KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM INCORPORATING CONCEALABLE KEYPAD

摘要

A keyless entry system has a handle housing (38) and a grip cover (36) defining a door handle grip (39), a keyless entry pad (32) defining a plurality of keys (33), each identified with a corresponding symbol, a plurality of sensors (82) in proximity to the keys (33) for detecting an object in the vicinity of the keys (33), an illumination source (44) to selectively illuminate the sensors (82) and symbols, and a light-controlling finish 46 extending over the keyless entry pad (32). Entering a keyless entry code into the keyless entry pad (32) by selecting keys (33) in a predetermined sequence enables a latch to be selectively disposed in either a locked condition or an unlocked condition. In ambient light, the light-controlling finish (46) renders the symbol invisible. When the illumination source (44) illuminates the sensor and the symbol, the light-controlling finish (46) renders the symbol visible.