WO2016120078A1

WO2016120078A1 - Adjustment device for adjusting a vehicle bonnet by means of external force

Info

Publication number: WO2016120078A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/050618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael HÖPPEL; Christian Kahl; Maik Rienecker; Markus Treichl
Original assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Coburg
Priority date: 2015-01-30
Filing date: 2016-01-14
Publication date: 2016-08-04
Also published as: DE102015201705A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustment device for adjusting a bonnet (1) of a vehicle by means of external force, wherein the bonnet (1) can be adjusted by means of external force via a drive unit (2, 3) between a closed position into at least one additional intermediate position in which the bonnet (1) is only partially open or lifted relative to the closed position. According to the invention, the drive unit (2, 3) is designed and provided to adjust the bonnet (1) at a first adjustment speed (ω1) into a first intermediate position and to adjust the bonnet at a second adjustment speed (ω2), which is different to the first adjustment speed, into a second intermediate position. As a result, two different possibilities for adjustment of the bonnet (1) are provided, for example, in order to adjust the bonnet on the one hand into a service position and, on the other hand, to lift the bonnet in a crash or pre-crash scenario in order to improve pedestrian protection.

Description

Adjustment device for power-operated adjustment

Vehicle front hood

The present invention relates to an adjusting device for externally power-operated adjustment of a front hood of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

Under a (vehicle) front hood is understood here, for example, a hood or a boot lid, which is arranged on the front of the vehicle. In this context, it is already well known to make a front hood power-operated and automatically adjust in order to reduce the risk of injury to the pedestrian with regard to a collision of the vehicle with a pedestrian. Here, upon detection of a collision or sensory detection of an impending collision case, the front hood is moved to an intermediate position in which the front hood is only partially opened or raised relative to a closed position. In this raised or partially open intermediate position, the risk of injury is minimized, since the front hood is located at a greater distance to below the bonnet arranged components and the rigid body and is compliant. The front hood located in the intermediate position provides a larger deformation path than it would do in the closed position, which can reduce the risk of injury in the face or head impact of a pedestrian on the front hood. For the sudden adjustment of a vehicle front hood in a pre-crash or crash case, different drive devices are known from the prior art, for example, trigger such an adjustment pyrotechnic or by means of at least one spring.

In order to avoid any false triggering that the front cover from its intermediate position can be reset to its closed position only in a specialist workshop or under high manual effort, has also been proposed many times to provide such a drive means with an adjustment mechanism over which the Front hood also power-operated again can be reset, for example, by simply controlling a servomotor. For example, DE 10 2008 022 093 A1 discloses a drive device in which an engine hood can be selectively adjusted between an intermediate position in which the engine hood is raised and in a closed or retracted position. When returning to the closed position a biasing means is tensioned in the form of a spring. If a corresponding unlocking is released, the tensioned spring presses the bonnet in the intermediate position. Comparable solutions are also known from DE 103 06 605 A1, DE 10 2004 015 579 A1 and DE 10 2004 037 060 A1.

Furthermore, from DE 103 36 847 A1 a hood is known, which is displaceable for making available arranged in the windshield operating inputs or supply ports. For this purpose, the bonnet is displaced in the direction of the front of the vehicle in order to make accessible a maintenance area with these equipment inlets or supply connections, without the bonnet having to be opened.

Against the background of the cited prior art, the present invention seeks to further improve an adjusting device for the externally power-operated adjustment of a vehicle bonnet, over which the front hood is power-operated in at least one intermediate position different from a closed position, and thus a greater ease of use to provide a vehicle user. This object is achieved with an adjusting device of claim 1. Hereinafter, it is proposed to provide the adjusting device with a drive device, via which the front hood is to be adjusted with a first adjustment speed in a first intermediate position and on the beyond the front hood with a different to the first adjustment second adjustment speed is adjusted to a second intermediate position , Thus, two different adjustment possibilities for the front hood are thus provided on one and the same drive means to adjust them in at least one intermediate position, which is different to a closed and possibly a maximum open position of the front hood.

For example, the front hood on the one hand up to a service position with a relatively low adjustment adjustable, in particular liftable and on the other hand in the event of a crash or precrash to improve the pedestrian protection with a relatively high adjustment adjustable, in particular be raised.

In principle, in this case, the first and second intermediate positions into which an adjustment of the front hood with different adjustment speeds is possible via the drive device may be identical or different from each other.

If the first and second intermediate positions are identical, ultimately only the height of the adjustment speeds with which this intermediate position is reached differs. Thus, the front hood can be raised abruptly, for example, before or during a pedestrian impact on the drive device. In addition, however, a foreign power-operated adjustment of the front hood in that intermediate position, which is also taken before or during a pedestrian impact, possible, but significantly slower via the same drive means.

Of course, the intermediate positions for the different adjustment can also be different from each other, so that depending on Verstellsarioario and associated adjustment speed at the end of the adjustment another intermediate position is occupied by the front cover.

Irrespective thereof, provision is made, for example, for the front hood in the first intermediate position to be opened or raised so far that components arranged below the front hood are accessible and / or extendable. In this case, the adjustment device with a sensor for non-contact detection of a Control event coupled to trigger an adjustment of the front cover in the intermediate position on an operator request, without actuation of a physical actuator. Thus, the sensor system can have at least one proximity sensor, by means of which a (specific) gesture of a user executed close to the windshield-near end of the front hood can be detected without contact in the form of a control event. Upon detection of a corresponding gesture, the sensor generates an adjustment signal in order to adjust the front hood with external power in the first intermediate position. Thus, for example, by a gap, which is released by the front hood located in the first intermediate position and a vehicle body extendable devices for filling liquids such as wiper water, coolant or engine oil, the refilling of the respective liquids without the front cover for this completely open would have to be.

Also, via the front hood located in the first intermediate position, a connection socket can be accessible or extendable into which a charging plug for an E or hybrid vehicle can be plugged. The first intermediate position can thus correspond to a service position of the hood. For example, the present invention can also be readily combined with a filling device for a vehicle described in DE 10 2014 206 780.4.

In a further development, a charging cable for an electric or hybrid vehicle, which is provided for connection to a power supply, is accessible via the front hood located in the first intermediate position. The charging cable is here, for example, wound in the engine compartment below the front cover and / or below the windshield and can be pulled out in the first intermediate position of the front cover or - at least partially - extended. Here, the charging cable can be wound on a winding element which is biased in a direction of rotation, for example via a spring element, so that the charging cable is wound up automatically again when it is no longer needed.

In one embodiment, an adjusting device is provided to automatically extend an end of the cable to facilitate gripping by a user by a certain amount, when the front cover is moved to its first intermediate position or has been adjusted. For the automatic extension of one end of the charging cable, the adjusting device, for example, a corresponding biased (possibly to a Spring element for the automatic winding additional) spring element or a motor drive. An example provided for this purpose electromotive drive can in this case build comparatively small, since ultimately only one end of the charging cable drove a piece and must be unwound for example by a winding element to facilitate gripping the cable end in the first intermediate position of the front hood for a user , If the front hood is to be adjusted again and closed, for example, the charging cable can be stowed securely underneath the front hood and / or underneath the windshield, preferably in a wound state in a charging cable cassette provided for this purpose.

Alternatively or additionally, a preferably flexible cover element can be extendable via the front hood located in the first intermediate position, by way of which the windshield can be at least partially covered in a protective manner. For example, this covering element is a windable or rollable film which can be manually pulled out of a region below the front hood or driven out by a motor to cover the windscreen over a large area. A cover in this case can prevent winter travel of the windshield. In the summer, the cover can be used in its extended state to reduce the sunlight in the vehicle interior through the windshield, and thus prevent heating of the interior. The cover can thus serve in particular as a roller blind for the windshield, which is in the intermediate position of the front hood from a region below the front cover manually or foreign power operated on the outside of the windshield along extendable.

In a development, the cover element, for example in the form of a windable film, can be locked in an extended state above the windshield in order to secure the cover element in its extended state. For example, for this purpose, a magnetic detent is provided via at least one magnetic element. Thus, for example, at least one magnetic element can be provided on an extendable end of the cover element in order to magnetically fix the cover element in an extended state on a metal sheet above the windshield. For example, the cover for this purpose may have a magnetic strip. In a power-operated off and preferably retractable cover, at least one guide rail and / or a push link chain provided be to extend the cover from below the front hood along the windshield along.

In a retracted state, in which the preferably flexible cover element is present, for example, wound up below the front hood, the cover element is arranged in a variant below the front hood, that the waste heat of the vehicle engine during and / or after a ride is used to heat the cover , Over this, the cover can be de-iced and / or dried. An optionally wet or frosted cover element in the extended state does not have to be stored within the vehicle, but is in a retracted state in a space provided for this space below the front cover and is here also automatically deiced and dried by the waste heat of the engine. In one embodiment, the cover for cleaning or repair purposes, in particular to easily replace the cover when needed, releasably secured below the front cover. For example, a rollable, flexible cover element, for example in the form of a film, in the retracted state can be accommodated in a cassette below the front hood. This cassette is then releasably fixed, for example, via clip connections below the front hood in a space provided for this, in order to be able to remove the cassette easily if required.

With regard to the second intermediate position, it is preferred that the drive device is designed and provided to adjust the front hood in a collision case and / or an imminent collision case in just this second intermediate position. The second intermediate position can thus correspond to a collision position of the hood. Thus, for example, a collision case or an imminent collision case can be detected via a crash or precrash sensor system, which includes, for example, acceleration or impact sensors and / or a radar system. Accordingly, it is also provided in a variant that the externally power-operated adjustment with the first adjustment speed can be triggered by a control event and the power-operated adjustment with the second, usually - preferably by a multiple - higher adjustment automatically by a coupled with the drive device crash and / or precrash sensor system can be triggered. The second adjustment speed is selected, for example, such that an adjustment the bonnet up to the (second) intermediate position within a few milliseconds. In contrast, the first adjustment speed, for example, selected such that an adjustment of the front hood takes place up to the (first) intermediate position within a few seconds.

Via the different adjustment speeds, a drive device according to the invention can be used, for example, in connection with an active engine hood in order to provide additional service and comfort functions via the adjustability of the engine hood. Thus, for example, be provided by this means that a driver for filling wiper water, cooling water and / or engine oil does not have to fully open the hood, but that the access to the respective filling opening via the slightly raised intermediate position of the pedestrian protection. However, the hood is moved for such refilling at a much slower adjustment in the intermediate position. By the already mentioned above linking a drive device according to the invention with a precrash sensor, it is also possible to provide improved pedestrian protection in a collision of a pedestrian, especially a child.

In an embodiment variant which is considered advantageous, the drive device has an adjusting mechanism by means of which the front hood can be adjusted in a force-actuated manner from the first intermediate position and / or from the second intermediate position to the closed position. The foreign power-operated adjustable front hood, z. B. in the form of a so-called "active hood", thus, for example, in a possible false triggering of the pedestrian protection system as well as for a service functions provided for adjustment in the first intermediate position externally power-operated back to the closed position adjustable.

In one embodiment, the drive device has at least one locking element,

- Is prevented by means of which the front hood is adjusted in its closed position by at least one biased biasing means of the drive means in the direction of an intermediate position, and

- Is adjustable to allow by the biasing means a sudden adjustment of the front hood with the second adjustment speed from the closed position to the second intermediate position.

In the closed state, therefore, the biasing means is stretched. For example, this is a mechanical biasing agent such. B. a spring element, which is compressed in the closed state of the front hood. By way of the at least one locking element, for example, the front hood itself or an adjusting part of the drive device is secured so that a preloading force provided via the pretensioning means does not effect an adjustment of the front hood until a locking realized via the locking element is released.

The drive device is furthermore preferably designed in such a way that an adjustment into the first intermediate position with a first adjustment speed which is lower than the second adjustment speed is likewise made possible via the pretensioning means. In this case, it may be provided, for example, that the pretensioning means, via which the front hood is abruptly moved to an intermediate position in the event of a collision, also triggers, supports and / or drives an externally power-operated adjusting movement of the front hood for a service function. For example, a mechanical biasing means, which is clamped in the closed state of the front cover, arranged and coupled to the front hood, that the biasing means always relaxes when the front cover is moved to an intermediate position, regardless of whether this with the first or second adjustment speed he follows. By means of a corresponding adjustment kinematics of the drive device, it is achieved that, for a slower adjustment of the front hood, the at least one pretensioning means can not relax abruptly. For this purpose, for example, the locking element is used to counteract a biasing force of the biasing means and thus to inhibit an adjustment movement driven thereby or decelerate. The locking element can be connected for this purpose, for example, with a self-locking motor drive unit.

In one embodiment variant, the drive device has at least one rotatably mounted eccentric element, which transmits an adjusting force for the adjustment of the front hood into the first and / or the second intermediate position. In this case, the eccentric element forms an adjusting part of the drive device, via which an adjustment force is transmitted to the front hood or to a power transmission element connected to the front hood.

For example, at least one preferably mechanical biasing means is coupled to the eccentric element, such that the biasing means

- The eccentric in a rest position in which the front cover is in its closed position, biased in a first direction of rotation and the eccentric element to a rotational movement in a direction opposite to the first rotational direction second rotational direction drives when the eccentric element is rotated from a rest position by a defined amount in the second rotational direction to adjust the bonnet in the second intermediate position.

Upon rotation in the first direction of rotation, the eccentric element is preferably adjusted slower than during rotation in the second direction of rotation, however, the biasing means the eccentric - depending on the rotational position - can act in both directions with a torque. Ultimately, the adjustment kinematics of the drive device is designed here such that in the second rotational direction, the biasing force of the biasing means abruptly free from a certain rotational position of the eccentric element to adjust the bonnet particularly quickly. In contrast, the biasing means supports an adjusting movement of the eccentric in the first direction of rotation or even drives it, but is prevented by the appropriately designed adjustment kinematics of the drive device from releasing the stored mechanical energy in whole and abrupt.

For example, the eccentric element is locked in its rest position via a locking element of the drive device against rotation in the first direction of rotation. To adjust the front hood with the first (lower) adjustment speed, the locking element is externally power-operated adjustable along the first direction of rotation. In this way, the eccentric element is rotated in the first direction of rotation due to the bias of the biasing means and follows the locking element when it is displaced along the first direction of rotation. The locking element is here, for example, adjustable exclusively via a preferably electromotive drive unit, while the eccentric element is adjustable at least along the second direction of rotation and at least over a part of the adjustment permitted in this direction of rotation exclusively via the at least one biasing means.

Alternatively or additionally, the eccentric element via a foreign power-operated adjustable drive element of the drive means from a rest position be rotatable so far along the second direction of rotation that a dead center is overcome and exerted by the biasing means on the eccentric biasing force no longer in a (biasing) torque in the first direction of rotation, but results in a torque in the second direction of rotation. Thus, a force application point of the biasing means on the eccentric element is displaced so far beyond the drive element, that the biasing means no longer biases the eccentric element in the first rotational direction, along which it is prevented from rotating by the locking element Is blocked. Thus, the eccentric element is rotated from its rest position by a triggering path in the second direction of rotation over the drive element until the dead center is overcome and the biasing means abruptly rotates the eccentric further in the second direction of rotation to adjust the bonnet.

The eccentric element can in this case with at least one force transmission element, for. B. in the form of a push rod element, which is connected to the front hood. A provided for transmitting the adjusting force between the eccentric and front hood push rod element may for example be hinged both on the eccentric and on the underside of the front hood.

Furthermore, it is generally preferred if the front hood can be adjusted by means of the drive device about a rotational axis from its closed position with different adjustment speeds in the at least one intermediate position. Optionally, it can also be provided that the front hood is pivotable about the same axis of rotation in the maximum open position.

As an alternative or in addition to the embodiment with an eccentric element, the drive device can have at least one flexible traction device which transmits an adjusting force for the adjustment of the front hood. For example, here be the flexible traction means part of the provided for the provision of the front cover in the closed position adjustment mechanism. For this purpose, the drive device has, for example, a motor-driven winding element for winding up the flexible traction device. The traction means is in this case guided such that by winding at least a portion of the flexible traction means on the winding element, the front cover can be adjusted from an intermediate position to its closed position. A motor drive unit for rotating the winding element can in this case be mounted on the front hood itself or on a component which is fixed to the body relative to which the front hood can be adjusted.

The adjustment mechanism having the flexible traction means may be provided, for example, with a pulley mechanism in order to generate an adjusting force on the front hood via the traction means for adjusting the latter to its closed position. In this case, the flexible traction means may be deflected, for example via a deflecting element mounted on the underside of the front hood, such that, when pulled on the flexible traction means, for example by being wound onto a winding element, a traction acts on the deflecting element which closes the front hood. By means of the flexible traction means, the front hood is secured in its closed position against an adjustment by a biasing force generated by means of a biasing means in one embodiment. For example, the front hood is held closed against the biasing force of at least one tensioned biasing means by the at least partially wound flexible traction means. If unwinding of the traction means is permitted or a locking of a non-wound-up end of the traction means is released, the at least one pretensioning means can abruptly relax, thereby displacing the front hood into an intermediate position. If the flexible traction device, as an adjustment of the drive device, on the other hand, only slowly unwound, relaxes the at least one biasing means not abruptly, but slowly, and preferably continuously, so that the front hood with a lower and, for example, the rotational speed of the winding element dependent adjustment in the same or another intermediate position is adjusted.

In a development z. B. provided that a locking element is locked at least a portion of the flexible traction means in the closed position of the front cover and an unlocking mechanism is adjustable to release the portion of the flexible traction device and this an adjustment of the front hood with the second (larger) adjustment speed due to the to allow relaxing biasing agent.

The unlocking mechanism for adjusting the locking element may, for example, have a mechanically, electronically and / or pyrotechnically adjustable component. Thus, to release the locking element, the corresponding component of the unlocking z. B. be a component which is part of an electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and / or pyrotechnic actuator, and / or be a shape memory component.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.

Hereby show:

Figures 1A - 1 C, a first embodiment of an inventive

Adjustment device for a vehicle to be adjusted Front hood, wherein a drive device of the

Adjustment device is equipped with an eccentric element to adjust the front hood with different adjustment speeds in an intermediate position, and in the figures 1A to 1 C different

Positions of the front hood are illustrated; a second embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which the drive means for adjusting the vehicle front hood has an adjusting mechanism with a pulley mechanism; a third embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention, in which a central, a cable pull having drive means is combined with acting on both longitudinal sides of a front cover biasing means; Figure 3B Details of a possible development of

Embodiment of Figure 3A with regard to a possible connection of one end of the cable to the front cover; Figure 3C details of a possible development of

Embodiment variant of Figure 3A with regard to alternative design of a locking element of the central drive device. Figures 1A, 1 B and 1 C show schematically an embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention for the power-operated adjustment of a front hood of a vehicle, here in the form of a hood 1, in different positions. Thus, in Figure 1A, the hood 1 is shown in a closed position. Figures 1 B and 1 C show the front hood in two possible and possibly mutually identical intermediate positions. The hood 1 is pivotable about a rotation axis D. To this axis of rotation D, the hood 1 can be folded in a development in a full open position to make the covered by the hood 1 engine compartment of the vehicle accessible. In an alternative embodiment, the hood 1 can also be hinged about another axis of rotation between its closed and maximally open to make available the engine compartment or about the rotation axis D only in the later explained in more detail (s) intermediate position (s) can be pivoted and raised. The (additional) pivotability of the hood 1 about the axis of rotation D serves in the present case to provide a so-called "active" hood, which can be adjusted to improve the pedestrian protection in or before a collision case in a raised intermediate position in this intermediate position, a larger deformation path is provided so that over the bonnet 1 - compared to the closed state of the bonnet in which it rests in several places on rigid body components and is in close proximity to relatively rigid components within the engine compartment - significantly more energy can be absorbed In the event of a collision, the engine hood 1 is suddenly and automatically lifted to an intermediate position different from the maximum open position, a drive device 2 is provided For example, connected to a crash or precrash sensor system, not shown here, so that the front hood 1 is raised by the drive device 2 in the intermediate position shown in Figure 1 C in response to a generated by the corresponding sensor trigger signal.

In addition, the adjusting device shown with the drive device 2 is also able to lift the hood 1 independently of a collision case much slower in an intermediate position and to pivot about the rotation axis D. This slower adjustment into a corresponding intermediate position takes place, for example, in response to a user event triggered by the vehicle user, in order to make components arranged underneath the engine hood 1 accessible and / or extendable. Thus, in the slightly raised intermediate position, which is illustrated in FIG. 1B, a filling or connecting opening can be made accessible, for example, or such a filling or connecting opening can be extended on an extendable setting part by the gap formed in the intermediate position of the engine hood 1. Such a filling or connection opening is used For example, the refilling of a liquid, such as wiper water, coolant or engine oil. For example, a charging plug for an electric or hybrid vehicle can be plugged into a connection opening. In a further development, a charging cable accessible via the located in the intermediate position bonnet 1, which is present in the engine compartment below the hood 1 and / or below the windshield and can be manually pulled out in the raised intermediate position of the hood 1 or powered by external force, at least for relief of gripping the charging cable is automatically partially extended. About the adjusted for service purposes in the intermediate position bonnet 1 is thus at its remote from the axis of rotation D end 10 a maintenance area released without the bonnet would have to be completely unfolded. Here, the end 10 is preferably in the vicinity of the vehicle windshield.

In principle, the adjusting device can be coupled to a sensor system for non-contact detection of an operating event in order to trigger an adjustment of the engine hood 1 into the intermediate position, based on an operator request. Thus, the sensors can have at least one proximity sensor, by means of which a (specific) gesture of a user executed near the windscreen near end 10 of the bonnet 1 can be detected without contact in the form of a control event.

Alternatively or additionally, a preferably flexible cover element can be extendable via the bonnet 1 located in the first intermediate position, by way of which the windscreen can be at least partially covered in a protective manner. For example, this covering element is a windable or rollable film which can be pulled out manually from a region below the engine hood 1 or driven out by a motor. A the windshield outside covering a large area covering this can prevent winter travel in the windshield. In the summer, the cover can be used in its extended state to reduce the sunlight in the vehicle interior through the windshield, and thus prevent heating of the interior. In a retracted state in which the preferably flexible cover element, for example wound up below the hood 1 in the region of the end 10, the cover member is arranged such that the waste heat of the vehicle engine is used during and / or after a ride to heat the cover and de-icing and / or drying the cover over this. The drive device 2 is in this case designed and provided to allow the bonnet 1 to be abruptly raised or raised as needed, and to be raised and partially opened to integrate a service function and a maintenance area in the region of the disc-near end 10 Release bonnet 1. In the embodiment of Figures 1A to 1C, the drive means 2 for this purpose in particular an eccentric 20 which is rotatably mounted about an eccentric axis E and biased by a biasing means in the form of a spring element 21 in the rest position shown in Figure 1A in a direction of rotation A. is. The drive device 2 further includes a power transmission element in the form of a push rod 22, which is connected both to the eccentric element 20 and to the engine hood 1. The push rod 22 is in this case articulated both on the eccentric element 20 and in the region of the disc-near end 10 on the hood 1, so that upon rotation of the eccentric 20 from its rest position, an adjusting force is transmitted to the hood 1 to raise them.

The spring element 21 of the drive device 2, which is designed here as a tension spring, on the one hand fixed to the body at a first spring end 21 a and on the other hand connected to the other, second spring end 21 b with the eccentric element 20. In this case, the second spring end 21 b is fixed to the eccentric element 20 with a radial distance to the eccentric axis E, so that on the tensioned spring element 21, a spring torque M _F i or M _F 2 is exerted on the eccentric member 20 about the eccentric axis E. In the rest position shown in FIG. 1A, the eccentric element 20 is pretensioned via the spring element 21 in a direction of rotation A (counterclockwise) via a spring torque M _F i. In order to prevent that a rotation of the eccentric member 20 along the direction of rotation A takes place by the force exerted by the spring element 21 spring or biasing force, a locking element 23 is provided. Via a radially projecting eccentric section 200, the eccentric element 20 bears against this locking element 23, so that the eccentric element 20 is prevented from rotating along the eccentric axis E along the direction of rotation A. The locking element 23 is here connected to a not shown, preferably electromotive, self-locking drive unit in connection and is operated by means of externally operated actuated. Thus, the locking element 23 in particular from the in 1A, along the direction of rotation A, by means of the drive unit. On the locking member 23 is thus exerted by the drive unit, a motor torque M _M i, so that the locking member 23 can be adjusted about the eccentric axis E along the direction of rotation A. With such an adjustment along the direction of rotation A, the eccentric element 20 follows the locking element 23 due to the biasing force exerted by the spring element 21. The eccentric element 20 driven by the spring element 21 rotates at a rotational speed about the eccentric axis E which corresponds to the speed of the locking element 23 , Although the eccentric element 20 is thus driven by the spring element 21, a sudden rotation of the eccentric element 20 about its eccentric axis E is prevented by the arresting element 23 and the eccentric section 200 resting thereon.

Upon rotation of the eccentric element 20 as a result of the displacement of the locking element 23, the radially with respect to the eccentric axis E mounted on the eccentric element 20 end of the push rod 22 is taken. Is this in the rest position of the eccentric 20 in a - based on the hood 1 - lower position, it is taken by the rotational movement of the eccentric 20 and reaches after a 180 ° rotation of the eccentric 20, an upper position in which the hood 20 pivoted by the rigid push rod 22 by a defined pivot angle about the axis of rotation D and the disc-near end 10 of the hood 1 was raised. The pivoting of the engine hood 1 is here controlled by the displacing locking element 23 and made with a comparatively small adjustment speed ω1 along an adjustment direction V1 into the (first) intermediate position shown in FIG. 1B. Individual positions (i) to (v) of the locking element 23 along its displacement path about the eccentric axis E in order to allow the eccentric element 20 to rotate from its rest position by approximately 180 ° are illustrated in FIG. 1B. From the illustrated in Fig. 1 B intermediate position, the hood 1 via the drive means 2 can also be closed by external power. For this purpose, the locking member 23 is rotated about the eccentric axis E in the direction of rotation A opposite direction of rotation B. In this case, the locking member 23 presses against the eccentric portion 200 and thus thus rotates the eccentric member 20 against the restoring force of the spring member 21 again in the direction of its rest position. About the push rod 22, the rotational movement of the eccentric 20 leads to a Pivoting movement of the hood 1 about the axis of rotation D in an adjustment V2 until the hood 1 is fully closed again.

In order to adjust the hood 1 when needed also abruptly and also to use the biasing force of the spring element 21, the eccentric 20 is from its rest position in the opposite direction of rotation B (clockwise) rotatable. In this case, a dead center is overcome, in which the force application points at the two spring ends 21 a and 21 b and a point of the eccentric axis E lie on a straight line. If eccentric member 20 is rotated beyond this dead center, the spring or biasing force of the spring element 21 results in a spring torque M _F2 , which is directed along the direction of rotation B about the eccentric axis E. Since in the direction of rotation B, a rotation of the eccentric member 20 is not locked in particular by the locking member 23, the spring member 21 can relax abruptly and rotate the eccentric member 20 with comparatively high rotational speed about the eccentric axis E. This rotation also follows by about 180 °, so that the push rod 22 connected to the eccentric 20 pivots and raises the hood 1 in a raised (second) intermediate position, which coincides substantially with the first intermediate position, in response to an operator request by a rotation of the eccentric 20 in the other direction of rotation A of the hood 1 is taken.

As a result of the unimpeded relaxation of the spring element 21 in the case described last, the hood 1 is pivoted at a much greater displacement speed ω2 about the axis of rotation D. The bonnet 1 can in this case take the raised intermediate position in this way within a few milliseconds, so that an improved pedestrian protection can be provided over this.

In order to allow a sudden relaxation of the spring element 21, the eccentric element 20 has to be rotated from its rest position first by a defined amount, a release path, about the eccentric axis E in the direction of rotation B. For this purpose, a power-operated adjustable drive element is provided. This drive element is presently also formed by the locking element 23. Thus, the locking member 23 can be adjusted in the rest position of the eccentric 20 in the direction of rotation B so that it presses on the eccentric 20 and the eccentric 20 rotates in the direction of rotation B about the eccentric axis E until the addressed dead center is overcome and via the spring element 21 a Spring torque M _F 2 is exerted about the eccentric axis E in the direction of rotation B. The adjustment movement of the drive / locking element 23 to trigger an adjustment of the hood 1 with the larger displacement speed ω2 is illustrated in the figure 1 C by the positions (i) and (vi). The position (i) corresponds to the position of the locking element 23 in the rest position of the eccentric element 20th

The adjusting movement of the locking element 23 for the sudden adjustment of the hood 1 is also controlled by the electric motor drive unit. This exerts in an adjustment of the hood 1 in or before a collision case directed in the direction of rotation B engine torque M _M 2 on the drive / locking element 23 until the trip path was covered. The drive unit is preferably designed to be self-locking, so that the position of the locking element 23 is also secured by this when the drive unit is not actuated. About the drive unit and the driven therefrom drive / locking element 23 can of course also after a collision-induced adjustment of the hood 1, the hood 1 again be closed power-operated again. Thus, by a drive unit of the drive device 2, the hood 1 can be closed again according to the two illustrated opening variants, irrespective of whether this was raised to the (first or second) intermediate position with the first, smaller adjustment speed ω1 or with the larger second adjustment speed ω2.

2 shows a second embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention with a drive device 3 is illustrated, which has a flexible traction means in the form of a cable 32. About this rope 32 of the drive device 3, the hood 1 is secured in its closed position against an adjustment via a biasing means in the form of a spring element 31. In addition, the traction cable 32 allows a provision of the hood 1 in the closed position. Here, the hood 1 is biased in the direction of an intermediate position via the spring element 31, which is designed here as a compression spring. The spring ends 31 a and 31 b of the spring element 31 are based here on the one hand on a body-mounted component K and on the other hand on the underside of the hood 1 from. In the closed state of the hood 1, the spring element 31 is tensioned and pushes it in the direction of a raised intermediate position. In order to enable a sudden lifting of the hood 1 by the spring element 31 from the closed position in or before a collision case and also to allow a slower adjustment of the front hood 1 in the intermediate position shown in Figure 2 for service purposes, the drive means. 3 the repeatedly between vehicle body-mounted components and the hood 1 in the manner of a pulley deflected rope 32. The cable 32 is in this case in particular deflected over a plurality of deflection in the form of pulleys 32.1 and 32.2, pulled over a pull on the cable 32, the hood 1 down and thus pulled along the second adjustment direction V2 about the axis of rotation D in the direction of the engine compartment can. The two pulleys 32.1 and 32.2 are presently rotatably supported on the one hand on the body-mounted component K and on the other hand on the hood 1, in such a way that the deflected over this rope 32 via the fixed to the bonnet deflecting element in the form of pulley 32.2 experiences a tensile force when is pulled on the rope 32.

For pulling on the rope 32, a drive unit with a motor M and a winding element in the form of a (rope) drum 30 is provided. About the drum 30, the rope 32 can be wound up and unwound. Here, one end of the cable 32 is fixed to the drum 30, while the other end of the cable 320 is fixed in the region of the body-mounted component or the body part K. The drive unit with the motor M and the drum 30 is arranged on the underside of the hood 1. Of course, it would also be possible, for. B. with the addition of another deflecting element or waiving one of the pulleys 32.1 or 32.2, the drive unit with the drum 30 to determine the body part K, relative to which the hood 1 is adjustable, and / or the fixed end of the cable 320 to the hood 1 set. About the selected in the embodiment of Figure 2 double deflection of the cable 32 by about 180 ° from the drum 30 to the fixed end of the cable 320 is still a comparatively compact design of the drive device 3 possible, however, applied by the motor M force to adjust the hood 1 can be kept relatively small. However, the chosen version is only an example.

By the spring element 31 is tensioned in the closed state of the hood 1 and pushes the hood 1 up, the biasing force of the spring element 31 for adjusting the hood 1 in the opening or adjustment V1 can be used by unwinding the cable 32 of the drum 30 , but wherein the adjustment speed is controlled by the rotational speed of the drum 30 and so that it can be kept comparatively small. The hood 1 can thus be adjusted relatively slowly and evenly in an intermediate position at the request of a vehicle user - compared to the popping of the hood 1 in or before a collision case, for example, to release a maintenance area in the windscreen. By winding the cable 30, the hood 1 can then be closed again against the restoring force of the spring element 1 and the spring element 31 can be tensioned.

For triggering the active hood 1 to improve pedestrian protection, an adjustable locking element 33 is provided in the drive device 3. About this locking element 33, the fixed end 23 of the cable 32 is releasable, so that the cable 32, the bonnet 1 no longer holds in position and the spring element 31, the bonnet 1 abruptly press and raise. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2, an eyelet is formed on the cable end 320 into which a loop, e.g. rod-shaped and adjustably mounted locking member 33 is inserted to hold the cable end 23 to the locking element 33. The locking element 33 is adjustable relative to the cable end 320 along two mutually opposite actuating directions S1 and S2, so that the locking element 33 can be completely separated from the cable end 32 and consequently the hood 1 via the cable 32 can not be held in a specific position ,

To adjust the locking member 33, an unlocking mechanism 34 is provided. This unlocking mechanism is preferably coupled with a crash or pre-crash sensor system in order to adjust the locking element 33 in or before a collision case, thereby releasing the cable end 320 and thereby allowing a sudden adjustment of the engine hood 1 via the spring element 31. The unlocking mechanism 34 preferably has an electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and / or pyrotechnic actuator. By way of this actuator, the locking element 33 can be adjusted, for example, along the setting direction S1 in response to a trigger signal, in order to release the cable end 320.

In the embodiment of Figure 2 is - as in the embodiment of Figures 1A to 1 C - a fully automatic reset the raised and pivoted in an intermediate position hood 1 possible. Of course, it is possible in this case to provide a plurality of the illustrated drive devices 2 or 3 at at least two different locations in order to adjust the engine hood 1 synchronously. For example, this is the case both on a left and in a right area Bonnet 1 each have a drive device 2 or 3 is provided. In this case, in particular in the embodiment of Figure 2, only a single drive unit with a drive motor M, which drives two drums 30, for example, on both sides of the hood 1 via a respective cable 32 - or an alternative flexible traction means - a tensile force to attack to close the hood 1.

3A shows a further embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention for adjusting an engine hood 1 on a vehicle F, in which a - with respect to the longitudinal sides of the hood 1 - centrally arranged drive means 3 ^{* is} provided. The drive device 3 ^* exercises in this case via a cable with a multiply deflected cable 32 an adjusting force for returning the hood 1 in the closed position and allows in combination with at least two biasing means in the form of spring elements 31 A and 31 B, the adjustment of the hood 1 in the first and second intermediate position with different adjustment speeds. The two spring elements 31 A and 31 B are in each case arranged in the region of a right-sided or left-hand edge of the hood 1 in the vicinity of the windshield and supported - analogous to the embodiment of Figure 2 - on the one hand on a body part and on the other hand on the hood 1 from ,

In a closed position of the hood 1, the two spring elements 31A and 31B are tensioned, so that they press the hood 1 in the intermediate position shown in Figure 3A, when the drive means 3 ^* an adjustment of the hood 1 by one defined by the rope 32 Adjustment allows. In order to keep the hood 1 in its closed position and to allow a relatively slow lifting of the hood 1 in the region of the disc-near end, the cable 32 via a plurality of pulleys 32.1 a - 32.3a and 32.1 b - 32.3b on both sides of the drive device 3 ^* several times deflected and guided along the underside of the hood 1 and to body parts, relative to which the hood 1 is adjustable along. About the laid according to the pulley principle rope 32 thus the hood can be adjusted specifically in both adjustment directions V1 and V2, ie opened and closed again, are. For example, relative to a vehicle transverse direction outer sheaves 32.1 a and 32.1 b respectively mounted body-mounted, while pulleys 32.2a, 32.3a and 32.2b and 32.3b, each between an outer pulley 32.1 a or 32.1 b and the drive device 3 ^* lie on the hood 1 are stored. Thus, the rope 32 exercises for closing the hood 1 Adjusting force on the mounted on the hood 1 pulleys 32.2a, 32.3a and 32.2b, 32.3b on the hood 1 off.

The drive device 3 ^* engages in the embodiment of Figure 3A via a motor-adjustable locking element 33 at a central cable section 321 to tighten the cable 32 and pull the hood 1 in its closed position can. The locking element 33 is for this purpose via a motor M of the drive device 3 ^* , z. B. in the form of a spindle motor, adjustable so that the voltage applied to a deflection portion 330 of the locking element 33 cable section 321 in particular relative to the mounted on the hood 1 pulleys 32.3a and 32.3b and can be removed to close the hood 1 of these. In the present case, the locking element 33 for this purpose via the motor M translationally adjustable, so that in each case the length of a cable section can be varied, on the one hand between the (left) pulley 32.3a and the deflection section 330 of the locking element 33 and on the other hand between the deflection section 330 and (right) pulley 32.3b extends. By fixing the two cable ends of the cable 32 fixed to the body, an adjustment of the engine hood 1 can thus be controlled in cooperation with the spring elements 31 A and 31 B.

If, for example, the locking element 33 is retracted with the deflection section 330 through the motor M, a tension force on the cable 32 is reduced at the central cable section 321, which counteracts an adjustment of the engine hood 1 as a result of the force applied by the spring elements 31 A and 31 B spring force. It is therefore permitted to raise the hood 1, wherein the adjustment speed of the hood 1 in this case correlates directly with the adjustment speed of the locking element 33. If the engine hood 1 is to be returned to its closed position, the locking element 33 is extended, whereby a tensile force is generated via the central cable section 321 and the engine hood 1 is closed again by means of the cable 32. The adjustment axis of the locking element 33 may in this case extend substantially parallel or at an angle, in particular substantially perpendicular to a hood plane spanned by the engine hood 1. Due to the arrangement and storage of the respective pulleys or other deflection, z. B. deflectors, the course of the rope 32 is flexible to the space conditions below the hood 1 customizable. In the present case, it is only relevant that a tensile force can be introduced into the cable 32 if necessary in order to close the engine hood 1, and that a tensile force can be regulated in a targeted manner in order to allow a comparatively slow opening of the engine hood 1. For the faster adjustment of the hood 1 in or before a collision case, the locking element 33 is also adjustable abruptly. For example, an unlocking mechanism in the region of the motor M can be provided for this purpose, the locking element 33 or a drive element connected thereto, such. B. a drive spindle releases. If the locking element 33 is no longer locked against an adjustment, it is immediately adjusted by the (pressure) force exerted by the cable section 321 thereon, which is a direct consequence of the spring forces of the spring elements 31A and 31B. Thus, for example, a drive pinion meshing with a drive spindle of the drive motor M can be brought out of engagement with the drive spindle in or before a collision case. If the drive pinion and the drive spindle are engaged, the system is self-locking, so that the locking element 33 remains in position without operating the motor M. If the engagement between the drive pinion and the drive spindle is achieved, the drive spindle can be abruptly displaced by the cable 32 and the hood 1 can be raised to an intermediate position within a few milliseconds. The release of the locking member 33 to abruptly adjust the hood 1, thus similar in the present case, the operation of a crossbow. About the locking member 33, the rope 32 is locked in a tense situation, the lock is released via the locking member 33, the cable 32 can relax and thus allows the release of stored in the prestressed spring elements 31 A and 31 B energy to the hood 1 lift.

FIG. 3B illustrates a possible further development in which a cable end of the cable 32 has a slider or slide 322. This slider or carriage 322 is guided on a guide 1 1 on the underside of the hood 1 slidably. In the closed position of the hood 1, the slider 322 is locked. The locking of the slider 322 can in this case be released for an adjustment of the engine hood 1, so that the slider 322 can be pushed back and forth along an adjustment path s during an adjustment of the engine hood 1 between an intermediate position and the closed position. In this way, the cable end of the cable 32 is not fixed to the body, but on the hood 1. Furthermore, in Figure 3B, an additional body-mounted pulley 32.4 shown for the deflection of the cable 32 in the area provided with the carriage or slider 322 end. FIG. 3C further illustrates a possible alternative to the drive device 3 ^* shown in FIG. 3A with a linearly displaceable locking element 33. Instead of the linearly adjustable locking element 33, a locking element 43 is here provided with a locking element Swing hooks 430 provided. At this pivot hook 430 of the rope section 321 of the rope 32 is mounted. By pivoting the pivoting hook 430, the effective length of the cable section 321 between the two - here motor hood fixed - deflecting elements in the form of pulleys 32.3a and 32.3b can now - analogous to the locking element 330 of Figure 3A - be varied to the hood 1 between a first To be able to adjust the intermediate position (service position) and a closed position back and forth. For this purpose, the pivoting hook 430 is also coupled to a motor M, not shown in FIG. 3C. The course of the adjustment movement of the engine hood 1 in the first intermediate position is in this case specified in particular via an inner contour 4301 of the pivoting hook 430. At this inner contour 4301, the cable section 321 slides along when the pivoting hook 430 is pivoted. Thus, for example, the degree of adjustment of the engine hood 1 per pivoting angle traveled by the pivoting hook 43 depends, in particular, on the course of the inner contour 4301, for example the degree of curvature.

For the sudden adjustment of the hood 1 in the second intermediate position (collision position) in or before a collision case, the pivot hook 430 can be pivoted so far that the cable section 321 is completely released. About the spring elements 31 A and 31 B, the hood 1 is thus pivoted within a few milliseconds in the second intermediate position and raised accordingly at its disc-near end.

With the solution according to the invention, the hood 1 can be adjusted via a drive device 2, 3 or 3 ^* as needed with different adjustment speeds in one or two different intermediate positions, the respective adjustment either the improvement of pedestrian protection or the release of a maintenance area. Thus, for example, includes the release of a maintenance area that at least one filling or connection opening is made accessible by the raised and only partially opened bonnet 1 or a resulting gap between the vehicle body and the hood 1, a control part with such a filling or connection opening is extendable. For example, the present invention can also be readily combined with the filling device for a vehicle described in DE 10 2014 206 780.4. Basically, it is hereby no longer necessary that the hood 1 for any maintenance and in particular the refilling of liquids such as fountain solution, coolant or engine oil, can be fully opened. One Full opening of the hood or its removal for access to the engine compartment can thus be reserved for any repair work in a specialist workshop.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 hood

10 near the end of the window

11 leadership

2 drive device

20 eccentric element (adjusting part)

200 eccentric section

21 spring element (biasing means)

21 a, 21 b spring end

22 push rod (power transmission element) 23 locking / drive element

3, 3 ^* drive device

30 drum (winding element)

31, 31A, 31 B spring element (biasing means)

31 a, 31 b spring end

32 rope (traction device / adjustment part)

32.1, 31.1 a, 31.1 b, pulley (deflection element)

32.2, 32.2a, 32.2b

32.3a, 32.3b, 32.4

320 rope end

321 rope section

322 gliders / slides

33 locking element

330 deflection section

34 unlocking mechanism

43 locking element

430 swing hooks

4301 inner contour

A direction of rotation

B direction of rotation

D rotation axis

E eccentric axis

F vehicle

K body part

M engine

M _F 1, MF2 spring torque M _M i, M _M 2 engine torque

S1.S2 Positioning direction s Adjustment path

V1.V2 adjustment direction ω1, ω2 adjustment speed

*****

Claims

claims

1 . Adjustment device for externally power-operated adjustment of a front hood of a vehicle (F), wherein the front hood (1) from a closed position via a drive device (2, 3, 3 ^* ) externally power-operated in at least one additional

Adjustable intermediate position in which the front hood (1) is only partially opened or raised relative to the closed position, characterized in that the drive means (2, 3, 3 ^* ) is formed and provided, the front hood (1) with a first adjustment speed (ω1) to adjust in a first intermediate position and to adjust with a second adjustment speed (ω2), which differs from the first adjustment speed, into a second intermediate position.

2. adjusting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second intermediate position are identical or different from each other.

3. adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the front hood (1) in the first intermediate position is opened or raised so far that arranged below the front hood (1) components are accessible and / or extendable.

4. adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive device (2, 3, 3 ^* ) is formed and provided, the

Front cover (1) to adjust in the event of a collision case and / or an imminent collision case in the second intermediate position.

5. adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foreign-power-operated adjustment with the first

Adjustment speed (ω1) can be triggered by an operating event and the power-operated adjustment with the second adjustment speed (ω2) automatically by a with the drive means (2, 3, 3 ^* ) coupled crash and / or precrash sensor system can be triggered.

6. adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device (2, 3) has an adjusting mechanism, via which the front hood (1) externally operated from the first Intermediate position and / or from the second intermediate position is adjustable in the closed position.

7. adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive means (2, 3, 3 ^* ) at least one

Locking element (23, 33, 43),

- By means of which it is prevented that the front hood (1) in its closed position by at least one biased biasing means (21, 31, 31 A, 31 B) of the drive means (2, 3, 3 ^* ) is adjusted in the direction of an intermediate position, and

- Which is adjustable to allow by the biasing means (21, 31, 31 A, 31 B) a sudden adjustment of the front hood (1) with the second adjustment speed (ω2) from the closed position to the second intermediate position.

8. adjusting device according to claim 7, characterized in that via the biasing means (21, 31, 31 A, 31 B) is also an adjustment in the first intermediate position with respect to the second adjustment speed (ω2) lower first adjustment speed (ω1) is possible.

9. adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device (2) has at least one rotatably mounted eccentric element (20) which transmits an adjusting force for the adjustment of the front hood (1) in the first and / or the second intermediate position.

10. adjusting device according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one biasing means (21) with the eccentric element (20) is coupled, which

- The eccentric (20) in a rest position, in which the front hood (1) is in its closed position, in a first direction of rotation (A) biases and

- The eccentric (20) to a rotational movement in the opposite thereto second rotational direction (B) drives when the eccentric element (20) from a rest position by a defined amount in the second rotational direction (B) is rotated to the front cover (1) in to adjust the second intermediate position.

1 1. adjusting device according to claim 10, characterized in that the

Eccentric element (20) in its rest position via a locking element (23) of the Drive device (2) is locked against rotation in the first direction of rotation (A) and the locking element (23) to adjust the front hood (1) with the first adjustment speed (ω1), power-operated along the first direction of rotation (A) is adjustable, such that the eccentric member (20) is rotated in the first rotational direction (A) due to the bias of the biasing means (21) and follows the locking member (23) when displaced along the first rotational direction (A).

12. adjusting device according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that the eccentric element (20) via a power-operated adjustable drive element (23) of the drive means (2) from its rest position so far along the second direction of rotation (B) is rotatable that a dead center is overcome and a by means of the biasing means (21) on the eccentric element (20) exerted biasing force no longer results in a torque in the first direction of rotation (A), but in the second direction of rotation (B).

13. adjusting device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drive device (3, 3 ^* ) at least one flexible traction means (32) which transmits an adjusting force for the adjustment of the front hood (1).

14 adjusting device according to claims 6 and 13, characterized in that the flexible traction means (32) is part of the adjusting mechanism by means of which the front hood (1) is adjustable in its closed position.

15. Adjustment device according to one of claims 13 to 14, characterized in that the front hood (1) is biased in its closed position in the direction of the first and / or the second intermediate position by means of at least one biasing means (31, 31 A, 31 B) and the front hood (1) is secured in its closed position on the flexible traction means (32) against an adjustment by a biasing force generated by means of the biasing means (31, 31 A, 31 B).

16. adjusting device according to claims 7 and 15, characterized in that the locking element (33, 43) at least a portion (320, 321) of the flexible traction means (32) in the closed position of the front hood (1) locked and an unlocking mechanism ( 34) is adjustable to release the portion (320, 321) of the flexible traction means (32) and thereby an adjustment of the Front hood (1) with the second adjustment speed (ω2) by means of the biasing means (31, 31 A, 31 B) to allow.

_{* * * * ** * * * *}