VEHICLE LOCKING BAR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A device may include a locking bar assembly that includes a hinged locking bar which, in response to a movement of a locking module from a closed position to an open position, pivots about a locking bar axis from an extended position to a folded position.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to vehicle locking bar assemblies and in particular to locking bar assemblies that include a folding locking bar. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicle locking modules typically use a locking bar and a latching mechanism to hold the module in a closed position. The locking bar engages with the latching mechanism, which secures it in place to keep the module closed. BRIEF OVERVIEW

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly comprising: a locking bar assembly comprising a hinged locking bar which, in response to a movement of a locking module from a closed position to an open position, pivots about a locking bar axis from an extended position to a folded position.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, further comprising a pretensioning element that pretensions the folding locking bar into the unfolded position.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, further comprising an actuating cable configured to move the folding locking bar from the extended position to the folded position in response to the locking module moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, further comprising a locking bar cable cam, wherein the actuating cable is coupled to the locking bar assembly through the locking bar cable cam.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly wherein the locking bar cable cam includes a body rotating about the locking bar axis and a stop projecting radially outward from the body, the stop being configured to block rotation of the folding locking bar beyond the extended position.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, further comprising a hinge assembly which includes a hinge cable cam, wherein a first end of the actuating cable is coupled to the locking bar cable cam and an opposite, second end of the actuating cable is coupled to the hinge cable cam.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, wherein the hinge assembly comprises an upper hinge and a lower hinge which pivot about a hinge axis, and the hinge cable cam comprises a body and a pin which projects laterally from the body and connects the upper hinge and the lower hinge, wherein the pin is secured to the upper hinge in such a way that the hinge cable cam pivots with the upper hinge about the hinge axis.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, further comprising the locking module, wherein the hinge cable cam rotates about the hinge axis to move the actuating cable in a first direction to cause the hinged locking bar to pivot from the unfolded position to the folded position when the locking module moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly wherein, when the folding locking bar is in the unfolded position, the folding locking bar extends perpendicularly away from the locking module, and when the folding locking bar is in the folded-in position, the folding locking bar is folded against the locking module.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, where the locking module is a hood.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly comprising: a vehicle locking module, wherein the locking module is movable between a closed position and an open position; a locking bar assembly secured at a first point to the locking module, wherein the locking bar assembly includes a hinged locking bar which pivots about a locking bar axis from an extended position to a folded position when the locking module moves from the closed position to the open position; a hinge assembly secured at a second point to the locking module; and an actuating cable that operably couples the locking bar assembly to the hinge assembly.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, wherein, when the locking module is moved from the closed position to the open position, the hinge assembly moves the actuating cable in a first direction to cause the hinged locking bar to pivot from the unfolded position to the folded-in position.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, further comprising a pre-tensioning element that pre-tensions the folding locking bar from the folded position to the unfolded position when the locking module is moved from the open position to the closed position.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, wherein the locking bar assembly includes a locking bar cable cam that is coupled to the actuating cable.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, wherein the hinge assembly includes an upper hinge secured at the second position on the locking module, a lower hinge secured to a body side panel of the vehicle, and a hinge cable cam pivoting about a hinge axis and connecting the upper hinge and the lower hinge.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, where the hinge cable cam is coupled to the actuating cable.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle locking bar actuation procedure, including: folding in a folding locking bar of a locking bar assembly in response to a vehicle locking module being moved from a closed position to an open position.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a procedure whereby moving the locking module from the closed position to the open position moves an actuating cable in a first direction to cause the hinged locking bar to pivot from an extended position to a folded position.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a procedure, further including pre-tensioning the folding locking bar, to cause the folding locking bar to pivot from the folded position to the unfolded position in response to the locking module being moved from the open position to the closed position.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a process where the locking module is a hood. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle that includes a locking module in a closed position. Fig. 2 illustrates the vehicle from Fig. 1, wherein the locking module is in an open position. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a locking module removed from a vehicle to show a hinged locking bar system which, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, includes a locking bar assembly, a hinge assembly and an actuating cable. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the locking bar assembly. Fig. 3, which includes a hinged locking bar of the locking bar assembly, wherein the hinged locking bar is in an extended position. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a different perspective view of the locking bar assembly. Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 6 is a close-up view of a section of the locking bar assembly. Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is another close-up view of a section of the locking bar assembly. Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the folding locking bar in a folded position. Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a hinge assembly made of Fig. 3 in a first position. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a different perspective view of the hinge assembly. Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of the hinge assembly from Fig. 3 in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] This disclosure generally relates to a latch assembly that can be used to hold a locking module, such as a vehicle hood, in a closed position. In one example, in response to a locking module being moved from a closed to an open position, the hinged latch pivots a latch axis from an extended position to a folded position. Moving the hinged latch to the folded position can provide clearance for accessing areas of a vehicle. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.

[0025] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a vehicle 10. Although the figures in this disclosure illustrate a specific relationship between the components, these illustrations are not intended to limit this disclosure. The placement and orientation of the various components of the vehicle 10 are shown schematically and could vary within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the various figures appended to this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged or reduced to highlight certain details of a particular component or system.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, vehicle 10 is a pickup truck. However, vehicle 10 could alternatively be a car, a van, a sports utility vehicle (SUV), or any other vehicle configuration.

[0027] The vehicle 10 includes a locking module 12, a locking bar assembly 14, and a locking mechanism 16. In this example, the locking module 12 is a hood. In another example, the locking module 12 could be a door, a tailgate, a trunk lid, a glove box lid, a center console lid, a storage tunnel lid, or any other type of locking module configuration.

[0028] The locking module 12 can move between a closed position ( Fig. 1) and an open position ( Fig. 2) move. In the closed position, the locking module 12 provides a barrier between the interior and exterior of the vehicle 10. In the open position, the locking module 12 allows users to access a compartment, here a front trunk 18 of the vehicle 10. Although the examples in this disclosure are described in connection with the front trunk 18, the examples could be used in connection with other compartments, such as an engine compartment.

[0029] The locking bar assembly 14 and the locking mechanism 16 are configured to engage to hold the locking module 12 in the closed position. The locking bar assembly 14 is secured to the underside of the locking module 12. The locking mechanism 16 is located inside the vehicle body near a front end of the compartment 18. In the closed position, the locking mechanism 16 engages the locking bar assembly 14 to hold the locking module 12 in the closed position. In this example, pulling a release lever inside the vehicle 10 disengages the locking mechanism 16 from the locking bar assembly 14 to allow the locking module 12 to move to the open position.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a folding locking bar system 20 of the vehicle 10. Fig. 1, which includes the locking bar assembly 14, a hinge assembly 24, and an actuating cable 26, which is operably coupled to the locking bar assembly 14 and the hinge assembly 24. The locking bar assembly 14 is secured at a first point on a front side of the locking module 12. In other examples, the locking bar assembly 14 could be secured at a different point on the locking module 12. The hinge assembly 24 is secured at a second point on a lateral side of the locking module 12. The actuating cable 26 (shown with dashed lines for illustration) is routed through the locking module 12 between the locking bar assembly 14 and the hinge assembly 24. In one example, the actuating cable 26 is attached to the locking module 12 (e.g., clamped).

[0031] With reference to Fig. Section 4-8 includes the locking bar assembly 14, comprising a hinged locking bar 28, a locking bar bolt 30, a locking bar cable cam 32, and a preload element 34. The hinged locking bar 28 is designed to act in response to the movement of the locking module 12 from a closed position to an open position, in order to act on a locking bar axis S. A from an extended position ( Fig. 4) into a folded position ( Fig. 8) pivotable. In the unfolded position, the folding locking bar 28 extends vertically away from the locking module 12. In the folded position, the folding locking bar 28 is folded against the locking module 12, thus providing clearance for a user to access the front trunk.

[0032] The folding locking bar 28 is in the unfolded position with a locking mechanism, such as the locking mechanism 16 (see Fig. 2) can be engaged to hold the locking module 12 in the closed position.

[0033] The hinged locking bar 28 is pivotally supported on a reinforcing bracket 36. The hinged locking bar 28 is generally U-shaped and includes a pair of opposing legs 38 that are pivotally coupled to the locking bar bolt 30. The hinged locking bar 28 could have other shapes within the scope of this disclosure. The legs 38 provide pivot points for coupling to the locking bar bolt 30. The locking bar bolt 30 is generally cylindrical and forms the locking bar axis S. Aready around which the hinged locking bar 28 pivots. In this example, the reinforcement bracket 36 includes a pair of opposing arms 40 that support the locking bar bolt 30. The locking bar bolt 30 extends through respective holes in the legs 38 of the hinged locking bar 28, the arms 40 of the reinforcement bracket 36, and the locking bar cable cam 32. The reinforcement bracket 36 can be secured to the locking module 12 to support the locking bar assembly 14 at the first position.

[0034] The locking bolt 30 is pivotally coupled to the hinged locking bar 28 and the locking bar cable cam 32. The locking bolt 30 extends between a first end 42 and an opposite, second end 44. In the illustrated example, the first end 42 is coupled to one of the legs 38 of the hinged locking bar 28, and the second end 44 is coupled to the hinge cable cam 32. With this configuration, the hinged locking bar 28, the locking bolt 30, and the locking bar cable cam 32 can pivot together around the locking bar axis S. A swivel or rotate in some other way.

[0035] In this example, one leg 38 of the hinged locking bar 28 is enclosed between an end cap 46 at the first end 42 of the locking bar bolt 30 and one of the arms 40 of the reinforcement bracket 36, and another leg 38 is enclosed between another of the arms 40 and the locking bar cable cam 32 to limit lateral movement of the hinged locking bar 28. The end cap 46 can be formed integrally with the first end 42 or otherwise secured to it.

[0036] The locking bar cable cam 32 is configured to control a movement of the hinged locking bar 28. With reference to Fig. The locking bar cable cam 32 comprises a body 48 and a stop 50. The body 48 is pivotally coupled to the hinged locking bar 28 via the locking bar bolt 30 and rotates the locking bar cable cam 32 about the locking bar axis S. AThe stop 50 projects radially outwards from the body 48. The stop 50 is configured to block the hinged locking bar 28 from pivoting beyond its extended position. In one example, the stop 50 engages a wall 52 formed in the reinforcement bracket 36 when the hinged locking bar 28 is in its extended position. As discussed below, the locking bar cable cam 32 is operably coupled to the actuating cable 26.

[0037] The preload element (e.g., torsion spring) 34 is configured to preload the hinged locking bar 28 into the unfolded position. The preload element 34 comprises a first end 54 and an opposing second end 56, which are supported (e.g., wound) on the locking bar bolt 30. The first end 54 engages a wall 58 formed in the reinforcement bracket 36 (see Fig. 6). The second end 56 is engaged with the locking bar cable cam 32 (see Fig. 4) Since the first end 54 engages with the fixed wall 58, the second end 56 exerts a preload force on the locking bar cam 32 to preload the hinged locking bar 28 into the unfolded position. The preload element 34 preloads the stop 50 of the locking bar cam 32 against the wall 52 of the reinforcement bracket 36 when the hinged locking bar 28 is in the unfolded position. Although the preload element 34 is shown as a spring in this example, it could be any other type of preload element.

[0038] In another example, the preload force is reversed such that the preload element 34 preloads the hinged locking bar 28 into the folded position. In such an example, when the locking module 12 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the actuating cable 26 moves in a first direction to cause the hinged locking bar 28 to pivot from the folded position to the unfolded position.

[0039] With reference to Fig. Figures 9-11 include the exemplary hinge assembly 24, comprising an upper hinge 60, a lower hinge 62, and a hinge cable cam 64. The hinge assembly 24 is designed to move in response to the locking module 12 being moved from a closed position to an open position, in order to align a hinge axis H. A between a first position ( Fig. 9) and a second position ( Fig. 10) pivotable. Various terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “inner”, and “outer” are used relative to the arrangement of the components of the folding locking bar system 20 in the various drawings and should not otherwise be considered restrictive. These terms refer to the general orientation of the folding locking bar system 20 when mounted on the vehicle 10. Fig. 1 is secured.

[0040] The upper hinge 60 can be secured to the locking module 12. The lower hinge 62 can be secured near a corner of the compartment 18 to a body side panel 66 of the vehicle 10 (see Fig. 2).

[0041] The hinge cable cam 64 comprises a body 68 and a pin 70, which projects laterally from the body 68 and connects the upper hinge 60 and the lower hinge 62. The body 68 rests against an outer surface 72 of the lower hinge 62. The pin 70 projects through respective openings in the upper hinge 60 and the lower hinge 62 and forms the hinge axis H. A ready, around which the hinge assembly 24 pivots. An end section 74 of the pin 70 extends at least partially beyond an inner surface 76 of the upper hinge 60. The end section 74 can be secured to the inner surface 76 (e.g., welded, soldered, etc.) such that the hinge cable cam 62 pivots with the upper hinge 60 around the hinge axis H. A swivels or rotates in some other way.

[0042] The actuating cable 26 extends between a first end 78 and an opposite, second end 80. The first end 78 is coupled to the locking bar assembly 14 by the locking bar cable cam 32. A bolt 82 is provided at the first end 78. The bolt 82 is supported within a hole formed in the body 48 of the locking bar cable cam 32 to provide a connection between the locking bar assembly 14 and the actuating cable 26.

[0043] The second end 80 is coupled to the hinge assembly 24 by the hinge cable cam 64. A bolt 84 is provided at the second end 80. The bolt 84 is supported within a hole formed in the body 68 of the hinge cable cam 64 to provide a connection between the hinge assembly 24 and the actuating cable 26.

[0044] The actuating cable 26 is configured to move the hinged locking bar 28 from the extended position to the folded position in response to the locking module 12 moving from the closed position to the open position. When the locking module 12 moves to the open position, the hinge assembly 24 pivots from the first position ( Fig. 9) into second position ( Fig. 11), which causes the upper hinge 60 and the hinge cable cam 64 to rotate around the hinge axis H AThe actuator cable 26 pivots or otherwise rotates about it to pull or otherwise move it in a first direction towards the hinge assembly 24. The tensile force acting on the actuator cable 26 is greater than the preload force provided by the preload element 34 on the locking bar cable cam 32. As the actuator cable 26 moves in the first direction, the locking bar cable cam 32, and thus also the locking bar bolt 30, rotate about the locking bar axis S. A , to remove the folding locking bar 28 from the unfolded position ( Fig. 4) into the folded position ( Fig.8) to pivot. The legs 38 of the hinged locking bar 28, which are coupled to the locking bar bolt 30, follow a profile of the locking bar cable cam 32 to pivot the hinged locking bar 28 into the folded position. When the locking module 12 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the actuating cable 26 is released, and the preload force of the preload element 34 returns the hinged locking bar 28 to the unfolded position, so that the hinged locking bar 28 can engage the locking mechanism 16 to hold the locking module 12 in the closed position.

[0045] As discussed above, the preload element 34 can be reversed to preload the hinged locking bar 28 into the folded position when the locking module 12 is moved into the open position. In this configuration, when the locking module 12 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the actuating cable 26 moves in the first direction to cause the hinged locking bar 28 to pivot from the folded position to the unfolded position.

[0046] The preceding description is exemplary and not limiting. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples may be apparent to a person skilled in the art, which do not necessarily deviate from the core of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection granted by this disclosure can only be determined by reading the following patent claims.

Claims

[1] Vehicle assembly comprising: a locking bar assembly comprising a hinged locking bar which, in response to a movement of a locking module from a closed position to an open position, pivots about a locking bar axis from an extended position to a folded position. [2] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a pretensioning element that pretensions the folding locking bar into the unfolded position. [3] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an actuating cable configured to move the hinged locking bar from the extended position to the folded position in response to the locking module moving from the closed position to the open position, and optionally further comprising a locking bar cable cam, wherein the actuating cable is coupled to the locking bar assembly by the locking bar cable cam. [4] Vehicle assembly according to claim 3, wherein the locking bar cable cam comprises a body rotating about the locking bar axis and a stop projecting radially outwards from the body, wherein the stop is configured to block rotation of the hinged locking bar beyond the unfolded position. [5] Vehicle assembly according to claim 3, further comprising a hinge assembly comprising a hinge cable cam, wherein a first end of the actuating cable is coupled to the locking bar cable cam and an opposite, second end of the actuating cable is coupled to the hinge cable cam, and wherein optionally the hinge assembly comprises an upper hinge and a lower hinge pivoting about a hinge axis, and the hinge cable cam comprising a body and a pin projecting laterally from the body and connecting the upper hinge and the lower hinge, wherein the pin is secured to the upper hinge such that the hinge cable cam pivots with the upper hinge about the hinge axis, and further comprising the locking module, wherein the hinge cable cam rotates about the hinge axis to move the actuating cable in a first direction to cause,that the folding locking bar pivots from the unfolded position to the folded position when the locking module moves from the closed position to the open position. [6] Vehicle assembly according to claim 5, wherein when the folding locking bar is in the unfolded position, the folding locking bar extends perpendicularly away from the locking module, and when the folding locking bar is in the folded-in position, the folding locking bar is folded in against the locking module. [7] Vehicle assembly according to claim 5, wherein the locking module is a hood. [8] Vehicle assembly group comprising: a locking module of a vehicle, wherein the locking module is movable between a closed position and an open position; a locking bar assembly secured at a first point on the locking module, wherein the locking bar assembly includes a hinged locking bar which pivots about a locking bar axis from an extended position to a folded position when the locking module moves from the closed position to the open position; a hinge assembly that is secured at a second point on the locking module; and an actuating cable that connects the locking bar assembly to the hinge assembly in an operable manner. [9] Vehicle assembly according to claim 8, wherein when the locking module is moved from the closed position to the open position, the hinge assembly moves the actuating cable in a first direction to cause the hinged locking lever to pivot from the unfolded position to the folded-in position. [10] Vehicle assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a pre-tensioning element which pre-tensions the folding locking lever from the folded position to the unfolded position when the locking module is moved from the open position to the closed position. [11] Vehicle assembly according to claim 8, wherein the locking bar assembly includes a locking bar cable cam which is coupled to the actuating cable. [12] Vehicle assembly according to claim 8, wherein the hinge assembly includes an upper hinge secured at the second location on the locking module, a lower hinge secured to a body side panel of the vehicle, and a hinge cable cam pivoting about a hinge axis and connecting the upper hinge and the lower hinge, and wherein optionally the hinge cable cam is coupled to the actuating cable. [13] Vehicle locking bar actuation method, comprising: Folding of a folding locking bar of a locking bar assembly in response to a vehicle locking module being moved from a closed position to an open position. [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein moving the locking module from the closed position to the open position moves an actuating cable in a first direction to cause the hinged locking bar to pivot from an extended position to a folded position, and optionally further comprising biasing the hinged locking bar to cause the hinged locking bar to pivot from the folded position to the extended position in response to the locking module being moved from the open position to the closed position. [15] Method according to claim 13, wherein the closure module is a hood.

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