Latch device for front hood

Abstract

The utility model provides a latch device for a front vehicle cover, which can cope with specification change between a power release specification and a closing / power release specification at low cost. A latch device (1) is provided so as to be able to engage with a striker (S) provided on a front hood (FP) of a vehicle, and controls the opening and closing of the front hood (FP). The latch device (1) comprises a latch (21) engaged with a striker (S), a primary pawl (22), a secondary pawl (23), an electric motor (41) and an opening lever (35). A latch device (1) has a power release function for changing a front hood (FP) from a fully closed position to a fully open position by driving an electric motor (41), and a closing member attachment part to which a closing member can be attached is provided between an opening lever (35) and a latch (21), and the front hood (FP) is released from the fully closed position to the fully open position by driving the electric motor (41). The closing component realizes a closing function of changing the front vehicle cover (FP) from a semi-hanging position to a fully-closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a latching device for a front hood. Background Technology

[0002] In electric vehicles, rear-engine vehicles with the engine mounted at the rear of the vehicle body, and other similar vehicles, there are vehicles that utilize the front of the vehicle body as a front trunk (also known as a frunk). The front hood that opens and closes the front trunk is properly locked by a latching device (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a latching device comprising a ratchet that engages with a striker provided on a hood, and a primary pawl and a secondary pawl that engage with the ratchet. The latching device in Patent Document 1 discloses that the engagement between the ratchet and the pawl is released by the actuation of an actuator, thereby releasing the hood from its lock.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a latching device comprising a disc unit that engages with a striker and a pawl that engages with the disc unit. The latching device of Patent Document 2 can engage or disengage the disc unit and the pawl via a motor drive unit, thereby locking and unlocking the vehicle hood.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 11414904

[0008] Patent Document 2: Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2167840 Utility Model Content

[0009] Problems to be solved by utility models

[0010] Furthermore, in the latching device applied to the hood, either a closing / power release specification or a power release specification is required. The closing / power release specification has two functions: a power release function that moves the latch from a locked state to an unlocked state towards the opening direction of the hood via a motor drive, and a closing function that moves the latch from a partially engaged state to a locked state towards the closing direction of the hood via a motor drive. The power release specification only has a power release function. As long as the above specifications can be implemented in the same housing, it is expected that latching devices with different specifications can be manufactured separately at low cost. However, no changes to the specifications are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, leaving room for further research.

[0011] This invention provides a latching device for a hood that can handle specification changes between power release and closed / power release specifications at low cost.

[0012] Solutions for solving problems

[0013] This utility model relates to a latching device for a vehicle hood, which is configured to engage with a striker pin installed on the vehicle hood to control the opening and closing of the hood.

[0014] The hood latching device includes:

[0015] A latch, which engages with the striker when the hood is closed, and is subjected to force by a force-applying member in the direction of disengaging from the striker;

[0016] The primary pawl, when the latch engaging with the striker is configured in a predetermined primary locked position, holds the hood in a fully closed position by engaging with the latch;

[0017] When the latch is disengaged from the primary pawl and positioned in a predetermined secondary locked position, the secondary pawl engages with the latch to maintain the hood in a semi-trail position.

[0018] Motor; and

[0019] The driving force transmission component, which is driven by the motor, is capable of releasing the latch from the primary pawl and the latch from the secondary pawl.

[0020] The latching device has a power release function: driven by the motor, the latch is released from the engagement state with the primary pawl and the engagement state with the secondary pawl via the driving force transmission component, allowing the hood to move from the fully closed position to the fully open position.

[0021] A closing component mounting part is provided between the driving force transmission member and the latch, which enables the closing component to be installed. The closing component is driven by the motor to close the hood from the semi-trailed position to the fully closed position.

[0022] The aforementioned latching device for the hood is characterized in that...

[0023] The hood latching device also includes the closing member, which is detachably mounted to the closing member mounting portion.

[0024] The latching device has the power release function and the closing function.

[0025] The aforementioned latching device for the hood is characterized in that...

[0026] The closing function is achieved by driving the motor based on the detection results of a first sensor that detects the position state of the primary pawl and a second sensor that detects the position state of the secondary pawl, thereby moving the hood from the semi-trailed position to the fully closed position.

[0027] The latching device is provided with a sensor mounting section for mounting the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0028] The aforementioned latching device for the hood is characterized in that...

[0029] The hood latching device also includes a housing for receiving the motor.

[0030] The mounting portion of the closing component is arranged to overlap with the surface of the housing with the largest projected area.

[0031] The aforementioned latching device for the hood is characterized in that...

[0032] When the closing component is installed in the closing component mounting section, the closing component is configured such that its projected area overlaps with the largest surface of the housing.

[0033] The aforementioned latching device for the hood is characterized in that...

[0034] The closing component includes a linkage member disposed on the drive force transmission member, which is driven by the motor to push the latch from the secondary locking position toward the primary locking position.

[0035] The aforementioned latching device for the hood is characterized in that...

[0036] The hood latching device also includes an emergency lever that releases the linkage member from the latch when an emergency operating force is applied.

[0037] The aforementioned latching device for the hood is characterized in that...

[0038] The latching device is configured to be able to change the power release specification having only the power release function and the closing / power release specification having both the power release function and the closing function.

[0039] Effects of the utility model

[0040] According to this invention, specification changes between power release specifications and closed / power release specifications can be addressed at low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1This is a side view of a vehicle in which a hood latching device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the latching device obtained from the perspective of the base plate.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the latching device taken from the side of the housing.

[0044] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the outer shell components.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the latching device (closing / power release specification).

[0046] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the actuator unit housed in the actuator housing.

[0047] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the configuration relationship between the latch, primary pawl, secondary pawl, and release lever and the circuit board.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a block diagram representing the control system of the latching device.

[0049] Figure 9 This diagram shows the sequential operation of the latching device when the hood is closed manually.

[0050] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the sequential actions of the latching device when performing the closing function.

[0051] Figure 11 It means execution Figure 10 The timing diagram shows the activation of the latch sensor, primary pawl sensor, secondary pawl sensor, motor neutral sensor, and motor rotation direction when the function is closed.

[0052] Figure 12 This diagram shows the sequential operation of the latching device when the power release function is performed from the fully closed position of the hood.

[0053] Figure 13 This diagram shows the sequential operation of the latching device when the power release function is performed from the state where the hood is in the semi-tight position.

[0054] Figure 14 It means execution Figure 12 The timing diagram shows the operation of the latch sensor, primary pawl sensor, secondary pawl sensor, motor neutral sensor, motor rotation direction, and command output unit during the power release function.

[0055] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of a latching device (power release specification) with the closing component removed.

[0056] Figure 16 This is a diagram obtained by observing the latching device with the closing component installed from the side of the base plate.

[0057] Figure 17 This diagram shows the operation of the latching device when the overlapping state of the synchronizing rods is released in sequence.

[0058] Figure 18 It is a 3D diagram of the emergency pole and the synchronization pole.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0060] 1. Latch device (latch device for hood); 21. Latch; 21e. Latch spring (force application member); 22. Primary pawl; 22f. Primary detection magnet (first sensor); 22f1. Magnet mounting part (sensor mounting part); 23. Secondary pawl; 23f. Secondary detection magnet (second sensor); 23f1. Magnet mounting part (sensor mounting part); 24. Emergency lever; 35. Opening lever (drive force transmission member); 36. Synchronizing lever (linkage member); 40H. Actuator housing (housing); 40s. Surface with the largest projected area; 41. Electric motor (motor); 52. Primary pawl sensor (first sensor); 52a. Sensor mounting part; 53. Secondary pawl sensor (second sensor); 53a. Sensor mounting part; FP. Hood; S. Strike pin. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Hereinafter, a front hood latching device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] [Overall structure of the hood latching device]

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the hood latching device 1 (sometimes simply referred to as latching device 1) is applied to four-wheeled vehicles such as electric vehicles, which have a front trunk (hereinafter referred to as front trunk FT) located between the left and right front wheels FW at the front of the vehicle body B, and controls the opening and closing of the upper opening of the front trunk FT. In this embodiment, a striker S is provided at the lower part of the leading edge of the hood FP. The latching device 1 is controlled in such a way that by switching between a state of engagement with the striker S and a state of disengagement, it maintains either a state where the hood FP is closed relative to the vehicle body B or a state where the front trunk FT is open. Hereinafter, the specific structure of the latching device 1 will be described in detail. In addition, for convenience, the various directions will be specified in terms of the posture on the vehicle body B.

[0064] like Figures 2-6 As shown, the latching device 1 includes a housing member 10, a latch 21, a primary pawl 22, a secondary pawl 23, an emergency lever 24, and an opening lever 35. The housing member 10 is configured to include a base plate 11, a housing 12, and a cover 14. The housing 12 houses the actuator unit 40 (described later) and is covered by the cover 14. The housing 12 and the cover 14 constitute an actuator housing 40H that houses the actuator unit 40. The base plate 11 is formed into a plate shape from steel. The base plate 11 is disposed opposite to the cover 14 and fixed to the housing 12. The latch 21, primary pawl 22, secondary pawl 23, emergency lever 24, and opening lever 35 are arranged between the base plate 11 and the cover 14. A firing pin entry groove 13 is formed on one side of the base plate 11, which is the upper part. The striker entry groove 13 is a notch that allows the striker S to enter when the hood FP is closed relative to the front trunk FT. It extends vertically and is formed with an opening at the upper edge of the base plate 11. The striker entry groove 13 is sized to allow the hood FP to be positioned in a fully closed position relative to the front trunk FT.

[0065] When the latching device 1 is installed on the vehicle body B, the base plate 11 is positioned at the front of the vehicle, and the actuator housing 40H is positioned at the rear of the vehicle. Vehicle body mounting portions 11a are provided at both ends of the base plate 11, and these portions are mounted to the vehicle body B using bolts or other fastening components. Because the base plate 11 is positioned at the front of the vehicle, the assemblability and installation compatibility of the front trunk cable 32 and emergency cable 34 (described later) on the vehicle body B are improved. Furthermore, when luggage is loaded into the front trunk FT and encounters the latching device 1, the luggage first encounters the base plate 11, thus protecting the actuator unit 40 housed in the actuator housing 40H. This allows the latching device 1, installed on the vehicle body B, to operate stably for extended periods.

[0066] The latch 21, primary pawl 22, secondary pawl 23, and emergency lever 24 are each supported on the base plate 11 by separate support shafts and are capable of rotating about mutually parallel axes. In the illustrated example, the support shaft of the latch 21 (hereinafter referred to as latch shaft 21a) is provided on the side of the firing pin entry slot 13. The support shaft of the primary pawl 22 (hereinafter referred to as primary shaft 22a) is located around the latch 21 below the latch shaft 21a, and the support shaft of the secondary pawl 23 (hereinafter referred to as secondary shaft 23a) is located around the latch 21 between the latch shaft 21a and the primary shaft 22a. The support shaft of the emergency lever 24 (hereinafter referred to as emergency support shaft 24a) is located further away from the latch 21 than the secondary shaft 23a.

[0067] The latch 21 engages with the firing pin S and has a firing pin abutment portion 21b and a hook portion 21c on its outer periphery. The firing pin abutment portion 21b and the hook portion 21c can be configured such that the firing pin entering the slot 13, which extends radially from the latch shaft 21a through the base plate 11, is adjacent to each other in a state where the receiving slot 21d for receiving the firing pin S can be placed in. A latch spring 21e is provided between the latch 21 and the base plate 11. This latch spring 21e includes a first latch spring 21e1 as a torsion coil spring and a second latch spring 21e2 as a tension coil spring. The force exerted by the latch spring 21e between the latch 21 and the base plate 11 is always in the release direction. Figure 5 The latch 21c is pushed back to the predetermined engagement standby state by applying force in the counterclockwise direction. The engagement standby state refers to the state in which the hook portion 21c retracts laterally relative to the striker entry groove 13, the striker abutment portion 21b is positioned across the striker entry groove 13, and the opening of the receiving groove 21d matches the striker entry groove 13. Therefore, in the engagement standby state, when the hood FP is closed, the striker S can enter the striker entry groove 13. When the hood FP moves further in the closing direction, the striker S, which has entered the striker entry groove 13, abuts against the striker abutment portion 21b, thereby the latch 21 overcomes the force of the latch spring 21e and moves in the engagement direction (counterclockwise direction). Figure 5 When the firing pin S is stored in the storage groove 21d, the hook part 21c is configured to pass through the firing pin and enter the opening end side of the groove 13.

[0068] Furthermore, the latch 21 is provided with a locking pin mounting portion 21f1 and a magnet mounting portion 21g1, and a locking pin 21f and a latch detection magnet 21g are mounted in each mounting portion. The locking pin 21f protrudes from the surface of the latch 21 opposite to the housing 12 (hereinafter referred to as the cover-opposing surface 21h) toward the housing 12, and is located above the latch shaft 21a when the latch 21 is in the primary locked position (see reference). Figure 9 (c) The primary locked position of the latch 21 is when the receiving slot 21d of the latch 21 is located below the firing pin entry slot 13, and the hook portion 21c is configured to pass through the firing pin entry slot 13. The latch detection magnet 21g is used to detect the rotational state of the latch 21 using the latch sensor 51 described later. In the illustrated example, the latch detection magnet 21g is installed on the portion of the latch 21 opposite the cover 21h, which corresponds to the latch shaft 21a and the locking pin 21f, that is, the portion below the latch shaft 21a when the latch 21 is in the primary locked position.

[0069] The primary pawl 22 and the secondary pawl 23, by engaging with the latch 21 respectively, overcome the force of the latch spring 21e and prevent the latch 21 from rotating in the release direction, thus stopping it in the desired position.

[0070] More specifically, the primary pawl 22 is configured such that, when the latch 21 is in the primary locked position, the primary pawl 22 engages with the primary engagement portion 21j of the latch 21 to prevent the latch 21 from rotating in the release direction. A primary spring 22b is provided between the primary pawl 22 and the base plate 11, which always applies force to the primary pawl 22 in the engagement direction. A front trunk cable connection portion 22c is provided on the primary pawl 22. The front trunk cable connection portion 22c extends radially, with its extended end extending beyond the base plate 11. A front trunk cable (opening operation transmission portion) 32 is connected to the front trunk cable connection portion 22c, cooperating with the front trunk interior operation portion (opening operation portion) 31. The front trunk interior operation portion 31 is an operation portion that can be operated from inside the front trunk FT when the hood FP is closed. When the operating unit 31 inside the front trunk is operated, the operating force is transmitted to the primary pawl 22 via the front trunk cable 32, thereby overcoming the force of the primary spring 22b and causing the primary pawl 22 to rotate in the direction of disengaging from the latch 21.

[0071] The secondary pawl 23 is configured such that, when the receiving groove 21d of the latch 21 is located above the firing pin entry groove 13 and the hook portion 21c is configured to pass through the firing pin entry groove 13 (secondary locked position of the latch 21), the secondary pawl 23 prevents the latch 21 from rotating in the release direction by engaging with the secondary engaging portion 21k of the latch 21.

[0072] When the striker S is retracted into the storage slot 21d and the latch 21 is in the primary locked position, the hood FP is in the fully closed position relative to the front trunk FT (see reference). Figure 9 (c) When the bolt S is stored in the storage slot 21d and the latch 21 is in the secondary locked position, the hood FP is positioned in a semi-open position relative to the front trunk FT (see reference). Figure 9 (b)). A secondary spring 23b is provided between the secondary pawl 23 and the base plate 11, which always applies force to the secondary pawl 23 in the engaging direction. An actuator input section 23c is provided on the secondary pawl 23. In the release direction (described later) of the opening rod 35. Figure 5 When the actuator input section 23c rotates clockwise, it abuts against the opening rod 35, overcoming the force of the secondary spring 23b and causing the secondary pawl 23 to rotate in the direction of releasing the engagement with the latch 21.

[0073] A connecting rod (linkage link) 26 is provided between the primary pawl 22 and the secondary pawl 23. In the illustrated example, one end of the connecting rod 26 is rotatably supported on the link link 23d of the secondary pawl 23, and the other end of the connecting rod 26 is rotatably supported on the link link 22d of the primary pawl 22 via an elongated hole 26a. The link link 23d of the secondary pawl 23 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the secondary pawl 23 toward the outer periphery, and the link link 22d of the primary pawl 22 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the primary pawl 22 toward the outer periphery. When the secondary pawl 23 rotates in the direction of disengaging from the latch 21, the connecting rod 26 engages the primary pawl 22. On the other hand, when the primary pawl 22 rotates in the direction of releasing the engagement with the latch 21 by the operating force of the operating part 31 inside the front luggage compartment, the connecting rod 26 is not linked by the elongated hole 26a, thus maintaining the engagement of the secondary pawl 23 with the latch 21.

[0074] Similar to latch 21, a magnet mounting portion 22f1 is provided on the cover-opposite surface 22e of primary pawl 22, and a primary detection magnet 22f is mounted thereon for detecting the rotational state of primary pawl 22 using primary pawl sensor 52 (described later). A magnet mounting portion 23f1 is provided on the cover-opposite surface 23e of secondary pawl 23, and a secondary detection magnet 23f is mounted thereon for detecting the rotational state of secondary pawl 23 using secondary pawl sensor 53 (described later).

[0075] The emergency lever 24 has a pawl pressing part 24b and a carriage cable connection part 24c. The pawl pressing part 24b and the carriage cable connection part 24c extend radially from the emergency support shaft 24a, respectively. A lever spring 24d is provided between the emergency lever 24 and the base plate 11, and the lever spring 24d exerts force on the emergency lever 24. Figure 5 A clockwise force is applied to position it in a predetermined standby position. The pawl pressing part 24b can be separated from the rod connecting part 23d of the secondary pawl 23, which abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the latch 21, when the emergency lever 24 is in the standby position. It can overcome the force of the lever spring 24d to... Figure 5 When rotated counterclockwise, the secondary pawl 23 abuts against the lever 23d, causing it to rotate in the release direction. An emergency cable 34 is connected to the car body cable connection 24c, coordinating with the car body operating unit (emergency operating unit) 33. The car body operating unit 33 is, for example, located inside the driver's seat, in a position in the car body that is inoperable while the vehicle is in motion. When the car body operating unit 33 is operated, the operating force is transmitted to the secondary pawl 23 via the emergency cable 34 and the emergency lever 24, thereby overcoming the force of the secondary spring 23b and causing the secondary pawl 23 to rotate in the direction of releasing its engagement with the latch 21.

[0076] The opening lever 35 is fixed to the hub 47a of the sector gear 47 (described later) and rotates integrally with the sector gear 47, and is driven by the electric motor 41. The opening lever 35 is an example of the driving force transmission component of this utility model. The detailed structure of the opening lever 35 will be described below.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, an actuator unit 40 and a circuit board 50 are provided in the actuator housing 40H.

[0078] The actuator unit 40 is configured to include a reversible electric motor 41 and a reduction mechanism that reduces the drive speed of the electric motor 41 and transmits it to the opening lever 35. The reduction mechanism includes a worm gear 42 disposed on the output shaft 41a of the electric motor 41, a first gear (worm wheel) 43 meshing with the worm gear 42, a third gear 45 meshing with a second gear 44 integrally disposed on the first gear 43, and a sector gear 47 meshing with a fourth gear 46 integrally disposed on the third gear 45. The first gear 43 and the third gear 45 are rotatably supported on the actuator housing 40H by means of separate support shafts 43a and 45a parallel to the latch shaft 21a. The electric motor 41 is disposed on the outer periphery of the latch 21, and the first gear 43 and the third gear 45 are disposed at a position overlapping the cover surface 21h of the latch 21. The sector gear 47 is rotatably supported on the actuator housing 40H by means of a cylindrical hub 47a located at the center. The hub (output part) 47a of the sector gear 47 is located on the outer periphery side of the latch 21 in a manner consistent with the emergency support shaft 24a.

[0079] Return to Figure 5 The opening lever 35 is fixed to the hub 47a of the sector gear 47 and rotates integrally with the sector gear 47. It has a pressing lever portion 35a and a synchronous connecting portion 35b. The pressing lever portion 35a extends radially from the rotation axis of the opening lever 35, and its extended edge bends toward the base plate 11. When the opening lever 35 is positioned in a predetermined neutral position, the pressing lever portion 35a is located above the actuator input portion 23c provided on the secondary pawl 23. When the electric motor 41 rotates from the above-mentioned neutral position toward the opening direction, the opening lever 35 moves toward the release direction. Figure 5 The secondary pawl 23 rotates clockwise (in the middle) and rotates in the direction of releasing the engagement with the latch 21 by means of the actuator input section 23c.

[0080] The synchronizing connection portion 35b extends radially from the rotation axis of the opening rod 35. When the opening rod 35 is in the neutral position, the synchronizing connection portion 35b extends downward from the rotation axis of the opening rod 35. The synchronizing rod 36 is rotatably connected to the synchronizing connection portion 35b by means of a synchronizing support shaft 36a such as a rivet. The synchronizing rod 36 is an example of the linkage mechanism of this utility model. The synchronizing support shaft 36a extends parallel to the rotation axis of the opening rod 35.

[0081] Synchronizing rod 36 extends from synchronizing connection part 35b toward locking pin 21f of latch 21, and is rotated by synchronizing rod spring 36c about synchronizing support shaft 36a. Figure 5 A clockwise force is applied. The synchronizing rod 36 has a guide pin 36b at its front end. The guide pin 36b protrudes from the synchronizing rod 36 toward the cover 14. The cover 14 is provided with guide ribs 14c (see reference). Figure 4 The guide rib 14c guides the movement of the synchronizing rod 36 via the guide pin 36b when the opening rod 35 rotates. The guide rib 14c is integrally formed with the cover 14. The guide rib 14c is configured such that when the opening rod 35 rotates in the synchronizing direction (…). Figure 5 When rotated counterclockwise, the latch 21 can be rotated to the primary locked position by making the extended end face of the synchronizing rod 36 abut against the locking pin 21f, thereby overcoming the force of the latch spring 21e.

[0082] The opening rod 35 is provided with a magnet mounting part 35c1, and an opening rod detection magnet 35c is mounted on the magnet mounting part 35c1 for detecting the posture of the opening rod 35 using the motor neutral sensor 54 described later.

[0083] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the circuit board 50 is, for example, a printed circuit board, disposed inside the actuator housing 40H. The circuit board 50 is the entire size of the portion containing the latch detection magnet 21g, the primary detection magnet 22f, the secondary detection magnet 23f, and the release lever detection magnet 35c, and is positioned to overlap at least a portion of the latch 21, the primary pawl 22, and the secondary pawl 23 in the axial direction of the latch shaft 21a. The circuit board 50 has a sensor mounting section for mounting a magnet sensor, and a magnet sensor is disposed in the sensor mounting section. The magnet sensor includes a latch sensor 51 for detecting whether the latch 21 is in the primary locked position, a primary ratchet sensor 52 for detecting whether the primary ratchet 22 is engaged with the latch 21, a secondary ratchet sensor 53 for detecting whether the secondary ratchet 23 is engaged with the latch 21, and a motor neutral sensor 54 for detecting whether the opening lever 35 is in the neutral position. The circuit board 50 is provided with sensor mounting portions 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a for mounting each of the sensors 51, 52, 53, and 54. Furthermore, the circuit board 50 is equipped with a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an IC (Integrated Circuit) that constitutes the controller 100 described later.

[0084] Figure 8 This describes the control system for the latching device 1. The controller 100 controls the drive of the electric motor 41 based on a program and data stored in a memory, when output signals are received from the command output unit 101, vehicle speed sensor 102, latching sensor 51, primary pawl sensor 52, secondary pawl sensor 53, and motor neutral sensor 54. The command output unit 101 outputs an opening command to the controller 100 when the front trunk (FT) is opened, for example, via a hood opening switch 56 located inside the passenger compartment or a FOB (Frequency Operated Button) button 55 controlled by the vehicle owner. The vehicle speed sensor 102 detects the vehicle speed and outputs the detection result to the controller 100. The controller 100 executes a program, for example, using a processing device such as a CPU; that is, it can be implemented using software, hardware such as an IC, or both.

[0085] [Operation of the latching mechanism]

[0086] Next, refer to Figures 9-14 Explain the operation of latching device 1.

[0087] (Opening the hood FP)

[0088] First, refer to Figure 9 Instructions for manually closing the hood (FP). Additionally, in Figure 9In the diagram, the opening lever 35 and the synchronizing lever 36 are omitted.

[0089] When the hood FP is positioned at the opening of the open front trunk FT, such as Figure 9 As shown in (a), the latch 21 is in the engaged standby state by means of the latch spring 21e, and the opening lever 35 is positioned in the neutral position. Furthermore, at this time, as described above, the primary pawl 22 and the secondary pawl 23 are subjected to force in the engaging direction by the primary spring 22b and the secondary spring 23b respectively, in a state of abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the latch 21.

[0090] If the front hood FP is operated to close the opening of the front trunk FT from the above state while the vehicle is stationary, then as follows Figure 9 As shown in (b), the striker S enters the striker inlet groove 13, and the striker S abuts against the striker abutment portion 21b of the latch 21. At this time, the latch 21 is prevented from moving in the release direction by the secondary pawl 23 engaging with the secondary engagement portion 21k of the latch 21, and the latch 21 is positioned in the secondary locked position. As a result, even when the operating force applied to the hood FP is removed, the hood FP is maintained in a semi-open position relative to the front trunk FT.

[0091] If the hood FP is moved further towards the closing direction from this state, the latch 21 will rotate in the engagement direction against the force of the latch spring 21e. Figure 9 As shown in (c), the hood FP reaches the fully closed position, completely closing the opening of the trunk FT. At this time, the primary pawl 22 engages with the primary engagement portion 21j of the latch 21 to prevent the latch 21 from moving in the release direction, and the latch 21 is positioned in the primary locked position. As a result, the hood FP remains in the fully closed position with the trunk FT closed.

[0092] (Disable feature)

[0093] from Figure 10 The fully open position of the hood FP shown in (a) causes the hood FP to move in a manner from closing to midway, as... Figure 10 When the hood FP shown in (b) is in the semi-mounted position, the latch 21 is in the secondary locked position, and the latch 21 is prevented from moving in the release direction by the secondary pawl 23 engaging with the secondary engagement portion 21k of the latch 21. As a result, the hood FP remains in the semi-mounted position.

[0094] If the controller 100 detects that the latch 21 has moved from the engaged standby state to the secondary locked position through the detection state switch of the secondary pawl sensor 53, it performs synchronization processing and drives the electric motor 41 in the closing direction. Figure 11 At time T1). As a result, the opening lever 35 rotates in the synchronous direction ( Figure 11At time T2), the locking pin 21f is pushed by the synchronizing rod 36, causing the opening rod 35 to rotate. Therefore, the synchronizing rod 36 moves along the guide rib 14c via the guide pin 36b, and the latch 21 is positioned in the primary locked position. Thus, as... Figure 10 As shown in (c), the primary pawl 22 engages with the primary engagement portion 21j of the latch 21, preventing movement in the release direction, thus keeping the hood FP in the fully closed position before closing the trunk FT. Figure 11 (Time T3).

[0095] If the primary pawl sensor 52 detects that the latch 21 is configured in the primary locked position, then as Figure 10 As shown in (d), the controller 100 drives the electric motor 41 in the opening direction until the opening lever 35 returns to the neutral position. Figure 11 At time T4). If the controller 100 detects from the motor neutrality sensor 54 that the opening lever 35 has returned to the neutral position, it stops the drive of the electric motor 41. Figure 11 (Time T5).

[0096] The function described above, which moves the hood FP from the semi-closed position to the fully closed position by driving the electric motor 41, is also called the closing function. According to the closing function, if the hood FP is closed from the open state to the semi-closed position, the latching device 1 moves the hood FP to the fully closed position, which is advantageous in terms of operability.

[0097] Furthermore, the synchronizing rod 36 is rotatably supported on the synchronizing connection portion 35b of the opening rod 35, forming a linkage member that constitutes a linkage mechanism between it and the opening rod 35. Therefore, by appropriately changing the extension length from the synchronizing connection portion 35b, the pulling force of the firing pin S can be easily adjusted. In addition, since the synchronizing rod 36 moves along the guide rib 14c provided on the cover 14, the pulling path of the firing pin S can be easily adjusted by appropriately changing the path of the guide rib 14c. Furthermore, since the synchronizing rod 36 is arranged to overlap with the latch 21 in the direction along the latch axis 21a, transmission losses can also be reduced.

[0098] (Power release function)

[0099] like Figure 12 As shown in (a), if the latch 21 engaged with the striker S is in the primary locked position and the opening of the front trunk FT is closed by the hood FP, the operation command delivery unit 101 ( Figure 14 At time T11, the controller 100, which has been given an opening command, is detected to perform the opening process. The vehicle speed sensor 102 determines whether the vehicle is moving, and the electric motor 41 is driven in the opening direction if the vehicle stops.

[0100] When the electric motor 41 is driven in the opening direction, such as Figure 12 As shown in (b), the opening lever 35 rotates in the release direction. Figure 14 At time T12, the secondary pawl 23 rotates in the direction of releasing the engagement with the latch 21, and the rotation of the secondary pawl 23 is transmitted to the primary pawl 22 via the connecting rod 26, rotating in the release direction until the primary pawl 22 releases the engagement between the primary pawl 22 and the primary engagement portion 21j of the latch 21. Figure 14 (Time T13).

[0101] The result, such as Figure 12 As shown in (c), latch 21 rotates to the engaged standby state by the force of latch spring 21e, and the hood FP is in the fully open position. Figure 14 (At time T14). This has the following advantages: the front hood FP can be opened and the front trunk FT can be opened by operating the command sending unit 101 only once, and luggage can be easily taken out / put in relative to the front trunk FT.

[0102] In addition, such as Figure 13 (a)~ Figure 13 As shown in (c), in terms of the above-described operation, when the latch 21 engaged with the striker S is in the secondary locked position, the same operation is performed even when an opening command is output from the command sending unit 101. The electric motor 41 is driven in the opening direction as long as the vehicle is not moving, thereby opening the hood FP and opening the front trunk FT.

[0103] If the latch 21 is detected to be in an engaged standby state by switching between the latch sensor 51, the primary pawl sensor 52, and the secondary pawl sensor 53, then... Figure 12 (c) and Figure 13 As shown in (c), the controller 100 drives the electric motor 41 in the closing direction until the opening lever 35 returns to the neutral position. Figure 14 At time T14). If the motor neutrality sensor 54 detects that the opening lever 35 has returned to the neutral position, the controller 100 stops the drive of the electric motor 41. Figure 14 (Time T15).

[0104] The function of moving the hood FP from a fully closed position to a fully open position by driving the electric motor 41 is also called the power release function.

[0105] On the other hand, when the controller determines that the vehicle is in motion when the command output unit 101 outputs an opening command, the controller 100 does not drive the electric motor 41 but keeps the opening lever 35 in a neutral position. Therefore, even if the command output unit 101 is accidentally operated while the vehicle is in motion, there is no need to worry about the hood FP being accidentally fully open, and there is no risk of the hood FP obstructing the forward view during driving.

[0106] As described above, the latching device 1 has a closing function and a power release function. These two functions are achieved by the electric motor 41 rotating in both directions.

[0107] [Specification change of the latching device]

[0108] The latching device 1 is configured to be able to change between a closing / power release specification and a power release specification. The closing / power release specification is a specification that has the aforementioned closing function and power release function. The power release specification is a specification that has a power release function but no closing function, and the change is made from the closing / power release specification to the power release specification by removing a predetermined closing component from the latching device 1 of the closing / power release specification.

[0109] The closing component is a component used to achieve the closing function. In the aforementioned latching device 1, the synchronizing rod 36, the synchronizing support shaft 36a, the guide pin 36b, the synchronizing rod spring 36c, and the locking pin 21f are examples of the closing components.

[0110] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the self-locking device 1 with the closing component removed. (See diagram.) Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the closing component does not operate the latch 21, primary pawl 22, or secondary pawl 23 when performing the power release function. Therefore, the latching device 1 can still have the power release function even when the closing component is removed.

[0111] In other words, since the latching device 1 is provided with a closing component mounting section for mounting a closing component, it is possible to select whether it is a power-release type or a closing / power-release type depending on whether a closing component is installed. Here, in the aforementioned latching device 1, the synchronizing connection section 35b provided on the opening rod 35 for mounting the synchronizing rod 36 and the locking pin mounting section 21f1 provided on the latch 21 for mounting the locking pin 21f are examples of closing component mounting sections.

[0112] Thus, when changing the latching device 1 from a closed / power-release specification to a power-release specification, the change can be made simply by removing the closed component without installing a dedicated part. Since all components except the closed component are universal in either specification, both specifications can be manufactured separately in the same housing at low cost; that is, the latching device 1 can accommodate specification changes between the power-release and closed / power-release specifications at low cost. Furthermore, since the housing component 10 is universal in either specification, for example, if a vehicle model is to be equipped with both a closed / power-release specification and a power-release specification, there is no need to design changes to the body portion housing the latching device 1 accordingly. Moreover, since the housing component 10 is universal in either specification, the jig used when assembling the latching device 1 can also be used.

[0113] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, in the latching device 1, the circuit board 50 is provided with sensor mounting portions 52a and 53a, which can respectively mount the primary pawl sensor 52 and the secondary pawl sensor 53. In addition, the latching device 1 is provided with magnet mounting portions 22f1 and 23f1, which can respectively mount the primary detection magnet 22f and the secondary detection magnet 23f.

[0114] The primary pawl sensor 52 and the secondary pawl sensor 53 are sensors specifically needed when performing the shut-off function, such as... Figure 11 As shown, if the secondary pawl sensor 53 detects that the secondary pawl 23 is engaged with the latch 21, the controller 100 drives the electric motor 41 in the closing direction. If the primary pawl sensor 52 detects that the primary pawl 22 is engaged with the latch 21, the controller 100 drives the electric motor 41 in the opening direction. On the other hand, the primary pawl sensor 52 and the secondary pawl sensor 53 are sensors that may not necessarily be installed when performing the power release function. Therefore, when the latch device 1 is configured for power release, the primary pawl sensor 52 and the secondary pawl sensor 53 are not installed in the sensor mounting portions 52a and 53a, and the primary detection magnet 22f and the secondary detection magnet 23f are not installed in the magnet mounting portions 22f1 and 23f1, thereby further reducing the manufacturing cost of the power release latch device 1. However, in the power release specification, a primary pawl sensor 52 and a secondary pawl sensor 53 can be installed in the sensor mounting sections 52a and 53a, and a primary detection magnet 22f and a secondary detection magnet 23f can be installed in the magnet mounting sections 22f1 and 23f1. In this case, the state of the latch 21 can be reliably grasped, and the controller 100 can be correctly controlled.

[0115] like Figure 16As shown, the synchronous connection portion 35b and the locking pin mounting portion 21f1, which serve as examples of the closing component mounting portion, are arranged to overlap with the surface 40s (i.e., the surface opposite to the base plate 11) of the actuator housing 40H, which has the largest projected area. Therefore, even when a closing component is mounted in the closing component mounting portion, the enlargement of the latching device 1 can be prevented.

[0116] In particular, in this embodiment, when a closing member is installed in the closing member mounting section, the closing member as a whole is arranged to overlap with the surface 40s of the actuator housing 40H. Specifically, the synchronizing rod 36, synchronizing support shaft 36a, guide pin 36b, synchronizing rod spring 36c, and locking pin 21f are arranged so as not to extend beyond the outer side of the surface 40s of the actuator housing 40H. Therefore, even if the latching device 1 is a closing / power-release specification, since the size of the latching device 1 is the same as that of the power-release specification, there is no need to make design changes to the vehicle body part equipped with the latching device 1 to correspond to the specification of the latching device 1.

[0117] [Removal of superposition state]

[0118] Next, refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 This describes the action used to release the superimposed state that occurs when the latching device 1 of the closing / power release specification is used to perform the closing function.

[0119] When performing the closing function, it usually happens after the hood FP is in the fully closed position. Figure 10 (c) The controller 100 drives the electric motor 41 in the opening direction until the opening lever 35 returns to the neutral position. Figure 10 (d) However, sometimes certain adverse effects may occur, such as Figure 17 As shown in (a), after the hood FP is in the fully closed position, the electric motor 41 is not driven in the opening direction, but instead becomes a state where the synchronizing rod 36 abuts and engages with the locking pin 21f (overlapping state).

[0120] This superimposed state is released by operating the control unit 33 inside the operating car. Specifically, the emergency lever 24 and the synchronizing lever 36 have an engaging portion 24e and a locked portion 36e that engage with each other when operating the control unit 33 inside the operating car. For example... Figure 17As shown in (b), if the operating part 33 inside the carriage is operated, the operating force causes the emergency lever 24 to rotate counterclockwise via the emergency cable 34. The engaging part 24e of the emergency lever 24 and the engaged part 36e of the synchronizing lever 36 then engage with each other, and the synchronizing lever 36 is pulled in by the emergency lever 24 and separated from the locking pin 21f. This releases the engagement between the synchronizing lever 36 and the locking pin 21f. At this time, the pawl pressing part 24b abuts against the rod connecting part 23d of the secondary pawl 23, and the primary pawl 22 rotates in the direction of releasing the engagement with the latch 21 by means of the secondary pawl 23 and the connecting rod 26. Thus, as... Figure 17 As shown in (c), the primary pawl 22 is released from the primary engagement portion 21j of the latch 21, and the latch 21 rotates in the release direction to return to the engagement standby state. In this way, the superimposed state is released.

[0121] The above description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates one embodiment of the present invention; however, it is self-evident that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations will arise within the scope of the claims, and that these modifications and alterations naturally fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the above-described embodiment can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0122] The following items are described in at least one part of this specification. The components shown in parentheses are examples of the components in the above embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0123] (1) A latching device (latching device 1) for a vehicle hood, which is configured to engage with a striker (s striker S) provided on the vehicle hood (hood FP) to control the opening and closing of the hood, wherein,

[0124] The hood latching device includes:

[0125] A latch (latch 21) engages with the striker when the hood is closed, and is forced by a force-applying member (latch spring 21e) in the direction of releasing engagement with the striker;

[0126] The primary pawl (primary pawl 22) holds the hood in a fully closed position by engaging with the latch when the latch engaged with the striker is in a predetermined primary locked position.

[0127] The secondary pawl (secondary pawl 23) holds the hood in a semi-trail position by engaging with the latch when the latch is in a predetermined secondary locked position after the latch is released from engagement with the primary pawl.

[0128] Motor (electric motor 41); and

[0129] The driving force transmission component (opening rod 35), which is driven by the motor, is capable of releasing the latch from the engagement state of the primary pawl and the latch from the engagement state of the secondary pawl.

[0130] The latching device has a power release function: driven by the motor, the latch is released from the engagement state with the primary pawl and the engagement state with the secondary pawl via the driving force transmission component, allowing the hood to move from the fully closed position to the fully open position.

[0131] A closing component mounting part is provided between the driving force transmission member and the latch, which enables the closing component to be installed. The closing component is driven by the motor to close the hood from the semi-trailed position to the fully closed position.

[0132] According to (1), since the latching device with a power release function has a closing component mounting section, it is possible to select whether it is a specification without a closing function but with a power release function (i.e., a power release specification) or a specification with both a closing function and a power release function (i.e., a closing / power release specification) depending on whether a closing component is installed. Since the components other than the closing component are common in either specification, the latching device can accommodate specification changes between the power release specification and the closing / power release specification at a low cost.

[0133] (2) The hood latching device according to (1), wherein,

[0134] The hood latching device also includes the closing member, which is detachably mounted to the closing member mounting portion.

[0135] The latching device has the power release function and the closing function.

[0136] According to (2), by installing the closing component, the latching device can be set to the closing / power-release configuration. Furthermore, it can be changed to the power-release configuration simply by removing the closing component from the closing component mounting section.

[0137] (3) The hood latching device according to (1) or (2), wherein,

[0138] The closing function is achieved by driving the motor based on the detection results of the first sensor (primary pawl sensor 52, primary detection magnet 22f) which detects the position state of the primary pawl and the second sensor (secondary pawl sensor 53, secondary detection magnet 23f) which detects the position state of the secondary pawl, thereby changing the hood from the semi-trailed position to the fully closed position.

[0139] The latching device is provided with sensor mounting parts (sensor mounting part 51a, magnet mounting part 22f1, sensor mounting part 52a, magnet mounting part 23f1) for mounting the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0140] According to (3), when the latching device is configured as a power release type, if the first sensor and the second sensor are installed in the sensor mounting section, the state of the latching can be reliably grasped by the first sensor and the second sensor. If the first sensor and the second sensor are not installed in the sensor mounting section, the manufacturing cost of the power release type latching device can be further reduced.

[0141] (4) The hood latching device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein,

[0142] The hood latching device also includes a housing (actuator housing 40H) for receiving the motor.

[0143] The mounting portion of the closing component is arranged to overlap with the surface (surface 40s) with the largest projected area in the surface of the housing.

[0144] According to (4), even when a closing component is installed in the closing component mounting section, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the latching device.

[0145] (5) The hood latching device according to (4), wherein,

[0146] When the closing component is installed in the closing component mounting part, the closing component is configured to overlap with the surface of the housing with the largest projected area.

[0147] According to (5), even if the latching device becomes the closed / power-release specification, since the size of the latching device is the same as that of the power-release specification, there is no need to make design changes to the body parts equipped with the latching device in accordance with the specification of the latching device.

[0148] (6) The hood latching device according to (2), wherein,

[0149] The closing component includes a linkage member (synchronizing rod 36) located on the drive force transmission member, which is driven by the motor to push the latch from the secondary locking position toward the primary locking position.

[0150] According to (6), since the closing component includes a linkage member, the installation of the closing component into the latching device becomes easier. Furthermore, by appropriately changing the extension length of the linkage member, the pulling force of the pull-in striking pin can be easily adjusted.

[0151] (7) The hood latching device according to (6), wherein,

[0152] The hood latching device also includes an emergency lever (emergency lever 24), which releases the linkage member from the latch when an emergency operating force is applied.

[0153] According to (7), even if the latch is in the primary locked position and the linkage mechanism is engaged with the latch, i.e., the superimposed state, the superimposed state can be released by operating the emergency lever.

[0154] (8) The hood latching device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0155] The latching device is configured to be able to change the power release specification having only the power release function and the closing / power release specification having both the power release function and the closing function.

[0156] According to (8), it is possible to provide a latching device that can be changed to two specifications.

Claims

1. A latching device for a vehicle hood, configured to engage with a striker provided on the hood of a vehicle to control the opening and closing of the hood, characterized in that, The hood latching device includes: A latch, which engages with the striker when the hood is closed, and is subjected to force by a force-applying member in the direction of disengaging from the striker; The primary pawl, when the latch engaging with the striker is configured in a predetermined primary locked position, holds the hood in a fully closed position by engaging with the latch; When the latch is disengaged from the primary pawl and positioned in a predetermined secondary locked position, the secondary pawl engages with the latch to maintain the hood in a semi-trail position. Motor; and The driving force transmission component, which is driven by the motor, is capable of releasing the latch from the primary pawl and the latch from the secondary pawl. The latching device has a power release function: driven by the motor, the latch is released from the engagement state with the primary pawl and the engagement state with the secondary pawl via the driving force transmission component, allowing the hood to move from the fully closed position to the fully open position. A closing component mounting part is provided between the driving force transmission member and the latch, which enables the closing component to be installed. The closing component is driven by the motor to close the hood from the semi-trailed position to the fully closed position.

2. The latching device for a hood according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hood latching device also includes the closing member, which is detachably mounted to the closing member mounting portion. The latching device has the power release function and the closing function.

3. The latching device for a hood according to claim 1, characterized in that, The closing function is achieved by driving the motor based on the detection results of a first sensor that detects the position state of the primary pawl and a second sensor that detects the position state of the secondary pawl, thereby moving the hood from the semi-trailed position to the fully closed position. The latching device is provided with a sensor mounting section for mounting the first sensor and the second sensor.

4. The latching device for a hood according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hood latching device also includes a housing for receiving the motor. The mounting portion of the closing component is arranged to overlap with the surface of the housing with the largest projected area.

5. The latching device for a hood according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the closing component is installed in the closing component mounting part, the closing component is configured to overlap with the surface of the housing with the largest projected area.

6. The latching device for a hood according to claim 2, characterized in that, The closing component includes a linkage member disposed on the drive force transmission member, which is driven by the motor to push the latch from the secondary locking position toward the primary locking position.

7. The latching device for a hood according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hood latching device also includes an emergency lever that releases the linkage member from the latch when an emergency operating force is applied.

8. The latching device for a hood according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The latching device is configured to be able to change the power release specification having only the power release function and the closing / power release specification having both the power release function and the closing function.

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