초록 ▼

A sensor detects a possible attempt to open a vehicle door latch by mechanical means, and temporarily disables an electronic unlocking signal until the mechanical activation means are absent. Preferably, all functions are performed by an on-board microprocessor controller, which checks the state of

A sensor detects a possible attempt to open a vehicle door latch by mechanical means, and temporarily disables an electronic unlocking signal until the mechanical activation means are absent. Preferably, all functions are performed by an on-board microprocessor controller, which checks the state of the door sensor(s) upon occurrence of an unlock event. If the sensor(s) indicate that a person is or may be attempting to open the door mechanically, no unlock signal is transmitted immediately to the door latch. Preferably, the controller continues to check the state of the door sensor(s), and activates the unlock mechanism after the sensor is clear. However, if the sensor is not clear within some timeout period, the controller may simply abort the unlock operation. This is done to avoid confusing the user with an unlocking action some time after pressing the unlock switch.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A vehicle door latching apparatus, comprising:a lock for a vehicle door; at least one mechanically activated door opening mechanism coupled to said lock; at least one electrically activated unlocking mechanism coupled to said lock; a sensor for detecting possible activation of said at least one m

1. A vehicle door latching apparatus, comprising:a lock for a vehicle door; at least one mechanically activated door opening mechanism coupled to said lock; at least one electrically activated unlocking mechanism coupled to said lock; a sensor for detecting possible activation of said at least one mechanically activated door opening mechanism; and a control apparatus coupled to said sensor, said control interrupting said electrically activated unlocking mechanism upon detection of possible activation of said at least one mechanically activated door opening mechanism by said sensor.