CN112339588A

CN112339588A - Illuminated latch

Info

Publication number: CN112339588A
Application number: CN202010792272.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 康斯坦丁·马勒; 托马斯·莱什纳-瓦茨利克
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2019-08-08
Filing date: 2020-08-08
Publication date: 2021-02-09
Also published as: DE102020120886A1

Abstract

A system for a tender door of a vehicle includes a body having a port and defining a latch aperture, a door pivotably attached to the body by a hinge, a system controller, and a latch assembly. The door is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The latch assembly is configured to secure the door to the housing in the closed position. Additionally, the latch assembly includes a housing and a light source disposed within the housing, the light source configured to project light through the housing, and the system controller configured to control an intensity of the light source.

Description

Illuminated latch

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to vehicle panel components and, more particularly, to illuminated latches.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. provisional application 62/884,377 filed on 8/2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

In recent years, interfaces have been developed to replenish energy sources (e.g., fuel tanks or charging outlets) for vehicles. Some known energy replenishment systems have a housing that is connected to the body of the vehicle and supports an energy connector, such as a fuel nozzle or a charging plug. These refill interfaces also include a door pivotally attached to the housing to selectively cover the energy connector. In some cases, the housing and the door include cooperating latch members to secure the door to the housing in the closed position.

However, these known energy replenishment interfaces have disadvantages. For example, they do not assist the driver in connecting the energy source to the energy connector in a dark location. Further, these energy replenishment interfaces do not indicate the energy state of the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need for an energy replenishment interface that assists the driver in connecting an energy source to an energy connector and indicating the energy status of the vehicle in a dark location.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for a supplemental door for a vehicle. The system includes a body having a port and defining a latch aperture. The system further includes a door, a system controller, and a latch assembly. The door is pivotably attached to the body by a hinge, the door being pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The latch assembly is configured to secure the door to the housing in a closed position. Additionally, the latch assembly includes a housing and a light source disposed within the housing, wherein the light source is configured to project light through the housing, and wherein the system controller is configured to control an intensity of the light source.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a latch assembly for use with a door system for a tender door of a vehicle. The door system includes a body having a refill port and a latch hole, a door removably attached to the body, and a system controller. The latch assembly includes a housing, a light ring extending from the housing to define a cylindrical protrusion, and a light source disposed within the housing and configured to project light through the housing and the light ring. The light ring is configured to extend at least partially through the latch aperture such that the light source illuminates at least a portion of the body surrounding the latch aperture.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a door system for a tender door of a vehicle. The door system includes a body having a refill port configured to receive a charging plug or a refueling nozzle to refill the vehicle and a latch opening. The door system also includes a door pivotably attached to the housing by a hinge, a controller, a sensor, and a latch assembly. The door is pivotable between a closed position and an open position, and the sensor is configured to detect at least one operating condition of the door system. The latch assembly is configured to secure the door to the housing in a closed position. Additionally, the latch assembly includes a housing, a light ring extending from the housing to define a cylindrical protrusion, and a light source disposed within the housing and configured to project light through the housing and the light ring such that at least a portion of the body adjacent to the latch opening is illuminated. Further, the controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source in response to a condition detected by the sensor.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the latch assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the latch assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the latch assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the latch assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the latch assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the latch assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial front view of the latch assembly of FIG. 1 installed in a door system of a vehicle;

figure 9 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of figure 1 installed in the door system of figure 8; and

fig. 10 is a block diagram of electronic components of a vehicle including the latch assembly of fig. 1.

Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a latch assembly that may assist a driver in connecting an energy source (e.g., a fuel nozzle or an electrical plug) to an energy connector (e.g., a fuel filler tube or a charging receptacle) of a vehicle. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be particularly useful when connecting an energy source to a vehicle in a dark location. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may indicate an energy state of the vehicle. That is, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a visual indication of the replenishment status to the user.

As used herein, "replenishment" and variations thereof may be equated with "refueling" or "refueling" in conjunction with the type of vehicle to be replenished. That is, "refueling" for gas vehicles (gas vehicles) may be associated with "refueling" the vehicle, while "refueling" for electric vehicles may involve "recharging" the vehicle. It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured for use in both electric and gas vehicle applications. Thus, throughout the specification, the word "refuel" and variations thereof may replace a gas vehicle with "refuel" and variations thereof. Similarly, throughout the specification, the word "recharge" and variations thereof may replace electric vehicles with "recharge" and variations thereof.

Fig. 1-9 illustrate a latch assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 1, the latch assembly 100 includes a housing 104, which housing 104 may be a molded element. For example, the housing 104 may be formed from a first piece 106 and a second piece 108 configured to be coupled to one another. In some embodiments, the first and

second pieces

106, 108 may be connected via latches, fasteners, threads, or the like. However, housings according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure may be constructed from one or more molded components. The housing 104 may define an interior cavity 110 for housing a plurality of internal components. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch assembly 100 further includes a locking assembly 112, a connector 114, and a light source 116, each of which may be disposed within the interior cavity 110 of the housing 104. More specifically, the locking assembly 112 is located within a portion of the housing 104 that defines a partially cylindrical body 120. The housing 104 may further include an elliptical-cylindrical extension 124, the elliptical-cylindrical extension 124 extending from a main body 128 of the housing 104 to a free open end 132. The elliptical-cylindrical extension 124 may retain the connector 114 and the free open end 132 may allow access to the connector 114. Thus, a wire or plug may be inserted into the free open end 132 of the elliptical-cylindrical extension 124 to connect to the connector 114. Further, the body 128 of the housing 104 may be used to hold or enclose the light source 116, which may be a lamp or other light emitting structure, and the light source 116 may be configured to emit light through the housing 104.

Turning to fig. 2, the latch assembly 100 may further include a light ring 136 defining an opening 140 to the interior cavity 110. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the light ring 136 may be integrally formed with the housing 104. However, in some embodiments, the light ring may be formed separately from the housing. That is, in some embodiments, the light ring may be molded or glued to the housing. Further, in some embodiments, the light ring may be secured or coupled to the housing by fasteners, or the light ring may include threads that may be configured to mate with threads on the housing. The light ring 136 extends from the body 128 to define a cylindrical protrusion 144, the cylindrical protrusion 144 having a shoulder 148 disposed at a junction with the body 128. More specifically, the light ring 136 extends from a mounting platform 152 of the housing 104.

Still referring to fig. 2, the opening 140 defined by the light ring 136 may be configured to receive and retain a locking pin (not shown) to latch the components together. That is, the light ring 136 and the opening 140 may serve as a female coupling member of the latch assembly 100. As will be discussed further herein, a light ring 136 according to the illustrated embodiment may be configured to receive and retain a locking pin extending from a movable door.

Turning to fig. 3, the housing 104 may include a main body 128, a cylindrical protrusion 144, a shoulder 148, a mounting platform 152, an elliptical cylindrical extension 124, and a partially cylindrical body portion 120. The mounting platform 152 can be a substantially flat surface adjacent the light ring 136. In some embodiments, the free open ends 132 of the light rings 136 may be arranged in a plane that is substantially parallel to the mounting platform 152. The cylindrical protrusion 144 and the partially cylindrical body portion 120 may be arranged such that they extend axially along substantially parallel axes. Further, the elliptical-cylindrical extension 124 may be arranged such that it extends along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical protrusion 144 and the partially cylindrical body portion 120. According to the illustrated embodiment, the light source 116 may be disposed within a portion of the housing 104 that is a generally rectangular protrusion 154 extending from the main body 128 proximate the elliptical-cylindrical extension 124. For example, in some embodiments, the rectangular protrusion 154 and the elliptical-cylindrical extension 124 may be a continuous structure. However, alternative embodiments may include light sources located in different areas of the housing. Further, in alternative embodiments, the size and/or shape of the area of the housing holding the light source may be different than shown herein.

Turning to fig. 4, as discussed above, the elliptical-cylindrical extension 124 is configured to retain the connector 114. In some embodiments, the connector 114 is configured to receive or couple with a plug or cord (not shown). For example, the connector 114 may receive a plug or wire from a power supply configured to power the light source 116. Further, in some embodiments, the connector 114 may be connected to a circuit board or controller for controlling the locking assembly 112.

Figure 8 illustrates the latch assembly 100 installed in a door system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the door system 200 is a recharging door system for an electric vehicle. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may be incorporated into a wide variety of systems. For example, latch assemblies according to some embodiments may be used with fuel door systems for gas vehicles. Further, latch assemblies according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with door systems that are not associated with vehicle make-up. For example, embodiments may be particularly useful on body doors, hood doors, trunk doors, glove boxes, center consoles, and the like. Further, latch assemblies according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in non-vehicular applications. For example, the latch assembly may be used in refrigeration applications, electrical cabinet installations, safety systems, or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the door system 200 includes a body 204, a door 212, and a hinge 208, the hinge 208 coupling the door 212 to the body 204 such that the door 212 is pivotably and removably attached to the body 204. Thus, the door 212 may pivot or move between an open position and a closed position. The body 204 may define a port 214, which may be a refill port, that defines an opening through which a charging plug or fuel nozzle is inserted. In some embodiments, the door 212 may be configured to substantially cover the port 214 of the body 204 when in the closed position and to substantially not obscure the port 214 of the body 204 when in the open position. Further, in the closed position, the door 212 may at least partially contact or abut a seating shoulder 218 disposed at least partially around the port 214. The body 204 of the door system 200 can further include a mounting flange 222 that can be used to mount the body 204 of the door system 200 to a vehicle.

Still referring to fig. 8, the body 204 of the door system 200 can define a latch aperture 226. In general, the latch aperture 226 may be sized for use with the latch assembly 100 and the latch aperture 226 is configured for use with the latch assembly 100 (see, e.g., fig. 9). More specifically, the latch assembly 100 may be mounted or connected to the door system 200 such that the light ring 136 is adjacent to the latch hole 226. Preferably, in some embodiments, the light ring 136 is substantially concentric with the latch aperture 226. In some embodiments, the latch assembly 100 may extend at least partially through the latch aperture 226. In some embodiments, the light ring 136 may be located within or adjacent to the latch aperture 226 such that when the door 212 is in the open position, the light ring 136 is visible to the driver or other user located outside the vehicle. Accordingly, as best seen in fig. 9, the latch assembly 100 may be assembled with the door system 200 such that it is disposed on the inside 230 of the door system 200 when installed in a vehicle. In other words, when installed in a vehicle, the latch assembly 100 may be closer to the interior of the vehicle than the door 212 or body 204 of the door system 200. The mounting platform 152 of the latch assembly 100 may be configured to abut or contact the inner side 230 of the body 204, and the latch assembly 100 may be attached to the body by a variety of means (e.g., fasteners, clamps, latches, adhesives, or the like).

With continued reference to fig. 9, in some embodiments, the housing 104 of the latch assembly 100 may preferably be constructed of a transparent and/or translucent polymer. For example, the housing 104 may be constructed at least partially from a transparent or translucent acrylic, polycarbonate, butyrate, and/or polyethylene. Thus, in operation, when the light sources 116 illuminate, light generated by the light sources 116 is diffused and refracted through the housing 104. In other words, the housing 104 may act as a diffusive light shield for the light sources 116. In some embodiments, only a portion of the housing 104 may be transparent and/or translucent. In some embodiments, referring again to fig. 8, the light ring 136 may be the only transparent and/or translucent component in the latch assembly 100. Accordingly, the light ring 136 can diffuse light from the light source 116 (see, e.g., fig. 9) to illuminate the body 204, the hinge 208, the door 212, and the replenishment port 214. Thus, the light ring 136 can assist a driver or other personnel in locating the replenishment port 214 when the vehicle is in a darkened location (e.g., a garage, night outdoors, parking structure, etc.).

As mentioned above, the door 212 may include a locking pin (not shown) configured to be received and retained by the latch assembly 100. More specifically, when the door 212 is in the closed position, the locking pin may extend into the opening 140 and the locking assembly 112 (see, e.g., fig. 8) may lock the pin therein. Returning to FIG. 8, in general, the locking assembly 112 may be an actuating device for locking the door 212 in the closed position. In some embodiments, the locking assembly 112 is a push-push type locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking assembly 112 is a locking push-push (LPP) type locking mechanism. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with the locking mechanisms disclosed in U.S. patent No. 9,631,403, PCT publication No. WO2012/158916, U.S. patent No. 8,998,271, and/or U.S. patent No. 9,616,745, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The locking assembly 112 may be any other type of locking mechanism known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Turning to fig. 10, the latch assembly 100 may be used in a system 300 having a plurality of components 302, such as electronic components of a vehicle. For example, electronic components 302 may include a first sensor 304, a second sensor 306, a controller 308, and a light source 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 300 further includes a power source 312 that provides power to the vehicle. That is, the power source 312 may also be referred to as a replenishment reservoir for storing power during the replenishment process. In a gas vehicle installation, the power source may be a fuel tank of the vehicle. As discussed above, the light source 116 may include one or more discrete light sources 318. For example, in some embodiments, the light source may include one or more light emitting diodes. In some embodiments, the light source may include one or more incandescent light bulbs. The controller 308 preferably includes a processor 322 and a memory 326. The controller 308 may be in communication with the first sensor 304, the second sensor 306, the power source 312, and the light source 116, and the first sensor 304 may be in communication with the power source 312. The second sensor 306 may be connected to the door 212 (see, e.g., fig. 8). In some embodiments, the first sensor 304 is in communication with a controller 308. In some embodiments, the second sensor 306 is in communication with a controller 308.

Still referring to fig. 10, in operation, the first sensor 304 may measure a replenishment state (e.g., voltage or fuel level) of the power source 312. That is, the first sensor 304 may be configured to detect a replenishment status and report the status to the controller 308. Accordingly, the controller 308 may be configured to control the light source 116 according to the reported replenishment status. For example, the controller 308 may change the intensity of the light source 116, the pulse sequence of the light source 116, the flashing pattern of the light source 116, and/or the color of the light source 116 to display the current replenishment status. In some embodiments, the controller 308 may selectively turn the light source 116 on and off. In some embodiments, the controller 308 may selectively illuminate one or more of the discrete light sources 318 according to predetermined energy state thresholds and/or ranges stored in the memory 326. In some embodiments, the controller 308 may selectively illuminate one or more colors (e.g., red, green, yellow, etc.) of the light sources 116 according to predetermined energy state thresholds and/or ranges.

With continued reference to fig. 10, in operation, the second sensor 306 may be a proximity sensor configured to measure a position of the door 212, such as open or closed (see, e.g., fig. 10). The second sensor 306 may report the detected door position to the controller 308, and the controller 308 may be configured to illuminate the light source 116 accordingly. That is, the second sensor 306 may be configured to detect the position of the door and report the position of the door to the controller 308, and the controller 308 may be configured to control the light source 116 according to the position of the door. Similar to the replenishment state discussed above, the controller 308 may be configured to change the intensity, pulse sequence, flash pattern, and/or color of the light source 116 to indicate the current door position. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 308 may turn off the light source 116 when the second sensor 306 reports an off position. In some embodiments, the controller 308 may turn on the light source 116 when the second sensor 306 reports an on position.

Still referring to fig. 10, in some embodiments, a sensor may be used to detect ambient light. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the first sensor 304 and the second sensor 306 may be configured to detect ambient light intensity. More specifically, at least one of the first sensor 304 and the second sensor 306 may detect the ambient light intensity and report the intensity to the controller 308, and the controller 308 may be configured to control the intensity of the light source 116 in accordance with the detected ambient light intensity. The controller 308 may vary the intensity of the light source 116, the pulse sequence of the light source 116, the flash pattern of the light source 116, and/or the color of the light source 116 according to the detected ambient light. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 308 may increase the brightness of the light source 116 if a low ambient light intensity is detected when the door is in the open position. In some embodiments, the controller 308 may reduce the brightness of the light source 116 when a high ambient light intensity is detected. It should be appreciated that the first sensor 304 or the second sensor 306 may be configured to provide at least one of the features described above. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first sensor 304 and the second sensor 306 may be configured to provide other features known in the art. Further, more sensors or fewer sensors than the first sensor 304 and the second sensor 306 discussed herein may be used in embodiments of the present disclosure.

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the exemplary latch assembly 100 described above may illuminate a replenishment port of a vehicle. Additionally, the latch assembly 100 may be illuminated based on the energy state of the vehicle. Thus, the latch assembly 100 may assist the driver in connecting a recharging connector or refueling nozzle to a refueling port of the vehicle and/or indicate an energy status to the driver when in a dark location.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure may be described using a variety of different spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, medial, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, and the like, it is understood that such terms are used only with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. These orientations may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed such that the upper portion is the lower portion and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and so forth.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

To the extent used in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as shorthand english equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein" … …. Also, to the extent used in the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the appended claims are not written in a device-plus-function format, and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35u.s.c. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations explicitly use the phrase "device for … …" and thereafter do not have a functional description of further structure.

Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for a supplemental door of a vehicle, the system comprising:

a body having a port and defining a latch aperture;

a door pivotably attached to the body by a hinge, the door pivotable between a closed position and an open position;

a system controller; and

a latch assembly configured to secure the door to the body in the closed position,

wherein the latch assembly comprises a housing having a light source disposed within the housing, wherein the light source is configured to project light through the housing, and wherein the system controller is configured to control an intensity of the light source.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the latch assembly further comprises a light ring extending from the housing to define a cylindrical protrusion, wherein the cylindrical protrusion is configured to extend at least partially through the latch aperture.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the light source is configured to project light through the light ring such that an area of the body proximate to the latch aperture is at least partially illuminated.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the light source comprises one or more incandescent light bulbs.

6. The system of claim 3, further comprising a sensor configured to detect a replenishment state, and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source according to the replenishment state.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the system controller is configured to change a color of the light source to indicate the replenishment status.

8. The system of claim 3, further comprising a sensor configured to detect a position of the door, wherein the door is configured to cover the port of the body in the closed position and not obscure the port of the body in the open position, and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source as a function of the position of the door.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the light source is configured to illuminate an area around the latch assembly when the door is in the open position.

10. The system of claim 3, further comprising a sensor configured to detect an ambient light intensity, and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source in accordance with the detected ambient light intensity.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing and the light ring are constructed of a transparent or translucent polymer.

12. A latch assembly for use with a door system for a tender door of a vehicle, the door system including a body having a tender port and a latch bore, a door removably attached to the body, and a system controller, the latch assembly comprising:

a housing;

a light ring extending from the housing to define a cylindrical protrusion; and

a light source disposed within the housing and configured to project light through the housing and the light ring,

wherein the light ring is configured to extend at least partially through the latching aperture such that the light source illuminates at least a portion of the body surrounding the latching aperture.

13. The latch assembly of claim 12, further comprising a connector for connecting the latch assembly to a power supply configured to power the light source.

14. The latch assembly of claim 12, wherein the system controller of the door system is configured to control an intensity of the light source.

15. The latch assembly of claim 14, wherein the door system further comprises a sensor configured to detect a replenishment state, and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source according to the replenishment state.

16. The latch assembly of claim 15, wherein the system controller is configured to change a color of the light source to indicate the replenishment status.

17. The latch assembly of claim 14, further comprising a sensor configured to detect a position of the door, wherein the door is pivotable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the door is configured to cover the refill port of the body in the closed position and not obscure the refill port of the body in the open position, and wherein the system controller is configured to control an intensity of the light source as a function of the position of the door.

18. The latch assembly of claim 14, further comprising a sensor configured to detect an ambient light intensity, and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source as a function of the detected ambient light intensity.

19. A door system for a tender door of a vehicle, the door system comprising:

a body having a replenishment port and a latch opening, the replenishment port configured to receive a charging plug or a refueling nozzle to replenish the vehicle;

a controller;

a sensor configured to detect at least one operating condition of the door system; and

a latch assembly configured to secure the door to the housing in the closed position, the latch assembly comprising:

a housing;

a light ring extending from the housing to define a cylindrical protrusion; and

a light source disposed within the housing and configured to project light through the housing and the light ring such that at least a portion of the body adjacent to the latch opening is illuminated,

wherein the controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source in response to the at least one operating condition detected by the sensor.

20. The door system of claim 19, wherein the at least one operating condition detected by the sensor is at least one of a door position, an ambient light intensity, and a replenishment state.