Latching mechanism for a closure panel using multiple latches

Abstract

The invention relates to a latching mechanism for facilitating opening and closing of a closure panel of a vehicle. The latch mechanism comprises: a first latch mounted in a first location to one of a body of the vehicle and the closure panel, the first location positioned on a first side of the vehicle, the first latch coupling the closure panel to the body of the vehicle when engaged with a corresponding first mating latch component; a second latch mounted in a second location to one of the body and the closure panel, the second location positioned on a second side of the vehicle, the second latch coupling the closure panel to the body of the vehicle when engaged with a corresponding second mating latch component; wherein one of the first latch and the second latch is maintained in a latched state and the other of the first latch and the second latch is in an unlatched state when the closure panel is moved between an open position and a closed position. The invention also relates to a method for operating the latching mechanism mentioned above.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to latching mechanisms for closing panels. Background technique [0002] Some vehicles are equipped with closure panels, such as liftgates, that are driven between an open position (position 2) and a closed position (position 1) using an electrically driven lift or opening system. Disadvantages of current systems include the bulky form factor that takes up valuable vehicle cargo space, for example, space along vertical supports that define the openings and passages of the rear liftgate or commonly referred to as the front trunk (via the battery The storage space that the front hood of the powered vehicle enters). As a result, current systems tend to limit the size of access through openings and into the interior cargo space, require additional lift support systems such as gas struts and other balance mechanisms in series, require greater manual effort by the operator at the panel handle The manual opening and closing wo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Drawbacks of current systems include bulky form factors that take up valuable vehicle cargo space, for example, space along the vertical supports that define the opening and passage of the rear liftgate or commonly referred to as the front trunk (via battery storage space accessed by the front hood of the powered vehicle)

As such, current systems tend to limit the size of access through the opening and into the interior cargo space, require additional lift support systems in series such as gas struts and other counterbalance mechanisms, require significant operator-applied manual force at the panel handles have unacceptable effects on manual opening and closing efforts, and / or have temperature effects resulting in variable manual effort required by the operator due to fluctuations in ambient temperature

[0003] Additionally, conventional opening hoods, trunks, and liftgates do not accommodate convenient curbside access

Additionally, items stored towards the rear of the storage compartment may be difficult to access from the front of the vehicle

Images