Motor vehicles with an electrically covered front trunk and procedures

Abstract

Motor vehicle (10) with an electrically covered front trunk (12), comprising a control device which is controllable by means of a control element (14), whereby a motorized drive mechanism for adjusting a cover (13) covering the front trunk between an open position and a closed position can be controlled, wherein the control element (14) is arranged in an outer circumferential frame surface (16) of a trunk housing (18), which is at an angle to an outer circumferential wall of the trunk housing (18), wherein the control element (14) is adjustable between a retracted position (P1), in which the control element (14) is arranged in a recess (20) of the frame surface (16), and an extended position (P2), in which the control element (14) can be operated by a user. The invention further relates to a method for operating such an electrically operated front trunk (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with an electrically covered front trunk according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for operating such an electrically operated front trunk.

[0002] Vehicles with an electrically operated front trunk, also known as a frunk or power frunk, use a motorized drive control to adjust the front trunk or its cover between an open and closed position. This control is achieved via a control unit, typically activated by a control element, allowing the cover to be opened and / or closed automatically, similar to a conventional trunk.

[0003] US patent 2024 / 0301729 A1 discloses a motor vehicle which includes a cover for the front engine compartment that can be opened and closed at least semi-automatically by means of a control element and corresponding sensors. However, the control element is directed at the locking mechanism, which further closes the cover when closed or activates the locking mechanism.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle with an electrically operated front trunk and a method by which a particularly ergonomic operating option for adjusting the cover covering the trunk is created.

[0005] This problem is solved by means of a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the motor vehicle and the method according to the invention are described in the dependent claims. Furthermore, additional advantageous developments of the invention are explained in the following description and in the figures.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with an electrically operated front trunk, in particular a frunk or power frunk, which includes a control unit that can be operated via a control element. This allows a motorized drive mechanism for adjusting a cover covering the front trunk between an open and a closed position, or rather, allows the cover to be adjusted. The control element is arranged in an outer frame surface of a trunk housing, which is at an angle to an outer wall of the trunk housing. This enables ergonomic and intuitive, yet easily accessible, operation by a user, thus providing particularly convenient operation of the front trunk (power frunk).Accordingly, in order to solve the problem of the invention and create an ergonomically accessible operating option, the control element is arranged in the outer circumferential frame surface of the trunk housing. This ensures that the control element is both clearly visible and accessible, and at the same time protected from unintentional activation.

[0007] The control element can be designed, in particular, as a mechanical push button, capacitive sensor, or pressure-sensitive switch, thus providing one or more actuation options. Control elements requiring no or very little actuation force are preferred to enable particularly convenient and easy operation.

[0008] The arrangement of the control element thus solves the problem of the invention by providing an easily accessible and, in particular, protected control for the trunk. The control element is positioned so that it is easily reachable even for very short people, even when the trunk cover is fully open. Since conventional controls are often located directly on the cover, it can be difficult for shorter users to operate them when open. This ergonomically advantageous arrangement of the control element ensures that operation is comfortable and barrier-free, regardless of height. Furthermore, the control element is positioned so that it cannot be accidentally activated by objects or external influences, such as cargo in the trunk or unintentional contact with other vehicle parts.This prevents unwanted activation while simultaneously providing targeted and intuitive operation.

[0009] The invention provides that the control element is adjustable between a retracted position, in which it is arranged in a recess within a depression of the frame surface, and an extended position, in which it can be operated by a user. This ensures that the control element is only accessible to the user when the cover is in the open position. This reduces the risk of unintentional activation, for example, if objects are located in or within the trunk, or if a user accidentally bumps into or triggers the control element with an object.

[0010] According to the invention, the adjustment of the control element between the retracted and extended positions is also provided for, depending on the open and / or closed position of the cover. The control element is moved into the retracted position when the cover is in the closed position, and into the extended position when the cover is in the open position. This ensures that the control element is only visible and, in particular, accessible when operation by the user is required.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one damping element is arranged on a side of the control element that faces the cover in the closed position. This side of the control element is, in particular, the side on which the actual operating effect of the control element is triggered, for example, by a capacitive sensor. This ensures a particularly smooth return of the control element when transitioning to the retracted position and simultaneously provides protection against mechanical stress. For example, when the cover is closed, the control element is indeed bumped, but not damaged, so that the damping element ensures that the control element is moved into the retracted position.The damping element can extend at least partially beyond the plane of the frame surface and can, for example, also be arranged around the outer circumference of the control element. This prevents, in particular, damage to the control element from the covering cover.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, electrical contact between the control element and the spring element is established. This allows the control element to be integrated into the vehicle's electrical system, connected to the control unit, or connected to the drive mechanism without separate wiring or additional connections. This simplifies the design of the electrical control system and enables particularly reliable signal transmission from the control element to the control unit without the need for additional components.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuation of the control element requires a force less than the spring force of the spring element. Since the spring element is designed to automatically raise the control element into the extended position, excessive actuation force would cause the control element to be unintentionally pushed back into its receptacle instead of triggering the desired control function. To prevent this, a sensor device is used that enables actuation with the least possible force. Capacitive sensors, which are activated by even a light touch, are particularly preferred because they do not generate any mechanical resistance.Alternatively, pressure-sensitive switches or mechanical pushbuttons requiring very little actuation force can be used, ensuring safe and reliable operation without the risk of accidentally pushing the control element into the retracted position. This guarantees that the control element can be operated easily and comfortably regardless of the user's height or hand strength.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control element is at least partially locked in the extended position. In particular, locking elements are provided, for example, in the recess or indentation, which are designed to hold the control element in the extended position so that when force is applied to the control element, it is not pushed directly into the recess. Accordingly, such locking elements could be arranged around the inner circumference of the recess and thus make it more difficult for the control element to move towards the recess and thus into the retracted position. The locking elements complement the previously described embodiment in reducing the required actuation force by preventing the control element from being unintentionally pushed back during operation by the user.However, when the cover is closed, enough force would be generated to push the control element beyond the locking elements into the retracted position.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an electrically operated front trunk (powerfrunk) of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, in which the actuation of a control element is detected and a control signal is transmitted from the control element to a control unit of the front trunk, thereby controlling a drive mechanism, in particular a motorized one, for adjusting a cover arranged to cover the front trunk between an open position and a closed position. Depending on the position of the cover, the control element is thus adjusted between a retracted position, in which the control element is arranged in a recess within a depression of the frame surface, and an extended position, in which the control element can be operated by a user.

[0016] It is specifically designed that the control element is positioned so that it remains easily accessible even for shorter individuals. Since conventional controls are located on the trunk lid itself, it can be difficult for shorter people to operate them when the lid is open. By integrating the control element into the frame of the trunk housing, comfortable, ergonomic, and intuitive operation is ensured regardless of the user's height. Furthermore, the integration of a sensor, such as a capacitive sensor or a pressure-sensitive switch requiring minimal actuation force, simplifies operation, eliminating the need for excessive force and preventing the control element from being unintentionally pushed back into the retracted position.

[0017] In other words, the control element is designed not only to provide an ergonomic operating option, but also to be protected against unintentional activation and to allow for easy integration into the vehicle's design. Through a combination of mechanical and / or electrical components, an intuitively usable option is provided, making the use of the front trunk particularly convenient.

[0018] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0019] This shows: Fig. 1. A schematic top view of the front trunk of a motor vehicle; and Fig. 2 a schematic cross-section of a trunk housing of the trunk to illustrate a control element in an extended position and in a retracted position.

[0020] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a trunk housing 18 of a motor vehicle 10, which includes its outer perimeter wall that encloses the front trunk 12 and forms an outer perimeter frame surface 16. This frame surface 16 extends at an angle to the outer perimeter wall of the trunk housing 18 and thus represents a support surface or the frame surface 16. In the illustrated view, the cover 13 is not visible, so the boundary of the trunk housing 18 with the motor vehicle is shown. The frame surface 16 is arranged around the perimeter and forms a connection to the wall. On the frame surface 16 is a Fig. 1 non-visible recess 20 is provided, which is designed to accommodate a control element 14.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section of the trunk housing 18 with the control element 14 in two different positions.

[0023] In the left-hand illustration, the control element 14 is shown in a retracted position P1. In this position, the control element 14 is located in a recess 20 within the frame surface 16 and is not directly operable by the user. The control element 14 is mechanically adjustable via a spring element 22 and is pressed into the recess 20 by a force F_H exerted on the control element 14 by the cover 13. Additionally, a spring force F_F acts to hold the control element 14 in the recess 20 as long as the cover 13 is closed. The acting force F_H is greater than the spring force F_F, thus holding the control element 14 within the recess 20.

[0024] A damping element 24, which extends around the control element 14 or is arranged at at least one point on the control element 14, is designed such that when the cover 13 is closed, the control element 14 is inserted into the recess 20, but is not damaged by contact with the damping element 24. Accordingly, the damping element 24 is arranged, for example, above the plane of the control element 14, so that it is the first thing contacted when the cover 13 is closed.

[0025] This means that the force F_H acting on the control element 14, which is generated by the cover 13 when closing or moving into the closed position, exceeds the spring force F_F of the spring element 22. As a result, the control element 14 is securely held in the recess 20 and cannot move independently into the extended position.

[0026] The operating element 14 is contacted at the contact surfaces of the damping elements 24, thus providing additional protection and simultaneously being pressed further into the recess 20 by the applied force F_H. If, for example, locking elements were provided to additionally hold the operating element 14 in the retracted position, the force F_H acting on the operating element 14 would again be sufficient to securely press it into the recess 20. The locking elements could be designed to secure the operating element 14 against unintentional protrusion, but release under the force F_H exerted by the cover 13, thus reliably returning the operating element 14 to the retracted position.

[0027] In the right-hand illustration, the control element 14 is shown in the extended position. The cover 13 is in the open position, so it does not act on the control element 14, and thus the force F_H acting on the control element 14 is completely eliminated. The spring element 22, through the spring force F_F, causes the control element 14 to move translationally from the recess 20 upwards into the extended position P2, making it ready for use. In this position, or in the extended position P2, the control element 14 is directly visible to the user and can be operated accordingly.

[0028] In particular, it is intended that when the control element 14 is operated, the force F_B acting on the control element 14, which is generated, for example, by finger movement or by pressing by the user, is less than the spring force F_F, so that the control element 14 remains in the extended position P2 when it is operated. Furthermore, it is also possible that the control element 14 can be operated by, for example, capacitive sensors or other similar technology, so that no force needs to be applied to the control element 14, thus leaving the spring force F_F unaffected.

[0029] In other words, it is specifically intended that when operating the control element 14, the force F_B acting on the control element 14, generated, for example, by finger movement or by the user pressing it, is less than the spring force F_F. This ensures that the control element 14 is not unintentionally pushed back into the recess 20 during operation, but remains stable in the extended position P2. If the required actuation force F_B were greater than or comparable to the spring force F_F, there would be a risk that the control element 14 would be accidentally pushed into the retracted position during use, thereby impairing the desired functionality. To avoid this, the control element 14 can therefore be designed so that it can be actuated with minimal effort.This can be achieved through a suitable mechanical design, for example by selecting a spring element 22 with a corresponding spring force F_F or by a supporting locking mechanism that fixes the operating element 14 in the extended position P2. Alternatively, the operating element 14 can also be provided by sensor devices that enable actuation without mechanical force. In this case, sensor devices with capacitive sensors that react to a touch or pressure-sensitive switches with very low actuation force are particularly suitable.

[0030] This leaves the spring force F_F unaffected, and the control element 14 remains securely in the extended position P2 until it is returned to the retracted position P1 either by a deliberate return movement or by the force F_H acting on the control element 14 when the cover 13 is closed. This ensures that operation is simple, comfortable, and reliable, regardless of the user's height or hand strength.

[0031] Furthermore, it is possible that the spring element 22 is used for the electrical contacting of the control element 14, so that no further connections or wiring are necessary and thus a particularly simple design of the control element 24 and a particularly simple arrangement of the control element 14 within the recess 20 are provided.

[0032] In summary, the invention proposes a frunk switch as a concept. The embodiment shown here allows the control element 14 to be visible and operable only when the user is actively using the front trunk 12, while it is protected against unintentional activation in the closed position.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (10) with an electrically covered front trunk (12), with a control device which can be controlled by means of a control element (14), whereby a motorized drive mechanism for adjusting a cover (13) covering the front trunk between an open position and a closed position can be controlled, wherein the control element (14) is arranged in an outer circumferential frame surface (16) of a trunk housing (18), which is at an angle to an outer circumferential wall of the trunk housing (18), characterized by, that the control element (14) is adjustable between a retracted position (P1), in which the control element (14) is arranged in a recess (20) of the frame surface (16), and an extended position (P2), in which the control element (14) can be operated by a user, and that the adjustment of the control element (14) between the retracted position (P1) and the extended position (P2) is dependent on the open position and the closed position of the cover (13). [2] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control element (14) is mechanically adjustable via a spring element (22). [3] Motor vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that is arranged on a side of the control element (14) that is aligned with the cover (13) in the closed position on a plane of the frame surface (16). [4] Motor vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one damping element (24) is arranged on a side of the operating element (14) that is aligned with the cover (13) in the closed position. [5] Motor vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an electrical contact of the control element (14) is established via the spring element (22). [6] Motor vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuation of the control element (14) requires a force (F_B) less than the spring force (F_F) of the spring element (22). [7] Motor vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control element (14) is at least partially locked in the extension position (P2). [8] Method for operating an electrically operated front trunk (12) of a motor vehicle (10), in which an actuation of a control element (14) is detected and a control signal is transmitted from the control element (14) to a control unit of the front trunk (12), and a motorized drive mechanism for adjusting a cover (13) arranged to cover the front trunk (12) between an open position and a closed position is controlled, characterized by , that depending on the position of the cover (13) the control element (14) is adjusted between a retracted position (P1), in which the control element (14) is arranged in a recess within a depression (20) of the frame surface (16), and an extended position (P2), in which the control element (14) can be operated by a user.

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