Front end of a motor vehicle with an adjustment device for a gap measurement

Abstract

Front section (10) of a motor vehicle (1), with a hood (2) arranged with a gap (11) between each of two fenders (3, 4), and with at least one adjusting device (20) for adjusting a gap between one of the fenders (3, 4) and the hood (2) when the latter is in a closed position, wherein the adjusting device (20) has at least one predetermined breaking point (23, 24, 25) designed and arranged such that, when an impact force is applied to the front section (10) above the adjusting device (20), the adjusting device (20) breaks at the predetermined breaking point (23, 24, 25) and allows relative movement between the hood (2) and the fender (3) in a vehicle height direction, characterized in that the adjusting device (20) comprises a first retaining part (21) attached to the fender (3) and a second retaining part (22) attached to the hood (2).wherein the two retaining parts (21, 22), when the front hood (2) assumes its closed position, interlock or hook together by means of a retaining geometry (30) provided for this purpose on the retaining parts (21, 22) such that relative movements between the front hood (2) and the fender (3) transverse to the joint (11) are prevented, wherein the first retaining part (21) has a toothed section (31) facing a claw (32) provided on the second retaining part (22), wherein the claw (32) engages with the toothed section (31) when the front hood (2) assumes its closed position, wherein the toothed section (31) extends transversely to the joint (11), wherein the claw (32) extends from top to bottom in the vehicle height direction, wherein the first retaining part (21) is attached to the fender (3), and wherein the second retaining part (22) is attached to the front hood (2) is attached,wherein the toothed section (31) is arranged below the joint (11) and extends to below the front hood (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a front-end vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] German patent application DE 42 26 437 A1 discloses a device for automatically adjusting a gap between a hood and a fender, wherein an adjusting element mounted on the hood slidably via an elongated hole strikes a stop on the fender via a stop element in such a way that the gap is predefined, wherein the adjusting element is fixed in a position defining the gap by means of a sawtooth tooth and a screw.European patent EP 2 946 988 B1 discloses an adjustment device for positioning two vehicle components relative to each other, wherein the two vehicle components can be connected to each other and to each other via an adjustment element with a ratchet mechanism attached to one of the two vehicle components, and wherein the adjustment element can be adjustably attached to the vehicle component by means of an elongated hole and an associated screw. German patent DE 102 53 766 B4 discloses a device for adjusting a predefined gap between a fender and a front hood in the closed position.The American patent application US 2015 / 0336535A1 discloses a vehicle assembly with a spacer for adjusting a plate alignment between a hood and a fender, wherein a screw can be adjusted by turning its head to adjust the distance of the hood from an edge of the fender, wherein the screw is formed from a special material configured to undergo brittle fracture when a predetermined load is applied.German utility model DE 20 2008 007 671 U1 discloses a front structure for a motor vehicle, comprising a hood arranged between two fenders, wherein the hood and fender are connected to a load-bearing part of the vehicle's body, wherein the hood can be moved from a closed position to a lowered position upon impact by a pedestrian, wherein the hood and one of the two fenders are fixed to a common part, the common part being connected via an intermediate section to the load-bearing part or to a fastening element arranged on the load-bearing part, the intermediate section yielding when an overload is exceeded. American patent US 2008 / 0290692 A1 discloses a hood stop arrangement comprising a hood stop arranged under a hood to regulate contact pressure between the underside of the hood and the hood stop.German patent application DE 10 2013 021 381 A1 discloses a sensor device for detecting a pedestrian impact on the front of a motor vehicle, with at least one sensor element by means of which an accident-related force acting on at least one fairing element of the front of the motor vehicle as a result of a pedestrian impact can be detected, wherein the at least one sensor element is integrated into a lower load plane of the front of the motor vehicle, in particular a front module.German publication DE 603 ​​03 274 T2 discloses a motor vehicle headlight which has a housing enclosing at least one light source and attached to a chassis and comprises breakable means of the headlight for connecting the housing to the chassis which, when broken, are able to absorb at least part of the energy of an impact exerted on the headlight, wherein the connecting means have a fastening element which is able to tear under the influence of an impact exerted on the headlight, wherein this fastening element has a series of adjacent areas which are able to tear successively, or an area which tears gradually when an impact is exerted on the headlight.German patent application DE 10 2010 050 515 A1 discloses a vehicle trim part, in particular a radiator handle or radiator grille, having a number of fastening points with openings for receiving alignment or fastening means, in particular weld studs, screws or rivets, wherein the fastening points are movable in a detent-like manner between several layers with respect to the alignment or fastening means used, in order to enable adjustment of the vehicle trim part with respect to the mounting point on the vehicle, wherein the detent is effected by a shape of the openings.German patent application DE 10 2006 046 266 A1 discloses an additional device for a vehicle flap which, together with the vehicle body, forms an outer surface with a joint, wherein at least one joint part area extends over a vertical area of ​​the outer surface, wherein the additional device is a multi-part clamping device with which the closed vehicle flap is clamped to the vehicle body.

[0003] The object of the invention is to improve a front-end vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 with regard to joint quality and pedestrian protection.

[0004] The problem is solved by a front section with the features of new claim 1. Relative movement means, in particular, that the hood can move downwards relative to the fender. The vehicle's vertical direction is also referred to as the z-direction. The z-direction is perpendicular to a plane spanned by an x-direction and a y-direction. The x-direction is also referred to as the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the y-direction is also referred to as the transverse direction. The hood is also referred to as the front flap. The hood or front flap is preferably pivotably mounted on a support structure in the front section of the motor vehicle between its closed position and an open position. The joint preferably extends substantially transversely to the vehicle's vertical direction. The joint itself can extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. However, the joint can also have an oblique or curved profile.The adjusting device holds the fender and the hood at a defined distance in the area of ​​the gap. Therefore, the adjusting device can also be referred to as a holding device. Since the holding device is essentially rigid when the hood is in its closed position, the at least one predetermined breaking point ensures that movement of the hood and / or the fender in the event of an impact, particularly a pedestrian head impact, is not obstructed by the adjusting or holding device. The claimed design of the front end allows a desired gap between the hood and the fender to be reliably maintained in the area of ​​the adjusting device. The hood is preferably fixed in its vertical position by a corresponding locking mechanism.The adjusting or holding device, with its two retaining parts and retaining geometry, prevents movement of the hood and fender relative to each other across the gap. The retaining geometry advantageously enables a positive fit between the two retaining parts when the hood is in its closed position. The toothed section preferably extends substantially across the gap. The claw preferably extends substantially vertically from top to bottom. The combination of the toothed section and the claw ensures, in a simple manner, that a desired gap is maintained when the hood is in its closed position. The first retaining part is attached to the fender, while the second retaining part is attached to the hood.This has proven particularly advantageous when the adjusting device with its two retaining elements is located at the front end of the joint. The first retaining element is advantageously attached to a flange angled from an outer surface of the fender that defines the joint. The toothed section is advantageously positioned below the joint and extends under the hood. The second retaining element is advantageously attached to an inner element, particularly an inner panel, of the hood. This has proven advantageous with regard to the available installation space.

[0005] A preferred embodiment of the front section is characterized in that the predetermined breaking point is provided on one of the two retaining parts. If only one predetermined breaking point is provided on one of the two retaining parts, then this breaking point is advantageously located on the retaining part that would impede movement of the other retaining part in the event of a head impact. This is preferably the retaining part located at the bottom in the direction of vehicle height.

[0006] Another preferred embodiment of the front end is characterized in that both retaining parts each have at least one predetermined breaking point. This advantageously ensures that movements of the hood and fender are not obstructed by the retaining parts in the event of a head impact.

[0007] Another preferred embodiment of the front end is characterized in that one of the retaining parts is provided with an elongated hole through which a screw extends, allowing this retaining part to be fixed relative to the other retaining part, but also to be moved in order to vary the gap dimension. In this way, the gap dimension can be easily adjusted during the manufacture of the vehicle or later. This adjustability is independent of the holding function, which is ensured by the retaining geometry of the two retaining parts.

[0008] Another preferred embodiment of the front end is characterized in that the adjusting device is arranged in a front end region of the joint between the fender and the hood. Here, the mounting of the adjusting device with the two retaining parts is particularly advantageous because, in this area, especially due to a headlight that is normally present there, the lack of installation space usually prevents the provision of retaining tabs on the fender and / or the hood to ensure the correct gap dimension.

[0009] Another preferred embodiment of the front end is characterized in that sufficient space or sufficient compliance is present below the adjustment device to allow movement of the fender and the hood together with the adjustment device if an impact occurs precisely on the joint above the adjustment device. In this way, the desired movement of the fender and the hood together with the adjustment device can also be ensured in the event of a head impact by a pedestrian.

[0010] The invention further relates to an adjustment device, in particular a retaining part, a fender and / or a front hood for a previously described front end. The aforementioned parts are available separately.

[0011] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which various exemplary embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. A top view of part of the front of a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a motor vehicle with a front section comprising a hood arranged with a gap between each of two fenders; Fig. 3 a perspective view of one of the fenders of the motor vehicle Fig. 2 with one headlight; Fig. 4. The illustration of a section through the fender and the hood. Fig. 1 with an adjustment device comprising two holding parts; and Fig. 5 a representation of the two holding parts of the adjusting device Fig. 4 on average.

[0012] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a motor vehicle 1 with a hood 2, two fenders 3, 4 and two headlights 5, 6, shown in perspective. The hood 2 comprises an outer element 7 and an inner element.

[0013] In Fig. 1 shows that a front section 10 of the motor vehicle is made of Fig. 2 between the fender 3 and the hood 2 comprises a joint 11, which runs essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In a front end area of ​​the joint 11, an arrow 12 above the headlight 5 exaggerates the risk that a gap dimension of the joint 11 above the headlight 5 cannot be maintained or cannot be maintained with sufficient accuracy.

[0014] In Fig. Figure 3 shows that retaining tabs 15, 16 can be attached to a flange 14 angled from the fender 3, with which the fender 3 can be fastened to a supporting structure of the vehicle in the front of the vehicle. Providing such a retaining tab is not possible due to a very small gap 18 between the headlight 5 and the fender 3 in the front end area 17 of the joint.

[0015] For this reason, the gap dimension of the joint is maintained, particularly in the front end area 17, by means of an adjusting device 20, which is located in Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view. The adjusting device 20 comprises a first retaining part 21 and a second retaining part 22. The first retaining part 21 is attached to the flange 14 of the fender 3. The second retaining part 22 is attached to an inner element 34 of the front hood 2, for example, an inner sheet metal panel.

[0016] The inner element 34 is connected at one end facing the joint 11 to an outer element 33 of the front hood 2. A double arrow 36 indicates Fig. Figure 4 indicates that the attachment of the retaining part 22 to the inner element 34 of the front hood 2 is adjustable. This adjustability will be referred to later in relation to Fig. 5 received.

[0017] The retaining part 21 is permanently attached to the flange 14 of the fender 3, for example by a positive fit combined with a material bond, preferably by adhesive bonding. The first retaining part 21 has a predetermined breaking point 23 at a free end of the flange 14. The second retaining part 22 has two predetermined breaking points 24 and 25. The predetermined breaking points 23 and 24, 25 ensure that the retaining parts 21, 22 break upon a head impact.

[0018] In Fig. 4 The front hood 2 is in its closed position. A gap dimension of the joint 11 is ensured by a retaining geometry 30 provided on the adjusting device 20. The retaining geometry 30 prevents the fender 3 and the front hood 2 from shifting in the area of ​​the joint 11. Fig. 4 can move relative to each other in a horizontal direction. This ensures that the gap dimension of the joint 11 is reliably maintained by the holding geometry 30.

[0019] The retaining geometry 30 comprises a toothed section 31 formed on the first retaining part 21. A claw 32 is formed on the second retaining part 22, which engages in the toothed section 31 when the front hood 2 assumes its closed position.

[0020] In Fig.Figure 5 shows that the retaining part 22 has an elongated hole 28. A screw 29 is guided through the elongated hole 28, with the aid of which the retaining part 22 can be moved in the direction of the double arrow 36 for adjustment purposes, before the retaining part 22 is fastened to the inner element 34 of the front hood 2 by tightening the screw 29.

[0021] The double arrow 36 illustrates how the gap dimension in the area of ​​joint 11 can be adjusted. During normal operation of the vehicle, movement of the retaining part 22 in the direction of the double arrow 36 is not possible. Reference sign 1 motor vehicle 2 Front hood 3 fenders 4 fenders 5 headlights 6 headlights 7 Exterior element 10 Front end 11 joint 12 Arrow 14 flange 15 retaining tab 16 retaining tab 17 front end area 18 spaces 20 Adjustment device 21 Holding part 22 Holding part 23 Breakaway point 24 Breakaway point 25 Breakaway point 28 slotted holes 29 screw 30 Holding geometry 31 Gear section 32 Claw 33 Exterior element 34 Interior element 36 Double Arrow

Claims

Front section (10) of a motor vehicle (1), with a hood (2) arranged with a gap (11) between each of two fenders (3, 4), and with at least one adjusting device (20) for adjusting a gap between one of the fenders (3, 4) and the hood (2) when the latter is in a closed position, wherein the adjusting device (20) has at least one predetermined breaking point (23, 24, 25) designed and arranged such that, when an impact force is applied to the front section (10) above the adjusting device (20), the adjusting device (20) breaks at the predetermined breaking point (23, 24, 25) and allows relative movement between the hood (2) and the fender (3) in a vehicle height direction, characterized in that the adjusting device (20) comprises a first retaining part (21) attached to the fender (3) and a second retaining part (22) attached to the hood (2).wherein the two retaining parts (21, 22), when the front hood (2) assumes its closed position, interlock or hook together by means of a retaining geometry (30) provided for this purpose on the retaining parts (21, 22) such that relative movements between the front hood (2) and the fender (3) transverse to the joint (11) are prevented, wherein the first retaining part (21) has a toothed section (31) facing a claw (32) provided on the second retaining part (22), wherein the claw (32) engages with the toothed section (31) when the front hood (2) assumes its closed position, wherein the toothed section (31) extends transversely to the joint (11), wherein the claw (32) extends from top to bottom in the vehicle height direction, wherein the first retaining part (21) is attached to the fender (3), and wherein the second retaining part (22) is attached to the front hood (2) is attached,wherein the toothed section (31) is arranged below the joint (11) and extends to below the front hood (2). Front carriage (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined breaking point (23,24,25) is provided on one of the two retaining parts (21,22). Front carriage (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that both retaining parts (21,22) each have at least one predetermined breaking point (23,24,25). Front section (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the retaining parts (21, 22) is provided with an elongated hole (28) through which a screw (29) extends, with which this retaining part (22) can be fixed relative to the other retaining part (21) in order to vary the gap dimension of the joint (11). Front section (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (20) is arranged in a front end area (17) of the joint (11) between the fender (3) and the front hood (2). Front section (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sufficient space or compliance is provided below the adjusting device (20) to allow movement of the fender (3) and the hood (2) together with the adjusting device (20) if an impact occurs above the adjusting device (20) precisely on the joint (11). Adjustment device (20), retaining part (21,22), fender (3) and / or front hood (2) for a front car (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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