Engine hood four-bar linkage structure for protecting an occupant and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of engine hood four-bar linkage structure and vehicle for protecting passenger, the four-bar linkage structure includes hinge rotary arm connecting rod;Long connecting rod;Short connecting rod;Hinge fixed seat connecting rod;First pin, second pin, third pin and fourth pin, the first pin, second pin, third pin and fourth pin the hinge rotary arm connecting rod, long connecting rod, short connecting rod and hinge fixed seat connecting rod are interconnected to form four-bar linkage mechanism;Leg structure, set on the hinge rotary arm connecting rod;Flanging, set on the hinge fixed seat connecting rod;And limit pin, riveted on the flanging, wherein, in the process of collision the leg structure and the limit pin interact to limit the movement of the hinge rotary arm connecting rod.The utility model increases additional protection mechanism on the basis of traditional four-bar linkage hinge, improves the safety of passenger cabin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle parts, and in particular to a four-link structure for protecting occupants in the engine hood and a vehicle thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the four-link structure for engine hoods on the market typically consists of four links connected by pins, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the mechanism includes a hinged rotating arm link 1, a long link 2, a short link 3, and a hinge fixing seat link 4. These links are interconnected via a first pin 5, a second pin 6, a third pin 7, and a fourth pin 8, forming a four-bar linkage. The hinge fixing seat link is bolted to the vehicle body, and a limiting bolt 9 is used to limit the range of motion of the hinge. This traditional four-bar structure is relatively simple and can realize the opening and closing function of the engine hood.

[0003] However, with increasing demands for occupant protection, the traditional four-bar linkage structure is insufficient in terms of collision protection. In the event of a collision, the existing four-bar linkage relies solely on bolted connections to prevent hinge intrusion into the passenger compartment. This single protective measure may not provide adequate occupant protection in severe collisions. Therefore, additional protective mechanisms are needed to enhance the safety of the passenger compartment by building upon the existing four-bar linkage structure. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an engine hood four-link structure and vehicle for protecting occupants, which adds an additional protection mechanism to the traditional four-link hinge, thereby improving the safety of the occupant compartment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] A four-bar linkage structure for protecting occupants under an engine hood includes: Hinged rotating arm link; Long connecting rod; Short link; Hinge fixing bracket link; The first pin, the second pin, the third pin, and the fourth pin connect the hinge rotating arm link, the long link, the short link, and the hinge fixed seat link to each other to form a four-bar linkage. A leg structure is provided on the hinged rotating arm link; A flange is provided on the hinge fixing seat connecting rod; and A limiting pin is riveted to the flange, wherein, during a collision, the leg structure interacts with the limiting pin to restrict the movement of the hinged rotating arm link.

[0007] Furthermore, in the above four-bar linkage structure, the leg structure extends outward from the hinge rotating arm linkage.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above four-bar linkage structure, the flange is formed by bending upward from the hinge fixing seat link.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above four-bar linkage structure, the limiting pin is arranged perpendicular to the surface of the flange.

[0010] Furthermore, the aforementioned four-bar linkage also includes a limiting bolt, which is disposed on the hinge fixing seat link.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above four-bar linkage structure, during the collision process, the leg structure contacts the limiting pin to prevent further movement of the hinge rotating arm linkage.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above four-bar linkage structure, the first pin connects the hinge rotating arm link and the long link, and the second pin connects the long link and the hinge fixing seat link.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above four-bar linkage structure, the third pin connects the hinge rotating arm link and the short link, and the fourth pin connects the short link and the hinge fixing seat link.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above four-bar linkage structure, the limiting pin is fixed to the flange by riveting, forming a non-removable connection.

[0015] Secondly, the vehicle provided by this utility model adopts the following technical solution: A vehicle comprising a four-bar linkage hood structure as described in any of the first aspects above.

[0016] In summary, compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: This invention adds an extra protection mechanism to the traditional four-bar linkage by setting a leg structure on the hinge rotating arm linkage and riveting a limiting pin to the flange of the hinge fixing seat linkage. During a collision, the leg structure and the limiting pin interact to restrict the movement of the hinge rotating arm linkage, thereby improving the safety of the passenger compartment. Compared with the existing technology that relies on a single protection measure of bolt connection, this invention can provide more reliable occupant protection in the event of a severe collision and effectively prevent the hinge from intruding into the passenger compartment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an existing four-bar linkage mechanism is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the four-bar linkage structure for an engine hood according to this utility model is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0021] It should be noted that the order of description of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the preferred order of the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the descriptions of each embodiment in the following embodiments have their own emphasis; for parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 A traditional four-bar linkage for an engine hood includes a hinged rotating arm link 1, a long link 2, a short link 3, and a hinged mounting link 4. The hinged rotating arm link 1 is connected to one end of the long link 2 via a first pin 5, and the other end of the long link 2 is connected to the hinged mounting link 4 via a second pin 6. The hinged rotating arm link 1 is also connected to one end of the short link 3 via a third pin 7, and the other end of the short link 3 is connected to the hinged mounting link 4 via a fourth pin 8. A limit bolt 9 is provided on the hinged mounting link 4.

[0023] The four-bar linkage works on the basis of a planar four-bar mechanism. The hinge's rotating arm link 1 can rotate around the first pin 5 and the third pin 7, the long link 2 can rotate around the first pin 5 and the second pin 6, and the short link 3 can rotate around the third pin 7 and the fourth pin 8. Through the cooperation of these pins, the four-bar linkage enables the opening and closing of the engine hood.

[0024] In a traditional four-bar linkage structure, the hinge mounting link 4 is bolted to the vehicle body. In the event of a collision, the limiting bolt 9 acts as the first line of defense, preventing the hinge from intruding into the passenger compartment. However, with increasingly stringent requirements for occupant protection, the protection provided solely by the limiting bolt 9 may be insufficient to meet higher safety standards. In certain collision scenarios, the individual links of the four-bar linkage may deform or shift relative to each other, thereby reducing the effectiveness of occupant protection.

[0025] Reference Figure 2 The engine hood four-bar linkage structure for occupant protection adds new protective elements to the traditional four-bar mechanism. The four-bar linkage structure includes a hinged rotating arm link 1, a long link 2, a short link 3, and a hinged fixing base link 4. These links are interconnected via a first pin 5, a second pin 6, a third pin 7, and a fourth pin 8 to form the four-bar mechanism. A leg structure 12 is provided on the hinged rotating arm link 1, extending from it as an additional structural component. A flange 11 is provided on the hinged fixing base link 4, forming an additional structural feature. A limiting pin 10 is riveted to the flange 11, fixing it to its surface via riveting.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the leg structure 12 and the limiting pin 10 form an interacting limiting system. During a collision, the leg structure 12 interacts with the limiting pin 10 to restrict the movement of the hinged rotating arm link 1. This configuration provides a secondary protection mechanism in addition to the conventional limiting bolt 9 protection mechanism. When a collision occurs, the leg structure 12 can contact the limiting pin 10, thereby preventing further displacement of the hinged rotating arm link 1. The riveted connection of the limiting pin 10 ensures the reliability of the connection under collision loads, and the flange 11 provides a stable mounting base for the limiting pin 10.

[0027] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The four-bar linkage maintains the motion characteristics of a traditional structure. The first pin 5 connects the hinge rotating arm link 1 and the long link 2; the second pin 6 connects the long link 2 and the hinge fixing link 4; the third pin 7 connects the hinge rotating arm link 1 and the short link 3; and the fourth pin 8 connects the short link 3 and the hinge fixing link 4. Under normal operating conditions, the leg structure 12 maintains an appropriate clearance with the limiting pin 10, without interfering with the normal movement of the four-bar linkage. However, when a collision force is applied to the engine hood, the leg structure 12 can mechanically limit the movement of the limiting pin 10, preventing excessive displacement of the hinge structure towards the passenger compartment, thus providing an additional layer of protection for passenger compartment safety.

[0028] The first pin 5 establishes a rotational connection between the hinged rotating arm link 1 and the long link 2, allowing these two links to move at an angle relative to each other. The first pin 5 passes through a hole in the hinged rotating arm link 1 and a corresponding hole at one end of the long link 2, forming a rotatable hinge point. The second pin 6 connects the other end of the long link 2 to the hinge fixed base link 4, providing rotational freedom between the long link 2 and the hinge fixed base link 4. The position of the second pin 6 determines the trajectory of the long link 2 relative to the fixed base.

[0029] The third pin 7 and the fourth pin 8 form another kinematic chain of the four-bar linkage. The third pin 7 connects one end of the hinge rotating arm link 1 and one end of the short link 3, establishing a rotational connection between these two links. The other end of the short link 3 is connected to the hinge fixed seat link 4 via the fourth pin 8, completing the closed loop of the four-bar linkage. The configuration of the third pin 7 and the fourth pin 8 forms a parallel kinematic chain with the first pin 5 and the second pin 6. The two kinematic chains together constrain the motion trajectory of the hinge rotating arm link 1. The geometric arrangement of the four pins determines the kinematic characteristics of the four-bar linkage, including the rotation angle range and motion trajectory shape of the hinge rotating arm link 1.

[0030] During the movement of the four-bar linkage, each pin bearer is subjected to loads of different directions and magnitudes. When the hinge rotating arm link 1 rotates about its connection point, the first pin 5 and the third pin 7 bear torque and radial force from the hinge rotating arm link 1. The forces generated by the long link 2 and the short link 3 during movement are transmitted to the hinge fixing link 4 through the second pin 6 and the fourth pin 8. The material and size design of the pins take these load conditions into account, ensuring structural integrity under normal operation and collision conditions. The kinematic characteristics of the four-bar linkage are determined by the relative positional relationship of the four pins; the distance and angular configuration between the pins affect the opening trajectory and final position of the hood.

[0031] Specifically, the leg structure 12, as a newly added structural component, is specifically designed to enhance the occupant protection function of the four-bar linkage of the engine hood. The leg structure 12 extends outward from the hinged rotating arm link 1, forming a protruding mechanical element that interacts with the limiting pin 10 riveted to the flange 11 during a collision. The geometry and dimensions of the leg structure 12 ensure that it does not interfere with the movement of the four-bar linkage under normal operating conditions, while effectively providing mechanical restraint with the limiting pin 10 in the event of a collision. The extension direction and length of the leg structure 12 determine the force transmission path and contact area when in contact with the limiting pin 10.

[0032] Leg structure 12 is installed on the hinged rotating arm link 1 to optimize the limiting effect during collision. Leg structure 12 extends outward from the main body of the hinged rotating arm link 1, with its extension direction corresponding to the position of the limiting pin 10, ensuring effective contact and limiting under collision loads. The shape design of leg structure 12 considers stress distribution and load transfer characteristics during collision; the cross-sectional shape and thickness distribution of the extended portion help disperse stress concentration during contact. The connection between leg structure 12 and hinged rotating arm link 1 adopts a gradual transition design to avoid stress concentration points and improve the overall strength and durability of the structure.

[0033] During the collision, the positioning mechanism of the leg structure 12 plays a crucial role. When the collision force acts on the engine hood, the links in the four-bar linkage may experience relative displacement or deformation. During this process, the leg structure 12 contacts the limiting pin 10, preventing further movement of the hinged rotating arm link 1. The contact surface of the leg structure 12 is designed to withstand the collision load, and its shape and surface treatment contribute to stable force transmission during contact. The interaction between the leg structure 12 and the limiting pin 10 forms a reliable mechanical limiting system, restricting the displacement of the hinged rotating arm link 1 towards the passenger compartment during the collision.

[0034] The leg structure 12 and the hinge rotating arm connecting rod 1 form an integrated structure, manufactured through processes such as stamping, forging, or machining. The surface treatment and anti-corrosion measures of the leg structure 12 are consistent with those of the hinge rotating arm connecting rod 1, ensuring long-term reliability under various environmental conditions. The dimensional and geometric tolerance control of the leg structure 12 ensures the fitting accuracy with the limiting pin 10, achieving the expected limiting effect during collisions.

[0035] The flange 11, as an additional structural feature, is formed from the hinge fixing rod 4, extending upward from the main body of the hinge fixing rod 4. The bending process of the flange 11 involves bending a portion of the material of the hinge fixing rod 4 upward along a predetermined bending line, forming the flange by bending upward from the main body of the hinge fixing rod. The bending angle and direction are adapted to the installation requirements of the limiting pin 10. The flange 11 is formed using a stamping process, where the material of the hinge fixing rod is bent upward using a die to form a structural feature with sufficient strength and rigidity.

[0036] The limiting pin 10 is fixed to the surface of the flange 11 by a riveting process, forming a permanent and non-removable connection. The riveting process includes pre-machining mounting holes on the surface of the flange 11, inserting the limiting pin 10 into the mounting holes, and then deforming the limiting pin 10 by a riveting device to form a tight mechanical connection between the pin material and the flange 11.

[0037] The limiting pin 10 is vertically positioned relative to the surface of the flange 11, which helps to achieve a stable limiting effect during a collision. The axis of the limiting pin 10 maintains a 90-degree angle with the surface of the flange 11. The vertically positioned limiting pin 10 can withstand loads from different directions during a collision and effectively transfer these loads to the flange 11 structure.

[0038] The riveting process ensures a reliable, non-removable connection between the limiting pin 10 and the flange 11. During riveting, the material of the limiting pin 10 undergoes plastic deformation at both ends of the axial direction, forming a tight fit with the edge of the mounting hole of the flange 11. This non-removable connection method prevents the limiting pin 10 from loosening or falling off during use, ensuring structural integrity during collisions.

[0039] The material selection for flange 11 is consistent with that of hinge fixing rod 4, and it can be made of high-strength steel. The thickness of flange 11 is determined according to the load-bearing requirements, and appropriate chamfers or rounded corners can be designed at the edges to avoid stress concentration. The surface treatment of flange 11 adopts the same anti-corrosion process as hinge fixing rod 4 to ensure durability under various environmental conditions. The material strength of limit pin 10 is not lower than that of flange 11, and it is usually selected from heat-treated alloy steel to meet the strength and toughness requirements during collision.

[0040] The four-bar linkage structure of the engine hood described in this embodiment of the utility model provides a leg structure 12 on the hinge rotating arm linkage 1 and a limiting pin 10 is riveted to the flange 11 of the hinge fixing seat linkage 4. During a collision, the leg structure 12 and the limiting pin 10 interact to form a mechanical limit, effectively restricting the excessive displacement of the hinge rotating arm linkage 1 towards the passenger compartment. This provides a secondary protection mechanism on the basis of the traditional limiting bolt 9 protection mechanism, significantly improving the occupant protection capability of the four-bar linkage structure in the event of a collision. At the same time, under normal operating conditions, the leg structure 12 and the limiting pin 10 maintain an appropriate gap and do not interfere with the normal movement of the four-bar linkage mechanism. The riveting connection ensures a reliable connection between the limiting pin 10 and the flange 11, providing more reliable occupant protection in the event of a severe collision, effectively preventing the hinge from intruding into the passenger compartment, and improving the overall safety performance.

[0041] In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a four-bar linkage hood structure as described in any of the above embodiments, and the vehicle may be a sedan, SUV, truck, or other type of motor vehicle. The four-bar linkage hood structure may be mounted above the vehicle's engine compartment. The hinge mounting link 4 is bolted to the body frame or body panel, and the hinge rotating arm link 1 is connected to the hood, allowing the hood to be opened and closed via the four-bar linkage. During normal vehicle use, a suitable clearance is maintained between the leg structure 12 and the limiting pin 10, without affecting the normal opening and closing function of the hood. In the event of a collision, the interaction between the leg structure 12 and the limiting pin 10 provides additional occupant protection, preventing excessive displacement of the four-bar linkage hood structure towards the passenger compartment, thereby enhancing the overall safety performance of the vehicle.

[0042] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A four-bar linkage structure for protecting occupants under an engine hood, characterized in that, include: Hinged rotating arm link; Long connecting rod; Short link; Hinge fixing bracket link; The first pin, the second pin, the third pin, and the fourth pin connect the hinge rotating arm link, the long link, the short link, and the hinge fixed seat link to each other to form a four-bar linkage. A leg structure is provided on the hinged rotating arm link; A flange is provided on the hinge fixing seat connecting rod; as well as A limiting pin is riveted to the flange, wherein, during a collision, the leg structure interacts with the limiting pin to restrict the movement of the hinged rotating arm link.

2. The four-bar linkage structure for protecting occupants under the engine hood according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leg structure extends outward from the hinged rotating arm link.

3. The four-link engine hood structure for protecting occupants according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange is formed by bending upwards from the hinge fixing seat link.

4. The four-link engine hood structure for protecting occupants according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting pin is set perpendicular to the surface of the flange.

5. The four-bar linkage structure for protecting occupants under the engine hood according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting bolt, which is disposed on the hinge fixing seat connecting rod.

6. The four-bar linkage structure for protecting occupants under the engine hood according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the collision, the leg structure contacts the limiting pin to prevent further movement of the hinged rotating arm link.

7. The four-link engine hood structure for protecting occupants according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pin connects the hinge rotating arm link and the long link, and the second pin connects the long link and the hinge fixing seat link.

8. The four-bar linkage structure for protecting occupants under the engine hood according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third pin connects the hinge rotating arm link and the short link, and the fourth pin connects the short link and the hinge fixing seat link.

9. The four-bar linkage structure for protecting occupants under the engine hood according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting pin is fixed to the flange by riveting, forming a non-removable connection.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a four-link engine hood structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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