| 摘要 |
<p>A hinge assembly (10) of a front opening bonnet (3) of a motor vehicle (1) comprises a hinge mechanism (4) and an actuator assembly (30). The hinge mechanism (4) is attached towards the rear edge of a front opening bonnet (3) and is arranged to operate in one of two modes depending upon whether a shear pin is engaged or released. When the shear pin is engaged the hinge mechanism (4) operates as a conventional four bar linkage and permits the bonnet (3) to be opened and closed but when the shear pin is released a further link is brought into play which allows the hinge mechanism (4) to raise a rear edge of the bonnet (3) into a safer position. The shear pin is released by the actuator assembly (30) when a frontal impact is occurring or expected to occur. The actuator assembly (30) also provides the force needed to lift the rear of the bonnet (3) into the raised safer position. A latch is also provided to allow the vehicle to be driven home if the shear pin has been inadvertently released or if the vehicle (1) is not seriously damaged.</p> |
