Ejection system of a latching mechanism of a vehicle
By designing a combination of forked lever, rocker arm, connecting rod and pawl, the problem of spring reaction force affecting the hood latching mechanism during the closing process was solved, and the smooth closing and opening of the hood was achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NTANHUA PROD CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
In the existing vehicle hood latch mechanism, the closing action is not smooth because the compression of the spring needs to overcome the reaction force, especially during motorized tightening operations, which affects the free path of the hood.
An ejection system is designed that, through a combination of a forked lever, rocker arm, linkage, and pawl, first removes the bias force of the main spring so that the latching mechanism does not need to overcome the spring force when closed, and then restores the spring bias force to provide ejection force after the mechanism is fully closed.
It achieves an unobstructed free path during hood closing, improving the smoothness of hood closing, especially under automatic tightening operation, ensuring smooth hood closing and opening.
Smart Images
Figure CN224379600U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to vehicle latching technology, and more specifically, to hood latches for vehicles. Background Technology
[0002] Vehicles can be configured to have a front storage compartment accessible through a hood that can be operated between open and closed positions. To hold the hood in a locked or closed position, a latch is provided to hold it in that position. These front storage compartments, which may be referred to as "front trunks," have a latch or latching device for holding the hood in the closed position. In some configurations, the latch or latching device has an ejection system that, when activated, applies a spring-biased force to the hood to move it from the closed position to the open position. This spring-biased force is provided by a spring that must be compressed when the hood is closed and / or locked. Therefore, there is a need for a latch or latching mechanism for a vehicle hood in which the compression of the spring does not interfere with the latching process. Utility Model Content
[0003] A release system for a vehicle latching mechanism is disclosed, comprising: a main rod pivotally mounted to a plate of the latching mechanism; a forked rod pivotally mounted to the plate; a main spring for providing a biasing force to the main rod via the forked rod; a rocker arm pivotally mounted to the main rod, one end of the rocker arm operably connected to the forked rod and the other end operably connected to a connecting rod, the connecting rod pivotally mounted to a tensioning rod, the tensioning rod pivotally mounted to the plate; and a pawl pivotally mounted to the plate, the pawl being movable at least between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the pawl holds the forked rod in a first position, in which biasing force of the main spring is prevented from being applied to the main rod, and in the disengaged position the biasing force of the main spring is applied to the main rod to rotate the main rod to an open position when the latching mechanism is released.
[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the fork lever has a pin or protrusion configured to contact the support leg of the main spring.
[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the fork has a first protrusion configured to contact the end of the pawl when the pawl is in the engaged position.
[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, a rotational force is applied to the main rod by the edge of the first protrusion of the forked rod contacting the edge of the main rod.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the rocker arm has a second protrusion configured to contact a third protrusion of the fork lever when the fork lever is in the first position.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the main rod has a fourth protrusion configured to contact the pawl and rotate the pawl to a disengaged position.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the latching mechanism further includes: a pawl rotatably mounted to the plate, and a tightening lever operably coupled to the pawl.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the latching mechanism further includes: a latching pawl rotatably mounted to a plate for moving between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the engaged position of the latching pawl holding the pawl in a closed position, and the disengaged position of the latching pawl allowing the pawl to rotate from the closed position to the open position.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the fork lever has a pin or protrusion configured to contact the support leg of the main spring.
[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the latching mechanism is configured to hold the vehicle hood in the closed position by engaging a striker on the vehicle hood.
[0013] A method for disengaging a main spring from a main rod of a vehicle latching mechanism is also disclosed, comprising: pivotally mounting the main rod to a plate of the latching mechanism; pivotally mounting a forked rod to the plate; providing a biasing force to the main rod by the main spring via the forked rod; pivotally mounting a rocker arm to the main rod, one end of the rocker arm operably connected to the forked rod and the other end operably connected to a connecting rod, the connecting rod pivotally mounted to a tensioning rod, the tensioning rod pivotally mounted to the plate; and pivotally mounting a pawl to the plate, the pawl being movable between at least one engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the pawl holds the forked rod in a first position, in which the biasing force of the main spring is prevented from being applied to the main rod, and in the disengaged position the biasing force of the main spring is applied to the main rod to rotate the main rod to an open position when the latching mechanism is released. Attached Figure Description
[0014] The following description should not be construed as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same elements are numbered the same:
[0015] Figure 1This is a top view of a vehicle with a hood latch according to this disclosure;
[0016] Figure 2-4 This is a view showing an ejection system used in conjunction with the latch or latching mechanism of this disclosure; and
[0017] Figure 5-8 This is a view showing a latch or latching mechanism used with the pop-out system of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation
[0018] This document describes in detail one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods by way of example, not limitation, and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0019] First refer to Figure 1 Motor vehicles are typically designated 10. A motor vehicle 10 includes a body 12 that defines a passenger compartment 14. The body 12 supports a prime mover 16, which can take various forms, including an internal combustion engine, a hybrid engine, and an electric motor. The prime mover 16 may be mounted in the rear of the body 12 (not separately labeled) or may be arranged in a mid-engine configuration. In one embodiment, the body 12 includes a front storage compartment 18 with a vehicle hood 20. As will be described in detail herein, the vehicle hood 20 includes a striker element that cooperates with a latch or latching mechanism 24 to hold the vehicle hood 20 in a closed or locked position and then subsequently release the vehicle hood from the closed or locked position so that it can be converted to an open position.
[0020] Now for reference Figure 1-4The diagram illustrates a latch or latching mechanism 24 according to the present disclosure. The latch or latching mechanism 24 includes an ejection system or mechanism 26. The ejection system or mechanism 26 is configured to provide an ejection force to the vehicle hood 20 when the latch or latching mechanism 24 is released. The ejection force is provided by a master spring 28. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the ejection system or mechanism 26 is configured to remove the opposing biasing force of the master spring 28 when the latch or latching mechanism 24 is in the open position, such that components of the ejection system or mechanism 26 and / or the latch or latching mechanism 24 can transition from the open position to the closed position during a tightening operation without overcoming the biasing force of the master spring 28. In other words, the ejection system or mechanism 26 is configured to first remove the biasing force of the master spring 28 and remove the biasing force of the master spring 28 before a portion of the tightening operation of the latch or latching mechanism 24, wherein the pawl of the latch or latching mechanism 24 transitions to the closed position. Subsequently, when the tightening operation is completed and the latch or latching mechanism 24 is closed (e.g., the pawl of the latch or latching mechanism 24 is in the closed position), the ejection system or mechanism 26 reintroduces the biasing force of the main spring 28 into the latch or latching mechanism 24 and / or the ejection system or mechanism 26, such that the biasing force of the main spring 28 can be used to eject the vehicle hood 20 associated with the latch or latching mechanism 24 and / or the ejection system or mechanism 26.
[0021] As described above, a hood latching device, including a pop-out mechanism or system, allows the hood to be lifted and partially opened. For the pop-out mechanism or system to lift the weight of the hood, a sufficiently strong spring must be provided for the system. This spring must be manipulated or compressed during the hood closing action so that compression can be used to pop the hood out again. If the hood closing is performed automatically by an actuator, the actuator must overcome the reaction force of the pop-out spring's biasing force when manipulated or compressed. Therefore, it is desirable to eliminate the reaction force of the pop-out spring and leave an unobstructed free path for the hood or trunk during the hood or trunk closing action, especially when the closing action is provided by a motorized tightening operation.
[0022] According to this disclosure, the pop-out system or mechanism 26 has a lever divided into two parts, which allows the effect of the pop-out spring to be removed by a closing mechanism on the latch, so as to eliminate the effect of the main spring when the hood is in the closed action. Additionally, a retaining mechanism is provided, which includes a pawl component that keeps the spring in a disabled state until the latch is closed. The retaining mechanism is covered or released when the latch mechanism reaches its fully closed position.
[0023] exist Figure 2 The image shows components of a latch or latch mechanism 24 ejection system or mechanism 26 according to this disclosure. Figure 2-4For ease of illustration of the ejection system or mechanism 26, other components of the latch or latching mechanism 24 (e.g., pawls, ratchet pawls, etc.) are not shown. Figure 2 In the middle, the latch or latch mechanism 24 ejection system or mechanism 26 is in the open position (e.g., the hood is open).
[0024] The latch or latching mechanism 24's ejection system or mechanism 26 includes a main rod 30, which is pivotally mounted to the plate 32 of the latch or latching mechanism 24 via a pin or post 34. The main rod 30 is configured to provide a biasing force or opening force to the striker of the vehicle hood 20 when it rotates from a closed position to an open position. Furthermore, the main rod 30 is rotatable between the open and closed positions. The biasing force or opening force is provided by a main spring 28, which, in a non-limiting embodiment, may be a torsion spring. A forked rod 36 is also pivotally mounted on the pin 34. The forked rod 36 has a pin or protrusion 33 configured to contact a leg 35 of the main spring 28 when the forked rod 36 rotates about the pin 34. Therefore, the aforementioned rod divided into two parts can be referred to as the main rod 30 and the forked rod 36.
[0025] The rocker arm 38 is pivotally mounted to the main rod 30 via a pin or rivet 39. One end of the rocker arm 38 is operably connected to a fork rod 36, and the other end is operably connected to a connecting rod 40. The connecting rod 40 is also pivotally mounted to a tensioning rod 42, which is pivotally mounted to a plate 32 via, for example, a pin 44. The connecting rod 40 is pivotally secured to the tensioning rod 42 via, for example, a pin or rivet 43. The ejection system or mechanism 26 also includes a pawl 46, which is pivotally mounted to the plate 32 via, for example, a pin 48. The pawl 46 can be in at least a first position or an engaged position ( Figure 3 The pawl 46 moves between the two positions, wherein the forked lever 36 holds the forked lever 36 in a first position or spring-disengaged position such that the main spring 28 does not exert a biasing force on the main lever 30, and a second position or spring-engaged position (see at least...). Figure 4 The biasing force of the main spring 28 is indeed applied to the main rod 30 to assist and pop out the vehicle's hood when the latch or latching mechanism 24 is released.
[0026] exist Figure 3In this configuration, the tensioning lever 42 moves in the direction of arrow 50 via a cable 52 fixed to it. The movement of the cable 52 in the direction of arrow 50 can be achieved by a motor 51 (shown schematically) or manual drive. This movement can be referred to as the first movement of the tensioning lever 42 in the direction of arrow 50. This first movement of the tensioning lever 42 in the direction of arrow 50 causes the connecting rod 40 to move in the direction of arrow 52, which in turn causes the rocker arm 38 to rotate in the direction of arrow 54. The movement of the rocker arm 38 in the direction of arrow 54 causes the forked lever 36 to rotate in the direction of arrow 56, which in turn causes the pin or protrusion 33 to engage with the support leg 35 of the spring 28. The movement of the rocker arm 38 in the direction of arrow 54 is achieved by contact between the second protrusion 53 of the rocker arm 38 and the complementary third protrusion 55 of the forked lever 36. As the rocker arm 38 rotates in the direction of arrow 54, the forked lever 36 rotates in the direction of arrow 56 due to the contact between portions 53 and 55.
[0027] When the forked lever 36 moves in the direction of arrow 56 from Figure 2 Rotate to the position shown Figure 3 In the position shown, because spring 57 applies a biasing force to pawl 46, pawl 46 can rotate freely in the direction of arrow 56, and the first protrusion 58 of fork 36 now engages with the end 70 of pawl 46 to hold fork 36 in the first position or spring-disengaged position, so that main spring 28 does not apply a biasing force to main rod 30. Therefore, the biasing force of main spring 28 is not applied to main rod 30, and tightening rod 42 moves from the position shown in arrow 50. Figure 3 The position shown was moved further to Figure 4 The position shown does not need to overcome the biasing force of the main spring 28. Therefore, a smaller closing or fastening force is required. The tightening rod 42 moves in the direction of arrow 50 from... Figure 3 The position shown is to Figure 4 This movement of the position shown can be referred to as the second movement of the tightening lever 42 in the direction of arrow 50.
[0028] Furthermore, the main rod 30 remains in the open position and is ready to move to the closed position without engaging the main spring 28. Since the main rod 30 can now rotate freely in the direction of arrow 56, the main rod 30... Figure 3 Move the indicated opening position to... Figure 4 The closed position shown will move in the direction of arrow 71 by gravity. In other words, when the bias force of the main spring 28 is removed from the main rod 30 (e.g., when the fork rod 36 moves from...), the closing position will move by gravity in the direction of arrow 71. Figure 2 Move the position in the middle to Figure 3 (in the middle position), the main rod 30 can freely move under the action of gravity from Figure 3 Rotate the position in the middle to Figure 4 The position shown. If, for some reason, the main rod 30 is stuck and does not move in the direction of arrow 56... Figure 3Rotate to the position shown Figure 4 As shown in the image, the tightening lever 42 moves in the direction of arrow 50 from... Figure 3 Move to the position shown Figure 4 The indicated position (e.g., the second movement of the tightening lever 42 in the direction of arrow 50) also causes the pawl of the latch or latching mechanism 24 to transition from its open position to its closed or locked position, which causes the striker of the vehicle hood 20 to be captured or held by the pawl of the latch or latching mechanism 24. While the striker of the vehicle hood 20 is captured or held by the pawl of the latch or latching mechanism 24, the striker also contacts the main rod 30 and pulls the main rod 30 from the position indicated by arrow 56. Figure 3 Rotate to the position shown Figure 4 The location shown.
[0029] Thus, the tightening lever 42 moves in the direction of arrow 52 from... Figure 3 The position shown is moved further. Figure 4 The position shown will cause the main rod 30 to rotate in the direction of arrow 56. Figure 4 The main rod 30 is shown in the closed position. This movement may be due to gravity in the direction of arrow 71 and / or the striker contacting the main rod 30 when the pawl of the latch or latching mechanism 24 rotates to the closed position, thereby capturing and holding the striker and causing it to contact the main rod 30 when the pawl rotates to the closed position, and the striker causing the main rod 30 to rotate in the direction of arrow 56.
[0030] The rotation of the pawl of the latch or latching mechanism 24 to the closed position can be facilitated by the tightening operation of the latch or latching mechanism 24. When the tightening lever 42 is operably coupled to the pawl of the latch or latching mechanism 24, the tightening operation of the latch or latching mechanism 24 causes the pawl of the latch or latching mechanism 24 to rotate to the primary or locked position.
[0031] Now for reference Figure 4 The main lever 30 has been moved to the closed position, and this movement (e.g., the main lever 30 from the open position to the closed position, whether by gravity and / or the movement of the striker into the pawl to the closed position and the latch or latching mechanism 24) causes the fourth protrusion 72 of the main lever 30 to contact the pawl 46 and rotate it in the direction of arrow 54, such that the end 70 of the pawl 46 no longer contacts the first protrusion 58 of the split lever 36. Therefore, the spring biasing force of the main spring 28 in the direction of arrow 74 is applied to the pin or protrusion 33 of the fork lever 36, which in turn causes the edge 76 of the first protrusion 58 of the fork lever 36 to provide a biasing force toward the edge portion 78 of the main lever 30, which in turn provides a rotational force to the main lever 30 in the direction of arrow 54. Therefore, and as at least... Figure 4In the middle, the main spring 28 now provides a spring-out force to the main rod 30 in the direction of arrow 54. When the latch or latching mechanism 24 is released, this spring-out force will be applied to the striker of the vehicle hood 20, and the ejection system or mechanism 26 of the latch or latching mechanism 24 will be released from... Figure 4 The indicated position (latch closed, ejection system or mechanism 26 ready to provide opening force) is moved to... Figure 2 The position shown is (the latch is open, and the pop-up system or mechanism 26 has provided the opening force).
[0032] In other words, when the fork lever 36 from Figure 4 When the position shown is rotated in the direction of arrow 54, the edge 76 of the first protrusion 58 of the forked rod 36 contacts the edge portion 78 of the main rod 30, causing the main rod 30 to rotate in the direction of arrow 54. The force causing the main rod 30 to rotate in the direction of arrow 54 is applied by spring 28.
[0033] Now for reference Figure 5-8 This illustrates a latch or latching mechanism 24 having a pop-out system or mechanism 26 according to the present disclosure. Figure 5-8 The image shows other components of the latch or latching mechanism 24 (e.g., pawl, ratchet, etc.) and the striker of the vehicle hood 20. Figure 5-7 Roughly corresponding to Figure 2-4 The location of the pop-up system or mechanism 26 shown.
[0034] exist Figure 5 In the middle position, the latch or latching mechanism 24 is in the open position, and the pawl 80 of the latch or latching mechanism 24 has not yet engaged the striker pin 82 of the hood. The pawl 80 is rotatably mounted on the plate 32. Figure 6 In the middle, the latch or latching mechanism 24's tether actuation has begun, and the influence or biasing force of the main spring 28 has been removed from the main rod 30, as previously described (e.g., the first movement of the tightening rod 42 in the direction of arrow 50). Figures 2 to 3 However, the main rod 30 and the claw 80 remain in their respective open positions. Figure 7 In this position, the firing pin 82 has been received in the pawl 80, and the pawl 80 has been rotated in the direction of arrow 54 to the latch closed position (e.g., the vehicle hood 20 is closed and the firing pin 82 is held by the pawl 80). This can be achieved by a tightening operation (e.g., a second movement of the tightening lever 42 in the direction of arrow 50). Figures 3 to 4 To achieve this, see [link / reference] Figure 4 During this movement, the firing pin 82 moves in the direction of arrow 84 until the pawl 80 reaches its closed or primary position (e.g., Figure 7(As shown). As described above, the main rod 30 moves from the open position to the closed position or from the main position by gravity and / or the rotation of the pawl 80 from the open position to the closed position, causing the pawl 46 to no longer be in the engaged position, so that the end 70 of the pawl 46 no longer contacts the first protrusion 58 of the forked rod 36 as described above.
[0035] In this position, the latching pawl 86 holds the pawl 80 in the closed or primary position until the latching pawl 86 moves from the engaged position (holding the pawl 80 in the closed or primary position). Figure 7 Move to the disengaged position (allowing claw 80 to rotate from the closed or main position to the open position in the direction of arrow 56). Figure 6 Once this occurs, the pawl 80 can move from the closed or primary position to the open position in the direction of arrow 56, while the main rod 30 provides a biasing force, opening force, or ejection force to the striker 82 in the direction of arrow 88 by releasing the biasing force acting on the main spring 28 of the forked rod 36, which in turn moves the main rod 30 in the direction of arrow 54 via the forked rod 36. In a non-limiting embodiment, the latching pawl 86 is rotatably mounted to the plate 32 to move between at least an engaged position and a disengaged position.
[0036] Therefore, according to this disclosure, the pop-out system or mechanism is provided with a latch or latching mechanism that allows the effect of the pop-out spring to be removed by a tightening operation of the pawl 80 from the open position to the closed or primary position prior to the closing action of the vehicle hood 20. Furthermore, a retaining mechanism is provided, comprising a pawl 46 assembly that keeps the main spring 28 in a disabled state (e.g., preventing biasing force from being applied to the main lever 30) until the latch or latching mechanism 24 is closed. Then, when the latch or latching mechanism 24 reaches its fully closed position, the retaining mechanism is covered or released, allowing the main spring 28 to provide a pop-out or opening force upon release of the latch 24.
[0037] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with a specific quantity measurement based on the equipment available at the time of application submission. For example, “about” could include a range of ±8%, 5%, or 2% for a given value.
[0038] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” are intended to include the plural forms as well. It should also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof is not excluded.
[0039] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments or implementations, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements thereof can be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out this disclosure, but rather this disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An ejection system for a latching mechanism in a vehicle, comprising: The main rod (30) is pivotally mounted to the plate (32) of the latching mechanism (24); A forked rod (36) is pivotally mounted to the plate (32); The main spring (28) is used to provide a biasing force to the main rod (30) via the forked rod (36); A rocker arm (38), pivotally mounted to the main rod (30), one end of which is operably connected to the forked rod (36) and the other end operably connected to a connecting rod (40), the connecting rod (40) being pivotally mounted to a tensioning rod (42), the tensioning rod (42) being pivotally mounted to the plate (32); and A pawl (46), pivotally mounted to the plate (32), is movable at least between an engaged position and a disengaged position, in which the pawl (46) holds the forked rod (36) in a first position, wherein the biasing force of the main spring is prevented from being applied to the main rod (30), and in the disengaged position, the biasing force of the main spring is applied to the main rod (30) so as to rotate the main rod to an open position when the latching mechanism (24) is released.
2. The pop-up system according to claim 1, wherein, The forked rod (36) has a pin or protrusion (33) configured to contact the support leg (35) of the main spring (28).
3. The ejector system of claim 1, wherein, The forked lever (36) has a first protrusion (58) configured to contact the end (70) of the pawl (46) when the pawl (46) is in the engaged position.
4. The ejector system of claim 3, wherein, A rotational force is applied to the main rod (30) by contacting the edge (76) of the first protrusion (58) of the forked rod (36) with the edge portion (78) of the main rod (30).
5. The ejector system of claim 1, wherein, The rocker arm (38) has a second protrusion (53) configured to contact a third protrusion (55) of the fork (36) when the fork (36) is in the first position.
6. The ejector system of claim 1, wherein, The main rod has a fourth protrusion (72) configured to contact the pawl (46) and rotate the pawl (46) to the disengaged position.
7. The ejector system of claim 1, wherein, The latching mechanism (24) further includes a pawl (80) rotatably mounted on the plate (32), and the tightening rod (42) is operatively coupled to the pawl (80).
8. The ejector system of claim 7, wherein, The latching mechanism (24) further includes a latching pawl (86) rotatably mounted on the plate (32) for moving between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the engaged position of the latching pawl (86) holds the pawl (80) in a closed position and the disengaged position of the latching pawl (86) allows the pawl (80) to rotate from the closed position to an open position.
9. The ejector system of claim 8, wherein, The forked rod (36) has a pin or protrusion (33) configured to contact the support leg (35) of the main spring (28).
10. The ejector system of claim 9, wherein, The forked lever (36) has a first protrusion (58) configured to contact the end (70) of the pawl (46) when the pawl (46) is in the engaged position.
11. The ejector system of claim 10, wherein, A rotational force is applied to the main rod (30) by contacting the edge (76) of the first protrusion (58) of the forked rod (36) with the edge portion (78) of the main rod (30).
12. The ejector system of claim 11, wherein, The rocker arm (38) has a second protrusion (53) configured to contact a third protrusion (55) of the fork (36) when the fork (36) is in the first position.
13. The ejector system of claim 12, wherein, The main rod (30) has a fourth protrusion (72) configured to contact the pawl (46) and rotate the pawl (46) to the disengaged position.
14. The pop-up system according to claim 13, wherein, The latching mechanism is configured to hold the vehicle hood (20) in a closed position by engaging a striker (82) on the vehicle hood (20).
15. The ejector system of claim 1, wherein, The latching mechanism (24) is configured to hold the vehicle hood (20) in the closed position by engaging a striker (82) on the vehicle hood.