Vehicle hood bumper

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle hood bumper. A hood bumper for a vehicle having a hood comprises a housing having a wall, a base, an interior chamber, and an opening to the interior chamber. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines the interior chamber. The hood bumper also includes a biasing mechanism operably connected to the housing and a plunger operably connected to the biasing mechanism and configured to receive an applied force from the hood. The hood bumper also includes a bumper head operably connected to the housing and a support frame operably connecting the bumper head to the housing. The plunger is configured to first move into the bumper head to absorb an impact force on the hood, followed by the bumper head compressing to further absorb the impact force, and then the support frame collapsing to even further absorb the impact force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject disclosure relates to a hood bumper for a vehicle having a hood. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles with a hood that covers the engine compartment or front trunk (i.e., the trunk) often include a hood bumper. This hood bumper protects the rest of the vehicle in situations such as over-slamming the hood. Furthermore, when the hood is in the closed position, the hood bumper allows the hood to deform even when considerable force is applied.

[0003] For situations like these, programs such as regional NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) and Global Technical Regulations (GTR) have established safety specifications and standards, including head impact criteria (HIC), which may require the hood to deform a sufficient distance to meet the standards. To achieve this, some vehicles use hood bumpers or brackets that disengage when subjected to significant forces, causing the hood to deform and thus provide a buffer between components in the engine compartment or front trunk. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, a hood bumper for a vehicle having a hood is provided. The hood bumper includes a housing having a wall, a base, an interior chamber, and an opening leading to the interior chamber. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines the interior chamber. The hood bumper also includes a biasing mechanism operably connected to the housing and a plunger operably connected to the biasing mechanism and configured to receive a desired force from the hood. The plunger is configured to move from an extended position to a compressed position within the interior chamber and compress the biasing mechanism when the force exceeds a first magnitude. The hood bumper also includes a bumper head operably connected to the housing. The plunger is configured to protrude through the bumper head in the extended position and to move fully into the bumper head when an applied force exceeds a second magnitude. The bumper head is configured to receive the force from the hood when the force exceeds the second magnitude. The bumper is configured to compress when the force exceeds the second magnitude. The hood bumper also includes a support frame operably connecting the bumper head to the housing. When the force is greater than a third magnitude, the support frame may collapse from an uncollapsed position to a collapsed position.

[0005] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the bumper head being configured to collapse with the support frame from the uncollapsed position to the collapsed position.

[0006] In addition to or instead of one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the bumper head further comprising: a first head end; a second head end positioned opposite the first head end; an impact portion at the first head end; a sidewall extending from the impact portion to the second head end; and a cavity defined within the bumper head.

[0007] In addition to or instead of one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the support frame being operably connected to the bumper head via the cavity.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the bumper head further comprising: a through hole extending from the cavity through the impact portion. The plunger extends through the through hole when in the extended position.

[0009] In addition to or instead of one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the support frame further comprising: a radially outward wall; a radially inward wall positioned radially inward from the radially outward wall; and a head connecting the radially outward wall to the radially inward wall.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the support frame further comprising: an upper end; a lower end; and an upper wall located at the upper end. The upper wall comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper wall further comprises a plunger opening extending through the upper wall. The plunger extends through the plunger opening into the bumper head.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the radially outward wall being in facing, spaced relationship with the radially inward wall to form a passage therebetween, the passage being defined by the radially outward wall, the radially inward wall, and the head.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the housing further comprising: a first end; and a second end positioned opposite the first end, the wall extending from the first end to the second end. The base is located at the first end, and the opening is located at the second end. The second end of the wall is located in the channel.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include: the second end of the wall being located at a distance away from the head in the uncollapsed position. The distance between the second end of the wall and the head decreases or becomes zero in the collapsed position.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the radially inward wall of the support frame further comprising: a radially inner surface; a radially outer surface; and an inner step extending about the radially outer surface. The radially inward surface of the wall further comprises an outer step. The inner step is configured to fit within, interlock with, or rest on the outer step to maintain the support frame in the uncollapsed position.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include: the radially inner surface of the radially inward wall of the support frame defining a cavity within the radially inward wall of the support frame; a portion of the plunger being located within the cavity.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include a section of the radially inward wall of the support frame being located within the interior cavity.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the radially inward wall of the support frame further comprising a notch.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the recess extending from the radially inner surface to the radially outer surface.

[0019] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the recess being triangular in shape.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes: a cabin; a hood covering the cabin; and at least one hood bumper configured to contact the hood. The at least one hood bumper includes a housing having a wall, a base, an interior chamber, and an opening leading to the interior chamber. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines the interior chamber. The hood bumper also includes a biasing mechanism operably connected to the housing and a plunger operably connected to the biasing mechanism and configured to receive a desired force from the hood. The plunger is configured to move from an extended position to a compressed position within the interior chamber and compress the biasing mechanism when the force exceeds a first magnitude. The hood bumper also includes a bumper head operably connected to the housing. The plunger is configured to protrude through the bumper head in the extended position and to move fully into the bumper head when a force is applied that exceeds a second magnitude. The bumper head is configured to receive the force from the hood when the force exceeds the second magnitude. The bumper is configured to compress when the force exceeds the second magnitude. The hood bumper also includes a support frame operatively connecting the bumper head to the housing. When the force is greater than a third magnitude, the support frame can collapse from an uncollapsed position to a collapsed position.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the bumper head being configured to collapse with the support frame from the uncollapsed position to the collapsed position.

[0022] In addition to or instead of one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the bumper head further comprising: a first head end; a second head end positioned opposite the first head end; an impact portion at the first head end; a sidewall extending from the impact portion to the second head end; and a cavity defined within the bumper head.

[0023] In addition to or instead of one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the support frame being operably connected to the bumper head via the cavity.

[0024] The present invention also includes the following technical solutions.

[0025] Solution 1. A hood bumper for a vehicle having a hood, the hood bumper comprising:

[0026] a housing having a wall, a base, an interior chamber, and an opening to the interior chamber, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface defines the interior chamber;

[0027] a biasing mechanism operably connected to the housing;

[0028] a plunger operably connected to the biasing mechanism and configured to receive an applied force from the bonnet, wherein the plunger is configured to move from an extended position to a compressed position into the interior chamber and compress the biasing mechanism when the force is greater than a first magnitude;

[0029] a bumper head operably connected to the housing, the plunger being configured to protrude through the bumper head in the extended position and being configured to move fully into the bumper head when the applied force is greater than a second magnitude, wherein the bumper head is configured to receive a force from the hood when the applied force is greater than a second force, and wherein the bumper is configured to compress when the applied force is greater than the second magnitude; and

[0030] A support frame operatively connects the bumper head to the housing, wherein the support frame is collapsible from an uncollapsed position to a collapsed position when the force is greater than a third magnitude.

[0031] Solution 2. The hood bumper according to Solution 1, wherein the bumper head is configured to collapse from the uncollapsed position to the collapsed position together with the support frame.

[0032] Solution 3. The hood bumper according to Solution 1, wherein the bumper head further comprises:

[0033] a first head end;

[0034] a second head end positioned opposite the first head end;

[0035] an impact portion located at the first head end;

[0036] a sidewall extending from the impact portion to the second head end;

[0037] A cavity is defined within the bumper head.

[0038] Option 4. The hood bumper of Option 3, wherein the support frame is operably connected to the bumper head via the cavity.

[0039] Option 5. The hood bumper of Option 3, wherein the bumper head further comprises a through-hole extending from the cavity through the impact portion, wherein the plunger extends through the through-hole when in the extended position.

[0040] Solution 6. The hood bumper according to Solution 1, wherein the support frame further comprises:

[0041] radially outward wall;

[0042] a radially inward wall positioned radially inward from the radially outward wall; and

[0043] The radially outward wall is connected to a head portion of the radially inward wall.

[0044] Solution 7. The hood bumper according to Solution 6, wherein the support frame further comprises:

[0045] upper end;

[0046] lower end;

[0047] an upper wall at the upper end, the upper wall comprising an upper surface and a lower surface positioned opposite the upper surface; and

[0048] A plunger opening extends through the upper wall, wherein the plunger extends through the plunger opening into the bumper head.

[0049] Option 8. The hood bumper of Option 6, wherein the radially outward wall is in facing, spaced relationship with the radially inward wall to form a channel therebetween, the channel being defined by the radially outward wall, the radially inward wall, and the head.

[0050] Solution 9. The hood bumper according to Solution 8, wherein the housing further comprises:

[0051] a first end; and

[0052] a second end positioned opposite the first end, the wall extending from the first end to the second end,

[0053] wherein the base is located at the first end and the opening is located at the second end, and

[0054] Wherein, the second end of the wall is located in the channel.

[0055] Option 10. The hood bumper of Option 9, wherein the second end of the wall is located at a distance away from the head in the uncollapsed position, and wherein the distance between the second end of the wall and the head decreases or becomes zero in the collapsed position.

[0056] Solution 11. The hood bumper according to Solution 6, wherein the radially inward wall of the support frame further comprises:

[0057] radial inner surface;

[0058] a radially outer surface; and

[0059] an inner step extending around said radially outer surface,

[0060] wherein the radially inward surface of the wall further comprises an external step, and

[0061] wherein the inner step is configured to fit within, interlock with, or rest on the outer step to maintain the support frame in the uncollapsed position.

[0062] Option 12. The hood bumper of Option 11, wherein the radially inner surface of the radially inward wall of the support frame defines a cavity within the radially inward wall of the support frame, wherein a portion of the plunger is located within the cavity.

[0063] Option 13. The hood bumper of Option 12, wherein a section of the radially inward wall of the support frame is located within the interior cavity.

[0064] Option 14. The hood bumper according to Option 11, wherein the radially inward wall of the support frame further comprises a notch.

[0065] Option 15. The hood bumper of Option 14, wherein the recess extends from the radially inner surface to the radially outer surface.

[0066] Option 16. The hood bumper of Option 14, wherein the notch is triangular in shape.

[0067] Solution 17. A vehicle comprising:

[0068] cabin;

[0069] an engine cover covering the compartment; and

[0070] at least one hood bumper configured to contact the hood, the at least one hood bumper comprising:

[0071] a housing having a wall, a base, an interior chamber, and an opening to the interior chamber, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface defines the interior chamber;

[0072] a biasing mechanism operably connected to the housing;

[0073] a plunger operably connected to the biasing mechanism and configured to receive an applied force from the bonnet, wherein the plunger is configured to move from an extended position to a compressed position into the interior chamber and compress the biasing mechanism when the force is greater than a first magnitude;

[0074] a bumper head operably connected to the housing, the plunger being configured to protrude through the bumper head in the extended position and being configured to move fully into the bumper head when the applied force is greater than a second magnitude, wherein the bumper head is configured to receive a force from the hood when the applied force is greater than a second force, and wherein the bumper is configured to compress when the applied force is greater than the second magnitude; and

[0075] A support frame operatively connects the bumper head to the housing, wherein the support frame is collapsible from an uncollapsed position to a collapsed position when the force is greater than a third magnitude.

[0076] Embodiment 18. The vehicle of embodiment 17, wherein the bumper head is configured to collapse from the uncollapsed position to the collapsed position together with the support frame.

[0077] Solution 19. The vehicle according to Solution 17, wherein the buffer head further comprises:

[0078] a first head end;

[0079] a second head end positioned opposite the first head end;

[0080] an impact portion located at the first head end;

[0081] a sidewall extending from the impact portion to the second head end; and

[0082] A cavity is defined within the bumper head.

[0083] Embodiment 20. The vehicle of embodiment 19, wherein the support frame is operably connected to the bumper head via the cavity.

[0084] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Additional features, advantages, and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0086] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle that may incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0087] Figure 2A is a schematic plan view of an engine compartment of a vehicle having a hood bumper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0088] Figure 2B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2A a schematic bottom view of a hood of a vehicle illustrating contact points of a hood bumper with the hood;

[0089] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2A a side view of one of the hood bumpers;

[0090] Figure 4A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a hood bumper with the plunger in a deployed position, the support frame in an uncollapsed position, and the bumper head in an uncollapsed position;

[0091] Figure 4B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a hood bumper with the plunger in a compressed position, the support frame in an uncollapsed position, and the bumper head in an uncollapsed position;

[0092] Figure 4C According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a hood bumper with the plunger in a compressed position, the support frame in a collapsed position, and the bumper head in a collapsed position;

[0093] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the hood bumper with the plunger removed and the notch in the support frame visible; and

[0094] Figure 6 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a deflection of a hood bumper and a force applied to the hood bumper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0096] Hood bumpers are commonly used in conjunction with vehicle hoods to absorb the impact of a hood slamming shut. If a vehicle's hood is slammed too hard, damage may occur to the area beneath the hood. Furthermore, if the vehicle's hood is struck with an object with excessive force, damage may occur to the area beneath the hood. Embodiments disclosed herein seek to provide a hood bumper comprising three operating stages to absorb three different levels of force on the hood. The first stage comprises a retractable and repositionable plunger that is biased using a biasing mechanism that allows the plunger to absorb the force of normal, everyday hood closing while allowing it to rebound to its deployed position. The second stage utilizes a bumper head constructed of a compressible material (e.g., rubber) to provide protection against hood slamming shut. The third stage comprises a structural frame configured to collapse into a housing beneath the structural frame when the force on the hood exceeds a force greater than that from a typical slamming shut and potentially indicating that the hood has been struck by an object.

[0097] Now refer to Figure 1 For purposes of discussion, vehicle 100 is illustrated and depicted herein in a front perspective view as a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Vehicle 100 is merely an exemplary application in which the novel aspects and features of the present disclosure may be practiced. As such, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to SUVs and that the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to other vehicles.

[0098] The vehicle 100 includes a front end 102 and a rear end 104 positioned opposite the front end 102. The vehicle 100 also includes a passenger compartment 106 for accommodating passengers of the vehicle 100, a trunk 108 located at the rear end 104 of the vehicle 100, and a hood 110 located at the front end 102 of the vehicle 100. Although the embodiments disclosed herein primarily relate to the hood 110 of the vehicle 100, they are also applicable to other compartments of the vehicle 100, including the trunk 108, a mid-engine compartment, or any other compartment in the vehicle 100 that can be opened or closed.

[0099] Now refer to Figure 2A and 2B , and continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2A A plan view of the front cabin 112 of the vehicle 100 is illustrated in FIG. Figure 2B 1 and 2. A corresponding hood 110 is illustrated in FIG. 2 for covering a front compartment 112. The front compartment 112 may be an engine compartment, a front trunk compartment, or a front compartment for various systems of the vehicle 100.

[0100] The material of the hood 110 can generally be, but is not limited to, steel or aluminum. The vehicle 100 has a receiving aperture 115 positioned adjacent to the front compartment 112 for receiving the hood bumper 200 therein, allowing the hood bumper 200 to be attached to the vehicle 100. When the hood 110 is closed or being closed, the hood bumper 200 contacts the hood 110 at a contact point 118. In an alternative embodiment, the hood bumper 200 can be attached to the hood 110 and configured to strike contact points around the front compartment 112.

[0101] Now refer to Figure 3 , and continue to refer to Figure 1 、 2A 2B, illustrate a hood bumper 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hood bumper 200 generally includes a plunger 210, a bumper head 220, and a housing 222.

[0102] The hood bumper 200 is a three-stage hood bumper. The plunger 210 is the first component that compresses into the hood bumper 200 when the hood 110 is impacted by a first force. If the force is equal to or greater than a second force, the plunger 210 will fully compress into the hood bumper 200 until the bumper head 220 is impacted. This second force is greater than the first force. The bumper head 220 then compresses for forces between the second force and a third force greater than the second force. When the force exceeds the third force, the bumper head 220 is configured to collapse downward toward the housing 222.

[0103] This force may be the result of the hood 110 being closed too hard, or the result of an object striking the hood 110 at high speed, thereby generating a greater force. In the event that the hood 110 is closed too hard, the hood bumper 200 can act as a shock absorber to protect other components of the vehicle 100. In the event that an object, particularly a large object, strikes the hood 110, the collapse of the bumper head 220 allows the hood to deform to better absorb the impact of the object striking the hood. The housing 222 includes a lower section 236 that is configured to have an interference fit with the corresponding receiving aperture 115, which enables the hood bumper 200 to be secured to the perimeter of the front compartment 112.

[0104] The housing 222 of the hood bumper 200 includes a support flange 229 having a first surface 231 and a second surface 233. The support flange 229 is configured to act as a stopper so that when the hood bumper 200 is inserted into the receiving hole 115 (see FIG. Figure 2A), the support flange 229 positions the hood bumper 200 therein. The support flange 229 may include a gasket 235 adjacent to the second surface 233. The gasket 235 may be attached to or detached from the support flange 229. The gasket 235 may be constructed of a rubber material to provide additional protection between the second surface 233 and the surface of the vehicle 100 surrounding the receiving aperture 115.

[0105] Now refer to Figure 4A 、 4B 4C, a cross-sectional view of hood bumper 200 is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Bumper head 220 is operably connected to housing 222 via support frame 270. Support frame 270 is operably connected to housing 222 as further described herein.

[0106] The housing 222 includes a first end 221, a second end 223 located opposite the first end 221, a base 226 located at the first end 221, an opening 280 located at the second end 223, and a wall 227 extending from the first end 221 to the second end 223. In other words, the wall 227 extends from the opening 280 to the base 226.

[0107] The wall 227 includes an inner surface 232 and an outer surface 234. The opening 280 can be defined by the inner surface 232. The inner surface 232 also defines an interior chamber 230 extending from the opening 280 to the base 226. A support flange 229 extends radially outward from the outer surface 234 of the wall 227 and can extend completely or intermittently around its perimeter. The housing 222 can be constructed of a rigid material such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, or other suitable material.

[0108] The plunger 210 is operably connected to the housing 222. The plunger 210 can be operably connected to the housing 222 via a biasing mechanism 246. More specifically, the plunger 210 can be operably connected to the base 226 of the housing 222. More specifically, the biasing mechanism 246 is located within the interior chamber 230 of the housing 222, where it rests against the base 226.

[0109] The plunger 210 is normally in an extended position in which it is supported above the bumper head 220 by the biasing mechanism 246. Figure 4A As shown in . The plunger 210 protrudes through the bumper head 220 in the extended position.

[0110] The buffer head 220 may be made of an elastic or flexible material, which may be, but is not limited to, rubber. The buffer head 220 includes a first head end 252 and a second head end 254 positioned opposite the first head end 252. The buffer head 220 includes an impact portion 251 at the first head end 252 and a sidewall 253 extending from the impact portion 251 to the second head end 254. The buffer head 220 includes an outer surface 256 extending from the first head end 252 to the second head end 254 above the impact portion 251 and the sidewall 253. The outer surface 256 may be dome-shaped, such as Figure 4A 、 4B 4C. The inner surface 258 of the bumper head 220 defines a cavity 262. The support frame 270 can be operably connected to the bumper head 220 within the cavity 262 by an interference fit or an adhesive.

[0111] The bumper head 220 also includes a through hole 264. The through hole 264 extends from the cavity 262 through the impact portion 251 and is configured to receive the end 211 of the plunger 210 in sliding relationship therewith. Figure 4A In the expanded or uncompressed position, the plunger 210 extends through the through-hole 264 and protrudes away from the bumper head 220.

[0112] The plunger 210 can be constructed of a rigid material such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, or other suitable material. The plunger 210 is configured to transmit force into the hood bumper 200 via a biasing mechanism 246. In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism 246 can be a spring having a plurality of coils 248.

[0113] The biasing mechanism 246 extends between the base 226 of the housing 222 and the plunger 210. The biasing mechanism 246 is used to bias the plunger 210 from Figure 4B The compressed position is reset to Figure 4A Additionally, the spring constant of the biasing mechanism 246 may also be a factor in determining the relationship between the deflection of the plunger 210 and the force applied thereto. The spring constant may be adjusted based on the material and / or slam type of the bonnet 110 and the desired predetermined force level.

[0114] Support frame 270 is partially enclosed within cavity 262 of bumper head 220. Support frame 270 includes a radially inward wall 272, a radially outward wall 274 positioned radially outward from radially inward wall 272, and a head 276 connecting radially outward wall 274 to radially inward wall 272. Radially outward wall 274 is spaced apart from radially inward wall 272, thereby defining a channel 278 therebetween. Channel 278 is defined by radially outward wall 274, radially inward wall 272, and head 276. Although channel 278 is defined on three sides by radially outward wall 274, radially inward wall 272, and head 276, channel 278 opens on a fourth side at channel opening 282, opposite head 276.

[0115] Radially inward wall 272 includes a radially inner surface 271 and a radially outer surface 273. Radially inward wall 272 defines therein a cavity 286 that encloses biasing mechanism 246. A portion of plunger 210 is also enclosed within cavity 286 of support frame 270. When plunger 210 is compressed, the portion of plunger 210 located within cavity 286 increases.

[0116] The support frame 270 further includes an upper end 288 and a lower end 290 positioned opposite the upper end 288. The support frame 270 includes an upper wall 292 at the upper end 288 and a lower opening 294 at the lower end 290. The upper wall 292 includes an upper surface 291 and a lower surface 293 positioned opposite the upper surface 291.

[0117] The upper wall 292 may also include a plunger opening 296. The plunger opening 296 extends through the upper wall 292. The plunger 210 extends through the plunger opening 296 and, subsequently, into the through hole 264 of the bumper head 220. Figure 4A 、 4B and as shown in 4C.

[0118] To maintain the bumper head 220 in the uncollapsed position, the housing 222 includes an outer step 224 along at least a portion of the inner surface 232 of the wall 227. Correspondingly, the support frame 270 has an inner step 242 along at least a portion of the radially outer surface 273 of the radially inward wall 272. The inner step 242 is configured to engage, interlock with, or rest on the outer step 224 to maintain the support frame 270 in the uncollapsed position, as shown. Figure 4A and 4B As shown in .

[0119] The outer step 224 and the inner step 242 may have Figure 4A 、 4B4C , which may advantageously allow the inner step 242 to slide out from the outer step 224 , thereby deforming the lower portion of the support frame 270 , when the load or force applied by closing the hood 110 exceeds a predetermined value.

[0120] The inner step 242 may extend three hundred and sixty degrees around the radially outer surface 273 of the radially inner wall 272. The inner step 242 may have a Figure 4A 、 4B and 4C . The inner step 242 may have a shape that matches or is a mirror image of the shape of the outer step 224. More specifically, the tapered shape of the inner step 242 may match or be a mirror image of the tapered shape of the outer step 224. The inner step 242 may be at a non-perpendicular and / or non-parallel angle to the remainder of the radially outer surface 273 of the support frame 270. The outer step 224 may be angled toward the lower end 290 of the support frame 270, which advantageously facilitates the inner step 242 sliding out of the outer step 224 when the load or force applied by closing the hood 110 exceeds a predetermined value or a third maximum.

[0121] The size and angle of the outer step 224 and the inner step 242 can be a factor in determining the relationship between the deflection of the bumper head 220 and the force applied thereto. As such, these sizes and angles can vary depending on: the material and / or closure type of the hood 110, as described above; and the desired predetermined amount of force required to collapse the bumper head 220 from the uncollapsed position to the collapsed position.

[0122] The plunger 210 is configured to receive the closing force from the hood 110. The plunger 210 is configured as the first component of the hood bumper 200 for receiving the closing force from the hood 110. When a force exceeding a defined limit is applied thereto, the plunger 210 can collapse to a compressed position in which the plunger 210 is substantially disposed within the bumper head 220, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B As described in .

[0123] The biasing mechanism 246 is configured to compress and absorb the hood closing force until the plunger 210 is fully compressed into the bumper head 220, as shown. Figure 4B Once the plunger 210 is fully compressed in the bumper head 220, the bumper head 220 begins to absorb the additional force from the hood 110. The bumper head 220 is configured to receive the additional force exerted thereon by the hood 110 through compression of the flexible material of which it is constructed.

[0124] Once the force on the hood 110 exceeds the third magnitude, the bumper head 220 collapses around the housing 222 while the support frame 270 collapses toward the base 226 into the interior chamber 230, as shown. Figure 4C When the buffer head 220 collapses together with the support frame 270 , the plunger 210 may further collapse together with the buffer head 220 into the housing.

[0125] A portion of the radially inward wall 272 extends into the interior chamber 230 of the housing 222, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A 、 4B and 4C. Figure 4C As shown in FIG, when the support frame 270 has collapsed, the portion or segment of the radially inner wall 272 that is located within the interior chamber 230 of the housing 222 increases.

[0126] like Figure 4A 、 4B 4C, the second end 223 of the wall 227 of the housing 222 is configured to be inserted into the channel 278. Figure 4A In the uncollapsed position, a portion of the wall 227 can be located in the channel 278. In the uncollapsed position, the second end 223 of the wall 227 is located at a distance D1 from the head 276.

[0127] The bumper head 220 is normally in an uncollapsed position in which the bumper head 220 is supported above the housing 222 by the support frame 270. Figure 4A and 4B When the force exceeds the third maximum, the buffer head 220 can collapse from the uncollapsed position to the collapsed position, in which the buffer head 220 is substantially disposed around the shell 222, as shown in FIG. Figure 4C As described in .

[0128] When the buffer head 220 moves to the collapsed position, the head 276 moves toward the support flange 229 and, as the radially inward wall 272 is pushed further into the interior chamber 230, the buffer head 220 surrounds a larger portion of the wall 227. When the buffer head 220 is in the collapsed position, the distance D1 between the second end 223 of the wall 227 and the head 276 decreases or becomes zero, and the radially outward wall 274 of the support frame 270 can rest against the support flange 229, as shown. Figure 4C As shown in .

[0129] Now refer to Figure 5 , and continue to refer to Figure 1 -4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hood bumper 200 without the plunger 210 and the biasing mechanism 246 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] The support frame 270 may also include a notch 250 therein. When a force is applied to the bumper head 220, the notch 250 may assist in deformation of the support frame 270, thereby further collapsing the bumper head 220 from an uncollapsed position. The size of the notch 250 may be another factor in determining the relationship between the deflection of the bumper head 220 and the force applied thereto, and as such, the size may vary depending on the material and / or closure type of the hood 110 and the desired predetermined amount of applied force. Figure 5 , the recess 250 can be triangular in shape, such that the recess 250 is wider at or near the lower end 290 of the support frame 270 and tapers to a narrower shape closer to the upper end 288 of the support frame 270. Advantageously, this triangular shape facilitates deformation of the radially inward wall 272 of the support frame 270 and collapse of the support frame 270 into the interior chamber 230 of the housing 222.

[0131] The notch 250 can be a cut in the support frame 270 extending from the radially inner surface 271 to the radially outer surface 273, or the notch 250 can be an area of ​​reduced material thickness in the support frame 270, which forms a weakness in the support frame 270 that allows the radially inward wall 272 of the support frame 270 to deform under a predetermined load.

[0132] Now refer to Figure 6 Continuing with reference to the previous figures, a graph 600 illustrating the relationship between deflection (x-axis 602) and applied force (y-axis 604) of the hood bumper 200 is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A first region 606 represents deflection of the plunger 210, a second region 608 represents deflection of the bumper head 220 (i.e., deformation of the bumper head 220), and a third region 610 represents the collapse of the support frame 270 supporting the bumper head 220 into the interior chamber 230 of the housing 222. As described above, the amount of force may vary depending on the material and / or closure type of the hood 110. Furthermore, in scenarios where an object impacts the hood 110, the force may further depend on other factors, such as the speed of the vehicle 100, the size of the object, etc. It should be appreciated that the second region 608 and the third region 610 may overlap.

[0133] Different magnitudes of force are indicated on graph 600. A first magnitude 630 represents the point at which plunger 210 may begin to compress after being initially compressed by hood 110. A second magnitude 640 represents the force required to fully depress plunger 210 into bumper head 220. At a force greater than second magnitude 640, hood 110 compresses bumper head 220. Because bumper head 220 is made of a flexible material, it has the ability to absorb some of the force through compression. A third force 650 represents the force required to collapse support frame 270.

[0134] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed.

[0135] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "an" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "includes" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0136] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the above disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific conditions or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A hood bumper for a vehicle having a hood, the hood bumper comprising: a housing having a wall, a base, an interior chamber, and an opening to the interior chamber, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface defines the interior chamber; a biasing mechanism operably connected to the housing; a plunger operably connected to the biasing mechanism and configured to receive an applied force from the bonnet, wherein the plunger is configured to move from an extended position to a compressed position into the interior chamber and compress the biasing mechanism when the force is greater than a first magnitude; a bumper head operably connected to the housing, the plunger being configured to protrude through the bumper head in the extended position and being configured to move fully into the bumper head when the applied force is greater than a second magnitude, wherein the bumper head is configured to receive a force from the hood when the applied force is greater than a second force, and wherein the bumper is configured to compress when the applied force is greater than the second magnitude; and A support frame operatively connects the bumper head to the housing, wherein the support frame is collapsible from an uncollapsed position to a collapsed position when the force is greater than a third magnitude.

2. The hood bumper according to claim 1, wherein: The bumper head is configured to collapse with the support frame from the uncollapsed position to the collapsed position.

3. The hood bumper according to claim 1, wherein: The buffer header further includes: a first head end; a second head end positioned opposite the first head end; an impact portion located at the first head end; a sidewall extending from the impact portion to the second head end; A cavity is defined within the bumper head.

4. The hood bumper according to claim 3, wherein: The support frame is operatively connected to the bumper head via the cavity.

5. The hood bumper according to claim 3, wherein: The bumper head also includes a through-hole extending from the cavity through the impact portion, wherein the plunger extends through the through-hole when in the extended position. The hood bumper according to claim 1 , wherein: The support frame further comprises: radially outward wall; a radially inward wall positioned radially inward from the radially outward wall; and The radially outward wall is connected to a head portion of the radially inward wall.

7. The hood bumper according to claim 6, wherein: The support frame further comprises: upper end; lower end; an upper wall at the upper end, the upper wall comprising an upper surface and a lower surface positioned opposite the upper surface; and A plunger opening extends through the upper wall, wherein the plunger extends through the plunger opening into the bumper head.

8. The hood bumper according to claim 6, wherein: The radially outward wall is in facing, spaced relationship with the radially inward wall to form a passage therebetween, the passage being defined by the radially outward wall, the radially inward wall, and the head.

9. The hood bumper according to claim 8, wherein: The housing further comprises: a first end; and a second end positioned opposite the first end, the wall extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the base is located at the first end and the opening is located at the second end, and Wherein, the second end of the wall is located in the channel.

10. The hood bumper according to claim 9, wherein: The second end of the wall is located at a distance away from the head in the uncollapsed position, and wherein the distance between the second end of the wall and the head decreases or becomes zero in the collapsed position.

11. The hood bumper according to claim 6, wherein: The radially inward wall of the support frame further comprises: radial inner surface; a radially outer surface; and an inner step extending around said radially outer surface, wherein the radially inward surface of the wall further comprises an external step, and wherein the inner step is configured to fit within, interlock with, or rest on the outer step to maintain the support frame in the uncollapsed position.

12. The hood bumper according to claim 11, wherein: The radially inner surface of the radially inward wall of the support frame defines a cavity within the radially inward wall of the support frame, wherein a portion of the plunger is located within the cavity.

13. The hood bumper according to claim 12, wherein: A section of the radially inward wall of the support frame is located within the interior cavity.

14. The hood bumper according to claim 11, wherein: The radially inward wall of the support frame further includes a notch.

15. The hood bumper according to claim 14, wherein: The recess extends from the radially inner surface to the radially outer surface.

16. The hood bumper according to claim 14, wherein: The notch is triangular in shape.

17. A vehicle comprising: cabin; an engine cover covering said compartment; as well as at least one hood bumper configured to contact the hood, the at least one hood bumper comprising: a housing having a wall, a base, an interior chamber, and an opening to the interior chamber, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface defines the interior chamber; a biasing mechanism operably connected to the housing; a plunger operably connected to the biasing mechanism and configured to receive an applied force from the bonnet, wherein the plunger is configured to move from an extended position to a compressed position into the interior chamber and compress the biasing mechanism when the force is greater than a first magnitude; a bumper head operably connected to the housing, the plunger being configured to protrude through the bumper head in the extended position and being configured to move fully into the bumper head when the applied force is greater than a second magnitude, wherein the bumper head is configured to receive a force from the hood when the applied force is greater than a second force, and wherein the bumper is configured to compress when the applied force is greater than the second magnitude; and A support frame operatively connects the bumper head to the housing, wherein the support frame is collapsible from an uncollapsed position to a collapsed position when the force is greater than a third magnitude.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein: The bumper head is configured to collapse with the support frame from the uncollapsed position to the collapsed position.

19. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein: The buffer header further includes: a first head end; a second head end positioned opposite the first head end; an impact portion located at the first head end; a sidewall extending from the impact portion to the second head end; and A cavity is defined within the bumper head.

20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein: The support frame is operatively connected to the bumper head via the cavity.

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