Abstract
A motor vehicle has a body structure and a bonnet pivotally connected towards a rear edge of the bonnet by at least one hinge assembly 10 and at least one actuator assembly 30 selectively operable to cause the rear of the bonnet to move from a lowered position to a raised position on actuation of the actuator assembly 30. Each hinge assembly 10 comprises a hinge mechanism 4 having a four bar linkage operable during normal use to pivotally connect the rear hinged bonnet to the body structure of the motor vehicle facilitating opening and closing of the bonnet. A locking means holds the hinge mechanism in its normal position until operation of the actuator releases the locking means and raises the rear edge of the bonnet. Preferably, sensor means 6 provide a signal indicating an impact to an electronic control unit 5 which forms part of the actuator assembly 30.; Advantageously the hinge assembly 10 allows the rear edge of a rear hinged bonnet to rapidly lift during a collision such as with a pedestrian.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Patent number | GB2386875A |
| IPC | E05D 3/06 ,B60R21/34,B60R21/38 |
| Priority date | 27/03/02 |
| Filing date | 27/02/03 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2003 |