A front bumper system and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a front bumper system and a vehicle, and belongs to the technical field of vehicle pedestrian protection. The front bumper system comprises a front bumper skin located at the lower side of an engine cover, an air bag located at the inner side of the front bumper skin and the engine cover, and an air bag limiting device. The air bag limiting device comprises a limiting base fixed on a front bumper support, the limiting base being provided with an air bag limiting portion for limiting the rear side position of the air bag on the side far from the front bumper skin; at least one limiting claw is pivotally connected to the limiting base through a shaft rod; in the initial state, the limiting claw abuts against the front side area of the air bag and limits the front side position of the air bag; when the air bag is in the inflation state, the limiting claw is rotated to the direction close to the front bumper skin under the pushing of the inflated air bag, so that the air bag extends along the gap between the engine cover and the front bumper skin and is exposed to the front side of the front bumper skin. The application realizes good protection of the legs of pedestrians.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pedestrian protection technology in automobiles, and in particular to a front bumper system with a pedestrian protection airbag and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] A significant portion of road traffic accidents are caused by collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, posing a high risk of injury to pedestrians, especially when they are struck in the front of a vehicle. Currently, car front bumpers are typically designed to prevent mechanical damage to the vehicle and reduce injuries to passengers. However, the stiffness and rigidity of the front bumper can actually increase the severity of pedestrian injuries upon impact.

[0003] To protect pedestrians in collisions, a more effective method is needed to reduce the risk of pedestrian injury in car accidents. In this context, the application of pedestrian airbags has become an effective way to address pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Currently, pedestrian airbags are mostly used in areas such as the hood, A-pillar, and C-pillar. Research on pedestrian airbags primarily focuses on protecting pedestrians above the waist, lacking airbags that protect the legs and knees. Active hoods, for example, are designed to reduce head injuries. However, the front bumper of a car is located at the pedestrian's leg position, and airbags deployed in this space provide excellent protection for the legs. Based on this, this invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides a front bumper system that can effectively protect the legs of pedestrians.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A front bumper system includes: a front bumper cover located under the hood and connected to the front side of a front bumper bracket; an airbag located inside the front bumper cover and the hood, and an airbag limiting device; the airbag limiting device includes: a limiting base fixed to the front bumper bracket, the limiting base having an airbag limiting portion on the side away from the front bumper cover for limiting the rear position of the airbag; at least one limiting claw pivotally connected to the limiting base via a shaft; in an initial state, the limiting claw abuts against the front area of ​​the airbag and limits the front position of the airbag; when the airbag is inflated, the limiting claw rotates towards the front bumper cover under the push of the inflated airbag, causing the airbag to extend along the gap between the hood and the front bumper cover and be exposed to the front side of the front bumper cover.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting base is provided with a plurality of pairs of pivot connecting seats arranged at intervals and opposite to each other, the pivot connecting seats are provided with connecting holes, a shaft passing through the connecting hole is provided between each pair of pivot connecting seats, and two limiting claws rotatably connected to the shaft are provided between each pair of pivot connecting seats.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, an elastic element is provided between each pair of pivoting connecting seats. The elastic element acts on the two limiting claws, which are adapted to make the limiting claws abut against the front part of the airbag in the initial state.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting claw includes: a pivot body rotatably connected to the shaft, and a claw limiting portion connected to the pivot body; the claw limiting portion extends horizontally and abuts against the front portion of the airbag.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the claw limiting part includes a first limiting rod connected to a first side of the pivot body and a second limiting rod connected to a second side of the pivot body, wherein the first limiting rod and the second limiting rod of adjacent limiting claws are connected in sequence.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coverage area of ​​the claw limiting portion of a plurality of the limiting claws in the horizontal direction is greater than or equal to the length of the airbag in the horizontal direction.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting base is bent upward on the side away from the front bumper skin to form the airbag limiting part.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the bending angle of the limiting base in the area away from the front bumper skin is between 30° and 60°.

[0014] The present invention also provides a vehicle, including the aforementioned front bumper system and airbag inflation control system.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the airbag inflation control system includes a collision monitoring device, an inflation device connected to the airbag, and a controller. The controller controls whether the inflation device is activated based on the detection signal from the collision monitoring device, so as to control the inflation of the airbag.

[0016] The technical solution of the present invention has the following technical effects compared with the prior art:

[0017] The front bumper system and vehicle provided by this invention include an airbag and an airbag limiting device installed inside the front bumper skin and hood. When a collision occurs, the airbag can be inflated to extend from the gap between the front bumper skin and hood and deploy outwards, ultimately covering the area below the front bumper skin, providing excellent protection for pedestrians' legs. Simultaneously, the airbag limiting device initially limits the airbag via a limiting claw pivotally connected to the limiting base. The disposable airbag can be easily replaced by manipulating the limiting claw. The system is simple in structure, easy to operate, and the airbag limiting device is reusable, resulting in good maintenance economy. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to understand the purpose and advantages of the present invention, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the front bumper system of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the airbag limiting device in the front bumper system of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of a specific embodiment of the front bumper system of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a side cross-sectional view of the front bumper system of the present invention in the airbag deployment state;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a system configuration diagram of the airbag inflation control system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0028] like Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a specific embodiment of the front bumper system of the present invention, which includes a front bumper bracket 9 and a front bumper cover 12 connected to its front side, the front bumper cover 12 being located under the hood 11; an airbag 7 and an airbag limiting device A located inside the front bumper cover 12 and the hood 11; the airbag limiting device A includes: a limiting base 3 detachably connected to the front bumper bracket 9 by fasteners 6 and at least one limiting claw 4, wherein the limiting base 3 is located away from the front bumper cover 12. One side has an airbag limiting part 32 for limiting the rear position of the airbag 7. The limiting claw 4 is pivotally connected to the limiting base 3 via a shaft 1. In the initial state, the limiting claw 4 abuts against the front area of ​​the airbag 7 and limits the front position of the airbag 7. When the airbag 7 is in the inflated state, the limiting claw 4 rotates towards the front bumper skin 12 under the push of the inflated airbag 7, so that the airbag 7 extends out along the gap between the engine hood 11 and the front bumper skin 12 and is exposed to the front side of the front bumper skin 12.

[0029] In the aforementioned front bumper system, because an airbag 7 and an airbag limiting device A are installed inside the front bumper skin 12 and the hood 11, when a collision occurs, the airbag 7 can be inflated to extend outward from the gap between the front bumper skin 12 and the hood 11, ultimately covering the area below the front bumper skin 12, providing good protection for pedestrians' legs. Simultaneously, the airbag limiting device A, pivotally connected to the limiting base 3, limits the airbag 7. The disposable airbag 7 can be easily replaced by moving the limiting claw 4; the operation is simple, and the airbag limiting device A can be reused.

[0030] Specifically, the way the limiting claw 4 is pivotally connected to the limiting base 3 is not unique; in one optional embodiment, the limiting base 3 is provided with a plurality of paired pivot connecting seats 31, that is, each pair of pivot connecting seats 31 is spaced apart and opposite to each other; the pivot connecting seats 31 are provided with connecting holes, and each pair of pivot connecting seats 31 is provided with a shaft 1 passing through the connecting hole; more specifically, one end of the shaft 1 is provided with a limiting sleeve, and the other end is provided with a thread, and the shaft 1 and the pivot connecting seat 31 are connected and fixed by a nut 2 connected to the shaft 1, and two limiting claws 4 are provided between each pair of pivot connecting seats 31 and rotatably connected to the shaft 1. In another optional embodiment, the limiting base 3 is provided with a plurality of paired pivot connecting seats 31, the shaft 1 is rotatably connected to the pivot connecting seat 31, and the limiting claw 4 is fixedly connected to the shaft 1.

[0031] Specifically, in one optional embodiment, an elastic element 5 is further provided between each pair of pivot connecting seats 31. The elastic element 5 acts on the two limiting claws 4, giving the limiting claws 4 a preload force acting on the airbag 7, suitable for the limiting claws 4 to abut against the front part of the airbag 7 in the initial state. The elastic element 5 is a torsion spring sleeved on the shaft 1. One side of the torsion spring abuts against the limiting base 3, and the other side acts on the limiting claws 4, causing the limiting claws 4 to abut against the front part of the airbag 7.

[0032] In one optional embodiment, the limiting claw 4 includes a pivot body 41 rotatably connected to the shaft 1, and a claw limiting portion 42 connected to the pivot body 41; the claw limiting portion 42 extends horizontally and abuts against the front portion of the airbag 7. By employing a claw limiting portion 42 extending horizontally, the contact area with the airbag 7 can be increased, making the force on each part of the airbag 7 more uniform, resulting in uniform inflation of the airbag 7 and higher reliability of its extension.

[0033] More specifically, the pivot body 41 has a first side and a second side that are arranged opposite to each other. The claw limiting part 42 includes a first limiting rod 42a connected to the first side of the pivot body 41 and a second limiting rod 42b connected to the second side of the pivot body 41. The first limiting rod 42a and the second limiting rod 42b of adjacent limiting claws 4 are connected in sequence so that the claw limiting parts 42 of a plurality of limiting claws 4 form a long rod extending horizontally, ensuring that they can move in coordination when the airbag 7 is deployed, so as to match with the airbag 7 which extends a certain length in the horizontal direction, and ultimately enable the inflated airbag 7 to cover a larger area of ​​the front side of the vehicle.

[0034] In order to ensure that the limiting force of the limiting claws 4 on each area of ​​the airbag 7 in the horizontal direction is consistent, the coverage area of ​​the claw limiting part 42 of the limiting claws 4 in the horizontal direction is greater than or equal to the length of the airbag 7 in the horizontal direction.

[0035] Specifically, in one optional embodiment, the limiting base 3 is a plate structure, which is integrally bent upward on the side away from the front bumper skin 12 to form the airbag limiting part 32. The airbag 7 is located in the arc-shaped bending area between the airbag limiting part 32 and the limiting base 3. The airbag limiting part 32 restricts the initial position of the airbag 7 on the one hand, and guides the inflated airbag 7 on the other hand, so that the airbag 7 deploys outward along its defined surface through the gap between the front bumper skin 12 and the hood 11.

[0036] Specifically, the bending angle of the limiting base 3 on the side away from the front bumper skin 12 is between 30° and 60°. The angle between the extended surface of the airbag limiting part 32 and the extended surface of the engine hood 11 is between 80° and 95°, which can provide better guidance for the airbag 7.

[0037] This invention also provides a specific embodiment of a vehicle having the aforementioned front bumper system and airbag inflation control system. The airbag inflation control system includes a collision monitoring device 100, an inflation device 200 connected to the airbag 7, and a controller 300. When the collision monitoring device 100 detects a collision, it transmits a signal to the controller 300. The controller 300 then instructs the inflation device 200 to rapidly inflate the airbag 7. When the pressure of the airbag 7 on the limiting claw 4 exceeds the preload force exerted on it by the elastic element 5, the limiting claw 4 is pushed open by the airbag 7 and rotates around the shaft 1, thereby allowing the airbag 7 to expand and deploy.

[0038] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A front bumper system, characterized in that, include: The front bumper cover, located under the hood, is connected to the front side of the front bumper bracket; An airbag and an airbag limiting device located inside the front bumper cover and hood; the airbag limiting device includes: A limiting base fixed to the front bumper bracket, the limiting base having an airbag limiting part on the side away from the front bumper skin for limiting the rear position of the airbag, and the limiting base having a plurality of pairs of pivot connecting seats arranged at intervals opposite each other. At least one limiting claw is pivotally connected to a pair of pivot connecting seats of the limiting base via a shaft; an elastic element is also provided between each pair of pivot connecting seats, the elastic element acting on the limiting claw. In the initial state, the limiting claw abuts against the front area of ​​the airbag under the action of the elastic element and restricts the front position of the airbag; when the airbag is in the inflated state, the limiting claw rotates towards the front bumper skin under the push of the inflated airbag, so that the airbag extends along the gap between the hood and the front bumper skin and is exposed to the front side of the front bumper skin.

2. A front bumper system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pivoting connector is provided with a connecting hole, and a shaft passing through the connecting hole is provided between each pair of pivoting connectors. Two limiting claws are provided between each pair of pivoting connectors and are rotatably connected to the shaft.

3. A front bumper system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting claw includes: a pivot body rotatably connected to the shaft, and a claw limiting part connected to the pivot body; the claw limiting part extends horizontally and abuts against the front part of the airbag.

4. A front bumper system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The claw limiting part includes a first limiting rod connected to the first side of the pivot body and a second limiting rod connected to the second side of the pivot body, with the first limiting rod and the second limiting rod of adjacent limiting claws connected in sequence.

5. A front bumper system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The horizontal coverage area of ​​the limiting claw portion of the plurality of limiting claws is greater than or equal to the horizontal length of the airbag.

6. A front bumper system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting base is bent upward on the side away from the front bumper skin to form the airbag limiting part.

7. A front bumper system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bending angle of the limiting base in the area away from the front bumper skin is between 30° and 60°.

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the front bumper system and airbag inflation control system as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The airbag inflation control system includes a collision monitoring device, an inflation device connected to the airbag, and a controller. The controller controls whether the inflation device is activated based on the detection signal from the collision monitoring device, thereby controlling the inflation of the airbag.

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