Deformable impact bolt device for vehicle tailgate

Abstract

A bolt device (40) for a latching system (12) for a vehicle (10), the latching system being configured to secure the tailgate (30) of the vehicle, wherein the bolt device includes: a movable portion (41) to which a bolt (43) is connected; and a rigid portion (42) to which the movable portion (41) is connected, wherein the bolt device (40) is configured to deform such that the movable portion (41) can be displaced relative to the rigid portion (42) while remaining connected to the rigid portion (42), this being a result of one of the bolt device (40) or latching device (50) of the latching system (12) translating relative to the other of the bolt device (40) or latching device (50) in a vehicle-inward direction while the bolt (43) is latched to the latching device (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a deformable striker device for a vehicle tailgate. Specifically, but not exclusively, this disclosure relates to a striker device having a deformable hinged forming portion. Background Technology

[0002] Tailgate systems for vehicles are known. Split tailgate systems for vehicles are also known. A split tailgate system includes a lower tailgate and an upper tailgate. The lower tailgate can be lowered to an open position to provide access to the vehicle's cargo compartment, such as the rear luggage compartment (trunk). The upper tailgate can be raised to an open position to provide access to the vehicle's cargo compartment.

[0003] The upper tailgate and lower tailgate can be arranged to move independently and / or can be arranged to move together.

[0004] The upper and lower tailgates can be latched to each other when they are in their respective closed positions. The striker device on one tailgate can be aligned with the latching device on the other tailgate, such that closing the tailgate causes the striker device's striker to be latched by the latching device.

[0005] In the event of a rear-end collision, it is expected that the upper and lower tailgates remain latched to each other. However, if the point of impact only hits the lower tailgate and not the upper tailgate, the lower tailgate will translate relative to the upper tailgate inwards. Similarly, for a non-separable tailgate system, if the point of impact hits below the tailgate, the vehicle body will translate relative to the tailgate inwards. This differential translation will result in a peak instantaneous force / acceleration through the latching system (bolt device and latching device). If the high g-acceleration overcomes the inertia of the lightweight latching mechanism, the latching mechanism may move in a manner that would dislodge the bolt device.

[0006] Previously, if rear-end collision tests determined the possibility of latch release, engineers would reinforce the latching system to increase rigidity at the expense of added weight. Such findings were typically made during physical testing, leaving limited freedom to redesign and rework components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide an improved latching system.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a striker device for a latching system of a vehicle is provided, the latching system being configured to secure the tailgate of the vehicle, wherein the striker device comprises:

[0009] The movable portion, which is connected to a striking pin; and

[0010] The rigid portion, which is connected to the movable portion,

[0011] The ramming pin device is configured to deform so that the movable part can be displaced relative to the rigid part while remaining connected to the rigid part. This is the result of one of the ramming pin device or latching device of the latching system translating relative to the other of the ramming pin device or latching device in the vehicle inward direction while the ramming pin is latched to the latching device.

[0012] Surprisingly, it was found that promoting deformation of the striker mechanism reduced the likelihood of latch release compared to adding reinforcement. This is because some impacts may not physically damage the connection between the latch and the striker, but may instead transmit acceleration through the striker-latch connection, causing the mechanism to move and resulting in automatic latch release. A deformable striker extends the duration of the force, thereby reducing the peak acceleration on the latch. This reduces the chance of automatic latch release.

[0013] In some examples, the displaceable portion and the rigid portion are adjacent portions of the material layer.

[0014] In some examples, the layer is a structural plate.

[0015] In some examples, the movable portion is centered between the rigid portion and another rigid portion.

[0016] In some examples, the impact pin device includes a reduced cross-section portion connecting the rigid portion and the displaceable portion to each other, the reduced cross-section portion having a smaller cross-section compared to the displaceable portion, and configured to be displaced in a deformable manner so that the displaceable portion can be displaced.

[0017] In some examples, the thickness of the portion with reduced cross-section is approximately the same as the thickness of the movable portion and the thickness of the rigid portion.

[0018] In some examples, the reduced cross-sectional portion includes: a groove that separates the displaceable portion from the rigid portion; and a material bridging the groove that determines how far the displaceable portion can be displaced while remaining connected to the rigid portion.

[0019] In some examples, the portion with a reduced cross-section is configured such that the displacement can include rotation relative to the plane of the rigid portion.

[0020] In some examples, the reduced cross-section section is configured such that rotation can be at least 12 degrees without the pin device breaking.

[0021] In some examples, the section with a reduced cross-section is constructed as a hinged shape to enable rotation.

[0022] In some examples, the articulated forming section bridges the groove, thereby separating the movable portion from the rigid portion.

[0023] In some examples, the ramming device is configured to be fixed to the tailgate, wherein the hinged forming portion extends to the outer side of the ramming device on the vehicle side.

[0024] In some examples, the striking pin device includes materials and geometries configured to withstand a static tension of at least 14 kN through the striking pin without breaking.

[0025] In some examples, the rigid portion includes a fixing portion configured to allow the impact pin device to be secured to the vehicle.

[0026] In some examples, the fixing part includes a fixing orifice.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, a striker device is provided for a latching system of a vehicle, the latching system being configured to secure the lower tailgate and upper tailgate of a power-separated tailgate system of the vehicle to each other, wherein the striker device comprises:

[0028] The movable portion, which is connected to a striking pin; and

[0029] The rigid portion, which is connected to the movable portion,

[0030] The ramming device is configured to deform so that the movable part can be displaced relative to the rigid part while remaining connected to the rigid part. This is a result of one of the lower tailgates or the upper tailgate translating relative to the other of the lower tailgates or the upper tailgate in the inward direction of the vehicle while the ramming device is latched.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, a striking bolt device for the upper tailgate of a split tailgate system of a vehicle is provided, wherein the striking bolt device comprises:

[0032] The movable portion, which is connected to a striking pin; and

[0033] The rigid portion, which is connected to the movable portion,

[0034] The ramming device is configured to deform so that the movable part can be displaced relative to the rigid part while remaining connected to the rigid part. This is a result of one of the lower tailgates or the upper tailgate translating relative to the other of the lower tailgates or the upper tailgate in the inward direction of the vehicle while the ramming device is latched.

[0035] In some examples, the impact pin device includes an articulated forming portion configured such that displacement can include off-plane rotation relative to a rigid portion, wherein the articulated forming portion extends to the vehicle-inner side of the impact pin device.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, a striker device for a latching system of a vehicle is provided, the latching system being configured to secure a lower tailgate and an upper tailgate of a split tailgate system of the vehicle to each other, wherein the striker device comprises:

[0037] The movable portion, which is connected to a striking pin; and

[0038] The rigid portion, which is connected to the movable portion,

[0039] The ramming device is configured to deform so that the movable part can be displaced relative to the rigid part while remaining connected to the rigid part. This is a result of one of the lower tailgates or the upper tailgate translating relative to the other of the lower tailgates or the upper tailgate in the inward direction of the vehicle while the ramming device is latched.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, a latching system is provided, comprising one of the previously described striker device and a latching device. According to another aspect of the invention, a tailgate system is provided, comprising a tailgate, a latching device, and the previously described striker device. According to another aspect of the invention, a split tailgate system is provided, comprising an upper tailgate, a lower tailgate, a latching device, and the previously described striker device. The striker device may be supported by the lower tailgate, and the latching device may be supported by the upper tailgate. The striker device may be supported by the upper tailgate, and the latching device may be supported by the lower tailgate. According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising either the previously described tailgate system or a split tailgate system.

[0041] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that any aspect, embodiment, example, and alternative, and in particular its various features, set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, and / or the description and drawings below, may be adopted individually or in any combination falling within the scope of the appended claims. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination falling within the scope of the appended claims, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or accordingly file any new claim, including the right to modify any originally filed claim to any feature subordinate to and / or incorporated into any other claim, although not initially claimed in this manner. Attached Figure Description

[0042] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle is shown in the illustration;

[0044] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The illustration shows an example of the latching system for a power-operated split tailgate system;

[0045] Figure 3 The illustration shows a sample top view of the impact pin device;

[0046] Figure 4 The illustration shows an example end view of the impact pin device;

[0047] Figure 5 The illustration shows an example deformed specimen of the impact pin device;

[0048] Figure 6 The illustration shows an example end view of the impact pin device;

[0049] Figure 7 An example top view of the impact pin device is shown; and

[0050] Figure 8 An example of a non-separable tailgate system is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle 10 in which embodiments of the present invention can be implemented is illustrated. In some, but not all, examples, vehicle 10 is a passenger vehicle also referred to as a bus or automobile. In other examples, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented for other applications, such as commercial vehicles.

[0052] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Two examples of a side cross-section of the rear of vehicle 10 are illustrated, showing components of the power-operated split tailgate system 14. The illustrated lower tailgate 30 is capable of descending to an open position around a lower hinge 32. The illustrated upper tailgate 20 is capable of rising to an open position around an upper hinge 22. Thus, the lower tailgate 30 and the upper tailgate 20 are horizontally separated. The lower tailgate 30 and the upper tailgate 20 are shown in their closed position, in which they are latched to each other.

[0053] In some, but not necessarily all, examples of the split tailgate system 14 are "powered" split tailgate systems. This means that the split tailgate system 14 has one or more of the following functions:

[0054] -The tailgate 30 can be lowered to the open position by an actuator without user intervention;

[0055] -The tailgate 30 can be lifted to the closed position by an actuator without user intervention;

[0056] -The tailgate 20 can be raised to the open position by an actuator without user intervention; or

[0057] - The tailgate 20 can be lowered to the closed position by an actuator without user intervention.

[0058] As described above, the actuation can be requested by the user by providing input to the human-machine interface. For example, the user can press a button on their key fob or personal device (such as a smartphone) or a button on a component of the vehicle 10.

[0059] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Also illustrated is a latching system 12 including a striking pin device 40 and a latching device 50. The striking pin device 40 includes a striking pin, such as the annular segment illustrated. Alternatively, the striking pin may have a different shape than a ring. The striking pin device 40 may include a metal such as steel.

[0060] The latching device 50 is schematically illustrated as a block attached to the striker device 40. The latching device 50 includes various internal components (not visible), such as a pawl configured to receive the striker 43 and a ratchet configured to prevent the pawl from releasing the striker when the latching device 50 is locked.

[0061] Figure 2A The illustration shows a first example in which the lower tailgate 30 supports a striker device 40, and the upper tailgate 20 supports a latching device 50. For example, the striker device 40 can be secured to the lower tailgate 30 by bolts, screws, or other fasteners. The latching device 50 can be secured to the upper tailgate 20 in a similar manner.

[0062] Figure 2B A second example is illustrated, in which the bolt device 40 and the latch device 50 are interchanged. The upper tailgate 20 supports the bolt device 40, but not the lower tailgate 30, and the lower tailgate 30 supports the latch device 50.

[0063] Figures 2A to 2B The diagram also illustrates the outer body 60 approaching the lower tailgate 30 from behind the vehicle 10. When the illustrated outer body impacts the lower tailgate 30, the point of impact between the outer body 60 and the vehicle 10 is located below the dividing line between the lower tailgate 30 and the upper tailgate 20. Therefore, the point of impact is limited only to the lower tailgate 30 and not to the upper tailgate 20. The lower tailgate 30 will translate along the inward direction 62 (the illustrated +ve x-axis, towards the front of the vehicle 10). This will generate an instantaneous force through the impact bolt device 40 and the latching device 50.

[0064] Figures 3 to 5An example design of the impact bolt device 40 is illustrated. The impact bolt device 40 is configured to deform when loaded to reduce the peak force / acceleration passing through the impact bolt device 40 and the latching device 50. This helps the impact bolt device 40 maintain the latch to the latching device 50. By maintaining the latch to each other, even if only one of the tailgates is impacted, both the upper tailgate 20 and the lower tailgate 30 translate together, which helps dissipate the force. In addition, neither tailgate swings open, so luggage can be safely kept inside the vehicle. Figure 3 The illustration shows a sample top view of the impact pin device 40. Figure 4 The illustration shows an example end view of the impact pin device 40. Figure 5 The illustration shows an example deformed specimen of the impact pin device 40 after the lower tailgate 30 has been translated.

[0065] The impact pin device 40 includes an impact pin mounting plate 47 and an impact pin 43, the impact pin 43 being positioned approximately centrally between the lateral ends of the impact pin mounting plate 47. The y-axis shown in the figure extends between the lateral ends.

[0066] Due to the limited thickness of the lower tailgate 30 (or upper tailgate 20), the illustrated bumper mounting plate 47 is long on the y-axis (width / lateral dimension) and short on the x-axis (length dimension).

[0067] The width of the impact pin mounting plate 47 can be in the range of 10cm to 30cm. The length of the impact pin mounting plate 47 can be less than 10cm. The thickness of the impact pin mounting plate 47 can be in the range of approximately 3mm to approximately 8mm. In the example, the thickness is approximately 4mm.

[0068] The impact pin mounting plate 47 is a structural layer made of a material with high Young's modulus and low brittleness, such as steel or a similar metallic material. Example steel is high-strength steel or higher grade steel with a yield strength of 600 MPa or higher.

[0069] The pin 43 in the diagram is a ring ( Figure 4 It is riveted or welded to the pin mounting plate 47 at both ends of the pin 43.

[0070] The striking pin 43 can be oriented perpendicular to the y-axis, so that the ring can be seen in the end view viewed along the y-axis. Figure 4 ).

[0071] The bolt mounting plate 47 may include a fixing portion 46 configured to secure the bolt mounting plate 47 to the lower tailgate 30 (or upper tailgate 20). In this example, the fixing portion 46 includes fixing holes for a separate fastener such as a screw. In other examples, the fastener is integral or includes a welded portion.

[0072] exist Figure 3In this configuration, the fixing portion 46 is located on each lateral side of the striking pin 43. The fixing portions 46 are separated along the y-axis, not the x-axis. The fixing portions 46 are located near the lateral ends of the striking pin mounting plate 47.

[0073] The impact pin mounting plate 47 and its fixing holes can be symmetrical about the impact pin 43 (x-axis).

[0074] Overall, the impact pin device 40 can be configured to withstand a static tension (static tensile test) of at least 14 kN through the impact pin 43 along the z-axis without breaking. This is achieved through the configuration of materials and geometry.

[0075] The impact pin mounting plate 47 has variable deformability between its lateral ends. The illustrated impact pin mounting plate 47 includes a deformable portion 44 located between the central portion where each fixed portion 46 is connected to the impact pin 43. In use, stress is concentrated at the deformable portion 44, making localized plastic deformation more likely to occur at the deformable portion in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0076] When the force is significantly higher than that used to open / close the tailgate, the central portion 41 to which the strike pin 43 is attached can be significantly displaced by causing a portion of the strike pin mounting plate 47 to deform. This allows the strike pin 43 to be pulled / rotated in the construction direction to reduce the acceleration at the latching device 50. Figure 5 In the test, the strike pin 43 had rotated about the y-axis, while the strike pin mounting plate 47 did not tear. During the test, the strike pin 43 maintained the latch. Therefore, the peak acceleration was low and insufficient to overcome the inertia of the latching mechanism components, and thus did not cause unintended actuation of the latching mechanism components. The g-force measured at the strike pin device 40 was approximately 150g, significantly better than the 250g encountered in the version without the slot 45.

[0077] The displacement is rotational due to the torque around the fixed part 46. Torque exists between the top of the striking pin 43 and the fixed part 46 due to lever arms on the x, y, and z axes. Furthermore, the direction of the force can be dynamic during the event.

[0078] In the illustrated example, each deformable portion is a portion 44 with a reduced cross-section, which includes a localized narrowing of the striker mounting plate 47 to concentrate stress. Alternatively or additionally, each portion 44 with a reduced cross-section may include a localized thinning (z-axis) of the striker mounting plate 47.

[0079] The reduced cross-sectional area 44 can be created by drilling holes or molding channels in the pin mounting plate 47. In the figure, each channel is a slot 45 (elongated through hole). The slots 45 shown are parallel to each other and open at a common edge of the pin mounting plate 47, extending vertically from the common edge of the mounting plate. At the end of each slot 45 is a narrow bridging portion 48 made of material, which connects the central portion to the rigid portion 42 where the fixing portion 46 is located.

[0080] The length of the slot 45 determines the width of the bridging portion 48. The width of each bridging portion 48 can be slightly larger than the length of each slot 45. However, the bridging portion 48 can still represent the narrowest point of the fixed y-axis span along the pin mounting plate 47.

[0081] The slot 45 can be positioned at any suitable location along the span / y-axis. The distance along the y-axis from the center of the nearest fixed portion 46 to the center of the slot 45 can be a value between approximately 15% and approximately 40% of the total span length between the fixed portions 46 (center to center). In the figure, this value is approximately 25%.

[0082] Given the above, the impact pin mounting plate 47 can be considered to have multiple parts:

[0083] -The central movable portion 41, the pin 43 is connected to the central movable portion 41;

[0084] - A deformable, cross-sectionally reduced portion 44 (e.g., a slotted portion), each lateral side of the centrally displaceable portion 41, is configured to deform so that the central portion 41 can be displaced; and

[0085] - Rigid portion 42, which faces each lateral end, each rigid portion 42 including a fixed portion 46.

[0086] The rigid portion 42 is rigid because it is less deformable compared to the portion 44 with a reduced cross-section, and less displaceable compared to the central movable portion 41. The rigid portion 42 has a larger average cross-sectional area (xz section) than the bridging portion 48, and is less displaceable compared to the central movable portion 41 due to its proximity to the fixed portion 46. The impact pin mounting plate 47 is similar to an end-fixed beam, wherein the displacement is larger in the middle of the span between the fixed portions 46, and smaller near the fixed portion 46.

[0087] Unlike the bridging portion 48, the central displaceable portion 41 is not deformable because it has a relatively large cross-section. The central displaceable portion 41 has a larger average cross-sectional area (xz section) than the bridging portion 48.

[0088] As in Figure 5 As shown in the test results, the central movable portion 41 can be displaced (e.g., rotated and / or translated) due to the deformation of the bridging portions 48 on both sides of the central movable portion 41.

[0089] Figure 5 The illustration shows that the central displaceable portion 41 has been rotated out of plane relative to the previously generally flat plane of the ram mount plate 47 (flat, although with a small bulge at the central portion 41). The rotation occurs about the y-axis. Most of the deformation occurs at the bridging portion 48 of the deformable, reduced-cross-section portion 44, as evidenced by the non-zero angle α between one edge of the groove 45 and the other parallel edge of the groove 45. Figure 5 In the test, α was approximately 18.5 degrees, and neither breakage nor latch release occurred. Prior to the test, α was approximately 0 degrees. The striker mounting plate 47 can be configured such that angle α is at least 12 degrees in the absence of breakage of the striker mounting plate 47.

[0090] exist Figure 5 In the middle, a small amount of further deformation occurs at the rigid portion 42 and the central movable portion 41, because the rigid portion 42 and the central movable portion 41 are not infinitely rigid. The rigid portion 42 and the central movable portion 41 deform slightly off the flat plane. The striking pin 43 itself does not have significant deformation. This further deformation also helps to reduce the force / acceleration through the striking pin 43.

[0091] based on Figure 5 The bridging portion 48 of the deformable, reduced-cross-section portion 44 can be considered as a hinged forming portion that allows the central displaceable portion 41 to rotate at least by an angle α without breaking. It is a plastically deformable hinged portion.

[0092] If the power-separated tailgate system 14 is as follows Figure 2A As shown, when the latch device 40 is connected to the lower tailgate 30, the latch device 40 can be oriented such that the slot 45 faces forward (+ve x-axis, towards the front of the vehicle 10) and the bridging portion 48 (hinged portion) faces rearward. That is, the slot 45 is on the inside, and the hinged portion is on the outside. Therefore, if the lower tailgate 30 is translated inward (+ve x-axis), the rotational displacement of the central movable portion 41 will reduce the force / acceleration through the latch 43 and prevent the latch from being released.

[0093] Alternatively, if the power-separated tailgate system 14 is as follows: Figure 2B As shown, in the impact pin device 40 to... Figure 2ACompared to the inverted orientation when connected to the upper tailgate 20, the latch device 40 can be oriented such that the slot 45 faces rearward and the hinged part faces forward. Now, the slot 45 is on the outside, and the hinged part is on the inside. This ensures reduced force / acceleration and prevents the latch from being released when the lower tailgate 30 moves inward.

[0094] If the ramming device 40 is designed to minimize the force generated by the translation of the upper tailgate 20, the ramming device 40 may face the opposite direction described above.

[0095] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The end view and top view of the impact pin device 40 are shown respectively. Figure 7 It shows the relationship with Figure 3 The same striking pin device, but marked with additional reference numerals, and Figure 6 It shows the relationship with Figure 4 The same striking pin device is used, but it is marked with additional reference numerals. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the striking pin device 40 is the same as that shown in the preceding figures.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, the ramming pin 43 includes a first leg 70 and a second leg 72. The first leg 70 and the second leg 72 are connected to each other by a transverse portion 74 to form a ring.

[0097] The first leg 70 is connected to the impact pin mounting plate 47 at a first position, and the second leg 72 is connected to the impact pin mounting plate 47 at a second position longitudinally offset from the first position.

[0098] The first leg 70 is connected to the striker mounting plate 47 at a substantially vertical angle. The second leg 72 is connected to the striker mounting plate 47 at a substantially vertical angle.

[0099] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the impact pin mounting plate 47 includes a pair of long edges 76, 78 and a pair of short edges 77, 79.

[0100] The pin 43 is positioned closer to the first long edge 76 than the second long edge 78, wherein the groove 45 is formed in the second long edge 78.

[0101] The first groove 45 is located between the first short edge 77 and the striking pin 43. The second groove 45 is located between the second short edge 79 and the striking pin 43. The striking pin 43 is located in the center.

[0102] The first fixing portion 46 is located between the first short edge 77 and the first groove 45. The second fixing portion 46 is located between the second short edge 79 and the second groove 45.

[0103] The slot 45 and / or the fixing portion 46 and / or the long edges 76, 78 and / or the short edges 77, 79 are approximately symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the pin 43 passing through the center of the pin device 40. The slot 45 is approximately equidistant from the pin 43.

[0104] The slot 45 extends at least as far as the second leg 72 of the striker 43. The distance from the second long edge 78 of the striker mounting plate 47 to the end of the slot 45 is at least as far as the distance from the second long edge 78 to the second leg 72 of the striker.

[0105] The groove 45 can extend from the second long edge 78 at least as far as the fixing portion 46. The distance from the second long edge 78 to the end of the groove 45 can be at least as far as the distance from the second long edge 78 to the fixing portion 46 closest to the second long edge 78.

[0106] As by Figure 7 As shown by line 80 extending along the y-axis, the end of the groove 45 can be aligned with the striker 43 and the fixing portion 46. This alignment facilitates deformation in the desired position, thereby reducing impact force. In a specific example, the end of the groove 45 is aligned with the second leg 72. The end of the groove 45 can be approximately aligned with the center of the fixing portion 46. The center of the fixing portion 46 can be defined as the center of the fixing orifice.

[0107] exist Figure 7 In the middle, the second long edge 78 is a generally straight edge. The groove 45 is generally perpendicular to the second long edge 78. The grooves 45 extend generally parallel to each other. The groove 45 may also be parallel to the pin 43.

[0108] exist Figure 7 In the diagram, the first long edge 76 has a non-linear shape. The first long edge 76 is not parallel to the second long edge 78. The first long edge 76 is further away from the second long edge 78 towards the center of the pin device 40, while the lateral short edges 77 and 79 towards the pin device 40 are closer to the second long edge 78. This allows the first leg 70 of the pin 43 to be positioned across the end of the slot 45. The first long edge 76 is approximately V-shaped.

[0109] At the location of slot 45, the distance from the second long edge 78 to the first long edge 76 of the impact pin mounting plate 47 can be greater than 1.5 times the length of slot 45 and less than 3 times the length of slot 45. As shown in the example illustration, this range can be 2 to 2.5 times the length of slot 45. In a specific example, this range is greater than 2 times the length of slot 45. In other words, the length of bridging portion 48 can be greater than 50% and less than 200% of the length of its corresponding slot 45, or greater than 100% and less than 150% of the length of its corresponding slot 45.

[0110] Although various embodiments of the invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be understood that modifications may be made to the given examples without departing from the scope of protection claimed by the invention.

[0111] For example, a single rigid portion 42 and a fixed portion 46 can be provided instead of a pair of rigid portions 42 and fixed portions 46 on both sides of the movable portion 41. In some examples, the slot 45 can be replaced by multiple gaps, holes, or perforations.

[0112] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a non-separable tailgate system 14B, to which the previously described impact bolt device can be applied. The non-separable tailgate system 14B comprises a single tailgate 20B, rather than two horizontally separated tailgates. For example, the single tailgate 20B can be top-hinged via an upper hinge 22B. The non-separable tailgate system 14B can be electric or passive. The impact bolt device 40 can be mounted to the vehicle body as shown, or to the tailgate 20B. The lower edge of the tailgate 20B can be higher than the external body 60, such as the engine hood of the impact vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle body can translate inwards, and the impact bolt device 40 will effectively deform in the manner previously described 10.

[0113] It will be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of this application.

[0114] The features described above can be used in combinations other than those explicitly described.

[0115] Although the functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions can be performed by other features regardless of whether other features are described.

[0116] Although the features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also exist in other embodiments, whether or not they have been described.

[0117] Although efforts have been made in the preceding application to draw attention to those features of the invention that are considered particularly important, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection for any patentable features or combinations of features mentioned above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not they are specifically emphasized.

Claims

1. A striker device for a latching system of a vehicle, the latching system configured to secure a tailgate of the vehicle, wherein, The impact pin device includes: A bolt mounting plate and a bolt, the bolt being centrally positioned between the lateral ends of the bolt mounting plate, the bolt mounting plate comprising: The movable portion, the striking pin connected to the movable portion, the movable portion being centrally positioned between one rigid portion and another rigid portion and connected to both rigid portions, the rigid portions facing each lateral end of the striking pin mounting plate and each rigid portion including a fixing portion; and The portion with a reduced cross-section on each lateral side of the movable portion, the portion with a reduced cross-section connecting the rigid portion and the movable portion to each other, the portion with a reduced cross-section having a reduced cross-section compared to the movable portion, and configured to be deformably displaceable so that the movable portion can be displaced; Each reduced-section portion includes a groove and a material bridging the groove, the groove separating the movable portion from the rigid portion. The material determines how far the movable portion can be displaced while remaining connected to the rigid portion. The grooves of the deformable slotted portion are parallel to each other and open at a common edge of the pin mounting plate, extending perpendicularly from the common edge of the pin mounting plate. The ramming pin device is configured to deform so that the movable portion can be displaced relative to the rigid portion while remaining connected to the rigid portion, as a result of one of the latching devices of the latching system or the ramming pin device translating relative to the ramming pin device or the other of the latching devices in the vehicle inward direction while the ramming pin is latched to the latching device.

2. The plunger apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The movable portion and the rigid portion are adjacent portions of the material layer.

3. The impact pin device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The thickness of the portion with reduced cross-section is the same as the thickness of the movable portion and the thickness of the rigid portion.

4. The impact pin device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The portion with a reduced cross-section is configured to allow the displacement to include rotation relative to the plane of the rigid portion.

5. The impact pin device according to claim 4, wherein, The portion with a reduced cross-section is configured such that the rotation can be at least 12 degrees without the impact pin device breaking.

6. The impact pin device according to claim 4, wherein, The portion with a reduced cross-section is constructed as a hinged section to allow the rotation.

7. The impact pin device according to claim 6, wherein, The hinged forming portion bridges the groove, thereby separating the movable portion from the rigid portion.

8. The impact pin device according to claim 6, wherein, The impact bolt device is configured to be fixed to the tailgate, wherein the hinged forming portion is to the outer side of the vehicle to the impact bolt device.

9. The impact pin device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rigid portion includes a fixed portion configured to secure the impact pin device to the vehicle.

10. The impact pin device according to claim 9, wherein, The fixing part includes a fixing hole.

11. A tailgate system comprising a tailgate, a latching device, and a striker device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A power-operated split tailgate system, the power-operated split tailgate system comprising an upper tailgate, a lower tailgate, a latching device, and a striker device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The power-separated tailgate system according to claim 12, wherein, The impact bolt device is supported by the lower tailgate, and the latching device is supported by the upper tailgate.

14. The power-separated tailgate system according to claim 12, wherein, The impact bolt device is supported by the upper tailgate, and the latching device is supported by the lower tailgate.

15. A vehicle comprising a tailgate system according to claim 11 or a power-separated tailgate system according to claim 12, 13 or 14.

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