DE102009040405A1 - Hinge for binding cover at motor vehicle, comprises hinge lower section for binding at vehicle body and hinge upper section for binding at vehicle flap - Google Patents

Abstract

The hinge comprises a hinge lower section (3) for binding at a vehicle body and a hinge upper section (4) for binding at a vehicle flap. The hinge lower section and the hinge upper section are movably connected with one another. An actuator (2) is provided, which is assigned at the hinge for the raising of the hinge upper section. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a hinge.

Description

The invention relates to a hinge which has at least one lower hinge part for connection to a vehicle body and a hinge upper part for connection to a vehicle flap, wherein the lower hinge part and the hinge upper part are movably connected to each other and wherein on the hinge an actuator for lifting the upper part of the hinge can be arranged (active Hinge). Typically, upon actuation of the actuator, an associated lift rod is extended, which presses the hinge and thus raises the vehicle door. The invention further relates to a method for operating a hinge.

DE 10 2007 033 325 A1 describes a hinge for the pivotable connection of a cover or hood on a motor vehicle, which comprises a body attachment part, a connecting arm and a hood connection part held thereon, wherein the connecting arm is hinged against the body attachment part pivotally. To realize a pedestrian protection function, the hood connection part is held at the protruding end of the connecting arm in a locked by a locking element against pivoting from a rest position joint.

DE 10 2006 037 831 A1 relates to a pyrotechnic actuator with a housing, a displaceably arranged in a cavity of the housing piston arranged thereon piston rod (the lift rod) and a detonator, wherein at the ignition of the igniter, a quantity of gas is released and by means of this amount of gas, the piston from a starting position, the Resting position, in an end position, the working position, is movable, wherein the piston rod on the way from the starting position to the end position or in the end position triggers a process.

In this case, it is disadvantageous that the actuator can pivot away or tilt away from the hinge during an active impact event, and thus a complete lifting of the vehicle door is not achieved. The tilting can, for example, already come about when the actuator is triggered because the actuator experiences a repulsive force before the lifting plunger has contacted the hinge. However, the tilting can also be caused by the fact that the actuator experiences a counter force after a contacting of the hinge by the lifting tappet. In an extreme case, the stroke plunger of the actuator can leave its stop surface on the hinge. This has the consequence that in an impact, the impacting object, z. B. a pedestrian is not optimally protected because the intended stroke of the vehicle door is not reached.

The object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages mentioned above and in particular to provide a way to operate a hinge with reduced stroke loss.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

To achieve the object, a hinge is proposed, which has at least one lower hinge part for connection to a vehicle body and a hinge upper part for connection to a vehicle flap, wherein the lower hinge part and the hinge upper part are movably connected to each other and wherein an actuator for lifting the upper part of the hinge can be arranged on the hinge is. The actuator is attached by means of an actuator attachment to the hinge.

Due to the actuator attachment, the actuator can no longer be disconnected from the hinge during operation. In addition, this results in a support in the longitudinal direction or actuating direction of the actuator, whereby a stroke loss can be reduced by a yielding of the actuator due to opposing forces in a pushing away of the hinge shell.

However, the actuator can be replaced if necessary. In particular, the actuator is connected to the hinge so that this z. B. can be solved destructively from the hinge in case of repair. For this purpose z. B. a screw or a connection by means of flanging possible. If necessary, the actuator can also be fixedly connected to an actuator holder so that, if required, the actuator holder together with the actuator can be separated from the hinge and replaced by a new actuator holder with an actuator.

It should be noted that the vehicle body may include a chassis or a part of a body or a chassis.

The vehicle flap is, for example, a front flap or a bonnet of a vehicle. However, the approach proposed here is applicable to any hinged flap of a vehicle, e.g. As a tailgate, applicable.

A development is that the actuator attachment surrounds the actuator ring. As a result, the actuator can be held on all sides on the hinge. In addition, the actuator for mounting the active hinge can be easily inserted into an annular opening of the actuator attachment. Furthermore, such actuator attachment is compact and lightweight.

Another development is that the hinge has at least one moment support for the actuator. While the actuator attachment ensures that the actuator can no longer be separated from the hinge during operation or when it is ready for operation (or that it may be detachably connected to it), there is still the possibility that the actuator may be activated during or after a release in or tilted with the actuator attachment. This can be z. B. occur in a thin annular actuator attachment. By means of the torque support, the tilt can be localized. In addition, such a stroke loss can be reduced due to the tilting of the actuator. In other words, the torque support serves as a position or position limit for the actuator, by which a possible tilting of the actuator is limited.

It is also a development that the at least one torque support is arranged on the lower hinge part and is adapted to support the actuator against the lower hinge part. This has the advantage that the torque support is particularly easy to implement. This torque support blocked in other words, an approximation of the actuator to the lower hinge part, as may occur, for example, in a tilting of the actuator.

Further, it is a development that the at least one torque support is adapted to support the actuator (substantially) parallel to the lower hinge part. As a result, a tilting of the actuator and thus a stroke loss can be kept particularly low.

In the context of an additional development, the at least one torque support is bent laterally or laterally at least partially around the actuator. As a result, not only tilting of the actuator can be limited directly in the direction of the lower hinge part, but also in directions obliquely to the lower hinge part. For example, the torque support may be bent around the actuator at least approximately in the shape of a circle sector, in particular around a longitudinal axis of the actuator.

An additional or alternative development is that the hinge upper part is composed of at least a lower hinge upper part and an upper hinge upper part pivotally connected thereto, the upper hinge upper part being provided for connection to the vehicle flap, and the at least one torque support being arranged on the lower hinge upper part and configured to hold the actuator to the lower hinge top. This also prevents tilting of the actuator can be prevented.

One embodiment is that the at least one torque support has a contact surface for the actuator. The contact surface is contacted by the lift rod of the triggered actuator and is used for pressure or stroke transmission to the hinge upper part. The arrangement of the contact surface on the torque support results in a particularly compact design and a particularly tight fit of the actuator to the torque support, which can further reduce tilting.

A special embodiment is that the torque support and the actuator are arranged displaceable relative to each other. This allows the actuator in the course of the lifting process (ie when activating the actuator) in the torque support to compensate for a relative lateral shift position of the torque support move to the actuator. As a result, an undesired torque on the actuator and thus a tilting of the actuator can be suppressed.

Another special embodiment is that the actuator in the untripped state is arranged at a small distance from the moment support or the moment support contacting. Thus, in the event of an active impact, a stroke loss can be further reduced.

A further embodiment consists in that the at least one torque support supports the actuator on a side facing away from the lower hinge upper part. This can be achieved, for example, in that the torque support of the actuator is arched over and angled away on a side facing away from the hinge top.

A next refinement is that the at least one torque support has a bearing surface which is matched to an outer contour of the actuator. Thus, a game of the actuator with respect to the moment support can be kept low and tilting of the actuator when it is activated reduced or largely excluded.

It is also an embodiment that the actuator attachment and / or the at least one moment support is made of sheet metal or are. This is an inexpensive to produce and lightweight embodiment.

Alternatively, the actuator attachment and / or the moment support made of plastic, z. B. made of high-strength plastic, die-cast aluminum, made of steel, forged steel or include such components. The actuator fastening and / or the torque support can also be an aluminum part, a forged part, a cast part, or the like.

A further development is that the at least one torque support is formed integrally with the actuator attachment. In other words, according to this development, the actuator attachment comprise an additional torque support integrally connected to the actuator attachment. As a result, parts can be saved, which allows a more rational production and easier assembly.

For example, a combined torque support and actuator attachment can be made from a metal sheet.

The vehicle flap may be, for example, a front flap, a tailgate and / or a side flap.

The above object is also achieved by a method for operating such a hinge, wherein the actuator is arranged on the hinge and wherein the actuator is triggered and the actuated actuator is at least temporarily supported on the at least one torque support.

Embodiments of the invention are shown and explained schematically with reference to the drawings. In this case, the same or equivalent elements may be provided with the same reference numerals for clarity.

Show it:

1 in an oblique view, a hinge with an attached actuator (active hinge) according to a first embodiment in a rest position;

2 in an oblique view selected parts of the active hinge 1 in the area of the actor;

3 as a sectional view in an oblique view the in 2 illustrated elements of the active hinge;

4 in an oblique view, the actuator and a combined actuator attachment and moment support of the active hinge 1 ;

5 in another oblique view of the actuator and the combined actuator attachment and torque support of the active hinge 1 ;

6 an oblique view of an active hinge according to a second embodiment in a rest position;

7 in an oblique view an enlarged section of the active hinge according to 4 ,

1 shows a hinge 1 with an attached actuator 2 (active hinge) according to a first embodiment in a rest position, 2 shows selected parts of the active hinge 1 . 2 in the area of the actuator 2 and 3 shows a sectional view in an oblique view the in 2 illustrated elements of the active hinge 1 . 2 ,

In 1 to 3 , indicates the hinge 1 a hinge base 3 for connection to a vehicle body and a hinge upper part 4 for connection to a vehicle door, z. As a bonnet, on. The hinge base 3 and the hinge shell 4 are together over a long handlebar 5 and a short handlebar 6 pivotally connected. The actor 2 is on the hinge 1 for lifting the hinge shell 4 arranged and fastened. The hinge shell 4 is made in two parts and consists of a lower hinge upper part 7 and an upper hinge shell 8th which are pivotally connected to each other. The two handlebars 5 . 6 are both on the hinge base 3 as well as on the lower hinge shell 7 pivotally mounted. At the lower hinge upper part 7 is also a damper 9 attached to a movement of the hinge shell 4 or the lower hinge shell 7 and thus the on the upper hinge shell 8th to dampen the attached vehicle flap. The actor 2 is on the hinge 1 by means of an actuator attachment 11 made of a thin sheet metal.

The actuator attachment 11 has a base part 12 for surface attachment to the hinge base 3 on. This is indicated by the base part 12 at least one hook-shaped tab 14 for hooking into the hinge base 3 as well as an implementation 13 for performing a fastener. The actuator attachment 11 further comprises a substantially perpendicular from the base part 12 outwardly directed (from the hinge base 3 directed) annular mounting area 15 for mounting the actuator 2 on. In this annular support area 15 which has a circular recess 15a (Ring opening) for the introduction of the actuator 2 has, is the actuator 2 so used that a top 16 of the actor 2 , from which a lift rod (without reference numeral) upon actuation of the actuator 2 extends, on the mounting area 15 seated. To prevent the actor 2 in the actuator attachment 11 is freely movable, the actuator can 2 For example, in the actuator attachment 11 be glued. As below 4 and 5 can be seen, the actuator attachment 11 be formed as a combination component.

When the actuator is triggered 2 , which may occur, for example, upon detection of an impact or imminent impact of an object on the vehicle door (active crash), the lift plunger jumps out of the top 16 and, after overcoming a short path, enters a contact plate 17 , which with the lower hinge upper part 7 is connected or is part of it. In a further course of this lifting operation, the lower hinge upper part 7 under a simultaneous pivoting of the two handlebars 5 . 6 from the hinge base 3 lifted upwards (approximately in the direction of movement of the lift rod). This is also the upper hinge shell 8th up from the lower hinge top 7 pivoted away. This lifting operation is by means of the damper 9 attenuated. At the end of the lifting process, the hinge is in its open position.

When the actuator is triggered 2 can be a transverse moment on the actuator 2 be exercised, whereby this could turn away or tilt. This could result in the vehicle door not getting the desired stroke.

Turning away or tilting the actuator 2 and thus the Hubstößels can be done, for example, that the actuator 2 against the actuator attachment 11 tilted and / or the mounting area 15 the actuator attachment 11 against the base part 12 bent. In extreme cases, the stroke of the actuator 2 even the contact plate 17 leave or miss. This would have the consequence, for example, that in a collision of a pedestrian this is not optimally protected because the intended stroke of the vehicle door is not achieved.

To tilt the actuator 2 to suppress, the hinge points 1 a moment support 18 on, which as a vertically from the hinge base 3 in the direction of the actuator 2 outgoing projection is formed. This can be the hinge base 3 For example, be machined from a sheet (eg stamped and formed), wherein the torque support 18 is integrally bent from this sheet. The moment support 18 is arranged and set up the actuator 2 against the hinge base 3 support. To tilt the actuator 2 in relation to the hinge base 3 To largely avoid is the torque support 18 designed and dimensioned to be the actuator 2 parallel to the hinge base 3 supported.

Furthermore, the torque support 18 at least partially laterally around the actuator 2 be executed bent around and points to two the actuator at least partially laterally embracing arms 19 on. This will cause the actuator to tilt 2 obliquely to the hinge base 3 prevented.

4 shows an oblique view of the actuator 2 and the actuator attachment 11 of the active hinge 1 . 2 out 1 , and 5 shows in another oblique view the actuator 2 and the actuator attachment 11 , The actuator attachment 11 is now as a one-piece combination component from the Aktorbefestigung 11 and another moment support 20 built up. The moment support 20 has one to the moment support 18 similar function, but is made of a thin sheet, fits tightly to the outer contour of the actuator 2 and has a matching to the outer contour bearing surface (not shown). Because of the actuator attachment 11 and the further moment support 20 are integrally molded from a sheet, results in a compact and lightweight actuator holder.

For positionally secure attachment of the actuator attachment 11 (and the moment support 20 ) on the hinge base 3 indicates the actuator attachment 11 two hook-shaped tabs 14 for hooking into the hinge base 3 on.

6 shows a hinge 101 with the attached actuator 2 according to a second embodiment in a rest position. 7 shows an enlarged section of the active hinge 101 . 2 , The hinge 101 based at least partially on the hinge 1 the first embodiment and has in addition to the elements of the hinge 1 a moment support 121 on. This moment support 121 is designed in the form of a short rail with an angular cross-sectional profile and is on the lower hinge shell 7 arranged. The angular cross-sectional profile supports the torque support 121 the actor 2 at one to the lower hinge upper part 7 away from the side. For this overarching or covering the moment support 121 the actor 2 or its top 16 and embraces the top 16 at the to the lower hinge upper part 7 facing away down. Consequently, the torque support holds 121 the actor 2 on the lower hinge upper part 4 ,

The moment support 121 has a contact surface on its underside 122 for the actor 2 on. The moment support 121 thus serves as a contact plate at the same time. While through the moment support 121 a tilting is further suppressed, the actuator tip 16 in a longitudinal direction of the profile-like moment support 121 glide to the actuator 2 in the course of a lifting process to keep straight and thus tilt-free. For adaptation of the actuator tip 16 to the moment support 121 is the actuator tip 16 in a contact area with the moment support 121 cuboid configured or has a cuboid contact element 123 on.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

hinge

2

actuator

3

Hinge lower

4

Hinge cover

5

long handlebar

6

short handlebar

7

lower hinge top

8th

Upper hinge top

9

damper

11

Aktorbefestigung

12

Base part of the actuator attachment

13

Implementation of the actuator attachment

14

Hook-shaped tab of the actuator attachment

15

Mounting area of the actuator attachment

15a

circular recess of the mounting area

16

actuator tip

17

contact plate

18

torque support

19

Arm of the moment support

20

torque support

101

hinge

121

torque support

122

contact area

123

contact element

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007033325 A1 [0002]
• DE 102006037831 A1 [0003]

Claims (14)

Hinge ( 1 ; 101 ), at least comprising - a hinge base ( 3 ) for connection to a vehicle body and - a hinge upper part ( 4 ) for connection to a vehicle flap, wherein - the lower hinge part ( 3 ) and the hinge top ( 4 ) are movably connected to each other and - wherein at the hinge ( 1 ) an actor ( 2 ) for lifting the hinge upper part ( 4 ), and - wherein the actuator ( 2 ) by means of an actuator attachment ( 11 ) on the hinge ( 1 ) is attached. Hinge ( 1 ; 101 ) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator attachment ( 11 ) the actuator ( 2 ) surrounds annularly. Hinge ( 1 ; 101 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the hinge ( 1 ; 101 ) at least one moment support ( 18 . 20 ; 121 ) for the actuator ( 2 ) having. Hinge ( 1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one moment support ( 18 . 20 ) on the hinge base ( 3 ) is arranged and adapted to the actuator ( 2 ) against the hinge base ( 3 ). Hinge ( 1 ; 101 ) according to one of claims 3 to 4, in which the at least one torque support ( 18 . 20 ; 121 ) is adapted to the actuator ( 2 ) parallel to the hinge base ( 3 ). Hinge ( 101 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which the at least one moment support ( 121 ) laterally at least partially around the actuator ( 2 ) is bent around. Hinge ( 101 ) according to one of claims 3 to 6, in which the hinge upper part ( 4 ) at least from a lower hinge upper part ( 7 ) and an upper hinge upper part pivotally connected thereto ( 8th ), wherein the upper hinge upper part ( 8th ) is provided for connection to the vehicle door, wherein the at least one moment support ( 121 ) on the lower hinge upper part ( 4 ) is arranged and adapted to the actuator ( 2 ) on the lower hinge upper part ( 7 ) to keep. Hinge ( 101 ) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one moment support ( 121 ) a contact surface ( 122 ) for the actuator ( 2 ) having. Hinge ( 101 ) according to claim 8, wherein the torque support ( 121 ) and the actuator ( 2 ) are arranged displaceable relative to each other. Hinge ( 101 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the at least one moment support ( 121 ) the actuator ( 2 ) at one to the lower hinge upper part ( 7 ) facing away from the side. Hinge ( 1 ; 101 ) according to one of claims 3 to 10, in which the at least one torque support ( 20 ; 121 ) one to an outer contour of the actuator ( 2 ) has matching bearing surface. Hinge ( 1 ) according to one of claims 3 to 11, in which the actuator attachment ( 11 ) and / or the at least one moment support ( 18 ) are made of sheet metal. Hinge ( 1 ) according to one of claims 3 to 12, in which the at least one moment support ( 18 ) in one piece with the actuator attachment ( 11 ) is trained. Method for operating a hinge ( 1 ) according to one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the actuator ( 2 ) on the hinge ( 1 ) and wherein the actuator ( 2 ) and the actuated actuator ( 2 ) at least temporarily at the at least one moment support ( 18 . 20 ; 121 ) is supported.

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