Engine hood lifting mechanism and method and vehicle comprising the same
By using deformable materials and lifting devices on the inner surface of the hood, the problem of negative pressure in the front trunk was solved, enabling the hood to open quickly and improving vehicle safety and the response speed of the safety system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VOLVO CAR CORP
- Filing Date
- 2022-08-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In vehicles with a front trunk, when the hood is opened, a negative pressure is generated inside the front trunk, which reduces the opening speed and affects the vehicle's active safety systems.
Using deformable materials and lifting devices, a dome structure is formed by switching positions on the inner surface of the engine hood, reducing the volume of the front trunk and lowering the negative pressure, while providing rapid lifting force in combination with explosive devices.
The hood opening speed has been increased, enhancing the vehicle's active safety systems, particularly in pedestrian collision scenarios.
Smart Images
Figure CN115743025B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to a hood lifting mechanism, a vehicle including the hood lifting mechanism, and a method for moving (specifically, lifting) the hood of a vehicle. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a front hood lifting mechanism for a vehicle having a front trunk, a vehicle having a front trunk and including the front hood lifting mechanism, and a method for moving the front hood of a vehicle having a front trunk. Background Technology
[0002] In vehicles with a front luggage compartment (also known as a front trunk), when the front trunk is closed by the hood, the contact area (specifically the closed area) between the front trunk and the vehicle's hood needs to be sealed. Therefore, when the hood is opened, a negative pressure is created within the front trunk. This negative pressure slows down the opening speed of the hood compared to the speed at which it opens under normal pressure. Summary of the Invention
[0003] Therefore, it may be necessary to provide an improved hood lifting mechanism and a method for moving the vehicle hood (specifically, the front trunk lifting mechanism), as well as a method for moving the front trunk of the vehicle, thereby reducing, and preferably preventing, the negative pressure generated in the front trunk when the hood is opened.
[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is achieved by the subject matter of the appended independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.
[0005] According to a first aspect, a hood lifting mechanism for a vehicle having a front trunk is provided, specifically a front hood mechanism. The mechanism includes at least one lifting device and a deformable material. The lifting device is configured to lift the front hood, for example, in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, specifically to create a damping space that reduces the resultant force acting on the pedestrian. The deformable material is configured to attach to the inner surface of the hood. Furthermore, the deformable material is configured to switch from a first position to a second position, in which the dome material is flat or forms a dome facing the inner surface of the hood, and in the second position, the deformable material forms a dome facing the front trunk.
[0006] The deformable material can be configured to switch between these positions multiple times. Optionally, the deformable material can be configured to switch from the first position to the second position only once. In other words, the deformable material can be a material configured to elastically deform to switch between the first and second positions multiple times, or a material configured to permanently deform to switch from the first position to the second position only once.
[0007] The dome of deformable material can be formed by a 3D shape that holds the deformable material in that position. Alternatively, the dome of deformable material can be formed by detachably securing a portion of the deformable material (such as a tip, center, etc.) to the inner engine hood, such that the portion of the deformable material will detach when switching positions (i.e., when flipping). For example, clips, hooks, etc., can be used to detachably secure a portion of the deformable material to the inner engine hood.
[0008] In the closed position, the hood substantially contacts the front trunk, with the contact area between the hood and the front trunk configured to prevent water, dust, dirt, etc., from entering the front trunk. The contact area can be formed, for example, as a labyrinth of alternating ribs to prevent the passage of water, dust, dirt, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the contact area can be closed by a closure. Specifically, when the hood is rapidly raised, for example when at least one lifting device is activated, the air pressure generated in the front trunk is lower than the air pressure in the top of the hood or even in the surrounding area below the hood. This lower air pressure, also referred to herein as negative pressure, acts as a force in a direction substantially opposite to the lifting force generated by the at least one lifting device.
[0009] By switching the deformable material to the second position, the volume of the front trunk can be reduced when at least one lifting device is activated. This reduces the negative pressure generated within the front trunk, especially during the initial lifting motion of the hood. The initial lifting motion describes the movement of the hood until the closure stops sealing the contact area between the hood and the front trunk, allowing air to begin flowing into the front trunk. By reducing the negative pressure, the opening speed of the hood is increased. The opening speed of the hood is important, especially for the vehicle's active safety systems.
[0010] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism may include at least one lifting device. This lifting device may be configured to lift the front engine hood, preferably creating a damping space to reduce the resultant force acting on the pedestrian in the event of a collision. Additionally, the lifting device may be a pyrotechnic device configured to generate a force for upward movement of the engine hood.
[0011] The explosive device can create a large amount of lifting force in a very short time span. In other words, upon activation, the explosive device detonates, generating a significant amount of lifting force that allows the engine hood to move upwards.
[0012] In addition, deformable material can be attached to the frame, which is configured to be attached to the inner surface of the front hood.
[0013] By attaching deformable material to a frame, it can be easily assembled and / or retrofitted to the hood. Furthermore, the frame can maintain the shape of the deformable material. Additionally, the frame can be configured to retain closures for sealing the contact area between the hood and the front trunk in the closed position. Alternatively, the deformable material can be directly attached to the hood. Furthermore, optionally, the deformable material can be integrally formed with the inner hood. For example, the deformable material can be a bendable or foldable non-load-bearing portion of the inner hood itself.
[0014] The deformable material can be made of plastic, rubber, and / or fabric. Furthermore, the deformable material can be any material capable of switching from at least a first position to a second position. This means that the deformable material can have the ability to provide at least two stable positions. For example, in the first position, the deformable material can be flat or dome-shaped in a first direction, while in the second position, the deformable material can be dome-shaped in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, the deformable material is capable of flipping its shape. Optionally, the deformable material can be an elastic material that can be stretched to the first position and separably held in the first position, for example, by mechanical attachment, such as a spring hook. Furthermore, such a deformable material can be stretched to the second position by a force generated by negative pressure.
[0015] In some embodiments, the frame may be made of plastic. Plastic frames are inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, compared to, for example, metal, plastic is a lightweight material and easy to process. Therefore, the frame has virtually no impact on the overall weight of the hood and / or the vehicle. However, any other material, especially lightweight materials, may also be used for the frame.
[0016] According to a second aspect, a vehicle including a front trunk is provided. The vehicle also includes an engine hood, particularly a front engine hood, at least one lifting device configured to lift the engine hood, and a deformable material. The engine hood is configured to close and seal the front trunk in a closed position. The deformable material is attached to the inner surface of the front engine hood. Furthermore, the deformable material is configured to switch between, or be switchable between, a first position and a second position. The first position is where the deformable material is flat or forms a dome facing the inner surface of the engine hood, while the second position is where the deformable material forms a dome facing the front trunk.
[0017] In the closed position, the hood contacts the front trunk, with the contact area between the hood and the front trunk sealed to prevent water, dust, and / or dirt from entering the front trunk. Specifically, when the hood is rapidly raised, the air pressure generated inside the front trunk is lower than the air pressure in the top of the hood and even in the surrounding area below it. This lower air pressure, also referred to herein as negative pressure, acts as a force in a direction substantially opposite to the direction in which the hood is opened.
[0018] By switching the deformable material to the second position, the volume of the front trunk decreases when the hood is raised. This reduces the negative pressure generated within the front trunk, especially during the initial lifting motion of the hood. The initial lifting motion describes the movement of the hood until the closure stops sealing the contact area between the hood and the front trunk, allowing air to begin flowing into the front trunk. By reducing the negative pressure, the opening speed of the hood can be increased. The opening speed of the hood is important, especially for the vehicle's active safety systems.
[0019] In some embodiments, at least one lifting device may be configured to lift the engine hood from the front trunk. The at least one lifting device may be a rupture device configured to generate a force for moving the engine hood upwards.
[0020] The explosive device can create a large amount of lifting force in a very short time span. In other words, upon activation, the explosive device detonates, generating a significant amount of lifting force that allows the engine hood to move upwards.
[0021] Furthermore, deformable material can be attached to a frame that is attached to the inner surface of the hood. By attaching the deformable material to the frame, it can be easily adapted to an existing hood. Additionally, the frame can maintain the shape of the deformable material. Alternatively, the deformable material can be directly attached to the hood. Furthermore, optionally, the deformable material can be integrally formed with the inner hood. For example, the deformable material can be a bendable or foldable non-load-bearing part of the inner hood itself.
[0022] Furthermore, the frame can be made of plastic. Plastic frames are inexpensive to manufacture. Moreover, plastic is a lightweight material compared to metal, and it is easy to process. Therefore, the frame has virtually no impact on the overall weight of the hood and / or the vehicle. However, any other material, especially lightweight materials, can also be used for the frame.
[0023] The frame may also include a closure configured to close the contact area, particularly the contact area between the hood and the front trunk when in the closed position.
[0024] The deformable material can be made of plastic, rubber, and / or fabric. Optionally, the deformable material can be made of metal or any other material that can be perceived as “rigid.” In other words, the deformable material can be any material capable of switching from at least a first position to a second position. This means that the deformable material can have the ability to provide at least two stable positions. For example, in the first position, the deformable material can be flat or dome-shaped in a first direction, while in the second position, the deformable material can be dome-shaped in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, the deformable material is capable of flipping its shape. Optionally, the deformable material can be an elastic material that can be stretched to the first position and separably held in the first position, for example by mechanical attachment, such as a spring hook. Furthermore, such a deformable material can be stretched to the second position by a force generated by negative pressure.
[0025] According to a third aspect, a method is provided for moving an engine hood (specifically a front engine hood) of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a front trunk, an engine hood (particularly a front engine hood), at least one lifting device configured to lift the engine hood, and a deformable material. The engine hood is configured to close in a closed position and enclose the front trunk. The deformable material is attached to the inner surface of the engine hood. The method includes the following steps, not necessarily in the order presented:
[0026] Begin raising the hood and / or opening the front trunk; and
[0027] The deformable material is switched from the first position to the second position while the engine hood is raised.
[0028] The first position refers to the location where the deformable material is flat or forms a dome facing the inner surface of the hood. The second position is the location where the deformable material forms a dome facing the front trunk.
[0029] This method can be implemented at least partially by a computer and can be implemented in software and / or hardware. Furthermore, the method can be executed by computer program instructions running on a device providing data processing capabilities. The data processing device can be a suitable computing device, such as an electronic control module, or it can be a distributed computer system. The data processing device or computer can each include one or more of a processor, memory, data interface, etc.
[0030] Therefore, when raising the hood, the deformable material switches to a second position, thereby reducing the negative pressure generated in the front trunk. By reducing the negative pressure, the opening speed of the hood can be increased. The opening speed of the hood is important, especially for the vehicle's active safety systems. Therefore, the deformable material allows for increased lifting speed, particularly reducing the time required to raise the hood to the intended position.
[0031] It should be noted that any embodiment of this disclosure can be combined with each other, regardless of the aspects involved. Therefore, the method can be combined with structural features, and similarly, an engine hood lifting mechanism and / or a vehicle can be combined with the features described above regarding the method.
[0032] These and other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the embodiments described below and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description
[0033] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the following figures.
[0034] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle's front trunk and front engine hood is shown.
[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the front engine hood is shown, illustrating the inner surface of the front engine hood.
[0036] Figure 3 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the front trunk and the front hood to which deformable material is attached is shown.
[0037] Figure 4 A flowchart is shown, schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for moving the front engine hood of a vehicle.
[0038] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are used only to illustrate embodiments of this disclosure. In principle, identical or equivalent elements have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation
[0039] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view shows the front trunk (front luggage compartment) 100 and the front hood 102 of a vehicle (not shown). The front trunk 100 is a compartment that can be closed by the front hood 102. When the front trunk 100 is closed, this means that the front hood 102 is in the closed position, and the front hood 102 contacts the front trunk 100 at a contact area 104. The contact area 104 includes a closure 106 configured to close the contact area 104, thereby preventing dust, dirt, water, etc. from entering the front trunk when the front hood 102 is in the closed position.
[0040] Figure 2 A front hood 102 is shown, in which deformable material 108 is attached to an inner surface 110 of the front hood 102. The deformable material 108 is held by a frame 112, which is attached to the inner surface 110 of the front hood 102. The frame 112 may be made of lightweight and / or low-cost materials, particularly plastics. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 and3 As shown, the closure 106 is housed within the frame 112. The deformable material 108 is configured to switch between a first position P1 and a second position P2. In the first position P1, the deformable material 108 forms a dome 114 facing the inner surface 110. Alternatively, the deformable material 108 may be flat in the first position P1 (not shown).
[0041] In the second position P2 (see Figure 3 The deformable material 108 forms a dome 116 facing the front trunk 100. In other words, at the second position P2, the deformable material 108 protrudes into the volume of the front trunk 100, thereby at least temporarily reducing the volume of the front trunk 100.
[0042] Specifically, the deformable material 108 is part of the front hood lifting mechanism 118, which is configured to lift the front hood 102 upwards, spaced apart from the front trunk 100. Furthermore, the front hood lifting mechanism 118 may include at least one lifting device (not shown), particularly more than one. The lifting devices may be located at the front trunk 100 and configured to initiate the upward lifting of the front hood 102, spaced apart from the front trunk 100. This means that the front hood 102 is no longer in contact with the front trunk 100. The lifting devices may be configured to generate a lifting force F upon startup. L (See Figure 1 This allows for a very rapid upward lifting of the front engine hood 102.
[0043] In the closed position, the front hood 102 closes the front trunk 100; specifically, the closure 106 attached to the frame 112 closes the contact area 104 between the front hood 102 and the front trunk 100. Furthermore, the front trunk 100 may include a closure (not shown) configured to contact the closure 106 when the hood is closed to seal the front trunk. Therefore, when the front hood 102 is raised, at least during the initial movement of the front hood 102, a negative pressure is generated within the front trunk 100. The initial movement describes a portion of the raising motion, during which the sealing effect of the closure 106 remains effective, and thus no air can enter the front trunk 100. When the sealing effect ceases, i.e., when the closure 106 has stopped closing the contact area between the front hood 102 and the front trunk 100, air can flow into the front trunk, thereby eliminating the negative pressure.
[0044] Negative pressure generates force F P (See Figure 1This force pulls the front hood 102 downwards towards the front trunk 100, thus maintaining the sealing effect of the closure 106. This prevents air from entering the front trunk 100. Furthermore, the negative pressure causes the closure 106 to remain in contact with the inner surface 110 of the front hood 102 for a longer period, further delaying the time before air begins to enter the front trunk 100. Therefore, the lifting of the front hood 102 is delayed.
[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, when the hood 102 is in the closed position, the deformable material 108 is in the first position P1. When the hood 102 is raised, the negative pressure generated during the initial movement of the hood 102 causes the deformable material 108 to flip, i.e., switch from the first position P1 to the second position P2 (shown by dashed lines), thereby reducing the volume inside the front trunk 100. By reducing the volume inside the front trunk 100, the negative pressure is also reduced. The reduced negative pressure results in a reduced force FP pulling the hood 102 downward, thus allowing the hood 102 to be raised to the predetermined position more quickly. Additionally or alternatively, the deformable material 108 may be coupled to a mechanism, such as an electronically controlled release mechanism, which can hold the deformable material in the first position P1 and can be further configured to switch the deformable material from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Such a mechanism allows switching of the deformable material with or without negative pressure.
[0046] Figure 4 The flowchart schematically illustrates a method 200 for moving a vehicle (not shown) with a front hood 102, wherein the vehicle includes a front trunk 100, a front hood 102, and a deformable material 108. The front hood 102 is configured to close in a closed position and enclose the front trunk 100, and the deformable material 108 is attached to an inner surface 108 of the front hood 102. Method 200 includes at least the following steps, but not necessarily in this order:
[0047] Step S1: Begin lifting the engine hood 102; and
[0048] Step S2: The deformable material 108 is switched from the first position P1 to the second position P2. In the first position, the deformable material 108 is flat or forms a dome 114 facing the inner surface 110 of the hood 102. In the second position, the deformable material 108 forms a dome 116 facing the front trunk 100, while raising the hood 102.
[0049] Those skilled in the art, upon practicing the claimed disclosure, will understand and implement other variations of any aspect of this disclosure by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items or steps listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
[0050] List of reference numerals
[0051] 100 front trunk
[0052] 102 Front engine hood
[0053] 104 contact area
[0054] 106 Enclosure
[0055] 108 Deformable Materials
[0056] 110 Inner Surface
[0057] 112 Framework
[0058] 114 Domes
[0059] 116 Domes
[0060] 118 Front Engine Hood Lifting Mechanism
[0061] 200 methods
[0062] P1 First Position
[0063] P2 Second Position
[0064] F L Boosting power
[0065] F P Force generated by negative pressure
Claims
1. A hood lifting mechanism (118) for a vehicle having a front trunk (100), comprising: At least one lifting device is configured to lift the engine hood (102) of the vehicle, and A deformable material (108) is configured to be attached to the inner surface (110) of the engine hood (102). The deformable material (108) is configured to switch from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2). In the first position (P1), the deformable material (108) is flat or forms a dome (114) facing the inner surface (110) of the hood (102). In the second position (P2), when the at least one lifting device is activated, the deformable material (108) forms a dome (116) facing the front trunk (100). The deformable material (108) is configured to switch to the second position (P2) when the at least one lifting device is activated, in which the volume of the front trunk (100) is reduced.
2. The lifting mechanism (118) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one lifting device is configured to generate a force (F) for lifting the engine hood (102) upward. L ).
3. The lifting mechanism (118) according to claim 1, wherein, The deformable material (108) is attached to the frame (112), which is configured to be attached to the inner surface (110) of the engine hood (102).
4. The lifting mechanism (118) according to claim 1, wherein, The deformable material (108) is made of plastic, rubber and / or fabric.
5. The lifting mechanism (118) according to claim 3, wherein, The frame (112) is made of plastic.
6. The lifting mechanism (118) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The deformable material (108) is configured to deform elastically.
7. The lifting mechanism (118) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The deformable material (108) is configured for permanent deformation.
8. A vehicle comprising: Front trunk (100). The engine hood (102) is configured to close and seal the front trunk (100) in the closed position. At least one lifting device is configured to lift the engine hood (102), and Deformable material (108) is attached to the inner surface (110) of the engine hood (102). The deformable material (108) is configured to switch between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein the first position (P1) is a position where the deformable material (108) is flat or forms a dome (114) facing the inner surface (110) of the hood (102), and the second position (P2) is a position where the deformable material (108) forms a dome (116) facing the front trunk (100), and The deformable material (108) is configured to switch to the second position (P2) when the at least one lifting device is activated, in which the volume of the front trunk (100) is reduced.
9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one lifting device is configured to generate a force (F) for moving the engine hood (102) upward. L ).
10. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, The deformable material (108) is attached to the frame (112), which is attached to the inner surface (110) of the engine hood (102).
11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The frame (112) is made of plastic.
12. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The frame (112) also includes a closure (106) configured to close the contact area (104) between the engine hood (102) and the front trunk (100) in the closed position.
13. The vehicle according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein, The deformable material (108) is made of plastic, rubber or fabric.
14. A method (200) for moving an engine hood (102) of a vehicle, said vehicle comprising: Front trunk (100). The engine hood (102) is configured to close and seal the front trunk (100) in the closed position, and Deformable material (108) is attached to the inner surface (110) of the engine hood (102). The method (200) includes: Begin lifting the engine hood (102), and The deformable material (108) is switched from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2). In the first position (P1), the deformable material (108) is flat or forms a dome (114) facing the inner surface (110) of the hood (102). In the second position (P2), the deformable material (108) forms a dome (116) facing the front trunk (100) while the hood (102) is raised. When the engine hood (102) is raised, the deformable material (108) is switched to the second position (P2), in which the volume of the front trunk (100) is reduced.