Hinge system for keeping the vehicle hoods in open position

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position without using an additional part, when it is necessary to secure the vehicle engine hood in the open position, wherein the said hinge system comprises: a hinge fixed part (2) which is fastened to the inner portion of the vehicle hood, a hinge movable part (1) which is fastened to the inner surface of the vehicle hood cover on one side and rotatably fastened to the hinge fixed part (2) on the other side, a locking part (3) which is rotatably fixed on the hinge fixed part, a hinge mouth (1.1) which has a guide opening that guides the movement of the locking part (3) and is integral with the moving part (1) of the hinge, a locking slot which is located in the hinge mouth (1.1) and comprises a second recess for the insertion of one end of the locking part (3) in the closed position of the hood and a successive protrusion for the insertion of one end of the locking part (3) to ensure that the hood is secured in the open position, a first recess which is located in the hinge mouth (1.1) for engaging one end of the locking part (3) and guiding the other end of the locking part (3) into the second recess once the hood is in the open position.

Description

[0001] HINGE SYSTEM FOR KEEPING THE VEHICLE HOODS IN OPEN POSITION

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention discloses a novel hinge system configuration for securing the vehicle hood in an open position without using a hood prop rod, when it is necessary to secure the vehicle engine hood in the open position.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] In the known state of the art, when it is desired that the engine hood on the front parts of a vehicle remains secured in the open position after opening the vehicle engine hood, it is secured via hood prop rod. The hood prop rod is mounted on the vehicle with clips, brackets, etc. and ensures that the hood remains open by being inserted into the slot on the vehicle engine hood.

[0006] Currently, it is not possible to keep the hood in the open position unless a hood prop rod, gas piston, or other hinge designs are used.

[0007] In the known state of the art, the invention according to European Patent Publication No. EP1295762 (A2) discloses a hinge unit for opening the vehicle hood. However, a review of the description shows that a rod is used to ensure that the hood remains secured.

[0008] In cases where a hood prop rod is used, there are problems in terms of user effort and unsafety. Systems using gas piston are not preferred since it is an expensive component. It is too costly to be included only for the purpose of keeping the hood in the open position.

[0009] Considering other hinge systems commercially available, the user must reach their hand to the hinge area and release the mechanism. In particular, when used on longer hoods on the X-axis, the user must close the hood from the side. This mechanism, in turn, is not ergonomic and is also not practical for the user.

[0010] In order to overcome these technical problems in the state of the art, a novel hinge system is developed which ensures that the hood remains open without any hinge external support.

[0011] Summary of the Invention

[0012] The objective of the present invention is to develop a novel hinge system for securing the hoods in the open position without using an additional part such as hood prop rod, when it is desired that the engine hood on the front parts of a vehicle remains secured in the open position.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a novel hinge system which is ergonomic and safe to use, and which ensures that vehicle hoods remain secured in the open position without the need for any hinge external support.

[0014] A further objective of the present invention is to develop a novel hinge system which is cost-effective and practical.

[0015] Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1: Perspective view of the hinge system according to the present invention, Figure 2: Exploded view of the hinge system according to the present invention, Figure 3: View of the hinge system according to the present invention in the closed position (I),

[0017] Figure 4: View of the hinge system according to the present invention in the first alignment position (II),

[0018] Figure 5: View of the hinge system according to the present invention in the second alignment position (III) and locking position (IV),

[0019] Figure 6: View of the hinge system according to the present invention in the release position (V),

[0020] Figure 7: View of the hinge system according to the present invention in its closing phase,

[0021] Figure 8: External view of the hood movement and view of the positions (I-II-III- IV- V) of the hinge system.

[0022] Description of the Reference Numerals

[0023] 1 hinge movable part

[0024] 1.1 hinge mouth

[0025] 2 hinge fixed part

[0026] 3 locking part

[0027] 4 locking part connection element

[0028] 5 hinge connection element

[0029] I closed position

[0030] II first alignment position

[0031] III second alignment position

[0032] IV locking position

[0033] V release position

[0034] Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention is a novel hinge system for securing the hood in the open position without using an additional part, when it is necessary to secure the vehicle engine hood in the open position, and comprises:

[0035] - a hinge fixed part (2) which is fastened to the inner portion of the vehicle hood,

[0036] - a hinge movable part (1) which is fastened to the inner surface of the vehicle hood cover on one side and rotatably fastened to the hinge fixed part (2) on the other side,

[0037] - a locking part (3) which is rotatably fixed on the hinge fixed part,

[0038] - a hinge mouth (1.1) which has a guide opening that guides the movement of the locking part (3) and is integral with the moving part (1) of the hinge, o a locking slot which is located in the hinge mouth (1.1) and comprises a second recess for the insertion of one end of the locking part (3) in the closed position of the hood and successive protrusions for the insertion of one end of the locking part (3) to ensure that the hood is secured in the open position, o a first recess which is located in the hinge mouth (1.1) for engaging one end of the locking part (3) and guiding the other end of the locking part (3) into the second recess once the hood is in the open position.

[0039] The said additional parts refer to the parts that are mandatory to use, such as the prop rod, gas piston, hinge external support, etc. known in the state of the art. By means of the novel hinge system according to the present invention, the need for the additional part is eliminated.

[0040] In an embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises an inclined guide opening surface that is located in hinge mouth (1.1) and provided on the second recess side for moving the locking part (3) towards the horizontal position when the hood is pushed higher than its open position.

[0041] In an embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises a first recess positioned on the lower portion of the guide opening surface.

[0042] In an embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises a locking part (3) which is positioned so as to rotate around itself, can restrict the movement of hinge movable part (1) between the closed position (I), the first alignment position (II), the second alignment position (III), the locking position (IV), and the release position (V).

[0043] In an embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises a hinge connection element (5) for connecting the hinge movable part (1) and the hinge mouth (1.1), which is integral thereto, to the hinge fixed part (2) and having freedom of rotation. Herein, it comprises a hinge fixed part (2) which preferably comprises a first centering hole on its surface and ensures that the hinge connection element (5) positions the hinge movable part (1) and the hinge mouth (1.1) on the hinge fixed part (2) and prevents them from shifting. More preferably, it comprises a hinge connection element (5) including a centering end for securing the hinge movable part (1) and the hinge mouth (1.1) at the same point to the first centering hole on the hinge fixed part (2) and for preventing them from shifting from the center.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it comprises two successive holes on the surface of the hinge movable part (1), which are located at the junction point for securing the hinge movable part (1) and the hinge mouth (1.1) at the same point and through which the hinge connection element (5) can pass. The hinge connection element (5) used in the present invention is preferably one of the screw, bolt, nut, bracket elements. In an embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises a locking part connection element (4) for securing locking part (3) on the hinge fixed part (2) and having freedom of rotation. Herein, it comprises a hinge fixed part (2) which preferably comprises a second centering hole on its surface and ensures that the locking part connection element (4) positions the locking part (3) on the hinge fixed part (2) and prevents it from shifting. More preferably, it comprises a locking part connection element (4) including a centering end for securing the locking part (3) to the second centering hole on the hinge fixed part (2) and for preventing it from shifting from the center. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it comprises a hole on the surface of the locking (3) element through which locking part connection element (4) can pass. In the invention, the locking part connection element (4) is preferably one of the screw, bolt, nut, bracket elements.

[0045] In an embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises a hinge mouth (1.1) has a structure integral with the hinge movable part (1) and moves in rotation with the hinge movable part (1).

[0046] In an embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises a hinge movable part (1) having a counterclockwise opening angle of maximum 67.4 degrees.

[0047] In an embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises a butterfly-shaped hinge mouth (1.1), which has a guide opening and protrusions on its surface that the locking part (3) contacts, which ensures that the locking part (3) can rotate around itself and the hinge system can pass into the closed position (I), first alignment position (II), second alignment position (III), locking position (IV), and release position (V). In an embodiment of the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention, the guide opening comprises an alignment (transition) zone extending in a way to guide the movement of the locking part (3), then a locking zone, then a turning zone, and subsequently a closing zone.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises a guide opening which is butterfly-shaped as a whole consisting of a C-shaped structure (providing the alignment / transition zone) and a structure which has sequential protrusions on the upper side of the inner surface of the C-shaped structure and allows the locking part (3) to be fitted or seated between these protrusions (providing the locking zone), and then an inverted C-shaped structure (providing the closing zone). Preferably, the guide opening has a first C-shaped structure for providing a transition (first and second alignment positions II-III, release position V) to guide the movement of the locking part (3), a structure for providing a locking zone (locking position IV) and a turning zone with protrusions on the inner surface of the C-shaped structure, and then an inverted C-shaped structure for providing a closing zone (closing position I).

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the butterfly-shaped hinge mouth (1.1) comprises two sequential / successive protrusions, which are located on the upper side of the inner surface of the C-shaped structure and to which the locking part (3) for locking is seated, and a first recess, which is opposite to these two protrusions, to which the locking part (3) is secured, and which is located on the lower side of the inner surface of the C-shaped structure.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the butterfly-shaped hinge mouth (1.1) comprises a second recess which is positioned on the lower side of the inner surface of the inverted C-shaped structure and to which the locking part (3) is fitted. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises a locking part (3) with a hexagonal cross-sectional structure that allows it to engage with the protrusions on the inner surface of the hinge mouth (1.1).

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to present invention comprises a first fastening element for providing its connection with the vehicle hood covers and fastening its hinge movable part (1), is movable with the hood, to the inner surface of the hood cover, and a second fastening element for positioning the hinge fixed part (2) between the inner surface of the vehicle hood and the hood cover junction. More preferably, the first and / or second fastening elements are bracket, nut, bolt, or screw.

[0052] One of the most important technical properties of the invention is that the hinge system according to present invention comprises a hinge mouth (1.1), which has a guide opening and protrusions on its surface that the locking part (3) contacts, in order to ensure that the locking part (3) can rotate around itself and the hinge system can pass into the closed position (I), first alignment position (II), second alignment position (III), locking position (IV), and release position (V). In order for the hinge mouth (1.1) to be able to guide the locking part (3) to these positions, it has a butterfly-shaped structure as a whole consisting of a C-shaped structure (providing the alignment / transition zone) and a structure which has sequential protrusions on the upper side of the inner surface of the C-shaped structure and allows the locking part (3) to be fitted or seated between these protrusions (providing the locking zone), and then an inverted C-shaped structure (providing the closing zone). Herein, the first C-shaped structure has a configuration to provide a transition (first and second alignment positions II-III) to guide the movement of the locking part (3), a structure for providing a locking zone (locking position IV) and a turning zone with protrusions on the inner surface of the C-shaped structure, and then an inverted C- shaped structure for providing a closing zone (closing position I). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is provided a locking part (3) with a hexagonal cross-sectional structure that allows it to engage with the protrusions on the inner surface of the hinge mouth (1.1).

[0053] The two protrusions which are located on the upper side of the inner surface of the C-shaped structure of the butterfly-shaped hinge mouth (1.1) and to which the locking part (3) for locking is seated and the first recess to which the locking part (3) is secured in the first alignment position (II) are opposite to each other. Thus, the two protrusions on which the locking part (3) is seated during locking are located on the upper surface of the hinge mouth (1.1), and the recess in which it is secured in the first alignment position (II) is located on the lower surface of the hinge mouth. In the closed position (I), the second recess to which the locking part (3) is fitted is located on the lower inner surface of the inverted C-shaped structure.

[0054] Closed position (I)

[0055] As seen in Figure 3, when the hood is closed, the hinge system is in the closed position (I). Herein, the locking part (3) is in its first position in the hinge mouth (1.1), which has a guide opening with a butterfly structure in the form of a combination of C-shape and inverted C-shape. One end of the locking part (3) is secured by being fitted into the second recess on the inner surface of the hinge mouth (1.1) in the closing zone provided by the inverted C structure of the butterfly- shaped hinge mouth (1.1).

[0056] First alignment position (II)

[0057] With the first physical contact to open the vehicle hood, the hinge movable part (1) starts its counterclockwise rotation movement and the hinge mouth (1.1), which is integral thereto, also starts to rotate accordingly due to this configuration. The vehicle hood cover and the hinge movable part (1) fastened thereto open at an angle of maximum 67.4 degrees. As a result of physical contact, the hinge mouth (1.1) rotates counterclockwise, while the locking part (3) starts to rotate around itself and moves in the transition zone of the butterfly-shaped guide opening. It then moves into the first alignment position (II) by being secured to the first recess of the butterfly-shaped hinge mouth (1.1) at one end in the transition zone (in the alignment zone) provided by the first C-shaped structure. (Figure 4)

[0058] The butterfly-shaped hinge mouth’s (1.1) two protrusions, which are located on the upper side of the inner surface of the C-shaped structure and which enable the locking, and its first recess in the first alignment position (II) are opposite to each other. Thus, the two protrusions on which the locking part (3) is seated during locking are located on the upper surface of the hinge mouth and the recess in the first alignment position (II) is located on the lower surface of the hinge mouth.

[0059] Second alignment position (III) and locking position (IV)

[0060] As seen in Figure 5, the locking part (3) in the hinge system assumes the second alignment position (III) with a 10-degree movement of the vehicle engine hood. Herein, the second alignment results in a difference of 12 degrees, as a result of the second alignment, the locking part (3) moves in the guiding opening of the hinge mouth (1.1) and is seated between the two protrusions on the upper side of the C- shaped structure, thereby assuming the locking position (IV). By means of this technical configuration, the locking part (3) locks the hinge system by restricting the movement of the hinge movable part (1) in the hinge system.

[0061] Meanwhile, the vehicle hood cover oscillates by 10 degrees, achieving a maximum opening at 67.4 degrees and after a 10-degree oscillation, it finds the service angle by remaining constant at 57.4 degrees.

[0062] Release position (V)

[0063] As seen in the first figure given in Figure 6, the position of the locking part (3) in the first 4 degrees of 10 degrees is provided with a 10-degree movement of the engine hood. With a 10-degree movement, the locking part (3) moves out of the locking zone in the hinge mouth (1.1) and passes into the release position (V). The second figure in Figure 6 shows the state of the locking part (3) when it is released. This position now starts the closing position.

[0064] The figures in Figure 7 show the closing state, wherein the locking part (3) is brought to its initial position (closed position I). As shown in Figure 7, with the first contact at closure, it rotates counterclockwise and moves from the release position (V) to the closed position (I).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A novel hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position without using an additional part, when it is necessary to secure the vehicle engine hood in the open position, characterized in that it comprises:- a hinge fixed part (2) which is fastened to the inner portion of the vehicle hood,- a hinge movable part (1) which is fastened to the inner surface of the vehicle hood cover on one side and rotatably fastened to the hinge fixed part (2) on the other side,- a locking part (3) which is rotatably fixed on the hinge fixed part,- a hinge mouth (1.1) which has a guide opening that guides the movement of the locking part (3) and is integral with the moving part (1) of the hinge, o a locking slot which is located in the hinge mouth (1.1) and comprises a second recess for the insertion of one end of the locking part (3) in the closed position of the hood and successive protrusions for the insertion of one end of the locking part (3) to ensure that the hood is secured in the open position, o a first recess which is located in the hinge mouth (1.1) for engaging one end of the locking part (3) and guiding the other end of the locking part (3) into the second recess once the hood is in the open position.

2. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an inclined guide opening surface that is located in hinge mouth (1.1) and provided on the second recess side for moving the locking part (3) towards the horizontal position when the hood is pushed higher than its open position.

3. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a first recess positioned on the lower portion of the guide opening surface.

4. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a locking part (3) which can restrict the movement of hinge movable part (1) between the closed position (I), the first alignment position (II), the second alignment position (III), the locking position (IV), and the release position (V), and which is positioned so as to rotate around itself.

5. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a hinge connection element (5) connecting the hinge movable part (1) and the hinge mouth (1.1), which is integral thereto, to the hinge fixed part (2), and having freedom of rotation.

6. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a hinge fixed part (2) which comprises a first centering hole on its surface and ensures that the hinge connection element (5) positions the hinge movable part (1) and the hinge mouth (1.1) on the hinge fixed part (2) and prevents them from shifting.

7. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a hinge connection element (5) including a centering end for securing the hinge movable part (1) and the hinge mouth (1.1) at the same point to the first centering hole on the hinge fixed part (2) and for preventing them from shifting from the center.

8. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises two successive holes on the surface of the hinge movable part (1), which are located at the junction point forsecuring the hinge movable part (1) and the hinge mouth (1.1) at the same point and through which the hinge connection element (5) can pass.

9. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 5, characterized in that the hinge connection element (5) is one of the screw, bolt, nut, bracket elements.

10. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a locking part connection element (4) securing locking part (3) on the hinge fixed part (2) and having freedom of rotation.

11. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a hinge fixed part (2) which comprises a second centering hole on its surface and ensures that the locking part connection element (4) positions the locking part (3) on the hinge fixed part (2) and prevents it from shifting.

12. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a locking part connection element (4) including a centering end for securing the locking part (3) to the second centering hole on the hinge fixed part (2) and for preventing it from shifting from the center.

13. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a hole on the surface of the locking part (3) through which the locking part connection element (4) can pass.

14. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 10, characterized in that the locking part connection element (4) is one of the screw, bolt, nut, bracket elements.

15. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a hinge mouth (1.1) which has a structure integral with the hinge movable part (1) and moves in rotation with the hinge movable part (1).

16. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a hinge movable part (1) having a counterclockwise opening angle of maximum 67.4 degrees.

17. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a butterfly-shaped hinge mouth (1.1), which has a guide opening and protrusions on its surface that the locking part (3) contacts, which ensures that the locking part (3) can rotate around itself and the hinge system can pass into the closed position (I), first alignment position (II), second alignment position (III), locking position (IV), and release position (V).

18. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide opening comprises an alignment (transition) zone extending in a way to guide the movement of the locking part (3), then a locking zone, then a turning zone, and subsequently a closing zone.

19. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide opening is butterfly-shaped as a whole consisting of a C-shaped structure (providing the alignment / transition zone) and a structure which has sequential protrusions on the upper side of the inner surface of the C-shaped structure and allows the locking part (3) to be fitted or seated between these protrusions (providing the locking zone), and then an inverted C-shaped structure (providing the closing zone).

20. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 19, characterized in that the guide opening has a first C-shaped structurefor providing a transition (first and second alignment positions II-III, release position V) to guide the movement of the locking part (3), a structure for providing a locking zone (locking position IV) and a turning zone with protrusions on the inner surface of the C-shaped structure, and then an inverted C-shaped structure for providing a closing zone (closing position I).

21. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 19, characterized in that the butterfly-shaped hinge mouth (1.1) comprises two sequential / successive protrusions which are located on the upper side of the inner surface of the C-shaped structure and to which the locking part (3) for locking is seated, and a first recess which is opposite to these two protrusions to which the locking part (3) is secured and which is located on the lower side of the inner surface of the C-shaped structure.

22. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 19, characterized in that the butterfly-shaped hinge mouth (1.1) comprises a second recess which is positioned on the lower side of the inner surface of the inverted C-shaped structure and to which the locking part (3) is fitted.

23. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that there is provided a locking part (3) with a hexagonal cross-sectional structure that allows it to engage with the protrusions on the inner surface of the hinge mouth (1.1).

24. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first fastening element for providing its connection with the vehicle hood covers and fastening its hinge movable part (1), which is movable with the hood, to the inner surface of the hood cover, and a second fastening element for positioning the hinge fixed part (2) between the inner surface of the vehicle hood and the hood cover junction.

5. A hinge system for securing the vehicle hood in the open position according to claim 24, characterized in that the first and second fastening elements are bracket, nut, bolt, or screw.

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