WO2004113654A1

WO2004113654A1 - Side door latch safety warning

Info

Publication number: WO2004113654A1
Application number: PCT/CA2004/000900
Authority: WO
Inventors: John T. Hargenrader; Ion Petroianu; Boguslaw Bombski
Original assignee: Magna Closures Inc
Current assignee: Magna Closures Inc
Priority date: 2003-06-20
Filing date: 2004-06-18
Publication date: 2004-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2005-12-20

Abstract

A side door latch safety warning system has a visual indicator such as an LED (18) mounted in the latch (12) of a side door (10). The system enables oncoming traffic approaching from the rear to clearly see the warning indicator.

Description

SIDE DOOR LATCH SAFETY WARNING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to automotive warning indicators and more particularly to a side door latch safety warning system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When a vehicle is stopped along the shoulder of a highway and the vehicle door is opened along a roadway, limited notice is given to oncoming traffic with respect to the opened door, especially under conditions of poor visibility. This problem is particularly acute along the traffic side of the roadway with respect to traffic coming up from behind a stopped vehicle.

The prior art has attempted to solve this problem by providing or mounting a reflective surface on the trim surface of the inner door. One of the drawbacks to this approach is that the inner trim surface can thus be visually unpleasing, or alternatively, a great deal of effort must be expended to visually harmonize the reflective surface with the aesthetics of the rest of the interior design. Reflective surfaces are also not the most efficient warning indicators, e.g., they are not generally effective in bright light or when the angle of approach is not conducive to directly reflecting a beam of light.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention utilizes the fact that when a side door is open, the door edge generally faces oncoming traffic and thus presents a suitable surface for including an electrically powered visual warning indicator such as a lamp or light emitting diode. In particular, it is preferred to integrally mount the warning indicator within the door latch. One opportune position is a surface that defines a fishmouth of a latch since the warning indicator can be clearly viewed by traffic approaching from the rear of the door. Mounting the warning indicator on the latch simplifies the construction of the door and enables the warning indicator to be controlled by the latch switch/electronics. BRIEF DESCRD7TION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of illustrative embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a vehicle door according to one . embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a door control system.

DETAILED DESCRD7TION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows a vehicle side door 10 which pivots away from the vehicle along a horizontal plane. The door 10 includes a latch 12 mounted to a rear edge 13 of the door as a bolted-on sub-assembly. The constructional details of the latch 12 are not important to the invention. One almost universal feature of every vehicle door latch is a fishmouth 14 that provides access to a ratchet 16, thus enabling the ratchet 16 to catch a striker (not shown) mounted on the body of the vehicle. The fishmouth 14 provides a number of surfaces which can be used to mount a warning indicator such as a lamp or high intensity light emitting diode (LED). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, an LED 18 is mounted against a rear surface 20 defining the fishmouth 14. In this manner, when the door is opened, oncoming traffic approaching from the rear can clearly see the warning indicator.

Fig. 2 shows a portion of a latch control system 30. A microprocessor 32 provides the control logic. The latch 12, as well known in the art, includes a variety of internal switches designed to inform the microprocessor 32 of the state of the latch or door. The illustrated embodiment, for example, includes a switch 34 for informing the microprocessor of the status a door handle (handle position status, which is set or active when an occupant actuates the door handle) and a switch 36 which informs the microprocessor as to the status of the latch (latch position status, which is set or active when the vehicle door is ajar). In the illustrated embodiment, if the handle position status is active or the latch position status is active, the microprocessor energizes the LED 18 so as to activate the warning indicator. When the latch position status and the handle position status are inactive, the microprocessor de-energizes the LED 18. The LED 18 may be controlled to blink in any desired pattern.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing circuitry and control algorithm and will vary depending on the particulars of the latch or door electronics employed in any given vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A latch having an electrically powered visual warning indicator mounted thereto.

2. A latch having an electrically powered visual warning indicator mounted to a fishmouth-defining surface of the latch, and control circuitry for energizing the warning indicator in response to a signal representing a door open condition.

3. A vehicle, comprising: a door; a latch mounted on an edge of the door; an electrically powered visual warning indicator mounted on a fishmouth- defining surface of the latch so as to be visible by oncoming traffic; and control circuitry for energizing the warning indicator in response to a signal representing a door open condition.