Motor vehicle with an adjustable flap and a catch hook

Abstract

Motor vehicle with an adjustable flap and a catch hook (1) and a catch element (3) for the adjustable flap, which is locked in its closed position by a releasable lock, wherein, after the lock is opened, the catch hook (1) or the catch element (3) of the motor vehicle is or becomes moved into its catch position, in which the catch element (3) together with the catch hook (1) prevents the opening of the flap unlocked by the lock or only allows it to open when the catch hook (1) or the catch element (3) is moved from the adjustment range of the other part, the catch element (3) or the catch hook (1) into a release position, characterized by the fact that The catch hook (1) and / or the catch element (3) is / are supported by a support device comprising a support element (17), which, in the event of an accident-related force acting on the catch hook (1) and / or the catch element (3), for example, against the opening direction of the flap, allows the respective catch hook (1) or catch element (3) to yield when the catch hook (1) or catch element (3) is / are in the catch position or in an initial position corresponding to the closed flap and the force acting is greater than the support force of the support device, wherein the adjustable catch hook (1) or the adjustable catch element (3) in its initial position corresponding to the closed flap has a support area (15) arranged near the support element (17) which is adjustable against the force of a support spring (16) or bears against the support element (17) with the support area (15).such that, in the event of an accident-related force acting on the catch hook (1) and / or the catch element (3), the catch hook (1) or the catch element (3) is supported on the support element (17) via the support area (15), and the support element (17), and thus also the catch hook (1) or the catch element (3), is thereby adjusted in a yielding manner approximately in the direction of the force against the restoring force of the support spring (16) acting on the support element (17) and additionally against a damping force of a damping element (20) acting on the support element (17).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with an adjustable flap and a catch hook for an adjustable flap of a motor vehicle, with the features specified in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a catch hook is described in DE 198 04 066 A1 as being alternatively arranged in the front area of ​​the body of a motor vehicle or on the front hood of a motor vehicle. In conjunction with a catch element formed by a locking bolt, it is designed to prevent the hood from being fully opened once it has been unlocked by a lock. The catch hook has a U-shaped hook section with a hook nose on one leg and a locking element that pivots on the other leg of the hook section. When the front hood is closed, the locking element is engaged with the hook nose, preventing the front hood from being opened beyond a supported position after the lock has been released, as this is prevented by the locking element interacting with the locking bolt or the catch element.The components of the catch hook and locking bolt are largely rigid and yield little or not at all in the event of an accident, such as a pedestrian striking the hood. Therefore, the impact energy acting on the hood and the components beneath it in an accident can be dissipated to a lesser extent in the area of ​​the catch hook through elastic and / or plastic deformation energy within the components located there.

[0003] Furthermore, FR 2 847 929 A1, JP S58- 33 672 U, JP 2002- 019 641 A, DE 10 2004 029 848 A1, DE 103 25 640 A1, EP 1 557 340 A1, US 6 415 882 B1, DE 10 2004 044 736 A1, DE 10 2005 016 186 A1, DE 103 18 796 A1 and WO 1998 / 026 144 A1 each show a motor vehicle with a hood and a catch hook.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a motor vehicle with an adjustable flap and a catch hook having the features in the preamble of claim 1, wherein impact energy absorption is improved in the event of an accident-related impact on the flap.

[0005] This problem is solved by the features in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] Since the catch hook and / or the catch element is / are supported by a support device comprising a support element, which, in the event of an accident-related force acting on the catch hook and / or the catch element, for example, against the opening direction of the flap, allows a yielding adjustment of the respective catch hook or catch element when the catch hook or catch element is in the catch position or in a starting position corresponding to the closed flap and the force acting is greater than the support force of the support device, impact energy absorption is improved, for example in the event of an impact of a pedestrian on the flap.The catch hook can be designed in such a way that it is flexible at least in its catch position or when the flap is closed, and thus does not prevent or hinder the reduction of the impact energy acting on the flap in the event of an accidental impact through elastic and / or plastic deformations of the flap or components located underneath it.

[0007] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0008] They show Fig. 1 a catch hook in its release position, Fig. 2 the hook in its catching position, Fig. 3. Position the catch hook in a starting position corresponding to the closed flap and Fig. 4 the catch hook after an accidental impact on the flap in a position swung downwards beyond the initial position approximately in the direction of the accidental force.

[0009] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a catch hook 1 for an adjustable front flap of a motor vehicle, which is inserted into its Fig. 4. The corresponding locking position is adjusted by a releasable lock (not shown). When or after the lock is opened, the catch hook 1 is disengaged from the Fig. 4 corresponding closing position in its Fig. 2. The corresponding catch position is adjusted in which a locking bolt 3, projecting downwards from the underside of a front flap of a motor vehicle (not shown), which forms a catch element, interacts with the catch hook 1 to prevent the front flap unlocked by the lock from being opened, or only allows it to be opened when the catch hook 1 is removed from the adjustment range of the locking bolt 3 into the Fig. 1. The corresponding release position is misaligned.

[0010] The catch hook 1 is in Fig. 1 is simplified and shown in its release position limited by a stop 2, so that the front flap can be fully opened. The catch hook 1 is pivotally mounted about a body-fixed pivot axis 4 and is held in position by an over-center spring 5 depending on its angular position, either in the Fig. 1 corresponding release situation or into the Fig. 4 corresponding initial position loaded, which corresponds to the closed and locked position of the front flap.

[0011] The catch hook 1 is U-shaped, with one leg 6 of the catch hook 1 forming a [position] in the catch position according to Fig. 2 has a catch nose 7 that interacts with the locking bolt 3. On the other leg 8 of the catch hook 1, a contact surface 9 is formed which, when the front flap is closed, interacts with the locking bolt 3 and is supported by the over-center spring 5, preventing the catch hook 1 from pivoting from its position in Fig. 1 shown release situation into the in Fig. The catch position shown in section 2 is achieved. As the front flap continues to close, the locking bolt 3, in conjunction with the inner side of the leg 8, pivots the catch hook 1 back into its initial position as shown. Fig. 4.

[0012] The in Fig. The catch hook 1 also assumes the position shown in Figure 2 when the closed front flap is unlocked by the lock and the front flap has been lifted by a pre-tensioned spring device into a support position in which a gap is formed between the front area of ​​the front flap and the vehicle body. The locking bolt 3 is then located opposite. Fig. 2 in a slightly lower support position, in which a small opening movement of the front flap into the Fig. 2. The corresponding catch position or a relocation of the catch hook into the release position is possible. The in Fig. The locking bolt 3 assumes the position shown in 2 when, for example, an attempt is made to open the front flap after it has been unlocked, or when, during driving, the wind blows an opening force on the front flap after the lock has been accidentally unlocked.

[0013] As in Fig. In simplified terms, the catch hook 1 is supported by a support device which, in the event of an accident-related force acting on the front flap and via the front flap on the catch hook 1 (downwards in the figure), causes the catch hook 1 to yield. Fig. 3 downwards is possible when the catch hook 1 is in its Fig. 2. The corresponding support position or catch position is located and the force caused by the accident is greater than the support force of the support device.

[0014] The catch hook 1 is around the in Fig. The bolt 10 shown in Figure 3 is pivotably arranged, its central axis forming the body-fixed pivot axis 4 of the catch hook 1. The bolt 10 passes through a bearing opening 11 in the catch hook 1, the bearing opening being adapted to the outer diameter of the bolt 10.

[0015] The catch hook 1 has an elongated hole 12 that opens into the bearing opening 11 and extends radially from the bearing opening 11 approximately in the direction of the expected impact force, upwards in the figure. The elongated hole 12 runs approximately vertically when the catch hook 1 is in its Fig. 2. The corresponding catch position is located. The elongated hole 12 has a smaller width than the outer diameter of the bolt 10, allowing the bolt 10 to penetrate the elongated hole when or after exceeding a force caused by an accident that is greater than the support force of the support device, whereby the elongated hole 12 expands elastically and / or plastically in its width. The width of the elongated hole 12 is dimensioned such that the bolt 10 can withstand a predetermined force that is greater than the normal loads on the catch hook 1 without penetrating the elongated hole 12.

[0016] To influence the predetermined force that the bolt 10 can absorb without penetrating the elongated hole 12 and / or to control the resistance acting on the bolt 10 when the bolt 10 penetrates or has already penetrated the elongated hole 12, two recesses are formed in the catch hook 1, laterally symmetrical to the elongated hole 12, each at a rather small lateral distance from the elongated hole 12, which extend over a larger part of the length of the elongated hole 12 and in an arc inwards slightly beyond it.

[0017] How Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the adjustable catch hook 1 has a support area 15 which, when the front flap is closed and locked by the lock (not shown), is located near a support element 17 that is adjustable against the force of a support spring 16. The support element 17 is a further part of the support device that flexibly supports the catch hook 1 in the event of accident-related forces. In the closed position of the front flap, the support area 15 could also rest against the support element 17. In the exemplary embodiment, the support element 17 is pivotably arranged about a body-fixed axis 18.

[0018] In the event of an accident-related force being applied to the closed front hood, the following occurs: Fig. In the initial position shown in Figure 4, with the catch hook 1 in its extended position, the catch hook 1 can be supported by the support element 17 via the support area 15. The area of ​​the support element 17 that interacts with the support area 15 of the catch hook 1 during an accident-related force is located below the support area 15 of the catch hook 1. If the accident-related force acting on the catch hook 1 is sufficiently large, the catch hook 1 and the support element 17 yield approximately in the direction of the force against the restoring force of the support spring 16 acting on the support element 17, or additionally against a damping force (not shown) of a damping element acting on the support element 17 or on the catch hook, as shown in Figure 4. Fig.Figure 5 shows the flap pivoted downwards. The lock securing the closed front flap, which includes, for example, a rotary latch and a locking pawl that engages the rotary latch in the closed position of the front flap, remains locked by the pawl or returns to the locked position secured by the pawl when the rotary latch is moved back. The catch hook 1 thus offers no significant resistance in the event of an impact, such as by a pedestrian, on the front flap. The impact energy can even be absorbed elastically by the support device and, when the damping element is used, further dampened.

[0019] The flap, as in the exemplary embodiment, can be a front flap or another flap on a motor vehicle, for example, a tailgate or fuel filler flap. In the exemplary embodiment, the catch hook is designed to be compliant with the force of an accident. Likewise, the catch element, which in the exemplary embodiment is a locking bolt but can also be designed differently, can be arranged to be compliant with the force of an accident. The catch element and / or the catch element can be adjustable. Likewise, the catch hook and the catch element can be arranged to be compliant with the force of an accident. The catch hook can alternatively be arranged on the flap or on the body of the motor vehicle. Correspondingly, the catch element is arranged on the other part, on the body of the motor vehicle or on the flap.The parts of the lock intended for locking the closed flap can alternatively be arranged on the flap on one side and on the body on the other, or vice versa. The support device can also be designed differently from the exemplary embodiment and may, for example, include an adjustable catch hook and / or an adjustable catch element and / or an adjustable support element. The catch element can also be adjustable, for example, pivotally arranged around a bolt and arranged like the catch hook of the exemplary embodiment or in another adjustable manner. For example, the catch hook and / or the catch element and / or the support element may be designed and / or arranged differently from the exemplary embodiment.The support element can also be omitted, for example, if it is ensured that the flap is in a support position during or before an accidental force impact, in which the accidental force impact can be absorbed elastically and / or plastically and / or by damping. The catch hook and / or the catch element can be shaped in such a way that the part in question is or are deformed elastically and / or plastically in a predetermined manner upon an accidental force impact.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle with an adjustable flap and a catch hook (1) and a catch element (3) for the adjustable flap, which is locked in its closed position by a releasable lock, wherein, after the lock is opened, the catch hook (1) or the catch element (3) of the motor vehicle is or becomes moved into its catch position, in which the catch element (3) together with the catch hook (1) prevents the opening of the flap unlocked by the lock or only allows it to open when the catch hook (1) or the catch element (3) is moved from the adjustment range of the other part, the catch element (3) or the catch hook (1) into a release position, characterized by , that The catch hook (1) and / or the catch element (3) is / are supported by a support device comprising a support element (17), which, in the event of an accident-related force acting on the catch hook (1) and / or the catch element (3), for example, against the opening direction of the flap, allows the respective catch hook (1) or catch element (3) to yield when the catch hook (1) or catch element (3) is / are in the catch position or in an initial position corresponding to the closed flap and the force acting is greater than the support force of the support device, wherein the adjustable catch hook (1) or the adjustable catch element (3) in its initial position corresponding to the closed flap has a support area (15) arranged near the support element (17) which is adjustable against the force of a support spring (16) or bears against the support element (17) with the support area (15).such that, in the event of an accident-related force acting on the catch hook (1) and / or the catch element (3), the catch hook (1) or the catch element (3) is supported on the support element (17) via the support area (15), and the support element (17), and thus also the catch hook (1) or the catch element (3), is thereby adjusted in a yielding manner approximately in the direction of the force against the restoring force of the support spring (16) acting on the support element (17) and additionally against a damping force of a damping element (20) acting on the support element (17). [2] Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by , that the catch hook (1) and / or the catch element (3) is / are pivotably arranged about a bolt (10) which passes through or is inserted into a bearing opening (11) adapted to the outer diameter of the bolt (10) in the catch hook (10) or catch element (3) in question. [3] Motor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized by, that in the catch hook (1) or catch element (3) having the bearing opening (11) a slotted hole (12) is formed which runs approximately in the direction of the expected accident-related force, opens approximately radially into the bearing opening (11) and has a smaller width than the outer diameter of the bolt (10), whereby the bolt (10) can penetrate into the slotted hole (12) due to the accident-related force and the slotted hole (12) expands elastically and / or plastically in width. [4] Motor vehicle according to claim 3, characterized by , that at a rather small lateral distance from the elongated hole (12) at least one recess (13, 14) is formed in the respective catch hook (1) or catch element (3), which extends over the length or a part of the length of the elongated hole (12) and / or beyond the length of the elongated hole (12). [5] Motor vehicle according to claim 4, characterized by, that at least one recess (13, 14) is provided on each side of the elongated hole (12). [6] Motor vehicle according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the elongated hole (12) runs approximately in a vertical direction when the adjustable catch hook (1) or the adjustable catch element (3) provided with the elongated hole (12) is in the catch position. [7] Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the support element (17) is arranged to pivot about an axis (18) and the area (19) of the support element (17) which interacts with the support area (15) of the catch hook (1) or catch element (3) due to the force caused by the accident is arranged below the support area (15) of the catch hook (1) or catch element (3) in question. [8] Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by, that the catch hook (1) is U-shaped and is pivotably arranged around the bolt (10) in the area of ​​its base. [9] Motor vehicle according to claim 8, characterized by , that the catch element (3) is formed by a locking bolt (3) and one leg (6) of the catch hook (1) has a catch nose (7) that interacts with the locking bolt (3) and on the other leg (8) of the catch hook (1) a contact surface (9) is formed which, when the flap is closed, interacts with the locking bolt (3), possibly with the support of a spring element (5), causes the catch hook (1) to pivot from its release position into the catch position.

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