Closure latch assembly for front trunk with pedestrian protection feature

Abstract

The present invention provides a pedestrian protection feature for a closing latch assembly and a method for moving a hood of a motor vehicle to a pop-up position and an open position. The pedestrian protection feature includes an actuator configured to translate a sliding cam member to cause a hook to pivot into a striker holding position to prevent the striker from being removed from the closing latch assembly, and to pivot a lift rod into engagement with the striker to move the striker toward the hook, when the hood is moved to the pop-up position, and the pedestrian protection feature optionally includes a release feature to move the hook from the striker holding position to the striker releasing position, thereby allowing the hood to be moved from the pop-up position to the open position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 241,422 filed on September 7, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 168,743 filed on March 31, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 150,071 filed on February 16, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 139,636 filed on January 20, 2021, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a power operated closure latch assembly for a motor vehicle closure system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a closure latch assembly that provides a power release pedestrian protection function and is well suited for use with a front hood latch system in a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0004] It is desirable to best protect pedestrians from injuries caused by a frontal collision with a vehicle. When a car hits a pedestrian in a front-end collision, the pedestrian may be thrown up and land on the front hood of the vehicle. In order to reduce the violent impact of the pedestrian relative to the vehicle, and in particular, to prevent the person's head from hitting the engine block or other hard objects located directly below the front hood, it is necessary to actively separate the front hood from the engine block before the pedestrian hits the front hood. In particular, when a front-end collision is about to occur, it is necessary to move the front hood from a fully closed first position to a second position within a very short period of time (e.g., within a few milliseconds), wherein in the first position, the front hood is generally positioned adjacent to the engine block, and in the second position, the front hood is actively and controllably moved further away from the engine block. The movement of the hood to the second position can provide sufficient time and / or buffer space for the pedestrian's head and / or body to decelerate more gradually when the pedestrian hits the front hood, thereby potentially reducing the risk of causing serious injury to the pedestrian.

[0005] It is also desirable to minimize the cost and complexity of motor vehicle safety systems and components thereof. In addition, it is desirable to be able to provide the ability to drive a vehicle away from the scene of an accident without undue regard for a damaged hood opening when driving or otherwise transporting the vehicle. In addition, it is desirable to be able to minimize the number of components that need to be replaced when the vehicle safety system is activated. It is also desirable to ensure that there is sufficient and ample time to fully deploy the motor vehicle safety system before a person strikes the front hood of the vehicle, thereby minimizing the potential severity of injury to the person. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art of vehicle closure panels, these desires, problems, and other problems associated with accidents resulting in hood damage are recognized.

[0006] There is a need for a hood latch and system having the same that provides solutions to these and other problems understood by those skilled in the art of vehicle hood panels. Summary of the invention

[0007] This section provides a general overview of the inventive solutions related to the present disclosure. Therefore, this section is not intended to be interpreted as a comprehensive and exhaustive enumeration of all features, aspects, objects and / or advantages related to the inventive solutions, which are further described and illustrated in the following detailed description and drawings.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a pedestrian protection feature for use with a front hood latch system of a motor vehicle that addresses at least those problems discussed above.

[0009] A related object of the present disclosure is to further provide a motor vehicle hood latch system for use with any model of motor vehicle.

[0010] A related object of the present disclosure is to further provide a motor vehicle hood latch for use with a front trunk (front trunk) hood and a closure system having the motor vehicle hood latch.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a motor vehicle hood latch with a pedestrian protection feature having the ability to automatically sense an impending front end impact and release the vehicle hood from a fully closed position to a partially open position without requiring the vehicle operator to take action before a pedestrian impacts the vehicle hood.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a motor vehicle hood latch and pedestrian protection feature therefor that has the capability to prevent the vehicle hood from being inadvertently moved to a fully open position while the vehicle is being transported after an accident.

[0013] In accordance with these and other objects, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a hood latch system having a pedestrian protection feature embodying the inventive concepts set forth in the following detailed description and drawings.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method of configuring a hood latch system having a pedestrian protection feature embodying the inventive concepts set forth in the following detailed description and drawings.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a closed latch system for a hood of a motor vehicle is provided, the closed latch system being used to move a hood fixed to a striker to a pop-up position in response to an impending impact. The closed latch system includes a closed latch assembly having a ratchet and at least one pawl. The ratchet can move between a striker capture position, a striker partial release position, and a striker release position, wherein the ratchet holds the striker in a fully captured position and the hood is in a fully closed position, the striker partial release position, the ratchet holds the striker in a partially released position, and the hood is in a partially open position, the striker release position, the ratchet releases the striker, and the hood can move to a fully open position at the striker release position. The at least one pawl can move between a main locking position and a ratchet release position, wherein the at least one pawl holds the ratchet in the striker capture position and the ratchet release position, wherein the at least one pawl releases the ratchet to the striker partial release position. The closed latch system also includes a pedestrian protection system. The pedestrian closure system includes an actuator configured to translate the slider to cause the hook to move into a striker retaining position to prevent the striker from being removed from the closure latch assembly, and to move the lift rod into engagement with the striker to move the striker into engagement with the hook when the hood is moved to the pop-up position.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuator is configured to translate the slider along a straight path, thereby causing the hook to pivot about the hook axis into the striker retaining position.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pedestrian protection system further includes a pawl lever, wherein the slider is configured to move the pawl lever to operatively move the at least one pawl from the primary locking position to the ratchet release position.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding member can be configured to have a first cam surface, a second cam surface and a third cam surface, the first cam surface being configured to move the hook member to a striker holding position, the second cam surface being configured to move the pawl rod to operatively move at least one pawl from a main locking position to a ratchet release position, and the third cam surface being configured to move the lifting rod to engage with the striker to move the striker to engage with the hook member.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first cam surface may be configured to move the hook into the striker retaining position prior to moving the at least one pawl from the primary locking position to the ratchet release position.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first cam surface moves the hook into the striker retaining position before the second cam surface causes the pawl lever to allow at least one pawl to move from the primary locking position to the ratchet release position, thereby preventing the striker from being inadvertently released from the ratchet.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second cam surface may be configured to move the pawl lever to the ratchet release position before the third cam surface moves the lift lever into engagement with the striker pin.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the lift lever and the pawl lever may be configured to pivot about a common axis.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the slider, hook, and lift rod may be configured to be in a coplanar relationship with one another to pivot within a common plane.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a release lever can be operably connected to a hook member, the release lever having a rest position and an actuated position, in which the hook member is maintained in a striker holding position when the actuator is in the actuated position, and in the actuated position, the hook member moves from the striker holding position to a striker releasing position when the actuator is in the actuated position, at which time the striker can be removed from the ratchet and the hood can be moved to a fully open position.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a release member may be secured to the release lever, wherein the release member is configured for manual actuation to move the release lever from a rest position to an actuated position.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the release member may be provided as one of a rod or a cable.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the release lever is supported for pivotal movement by a pin, and a slide having a slot configured to receive the pin therein is provided, wherein the pin slides through the slot when the slide moves from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the release lever has a drive feature and the hook member has a follower feature, the drive feature being configured to engage with the follower feature when the release lever moves from a rest position to an actuated position so as to move the hook member from a striker retaining position to a striker releasing position when the actuator is in the actuated position.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the drive feature includes a finger extending from an end of the release lever, and the follower feature includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the hook.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding member has a rest surface, a first cam surface and an over-travel surface, the rest surface being arranged to receive the follower feature when the actuator is in the non-actuated position, at which time the hook is in the striker release position, the first cam surface being arranged to engage with the follower feature when the actuator is in the actuated position, at which time the hook is in the striker holding position, and the over-travel surface being arranged to receive the follower feature when the actuator is in the actuated position, at which time the hook is in the striker release position.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the rest surface extends from a first end of the cam surface, and the overtravel surface extends from a second end of the cam surface opposite the first end.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the lift rod has a lift rod driven surface and the slider has a lift rod driving surface, wherein the lift rod driving surface engages with the lift rod driven surface to move the lift rod into engagement with the striker pin, thereby moving the striker pin into engagement with the hook.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the lift rod driven surface is formed in a recess of the lift rod, and the lift rod driving surface is formed by a protrusion extending outward from the lift rod.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the blocking feature may be configured to move between a non-blocking position, wherein the lift rod is in a lift rod rest position, and a blocking position, wherein the lift rod is releasably retained in a lift rod deployed position.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the blocking feature is biased to the blocking position when the slide moves from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the blocking feature is biased from the blocking position to the non-blocking position when the hook moves from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the blocking feature is biased from the blocking position to the non-blocking position by the release lever when the release lever moves from the rest position to the actuated position.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the blocking feature engages the lift rod to move the lift rod from the lift rod rest position to the lift rod deployed position when the blocking feature moves from the non-blocking position to the blocking position.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a pin is provided that extends laterally outward from the blocking rod into sliding engagement with a lift rod follower surface of the lift rod.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pin is in blocking engagement with an end blocking surface of the lift rod when the lift rod is in the lift rod deployed position.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the lift rod driven surface of the lift rod is a smooth, arc-shaped surface, or a concave surface.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the slider engages the blocking feature to move the blocking feature from the non-blocking position to the blocking position.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a pin is provided that extends from the slider to engage a driven cam surface of the blocking lever, wherein the pin cams the blocking lever from the non-blocking position to the blocking position in response to movement of the slider from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a hook member blocking pawl is provided that can be moved between a non-blocking rest position and a blocking position, wherein the hook member blocking pawl is in blocking engagement with a locking surface of the hook member to retain the hook member in the striker retaining position when the actuator is in the actuated position.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, movement of the release lever toward its actuated position causes the hook member blocking pawl to move from a blocking position to a non-blocking position when the hook member moves from a striker retaining position to a striker releasing position when the actuator is in the actuated position.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the hook blocking pawl is biased toward the blocking position by a biasing member.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pedestrian protection system also includes a housing configured to support at least one of the actuator, the slider, the hook, and the lifting rod, the housing having a flange configured to be placed on the hook when the hook is in the striker retaining position and to hinder potential upward movement of the hook.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a pedestrian protection system may be configured to be connected to a latch frame plate of an existing closure latch assembly.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for automatically moving a hood of a motor vehicle from a fully closed position to a partially open pop-up position prior to striking a pedestrian to minimize the likelihood of injury to the pedestrian when the pedestrian strikes the hood.

[0050] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for automatically moving a hood from a closed position to a partially open pop-up position before striking a pedestrian includes: providing power to an actuator; and translating a sliding cam member through the actuator; and preventing a striker fixed to the hood from being removed from a closing latch assembly by moving a hook-shaped member to a striker retaining position through a first cam surface of the sliding cam member. In addition, a pawl lever is moved through a second cam surface of the sliding cam member to operatively move at least one pawl from a primary locking position to a ratchet release position, thereby causing the ratchet to move from a striker capture position to a striker release position. In addition, a lift rod is moved through a third cam surface of the sliding cam member to engage with the striker so that the striker moves toward the hook-shaped member, and the hood moves to the pop-up position.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include: when the actuator is powered, causing the actuator to move the sliding member from the non-deployed position along a straight path to the deployed position so that the first cam surface engages with the hook member, the second cam surface engages with the pawl, and the third cam surface engages with the lifting rod.

[0052] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include pivoting the hook member about the hook member axis into the striker retaining position via engagement of the first cam surface of the sliding member with a hook member protrusion extending outwardly from the hook member.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include pivoting the hook into the striker retaining position prior to moving the at least one pawl from the ratchet release position.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include moving the pawl lever to a ratchet release position prior to moving the lift lever into engagement with the striker pin.

[0055] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include supporting the lift lever and the pawl lever to pivot about a common axis.

[0056] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include supporting the slider, the hook, and the lift rod for pivotal movement within a common plane.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for automatically actuating a closure latch assembly for moving a hood of a motor vehicle from a closed position to a partially open pop-up position prior to striking a pedestrian, thereby minimizing the possibility of injury to the pedestrian upon striking the hood, and optionally for releasing the hood to allow the hood to move from the pop-up position to a fully open position, and optionally for resetting the closure latch assembly to allow the hood to move from the pop-up position to the closed position. The method includes: providing power to an actuator; moving a sliding member through the actuator; moving a hook member from a striker release position to a striker retention position through a first cam surface of the sliding member to prevent a striker fixed to the cover from moving away from a closed latch assembly; moving a pawl rod through a second cam surface of the sliding member to operatively move at least one pawl from a main locking position to a ratchet release position, thereby causing the ratchet to move from a striker capture position to a striker release position; moving a lifting rod from a lifting rod static position to a lifting rod deployment position engaged with the striker through a lifting rod driving surface of the sliding member to move the striker toward the hook member, at which time the cover is moved to a pop-up position; and optionally, moving the release rod from a static position to an actuated position, and causing the hook member to move from a striker retention position to a striker release position, thereby allowing the striker to move away from the closed latch assembly and the cover to move from the pop-up position to a fully open position.

[0058] The method may further include moving the release lever from the rest position to the actuated position via manual actuation of the release member.

[0059] The method may also include moving the blocking feature from the non-blocking position to the blocking position, where the blocking feature forcibly engages a surface of the lift rod to releasably retain the lift rod in the lift rod deployed position.

[0060] The method may further include moving the blocking feature from the blocking position to the non-blocking position while moving the release lever from the rest position to the actuated position, at which time the lift lever may return to the lift lever rest position to allow the cover to move to the closed position.

[0061] According to another aspect, a closing latch system for a hood of a motor vehicle is provided, the closing latch system being used to move a hood fixed to a striker to a pop-up position, the closing latch system comprising a closing latch assembly having one or more latch components and a pedestrian protection system, the pedestrian protection system comprising an actuator having a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the actuator being configured to translate a sliding member from a non-deployed position to a deployed position when moving from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, wherein the sliding member comprises one or more control surfaces, the one or more control surfaces being configured to control one or more components during translation of the sliding member from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0062] According to another aspect, a closing latch system for a hood of a motor vehicle is provided, the closing latch system being used to move a hood fixed to a striker to a pop-up position, the closing latch system comprising a closing latch assembly having one or more latch components and a pedestrian protection system, the pedestrian protection system comprising an actuator having a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the actuator being configured to move a control element, such as a linearly movable slide or a rotatable cam element as a non-limiting example, from a non-deployed position to a deployed position when moving from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, one or more control surfaces being configured to convert one or more latch components from a normal state to an active pedestrian protection state during movement of the control element from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, the closing latch assembly also comprising a release rod for converting one or more latch components from an active pedestrian protection state to a normal state without causing one of the control element and the actuator to return from their actuated position to their non-actuated position.

[0063] Other areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended only to illustrate certain non-limiting objects, aspects, and embodiments, and these non-limiting objects, aspects, and embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The drawings described herein are intended only to illustrate non-limiting embodiments of a power-operated closure latch assembly and its related structural configuration and functional operation related to the teachings of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0065] Figures 1A to 1C 1 illustrates actuating a front hood of a motor vehicle from a fully closed position ( Figure 1A ) to the pop-up position ( Figure 1B and Figure 1C ) in progressive order;

[0066] Figure 2 illustrates a front side view of a pedestrian protection feature constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure for use with a closure latch assembly of a front hood of a motor vehicle, wherein the pedestrian protection feature is shown in a non-deployed, resting, home position;

[0067] Figure 3 The illustration shows the housing removed therefrom for clarity purposes only. Figure 2 a rear side view of a pedestrian protection feature of , wherein the pedestrian protection feature is shown in a non-deployed, resting, original position;

[0068] Figure 4 The diagram shows the Figure 2a rear side view of a closure latch assembly for use with a pedestrian protection feature of the invention, wherein the closure latch assembly is shown in a striker captured position;

[0069] Figure 5 is with Figure 2 similar views showing the actuator moving from the non-actuated position to the initial actuated position to cause the slider (sliding cam member) to move from the non-deployed position to the initial deployed position, which in turn causes the hook to move from the non-deployed striker release position to the deployed striker capture position in response to the surface of the slider engaging and driving the surface of the hook, where the hook prevents the striker from being released from the closure latch assembly and pedestrian protection feature;

[0070] Figure 6 is with Figure 4 A similar view showing the primary and secondary pawls of the closure latch assembly moving to a ratchet release position via the pawl lever of the pedestrian protection feature in response to movement of the lugs of the pawl lever driven by the slider;

[0071] Figure 7 is with Figure 5 a similar view showing movement of the actuator to an intermediate actuated position to cause movement of the slider to an intermediate deployed position, thereby causing the lift rod to move into initial engagement with the striker in response to the slider driving the projection of the lift rod;

[0072] Figure 8 is with Figure 7 A similar view showing the actuator moving to the fully actuated position to move the slider to the fully deployed position, thereby causing the lift rod to move the striker into engagement with the hook, whereupon the front hood of the motor vehicle is moved to the fully actuated position in response to the slider driving the projection of the lift rod. Figure 1B and Figure 1C The bounce position;

[0073] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of automatically moving a hood of a motor vehicle from a fully closed position to a partially open pop-up position prior to striking a pedestrian;

[0074] Fig.10 is another flow chart illustrating a method of automatically moving a hood of a motor vehicle from a fully closed position to a partially open pop-up position prior to striking a pedestrian;

[0075] Fig.11 illustrates a front side view of a pedestrian protection feature constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure for use with a closure latch assembly of a front hood of a motor vehicle, wherein the pedestrian protection feature is shown in an undeployed, resting, original position;

[0076] Fig.12 is with Fig.11A similar view showing the actuator of the pedestrian protection feature moving to the fully actuated position to move the slider to the fully deployed position, thereby causing the lift rod to move the ratchet into engagement with the hook, with the front hood of the motor vehicle being moved to Figure 1B and Figure 1C The bounce position;

[0077] Fig. 12A is with Fig.12 A similar view, which illustrates a view with the slide removed for clarity purposes only, to illustrate aspects related to a lift bar of a pedestrian protection feature according to other aspects of the present disclosure;

[0078] Fig. 12B is with Fig. 12A A similar view from the opposite side;

[0079] Fig. 12C is with Fig.12 a similar view from the opposite side of the housing of the pedestrian protection feature;

[0080] Fig.13 is with Fig.12 a similar view showing initial actuation of the release lever for moving the hook from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position;

[0081] Fig.14 is with Fig.13 a similar view showing completion of actuation of the release lever with the hook moved to the striker release position;

[0082] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D The following sequence of actions is illustrated: actuating an actuator of a pedestrian protection feature to move a hook to a striker-retained position and a lift bar to a lift bar-deployed position to move the hood to a pop-up position, and then actuating a release bar to move the hook from the striker-retained position to a striker-released position to allow the hood to move from the pop-up position to the open position;

[0083] Fig.16 is a flow chart of a method for automatically actuating a closure latch assembly for moving a hood of a motor vehicle from a closed position to a partially open pop-up position prior to striking a pedestrian to minimize the likelihood of injury to the pedestrian upon striking the hood, and optionally for releasing the hood to allow the hood to move from the pop-up position to a fully open position, and optionally for resetting the closure latch assembly to allow the hood to move from the pop-up position to the closed position;

[0084] Fig.17A is a perspective end view of a closure latch assembly of a front hood of a motor vehicle having a pedestrian protection feature constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0085] Fig. 17B is with Fig.17A A similar view from the other end of the closed latch assembly;

[0086] Fig.18 Picture shows Fig.17A and Fig. 17B a front side view of the pedestrian protection feature of the closure latch assembly shown in a non-deployed, resting, original position;

[0087] Fig.19 is with Fig.18 A similar view showing Fig.17A and Fig. 17B The actuator of the pedestrian protection feature of the closure latch assembly moves the slider from the rest position (shown in solid form) to the fully deployed position (shown in transparent form) when the actuator moves from the rest original position to the fully actuated position shown in phantom, thereby causing the lifting rod to move from the rest position (shown in solid form) to the deployed position (shown in transparent form) to move the striker into engagement with the hook-shaped member, at which time the front hood of the motor vehicle moves to Figure 1B and Figure 1C The bounce position;

[0088] Fig. 20 is with Fig.18 A similar view showing in more detail Fig.17A and Fig. 17B various components of the pedestrian protection feature of the closure latch assembly when in a non-deployed, stationary, original position;

[0089] Fig.21 is with Fig. 20 a similar view showing the actuator of the pedestrian protection feature toward a fully actuated position (shown in an intermediate position) to move the slider toward a fully deployed position (shown in an intermediate position), thereby causing the hook to move to a striker retaining position;

[0090] Fig. 22 is with Fig.21 A similar view showing the actuator moving to the fully actuated position and the slider moving to the fully deployed position, thereby causing the lift rod to move the striker into engagement with the hook, with the front hood of the motor vehicle being moved to Figure 1B and Figure 1C The bounce position;

[0091] Fig.23 is with Fig. 22 a similar view showing actuation of a release lever of a pedestrian protection feature for moving the hook from a striker retaining position to a striker releasing position;

[0092] Fig.24 yes Fig.17A and Fig. 17B a perspective view of a disengagement lever of a pedestrian protection feature of a closure latch assembly; and

[0093] Fig.25 yes Fig.17A and Fig. 17B A perspective view of the blocking bar of the pedestrian protection feature of the closed latch assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] An example embodiment of a power-operated pedestrian protection system for use with a closed latch assembly of a closed latch system of a motor vehicle will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. To this end, example embodiments of closed latch systems and closed latch assemblies are provided so that the present disclosure will be exhaustive and will fully convey the intended scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, many specific details such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods are set forth to provide a detailed understanding of specific embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that the example embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some portions of the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0095] In the detailed description that follows, the expression "closure latch assembly" will be used generally to refer to any power-operated latch device that is suitable for use with a vehicle closure panel and provides one of a power-pull feature and a power-release feature. In addition, the expression "closure panel" will be used to refer to any element that is mounted to a structural body portion of a motor vehicle and can be moved between a fully open position and a fully closed position to open and close access to a passenger compartment or storage compartment of the motor vehicle, respectively. Without limitation, the closure panel herein is described with respect to a front hood of a motor vehicle.

[0096] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments, and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular "one", "a kind of" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "include", "contain", "comprise" and "have" are inclusive, and therefore specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or parts, nor exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their combinations. Unless specifically identified as the order of execution, the method steps, processes and operations described herein shall not be interpreted as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or described. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be taken.

[0097] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items.

[0098] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply sequence or order when used in this article. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second section.

[0099] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inside", "outside", "below", "below", "down", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between an element or feature illustrated in the figure and another element or feature. Spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device when in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example term "below" may include both the orientation of above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially related descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0100] Figures 1A to 1CA motor vehicle 10 is illustrated having a body 11 defining a front compartment 14, which in some embodiments may be an engine compartment and in other embodiments may be a storage compartment, also referred to as a front luggage compartment, sometimes referred to as a "front trunk," which lacks an engine but is located in the front region of the vehicle. In this non-limiting example of the motor vehicle 10, a closure panel configured as a front hood, also referred to simply as a hood 12, is pivotally mounted to the body 11 for movement relative to the front compartment. Figure 1A The fully closed position and Figure 1B and 1C 10 is a closure panel that is configured to move between a partially open or pop-up position. Illustratively, the closure panel is a hood 12 disposed at the front of the motor vehicle 10 for enclosing an engine compartment or front trunk also referred to as a storage compartment. The hood 12 can be manually released from within the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle 10, and this is used to actuate a latch release mechanism associated with a closure latch assembly 16, thereby releasing the hood 12 and allowing the hood 12 to subsequently move to its pop-up position or fully open position. In this non-limiting embodiment, the closure latch assembly 16 is fixed to a structural portion of the vehicle body 11 adjacent to the front compartment, and the closure latch assembly 16 is configured to releasably engage a striker 22 that is mounted in a fixed relationship to the lower side of the hood 12. The present disclosure is directed to providing a pedestrian protection feature, also referred to as a pedestrian protection system (PPS) 20, which is configured to cooperate with the closure latch assembly 16 to be in operative communication to form a closure latch system 17, which has a power release function (which can be automatically actuated via a sensor / controller system) to automatically move the hood 12 to a pop-up position when it is expected that the pedestrian P is about to make violent contact with the hood 12. Therefore, if the pedestrian P hits the hood 12 after the PPS 20 is actuated, a cushioning effect of the slightly raised hood 12 is provided, which reduces the impact force on the pedestrian and can ultimately reduce the possibility of the pedestrian P hitting the engine (if there is an engine under the hood 12), thereby reducing the possibility of injury to the pedestrian P.

[0101] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 A detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment of a power-operated version of a closure latch assembly 16 and a closure latch system 17 having the closure latch assembly 16 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is provided. The closure latch assembly, hereinafter referred to as the closure latch assembly 16, includes a ratchet 24, a primary pawl 26, a secondary pawl 28, and a coupling link 30, also referred to as a coupling rod. The ratchet 24 can be responsive to the primary pawl 26 and the secondary pawl 28 from a ratchet holding position (see, e.g., Figure 4 ) to the ratchet release position (see e.g. Figure 6) to move between a main closed position, also referred to as a main striker capture position, a secondary closed position, also referred to as a secondary striker capture position, and an open position, also referred to as a striker release position. In the main closed position and the secondary closed position, the ratchet 24 prevents the striker 22 from being retracted. When in the main closed position, the ratchet 24 holds the striker 22 relatively deep in a slot, generally referred to as the fishmouth of the housing, wherein the hood 12 is in a fully closed state compared to when the ratchet 24 is in the secondary closed position, wherein the hood 12 is in a partially closed state but is prevented from being moved to a fully open position by the ratchet 24. Thus, in the main closed position, the ratchet 24 holds the striker 22 at a first depth in the fishmouth when the hood 12 is in the fully closed position, and in the secondary closed position, the ratchet 24 holds the striker 22 at a second depth in the fishmouth of the housing when the hood 12 is in a partially closed, pop-up position, wherein the first depth is greater than the second depth.

[0102] Reference Figure 2 , the pedestrian protection system 20 is shown in a resting, home position. The pedestrian protection system 20 includes a housing 40 for receiving and supporting various components, including a power-operated actuator 42, a sliding cam member also referred to as a sliding member or slider 44, a striker retaining hook also referred to as a hook member or hook 46, a striker lifter also referred to as a lifter 48, and a pawl opener also referred to as a pawl lever 50.

[0103] Now go to Figures 1A to 1C , the illustrated series of events shows that a pedestrian P is detected in the pedestrian protection zone Z, and the powered actuator 42 of the PPS 20 is actuated in response to detecting the pedestrian P in the pedestrian protection zone Z to mitigate the impact force experienced by the pedestrian P when striking the hood 12 of the motor vehicle 10 .

[0104] exist Figure 1A , the illustrated pedestrian P is in a predetermined pedestrian protection zone Z of the motor vehicle 10. The range of the distance or mode of the pedestrian protection zone Z can be selected as needed, such as, by way of example and not limitation, between about 0.1 meters and 2 meters from the front end of the motor vehicle 10. Within or outside the pedestrian protection zone Z, an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) can be enabled to automatically steer and / or brake the motor vehicle 10 as needed to avoid or mitigate a collision with another vehicle and / or pedestrian P. The ADAS system can be used in conjunction with, by way of example and not limitation, one or more sensors 39', such as a non-contact radar transmission sensor ( Figures 1A to 1C and Fig. 9) and / or in operable communication with one or more other sensors 39″ located in desired areas of the motor vehicle 10, such as, by way of example and not limitation, vehicle impact sensors including accelerometers, radar emission sensors, and a body control module (BCM), also referred to as a vehicle controller 37′, and / or a latch controller 37 ( Fig. 9 ) can communicate operatively.

[0105] When the pedestrian P has entered the pedestrian protection zone Z, the sensor 39' detects an imminent side or frontal collision / impact with the pedestrian P, and therefore, the sensor 39' communicates with the vehicle controller 37' and / or directly with the latch controller 37 to actuate the powered actuator 42 of the pedestrian protection feature 20 to automatically move the slide 44, thereby causing the primary pawl 26 and the secondary pawl 28 to move from their ratchet retaining position to the ratchet release position. As a result, the ratchet 24 is automatically allowed to move to its striker release position.

[0106] In more detail, when it is sensed that a collision with a pedestrian P is imminent, for example, when the pedestrian P enters the pedestrian protection zone Z ( Figure 1A ), the actuator 42 is automatically moved to the initial actuation position ( ) via actuation of a signal from the vehicle controller 37 'and / or directly by means of the latch controller 37 Figure 5 ), so that the slide 44 is translated from the non-deployed position along a straight path extending along the axis A to the initial deployed position, thereby causing the hook 46 to move from the striker release position to the striker retention position, also known as the striker capture position, such as via pivoting about the hook axis, also known as the first axis 46', as indicated by arrow r1. During the initial translation of the slide 44 along the axis A, a first drive member, also known as the first cam surface 52 of the slide 44, located adjacent to the first end 53 of the slide 44, cams with a hook follower member, also known as the hook projection 54, which extends outwardly from the first end 45 of the hook 46 near the hook axis 46', so that the hook 46 is moved from the non-deployed position to the initial deployed position. Figure 5 46 is pivoted clockwise about the hook axis 46' as viewed in the figure, thereby bringing the hook-shaped second end or hook free end 47 into a blocking, overlapping relationship with the striker 22, thereby preventing the striker 22 from passing over the hook free end 47 and preventing the striker 22 from being released from the pedestrian protection feature 20. As the slider 44 further translates along the axis A, the upper, generally flat first cam surface platform 52' retains the hook 46 in the actuated position, wherein the hook free end 47 is in an overlapping relationship with the striker 22.

[0107] Figure 6 The primary pawl 26 and the secondary pawl 28 of the closing latch assembly 16 are shown in response to the pawl lever 50, also referred to as the lug 56 (also referred to as the lug 56) extending laterally outward from the pawl lever 50. Figure 3) is driven by a second drive member also referred to as a second cam surface 58 of the slide 44 ( Figure 3 The lug 56 engaged by the second cam surface 58 is shown, via movement, via counterclockwise rotational movement of a pawl opener lever of the PPS 20, hereinafter referred to as the pawl lever 50, about a second axis 57 as indicated by arrow r2 (as in FIG. Figure 6 4. The second cam surface 58 is shown as an inclined surface located between the first end 53 and the second end 55 of the slide 44. The inclined surface of the second cam surface 58 transitions to a generally flat second cam surface platform 58'.

[0108] The rotational movement of the pawl lever 50 in the direction of arrow r2 causes the connecting rod 30 to rotate in the direction of arrow A1 ( Figure 6 ) moves, whereupon the drive member, shown as a projection 60 of the coupling link 30, engages the primary pawl 26 and pivots the primary pawl 26 about the primary pawl axis 27 to the ratchet release position of the primary pawl 26, while the connecting member 61, located between the coupling link 30 and the secondary pawl 28, pivotally moves the secondary pawl 28 about the secondary pawl axis 29 to the ratchet release position of the secondary pawl 28. As the slide 44 continues to translate along the axis A, the lug 56 moves onto the second cam surface platform 58', whereupon the primary pawl 26 and the secondary pawl 28 remain in their respective ratchet release positions.

[0109] Figure 7 Actuator 42 is shown further moved to an intermediate actuation position to move slider 44 to an intermediate deployment position along axis A. When in the intermediate position, third cam surface 62 of slider 44, located adjacent second end 55 of slider 44, drives into engagement with a lifter tab 64 of lifter 48, thereby pivotally moving lifter 48 about axis 57 in the direction of arrow r3. As lifter 48 pivots about axis 57, free end 49 of lifter 48 initially engages striker 22. Lifter 48 and pawl lever 50 are shown supported about common pin P for rotation about common axis 57. Lifter tab 64 is located proximate axis 57, which is adjacent end 51 of lifter 48 opposite free end 49, thereby minimizing the amount of force required to pivot lifter 48 about axis 57.

[0110] Figure 8The actuator 42 is shown moved to the fully actuated position to move the slider 44 along the axis A to the fully deployed position, in which the third cam surface 62 causes the lifter 48 to move the striker 22 upward toward the hook free end 47 into engagement with or close proximity with the hook free end 47 of the hook 46 via engagement with the lifter protrusion 64. With the hook free end 47 maintained in an overlapping relationship with the striker 22 via continued engagement of the elongated, flat first cam surface platform 52' with the hook protrusion 54, the hook 46 prevents the striker 22 from being released from the pedestrian protection feature 20, and the hood 12 of the motor vehicle 10 is moved to and maintained in the pop-up position ( Figure 1B and Figure 1C The lifter projection 64 is retained in a fully deployed pop-up position on a generally planar third cam surface land or stop surface 62' adjacent the second end of the slide 44 until it is needed to be moved from the deployed pop-up position, such as in a reset operation.

[0111] The slider 44, hook 46 and lifter 48 are generally coplanar with one another, which allows the hook protrusion 54 to remain engaged with the first cam surface platform 52' when the second cam surface 58 engages the lug 56 and retains the lug 56 on the second cam surface platform 58', while the third cam surface 62 engages the lifter protrusion 64 and retains the lifter protrusion 64 on the third cam surface platform 62' when the slider 44 is translated along the straight axis A to the fully deployed position of the slider 44. The above-described arrangement and interrelationship of the slider 44, hook 46 and lifter 48 provide a compact structure, thereby minimizing the amount of space required for incorporation into the closed latch system 17. As illustrated, the second cam surface platform 58' is slightly offset in a lateral relationship from the plane along which the first cam surface platform 52' and the third cam surface platform 62' are aligned.

[0112] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, Fig.10The steps of a method 1000 for automatically moving the hood 12 of the motor vehicle 10 from a closed position to a partially open pop-up position before striking a pedestrian P are illustrated. The method 1000 includes: a step 1100 of providing power to the actuator 42; a step 1200 of translating the slider 44 through the actuator 42; and a step 1300 of moving the hook 46 to a striker holding position through the first cam surface 52 of the slider 44 to prevent the striker 22 fixed to the hood 12 from being removed from the closing latch assembly 16. In addition, step 1400 is to move the pawl lever 50 through the second cam surface 58 of the slider 44 to operably move at least one pawl from the main locking position to the ratchet release position, thereby causing the ratchet 24 to move from the striker capture position to the striker release position. In addition, step 1500 is to move the lifting rod 48 to engage with the striker 22 through the third cam surface 62 of the slider 44 to move the striker 22 toward the hook 46 , and the cover 12 is moved to the pop-up position.

[0113] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, method 1000 may also include the following step 1600: when power is provided to the actuator 42, the actuator 42 moves the sliding member 44 from the non-deployed position along a straight path to the deployed position so that the first cam surface 52 engages with the hook member 46, the second cam surface 58 engages with the pawl rod 50 and the third cam surface 62 engages with the lifting rod 48.

[0114] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method 1000 may further include the step 1700 of pivoting the hook 46 about the hook axis 46 ′ into the striker retaining position via engagement of the first cam surface 52 of the slider 44 with the hook protrusion 54 extending outwardly from the hook 46 .

[0115] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method 1000 may further include the step 1800 of pivoting the hook 46 into the striker retaining position prior to moving the at least one pawl from the ratchet release position.

[0116] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method 1000 may further include the step 1900 of moving the pawl lever 50 to the ratchet release position before moving the lift rod 48 into engagement with the striker pin 22 .

[0117] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method 1000 may further include the following step 2000 : supporting the lifting lever 48 and the pawl lever 50 to pivot about the common axis 57 .

[0118] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method 1000 may further include the following step 2100: supporting the slide member 44, the hook member 46 and the lifting rod 48 to pivotally move in a common plane.

[0119] exist Fig.11 15 , a pedestrian protection system (PPS) 120 constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the same reference numerals, offset by a factor of 100, are used to identify similar features discussed above with respect to PPS 20. As discussed above with respect to PPS 20, PPS 120 is configured to cooperate with closure latch assembly 16 to be in operative communication to form closure latch system 117, which has a power release function (which can be automatically actuated via a sensor / controller system) to automatically move hood 12 to a pop-up position when a pedestrian P is expected to make violent contact with hood 12, as discussed above with respect to closure latch system 17. The following discussion is directed to PPS 120, and it should be understood from this discussion that the closure latch assembly 16 of closure latch system 117 is the same as discussed above with respect to closure latch system 17.

[0120] The PPS 120 includes similar features discussed above with respect to the PPS 20, including a PPS housing 140, also referred to as a frame plate or plate, an actuator 142, a slide 144, a hook 146, a lift rod 148, and a pawl rod 150. As discussed in more detail below, these features function similarly to those discussed above with respect to corresponding features of the PPS 20.

[0121] The actuator 142 has a non-actuated position ( Fig.11 and Fig.15A ) and actuation position ( Figure 12 to Figure 14 and FIG. 15B to FIG. 15D The actuator 142 is configured to translate the slider 144 from the non-deployed position to the deployed position when moving from the non-actuated position to the actuated position to move the hook 146 into the striker retaining position to prevent the striker 22 from being removed from the closing latch assembly 16, and to move the lift rod 148 from a lift rod rest position in engagement with the striker 22 to a lift rod deployed position to move the striker 22 into engagement with the hook 146, at which time the hood 12 is moved to the pop-up position, thereby providing a pedestrian protection feature via the enhanced cushioning provided by the hood 12.

[0122] In more detail, as discussed above, upon sensing an impending collision with a pedestrian P, the actuator 142 is automatically moved to the actuated position ( ) via actuation of a signal from the vehicle controller 37' and / or directly by the latch controller 37. Fig.12 and Fig.13 ) so that the slide 144 can be translated from the non-deployed position to the deployed position along a straight path extending along the axis A. To facilitate the straight translational movement of the slide 144, the housing 140 can have a guide feature, such as, by way of example and not limitation, a straight slot 41 ( Fig. 12C), the guide feature is configured to receive therein the protrusion or pin 43 of the slider 144 for guided translation therethrough. Translation of the slider 144 to the deployed position causes the hook 146 to move, for example, via a position as indicated by arrow r1 ( Fig.12 ) about a hook axis also referred to as first axis 146' from the striker release position to a striker capture position also referred to as the striker retaining position. To facilitate releasably retaining the slide 144 in the deployed position when desired, the lift rod 148 can be provided with a stop member or stop surface fixed to the lift rod 148, the stop member or stop surface being shown as a projection 38 forming an integral piece of material with the lift rod 148. The projection 38 is shown as a pin 43 facing the slide 144 so that the slide 144 is retained in the deployed position as long as the blocking feature 74 is in locking engagement with the lift rod 148. The slide 144 has a rest surface 68 arranged to receive a follower feature 154 of the hook 146 when the actuator 142 is in the non-actuated position, in which the hook 146 is in the striker release position. During translation of the slider 144 along the axis A, a first drive member, also referred to as a first cam surface 152 of the slider 144, located between the first end 153 of the slider 144 and the second end 155 of the slider 144, engages with a hook follower feature or member, also referred to as a follower feature 154, which extends outwardly adjacent to the first end 145 of the hook 146 proximate the hook axis 146', to cam the hook 146 as shown in FIG. Fig.12 146 is pivoted clockwise about the hook axis 146' as viewed in the figure, so that the hook-shaped second end or hook free end 147 is in a blocking, overlapping relationship with the striker 22, thereby preventing the striker 22 from passing through the hook free end 147 and preventing the striker 22 from being released from the pedestrian protection feature 120, and releasably retaining the hook 146 in the actuated position, wherein the hook free end 147 is in an overlapping relationship with the striker 22. Thereafter, when it is desired to release the hood 12 from the pop-up position in which the hook 146 is in the striker retaining position to the fully open position, the follower feature 154 can be moved by the release rod 80 to the overtravel surface 69 of the slide 144 arranged to receive the follower feature 154 while the actuator 142 is maintained in the actuated position, at which time the hook 146 is moved to the striker releasing position. The rest surface 68 is shown extending from a first end 71 of the first cam surface 152 , and the overtravel surface 69 is shown extending from a second end 73 of the first cam surface 152 opposite the first end 71 , and thus, the first cam surface 152 extends between the rest surface 68 and the overtravel surface 69 .

[0123] The primary pawl 26 and the secondary pawl 28 of the closing latch assembly 16 are responsive to the pawl drive member 156 of the pawl lever 150, also referred to as the lug 156 extending laterally outward from the pawl lever 150, being driven by the second drive member 158 of the slide 144, and being driven by the clockwise rotational movement of the pawl lever 150 about the second axis 157 (as in FIG. Fig.12 ) moves from the main locking position to the ratchet release position. The second cam surface 158 is shown as a raised platform generally opposite to the first cam surface 152 which is also formed as a raised platform.

[0124] The rotational movement of the pawl lever 150 in the clockwise direction causes the coupling link 30 to rotate along the direction of arrow A1 ( Figure 6 ), whereupon the drive member, shown as the protrusion 60 of the coupling link 30, engages the main pawl 26 and causes the main pawl 26 to pivot about the main pawl axis 27 to the ratchet release position of the main pawl 26, while the connecting member 61 located between the coupling link 30 and the secondary pawl 28 causes the secondary pawl 28 to pivotally move about the secondary pawl axis 29 to the ratchet release position of the secondary pawl 28. When the slider 144 translates along the axis A, the lug 156 moves onto the second cam surface 158, at which time the main pawl 26 and the secondary pawl 28 remain in their respective ratchet release positions. The slider 144 is an example of a control element that can be actuated by the actuator 42 to cause the closing latch assembly 16 to move from a normal state (see, e.g., Figure 2 ) into an active pedestrian protection state (see e.g. Figure 8 ).

[0125] When the actuator 42 is moved to the actuated position and the slide 144 is moved along the axis A to the deployed position ( Figure 12 to Figure 14 and 15A to Fig. 15C ), the lifter follower surface 164 of the lifter 148 engages with and is driven by the lifter drive surface 162 of the slide 144, wherein the lifter drive surface 162 moves the lifter 148 into engagement with the striker 22 to move the striker 22 into engagement with the hook 146. The lifter follower surface 164 can be formed along the surface of the recess 70 of the lifter 148, and the lifter drive surface 162 can be formed by a protrusion such as a pin, a lug, etc. extending outwardly from the lifter 148, shown as extending laterally from the lifter 148 in a laterally outwardly extending relationship. The lifter 148 is pivotally moved in a clockwise direction about the axis 157 against a bias such as applied by the spring member 72, wherein the spring member 72 is used to move the lifter 148 toward the non-deployed home position ( Fig.11 and Fig.15A) is biased without being forced to resist biased lifting. Lifting rod 148 and pawl lever 150 are shown supported about a common pin P for rotation about a common axis 157. Lifting rod driven surface 164 is located close to axis 157, thereby minimizing the amount of force required to pivot lifting rod 48 about axis 157 through lifting rod drive surface 162. Therefore, the force required to be applied by actuator 142 on slider 144 can be minimized.

[0126] As the actuator 142 moves to the fully actuated position, the lift rod 148 moves the striker 22 upward toward the hook free end 147 into engagement or close proximity with the hook free end 147 of the hook 146. With the hook free end 147 and the striker 22 maintained in overlapping relationship via continued engagement of the elongated, flat first cam surface 152 with the follower feature 154, the hook 146 prevents the striker 22 from being released from the pedestrian protection feature 120, and the hood 12 of the motor vehicle 10 is moved to the pop-up position and maintained in the pop-up position ( Figure 1B and Figure 1C ). The lifting rod 148 can be retained and releasably locked in the fully deployed pop-up position by the blocking feature 74, which is configured to be used in the non-blocking position ( Fig.11 , Fig.14 , Fig.15A and Fig.15D ) and blocking position ( Figure 12 to Figure 13 and 15B to Fig. 15C ), wherein in the non-blocking position, lift rod 148 is in a lift rod resting position, and in the blocking position, lift rod 148 is releasably retained in a lift rod deployed position, such as in a reset operation. Blocking feature 74 can be biased clockwise to the blocking position so that a free blocking end 75 of blocking feature 74 is in locking engagement with a locking surface of lift rod 148, which is shown as a surface or locking surface 77 proximate lift rod follower surface 164, by way of example and not limitation. Fig. 12A and Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking surface 77 can be formed as a protrusion or recess in the lifting rod 148, and is shown as a locking surface 77 by way of example and not limitation, which is sized to receive the free blocking end 75 therein. By way of example and not limitation, when the slide 144 moves from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, it can be schematically indicated by arrow 76 ( Fig.11 and Fig.12 ) indicates that the blocking feature 74 is biased via the spring member. The blocking feature 74 is biased when the lifting rod 148 is in the lifting rod rest position ( Fig.11 and Fig.15A), can be held in the non-blocking position by the surface 78 of the lifting rod 148 against the bias of the biasing member 76, and can be biased from the blocking position back to the non-blocking position (or out of the blocking relationship with the lifting rod 148) when the hook 146 moves from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the blocking feature 74 is released when the release rod 80 moves from the rest position ( Figures 11 to 13 and 15A to Fig. 15C ) moves to the actuated position ( Fig.14 and Fig.15D ) is biased from the blocking position to the non-blocking position by the release lever 80.

[0127] The release lever 80 is operably coupled to the hook 146 for movement between a rest position, in which the hook 146 is held in the striker holding position while the actuator 142 is in the actuated position, and an actuated position, in which the hook 146 is moved from the striker holding position to the striker releasing position while the actuator 142 is in the actuated position. Thus, when the release lever 80 is moved to the actuated position, the striker 22 can be removed from the ratchet 24, and the cover 12 can be moved to the fully open position.

[0128] To facilitate movement of the release lever 80 to the actuated position, a release member 82 may be secured to the release lever 80, wherein the release member 82 may be configured for actuation from any suitable interior and / or exterior location on the motor vehicle 10 and / or via a powered actuator 83 ( Fig. 12A ) manual and / or power actuation to move the release lever 80 from the static position to the actuated position, thereby moving the hook 146 from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position. As an example and not limitation, the release member 82 can be provided as a rod or a flexible cable.

[0129] The release lever 80 is shown supported by the pin 84 for pivotal movement. The slide 144 can be provided with a slot 86 configured to receive the pin 84 therein, wherein the pin 84 slides through the slot 86 when the slide 144 moves from the non-deployed position to the deployed position in a translational manner. The release lever 80 has a drive feature 88, and the hook 146 has a follower feature 154, wherein the drive feature 88 is configured to drive engage with the follower feature 154 when the release lever 80 moves from the rest position to the actuated position, thereby causing the hook 146 to move from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position while the actuator 142 remains in the actuated position. To facilitate the pivotal movement of the hook 146, the drive feature 88 pushes the follower feature 154 along the first cam surface 152, and pushes the follower feature 154 away from the first cam surface 152 and received by the overtravel surface of the slide 144. Therefore, the hook 146 is able to freely pivot about the pin 84. Thus, while the actuator 142 remains in its fired, actuated position, the hood 12 can still be selectively moved to the fully open position when desired upon selective actuation of the release member 82. The drive feature 88 is shown as being formed by a finger or protrusion extending from the end 90 of the release lever 80, and the follower feature 154 is shown as a protrusion extending laterally outward from the hook 146.

[0130] When the release lever 80 is moved from the rest position to the actuated position, in addition to causing the hook 146 to be moved to the striker release position, a drive lug, also referred to as a drive flange 92, extending from the end 90 of the release lever 80 is configured to be forced to engage the free end 94 of the blocking feature 74 to pivot the blocking feature 74 out of the blocking engagement with the lift lever 148, thereby resetting the blocking feature 74 for engagement with the surface 78 of the lift lever 148. If desired, the lift lever 148 can be moved back to the lift lever rest position ( Fig.11 and Fig.15A), thereby allowing the striker 22 to return to the striker capture position within the ratchet 24. Therefore, the closure latch system 117 can be reset to allow the cover 12 to return to the fully closed position when the actuator 142 is moved to the actuated position of the actuator 142. Thus, the closure latch system 117 can be reset, such as manually reset by a positive intentional action of a user moving a reset lever (e.g., release lever 80, 280) to allow the cover 12 to return to the fully closed position after the actuator 42, 142 has been moved to its actuated position without requiring the actuator 42, 142 (e.g., plunger 39, 239) to move back to its non-actuated position and / or without requiring the slide 44, 144 to move from its actuated position to its non-actuated position, which may be difficult for the user, for example, due to pressure buildup in the actuator 42, 142 caused by previous chemical pressurization actuation during deployment, which effectively blocks or prevents the plunger 39, 139 of the actuator 42, 142 from its actuated position (see, e.g., Figure 8 ) returns to its pre-actuated position (see e.g. Figure 2 ), or due to, for example, recompression of a large spring if the actuator 42, 142 is so constructed.

[0131] exist Fig.16According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method 2000 is provided for automatically actuating a closing latch assembly 16 for moving a hood 12 of a motor vehicle 10 from a closed position to a partially open pop-up position before striking a pedestrian P, thereby minimizing the possibility of injury to the pedestrian P when striking the hood 12, and for optionally releasing the hood 12 to move the hood 12 from the pop-up position to a fully open position, and for optionally resetting the closing latch assembly 16 to allow the hood 12 to move from the pop-up position to the closed position. The method 2000 includes step 2050 of providing power to the actuator 142; step 2100 of moving the slide 144 through the actuator 142; step 2150 of moving the hook 146 from the striker release position to the striker retention position through the first cam surface 152 of the slide 144 to prevent the striker 22 fixed to the cover 12 from being removed from the closing latch assembly 16; step 2200 of moving the pawl lever 150 through the second cam surface 158 of the slide 144 to operably move at least one pawl from the main locking position to the ratchet release position, thereby causing the ratchet 24 to be released from the striker. The capture position moves to the striker release position; step 2250: the lifting rod 148 is moved from the lifting rod static position to the lifting rod deployment position engaged with the striker 22 through the lifting rod driving surface 162 of the sliding member 144 to move the striker 22 toward the hook member 146, at which time the hood 12 is moved to the pop-up position; and optionally step 2300: the release rod 80 is moved from the static position to the actuation position and the hook member 146 is moved from the striker holding position to the striker release position, thereby allowing the striker 22 to move away from the closing latch assembly 16 and allowing the hood 12 to move from the pop-up position to the fully open position.

[0132] The method may further include the step 2350 of moving the release lever 80 from the rest position to the actuated position via the manually actuated release member 82 .

[0133] The method may also include the step 2400 of moving the blocking feature 74 from the non-blocking position to a blocking position where the blocking feature 74 forcibly engages the locking surface 77 of the lift rod 148 to releasably retain the lift rod 148 in the lift rod deployed position.

[0134] The method may also include step 2450 of simultaneously moving the blocking feature 74 from the blocking position to the unblocking position while moving the release lever 80 from the rest position to the actuated position, at which time the lift lever 148 may return to the lift lever rest position to allow the hood 12 to move to the closed position.

[0135] exist Figures 18 to 23, a pedestrian protection system (PPS) 220 constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the same reference numerals, offset by a factor of 200, are used to identify similar features as discussed above for PPS 20, 120. PPS 220 is configured to cooperate with a closure latch assembly 216 as discussed above for PPS 20, 120 to operably communicate to form a closure latch system 217 having a power release function (which can be automatically actuated via a sensor / controller system) to automatically move the hood 12 to a pop-up position when a pedestrian P is expected to make a violent contact with the hood 12, as discussed above for the closure latch system 17. The following discussion is directed to PPS 220, wherein it should be understood that the closure latch assembly 216 of the closure latch system 217 is the same as discussed above for the closure latch system 17.

[0136] The PPS 220 includes similar features discussed above with respect to the PPS 120, including a PPS housing 240, an actuator 242, a slide 244, a hook 246, a lift rod 248, a pawl release lever also referred to as a pawl lever 250, a blocking feature also referred to as a blocking lever 274, and a disengagement lever also referred to as a release lever 280 as examples of latch components that are controlled in response to actuation of the actuator 242. As discussed in more detail below, these features function similarly to the corresponding features discussed above with respect to the PPS 120. The slide 244 is an example of a control element that can be moved by the actuator 242 to cause the PPS 220 to move from a normal state ( Fig. 20 ) changes to active pedestrian protection state ( Fig. 22 ).

[0137] The non-actuated position of the actuator 242 corresponds to one or more latch components being in a normal state ( Fig.18 and Fig. 20 ), and the fully actuated position of the actuator 242 corresponds to one or more latch components being in an active pedestrian protection state ( Fig.19 The dashed line in Fig. 22). The actuator 242 is configured to translate the slider 244 from the non-deployed position to the deployed position when moving from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, so that the hook 246 moves into the striker retaining position to prevent the striker 22 from moving away from the closing latch assembly 216, and moves the lift rod 248 from the lift rod rest position engaged with the striker 22 to the lift rod deployed position, so that the striker 22 moves into engagement with the hook 246 or close proximity with the hook 246, at which time the hood 12 is moved to the pop-up position, thereby providing a pedestrian protection feature via the enhanced cushioning provided by the hood 12. The translation of the slider 244 causes a control surface such as a cam surface (e.g., 258), a rest surface (e.g., 268), a drive surface (e.g., 262), an overtravel surface (e.g., 269) provided on the slider 244 to control or actuate one or more latch components. As illustrated, the control surface can be provided as a stepped or flat area connected to a positive slope area or a negative slope area provided on the slider 244, can be provided as a notch or indentation formed in the slider 244, and can be provided as other forms of protrusions or projections such as a circular rivet or pin extending from the slider 244. The control surface can be configured to engage with a controlled surface (e.g., pin 112, 256) coupled to an associated latch component. The controlled surface can be illustratively provided to have a curvature for facilitating sliding contact between the control surface of the slider 244 and the controlled surface of the latch component. Once enabled and in an active pedestrian protection state, one or more latch components can interact with the slider 244 so that the slider 244 cannot be forced to move and change position from its deployed position, which may affect the actuation of one or more latch components, such as resetting the latch component from the active pedestrian protection state to the normal state. For example, a bias applied to the pawl lever 250 about the second axis 257 does not cause the pin 256 to act on the slider 244 to return the slider from the actuated position to the non-actuated position. Fig.12 As illustratively shown in FIG. 1 , the lug 156, when resting against the second cam surface 158 of the slider 144, can exert resistance to the axis AA of the slider 144 extending from the actuator 142 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.13 ) The orthogonal force F (see Fig.13), whereby any biasing force acting on the one or more latch components does not affect the position of the slider 144 when the slider 144 moves to the actuated position. In contrast to some known devices, in which the biasing of the one or more latch components can be used to reset the active pedestrian mechanism after activation by applying a force consistent with the extension axis of the actuator. Alternatively, in some known devices, the actuator can be configured to be non-resettable (cannot return to a retracted or non-deployed position), thereby causing one or more latch components to remain in the activated position after an active pedestrian event without being able to return the one or more latch components to the pre-active pedestrian protection state. Therefore, a closing latch system for a hood of a motor vehicle is provided for moving a hood fixed to a striker to a pop-up position, the closing latch system comprising a closing latch assembly and a pedestrian protection system, wherein the closing latch assembly comprises one or more latching components, the pedestrian protection system comprises an actuator having a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the actuator being configured to move a control element from a non-deployed position to a deployed position when moving from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, one or more control surfaces being configured to control one or more components from a normal state to an active pedestrian protection state during movement of the control element from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, the closing latch assembly also having a release rod 80, 280 for resetting one or more latching components from an active pedestrian protection state to a normal state without resetting at least one of the control element and the actuator from its actuated position to its non-actuated position.

[0138] In more detail, as discussed above, upon sensing an impending collision with a pedestrian P, the actuator 242 is automatically moved to the actuated position ( ) via actuation of a signal from the vehicle controller 37' and / or directly by the latch controller 37. Fig. 22 ) so that the slide 244 can be translated from the non-deployed position to the deployed position along a straight path extending along the axis A. To facilitate the straight translation movement of the slide 244, the housing 240 can have a guide feature, such as a straight slot 241 ( Figure 20 to Figure 23 ), by way of example and not limitation, the straight slot 241 is configured to receive a protrusion or pin 243 therein for guided translation therethrough. The pin 243 may be operably connected to the slider 244 via an intermediate connector, or may be directly fixed to the slider 244 as an integral part thereof via any desired fixing mechanism, including mechanical fasteners, welded joints, adhesives, or combinations thereof. Translation of the slider 244 to the deployed position causes the hook 246 to rotate about a hook axis, also referred to as a first axis 246', such as via a hook axis as indicated by arrow r1'( Fig.21) from the striker release position to the striker capture position, also referred to as the striker retaining position. In order to releasably retain the hook 246 in the striker retaining position when desired, a stop member, also referred to as a stop surface or hook blocking pawl 96, can be biased from a non-blocking rest position to a blocking position ( Fig.21 and Fig. 22 ), at which time the lug 97 of the hook member blocking pawl 96, shown by way of example and not limitation as a laterally extending protrusion, is in blocking engagement with the locking surface 98 of the hook member 246, wherein the locking surface 98 is shown as a shoulder of a recessed notch. In order to facilitate biasing the hook member blocking pawl 96 to its blocking position, a hook member blocking pawl biasing member 100, such as a torsion spring, can be provided to bias the hook member blocking pawl 96 into engagement with the hook member 246, as shown by the arrow 101 around the pin 103 as biased in a clockwise direction. Therefore, since the hook member 246 is biased to its striker holding position by the slide 244, as further discussed below, the hook member blocking pawl 96 is biased to pivot in the clockwise direction of the arrow 101 to bring the lug 97 into locking blocking engagement with the locking surface 98. The hook member blocking pawl 96 extends from the pin 103 to a free end 104, wherein, as shown in Fig.23 As shown in FIG. 1 , the free end portion 104 is aligned for selective engagement with the hook member 246 to facilitate releasing the hook member blocking pawl 96 from blocking engagement with the hook member 246 when opening of the cover 12 is desired, as discussed further below.

[0139] The slider 244 has a rest surface 268 arranged to receive the follower feature 254 of the hook 246 when the actuator 242 is in the non-actuated position, when the hook 246 is in the striker release position. During translation of the slider 244 along the axis A, a first drive member, also referred to as a first cam surface 252 of the slider 244, located between the first end 253 of the slider 244 and the second end 255 of the slider 244, cams with a hook follower feature or member, also referred to as a hook protrusion 254, which extends outwardly adjacent to the first end 245 of the hook 246 near the hook axis 246', such that the first drive member 252 of the slider 244, located between the first end 253 of the slider 244 and the second end 255 of the slider 244, cams with the hook follower feature or member, also referred to as a hook protrusion 254, which extends outwardly adjacent to the first end 245 of the hook 246 near the hook axis 246', as shown in FIG. Fig.21246 is pivoted clockwise about the hook axis 246' as viewed in the figure, so that the hook-shaped second end or hook free end 247 is in a blocking, overlapping relationship with the striker 22, thereby preventing the striker 22 from passing the hook free end 247 and preventing the striker 22 from being released from the pedestrian protection feature 220, and releasably retaining the hook 246 in the actuated position, wherein the hook free end 247 is in an overlapping relationship with the striker 22. Thereafter, when it is desired to release the hood 12 from the pop-up position in which the hook 246 is in the striker retaining position to the fully open position, the hook protrusion 254 can be moved by the release rod 280 to the overtravel surface 269 of the slide 244 arranged to receive the hook protrusion 254 while the actuator 242 is maintained in the actuated position, at which time the hook 246 is moved to the striker releasing position. The rest surface 268 is shown as being extended from the first end 271 ( Fig. 20 ) extends, and the over-travel surface 269 is shown as extending from a second end 273 of the first cam surface 252 opposite the first end 271, and therefore, the first cam surface 252 extends between the rest surface 268 and the over-travel surface 269.

[0140] The primary pawl 26 and the secondary pawl 28 of the closing latch assembly are driven by the pawl drive member of the pawl lever 250, also known as the pin 256 or lug extending laterally outward from the pawl lever 250, and the second drive member, also known as the second cam surface 258 of the slide 244, to move, via the clockwise rotational movement of the pawl lever 250 about the second axis 257 (as in Fig.21 25 (observed in FIG. 25 ) moves from the main locking position to the ratchet release position. The second cam surface 258 is shown as a raised platform substantially opposite to the first cam surface 252, which is also formed as a raised platform.

[0141] The rotational movement of the pawl lever 250 in the clockwise direction causes the coupling link 30 to move in the direction of arrow A1 ( Figure 6 ), the drive member, shown as the protrusion 60 of the connecting link 30, engages the main pawl 26 and pivots the main pawl 26 about the main pawl axis 27 to the ratchet release position of the main pawl 26, while the connecting member 61 located at the connection between the connecting link 30 and the secondary pawl 28 pivotally moves the secondary pawl 28 about the secondary pawl axis 29 to the ratchet release position of the secondary pawl 28. When the slider 244 translates along the axis A, the pin 256 moves onto the second cam surface 258, at which time the main pawl 26 and the secondary pawl 28 remain in their respective ratchet release positions.

[0142] When the actuator 242 is moved to the actuated position and the slide 244 is moved along the axis A to the deployed position ( Fig.19 , Fig. 22 and Fig.23 ), the lift cam surface of lift rod 248, also called lift follower surface 264, engages with and is driven by lift drive surface 262, which is shown as being formed by a pin extending laterally outward from blocking rod 274 into sliding engagement with lift follower surface 264. When slider 244 reaches the deployed position and lift rod 248 protrudes upward to the fully deployed position of lift rod 248, lift drive surface 262 blocks engagement with end blocking surface 277 of lift rod 248, thereby preventing lift rod 248 from being inadvertently moved toward the non-deployed home position ( Fig. 20 ) return. To facilitate smooth camming of the lift bar 248 toward its deployed position, the lift bar follower surface 264 can be formed as a smooth arcuate surface, shown as a concave surface, thereby enhancing the camming of the lift bar 248 between the lift bar follower surface 264. The lift bar 248 is pivotally movable in a clockwise direction about the second axis 257 against a bias, such as applied by a spring member 272, wherein the spring member 272 is used to bias the lift bar 248 toward its non-deployed home position without being forced to lift against the bias of the spring member 272. The lift bar 248 and the pawl lever 250 are shown supported about a common pin P' for rotation about a common second axis 257. The lift bar follower surface 264 extends generally radially relative to the second axis 257, thereby providing a lever arm to increase torque, thereby minimizing the amount of force required to pivot the lift bar 248 about the second axis 257 through the lift bar drive surface 262. Therefore, the force required to be applied by the actuator 242 on the slider 244 can be minimized.

[0143] As the actuator 242 moves toward its fully actuated position, the pin 243 engages the driven cam surface 106 of the blocking rod 274 to pivotally move the blocking rod 274 about the pin 108, thereby driving the lift rod driving surface 262 to be forced to resist the blocking rod 274 and to slide along the lift rod driven surface 264. As a result, the lift rod 248 moves the striker 22 upward toward the hook free end 247 into engagement with or close proximity with the hook free end 247 of the hook 246. Since the hook free end 247 is maintained in an overlapping relationship with the striker 22 via the continuous engagement of the elongated, planar first cam surface 252 with the hook protrusion 254, the hook 246 prevents the striker 22 from being released from the pedestrian protection feature 220, and the hood 12 of the motor vehicle 10 is moved to the pop-up position and maintained in the pop-up position ( Figure 1B and Figure 1C). To further enhance the striker retention strength of the hook free end 247, an anti-deformation feature, also referred to as a flange 109, may be provided as an overhanging lip to be positioned over the hook free end 270 when the hook 246 is in the striker retention position and to hinder potential upward movement of the hook free end 270. The flange 109 may be formed as an integral piece of material with the housing 240 in a bending or stamping operation, by way of example and not limitation, or the flange 109 may be formed as a feature attached, such as via any suitable mechanical fastener and / or welded joint and / or adhesive material. The flange 109 inhibits elastic and plastic deformation of the hook free end 270 when the hook 246 is in the striker retention position, thereby providing additional assurance that the striker 22 will be retained by the hook free end 270 when the hook 246 is in the striker retention position. It should be appreciated that the flange 109, and the entire pedestrian protection system 220, may be provided as an aftermarket mechanism to be retrofitted onto an existing latch.

[0144] The lifting rod 248 can be held and releasably locked in the fully deployed pop-up position by a blocking rod 274. When desired, the blocking rod 274 can be biased counterclockwise toward the blocking position to facilitate moving the blocking rod 274 out of the locking engagement with the lifting rod 248. The blocking rod 274 is shown as being generally L-shaped with a free end 110 at the end opposite the position of the pin 108, wherein when in the fully deployed blocking position, the free end 110 engages with a pin 112 extending laterally outwardly adjacent the end 114 of the release rod 280. Thus, when in the deployed position, the pin 112 prevents the blocking rod 274 from moving beyond its blocking position.

[0145] The release lever 280 is operable to be in a rest position ( Fig. 22 ) and actuation position ( Fig.23), in the rest position, the hook 246 is held in the striker holding position by being held by the lug 97 of the hook blocking pawl 96, and in the rest position, when the actuator 242 is in the actuated position, the lifting rod 248 is held in the deployed position by being blocked by the lifting rod driving surface 262 of the lifting rod 248, in the actuated position, the hook 246 moves from the striker holding position to the striker releasing position, and at the same time, the lifting rod 248 is moved to the non-deployed original position of the lifting rod 248 when the actuator 242 is in the actuated position. Therefore, when the actuator 242 is in its actuated position, the striker 22 can be selectively and intentionally removed from the ratchet 24, and the cover 12 can be moved to the fully open position. In particular, the movement of the release lever 280 to its actuated position causes the edge surface 118 of the release lever 280 to engage the free end 104 of the hook member blocking pawl 96, thereby causing the hook member blocking pawl 96 to pivot counterclockwise against the bias of the hook member blocking pawl biasing member 100, which causes the lug 97 to be removed from the locking engagement with the locking surface 98 of the hook member 246 and allows the hook member 246 to move under the spring bias to the striker release position of the hook member 246. The movement of the release lever 280 to its actuated position also causes the pin 112 to be removed from the blocking engagement with the free end 110 of the blocking lever 274, wherein the pin 112 is shown as being received in a notch or recess 116 (also referred to as a notch or recess). Fig.25 ), the notch or pocket 116 being formed in the area where one leg of the blocking rod 274 joins the other leg, thereby allowing the blocking rod 274 to move counterclockwise out of blocking engagement with the lifting rod 248 under bias, allowing the lifting rod 248 to return to its non-deployed original position.

[0146] To facilitate movement of the release lever 280 to the actuated position, a release member 282 may be secured to the release lever 280, wherein the release member 282 may be configured for actuation from any suitable interior and / or exterior location on the motor vehicle 10 and / or via the powered actuator 83 ( Fig. 12A ) manual and / or power actuation to move the release lever 280 from the static position to the actuated position, thereby moving the hook 246 from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position. As an example and not limitation, the release member 282 can be provided as a rod or a flexible cable.

[0147] The release lever 280 is shown supported for pivotal movement by a pin 284. The slide 244 can be provided with a slot 286 configured to receive the pin 284 therein, wherein the pin 284 slides through the slot 286 when the slide 244 moves in translation from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, as discussed above with respect to the slide 144.

[0148] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to the particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment may also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations are not to be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0149] The embodiments of the present invention can be understood with reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0150] 1. A closure latch system for a hood of a motor vehicle, the closure latch system being used to move a hood secured to a striker to a popped-up position, the closure latch system comprising:

[0151] a closure latch assembly comprising a ratchet and at least one pawl, wherein the ratchet is movable between a striker capture position, wherein the ratchet holds the striker in a fully captured position, and wherein the hood is in a fully closed position, wherein the ratchet holds the striker in a partially released position, and wherein the hood is in a partially open position, wherein the ratchet releases the striker, and wherein the hood is movable to a fully open position, wherein the at least one pawl is movable between a primary locking position, wherein the at least one pawl holds the ratchet in the striker capture position, and wherein the ratchet releases the ratchet to the striker partially released position; and

[0152] A pedestrian protection system, the pedestrian protection system including an actuator having a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the actuator being configured to translate a slider from a non-deployed position to a deployed position when moving from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, so as to cause a hook to move into a striker retaining position to prevent the striker from being removed from the closing latch assembly, and to move a lift rod from a lift rod rest position engaged with the striker to a lift rod deployed position, at which time the hood moves to the pop-up position.

[0153] 2. The closure latch system of paragraph 1, wherein the slide translates along a straight path from the non-deployed position to the deployed position to cause the hook to pivot about a hook axis to the striker retaining position.

[0154] 3. A closed latch system according to paragraph 2, wherein the pedestrian protection system further comprises a pawl rod, and the sliding member is configured to move the pawl rod when the sliding member moves from the non-deployed position to the deployed position so as to move at least one of the pawls from the main locking position to the ratchet release position.

[0155] 4. A closed latch system according to paragraph 3, wherein the sliding member has a first cam surface and a second cam surface, the first cam surface being configured to move the hook member into the striker retaining position, and the second cam surface being used to move the pawl rod to allow the pawl to move from the main locking position to the ratchet release position.

[0156] 5. The closure latch system of paragraph 4, wherein the slider has a third cam surface configured to move the lift rod to the lift rod deployed position.

[0157] 6. The closure latch system of paragraph 4, wherein the first cam surface moves the hook into the striker retaining position before the second cam surface moves the pawl lever.

[0158] 7. The closure latch system of paragraph 3, wherein the lift lever and the pawl lever pivot about a common axis.

[0159] 8. The closed latch system according to paragraph 1 further includes a release rod operatively connected to the hook member, the release rod having a static position and an actuated position, wherein in the static position, the hook member is maintained in the striker holding position when the actuator is in the actuated position, and in the actuated position, the hook member moves from the striker holding position to the striker releasing position when the actuator is in the actuated position, at which time the striker can be removed from the ratchet and the cover can be moved to the fully open position.

[0160] 9. The closed latch system according to paragraph 8 further includes a hook member blocking pawl, which is capable of moving between a non-blocking static position and a blocking position, wherein the hook member blocking pawl is in blocking engagement with the locking surface of the hook member to hold the hook member in the striker holding position when the actuator is in the actuated position.

[0161] 10. The closed latch system of paragraph 9 further comprising a blocking feature configured to move between a non-blocking position in which the lifting rod is in the lifting rod rest position and a blocking position in which the lifting rod is releasably retained in the lifting rod deployed position by the blocking feature.

[0162] 11. A closed latch system according to paragraph 10, wherein the blocking feature is biased to the blocking position when the sliding member moves from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, and wherein the blocking feature is biased from the blocking position to the non-blocking position when the hook member moves from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position.

[0163] 12. The closure latch system of paragraph 11, wherein the slide engages the blocking feature to bias the blocking feature from the non-blocking position to the blocking position.

[0164] 13. A closed latch system according to paragraph 12, wherein movement of the release rod to its actuated position causes the hook member blocking pawl to move from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, at which time the hook member moves from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position when the actuator is in the actuated position.

[0165] 14. A closed latch system according to paragraph 8, wherein the release rod is supported by a pin for pivotal movement, the sliding member having a slot configured to receive the pin therein, wherein the pin slides through the slot when the sliding member moves from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0166] 15. A closed latch system according to paragraph 14, wherein the release rod has a drive feature and the hook member has a follower feature, and the drive feature is configured to engage with the follower feature when the release rod moves from the static position to the actuated position so that the hook member moves from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position when the actuator is in the actuated position.

[0167] 16. A closed latch system according to paragraph 15, wherein the sliding member has a rest surface, a first cam surface and an over-travel surface, the rest surface being arranged to receive the follower feature when the actuator is in the non-actuated position, at which time the hook is in the striker release position, the first cam surface being arranged to engage with the follower feature when the actuator is in the actuated position, at which time the hook is in the striker retaining position, and the over-travel surface being arranged to receive the follower feature when the actuator is in the actuated position, at which time the hook is in the striker release position.

[0168] 17. A closed latch system according to paragraph 1, wherein the lift rod has a lift rod driven surface and the sliding member has a lift rod driving surface, wherein the lift rod driving surface engages with the lift rod driven surface when the hook member is in the striker holding position to move the lift rod into engagement with the striker, thereby moving the striker into engagement with the hook member.

[0169] 18. The closure latch system of paragraph 1, wherein the pedestrian protection system is configured to connect to a latch frame plate of an existing closure latch assembly.

[0170] 19. A method of automatically actuating a closure latch assembly for moving a hood of a motor vehicle from a closed position to a partially open pop-up position prior to striking a pedestrian to minimize the likelihood of injury to the pedestrian upon striking the hood, and optionally for releasing the hood to move the hood from the pop-up position to a fully open position, the method comprising:

[0171] Providing power to the actuator;

[0172] moving the sliding member by the actuator;

[0173] moving a hook from a striker release position to a striker retaining position via a first cam surface of the slide member to prevent a striker secured to the hood from being removed from the closure latch assembly;

[0174] moving the pawl lever via the second cam surface of the slide member to operatively move at least one pawl from a primary locking position to the ratchet release position, thereby causing the ratchet to move from a striker capturing position to a striker releasing position; and

[0175] The lift rod is moved from a lift rod rest position to a lift rod deployment position engaging the striker pin by a lift rod driving surface so as to move the striker pin toward the hook member, at which time the cover is moved to the pop-up position; and optionally,

[0176] The release lever is moved from a rest position to an actuated position and the hook is moved from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position, thereby allowing the striker to be removed from the closure latch assembly and the cover to move from the pop-up position to the fully open position.

[0177] 20. A closure latch system for a hood of a motor vehicle, the closure latch system for moving a hood secured to a striker to a popped-up position, the closure latch system comprising:

[0178] a closure latch assembly comprising one or more latch components; and

[0179] A pedestrian protection system, the pedestrian protection system comprising an actuator having a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the actuator being configured to cause a slide to translate from a non-deployed position to a deployed position when moving from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, wherein the slide comprises one or more control surfaces configured to control the one or more latch components during translation of the slide from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0180] 21. The closure latch system of paragraph 20, wherein the cover is for a front trunk of the motor vehicle.

Claims

1. A closure latch system (17, 117, 217) for a hood (12) of a motor vehicle (10), the closure latch system (17, 117, 217) being used to move a hood (12) secured to a striker (22) to a popped-up position, the closure latch system comprising: A closure latch assembly (16, 216) comprising a ratchet (24) and at least one pawl, wherein the ratchet (24) is movable between a striker captured position, a striker partially released position, and a striker released position, wherein the ratchet (24) holds the striker (22) in a fully captured position and the hood (12) is in a fully closed position, and wherein the ratchet (24) holds the striker (22) in a partially released position and the hood (12) is in a fully closed position. At the striker partial release position, the cover (12) is in a partially open position, at the striker release position, the ratchet (24) releases the striker (22), and at the striker release position, the cover (12) is movable to a fully open position, at least one of the pawls is movable between a main locking position and a ratchet release position, at the main locking position at least one of the pawls holds the ratchet (24) in the striker capture position, and at the ratchet release position at least one of the pawls releases the ratchet (24) to the striker partial release position; as well as A pedestrian protection system (20, 120, 220), the pedestrian protection system (20, 120, 220) comprising an actuator (42, 142, 242) having a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the actuator (42, 142, 242) being configured to cause a slide (44, 144, 244) to translate along a straight path from a non-deployed position to a deployed position when moving from the non-actuated position to the actuated position to cause a hook (46, 146, 246) to pivot about a hook axis to a striker retaining position to prevent the striker (22) from moving away from the closing latch assembly (16, 216), and to cause a lift rod (48, 148, 248) to move from a lift rod rest position engaged with the striker (22) to a lift rod deployed position, at which time the hood (12) moves to the pop-up position.

2. The closure latch system (17, 117, 217) according to claim 1, wherein: The pedestrian protection system (20, 120) also includes a pawl lever (50, 150, 250), and the sliding member (44, 144) is configured to move the pawl lever (50, 150, 250) when the sliding member (44, 144, 244) moves from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, so as to move at least one of the pawls from the main locking position to the ratchet release position.

3. The closure latch system (17, 117, 217) of claim 2, wherein: The slide member (44, 144, 244) has a first cam surface (52, 152, 252) and a second cam surface (58, 158, 258), wherein the first cam surface (52, 152, 252) is configured to move the hook member (46, 146, 246) to the striker retaining position, and the second cam surface (58, 158, 258) is used to move the pawl lever (50, 150, 250) to allow the pawl to move from the main locking position to the ratchet release position.

4. The closure latch system (17) according to claim 3, wherein: The slider (44) has a third cam surface (62) configured to move the lift rod (48) to the lift rod deployed position.

5. The closure latch system (17) according to claim 3, wherein: The first cam surface (52) moves the hook (46) into the striker retaining position before the second cam surface (58) moves the pawl lever (50).

6. The closure latch system (17, 117, 217) of claim 2, wherein: The lifting lever (48, 148, 248) and the pawl lever (50, 150, 250) pivot about a common axis.

7. The closed latch system (117, 217) according to claim 1 further includes a release rod (80, 280) operatively connected to the hook member (146, 246), the release rod (80, 280) having a static position and an actuated position, in which the hook member (146, 246) is maintained in the striker holding position when the actuator (142, 242) is in the actuated position, and in the actuated position, the hook member (146, 246) moves from the striker holding position to the striker releasing position when the actuator (142, 242) is in the actuated position, at which the striker (22) can be removed from the ratchet (24) and the cover (12) can be moved to the fully open position.

8. The closure latch system (217) of claim 7, further comprising a hook member blocking pawl (96) movable between a non-blocking rest position and a blocking position, wherein The hook member blocking pawl (96) is in blocking engagement with a locking surface (98) of the hook member (246) to retain the hook member (146, 246) in the striker retaining position when the actuator (142, 242) is in the actuated position.

9. The closing latch system (117, 217) of claim 8, further comprising a blocking feature (74, 274) configured to move between a non-blocking position in which the lifting rod (148, 248) is in the lifting rod rest position and a blocking position in which the lifting rod (148, 248) is releasably retained in the lifting rod deployed position by the blocking feature (74, 174).

10. The closure latch system (117, 217) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The cover is for a front trunk of the motor vehicle.

11. A closure latch system for a hood of a motor vehicle, the closure latch system for moving a hood secured to a striker to a popped-up position, the closure latch system comprising: a closure latch assembly including one or more latch components; as well as A pedestrian protection system, the pedestrian protection system comprising an actuator having a plunger (39) capable of moving from a non-actuated position to an actuated position, the actuator being configured to cause a sliding member to translate from a non-deployed position to a deployed position along a straight path when moving from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, wherein the sliding member comprises one or more control surfaces, the one or more control surfaces being configured to control the one or more latch components during translation of the sliding member from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, wherein the one or more latch components comprise a pawl, wherein the pawl is configured to release a ratchet in response to translation of the sliding member along the straight path.

12. A method of automatically actuating a closure latch assembly for moving a hood of a motor vehicle from a closed position to a partially open pop-up position prior to striking a pedestrian to minimize the likelihood of injury to the pedestrian upon striking the hood, and optionally for releasing the hood to move the hood from the pop-up position to a fully open position, the method comprising: Providing power to the actuator; moving the slide by the actuator; moving the hook member from a striker release position to a striker retaining position via a first cam surface of the slider to prevent a striker secured to the hood from being removed from the closure latch assembly; moving the pawl lever via the second cam surface of the slider to operatively move at least one pawl from the primary locking position to the ratchet release position, thereby causing the ratchet to move from the striker capturing position to the striker releasing position; as well as The lift rod is moved from a lift rod rest position to a lift rod deployment position engaging the striker pin by a lift rod driving surface so as to move the striker pin toward the hook member, at which time the cover is moved to the pop-up position; and optionally, The release lever is moved from a rest position to an actuated position and the hook is moved from the striker retaining position to the striker releasing position, thereby allowing the striker to be removed from the closure latch assembly and the cover to move from the pop-up position to the fully open position.

Images