active hinge

Abstract

This application provides an active hinge including a hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle hood and a body bracket for attachment to a vehicle body. A deployable bracket is pivotally attached to both the hood bracket and the body bracket. The hood bracket is pivotable relative to the deployable bracket between a non-deployed position and a deployed position. At least one link interconnects and is pivotally connected to the deployable bracket and the body bracket. A pawl is pivotally mounted to one of the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deployable bracket, and at least one link. A bolt for engaging the pawl is connected to the other of the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deployable bracket, and at least one link. An actuator is provided for disengaging the pawl from the bolt to allow movement of the deployable bracket relative to the hood bracket and the body bracket.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on December 13, 2019, with application number 201911284690.7 and invention title "Active Hinge".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 77,640, filed November 27, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 779,166, filed December 13, 2018. The entire disclosure of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to pedestrian protection systems for motor vehicle types, the pedestrian protection systems having a deployable hood assembly equipped with an active hinge. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an active hinge used with the deployable hood assembly, the active hinge having a pawl and a bolt, the bolt being engaged by the pawl to hold the active hinge in the deployed position until an actuator releases the pawl from the bolt. Background Technology

[0005] This section provides background information relating to this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0006] In recent years, significant development has been focused on pedestrian protection systems for use in motor vehicles, aiming to reduce the likelihood and severity of injuries during collisions between pedestrians and motor vehicles. One area of ​​this development involves equipping motor vehicles with hood assemblies capable of absorbing impact forces.

[0007] Passive pedestrian protection systems associated with the hood assembly include recesses that provide a crush space beneath the hood between the hood and components within the vehicle's engine compartment. This crush space is designed to reduce the chance of a physical impact with components within the engine compartment and, more specifically, to provide impact absorption characteristics. However, the use of low-profile hoods in modern motor vehicles, designed to enhance aesthetics and aerodynamics, combined with a smaller engine compartment, limits the available crush space.

[0008] Alternatively, an "active" pedestrian protection system associated with the vehicle's hood assembly provides a "deployable" hood configured to raise the rear portion of the latched hood to create additional compression space beneath the hood. This deployable hood feature is activated in response to the detection of a pedestrian-vehicle frontal collision. Typically, a pair of active hinges are incorporated into the hood assembly. Each active hinge includes a pivoting link interconnecting the hood to the vehicle body and includes an actuator operable to force the pivoting link to move the hood from a non-deployed position to a deployed position in response to the detection of a pedestrian impact. Examples of active hinges providing this functionality are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 8,544,590 and U.S. Publication No. 2014 / 0182962.

[0009] This active hinge still needs further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure and is not intended to be construed as a complete enumeration of the full scope of the disclosure or all its purposes, aspects, features and / or advantages.

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide an active hinge that is simple in design, uses fewer components, and is inexpensive to manufacture and integrate into a vehicle.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide an active hinge that requires a small stroke of the actuator to rotate the pawl from a locked position to an unlocked position, thereby allowing at least two of the body bracket, hood bracket, and deployable bracket to rotate relative to each other.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a pawl design that is easy to manufacture and does not require precision stamping of components.

[0014] According to these and other aspects of this disclosure, an active hinge is provided. The active hinge includes: a hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle hood, a body bracket for attachment to a vehicle body, and a deployable bracket pivotally attached to the hood bracket and the body bracket. The hood bracket is pivotable relative to the deployable bracket between a non-deployed position and an deployed position. At least one link interconnects and pivotally connects to the deployable bracket and the body bracket. A pawl is pivotally mounted to at least one of the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deployable bracket, and at least one link. The pawl is configured to engage a bolt. The bolt is connected to the other of the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deployable bracket, and at least one link. An actuator is configured to selectively pivot the pawl to disengage the pawl from the bolt, thereby allowing movement of at least one of the hood bracket, the body bracket, and at least one link relative to the other of the hood bracket, the body bracket, and at least one link, allowing the hood bracket to move from a non-deployed position to a deployed position.

[0015] The arrangement of the active hinge of the present invention requires very little energy to activate the actuator and rotate the pawl to allow the hood bracket to move to the deployed position. More specifically, the active hinge of the present invention requires less energy than prior art active hinge systems, which typically require an actuator to break a locking device to provide movement of the deployed bracket. Furthermore, the pawl's position next to the actuator in the active hinge of the present invention requires a small actuator stroke to provide rotation of the pawl, thereby allowing the hood bracket to move to the deployed position.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the pawl defines a hook portion that defines a recess for receiving a bolt, and the bolt tapers radially outward to secure the pawl to the bolt, thereby holding at least two of the hood bracket, body bracket, and deployable bracket together. Therefore, the active hinge does not require a spring to hold the pawl in the locked position, and the pawl keeps the components of the active hinge taut, thus preventing noise, vibration, and rattling.

[0017] A method for assembling an active hinge is also provided. The method includes providing a hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle hood and a body bracket for attachment to a vehicle body. The method further includes pivotally connecting a deployable bracket to the hood bracket and pivotally connecting the deployable bracket to the body bracket. The method also includes pivotally connecting a link to the deployable bracket and pivotally connecting the link to the body bracket. The method further includes pivotally connecting a pawl to one of the hood bracket, body bracket, deployable bracket, and at least one link, wherein the pawl defines a recess. The method further includes positioning a bolt against one of the hood bracket, body bracket, deployable bracket, and at least one link, wherein the bolt is received by the recess of the pawl. The method further includes applying an axial compressive force to the bolt to cause the safety bolt to expand radially and eliminate radial clearance between the safety bolt and the pawl, thereby inhibiting movement between the at least one of the hood bracket, body bracket, deployable bracket, and at least one link connected by the pawl and the at least one of the hood bracket, body bracket, deployable bracket, and at least one link positioned against the bolt.

[0018] This compression / forming method eliminates the need for a spring to hold the pawl in the locked position, and the pawl keeps the active hinge components taut, thus preventing noise, vibration, and chatter.

[0019] An active hinge is also provided, comprising: a hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle hood; a body bracket for attachment to a vehicle body; a locking mechanism coupled between the hood bracket and the body bracket; the locking mechanism including an unlocked state for allowing the hood bracket to move away from the body bracket, and a locked state for preventing the hood bracket from moving away from the body bracket, the locking mechanism further including a bolt tensioned to the locking mechanism to maintain the locking mechanism in the locked state; and an actuator for selectively actuating the locking mechanism to change the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state, such that selectively actuating the locking mechanism to release the tension allows the locking mechanism to change from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0020] According to relevant sources, when the locking mechanism of the active hinge is in the unlocked state, the actuator allows the hood bracket to move away from the body bracket.

[0021] According to relevant sources, the locking mechanism includes a movable rod configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The movable rod includes an engagement surface for engaging with a bolt in a tensioned manner when the movable rod is in the locked position, thereby establishing a locked state of the locking mechanism.

[0022] According to relevant sources, the tensioned engagement of the mating surfaces of the bolt and the movable rod prevents vibration of the movable rod against the bolt.

[0023] According to relevant sources, the locking mechanism includes a pawl configured to pivot about a pivot axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The pawl includes an engagement surface for engaging with a bolt when the pawl is in the locked position to establish a locked state of the locking mechanism.

[0024] According to relevant sources, the tension relationship is established by applying force to the mating surface of the pawl through a portion of the bolt, thereby offsetting the pawl away from its pivot axis.

[0025] According to relevant sources, the tension relationship determines the coefficient of friction between the mating surfaces of the bolt and the pawl.

[0026] According to relevant sources, the pawl has a hook portion that has an engaging surface that defines a recess for receiving a bolt.

[0027] According to relevant sources, when the pawl is in the locked position, at least a portion of the bolt is in the path of the blocking hook.

[0028] According to relevant sources, the locking mechanism is selectively actuated so that the hook bypasses the portion of the bolt that blocks the movement of the hook.

[0029] According to relevant sources, the portion of the hook that bypasses the bolt and obstructs the movement of the hook causes localized deformation of at least one of the bolt and the pawl.

[0030] According to relevant sources, the locking mechanism is kept in the locked state without the use of a spring.

[0031] According to relevant sources, a tension relationship is established when the pawl is in the locked position and a portion of the bolt is in an expanded state relative to the other portions of the bolt.

[0032] According to relevant sources, the active hinge may further include: at least one of a body support and a deployable support pivotally attached to an engine hood support, the engine hood support being pivotable relative to the deployable support between a non-deployed position and a deployed position; and at least one link interconnected and pivotally connected to the deployable support and the body support, such that an additional tension relationship is established between the bolt and at least one of the deployable support and the at least one link.

[0033] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an active hinge is provided, comprising: a hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle hood; a body bracket for attachment to a vehicle body; an unfolding bracket pivotally attached between the hood bracket and the body bracket, the hood bracket being movable relative to the body bracket between a non-unfolded position and an unfolded position; a locking hook and an engagement feature, the locking hook being pivotally mounted to one of the body bracket and the unfolding bracket, the engagement feature being engaged by the locking hook, the engagement feature being disposed on the other of the body bracket and the unfolding bracket; and an actuator for selectively pivoting the locking hook to engage the locking hook with the engagement feature, thereby preventing movement of the unfolding bracket relative to the body bracket and moving the hood bracket from a non-unfolded position to an unfolded position.

[0034] According to another related aspect of this disclosure, a method for assembling an active hinge is provided, the method comprising the steps of: providing a hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle hood; providing a body bracket for attachment to a vehicle body; pivotally connecting a deployable bracket between the hood bracket and the body bracket; pivotally connecting a locking hook to one of the body bracket and the deployable bracket; providing an engagement feature on the other of the body bracket and the deployable bracket; and configuring the locking hook for pivoting into engagement with the engagement feature to prevent movement of the deployable bracket relative to the body bracket and for pivoting out of engagement with the engagement feature to allow movement of the deployable bracket relative to the body bracket.

[0035] Other application areas will become apparent from the description provided. The descriptions and specific examples in this overview are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not for all possible implementations thereof, and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a first side front perspective view of a vehicle hood assembly having an engine hood and an active hinge constructed according to the present disclosure, showing the vehicle hood assembly in the normally closed position, wherein the engine hood is in a latched state and the active hinge is in a non-deployed state.

[0038] Figure 2 It is similar to Figure 1 The first side perspective view currently shows the vehicle hood assembly in the deployed position, wherein the hood is held in its latched state and the rear edge section of the hood is raised and the active hinge is deployed.

[0039] Figure 3This is a first side view of a first example implementation of an active hinge, showing the pawl in the locked position and the hood bracket in the non-deployed position.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a second side view of a first example implementation of the active hinge, showing the pawl in the locked position and the hood bracket in the non-deployed position.

[0041] Figure 5 This is an enlarged first side view of the hood bracket and the extended bracket of a first example embodiment of the active hinge, showing the pawl in the locked position and the hood bracket in the non-extended position, and also showing an actuator for rotating the pawl.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of a first example implementation of the active hinge, showing the pawl in the locked position and the hood bracket in the non-deployed position.

[0043] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of the pawl and bolt;

[0044] Figure 7A yes Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of the bolt;

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the engine hood bracket, unfolding bracket, pawl, and bolts, showing the pawl rotating from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to the engagement of the actuator;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a first side view of the pawl of a first example implementation of an active hinge;

[0047] Figure 10A This is a side view schematic diagram showing a safety bolt positioned against a bracket and received by a recess in a pawl before a compressive axial force is applied to the safety bolt;

[0048] Figure 10B It shows Figure 10A A side view of a safety bolt after an axial compressive force has been applied to it;

[0049] Figure 10C It shows Figure 10B A side view of a safety bolt after an axial compressive force has been applied to it;

[0050] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for aligning the safety bolt relative to the bracket and the pawl and applying a compressive force to the safety bolt;

[0051] Figure 12 This is a first side perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the pawl in the locked position and the hood bracket in the non-deployed position.

[0052] Figure 13 This is a first side perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the pawl in the locked position and the hood bracket in the non-deployed position, but excluding the actuator.

[0053] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 Enlarged view of the pawl and bolt;

[0054] Figure 15 This is a first side perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the pawl in the locked position and the hood bracket in the non-deployed position.

[0055] Figure 16 This is a first side perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the pawl in the locked position and the hood bracket in the non-deployed position, but excluding the actuator.

[0056] Figure 17 This is a first side perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the pawl in the locked position and the hood bracket in the deployed position.

[0057] Figure 18 This is a first side perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the pawl in the locked position and the hood bracket in the deployed position, but excluding the actuator;

[0058] Figure 19 This is a first side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a pawl having an extended hook portion and a contact surface; and

[0059] Figure 20 This is another first side view of a third example embodiment of a pawl having an extended hook portion and a contact surface;

[0060] Figure 21A This is a schematic diagram of an active hinge having a locking mechanism in a locked state according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0061] Figure 21B According to the illustrative implementation method Figure 21A A schematic diagram of an active hinge with a locking mechanism in the unlocked state;

[0062] Figure 22A This is a schematic diagram of an active hinge having a locking mechanism that is linearly movable in a locked state, according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0063] Figure 22B According to the illustrative implementation method Figure 22A A schematic diagram of an active hinge having a linearly movable locking mechanism in the unlocked state;

[0064] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the deployment bracket, body bracket, hood bracket, and pawl of a third exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing that the deployment bracket cannot move upward and backward in certain arrangement structures due to interference with vehicle components and body metal.

[0065] Figure 24 This is a first side perspective view of the engine hood bracket in the closed position relative to the unfolded bracket, according to a third example embodiment of the active hinge.

[0066] Figure 25 This is a first side perspective view of the engine hood bracket in the open position relative to the unfolding bracket, according to a third example embodiment of the active hinge.

[0067] Figure 26 This is a first side perspective view of a third exemplary implementation of an active hinge, wherein moving the hood to an upward and forward position may cause interference with a part of the vehicle body;

[0068] Figure 27 This is a first side perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the active hinge;

[0069] Figure 28 This is a second side perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the active hinge;

[0070] Figure 29 This is another first side perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the active hinge;

[0071] Figure 30 This is another first side perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the active hinge;

[0072] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 Enlarged view of the actuator and locking hook;

[0073] Figure 32 yes Figure 30 Enlarged view of the engine hood bracket, unfolding bracket, pawl, actuator and locking hook;

[0074] Figure 33 This is a second side perspective view of the locking hook of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the pivoting of the locking hook;

[0075] Figure 34This is another first side perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the movement path of the hood bracket during normal pivoting or non-active pedestrian protection operation.

[0076] Figure 35 yes Figure 33 Enlarged view of the locking hook and actuator;

[0077] Figure 36 yes Figure 31 Enlarged view of the engine hood bracket, unfolding bracket, pawl, locking hook and actuator;

[0078] Figure 37 This is another second side perspective view of the locking hook of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the locking hook pivoting to align with the tab of the unfolding bracket;

[0079] Figure 38 This is another second side perspective view of the locking hook of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the locking hook pivoting to align with the tab of the unfolding bracket;

[0080] Figure 39 This is a second side perspective view of the actuator of the engagement hood bracket contact surface of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the active hinge, showing the pivoting movement of the locking hook, hood bracket and pawl in response to engagement with the actuator.

[0081] Figure 40 The fourth embodiment of the active hinge provides a first side perspective view of the actuator for the movement of the engine hood bracket relative to the deployment bracket, showing the deployment bracket fixed in place relative to the body bracket by a locking hook.

[0082] Figure 41 This is a first side perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the active hinge, providing an actuator for further movement of the hood bracket relative to the deployment bracket, showing the deployment bracket secured in place relative to the body bracket by locking hooks; and

[0083] Figure 42 This is a flowchart of a method for assembling an active hinge for a motor vehicle according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0084] Throughout the various views of the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Example embodiments of a vehicle hood assembly having a hood and at least one active hinge implementing the teachings of this disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, only example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of particular components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, and that example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and none of these should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0086] As will be described in detail, the active hinge of this disclosure is used as part of a hood assembly for a pedestrian protection system on a motor vehicle. More specifically, the active hinge of the type disclosed herein is used to mount a vehicle hood to the vehicle body to attempt to introduce additional degrees of freedom in the movement of the vehicle's hood when the vehicle strikes a pedestrian, thereby reducing the severity of sustained injury when a pedestrian contacts the vehicle's hood.

[0087] Figure 1 A side view of a vehicle hood assembly 10 is shown, which is generally configured to include a hood 12 and at least one active hinge 9. The term "vehicle" is intended to broadly encompass any passenger car, truck, SUV, van, or any other type of passenger vehicle. The hood assembly 10 is configured to cover the engine compartment of the vehicle, defined by the vehicle's body. The hood 12 is shown as including a front section 16, a rear section 18, and a pair of laterally spaced side sections 20. As is conventional, the front section 16 of the hood 12 is configured to be located near the front portion of the vehicle, while the rear section 18 of the hood 12 is configured to be located near the vehicle's windshield.

[0088] According to one example implementation, a pair of active hinges 9 (only one shown) are associated with the hood assembly 10. Each active hinge 9 is positioned adjacent to one of the side segments 20 of the hood 12 and configured to allow the hood 12 to pivot between an open position and a normally closed position. In the open position, the front segment 16 is raised to provide access to the engine compartment, and in the normally closed position, the hood 12 is lowered to provide unobstructed visibility for the person operating the vehicle. Figure 1 An active hinge 9 is shown, positioned to allow the hood 12 to pivot near its rear section 18. The vehicle is also equipped with a hood latching device 21, shown as including a striker 22 fixed to the lower portion of the front section 16 of the hood 12 and a latch 24 mounted to a structural portion 26 of the vehicle body. Specifically, Figure 1The striker 22 is shown engaged and held by latch 24, thereby positioning the hood assembly 10 in its normally closed position, wherein the active hinge 9 is held in a "non-open" state, thereby latching the front section 16 of the hood and the rear section 18 of the hood 12 in its normally lowered position.

[0089] As will be described in detail, the active hinge 9 includes a pedestrian protection device that automatically activates in the event of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Specifically, the pedestrian protection device is used to switch the active hinge 9 from its non-deployed state to its "deployed" state, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the rear section 18 of the hood 12 moves to the raised or unfolded position, while the front section 16 of the hood 12 remains latched via the latching device 21. Therefore, the active hinge 9 provides additional degrees of freedom in its movement to allow the rear section 18 of the hood 12 to move from its normally lowered position (…). Figure 1 Move to its elevated position ( Figure 2 As will be described in detail further, under normal (i.e., pre-collision) conditions, this additional degree of freedom is disabled by the main latch of the latching mechanism associated with the active hinge 9, which in turn allows normal use of the hood 12. Normal use is understood to mean that the hood 12 is in... Figure 1 The engine hood 12 pivots between a normally closed position and a normally open position (not shown), in which the drive hinge 9 remains in its non-deployed state. Release of the main latch (via an actuator) initiates the transition of the drive hinge 9 from its non-deployed state to its deployed state.

[0090] Figures 3 to 9 A first embodiment of the active hinge 14 according to another aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The active hinge 14 in its non-deployed state is shown. The active hinge 14 typically includes a body support 30, a hood support 32, a deployable support 34, and a pivoting linkage mechanism interconnecting the body support 30 and the deployable support 34. Figure 4 As best shown, the pivoting linkage mechanism includes a first link 36 and a second link 38, arranged to define a four-bar linkage 40. One end of the first link 36 is pivotally connected to the body support 30 via a first pivot pin 60, and the opposite end of the first link 36 is pivotally connected to the deployable support 34 via a second pivot pin 62. Similarly, the second link 38 is shown having a first end pivotally connected to the body support 30 via a first pivot pin 64, and a second end of the second link 38 is pivotally connected to the deployable support 34 via a second pivot pin 66. A third pivot pin 70 pivotally connects the end portion of the deployable support 34 to the hood support 32.

[0091] Return to reference Figure 3The fourth pin 72 further interconnects the deployable bracket 34 and the hood bracket 32. The fourth pin 72 is spaced apart from the third pivot pin 70 along the hood bracket 32. The hood bracket 32 ​​defines an elongated slot 74 that receives the fourth pin 72. This slot extends between a first end 76 and a second end 78. During pivoting of the hood bracket 32 ​​relative to the deployable bracket 34 about the third pivot pin 70, the fourth pin 72 slides between the first end 76 and the second end 78 of the slot 74 and is kinetically limited by the first end 76 and the second end 78 of the slot 74 to limit the range of rotation of the hood bracket 32 ​​relative to the deployable bracket 34 between a deployed position and a non-deployed position. In the deployed position, the fourth pin 72 engages the second end 78 of the slot 74; in the non-deployed position, the fourth pin 72 engages the first end 76 of the slot 74.

[0092] A pawl 80—an example of a locking mechanism—is pivotally connected to a hood bracket 32 ​​along a fifth pin 82. The pawl 80, used as an illustrative type of movable lever, includes a hook portion 84 having an engagement surface 85 that defines a lower recess 86. The hook portion 84 is spaced apart from the fifth pin 82. A safety bolt 88 is secured to the deployable bracket 34. When the pawl 80 is positioned in the locked position (e.g., as...), Figures 5 to 7 As shown), the hook portion 84 of the pawl 80 is configured to partially surround the bottom portion 90 of the safety bolt 88, such that the safety bolt 88 is received by the lower recess 86 of the pawl 80 to inhibit pivoting of the hood bracket 32 ​​relative to the unfolding bracket 34 about the third pivot pin 70. More specifically, according to this embodiment, the lower recess 86 surrounds approximately half of the safety bolt 88. (As shown in...) Figure 6 As best shown in the diagram, the hood bracket 32 ​​defines an upper recess 92 that is configured to partially surround the top portion 91 of the safety bolt 88 when the hood bracket 32 ​​is in the non-extended position. Figures 6 to 7AAs best shown, the safety bolt 88 has a generally truncated conical shape and tapers along a tapering region 35 from a wider portion 94 spaced apart from the deploying bracket 34 to a narrower portion 96 connected to and received by the deploying bracket 34. The first diameter D1 of the wider portion 94 is larger than the second diameter D2 of the narrower portion 96. According to an embodiment, during the assembly of the active hinge 14, the safety bolt 88 initially has a generally cylindrical shape and is riveted or otherwise connected to the deploying bracket 34 to provide axial compressive force to the deploying bracket 34, thereby forming a tapering wall of the safety bolt 88 to drive the expanded portion of the safety bolt against the engagement surface 85 of the pawl 80 to establish a tension relationship, wherein movement of the pawl 80 about the pivot axis 82 due to the expanded bolt is prevented by the secure fixing of the pawl 80. According to an embodiment, during the assembly of the active hinge 14, the safety bolt 88 initially has a generally cylindrical shape and is riveted or otherwise connected to the deployable bracket 34 to provide axial compressive force to the deployable bracket 34, thereby forming a tapered wall of the safety bolt 88 so that the pawl 80 and the deployable bracket 34 are driven in opposite directions to each other, thereby securing the hood bracket 32 ​​in the non-deployed position to establish a tensioned relationship. It should be understood that the safety bolt 88 may have other tapered shapes, and may be provided with tapered shapes in other ways. Tapered shapes may include convex shapes with gradually decreasing thickness, abruptly decreasing thickness, or unevenly decreasing thickness. Figure 9 As shown, the hook portion 84 and lower recess 86 of the pawl 80 generally have an arcuate shape with a radius of curvature, sized such that the tapered safety bolt 88 can be received and secured within the recess 86 of the pawl 80. It should be understood that securing the hood bracket 32 ​​in the non-extended position in this manner with the truncated conical safety bolt 88 and the arcuate recess 86 of the pawl 80 advantageously eliminates the need for a spring to hold the hood bracket 32 ​​in the non-extended position, and prevents noise, chatter, and vibration because the components of the active hinge 14 remain taut. Maintaining the components of the active hinge 14 taut in this manner also eliminates tolerances. Other types of locking mechanisms that are taut with respect to the bolt 88 can be provided, as examples but not limitingly, such as a sliding rod 77 configured for linear movement and having a protrusion for engaging the bolt 88, or a sliding mechanism having a stop for engaging the bolt 88, or a rotating mechanism having a stop for receiving a portion of the bolt 88 (see, for example...). Figure 22A and Figure 22B ).

[0093] It should be understood that the safety bolt 88 can be pre-compressed into place early in the manufacturing process or after all components of the active hinge 14 have been assembled and the pawl 80 is in the locked position. More specifically, as Figures 10A to 10BAs shown, during the assembly of the active hinge 14, the safety bolt 88 is aligned with the lower recess 86 of the pawl 80 / the safety bolt 88 is positioned in the lower recess 86 of the pawl 80. Figure 10A ), then, as Figure 10B As shown, the safety bolt 88 is axially compressed to form its truncated conical shape, which locks the safety bolt 88 within the recess 86 of the pawl 80. As a result, any radial clearance between the safety bolt 88 and the pawl 80 is eliminated, thus providing an anti-jamming effect.

[0094] Figure 11 A method for assembling an active hinge 14 according to an aspect of this disclosure is shown. The method includes 200 providing a closing force vector configuration for the pawl 80. The method continues 202 by axially aligning the recess 86 of the pawl 80 with the safety bolt 88. As will be explained below, it should be understood that the pawl 80 and the safety bolt 88 can be attached to any bracket 30, 32, 34 or link 36, 38, but should be positioned on brackets 30, 32, 34 and links 36, 38 that are different from each other. The method continues 204 by applying an axial compressive force to the safety bolt 88 as the recess 86 of the pawl 80 is aligned with the safety bolt 88, causing the safety bolt 88 to expand and eliminate radial clearance between the safety bolt 88 and the pawl 80.

[0095] As in Figure 5 as well as Figures 8 to 9 As best shown, the pawl 80 also includes a contact surface 98 spaced apart from the fifth pin 82 and the hook portion 84 of the pawl 80. As shown, a first distance L1 between the fifth pivot pin 82 and the engagement surface 85 is approximately twice the second distance L2 between the fifth pin 82 and the contact surface 98. The actuator 100 is positioned to align with the contact surface 98. The actuator 100 includes a linearly extendable contact member 102 for engaging the contact surface 98 to rotate the pawl 80 about the fifth pin 82 from a locked position to an unlocked position (e.g., ...). Figure 8 (As shown). Rotating the pawl 80 to the unlocked position allows the hood bracket 32 ​​to pivot relative to the unfolded bracket 34 about the third pivot pin 70, allowing the hood bracket 32 ​​and the hood to move to the unfolded position. It should be understood that other components of the active hinge 14 may be configured to move relative to each other in a similar manner in response to actuation of the actuator 100 or other actuators. Figure 5As schematically shown, actuator 100 is configured to be selectively actuated in response to control signals provided by one or more onboard sensors 108 or other detection devices in response to the detection of a pedestrian collision by controller 104 associated with active passenger protection control system 106. In the illustrated example, actuator 100 includes an electrical connector 110 electrically connected to sensor 180 and / or controller 104, such that an electrical control signal is generated to control the actuation of actuator 100.

[0096] It should be understood that a single-joint assembly can be used as an alternative to the four-bar linkage 40 of the first embodiment of the active hinge 14.

[0097] Figures 12 to 18 A second embodiment of the active hinge 14' according to another aspect of this disclosure is disclosed. For example... Figure 18 As best illustrated in the first embodiment of the active hinge 14, the active hinge 14' generally includes a body support 30', a hood support 32', a deployable support 34', and a pivoting linkage mechanism interconnecting the body support 30' and the deployable support 34'. The pivoting linkage mechanism includes a first link 36' and a second link 38', arranged to define a four-bar linkage 40'. One end of the first link 36' is pivotally connected to the body support 30' via a first pivot pin 60', and the opposite end of the first link 36' is pivotally connected to the deployable support 34' via a second pivot pin 62'. Similarly, the second link 38' is shown with its first end pivotally connected to the body support 30' via a first pivot pin 64', and its second end pivotally connected to the deployable support 34' via a second pivot pin 66'. The second link is generally L-shaped and defines an elbow portion 69' between the first linear segment 71' and the second linear segment 72', which extend generally perpendicularly to each other. A third pivot pin 70' pivotally connects the end portion of the deployable bracket 34' to the hood bracket 32'.

[0098] According to the second embodiment of the active hinge 14', unlike the first embodiment of the active hinge 14, there is no fourth pin and corresponding groove 74 that restricts the pivoting movement of the hood bracket 32' relative to the body bracket 30' about the third pivot pin 70'.

[0099] The pawl 80' is pivotally connected to the elbow portion 69' of the second link 38' along the fifth pivot pin 82'. The pawl 80' includes a hook portion 84' having an engagement surface 85' defining a lower recess 86'. The hook portion 84' is spaced apart from the fifth pin 82'. A safety bolt 88' is secured to the vehicle body bracket 30'. The lower recess 86' of the hook portion 84' of the pawl 80' is configured such that when the pawl 80' is positioned in a locked position (e.g., as shown in the image),... Figures 12 to 14 As shown in the diagram, the safety bolt 88' partially surrounds the bottom portion 90' of the safety bolt 88', such that the safety bolt 88' is received by the lower recess 86' of the pawl 80' to prevent the second link 38' and the deployable bracket 34' from pivoting relative to the body support 30' about the third pivot pin 70'. Like the first embodiment of the active hinge 14', the safety bolt 88' has a generally frustoconical shape and tapers from a wider portion 94' spaced apart from the body support 30' to a narrower portion 96' connected to the body support 30'. The diameter of the wider portion 94' is larger than the diameter of the narrower portion 96'. During the assembly of the active hinge 14', the safety bolt is riveted or otherwise attached to the body support 30' such that the tapering wall of the safety bolt 88' drives the pawl 80' downward to secure the deployable bracket 34' relative to the body support 30' in the non-deployed position. It should be understood that securing the deployable bracket 34' in the non-deployed position with the truncated conical safety bolt 88' in this manner advantageously eliminates the need for a spring to hold the deployable bracket 34' in the non-deployed position and prevents noise, chatter, and vibration because the components of the active hinge 14' are kept taut. Keeping the components of the active hinge taut in this way also eliminates tolerances.

[0100] It should also be understood that, according to any of the foregoing embodiments, safety bolts 88, 88' may be pre-compressed to the appropriate position during the early stages of manufacturing, as discussed, or after all components of the drive hinges 14, 14' have been assembled and the pawls 80, 80' are in the locked position. Alternatively, safety bolts 88, 88' may be manufactured such that they are tapered before being mounted onto the drive hinges 14, 14', wherein during axial movement of safety bolts 88, 88', the safety bolts 88, 88' drive the pawls 80, 80' in the opposite direction to the opposing components of the drive hinges 14, 14' to generate tension in the components of the drive hinges 14, 14'.

[0101] The pawl 80' also includes a contact surface 98' spaced apart from the fifth pin 82' and the hook portion 84' of the pawl 80'. According to this embodiment, the contact surface 98' extends laterally from the planar body portion 99' of the pawl 80'. (As in...) Figure 12 , Figure 15 and Figure 17 As best shown, actuator 100' is positioned aligned with contact surface 98'. Actuator 100' includes a linearly extendable contact member 102' for engaging contact surface 98' to rotate pawl 80' about fifth pin 82' from a locked position to an unlocked position. Figures 15 to 18 (As shown in the diagram). Rotating the pawl 80' to the unlocked position allows the second link 38' to pivot about the first pivot pin 64', and thus allows the unfolding bracket 34' to pivot to the unfolded position, and therefore also allows the hood bracket 32' and the hood to move into the unfolded position. It should be understood that other components of the active hinge 14' may be configured to move relative to each other in a similar manner in response to actuation of the actuator 100' or other actuators.

[0102] It should be understood that the pawls 80, 80' in both embodiments of the active hinges 14, 14' require a small release angle to rotate to the unlocked position due to the relative positions between the contact surfaces 98, 98', the recesses 86, 86', and the fifth pins 82, 82'. Therefore, only a small actuator stroke is required to rotate the pawls 80, 80' to the unlocked position.

[0103] As in Figure 15 As schematically shown, actuator 100' is configured to be selectively actuated in response to control signals provided by controller 104' associated with active passenger protection control system 106' in response to the detection of a pedestrian collision by one or more on-board sensors 108' or other detection devices. In the example shown, actuator 100 includes an electrical connector 110 that is electrically connected to sensor 180 and / or controller 104, such that an electrical control signal is generated to control the actuation of actuator 100'.

[0104] It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the pawls 80, 80' and safety bolts 88, 88' can be alternatively placed on another of the body bracket 30, hood bracket 32, unfolding bracket 34, or connecting rods 36, 38. It should also be understood that a second embodiment of the active hinge 14' can be adapted to... Figure 11 The presented method is used for assembly.

[0105] Figures 19 to 20A third embodiment of the pawl 80A according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. According to this embodiment, the lower recess 86A of the hook portion 84A of the pawl 80A extends such that it surrounds more than half of the outer circumference of the safety bolt 88, providing increased locking security when the pawl 80A is positioned in the locked position. As shown, the first distance L1 between the fifth pivot pin 82 and the engagement surface 85 is more than twice the second distance L2 between the fifth pin 82 and the contact surface 98. This provides a further reduced actuator stroke length for moving the pawl 80A from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0106] Now, besides referencing Figures 1 to 20 In addition, refer to Figure 21A and Figure 21B An active hinge 9 is provided, which includes a hood bracket 32 ​​for attachment to a vehicle hood 12 and a body bracket 30 for attachment to a vehicle body. The active hinge 9 may include a number of intermediate components, such as a bracket 34 and links 36 and 38. A locking mechanism 200, such as a pawl 80, is connected between the hood bracket 32 ​​and the body bracket 30. The locking mechanism 200 has, for example, a... Figure 8 and Figure 15 The unlocked state shown allows the hood bracket 32 ​​to move away from (e.g., upwards) the body bracket 30, and for example, as... Figure 5 and Figure 13 The locking mechanism 200, which prevents the hood support 32 from moving away from the body support 30, also includes a bolt 88 tensioned to the locking mechanism 200 for holding it in the locked state. An actuator 100, such as a pyrotechnic actuator for deploying a plunger, is provided to selectively actuate the locking mechanism 200 from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to an electrical signal received from the controller 300 or via the body control module (BCM) corresponding to a detected pedestrian impact. This selective actuation releases the tension of the locking mechanism 200, allowing it to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state and allowing the hood 12 to deploy as shown. Figure 21B(The active pedestrian protection position shown is illustrated by the engine hood 12 being allowed to move upward by continuous actuation of actuator 100 or by another actuation system / mechanism not shown.) During the release of tension, such as when pawl 80 disengages from bolt 88, the tension may momentarily increase, remain constant, or decrease, depending on the geometry of pawl 80 and the desired safety level and size of actuator 100. Locking mechanism 200 may include a movable lever, shown as pivot pawl 80, configured to move (e.g., linear or rotational) between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the movable lever has an engagement surface, also referred to above as engagement surface 85, for tension engagement with bolt 88 when the movable lever is in the locked position to establish a locked state of locking mechanism 200. Thus, in this configuration, the movable lever is a pawl 80 configured to pivot about a pivot axis 82 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The pawl 80 has an engagement surface, such as an engagement surface 85, for engaging with a bolt 88 when the pawl 80 is in the locked position to establish a locked state of the locking mechanism 200. The tension relationship is established by a force F applied by a portion of the bolt 88 to the engagement surface 85 of the pawl 80, thereby biasing the pawl 80 away from the pivot axis 82, for example, via the engagement surface 85. The portion of the bolt 88 is, for example, as shown in the image. Figure 8 The observed area is approximately 50% of the outer peripheral surface of bolt 88. For example, the tension relationship caused by the expansion force of bolt 88 acting on pawl 80 is established when pawl 80 is in the locked position and a portion of bolt 88 (e.g., the expanded head) is in an expanded state relative to another portion of bolt 88 (e.g., the unexpanded shank). Figure 10B As schematically shown, due to the compression applied to the bolt 88 in a pre-assembled state, where the bolt 88 can be, for example, a linear pin or a straight cylindrical structure, the expanded state of the bolt 88 is shown as an expanded head portion or top portion 91, for example, during the positioning of the pawl 80 in the locked position, so that the pin deforms into an assembled state in which the pin can engage with the upper recess 92. Further compression can be applied to the bolt 88 to further expand the upper recess 92 to further engage the planar surface 95 of the pawl 80, as... Figure 10C As shown in the diagram, the pawl 80 has a hook portion 84 with an engaging surface defining a recess 86, which receives a bolt 88, for example, partially receiving the bolt 88, such that at least a portion of the bolt 88 is in a position that prevents movement of the hook portion when the pawl 80 is in the locked position (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 8 In the counter-clockwise direction shown, it is used to prevent vibration caused by movement, such as the locking of the pawl 80 onto the bolt 88. At least a portion of the bolt 88 can be held in place to prevent movement of the hook 84 when the pawl 80 moves from the locked position toward the unlocked position (e.g., as shown). Figure 8 In the path shown (counterclockwise direction). Selectively actuating the locking mechanism 200, for example releasing the locking mechanism 200, causes the hook 84, for example, the tip of the hook 84, to bypass the portion of the bolt 88 that prevents the hook 84 from moving, causing partial deformation of at least one of the bolt 88 and the pawl 80. Due to the tension relationship established between the pawl 80 and the bolt 88, the pawl 80 can be moved without using, for example, what might otherwise be necessary to make the pawl 80 move along such a path. Figure 8 The spring, which is biased clockwise and prevents vibration, is held in the locked position. Using a bolt instead of a spring is less costly and easier to assemble, and increases the stability of the pawl 80. When in a tensioned relationship, the force exerted by the expanding bolt 88 may increase the coefficient of friction between the bolt 88 and the mating surface 85, thereby enhancing the stability of the pawl 80 against movement. During the movement of the pawl 80, this increase in the coefficient of friction is overcome by the force of the actuator 100, which cannot be overcome due to vibration during normal operation of the vehicle, such as during driving. Therefore, during the movement of the pawl 80 from its locked position to its unlocked position, the pawl surface 85 can be made to slide against the bolt 88 with a resistance proportional to the expansion force of the bolt 88. In addition to the frictional force resisting the relative movement of the pawl 80 along the bolt 88, after the bolt 88 expands to its expanded or expanded assembled state, the expanded portion of the bolt 88 can adopt a blocking position against the movement of the pawl 80, such as the hook portion 84 of the pawl. Therefore, the hook portion 84 not only increases the surface contact area between the pawl 80 and the bolt 88, such as the expanded outer periphery of the bolt 88, but the bolt 88 also blocks the hook portion 84. Thus, during release, the force of the actuator 100 may cause the hook portion 84 to bypass the blocking position of the expanded bolt 88, causing a slight deformation of a portion of the periphery of the bolt 88. For example, depending on the relative strength of the materials of the pawl 80 and the bolt 88, the periphery of the bolt 88 may be deformed by scraping or indenting the periphery of the bolt 88 by the hook portion 84, or the hook portion 84 may cause greater bending or deflection of the bolt 88, or the hook portion 84 itself may deform, for example, bend to allow the pawl 80 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. In an embodiment, the bolt 88 may be pivotally mounted such that during the movement of the pawl 80 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the engagement of the pawl 80 and the bolt 88 may cause the bolt to move along, for example, the... Figure 8 Rotate counterclockwise as shown.

[0107] Now refer to Figures 23 to 26 , Figures 23 to 26A third embodiment of the active hinge 14” according to another aspect of this disclosure is shown. The active hinge 14” allows the hood bracket 32” to move upward and backward, while the deploying bracket 34” is prevented from moving about its pivot point 29” or engaging with the body bracket 30”. As a result, the active hinge 14” is allowed to be positioned in the active pedestrian deploying position without interfering with the surrounding metal plates of the body 11 during the movement of the active hinge 14”, which would otherwise be possible if the deploying bracket 34” were allowed to move during the active pedestrian deploying position – for example, in such a position as Figure 23 and Figure 26 In the configuration shown, where the deploying bracket 34” pivots about pivot point 29” during active deployment—then the surrounding metal panels of the vehicle body 11 will come into contact with the deploying bracket 34” and may be damaged, or the range of motion of the active hinge 14” to its deployed position may be restricted. Figure 26 As shown, the pivoting of the hood bracket 32” relative to the unfolded bracket 34” may cause the hood 12” to interfere with the adjacent body 11, such as body panels, windshield wipers, etc., as shown in one example by the travel of the trailing edge 15” of the hood 14” along the travel path shown as a dashed line.

[0108] As in Figure 24 and Figure 25 As best shown herein, the active hinge 14” includes a hood bracket 32 ​​pivotally connected to the deployable bracket 34”. A pawl 80” is pivotally connected to the hood bracket 32. The pawl 80” is pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position, for example, in the manner described herein. When in the locked position, pivoting movement of the hood bracket 32” relative to the deployable bracket 34” is suppressed, while when in the unlocked position, pivoting movement of the hood bracket 32” relative to the deployable bracket 34” is permitted. Figure 24 The engine hood bracket 32” is shown in the closed, unpivoted position relative to the unfolded bracket 34” and the pawl 80” is in the locked position. Figure 25 The engine hood bracket 32 ​​is shown in an open, pivoted position relative to the deployment bracket 34" after the pawl 80” has been moved to the unlocked position. The deployment bracket is pivotally connected to the body bracket 30. Figure 26 The diagram illustrates possible interference between the hood edge 31” and the surrounding portion of the vehicle body 11 when the hood 12” moves about the pivot point 29”, or in other words, when the active hinge 14” provides the deployment support 34” about the pivot point 29” during the movement of the hood 12” to the active pedestrian deployment position. For example, by way of example only, possible interference between the hood edge 31” and the enlarged portion of the surrounding fender or the enlarged portion of the fixed hood portion.

[0109] Now refer to Figures 27 to 29The active hinge 14”' includes a locking hook 116”' pivotally connected to the body support 30”'. The hook 116”' has an engagement flange 118”' positioned to removably engage a tab 120”' of the deployable support 34”'. The locking hook 116”' is pivotable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the engagement flange 118”' is spaced apart from the tab 120”', thereby allowing pivotal movement of the deployable support 34”' relative to the body support 30”', for example, during normal hood opening operations, such as via non-active pedestrian deployment operations. In the second position, the engagement flange 118”' engages the tab 120”' to inhibit pivoting of the deployable support 34”' relative to the body support 30”', for example, during active pedestrian deployment operations. The locking hook 116”' also has an actuating surface 122”' positioned axially aligned with the actuator 100”'. The portion of the actuating surface 122”’ axially aligned with the actuator 100”’ is radially spaced from the pivot point 123”’ of the locking hook 116”’, which is schematically disposed on the body bracket 30”’, causing the locking hook 116”’ to rotate in response to the linear movement of the actuator 100”’. Figure 29 The location shown.

[0110] Reference Figures 30 to 37 During operation, in response to the detection of a pedestrian collision, the linearly extendable contact member 102"' of actuator 100"' is configured to move and engage the actuating surface 122"' of locking hook 116"', thereby moving locking hook 116"' to a second position and inhibiting pivoting of deployable bracket 34"' relative to vehicle body bracket 30"', thus effectively locking deployable bracket 34"' to vehicle body bracket 30"'. Locking hook 116"' is shown as including a recessed notch 115"', which assists locking when locking hook 116"' is moved to the second position by engaging with a tab 120"', also referred to herein as an engagement feature. Engagement feature may be a protruding pin, a stamped or folded portion of bracket 34"', or a lug, etc.

[0111] like Figures 38 to 41As shown, when the contact member 102”’ moves the actuating surface 122””, the actuating surface 122”” engages the contact surface 98”’ of the pawl 80””, causing the pawl 80”” to rotate from the locked position toward the unlocked position. After the contact member 102”” has undergone a predetermined amount of linear movement, the locking hook 116”’ has rotated sufficiently to disengage from the contact member 102”’. At this point, the contact member 102”” directly engages and pushes against the contact surface 124”’ of the hood bracket 32”’. At this point, the pawl 80”' has rotated to the unlocked position, thus allowing pivoting movement of the hood bracket 32”' relative to the auxiliary rod 114”', and of the auxiliary rod 114”' relative to the body support 30”'. Since the deployable bracket 34”' is restrained from movement by the locking hook 116”', and since the auxiliary rod 114”' is pivotally connected to the deployable bracket 34”' at a position spaced apart from where the deployable bracket 34”' is connected to the body support 30”', the hood bracket 32”' (and the hood 12”') can move relative to the body support 30”' in the upward and rearward directions, as... Figure 40 and Figure 41 It is best shown in the middle.

[0112] Furthermore, since the deployable bracket 34”' remains stationary and does not move upward or backward during the movement of the hood bracket 32”' during a pedestrian collision, damage to the body panels and / or wiper motors, as well as interference with the body panels and / or wiper motors, are prevented. It should also be understood that the locking hook 116”' is in a first position prior to the triggering of the actuator 100”', wherein the engaging flange 118”' is spaced apart from the tab 120”', thereby allowing pivoting movement of the deployable bracket 34”' relative to the body bracket 30”' and the normal opening of the hood 12”'.

[0113] Referring to the accompanying drawings, an active hinge 14”' is provided, the active hinge 14”' including: a hood bracket 32”' for attachment to a vehicle hood 14”'; a body bracket 30”' for attachment to a vehicle body 11; an extension bracket 34”' pivotally attached between the hood bracket 32”' and the body bracket 30”', the hood bracket 32”' being movable relative to the body bracket 30”' between a non-extension position and an extension position; a locking hook 116”' pivotally mounted to one of the body bracket 30”' and the extension bracket; and an engagement feature 120. The engagement feature 120 is used for engagement by the locking hook 116, which is disposed on the other of the body support 30 and the unfolding support 34. The active hinge 14 further includes an actuator 100 for selectively pivoting the locking hook 116 such that: the locking hook 116 engages with the engagement feature 120, thereby preventing movement of the unfolding support 34 relative to the body support 30 and moving the hood support 32 from the non-unfolded position to the unfolded position. The engagement feature 120 may be disposed on the unfolding support 34, and the locking hook 116 may be pivotally mounted to the body support 30, as shown below. Figure 28 As shown schematically, the deployable bracket 34”’ can be pivotally mounted to the vehicle body bracket 30”’, as... Figure 27 Indicated schematically. At least one link 129”' – for illustrative purposes, in Figure 41 The diagram shows a link that can be configured to pivotally connect the hood support 32”' to the deployable support 34”', for example, at least one link 129”' pivotally connected to the deployable support 34”' at pivot 31”' and pivotally connected to the hood support 32”' at pivot 131”'. For example, similarly... Figure 41 As shown, the pivot point 29"' of the deployable bracket 34"' relative to the body bracket 30"' is offset from the pivot point 31"' of the hood bracket 32"' relative to the deployable bracket 34"', to allow, for example during normal operation, such as when pivoting about the pivot point 29"', as schematically shown by Figure 34 As shown by the dashed lines, and as schematically illustrated during active pedestrian protection operations, such as when pivoting around pivot point 31”’. Figure 41 The dashed lines in the diagram illustrate the different paths of travel of the hood support 32”'. The hood support 32”' travels from its non-deployed position ( Figure 39 Move to the unfolded position. Figure 41 When engaging, the locking hook 116”' will follow the engagement feature 120”'. Figure 41The travel path of the engine hood bracket 32”' when the locking hook 116”' disengages from the engagement feature 120”'. Figure 34 The travel path of the engine hood bracket 32”' is different when it is in use. The locking hook 116”' includes the recessed notch 115”' ( Figure 38 The recessed notch 115”' is used to receive the engagement feature 120”' when it engages with the locking hook 116”'. The engagement feature 120”' may be a protruding tab, such as a tab 120”' formed by the unfolding bracket 34”', and the protruding tab may be formed, for example, by a folded portion of the unfolding bracket 34”' shown. The active hinge 14”' may also include a pawl 80”', which is pivotally mounted to the hood bracket 32”' for releasable engagement—such as a compressible engagement as exemplified herein—to the unfolding bracket 34”', such that the actuator 100”' selectively pivots the pawl 80”' for disengaging the pawl 80”' from the unfolding bracket 34”'. Figure 39 This allows the hood bracket 32”' to respond to engagement of the actuator 100”' with the hood bracket 32”' (see...). Figure 40 and 41 The pawl 80" moves from the non-deployed position to the deployed position. The active hinge 14" may also include a bolt 88" for engagement by a pawl, the bolt 88" being connected to the deploying bracket 34" such that pivoting of the pawl 80" disengages the pawl from the bolt 88" and thus releasably disconnects the pawl 80" from the deploying bracket 34" in the manner described herein. The actuator 100" may be configured to engage the locking hook 116" prior to engaging the pawl 80" (see [link to documentation]). Figure 36 , Figure 39 and Figure 40 (Sequence). Actuator 100”' can be configured to drive hood bracket 32”' relative to body bracket 30”' in the vertical direction 777 and horizontal direction 888 to the deployed position after actuator 100”' pivots locking mechanism 116”' into engagement with engagement feature 120”'. Figure 41 As a result, the hood 12”' can avoid contact with the vehicle body 11 during active pedestrian protection operation of the active hood hinge 14”', such as Figure 41 As shown.

[0114] Now, in addition to the other accompanying figures referenced in this article, we also refer to... Figure 42 , Figure 42A method 3000 for assembling an active hinge is shown, the method 3000 comprising the steps of: providing a hood bracket 3002 for attachment to a vehicle hood; providing a body bracket 3004 for attachment to a vehicle body; pivotally connecting a deployable bracket between the hood bracket and the body bracket 3006; pivotally connecting a locking hook to one of the body bracket and the deployable bracket 3008; providing an engagement feature 3010 on the other of the body bracket and the deployable bracket; and configuring the locking hook for pivoting into engagement with the engagement feature to prevent movement of the deployable bracket relative to the body bracket and for pivoting into disengagement from engagement with the engagement feature to allow movement of the deployable bracket relative to the body bracket 3012. The method further includes providing an actuator for selectively pivoting the locking hook into engagement with the engagement feature. The method may further include: pivotally connecting a pawl to a hood bracket, wherein the pawl defines a recess; engaging the pawl with a deployable bracket to prevent the hood bracket from moving from a non-deployed position to a deployed position; and configuring the pawl with an actuator to disengage from the deployable bracket to allow the hood bracket to move from a non-deployed position to a deployed position. Method 3000 may further include the step of configuring the actuator to engage a locking hook prior to engaging the pawl. Method 3000 may further include forming an engagement feature as a protruding tab via one of the deployable bracket and the body bracket. Method 3000 may further include providing an engagement feature on the deployable bracket and pivotally mounting the locking hook to the body bracket. Method 3000 may further include pivotally mounting the deployable bracket to the body bracket about a pivot point. Method 3000 may further include connecting the hood bracket to the deployable bracket using at least one link, wherein the pivot point of the deployable bracket relative to the body bracket is offset from the pivot point of the hood bracket relative to the deployable bracket. Method 3000 may further include providing a recessed notch for the locking hook to receive the engaging feature when the engaging feature engages with the locking hook.

[0115] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically indicated otherwise. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0116] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, or linked to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.) should be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerations.

[0117] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another region, layer, or segment. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0118] Spatial relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “below,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “up,” etc., may be used herein to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figures. Spatial relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features will be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0119] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in the selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. Elements or features of a particular embodiment may also vary in many ways. These variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0120] The embodiments of this disclosure can be understood with reference to the following numbers:

[0121] 1. An active hinge, comprising:

[0122] Engine hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle engine hood;

[0123] A vehicle body bracket for attaching to a vehicle body;

[0124] An extendable support is pivotally attached between the hood support and the body support, the hood support being pivotable relative to the body support between a non-extended position and an extended position;

[0125] A locking hook and an engagement feature, the locking hook being pivotally mounted to one of the vehicle body bracket and the deployment bracket, the engagement feature being engaged by the locking hook, the engagement feature being disposed on the other of the vehicle body bracket and the deployment bracket; and

[0126] An actuator is provided for selectively pivoting the locking hook to engage the engagement feature, thereby preventing the deployed bracket from moving relative to the vehicle body bracket, and for moving the hood bracket from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0127] 2. The active hinge according to aspect 1, wherein the engagement feature is disposed on the unfolding bracket, and the locking hook is pivotally mounted to the vehicle body bracket.

[0128] 3. According to aspect 2, the active hinge, wherein the deployment bracket is pivotally mounted to the vehicle body bracket.

[0129] 4. According to the active hinge of aspect 3, it further includes at least one link that pivotally connects the engine hood bracket to the deployable bracket, wherein the pivot point of the deployable bracket relative to the body bracket is offset from the pivot point of the engine hood bracket relative to the deployable bracket.

[0130] 5. According to the active hinge of aspect 4, wherein when the hood support moves from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, the travel path of the hood support when the locking hook engages with the engagement feature is different from the travel path of the hood support when the locking hook disengages from the engagement member.

[0131] 6. The active hinge according to aspect 1, wherein the locking hook includes a recessed notch for receiving the engagement feature when the engagement feature engages with the locking hook.

[0132] 7. The active hinge according to aspect 6, wherein the engagement feature is a protruding tab formed by the unfolding support.

[0133] 8. According to the active hinge of aspect 1, it also includes:

[0134] A pawl, pivotally mounted to the hood bracket for releasable connection to the deployment bracket; and

[0135] The actuator is used to selectively pivot the pawl to disengage the pawl from the deployable bracket, thereby allowing the hood bracket to move from the non-deployed position to the deployed position in response to engagement of the actuator with the hood bracket.

[0136] 9. According to the active hinge in aspect 8, it also includes:

[0137] Bolts for engagement by the pawls, the bolts connecting the deploying bracket.

[0138] The pivoting of the pawl disengages it from the bolt, thereby releasably disconnecting the pawl from the deploying bracket.

[0139] 10. The active hinge according to aspect 8, wherein the actuator is configured to engage the locking hook before engaging the pawl.

[0140] 11. The active hinge according to aspect 1, wherein the actuator is configured to drive the hood bracket relative to the body bracket in the vertical and horizontal directions to the unfolded position after the actuator pivots the locking hook to engage the engagement feature.

[0141] 12. A method for assembling an active hinge, the method comprising:

[0142] Provides an engine hood bracket for attachment to the vehicle's engine hood;

[0143] Provides a body bracket for attachment to the vehicle body;

[0144] The deployment bracket is pivotally connected between the engine hood bracket and the body bracket;

[0145] The locking hook is pivotally connected to one of the vehicle body bracket and the deployment bracket;

[0146] A joining feature is provided on the other of the vehicle frame bracket and the deployment bracket; and

[0147] The locking hook is configured to pivot into engagement with the engagement feature to prevent movement of the deployable bracket relative to the vehicle body bracket, and the locking hook is configured to pivot into disengagement from the engagement feature to allow movement of the deployable bracket relative to the vehicle body bracket.

[0148] 13. The method for assembling an active hinge according to aspect 12, the method further comprising providing an actuator for selectively pivoting the locking hook into engagement with the engagement feature.

[0149] 14. The method for assembling an active hinge according to aspect 13, the method further comprising:

[0150] The pawl is pivotally connected to the engine hood bracket, wherein the pawl defines a recess;

[0151] The pawl engages with the unfolding bracket to prevent the engine hood bracket from moving from the non-unfolded position to the unfolded position.

[0152] The actuator is used to configure the pawl to disengage from the deployable bracket, allowing the engine hood bracket to move from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0153] 15. The method for assembling an active hinge according to aspect 14 further includes the step of: configuring the actuator to engage the locking hook before engaging the pawl.

[0154] 16. The method for assembling an active hinge according to aspect 12 further includes forming the engagement feature as a protruding tab by one of the deployment bracket and the vehicle body bracket.

[0155] 17. The method for assembling an active hinge according to aspect 12 further includes: providing the engagement feature on the deployment bracket, and pivotally mounting the locking hook to the vehicle body bracket.

[0156] 18. The method for assembling an active hinge according to aspect 17 further includes pivotally mounting the deployment bracket to the vehicle body bracket about a pivot point.

[0157] 19. The method for assembling an active hinge according to aspect 18 further includes connecting the hood bracket to the deployable bracket using at least one link, wherein the pivot point of the deployable bracket relative to the body bracket is offset from the pivot point of the hood bracket relative to the deployable bracket.

[0158] 20. The active hinge according to aspect 12 further includes providing a recessed notch for the locking hook to receive the engagement feature when the engagement feature engages with the locking hook.

Claims

1. An active hinge, comprising: Engine hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle engine hood; A vehicle body bracket for attaching to a vehicle body; A deployable bracket, pivotally attached to the hood bracket and the body bracket, the hood bracket being pivotable relative to the deployable bracket between a non-deployed position and a deployed position; at least one link, interconnected and pivotally connected to the deployable bracket and the body bracket; a pawl, pivotally mounted to one of the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deployable bracket, and the at least one link; and a bolt engaged by the pawl, the bolt being connected to another of the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deployable bracket, and the at least one link; And an actuator for selectively pivoting the pawl to disengage the pawl from the bolt, thereby allowing at least one of the hood bracket, the body bracket, and the at least one link to move relative to at least another of the hood bracket, the body bracket, and the at least one link, to allow the hood bracket to move from a non-deployed position to a deployed position; The bolt is capable of radially expanding from a non-expanded state to an expanded state to engage the pawl in a locked state, thereby keeping the locking mechanism, including the pawl and the bolt, in a locked state.

2. The active hinge according to claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the bolt biases at least one of the pawl and the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deployable bracket, and the at least one link in opposite directions to bias the hood bracket in the non-deployable position.

3. The active hinge according to claim 1, wherein, The bolt tapers along a tapering region between a wider and a narrower portion, and wherein at least one of the pawl and the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deploying bracket, and the at least one link engages the tapering region to bias the pawl and the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deploying bracket, and the at least one link in opposite directions.

4. The active hinge according to claim 1, wherein, The bolt has a wider portion with a first diameter and a narrower portion with a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and the wider portion is engaged by the pawl.

5. The active hinge according to claim 1, wherein, The pawl has a hook portion, which has an engagement surface that defines a recess for receiving the bolt.

6. The active hinge according to claim 5, wherein, The pawl is rotatable about a pivot point, wherein the engagement surface is spaced apart from the pivot point by a first distance, wherein the pawl also includes a contact surface that is spaced apart from the hook portion and aligned with the actuator to be engaged by the actuator to rotate the pawl to disengage the pawl from the bolt, and wherein the pivot point is spaced apart from the contact surface by a second distance.

7. A method for assembling an active hinge, the method comprising: Provides an engine hood bracket for attachment to the vehicle's engine hood; Provides a body bracket for attachment to the vehicle body; A deployable bracket is pivotally connected to the hood bracket and the deployable bracket is pivotally connected to the body bracket; at least one link is pivotally connected to the deployable bracket and the link is pivotally connected to the body bracket; a pawl is pivotally connected to one of the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deployable bracket, and the at least one link, wherein the pawl defines a recess; a bolt is positioned against another of the hood bracket, the body bracket, the deployable bracket, and the at least one link, wherein the bolt is received by the recess of the pawl; and an axial compressive force is applied to the bolt to cause the bolt to expand radially and eliminate the radial clearance between the bolt and the recess, thereby inhibiting movement between the body bracket and the at least one link to which the pawl is connected.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Applying axial compressive force to the bolt includes pressing the bolt against one of the engine hood bracket, the body bracket, the deployable bracket, and the at least one link that is positioned against by the bolt.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The step of applying an axial compressive force to the bolt to cause the bolt to expand radially when the bolt is aligned with the recess of the pawl is performed when the bolt is positioned in the locked position.

10. An active hinge, comprising: Engine hood bracket for attachment to a vehicle engine hood; A vehicle body bracket for attaching to a vehicle body; A deployable support, which is pivotally attached to the hood support and the body support, the hood support being pivotable relative to the deployable support between a non-deployed position and a deployed position; At least one link, which is interconnected and pivotally connected to the deployment bracket and the vehicle body bracket; A pawl, which is pivotally mounted to an engine hood bracket; A bolt for engagement by the pawl, the bolt being connected to the deploying bracket; wherein the bolt includes a radially expanded state to hold the pawl in a locked position; as well as An actuator having an extendable contact member for selectively pivoting the pawl to disengage the pawl, thereby allowing at least one of the hood bracket, body bracket, and deployable bracket to move relative to each other, allowing the hood bracket to move from a non-deployed position to a deployed position when the extendable contact member engages the pawl.

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