Active hood closure device for a vehicle

Abstract

Active hood closure device for a vehicle, comprising: a lock (20) for locking and unlocking a locking bracket (12) connected to a radiator hood (10); a base plate (60) arranged such that the shutter (20) can be rotated; a lever element (90) which is rotatably arranged on the base plate (60), wherein the locking bracket (12), which is locked by the closure (20), is arranged in a rotational path of the lever element (90); a locking member (80) rotatably mounted on the base plate (60) for inhibiting movement of a guide pin (72) attached to the closure (20) and for releasing the inhibition of the guide pin (72) in conjunction with the rotational movement of the lever element (90), wherein the locking member (80) comprises a locking body (82) rotatably mounted on a movement path of the guide pin (72) and rotated by a movement of the lever element (90); a drive member (110) which rotates the lever element (90) by means of a force greater than a retaining force of the locking member (80) which inhibits the guide pin (72) to provide energy for lifting the striker (12) and subsequently cushioning an impact; and an energy transmission element (100) for transmitting power from the drive part (110) to the lever element (90); wherein the locking part (80) prevents the lever element (90) from rotating when the locking bracket (12) which is pressed by means of the lever element (90) and is raised, is lowered, so that the lever element (90) cannot be rotated back in one direction, wherein the drive part (110) comprises: a drive housing (112) attached to a shell part (120), one side of the drive housing (112) being open; an explosion section (114) which is arranged in the drive housing (112) and explodes by an external signal; a piston (116) arranged in the drive housing (112) to perform a linear movement, wherein the piston (116) is moved by the explosion of the explosion section (114); and a rod element (118) which is connected to the piston (116), wherein by moving the piston (116) the rod element (118) can be pressed against the energy transmission element (100), and wherein the drive part (110) has an annular shape which enclosing an outer side of the piston (116), and wherein the drive part (110) further comprises a melt seal (119) which melts due to a gas generated during the explosion of the explosion section (114) in order to ensure that the gas can escape between the drive housing (112) and the piston (116).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an active hood closure device for a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to an active hood closure device for a vehicle that moves a hood upward in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, thereby reducing the severity of a second impact for the pedestrian.

[0002] Typically, an engine compartment is provided at the front of a passenger car and the engine compartment is covered by the hood.

[0003] Since a design of an engine compartment is provided such that components such as an engine, etc. are arranged compactly, a clearance for cushioning an impact is not provided, and the hood is designed to have a substantially strong structure to reliably cover the engine compartment.

[0004] When a collision with a pedestrian occurs, the pedestrian immediately collides with the front bumper of a vehicle and then the pedestrian's head collides with the hood of the vehicle when the pedestrian falls onto the hood, causing serious injuries to the pedestrian.

[0005] In recent years, an active hood system has been used in which, when a collision with a pedestrian occurs, a hood functions in such a way that an impact can be cushioned by absorbing the impact energy of the pedestrian.

[0006] Such an active hood system is disclosed, for example, in Korean patent KR100775180B1.

[0007] The information described herein is intended only to facilitate understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be considered an admission or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes prior art already known to one skilled in the art.

[0008] DE 10 2011 076 770 A1 discloses an active hood locking device for a vehicle, comprising: a lock for locking and unlocking a striker connected to a hood; a base plate arranged such that the lock can be rotated; a lever element rotatably arranged on the base plate, wherein the striker, which is locked by the lock, is arranged in a rotational path of the lever element; a locking part rotatably arranged on the base plate for inhibiting movement of a guide pin attached to the lock and for releasing the inhibition of the guide pin in conjunction with the rotational movement of the lever element, wherein a locking body is rotatably arranged on a movement path of the guide pin and is rotated by a movement of the lever element;and a drive member that rotates the lever member by means of a force greater than a restraining force of the locking member that inhibits the guide pin to provide energy for lifting the striker and subsequently cushioning an impact;

[0009] DE 10 2006 012 090 B3 discloses a device for raising a vehicle door in an accident situation, comprising a structural unit which can be displaced between a rest position and a working position in order to raise the vehicle door, which structural unit is prestressed into its working position by an energy storage device, in particular a spring element, and is held by a locking element.The special feature is that a pyrotechnic triggering device is assigned to the locking element, which interacts with an actuating area of ​​the locking element via an extendable piston, wherein the extending piston displaces the locking element into a release position, whereby the structural unit is released for transfer into its working position, and wherein the actuating area of ​​the locking element in the release position is spaced from the extended piston, so that the structural unit displaced back into its rest position can be locked by the locking element when the piston is extended.

[0010] DE 10 2008 012 048 A1 discloses a pedestrian protection device on the front hood of a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor that can detect a collision of an object with the motor vehicle and then transmits a signal to a device that extends the rear and / or front area of ​​the front hood upward into a protective position, in which the front hood is elastically and / or dampedly supported in the vertical downward direction. The movement of the front hood into the protective position is decelerated and / or damped by a braking and / or damping device, at least in one adjustment range before or upon reaching the protective position.

[0011] DE 10 2007 021 840 A1 discloses a device for opening a vehicle door, in particular a motor vehicle hood, in an accident situation, comprising a vehicle door lock having a rotary latch and a pawl cooperating with the rotary latch, and an actuator element that can be triggered in the accident situation, wherein the pawl releases the rotary latch upon triggering of the actuator element. The special feature is, among other things, that the pawl can be decoupled from the triggered actuator element.

[0012] DE 10 2005 035 006 A1 describes a device for raising a vehicle door, in particular a vehicle hood, in an accident situation, in particular in a pedestrian accident situation, comprising an activatable element (actuator element) with a particularly pyrotechnic energy storage device, with which, upon activation, a gas volume arranged in a chamber can be expanded to drive a piston. The special feature is, among other things, that the chamber is assigned a valve through which the chamber can be vented.

[0013] According to DE 10 2013 114 414 A1, an active hood closure device for a vehicle can actively reduce the number of pedestrian injuries by uniformly raising a front end portion of a vehicle's hood by directly deploying the striker in the event of an accident involving a pedestrian collision. Such an active hood closure device may include an actuator for generating a force to raise a striker that is locked by a passive closure, an actuator interaction portion installed to connect the striker to the actuator and raise the striker in cooperation with the actuator when the actuator is actuated, and an electronic control unit for actuating the actuator upon receiving a tactile signal from a collision sensor that detects a collision with a pedestrian.

[0014] The invention is based on the object of providing an active hood closure device for a vehicle which moves a hood upwards in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, so that the force of a second impact for the pedestrian can be reduced.

[0015] To achieve the object, the invention provides an active hood locking device for a vehicle, comprising: a lock for locking and unlocking a striker connected to a hood; a base plate arranged such that the lock can be rotated; a lever element rotatably arranged on the base plate, wherein the striker, which is locked by the lock, is arranged in a rotational path of the lever element; a locking part rotatably arranged on the base plate for inhibiting movement of a guide pin attached to the lock and for releasing the inhibition of the guide pin in conjunction with the rotational movement of the lever element, wherein the locking part comprises a locking body rotatably arranged on a movement path of the guide pin and rotated by a movement of the lever element;a drive part that rotates the lever member by means of a force greater than a restraining force of the locking part that restrains the guide pin, to provide energy for raising the striker and subsequently cushioning an impact; and an energy transmission element for transmitting power from the drive part to the lever member; wherein the locking part prevents the lever member from rotating when the striker, which is pushed and raised by the lever member, is lowered, so that the lever member cannot be rotated back in one direction, the drive part comprising: a drive housing attached to a shell part, one side of the drive housing being opened; an explosion section disposed in the drive housing and exploded by an external signal;a piston arranged in the drive housing for linear movement, the piston being moved by the explosion of the explosion section; and a rod member connected to the piston, the rod member being pressable against the energy transmission element by movement of the piston, the drive part having an annular shape surrounding an outer side of the piston, and the drive part further comprising a fusible seal that melts due to a gas generated during the explosion of the explosion section to allow the gas to escape between the drive housing and the piston.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, when a force applied externally to the lever element is greater than a retaining force of the locking part which inhibits the rotational movement of the lever element, the lever element can be rotated in a reverse direction while pressing on the locking part in order to move the striker downward.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, the closure may comprise a limiting portion for inhibiting or limiting the movement of the striker, a locking portion connected to a cable element for controlling a rotational movement of the limiting portion, and a fixing plate rotatably attached to the limiting portion and the locking portion and having a guide recess into which the striker is inserted between the limiting portion and the locking portion.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the locking portion may further comprise a locking connecting shaft passed through the locking body and connected to the base plate, and a locking spring wound around an outer side of the locking connecting shaft for arranging the locking body on the moving path of the guide pin by pressing a locking projection projecting from the locking body by means of a spring force.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention, the energy transmission element may comprise an energy transmission body which is rotatably arranged on the base plate, an extension piece which projects from the energy transmission body and faces the rod element, and a pressure piece which projects from the energy transmission body and faces a side surface of the lever element.

[0020] An active hood closure device for a vehicle according to the invention can move a striker by rotating a lever member which is rotated by an explosion of a driving part when a collision with a pedestrian occurs, whereby the severity of a second impact for the pedestrian can be reduced.

[0021] Since a gas having a high temperature can be moved to the outside of the piston by melting the fusible seal by means of the gas in a state where the hood can be moved upward by deploying the rod member, when a pedestrian collides with the hood, the hood can be moved downward to cushion an impact generated by the collision, so that a second impact of the pedestrian can be reduced in severity.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the invention, the hood can be completely closed after a collision with a pedestrian, so that noise, vibration and safety problems generated by moving the vehicle can be prevented and foreign substances can be prevented from entering the vehicle.

[0023] The methods and devices of the invention have further features and advantages which will become clear and will be described in more detail in the following figures and the associated description in order to further explain the principle of the invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an active hood closure device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a first plate is separated from an active hood closure device for a vehicle according to the invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an active hood closure device for a vehicle according to the invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a second plate according to the invention is mounted. Fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a second plate is separated from an active hood closure device for a vehicle according to the invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a shutter according to the invention is mounted. Fig. 7 is a front view schematically showing a state before a driving part according to the invention is operated. Fig. 8 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a striker is lifted by rotating a lever member driven by a driving part according to the invention. Fig. 9 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a striker is moved downward by melting a fusible seal of a driving member according to the invention to cushion an impact. Fig. 10 is a front view schematically showing a state in which gas has been completely discharged from a driving part according to the invention. Fig. 11 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a radiator hood according to the invention is pushed down. Fig. 12 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a guide pin according to the invention is locked by means of a locking body. Fig. 13 is a sectional view schematically showing a driving part according to the invention. Fig. 14 is a sectional view schematically showing a state in which gas has been discharged from a driving part according to the invention. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an active hood closure device for a vehicle according to the invention.

[0024] The attached figures are not drawn to scale, but rather depict a simplified representation of various features of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the invention described herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined by the specific application and environmental conditions.

[0025] Reference numerals shown in several figures refer to the same or equivalent parts of the invention.

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description. While the invention will be described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0027] The thickness of the lines and the size of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated to improve clarity and understanding. The terms described below are defined with the functions of the invention in mind and may differ from the purpose and practice of a user or manufacturer. Thus, the terms should be understood based on the overall understanding of the description.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an active hood closure device for a vehicle according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a first plate is separated from an active hood closure device for a vehicle according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an active hood closure device for a vehicle according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a second plate is mounted according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a second plate is separated from an active hood closure device for a vehicle according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a shutter according to various embodiments of the invention is mounted. Fig. 7 is a front view schematically showing a state before a driving part is operated according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 8 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a striker is lifted by rotating a lever member driven by a driving part according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 9 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a striker is moved downward to absorb an impact by melting a fusible seal of a driving part according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 10 is a front view schematically showing a state in which gas has been completely discharged from a driving part according to the invention. Fig. 11 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a hood according to various embodiments of the invention is pushed down. Fig. 12 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a guide pin according to various embodiments of the invention is locked by a locking body. Fig. 13 is a sectional view schematically showing a drive part according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 14 is a sectional view schematically showing a state in which gas has been discharged from a driving part according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an active hood closure device for a vehicle according to various embodiments of the invention.

[0029] As in the Fig. 1 to 7 and Fig. 15, an active hood locking device 1 for a vehicle according to the invention comprises a lock 20 for locking or unlocking a striker 12 connected to a hood 10, a base plate 60 arranged such that the lock 20 can be rotated, a guide pin 72 extending from the lock 20 and protruding to an outer side of the base plate 60, a guide opening 74 forming an opening on the base plate 60 along a movement path of the guide pin 72, a lever element 90, the locked striker 12 being arranged on the lock 20 in a rotation path of the lever element 90, a locking part 80 rotatably mounted on the base plate 60 to inhibit or unlock the movement of the guide pin 72.to limit and release the movement limitation of the guide pin 72 by locking with the rotation of the lever element 90, and a drive part 110 to rotate the lever element 90 by means of a force greater than a retaining force of the locking part 80, which inhibits the movement of the guide pin 72, in order to generate a force for lifting the locking bracket 12 in order to cushion an impact. The guide pin 72, which moves with the closure 20, is received by the locking part 80 by lowering the locking bracket 12, which is pressed down and raised by the lever element 90, so that the movement of the guide pin 72 is inhibited.

[0030] The striker 12 is mounted on a lower side of the radiator hood 10, which is arranged on an upper side of an engine compartment.

[0031] The locking bracket 12 is U-shaped and can be moved up and down together with the radiator hood 10.

[0032] The closure 20, which is rotatably arranged in a shell part 120 and can lock and unlock the locking bracket 12 connected to the radiator hood 10, can be designed in various shapes.

[0033] According to various embodiments of the invention, the closure 20 comprises a limiting portion 30 for limiting or inhibiting the movement of the striker 12, a locking portion 40 which is connected to a cable element 14 for controlling the rotation of the limiting portion 30, and a mounting plate 50 which has a guide recess 52, into which the striker 12 is inserted, between the limiting portion 30 and the locking portion 40, wherein the limiting portion 30 and the locking portion 40 are rotatably attached to the mounting plate 50.

[0034] The limiting portion 30 for limiting or inhibiting the movement of the striker 12 comprises a limiting body 31, a first projection 32, an insertion recess 33, a second projection 34, a fastening projection 36, a spring element 38 and a fastening pin 39.

[0035] The limiting body 31, which forms a body of the limiting portion 30, has a plate-like shape and is rotatably attached to the fixing plate 50.

[0036] The first projection 32 and the second projection 34 each protrude from one side of the limiting body 31, and the insertion recess 33 into which the striker 12 is inserted is provided between the first projection 32 and the second projection 34.

[0037] The fastening pin 39 is mounted in such a way that it is passed through the limiting body 31 and the fastening plate 50, so that the limiting body 31 is rotatably mounted via the fastening pin 39.

[0038] The mounting projection 36 is provided on a lower side of the limiting body 31. One side of the spring element 38, which comprises a coil spring, is fixed to the mounting projection 36, and the other side of the spring element 38 is fixed to the mounting plate 50.

[0039] The spring element 38 is in a horizontal direction, as in Fig. 6. The limiting body 31 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction by a spring force of the spring element 38. A rotation angle is adjusted by spacing it from or bringing it into contact with the locking portion 40, which is actuated by the cable element 14.

[0040] The locking portion 40, which is connected to the cable element 14 for controlling the rotational movement of the limiting portion 30, can be formed in various shapes which allow or limit or inhibit a rotational movement of the limiting portion 30.

[0041] According to various embodiments of the invention, the locking portion 40 comprises a locking body 42, a connecting element 44 and a locking projection 46.

[0042] The locking body 42, which forms a body of the locking portion 40, has a plate-like shape to be rotatably attached to the fixing plate 50.

[0043] The cable element 14 is connected to the connecting element 44, which protrudes from the locking body 42, and the locking projection 46 protrudes in the direction of the limiting section 30, which has the first projection 32 and the second projection 34.

[0044] The locking projection 46 is received by the first projection 32 or the second projection 34 of the limiting portion 30 in order to limit or inhibit the rotational movement of the limiting portion 30.

[0045] Since a fourth connecting shaft 153 is arranged in the fixing plate 50 to be passed through the locking body 42, the locking body 42 is arranged rotatably around the fourth connecting shaft 153.

[0046] A fourth spring 154, which has a coil spring shape, is arranged on an outer side of the fourth connecting shaft 153. One side of the fourth spring 154 is fixed to the mounting plate 50, and the other side of the fourth spring 154 is connected to the locking body 42.

[0047] The locking body 42 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction by means of a spring force of the fourth spring 154, as shown in Fig. 6, and the locking body 42 is inhibited in its rotational movement by coming into contact with the limiting body 31, whereby the movement of the striker 12 is limited or inhibited.

[0048] The limiting portion 30 and the locking portion 40 are rotatably attached to a back side of the fixing plate 50, as shown in Fig. 3, and the base plate 60 is arranged on a front side of the mounting plate 50.

[0049] The guide recess 52, in which the striker 12 is inserted between the limiting portion 30 and the locking portion 40, is provided on an upper side of the fastening plate 50.

[0050] The striker 12 falls downwards along the guide recess 52, which forms a recess in the longitudinal direction of the fastening plate 50, so that the movement of the striker 12 is limited or inhibited.

[0051] A cover plate 55 is fixed to the fixing plate 50 so that in a state where the locking portion 40 and the restricting portion 30 are arranged on the fixing plate 50, the locking portion 40 and the restricting portion 30 are covered thereby.

[0052] The base plate 60 is arranged on a front side of the mounting plate 50, and the lever element 90 and an energy transmission element 100 are rotatably arranged on a front side of the base plate 60.

[0053] Furthermore, since a second connecting shaft 147 is arranged, which is passed through the base plate 60, the fastening plate 50 of the shutter 20 and the cover plate 55, the shutter 20 can be rotated about the second connecting shaft 147.

[0054] When the lock 20, which engages the locking bracket 12, is rotated by actuating the drive part 110, a guide part 70 is available to guide the rotational movement of the lock 20.

[0055] According to various embodiments of the invention, the guide part 70 has a guide pin 72 which is fixed to the mounting plate 50 and protrudes from the outside of the base plate 60, and the guide opening 74 which forms an opening on the base plate 60 along a movement path of the guide pin 72.

[0056] One side of the guide pin 72 is fixed to the mounting plate 50 and the other side of the guide pin 72 protrudes from the outside of the base plate 60 to be received by a front side of the base plate 60.

[0057] Since the movement path of the guide pin 72 has a circular arc shape, the center of which is the second connecting shaft 147, the guide hole 74 has a circular arc shape and forms a slot on the base plate 60.

[0058] When the shutter 20 is rotated, the guide pin 72, which is attached to the shutter 20, is also moved along the guide opening 74, so that a rotational operation of the shutter 20 can be carried out safely.

[0059] When the drive part 110 is not actuated, the locking part 80 is rotatably arranged on the base plate to limit or inhibit the movement of the guide pin 72 and can release the limitation or inhibition of the guide pin 72 in conjunction with a rotational movement of the lever element 90.

[0060] According to various embodiments of the invention, the locking part 80 is rotatably arranged on the path of movement of the guide pin 72 and comprises a locking body 82 which is rotated by the movement of the lever element 90, a locking connecting shaft 86 which is guided through the locking body 82 for attachment to the base plate 60, and a locking spring 88 which is wound around the outside of the locking connecting shaft 86 and presses on a locking projection 84 which protrudes from the locking body 82 in order to arrange the locking body 82 on the path of movement of the guide pin 72.

[0061] The locking body 82 is rotatably disposed in the base plate 60, and the locking projection 84 protrudes from one side of the locking body 82. The locking body 82 has a first inclined surface 82a and a second inclined surface 82c, and the position of the second inclined surface 82c is fixed in a state of contact with the lever body 92.

[0062] As a result, the rotational movement of the locking part 80 is inhibited by the lever element 90.

[0063] The locking connecting shaft 86 is arranged on the base plate 60 to be guided through the locking body 82.

[0064] Since one side of the locking spring 88 wound around the outside of the locking connecting shaft 86 is connected to the locking projection 84 and the other side of the locking spring 88 is connected to the base plate 60, the locking member 80 receives a spring force to be rotated in a clockwise direction.

[0065] In a state where a side surface of the locking body 82 is in contact with one end of the lever body 82 to restrict or inhibit the rotational movement of the locking body 82, one end of the locking body 82 is in contact with the guide pin 72 to prevent the guide pin 72 from being moved along the guide hole 74.

[0066] Since the lever element 90 is rotated separately from the closure 20 and the striker 12 is arranged in the rotation path of the lever element 90, the invention can be modified in various forms in which the striker 12 is pushed upward by the rotational movement of the lever element 90.

[0067] The lever element 90, which is rotatably arranged on a front side of the base plate 60 together with the locking part 89, has the lever body 92 and a lever projection 94.

[0068] Since the second connecting shaft 147 is arranged to pass sequentially through the lever body 92, which forms a body of the lever element 90, the base plate 60 and the shutter 20, the lever element 90 is rotatably arranged on the base plate 60.

[0069] One side of a second spring 148, which is wound around the outside of the second connecting shaft 147, is connected to the lever projection 94, which protrudes from the outside of the lever body 92, and the other side of the second spring is received by the base plate 90. Thus, the lever element 90 is resiliently supported by a spring force of the second spring 148 in a clockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0070] When the lever member 90, which is pressed by the energy transmission member 100 and rotated in a counterclockwise direction, is rotated about the second connecting shaft 147, an upper surface of the lever member 90 lifts a lower side of the striker 12 to move the striker 12 out of the guide hole 74.

[0071] The energy transmission element 100 can be designed in various forms such that it converts a linear movement of the drive part 110 into a rotary movement in order to rotate the lever element 90.

[0072] According to various embodiments of the invention, the energy transmission element 100 comprises an energy transmission body 102 which is rotatably arranged on the base plate 60, an extension piece 104 which extends from the energy transmission body 102 and is arranged opposite a rod element 118, and a pressure piece 106 which extends from the energy transmission body 102 and is arranged opposite a side surface of the lever element 90.

[0073] Since a first connecting shaft 140 is passed through the energy transmission body 102 to be fixed to a front side of the base plate 60, the energy transmission element 100 can be rotated about the first connecting shaft 140.

[0074] Since a first spring 142 is wound around the outside of the first connecting shaft 140, one side of the first spring 142 is received by the energy transmission body 102 and the other side of the first spring 142 is received by the base plate 60, a spring force acts on the energy transmission element 100 to rotate it in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0075] The extension piece 104 is arranged in a bent manner on a side region of the energy transmission body 102 and the pressure piece 106 is arranged such that it is in contact with a side surface of the lever element 90.

[0076] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the drive member 110 is arranged to be fixed to the cover member 120. Various types of drive members may be provided as the drive member 110, which are actuated by an external signal to press against the drive member 100 so that the lever member 90 is rotated.

[0077] Since the driving part 110 is actuated by an explosive force of gunpowder and the driving part 110 rotates the lever member 90 upward to raise the striker 12, the radiator hood 10, which is attached to the striker 12, is moved upward.

[0078] The drive member 110 is arranged in a direction in which the striker 12 is moved downward, and the drive member 110 is split to abut the closure 20. According to various embodiments of the invention, the drive member 110 is arranged in a horizontal direction, and the rod member 118 is moved toward one side of the drive member 110.

[0079] According to various embodiments of the invention, the drive part 110 comprises a drive housing 112, an explosion section 114, a piston 116, the rod element 118 and a fusible seal 119.

[0080] The drive housing 112 is arranged on a lower side of a second plate 124 of the shell part 120 in a horizontal direction and the drive housing 112 is fixed to the second plate 124 by means of an angle element 126 which encloses the outside of the drive housing 112.

[0081] The drive housing 112 has a tubular shape with one side thereof being open, and the explosion portion 114 is disposed inside the drive housing 112.

[0082] The explosion section performs an explosion due to an external signal, wherein a gas generated by the explosion of the explosion section 114 increases in volume, so that the piston 116 and the rod element 118 are moved.

[0083] As in Fig. 3, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, a sensor 135 for determining whether a pedestrian touches a bumper of a vehicle transmits a measured value to a controller 130, and the controller 130 transmits an external signal to the explosion portion 114 of the drive part 110 to generate an explosion in the explosion portion 114.

[0084] The piston 116 is arranged within the drive housing 112 such that it is linearly movable and the piston 116 is moved upon an explosion of the explosion section 114.

[0085] The rod element 118 is connected to the piston 116 and the rod element 118 is also moved horizontally by a horizontal movement of the piston 116, so that the energy transmission element 100 is rotated.

[0086] Since the rod member 118 presses against the extension piece 104 of the energy transmission element 100 to rotate the energy transmission element 100, the lever member 90 is driven by the energy transmission element 100 to also rotate, and the striker 12, which is held on the closure 20, is moved upward.

[0087] The fusible seal 119 has an annular shape surrounding the outside of the piston 116, and is melted by a high-temperature gas generated by the explosion of the explosion portion 114 to form a passage through which the gas can escape between the drive housing 112 and the piston 116.

[0088] To achieve this, the melting point of the fusible seal 119 is below a temperature of the gas generated by the explosion of the explosion section 114.

[0089] Although it is shown here by way of example that only one drive part 110 is provided, it is also possible according to the invention that several drive parts 110 can be provided.

[0090] The cover part 120 has a shape such that it encloses the closure 20 and the lever element 90, wherein the cover part 120 is attached to the base plate 60.

[0091] According to various embodiments of the invention, the casing part 120 comprises a first plate 122, which encloses the locking part 80, the energy transmission element 100, and the lever element 90 and which is arranged on a front side of the base plate 60. Furthermore, the casing part 120 comprises a second plate 124, which encloses the closure 20 and which is arranged on a rear side of the base plate 60. Furthermore, the casing part 120 comprises the angle element 126 for fastening the drive part 110 to the second plate 124.

[0092] The second connecting shaft 147 is arranged to be sequentially guided by the second spring 148, the lever member 90, the base plate 60, the fixing plate 50, and the cover plate 55. Since a cap member 146 is passed through the first plate 122 and the second plate 124 to be fixed to the second connecting shaft 147, in a state where the first plate 122 and the second plate 124 are arranged on opposite sides of the second connecting shaft 147, the components of the active hood closure device 1 for a vehicle are connected to each other.

[0093] In the following, an operation of the active hood closure device 1 for a vehicle is described in detail with reference to the figures.

[0094] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, when the hood 10 is moved downward, the striker 12 is also moved downward together with the hood 10 to be arranged in a locked state in the closure 20.

[0095] When the limiting section 30 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction as shown in Fig. 6, in a state in which the striker 12 is inserted into the insertion recess 33, the first projection 32 of the limiting portion 30 is received by the locking projection 46, so that the rotational movement of the limiting body 31 can be limited or inhibited.

[0096] As in Fig. 8, Fig. 13 and Fig. 15, when a pedestrian collides with a bumper of a vehicle, a sensor 135 for determining an impact on the bumper transmits the measured value to the controller 130.

[0097] The controller 130 transmits a control signal to the explosion portion 114 of the drive part 110, and the explosion portion 114 is actuated by the control signal, which is an external signal, so that it explodes within the drive housing 112.

[0098] The gas generated by the explosion of the explosion section 114 increases the internal pressure in the drive housing 112. Accordingly, the rod element 118 is moved in a horizontal direction, whereby the drive element 100 is rotated.

[0099] When the lever member 90 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction as the drive member 100 rotates, the lever member 90 pushes the striker 12 upward to be rotated.

[0100] The closure 20, which restricts or inhibits the striker 12, projects beyond an upper side of the shell part 120 when the closure 20 is rotated about a second rotary shaft.

[0101] Since the hood 10, which is connected to an upper side of the striker 12, is also moved upward, an impact absorption space is formed between the engine compartment and the hood 10, whereby the strength of a second impact of a pedestrian can be reduced.

[0102] When the rotating lever member 90 pushes the locking member 80 in a counterclockwise direction, the limitation or inhibition of the guide pin 72 is released.

[0103] Thus, the guide pin 72, which is fixed to the shutter 20, is moved along the guide hole 74 in conjunction with an operation in which the shutter 20 is rotated about the second connecting shaft 147.

[0104] As in the Fig. 13 and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, when a high-temperature gas is introduced into the drive housing 112, the fusible seal 119, which is formed of a material that melts at a high temperature, comes into contact with the gas and melts. This allows the gas introduced into the drive housing 112 to move through the fusible seal 119 to the outside of the drive housing 110.

[0105] Thus, when a pedestrian collides with the hood 10, an external force is transmitted to the drive part 110 via the striker 12, the lever element 90 and the energy transmission element 100.

[0106] When the external force is transmitted to the drive part 110, the rod element 118 is moved toward the interior of the drive housing 112, while a portion of the gas in the drive housing 112 evaporates to the outside of the drive part 110. Thus, the mounting plate 50, the hood 10, and the striker 12 are also moved downward to cushion an impact.

[0107] As described above, when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, by utilizing the explosion of the drive member 110 according to the invention, the fixing plate 50 is moved upward together with the shutter 20 to raise the striker 12. Thus, the impact absorption space is provided between the hood 10 and the engine compartment, so that the severity of a second impact of a pedestrian can be reduced.

[0108] Furthermore, the fusible seal 119 melts due to the high-temperature gas in a state where the hood 10 is moved upward by unfolding the rod member 118, allowing the gas to move outside the piston 116. Accordingly, when a pedestrian comes into contact with the hood 10, the hood 10 is moved downward, so that the severity of a second impact of the pedestrian can be reduced.

[0109] Hereinafter, according to various embodiments of the invention, an operating state of the active hood closure device 1 for a vehicle after a collision with a pedestrian will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0110] As in Fig. 10 to 12, when the rod member 118 protrudes outward from the drive housing 112 due to the explosion of the explosion section 114 and after a certain period of time has passed, the gas in the drive housing 112 completely escapes to the outside, so that the rod member 118 returns back to the interior of the drive housing 112.

[0111] The energy transmission element 100 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction due to the return movement of the rod element 118, and the lever element 90, which is supported by the energy transmission element 100, is rotated in a clockwise direction. Accordingly, a compressive force of the lever element 90 acting on the striker 12 is released, causing the striker 12 to move downward.

[0112] At this time, the lever body 92 is supported by the locking body 82, so that the rotational movement of the lever member 90 in the clockwise direction is stopped.

[0113] As a result, the lever body 92, which has been rotated in a clockwise direction, stops its rotational movement while coming into contact with the inclined surface 82a of the locking body 82. This occurs because a rotational force of the lever body 92 is smaller than a resilient support force of the locking body 82.

[0114] Thereafter, when a driver pushes the hood 10 down, the striker 12 is moved down by an external force provided, so that the lever body 92 is pushed down.

[0115] At this time, when a pressing force applied to the lever body 92 is larger than a resilient assisting force of the locking body 82, the lever body 92 is guided by an edge portion 82b of the locking body 82 and is further rotated in a clockwise direction.

[0116] The striker 12 can be moved downward in a clockwise direction by the rotational movement of the lever body 92 and the guide pin 72 is moved further downward along the guide opening 72 at the same time.

[0117] At this time, the locking body 82, which has been pushed back by the lever body 92, returns to its original position, so that the guide pin 72 is inhibited from moving and the lever body 92 comes into contact with the second inclined surface 82c of the locking body 82.

[0118] As previously described, when a driver restores a vehicle to a desired location after a collision with a pedestrian, according to the invention, the Fig. 10 shown temporarily closed hood 10 can be brought into a fully closed state, as in Fig. 12 is shown.

[0119] The vehicle can be moved by the driver or by towing with a tow truck. In a manner similar to Fig. 10, since the rotational movement of the lever member 90 in a counterclockwise direction cannot be inhibited, the striker 12 can be moved upward, but is moved to its original position due to the rotational movement in a direction counterclockwise and returns to its original position of the lever member 90.

[0120] At this time, the striker 12 has no choice but to collide with the lever member 90, generating noise and vibration when the vehicle is moved. Furthermore, since the hood 10 is not completely closed, various foreign substances may enter through a gap in the hood 10.

[0121] At this time, when the driver pushes down the hood 10, the hood 10 is completely closed, so that noise, vibration and safety problems when the vehicle is moved can be prevented, and it can basically prevent foreign substances from entering the vehicle.

[0122] For convenience of explanation and more precise definition in the appended claims, the terms "upper", "front" or "rear", etc., are used to describe the features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of the elements shown in the figures.

Claims

[1] Active hood closure device for a vehicle, comprising: a lock (20) for locking and unlocking a locking bracket (12) connected to a radiator hood (10); a base plate (60) arranged such that the shutter (20) can be rotated; a lever element (90) which is rotatably arranged on the base plate (60), wherein the locking bracket (12), which is locked by the closure (20), is arranged in a rotational path of the lever element (90); a locking member (80) rotatably mounted on the base plate (60) for inhibiting movement of a guide pin (72) attached to the closure (20) and for releasing the inhibition of the guide pin (72) in conjunction with the rotational movement of the lever element (90), wherein the locking member (80) comprises a locking body (82) rotatably mounted on a movement path of the guide pin (72) and rotated by a movement of the lever element (90); a drive member (110) which rotates the lever element (90) by means of a force greater than a retaining force of the locking member (80) which inhibits the guide pin (72) to provide energy for lifting the striker (12) and subsequently cushioning an impact; and an energy transmission element (100) for transmitting power from the drive part (110) to the lever element (90); wherein the locking part (80) prevents the lever element (90) from rotating when the locking bracket (12) which is pressed by means of the lever element (90) and is raised, is lowered, so that the lever element (90) cannot be rotated back in one direction, wherein the drive part (110) comprises: a drive housing (112) attached to a shell part (120), one side of the drive housing (112) being open; an explosion section (114) which is arranged in the drive housing (112) and explodes by an external signal; a piston (116) arranged in the drive housing (112) to perform a linear movement, wherein the piston (116) is moved by the explosion of the explosion section (114); and a rod element (118) which is connected to the piston (116), wherein by moving the piston (116) the rod element (118) can be pressed against the energy transmission element (100), and wherein the drive part (110) has an annular shape which enclosing an outer side of the piston (116), and wherein the drive part (110) further comprises a melt seal (119) which melts due to a gas generated during the explosion of the explosion section (114) in order to ensure that the gas can escape between the drive housing (112) and the piston (116). [2] An active hood closure device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, when a force applied externally to the lever member (90) is greater than a restraining force of the locking part (80) which inhibits the rotational movement of the lever member (90), the lever member (90) is rotated in a reverse direction while pressing the locking part (80) to move the striker (12) downward. [3] An active hood closure device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the closure (20) comprises: a limiting portion (30) for inhibiting the movement of the striker (12); a locking portion (40) connected to a cable element (14) for controlling a rotational movement of the limiting portion (30); and a fastening plate (50) which is rotatably fastened to the limiting section (30) and the locking section (40) and which has a guide recess (52) into which the locking bracket (12) is inserted between the limiting section (30) and the locking section (40). [4] An active hood closure device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the locking member (80) further comprises: a locking connecting shaft (86) which is passed through the locking body (82) and is connected to the base plate (60); and a locking spring (88) wound around an outer side of the locking connecting shaft (86) for arranging the locking body (82) on the movement path of the guide pin (72) by pressing a locking projection (84) projecting from the locking body (82) by means of a spring force. [5] An active hood closure device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the energy transmission element (100) comprises: an energy transmission body (102) which is rotatably arranged on the base plate (60); an extension piece (104) which projects from the energy transmission body (102) and faces the rod element (118); and a pressure piece (106) which projects from the energy transmission body (102) and is opposite a side surface of the lever element (90).

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