Clarifications to definitions: “Child-Safety Lock System” to clarify that it prevents unlatching when engaged, regardless of unlock state; amending “Unlock” to specify that child safety lock systems remain effective; amending “Unlatch” to define it as the transition where latch and striker no longer withstand separation forces; adding definitions for “Door Opening”, “Latch release control”, “Door handle”, and “Retractable door handle”.
Proposal to modify door latch and door retention component requirements to include door closure warning systems and additional locking provisions, add power loss provisions for latch release controls and door handles, insert definition of retractable door handle, and incorporate test procedures for sliding side doors, with transition period allowing approvals under preceding series until 1 September 2016, after which Contracting Parties shall grant approvals only in accordance with amended requirements, based on WP.29/2014/71.
Proposal to renumber paragraph 5.8.4.2. as paragraph 5.8.4.3., insert new paragraph 5.8.4.2. requiring controls of electric side windows adjacent to the front seat row be within reach and directly accessible without multiple actions, and insert new paragraphs 5.8.8., 5.8.8.1., 5.8.8.1.1., 5.8.8.2., and 5.8.8.3. requiring electric side windows of the front seat row to still function when command is operated for at least 2 minutes in a replication of a vehicle entering water (demonstrated in accordance with a new annex). The amendment introduces provisions for ease of operation of electric side windows and guarantees front side windows operate after submergence. Laminated side windows and difficulty breaking window glass in panic situations make life hammers inappropriate alternatives to functioning windows. Research shows leaving the vehicle within one minute of water contact is important; the 2-minute requirement allows healthy margin. Paragraph 5.8.4.2. guarantees window controls operate in single action rather than requiring submenu selection.
During vehicle submergence, at least 1 window per row of seats shall be able to be opened to allow occupant escape, and shall remain openable for at least 2 minutes from water entry. The vehicle shall be lowered into a water-filled container within a 10-degree horizontal angle in X longitudinal and lateral directions. T0 is counted from when lowering straps slacken and the vehicle floats. After 2 minutes of floating, the window must be opened to its lowest position, or automatically lowered if equipped with automatic window lowering system. Alternative sub-system tests demonstrating window opening functionality under water, in agreement with the approval authority and its designated technical service, are acceptable. The test is fulfilled if the window is open to its lowest position after the test.
The operation of latch-release controls and door handles shall be considered intuitive where vehicle occupants are able to identify and operate the means of door opening or latch release immediately and without the need for prior instruction or prior experience with the specific system, by having a distinctive shape, colour or marking, not covered or hidden. This requirement is intended to ensure that occupants are able to open a door or release a latch quickly and reliably, regardless of their familiarity with the vehicle.
The purpose of this test is to verify that door-opening systems remain fully functional following an emergency event leading to a loss of the vehicle’s power supply. After power loss, all doors providing direct occupant entry or exit must demonstrate they can be unlocked, unlatched, and opened from the interior by an occupant seated next to the door regardless of ignition status or initial latch position, and when unlocked, can be unlatched and opened from the exterior by a person standing next to the vehicle. The interior test requires disconnecting the main power supply, waiting 60 minutes, then operating interior means to unlock and unlatch the door and open it using the interior door handle within 10 minutes, repeated up to five cycles. The exterior test requires disconnecting the main power supply, waiting 60 minutes, then operating the exterior latch release control and exterior door handle within 10 minutes, repeated up to five cycles.