Vehicle with a front section and a protective device

Abstract

A vehicle (10) comprises a front section (12), a front hood (40), an adjustment device (16), and a protective device (20), wherein the front hood (40) can be raised at least partially from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) relative to the front section (12) via the adjustment device (16), wherein the front hood (40) has a leading edge (41) and is closed in the first position (P1), wherein in the second position (P2) a gap (42) is present between the leading edge (41) and the front section (12), wherein the protective device (20) comprises a spring element (30) and a retaining device (38), wherein the spring element (30) is attached to the front hood (40) at a first attachment point (31), and wherein in a first state (S1) the spring element (30) extends at least partially around the leading edge (41) from the first attachment point (31). extendswherein the spring element (30) is releasably held in a pre-tensioned position by the holding device (38) at a second attachment point (32) in a second state (S2), wherein the spring element (30) does not extend around the leading edge (41) in the pre-tensioned position, and wherein the holding device (38) is configured to release the holding of the spring element at the second attachment point (32) and thereby effect a transition of the spring element (30) from the second state (S2) to the first state (S1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with a front section and a protective device.

[0002] DE 10 2014 118 731 A1 shows an active hood that lifts up in the event of a pedestrian collision. During lifting, an impact protection device moves in front of the hood's leading edge.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2015 113 252 B4 shows an active hood of a vehicle which lifts up in the event of a collision. An impact protection device deploys in front of the leading edge of the hood.

[0004] The EP 2 239 169 B1 shows an active bonnet with an airbag.

[0005] DE 103 16 595 A1 shows an active engine hood in which a cover extends.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2014 010 653 A1 shows a vehicle with a front end, a hood, and a detection system. The detection system recognizes an impending collision with a pedestrian and triggers the lifting of the hinged hood, creating a gap. This allows the hood to flex or bend to absorb the kinetic energy of an impact, thus providing a degree of cushioning. Springs may be incorporated. An actuator is also extended, and a leg rest protrudes through the gap. In its extended position, the leg rest provides improved transfer of kinetic energy to the pedestrian's thigh, thereby reducing the likelihood and / or severity of injuries.

[0007] The DE 10 2004 055 603 B4 shows an active bonnet with impact protection.

[0008] The DE 20 2004 014 928 U1 shows an active bonnet with impact protection.

[0009] The DE 10 2015 007 021 A1 shows an active bonnet in which an impact protection element unrolls.

[0010] JP 2005 - 324 764 A shows a device for protecting a pedestrian with a buffer structure to cushion an impact.

[0011] The JP 2004 - 338 528 A shows a device for absorbing an impact for an automobile.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new vehicle with a front section and with a protective device.

[0013] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0014] A vehicle comprises a front section, a hood, an adjustment device, and a protective device, wherein the hood can be raised at least partially from a first position to a second position relative to the front section via the adjustment device, wherein the hood has a leading edge and is closed in the first position, wherein a gap exists between the leading edge and the front section in the second position, wherein the protective device comprises a spring element and a retaining device, wherein the spring element is attached to the hood at a first attachment point, wherein in a first state the spring element extends at least partially around the leading edge from the first attachment point, and wherein in a second state the spring element is releasably held in a pre-tensioned position by the retaining device at a second attachment point.wherein the spring element in the pre-tensioned position does not extend around the leading edge, and wherein the retaining device is configured to release the spring element from the second attachment point, thereby causing the spring element to transition from the second state to the first state. The protective device protects a person from severe contact with the leading edge in the event of an accident. The spring element allows for activation without energy input for its shape-finding, as the spring element can automatically assume its target shape after release.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second mounting points are either both located on the inside of the hood or both on the outside of the hood. This allows the leading edge to remain unobstructed.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the front hood has an outer sheet metal and an inner sheet metal, wherein the spring element, in the second state, bears at least partially against the inner sheet metal. The inner sheet metal can be used as a counter-element for pre-tensioning.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the spring element in the first state is at least partially concavely curved on the side of the leading edge. This results in an advantageous rounding and better protection.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the spring element is spaced away from the leading edge in the first state. This allows the spring element to compress before the comparatively hard leading edge can exert a force.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the spring element has a C-shaped cross-section in the first state. This results in a round outer shape and good protection.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the spring element is connected to the front hood at the first mounting point by a snap-fit ​​connection. This allows for secure fastening and quick assembly.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the spring element has a projection which, in the second state, extends into the front hood to allow the spring element to be attached there. This allows the mounting device to be concealed.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining device has a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism has a locking state and a release state, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to hold the spring element at the second mounting point in the locking state, and to allow movement of the spring element away from the second mounting point in the release state. This enables reliable release.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a locking element and an actuating element, the actuating element being configured to pull the locking element and thereby effect a transition from the locked state to the released state. This results in a secure hold until the spring element is required.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element includes a Bowden cable for pulling the lock. A Bowden cable allows for spatial bridging with low weight.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding device includes an actuator, the actuator being configured to actuate the actuating element upon receiving a predetermined signal. The actuator can be controlled at a suitable time.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device has several spring elements, wherein the spring elements are at least partially distributed in a transverse direction of the vehicle. This ensures that good protection can still be guaranteed even if one of the spring elements is defective.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle has a control device, wherein the control device is configured to actuate the adjustment device for raising the front hood and the holding device for releasing the spring element. This enables simultaneous actuation in the event of a collision with a pedestrian.

[0028] Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings, which are in no way to be understood as limiting the invention, as well as from the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It shows: Fig. 1 In a schematic representation, a vehicle with a car crash dummy during an experiment, Fig. 2 the vehicle of Fig. 1 with a protective device, Fig. 3 in a schematic longitudinal section the vehicle of Fig. 1 in a first state of the protective device, Fig. 4 in a schematic longitudinal section the vehicle of Fig. 1 in a second state of the protective device, and Fig. 5 in a longitudinal section a detailed view of the protective device.

[0029] In the following, identical or similarly functioning parts are designated with the same reference symbols and are usually described only once. The description builds upon itself across figures to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 with a front section 12, with a front hood 40 and with an adjustment device 16.

[0031] The front hood 40 can also be referred to as the engine hood, the invention being able to work regardless of whether the engine is installed at the front, in the middle and / or at the rear of the vehicle.

[0032] The diagram shows a vehicle coordinate system in the usual orientation, with the X-axis pointing in the direction of travel (longitudinal direction), the Y-axis pointing to the left (transverse direction), and the Z-axis pointing upwards. The vehicle coordinate system is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system that is permanently attached to vehicle 10.

[0033] The image shows a crash test in which vehicle 10 collides with a crash test dummy 100.

[0034] Extensive research is being conducted to protect pedestrians. Depending on the size of the vehicle 10 and the size of the pedestrian, it is possible that the pedestrian's head could strike the front hood 40. To reduce the risk of injury, the front hood 40 is designed to be deformable, and upon detection of a collision, the front hood 40 is moved from a first basic position P1 (see figure) by the adjusting device 16. Fig. 4) raised at least partially to a second position P2, as shown. The adjusting device 16 is controlled by a control device 23 by means of a signal SIG2.

[0035] The raising of the front hood 40 by the adjusting device 16 is also referred to as an active system or active front hood 40. This allows the front hood 40 to compress more effectively, reducing the maximum forces acting on the pedestrian and advantageously dissipating the kinetic energy upon impact of the head.

[0036] When the leading edge 41 is lifted, it protrudes, creating a gap 42 between the leading edge 41 and the bow section 12. The protruding leading edge 41 can cause serious injuries in the area 44 shown if a person slides past it. This is known in accident research as the "cucumber slicer effect".

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows vehicle number 10 of Fig. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional representation. Between the raised front hood 40 in its second position P2 and the front section 12, a protective device 20 with spring elements 30 is located in the area of ​​the gap 42. These spring elements extend around the leading edge 41 of the front hood 40. This is referred to below as the first state S1 of the protective device 20 or the spring elements 30. The spring elements 30 preferably cover the leading edge 41 of the front hood 40. This reduces the risk of injury to the leading edge 41 of the front hood 40.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, the protective device 20 has several spring elements 30, wherein the spring elements 30 are preferably distributed at least partially in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle 10. This results in better shape stability upon impact and in greater safety if one of the spring elements 30 fails.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows in a schematic longitudinal section the arrangement of the protective device 20 in the vehicle 10.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the front hood 40 has an outer sheet 47 and an inner sheet 48.

[0041] The outer sheet 47 is preferably folded in the area of ​​the front edge 41.

[0042] The adjusting device 16 is designed to move the front hood 40 relative to the front part 12 at least partially from a first position P1 (see Fig. 4) to lift into a second position P2.

[0043] The front hood 40 is closed in the first position P1. Preferably, the contour of the front hood 40 transitions smoothly into the contour of the front section 12.

[0044] In the second position P2, by raising the front hood 12, the gap 42 between the leading edge 41 of the front hood 40 and the front part 12 was created.

[0045] The adjusting device 16 preferably also serves as a lock. A locking bar 71 is attached to the front hood 40, and the locking bar 71 is connected to the adjusting device 16 via a catch hook 72. In its function as a lock, the adjusting device 16 keeps the front hood 40 closed during normal driving.

[0046] The protective device 20 has the spring element 30 and a holding device 38.

[0047] The spring element 30 is attached to the front hood 40 at a first attachment point 31.

[0048] The spring element 30 preferably comprises a spring-elastic material, in particular a steel or a plastic.

[0049] The spring element 30 can also incorporate soft elements, such as foam or rubber. These soft elements allow for gentle energy absorption.

[0050] In the first state S1, the spring element 30 extends from the first attachment point 31 at least partially around the leading edge 41.

[0051] The spring element 30 is preferably concavely curved at least section by section on the side of the leading edge 41 in the first state S1.

[0052] As shown, the spring element 30 preferably has a C-shaped cross-section in the first state S1, i.e. it wraps around the front edge 41 in the manner of a cylindrical section.

[0053] Preferably, the spring element 30 is spaced away from the leading edge 41 in the first state S1. This allows the spring element to yield elastically, at least in some areas, until it comes into contact with the leading edge 41.

[0054] The spring element 30 is preferably connected to the front hood 40 at the first mounting point 31 by a snap-fit ​​connection. For this purpose, a clip is preferably formed which snaps into the front hood 40 and connects the spring element 30 to the front hood 40. Alternatively, the connection can be made via a screw connection.

[0055] The spring element 30 preferably has a projection 33. The projection 33 enables advantageous fastening of the spring element 30 in the second state, cf. Fig. 4. A second fastening point 32 is defined in the front hood 40. An opening 34 is provided in the front hood 40, preferably in the area of ​​the inner sheet metal 48.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, the bow section 12 is connected to a stabilizing bow grille 13.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows in a representation accordingly Fig. 3 the protective device 20 in the second state S2.

[0058] In the second state S2, the spring element 30 is held in a pre-tensioned position by the holding device 38 at a second fastening point 32.

[0059] In the pre-tensioned position, the spring element 30 does not extend around the leading edge 41, and the front hood 40 can be closed properly.

[0060] The holding device 38 is designed to release the holding of the spring element 30 at the second attachment point 32 and thereby cause a transition of the spring element 30 from the second state S2 to the first state S1 when the front hood 40 is in the second position P2 or on its way there.

[0061] In the second state S2, the spring element 30 preferably lies between the first mounting point 31 and the second mounting point 32, at least partially against the inner sheet metal 48.

[0062] The projection 33 preferably extends into the front hood 40 in the second state S2 in order to enable the spring element 30 to be attached there in the second state S2.

[0063] Fig. 5 shows in a longitudinal section accordingly Fig. 4 a detailed representation of the front hood 40 with the protective device 20.

[0064] The holding device 38 has a locking mechanism 39. The locking mechanism 39 has a locking state and a release state, where it is shown in the locking state.

[0065] The locking mechanism 39 is designed to hold the spring element 30 at the second attachment point 32 in the locked state, and to allow movement of the spring element 30 away from the second attachment point 32 in the released state.

[0066] The locking mechanism 39 has a locking device 37 and an actuating element 36.

[0067] The locking device 37 locks the projection 33 and thus the spring element 30. For this purpose, the locking device 37 engages, for example, in an opening of the spring element 30 (not shown), or it engages in a lateral groove of the spring element 30 (not shown). This results in a positive locking of the spring element 30 in the locked position.

[0068] The actuating element 36 is designed to pull the locking device 37 and thereby effect a transition from the locked state to the released state.

[0069] The actuating element 36 preferably has a Bowden cable 45 for pulling the locking device 37. The Bowden cable has a sleeve 43.

[0070] The holding device 38 preferably has an actuator 35, wherein the actuator 35 is configured to actuate the actuating element 36 upon receiving a predetermined signal SIG1. This enables control by the control device 23, which can initiate both the transition of the front hood from the basic position P1 to the raised position P2 and the actuation of the holding device 38 to release the spring element 30 from the second mounting point 32 by means of corresponding signals SIG1, SIG2.

[0071] After the locking mechanism 37 is pulled, the spring element 30 is no longer held, and due to the deflection of the spring element 30 in the second state S2, the projection 33 slides out of the opening 34. The spring element 30 wraps around the leading edge 41 and provides protection.

[0072] Naturally, various variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0073] In the previous embodiments, the first mounting point 31 and the second mounting point 32 are arranged on the inside of the front hood 40. However, they can also both be arranged on the outside of the front hood 40, so that the spring element moves from the outside of the front hood 40 over the leading edge 41 to the inside of the front hood 40 during the transition from the second state S2 to the first state and covers the leading edge.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (10) comprising a front section (12), a front hood (40), an adjustment device (16) and a protective device (20), wherein the front hood (40) can be raised at least partially from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) relative to the front part (12) via the adjusting device (16), wherein the front hood (40) has a leading edge (41) and is closed in the first position (P1), wherein in the second position (P2) there is a gap (42) between the leading edge (41) and the bow part (12), wherein the protective device (20) comprises a spring element (30) and a retaining device (38), wherein the spring element (30) is attached to the front hood (40) at a first attachment point (31), wherein the spring element (30) in a first state (S1) extends at least partially around the leading edge (41) from the first attachment point (31), wherein the spring element (30) is releasably held in a pre-tensioned position by the holding device (38) at a second attachment point (32) in a second state (S2), wherein the spring element (30) does not extend around the leading edge (41) in the pre-tensioned position, and wherein the holding device (38) is configured to release the holding of the spring element (30) at the second attachment point (32) and thereby cause a transition of the spring element (30) from the second state (S2) to the first state (S1). [2] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first attachment point (31) and the second attachment point (32) are either both located on the inside of the front hood (40) or both located on the outside of the front hood (40). [3] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the front hood (40) has an outer sheet (47) and an inner sheet (48), wherein the spring element (30) in the second state (S2) bears at least partially against the inner sheet (48). [4] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (30) in the first state (S1) is at least partially curved on the side of the front edge (41). [5] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (30) is spaced away from the front edge (41) in the first state (S1). [6] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (30) has a C-shaped cross-section in the first state (S1). [7] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (30) is connected to the front hood (40) at the first attachment point (31) by a snap-fit ​​connection. [8] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (30) has a projection (33), the projection (33) extending into the front hood (40) in the second state (S2) to enable the spring element (30) to be attached there. [9] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (38) has a locking mechanism (39), wherein the locking mechanism (39) has a locking state and a release state, and wherein the locking mechanism (39) is configured to hold the spring element (30) at the second mounting point (32) in the locking state and to allow movement of the spring element (30) away from the second mounting point (32) in the release state. [10] Vehicle (10) according to claim 9, in which the locking mechanism (39) has a locking device (37) and an actuating element (36), wherein the actuating element (36) is configured to pull the locking device (37) and thereby effect a transition from the locked state to the unlocked state. [11] Vehicle (10) according to claim 10, wherein the actuating element (36) has a Bowden cable (45) to pull the lock (37). [12] Vehicle (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the holding device (39) has an actuator (35), the actuator (35) being configured to actuate the actuating element (36) upon receipt of a predetermined signal (SIG1). [13] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (39) is formed at least partially inside the front hood (40). [14] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective device (20) has several spring elements (30), the spring elements (30) being distributed at least partially in a transverse direction (Y) of the vehicle (10). [15] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a control device (23), wherein the control device (23) is configured to actuate the adjusting device (16) for raising the front hood (40) and the holding device (38) for releasing the holding of the spring element (30).

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