Active hinge applicable to engine hood and engine hood thereof

Abstract

An active hinge that can be used for a hood and its hood, the hinge includes a fixed seat, a rotating arm and a telescopic support. The active hinge also includes a rotating arm bracket and an exciter. The rotating arm bracket includes a flange, a connecting edge and an extension end, the flange of the rotating arm bracket is fixedly connected to the hood, and the connecting edge of the rotating arm bracket is connected to the second end of the rotating arm; the telescopic support member includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the telescopic support member is movably connected to the extension end of the rotating arm bracket, and the second end of the telescopic support member is movably connected to the second end of the fixed seat; the exciter is arranged below the flange of the rotating arm bracket, and forms an upward thrust on the flange of the rotating arm bracket when a collision signal is received. The active hinge of the present invention has a simple structure, light weight, and better human-computer interaction experience. In addition, the hood using the active hinge of the present invention can also reduce the damage value to pedestrians and effectively protect pedestrians.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an engine hood and a hinge thereof, and more particularly to an active hinge which can be used for the engine hood and the engine hood thereof. Background Art

[0002] As people's living standards improve, car sales are gradually increasing, and customers are increasingly demanding the convenience of opening and closing the hood. In addition, in a car-pedestrian collision, the hood is the main source of pedestrian head injuries and is a location that consumers pay close attention to when buying a car. The hood hinge, as a hard point, seriously affects pedestrian protection.

[0003] The prior art also uses a variety of methods for opening and closing the car hood. In the first method, the prior art uses a gas spring to directly lift the hood; in the second method, the prior art uses a series of components such as a long push rod, a short support rod, and a U-shaped spring to lift the rear of the hood; in the third method, the prior art uses a base, a support assembly, a movable assembly, a cylinder and other components to fix the base on the car frame and the movable assembly on the car hood, thereby using a cylinder to lift the hood. The hood hinge and hood support rod on the current car models are independent parts, and the hood support rod is mostly a mechanical support rod. The opening method requires manual opening to the maximum position and then closing it from the maximum position, which makes the pedestrian protection and opening and closing convenience of the hood very poor, affecting the safety and user experience of consumers. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an active hinge that can be used for an engine hood and an engine hood thereof, which at least solves the problem that the engine hood is inconvenient to open and close and affects the protection of pedestrians.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An active hinge that can be used for an engine hood includes a fixed seat, a rotating arm and a telescopic support. The fixed seat includes a first end and a second end, and the fixed seat is fixedly connected to the car frame; the rotating arm includes a first end and a second end, and the first end of the rotating arm is hinged with the first end of the fixed seat to form a rotation axis, so that the rotating arm can rotate relative to the fixed seat around the rotation axis. The active hinge also includes a rotating arm bracket and an exciter. The rotating arm bracket includes a flange, a connecting edge and an extended end, the flange of the rotating arm bracket is fixedly connected to the engine hood, and the connecting edge of the rotating arm bracket is connected to the second end of the rotating arm; the telescopic support includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the telescopic support can be movably connected to the extended end of the rotating arm bracket, and the second end of the telescopic support can be movably connected to the second end of the fixed seat; the exciter is arranged below the flange of the rotating arm bracket, and forms an upward thrust on the flange of the rotating arm bracket when a collision signal is received.

[0007] As an embodiment of the present invention, the fixing seat is a long strip-shaped component, a portion of the edge of the fixing seat in the length direction is folded along one side of the fixing seat to form an inner area of ​​the fixing seat, and the middle position of the fixing seat is fixedly connected to the crossbeam of the automobile frame through the fixing component, so that the crossbeam of the automobile frame is nested in the inner area of ​​the fixing seat. The first end of the fixing seat is located at the end of the length direction of the fixing seat, and the second end of the fixing seat is located in the middle area of ​​the length direction of the fixing seat.

[0008] As an embodiment of the present invention, the rotating arm is a long strip-shaped component, and one side edge of the rotating arm in the length direction is folded along one side of the rotating arm to form a support edge for supporting the flange of the rotating arm bracket. The first end of the rotating arm is located at one end in the length direction of the rotating arm, and the second end of the rotating arm is located at the other end in the length direction of the rotating arm. The rotating arm is roughly S-shaped, so that the telescopic support member is located in the middle of the fixed seat and the rotating arm.

[0009] As an embodiment of the present invention, the connection side of the rotating arm bracket is fixedly connected to the first end of the rotating arm through a first pin, and the connection side of the rotating wall bracket also includes a movable groove. The rotating arm is provided with a second pin, the second pin passes through the movable groove, and can move along the movable groove.

[0010] As an implementation mode of the present invention, a rebound hook is provided on one side of the connecting edge, and the rebound hook applies a force toward the flange to the second pin.

[0011] As an embodiment of the present invention, the telescopic support member includes a gas spring, a first ball pin and a second ball pin, and the two ends of the gas spring are respectively connected to the first ball pin and the second ball pin; the first ball pin serves as the first end of the telescopic support member and is riveted to the extended end of the rotating arm bracket, and the second ball pin serves as the second end of the telescopic support member and is riveted to the second end of the fixed seat.

[0012] As an embodiment of the present invention, the exciter is a telescopic rod, and the exciter is connected to the fixing seat through a fixing member; when a collision signal is received, one end of the exciter extends upward and lifts the rotating arm bracket, so that the rotating arm bracket drives the rear end of the engine hood to be lifted upward to a certain height.

[0013] As an embodiment of the present invention, the fixing seat is connected to the horizontal crossbeam of the automobile engine frame in the horizontal direction, and is close to the position of the automobile A-pillar. In addition, the flange is fixed to the lower surface of the engine hood and is close to the position of the automobile A-pillar, so that the telescopic support member tilts the front end of the engine hood upward.

[0014] To achieve the above object, the present invention also adopts the following technical solution:

[0015] An engine hood comprises the active hinge of the present invention.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the active hinge of the present invention has a simple structure and light weight, and its structure can increase the layout space of the engine hood and the front cabin. In addition, the active hinge of the present invention has a better human-computer interaction experience. After the engine hood is manually opened and closed to a certain height, it can be opened and closed automatically. In addition, the engine hood using the active hinge of the present invention can also reduce the damage value to pedestrians and effectively protect pedestrians. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a first view of the active hinge of the present invention in a closed state;

[0018] Figure 2 is a second view of the active hinge of the present invention in a closed state;

[0019] Figure 3 is a first view of the active hinge of the present invention in an active pop-up state;

[0020] Figure 4 is a second view of the active hinge of the present invention in an active pop-up state;

[0021] Figure 5 is a view of the active hinge of the present invention in an open state;

[0022] Figure 6 is a first view of the engine hood of the present invention in a closed state;

[0023] Figure 7 is a second view of the engine hood of the present invention in a closed state;

[0024] Figure 8 is a first view of the engine hood of the present invention in an actively popped-up state;

[0025] Fig. 9 is a second view of the engine hood of the present invention in an actively popped-up state;

[0026] Fig.10 is a first view of the engine hood of the present invention in an open state;

[0027] Fig.11 It is a second view of the engine hood of the present invention in the open state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following is a further clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are used to explain the technical solutions of the present invention, and do not mean that all implementation methods of the present invention have been exhaustively listed.

[0029] Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0030] Reference Figure 1-Figure 5 The present invention first discloses an active hinge that can be used for an engine hood, which mainly includes a fixing seat 1, a rotating arm 2, a rotating arm bracket 3, a telescopic support member 4, an exciter 5 and other components. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Indicates the closed state of the active hinge. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It indicates the active pop-up state of the active hinge, and Figure 5 Indicates the open state of the active hinge.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fixing seat 1 is a long strip-shaped member having a first end 11 and a second end 12 along the length direction. Figure 1 As shown, the first end 11 of the fixing base 1 is located at the end in the length direction of the fixing base 1, and the second end 12 of the fixing base 1 is located in the middle area in the length direction of the fixing base 1. Two fixing holes 13 are opened in the central position of the fixing base 1, and fixing members (such as bolts, etc., not shown in the figure) are added to the two fixing holes 13, so that the fixing base 1 is fixedly connected to the automobile frame.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the edge of the fixing seat 1 in the length direction can be folded along one side of the fixing seat 1 to form an inner area of ​​the fixing seat 1. Figure 1As shown, the upper edge of the fixing seat 1 along the length direction and the lower edge near the first end position are both folded in the direction away from other components, so that an inner area of ​​the fixing seat 1 is formed on one side of the fixing seat 1. Similarly, the side of the fixing seat 1 opposite to the inner area is the outer area. The middle position of the fixing seat 1 is fixedly connected to the crossbeam of the automobile frame through a fixing component, so that the crossbeam of the automobile frame is nested in the inner area of ​​the fixing seat 1.

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rotating arm 2 is a long strip-shaped component having a first end 21 and a second end 22 along the length direction. Figure 2 As shown, the first end 21 of the rotating arm 2 is located at one end in the length direction of the rotating arm 2, and the second end 22 of the rotating arm 2 is located at the other end in the length direction of the rotating arm 2. Figure 2 As shown, the upper edge of the rotating arm 2 along the length direction is folded along one side of the rotating arm 2 to form a supporting edge 23 for supporting the flange 31 of the rotating arm bracket 3 .

[0034] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one side edge of the rotating arm 2 in the length direction is folded along one side of the rotating arm 2 to form an inner area of ​​the rotating arm 2. Similarly, the side of the rotating arm 2 opposite to the inner area is the outer area. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen from the comparison that the outer area of ​​the rotating arm 2 is opposite to the outer area of ​​the fixing base 1, and the inner area of ​​the rotating arm 2 is opposite to the inner area of ​​the fixing base 1. A portion of the lower edge of the rotating arm 2 along the length direction, a position 24 close to the first end of the rotating arm 2, is also folded along one side of the rotating arm 2 to form the above-mentioned inner area. Those skilled in the art can understand that the structure of the inner area formed by such folding can enhance the rigidity and anti-twisting degree of the rotating arm 2.

[0035] pass Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that the fixed seat 1 and the rotating arm 2 are connected by the pin 14, so that the first end 21 of the rotating arm 2 is hinged with the first end 11 of the fixed seat 1 and forms a rotating axis A, so that the rotating arm 2 can rotate relative to the fixed seat 1 around the rotating axis A. Figure 3-Figure 5 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the pin connection is only one of many connection methods between the fixed seat 1 and the rotating arm 2. In other embodiments of the present invention, the fixed seat 1 and the rotating arm 2 may also be connected in other reasonable ways to achieve relative rotational movement between the fixed seat 1 and the rotating arm 2.

[0036] pass Figure 1 , Figure 2 It can be seen that when the active hinge is in the closed state, the fixed seat 1 and the rotating arm 2 are parallel to each other and are on similar horizontal planes. Figure 3 , Figure 4 It can be seen that when the rotating arm 2 rotates around the rotating axis A relative to the fixing seat 1 , the second end of the rotating arm 2 is mainly lifted upward and away from the second end of the fixing seat 1 .

[0037] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rotating arm bracket 3 includes a flange 31, a connecting edge 32 and an extending end 33. The flange 31 of the rotating arm bracket 3 is used to be fixedly connected to the engine hood 6, the connecting edge 32 is used to be fixedly connected to the rotating arm 2, especially to the second end 22 of the rotating arm 2, and the extending end 33 extends forward along the length direction of the rotating arm 2 to the outside of the rotating arm 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the closed state shown, the flange 31 is in close contact with and rests on the upper surface of the support edge 23 of the rotating arm 2, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the active pop-up state shown, the swivel arm bracket 3 rises upward, so that the flange 31 of the swivel arm bracket 3 and the support edge 23 of the swivel arm 2 are separated from each other. Figure 5 In the open state shown, the flange 31 of the rotating arm bracket 3 also closely adheres to and rests on the upper surface of the supporting edge 23 of the rotating arm 2 .

[0038] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rotating arm bracket 3 is generally in the shape of a corner component, and the two sides of the corner are respectively a flange 31 and a connecting edge 32. The flange 31 and the connecting edge 32 meet at the end, and the part located at the connecting edge 32 is an extension end 33. Figure 1 As shown, the flange 31 has two fixing holes 36, and the flange 31 is fixed to the lower surface of the engine hood 6 by adding fixing members (such as bolts, etc., not shown in the figure) in the fixing holes 36. Figure 2 As shown, the inner side of the connecting edge 32 of the rotating arm bracket 3 is connected to the second end of the rotating arm 2 through a pin 26, and Figure 3 The connecting edge 32 of the rotating arm bracket 3 shown in the figure also includes a movable groove 34, which is a through hole extending up and down in the vertical direction. The rotating arm 2 is provided with a pin 25, which passes through the movable groove 34 and is connected to the outer side of the rotating arm 2, so that the pin 25 can move up and down along the movable groove 34.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The telescopic support member 4 includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the telescopic support member 4 is movably connected to the extension end 33 of the rotating arm bracket 3, and the second end of the telescopic support member 4 is movably connected to the second end 12 of the fixing base 1.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the telescopic support member 4 includes a gas spring 41, a first ball pin 42 and a second ball pin 43. The two ends of the gas spring 41 are connected to the first ball pin 42 and the second ball pin 43 respectively. The first ball pin 42, as the first end of the telescopic support member 4, is riveted to the extension end 33 of the rotating arm bracket 3, and the second ball pin 43, as the second end of the telescopic support member 4, is riveted to the second end 12 of the fixing seat 1. The telescopic support member 4 uses a gas spring 41 so that after the user manually opens and closes the engine hood to a certain height, the engine hood can be automatically opened and closed due to the extension of the gas spring 41. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-mentioned riveting method is only one of many embodiments of the present invention. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first ball pin 42 and the second ball pin 43 can be connected to the extension end 33 of the rotating arm bracket 3 and the second end 12 of the fixing seat 1 respectively by other methods, and realize mutual mobility.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The exciter 5 is arranged below the flange 31 of the rotating arm bracket 3, and when receiving the collision signal, it forms an upward thrust on the flange 31 of the rotating arm bracket 3. After the rotating arm bracket 3 is subjected to the upward thrust, the engine hood 6 is further lifted up a certain distance, thereby protecting pedestrians.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exciter 5 is a telescopic rod, and the exciter 5 can be connected to the fixing base 1 through a fixing member (not shown in the figure), or can be separately provided without being connected to the fixing base 1. Figure 4 As shown, when a collision signal is received, one end 51 of the exciter 5 extends upward and lifts the rotating arm bracket 3, especially the lower surface of the flange 31, so that the rotating arm bracket 3 drives the rear end of the engine hood 6 to be lifted upward to a certain height.

[0043] As an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the position where the vibrator 5 lifts the rotating arm bracket 3 is located in the middle of the lower surface of the flange 31 or the other end away from the extension end 33. Preferably, the position where the vibrator 5 lifts is close to the position of the movable groove 34. Those skilled in the art can understand that the position where the vibrator 5 lifts the rotating arm bracket 3 is variable, and the vibrator 5 can be set at multiple reasonable positions on the lower surface of the flange 31, and these positions can achieve the effect of the vibrator 5 lifting the rotating arm bracket 3.

[0044] As an embodiment of the present invention, the action of the vibration exciter 5 is triggered by the receipt of a collision signal. When the vehicle is in normal use, the collision signal will not be issued, so the vibration exciter 5 will not lift the rotating arm bracket 3 under normal circumstances. When the vehicle collides, especially when the collision position is located at the front of the vehicle, the corresponding sensor located at the front of the vehicle will send a collision signal to indicate that the front position of the vehicle has been hit. At the same time, the vibration exciter 5 will receive the collision signal sent by the sensor, and immediately and quickly respond to the collision signal to lift the rotating arm bracket 3.

[0045] Depend on Figure 1-Figure 4 It can be seen that when the active hinge is in the active pop-up state, the fixing seat 1 is fixed on the crossbeam of the car frame, so the fixing seat 1 remains in place. At this time, the first end 21 of the rotating arm 2 rotates around the first end 11 of the fixing seat 1, and the second end 22 of the rotating arm 2 is lifted upward and away from the second end 12 of the fixing seat 1. At the same time, since the exciter 5 lifts the middle position or the rear position of the rotating arm bracket 3, the rotating arm bracket 3 rotates to a certain extent around the pin 26 of the second end 22 of the rotating arm 2, so that the rotating arm bracket 3 is no longer tightly attached to and relies on the rotating arm 2, that is, Figure 4 The flange 31 of the rotating arm support 3 shown in the figure is lifted up a certain distance compared with the supporting edge 23 of the rotating arm 2. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, at this time, the fixing base 1 and the rotating arm bracket 3 maintain a relatively parallel position, while the rotating arm 2 as a component connecting the fixing base 1 and the rotating arm bracket 3 is in a tilted state.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, a rebound hook 35 is also provided on the outer side of the connecting edge 32 of the rotating arm bracket 3, and the rebound hook 35 can apply a force to the pin 25 toward the flange 31 of the rotating arm bracket 3. Since the pin 25 is fixed on the rotating arm 2, the rebound hook 35 applies a force to the pin 25 toward the flange 31 of the rotating arm bracket 3, which is equivalent to causing the flange 31 to be subjected to a force toward the rotating arm 2, so that the pin 25 is always kept at the top of the movable groove 34, so that it can be ensured that the rotating arm bracket 3 can always keep close contact with the rotating arm 2 when no external force is applied by the exciter 5. On the other hand, when the exciter 5 applies an upward force to the flange 31, the force is greater than the force of the rebound hook 35, so that the flange 31 moves upward and the rebound hook 35 moves downward. Once the force of the exciter 5 is withdrawn, the flange 31 moves toward the rotating arm 2 under the influence of the force of the rebound hook 35, and finally the rotating arm bracket 3 can be closely attached to and lean against the rotating arm 2.

[0047] As an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4It can be seen that the rotating arm 2 is roughly S-shaped along the length direction. The first end 21 of the rotating arm 2, that is, one end of the S-shape, is hinged to the first end 11 of the fixed seat 1 and is in close contact with each other. The second end 22 of the rotating arm 2, that is, the other end of the S-shape, is away from the fixed seat 1 due to the shape of the S-shape, so that a certain distance is generated between the second end of the rotating arm 2 and the second end of the fixed seat 1. In this way, the rotating arm bracket 3 connected to the second end of the rotating arm 2 also has a certain distance from the fixed seat 1. The telescopic support member 4 is arranged in this distance, so that the telescopic support member 4 is located in the middle position between the fixed seat 1 and the rotating arm 2. Those skilled in the art can understand that the present invention integrates the gas spring 41 in the middle position between the fixed seat 1 and the rotating arm 2, and at the same time eliminates the need to install a reinforcing plate for the gas spring 41, so that the weight of the entire active hinge can be reduced.

[0048] It can be seen that no matter the active hinge is in the closed state, the active pop-up state or the open state, the spatial positions of the fixed seat 1, the rotating arm 2, the rotating arm bracket 3, the telescopic support 4 and the exciter 5 in the horizontal direction are respectively fixed seat 1, telescopic support 4, rotating arm bracket 3, rotating arm 2 and exciter 5. Considering that the fixed seat 1 is fixed on the crossbeam of the vehicle frame, when the active hinge is arranged inside the engine compartment of the vehicle, the order of its components from outside to inside is the same as above.

[0049] Depend on Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 It can be seen that when the active hinge is in the open state, the fixing seat 1 remains in place because it is fixed to the crossbeam of the car frame. At this time, the first end of the rotating arm 2 rotates around the first end of the fixing seat 1, and the second end of the rotating arm 2 is lifted upward and away from the second end of the fixing seat 1. However, since there is no exciter 5 to lift the rotating arm bracket 3, and the force applied by the telescopic support 4 to the rotating arm bracket 3 is located at its extended end 33, the rotating arm bracket 3 is still tightly attached to and leans on the rotating arm 2, and the distance between the second end of the rotating arm 2, or the extended end 33 of the rotating arm bracket 3 and the fixing seat 1 continues to increase until the telescopic support 4 (gas spring 41) is in the maximum extended position.

[0050] In the open state, the telescopic support member 4, or the gas spring 41, is extended, thereby providing an upward force to the extension end 33 of the rotating arm bracket 3, so that the rotating arm bracket 3 drives the rotating arm 2 to move upward, and the rotating arm 2 rotates relative to the first end of the fixed base 1. On the other hand, since the force provided by the telescopic support member 4 is located at the extension end 33 of the rotating support arm, this force will not affect the rebound hook 35, so that the rotating arm bracket 3 can maintain a state of being closely attached to and leaning against the rotating arm 2. Figure 5It can be seen that when the telescopic support 4 is extended, the rotating arm 2 is opened, so that the active hinge is "opened", and the engine hood 6 is also opened accordingly.

[0051] Reference Figure 6-Figure 11 The present invention further discloses an engine hood, which adopts the active hinge of the present invention. Corresponding to the closed state, active pop-up state, and open state of the active hinge, the engine hood also has a closed state, an active pop-up state, and an open state. Figure 6 , Figure 7 Indicates the closed state of the engine hood. Figure 8 , Fig. 9 Indicates the active pop-up state of the engine hood. Fig.10 , Fig.11 Indicates the open state of the engine hood.

[0052] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The fixing base 1 of the active hinge is connected to the horizontal beam of the automobile engine frame from the horizontal direction, and is close to the position of the A-pillar of the automobile. The rotating arm 2 is used to provide support for the rotating arm bracket 3, and the flange 31 of the rotating arm bracket 3 is fixed to the lower surface of the engine hood 6 and is close to the position of the A-pillar of the automobile. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the engine hood 6 is in the closed state, the exciter 5 does not lift the rotating arm bracket 3, and the telescopic support member 4 is also in the closed state. At this time, the engine hood 6 is in a closed position close to the vehicle body, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 shown.

[0053] Combined with reference Figure 1-Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the inner area of ​​the fixing seat 1 is located on the side of the fixing seat 1, and the inner area is used to be fixed to the crossbeam of the vehicle frame. It can be seen that the fixing seat 1 is fixed to the crossbeam of the vehicle frame from the side, rather than being installed on the upper surface of the vehicle frame. In this way, the entire active hinge can be set in the engine compartment below the engine hood 6, and is located at the rear of the engine compartment, that is, close to the cab. Usually, since there is generally some space at the rear of the engine compartment, such a setting of the active hinge can increase the layout space of the engine hood and the front compartment.

[0054] Based on the above reasons, unlike the prior art, the structure of the present invention does not need to fold the telescopic support member 4 into certain parts, and the structure of the present invention can use a larger telescopic support member 4 (or a larger gas spring 41) instead of a very small gas spring as in many prior arts. On the other hand, the structure of the active hinge of the present invention does not need to be arranged very compactly, so it has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and has the advantages of being more convenient and quick in processing, manufacturing and installation.

[0055] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 When the engine hood 6 is in the actively popped-up state, the exciter 5 lifts the rotating arm bracket 3, so that the engine hood 6 is lifted accordingly. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The front end of the engine hood 6 shown is the end close to the front of the vehicle, and the rear end is the end close to the A-pillar of the vehicle. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 It can be seen that since the rotating arm bracket 3 is fixed to the rear end of the engine hood 6 near the A-pillar of the car, in the active pop-up state, the rear end of the engine hood 6 is lifted upward, while the position of the front end remains basically unchanged. Therefore, the active pop-up state of the engine hood 6 makes it form a posture with a low front and a high rear, such as Fig. 9 shown.

[0056] When the vehicles collide, since the pedestrian's head is at risk of colliding with the engine hood 6, the rotating arm bracket 3 of the active hinge rises to a certain height, causing the engine hood 6 to also rise to a certain height accordingly. In this way, the collision buffer space can be increased when the vehicles collide, thereby reducing the collision damage value.

[0057] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 When the hood 6 is in the open state, the telescopic support member 4 is in the extended state, and the telescopic support member 4 provides an upward force to the extended end 33 of the rotating arm bracket 3, so that the rotating arm bracket 3 drives the rotating arm 2 to move upward, so that the active hinge is "opened". In this state, the front end of the hood 6 tilts upward.

[0058] The engine hood 6 is a component that needs to be opened or not during the use of the vehicle. During operation, when the engine hood 6 is opened or closed to reach a balance point, the present invention can automatically open to the maximum position or a completely closed state through the gas spring 41, thereby saving effort and improving user experience.

[0059] One difference from the prior art is that, in the active pop-up state of the active hinge, the present invention uses the exciter 5 to lift the rotating arm bracket 3 upward, thereby lifting the rear end of the hood 6 upward, thereby protecting pedestrians. In this process, the flange 31 is lifted upward by the exciter 5, while the telescopic support 4 does not extend upward at this time, so only the flange 31 moves upward. It can be seen that in the active pop-up state, the front end of the hood 6 is still consistent with the position in the closed state, that is, it remains in place, while the rear end of the hood 6 is lifted upward, so that the hood 6 forms a posture with a low front and a high back. In this way, when a collision occurs with a pedestrian, the low front and high back posture of the hood 6 can better protect the pedestrian.

[0060] On the other hand, the active pop-up state does not lift the hood 6 by opening the telescopic support 4, i.e., the gas spring 41, but uses the exciter 5 instead. Since the response speed of the exciter 5 can be significantly faster than the response speed of the hydraulic components, gas springs 41 or similar components of the transmission, the use of the exciter 5 to lift the flange 31 can make the lifting speed of the hood 6 faster. This faster speed is more conducive to protecting pedestrians, because in the event of a collision, if the hood 6 is to play a role in protecting pedestrians, the speed at which the hood 6 adjusts its posture must be fast, otherwise the time window for protecting pedestrians will be lost.

[0061] Another difference from the prior art is that the active hinge and the engine hood 6 of the present invention can be switched between a closed state, an active pop-up state, and an open state without the need for additional components or additional maintenance. Figure 1-Figure 11 It can be seen that the active hinge and its engine hood 6 of the present invention can be reset to the original closed state by simply pressing down, regardless of whether they are in the active pop-up state or the open state, without the need for additional maintenance or configuration.

[0062] For example, when the active hinge is in Figure 3 , Figure 4 The active pop-up state shown, or when the engine hood 6 is in Figure 8 , Fig. 9 In the active pop-up state shown, the telescopic rod of the exciter 5 can be retracted and reset by pressing down the rear end of the rotating arm bracket 3 or the engine hood 6, so that the active hinge or the engine hood 6 can be restored to the closed state. Figure 5 The open state shown, or the engine hood 6 is in Fig.10 , Fig.11 In the open state shown, the telescopic support member 4 can be retracted and reset by pressing down the rotating arm bracket 3 or the front end of the engine hood 6, so that the active hinge or the engine hood 6 can be restored to the closed state.

[0063] It can be seen from this that the active hinge and its engine hood of the present invention do not adopt a "destructive" method to enter any state, especially do not adopt a "destructive" method to enter the active pop-up state, but through the specific structure of the active hinge as described above to achieve switching between various states in a "non-destructive" manner.

[0064] In summary, the active hinge of the present invention and the engine hood using the active hinge have the following beneficial effects:

[0065] 1. It can reduce the damage to pedestrians and effectively protect them;

[0066] 2. Simple structure and low manufacturing cost;

[0067] 3. Increase the space for the engine hood and front cabin;

[0068] 4. Light weight;

[0069] 5. The human-computer interaction experience is good. After the engine hood is manually opened and closed to a certain height, it can be opened and closed automatically.

[0070] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. As long as they are within the spirit of the present invention, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments will fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An active hinge that can be used for an engine hood, comprising a fixing seat, a rotating arm and a telescopic support, characterized in that: The fixing seat comprises a first end and a second end, and the fixing seat is fixedly connected to the automobile frame; The rotating arm comprises a first end and a second end, the first end of the rotating arm is hinged to the first end of the fixing seat and forms a rotating axis, so that the rotating arm can rotate relative to the fixing seat around the rotating axis; The active hinge also includes a rotating arm bracket and a vibration exciter; The rotating arm bracket comprises a flange, a connecting edge and an extending end, the flange of the rotating arm bracket is fixedly connected to the engine hood, and the connecting edge of the rotating arm bracket is connected to the second end of the rotating arm; The telescopic support member includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the telescopic support member is movably connected to the extension end of the rotating arm bracket, and the second end of the telescopic support member is movably connected to the second end of the fixing seat; The exciter is arranged below the flange of the rotating arm bracket, and generates an upward thrust on the flange of the rotating arm bracket when receiving a collision signal; The telescopic support member comprises a gas spring, a first ball pin and a second ball pin, and two ends of the gas spring are respectively connected to the first ball pin and the second ball pin; The first ball pin as the first end of the telescopic support is riveted to the extended end of the rotating arm bracket, and the second ball pin as the second end of the telescopic support is riveted to the second end of the fixing seat; The active hinge and its engine hood can be switched between a closed state, an active pop-up state, and an open state.

2. The active hinge for an engine hood as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing seat is a long strip-shaped component, and a portion of the edge of the fixing seat in the length direction is folded along one side of the fixing seat to form an internal area of ​​the fixing seat. The middle position of the fixing seat is fixedly connected to the crossbeam of the automobile frame through the fixing component, so that the crossbeam of the automobile frame is nested in the internal area of ​​the fixing seat.

3. The active hinge for an engine hood as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The first end of the fixing seat is located at the end of the length direction of the fixing seat, and the second end of the fixing seat is located in the middle area of ​​the length direction of the fixing seat.

4. The active hinge for an engine hood as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating arm is a long strip-shaped component, and one side edge of the rotating arm in the length direction is folded along one side of the rotating arm to form a supporting edge for supporting the flange of the rotating arm bracket.

5. The active hinge for an engine hood as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The first end of the rotating arm is located at one end in the length direction of the rotating arm, and the second end of the rotating arm is located at the other end in the length direction of the rotating arm.

6. The active hinge for an engine hood as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The rotating arm is generally S-shaped, so that the telescopic support member is located in the middle of the fixing seat and the rotating arm.

7. The active hinge for an engine hood as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting edge of the rotating arm bracket is fixedly connected to the second end of the rotating arm through a first pin shaft, and the connecting edge of the rotating arm bracket also includes a movable groove; The rotating arm is provided with a second pin shaft, and the second pin shaft passes through the movable groove and can move along the movable groove.

8. The active hinge for an engine hood as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: A rebound hook is arranged on one side of the connecting edge, and the rebound hook applies a force toward the flange to the second pin shaft.

9. The active hinge for an engine hood as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The exciter is a telescopic rod, and the exciter is connected to the fixing seat through a fixing member; When a collision signal is received, one end of the exciter extends upward and lifts the rotating arm bracket, so that the rotating arm bracket drives the rear end of the engine hood to be lifted upward to a certain height.

10. The active hinge for an engine hood as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The fixing seat is horizontally connected to the horizontal beam of the automobile engine frame and is close to the A-pillar of the automobile; the flange is fixed to the lower surface of the engine hood and is close to the A-pillar of the automobile, so that the telescopic support member lifts the front end of the engine hood upward.

11. An engine hood, characterized in that: The bonnet comprises an active hinge as claimed in any one of claims 1-10.

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