CN112277871A

CN112277871A - Device for adjusting the impact position of a front cover of a vehicle having a locking element

Info

Publication number: CN112277871A
Application number: CN202010632524.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: O.P.亨切尔
Original assignee: Volkswagen AG
Current assignee: Volkswagen AG
Priority date: 2019-07-24
Filing date: 2020-07-02
Publication date: 2021-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-02
Also published as: DE102019119990A1; DE102019119990B4; CN112277871B

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting a collision position of a front cover of a vehicle. For this purpose, the locking bow is releasably connected to the front cover by means of at least one locking element. Furthermore, at least one energy accumulator is arranged between the front cover and the lock frame. The at least one energy store is prestressed in the initial position. If a collision of the vehicle with a traffic participant is detected, the at least one locking element is disengaged by means of a device provided for this purpose and the coupling between the locking bow and the front cover is thereby released. Thereby activating the at least one energy accumulator and the front cover is adjusted into the crash position. The collision position is restricted by the restricting member so that the maximum opening width can be preset. The vehicle latch remains latched in the crash pad.

Description

Device for adjusting the impact position of a front cover of a vehicle having a locking element

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for adjusting the impact position of a front cover of a vehicle having a locking element for achieving an increased deformation path, and to a vehicle having such a device.

Background

To protect pedestrians and other traffic participants in a collision with a vehicle, a number of insurance systems have been developed. It should reduce the severity of casualties that may result from such collisions.

In addition, other passive measures are used, which aim at a front cover that is as soft as possible. This is not always possible, however, since the front cover is susceptible to vibrations caused by the travel path and/or by the fluid, or the possible deformation path of the front cover is limited by the engine block.

Another important way of developing the insurance system is therefore to increase the deformation path of the skin of the vehicle, in particular in the front region of the vehicle. For this purpose, for example, raisable front covers have been developed, in which the distance between a deformable, in this case energy-absorbing, front cover and the underlying non-deformable vehicle part, mainly the engine block, is increased in that the front cover is rotated about its hinge axis and is thereby raised on the side opposite the hinge axis. But also the front cover is erected by erecting the hinge on the hinge axis, which also increases the deformation path.

Alternatively, systems are also known in which the increase in the distance is achieved by lifting the entire front cover. The above system is also referred to as an active system. The actuating mechanism can be an airbag device which is triggered by a sensor device when a collision is detected, but can also be a pyrotechnic thruster or a spring system. Some known systems also incorporate force limiting devices to provide for a targeted dissipation of energy when the retraction movement of the front cover is created by a crash.

The problem of the known system is to meet the opposing requirements, namely the increased deformation path, the more yielding design of the connecting region in the region of the front cover lock and the front cover hinge, and the necessary strength requirements. Furthermore, the known solutions have a complex mechanical design and require a large amount of construction space.

Individual active systems are also known, in which, in addition or as an alternative, the front cover lock is unlocked or at least partially unlocked and the front cover is lifted and placed in the so-called catch position of the catch. Although this results in an increase in the deformation path in the front region of the front cover, the deformation path is generally limited to approximately 20 mm due to the length of the catch.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a possibility for a further increase in the deformation path of the front cover of the vehicle, and in this case to ensure that the deformation path is increased quickly and reliably in the event of a collision with a traffic participant.

The object of the invention is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and a vehicle according to claim 10. Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the further features mentioned in the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention for adjusting the impact position of a front cover of a vehicle with an increased deformation path is designed with a locking bow which, in the use position, engages with a catch arranged in a locking bracket of the vehicle and is characterized in that at least one energy store is arranged between the locking bracket and the front cover and interacts with the locking bracket and the front cover, the locking bow being releasably couplable to the front cover of the vehicle by means of at least one locking element (or latching element), whereby the at least one energy store can be adjusted to an initial position and the at least one locking element is connected to a device for releasing (or unlatching, unlocking) the at least one locking element, wherein the at least one energy store can be activated and the impact position of the front cover can be adjusted by releasing the at least one locking element and a limiting element is arranged on the locking bow and/or in the locking bow, the restricting member restricts adjustment of the collision position.

In this case, the crash position is a position of the front flap in which the front flap assumes a raised or upright position relative to the rigid vehicle structure (or body structure), i.e. in which the front flap is raised relative to its normal use position in the region opposite the hinge axis, in which the front flap is rotated about the hinge axis and thereby at least partially opened.

The increased deformation path is to be understood as meaning that the distance of the front cover from the rigid vehicle structure and thus from the engine block, which is achieved by the impact position of the front cover, allows a greater deformation of the front cover upon impact with a traffic participant, and thus absorbs a greater part of the impact energy, than in an impact without impact position adjustment.

The device according to the invention has a locking bow which, in the use position, i.e. when the front cover is closed, engages with a catch arranged in a lock frame of the vehicle. For locking the front cover lock, the locking bow engages with the locking catch, i.e. hooks in the broadest sense. The catch is arranged or constructed in a so-called lock frame. Here, the concept of a lock frame is applicable to all types of structures that enable the arrangement, positioning and holding of the lock catches. The front cover cannot be opened as long as the lock bow and the lock catch are engaged.

At least one energy accumulator is arranged between the lock frame and the front cover and interacts with the lock bow and the front cover. The at least one energy store is designed and designed to move, preferably lift, the front cover relative to the catch frame in order to increase the deformation path of the front cover in the event of a collision with a traffic participant. Preferably, at least one energy accumulator is arranged on the lock frame and interacts with the front cover, but this is not limited to this design.

The locking bow can be releasably coupled to a front cover of the vehicle by means of at least one locking element. In contrast to the connection to the front cover by means of screws, which is common in the prior art, at least one locking element is provided, which allows a releasable connection of the locking bow to the front cover. The relative position of the locking bow and the front cover is fixed by the releasable locking of the locking bow on the front cover. For this purpose, the locking bow is at least partially embedded in the front cover and is releasably connected to the at least one locking element or is in any other suitable manner snap-in and releasably fixed to the front cover. Thus, the initial position of the at least one accumulator can be adjusted. This is achieved, in particular, by closing the front cover in the case of a releasable locking bow of the latch. The state of the initial position of the at least one energy store is that in this state energy is present or provided, i.e. available, for adjusting the impact position in order to adjust the impact position in the event of an impact and thus lift the front cover and increase the deformation path. The locking bow can be releasably coupled with a front cover of the vehicle, in particular, by means of at least two locking elements.

The at least one locking element is connected to a device for releasing the at least one locking element, wherein, for example, in the event of a collision of the vehicle with a traffic participant, the at least one energy store can be activated and the collision position of the front cover can be adjusted by releasing the at least one locking element. The device for releasing the at least one locking element is designed and embodied such that the at least one locking element is released or moved away, so that the coupling between the locking bow and the front cover is released. By releasing the coupling, at least one energy store is activated, which is to be understood as meaning that the release of the energy provided in the energy store is triggered and effected thereby. In this case, in the case of a design with more than one locking element, each locking element can be connected to the device for releasing, or a plurality of locking elements can be connected to the same device for releasing.

Furthermore, a limiting element is arranged on and/or in the locking bow, which limiting element limits the adjustment of the impact position. It is therefore to be avoided that the front flap opens too widely when adjusting the crash position, i.e. that an excessive gap is formed between the open front flap and the components located underneath the front flap. Such gaps can lead to additional risks of injury, for example, as a result of traffic participants becoming trapped in the gap during a fall or collision. The limiting of the deformation path is achieved in that a limiting element is arranged in and/or on the locking bow, which limiting element interacts with the locking bow and the front cover in order to limit the deflection of the front cover when the impact position is adjusted.

With the device according to the invention, it is achieved that the front cover is raised in the region of the front cover lock and can thus be brought into the crash position without the front cover lock having to be unlocked there, i.e. without the locking bow being released from engagement with the catch; or to limit the size of the catch position of the front cover lock. What is achieved thereby is that a stroke and thus an increased deformation path is achieved in the front region of the front cover, while the device according to the invention should not be limited to an arrangement in the front region of the front cover. Since the front cover lock is not unlocked and the adjustment of the crash position is also limited by the limiting element, an undesired opening of the front cover can be avoided and the risk of damage caused by an open front cover or vehicle components exposed below is reduced.

In a first preferred embodiment, the limiting element is a cable and/or a bracket. The cable may be placed on the lock bow with each end connected to the lock bow. The cable is preferably guided from the locking bow through a recess or opening provided for this purpose into the front cover and is guided out again through an opening or recess additionally provided for this purpose from the front cover and into the locking bow. Alternatively or additionally, cable guides can be provided in and/or on the front cover, which cable guides define the course of the cables and prevent the cables from coming into contact with other components under or on the front cover. Functionally, the cable and the locking bow form a closed system, which is connected to the catch of the vehicle in the use position by means of the locking bow and to the front cover by means of the cable. The front cover can thus be opened by unlocking the locking bow, wherein the cable remains in its position.

The opening width of the front cover when adjusting the collision position is determined by the length of the cable. When the crash position is set, the front cover is lifted or opened by the at least one energy store at least partially along the cable to the extent allowed by the cable. The cable can be stowed in and/or around the device when not in use, saving space.

Alternatively, the limiting element can be a bracket, which is arranged on and/or in the locking bow. The bracket is movably mounted in such a way that it is moved together in the direction of the opening when the crash position is set, but the movement of the front cover is limited by its structural dimensions and mounting. This achieves greater stability in the region of the front cover and ensures that the front cover can be raised to the impact position without warping.

Another alternative consists in the combination of a cable and a bracket, wherein the bracket is arranged in the region of the front cover and is connected to the locking bow by means of the cable. Thereby combining the advantages of both schemes.

Preferably, the limiting element is elastic and/or is arranged at least partially in the locking bow. The elasticity of the limiting element is understood to mean that the limiting element can change its dimensional extent, preferably over its length, at least in part. This allows the insertion of a limiting element which is reduced or shortened in its size and which is stretched when the impact position is adjusted, and nevertheless depends on the elasticity selected. The maximum opening width of the front cover is thereby purposefully adjusted. Alternatively or additionally, the limiting element can be arranged at least partially in the locking bow, i.e. it can be introduced, filled or retracted at least partially into the locking bow. The limiting element can thus be stored in the locking bow at least partially in a space-saving manner until the limiting element is at least partially pulled out of the locking bow for limiting the impact position.

Particularly preferably, two energy stores are arranged in the device, in particular symmetrically with respect to the locking bow. The energy accumulator is arranged adjacent to the lock bow, i.e. along the lock frame, next to the lock bow or next to the catch. The use of two energy stores reduces the energy which is to be supplied to each energy store for adjusting the impact position, so that smaller energy stores can be installed and the required installation height can be reduced. By means of the symmetrical arrangement of the energy stores relative to the locking bow, it is possible to ensure that the front cover does not tilt and/or rise unevenly when the impact position is adjusted, and thus to ensure an even increase in the deformation path along the front cover.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element can comprise a cotter pin, a screw and/or a fork. The cotter pin is a safety or locking element in the vehicle structure and serves to fix the position of the component connected to the cotter pin in a direction different from the direction of the main load in operation. The locking bow is thereby brought into a desired position relative to the front cover and the cotter pin comes into engagement with the locking bow in order to fix the relative position of the locking bow relative to the front cover.

The pin is likewise a securing or locking element which is inserted transversely to the load direction. The pin is generally cylindrical and fits in the same manner as the cotter pin to fix the position of the locking bow relative to the front cover. A forked structure may also be used to fix the relative position of the locking bow with respect to the front cover.

In the case of designs with two or more locking elements, the locking elements can be configured jointly or differently with respect to one another.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least one energy store is formed by a compression spring, in particular a threaded compression spring and/or a gas spring. The concept of a spring is not only applied to compression springs, but also to gas springs. The energy for adjusting the impact position of the front cover is accordingly provided and realized in this embodiment by the spring force. In the design with a spring, this is achieved by the compression of the spring and the securing in this position, for example by locking the locking bow on the front cover and closing the front cover. That is to say the spring is pretensioned in the initial position. When the at least one locking element is released, the coupling between the locking bow and the front cover is released and the at least one spring presses the front cover upwards. The pretension present in the at least one spring releases and releases the stored energy. In this way, a compressed spring is provided in the initial position, in contrast to which the impact position of the front cover is adjusted by the release and extension of the spring. In the device according to the invention, the increase in the opening width or deformation path of the front cover is dependent on the energy provided in the at least one energy accumulator and can be set in a targeted manner by this means, as will also be explained in more detail below.

The pressure spring, in particular a helical pressure spring, is advantageously designed with a guide element, which guides the expansion of the spring and prevents lateral deflection when the impact position is set.

Preferably, the increase in the deformation path of the front cover can be adjusted by means of a spring force and/or a spring travel. The stroke height of the front cover and thus the increase in the deformation path when adjusting the crash position is dependent on the energy stored in the at least one energy accumulator, i.e. on the spring strength and/or the spring travel by the compression spring in the case of a compression spring, or on the initial pressure for the rebound and/or the spring travel in the case of a gas spring. By means of this correlation, the energy accumulator and its properties, for example the spring force defined by the spring strength or the initial pressure for the spring and/or spring travel, are selected on the basis of the deformation path increase to be achieved in order to achieve the desired travel height or impact position. By selecting at least one energy accumulator, the enlargement of the deformation path can be adjusted.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the means for releasing the at least one locking element has or interacts with at least one means for detecting a collision. In order to trigger the adjustment of the impact position of the device according to the invention, a triggering event must be detected, in dependence on which one or more of the locking elements are released, the energy in at least one energy accumulator is released and the impact position is adjusted.

The triggering event may be the detection of a collision of a traffic participant, in particular a pedestrian or a cyclist, with a front part of the vehicle. The detection of the collision can preferably be done by means of at least one sensor device. At least one of the sensor devices or at least one further system for detecting a collision of a traffic participant can be provided in the device for releasing at least one locking element, or can also interact with the device for releasing at least one locking element in such a way that a detected collision is transmitted to the device for releasing at least one locking element, and subsequently the at least one locking element is released.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the means for releasing the at least one locking element are formed by a mechanical release, an electrically controlled release, a pyrotechnic thruster and/or an electromagnetically controlled release. In this case, unlocking is to be understood as the release, i.e. the disengagement, of the at least one locking element, so that the at least one energy store is activated and the crash position of the front cover is adjusted. The mechanical unlocking means can be, for example, bowden cables, which are designed and designed to remove at least one locking element by traction after a collision has been detected. Thereby decoupling the front cover from the locking bow and releasing the energy of the at least one energy accumulator. An electrically controlled release, an electromagnetically controlled release and/or a pyrotechnic thruster is to be understood in the broadest sense as a system for opening and closing the device and for releasing at least one locking element, so as to release the connection or coupling between the front cover and the locking bow.

A vehicle with at least one device according to the invention for adjusting the impact position of a vehicle front cover for achieving an increased deformation path is also claimed. Preferably, the device with the catch is arranged centrally at or on the lock bracket or centrally at the front edge of the front cover of the vehicle. This ensures that the impact position is adjusted uniformly without tilting the front cover. However, it is also possible, for example, to provide two latches, each having a device according to the invention, which are arranged symmetrically, in particular with respect to the center axis of the vehicle.

With the device according to the invention and in a vehicle with the device according to the invention, the front cover of the vehicle can be moved into a collision position, which upon impact with a traffic participant increases the deformation path of the front cover. The impact position of the front cover is thereby achieved extremely rapidly. The device according to the invention has a simple mechanical construction while the installation space is small. The device according to the invention can be used in a vehicle together with a conventional catch and also as an additional component.

The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in the present application can be advantageously combined with each other if not separately stated otherwise.

Drawings

The invention is elucidated below in the examples with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a sectional view through a device according to the invention in an initial position, and

fig. 2 shows a sectional view through the device according to the invention in the impact position.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a sectional view through a device according to the invention in an initial position for adjusting the impact position for achieving an increased deformation path. The device is designed with a locking bow 10 which engages with a locking catch 14 arranged on or held by a locking frame 12.

The latch bow 10 is connected to a front cover 24 of the vehicle, as will be described in more detail below. The front cover 24 is closed by the engagement of the locking bow 10 with the locking catch 14.

In fig. 1, the locking bow 10 is inserted into the front cover 24 at least in part in its initial position and is releasably connected or coupled to the front cover 24 by means of two locking elements 18 embodied as cotter pins (or cotter pins). Other locking members, such as pins, may also be used to releasably connect the lock bow 10 to the front cover 24. A guide for the cotter 18 is preferably provided in the front cover 24, which guide predetermines and fixes the direction of movement of the cotter 18.

The cotter pins 18 are each connected to a device 20 for releasing the cotter pins 18, which in this case functions as a mechanical unlocking device, for example in the form of a bowden cable 20. Alternatively or additionally, a pyrotechnic thruster or a motor-controlled unlocking mechanism can also be used here.

The locking bow 10 is connected to a cable 22 that limits the movement of the front cover 24 when adjusting the impact position. Preferably, the cable 22 is guided through a recess or opening into or out of the front cover 24, and in particular through the front cover 24 with a cable guide (not shown). Here, the maximum opening width of the front cover 24 can be adjusted by the length of the cable 22. Alternatively, a bow, by means of which the limitation can be made, is also used instead of the cable 22.

Two energy stores 16 are arranged between the front cover 24 and the lock frame 12 at the same distance from the lock bow 10. The energy accumulator is designed as a helical spring 16, but a design with a gas spring is likewise possible. The front cover 24 is closed with the locking bow 10 locked, so that the helical spring 16 is compressed and thus assumes an initial position in which energy is provided for adjusting the front cover 24. By selecting the helical spring 16 as a function of its spring travel and the available spring force, the opening width that can be achieved when the spring 16 is discharged can be adjusted. Furthermore, the elasticity of the flexibility of the front cover in the event of an impact on a traffic participant can be adjusted thereby. By means of the symmetrical arrangement of the helical spring 16 with respect to the locking bow 10, a uniform opening of the front cover 24 without tilting when adjusting the crash position can be ensured. An embodiment is alternatively possible in which an energy accumulator 16 is arranged centrally in the region of the lock catch 14.

The device, in particular the means 20 for releasing the cotter 18, is coupled with means for detecting a collision (not shown). The device for detecting a collision detects a collision with a traffic participant and activates the device 20 for releasing the cotter 18, so that the cotter 18 is pulled by means of the bowden cable 20. Thereby releasing the connection of the locking bow 10 to the front cover 24, the helical spring 16 is activated and releases its energy, wherein the impact position of the front cover 24 is adjusted. This impact position is shown in fig. 2.

In adjusting the impact position, the front cover 24 is moved by the coil spring 16 away from the lock frame 12 to the open position. The locking bow 10 is guided out of its position in the front cover 24, and the front cover 24 is opened further until the movement is limited by the cable 22. The cable 22 can be designed in an elastic manner and thus allow a predefined opening width or, in the initial position, can be arranged at least partially in the locking bow 10 and, when opened, can be guided out of the latter. In the embodiment with a bow instead of the cable 22, the bow is likewise arranged at least partially in the locking bow 10 and is guided out of the latter when the impact position is adjusted.

During adjustment of the impact position, the locking bow 10 itself is not unlocked, but remains engaged with the shackle 14.

List of reference numerals

10 lock bow

12 lock rack

14 lock catch

16 energy accumulator

18 locking element

Device for releasing a locking element 20

22 limiting piece

24 front cover

Claims

1. A device for adjusting the impact position of a front cover (24) of a vehicle with an increased deformation path, which device is designed with a locking bow (10) which, in the use position, engages with a catch (14) arranged in a lock holder (12) of the vehicle, characterized in that at least one energy accumulator (16) is arranged between the lock holder (12) and the front cover (24) and interacts with the lock holder and the front cover, the locking bow (10) being releasably couplable to the front cover (24) of the vehicle by means of at least one locking element (18), as a result of which the at least one energy accumulator (16) can be adjusted to an initial position, and the at least one locking element (18) is connected to a device (20) for releasing the at least one locking element, wherein the at least one energy accumulator (16) can be activated and the impact position of the front cover (24) can be adjusted by releasing the at least one locking element (18), and a limiting element (22) is arranged on the locking bow (10) and/or in the locking bow (10), said limiting element limiting the adjustment of the impact position.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the limiting member (22) is a cable and/or a bow.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the limiting member (22) is elastic and/or at least partially arranged in the locking bow (10).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two energy accumulators (16) are arranged, in particular two energy accumulators (16) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the lock bow (10).

5. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (18) comprises a cotter pin, a screw and/or a fork-like structure.

6. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one energy accumulator (16) is formed by a pressure spring, in particular a helical pressure spring and/or a gas spring.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the increase of the deformation path of the front cover (24) can be adjusted by means of a spring force and/or a spring stroke.

8. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (20) for releasing the at least one locking element (18) have or cooperate with at least one means for detecting a collision.

9. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (20) for releasing the at least one locking element (18) are constituted by a mechanical unlocker, a pyrotechnic thruster, an electrically controlled unlocker and/or an electromagnetically controlled unlocker.

10. Vehicle with at least one device for adjusting the collision position of a front cover (24) of a vehicle with an increased deformation path achieved according to one of the preceding claims.