Passenger cars with a front storage compartment

Abstract

The invention relates to a passenger car (1) with a front-facing storage compartment (2), with a front flap (3) which is movable between a flap-closed position (5) that closes the front-facing storage compartment (2) and at least one flap-open position (6) that at least partially releases the front-facing storage compartment (2), with a storage compartment device (8) arranged in the front-facing storage compartment (2), which has a storage compartment element (9) that at least partially delimits a front-facing storage compartment (10), and a cover element (11) formed separately from the front flap (3), which is pivotably held on the storage compartment element (9) about a pivot axis (14) between a closed position (12) that closes the front-facing storage compartment (10) and at least one open position (13) that at least partially releases the front-facing storage compartment (10).wherein when the front flap (3) is moved from the flap closed position (5) an automatic pivoting of the cover element (11) from the closed position (12) about the pivot axis (14) occurs.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a passenger car according to claim 1.

[0002] DE 10 2017 004 263 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a cargo space, wherein the cargo space is arranged at the front of the motor vehicle, and in the cargo space a height-adjustable cargo floor, in particular a height-adjustable cargo tray, with integrated loading edge protection is arranged.

[0003] Furthermore, US 2022 / 0009419A1 discloses a front storage device for a vehicle, wherein the front storage device comprises a vehicle engine hood pivotally connected to the front of a vehicle body, a storage compartment located under the vehicle engine hood, a storage compartment lid pivotally connected to the storage compartment, and a connecting rod functionally connecting the storage compartment lid to the vehicle engine hood.

[0004] Furthermore, a storage container, in particular a frunk container, is known from DE 10 2023 109 745 A1, which is designed to be placed in a front area of ​​a motor vehicle, in particular an electrically powered motor vehicle.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2019 001 342 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a cargo space provided in the front of the vehicle, which can be covered by means of a front hood movable between a closed position and an open position, in which a load receptacle adjustable between a basic position and a loading position is arranged.

[0006] The purpose of the invention is to create a passenger car in such a way that the comfort of the passenger car can be particularly increased.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a passenger car with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] The invention relates to a passenger car which has a front-facing receiving compartment. The term "front-facing" refers in particular to the fact that the receiving compartment is located on the front of the passenger car, facing forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Specifically, the receiving compartment is located outside the interior of the passenger car, i.e., in front of the interior in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The interior, which can be referred to as the vehicle interior, is understood in particular to be a passenger compartment or passenger cell.

[0009] The passenger car further comprises a front flap which is movable, or is moved, between a closed position that completely closes the front compartment and at least one open position that at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely, opens the front compartment. This means that the front flap can be moved, for example automatically, between the closed and open positions. In other words, in the closed position, the front flap covers the front compartment, for example, an opening of the front compartment, particularly from above in the vertical direction of the vehicle, preferably completely, whereas in the open position, the front compartment, and in particular the opening, is not covered, at least partially, for example predominantly or completely.The term "front hood" refers specifically to an engine hood, which can also be called a front hood. Moving the front hood between the closed and open positions is, for example, a pivoting movement, meaning a pivoting of the front hood around a pivot axis. Moving the front hood specifically refers to moving the front hood relative to the vehicle body. The vehicle body is understood to be, in particular, a body shell, which is designed, for example, as a unibody construction. For example, the front hood is movable at least between the closed and open positions, specifically pivoting around the pivot axis, and is held or supported by the vehicle body, at least indirectly, and especially directly.

[0010] Furthermore, the passenger car has a storage compartment located in the front cargo area. In other words, the storage compartment is integrated into the front cargo area. Therefore, the storage compartment can be referred to as a front storage compartment. The front storage compartment can be called a "frunk." The word "frunk" is a neologism from English, formed from the words "front" and "trunk." The front storage compartment is thus located in or on the front of the passenger car. The storage compartment has at least one storage element, which is, for example, tub-shaped, i.e., designed as a frunk tub. The storage element defines a front storage space, at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely.This means that the storage element forms the front storage space. In other words, the front storage space extends within the storage element, that is, in particular, within the storage unit. The front storage space is preferably designed for storing at least one object. For this purpose, the storage unit has, for example, at least one loading platform, which is specifically designed for storing the object. For example, the storage element forms the loading platform. Storing the object is understood to mean, in particular, receiving the object, that is, arranging the object in the front storage space, for example, on the loading platform. The storage unit, in particular the storage element, has, for example, at least one storage opening, which preferably points upwards in the direction of the vehicle's height.The storage compartment opening, for example, connects the front storage space to the surrounding area. This allows the object, particularly the item to be transported, to be placed and stowed in the front storage space via the opening. The object can also be removed from the front storage space through the opening. This object could be, for example, a bag, a suitcase, or any other item belonging to a vehicle occupant.

[0011] The storage compartment has a cover element that is separate from the front flap and, in particular, separate from the storage compartment element. This cover element is pivotable about a pivot axis, for example, at least indirectly or directly, on the storage compartment element between a closed position that closes the front storage compartment, especially the storage compartment opening, preferably completely, and at least an open position that at least partially, for example, predominantly or completely, releases the front storage compartment, especially the storage compartment opening. In other words, the cover element is attached to the storage compartment element, and the cover element is pivotable about the pivot axis relative to the storage compartment element at least between the open position and the closed position.Closing the front storage compartment means, in particular, that the cover element, in the closed position, preferably completely covers the front storage compartment, especially the storage compartment opening. Releasing the front storage compartment means, in particular, that in the open position, the cover element does not cover the front storage compartment, especially the storage compartment opening. This allows the object stored in the storage compartment to be removed from the front storage compartment, especially through the storage compartment opening, in the open position. Alternatively or additionally, in the open position, the object can be placed in the front storage compartment, especially through the storage compartment opening, and thus stored there. In the closed position, the object cannot be removed from the front storage compartment and / or cannot be placed in the front storage compartment.

[0012] To significantly enhance the comfort of the passenger car, it is provided that when the front flap is moved, particularly pivoted, from the closed position, especially into the open position, the cover element automatically pivots from the closed position, especially into the open position, about the pivot axis. This means that the front flap and the cover element are coupled or connected in such a way, particularly kinematically, that when the front flap is moved from the closed position, especially into the open position, the pivoting of the cover element from the closed position, especially into the open position, occurs automatically.In other words, it is intended that by moving the front flap from the closed position, particularly into the open position, the cover element can be opened automatically, or is opened; that is, the cover element can be automatically pivoted from the closed position, particularly into the open position, or is pivoted. To effect the automatic opening of the cover element when the front flap is opened, that is, when the front flap is moved from the closed position, particularly into the open position, the passenger car has, for example, at least one actuating device. Thus, for example, the pivoting of the cover element from the closed position occurs when the front flap is moved from the closed position by means of the actuating device.

[0013] Accordingly, the operating device is designed, for example, at least as an opening device, especially intended for the cover element.

[0014] Automatic pivoting is understood in particular to mean that the pivoting of the cover element occurs when the front flap pivots, without any manual pivoting of the cover element, i.e., without a person exerting a force on the cover element to pivot it, and preferably without a person performing any action related to the pivoting of the cover element beyond causing the front flap to move.

[0015] The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: Passenger cars increasingly offer the frunk as additional storage space in the engine compartment. This is especially true when the passenger car is an electric vehicle. A separate cover, for example with a seal, is used to protect the contents of the frunk, i.e., to protect the object stored in the front storage compartment. The aforementioned cover element is, for example, such a cover. Conventionally, the cover must be manually unlocked and opened, and then manually closed again, for example by the person (also referred to as the customer).This can negatively affect the comfort of the passenger car, as the person has to perform a variety of steps, for example, to open the front storage compartment or the lid element.

[0016] The passenger car according to the invention avoids the aforementioned disadvantages. In the passenger car according to the invention, the cover element opens automatically, in particular when the front hatch is opened, i.e., when it moves from the closed position to the open position. This eliminates the need to manually open the cover element, meaning that, for example, when opening the front hatch, the person does not have to open the cover element of the storage compartment as well. This makes storing and / or retrieving objects from the front storage compartment particularly convenient for the person, thus significantly increasing the comfort of the passenger car.

[0017] To further enhance the comfort of the passenger car, the passenger car, and in particular its operating device, further comprises at least one coupling device, which includes at least one first coupling element, preferably arranged directly on the front hood. In other words, the first coupling element is designed as a front hood-side coupling element. For example, the first coupling element is designed separately from the front hood. Furthermore, the coupling device comprises a second coupling element, preferably arranged directly on the cover element, which is preferably designed separately from the first coupling element. In other words, the second coupling element is designed as a cover element-side coupling element.It is provided that, when the front flap is moved from the open position to the closed position, the coupling elements for pivoting the cover element from the open position to the closed position are, in particular directly, connectable to each other, especially mechanically. This means that when the front flap is moved from the open position to the closed position, the coupling elements can be coupled to each other, or are coupled to each other, in order to cause the cover element to pivot from the open position to the closed position, in particular automatically. In other words, when the front flap is moved from the open position to the closed position, the pivoting of the cover element from the open position to the closed position occurs automatically via the coupling elements.In other words, the system is designed so that moving the front flap from the open position to the closed position, via the coupling device, automatically pivots the cover element from the open position to the closed position. This allows the cover element, also known as the frunk cover, to be automatically opened by opening the front flap and automatically closed by closing the front flap, thus enhancing the perceived value of the passenger vehicle.

[0018] Furthermore, it is provided that one of the coupling elements, for example the first coupling element, is designed as a guide track. The guide track is designed, for example, as a cam. Preferably, the guide track has at least one engagement surface, which is designed for engagement, in particular mechanical engagement, with the other of the coupling elements, that is, for example, with the second coupling element. The other of the coupling elements, for example the second coupling element, is designed as a roller element that can roll or rolls along the guide track when the front flap is moved. Alternatively, the other of the coupling elements, for example the second coupling element, is designed as a sliding element that guides the front flap along the guide track when it is moved.The roller element or sliding element allows the front flap and the cover element to be coupled or connected to each other via the coupling device, transmitting force while still allowing them to move relative to one another. This enables the front flap, when moved—for example, from the closed position and / or from the open position—to mechanically actuate the cover element via the coupling device, causing the cover element to move automatically, specifically moving in conjunction with the front flap. This allows the cover element to move automatically from the open and / or closed position. Specifically, the movement of the front flap and the pivoting of the cover element are accompanied by the rolling of the roller element along the guide track and / or the sliding element sliding along or on the guide track.The roller element or sliding element allows the front flap and the cover element to be coupled to each other in a particularly low-effort and / or particularly reliable way, in order to enable the automatic opening and / or automatic closing of the cover element.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the coupling device, and in particular the coupling elements, is designed to transmit at least one compressive force from the front flap to the cover element, specifically to pivot the cover element from the open position to the closed position when the front flap is moved from the open position to the closed position. This means that when the front flap is moved from the open position to the closed position, the coupling device can transmit at least one compressive force from the front flap to the cover element, thereby pivoting the cover element, preferably automatically, from the open position to the closed position.In other words, when the front flap pivots from the open position to the closed position, the coupling device exerts at least one compressive force on the cover element to cause the cover element to pivot automatically from the open to the closed position. This allows the cover element to be closed automatically in a particularly efficient and / or reliable manner.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, a further embodiment provides that the coupling device, in particular the coupling elements, is / are designed to transmit at least one compressive force from the front flap to the cover element, specifically to pivot the cover element from the closed position to the open position when the front flap is moved from the closed position to the open position. This means that when the front flap is moved from the closed position to the open position, at least one tensile force can be transmitted from the front flap to the cover element via the coupling device, thereby pivoting the cover element from the closed position to the open position.In other words, when the front flap moves from the closed position to the open position, the front flap exerts at least a tensile force on the cover element via the coupling device, automatically pivoting the cover element from the closed position to the open position. This allows the automatic opening of the cover element to be achieved in a particularly low-effort and / or highly reliable manner.

[0021] For example, the coupling device, with respect to at least one compressive force and at least one tensile force, is designed exclusively to transmit at least one compressive force from the front flap to the cover element. This allows the front flap and the cover element to be decoupled from each other in a particularly cost-effective manner, enabling, for example, the front flap to be opened independently of the cover element. This prevents, for instance, the cover element from pivoting from the closed to the open position when the front flap is moved from the closed to the open position.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the passenger car, and in particular the actuating device, has at least one spring element coupled to the cover element, preferably at least indirectly or directly, by means of which, when the front flap is moved from the closed position, especially to the open position, the cover element can be pivoted, or is pivoted, about the pivot axis from the closed position, especially to the open position, preferably automatically. This means that the pivoting of the cover element from the closed position, especially to the open position, can be effected, or is effected, at least partially by the spring element. In other words, the spring element provides the opening force required to move the cover element from the closed position, especially to the open position.This allows the lid element to be opened in a particularly effortless and / or reliable manner. The spring element is, for example, designed as a gas spring.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the passenger car, and in particular the operating device, has at least one locking device that is movable or movable between a locking position and a release position, for example, relative to the cover element. This means that the locking device is movable or is moved at least between the locking position and the release position. In the locking position, the cover element is secured by the locking device against pivoting from the closed position, in particular into the open position, thus preventing the cover element from pivoting from the closed position, in particular into the open position, in the locked position.In other words, specifically with regard to the locked and released positions, in the locked position the locking device prevents or prevents the cover element from pivoting out of the closed position, particularly into the open position. In the released position, the locking device releases the cover element from pivoting out of the closed position. This means that in the released position the cover element can be released or is released by the locking device to pivot out of the closed position. In other words, in the released position the cover element is not secured by the locking device, thus allowing the cover element to pivot out of the closed position, particularly into the open position.Securing the cover element against pivoting refers in particular to securing the cover element against pivoting from the closed position.

[0024] To enable the lid element to be opened in a particularly effortless and / or particularly safe manner, a further embodiment of the passenger car, in particular the actuating device, has at least one actuating area located or designed on the front of the lid, which is, for example, separate from the lid. In other words, the actuating area is located, for example, directly on the lid, and is attached to it. The actuating area locks the locking device in the locked position, specifically in relation to the lid's closed and open positions, thereby preventing the locking device from moving from the locked position to the released position. In other words, the actuating area prevents the locking device from moving out of the locked position when the lid is closed.Locking is achieved, for example, by the front flap exerting a force, particularly a compressive force, on the locking device via the actuating area. This force holds the locking device in the locked position and, in particular, prevents it from moving from the locked position to the released position. Thus, the actuating area actuates the locking device in such a way that it cannot move from the locked position. When the front flap is moved from the closed position, particularly to the open position, the actuating area releases the locking device, allowing it to move from the locked position to the released position.In other words, when the front flap is moved from the closed position, particularly to the open position, the locking mechanism is not engaged by the operating area. This means that when the front flap is moved from the closed position, the locking mechanism can, and often does, move from the locked position to the unlocked position. As a result, when the front flap is opened via the operating area, a release mechanism can be triggered to unlock the cover element, allowing the cover element to open automatically. This eliminates the need for manual unlocking, significantly increasing the convenience of the passenger vehicle.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the passenger car, and in particular the actuating device, has at least one spring element by means of which the locking device, when released from the actuating area, can be moved, in particular automatically, from the locked position to the released position. This spring element can be referred to as the second spring element. In other words, the locking device is pre-tensioned in the locked position by means of the spring element or the second spring element, so that when the locking device is released from the actuating area, it moves automatically from the locked position to the released position. This allows the automatic unlocking of the cover element to be effected in a particularly effortless and / or particularly safe manner.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the first coupling element, in particular the guide track, forms the actuation area. In other words, the first coupling element has the actuation area. This allows, for example, both the automatic unlocking and the automatic closing of the cover element when the front flap is closed to be effected via the first coupling element. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided, for example, that the second coupling element is coupled to the cover element via the locking device, in particular kinematically, or can be coupled to it. In other words, the second coupling element, for example the sliding element or the roller element, is arranged, in particular directly, on the locking device. Thus, the second coupling element is designed, for example, as a coupling element on the locking device side.This allows the second coupling element to both unlock the cover element and move the cover element into the closed position.

[0027] Another aspect concerns a method for operating a passenger car according to the invention as described in the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the passenger car and advantageous embodiments of the further aspect are to be considered in relation to this method, and vice versa. In particular, in this method, when the front flap is moved from the closed position, especially into the open position, the cover element is automatically pivoted about the pivot axis from the closed position, especially into the open position.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 and perspective partial view of a passenger car according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic lateral partial sectional view of a passenger car according to the invention with a front flap in an open position; and Fig. 3 a schematic lateral partial sectional view of a passenger car according to the invention with a front flap in a flap-closed position; and Fig. 4 a schematic and perspective partial view of a passenger car according to the invention to illustrate a coupling device; and Fig. 5 a schematic lateral partial sectional view of a passenger car according to the invention to illustrate a locking device in a locked position; and Fig. 6 a schematic partial sectional view of a passenger car according to the invention to illustrate a locking device in a release position; and Fig. 7 a schematic partial sectional view of a passenger car according to the invention to illustrate a locked lid element of a front storage compartment; and Fig. 8 a schematic lateral partial sectional view of a passenger car according to the invention to illustrate the unlocking of the cover element; and Fig. 9 A schematic lateral partial sectional view of a passenger car according to the invention to illustrate the opening of the lid element.

[0030] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and perspective partial view of a passenger car 1. Accordingly, in Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of passenger car 1. The passenger car is designed, for example, as an electrically powered passenger car 1. In other words, passenger car 1 is designed, for example, as a battery-electric vehicle or as a hybrid vehicle. This means that passenger car 1 has at least one electric machine by which passenger car 1 can be powered or is powered.

[0032] The passenger car 1 has a front-facing receiving compartment 2, which is located in Fig. 1 can only be seen schematically. Furthermore, the passenger car 1 has a front flap 3. For example, the front-facing compartment 2 extends in the vehicle's vertical direction 4 at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, under the front flap 3.

[0033] The front flap 3 is movable, particularly automatically, between a flap closed position 5 and at least one flap open position 6, which differs from the flap closed position 5, for example, pivotable about at least one front flap pivot axis. The front flap pivot axis runs, for example, at least substantially parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle. Moving the front flap 3 between the flap closed position 5 and the flap open position 6 is understood to mean, in particular, moving the front flap 3 from the flap closed position 5 to the flap open position 6 and / or from the flap open position 6 to the flap closed position 5.

[0034] In Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2 the front flap 3 is in the flap open position 6. In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the passenger car 1. In the flap open position 6, the front receiving area 2 is at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely, uncovered by the front flap 3. For example, the passenger car 1, and in particular the front receiving area 2, has at least one opening 7 through which the front receiving area 2 opens, or can open, into the surroundings of the passenger car 1, particularly upwards in the vehicle direction 4, especially when the front flap 3 is in the open position 13. Thus, in the open position 13, the front flap 3, for example, uncovers the opening 7 at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely, for example upwards in the vehicle direction 4.The opening 7 is, for example, at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, limited by a body of the passenger car 1, that is to say, in particular formed by it. The body is, for example, a car body, in particular a self-supporting one. As in . Fig. 2, which is particularly easy to see, shows that the opening 7 points upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 4.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the passenger car in a schematic partial sectional side view, with in Fig. 3. The front flap 3 is in the closed position 12. In the closed position 12, the front receiving space 2, in particular the opening 7, is preferably completely closed by the front flap 3. In other words, in the closed position 12, the front flap 3 covers the front receiving space 2, in particular the opening 7, for example from above in the vehicle's upward direction 4.

[0036] The movement of the front flap 3 between the closed position 5 and the open position 6 is, for example, at least partially automatic, i.e., assisted or fully automatic. For this purpose, the passenger car 1 has, for example, at least one drive device (not shown in the figures) by means of which the front flap 3 can be moved, or is moved, between the closed position 5 and the open position, in particular at least from the closed position 5 to the open position 6. Thus, the drive device provides, for example, at least a partial opening force required to open the front flap 3. Opening the front flap 3 is understood to mean, in particular, moving the front flap 3 from the closed position 5 to the open position 6.Furthermore, closing the front flap 3 is understood to mean, in particular, moving the front flap 3 from the flap open position 6 to the flap closed position 5. The drive device is designed, for example, as a gas spring or as an electric motor.

[0037] The front flap 3 is, for example, at least partially formed from at least one front flap part, which is, for example, made of sheet metal and can therefore be referred to, for example, as a front flap sheet. If the front flap 3 is made of multiple parts, the front flap 3 has, for example, an inner part, in particular an inner sheet, and an outer part, in particular an outer sheet.

[0038] The passenger car 1 further comprises at least one storage compartment 8, in particular a front-mounted one, which can be understood to be a frunk. The storage compartment 8 is arranged in the front-mounted compartment 2, that is, in particular in the vehicle's vertical direction 4, under the front hood 3. The storage compartment 8 comprises at least one storage element 9, which is preferably designed as a rigid solid body. In particular, the storage element 9 is designed separately from the walls of the passenger car 1 that form the front-mounted compartment 2. As in Fig. As can be seen particularly well in Figure 1, the storage element 9 is, for example, tub-shaped, that is, specifically designed as a storage tray. This storage tray can also be referred to as a frunk tray. The storage element 9 at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely, defines a front storage compartment 10. This front storage compartment 10 extends within the storage element 9. Because the storage device 8 is arranged in the front receiving space 2, the front storage compartment 10 is specifically located within the front receiving space 2, and thus, in particular, in the vehicle's vertical direction 4 below the front flap 3. The front storage compartment 10 is designed for stowing at least one object, such as luggage.

[0039] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen particularly well in Figure 2, the storage compartment 8 has a lid element 11, which is formed separately from the front flap 3 and is pivotable about a pivot axis 14 between a closed position 12 and at least one open position 13, which is in particular different from the closed position 12, on the storage compartment 9, for example, at least indirectly or directly. For this purpose, at least one bearing device 15 is provided, by means of which the lid element 11 is pivotably mounted on the storage compartment 9 about the pivot axis 14 at least between the closed position 12 and the open position 13. Pivoting the lid element between the closed position 12 and the open position 13 is understood to mean pivoting the lid element 11 from the closed position 12 into the open position 13 and / or pivoting the lid element 11 from the open position 13 into the closed position 12.

[0040] For example, the front storage compartment 10 has at least one storage opening 16, which in this case is at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely, limited or formed by the storage element 9. In this case, the front storage compartment 10 opens via the storage opening 16, in particular directly, into the surroundings of the storage device 8, and thereby in particular into the front receiving space 2. This occurs in particular when the cover element 11 is in the open position 13. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen particularly well in Figure 2, the storage compartment opening 16 points upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 4. The cover element 11 can also be referred to as the frunk cover.

[0041] In Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2. The lid element 11 is in the open position 13. In the open position 13, the lid element 11 at least partially, for example predominantly or completely, exposes the front storage space 10, in particular the storage opening 16. This allows the object stored in the front storage space 10 to be removed from the front storage space 10, in particular via the storage opening 16, or allows the object to be positioned in the front storage space 10, in particular via the storage opening 16, and thereby stored in the front storage space 10.

[0042] In Fig. 3. The lid element 11 is in the closed position 12. In the closed position 12, the lid element 11 closes the front storage compartment 10, in particular the storage compartment opening 16, preferably completely. In other words, in the closed position 12, the lid element 11 covers the front storage compartment 10, in particular the storage compartment opening 16, for example, from above in the vehicle's vertical direction 4. Therefore, in the closed position 12, it is not possible to store the object in the front storage compartment and / or to remove the object from the front storage compartment 10.

[0043] Pivoting the cover element 11 from the closed position 12 to the open position 13 can be described as opening the cover element 11. Pivoting the cover element 11 from the open position 13 to the closed position 12 can be described as closing the cover element 11. When pivoting the cover element 11 from the closed position 12 to the open position 13, it preferably moves upwards in the vertical direction 4 of the vehicle and backwards in the longitudinal direction 17 of the vehicle.

[0044] To further enhance the comfort of passenger car 1, it is provided that when the front hood 3 is moved from the closed position 5, particularly to the open position 6, the cover element 11 automatically pivots from the closed position 12, particularly to the open position 13, about the pivot axis 14. Thus, for example, the opening force required to open the cover element 11 is at least partially provided by the aforementioned drive unit. Accordingly, for example, the drive unit, designed in particular as a gas spring, is installed to open the front hood 3 and provides the opening force for the cover element 11.

[0045] Preferably, the passenger car 1 has at least one coupling device 18. The coupling device 18 is in Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic and perspective partial view, i.e., a section of the passenger car 1. The coupling device 18 has a first coupling element 19, which is arranged, and in particular attached, to the front flap 3, preferably directly. The first coupling element 19 is preferably formed separately from the front flap 3, and in particular separately from the front flap part, for example, separately from the inner panel. In particular, the first coupling element 19 is arranged or held on the inside of the front flap 3. Furthermore, the coupling device 18 has at least one second coupling element 20, which is formed separately from the first coupling element 19 and is arranged, and in particular attached, at least indirectly to the cover element 11. Preferably, the second coupling element 20 is formed separately from the cover element 11.In this case, moving the front flap 3 is accompanied by a movement of the first coupling element 19 with the front flap 3. Furthermore, pivoting the cover element 11 is accompanied by a movement, i.e., a pivoting, of the second coupling element 20 with the cover element 11. It is provided that when moving the front flap 3 from the flap open position 6 to the flap closed position 5, the coupling elements 19 and 20 can be coupled or are coupled together to pivot the cover element 11 from the open position 13 to the closed position 12. As in... Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first coupling element 19 is designed as a guide track 21, in particular as a cam, i.e., for example, as a cam guide. Furthermore, the second coupling element 20 is designed as a roller element 22, which can roll, or does roll, on the guide track 21 when the front flap 3 is moved, in particular directly. For this purpose, at least one holding device 23 is provided, by means of which the roller element 22 is rotatable about a roller pivot axis relative to the cover element 11, and in particular is attached to the cover element 11 at least indirectly or directly. The roller element is designed, for example, as a roller, which can be understood as a wheel. Preferably, the roller element has a circular cross-section.

[0046] In this embodiment, the coupling device 18 is designed, in particular exclusively, to transmit at least one compressive force 24 from the front flap 3 to the cover element 11. In this embodiment, when the front flap 3 is moved from the flap open position 6 to the flap closed position 5, this compressive force 24 mechanically acts on the cover element 11 via the coupling device 18, so that the cover element 11 is moved, in particular automatically, from the open position 13 to the closed position 12. Thus, to close the cover element 11, mechanical contact can be established between the front flap 3, in particular the inner sheet metal of the front flap 3, and the cover element 11 via the cam, in particular by means of the roller element 22. In this embodiment, the coupling device 18 is designed, with respect to tensile and compressive forces 24, exclusively to transmit compressive forces 24 from the front flap 3 to the cover element 11.However, it is alternatively possible that the coupling device 18 is designed to transmit at least one tensile force from the front flap 3 to the cover element 11.

[0047] Preferably, the passenger car 1 has at least one spring element 25, which is coupled, in particular mechanically, to the cover element 11, by means of which, when the front flap 3 is moved from the flap closed position 5, in particular to the flap open position 6, the cover element 11 can be pivoted from the closed position 12, in particular to the open position 13, about the pivot axis 14. The spring element 25 is, for example, designed as a gas spring. By means of this spring element 25, the cover element 11 is, for example, pre-tensioned in the closed position 12, so that when the front flap 3 is opened, the cover element 11 is opened, in particular automatically.

[0048] In Fig. 5 and in Fig. Figure 6 shows the passenger car 1 in a schematic partial sectional side view, wherein in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 a locking device 26 is particularly easy to see. In the present case, the locking device 26 has at least one locking element 27, which is, for example, hook-shaped. The locking device 26, in particular the locking element 27, is movable between a locking position 28 and at least one release position 29, which is in particular different from the locking position 28. In Fig. 5 the locking device 26 is in the locking position 28. In Fig. In the embodiment 6, the locking device 26 is in the release position 29. In this embodiment, the locking device 26 is arranged, and in particular attached, to the storage compartment 8, for example, to the lid element 11. Thus, for example, at least one bearing device 30 is provided, by means of which the locking device 26, in particular the locking element 27, is movably mounted on the storage compartment 8, for example, on the lid element 11, at least between the locking position 28 and the release position 29. The bearing device 30 can be referred to as the second bearing device 30. The movement of the locking device 26, in particular the locking element 27, is, for example, a pivoting movement.

[0049] In the locked position 28, the lid element 11 is secured against pivoting, particularly unintentionally, from the closed position 12, especially into the open position 13, by means of the locking device 26, in particular by means of the locking element 27. This is achieved, for example, by the locking element 27 forming a positive-locking connection with the storage element 9, particularly a direct one, in the locked position 28. Thus, in the locked position 28, the locking element 27 is in direct engagement with the storage element 9, and the lid element 11 is connected to the storage element 9, particularly in a positive-locking manner, via the locking element 27. This prevents the lid element 11 from pivoting out of the closed position 12.In the release position 29, the cover element 11 is released from the locking device 26, in particular from the locking element 27, to pivot from the closed position 12. This means that the aforementioned positive locking connection is released in the release position 29, i.e., it is not present. Therefore, "releasing" is understood to mean, in particular, releasing the cover element 11 from the closed position 12. Thus, in the release position, for example, the locking element 27 is spaced apart from the storage element 9.

[0050] Preferably, the passenger car 1 has at least one actuating area 32 arranged on the front of the hood, which in the exemplary embodiment is formed by the first coupling element 19. This actuating area 32 locks the locking device 26, in particular the locking element 27, in the locked position 28 when the hood is closed 5. In other words, the hood 3 locks the locking device 26 in the locked position 28 via the actuating area 32 when the hood is closed 5. This means that the hood 3 exerts at least one force, in particular a compressive force, on the locking device 26, in this case on the second coupling element 20, via the actuating area 32, in order to hold the locking device 26 or the locking element 27 in the locked position 28.

[0051] Accordingly, the second coupling element 20 is coupled to the cover element 11 via the locking device 26. Thus, for example, the roller element 22 is rotatably attached to the locking device 26 by means of the holding device 23, in particular directly.

[0052] When the front flap 3 is moved from the closed position 5, in particular into the open position 6, the actuating area 32, that is, in particular the front flap 3 via the actuating area 32, releases the locking device 26, in particular the locking element 27, for movement from the locked position 28 into the release position 29. This means that when the front flap 3 is moved from the closed position 5 into the open position 6, the force exerted by the front flap 3 on the locking device 26 is either eliminated or reduced to such an extent that the locking device 26 can be moved from the locked position 28 into the release position 29.In the present case, the passenger car 1 has at least one spring element 33 by means of which the locking device 26, in particular the locking element 27, can be moved from the locked position 28 to the released position 29 when the locking device 26 is released from the actuating area 32. Accordingly, at least one unlocking of the cover element 11, and in particular both unlocking and locking of the cover element 11, functions via the spring element 33, which is incorporated or implemented in a locking mechanism. The spring element 33 is, for example, designed as a torsion spring. For example, the spring element 33, which can also simply be referred to as a spring, provides an opening torque for moving, in particular pivoting, the locking device 26 from the locked position 28.In the closed position 5, the front flap 3, via the actuation area 32, provides, for example, a closing torque to move, in particular pivot, the locking device 26 into the closed position 12 and / or to hold the locking device 26 in the locked position 28. In other words, the closing torque acts opposite to the opening torque. This closing torque can be transmitted to the locking device 26 in the closed position 5 via the first coupling element 19 and the second coupling element 20. As soon as the front flap 3 has been moved from the closed position 5, the opening torque overcomes, for example, the closing torque, whereby the locking device 26 is automatically moved into the release position 29, for example, by means of the spring element 33.For this purpose, the guide track 21 has, for example, at least one turning point 34, by which, for example, the actuation area 32 is separated from at least one further length section of the guide track 21. When the front flap 3 is opened, the roller element 22 passes, for example, this turning point 34. The spring element 25 can be referred to as the first spring element 25 and the spring element 33 can be referred to as the second spring element 33.

[0053] Opening and unlocking the cover element 11 are described in Fig. 7 to Fig. 9 is particularly well illustrated in its entirety. This is shown in Fig. 7 to Fig. Nine of the passenger cars 1 are each shown in a schematic partial sectional view. Fig. 7 the front flap 3 is in the closed position 12. Accordingly, in Fig. 7 also the cover element 11 in the closed position 12. The cover element 11 is locked by means of the locking device 26, and is thereby fixed, in particular, in the closed position 12. In Fig. 8 the front flap 3 is already on its way to the open position 13, and therefore in particular no longer in the closed position 12. This means that in Fig. 8 the locking device 26 has already been moved into the release position 29, thereby unlocking the cover element 11 and allowing it to be opened. In Fig. 9 the front flap 3 is already open further than in Fig. 8, which already includes the automatic opening of the lid element 11.

[0054] Overall, the examples demonstrate how the lid element 11 can be opened and closed automatically. In particular, automatic closing of the lid element 11 via the cam located on the front flap 3 is provided. It is evident that an automatic frunk lid in the form of the lid element 11 can be implemented.

[0055] 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 freely interchanged. Reference symbol list 1 passenger car 2 front recording compartment 3 Front flap 4 Vehicle lifting direction 5. Flap closing position 6. Valve open position 7 Opening 8 Storage space 9 storage unit 10 front storage spaces 11 Cover element 12. Closing position 13 Disclosure 14 Swivel axis 15 Storage facility 16 Storage compartment opening 17 Vehicle longitudinal direction 18 Coupling device 19 first coupling element 20 second coupling element 21 Guide rail 22 roller element 23 Holding device 24 compressive force 25 spring element 26 Locking device 27 Locking element 28 Locking position 29 Release position 30 Storage equipment 32 Area of ​​activity 33 Spring element 34 Turning Point

Claims

[1] Passenger car (1), with a front-facing storage compartment (2), with a front flap (3) which is movable between a flap closed position (5) that closes the front-facing storage compartment (2) and at least one flap open position (6) that at least partially releases the front-facing storage compartment (2), with a storage compartment device (8) arranged in the front-facing storage compartment (2) which has a storage compartment element (9) that at least partially delimits a front-facing storage compartment (10), and a cover element (11) formed separately from the front flap (3) which is pivotably held on the storage compartment element (9) about a pivot axis (14) between a closed position (12) that closes the front-facing storage compartment (10) and at least one open position (13) that at least partially releases the front-facing storage compartment (10),wherein when the front flap (3) is moved from the flap closed position (5) an automatic pivoting of the cover element (11) from the closed position (12) about the pivot axis (14) occurs, wherein the passenger car (1) has a coupling device (18) which has a first coupling element (19) arranged on the front flap (3) and a second coupling element (20) arranged on the cover element (11), wherein when the front flap (3) is moved from the flap open position (5) to the flap closed position (6) the coupling elements (19) can be coupled to each other to pivot the cover element (11) from the open position (13) to the closed position (12), , characterized by, that one of the coupling elements (19) is designed as a guide track (21) and the other of the coupling elements (20) is designed as a roller element (22) that can roll on the guide track (21) when the front flap (3) is moved, or as a sliding element that guides along the guide track (21) when the front flap (3) is moved. [2] Passenger car (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that • the coupling device (18) is designed to transmit at least one pressure force (24) from the front flap (3) to the cover element (11), and / or • the coupling device (18) is designed to transmit at least one tensile force from the front flap (3) to the cover element (11). [3] Passenger car (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bya spring element (25) coupled to the cover element (11), by means of which, when the front flap (3) is moved from the flap closed position (5), the cover element (11) can be pivoted from the closed position (12) about the pivot axis (14). [4] Passenger car (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the spring element (25) is designed as a gas spring. [5] Passenger car (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a locking device (26) movable between a locking position (28) and a release position (29), wherein in the locking position (28) the cover element (11) is secured against pivoting from the closed position (12) by means of the locking device (26) and in the release position (29) the cover element (11) is released by the locking device (26) to pivot from the closed position (12). [6] Passenger car (1) according to claim 5, characterized by an actuating area (32) arranged on the front flap side, which in the flap closing position (5) locks the locking device (26) in the locking position (28) and when the front flap (3) is moved from the flap closing position (5) releases the locking device (26) to move from the locking position (28) to the release position (29). [7] Passenger car (1) according to claim 6, characterized by a spring element (33) by means of which the locking device (26), when the locking device (26) is released from the actuating area (32), can be moved from the locking position (28) to the release position (29). [8] Passenger car (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that the first coupling element (19) forms the actuation area (32) and / or the second coupling element (20) is coupled to the cover element (11) via the locking device (26).

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