasing element in moving the mating latch component from the latched position to the unlatched position; a mechanical advantage system having a plurality of advantage elements for engaging the device, such that movement of the plurality of advantage elements is associated with a trigger force and cooperation of the plurality of advantage elements provides for amplification of the trigger force as an initiating force to release the stored mechanical potential energy; and a trigger system configured to provide the trigger force to release the stored mechanical potential energy.
A counterbalance mechanism for coupling with a closure panel to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel for at least a portion of a path between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism including: a frame; a biasing element mounted on the frame and configured to have a first biasing state to provide an opening force to assist in the opening of the closure panel and a second biasing state to provide a closing force to assist in the closing of the closure panel, the opening force opposite in direction to the closing force with respect to a weight of the closure panel.
In an aspect, a window regulator module kit is provided, comprising a guide rail having substantially no helical twist, a carrier plate having a selected mounting arrangement configured to bring the guide rail to a selected helically twisted position when the guide rail is mounted to the carrier plate, a lifter mountable to the guide rail, wherein the lifter is configured to hold a window glass, and a cable drive assembly connectable to the lifter so as to slide the lifter along the arcuate rail.
E05F 11/38 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for sliding windows, e.g. vehicle windows, to be opened or closed by vertical movement
In an aspect, an actuator is provided for moving a top cover panel that covers a stowage area for a retractable top on a vehicle between a closed position and an open position. The actuator includes a motor positionable in a rain trough of the vehicle, a gear train driven by the motor, a linkage and a slip coupling. The linkage is connected to the top cover panel and driven by the motor through the gear train, wherein the linkage is movable in a plane between a first position corresponding to the closed position of the top cover panel and a second position corresponding to the open position of the top cover panel, and wherein the motor axis is generally parallel to the plane.
B60J 7/08 - Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
In an aspect, a swing door actuation system is provided for moving a door about a vertical axis between open closed positions relative to a vehicle body. The system includes a housing connectable to one of the swing door and the vehicle body, an extensible member that moves relative to the housing, and connects to the other of the swing door and the vehicle body, a motor connected to a gear train that is non- backdrivable, and a normally engaged clutch. The motor is operatively connected to a clutch input end through the gear train. The output end is operatively connected to the extensible member. The clutch is disengageable to disconnect the motor from the extensible member. The clutch has a slip torque that is sufficiently high to prevent movement of the door when the door is exposed to less than a selected external torque and the motor is stopped.
In an example, a vehicle door module has a carrier carrying a plurality of functional door hardware components. The carrier defines a wet side facing towards a door cavity and a dry side facing away from the door cavity. The door includes an inner door panel having a front pocket and a rear pocket. The carrier includes front and rear latch presenters and carries front and rear door latches on the dry side thereof which seat in the front and rear door pockets. The latches are connected to reinforcement plates which are connected by fasteners at positions surrounding the door pockets thus enabling each latch to be easily accessed for service by simply removing the corresponding reinforcement plate, which may be located under an easily removed interior trim panel.
In an aspect, the invention is directed to a door assembly for a vehicle, that includes an outer panel, an inner panel and a carrier/intrusion member assembly. The outer panel and the inner panel are connected together to form a door panel structure, and together define a door cavity. The carrier/intrusion member assembly includes a carrier and an intrusion member connected to the carrier and mounted to the door panel structure. The carrier/intrusion member assembly further includes a plurality of door hardware components mounted to at least one of the carrier and the intrusion member. The hardware components extend into the door cavity.
B60R 21/00 - Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
A sliding door drive assembly is provided for a vehicle. The assembly includes at least one grooveless drum. The drum has a cable wrap surface and is rotatable to wind cable thereon and unwind cable therefrom. A guide is positioned to be aligned generally with a first axial edge of the cable wrap surface. As cable is wrapped on the drum, the angle of the cable (due to the position of the guide) biases the cable towards the first axial edge, so that successive wraps of cable are snuggly positioned adjacent prior wraps. In another aspect, a cable drum includes a ramp at a second axial edge of the cable wrap surface, which guides the cable radially outwardly to start a second layer of wraps of cable on the first layer of wraps. In another aspect, an absolute position sensor is provided for a powered sliding door.
A hood latch having an extra-long fishmouth for enabling a vehicle hood to deflect downwardly upon impact, such as when hit by a pedestrian in a frontal crash. To prevent this deflection when the hood is slammed shut in ordinary use, a stop lever is pivotally mounted to the latch housing. The stop lever features first and second arms defining a slot therein. One arm has a proboscis thereon and is biased to align the slot with the fishmouth, with the proboscis jutting into the fishmouth. The proboscis receives an impact from the striker and rotates the stop lever to a blocking position wherein the non-proboscis arm intercepts the striker and prevents it from reaching the bottom end of the fishmouth. In the closed position the ratchet retains the striker at an intermediate depth in the fishmouth, enabling the striker to travel toward the bottom end thereof.
A window regulator assembly having cables for driving one or more lifter plates along rails includes connectors for connecting the ends of cables together. The connectors are connectable together in a 'use' position and can be held in a lifter plate in the use position. By having the connectors connect to each other they withstand the tension in the cables when the window regulator assembly is at rest and the lifter plate is only required to withstand the differential tension between first and second cable segments during movement of the lifter plate. This allows the lifter plate to be formed from a relatively lower strength and less expensive material since it is subject to relatively lower stresses than prior art lifter plates.
E05F 11/48 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for sliding windows, e.g. vehicle windows, to be opened or closed by vertical movement operated by cords or chains
E05F 11/04 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for wings in general, e.g. fanlights with cords, chains, or cables
A window regulator motor assembly has an electric motor, a worm, a gear and a controller. The motor has an end face and an output shaft extending outwardly from the end face. The motor further includes a connector extending outwardly from the end face spaced from and generally parallel to the output shaft. The worm is on the output shaft and is driven by the motor. The gear is driven by the worm. The controller includes a circuit board positioned between the output shaft and the motor connector. A motor control connector extends from a first face of the circuit board and engages the motor connector. A speed sensor is on the second face of the circuit board and faces the output shaft.
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a motor/drive arrangement for a window regulator in a vehicle, whereby the motor/drive arrangement includes a motor and a gearbox. The gearbox includes a plurality of gears including a final gear, and further includes a back-drive prevention mechanism that is configured to transfer rotational power from the final gear to a gearbox output shaft, and that is also configured to prevent the transfer of rotational power from the gearbox output shaft to the final gear. As a result, neither the motor nor the gear teeth of any of the gears are required to resist back-driving forces. As a result a potential source of failure is eliminated. In some embodiments, all the gears in the gearbox may be high efficiency gears. In particular the first gear in the gearbox may be a high efficiency gear, such as a worm with a relatively high efficiency tooth profile and lead angle. By using a high efficiency gear, the motor used to drive the window regulator may be smaller, may consume less power, may be lighter, and/or may be less expensive.
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
F16H 35/10 - Arrangements or devices for absorbing overload or preventing damage by overload
65.
VEHICULAR ANTI-PINCH SYSTEM WITH RAIN COMPENSATION
A method for preventing a vehicular door or window panel from pinching an obstruction extending through an aperture of the vehicle by measuring a capacitance of a field extending through the aperture using a capacitive sensor as a motor drives the panel between the open and closed positions, correlating the measured capacitance to panel position to create closing data, comparing the closing data to a reference map to create a compare value, and detecting an object in a path of the panel as it moves toward the closed position when the compare value exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is dependent on the relative wetness of the sensor, which is determined by comparing the capacitance of the sensor at predetermined panel positions against a calibration wetness profile.
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
B60J 1/20 - Accessories, e.g. wind deflectors, blinds
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a sharpener for sharpening a snowice travel member such as a skate blade, a ski or a snowboard, which includes a sharpening surface that is movable lengthwise along an edge face of the item to be sharpened. The sharpening surface may be movable lengthwise by means of a motor and a reciprocating mechanism, or may be manually moved by a user.
B24B 9/04 - Machines or devices designed for grinding edges or bevels on work or for removing burrs; Accessories therefor characterised by a special design with respect to properties of materials specific to articles to be ground of metal, e.g. skate blades
A63C 3/10 - Auxiliary devices for sharpening blades
In another particular embodiment, a parking brake assembly is provided and includes a parking brake lever, a first locking member that is connectable to the parking brake cable, a second locking member and a spring. The parking brake lever is operatively connected to the second locking member for movement between a locking position wherein the second locking member engages the first locking member and locks the first locking member for movement with the parking brake lever in a first direction, and an unlocking position wherein the second locking member unlocks the first locking member from the parking brake lever during movement of the parking brake lever in the first direction. The spring is positioned to apply a tensioning force to the parking brake cable and is positioned to bias the second locking member towards the locking position.
B60T 7/08 - Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation hand-actuated
B60T 11/04 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator without power assistance or drive or where such assistance or drive is irrelevant transmitting mechanically
F16D 65/54 - Slack adjusters mechanical self-acting in one direction for adjusting excessive play by means of direct linear adjustment
G05G 1/04 - Controlling members for hand-actuation by pivoting movement, e.g. levers
G05G 23/02 - Means for ensuring the correct positioning of parts of control mechanisms, e.g. for taking-up play self-adjusting
G05G 5/06 - Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member for holding members in one or a limited number of definite positions only
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door. The closure latch includes a ratchet movable between an open position and a closed position, a first door release lever operatively connected to the ratchet, a second door release lever, and a lock lever movable along a lock lever path including a first lock lever position wherein the second door release lever is operatively disconnected from the first door release lever, a second lock lever position wherein the lock lever operatively connects the second door release lever to the first door release lever, and a third lock lever position wherein the lock lever carries out an additional function.
E05C 3/16 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch
In one aspect, the invention is directed a door latch system for a vehicle door. The door latch system includes a primary lock, a double lock and a child lock that are operated using only two motors. In a particular embodiment of this aspect, the vehicle door includes an outside door release handle and an inside door release handle. The door ratchet that is connectable to a striker. The primary lock lever is configured to control an operative connection between the outside door release handle and the door ratchet. The primary lock motor is operatively connected to the primary lock lever. The double lock lever is configured to control an operative connection between the outside door release handle and the door ratchet, and configured to control an operative connection between the inside door release handle and the door ratchet. The child lock lever configured to control the operative connection between the inside door release handle and the door ratchet. The first double-lock-and-child-lock motor is operatively connected to the double lock lever and to the child lock lever.
A latch comprises a ratchet moveable between a latched position and a released position with the ratchet being biased to the released position. A pawl is moveable between a ratchet-engaged position in which the pawl checks the movement of the ratchet and a ratchet-disengaged position with the pawl being biased to the ratchet-engaged position. An electromechanical actuator has an output member for moving the pawl to the ratchet-disengaged position with the actuator output member moving between a start position and an end position and vice versa. A snowload lever is moveable between a pawl-disengaged position and a pawl-engaged position, wherein, in the pawl-engaged position, the snowload lever blocks the actuator output member from returning to the start position.
In an aspect, the invention is directed to a window regulator assembly that includes a carrier, a set of lifter plates, a drive motor and drive cables for operatively connecting the drive motor to the lifter plates. At least one rail may be integral with the carrier. The carrier has a carrier seal that is co-molded therewith. The carrier has a pulley assembly thereon that includes a pulley and a pulley bearing member that has a pulley bending load bearing surface that is conical and that mates with a carrier bending load bearing surface that is inner-conical. The lifter plate is capable of a relatively strong connection to a vehicle window. The lifter plate has a window pass-through member that passes through a locking aperture in the vehicle window. The window pass-through member has two ends and is supported at both ends against vertical withdrawal of the vehicle window. The lifter plate also has a reduced tendency to bind when in use. The lifter plate has lateral engagement surfaces that are for engagement with lateral guide surfaces and has cable mounts for receiving drive cables. The cable mounts are positioned laterally between the lateral engagement surfaces. Additionally, the vehicle window lifter plate has lateral engagement surfaces that are for engagement with lateral guide surfaces. The lateral engagement surfaces are biased against the lateral guide surfaces, thereby giving the lifter plate the capability to accommodate lateral forces with a reduced tendency to bind. A wiring harness clip for holding wiring harnesses to the carrier is provided. The wiring harness clip has two clip elements that together define a wiring harness retaining aperture in a longitudinal direction and an inlet thereto. The wiring harness inlet is canted to a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal direction. The perpendicular spacing between the two clip elements is larger than the distance between them in the transverse direction.
A power drive system for a sliding door on a motor vehicle includes a guide track fixedly secured to the vehicle. A motor fixedly secured to the track is adapted to receive power. The motor converts the power into a rotational force. A set of pulleys and wheels are fixedly secured to the track to direct the path of a belt. The belt extends between first and second ends which are operatively coupled to the door and move relative to each other as the motor drives the belt to move the door between open and close positions. Upon manual movement of the door, relative movement between the first and second ends of the belt is sensed by sensors. The sensors create a feedback signal received by an electronic controller which operates the motor to overcome a motor back-driving force and belt friction forces created during manual movement of the door.
A sliding door drive assembly for a motor vehicle having a sliding door includes a transmission operatively connected to a motor for transmitting a rotating force to an output shaft. A cable drum is fixedly secured to the output shaft and rotates therewith. First and second cables are wound about the cable drum in opposite directions. The first cable extends from the cable drum forward along the sliding door. The second cable extends from the cable drum rearward along the sliding door. Support guides extend tangentially out from the cable drum to guide the first and second cables outwardly and away from the cable drum along a path minimizing frictional forces. Front and rear pulley assemblies are mounted to the motor vehicle and are operatively coupled to the first and second cables between the sliding door drive assembly and the sliding door for tensioning the first and second cables.
In a particular embodiment, the door latch system includes a ratchet, a pawl, a release lever, a lock link, a double lock lever and a double lock override lever. The ratchet is movable between a closed position for holding a striker, and an open position. The pawl is movable between a ratchet locking position wherein the pawl holds the ratchet in the closed position, and a ratchet release position wherein the pawl permits the ratchet to move to the open position. The release lever is movable between a rest position and a pawl release position. The lock link is movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position. In the engagement position the lock link is positioned to transfer movement of the release lever to the pawl release position into movement of the pawl to the ratchet release position. In the disengagement position the lock link does not transfer movement of the release lever to the pawl release position into movement of the pawl to the ratchet release position. The double lock lever is movable between a double locking position wherein the double lock lever prevents movement of the lock link out of the disengagement position, and an undouble locking position wherein the double lock lever permits movement of the lock link to the engagement position. The double lock override lever is movable between a first position wherein the double lock override lever prevents the double lock lever from being in the double locking position, and a second position wherein the double lock lever is movable to the double locking position. The ratchet has a double lock override control surface thereon that is positioned to move the double lock override lever to the first position when the ratchet moves to the open position.
A modular latch for an automotive vehicle is provided. It includes a latch core (a housing and a ratchet and pawl rotatably mounted to the housing), a mounting plate that secures the latch core to the vehicle. The latch core can use any of a plurality of different mounting plates for a lift gate latch, a decklid latch, and a sliding door latch; A latch module is mounted to the latch core to provide different functional including a manual release latch module, a power release latch module, a power lock and unlock latch module, and a power cinching and release latch module. The latch core may fit a more or less universal envelope. The latch may employ one or more status sensors. Those status sensors may sense striker position, and may not necessarily include any sensors mounted to monitor ratchet position. The latch may include a layered latch core in which one or more sensor members move in different planes from the pawl and ratchet.
The invention is a window regulator for moving a closure panel between a first and a second position in a door for a vehicle. The window regulator includes at least one rail with a lift plate slidably mounted to the at least one rail that retains the closure panel. An adjustable mounting structure pivotally attaches the at least one rail to a surface in the door so that the closure panel is operable to pivot around a fixed instantaneous center that is displaced away from the at least one rail. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting structure includes a jackscrew mounted to one end of the rail and a four bar hinge located at the other end.
E05F 11/38 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for sliding windows, e.g. vehicle windows, to be opened or closed by vertical movement
A latch assembly is provided for selectively engaging a striker to releasably secure a door to a motor vehicle body. The latch assembly includes a housing and a ratchet rotatably mounted to the housing for movement between an unlatched position and a latched position retaining the striker. The latch assembly also includes a striker bumper mounted to the housing. The striker bumper includes a bulbous end having an internal cavity for absorbing a striker impact and biasing the striker against the ratchet when the ratchet is in the latched position thereby preventing rattling of the striker against the ratchet.
A method is provided for molding an integral joint including a stationary member and an enclosure rotatable about the stationary member. The method utilizes a joint formation assembly defining an inner cavity, a first passageway connected to the inner cavity, an outer cavity surrounding the inner cavity, and a second passageway connected to the outer cavity. The method includes the steps of: introducing moldable material into the inner cavity from the first passageway to form the stationary member; introducing moldable material into the outer cavity from the second passageway to form the enclosure; and divorcing the inner cavity from the outer cavity for separately and independently forming the enclosure around the stationary member to allow rotatable movement of the enclosure about the stationary member.
The invention is a lifter plate for a window regulator adapted for the insertion of a window glass. The lift plate includes a main body portion adapted for translational movement by the window regulator. A flange jaw is spaced apart from the main body portion and connected to the main body portion by a flexible joint interconnecting the body portion and the flange jaw. The flexible joint is integrally formed as part of the lifter plate and is shaped in an undulating waveform pattern.
E05F 11/38 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for sliding windows, e.g. vehicle windows, to be opened or closed by vertical movement
The invention is a decklid latch with a SMA actuator. The actuator includes a latch plate with a ratchet rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a released position and an engaged position operable to retain a striker. A pawl is rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a an engaged position operable to retain the ratchet, and a release position operable to allow the ratchet to pivot. An selectively-contractible wire is connected to the pawl by a lost motion connection and is operable to move the pawl to the release position when contracted to actuate the latch. Portions of the selectively contractible wire have been annealed to reduce brittleness. Multiple material crimps are used to further reduce strain on the selectively contractible wire.
E05C 3/22 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch the bolt being spring-controlled
A door assembly is provided that includes integral impact regions that obviate the need for a separate impact beam. The door assembly includes an outer panel and an inner panel, operably connected to the outer panel so that a compartment is formed therebetween. At least one hardware-mounting surface is integrally formed from the inner panel and extends towards the outer panel. Each of the hardware mounting surfaces is operable to mount a hardware component between the inner and outer panels. At least one integrally-formed impact region is provided on the inner panel that is operable to strengthen the door assembly and increase its intrusion resistance of the vehicle door during a collision. The inner panel has substantially no large access openings that would be deleterious to impact resistance and substantially seals the vehicle passenger compartment from the external environment. The at least one impact region is also displaced at least as far away from the outer panel as the at least one hardware mounting surface.
B60R 13/02 - Trim mouldings; Ledges; Wall liners; Roof liners
B60R 21/02 - Occupant safety arrangements or fittings
E05F 11/48 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for sliding windows, e.g. vehicle windows, to be opened or closed by vertical movement operated by cords or chains
An actuator is provided that uses two lengths of shape memory alloy (SMA)wire to kinematically couple a first and second lever together. The two SMA wires are routed in generally V-shaped paths around a link pin that is coaxial with the first and second levers. By selectively contracting one of the wires, the link pin slides between a locked and an unlocked position. A locking pin extending from the link pin couples the first and second levers together while the link pin is in the unlocked position.
E05B 53/00 - Operation or control of locks by mechanical transmissions, e.g. from a distance
E05B 47/00 - Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
E05B 57/00 - Locks in which a pivoted latch is used also as locking means
E05C 3/16 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch
F16H 21/00 - Gearings comprising primarily only links or levers, with or without slides
An electronic control unit (ECU) for a motor is mounted to a drum housing or the like in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the surface of the drum housing on which the motor is mounted. The housing for the motor includes an aperture window. Power contacts from the ECU mate with contacts from the motor through the window. Hall-effect sensors attached to the ECU can extend through the aperture to be proximate a ring magnet attached to the armature shaft of the motor. Alternatively, flux guides attached to the drum housing to transmit magnetic flux information from the motor to the Hall-effect sensors. Alternatively, optical sensors attached to the ECU can detect rotations of a reflector ring attached to the armature shaft through the window.
H02K 5/10 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with arrangements for protection from ingress, e.g. of water or fingers
H02K 24/00 - Machines adapted for the instantaneous transmission or reception of the angular displacement of rotating parts, e.g. synchro, selsyn
H02K 7/14 - Structural association with mechanical loads, e.g. with hand-held machine tools or fans
H02P 6/00 - Arrangements for controlling synchronous motors or other dynamo-electric motors using electronic commutation dependent on the rotor position; Electronic commutators therefor
The latch includes a ratchet and pawl operable to move between an engaged position to hold a striker and a released position to permit the striker from exiting the latch. In addition, a release lever and a lock lever are pivotally mounted to the opposite surface of the latch housing. A lock link lever connects the release lever to the lock lever, having a first end pivotally mounted to the lock lever and a second end slidably located in a slot on the release lever. Actuating the release lever while the second end of the lock link lever is in its locked position pivots the lock link lever in a first arc and actuating the release lever while the lock link lever is in its unlocked position pivots the lock link lever in a second arc to actuate the pawl into its released position.
E05C 3/22 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch the bolt being spring-controlled
A sliding door drive assembly is used with a motor vehicle having an electric energy source and a sliding door. The sliding door drive assembly includes a motor that is electrically connected to the electric energy source. The motor converts electric energy into a rotating force. The sliding door drive assembly also includes a transmission that is operatively connected to the motor for transmitting the rotating force to an output shaft. A cable drum is fixedly secured to the output shaft and rotates with the output shaft. First and second cables are wound about the cable drum in opposite directions. The first cable extends from the cable drum forward along a path to the sliding door. The second cable extends from the cable drum rearward along the path toward the sliding door. The sliding door drive assembly also includes support guides extending tangentially out from the cable drum to guide the first and second cables outwardly and away from the cable drum along a path minimizing frictional forces.
A power operator assembly is provided for moving a sliding door between a sliding door of a motor vehicle between a closed position and an open position. The power operator assembly includes a guide rail fixedly secured to the motor vehicle and defining a rail length. A slide mechanism slidingly engages the guide rail. A drive is fixedly secured to the guide rail for selectively moving the slide mechanism along the guide rail in either direction. First and second cables each extend between the sliding door and the slide mechanism for moving the sliding door as the slide mechanism is driven along the guide rail. A compound pulley set is operatively connected to the drive and receives the first and second cables for powered movement of the sliding door a multiplied distance greater than the rail length as the slide mechanism is driven along the guide rail.
A power actuator is provided for a door latch. A transfer lever within the housing is selectively coupled to a motor-driven worm gear via a lost motion connector. Engaging the motor moves the transfer lever between a locked and an unlocked position, actuating an output lever mounted to a spline on the transfer lever. The worm gear returns to a neutral position when the motor is disengaged, leaving the transfer lever in either the locked or unlocked positions. Manually moving the output lever causes the transfer lever to move between its locked and unlocked positions without back-driving the worm gear. A toggle mechanism prevents the transfer lever from accidentally moving or only moving partially between the locked and unlocked positions.
A lost motion cam assembly for a vehicle lock. The assembly includes a lever, pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between locked and unlocked positions. A motor drives a gear mounted to a shaft in the housing. A cam is also rotatably mounted to the shaft, and includes a pair of opposing cam arms. When a cam arm engages a first interaction surface on the lever, the lever actuates. A second interaction surface on the lever stops the cam. The cam is operably connected to the gear by a lost motion connection that defines a range of free travel of the cam relative to the gear. Manually pivoting the lever while one of the pair of cam arms is in contact with the first interaction surface on the lever causes the cam to rotate within the range of free travel.
There is described a powered actuating device (6) for a lift gate (5) of a vehicle (4), having extensible actuating means (10) for moving the lift gate (5) between an open configuration and a closed configuration respectively opening and closing an access opening (2) of the vehicle (4), and elastic means (12) interposed between the lift gate (5) and a fixed portion (7) of the body of the vehicle (4) to define at least one position of equilibrium of the lift gate (5); the actuating means (10) have a first member (13) connected to the fixed portion (7) of the body of the vehicle (4), and a second member (14) connected to the lift gate (5) and movable with respect to the first member (13); the first and second member (13, 14) are powered by drive means (11) to perform a relative withdrawal movement and a relative approach movement respectively defining the open configuration and the closed configuration respectively opening and closing the lift gate (5); and the elastic means (12) are housed inside the actuating means (10) and connected to the first and second member (13, 14).
E05F 11/24 - Mechanisms by which the bar shifts the wing shifting the wing by pivotally-connected members moving in a plane parallel to the pivot axis of the wing
A single piece striker for a latch formed from stock, comprising a mounting plate with an integral striker bar. The striker bar extends out from the mounting plate via a neck portion. The engagement area of the striker bar has a greater diameter than the thickness of the mounting plate. The striker is formed using a progressive die. The striker bar is formed by compressing a portion of the stock to a greater thickness than the rest of the striker. Compressing a portion off the stock also provides a rounded engagement area across the length of the striker bar. Compression occurs over a series of dies that provide a progressively rounder shape. Locator channels within the dies help retain the striker bar during compression.
A window regulator that resists backdrive forces directly at the lift plate and rail, rather than by the drive assembly. A locking shoe mounted within the lift plate and selectively frictionally engages the rail while the drive assembly is at rest. Thus, any backdrive forces are transmitted from the window glass to the lift plate, and then directly to the rail, avoiding the drive assembly. A release fork that is coupled to the drive cable automatically disengages the locking shoe when the drive assembly is activated, and engages the locking shoe when the drive assembly disengages.
E05F 11/48 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for sliding windows, e.g. vehicle windows, to be opened or closed by vertical movement operated by cords or chains
A vehicle door includes inner and outer panels with a space between panels. Guide rails are mounted to the inner panel by an adjustable mounting assembly. The adjustable mounting assembly includes a first fastener, mounted to the rail, and a second fastener, mounted to the inner panel opposite the first fastener. A coupler interconnects the first and second fasteners along a common axis while providing a space between the ends of the fasteners. Apertures are provided near the bottom of the vehicle door to provide access to the couplers. Rotating the coupler with a wrench around the common axis alters the distance between the first and second fasteners.
E05F 11/38 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for sliding windows, e.g. vehicle windows, to be opened or closed by vertical movement
A power-release door lock system for an automotive door having a latch, including a ratchet (18) and pawl (20), and an electro-mechanical exterior latch release mechanism (220) for actuating the pawl to release the ratchet. The system includes a controller (210) and a pressure sensitive switch (216) mounted to an outside door handle (214) of the automotive door and electrically connected to the controller. The controller is programmed to disable the pressure sensitive switch in response to a predetermined 'lock' signal and enable the pressure sensitive switch in response to a pre-determined 'unlock' signal, in which case the controller energizes the exterior latch release mechanism to release the ratchet in the event the pressure sensitive switch is actuated. The system eliminates the need for an exterior lock assembly and its attendant inside lock button or rod.
A single rail window regulator that uses a plate with two spaced, parallel guides that are integral to the plate. A lift member, adapted to receive a window pane, is slidably coupled to both guides. A cable is wrapped around two opposing pulleys that are mounted on the plate and a cable drum that is coupled a drive system. The ends of the cable are attached to the lift member. Activating the drive system moves the lift member along the rails.
E05F 11/48 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for sliding windows, e.g. vehicle windows, to be opened or closed by vertical movement operated by cords or chains
patents
