DE102009040410B4 - Hinge and method of operating a hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

Hinge, at least comprising a hinge lower part (102, 202) for connection to a vehicle body and a pivotally connected hinge upper part for attachment to a vehicle flap, wherein on the hinge lower part (102, 202) a stop element (111) is mounted to limit movement of the hinge shell , characterized in that the stop element (111) is rotatable by a force acting on the vehicle door by the hinge upper part on the lower hinge part, wherein the stop element is moved only in passive impact and not yet in normal operation.

Description

The invention relates to a hinge with at least one lower hinge part for connection to a vehicle body and a hinged upper part pivotally connected thereto for connection to a vehicle flap and method for operating such a hinge.

For efficient pedestrian protection and especially for a head impact, vehicles must provide a sufficient deformation path in the area of the front flap, in particular in order to achieve so-called HIC (Head Injury Criterion) values. This deformation path is dependent on the specific configuration available and so far mostly insufficient. To achieve a prolonged deformation path, for example, active hinges can be installed, which comprise the actual hinge and an actuator. If a collision with the front flap is to be expected, the upper part of the hinge or the whole hinge with the front flap is shot up by the actuator (active impact).

From the DE 103 43 882 A1 is already a hinge with at least one lower hinge part for connection to a vehicle body and a pivotally connected hinge upper part for connection to a vehicle door known. In this case, the lower hinge part has a stop element for limiting a movement of the upper part of the hinge.

Furthermore, the describes DE 10 2007 033 325 A1 a hinge for the pivotable connection of a cover or hood to 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.

Furthermore, the DE 10 2006 037 831 A1 a pyrotechnic actuator with a housing, a displaceably arranged in a cavity of the housing piston arranged thereon piston rod (the Aktorstößel) and an igniter, wherein at the ignition of the igniter, a quantity of gas is released and by means of this amount of gas, the piston from an initial position, the rest 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 order to ensure that the vehicle door does not exceed or fall short of a predetermined closing angle in normal operation, that is, the vehicle door can not be closed more tightly in normal operation than specified, a stop screw can be provided on the hinge. This stop screw serves as part of a stop element for a gate of the hinge shell. By the backdrop, a maximum degree of pivoting of the vehicle door is set to the hinge upper part. By turning the stop screw in the holder, the contact point can be adjusted with the backdrop. The holder for the screw is previously stamped and formed from the same base plate, from which also the lower hinge part is formed.

In order to achieve the HIC values even for a passive impact event in which the active actuator has not triggered, a sufficient deformation path of the vehicle door is to be ensured. However, the previously used embodiment of the stop screw has the disadvantage that it limits the deformation path of the vehicle door down in passive impact. This is due to the fact that the stop screw holder can only turn away a little way under pressure of the scenery.

The object of the invention is to avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages and in particular to provide a hinge in which the stop of the vehicle door does not significantly hinder yielding thereof.

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 solve the problem, a hinge is proposed, which has at least one lower hinge part for connection to a vehicle body and a pivotally connected thereto hinge upper part for connection to a vehicle door. On the hinge lower part a stop element for limiting a movement of the hinge upper part is attached.

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

The stop element is consequently designed or manufactured as a component which is separate from the hinge base. In particular, the stop element is not integrally connected to the lower hinge part. As a result, its shape, its size and / or its mounting location on the lower hinge part are adjustable so that the stop element in passive impact can deform over a wide area, so that the hinge upper part can push the stop element safely out of its displacement path, even for compact hinge lower parts. As a result, deformation or yielding of the vehicle flap by the stop element is no longer hindered with negative consequences for the HIC values. The movement of the stop element can be easily adjusted, for example, over its length.

Typically, the stop element will only at least partially move from its rest position when a force or corresponding torque exerted by the hinge top on the stop member reaches or exceeds a predetermined limit. This limit value is preferably set so that the stop element is moved only in passive impact and not yet in normal operation.

The limit value of the force or analogous to the torque at which the stop element begins to move can be, inter alia, simply by the length of the stop element or by the length of the lever arm between a contact point to the hinge upper part and a joint with the lower hinge part and by the strength or holding force of the connection to the lower hinge part.

In this case, the stop element is rotatable by a force acting on the vehicle door by the hinge upper part on the lower hinge part. Thereby, the stop element can be easily moved by twisting out of the way of the hinge shell and so a sufficiently long displacement path can be ensured.

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. a tailgate, applicable.

It is an embodiment that the hinge upper part comprises at least one lower hinge upper part and an upper hinge upper part pivotally connected thereto. The upper hinge upper part is intended for connection to the vehicle flap. The upper hinge upper part preferably has a link for limiting a pivoting movement between the lower hinge upper part and the upper hinge upper part. The stop element limits movement of the gate.

To guide the backdrop, a corresponding sliding block can be arranged on the lower hinge upper part.

A further development is that the stop element has a stop screw holder and a screw stop screw arranged in the stop screw holder, wherein the hinge upper part, in particular the link, can be contacted with the stop screw and the stop screw holder is attached to the lower hinge part. Thus, the lifting point of the hinge upper part, in particular the scenery, can be easily adjusted by turning the stop screw. The stop screw holder can then be designed and manufactured independently of the stop screw. Alternatively, however, the stop element can also be made in one piece or more than two parts.

It is also a development that the lower hinge part has a firm support for the stop element. Thus, when the predetermined limit value of the force applied to the stop element by the hinge upper part or the torque applied to the stop element is exceeded, the stop element can deform defined around the overlay, in particular deform substantially plastically. As a result, the limit value of the force from which the stopper member is deformed can be set comparatively accurately. Also, the deformation can be defined locally with high accuracy and also high reproducibility.

The connection between the stop element and the hinge base may be a rotatable or non-rotatable connection in the case of a fixed support and is not limited to a rivet connection. So the connection can also be a welded joint o.ä. include.

In the case of a non-rotatable connection can be dispensed with the fixed support.

It is still a development that the stop element is at least partially separated by the hinge upper part of the lower hinge part. The hinge upper part can at least partially separate or break off the stop element in the event of a passive impact and thus ensure a sufficiently long displacement path of the upper part of the hinge. In particular, a stop screw holder can be separated. The separation can be initiated or effected, for example, by cracking.

The severance may be followed by deformation of the stopper, in particular the stopper screw holder, or may occur substantially without or independently of a deformation of the stopper.

Thus, in the case of a non-rotatable connection with the hinge lower part, this connection can also be designed, for example, as a predetermined breaking connection or predetermined breaking point, which is destroyed when the limit value of the force exerted on the stop element is exceeded. Then, the stop element releases from the hinge base and allows the displacement of the hinge shell.

It is also a development that the lower hinge part has a firm support for the stop element. Thus, the stop element can be defined defined in the area of the fixed support.

It is also a further development that the stop element, when it is moved against or relative to the gate, rubs against the gate. As a result, an impact energy can be partially converted into heat generated by the friction, which additionally dampens the impact. In this case, the stop element does not need to rest on the backdrop for the entire displacement path of the backdrop.

The above object is also achieved by a method for operating a hinge in which the stop element is rotatable, wherein in the method by means of the gate a force is exerted on the stop element (eg in a passive impact) and in which the stop element relative to the lower hinge part is rotated when the force reaches or exceeds a predetermined limit. As a result, the stop element can be easily moved by turning it out of the way of the upper part of the hinge, in particular the link, and thus ensuring a sufficiently long displacement path.

The above object is also achieved by a method for operating a hinge, in which the stop element is at least partially deformable in an impact by the hinge upper part, wherein in the method by means of the hinge upper part, a force is exerted on the stop element and wherein, if a predetermined limit of the force (or the torque) is reached or exceeded, the stop element is deformed or deformed when the force (or torque) reaches or exceeds a predetermined limit. Impact energy can be absorbed by the deformation, which dampens the impact. In this case too, the stop element can be bent far away in the event of passive impact and thus ensure a sufficiently long displacement path of the upper part of the hinge.

A development further consists in that, for example following a deformation but also independently, the stop element is broken off by the hinge upper part. As a result, a particularly small disturbance of the displacement path of the hinge upper part can be achieved in the event of an impact.

A development further consists in that when the predetermined limit value is reached or exceeded, the stop element is rubbed along the hinge upper part in a frictional manner, at least for part of a subsequent displacement path of the upper part of the hinge. As a result, impact energy can be converted into frictional heat.

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.

• 1 in Seitenansicht ein aktives Scharnier mit einem Anschlagelement;
• 2 in Seitenansicht ein zu dem aktiven Scharnier aus 1 passendes Scharnierunterteil gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform mit einem Anschlagelement in einer Ruhestellung;
• 3 in Seitenansicht das Scharnierunterteil aus 2 mit dem Anschlagelement in einem verdrehten Zustand;
• 4 in Seitenansicht ein zu dem aktiven Scharnier aus 1 passendes Scharnierunterteil gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit dem Anschlagelement in einer Ruhestellung;
• 5 in Seitenansicht das Scharnierunterteil aus 4 mit dem Anschlagelement in einem ersten verbogenen Zustand;
• 6 in Seitenansicht das Scharnierunterteil aus 4 mit dem Anschlagelement in einem zweiten, weiter verbogenen Zustand.

Show it:

• 1 in side view, an active hinge with a stop element;
• 2 in side view on to the active hinge 1 matching hinge base according to a first embodiment with a stop element in a rest position;
• 3 in side view of the hinge base 2 with the stopper member in a twisted state;
• 4 in side view on to the active hinge 1 matching hinge base according to a second embodiment with the stop element in a rest position;
• 5 in side view of the hinge base 4 with the stopper member in a first bent state;
• 6 in side view of the hinge base 4 with the stop element in a second, further bent state.

1 shows a side view of a hinge 1 for connecting a vehicle door, in particular front flap, to a vehicle. The hinge 1 is in its starting position or rest position.

The hinge has a hinge base 2 for attachment to the vehicle, in particular its body, and a hinge upper part 3 for fastening the vehicle door on. The hinge shell 3 is from an upper hinge shell 4 and a lower hinge shell 5 composed, which are mutually pivotable. To attach the vehicle door is the upper Hinge top 4 provided. The hinge base 2 and the hinge shell 3 are pivotally connected to each other via two connecting arms, via a short link 6 and a long handlebar 7 , The long handlebar 7 is directly on the hinge base 2 and at the lower hinge top 5 pivotally mounted or rotatably mounted. The short handlebar 6 is directly with the lower hinge upper part 5 and an intermediate lever 16 with the hinge base 2 pivotally connected or rotatably connected. The intermediate lever 16 is in normal operation via a swivel joint 17 and a shearing rivet 18 with the hinge base 2 connected. In normal operation, the intermediate lever is thus fixed in position to the lower hinge part 2 arranged.

In the active impact case, a possible upcoming impact of a frontally collided with the vehicle object is detected, for. B. by a crash sensor. In this case, the lower hinge shell 5 and thus the upper hinge upper part 4 and the vehicle door by means of a pyrotechnic actuator 8th pressed upwards at high speed to reduce the impact.

Alternatively, the actuator may be another actuator, e.g. a bimetal actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electrochemical actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an electrostrictive actuator and / or a magnetostrictive actuator, with or without a Hubverstärkung. Also, several combinations of the aforementioned actuators can be used.

The upper hinge shell 4 has a down-facing backdrop 9 on. The scenery 9 is by means of one on the lower hinge shell 5 fortified scenery stone 10 guided. By means of this link guide 9 . 10 becomes a measure of pivoting, corresponding to an opening angle, between the upper hinge top 4 and the lower hinge shell 5 limited. In the rest position shown, the upper hinge upper part lies 4 on the lower hinge shell 5 on, and the scenery 9 lies on a stop element 11 of the hinge base 2 on. This allows the upper hinge shell 4 and thus the vehicle door is not pushed further down.

The stop element 11 has a stop screw 12 and a stopper screw holder 13 on. The stop screw holder 13 is here punched out of the same base plate and reshaped, from which also the lower hinge part 2 is formed. The stop screw holder 13 and the hinge base 2 are thus made in one piece. A precise adjustment of the rest position of the scenery 9 can be adjusted by turning the stop screw up or down 12 in the stopper screw holder 13 to reach.

In passive impact (indicated by the arrow A ) should, however, the stop element 11 the scenery 9 do not stop me from diving. For this purpose, in the case shown, the stop element 11 through the scenery 9 out of the way (indicated by an arrow D ), if the force, that of the scenery 9 on the stop element 11 is exercised (indicated by the arrow F ), big enough.

During or after the way of the stop 11 pushes the scenery 9 also the intermediate lever 16 downward. This will be the Abscherniet 18 destroyed, and the intermediate lever 16 can over the hinge 17 to be turned down.

However, the problem arises that the bending of the stopper element 11 occurs in a relatively small space area and therefore it is not ensured that the stop element 11 can be bent far enough away.

2 shows one to the hinge 1 out 1 matching hinge base 102 with a stop element 111 in a rest position.

The stop element 111 has a stop screw 12 and a stopper screw holder 113 on. An exact setting of in 2 shown rest position of the upper hinge shell can also be here by turning up or down the stop screw 12 in the stopper screw holder 113 to reach.

Unlike the in 1 shown stop element 11 is the stop screw holder 113 now with respect to the hinge base 102 separately manufactured component that only later on the lower hinge part 102 was fastened, by means of a riveted joint 114 ,

At a contact of the scenery 9 with the stop screw 12 gets through the scenery 9 the power F from above onto the stop screw 12 exercised. In the rest position, in which the vehicle door is closed, this force F so small that the stopper 111 is not moved.

In a collision with the vehicle door, however, increases the force F so far that the stopper element 111 now as a whole about the rivet connection 114 is turned, as in 3 shown. Because the length of the stopper screw holder 113 compared to the length of the stop screw holder 13 out 1 big, the stopper can be 111 be moved far and in particular in this way far from the displacement path of the scenery 9 be turned out that a deformation path of the vehicle door is no longer significantly impeded.

A limit of force F , when reaching or exceeding the stop element 111 can be adjusted, for example, by a length of the stopper screw holder 113 and / or a strength of the riveted joint 114 , The strength or holding force of the riveted joint 114 can be set with a comparatively high accuracy.

In the rotated position or state of the stop element 111 can the stop screw 12 to a surface of the scenery (eg an in 1 bold surface R ), since the riveted connection 114 continue the stop screw holder 113 on the hinge base 102 holds. When shifting the scenery 9 against the stop element 111 can be at least partially converted into frictional heat so an impact energy, which dampens the impact stronger.

4 indicates one to the active hinge 1 matching hinge base 202 according to a second embodiment with the stop element 111 in a rest position. Unlike the in 2 and 3 embodiment shown has the hinge base 202 in addition a fixed edition 215 for the stop element 111. The solid edition 215 prevents twisting of the stop element 111 due to a force application through the scenery 9 ,

In the event of a collision with the vehicle flap, the force can in this case F Raise so far that the stop screw holder 113 the stop element 111 is at least locally elastically-plastically deformed, as in 5 and further in 6 is indicated. This also allows the stop element 111 be moved far and especially so far from the displacement path of the scenery 9 be turned away that a deformation path of the vehicle door is not significantly hindered.

In addition, the stop screw 12 for generating friction to the surface R of the backdrop 9 pressed (see 1 ) be, for example, in a progressing Verschiebungsweg the backdrop 9 increasing deformation and / or due to an elastic spring back of the stop screw holder 113 in an elastic-plastic deformation.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.

So can from a certain degree of deformation of the fixed support 215 resting stop element 111 cracking occurs in the stopper screw holder 113, resulting in breakage of the stopper screw holder 113 can lead.

Also, in the case where the stopper screw holder is to deform in the passive crash case, another connection means may be used as a riveted joint, e.g. a welded joint.

Further, in the event that the stopper screw holder should turn away in a passive crash, another connection means may be used as a riveted joint, e.g. a screw or a bolt connection.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

hinge

2

Hinge lower

3

Hinge cover

4

Upper hinge top

5

lower hinge top

6

short handlebar

7

long handlebar

8th

actuator

9

scenery

10

sliding block

11

stop element

12

stop screw

13

Stop screw holder

16

intermediate lever

17

swivel

18

Abscherniet

102

Hinge lower

111

stop element

113

Stop screw holder

114

rivet

202

Hinge lower

215

firm edition

A

Force on a vehicle flap

D

Direction of rotation of the stop element

F

Force on the stop element

R

rubbing surface of the backdrop

Claims (6)

Hinge, at least comprising a hinge lower part (102, 202) for connection to a vehicle body and a pivotally connected hinge upper part for attachment to a vehicle flap, wherein on the hinge lower part (102, 202) a stop element (111) is mounted to limit movement of the hinge shell , characterized in that the stop element (111) is rotatable by a force acting on the vehicle door by the hinge upper part on the lower hinge part, wherein the stop element is moved only in passive impact and not yet in normal operation. Hinge after Claim 1 in which - the hinge upper part comprises at least one lower hinge upper part and an upper hinge upper part pivotally connected thereto, - the upper hinge upper part is provided for connection to the vehicle flap, - the upper hinge upper part has a gate for limiting a pivoting movement between the lower hinge upper part and the upper hinge upper part and - the stop member (111) limits movement of the gate. Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, in which the stop element (111) has a stop screw holder (113) and a stop screw (12) screwed into the stop screw holder (113), wherein the hinge upper part can be contacted with the stop screw (12) and wherein the stop screw holder (113) is attached to the hinge base (102; 202). Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, in which the stop element (111) is fastened to the lower hinge part (102; 202) by means of a rivet connection (114). Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lower hinge part (202) has a fixed support (215) for the stop element (111). Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, in which the stop element (111), when it is moved against the hinge upper part, rubs against the upper hinge part.

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