Protection system for a vehicle front of a vehicle, vehicle and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a protection system (2) for a vehicle front end (5) of a vehicle (1) for protecting a road user (3) colliding with the vehicle (1), comprising a transmission element (10) for transmitting a force to a structural part (4) of the vehicle (1), having a first end (11) for absorbing an external load, a second end (12) for arrangement in a structural region (4.1) of the vehicle (1), and a connecting section (13) which connects the first and second ends (11, 12) to one another, and a bearing structure (20) for movably supporting the connecting section (13) on the structural part (4). The invention further relates to a vehicle (1) and a method.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protection system for a vehicle front of a vehicle, a vehicle and a method for operating a protection system.

[0002] It's common practice, especially on off-road vehicles, to provide tow hooks on the front of a vehicle. Such tow hooks provide a robust anchor point for tow ropes or bars. They are designed to withstand considerable loads without causing structural damage to the vehicle. To this end, tow hooks are typically made of high-strength material and securely attached to the vehicle frame or other reinforced structures.

[0003] However, tow hooks are not only relevant for the driver's own use of the vehicle, but also for the safety of other road users. Tow hooks can be a potentially hazardous component, particularly in the event of a head-on collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve the safety of road users in a vehicle in a head-on collision.

[0005] The above object is achieved by a protection system having the features of claim 1, a vehicle having the features of claim 9, and a method having the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the protection system according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the vehicle according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a protection system for the front end of a vehicle is provided to protect a road user colliding with the vehicle. The protection system comprises a transmission element for transmitting a force to a structural part of the vehicle. The transmission element comprises a first end for receiving an external load, a second end for arrangement in a structural region of the vehicle, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second ends to one another. Furthermore, the protection system comprises a bearing structure for movably supporting the connecting portion on the structural part to allow the transmission element to yield to the colliding road user.Furthermore, the protection system has a locking device which can be switched by a signal between a locking state, in which the transmission of the force via the transmission element to the structural part is enabled by blocking a movement of the connecting section in the bearing structure, in particular to prevent the transmission element from yielding to the external load, and a release state, in which the movement of the connecting section in the bearing structure is at least partially or completely released to protect the road user, in particular by the transmission element yielding to a compressive force exerted by the road user.

[0007] The vehicle front can, for example, comprise a front-end module and / or a front-end structure of a vehicle body. Furthermore, the structural part can be a body part, in particular a bumper cross member, of the vehicle. In particular, the structural region can be defined by the front-end structure and / or the structural part can be integrated into the front-end structure. The colliding road user can, for example, be a pedestrian, a cyclist, or another vehicle. The external load can, for example, comprise a tensile and / or shear load, in particular in the form of a tensile and / or compressive force, when recovering the vehicle. The transmission of the force by the transmission element can take place depending on the external load.

[0008] The protection system may include a pedestrian protection structure that surrounds the transmission element for mounting with a front-end module of the vehicle. The pedestrian protection structure may comprise a flexible front structure of the front-end module, which provides a deformation space for the colliding road user. The rigidity of the pedestrian protection structure, in particular through material, wall thickness, and shape, may be defined with regard to damping in the event of a collision with the road user. Furthermore, the pedestrian protection system may include an active hood that automatically lifts in the event of a collision with the road user to create a larger deformation space and reduce the impact energy on the road user.Furthermore, the pedestrian protection system can include a pedestrian airbag that is deployed in the event of a collision to further cushion the impact on the pedestrian and minimize injuries. Thus, the transmission element can be integrated into an overall pedestrian protection concept.

[0009] The transmission element can be made of one piece or several parts. In particular, the transmission element can comprise a metal or be made of metal. Furthermore, the transmission element can be designed for visible arrangement on the front of the vehicle. The first end of the transmission element can protrude from the front of the vehicle when installed as intended. It can be provided that the force can be transmitted in the form of a tensile force and / or in the form of a compressive force. Preferably, the transmission element is designed to transmit the force to the structural part during a recovery operation of the vehicle. During the recovery operation, the vehicle can be pulled or pushed on the transmission element. Preferably, the second end can have an end piece for conducting a tensile force of the transmission element to the structural part, which end piece can be designed to be screwable for mounting the transmission element. Furthermore, the transmission element can, e.g.by a spring, be preloaded against the structural area toward the first end, or, in addition to the locking device, be secured in an installed position by a snap ring that can be released in the event of a collision. The protection system can have several, preferably two, transmission elements for symmetrical arrangement at the front of the vehicle.

[0010] The bearing structure can, for example, be integrated into the structural part, in particular, be integral with the structural part, or be designed for attachment to the structural part. Provision can be made for the force from the transmission element to be transmitted indirectly via the bearing structure or directly to the structural part. The bearing of the connecting section can, in particular, be movable in the direction of the structural area to enable yielding. Yielding can, in particular, be understood as a relief and / or evasive movement of the transmission element, through which the resistance of the transmission element to the colliding road user is reduced.

[0011] When switching the locking device between the locked state and the released state, the locking device can be switchable from the locked state to the released state and / or from the released state to the locked state. For example, the locking device can be in the locked state during normal operation and, in the event of an impending or detected collision with the road user, can be transferred to the released state based on the signal. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the locking device to be in the released state during normal operation and transferred to the locked state for the purpose of recovering the vehicle. The signal can be an electrical or mechanical signal. For example, an electrical signal for switching the locking device can comprise a control signal from a control unit. A mechanical signal for switching the locking device can, for example, be triggered by manual and / or mechanical actuation.For example, the locking device can be connected to a mechanical switch in an interior of the vehicle via a Bowden cable or to an operating device via an electrical or wireless connection.

[0012] In the locked state, any movement of the transmission element in the bearing structure can be prevented. In particular, the transmission element can be positively and / or non-positively blocked in the locked state. This allows the force, particularly in the form of an external compressive load, to be transmitted toward the structural area in the locked state. In the released state, movement can be permitted by the locking device. Provision can be made for securing elements, such as a retaining ring, and / or a predefined bearing friction to be provided in addition to the locking device, which can be overcome by the transmission element when it yields to the road user in the released state.

[0013] Thus, within the scope of the present invention, a possibility has been identified for transmitting shear forces through the transmission element, for example, for a rescue operation, and furthermore for preventing the transmission element from forming an unyielding impact point for a colliding road user. Due to the flexibility of the transmission element in the released state, a point load from the transmission element on the road user can be avoided in the event of a collision. In particular, the released state can thus provide a pedestrian protection function. The signal can be used to initiate the release state in an emergency or the blocking state for the power transmission.

[0014] Furthermore, in a protection system according to the invention, it is conceivable that a recovery means, in particular in the form of a towing hook, is formed at least through the first end of the transmission element. The recovery means can be designed to absorb the external load in the form of a tensile and / or compressive load, such that the tensile and / or compressive load can be transmitted to the structural part via the connecting section. The towing hook can be designed to fix a tow bar or a tow rope for towing the vehicle to the transmission element. The recovery means can further comprise a pushing surface for pushing the vehicle against the transmission element. This allows the vehicle to be freed, for example, from a situation in which the vehicle is stuck in a subterranean area.Although high forces have to be transmitted during such a process, the release state allows the vehicle to yield to the colliding road user in the event of a collision.

[0015] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable for the locking device to have a movable pawl and the connecting section to have a recess, wherein the pawl engages in the recess in the locked state and is spaced from the recess in the released state. The pawl and the recess can positively lock the movement of the transmission element in the locked state. The locking device can thus be transferred from the locked state to the released state and / or from the released state to the locked state by a movement of the pawl. To block movement in the locked state, the pawl can be block-shaped and / or made of metal in order to be able to absorb high forces. Furthermore, the pawl can be fork-shaped in order to encompass the connecting section in the region of the recess. As a result, the load in the locked state can be absorbed over a large area by the pawl.

[0016] It is further conceivable in a protection system according to the invention for the bearing structure to have a linear guide for guiding the connecting section along a direction of movement directed in the direction of the structural region when the transmission element yields, in particular wherein the locking pawl is movable between the locked state and the released state perpendicular to the direction of movement. The linear guide can ensure tensile and / or compressive loading of the connecting section of the transmission element. Furthermore, the direction of compliance can be determined thereby. For example, the linear guide can comprise a guide sleeve in which the connecting section is slidably mounted. It can be provided that the connecting section has a guide structure to prevent rotation of the connecting section about an axis along the direction of movement.The direction of movement toward the structural area can thus be from the first end to the second end of the transmission element and / or toward the vehicle interior. The vertical movement of the pawl can reduce the pawl's travel distance and allow the release state to be achieved in a short reaction time.

[0017] It is further conceivable in a protection system according to the invention for the connecting section to have a rod-shaped contour, wherein the recess is formed by a reduced cross-section of the rod-shaped contour. The rod-shaped contour preferably has a rectangular or circular cross-section. The connecting section can be mounted in the linear guide by the rod-shaped contour. The reduced cross-section can, for example, comprise a shoulder of the rod-shaped contour.

[0018] This allows the transmission element to be manufactured more easily. Furthermore, the reduced cross-section enables advantageous force transmission when the locking pawl engages the recess, since the locking pawl can thus strike directly against the larger cross-section in the locked state.

[0019] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable for the locking device to have a drive that can be controlled by the signal in the form of an electrical signal in order to switch the locking device between the locked state and the released state. The drive can preferably comprise a linear drive for driving the pawl. Furthermore, the drive can comprise an electric motor. The drive eliminates the need for a mechanical connection to the locking device. In particular, the protection system can thus be controlled automatically in order to switch the locking device between the released state and the locked state. For example, the locking device can be connected to an operating panel of the vehicle and / or to a control unit of the vehicle.

[0020] It is further conceivable in a protection system according to the invention that a control unit is provided which is connectable or connected to a sensor system of the vehicle for the purpose of, in particular, predictive detection of the road user. In particular, the control unit is in communication with the locking device and is designed to output the signal in the form of a control signal in order to actuate the locking device to assume the release state depending on the detection of the road user. During normal operation of the protection system, the locking device is preferably in the locked state. The sensor system can be part of the protection system. Furthermore, the sensor system can be designed as predictive sensor technology. For example, the sensor system can comprise a camera, a radar, a lidar and / or an ultrasonic sensor. The control unit can comprise a processor and / or a microprocessor.Furthermore, the control unit can be at least partially or completely integrated into a central control unit of the vehicle. However, it is also conceivable for the control unit to be at least partially or completely integrated into one or more decentralized control units. Preferably, the control unit can be integrated into an airbag control unit of the vehicle. For example, the signal for switching the locking device from the release state to the lock state can be output by the control unit when a collision with the road user is expected and / or detected.

[0021] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable that a user interface is provided via which an output of the signal can be initiated and / or carried out depending on a user interaction at the user interface in order to transfer the locking device from the release state to the lock state. It can be provided that the user interface is connected to the control unit in order to output the signal. The user interface can preferably be formed by an operating part in the interior of the vehicle. In particular, the user interface can be an electronic user interface for outputting the signal in the form of an electrical signal and / or be connected to a control unit for outputting the signal in the form of an electrical signal. For example, the operating part can comprise a switch, a touch display and / or another input device.During normal operation of the protection system, the locking device is preferably in the release state. For vehicle recovery, the locking state can be manually activated so that the force can be transmitted to the structural component via the transmission element without the transmission element yielding to the force.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a structural part. Furthermore, the vehicle has a protection system according to the invention.

[0023] Thus, a vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to a protection system according to the invention. The vehicle can preferably be an off-road vehicle, e.g., in the form of an SUV.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is provided for operating a protection system for the front of a vehicle according to the invention to protect a colliding road user. The method comprises, in particular in the form of method steps: - Operating the protection system with a locking device in a locking state in which a transmission of a force via a transmission element to a structural part of the vehicle is enabled by blocking a movement of the transmission element, - Operating the protection system with the locking device in a release state in which the movement of the transmission element is at least partially or completely released to yield the transmission element, in particular to a pressure force exerted by the road user, in order to protect the road user, wherein the locking device is switched between the release state and the lock state by a signal.

[0025] Thus, a method according to the invention provides the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to a protection system according to the invention and / or a vehicle according to the invention. Preferably, the method can be executed by a control unit of the vehicle and / or by a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a control unit, cause the control unit to execute the method.

[0026] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show schematically: Fig. 1 a protection system according to the invention in a vehicle front of a vehicle according to the invention with a colliding road user, Fig. 2 a locking device of the protection system, and Fig. 3 + Fig. 4 the vehicle with different designs of the protection system.

[0027] In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a protection system 2 according to the invention in a front end 5 of a vehicle 1 according to the invention. The protection system 2 serves to protect a road user 3 colliding with the vehicle 1, shown here in the form of a pedestrian's leg. The vehicle 1 is further shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 with different versions of the protection system 2 and has a structural part 4 in the form of a bumper cross member, which defines a structural area 4.1. The structural part 4 defines, in particular, a part of a front end body of the vehicle 1.

[0029] The protection system 2 comprises a pedestrian protection structure 6, which defines a deformation zone to provide a deformation space for the colliding road user 3. The vehicle front 5 can collapse at least partially upon impact with the road user 3 to prevent the complete transfer of collision energy to the road user 3.

[0030] Furthermore, a transmission element 10 for transmitting a force to the structural part 4 of the vehicle 1 is integrated into the pedestrian protection structure 6. The transmission element 10 has a first end 11 for receiving an external load. In particular, a recovery means 14 in the form of a tow hook is formed by the first end 11. To enable the transmission of the force, the transmission element 10 further has a second end 12 for arrangement in the structural region 4.1 of the vehicle 1 and a connecting portion 13 which connects the first and second ends 11, 12 to one another. The connecting portion 13 has a rod-shaped contour for the transmission of the force. The second end 12 is designed to block the transmission element 10 in a form-fitting manner when the transmission element 10 is subjected to tensile stress, i.e., in particular, away from the vehicle 1. As a result, the vehicle 1 can be pulled using the tow hook.

[0031] Furthermore, the transmission element 10 is mounted in a bearing structure 20, which is designed to movably support the connecting section 13 on the structural part 4 in order to enable the transmission element 10 to yield to the colliding road user 3. For this purpose, the bearing structure 20 comprises a linear guide, e.g., in the form of a guide sleeve, for guiding the connecting section 13 along a direction of movement 21 directed toward the structural region 4.1 when the transmission element 10 yields.

[0032] In order that the vehicle 1 can be pushed via the transmission element 10, but at the same time the transmission element 10 does not transmit a point collision load to the colliding road user 3, the protection system 2 has a locking device 30 which, as in Fig. 2, can be switched between a locking state 30.1 and a release state 30.2 by a signal. In the locking state 30.1, the transmission of the force via the transmission element 10 to the structural part 4 in the direction of movement 21 is enabled by blocking a movement of the connecting section 13 in the bearing structure 20. For this purpose, the locking device 30, as shown in Fig. 2, a movable locking pawl 31 and the connecting section 13 comprise a recess 32. The recess 32 is formed by a cross-sectional reduction 13.1 of the rod-shaped contour. In the locked state 30.1, the locking pawl 31 engages in the recess 32 to block the movement of the transmission element 10. In the released state 30.2, the movement of the connecting section 13 in the bearing structure 20 is at least partially or completely released to protect the road user 3. For this purpose, the locking pawl 31 is spaced from the recess 32 in the released state 30.2. In order to bring the locking device 30 from the locked state 30.1 to the released state 30.2 and / or vice versa, the locking pawl 31 is movable between the locked state 30.1 and the released state 30.2, in particular perpendicular to the direction of movement 21.For this purpose, the locking device 30 has a drive 36 which can be controlled by the signal in the form of an electrical signal in order to move the locking pawl 31 and thereby switch the locking device 30 between the locking state 30.1 and the release state 30.2.

[0033] It can be provided that the locking device 30 is in the release state 30.2 during normal operation of the vehicle 1. This protects the road user 3 in the event of a collision by the yielding of the transmission element 10. In this case, a user interface 35, as shown in Fig. 3, via which an output of the signal can be initiated as a function of a user interaction at the user interface 35 in order to transfer the locking device 30 from the release state 30.2 to the locking state 30.1 and thereby enable the recovery of the vehicle 1.

[0034] Alternatively, it can be provided that the locking device 30 is in the locked state 30.1 during normal operation of the vehicle 1. In this case, the protection system 2, as in Fig. 4, a control unit 33, which is or can be connected to a sensor system 34 of the vehicle 1 for detecting the road user 3. The control unit 33 is also in communication with the locking device 30 and is designed to output the signal in the form of an electrical control signal in order to control the locking device 30 to assume the release state 30.2 depending on the detection of the road user 3. This makes it possible to recover the vehicle 1 at any time; however, in the event of a collision, the release state 30.2 is established and the road user 3 is protected by the yielding of the transmission element 10.

[0035] Thus, the protection system 2 can be operated by a method in which the protection system 2 is operated with the locking device 30 in the locked state 30.1 and the protection system 2 is operated with the locking device 30 in the enabled state 30.2. The locking device 30 is switched between the enabled state 30.2 and the locked state 30.1 by a signal.

[0036] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, within the scope of protection defined by the patent claims, without departing from the scope of the present invention. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 2 Protection system 3 road users 4 Structural part 4.1 Structure area 5 Vehicle front 6 Pedestrian protection structure 10 transmission element 11 first end 12 second end 13 connecting section 13.1 Cross-section reduction 14 salvage equipment 20 Warehouse structure 21 Direction of movement 30 locking device 30.1 Locked state 30.2 Release status 31 pawl 32 recess 33 Control unit 34 Sensor technology 35 User interface 36 drive

Claims

[1] Protection system (2) for a vehicle front (5) of a vehicle (1) for protecting a road user (3) colliding with the vehicle (1), comprising a transmission element (10) for transmitting a force to a structural part (4) of the vehicle (1) with a first end (11) for receiving an external load, a second end (12) for arrangement in a structural area (4.1) of the vehicle (1) and a connecting section (13) which connects the first and second ends (11, 12) to one another, and a bearing structure (20) for movably supporting the connecting section (13) on the structural part (4) for yielding the transmission element (10) towards the colliding road user (3), characterized bythat a locking device (30) is provided which can be switched by a signal between a locking state (30.1), in which the transmission of the force via the transmission element (10) to the structural part (4) is enabled by blocking a movement of the connecting section (13) in the bearing structure (20), and a release state (30.2), in which the movement of the connecting section (13) in the bearing structure (20) is at least partially released to protect the road user (3). [2] Protection system (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that a recovery means (14) in the form of a towing hook is formed at least by the first end (11) of the transmission element (10). [3] Protection system (2) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized byin that the locking device (30) has a movable pawl (31) and the connecting section (13) has a recess (32), wherein the pawl (31) engages in the recess (32) in the locked state (30.1) and is spaced from the recess (32) in the released state (30.2). [4] Protection system (2) according to claim 3, characterized by in that the bearing structure (20) has a linear guide for guiding the connecting section (13) along a direction of movement (21) directed in the direction of the structural region (4.1) when the transmission element (10) yields, wherein the locking pawl (31) is movable between the locking state (30.1) and the release state (30.2) perpendicular to the direction of movement (21). [5] Protection system (2) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized by that the connecting section (13) has a rod-shaped contour, wherein the recess (32) is formed by a cross-sectional reduction (13.1) of the rod-shaped contour. [6] Protection system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking device (30) has a drive (36) which can be controlled by the signal in the form of an electrical signal in order to switch the locking device (30) between the locking state (30.1) and the release state (30.2). [7] Protection system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a control unit (33) is provided which is connectable or connected to a sensor system (34) of the vehicle (1) for detecting the road user (3), wherein the control unit (33) is in communication with the locking device (30) and is designed to output the signal in the form of a control signal in order to control the locking device (30) in dependence on the detection of the road user (3) to assume the release state (30.2). [8] Protection system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a user interface (35) is provided, via which an output of the signal can be initiated as a function of a user interaction at the user interface (35) in order to transfer the locking device (30) from the release state (30.2) to the locking state (30.1). [9] Vehicle (1) comprising a structural part (4) and a protection system (2) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Method for operating a protection system (2) of a vehicle front (5) of a vehicle (1) according to claim 9 for protecting a colliding road user (3), comprising: - operating the protection system (2) with a locking device (30) in a locking state (30.1), in which a transmission of a force via a transmission element (10) to a structural part (4) of the vehicle (1) is enabled by blocking a movement of the transmission element (10), - Operating the protection system (2) with the locking device (30) in a release state (30.2) in which the movement of the transmission element (10) for yielding the transmission element (10) for protecting the road user (3) is at least partially released, wherein the locking device (30) is switched between the release state (30.2) and the locking state (30.1) by a signal.

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