Illuminated latch

Abstract

A system for a service door of a vehicle, comprising a body having a port and defining a latch aperture, a door pivotally 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 body in the closed position. Additionally, the latch assembly includes a housing and a light source disposed within the housing, the light source being configured to project light through the housing, and the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to vehicle panel components, and more particularly to illuminated latches.

[0002] Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 884,377, filed on Aug. 8, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, interfaces have been developed to replenish an energy source (e.g., a fuel tank or a charging socket) for a vehicle. Some known energy replenishment systems have a housing that is connected to the vehicle body and supports an energy connector, such as a fuel nozzle or a charging plug. These replenishment interfaces also include a door that is pivotally attached to the housing to selectively cover the energy connector. In some cases, the housing and the door include mating latch components to fix the door to the housing in a closed position.

[0005] However, these known energy replenishment interfaces have drawbacks. For example, they cannot assist a driver in connecting an energy source to an energy connector in a dark location. Further, these energy replenishment interfaces do not indicate the energy state of the vehicle. Thus, there is a need for an energy replenishment interface that assists a driver in connecting an energy source to an energy connector in a dark location and indicates the energy state of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for a replenishment door of a vehicle. The system includes a body having a port and defining a latch hole. The system further includes a door, a system controller, and a latch assembly. The door is pivotally attached to the body by a hinge and is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The latch assembly is configured to fix the door to the housing in the 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 the intensity of the light source.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a latch assembly for use with a door system of a replenishment door for a vehicle. The door system includes a body having a replenishment 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 and defining 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 at least partially extend through the latch hole such that the light source illuminates at least a portion of the body surrounding the latch hole.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a door system for a vehicle's replenishment door. The door system includes a body having a replenishment port and a latch opening, the replenishment port being configured to receive a charging plug or a fuel nozzle to replenish the vehicle. The door system further includes a door pivotally 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 the closed position. Additionally, the latch assembly includes a housing, an optical ring extending from the housing and defining a cylindrical protrusion, and a light source disposed within the housing and configured to project light through the housing and the optical 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is Figure 1 another isometric view of the latch assembly;

[0011] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side elevation view of the latch assembly;

[0012] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a top plan view of the latch assembly;

[0013] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a bottom plan view of the latch assembly;

[0014] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a front elevation view of the latch assembly;

[0015] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a rear elevation view of the latch assembly;

[0016] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a partial front view of the latch assembly installed in a vehicle's door system;

[0017] Figure 9 is Figure 1 of the latch assembly installed in Figure 8 the door system; and

[0018] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an electronic component of a vehicle including Figure 1 a latch assembly.

[0019] Before detailing embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the present disclosure does not limit its application to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various different ways. Also, it should be understood that the terminology and phrases used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and their variations is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items and their equivalents. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a latch assembly that can assist a driver in connecting an energy source (e.g., a fuel nozzle or an electrical plug) to an energy connector of a vehicle (e.g., a fuel fill tube or a charging socket). Embodiments of the present disclosure can be particularly useful when connecting an energy source to a vehicle in a dark location. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure can indicate the energy state of the vehicle. That is, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a visual indication of the replenishment state to a user.

[0021] As used herein, "replenish" and its variations can be equivalent to "refuel" or "fill up" depending on the type of vehicle to be replenished. That is, "replenish" for a gas vehicle can be associated with "filling up" the vehicle, while "replenish" for an electric vehicle can involve "recharging" the vehicle. It should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured for both electric vehicle and gas vehicle applications. Thus, throughout the specification, the word "replenish" and its variations can be replaced with "fill up" and its variations for a gas vehicle. Similarly, throughout the specification, the word "replenish" and its variations can be replaced with "recharge" and its variations for an electric vehicle.

[0022] Figures 1 to 9 FIG. 100 shows a latch assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 1, the latch assembly 100 includes a housing 104, which can be a molded element. For example, the housing 104 can be formed by a first part 106 and a second part 108 configured to be joined to each other. In some embodiments, the first part 106 and the second part 108 can be connected via a latch, a fastener, threads, or the like. However, the housing according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure can be composed of one or more molded components. The housing 104 can define an internal cavity 110 for accommodating 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 can be disposed within the internal cavity 110 of the housing 104. More specifically, the locking assembly 112 is located within a portion of the housing 104 that defines a partial cylindrical body 120. The housing 104 can further include an elliptical cylindrical extension 124 that extends from the body 128 of the housing 104 to a free open end 132. The elliptical cylindrical extension 124 can hold the connector 114, and the free open end 132 can allow access to the connector 114. Thus, a wire or a plug can be inserted into the free open end 132 of the elliptical cylindrical extension 124 to connect to the connector 114. Additionally, the body 128 of the housing 104 can be used to hold or surround the light source 116, which can be a lamp or other light-emitting structure, and the light source 116 can be configured to emit light through the housing 104.

[0023] Turning Figure 2 , the latch assembly 100 can further include a collar 136 that defines an opening 140 leading to the internal cavity 110. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the collar 136 can be integrally formed with the housing 104. However, in some embodiments, the collar can be formed separately from the housing. That is, in some embodiments, the collar can be molded or glued to the housing. Further, in some embodiments, the collar can be fixed or coupled to the housing by a fastener, or the collar can include threads that can be configured to mate with threads on the housing. The collar 136 extends from the body 128 to define a cylindrical protrusion 144 that has a shoulder 148 disposed at the junction with the body 128. More specifically, the collar 136 extends from a mounting platform 152 of the housing 104.

[0024] Still referring Figure 2 , the opening 140 defined by the collar 136 can be configured to receive and hold a locking pin (not shown) to latch components together. That is, the collar 136 and the opening 140 can serve as a concave coupling component of the latch assembly 100. As will be further discussed herein, the collar 136 according to the illustrated embodiment can be configured to receive and hold a locking pin extending from a movable door.

[0025] TurningFigure 3 The housing 104 can include a 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 near the light ring 136. In some embodiments, the free open end 132 of the light ring 136 can be disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the mounting platform 152. The cylindrical protrusion 144 and the partially cylindrical body portion 120 can be arranged such that they extend axially along substantially parallel axes. Further, the elliptical cylindrical extension 124 can be arranged such that it extends along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axes of the cylindrical protrusion 144 and the partially cylindrical body portion 120. According to the illustrated embodiment, the light source 116 can be disposed within a portion of the housing 104 that is a generally rectangular protrusion 154 extending from the body 128 and near the elliptical cylindrical extension 124. For example, in some embodiments, the rectangular protrusion 154 and the elliptical cylindrical extension 124 can be a continuous structure. However, alternative embodiments can include light sources located in different regions of the housing. Further, in alternative embodiments, the size and / or shape of the region of the housing that holds the light source can be different from that shown herein.

[0026] Turning Figure 4 As discussed above, the elliptical cylindrical extension 124 is configured to hold the connector 114. In some embodiments, the connector 114 is configured to receive or couple to a plug or wire (not shown). For example, the connector 114 can receive a plug or wire from a power supply configured to power the light source 116. Further, in some embodiments, the connector 114 can be connected to a circuit board or controller for controlling the locking assembly 112.

[0027] Figure 8 A latch assembly 100 installed in a door system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the door system 200 is a recharging door system for an electric vehicle. However, embodiments of the present disclosure can be incorporated into a wide variety of systems. For example, a latch assembly according to some embodiments can be used with a fuel door system for a gas vehicle. Further, a latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used in door systems not related to vehicle refueling. For example, embodiments can be particularly useful on body doors, hood doors, trunk doors, glove boxes, center consoles, and the like. Additionally, a latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used in non-vehicle applications. For example, the latch assembly can be used in refrigeration applications, electrical cabinet facilities, security systems, or the like.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the door system 200 includes a body 204, a door 212, and a hinge 208 that couples the door 212 to the body 204 such that the door 212 is pivotally and removably attached to the body 204. Accordingly, the door 212 can pivot or move between an open position and a closed position. The body 204 may define a port 214, which may be a replenishment port that defines an opening through which a charging plug or fuel nozzle can pass. In some embodiments, the door 212 may be configured to substantially cover the port 214 of the body 204 in the closed position and to substantially not obstruct the port 214 of the body 204 in the open position. Further, in the closed position, the door 212 may at least partially contact or abut a seating shoulder 218 that at least partially surrounds the port 214. The body 204 of the door system 200 may further include a mounting flange 222 that may be used to mount the body 204 of the door system 200 to a vehicle.

[0029] Still referring to Figure 8 , the body 204 of the door system 200 may define a latch aperture 226. Generally, the latch aperture 226 may be sized and configured to be used with the latch assembly 100 (e.g., see Figure 9 ). More specifically, the latch assembly 100 may be mounted or attached to the door system 200 such that the halo 136 is adjacent to the latch aperture 226. Preferably, in some embodiments, the halo 136 is substantially concentric with the latch aperture 226. In some embodiments, the latch assembly 100 may at least partially extend through the latch aperture 226. In some embodiments, the halo 136 may be located within or adjacent to the latch aperture 226 such that the halo 136 is visible to a driver or other user located outside the vehicle when the door 212 is in the open position. Accordingly, as best seen in Figure 9 , the latch assembly 100 may be assembled with the door system 200 such that it is disposed on the inner side 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 the 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).

[0030] Continuing to refer to Figure 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 at least partially constructed of a transparent or translucent acrylic material, polycarbonate, butyrate, and / or polyethylene. Thus, in operation, when the light source 116 is illuminated, the light generated by the light source 116 diffuses and refracts through the housing 104. In other words, the housing 104 can serve as a diffusing light shield for the light source 116. In some embodiments, only a portion of the housing 104 may be transparent and / or translucent. In some embodiments, referring again to Figure 8 , the light ring 136 may be the only transparent and / or translucent component in the latch assembly 100. Thus, the light ring 136 can diffuse the light from the light source 116 (e.g., see Figure 9 ) to illuminate the body 204, the hinge 208, the door 212, and the refill port 214. Thus, the light ring 136 can assist a driver or other person in locating the refill port 214 when the vehicle is in a dark location (such as a garage, outdoor at night, a parking structure, etc.).

[0031] As mentioned above, the door 212 may include a locking pin (not shown) that is configured to be received and held 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 (e.g., see Figure 8 ) can lock the pin therein. Return Figure 8 , generally, 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.

[0032] Turning to Figure 10, the latch assembly 100 can be used in a system 300 having a plurality of components 302 (e.g., electronic components of a vehicle). For example, the electronic components 302 can 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 powers the vehicle. That is, the power source 312 can also be referred to as a reservoir for storing electrical power during a refueling process. In a gas vehicle facility, the power source can be the vehicle's fuel tank. As discussed above, the light source 116 can include one or more discrete light sources 318. For example, in some embodiments, the light source can include one or more light emitting diodes. In some embodiments, the light source can include one or more incandescent bulbs. The controller 308 preferably includes a processor 322 and a memory 326. The controller 308 can communicate with the first sensor 304, the second sensor 306, the power source 312, and the light source 116, and the first sensor 304 can communicate with the power source 312. The second sensor 306 can be connected to the door 212 (e.g., see Figure 8 ). In some embodiments, the first sensor 304 communicates with the controller 308. In some embodiments, the second sensor 306 communicates with the controller 308.

[0033] Still referring to Figure 10 , in operation, the first sensor 304 can measure the refueling state of the power source 312 (e.g., voltage or fuel level). That is, the first sensor 304 can be configured to detect the refueling state and report the state to the controller 308. Thus, the controller 308 can be configured to control the light source 116 based on the reported refueling state. For example, the controller 308 can change 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 to display the current refueling state. In some embodiments, the controller 308 can selectively turn on and off the light source 116. In some embodiments, the controller 308 can selectively illuminate one or more of the discrete light sources 318 based on a predetermined energy state threshold and / or range stored in the memory 326. In some embodiments, the controller 308 can selectively illuminate one or more colors (e.g., red, green, yellow, etc.) of the light source 116 based on a predetermined energy state threshold and / or range.

[0034] Continuing to refer to Figure 10 , in operation, the second sensor 306 can be a proximity sensor configured to measure the position of the door 212, e.g., open or closed (e.g., see Figure 10)。The second sensor 306 can report the detected door position to the controller 308, and the controller 308 can be configured to correspondingly illuminate the light source 116. That is, the second sensor 306 can be configured to detect the position of the door and report the position of the door to the controller 308, and the controller 308 can be configured to control the light source 116 according to the position of the door. Similar to the replenishment status discussed above, the controller 308 can 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 can turn off the light source 116 when the second sensor 306 reports a closed position. In some embodiments, the controller 308 can turn on the light source 116 when the second sensor 306 reports an open position.

[0035] Still referring to Figure 10 , in some embodiments, sensors can be used to detect ambient light. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the first sensor 304 and the second sensor 306 can be configured to detect the ambient light intensity. More specifically, at least one of the first sensor 304 and the second sensor 306 can detect the ambient light intensity and report the intensity to the controller 308, and the controller 308 can be configured to control the intensity of the light source 116 according to the detected ambient light intensity. The controller 308 can change 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 can increase the brightness of the light source 116 when the door is in the open position and a low ambient light intensity is detected. In some embodiments, the controller 308 can decrease the brightness of the light source 116 when a high ambient light intensity is detected. It should be understood that the first sensor 304 or the second sensor 306 can be configured to provide at least one of the above features. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first sensor 304 and the second sensor 306 can be configured to provide other features known in the art. Furthermore, more sensors or fewer sensors than the first sensor 304 and the second sensor 306 discussed herein can be used in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] According to the foregoing, it should be understood that the exemplary latch assembly 100 described above can illuminate the vehicle's replenishment port. Additionally, the latch assembly 100 can be illuminated based on the vehicle's energy state. Thus, the latch assembly 100 can assist the driver in connecting the recharge connector or fuel nozzle to the vehicle's replenishment port at a dark location and / or indicate the energy state to the driver.

[0037] Although various different spatial and directional terms such as top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc. can be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that such terms are used only with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. These orientations can be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed so that the upper part is the lower part and vice versa, the horizontal becomes vertical, and so on.

[0038] 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 individual features mentioned in the text and / or shown in the drawings or discernible from the text and / or the drawings. All such different combinations constitute various different alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The claims should be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0039] Within the scope of the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as plain English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein". Also, within the scope of the appended claims, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the appended claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a function without further structure.

[0040] Various different features of the present disclosure are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for a vehicle's replenishment door, the system comprising: A body having a port and defining a latch hole; A door pivotally attached to the body by a hinge, the door being pivotable between a closed position and an open position; A system controller; And A latch assembly configured to extend partially through the latch hole and for securing the door to the body in the closed position, Wherein the latch hole is configured to be used with the latch assembly, Wherein the latch assembly includes a light ring and a housing, the light ring being concentric with the latch hole, and the housing having a light source disposed therein, wherein the light source is configured to project light through the housing, and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein The light ring extending from the housing defines a cylindrical protrusion, wherein the cylindrical protrusion is configured to extend at least partially through the latch hole.

3. The 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 latch hole is at least partially illuminated.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The light source includes one or more light emitting diodes.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The light source includes one or more incandescent bulbs.

6. The system according to 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 according to claim 6, wherein, The system controller is configured to change the color of the light source to indicate the replenishment state.

8. The system according to claim 3, further comprising a sensor configured to detect the position of the door, wherein, The door is configured to cover the port of the body in the closed position and not to obstruct the port 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.

9. The system according to 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 according to claim 3, further comprising a sensor configured to detect 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.

11. The system according to 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 vehicle's replenishment door, the door system including a body having a replenishment port and a latch hole, 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, wherein the light ring is configured to receive and retain a locking pin extending from the door; A light source disposed within the housing and configured to project light through the housing and the light ring; and A sensor configured to detect 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, Wherein the light ring is configured to extend at least partially through the latch hole such that the light source illuminates at least a portion of the body surrounding the latch hole.

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 according to claim 12, wherein, The system controller of the door system is configured to control the intensity of the light source.

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

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

17. The latch assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a sensor configured to detect the 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 replenishment port of the body in the closed position and not to obscure the replenishment port of the body in the open position, and wherein the system controller is configured to control the intensity of the light source based on the position of the door.

18. A door system for a replenishment door of a vehicle, the door system comprising: A body having a replenishment port and a latch opening, the replenishment port being configured to receive a charging plug or a fuel nozzle to replenish the vehicle; A door pivotally attached to the body by a hinge, the door being pivotable between a closed position and an open position; A controller; A first sensor configured to detect the position of the door; A second sensor configured to detect at least one operating condition of the door system; And A latch assembly configured to fix the door to the body in the closed position, wherein a latch hole is configured to be used with the latch assembly, the latch assembly comprising: A housing; A light ring extending from the housing to define a cylindrical protrusion, wherein the light ring is concentric with the latch hole; 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 second sensor when the door is detected by the first sensor to be in the open position, Wherein the controller is configured to turn off the light source when the first sensor detects that the door is in the closed position.

19. The door system according to claim 18, wherein, The at least one operating condition detected by the second sensor is at least one of ambient light intensity and replenishment state.

Images