Ventilation and latch release system for vehicle equipped with front standby

Abstract

The invention relates to a ventilation and latch release system for a vehicle equipped with a front trunk. A latch system for a hood of a cabin of a motor vehicle includes a latch and a ventilation system including a ventilation valve movable between a closed position and an open position within an air passage extending between the cabin and an external environment. An actuation member of the latch system is configured to be disposed in the compartment for communication with the vent valve and the latch for actuation by a person. When the motor vehicle travels beyond a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuation member moves the vent valve to the open position to allow air from the external environment to flow into the compartment and the latch is held in the locked position. Actuation of the actuation member moves the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position when the motor vehicle travels below a predetermined speed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 564,600, filed on March 13, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to latch systems for motor vehicles, and more particularly, to latch systems for rear and front trunks (also referred to as frunks) of motor vehicles. Background Art

[0004] The latches for modern vehicle trunks and frunks are typically actuated in two stages. During the first stage, a first release, such as a handle, is actuated from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment. This release moves the latch from a primary closed position to a secondary closed position, in which the latch is partially released but still retains the hood's striker to hold the hood in the partially closed position and prevent it from fully opening. When in the secondary closed position, air can typically enter the trunk / frunk from outside through the air gap between the hood and the vehicle body, which can be desirable, particularly if a person is in the trunk / frunk.

[0005] Latches that can be unlocked from within a vehicle's trunk / front frunk in a multi-stage release actuation are also known. However, latch actuation is often inhibited under certain conditions, such as when the vehicle is traveling above a predetermined speed, such as 5 km / h. Therefore, if a person were trapped in the trunk / front frunk, the latch would not be able to unlock from the primary closed position to the secondary closed position under such inhibited conditions. In addition to the constraints on how the latch can be unlocked, such dual-position latches are often complex and expensive.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a latch system that allows a person inside the trunk / front trunk to obtain air from outside the trunk / front trunk when trapped therein and when the vehicle is operating in any operating state, and that is economical to manufacture and use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features, aspects, and objects.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a latch system for a trunk and / or front hood (hereinafter collectively referred to as a hood) of a motor vehicle is provided, which latch system at least overcomes the shortcomings discussed above with respect to known latch assemblies having a primary open position, a secondary open position, and a fully open position.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a latch system for a hood of a motor vehicle compartment is provided. The latch system includes a latch assembly comprising a ratchet and a pawl, the ratchet being mounted to move between a latch pin capture position for retaining a latch pin secured to the hood and an open position for releasing the latch pin, wherein the ratchet is biased toward the open position, the pawl being configured to be operatively connected to an actuator and mounted to move between a ratchet retaining position and a ratchet releasing position in response to actuation of the actuator, and the pawl being biased toward a rest position. The latch system also includes a ventilation system comprising a ventilation valve within an air passage, the ventilation valve being configured to move between a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position, the ventilation valve closes the air passage and closes communication between the compartment and the outside environment, and when in the open position, the ventilation valve opens the air passage and opens the compartment to communication with the outside environment, allowing air from the environment to flow freely into the compartment. The latch system also includes an actuating member configured to be disposed within the compartment for selective actuation by a person within the compartment. The actuating member is arranged to communicate with the ventilation valve to selectively move the ventilation valve from a closed position to an open position, and to communicate with the latch to move the pawl from a ratchet-holding position to a ratchet-release position. When the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member causes the ventilation valve to move from the closed position to the open position without moving the pawl from the ratchet-holding position to the ratchet-release position. When the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed below the predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member causes the pawl to move from the ratchet-holding position to the ratchet-release position and optionally causes the ventilation valve to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a latch and vent system for a hood of a motor vehicle compartment is provided. The latch and vent system has a latch assembly including a ratchet mounted to move between a latch pin capture position for retaining a latch pin secured to the hood and a latch pin release position for releasing the latch pin, wherein the ratchet is biased toward the latch pin release position. The latch assembly also includes a pawl configured to be operably connected to an actuating device and mounted to move between a ratchet retaining position and a ratchet release position in response to actuation of the actuating device, wherein the pawl retains the ratchet in the latch pin capture position and releases the ratchet to move to the latch pin release position in the ratchet release position, wherein the pawl is biased toward a stationary position. The latch and vent system also has a vent system including a vent valve within an air passageway, the vent valve being configured to move between a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position, the vent valve closes the air passage and closes communication between the cabin and the external environment, and when in the open position, the vent valve opens the air passage and opens the cabin to communication with the external environment, so that air from the external environment can freely flow into the cabin. The latch and vent system also includes an actuation member configured for selective actuation by a person in the cabin, wherein the actuation member is arranged to communicate with the vent valve to selectively move the vent valve from the closed position to the open position.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an actuation member is configured to communicate with the latch to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuating member is arranged such that when the motor vehicle is traveling above a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member moves the ventilation valve from the closed position to the open position without moving the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuation member is arranged such that when the motor vehicle is travelling below a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuation member causes the pawl to move from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuation member is arranged such that when the motor vehicle is travelling below a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuation member causes the ventilation valve to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the air passage is configured to extend directly from the cabin to the external environment.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the air passage is configured to extend into communication with an air chamber formed between the hood and the cabin, wherein the air chamber extends above a seal between the hood and the cabin.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuation member may be configured for selective actuation by a person outside the cabin.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuating member is arranged such that when the motor vehicle is traveling above a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member moves the ventilation valve from the closed position to the open position without moving the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the ventilation valve is a butterfly valve.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle is provided that includes a hood that is movable between a closed position that closes a compartment of the motor vehicle and an open position that opens the compartment. The motor vehicle also includes a latch assembly that includes a ratchet and a pawl, the ratchet being mounted to move between a striker pin capture position for retaining a striker pin secured to the hood and a striker pin release position for releasing the striker pin, wherein the ratchet is biased toward the striker pin release position, the pawl being configured to be operably connected to an actuating device and being mounted to move between a ratchet retaining position and a ratchet release position in response to actuation of the actuating device, wherein the pawl retains the ratchet in the striker pin capture position in the ratchet retaining position and the pawl releases the ratchet to move to the striker pin release position in the ratchet release position, the pawl being biased toward a rest position. The motor vehicle also includes a ventilation system that includes a ventilation valve within an air passageway that is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. When the ventilation valve is in the closed position, the ventilation valve closes the air passage and closes the connection between the cabin and the external environment, and when the ventilation valve is in the open position, the ventilation valve opens the air passage and opens the cabin to the external environment, so that air from the external environment can freely flow into the cabin. The actuation member is configured to be selectively actuated from within the cabin, and the actuation member is arranged to communicate with the ventilation valve to selectively move the ventilation valve from the closed position to the open position.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a latch and ventilation system for a hood of a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes providing an actuating member, an actuating device, and providing a latch and ventilation system having a latch assembly and a ventilation system. The latch assembly includes a ratchet and a pawl, the ratchet being mounted for movement between a strike pin capture position for retaining a strike pin fixed to the hood and a strike pin release position for releasing the strike pin, wherein the ratchet is biased toward the strike pin release position, the pawl being configured for operably communicating with the actuating device and being mounted for movement between a ratchet holding position and a ratchet release position, in which the pawl retains the ratchet in the strike pin capture position, and a ratchet release position in which the pawl releases the ratchet to move to the strike pin release position, the pawl being biased toward a stationary position. The ventilation system includes a ventilation valve within an air passage, the ventilation valve being configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein, when in the closed position, the ventilation valve closes the air passage and closes communication between the cabin and the external environment, and when in the open position, the ventilation valve opens the air passage and opens the cabin to communication with the external environment, such that air from the external environment can freely flow into the cabin. The method further includes configuring an actuation member for selective actuation by a person in the cabin, the actuation member being arranged in operative communication with the actuation device and the ventilation valve to selectively move the ventilation valve from the closed position to the open position and selectively signaling the actuation device to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes configuring the actuating member to move the ventilation valve from the closed position to the open position when the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, but not to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position when the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed exceeding the predetermined speed.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes configuring the actuating member to selectively move the ventilation valve from a closed position to an open position when the motor vehicle is traveling below a predetermined speed, and signaling the actuating device to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position when the motor vehicle is traveling below the predetermined speed.

[0024] According to another aspect, a vehicle is provided having a storage compartment, a closure panel for sealing the storage compartment, and a ventilation system having a closed state and an open state, wherein the closure panel is movable between the closed position and the open position, wherein when the closure panel is in the closed position, the ventilation system in the closed state allows airflow into the storage compartment.

[0025] In a related aspect, the storage compartment is a trunk storage compartment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1A is a partial perspective view of a motor vehicle having a latch system according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 1B is a partial perspective view of some components of a latch of a latch system of a motor vehicle;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A a side view of a motor vehicle, wherein a latch of the latch system is shown in a fully latched position;

[0030] Figure 3A is similar to Figure 2 , showing a view of the latch system vent moving from a closed position to an open position to allow air from outside the front trunk to enter the front trunk;

[0031] Figure 3B is similar to Figure 3A , showing a vent of a latch system according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a latch system according to another aspect of the present disclosure to allow air to enter a front trunk and / or a trunk under different operating conditions of a motor vehicle; and

[0033] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of configuring the operation of a latch and ventilation system of a hood of a compartment of a motor vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In general, example embodiments of latch systems constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure will now be disclosed. Exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be comprehensive and the scope will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Many specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example embodiments can be implemented in many different forms, and that none should be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail because they will be readily understood by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein.

[0035] The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific example embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups. Unless clearly identified as an execution order, the method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0036] 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, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other 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 listed items.

[0037] Although can use the term first, second and third etc. to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts in this article, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms.These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part.Unless the context clearly indicates, otherwise the terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence when used in this article.Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part when not departing from the teaching of example embodiment.

[0038] For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as "inside," "outside," "below," "beneath," "down," "above," "up," "top," "bottom," etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature as shown in the figures to other elements or features. Spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, elements described as "below other elements or features" or "beneath other elements or features" will be oriented to be "above other elements or features." Thus, the example term "below" may include both the above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated angles or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0039] Reference Figure 1A , which shows a motor vehicle 11 having a closure panel (shown as a front hood 13) to which a striker pin 22 is fixedly attached. The front hood (also referred to as the hood 13) can close an opening that provides a compartment, shown as a front trunk 15 (also referred to as the front frunk 15), for storage in a compartment located at the front of the vehicle 11 that would normally occupy the engine, but which has been located at another location in the vehicle. The striker pin 22 can be captured by a latch assembly (also referred to as latch 10) of a latch and ventilation system 12 that is mounted on a body 17 of the motor vehicle 11, wherein when the striker pin 22 is in a primary locked state, the hood 13 is locked in a fully closed position.

[0040] If the latch 10 permits, the hood 13 can be moved from the fully closed position to the fully open position, in which the hood 13 pivots about the hinge axis H defined by the hinge 21 and the striker 22 is removed from the latch 10 ( Figure 1A ) to provide access to the storage space or front trunk 15.

[0041] like Figure 1B As shown, the latch 10 includes a ratchet 14 and a pawl 16. A communication link system or device (also referred to as a release member, such as a cable assembly and / or electrical member 24) operably interconnects the pawl 16 to an actuating device 26 ( Figure 1A ), wherein an actuating member 20 configured to signal an actuating device 26 to selectively activate the actuating device 26 can be located within a passenger compartment 28 of the motor vehicle 11 or elsewhere as desired. The actuating member 20 can also be configured for selective actuation of the actuating device 26 by a person outside the compartment 15, such as, but not limited to, from within the passenger compartment 28 and / or via an electronic key fob KF.

[0042] As is well understood in the art of motor vehicle latches, the ratchet 14 is pivotally connected to the latch housing (also referred to as the housing). The ratchet 14 is movable between a striker pin capturing position (also referred to as the closed position) and a striker pin releasing position (also referred to as the open position). The ratchet 14 is biased toward the open position by a ratchet biasing member 35, shown in a counterclockwise direction (indicated by arrow 35). Figure 1B As is known, the ratchet 14 has a notch S for lockingly receiving the striker pin 22 therein when in the striker pin capture position, which corresponds to the closed or partially closed position of the cover 13 .

[0043] The pawl 16 is configured to move between a locked position (also referred to as a ratchet holding position) in which the pawl 16 releasably locks the ratchet 14 in the striker pin capturing position and an unlocked position (also referred to as a ratchet releasing position) in which the pawl 16 releases the ratchet 14 to freely move to the open position under the bias applied by the ratchet biasing member 35. It should be understood that the latch 10 can be provided in various configurations, such as a single-pull latch requiring a single actuation (e.g., a single pull from a cable) to fully release the striker pin 22 from the ratchet 14, a two-pull latch requiring two actuations (e.g., two pulls from a cable) to fully release the striker pin 22 from the ratchet 14, and that the latch 10 can include other striker pin 22 retaining mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, a safety hook, a single pawl, or a double pawl configuration.

[0044] The latch and vent system 12 also includes a vent system 18 having a vent mechanism 19. The vent mechanism 19 includes an actuating member 20 (such as, but not limited to, a button, switch, lever, etc., located within the front trunk 15) and a vent valve, also referred to as a valve 30 ( Figure 3A). The actuating member 20 is operably connected to the latch 10 and the valve 30, for example, but not limited to, via any suitable electrical communication, including one or more wires 31. The valve 30 is an example of a mechanism that enables the ventilation system 12 to be in a closed state that prevents airflow from entering the front trunk 15 via the ventilation system 12 and an open state that allows airflow to enter the front trunk 15 via the ventilation system 12. The valve 30 can move from a closed position to an open position in response to selective actuation of the actuating member 20, such as by a person in the front trunk 15. When the valve 30 is in the closed position, the air passage 32 extending between the front trunk 15 and the external environment E of the motor vehicle 11 is closed, thereby closing the connection between the front trunk 15 and the external environment E, so that the front trunk 15 is generally sealed and not in communication with the external environment E, which can be facilitated by one or more seals 34 compressed between the hood 13 and the body 17. When the valve 30 is moved to the open position, the air passage 32 opens communication between the front trunk 15 and the external environment E outside the front trunk 15, so that air from the external environment E can flow freely into the front trunk 15. The valve 30 can be configured as any type of valve capable of opening and closing the air passage 32, such as a butterfly valve, which can pivot about an axis between an open position and a closed position to open and close the air passage 32 for airflow, respectively. Movement of the valve 30 from the closed position to the open position can occur via selective actuation of the actuating member 20, regardless of the operating state of the motor vehicle 11, so that the motor vehicle 11 can be stationary relative to the ground G, or traveling at any speed relative to the ground G. However, if the motor vehicle 11 is traveling at a speed relative to the ground G that is higher than a predetermined speed (for example, but not limited to, such as 5kph), the latch 10 remains in its fully locked closed state even if it attempts to be unlocked. The air passage 32 can be arranged in any number of ways to connect the front trunk 15 to the environment E, and in Figure 3A 1 is shown extending directly from the front trunk 15 through the front end of the motor vehicle 11 to the environment E. Figure 3B In another non-limiting embodiment shown, by way of example and not limitation, a ventilation valve 30 a operating as discussed above with respect to ventilation valve 30 is disposed in an air passage 32 a, which is shown extending into communication with an air chamber AC extending between the hood 13 and the front trunk 15 and extending above a seal 34.

[0045] When the closure panel 13 is in the closed position and the ventilation system 12 is in a closed state, for example, when the valve 30 is closed, the front trunk 15 can be sealed to prevent airflow between the closure panel 13 and the vehicle body 17 due to the compression of one or more seals 34 between the closure panel 13 and the vehicle body 17. The ventilation system 12 can transition from the closed state to the open state, thereby allowing airflow into the front trunk storage compartment 15, while the closure panel 13 remains in the closed position. In other words, when the closure panel 13 is in the closed position, the one or more seals 34 are compressed between the hood 13 and the vehicle body 17 to prevent airflow from entering the front trunk 13 past the one or more seals 34, while airflow can be allowed to move into and out of the front trunk 13 via the ventilation system 12, for example, through the passage 32.

[0046] If the motor vehicle 11 is operating within a predetermined set of parameters, such as when traveling at less than a predetermined speed relative to the ground surface G (e.g., but not limited to, 5 kph), the latch 10 can be actuated via actuation of the actuating member 20, thereby moving the latch 10 to its fully unlocked, open state. Thus, when the motor vehicle is stationary or traveling at less than a predetermined speed relative to the ground surface G, a person trapped in the front trunk 15 can easily open the hood 13 to breathe air from the environment E and exit the front trunk 15. It should be understood that the vent mechanism 19 can operate independently, rather than in coordination with the latch 10 or the predetermined set of parameters. For example, after the latch assembly 10 has been released, such as when the closure panel 13 is in the open position and the closure panel 13 is about to return to the closed position, the valve 30 of the vent mechanism 19 can move from the closed position to the open position, which can occur during a user slamming the hood 13 shut. With the valve 30 in the open position, air displaced or compressed within the front trunk 15 by the closure panel 13 can be allowed to escape through the air passage 32, thereby alleviating any excessive air pressure buildup and thereby preventing the latch 10 from properly engaging the striker pin 22 due to a slamming event. For example, the valve 30 of the vent mechanism 19 can be moved from the closed position to the open position after an active pedestrian protection event has been detected, which causes the closure panel 13 to move from the closed position to the raised position under the force of a pyrotechnic device. For example, when the closure panel 13 is in the closed position and an imminent or actual collision with a pedestrian has been detected using a sensor system (e.g., a collision detection system), a pyrotechnic actuator disposed in the hinge 21 and / or the latch 10 can output a force to raise the hood from the closed position to the active pedestrian position, in which the hood 13 can move away from the vehicle body 17 to cushion the impact of the pedestrian with the hood 13. By opening the valve 30 before or during ignition of the pyrotechnic actuator, additional air can be fed into the front trunk 15 via the air passage 32 to reduce the effort of the pyrotechnic actuator to raise the front trunk 15 by eliminating the vacuum effect of the front trunk 15 sealed by the hood 13. The deployment speed of the front trunk 15 can also be increased due to the reduction in the force required to raise the front trunk 15. U.S. Patent Application No. 2023 / 0356688A1, entitled “Actuation system for a closure panel including a pop up safety system for hinges,” illustratively describes a hood hinge with a pyrotechnic actuator, and the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application No. 2021 / 0293058A1, entitled “Actuated mechanism for active pedestrian safety latch,” illustratively describes a hood latch with a pyrotechnic actuator, and the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application No. 2021 / 0293058A1, entitled “Actuated mechanism for active pedestrian safety latch,” illustratively describes a hood latch with a pyrotechnic actuator.

[0047] exist Figure 4 , a flowchart illustrates a method 1000 for the operation of the latch and ventilation system 12 when the motor vehicle 11 is traveling at speeds above and below a predetermined speed relative to the ground surface G. As shown, when the motor vehicle 11 is traveling above the predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member 20 does not unlatch the latch 10, but rather moves the ventilation valve 30 from its closed position to its open position, thereby allowing air to flow freely through the air passage 32 into the front trunk 15. On the other hand, when the motor vehicle 11 is traveling below the predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member 20 unlatches the latch 10 and, optionally, moves the ventilation valve 30 from its closed position to its open position, thereby enabling the hood 13 to fully open and, optionally, allowing air to flow freely through the air passage 32 into the front trunk 15. The method illustratively includes a step 1002 of detecting switch activation from within the front trunk compartment, followed by a step 1004 of determining whether the vehicle speed is above a predetermined speed, such as, for example, 5 kph. If the determination at step 1004 is yes, then the method 1000 proceeds to step 1006, which includes de-energizing the latch, followed by opening the vent at step 1008. If the determination at step 1004 is no, then the method 1000 proceeds to step 1010, which includes energizing the latch, followed by an optional step 1012, which includes opening the vent.

[0048] exist Figure 5, a method 2000 is shown for configuring the operation of a latch and vent system 12 of a hood 13 of a compartment 15 of a motor vehicle 11. The method 2000 includes a step 2100 of providing an actuating member 20, a step 2200 of providing an actuating device 26, and a step 2300 of providing a latch and vent system 12 having a latch assembly 10 and a vent system 18. The latch assembly 10 includes a ratchet 14 and a pawl 16, wherein the ratchet 14 is mounted for moving between a strike pin capture position for holding a strike pin 22 fixed to the cover 13 and a strike pin release position for releasing the strike pin 22, wherein the ratchet 14 is biased toward the strike pin release position, and the pawl 16 is configured to be operably connected to the actuating device 26 and is mounted for moving between a ratchet holding position and a ratchet release position, in which the pawl 16 holds the ratchet 14 in the strike pin capture position, and in the ratchet release position, the pawl 16 releases the ratchet 14 to cause it to move to the strike pin release position, and the pawl 16 is biased toward the stationary position. The ventilation system 18 includes a ventilation valve 30 within the air passage 32, the ventilation valve 30 being configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein, when in the closed position, the ventilation valve 30 closes the air passage 32 and closes off communication between the cabin 15 and the external environment E, and, when in the open position, the ventilation valve 30 opens the air passage 32 and connects the cabin 15 to the external environment E, such that air from the external environment E can freely flow into the cabin 15 even when the hood 13 is closed. The method 2000 also includes a step 2400 of configuring the actuation member 20 for selective actuation by a person in the cabin 15, wherein the actuation member 20 is arranged in operative communication with the actuation device 26 and the ventilation valve 30 to selectively move the ventilation valve 30 from the closed position to the open position and selectively signal the actuation device 26 to move the pawl 16 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0049] The method 2000 further includes the step 2500 of configuring the actuating member 20 to move the ventilation valve 30 from the closed position to the open position without moving the pawl 16 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position when the motor vehicle 11 is traveling above a predetermined speed.

[0050] Method 2000 also includes the following step 2600: configuring the actuating member 20 to optionally move the ventilation valve 30 from the closed position to the open position when the motor vehicle 11 is traveling at a speed lower than a predetermined speed, and sending a signal to the actuating device 26 to move the pawl 16 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position when the motor vehicle 11 is traveling at a speed lower than the predetermined speed.

[0051] The foregoing description of the embodiments is 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, components / subassemblies or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements, components / subassemblies or features of a particular embodiment also can be changed in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] The present invention can also be implemented by the following technical solutions:

[0053] Technical Solution 1. A latch and ventilation system for a hood of a motor vehicle compartment, comprising:

[0054] Latch assembly, comprising:

[0055] a ratchet mounted for movement between a striker pin capture position for retaining the striker pin secured to the hood and a striker pin release position for releasing the striker pin, wherein the ratchet is biased toward the striker pin release position;

[0056] a pawl configured for operative communication with the actuating device and mounted for movement between a ratchet holding position and a ratchet release position in response to actuation of the actuating device, wherein the pawl holds the ratchet in the striker pin capturing position and the pawl releases the ratchet for movement to the striker pin releasing position, the pawl being biased toward the rest position;

[0057] Ventilation system, including:

[0058] a vent valve within the air passage, the vent valve being configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein when in the closed position the vent valve closes the air passage and closes communication between the cabin and the outside environment, and when in the open position the vent valve opens the air passage and opens the cabin to communication with the outside environment such that air from the outside environment can freely flow into the cabin; and

[0059] An actuating member is configured for selective actuation by a person in the cabin, the actuating member being arranged in communication with the ventilation valve to selectively move the ventilation valve from a closed position to an open position.

[0060] Technical Solution 2. The latch and vent system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the actuating member is configured to communicate with the latch to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0061] Technical Solution 3. A latch and ventilation system according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the actuating member is arranged so that when the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member causes the ventilation valve to move from a closed position to an open position, but does not cause the pawl to move from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position.

[0062] Technical Solution 4. A latch and ventilation system according to Technical Solution 3, wherein the actuating member is arranged so that when the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed lower than a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member causes the pawl to move from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0063] Technical Solution 5. A latch and ventilation system according to Technical Solution 4, wherein the actuating member is arranged so that when the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed lower than a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member causes the ventilation valve to move from a closed position to an open position.

[0064] Technical Solution 6. A latch and ventilation system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the air passage is configured to extend directly from the cabin to the external environment.

[0065] Technical Solution 7. A latch and ventilation system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the air passage is configured to extend to communicate with an air chamber formed between the hood and the cabin, wherein the air chamber extends above a seal between the hood and the cabin.

[0066] Technical Solution 8. The latch and vent system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the actuation member is configured to be selectively actuated by a person outside the cabin.

[0067] Technical Solution 9. A latch and ventilation system according to Technical Solution 9, wherein the actuating member is arranged so that when the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member causes the ventilation valve to move from a closed position to an open position, but does not cause the pawl to move from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position.

[0068] Technical Solution 10. The latch and ventilation system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the ventilation valve is a butterfly valve.

[0069] Technical Solution 11. A motor vehicle comprising:

[0070] a hood movable between a closed position closing a compartment of the motor vehicle and an open position opening the compartment;

[0071] Latch assembly, comprising:

[0072] a ratchet mounted for movement between a striker pin capture position for retaining the striker pin secured to the hood and a striker pin release position for releasing the striker pin, wherein the ratchet is biased toward the striker pin release position;

[0073] a pawl configured for operative communication with the actuating device and mounted for movement between a ratchet holding position and a ratchet release position in response to actuation of the actuating device, wherein the pawl holds the ratchet in the striker pin capturing position and the pawl releases the ratchet for movement to the striker pin releasing position, the pawl being biased toward the rest position;

[0074] Ventilation system, including:

[0075] a vent valve within the air passage, the vent valve being configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein when in the closed position the vent valve closes the air passage and closes communication between the cabin and the outside environment, and when in the open position the vent valve opens the air passage and opens the cabin to communication with the outside environment such that air from the outside environment can freely flow into the cabin; and

[0076] An actuating member is configured for selective actuation from within the cabin, the actuating member being disposed in communication with the vent valve to selectively move the vent valve from a closed position to an open position.

[0077] Technical Solution 12. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the actuating member is configured to communicate with the latch to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0078] Technical Solution 13. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 12, wherein the actuating member is arranged so that when the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member causes the ventilation valve to move from a closed position to an open position, but does not cause the pawl to move from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position.

[0079] Technical Solution 14. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the actuating member is arranged such that when the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed lower than a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member causes the pawl to move from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0080] Technical Solution 15. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 14, wherein the actuating member is arranged so that when the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed lower than a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member causes the ventilation valve to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0081] Technical Solution 16. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the air passage is configured to extend directly from the cabin to the external environment.

[0082] Technical Solution 17. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the air passage is configured to extend to communicate with an air chamber formed between the hood and the cabin, wherein the air chamber extends above a seal between the hood and the cabin.

[0083] Technical Solution 18. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the actuation member is configured to be selectively actuated by a person outside the cabin.

[0084] Technical Solution 19. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 18, wherein the actuating member is arranged so that when the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member causes the ventilation valve to move from a closed position to an open position, but does not cause the pawl to move from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position.

[0085] Technical Solution 20. A vehicle comprising:

[0086] front trunk storage compartment;

[0087] a closure panel for sealing the storage compartment, the closure panel being movable between a closed position and an open position; and

[0088] A ventilation system has a closed state and an open state, wherein the ventilation system in the closed state allows airflow into the front trunk storage compartment when the closure panel is in the closed position.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: storage compartments; a closure panel for sealing the storage compartment, the closure panel being movable between a closed position and an open position; as well as A vent system has a closed state and an open state, wherein the vent system in the closed state allows airflow into the storage compartment when the closure panel is in the closed position.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: A latch assembly (10) comprising: a ratchet (14) mounted for movement between a strike pin capture position for retaining a strike pin (22) secured to the closure panel (13) and a strike pin release position for releasing the strike pin (22), wherein the ratchet (14) is biased toward the strike pin release position; a pawl (16) configured for operative communication with an actuating device (26) and mounted for movement between a ratchet holding position in response to actuation of the actuating device (26), wherein the pawl (16) holds the ratchet (14) in the strike pin capturing position and a ratchet release position in which the pawl (16) releases the ratchet (14) to move to the strike pin releasing position, the pawl (16) being biased toward a rest position; Wherein, the ventilation system (18) comprises: a ventilation valve (30) in the air passage (32), the ventilation valve (30) being configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein, when in the closed position, the ventilation valve (30) closes the air passage (32) and closes the storage compartment (15) from communication with the external environment (E), and when in the open position, the ventilation valve (30) opens the air passage (32) and opens the storage compartment (15) to communication with the external environment (E), such that air from the external environment (E) can freely flow into the storage compartment (15); and An actuating member (20) is configured for selective actuation by a person in the storage compartment (15), the actuating member (20) being arranged to communicate with the ventilation valve (30) to selectively move the ventilation valve (30) from the closed position to the open position.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The actuating member (20) is configured to communicate with the latch assembly (10) to move the pawl (16) from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The actuating member (20) is arranged such that when the vehicle (11) travels above a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member (20) causes the ventilation valve (30) to move from the closed position to the open position without causing the pawl (16) to move from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein The actuating member (20) is arranged such that when the vehicle (11) is travelling below the predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member (20) causes the pawl (16) to move from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The actuating member (20) is arranged such that when the vehicle (11) is travelling below the predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member (20) causes the ventilation valve (30) to move from the closed position to the open position.

7. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The air passage (32) is configured to extend directly from the storage compartment to the external environment (E).

8. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The air passage (32) is configured to extend to communicate with an air chamber (AC) formed between the closing panel (13) and the storage compartment (15), wherein the air chamber (AC) extends above a seal (34) between the closing panel (13) and the storage compartment (15).

9. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The actuation member (20) is configured for selective actuation by a person external to the storage compartment (15).

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein The actuating member (20) is arranged such that when the vehicle (11) travels above a predetermined speed, actuation of the actuating member (20) causes the ventilation valve (30) to move from the closed position to the open position without causing the pawl (16) to move from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

11. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The storage compartment is a front trunk.

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