Arrangement of a front flap in the front area of ​​a passenger car and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement of a front flap (1) in a front area (2) of a passenger car (3), in which the front flap (1) is pivotably held on a body (8) of the passenger car (3) by means of at least one retaining device (4) between a closed position (5) and at least one open position (6) about a pivot axis (7), wherein the front flap (1) in the closed position (5) can be secured against pivoting about the pivot axis (7) from the closed position (5) by means of a locking device (15), wherein a spring device (16) having at least one gas spring (17) can pivot the front flap (1) about the pivot axis (7) from the closed position (5) to the open position (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement of a front flap in a front area of ​​a passenger car according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for opening a front flap for a passenger car according to the preamble of claim 9.

[0002] DE 10 2006 034 249 B3 discloses a gas spring arrangement for raising a pivotable flap from a lowered closed position to a raised open position, in particular of a motor vehicle, with a first cylinder filled with a pressure medium, in which a piston dividing the interior into a first working chamber and a second working chamber is axially displaceable, which has a piston rod extending axially through the second working chamber, protrudes outwards in a sealed manner and is connected with its outwardly protruding end to the flap or to a stationary component.

[0003] Furthermore, DE 10 2016 104 388 A1 discloses an automatic opening device for a vehicle engine hood, wherein the automatic opening device is arranged in an engine compartment. The automatic opening device comprises an opening mechanism, which includes a drive unit and a support device driven by the drive unit for supporting the engine hood, as well as a support mechanism for fully opening the engine hood and for firmly supporting the engine hood.

[0004] Furthermore, a hood release system for a motor vehicle is known from US 2017 / 0138098A1.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement of a front flap in a front area of ​​a passenger car and a method for opening a front flap for a passenger car, so that the comfort of the passenger car can be particularly increased.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by an arrangement of a front flap in a front area of ​​a passenger car with the features of claim 1 and by a method for opening a front flap for a passenger car with the features of claim 9. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement of a front flap in the front section of a passenger car. The front section can be understood to be, in particular, a longitudinally forward area of ​​the passenger car, which can also be referred to as the vehicle front. The arrangement can be understood to be, in particular, a holding arrangement or a fastening arrangement. Preferably, the passenger car, especially in its fully manufactured state, has the arrangement, that is, the front flap, located in the front section of the passenger car. The front flap can be understood to be, in particular, a hood, which can also be referred to as an engine hood.

[0008] The hood is pivotable between a closed position and at least one open position (which differs from the closed position) about at least one pivot axis, for example, at least indirectly or directly, on the body of the passenger car, for example, on at least one body component of the passenger car, by means of at least one retaining device. In other words, the hood is attached to the body, in particular to the body component, via the retaining device, and the hood is movable or is moved about the pivot axis at least between the closed position and the open position. Again, in other words, the hood is mounted on the body so that it can pivot about the pivot axis at least between the closed position and the open position by means of the retaining device.The term "arrangement" can therefore be understood to mean, in particular, an arrangement of the hood on the vehicle body, especially on the body component. The pivoting of the hood between the closed and open positions can be understood, in particular, as pivoting the hood from the open position to the closed position and / or from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, the pivoting of the hood can be understood, in particular, as pivoting the hood about the pivot axis relative to the vehicle body, especially relative to the body component.

[0009] Preferably, in the closed position, at least one front-facing compartment of the passenger car, for example, in the vertical direction of the vehicle, is covered, and in particular completely, by the front hatch. In other words, in the closed position, the front-facing compartment is closed, and in particular completely, by means of the front hatch. In the open position, the front-facing compartment is preferably at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely, uncovered by the front hatch. This means, in particular, that in the open position, the front-facing compartment is not closed or covered by the front hatch. The front-facing compartment is, for example, designed as an engine compartment in which, for example, at least one drive unit of the passenger car can be arranged or is arranged.The passenger car is preferably propelled by means of the drive unit. The drive unit is, for example, designed as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. Alternatively, the front storage compartment is, for example, designed as a front storage compartment, which can be referred to as a "frunk." The front storage compartment is preferably designed for storing or arranging at least one object, which can be understood to be, in particular, an item such as luggage. In the open position, the object can be placed in and / or removed from the front storage compartment. In the closed position, this is not possible, meaning that in the closed position, placing the object in the storage compartment and / or removing it from the storage compartment is not possible.

[0010] In the closed position, the hood can be secured or locked against pivoting around its pivot axis from the closed position, particularly into the open position, by means of at least one locking device of the passenger vehicle. In other words, specifically with regard to the closed and open positions exclusively, the hood can be locked or is locked in the closed position by means of the locking device, thereby preventing, and thus making impossible, the hood from pivoting around its pivot axis from the closed position, particularly into the open position. Pivoting from the closed position is prevented, in particular, when the locking device is in a locked state. In this locked state, the hood is locked by means of the locking device.This means that in the locked state, the aforementioned securing of the front flap by means of the locking device takes place. Preferably, the locking device is movable between the locked state and a released state in which the aforementioned securing or locking of the front flap does not occur. In the released state, the front flap is thus released from the locking device, allowing it to be moved from the closed position around the pivot axis, particularly into the open position.

[0011] To significantly enhance the comfort of the passenger car, particularly the ease of opening the hood, the arrangement, or the passenger car itself, according to the invention, comprises at least one spring assembly, which includes at least one gas spring. By means of the spring assembly, and in particular the gas spring, the hood can be pivoted about the pivot axis from the closed position to the open position, preferably automatically. This means that the hood can be opened, or is opened, by means of the spring assembly, and in particular the gas spring. In other words, it is provided that the pivoting of the hood from the closed position to the open position can be effected, or is effected, by means of the spring assembly, and in particular the gas spring.This allows the front flap to be moved from the closed to the open position, and in particular a complete opening path, by means of the spring mechanism, especially the gas spring. This means that the front flap can be fully opened from the closed position, and in particular only, by means of the spring mechanism, preferably the gas spring, i.e., moved from the closed to the open position.

[0012] The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: In a conventional arrangement, for example, a person (also referred to as the customer) must first unlock the hood from inside the passenger car, for example, using a Bowden cable, in order to open the hood. The person must then reach into a space in the front area or on the hood, which is often dirty, to lift the hood into an open position. In doing so, the person often gets their hands dirty. Furthermore, after unlocking the hood, the person must perform another step, namely the aforementioned lifting. This can negatively impact the comfort of the passenger car, especially the ease of opening the hood.

[0013] In contrast, the aforementioned disadvantages can be overcome by means of the arrangement according to the invention. With the arrangement according to the invention, the front flap can be opened, in particular completely, i.e., even from the closed position, by means of the spring device, especially the gas spring, meaning that it can be pivoted from the closed position around the pivot axis into the open position. This opening occurs, in particular, as soon as the locking device releases the front flap, i.e., as soon as the locking device is in the released position. It can thus be avoided that a person has to reach into the aforementioned, particularly dirty, gap with their hand, for example, to lift the front flap. Furthermore, the need to lift the front flap, especially manually, can be avoided.This allows for greater, or even significantly greater, comfort for the occupant when opening the hood. This means that opening the hood can be made particularly effortless and especially pleasant, thus greatly increasing the comfort of the passenger vehicle. Overall, it is evident that automatic opening of the hood using a gas spring is possible.

[0014] In a further embodiment, it is provided that, in the closed position, the gas spring extends at an angle of at least 20 degrees, in particular at least 30 degrees (e.g., at least 40 degrees), and / or a maximum of 90 degrees (e.g., a maximum of 60 degrees, e.g., a maximum of 50 degrees) to a longitudinal axis of the passenger vehicle running parallel to the longitudinal direction of travel. In other words, the gas spring, in particular its axial direction, extends at the aforementioned angle relative to the longitudinal axis or the longitudinal direction of travel. This means that the gas spring, in particular its axial direction, and the longitudinal direction or the longitudinal axis of travel are at the aforementioned angle relative to each other, i.e., they extend relative to each other.The angle is at least 20 degrees, in particular at least 30 degrees, for example at least 40 degrees. Alternatively or additionally, the angle is a maximum of 90 degrees, in particular a maximum of 60 degrees, for example a maximum of 50 degrees. This allows the gas spring to be positioned at a particularly steep angle, i.e., integrated into the vehicle at a particularly steep angle. This enables the opening force provided or generated by the spring assembly, in particular the gas spring, to be used to pivot the hood from the closed position, i.e., to pivot it from the closed position around the pivot axis into the open position. This allows the hood to be opened in a particularly effortless and / or lightweight manner. In particular, the gas spring can be designed to be particularly small, and therefore particularly space-saving.The statement that the gas spring extends at an angle to the vertical axis can be understood in particular to mean that the axial direction of the gas spring extends at an angle to the vertical axis of the passenger car.

[0015] In a further embodiment, it is provided that, in the closed position, with the front flap locked (i.e., secured) by means of the locking device, the front flap is subjected to the opening force, particularly mechanically, by the spring mechanism, in particular the gas spring, at least indirectly or directly. In other words, in the closed position, the front flap is subjected to the opening force by the spring mechanism, in particular the gas spring, when the front flap is locked by means of the locking device, that is, when the front flap or the locking device is in the locked state.Despite the force being applied to the front flap when it is locked, the locking mechanism prevents the front flap from pivoting from the closed position, particularly into the open position. Because the front flap is already subjected to the opening force by the spring mechanism when locked, the force is applied to the front flap when the locking mechanism releases it, and this force automatically causes the front flap to pivot from the closed position into the open position.This means that when the front panel is released by the locking mechanism in the closed position—that is, when the locking mechanism or the front panel is in the released state—applying the opening force to the front panel causes it to pivot from the closed position to the open position. In other words, it is intended that, particularly as soon as the locking mechanism releases the front panel in the closed position, the spring mechanism, especially the gas spring, can pivot the front panel from the closed position, specifically into the open position.The spring mechanism, particularly the gas spring, can thus act to open the hood even in the closed position, so that after the hood is released or unlocked, it can open, especially automatically. This allows the hood to be opened with minimal effort and / or with maximum safety, particularly automatically, for example, without requiring any further action from the occupant. This significantly increases the comfort of the passenger vehicle.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the spring assembly is provided for to include at least one compression spring, in particular a mechanical one. This means that, for example, by means of the compression spring, that is, in particular at least with the assistance of the compression spring, the front flap can be pivoted or is pivoted about the pivot axis from the closed position to the open position. Thus, the opening of the front flap described above can be effected or is effected at least partially, that is, with the assistance of the compression spring. The compression spring can be understood to be, in particular, a coil spring, which can also be referred to as a helical spring. For example, in the closed position, the front flap is pre-tensioned to open the front flap, that is, to move the front flap from the closed position, in particular to the open position.

[0017] The gas spring can therefore be integrated into the passenger car at a steeper angle, or even a particularly steep angle, in combination with the compression spring, so that the gas spring can act to open the front flap even in the closed position, and the gas spring can automatically open the front flap after it has been unlocked or released.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the holding device, which is particularly designed as a hinge, has at least four joints. In other words, the holding device is designed as at least a four-joint hinge. Thus, the holding device preferably has several lever parts which can be coupled or connected to each other, particularly mechanically, via the at least four joints, in particular by means of articulation. In particular, the lever parts can be pivoted relative to each other via the at least four joints.The at least four hinges allow for a particularly advantageous positioning of the pivot axis, for example, the instantaneous center of rotation for pivoting the front panel from the closed to the open position. This enables, for instance, the opening of the front panel via the spring mechanism, especially the gas spring, while simultaneously minimizing the closing force required, for example, manually by the user, to close the front panel from the open to the closed position. This significantly increases closing comfort, as the user has to exert very little force on the front panel when closing it manually. Furthermore, the four-joint hinge provides a particularly reliable kinematic mechanism for pivoting the front panel.

[0019] In a further embodiment, a connection point, via which the spring assembly, in particular the gas spring, is coupled, for example at least indirectly or directly, to the front flap, particularly mechanically, is spaced at a first distance from the pivot axis, in particular from the instantaneous center of rotation. In other words, the spring assembly, in particular the gas spring, is connected to the front flap via the connection point, preferably pivotally, wherein this connection point is spaced at the first distance, i.e., at a first distance value, from the pivot axis, in particular from the instantaneous center of rotation. A front end of the front flap in the longitudinal direction of the passenger car is spaced at a second distance, i.e., at a second distance value, from the pivot axis, in particular from the instantaneous center of rotation.The second distance or distance value is at least twice as large as the first distance or distance value in the closed position, for example, at least 2.5 times larger. In other words, the ratio, particularly the length ratio, of the first distance or distance value relative to the second distance or distance value is at least two, for example, at least 2.5. This allows a first lever arm, particularly one defined or generated by the first distance, to be made particularly large when closing the front flap, especially manually. This second lever arm is defined or generated by the second distance, and the spring mechanism, particularly the gas spring, acts on the front flap via the connection point.The first lever arm when closing the hood, especially manually, can thus be made particularly long, extending from the foremost point of contact of the hood—that is, from the aforementioned front end of the hood—to the instantaneous center of gravity of the holding device, particularly a four-joint hinge. This makes closing the hood especially ergonomic and therefore particularly comfortable for the user, as they do not need to exert a high force to close the hood, but rather only a very small force, which can be described as the closing force. The comfort of the passenger vehicle, especially the ease of closing, can thus be significantly increased.

[0020] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the center of mass of the front flap, in the closed position, is located further from the pivot axis, in particular from the instantaneous center of rotation, than the connection point via which the spring assembly is coupled to the front flap. In other words, a distance, which can be referred to as the third distance, is greater than the second distance in the closed position between the center of mass of the front flap and the pivot axis, in particular the instantaneous center of rotation. For example, the center of mass of the front flap, in the closed position, is at least 1.25 times, in particular at least 1.5 times, as far from the pivot axis, in particular from the instantaneous center of rotation, as the connection point. In other words, for example, the third distance is at least 1.25 times, in particular at least 1.5 times, as large as the second distance.For ease of closing, it is particularly advantageous that the center of gravity of the hood is located approximately half the lever arm to the instantaneous center of gravity of the holding mechanism. This allows, for example, particularly high gas spring forces to be used to open the hood, while still enabling the person to close it with minimal effort and / or with exceptional ergonomics. This significantly enhances the comfort of the passenger vehicle, especially the ease of closing.

[0021] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for opening, in particular automatically, a front hatch for a passenger car or the passenger car itself. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. The front hatch is preferably a front hatch of an arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0022] The front flap, located in the front area of ​​the passenger car, is pivotally held on the body, in particular on a body component, of the passenger car by at least one retaining device between a closed position and at least one open position about a pivot axis. Opening the front flap can be understood, in particular, as pivoting the front flap about the pivot axis from the closed position to the open position. In the closed position, the front flap can be secured or secured against pivoting about the pivot axis from the closed position, in particular into the open position, i.e., in particular against opening the front flap, by means of a locking device.

[0023] To significantly enhance the comfort of the passenger car, particularly the ease of opening the hood, the invention provides that the hood is pivoted, i.e., opened, from the closed position to the open position, preferably automatically, by means of a spring assembly comprising at least one gas spring, i.e., by means of the gas spring itself. Thus, in the method, it is provided, for example, that the hood is unlocked, i.e., released, by means of the locking device, whereby the hood, which is in the closed position, can be opened, i.e., pivoted, from the closed position to the open position, by means of the spring assembly, i.e., by means of the gas spring, by means of the pivot axis.

[0024] A third aspect of the invention relates to a passenger car which has an arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention. Furthermore, a method for operating the passenger car is disclosed. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first and second aspects of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0025] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0026] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic side partial view of an arrangement according to the invention, wherein a front flap is in a closed position; and Fig. 2 a schematic side partial view of an arrangement according to the invention, wherein a front flap is in an open position; and Fig. 3 a schematic lateral partial sectional view of an arrangement according to the invention; and Fig. 4 a schematic diagram to illustrate opening and closing forces of a front flap of a further arrangement; and Fig. 5 a schematic diagram to illustrate opening and closing forces of a front flap of an arrangement according to the invention.

[0027] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0028] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figures 2 show, in a respective schematic and lateral partial view, the arrangement of a front flap 1 in a front area 2 of a passenger car 3. Thus, in Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of passenger car 3. The front flap 1 is pivotable about a pivot axis 7, particularly in the front area 2, on a body 8 of the passenger car 3, for example on at least one body component 9 of the body, via at least one retaining device 4, which is formed separately from the front flap 1, between a closed position 5 and at least one open position 6. In particular, the front flap 1 is formed separately from the body 8, for example from the body component 9. The body 8 is preferably designed as a self-supporting body 8.

[0029] As in Fig. As can be seen particularly well, for example, two such holding devices 4 are provided, by means of which the front flap 1 is pivotably held on the body 8, in particular on the body component 9 or on a respective body component 9, at least between the closed position 5 and the open position 6. The holding devices 4 are arranged, for example, on different sides of the passenger car 3 in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0030] In Fig. In position 1, the front flap 1 is in the closed position 5, in which a front-facing compartment 10 of the passenger car 3 is covered, in particular completely, for example at least in the vehicle's vertical direction 11, by means of the front flap 1, thereby closing the front-facing compartment 10, in particular by means of the front flap 1 in the closed position 5. The front-facing compartment 10 is designed, for example, as an engine compartment or as a front storage compartment (frunk). Fig. 2 the front flap 1 is in the open position 6, in which the front receiving space 10 is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, released by the front flap 1, thereby preferably preventing the covering or closing of the front receiving space 10.

[0031] Pivoting the front flap 1 from the closed position 5 to the open position 6 about the pivot axis 7 can be described as opening the front flap 1. Pivoting the front flap 1 from the open position 6 to the closed position 5 about the pivot axis 7 can be described as closing the front flap 1. Thus, the front flap 1 is open in the open position 6 and closed in the closed position 5. Preferably, the front flap 1 is pivoted in a first pivot direction 12 to pivot from the closed position 5, especially into the open position 6. In other words, pivoting the front flap 1 from the closed position 5, especially into the open position 6, involves pivoting the front flap 1 about the pivot axis 7 in the first pivot direction 12. The first pivot direction 12 preferably extends upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 11 and backwards in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 13.This means that when the front flap 1 is pivoted in the first pivot direction 12, the front flap 1 moves upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 11 and backwards in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 13. Preferably, to pivot from the open position 6, particularly into the closed position 5, the front flap 1 is pivoted around the pivot axis 7 in a second pivot direction 14 opposite to the first pivot direction 12. This means that when the front flap 1 is pivoted from the open position 6, particularly into the closed position 5, the front flap 1 pivots in the second pivot direction 14. In this case, the second pivot direction 14 extends forwards in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 13 and downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 11.This means that when the front flap 1 is pivoted in the second pivot direction 14, the front flap 1 is moved downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 11 and forwards in the vehicle longitudinal direction 13.

[0032] In the closed position 5, the front flap 1 is preferably in an end position, particularly with respect to the second pivot direction 14. This means that, preferably in the closed position 5, the front flap 1 can only be pivoted about the pivot axis 7 in the first pivot direction 12, and in particular not in the second pivot direction 14, with respect to the first and second pivot directions 12, 14. This means that in the closed position 5, pivoting of the front flap 1 about the pivot axis 7 in the second pivot direction 14 is prevented, or in particular, not possible.

[0033] The front flap 1, particularly with regard to the closed position 5 and the open position 6 exclusively, can be secured or locked in the closed position 5 by means of at least one locking device 15 of the passenger car 3 against pivoting about the pivot axis 7 from the closed position 5, particularly in the first pivot direction 12. In this case, the front flap 1 or the locking device 15 is in a locked state in which pivoting of the front flap 1 about the pivot axis 7 from the closed position 5, particularly in the first pivot direction 12, is prevented or prevented. This can be described as locking the front flap 1 by means of the locking device 15, particularly in the closed position 5. The locking device 15 has, for example, at least one locking bar.

[0034] To further enhance the comfort of passenger car 3, the passenger car 3 has at least one spring assembly 16 by means of which the front hatch 1 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 7 from the closed position 5 to the open position 6, in particular automatically. The spring assembly 16 includes at least one gas spring 17 by means of which the front hatch 1 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 7 from the closed position 5 to the open position 6, in particular automatically. The spring assembly 16 is thus designed as a drive unit.This means that the front flap 1 can be driven, or is driven, by means of the spring assembly 16, in particular by means of the gas spring 17, in order to pivot the front flap 1 about the pivot axis 7 from the closed position 5 to the open position 6, that is, in particular to effect the aforementioned pivoting of the front flap 1. As is particularly well shown in . Fig. 1 and in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the embodiment of the passenger car 3 has two such spring assemblies 16, that is, in particular, two such drive assemblies. Thus, it is provided, for example, that the front hood 1 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 7 from the closed position 5 to the open position 6, in particular automatically, by means of the respective spring assembly 16, in particular by means of the respective gas spring 17 of the respective spring assembly 16. The respective spring assembly 16 is therefore designed in particular for the automatic opening of the front hood 1 of the passenger car 3 by means of at least one respective gas spring 17.

[0035] The pivoting of the front flap 1 from the closed position 5, particularly in the first pivot direction 12, i.e., the opening of the front flap 1, is accomplished by means of the spring assembly 16, specifically by means of the gas spring 17, even from the closed position 5. This means that, in this case, the spring assembly 16, specifically the gas spring 17, is not engaged only after a certain opening angle, but is already engaged with the front flap 1 in the closed position 5. That is to say, the front flap 1 is opened by means of the spring assembly 16, specifically by means of the gas spring 1, even from a closed position 5, so that, for example, a specific opening height of the front flap 1 does not first have to be reached manually.Thus, the spring assembly 16, in particular the gas spring 17, preferably performs all the work required to open the front hood 1 from the closed position 5 to the open position 6. This eliminates the need for a person to manually lift the front hood 1 to open it, thereby significantly increasing the comfort of the passenger car 3, especially the ease of opening the front hood 1. Preferably, before opening the front hood 1, the locking device 15 releases the front hood 1, allowing it to pivot from the closed position 5, in particular in the first pivot direction 12, about the pivot axis 7, in order to open the front hood 1 by means of the spring assembly 16, in particular by means of the gas spring 17.

[0036] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, it is provided that in the closed position 5, the gas spring 17 extends at an angle 19 to a longitudinal axis 18 of the passenger car 3 running parallel to the longitudinal direction 13 of the vehicle. The angle 19 is at least 20 degrees, in particular at least 30 degrees, for example at least 40 degrees. Alternatively or additionally, the angle 19 is a maximum of 90 degrees, in particular a maximum of 60 degrees, for example at most 50 degrees. For example, the angle 19 is at least substantially 45 degrees. The gas spring 17, in particular its axial direction, and the longitudinal axis 18 thus extend obliquely to each other, in particular at the aforementioned angle 19.The statement that, in the closed position, the gas spring 17 extends to the longitudinal axis 18 at an angle 19 can be understood to mean, in particular, that in the closed position 5, the gas spring 17, and especially its axial direction, extends at an angle 19 to a plane, particularly an imaginary one, which extends perpendicular to the vehicle's vertical direction 11. Thus, the aforementioned plane is spanned, in particular, by the longitudinal direction 13 and the transverse direction of the passenger car 3. This means that the plane extends, in particular, in the longitudinal direction 13 and in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0037] The gas spring 17, for example, has at least one cylinder and at least one piston 21, which is movably mounted in the cylinder 20 relative to the cylinder 20. Thus, for example, an interior space of the cylinder 20, which is in particular bounded by at least one cylinder wall of the cylinder 20, is partially bounded by the piston 21. The cylinder 20, in particular the cylinder interior, is preferably filled with at least one gas. For example, the spring assembly 16, in particular the respective spring assembly 16, has at least one compression spring, which is in particular designed separately from the gas spring 17 or separately from the respective gas spring 17. Thus, for example, a combination of gas spring 17 and compression spring is integrated into the passenger car 3 at a particularly steep angle in the form of the aforementioned angle 19.The spring force to be applied, in particular by the gas spring 17, depends, for example, on the steepness of the gas spring 17's angle in the passenger car 3. The angle 19 is, for example, at least substantially 45 degrees. In this case, the spring force is, for example, 240 Newtons.

[0038] The steep arrangement of the gas spring 17 is also in Fig. Figure 3 is particularly easy to see, in which the arrangement is shown in a schematic lateral partial sectional view. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates another arrangement, for example a conventional arrangement, in which a further spring assembly 16a is provided, which has a further gas spring 17a. In comparing the gas springs 17 and 17a, it is particularly noticeable that the further gas spring 17a is arranged or oriented at a significantly shallower angle than the gas spring 17. Due to the steeper arrangement of the gas spring 17, the front flap 1 can be acted upon particularly well by the gas spring 17 in order to open the front flap 1.

[0039] In the present case, in the closed position 5, with the front flap 1 locked or secured by means of the locking device 15, the front flap 1 is subjected to an opening force 22 by the spring device 16, in particular by the gas spring 17, whereby, when the front flap 1 is released by the locking device 15, the application of the opening force 22 to the front flap 1 causes the front flap 1 to pivot from the closed position 5 to the open position 6.This means that the spring device 16, in particular a combination of gas spring 17 and compression spring, already acts on the front flap 1, in particular pre-tensioned, in the closed position 5, i.e. in the closed position of the front flap 1, so that preferably the front flap 1 opens completely after unlocking by means of the locking device 15, in particular immediately, i.e. in particular pivots completely from the closed position 5 to the open position 6 by means of the spring device 16.

[0040] How particularly good in Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the holding device 4, in particular each holding device 4, has at least four joints 23, 24, 25, 26 in the exemplary embodiment. Thus, the holding device 4, or the respective holding device 4, is designed as a 4-joint hinge. For example, the holding device 4, or the respective holding device 4, has at least two hinge parts 27, 28, which can also be referred to as lever parts. A first of the hinge parts 27 is coupled, for example, via a first of the joints 23, in particular directly, to the body 8, for example, the body component 9, in particular pivotally. This coupling preferably takes place at one end on the first hinge part 27. Preferably, the first hinge part 27 is coupled, in particular at the other end, via a second of the joints 24, for example directly, in particular pivotally, to the front flap 1.The second hinge part 28 is preferably, particularly at one end, coupled to the body 8, for example the body component 9, via a third of the joints 25, particularly directly. Furthermore, the second hinge part 28 is, for example, coupled to the front flap 1, particularly at the other end, via a fourth of the joints 26, particularly directly, preferably pivotally. Preferably, when the front flap 1 pivots between the closed position 5 and the open position 6, the hinge parts 27, 28 pivot relative to each other. The gas spring 17 is thus combined with the 4-joint hinge.

[0041] In the present case, the spring assembly 16, in particular a gas spring 17, is coupled, preferably at one end, to the front flap 1 via a first connection point 29, in particular directly. Furthermore, the spring assembly 16, in particular a gas spring 17, is coupled, preferably at the other end, to the body 8, in particular the body component 9, via a second connection point 30, which is different from the first connection point 29, in particular directly. The first connection point 29 is, for example, spaced at a first distance 31 from the pivot axis 7, in particular from an instantaneous center of rotation 32 of the front flap 1. Furthermore, a front end 33 of the front flap 1, located in the longitudinal direction 13 of the vehicle, is spaced at a second distance 34 from the pivot axis 7, in particular from the instantaneous center of rotation 32.The second distance 34 is preferably at least twice as large, for example at least 2.5 times as large, as the first distance 31. The front flap 1 is preferably pivotable about the pivot axis 7 from the open position 6 to the closed position 5. An actuation area, particularly a manual one, for applying a closing force 35 to the front flap 1 is arranged at the front end 33. The distances 31 and 34 thus define a lever arm ratio that is particularly advantageous for manually closing the front flap 1, allowing the spring assembly 16, in particular the gas spring 17, to be overcome by a person with very little force in order to close the front flap 1, i.e., to move it from the open position 6 to the closed position 5.For this purpose, the gas spring 17 is, for example, arranged or integrated particularly close to the holding device 4, which allows, for example, the gas spring 17 to be as short as possible in the longitudinal direction 13 of the vehicle, thus minimizing the installation space required for the gas spring 17. Furthermore, this allows the closing forces 35 for manually closing the front flap 1 to be significantly reduced, since the lever arm from the flap's point of application, in the form of the aforementioned impact area, to the instantaneous center of rotation 32 of the holding device 4 can be increased or made particularly large. The second distance 34 is therefore, in particular, a lever arm to the instantaneous center of rotation 32 of the 4-joint hinge.

[0042] A center of mass 36 of the front flap 1 is preferably located further away from the pivot axis 7, in particular from the instantaneous center of rotation 32, in the closed position 5, for example at least 1.2 or at least 1.5 times as far away as the, in particular, respective first attachment point 29. Thus, for example, in the closed position 5, the center of mass 36 of the front flap 1 is located at a third distance 37 from the pivot axis 7, in particular from the instantaneous center of rotation 32, wherein this third distance 37 is, for example, greater than the first distance 31, in particular at least 1.2 or 1.5 times as large as the first distance 31.

[0043] The advantages of these arrangements also emerge from a combined view of Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a diagram in each section. Fig. Figure 4 shows a first diagram illustrating the opening force 22 and the closing force 35 of the further arrangement. Fig. Figure 5 shows a second diagram illustrating the opening force 22 and the closing force 35 of the arrangement. In each diagram, the abscissa 38 represents an opening angle 39 of the front flap 1, expressed in degrees. The ordinate 40 represents a force 41, expressed in Newtons. This force is, in particular, a force required to move the front flap 1 from the respective opening angle 39, especially by the spring mechanism 16, for example, the gas spring 17, and / or manually by a person. Thus, the force 41 can be, in particular, the opening force 22 and / or the closing force 35. The opening angle 39 can be understood, in particular, as an angular position of the front flap 1, which the front flap 1 assumes, for example, between the closed position 5 and the open position 6.

[0044] The opening force 22 is, in particular, a force to be applied by the spring assembly 16, preferably the gas spring 17, to pivot the front flap 1 about the pivot axis 7 in the direction of the open position 6, i.e., in the first pivot direction 12. The closing force 35 is, in particular, a force to be applied manually by the person to pivot the front flap 1 about the pivot axis 7 in the direction of the closed position 5, i.e., in the second pivot direction 14. For example, the opening force 22 and the closing force 35 have the same force value at an opening angle 39 of the front flap 1 of a maximum of 10 degrees, for example, a maximum of 5 degrees, in particular a maximum of 2 degrees, preferably a maximum of 1 degree. Thus, in this arrangement, the intersection point between the opening force 22 and the closing force 35 is, as shown in Fig. 5 illustrates, in the diagram preferably particularly far to the left, especially compared to the diagram in Fig.4, shifted. This allows, on the one hand, the automatic opening of the front flap 1 from the closed position 5 by means of the spring device 16. On the other hand, the closing force 35 can be kept particularly low, which means that the front flap 1 can be closed manually in a particularly ergonomic way, requiring very little effort or force. The closing force 35 is therefore, in particular, a hand force to be applied by the person, which can, for example, always be kept less than 50 Newtons.

[0045] Numerals, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are intended solely for differentiation and do not, in particular, indicate a sequence. This means that the corresponding numerals can be interchanged at will. Reference symbol list 1 Front flap 2 Front area 3 passenger cars 4 Holding device 5 Closed position 6. Disclosure 7 Swivel axis 8 Bodywork 9 Body component 10 Recording room 11 Vehicle lifting direction 12 first direction of rotation 13 Vehicle longitudinal direction 14 second direction of rotation 15 Locking device 16 Spring assembly 16a further spring device 17 Gas spring 17a further gas spring 18 Longitudinal axis 19 angles 20 cylinders 21 pistons 22 Opening force 23 first joint 24 second joint 25 third joint 26 fourth joint 27 first hinge part 28 second hinge part 29 first connection point 30 second connection point 31 first distance 32 Instantaneous pole 33 front end 34 second gap 35 closing force 36 Center of mass 37 third distance 38 Abscissa 39 Opening angles 40 ordinates 41 force QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2006 034 249 B3

[0002] DE 10 2016 104 388 A1

[0003]

Claims

Arrangement of a front flap (1) in a front area (2) of a passenger car (3), in which the front flap (1) is pivotably held on a body (8) of the passenger car (3) between a closed position (5) and at least an open position (6) via at least one retaining device (4) about a pivot axis (7), wherein the front flap (1) in the closed position (5) can be secured against pivoting about the pivot axis (7) from the closed position (5) by means of a locking device (15), characterized by a spring device (16) having at least one gas spring (17), by means of which the front flap (1) can be pivoted about the pivot axis (7) from the closed position (5) to the open position (6). Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that in the closed position (5) the gas spring (17) extends to a longitudinal axis (18) of the passenger car (3) running parallel to the longitudinal direction (13) of the vehicle at an angle (19) of at least 20 degrees, in particular at least 30 degrees, for example at least 40 degrees, and / or a maximum of 90 degrees, in particular a maximum of 60 degrees, for example a maximum of 50 degrees. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the closed position (5) with the front flap (1) locked by means of the locking device (15) the front flap (1) is acted upon by the spring device (16) with an opening force (22), whereby when the front flap (1) is released by the locking device (15) the front flap (1) is acted upon with the opening force (22) pivots the front flap (1) from the closed position (5) to the open position (6). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring assembly (16) has at least one compression spring. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (4) has at least four joints (23, 24, 25, 26). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connection point (29) via which the spring device (16) is coupled to the front flap (1) is spaced at a first distance (31) from the pivot axis (7) and a front end (33) of the front flap (1) in the longitudinal direction (13) of the vehicle is spaced at a second distance (34) from the pivot axis (7), which in the closed position (5) is at least twice, for example at least 2.5 times, as large as the first distance (31). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a center of mass (36) of the front flap (1) in the closed position (5) is further away from the pivot axis (7) than a connection point (29) via which the spring device (16) is coupled to the front flap (1). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front flap (1) can be pivoted manually about the pivot axis (7) from the open position (6) to the closed position (5). Method for opening a front flap (1) for a passenger car (3), in which the front flap (1) arranged in a front area (2) of the passenger car (3) is pivotably held on a body (8) of the passenger car (3) between a closed position (5) and at least an open position (6) via at least one holding device (4) about a pivot axis (7), wherein the front flap (1) in the closed position (5) can be secured against pivoting about the pivot axis (7) from the closed position (5) by means of a locking device (15), characterized in that the front flap (1) is pivoted about the pivot axis (7) from the closed position (5) to the open position (6) by means of a spring device (16) having at least one gas spring (17).

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