Vehicle with a front section

Abstract

A vehicle (10) comprises a front section (12), a front hood (40), a duct assembly (50), and an airbag 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 an 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) of the front hood (40) and the front section (12), wherein the airbag device (20) comprises a gas generator (22) and a gas bag (24), wherein the duct assembly (50) is fixedly attached relative to the front section (12), wherein the duct assembly (50) is oriented at least partially in a first direction (51) which has at least a forward portion, and wherein the duct assembly (50) and the gasbag (24) are set up for this purpose,upon activation of the gas generator (22) to fill the gas bag (24) with a gas and, during the transition from a first state (S1) to a second state (S2), to allow at least a portion of the gas bag (24) to escape from the channel arrangement (50) through the gap (42) when the front hood (40) is in the second position (P2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] DE 102 04 594 A1 shows a crash-active front hood on a vehicle, in which the front hood is moved from its closed position to a raised impact position upon activation, with an airbag deploying below the front hood.

[0003] DE 10 2014 010 653 A1 shows a vehicle with a hood which can be lifted in the event of a person impact, wherein the hood can be moved towards the windshield, and wherein a gap formed by the movement between a front edge of the hood and at least one front module is covered by a cover element.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2017 204 088 A1 discloses a cyclist protection device for a vehicle having a front section projecting forward from a passenger compartment section and an upper surface formed by a hood. A cyclist airbag device is configured to be arranged in the front section below the hood and to deploy a cyclist airbag.

[0005] US 10 988 105 B2 shows a vehicle protection system.

[0006] US 2020 / 0 047 708 A1 shows a vehicle protection device.

[0007] The JP 2020 - 062 938 A shows a vehicle protection device for the protection of pedestrians.

[0008] DE 102 54 733 A1 shows a motor vehicle with impact protection.

[0009] The DE 10 2015 113 252 A1 shows an active hood front cover for pedestrian protection.

[0010] The JP 2009 - 023 491 A shows an airbag device.

[0011] The JP 2009 - 190 606 A shows a protective device for the protection of pedestrians.

[0012] US 2007 / 0228706A1 shows a front structure of a vehicle with a front section that can be raised and thus extends further upwards to reduce the impact energy on the hood.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new vehicle with a front section.

[0014] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0015] A vehicle comprises a front section, a hood, an adjustment device, a duct arrangement, and an airbag device, wherein the hood can be raised at least partially relative to the front section from a first position to a second position via the adjustment device, wherein the hood has a leading edge and is closed in the first position, wherein in the second position there is a gap between the leading edge of the hood and the front section, wherein the airbag device comprises a gas generator and a gas bag, wherein the duct arrangement is fixedly attached relative to the front section and is arranged on the inside of the hood in the first position, wherein the gas bag is arranged at least partially in the duct arrangement in a first state, wherein the duct arrangement is oriented at least partially in a first direction which has at least a portion extending forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.and wherein the duct arrangement and the gasbag are configured to fill the gasbag with gas upon activation of the gas generator and, during the transition from the first state to the second state, to allow at least a portion of the gasbag to escape from the duct arrangement through the gap when the hood is in the second position. The gasbag protects a person from severe contact with the front edge in an accident. The hood can be designed relatively lightly because the airbag device is not attached to the hood. The angle of the duct arrangement is advantageous for the deployment of the gasbag.

[0016] The channel arrangement and the gas bag are designed to move the gas bag around the leading edge of the hood when the gas generator is activated. This further reduces the risk of injury at the leading edge.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the channel arrangement and the gas bag are configured to move the gas bag, upon activation of the gas generator, into an area where it covers the forward-facing portion of the hood's leading edge. This further reduces the risk of injury to the leading edge.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the first direction has an upward component. This is advantageous for the placement of the gas bag.

[0019] The channel arrangement has a cover, wherein the gas bag is arranged on the inside of the cover in the first state, and wherein the cover is designed to allow the gas bag to exit the channel arrangement when the gas bag transitions from the first state to the second state by moving the cover relative to the channel arrangement.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover is connected to the channel assembly or to a vehicle component, wherein the vehicle component is fixed in position relative to the front section. This results in a stable connection.

[0021] The cover has a predetermined breaking point designed to allow the gas bag to escape during a transition from the first to the second state. This ensures the safe escape of the gas bag.

[0022] The predetermined breaking point is positioned in the longitudinally forward area of ​​the cover such that, when the gas bag transitions from its first to its second state, the cover is moved to an area located longitudinally behind the gas bag. This reduces the risk of the cover being forced out through the gap.

[0023] The gas bag has several segments, with the segments being distributed at least partially in a transverse direction across the vehicle. This improves the protective effect, as the gas can no longer simply be forced into other areas.

[0024] The vehicle has several gas bags. This keeps the gas localized and offers better protection in the event of an accident.

[0025] The gasbags are distributed at least partially in a transverse direction across the vehicle.

[0026] 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 an airbag device, Fig. 3 in a schematic longitudinal section the vehicle of Fig. 1 in a first state of the airbag device, Fig. 4 in a schematic longitudinal section the vehicle of Fig. 1 in a second state of the airbag device.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 with a front section 12, with a front hood 40 and with an adjustment device 16.

[0029] The front hood 40 can also be referred to as the engine hood, whereby the invention can work regardless of whether the engine is installed at the front, in the middle and / or at the rear of the vehicle.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The image shows a crash test in which vehicle 10 collides with a crash test dummy 100.

[0032] 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 for the pedestrian to strike the hood 40 with their head. To reduce the risk of injury, the hood is designed to be deformable, and upon detection of a collision, the adjustment device raises the hood 40, at least partially, from a first basic position to a second position P2, as shown in the figure. This raising of the hood by the adjustment device is also referred to as an active system. This allows the hood to compress more effectively, reduces the maximum forces acting on the pedestrian, and facilitates the dissipation of the kinetic energy from the head impact.

[0033] 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".

[0034] 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, in the area of ​​the gap 42, is an airbag device 20 with an inflated gas bag 24. This is referred to below as the second state S2 of the gas bag 24. The gas bag 24 can also be called an airbag, but it does not have to be filled with air. The gas bag 24 preferably covers the leading edge 41 (see Figure 1). Fig. 1) of the front hood 40. The inflated gas bag 24 reduces the risk of injury at the front edge 41 of the front hood 40.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, the gas bag has 24 segments 26, wherein the segments 26 are at least partially distributed in the transverse direction (Y) of the vehicle 10. This results in better shape stability upon impact, since the gas in the gas bag 24 cannot be forced unhindered into other areas.

[0036] Segmentation can also be achieved by providing several gas bags 24. The gas bags 24 are preferably distributed at least partially in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle 10 in order to achieve better shape stability, as with the segments 26.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows in a schematic longitudinal section the arrangement of the airbag device 20 in the vehicle 10.

[0038] The adjusting device 16 is designed to raise the front hood 40 relative to the front part 12, at least in certain areas, from a first position P1 to a second position P2.

[0039] The front hood 40 is closed in the first position P1. Preferably, the contour of the front hood transitions smoothly into the contour of the front section 12.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The airbag device 20 includes a gas generator 22 and the gas bag 24.

[0043] A channel arrangement 50 is fixedly attached relative to the front section 12; thus, when the front hood 40 is lifted, the channel arrangement remains fixed to the front section 12. Preferably, the channel arrangement 50 is fixedly connected to the front section 12. In the first position P1 of the front hood 40, the channel arrangement 50 is located on the inside of the hood 40.

[0044] The channel arrangement 50 is oriented, at least partially, in a first direction 51, which has at least a forward (X-direction) portion. Preferably, the first direction 51 also has an upward portion. The opening of the channel arrangement 50 is therefore oriented in the first direction.

[0045] The gas bag 24 is, in a first state S1, at least partially arranged in the channel arrangement 50. The gas bag 24 is folded up in the channel arrangement 50 and therefore takes up little space.

[0046] The channel arrangement 50 has a cover 52, 81, in the exemplary embodiment two covers 52, 81. The gas bag 24 is arranged on the inside of the covers 52, 81 in the first state S1.

[0047] The covers 52, 81 are designed to allow the gas bag 24 to exit the channel arrangement 50 when the gas bag 24 transitions from the first state S1 to the second state S2 by moving the covers 52, 81 relative to the channel arrangement 50.

[0048] The cover 52 is connected to the channel arrangement 50. The cover 81 is connected to a vehicle component 80, the vehicle component 80 being fixed in a position relative to the bow section 12.

[0049] The cover 52 has a predetermined breaking point 54, and the cover 81 has a predetermined breaking point 82. The predetermined breaking points 54 and 82 are designed to allow the gas bag 24 to escape during a transition from the first state S1 to the second state S2. When the gas generator 22 is activated, high pressure is generated in the channel assembly 50, causing the covers 52 and 81 to open. The gas bag can then expand out of the channel assembly 50 in the direction 51.

[0050] The predetermined breaking points 54, 82 can be created, for example, by crack lines or laser weakening.

[0051] The channel arrangement 50 and the gas bag 24 are designed to fill the gas bag 24 with a gas when the gas generator 22 is activated, and to allow at least a portion of the gas bag 24 to escape from the channel arrangement 50 through the gap 42 when the front hood 40 is in the second position P2 during the transition from the first state S1 to the second state S2.

[0052] The channel arrangement 50 can also be referred to as the firing channel arrangement, since the gas bag 24 is fired out of the channel arrangement 50.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment, the front hood 40 has an outer sheet 47 and an inner sheet 48. The outer sheet 47 is folded in the area of ​​the front edge 41.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, the bow section 12 is connected to a stabilizing bow grille 13.

[0055] In the exemplary embodiment, the bow grille 13 is connected to a front end 14.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows in a representation accordingly Fig. 3 the airbag device 20 in the second state S2.

[0057] The channel arrangement 50 and the gas bag 24 are designed to move the gas bag 24 around the leading edge 41 of the front hood 40 when the gas generator 22 is activated. This provides comparatively good protection against injuries.

[0058] The channel arrangement 50 and the gas bag 24 are designed to move the gas bag 24 into an area in which it covers the area 43 of the leading edge 41 of the front hood 40 in the direction of travel X when the gas generator 22 is activated.

[0059] The predetermined breaking points 54, 82 are provided in the longitudinally forward area of ​​the covers 52, 81 of the vehicle 10 such that, when the gas bag 24 transitions from the first state S1 to the second state S2, the covers 52, 81 are moved into an area located longitudinally behind the gas bag 24 of the vehicle 10. This reduces the risk of the covers being ejected outwards along with the gas bag 24.

[0060] Naturally, various variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (10) comprising a front section (12), a front hood (40), an adjustment device (16), a channel arrangement (50) and an airbag 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) of the front hood (40) and the front part (12), wherein the airbag device (20) comprises a gas generator (22) and a gas bag (24), wherein the gas bag (24) is arranged at least partially in the channel arrangement (50) in a first state (S1), and wherein the channel arrangement (50) and the gas bag (24) are configured to fill the gas bag (24) with a gas when the gas generator (22) is activated, and to allow at least a portion of the gas bag (24) to escape from the channel arrangement (50) through the gap (42) when the front hood (40) is in the second position (P2), wherein the channel arrangement (50) and the gas bag (24) are configured to move the gas bag (24) around the leading edge (41) of the front hood (40) when the gas generator (22) is activated, characterized by , that the channel arrangement (50) is fixed in place relative to the bow part (12) and is located in the first position (P1) of the front hood (40) below the front hood, wherein the channel arrangement (50) is oriented at least sectionally in a first direction (51) which has at least a portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10) towards the front, wherein the channel arrangement (50) has a cover (52; 81), wherein the gas bag (24) is arranged on the inside of the cover (52; 81) in the first state (S1), and wherein the cover (52; 81) is configured to allow the gas bag (24) to exit the channel arrangement (50) when the gas bag (24) transitions from the first state (S1) to the second state (S2) by moving the cover (52; 81) relative to the channel arrangement (50). in which the cover (52; 81) has a predetermined breaking point (54; 82) which is designed to allow the gas bag (24) to escape during a transition from the first state (S1) to the second state (S2), and wherein the predetermined breaking point (54; 82) is provided in the longitudinally forward area of ​​the cover (52; 81) of the vehicle (10) such that the cover (52; 81) is moved into an area which is behind the gas bag (24) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10) when the gas bag (24) transitions from the first state (S1) to the second state (S2), where - the gasbag (24) has several segments (26), wherein the segments (26) are at least partially distributed in a transverse direction (Y) of the vehicle (10), or - wherein the vehicle (10) has several gasbags (24) which are distributed at least partially in a transverse direction (Y) of the vehicle (10). [2] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel arrangement (50) and the gas bag (24) are configured to move the gas bag (24) into an area in which it covers the area (43) of the front edge (41) of the hood (40) directed in the direction of travel (X). [3] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first direction (51) has an upward portion. [4] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (52; 81) is connected to the channel arrangement (50) or to a vehicle component (80), wherein the vehicle component (80) is fixed in position relative to the front part (12).

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