Vehicle engine hood hinge

Abstract

The present application provides a vehicle hood hinge capable of simply and properly maintaining a raised state of a hood. A vehicle hood hinge (1) includes a lower hinge member (10) fixed to a vehicle body (3), an upper hinge member (20) fixed to a hood (2) and supported so as to be relatively movable with respect to the lower hinge member, the hood being capable of opening and closing an opening formed in an upper surface of the vehicle body, a link mechanism linking the lower hinge member (10) and the upper hinge member (20), and a load receiving member (70) capable of receiving a load of the hood, the link mechanism being configured to switch between a rotation operation of rotating the hood about a shaft provided in the lower hinge member (10) and a raising operation of raising the hood, the load receiving member (70) limiting lowering of the hood by receiving a load of the hood raised by the raising operation with front and rear edge portions (73) of the load receiving member (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge for a vehicle engine hood capable of performing both a normal opening action and a spring-loaded action. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a structure for a vehicle hood hinge that enables the hood to rise as a whole. In this structure, during the hood's rising motion, the claw of the connecting rod member, together with the lower hinge member, inserts into the hole of the first member located below the connecting rod member, thereby restricting the rotation of the connecting rod member and keeping the hood at a predetermined height.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-154863 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the structure described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to allow the claw portion, which is erected vertically from the connecting rod component along the vehicle width direction, to enter the hole formed in the first component in a manner that penetrates along the vehicle width direction, in order to improve operability.

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its objective is to provide a hinge for a vehicle engine hood that can easily and properly maintain the raised state of the engine hood.

[0008] To address the aforementioned issues, the vehicle hood hinge of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a lower hinge member fixed to the vehicle body; an upper hinge member fixed to the hood and supported in a manner that allows relative movement with respect to the lower hinge member, the hood being capable of opening and closing an opening formed on the upper surface of the vehicle body; a linkage mechanism connecting the lower hinge member and the upper hinge member; and a load-bearing portion capable of supporting the load of the hood, the linkage mechanism being configured to switch between a rotational action that causes the hood to rotate about an axis provided on the lower hinge member and a lifting action that causes the hood to rise, the load-bearing portion limiting the descent of the hood by bearing the load of the hood rising due to the lifting action on its upper end surface.

[0009] Invention Effects

[0010] According to the present invention, the raised state of the engine hood can be maintained simply and appropriately. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the present invention: a hinge for a vehicle engine hood.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a side view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the present invention of a vehicle engine hood hinge.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a vehicle engine hood hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention, and schematically showing the state in which the link member is supported by the first stop portion during the upward movement of the engine hood, and the state in which the retraction prevention member is supported by the load-bearing member.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a vehicle engine hood hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view schematically showing the state after the engine hood is opened by the rotation of the engine hood.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view schematically showing the movement of the rotating shaft X2 side end of the link member rising during the rising movement of the engine hood.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view schematically showing the downward movement of the end of the member on the linkage X2 side during the upward movement of the engine hood.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a vehicle engine hood hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view schematically showing the state in which the member on the linkage abuts against the first stop and the state in which the retraction prevention member abuts against the second stop during the upward movement of the engine hood.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view schematically showing the retraction of the upper and lower members of the linkage during the upward movement of the engine hood.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0020] 1. Hinges for vehicle engine hood

[0021] 2 Engine Hood

[0022] 3. Body

[0023] 4. Actuation mechanism

[0024] 10. Lower component of the hinge

[0025] 12a Stop section (second stop section)

[0026] 20. Hinge components

[0027] 23 Cup section

[0028] 23a Hole

[0029] 30 Lower component of the connecting rod

[0030] 34. Elastic section (first elastic section)

[0031] 35. Stop section (first stop section)

[0032] 40 Connecting rod components

[0033] 50. Backward Anti-rebound Components (Backward Anti-rebound Part, Second Elastic Part)

[0034] 60 Locking components

[0035] 70 Load-bearing components (load-bearing parts)

[0036] 73 Front and rear edges (top surface)

[0037] 80 First Spring

[0038] 90 Second Spring Detailed Implementation

[0039] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the accompanying drawings, "front and rear" refers to the forward and backward direction of the vehicle, "left and right" refers to the left and right direction (vehicle width direction) as observed from the driver's seat, and "up and down" refers to the up and down direction when the vehicle is stationary on a horizontal plane.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the vehicle hood hinge 1 of this embodiment of the invention is a component that supports one end (here, the rear end) of the hood 2 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed relative to the vehicle body (e.g., upper component) 3. The hood 2 is a metal or resin cover component used to open and close the upper opening of the engine compartment located at the front of the vehicle body 3. In this embodiment, a pair of vehicle hood hinges 1 are respectively provided at both ends of the hood 2 in the vehicle width direction, but in the following description, the right-side vehicle hood hinge 1 is used as an example, and the description is based on the closed state.

[0041] The hood hinge 1 becomes a pivot point on one end (rear end) of the hood 2 during the normal opening action of the hood 2. In addition, when the hood 2 pops up, the hood hinge 1 lifts the entire one end (rear end) of the hood 2 upward by an upward force applied by the extension action of the actuation mechanism 4 provided on the body 3.

[0042] In addition, a vehicle engine hood latch (not shown) is provided on the other end (front end) side of the engine hood 2. During the normal opening operation of the engine hood 2, the vehicle engine hood latch is in the unlocked state; when the engine hood 2 is lifted, the vehicle engine hood latch, in the locked state, lifts the other end (front end) side of the engine hood 2 upward.

[0043] The vehicle engine hood hinge 1 includes a lower hinge member 10, an upper hinge member 20, a lower connecting rod member 30, an upper connecting rod member 40, a backlash prevention component (backlash prevention part) 50, a locking component 60, a load-bearing component (load-bearing part, second elastic part) 70, a first spring 80, and a second spring 90. Here, the lower connecting rod member 30, the upper connecting rod member 40, the backlash prevention component 50, and the locking component 60 constitute a linkage mechanism connecting the lower hinge member 10 and the upper hinge member 20.

[0044] The linkage mechanism is configured to switch between two actions corresponding to the state of the locking member 60: a rotational action (corresponding to the locked state) that allows the opening of the body 3 to be opened and closed by rotating the engine hood 2 around the rotation axis X1 provided on the lower hinge member 10, and a lifting action (corresponding to the unlocked state) that raises the engine hood 2 as a whole.

[0045] <Hinge Lower Component>

[0046] The lower hinge member 10 is a metal component fixed to the three sides of the vehicle body. The lower hinge member 10 integrally includes: a bottom wall portion 11 serving as a mounting portion; and a side wall portion 12, which extends upward from the outer end of the rear portion of the bottom wall portion 11 in the vehicle width direction and constitutes the main part of the lower hinge member 10.

[0047] The bottom wall portion 11 is fixed to the upper surface of the vehicle body 3 by bolts or the like. A lower connecting rod member 30 is rotatably connected to one end (rear end) of the side wall portion 12 via a rotating shaft X1 extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] Stop section (second stop section)

[0049] A forward-protruding stop (second stop) 12a is formed at the upper end of the other end (front end) of the side wall portion 12. The stop 12a restricts the rising range of the lower connecting rod member 30 and the retraction prevention member 50 during the rising action of the engine hood 2.

[0050] <Hinge components>

[0051] The hinge upper component 20 is a metal part fixed to the engine hood 2. The hinge upper component 20 integrally includes: an upper wall portion 21 serving as a mounting portion; a side wall portion 22 extending downward from the outer end of the upper wall portion 21 in the vehicle width direction and constituting the main part of the hinge upper component 20; and a cup-shaped portion 23 extending outward from the side wall portion 22 in the vehicle width direction.

[0052] The upper wall portion 21 is fixed to the bottom surface of the engine hood 2 by bolts or the like. A connecting rod upper member 40 is rotatably connected to the middle portion of the side wall portion 22 in the front-rear direction via a rotating shaft X2 extending in the vehicle width direction. The cup-shaped portion 23 has a concave shape with an opening on its lower side. A hole 23a is formed on the bottom surface (upper surface in this embodiment) of the concave portion of the cup-shaped portion 23.

[0053] <Lower component of the connecting rod>

[0054] The lower link member 30 is a metal component rotatably connected to the lower hinge member 10 and the upper link member 40 at both ends. The lower link member 30 integrally includes: a side wall portion 31, which is located on the outer side of the lower hinge member 10 in the vehicle width direction and constitutes the main part of the lower link member 30; a front wall portion 32, which extends from the middle portion in the height direction of the other end (front end) of the side wall portion 31 inward in the vehicle width direction; and a rear wall portion 33, which extends from one end (rear end) of the side wall portion 31 inward in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the lower link member 30 integrally includes: an elastic portion (first elastic portion) 34, which extends from the upper portion of the other end (front end) of the side wall portion 31 inward in the vehicle width direction; and a first stop portion 35, which extends from the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the side wall portion 31 inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0055] At one end (rear end) of the side wall portion 31, the side wall portion 12 of the lower hinge member 10 is rotatably connected via a rotating shaft X1 extending in the vehicle width direction. At the lower part of the other end (front end) of the side wall portion 31, the upper link member 40 is rotatably connected via a rotating shaft X3 extending in the vehicle width direction. A pin portion 31a is formed in the side wall portion 31, extending outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0056] Elastic section (first elastic section)

[0057] The elastic portion 34 is provided on the movement path of the connecting rod upper member 40. During the initial stage of the engine hood 2's upward movement, the elastic portion 34 elastically deforms through the connecting rod upper member 40, which slides relative to the elastic portion 34, allowing the connecting rod upper member 40 to pass over it. During the retraction movement of the connecting rod upper member 40 during the upward movement of the engine hood 2, the elastic portion 34 elastically supports the connecting rod upper member 40 and restricts its retraction movement. The elastic portion 34 is a leaf spring member comprising a base mounted on the side wall portion 31 and a front wall portion extending inward in the vehicle width direction from the other end (front end) of the base.

[0058] First Stop Section

[0059] The first stop 35 is provided on the movement path of the connecting rod upper member 40. During the upward movement of the engine hood 2, the first stop 35 abuts against the connecting rod upper member 40 that passes over the elastic portion 34 to limit the rotation range of the connecting rod upper member 40. After the connecting rod upper member 40 retracts during the upward movement of the engine hood 2, the first stop 35 bears the load of the descending connecting rod upper member 40 to support it.

[0060] <Connecting rod components>

[0061] The upper link member 40 is a metal component that is connected to the upper hinge member 20 and the lower link member 30 at both ends, respectively. The upper link member 40 integrally includes: a side wall portion 41, which is provided inside the upper hinge member 20 and the lower link member 30 in the vehicle width direction and constitutes the main part of the upper link member 40; and an upper wall portion 42, which extends from the upper end of the side wall portion 41 in the vehicle width direction.

[0062] At one end (rear end) of the side wall portion 41, a hinge upper member 20 is rotatably connected via a rotating shaft X2 extending in the vehicle width direction. At the other end (front end) of the side wall portion 41, a connecting rod lower member 30 is rotatably connected via a rotating shaft X3 extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0063] <Retraction Prevention Component (Retraction Prevention Unit)>

[0064] The anti-reverse component 50 is a metal component that is supported by descending later during the upward movement of the engine hood 2 and abutting against the upper end face of the load-bearing component 70. The anti-reverse component 50 integrally comprises: a side wall portion 51, which is provided inside the lower connecting rod member 30 in the vehicle width direction and constitutes the main part of the anti-reverse component 50; and a lower wall portion 52, which extends from the lower end of the side wall portion 51 in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the lower wall portion 52 has a groove shape capable of accommodating the stop portion 12a.

[0065] At the upper end of the side wall portion 51, the middle portion of the lower connecting rod member 30 in the front-rear direction is rotatably connected via a rotating shaft X4 extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0066] <Locking component>

[0067] The locking member 60 is a metal component that is rotatably supported relative to the hinge member 20. The locking member 60 is a component capable of switching between a locked state (where the linkage mechanism is locked by engaging with the lower linkage member 30, enabling the engine hood 2 to rotate) and a unlocked state (where the linkage mechanism is unlocked by disengaging from the lower linkage member 30, enabling the engine hood 2 to rise). The locking member 60 integrally includes: a side wall portion 61, which is located on the outer side of the hinge member 20 in the vehicle width direction and constitutes the main part of the locking member 60; and an engaging claw portion 62 and a protrusion portion 63, which extend radially outward from the circumference of the side wall portion 61.

[0068] The side wall portion 61 is rotatably connected to the side wall portion 22 of the hinge upper member 20 via a rotating shaft X5 extending in the vehicle width direction. The engaging claw portion 62 has an arc shape that can engage with the pin portion 31a of the lower member 30 of the connecting rod. The protrusion portion 63 has a shape that can be inserted into the hole portion 23a of the cup portion 23.

[0069] <Load-bearing components>

[0070] The load-bearing member 70 is a leaf spring member that limits the descent of the engine hood 2 by bearing the load of the engine hood 2 after the engine hood 2 has risen. The load-bearing member 70 integrally includes: a base 71, which is mounted on the lower hinge member 10; upper and lower side portions 72, which extend upward from the other end (front end) of the base 71; and front and rear side portions (upper end faces) 73, which extend rearward from the upper end of the upper and lower side portions 72. The upper and lower side portions 72 are the parts that allow the lower wall portion 52 of the retraction prevention member 50 to slide during the early stage of the engine hood 2 rising, and are inclined forward as they extend upward. The front and rear side portions 73 are the parts that abut against the retraction prevention member 50 during the later stage of the engine hood 2 rising to support it.

[0071] <The First Spring>

[0072] The first spring 80 is a helical spring that applies force to the locking member 60 in the locking direction. The base of the first spring 80 is located on the rotating shaft X5, and the top end of the first spring 80 is mounted on the radially outer end (e.g., the protrusion 63) of the locking member 60.

[0073] <The Second Spring>

[0074] The second spring 90 is a helical spring that applies force to the lower hinge member 10 side of the anti-retraction component 50. The base of the second spring 90 is located on the rotation shaft X4, and the top end of the second spring 90 is mounted on the lower end of the anti-retraction component 50.

[0075] <Action Example>

[0076] Next, the operation of the vehicle engine hood hinge 1 will be explained in the order of closed state, normal opening action, and pop-up action.

[0077] <Off state>

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, in the closed state, the front wall portion 32 of the lower link member 30 is mounted on the vehicle body 3. Additionally, the side wall portion 41 of the upper link member 40 is mounted on the front wall portion 32. Furthermore, the engaging claw portion 62 of the locking member 60 engages with the pin portion 31a of the lower link member 30 by the force applied by the first spring 80. Through this engagement, the lower link member 30 is locked in a manner that prevents relative movement with respect to the upper hinge member 20 (locked state). In this locked state, the upper hinge member 20, the lower link member 30, and the upper link member 40 are integrated into a single assembly, supported by the lower hinge member 10 in a manner that allows rotation about the rotation axis X1. Furthermore, the protrusion 63 of the locking member 60 passes through the hole 23a of the cup portion 23 in the upper hinge member 20 from above, and is located within the recess of the cup portion 23.

[0079] <Normal activation action>

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, during the normal opening operation of the engine hood 2, the other end (front end) of the engine hood 2 is lifted upwards by the operator. Here, the upper hinge member 20, the lower connecting rod member 30, and the upper connecting rod member 40 rotate relative to the lower hinge member 10 about the rotation axis X1 in the opening direction. That is, the engine hood 2 is configured to be able to be opened and closed with one end (rear end) of the engine hood 2 as the rotation axis X1. The rotation range of the engine hood 2 is limited by the rear wall portion 33 of the lower connecting rod member 30 abutting against the upper end of the side wall portion 12 of the lower hinge member 10.

[0081] <Bouncing motion>

[0082] like Figure 2As shown, when the engine hood 2 pops up, the top part 4a of the actuation mechanism 4 pushes the protrusion 63 of the locking member 60 from below, and also pushes the cup-shaped part 23 of the hinge member 20 from below. Here, the locking member 60 rotates in the unlocking direction against the force applied by the first spring 80. As a result, the engagement of the locking claw 62 with respect to the pin 31a is released, and the hinge member 20 rises as a whole due to the rotational movements of each component on the rotation axes X2 and X3 and the rotational movements of each component around the rotation axis X1 (see reference). Figure 5 During the upward movement, the top end 4a of the actuation mechanism 4 abuts against and pushes the cup-shaped part 23 until the middle of the upward movement (before the retraction movement of the connecting rod member 40 begins). Then, each component rises by the inertial force generated based on the pushing force of the actuation mechanism 4.

[0083] Here, the connecting rod upper component 40 rotates about the rotation axis X3 such that the end of the rotation axis X2 is inclined upward and backward (see reference). Figure 6 Arrow A1 and Figure 7 Arrow A2), after passing over the elastic part 34, abuts against the first stop part 35 in the upper wall part 42 (see reference). Figure 6 and Figure 7 The elastic portion 34 undergoes elastic deformation due to the sliding member 40 on the connecting rod relative to it, allowing the member 40 to pass through. After the member 40 has passed through, the elastic portion 34 returns to its original shape.

[0084] On the other hand, the retraction prevention component 50 resists the force applied by the second spring 90 and rises along with the rotation of the lower link member 30 about the rotation axis X1 (see reference). Figure 7 Arrow A3 and Figure 8 (See arrow A6). Here, the lower wall portion 52 of the retraction prevention member 50 slides relative to the upper and lower edges 72 of the load-bearing member 70 by the force applied by the second spring 90. The upper and lower edges 72 of the load-bearing member 70 elastically deform rearward by the lower wall portion 52 of the retraction prevention member 50 sliding relative to the upper and lower edges 72, allowing the lower wall portion 52 of the retraction prevention member 50 to pass through (see...). Figure 6 After the lower wall portion 52 passes, the load-bearing member 70 returns to its original shape. Then, the retraction prevention member 50, which was sliding relative to the front end face of the lower hinge member 10 due to the force applied by the second spring 90, rises against the force applied by the second spring 90. Through this rise, the lower wall portion 52 of the retraction prevention member 50 abuts against the stop portion 12a of the lower hinge member 10. Thus, the rotation of the lower connecting rod member 30 about the rotation axis X1 is restricted (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0085] Next, the upper member 40 of the connecting rod rotates about the rotating axis X3 in a forward-facing manner due to the reaction force from its contact with the first stop 35 and the inertial force generated by the restriction of the rotation of the lower member 30 of the connecting rod (see reference). Figure 8 Arrow A4), thereby abutting against the elastic part 34 (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0086] Next, the upper component 40 of the connecting rod rotates around the rotation axis X3 by reacting against the elastic part 34, causing the end of the rotation axis X2 to move rearward and downward (see reference). Figure 8 Arrow A5 and Figure 3 Arrow A8), thereby abutting against and being supported by the first stop 35 (see reference). Figure 3 That is, when the upward movement of the engine hood 2 ends, the upper component 40 of the connecting rod is located between the elastic part 34 and the first stop part 35.

[0087] On the other hand, the lower connecting rod member 30 rotates downwards around the rotation axis X1 due to gravity (see reference). Figure 8 Arrow A7 and Figure 3 (Arrow A9). Next, the lower wall portion 52 of the retraction prevention component 50 abuts against the front and rear edges 73 of the load-bearing component 70. Thus, the load-bearing component 70 restricts the rotation of the lower connecting rod member 30 about the rotation axis X1, and supports the load of the engine hood 2, etc., while elastically deforming (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0088] The vehicle engine hood hinge 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a lower hinge member 10 fixed to a vehicle body 3; an upper hinge member 20 fixed to an engine hood 2 and supported in a manner that allows relative movement with respect to the lower hinge member 10, the engine hood 2 being able to open and close an opening formed on the upper surface of the vehicle body 3; a linkage mechanism connecting the lower hinge member 10 and the upper hinge member 20; and a load-bearing portion (load-bearing member 70) capable of supporting the load of the engine hood 2. The linkage mechanism is configured to switch between a rotational action that causes the engine hood 2 to rotate about an axis provided on the lower hinge member 10 and a lifting action that causes the engine hood 2 to rise. The load-bearing portion limits the descent of the engine hood 2 by bearing the load of the engine hood 2 rising due to the lifting action using its upper end surface (front and rear edges 73).

[0089] Therefore, compared to the case where the engine hood 2 is held in the raised position (restricting descent) by engaging the recesses (holes) and protrusions in the vehicle width direction, the vehicle engine hood hinge 1 can simply and appropriately maintain the raised state of the engine hood 2. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to maintain the state after being pushed to the raised position by the actuation mechanism 4, and it can rise by inertial force, the stroke of the actuation mechanism 4 can be reduced, the amount of propellant used to operate the actuation mechanism 4 can be reduced, and the actuation mechanism 4 can be made lighter.

[0090] In the hinge 1 for the vehicle engine hood, the load-bearing part is a spring part that elastically supports the load of the engine hood 2.

[0091] Therefore, compared to the case where the anti-reverse section plastically bears the load of the hood 2, the vehicle hood hinge 1 can prevent the load acting on the hood 2 and the vehicle hood hinge 1 from locally increasing, and can achieve miniaturization of the vehicle hood hinge 1, including the load-bearing section. In addition, the vehicle hood hinge 1 can reduce the reaction force of the hood 2 to the colliding object to protect the colliding object.

[0092] In the hinge 1 for a vehicle engine hood, the linkage mechanism includes: a lower linkage member 30 connected to the lower hinge member 10; and an upper linkage member 40 connected to the lower linkage member 30 and the upper hinge member 20, wherein the lower linkage member 30 has a first stop portion 35 that limits the rotation range of the upper linkage member 40 relative to the lower linkage member 30 during the upward movement.

[0093] Therefore, the hinge 1 for the vehicle engine hood can prevent excessive rotation of the link member 40 and achieve proper raising of the engine hood 2.

[0094] In the hinge 1 for the vehicle engine hood, the linkage mechanism has a back-retraction prevention part (back-retraction prevention member 50) that can abut against the upper end surface of the load-bearing part, and the lower hinge member 10 has a second stop part 12a that limits the upward range of the back-retraction prevention part during the upward movement.

[0095] Therefore, the hinge 1 for the vehicle engine hood can prevent the engine hood 2 from rising excessively and achieve the proper raising action of the engine hood 2.

[0096] The vehicle engine hood hinge 1 includes: a locking member 60, which is rotatably supported relative to the hinge member 20 and is capable of switching between a locked state in which the linkage mechanism is locked by engaging with the linkage mechanism and a locked-out state in which the linkage mechanism is unlocked by disengaging from the linkage mechanism; and a first spring 80, which applies force to the locking member 60 in the direction of the locked state.

[0097] Therefore, since the vehicle engine hood hinge 1 can properly maintain the locked state of the linkage mechanism under normal conditions and can release the lock without plastically deforming the locking member 60 during the upward movement, stable lock release can be achieved. In addition, the vehicle engine hood hinge 1 can stabilize the posture of the locking member 60 after the lock is released.

[0098] The vehicle engine hood hinge 1 is equipped with a second spring 90 that applies force to the lower hinge member 10 of the anti-retraction part.

[0099] Therefore, since the position of the anti-reverse part that bears the load from the load-bearing part is stabilized by the second spring 90, the hinge 1 for the vehicle engine hood can properly maintain the engine hood 2 in the raised position.

[0100] In the hinge 1 for a vehicle engine hood, the linkage mechanism includes: a lower linkage member 30 connected to the lower hinge member 10; and an upper linkage member 40 connected to the lower linkage member 30 and the upper hinge member 20, wherein the second spring 90 applies resistance to the lower linkage member 30 during the upward movement.

[0101] Therefore, the hinge 1 for the vehicle engine hood can reduce the rising load during the rising action of the engine hood 2 by means of the second spring 90, and suppress damage to the movable parts.

[0102] In the hinge 1 for the vehicle engine hood, the linkage mechanism includes a back-retraction prevention part (back-retraction prevention component 50) that can abut against the upper end surface of the load-bearing part, and the load-bearing part is configured such that the back-retraction prevention part can slide during the upward movement.

[0103] Therefore, the hinge 1 for the vehicle engine hood can reduce the rising load of the engine hood 2 during its rising movement through the load-bearing part, and suppress damage to the movable part.

[0104] The vehicle engine hood hinge 1 includes a locking member 60, which is rotatably supported relative to the hinge member 20 and can switch between a locked state in which the linkage mechanism is locked by engaging with it and a locked-out state in which the linkage mechanism is unlocked by disengaging from it. The hinge member 20 has a cup-shaped portion 23 that can be pushed by an actuating mechanism 4. The locking member 60 has a protrusion 63 that passes through a hole 23a formed in the cup-shaped portion 23 and is located within the cup-shaped portion 23, and can be pushed by the actuating mechanism 4.

[0105] Therefore, the hinge 1 for the vehicle engine hood can properly push the protrusion 63 inside the cup cover portion 23 and properly release the locking member 60 from locking the linkage mechanism.

[0106] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hinge for a vehicle engine hood, characterized in that, have: The component below the hinge is fixed to the vehicle body; The upper hinge component is fixed to the engine hood and supported in a manner that allows relative movement with respect to the lower hinge component, the engine hood being able to open and close an opening formed on the upper surface of the vehicle body. A linkage mechanism that connects the lower hinge member and the upper hinge member; and The load-bearing part is capable of supporting the load of the engine hood. The linkage mechanism is configured to switch between a rotational action that causes the engine hood to rotate about an axis provided in the lower member of the hinge, and a lifting action that causes the engine hood to rise. The load-bearing section limits the descent of the engine hood by bearing the load of the engine hood rising due to the upward movement on its upper end surface. The load-bearing part is a spring part that elastically supports the load of the engine hood.

2. The hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: A locking component, which is rotatably supported relative to the hinge member, and is capable of switching between a locked state in which the linkage is locked by engaging with the linkage and a locked-out state in which the linkage is unlocked by disengaging from the linkage. and A first spring applies force to the locking component in the locked state.

3. The hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism includes a retraction prevention part that can abut against the upper end face of the load-bearing part. The load-bearing part is configured to allow the retraction prevention part to slide during the upward movement.

4. The hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a locking component that is rotatably supported relative to the hinge member and is capable of switching between a locked state, in which the linkage is locked by engaging with the linkage, and a locked-out state, in which the linkage is released by disengaging from the linkage. The hinge component has a cup-shaped portion that can be pushed by an actuating mechanism. The locking member has a protrusion that passes through a hole formed in the cup portion and is located within the cup portion, and can be pushed by the actuation mechanism.

5. A hinge for a vehicle engine hood, characterized in that, have: The component below the hinge is fixed to the vehicle body; The upper hinge component is fixed to the engine hood and supported in a manner that allows relative movement with respect to the lower hinge component, the engine hood being able to open and close an opening formed on the upper surface of the vehicle body. A linkage mechanism that connects the lower hinge member and the upper hinge member; and The load-bearing part is capable of supporting the load of the engine hood. The linkage mechanism is configured to switch between a rotational action that causes the engine hood to rotate about an axis provided in the lower member of the hinge, and a lifting action that causes the engine hood to rise. The load-bearing section limits the descent of the engine hood by bearing the load of the engine hood rising due to the upward movement on its upper end surface. The linkage mechanism has the following features: The lower member of the connecting rod, which is connected to the lower member of the hinge; and The upper component of the connecting rod is connected to the lower component of the connecting rod and the upper component of the hinge. The lower link member has a first stop portion that limits the rotation range of the upper link member relative to the lower link member during the upward movement.

6. The hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to claim 5, characterized in that, have: A locking component, which is rotatably supported relative to the hinge member, and is capable of switching between a locked state in which the linkage is locked by engaging with the linkage and a locked-out state in which the linkage is unlocked by disengaging from the linkage. and A first spring applies force to the locking component in the locked state.

7. The hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to claim 5, characterized in that, It includes a locking component that is rotatably supported relative to the hinge member and is capable of switching between a locked state, in which the linkage is locked by engaging with the linkage, and a locked-out state, in which the linkage is released by disengaging from the linkage. The hinge component has a cup-shaped portion that can be pushed by an actuating mechanism. The locking member has a protrusion that passes through a hole formed in the cup portion and is located within the cup portion, and can be pushed by the actuation mechanism.

8. A hinge for a vehicle engine hood, characterized in that, have: The component below the hinge is fixed to the vehicle body; The upper hinge component is fixed to the engine hood and supported in a manner that allows relative movement with respect to the lower hinge component, the engine hood being able to open and close an opening formed on the upper surface of the vehicle body. A linkage mechanism that connects the lower hinge member and the upper hinge member; and The load-bearing part is capable of supporting the load of the engine hood. The linkage mechanism is configured to switch between a rotational action that causes the engine hood to rotate about an axis provided in the lower member of the hinge, and a lifting action that causes the engine hood to rise. The load-bearing section limits the descent of the engine hood by bearing the load of the engine hood rising due to the upward movement on its upper end surface. The linkage mechanism includes a retraction prevention part that can abut against the upper end face of the load-bearing part. The lower hinge member has a second stop that limits the upward range of the retraction prevention part during the upward movement.

9. The hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to claim 8, characterized in that, have: A locking component, which is rotatably supported relative to the hinge member, and is capable of switching between a locked state in which the linkage is locked by engaging with the linkage and a locked-out state in which the linkage is unlocked by disengaging from the linkage. and A first spring applies force to the locking component in the locked state.

10. The hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to claim 8, characterized in that, It includes a second spring that applies force to the lower hinge member of the anti-retraction part.

11. The hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to claim 10, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism has the following features: The lower member of the connecting rod, which is connected to the lower member of the hinge; and The upper component of the connecting rod is connected to the lower component of the connecting rod and the upper component of the hinge. The second spring applies resistance to the lower member of the connecting rod during the upward movement.

12. The hinge for a vehicle engine hood according to claim 8, characterized in that, It includes a locking component that is rotatably supported relative to the hinge member and is capable of switching between a locked state, in which the linkage is locked by engaging with the linkage, and a locked-out state, in which the linkage is released by disengaging from the linkage. The hinge component has a cup-shaped portion that can be pushed by an actuating mechanism. The locking member has a protrusion that passes through a hole formed in the cup portion and is located within the cup portion, and can be pushed by the actuation mechanism.

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