DE102020120886A1 - LIGHTED LOCK - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for a filler door for a vehicle includes a body having a port and defining a latch opening, a door hingedly hinged to the body, 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. The latch assembly further 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 the intensity of the light source.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to vehicle body components and, more particularly, to an illuminated latch.

RELATED REGISTRATIONS

This application relates to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/884 377 and claims their priority.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, interfaces have been developed to refill energy sources for vehicles, such as fuel tanks or charging sockets. Certain known energy replenishment systems have a housing which is connected to a body of the vehicle and which carries a power connection such as a fuel nozzle or a charging plug. These padding interfaces also include a door that is pivotably attached to the housing to selectively cover the power port. In some cases, the housing and door include mating locking components to secure the door to the housing in a closed position.

However, these known interfaces for energy replenishment have disadvantages. For example, they do not help drivers connect an energy source to the power connection in a darkened location. In addition, these interfaces for energy replenishment do not show any energy status of the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need for a power replenishment interface that helps drivers connect a power source to the power connector in a darkened location and that displays a power status of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention features a system for a filler door of a vehicle. The system includes a body that has a port and defines a locking opening. The system further includes a door, a system controller, and a latch assembly. The door is hingedly attached to the body, with the door being pivotable between closed and open positions. The latch assembly is configured to secure the door to the housing in the closed position. The latch assembly further 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 the intensity of the light source.

In another aspect, the present invention features a latch assembly for use with a door system for a filler door of a vehicle. The door system includes a body with a fill port and a lock opening, a door that is removably attached to the body, and a system controller. The latch assembly includes a housing, a ring of light 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 ring of light. The light ring is configured to extend at least partially through the locking opening so that the light source illuminates at least an area of the body surrounding the locking opening.

In another aspect, the present invention features a door system for a filler door of a vehicle. The door system includes a body with a fill port and a locking opening, the fill port configured to receive a charging plug or fuel nozzle for filling the vehicle. The door system also includes a door hingedly attached to the housing, a controller, a sensor and a locking arrangement. The door is pivotable between a closed 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 the closed position. The latch assembly further includes a housing, a ring of light 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 ring of light, so that at least an area of the body adjacent to the locking opening is illuminated. In addition, the controller is configured to control an intensity of the light source in response to the condition detected by the sensor.

Figure list

• 1 Figure 3 is an isometric view of a locking assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 FIG. 3 is another isometric view of the latch assembly of FIG 1 ;
• 3 FIG. 3 is a side view of the latch assembly of FIG 1 ;
• 4th FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the latch assembly of FIG 1 ;
• 5 FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the latch assembly of FIG 1 ;
• 6th FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the latch assembly of FIG 1 ;
• 7th FIG. 13 is a rear plan view of the latch assembly of FIG 1 ;
• 8th FIG. 13 is a partial front view of the latch assembly of FIG. 14 incorporated into a door system of a vehicle 1 ;
• 9 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG 1 that are in the door system of 8th is built in; and
• 10 FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the electronic components of a vehicle incorporating the latch assembly of FIG 1 having.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention 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 drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the language and terminology used herein are for purposes of description and should not be taken as limiting. The use of “include” and “have” and their variations is intended to encompass the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items and their equivalents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a locking arrangement that can help drivers connect a power source, such as a fuel nozzle or electrical plug, to a power port, such as a fuel filler neck or charging socket, of a vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention can be particularly useful when connecting a power source to a vehicle in a darkened location. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can display a power status of the vehicle. That is, embodiments of the present invention can provide the user with a visual indication of a fill status.

As used herein, “filling up” and variations thereof are synonymous with “refilling” or “refueling” in connection with the type of vehicle being refilled. In other words, “filling up” for a gas vehicle corresponds to “filling up” the vehicle, while “filling up” for an electric vehicle involves “charging” the vehicle. It is appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be configured for use in both electric and gas vehicle applications. Accordingly, the word “filling up” and variants thereof can be replaced by “refueling” and variants thereof for gas vehicles throughout the description. Similarly, throughout the description, the word “filling up” and variants thereof can be replaced by “charging” and variants thereof for electric vehicles.

1 to 9 illustrate a locking arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. With reference to 1 contains the locking arrangement 100 a housing 104 which can be a molded element. For example, the housing 104 from a first part 106 and a second part 108 which are configured to be interconnected. In some embodiments, the first part 106 and the second part 108 be connected to one another via locks, fasteners, threads or the like. The housing according to further embodiments of the present invention can, however, consist of one or more molded parts. The case 104 can have an inner cavity 110 to accommodate various internal components. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking arrangement 100 furthermore a closure arrangement 112 , a connector 114 and a light source 116 on, each inside the inner cavity 110 of the housing 104 can be arranged. More specifically, is the closure assembly 112 within an area of the housing 104 positioned, which has a partially cylindrical body 120 Are defined. The case 104 can also be an elliptical cylindrical extension 124 included that differ from a main body 128 of the housing 104 to a free, open end 132 extends. The elliptical cylindrical extension 124 can use the connector 114 hold, and the free, open end 132 can gain access to the connector 114 enable. Consequently, wires or a plug can be inserted into the free, open end 132 the elliptical cylindrical extension 124 be introduced to the connector 114 to connect. In addition, the main body 128 of the housing 104 used to be the light source 116 to hold or surround, which may be a lamp or other light emitting structure, and the light source 116 can be configured to let light through the housing 104 radiates.

Regarding 2 can the locking arrangement 100 also a light ring 136 included, of an opening 140 to the inner cavity 110 limited. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the light ring 136 integral with the housing 104 be trained. In some embodiments, however, the light ring can be formed separately from the housing. That is, in some embodiments, the light ring can be molded or glued to the housing. Additionally, in some embodiments, the light ring can be fastened or coupled to the housing with fasteners, or the light ring can have threads that can be configured to mate with threads on the housing. The ring of light 136 extends from the main body 128 and defines a cylindrical protrusion 144 with one shoulder 148 at a junction with the main body 128 is arranged. More precisely, the ring of light extends 136 from an assembly platform 152 of the housing 104 .

With reference to 2 can the opening 140 passing through the ring of light 136 limited, be configured to receive and retain a locking pin (not shown) to lock components together. That is, the ring of light 136 and the opening 140 can be used as a female coupling component of the locking arrangement 100 to serve. As discussed further below, the ring of light 136 be configured in accordance with the illustrated embodiment to receive and retain a locking pin extending from a movable door.

Regarding 3 can the housing 104 the main body 128 , the cylindrical protrusion 144 , the shoulder 148 , the mounting platform 152 who have favourited elliptical cylindrical extension 124 and the partially cylindrical body 120 exhibit. The assembly platform 152 may be a substantially flat surface that is near the ring of light 136 is located. In some embodiments, the free, open end of the ring of light 136 be arranged in a plane that is substantially parallel to the mounting platform 152 lies. The cylindrical protrusion 144 and the partially cylindrical body 120 may be arranged to extend axially along substantially parallel axes. Furthermore, the elliptical cylindrical extension 124 be arranged to extend along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axes of the cylindrical projection 144 and the partially cylindrical body 120 runs. According to the embodiment shown, the light source 116 in one area of the housing 104 be arranged, which is a substantially rectangular projection 154 is that differs from the main body 128 near the elliptical cylindrical extension 124 extends. For example, in some embodiments, the rectangular protrusion 154 and the elliptical cylindrical extension 124 be contiguous structures. In alternative embodiments, however, the light source can be positioned in different areas of the housing. In addition, in alternative embodiments, the area of the housing that receives the light source can have a different size and / or shape than shown here.

Regarding 4th is, as discussed above, the elliptical cylindrical extension 124 configured to use the connector 114 records. In some embodiments the connector is 114 configured to receive a plug or wires or to be coupled to a plug or wires (not shown). For example, the connector 114 Accept a plug or wires from a power supply that is configured to be the light source 116 powered. In addition, the connector 114 in some embodiments connected to a circuit board or controller to the latch assembly 112 to control.

8th illustrates the in a door system 200 built-in locking arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the door system is 200 a charging door system for an electric vehicle. However, embodiments of the present invention can be incorporated into a variety of systems. For example, according to some embodiments, the locking devices can be used in fuel door systems for gas vehicles. In addition, the locking arrangements according to embodiments of the present invention can be used for door systems that are not related to the vehicle filling. For example, embodiments may be particularly useful in vehicle body doors, hood doors, trunk doors, glove boxes, center consoles, and so on. In addition, locking assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the invention can be used for off-vehicle applications. For example, the locking arrangements can be used for cooling applications, control cabinet installations, security systems or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the door system comprises 200 a body 204 , a door 212 and a hinge 208 , with the hinge 208 the door 212 with the body 204 so that connects the door 212 swiveling and detachable on the body 204 is attached. Hence the door 212 be pivotable or movable between an open and a closed position. The body 204 can connect 214 limit what it is a refill port defining an opening for an electrical charging connector or fuel nozzle that can be inserted therethrough. In some embodiments, the door 212 be configured to connect 214 of the body 204 in the closed position essentially covers and the connector 214 of the body 204 in the open position essentially releases. In addition, the door can 212 in the closed position at least partially with a support shoulder 218 at least partially to the connector 214 is arranged around, come into contact or rest against this. The body 204 of the door system 200 can also have a mounting flange 222 have that to attach the body 204 of the door system 200 can be used on the vehicle.

Still referring to 8th can the body 204 of the door system 200 a locking opening 226 define. In general, the locking opening 226 for the locking arrangement 100 dimensioned and configured for use with it (see e.g. 9 ). More precisely, the locking arrangement 100 to the door system 200 be mounted or connected so that the light ring 136 to the locking opening 226 is adjacent. Preferably, in some embodiments, the ring of light is 136 substantially concentric with the locking opening 226 arranged. In some embodiments, the locking arrangement 100 at least partially through the locking opening 226 extend. In some embodiments, the ring of light 136 inside or to the locking opening 226 be arranged adjacent so that the light ring 136 Visible to a driver or other user outside the vehicle when the door is open 212 is in the open position. Accordingly, as in 9 best seen is the locking arrangement 100 with the door system 200 be mounted so that they are on an inside 230 of the door system 200 is arranged when it is installed in the vehicle. In other words, the locking arrangement 100 can be arranged closer to an interior of the vehicle than the door 212 or the body 204 of the door system 200 if it is installed in the vehicle. The assembly platform 152 the locking arrangement 100 can be configured to be on the inside 230 of the body 204 rests or touches it, and the locking arrangement 100 can be attached to the body by a variety of means such as fasteners, clips, latches, adhesives, or the like.

With continued reference to 9 may in some embodiments the housing 104 the locking arrangement 100 preferably made of transparent and / or translucent polymers. For example, the housing 104 consist at least partially of transparent or translucent acrylic, polycarbonate, butyrate and / or polyethylene. So if the light source is in operation 116 glows, diffuses and breaks the light source 116 generated light through the housing 104 . In other words, the case 104 can be used as a diffuser for the light source 116 to serve. In some embodiments, only a portion of the housing 104 be transparent and / or translucent. In some embodiments that turn to 8th can relate to the light ring 136 the only transparent and / or translucent component of the locking assembly 100 his. Consequently, the ring of light 136 Light from the light source 116 (see e.g. 9 ) sprinkle around the body 204 , the hinge 208 , the door 212 and the filling connection 214 to illuminate. The ring of light 136 can thus help a driver or another person to open the refill connection 214 to locate when the vehicle is in a darkened location, such as a garage, outdoors at night, in a parking garage, etc.

As mentioned above, the door can 212 a locking pin (not shown) configured to disengage from the locking assembly 100 is recorded and held. More precisely when the door is down 212 When in the closed position, the locking pin can go into the opening 140 protrude, and the closure assembly 112 (see e.g. 8th ) can lock the pin inside. In order to 8th the locking arrangement can come back 112 generally an actuator for locking the door 212 be in the closed position. In some embodiments, the locking arrangement is 112 a push-push type locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking arrangement is 112 a locking push-push locking mechanism (LPP). For example, embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with locking mechanisms defined by the U.S. Patent No. 9,631,403 , PCT Publication No. WO2012 / 158916 , the U.S. Patent No. 8,998,271 and / or that U.S. Patent No. 9,616,745 were revealed. With the locking arrangement 112 it can be any other type of locking mechanism known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Regarding 10 can the locking arrangement 100 in one system 300 with a variety of components 302 such as electronic components of a vehicle can be used. The electronic components 302 for example a first sensor 304 , a second sensor 306 , a controller 308 and the light source 116 exhibit. In the illustrated Embodiment instructs the system 300 also an energy source 312 that supplies the vehicle with power. That is, the energy source 312 can also be called a refill unit, which stores electricity during the refill process. In gas vehicle systems, the energy source can be a vehicle fuel tank. As discussed above, the light source can 116 one or more separate light sources 318 contain. In some embodiments, the light source can include one or more light emitting diodes, for example. In some embodiments, the light source can include one or more lamps. The control 308 preferably includes a processor 322 and a memory 326 . The control 308 can with the first sensor 304 , the second sensor 306 , the energy source 312 and the light source 116 communicate, and the first sensor 304 can with the energy source 312 stay in contact. The second sensor 306 can on the door 212 (see e.g. 8th ) must be connected. In some embodiments the first sensor is stationary 304 with the controller 308 in connection. In some embodiments, the second sensor is stationary 306 with the controller 308 in connection.

Still referring to 10 can the first sensor 304 a filling status (eg a voltage or a fuel level) of the energy source during operation 312 measure up. That is, the first sensor 304 can be configured to record the fill status and the status to the controller 308 reports. Accordingly, the controller 308 be configured so that it is the light source 116 controls according to the reported replenishment status. For example, an intensity of the light source 116 , a pulse train from the light source 116 , a flash pattern of the light source 116 and / or a color of the light source 116 through the controller 308 can be varied to demonstrate the current fill status. In some embodiments, the controller may 308 the light source 116 selectively switch on and off. In some embodiments, the controller may 308 selectively one or more of the separate light sources 318 according to predetermined power status thresholds and / or ranges stored in memory 326 are stored, illuminate. In some embodiments, the controller may 308 the light source 116 selectively illuminate in one or more colors (e.g., red, green, yellow, etc.) according to the predetermined energy status thresholds and / or areas.

With continued reference to 10 can the second sensor 306 be a proximity sensor in operation that is configured to determine a position, e.g. open or closed, of the door 212 (see e.g. 10 ) measures. The second sensor 306 can transfer the detected door position to the control 308 report and control 308 can be configured to be the light source 116 accordingly enlightened. That is, the second sensor 306 can be configured so that it detects a position of the door and the position of the door to the controller 308 reports, and the controller 308 can be configured to be the light source 116 controls according to the position of the door. Similar to the replenishment status described above, the controller 308 configured to include an intensity, a pulse train, a flash pattern and / or a color of the light source 116 varies to show the current door position. In some embodiments, the controller may 308 for example the light source 116 turn off when the second sensor 306 reports the closed position. In some embodiments, the controller may 308 the light source 116 turn on when the second sensor 306 reports the open position.

Still referring to 10 For example, in some embodiments, a sensor can be used to detect ambient light. For example, in some embodiments, the first sensor 304 and / or the second sensor 306 be configured to sense an ambient light intensity. More precisely, the first sensor can 304 and / or the second sensor 306 record the ambient light intensity and transmit the intensity to the controller 308 report and control 308 can be configured to match the intensity of the light source 116 controls according to the detected ambient light intensity.

An intensity of the light source 116 , a pulse train from the light source 116 , a flash pattern of the light source 116 and / or a color of the light source 116 can through the controller 308 can be varied according to the detected ambient light. For example, the controller 308 in some embodiments the brightness of the light source 116 increase if a low level of ambient light is detected when the door is open. In some embodiments, the controller may 308 the brightness of the light source 116 decrease when high ambient light intensity is detected. It should be noted that either the first sensor 304 or the second sensor 306 can be configured to have at least one of the above features. In addition, in some embodiments, the first sensor 304 and the second sensor 306 be configured to have other features known in the art. In addition, there can be more or fewer sensors than the first sensor 304 and the second sensor 306 discussed herein can be used in embodiments of the present invention.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the exemplary locking arrangement described above 100 can illuminate a fill port of a vehicle. In addition, the locking arrangement 100 based on a Vehicle energy status illuminate. Thus, the locking arrangement 100 help the driver to connect a charging plug or a fuel nozzle to a refill connection of a vehicle in a darkened location and / or show the driver the energy status.

While various spatial and directional terms such as top, bottom, bottom, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that such terms are used only in relation to the orientations shown in the drawings can be used. The orientations can be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed so that an upper part is a lower part and vice versa, from horizontal to vertical and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is assumed that the embodiments disclosed and defined here extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features which are mentioned in the text and / or in the drawings or are evident from them. All of these various combinations represent various alternative aspects of the present invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

To the extent that it is used in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the equivalents of the terms "comprising" and "wherein", respectively. Furthermore, the terms “first”, “second” and “third” etc., to the extent that they are used in the following claims, are used as designations only and are not intended to make numerical demands on their objects. In addition, the limitations of the following claims are not written in "medium plus function" format and are not intended to be based on 35 U.S.C. Section 112 (f), unless and as long as these limitations of entitlement do not expressly use the term “means for” followed by a statement of function without further structure.

Various features of the invention are set out in the following claims.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 62/884377 [0002]
• US 9631403 [0020]
• WO 2012/158916 [0020]
• US 8998271 [0020]
• US 9616745 [0020]

Claims (20)

A system for a filling door of a vehicle, comprising: a body having a port and defining a locking opening; a door hingedly attached to the body, the door being pivotable between closed and open positions; - a control panel; and a latch assembly configured to secure the door to the body in the closed position, the latch assembly comprising a housing having a light source disposed within the housing, the light source configured to allow light to pass through the housing and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source. System according to Claim 1 wherein the locking assembly further includes a light ring extending from the housing to define a cylindrical protrusion, the cylindrical protrusion configured to extend at least partially through the locking opening. System according to Claim 2 wherein the light source is configured to project light through the light ring such that an area of the body near the locking opening is at least partially illuminated. System according to Claim 3 wherein the light source includes one or more light emitting diodes. System according to Claim 3 wherein the light source includes one or more lamps. System according to Claim 3 further comprising a sensor configured to sense a fill status and the system controller configured to control the intensity of the light source according to the fill status. System according to Claim 6 wherein the system controller is configured to vary a color of the light source to indicate the replenishment status. System according to Claim 3 wherein the system further comprises a sensor configured to sense a position of the door, the door configured to cover the connector of the body in the closed position and to release the connector of the body in the open position , and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source according to the position of the door. System according to Claim 8 wherein the light source is configured to illuminate an area surrounding the latch assembly when the door is in the open position. System according to Claim 3 wherein the system further comprises a sensor configured to sense an ambient light intensity, and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source in accordance with the sensed ambient light intensity. System according to Claim 1 wherein the housing and the light ring are made of a transparent or translucent polymer. A latch assembly for use with a door system for a filler door of a vehicle, the door system comprising a body having a fill port and a latch opening, a door removably attached to the body, and a system controller, the latch arrangement 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, the light ring configured to extend at least partially through the locking opening so that the light source at least part of the Illuminated body that surrounds the locking opening. Locking arrangement according to Claim 12 , further comprising a connector for connecting the locking assembly to a power supply, wherein the power supply is configured to power the light source. Locking arrangement according to Claim 12 , wherein the system controller of the door system is configured to control the intensity of the light source. Locking arrangement according to Claim 14 wherein the door system further comprises a sensor configured to detect a fill status, and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source in accordance with the fill status. Locking arrangement according to Claim 15 wherein the system controller is configured to vary a color of the light source to indicate the replenishment status. Locking arrangement according to Claim 14 , further comprising a sensor configured to sense a position of the door, the door being pivotable between a closed position and an open position, the door configured to interfere with the fill port of the body in the closed position covers and in the open position exposes the fill port of the body, and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source according to the position of the door. Locking arrangement according to 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 according to the detected ambient light intensity. A door system for a filling door of a vehicle, the door system comprising: a body having a fill port and a locking opening, the fill port configured to receive a charging plug or a fueling nozzle for filling the vehicle; a door hingedly attached to the body, the door being pivotable between a closed position and an open position; - a controller; a sensor which is configured in such a way that it detects at least one operating state 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 ring of light so that at least an area of the body adjacent to the locking opening is illuminated, wherein the controller is configured to it controls an intensity of the light source in response to the at least one operating state detected by the sensor. Door system according to Claim 19 , wherein the at least one operating state detected by the sensor is at least one of the following: door position, ambient light intensity and filling status.

Images