A smart hood unlocking system, method, and vehicle

Abstract

This invention proposes an intelligent hood unlocking system, method, and vehicle. The system, located outside the vehicle body, includes an emergency unlocking assembly and a first cable. The emergency unlocking assembly includes a lock cylinder assembly, a pull ring, and a bracket. The bracket is fixed to the vehicle body, and the lock cylinder assembly is fixed to the bracket. The lock cylinder assembly includes a lock cylinder and a latch, with the pull ring locked by the latch. One end of the first cable is connected to the pull ring, and the other end is connected to the first-level unlocking assembly. By turning the lock cylinder with a key to unlock the latch and release the pull ring, pulling the unlocked pull ring transmits the operating force through the first cable to the first-level unlocking assembly, controlling the first-level unlocking of the hood. This invention allows for first-level unlocking of the hood from outside the vehicle without opening the door or operating the driver's side inward handle in emergency situations where the door cannot be opened. This allows for further second-level unlocking of the hood by operating the external handle, thus opening the hood.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and in particular to an intelligent hood unlocking system, method, and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the popularization and development of new energy vehicles, the drag coefficient of vehicle exterior design has gradually become a popular performance indicator. Under this trend, concealed door handles have become a mainstream direction in the automotive manufacturing industry. Compared to traditional door handles, concealed handles not only simplify the side lines of the vehicle body but also help reduce the drag coefficient. Based on structural classification, concealed door handles are mainly divided into mechanical and electronic types. Mechanical concealed door handles are similar to traditional ones in structure and principle, while electronic concealed door handles can break free from the limitations of mechanical structures, developing towards integration and modularization, thereby reducing structural size. However, electronic door handles also face some problems, such as the driver being unable to enter the vehicle or open the hood to charge or replace the battery when the vehicle's battery is dead or disconnected.

[0003] This is because traditional hood unlocking systems are two-tiered, typically consisting of a primary unlocking system and a secondary unlocking system. The primary unlocking system generally comprises an inside handle located within the vehicle, a cable transmitting the operating force, a primary unlocking assembly, and a locking block (hood lock). The secondary unlocking system generally consists of an outside handle located outside the vehicle and an outside handle assembly with a cable. To open the hood using a traditional system, first operate the inside handle from inside the vehicle. The operating force is transmitted via the cable to the primary unlocking assembly, which then transmits the force to the locking block, completing the primary unlocking. Next, operate the outside handle located under the hood from outside the vehicle. The operating force is transmitted via the outside handle to the outside handle assembly, and then via the cable to the locking block, completing the secondary unlocking. Only then can both levels of unlocking be completed, opening the hood. Alternatively, operating the inside handle twice consecutively can also unlock the hood.

[0004] In this situation, traditional hood unlocking systems are insufficient for the needs of electronic door handles, requiring a system that allows the hood to be opened from outside the vehicle. Similar hood unlocking systems already exist, using a touch module located outside the vehicle to unlock the hood. However, since this device relies on the vehicle's electrical and electronic control systems, it cannot operate in emergency situations where the vehicle's power is depleted or interrupted. Furthermore, malfunctions in the vehicle's electrical or electronic control systems may also affect the functionality of this feature. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to introduce an intelligent hood unlocking system into the existing hood unlocking system to solve the above-mentioned problems. In emergency situations where the car door cannot be opened, the relevant device can be operated from outside the vehicle to unlock the hood for the first time without opening the car door and operating the inward handle on the driver's side. Then, the outward handle outside the vehicle can be operated to unlock the hood for the second time and open the hood.

[0006] This invention proposes an intelligent hood unlocking system, installed on the exterior of the vehicle body, comprising an emergency unlocking assembly and a first cable;

[0007] The emergency unlocking assembly includes a lock cylinder assembly, a pull ring, and a bracket. The bracket is fixed to the vehicle body, and the lock cylinder assembly is fixed to the bracket. The lock cylinder assembly includes a lock cylinder and a latch, and the pull ring is locked by the latch.

[0008] One end of the first cable is connected to the pull ring, and the other end is connected to the first-level unlocking assembly;

[0009] Specifically, the lock cylinder is opened by turning the key to unlock the latch, the pull ring is unlocked, and the unlocked pull ring is pulled. The operating force is transmitted to the first-level unlocking assembly through the first cable to control the first-level unlocking of the hood.

[0010] In one embodiment, the emergency unlocking assembly further includes a cover plate fixed to the bracket, the lock cylinder assembly passing through the cover plate and fixedly connected to the bracket, the latch located between the cover plate and the bracket, and the keyhole of the lock cylinder located on the upper surface of the cover plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pull ring includes a ring and a connecting rod, one end of which is fixedly connected to the ring, and the other end of which passes through the cover plate and is locked by the latch. The connecting rod is located between the cover plate and the bracket, and the ring is placed on the upper surface of the cover plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cover plate and the lock cylinder assembly are respectively fixed to the bracket by rivets.

[0013] In one embodiment, the emergency unlocking assembly further includes a baffle plate movably connected to the cover plate and forming a cavity with the cover plate, the cavity accommodating the pull ring and the lock cylinder assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first cable is secured to the upper longitudinal beam of the vehicle body and the headlight bracket by clips.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bracket includes a support and several legs, with one end of each leg fixedly connected to the support and the other end fixed to the vehicle body by nuts and bolts.

[0016] In one embodiment, the emergency unlocking assembly is located outside the windshield and above the hood.

[0017] The present invention also proposes a method for intelligent unlocking of the hood, which is applied to the intelligent unlocking system for the hood as described above, and includes the following steps:

[0018] Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it to unlock the pull ring;

[0019] Pulling the ring transmits the operating force through the first cable to the first-level unlocking assembly, which then transmits the operating force to the locking block, completing the first-level unlocking of the hood and causing it to pop up.

[0020] Operating the outward-opening handle transmits the force through the handle to the handle assembly, and then through the cable of the handle assembly to the locking block, completing the secondary unlocking of the hood and opening it.

[0021] The present invention also proposes a vehicle comprising a body, a hood, an inward-opening handle, a second cable, a primary unlocking assembly, a locking block, an outward-opening handle and an outward-opening handle assembly, and the hood intelligent unlocking system described above.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the intelligent hood unlocking system, method, and vehicle of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] 1) Based on the existing hood unlocking system, the present invention adds a mechanical emergency unlocking assembly, which is not restricted by the vehicle's electrical control system. In the event of a power outage, the intelligent hood unlocking system of the present invention can quickly unlock the hood without opening the door and without damaging any body parts.

[0024] 2) The mechanical lock cylinder and unlocking pull ring in this invention are both located at the junction of the hood and the windshield. The actual operating position is at a moderate height, taking into account the intelligent human-computer interaction experience, and ensuring that the user is friendly and convenient when actually unlocking.

[0025] 3) Although the emergency unlocking assembly in this invention is located outside the vehicle, it has certain limitations in operation and cannot be operated by just anyone. The emergency unlocking assembly is designed with a mechanical lock cylinder, and only the person holding the mechanical key can operate the unlocking pull ring. That is, this unlocking system requires a mechanical key to unlock, which has good anti-theft properties.

[0026] 4) The emergency unlocking assembly in this invention is a purely mechanical structure with mechanical connections between the parts. It is not affected by factors such as power or electronic control systems, and can provide a stable intelligent unlocking function for the hood. It can ensure stable repeated operation multiple times and has good economic efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an engine hood unlocking system with an emergency unlocking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the emergency unlocking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the emergency unlocking operation with a water baffle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the emergency unlocking operation after the water baffle is removed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of an engine hood unlocking system with an emergency unlocking assembly on a vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the emergency unlocking assembly on the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the first cable on the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the second cable on the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the first-level unlocking assembly on the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the lock block and outward-opening handle assembly on the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure Labels

[0038] 1. Inward-opening handle, 2. Second pull cable, 3. Lock block, 4. First-level unlocking assembly, 5. Outer handle assembly, 6. Second pull cable, 7. Emergency unlocking assembly, 8. Pull ring, 9. Cover plate, 10. Lock cylinder assembly, 11. Nut, 12. Bolt, 13. Bracket, 14. Rivet, 15. Flood guard, 16. Hood, 17. Right front fender, 18. Windshield, 19. Headlight bracket, 20. Front bulkhead module. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention more readily understood, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that while many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention, the invention can also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention; therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0040] Secondly, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When detailing the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged, not adhering to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, actual fabrication should include three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.

[0041] Secondly, the phrase "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" in this application refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the invention. The phrases "in one embodiment" and "an embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification do not all refer to the same embodiment, nor are they embodiments that are mutually exclusive, either alone or selectively, with other embodiments. The terms "comprising" or "including" indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0042] This invention proposes an intelligent hood unlocking system, installed on the exterior of the vehicle body, comprising an emergency unlocking assembly 7 and a first pull cable 6, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 , Figure 2 The emergency unlocking assembly 7 includes a lock cylinder assembly 10, a pull ring 8, and a bracket 13. The bracket 13 is fixed to the vehicle body, and the lock cylinder assembly 10 is fixed to the bracket 13. The lock cylinder assembly 10 includes a lock cylinder and a latch, and the pull ring 8 is locked by the latch. One end of the first pull cable 6 is connected to the lower end of the pull ring 8, and the other end is connected to the first-level unlocking assembly 4.

[0043] When in use, the lock cylinder is turned by the key to open the latch, unlocking the pull ring 8. Pulling the unlocked pull ring 8 transmits the operating force to the first unlocking assembly 4 through the first cable 6. The first unlocking assembly 4 is connected to the locking block 3 that controls the opening and closing of the hood, transmitting the operating force to the locking block 3, thereby controlling the first-level unlocking of the hood.

[0044] The following is a detailed description of each component in the intelligent hood unlocking system described above.

[0045] An emergency unlocking assembly 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a cover plate 9. The cover plate 9 is fixed on a bracket 13, and the lock cylinder assembly 10 passes through the cover plate 9 and is fixedly connected to the bracket 13. The latch is located between the cover plate 9 and the bracket 13, and the keyhole of the lock cylinder is located on the upper surface of the cover plate 9.

[0046] The pull ring 8 of one embodiment of the present invention includes a ring and a connecting rod. One end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the ring, and the other end passes through the cover plate 9 and is locked by a latch. The connecting rod is located between the cover plate 9 and the bracket 13, and the ring is placed on the upper surface of the cover plate 9.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover plate 9 and the lock cylinder assembly 10 are respectively fixed to the bracket 13 by rivets 14.

[0048] An emergency unlocking assembly 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a water baffle 15. The water baffle 15 is movably connected to the cover plate 9, and in one embodiment, the water baffle 15 and the cover plate 9 are hinged together. The water baffle 15 and the cover plate 9 form a cavity that accommodates the pull ring 8 and the lock cylinder assembly 10. See also... Figure 3 , Figure 4 The water deflector 15 is designed to prevent rain, snow, dirt, and other liquids or solid particles from entering the emergency unlocking assembly 7, thus avoiding rust and damage to the emergency unlocking assembly 7. When you want to activate the hood smart unlocking system, simply lift the water deflector 15 to reveal the ring of the pull ring 8 and the keyhole of the lock cylinder assembly 10.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first cable 6 is fixed to the upper longitudinal beam of the vehicle body and the headlight bracket 19 by clips, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bracket 13 includes a base and several legs. The base is used to connect and fix the lock cylinder assembly 8 and the cover plate 9. Each leg is fixedly connected to the base at one end and fixed to the vehicle body at the other end by a nut 11 and a bolt 12.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the emergency unlocking assembly 7 is disposed outside the windshield 18 and above the hood 16, see [link / reference]. Figure 3 . Figure 3 The viewpoint shown is the typical emergency unlocking operation viewpoint, located on the right side of the vehicle (i.e., the passenger side), near the right front fender at position 17. It should be noted that "left" and "right" are defined according to the viewing angle from inside the vehicle to the outside.

[0052] Of course, the intelligent hood unlocking system of the present invention can also be designed in any location outside the vehicle, but factors such as cost, space, reliability of use, and human-machine convenience need to be considered when designing it.

[0053] The present invention also proposes a method for intelligent unlocking of the hood, which is applied to the intelligent unlocking system for the hood as described above, and includes the following steps:

[0054] Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it to unlock the pull ring;

[0055] Pulling the ring transmits the operating force through the first cable to the first-level unlocking assembly, which then transmits the operating force to the locking block, completing the first-level unlocking of the hood and causing it to pop up.

[0056] Operating the outward-opening handle transmits the force through the handle to the handle assembly, and then through the cable of the handle assembly to the locking block, completing the secondary unlocking of the hood and opening it.

[0057] The intelligent hood unlocking system of the present invention is used in conjunction with the original hood unlocking system. It can not only unlock the hood in a conventional way under normal circumstances, but also unlock the hood in emergency situations.

[0058] The present invention also proposes a vehicle comprising a body, a hood 16, an inward-opening handle 1, a second cable 2, a primary unlocking assembly 4, a locking block 3, an outward-opening handle and an outward-opening handle assembly 5, and the aforementioned intelligent hood unlocking system, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 , Figure 5 .

[0059] In one embodiment, the inward-opening handle 1 is fixed to the vehicle body, one end of the second cable 2 is connected to the inward-opening handle 1, and the other end passes through the inner cavity of the upper longitudinal beam and is connected to the primary unlocking assembly 4. The second cable 2 is fixed to the headlight bracket 19 by a clip, such as... Figure 8 As shown. The primary unlocking assembly 4 is mounted on the front bulkhead module 20 and connected to the locking block 3, which is also mounted on the front bulkhead module 20. The outward-opening handle assembly 5 is mounted on the front bulkhead module 20 and also connected to the locking block 3, see [reference]. Figure 9 , Figure 10 .

[0060] When vehicles equipped with electronic door handles encounter emergency situations, such as a complete power outage or failure of the vehicle's electrical system, and the doors cannot be unlocked, the hood can be unlocked using the intelligent hood unlocking system. Then, a regular secondary unlocking can be performed to open the hood and allow the battery to be charged or replaced in a timely manner.

[0061] It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. Such expressions are only for the purpose of making the description of the present invention simpler and more convenient, and do not indicate or imply that the component referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0062] Furthermore, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0063] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0064] 1) Based on the existing hood unlocking system, the present invention adds a mechanical emergency unlocking assembly, which is not restricted by the vehicle's electrical control system. In the event of a power outage, the intelligent hood unlocking system of the present invention can quickly unlock the hood without opening the door and without damaging any body parts.

[0065] 2) The mechanical lock cylinder and unlocking pull ring in this invention are both located at the junction of the hood and the windshield. The actual operating position is at a moderate height, taking into account the intelligent human-computer interaction experience, and ensuring that the user is friendly and convenient when actually unlocking.

[0066] 3) Although the emergency unlocking assembly in this invention is located outside the vehicle, it has certain limitations in operation and cannot be operated by just anyone. The emergency unlocking assembly is designed with a mechanical lock cylinder, and only the person holding the mechanical key can operate the unlocking pull ring. That is, this unlocking system requires a mechanical key to unlock, which has good anti-theft properties.

[0067] 4) The emergency unlocking assembly in this invention is a purely mechanical structure with mechanical connections between the parts. It is not affected by factors such as power or electronic control systems, and can provide a stable intelligent unlocking function for the hood. It can ensure stable repeated operation multiple times and has good economic efficiency.

[0068] The constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in size, structure, shape, and proportions, as well as parameter values, installation arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements may be inverted or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be altered or changed. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Various corresponding modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art according to this invention without departing from the spirit and essence of the invention, but such corresponding modifications and variations should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A smart hood unlocking system, characterized in that, Located on the exterior of the vehicle body, it includes an emergency unlocking assembly and a first pull cable; The emergency unlocking assembly is located outside the windshield and above the hood. It includes a lock cylinder assembly, a pull ring, a bracket, a cover plate, and a baffle plate. The bracket is fixed to the vehicle body, and the cover plate is fixed to the bracket. The lock cylinder assembly passes through the cover plate and is fixedly connected to the bracket. The lock cylinder assembly includes a lock cylinder and a latch. The latch is located between the cover plate and the bracket. The keyhole of the lock cylinder is located on the upper surface of the cover plate. The pull ring is locked by the latch. The baffle plate is movably connected to the cover plate and forms a cavity with the cover plate. The cavity accommodates the pull ring and the lock cylinder assembly. One end of the first cable is connected to the pull ring, and the other end is connected to the first-level unlocking assembly; Specifically, the water baffle is opened, the lock cylinder is turned with a key to open the latch, the pull ring is unlocked, and the unlocked pull ring is pulled. The operating force is transmitted to the first-level unlocking assembly through the first cable to control the first-level unlocking of the hood.

2. The intelligent hood unlocking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pull ring includes a ring and a connecting rod. One end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the ring, and the other end passes through the cover plate and is locked by the buckle. The connecting rod is located between the cover plate and the bracket, and the ring is placed on the upper surface of the cover plate.

3. The intelligent hood unlocking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate and the lock cylinder assembly are respectively fixed to the bracket by rivets.

4. The intelligent hood unlocking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cable is fixed to the upper longitudinal beam of the vehicle body and the headlight bracket by clips.

5. The intelligent hood unlocking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket includes a support and several legs. Each leg is fixedly connected to the support at one end and fixed to the vehicle body at the other end by nuts and bolts.

6. A method for intelligently unlocking a car hood, characterized in that, The method, applied to the intelligent hood unlocking system as described in any one of claims 1-5, includes the following steps: Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it to unlock the pull ring; Pulling the ring transmits the operating force through the first cable to the first-level unlocking assembly, which then transmits the operating force to the locking block, completing the first-level unlocking of the hood and causing it to pop up. Operating the outward-opening handle transmits the force through the handle to the handle assembly, and then through the cable of the handle assembly to the locking block, completing the secondary unlocking of the hood and opening it.

7. A vehicle comprising a body, a hood, an inward-opening handle, a second cable, a primary unlocking assembly, a locking block, an outward-opening handle, and an outward-opening handle assembly, characterized in that, It also includes the hood smart unlocking system as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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