Passenger car closing engine hood latch with anti-closing function
By introducing a claw, pawl, and motor-controlled active anti-tightening scheme into the hood latch of an electric vehicle, the risk of fingers being pinched during the hood closing process is solved, achieving reliable locking and safe closing of the hood.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INTEVA PROD ZHENJIANG
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
Smart Images
Figure CN224549870U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to vehicle latching technology, particularly a passenger car hood latch with anti-tightening function. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, incorporating a front trunk into electric vehicles (EVs) has become an increasingly popular design trend. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs do not require a large engine under the hood, thus freeing up valuable space in the front of the car. Automakers are leveraging this, offering a front trunk as additional storage space to enhance practicality and convenience for the driver. However, this added feature also brings new safety considerations, particularly the risk of fingers being pinched when closing the hood. Because users frequently access the front trunk, there is an increasing need to tighten the hood latch to reduce the force required to close the hood and minimize the possibility of injury.
[0003] In some vehicle designs, anti-tightening functionality is achieved through a power strut. However, power struts can have limitations, particularly when the hood is near its fully closed position due to a lack of force efficiency at those locations. Furthermore, other vehicle designs do not incorporate power struts within the hood. By maintaining a tightening distance of 8-9 mm, passive anti-tightening solutions can minimize the risk of tightening. However, an active anti-tightening solution, rather than one achieved through a power strut, is needed.
[0004] Furthermore, current tightening mechanisms provide a short distance (8-9 mm) between the primary closing position and the tightening distance. This small distance limits hood systems without a power strut. During closing, it is difficult to manually close the hood to the secondary closing position to trigger the tightening function, especially when the hood is slammed shut. Small changes in impact force or speed may cause the hood to close completely to the primary closing position or prevent it from reaching the secondary closing position.
[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide anti-tightening functionality for the tightening latch and the actuator used for the vehicle hood latch. Utility Model Content
[0006] A tightening latch mechanism for a vehicle hood with an anti-tightening function is disclosed, comprising: a pawl for securing and releasing a striker pin of the hood; a pawl for holding the pawl in a secondary and a primary position; an actuator operably coupled to the pawl to provide a tightening function of the tightening latch mechanism; a controller for controlling a motor of the actuator; a secondary position switch, a primary position switch, and an anti-tightening check switch, each operably coupled to the controller, wherein movement of the pawl actuates the secondary position switch and the anti-tightening check switch, and the primary position switch is actuated by the pawl, wherein tightening of the tightening latch mechanism to the primary position does not occur unless the anti-tightening check switch has been actuated by the pawl.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the claw includes a metal insert having a first engagement portion for engaging the pawl to hold the claw in the secondary position and a second engagement portion for engaging the pawl to hold the claw in the primary position.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the metal insert is molded from a plastic portion having a peripheral feature that contacts the secondary position switch and the anti-tightening check switch when the claw rotates between the primary position and the secondary position.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the controller is embedded in the actuator.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the controller is operatively connected to the pawl and the ratchet via a pair of cables.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the controller is embedded in the actuator.
[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the controller is operatively connected to the pawl and the ratchet via a pair of cables.
[0013] A method for controlling the tightening operation of a tightening latch mechanism for a vehicle hood is also disclosed, comprising: determining the position of a pawl for securing and releasing a striker pin of the hood via a secondary position switch and a tightening check switch, each of the secondary position switch and the tightening check switch being operably coupled to a controller, the secondary position switch and the tightening check switch being actuated by movement of the pawl; determining the position of a pawl having a primary position switch operably coupled to the controller, wherein tightening of the tightening latch mechanism to the primary position will not occur unless the tightening check switch has been actuated by the pawl.
[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the tightening of the latching mechanism includes a first stage from a secondary pawl position to an anti-tightening check position, and a second stage from the anti-tightening position to a fully closed primary position.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the claw includes a metal insert having a first engagement portion for engaging the pawl to hold the claw in a secondary position and a second engagement portion for engaging the pawl to hold the claw in a primary position.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the metal insert is molded from a plastic portion having a peripheral feature that contacts the secondary position switch and the anti-tightening check switch when the claw rotates between the primary position and the secondary position.
[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the controller is embedded in an actuator operatively coupled to the tightening latch mechanism.
[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the controller is operatively connected to the pawl and the ratchet via a pair of cables. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The following description should not be considered as any limitation. Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar elements are numbered the same: Figure 1 This is a view of a vehicle having a tightening latch mechanism with a tightening latch and a tightening actuator with an anti-tightening function, according to this disclosure; Figure 2 A portion of the tightening latch conforming to this disclosure is shown, wherein the firing pin position is shown; Figure 3A portion of the tightening latch conforming to this disclosure is shown, wherein the firing pin position is shown; Figure 4 The tightening latch in the fully open position according to this disclosure is shown; Figure 5 A tightening latch in a secondary position according to this disclosure is shown; Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the state of the tightening actuator, the state of the secondary position switch, the state of the anti-tightening switch, and the state of the primary position switch according to this disclosure; Figure 7 The tightening latch in the anti-tightening check position according to this disclosure is shown; Figure 8 The tightening latch is shown in the primary or locked position according to this disclosure; Figure 9 This is an operational flowchart illustrating the anti-tightening function of the tightening latch and tightening actuator according to this disclosure; Figure 10 A portion of the tightening latch and tightening actuator according to this disclosure is shown; Figure 11 A tightening actuator according to this disclosure is shown; and Figure 12 A latching mechanism with a tightening latch and an actuator according to the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0020] This document provides a detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed devices and methods by way of example rather than limitation by reference figures.
[0021] The following utility model explains a method for integrating an active anti-tightening function into a tightening latch and an actuator.
[0022] Initial reference Figure 1 The motor vehicle 10 is typically designated as 10. The motor vehicle 10 includes a body 12 defining 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 can be mounted at the rear of the body 12 (not separately labeled) or arranged in a mid-engine configuration. In one embodiment, the body 12 includes a front storage compartment or front luggage compartment or "frunk" 18 with a hood 20. As will be detailed herein, the hood 20 includes a striker 22 cooperating with a tightening latch mechanism 24 to hold the hood 20 in a closed or locked position, and then subsequently release the hood 20 from said closed or locked position, thereby allowing it to transition to an open position.
[0023] According to this disclosure, the tightening latch mechanism 24 has an anti-tightening function and includes components for enabling the anti-tightening function. The tightening latch mechanism 24 includes a tightening latch 25, which includes a pawl 26 for holding the striker 22 in a closed or primary position, a secondary or partially closed position, and an open or released position in which the striker 22 can be released from the tightening latch mechanism 24. The secondary or partially closed position lies between the closed or primary position and the open or released position. In both the secondary or partially closed and closed or primary positions, the striker 22 is retained within the tightening latch mechanism 24. The pawl 26 is pivotally or rotatably mounted to the back plate 28 of the tightening latch 25 of the tightening latch mechanism 24. In order to hold and release the pawl from the aforementioned secondary or partial closed position and closed or primary position, the pawl 30 is pivotally or rotatably mounted on the back plate 28 for movement between at least the engaged position, wherein the pawl 30 holds the pawl 26 in the aforementioned secondary or partial closed position and closed or primary position as well as in the disengaged position, wherein the pawl 30 releases the pawl 26 from the aforementioned secondary or partial closed position and closed or primary position. The pawl 26 may be spring-biased to the open or released position, and the pawl 30 may be spring-biased to the engaged position, as known in the related art.
[0024] The movement of the striker 22 on the hood 20 is at least in Figure 3 and 6 This is explained in the text. At least refer to... Figure 3 and 6 The firing pin 22 moves along the direction of arrow 31 between the fully open position 33, the secondary closed position 35, the anti-tightening position 37, and the primary closed position 39. In a non-limiting embodiment, the movement of the firing pin 22 along the direction of arrow 31 from the fully open position 33 to the primary closed position 39 is 25 mm. In another non-limiting embodiment, the movement of the firing pin 22 along the direction of arrow 31 is 25 mm, and the distance from the fully open position 33 to the secondary closed position 35 is 10 mm. In the closing direction indicated by arrow 31, the first tightening phase moves from 15 mm to 6 mm, approximately 9 mm, and the second tightening phase moves from 6 mm to 0, approximately 6 mm. The tightening latch 25 of the tightening latch mechanism 24 is operated by a remote dual-function actuator 32, which is operatively coupled to the tightening latch 25 of the tightening latch mechanism 24 via cable 41 or other equivalent structure. The remote dual-function actuator 32 operates the tightening latch 25 of the tightening latch mechanism 24 in two stages. The first stage starts from the secondary position of the pawl at 15mm (at least see...). Figure 3 and 5 ) to the anti-tightening stop position (at least see Figure 3 and 7 The first stage is adjustable within a range of 6mm to 8mm. The second stage is from the anti-tightening position to the fully sealed main position (0mm) (see at least...). Figure 3 and 8 ).exist Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 At least four positions of the firing pin 22 are also shown in 5, 7 and 8.
[0025] The tightening latch mechanism 24 includes a tightening latch 25, a secondary position switch 36, a primary position or closed switch 38, and a tightening check switch 40. The secondary position switch 36 can also be used as a door opening switch. Each switch is operatively connected to a controller 42. The secondary position switch 36 and the tightening check switch 40 are driven by a pawl 26, while the primary position or closed switch 38 is driven by a ratchet pawl 30.
[0026] During the closing operation, when the striker 22 on the hood 20 reaches the secondary position, the pawl 26 of the tightening latch 25 of the tightening latch mechanism 24 disengages the secondary position switch 36 of the tightening latch 25. This secondary position is located 15 mm from the primary closed position, so that the hood 20 can find this position during a forceful closing operation. The secondary position switch 36 sends a signal to the controller 42, which can be included as an embedded ECU in the tightening actuator 32. Figure 11 Alternatively, it can be used as part of the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) to initiate the first stage of the tightening operation.
[0027] In the first tightening phase, controller 42 monitors the current of tightening motor 44 located inside tightening actuator 32 to detect the presence of an obstruction between hood 20 and body section. Driven in one of two directions, tightening motor 44 actuates one of two cables 41; operated in the other direction, it actuates the other cable 41 to tighten and release the tightening latch 25 of tightening latch mechanism 24. Cable 41 is attached to a tightening lever 43 operably connected to pawl 26 and a release lever 45 operably connected to pawl 30. Thus, one of the cables 41 may be referred to as the tightening cable, and the other as the release cable. Since the first tightening phase is explicitly defined between two switching signals, an operational timeout is added to the control logic to supplement the function's safety. Figure 11 A tightening latch mechanism 24 with the tightening latch 25 and the actuator 32 is shown.
[0028] During normal tightening operation, if no obstruction is detected, the motor current remains constant and stable. During abnormal operation, if an obstruction is detected, the motor current increases rapidly. The controller 42 detects this change in current and, if so, sends a signal to the tightening actuator 32 to stop tightening (e.g., shutting off the motor 44, or, if necessary, reversing the operation to release the pawl 26 of the tightening latch mechanism 24) and returns to its initial position (corresponding to the secondary closed position).
[0029] In one embodiment, controller 42 may include memory for storing instructions that can be executed by one or more processors. Executable instructions may be stored or organized in any manner and at any level of abstraction, for example, in connection with control and / or monitoring operations of motor 44. The one or more processors may be any type of central processing unit (CPU), including general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer-readable medium in which data and control algorithms are stored in a non-transitory form.
[0030] When the anti-tightening check switch 40 is deactivated by the claw 26, the first tightening stage ends. The switch can be positioned between 6mm and 8mm from the fully closed position. The anti-tightening check switch 36 sends a signal to the controller 42 to monitor the motor current and initiate the second tightening stage.
[0031] In the second tightening phase, the tightening actuator 32 moves the striker 22 in the closing direction until the main position switch 38 is activated (see at least). Figure 6 ).
[0032] Phase 1 moves from 15mm to the adjustable anti-tightening check position (6-8mm). At the start of the first stage of tightening, the hood's striker 22 reaches the secondary position of the latch. The system monitors the motor current of the motor 44 of the tightening actuator 32 to detect obstructions (anti-tightening). Timeout protection enhances safety. Phase 1 ends when the pawl 26 disengages the anti-tightening check switch 40. Phase 2 completes the closure to the primary position of the latch 24 at 0mm, ending when the primary latch switch 38 is triggered.
[0033] The flow chart of the anti-tightening control logic of controller 42 is as follows (50) Figure 9 As shown. In the first step 70, the firing pin 22 reaches the secondary position (at least see...). Figure 3 and 5Meanwhile, the secondary position switch 36, which acts as the door opening switch, is in the off state. In the second step 72, the tightening actuator 32 performs the first tightening phase as described above. At the decision node 74, the controller 42 determines whether the anti-tightening check switch 40 is activated. If so, the tightening actuator 32 performs the second tightening phase as described above. This is indicated by block 76. On the other hand, if the anti-tightening check switch 40 is not activated at the decision node 74, the decision node 80 determines whether the current of the motor or tightening motor 44 has increased to a predetermined limit, which is 0.3 amps in one non-limiting embodiment. In one non-limiting embodiment, the controller 42 monitors the current of the motor 44 to continuously check the current difference every 100 ms.
[0034] If decision node 80 determines that the current of the motor or tightening motor 44 has increased to a predetermined limit, the tightening actuator 32 will return to the initial position or primary position (corresponding to the secondary closed position), which is determined by monitoring the secondary position switch 36. This is indicated by block 82. On the other hand, if controller 42 does not detect an increase in the current of motor 44, decision node 84 (e.g., controller 42) will determine whether a predetermined timeout period for the first tightening phase has been reached (e.g., whether the operation time of the first tightening phase has exceeded a predetermined time period). In a non-limiting embodiment, this predetermined timeout is 1.5 seconds. If a timeout is detected, the tightening actuator 32 will return to the initial position or primary position (corresponding to the secondary closed position), which is determined by monitoring the secondary position switch 36. This is indicated by block 86. On the other hand, if controller 42 is unsure whether the predetermined timeout period for the first tightening phase has been reached (e.g., the first tightening phase has been completed within a predetermined time period), controller 42 will return to decision node 74. In a non-limiting embodiment, the tightening first stage tightening timeout is defined by the controller 42 based on the maximum operating time of the last 3 operations of the tightening actuator 32 plus a predetermined continuous adjustment period of 10%.
[0035] Figure 10 This indicates claw 26 and pawl 30. In Figure 10 In this configuration, the claw 26 is held in a secondary position. The claw 26 includes a metal insert 100 having a first engagement portion 102 for engaging the pawl 30 to hold the claw 26 in the secondary position and a second engagement portion 104 for engaging the pawl 30 to hold the claw 26 in the primary position. The metal insert has a plastic portion with a peripheral feature 106 that contacts the secondary position switch 36 and the anti-tightening check switch 40 when the claw 26 rotates between the primary and secondary positions. The first engagement portion 102 and the second engagement portion 104 provide features on the claw 26 that control the position of the claw 26 in the primary and secondary closed positions.
[0036] Figure 11 An embedded electronic control unit (ECU) 42 is shown, which may include a motor 44 in a tightening actuator 32 to control the operation of the motor 44 of the tightening actuator 32 and to detect signals of switches 36, 38 and 40 in the latch 24 to perform an anti-tightening function.
[0037] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with a specific number of measurements 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 the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of a feature, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups.
[0039] While this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents of its elements can be substituted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this invention without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but rather to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A passenger vehicle hood latch with anti-tightening function, comprising a latching mechanism (24), including: A claw (26) for securing and releasing the striker (22) of the hood; A pawl (30) is used to hold the pawl (26) in a secondary and primary position; An actuator (32) is operatively coupled to the pawl (26) to provide the tightening function of the tightening latch mechanism; A controller (42) for controlling the motor (44) of the actuator (32); The secondary position switch (36), the primary position switch (38), and the anti-tightening check switch (40) are each operatively connected to the controller (42). Movement of the pawl (26) actuates the secondary position switch (36) and the anti-tightening check switch (40), while the primary position switch (38) is actuated by the pawl (30). The tightening latch mechanism (24) will not be tightened to the primary position unless the anti-tightening check switch (40) has been actuated by the pawl (26).
2. The passenger vehicle hood latch as described in claim 1, wherein, The claw (26) includes a metal insert (100) having a first engagement portion (102) for engaging the pawl (30) to hold the claw (26) in the secondary position and a second engagement portion (104) for engaging the pawl (30) to hold the claw (26) in the primary position.
3. The passenger vehicle hood latch as described in claim 2, wherein, The metal insert (100) is molded from a plastic portion having a peripheral feature (106) that contacts the secondary position switch (36) and the anti-tightening check switch (40) when the claw (26) rotates between the primary position and the secondary position.
4. The passenger vehicle hood latch as described in claim 3, wherein, The controller (42) is embedded in the actuator (32).
5. The passenger vehicle hood latch as described in claim 4, wherein, The controller (42) is operatively connected to the pawl (26) and the ratchet (30) via a pair of cables (41).
6. The passenger vehicle hood latch as described in claim 1, wherein, The controller (42) is embedded in the actuator (32).
7. The passenger vehicle hood latch as described in claim 6, wherein, The controller (42) is operatively connected to the pawl (26) and the ratchet (30) via a pair of cables (41).
8. The passenger vehicle hood latch as described in claim 1, wherein, The controller (42) is operatively connected to the pawl (26) and the ratchet (30) via a pair of cables (41).