Hood locking mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to the hoods of motor vehicles. To provide a locking mechanism for a motor vehicle hood that offers reliable locking while being as easy to use as possible, the locking mechanism (10) comprises a locking element (12) for engaging a retaining device on a movable hood and a flap element (14) for pivotal attachment to a vehicle structure. The locking element is held on the flap element. The flap element is configured to be attached such that the locking element is movable with the flap element between a locking position (vP) and a non-locking position (nvP), and that the flap element is pressed towards the locking position when the vehicle is in operation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to front hoods of a motor vehicle, and in particular to a locking mechanism for a front hood of a motor vehicle, to a hood module, to a motor vehicle module and to a method for locking a front hood of a motor vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFront hoods are used in vehicles in order to openably close an engine compartment or a front trunk, for example. For opening front hoods, releasable locks are used, which can be equipped with a secondary closing system, which can be released separately for safety reasons, for example. For example, when unlocked, a hood jumps into a pre-latching position in which a gap is left open at the front edge, in order then to manually release the secondary locking system in the form of a catch hook by means of a lever. A hood closure with a catch hook is described, for example, in DE 10357285 A1. In connection with increased demands on user comfort, electrically openable locks can also be provided. However, it has been found that there is still a need for increased safety.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism which provides reliable locking while at the same time being as simple as possible to handle.This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further examples are given in the dependent claims. The aspects described below also apply to the front hood of a motor vehicle, to the hood module, to the motor vehicle module and to the method for locking a front hood of a motor vehicle.According to the invention, a locking mechanism for a front hood of a motor vehicle is provided. The lock has a locking element for engaging a holding device on a movably mounted front hood and a flap element for the pivotable fastening to a vehicle structure. The locking element is held on the flap element. The flap member is configured to be secured such that the locking member is movable with the flap member between a front hood locking position and a non-locking position, and that the flap member is urged towards the locking position during operation of the vehicle.According to one example, the flap element is configured to be obliquely installed in the mounted state such that the flap element falls in the direction of the locking position due to gravity.According to one example, during operation of the vehicle, the flap element is exposed to a travel wind such that the flap element is pressed by the travel wind in the direction of the locking position.As an option, it is provided that the flap element has at least one flat region which is exposed to the relative wind.According to one example, the flap element has a pivot axis and a force introduction region into which forces induced by the relative wind can be introduced. In a first variant, it is provided that the force introduction region, in the installed state, extends above the pivot axis and the locking element protrudes counter to the direction of travel. In a second variant, it is provided that the force introduction region, in the installed state, extends below the pivot axis and the locking element protrudes in the direction of travel.According to one example, the locking element is designed for the positive locking of the front hood.According to the invention, a hood module is also provided. The hood module has a front hood for a motor vehicle and a locking mechanism according to one of the preceding examples. The front hood is movably attachable to a vehicle structure between a closed position and an open position. A holding device is provided on the front hood. The locking element engages in the retaining device in a locking position.According to one example, the locking element is configured to move the flap element in the direction of the position locking the front hood when the front hood is moved in the hood opening direction.According to one example, the retaining device on the front hood is a bracket. In the locking position, the locking element engages behind the bracket with a free locking end. The free locking end forms an obtuse angle to a movement path of the bow in the opening direction, so that when the front hood is opened, the locking element is forced into the locking position.According to one example, the locking element is arranged spaced apart from the holding device in the locking position.According to one example, the flap element can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the lower region of the flap element, and the locking element is arranged on the upper edge of the flap element and protrudes from the flap element toward the rear in the direction of travel.According to one example, the flap element can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the upper region of the flap element, and the locking element is arranged on the upper edge of the flap element and protrudes forward from the flap element in the direction of travel. The holding device on the front hood is a fold at the front edge of the front hood. In the locking position, the locking element engages behind the fold with a free locking end in the direction of travel.According to one example, the flap element is movable into the locking position of the locking element only when the front hood is in its closed position.According to the invention, a motor vehicle module is also provided. The motor vehicle module has a body structure of a vehicle front region and a hood module according to one of the preceding claims. The front hood is movably fastened to the body structure at a rear end in the direction of travel.According to the invention, a method for locking a front hood of a motor vehicle is also provided. The method comprises the following steps:closing a front hood of a motor vehicle movably mounted on a vehicle structure; andlocking the front hood to a locking element by engaging the locking element in a retaining device on the front hood; wherein the locking element is held on a flap element which is pivotably fastened to the vehicle structure such that the locking element can be moved with the flap element between a position locking the front hood and a non-locking position; and wherein the flap element is pressed in the direction of the locking position during operation of the vehicle.The locking offers improved safety, for example for front hoods which are held at their front end in the direction of travel releasably by a hood lock.The locking mechanism forms an intrinsic safety feature for the locking of the front hood: the same force that a front hood could unintentionally open is also used as a drive force in order to secure the locking mechanism.According to one aspect, a locking mechanism is provided for a front hood, which locking mechanism is designed as a flap element which is operatively mechanically engaged with the front hood for the locking function. For this purpose, the flap element is designed such that the vehicle operation acts directly on the flap element on which the locking element is arranged. For example, the flap element is acted upon by its own weight and relative wind, so that locking of the front hood is ensured due to the vehicle operation.It should be noted that the features of the exemplary embodiments of the front hood of a motor vehicle also apply to embodiments of the hood module, of the motor vehicle module and of the method for locking a front hood of a motor vehicle and vice versa. In addition, those features in which this is not explicitly mentioned can also be freely combined with one another.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSExemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a latch for a front hood of a motor vehicle. FIG. 2 shows another example of a latch for a front hood. FIG. 3 shows an example of a hood module with a front hood and a locking mechanism for the front hood. FIG. 4 schematically shows another example of the hood module of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows another example of a hood module with a front hood and a locking mechanism for the front hood. FIG. 6 schematically shows another example of the hood module of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows an example of a motor vehicle module. FIG. 8 shows steps of an example of a method for locking a front hood of a motor vehicle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTSFIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a latch 10 for a front hood of a motor vehicle. The latch 10 has a latch element 12 for engaging a retaining device on a movably mounted front hood and a flap element 14 for pivotable attachment to a vehicle structure. The locking element 12 is held on the flap element 14. The flap member 14 is configured to be fastened such that the locking member 12 is movable with the flap member 14 between a front hood locking position vP and a non-locking position nvP (shown in phantom), and that the flap member 14 is pushed towards the locking position vP during operation of the vehicle. A possible position for the non-locking position nvP of the flap element 14 is shown with dashed lines with reference sign 12'. An arrow 13 indicates the movement of the flap element 14 for locking the front hood 16.In one example, the front hood 16 is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation. The movement of the front hood 16 thus takes place as a rotation. In another example, the front hood 16 is pivotably attached about an axis of rotation that slides during the pivoting open. The movement of the front hood 16 is, for example, a mixture of rotation and translation.In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same structural features.In FIGS. 1 and 2, a front hood 16 is optionally additionally shown, which is pivotably held at a first end 18 on a bearing 20 and is releasably held at a second end 22 opposite the first end 18 with the locking mechanism 10. For example, the first end 18 of the front hood 16 is arranged behind the second end 22, as viewed in the direction of travel. The second end 22 is located in front of the first end 18 in the direction of travel. The direction of travel in FIG. 1 therefore points to the left on the drawing sheet.The term "locking element" refers to a component that mechanically locks the front hood 16 in the opening, i.e., locks the front hood 16.The term "flap element" refers to a component which is movably held in the manner of a flap, i.e. pivotable. The pivot axis is preferably horizontal, but can also be arranged vertically or obliquely.The term "front hood" refers to a movable closure component in the front area of the vehicle, which is also referred to as a front. The front hood 16 covers, for example, a storage compartment or front trunk area arranged in the front vehicle part. The front hood 16 may also be provided to cover an engine room or battery area located in the front part of the vehicle.The term "retaining device" refers to a separate or integrated component provided to retain the front hood 16 against unintentional opening, preferably in cooperation with the locking of the locking element.The term "movably supported" refers to a supporting fastener that enables movement, for example pivotal movement. However, a sliding movement may also be possible.The term "vehicle structure" refers to a supporting structure capable of absorbing the forces occurring in a front hood, for example, a supporting structure of the body.The term "locking position" refers to a position in which movement of the front hood is substantially impossible because the front hood is locked.The term "non-locking position" refers to a position in which a movement of the front hood is possible, since the front hood is unlocked, i.e. is movable within the scope of the movable fastening, if no other restrictions are present. At least, the front hood is not blocked by the locking element 12.The term "operation of the vehicle" relates primarily to the driving mode of the vehicle, i.e. when the vehicle actually drives.The flap element 14 can also be referred to as a flap, a locking flap or a safety flap.The locking mechanism 10 serves to secure the front hood 16.The term "two-latch lock" refers to a lock that provides two-stage locking, for example, in a main latch and a pre-latch. This allows an additional safety level to be formed, for example by an additional condition having to be fulfilled for the release of the pre-latch.The locking device 10 can serve as a catch hook and replace it. In one option, a catch hook is also provided in addition to the locking mechanism 10.The latch 10 is designed as a vehicle operation latch of the front hood 16, i.e. as a latch of the front hood 16 dependent on the driving operation. The locking mechanism 10 can also be used as a redundant safety against unintentional opening in the case of a defective set-up device.Optionally, it is provided that the flap element 14 is configured to be obliquely installed in the mounted state such that the flap element 14 falls in the direction of the locking position vP due to gravity.The term "obliquely installed" refers to an installation other than the vertical, with respect to the position of the center of gravity and that of the movable bearing. A vertical projection of the center of gravity is located, for example, next to the movable bearing.As a further, additional or alternative, option, it is provided that the flap element 14 is exposed to a travel wind 24 during operation of the vehicle in such a way that the flap element 14 is pressed by the travel wind 24 in the direction of the locking position vP.As an option, it is provided that the flap element 14 has at least one flat region 24, which is exposed to the relative wind 26 (see also FIG. 3 ).The term "relative wind" refers, for example, to the air flow acting on the flap element 14 during a driving operation.The term "planar region" refers to a region which is exposed to the relative wind and forms a resistance for the latter. The planar region 24 can also have a structure and also have, for example, air passages.The flap element can be directly or indirectly exposed to the relative wind. In one example, the relative wind impinges directly on the flap element, for example, when the flap element forms a front termination of the vehicle body. In one example, the relative wind indirectly impinges on the flap element, for example if the flap element is connected at least operatively mechanically to a further element which forms a front termination of the vehicle body. The front closure may be, for example, a design element such as a grille or a closed front section.In one example, the planar region is a vertically extending strip which is arranged in the region of the front part of the vehicle in the middle or else differently therefrom.In one example, the planar region is a horizontally extending strip which extends over at least part of the height of the front portion. The band extends over a large part of the vehicle width, for example over the entire distance between headlights.In one example, the flap member is configured such that both gravity and wind drive the flap member to urge the locking member attached to the flap member 14 toward the locking position.As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as an option, it is provided in one example that the locking element 12 is arranged at the upper edge of the flap element 14. The term "upper edge" refers to the installed state when the vehicle is in a kind of normal position or normal orientation, for example.In the example shown in FIG. 1, the flap element 14 can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the lower region of the flap element 14, which is indicated by a joint or pivot point 28. The locking element 12 is arranged on the upper edge of the flap element 14 and protrudes from the flap element 14 to the rear in the direction of travel.In the example shown in FIG. 2, the flap element 14 can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the upper region of the flap element 14, which is indicated by a further joint or pivot point 30. The locking element 12 is arranged on the upper edge of the flap element 14 and protrudes forward from the flap element 14 in the direction of travel.As an option, it is provided that the flap element 14 has a pivot axis and a force introduction region into which forces induced by the relative wind can be introduced. In a first variant, it is provided that the force introduction region, in the installed state, extends above the pivot axis and the locking element protrudes counter to the direction of travel. In a second variant, it is provided that the force introduction region, in the installed state, extends below the pivot axis and the locking element protrudes in the direction of travel.In one example, the pivot axis extends horizontally.In another example, the pivot axis is vertical.As an option (see also FIG. 4 ), the locking element 12 is designed for the positive locking of the front hood.In one example, the locking element has an abutment side which is aligned with the retaining device of the front hood. The abutment side has a recess for engaging the retainer when the retainer and the locking member move toward the unlocked position.Optionally, in FIGS. 1 and 2, a hood module 50 is shown that includes a front hood for a motor vehicle, for example the aforementioned front hood 16. The front hood 16 is movably attachable to a vehicle structure 52 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ) between a closed position CL and an open position OP. The vehicle structure 52 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, respectively. A holding device 54 is provided on the front hood 16. The locking element 12 engages in the holding device 54 in the locking position vP. The holding device 54 is designed in FIG. 1 in one example as a bracket or holder with a receptacle. In FIG. 2, the holding device 54 is designed as a fold or holding angle in one example. One possible position for the open position of the front hood 16 is shown with dashed lines with reference numeral 16'. An arrow 17 indicates the movement of the front hood 16.The term "closed position" (CL= closed) refers to a position in which the front hood 16 is fully closed. The term "open position" (OP=opened) refers to a position in which the front hood 16 is no longer closed, for example fully or at least partially open.As a further option, it is provided that the locking element 12 is configured to move the flap element 14 when the front hood 16 is moved in the hood opening direction in the direction of the position vP locking the front hood 16.The term "hood opening direction" refers to a direction of the trajectory, for example, a tangent to a curved trajectory.The locking member 12 is formed with a closing tendency.In one example, the retention device 54 on the front hood 16 is a bracket 56 (see FIG. 4 ). In the locking position vP, the locking element 12 engages behind the bracket 56 with a free locking end 58 with respect to the opening direction. The free locking end 58 forms an obtuse angle with respect to a movement path of the bracket 56 in the opening direction, so that when the front hood 16 is opened, the locking element 12 is forced into the locking position vP.The term "bracket" refers to a separate or integrally formed component. In one example, the strap is attached at both ends. In another example, the bracket is attached to only one end. The bracket can be formed by a pin-like holder or by a recess in a plate.The term "free latch end" refers to the protruding end of the latch.The term "engaged behind" refers to an arrangement "behind" the component in the region of a possible movement path, so that the movement is not possible.The term "movement path" refers to the path of the moving component during the movement.The term "obtuse angle" refers to an angle greater than 90° and less than 180°.The angle to the opening direction is more than 90°. The angle is configured to secure the locking element in the direction of the locking position if the front hood unintentionally opens.In a further example, it is provided that the locking element 12 is arranged at a distance from the holding device 54 in the locking position vP.The term "spaced" refers to, for example, a distance such that a touch does not occur during normal driving operation.In another example, the locking element abuts the retaining device in the locking position.FIG. 3 shows an option of the hood module, which is also shown in FIG. 1, in which the flap element 14 can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the lower region of the flap element 14, and the locking element 12 is arranged on the upper edge of the flap element 14 and protrudes from the flap element 14 to the rear in the direction of travel.The term "lower portion" refers to the installed state. The term "lower region" refers, for example, to the lower half, for example the lower third, of the flap element. In one example, the flap element can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the region of the lower edge of the flap element.In one example, the locking element 12 protrudes from the flap element 14 in the region of the opposite upper edge. The locking element 12 projects here, for example, in the pivoting direction from the flap element 14.FIG. 3 shows an option of the hood module 50, which is also shown in FIG. 2, in which the flap element 14 can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the upper region of the flap element 14 and the locking element 12 is arranged on the upper edge of the flap element 14 and protrudes forwards from the flap element 14 in the direction of travel. The holding device 54 on the front hood 16 is a fold 66 on the front edge of the front hood 16. The locking element 12 engages behind the fold 66 with a free locking end in the direction of travel in the locking position vP.The term "driving direction" refers to the normal driving operation.The term "folding" refers to a region provided or formed on the front hood, which forms an undercut.The term "upper portion" refers to the installed state.The term "upper portion" refers, for example, to the upper half, for example the upper third, of the flap element. In one example, the flap element can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the region of the upper edge of the flap element.FIG. 4 schematically shows a further example of the hood module 50 from FIG. 3 in a detail. The flap element 14 drops to the right due to gravity and due to the relative wind, so that the locking element 12 at the upper end of the flap element 14 engages in the holder of the front hood 16 designed as a bow 56. Additionally, an urging member 59, for example, a spring member, is optionally provided. The pushing-open element 59 can be provided, for example, in order to lift the front hood out of the seal and to open a gap wide. For example, an opening drive in the form of a spindle drive can then take over the further opening of the front hood. When a hood lock is unlocked, the pressing element 59 presses the front hood, but the locking by the locking element 12 prevents a further pressing. A recess 57 in the locking element 12 provides additional support for the bracket 56 For emergency opening operation, a corresponding distance is provided between the locking element 12 and the retaining device 54 on the front hood 16 when the front hood is in the closed position. The spacing then allows the gap opening by the locking element 12 resting against the holding device 54. A gap opening is made possible, which ensures, for example, that an enclosed person is supplied with sufficient oxygen. For example, an emergency release can be provided in a luggage compartment under the front hood, with which the hood lock can be opened. However, when the vehicle is travelling, the latch 10 will ensure that the front hood 16 cannot enter the open position. The emergency opening function can also be configured in the variant from FIG. 2 or FIGS. 5 and 6.FIG. 5 shows an option of the hood module 50, which is also shown in FIG. 2, in which the flap element 14 can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the upper region of the flap element 14 and the locking element 12 is arranged on the upper edge of the flap element 14 and protrudes from the flap element 14 to the rear in the direction of travel. The relative wind 24 presses on the flap element 14, so that the locking element 12 engages in the counterpart on the front hood 16 and holds it securely in the closed position. Reference numeral 60 indicates a motor vehicle in which the hood module 50 is provided.FIG. 6 schematically shows a detail of a further example of the hood module 50 from FIG. 5. The flap element 14 drops due to gravity and due to the relative wind, so that the locking element 12 at the upper end of the flap element 14 engages behind the holder 54 of the front hood 16 designed as a bent edge.In one example, the free latch end forms an obtuse angle with respect to a movement path of the fold in the opening direction, so that when the front hood 16 is opened, the locking element 12 is forced into the locking position.Optionally, the flap member 14 is movable to the locking position of the locking member 12 only when the front hood is in its closed position.In one example, a movable blocking lever is arranged in the region of the pivoting movement of the flap element 14, which can be moved out of the region of the pivoting movement by a displacement stop mounted on the front hood 16.In another example, a movable blocking element is arranged in the movement path of the locking element 12, which is movable out of the movement path of the locking element 12 by the holding device mounted on the front hood 16.The flap element 14 can therefore only be closed when the front hood 16 is held properly. In one example, the flap member 14 can only be closed when the front hood 16 is properly retained and locked.FIG. 7 shows an example of a motor vehicle module 100. The motor vehicle module 100 includes a body structure 102 of a vehicle front portion and an example of the hood module 50 according to any of the preceding examples. The front hood 16 is movably attached to the body structure 52 at a rear end in the traveling direction.The motor vehicle module 100 is shown as an option in the context of a vehicle 104. A possible open position of the front hood 16 is shown by a line 16'.The flap element 14 of the lock 10 is formed, for example, as a central part 106 of a front part above a bumper 108.FIG. 8 shows steps of an example of a method 200 for locking a front hood of a motor vehicle. The method 200 has the following steps: In a first step 202, a front hood of a motor vehicle mounted movably on a vehicle structure is closed. In a second step 204, the front hood is locked to a locking element by engaging the locking element in a holding device on the front hood. The locking member is supported on a flap member pivotally mounted to the vehicle structure such that the locking member can be moved with the flap member between a front hood locking position and a non-locking position. The flap element is pressed towards the locking position during operation of the vehicle.The above-described exemplary embodiments can be combined in different ways. In particular, aspects of the devices may also be used for the embodiments of the method and vice versa.Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limiting.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 10357285 A1

[0002]

Claims

A latch (10) for a front hood of a motor vehicle, the latch comprising: - a latch element (12) for engaging a retaining device on a movably supported front hood; and - a flap element (14) for pivotally mounting to a vehicle structure; wherein the latch element is retained on the flap element; and wherein the flap element is configured to be mounted such that the latch element is movable with the flap element between a front hood locking position (vP) and a non-locking position (nvP), and that the flap element is urged towards the locking position during operation of the vehicle.The latch of claim 1, wherein the flap member is configured to be obliquely installed in the assembled state such that the flap member falls toward the latching position due to gravity.The latch of claim 1 or 2, wherein the flap member is exposed to a relative wind (24) during operation of the vehicle such that the flap member is urged by the relative wind towards the latching position; and wherein, preferably, the flap member comprises at least one planar portion exposed to the relative wind.The latch of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the latch member is disposed at the top edge of the flap member.The lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap element has a pivot axis and has a force introduction region into which forces induced by the relative wind can be introduced; and wherein: i) the force introduction region, in the installed state, runs above the pivot axis and the locking element protrudes counter to the direction of travel; or ii) the force introduction region, in the installed state, runs below the pivot axis and the locking element protrudes in the direction of travel.The locking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element is configured for the positive locking of the front hood.A hood module (50), comprising: - a front hood (16) for a motor vehicle; and - a latch (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; wherein the front hood is movably attachable to a vehicle structure between a closed position (CL) and an open position (OP); wherein a retaining device (54) is provided on the front hood; and wherein the latching element engages the retaining device in a locking position.Hood module according to claim 7, wherein the locking element is configured to move the flap element in the direction of the position locking the front hood when the front hood is moved in the hood opening direction.Hood module according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the holding device on the front hood is a bow; and wherein the locking element in the locking position engages behind the bow with a free locking end (58); wherein the free locking end forms an obtuse angle with a movement path of the bow in the opening direction, so that upon opening of the front hood the locking element is forced into the locking position.A hood module according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the locking element in the locking position is arranged spaced apart from the retaining device.Hood module according to one of Claims 7 to 10, wherein the flap element can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the lower region of the flap element, and the locking element is arranged on the upper edge of the flap element and protrudes from the flap element to the rear in the direction of travel.Hood module according to one of Claims 7 to 10, wherein the flap element can be fastened to the vehicle structure in the upper region of the flap element and the locking element is arranged on the upper edge of the flap element and protrudes forwards from the flap element in the direction of travel; wherein the retaining device on the front hood is a fold on the front edge of the front hood; and wherein the locking element, in the locking position, engages behind the fold with a free locking end in the direction of travel.A hood module according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the flap member is movable into the locking position of the locking member only when the front hood is in its closed position.A motor vehicle module (100) comprising: - a body structure (102) of a vehicle front area; - a hood module (50) according to any one of claims 7 to 13; wherein the front hood is movably attached to the body structure at a rear end in the direction of travel.A method (200) for locking a front hood of a motor vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: - closing (202) a front hood of a motor vehicle movably mounted on a vehicle structure; and - locking (204) the front hood to a locking element by engaging the locking element in a holding device on the front hood; wherein the locking element is held on a flap element which is pivotably fastened to the vehicle structure, such that the locking element can be moved with the flap element between a position locking the front hood and a non-locking position; and wherein the flap element is pressed towards the locking position during operation of the vehicle.

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