DE102009040403A1 - Frame joint for vehicle, particularly for front cover of vehicle, has frame joint lower part which is connected with frame joint upper part in movable manner - Google Patents

Abstract

The frame joint (1) has a frame joint lower part (2) which is connected with a frame joint upper part (3) in a movable manner. An actuator (8) is provided for lifting the frame joint upper part opposite to the frame joint lower part. The frame joint upper part has a deformation element. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating the frame joint.

Description

The invention relates to a hinge for a vehicle, a method for operating the hinge and a vehicle having at least one such hinge.

For efficient pedestrian protection and especially for a head impact, vehicles must provide a sufficient deformation path in the area of the front flap, in particular in order to achieve so-called HIC (Head Injury Criterion) values. This deformation path is dependent on the specific configuration available and so far mostly insufficient. To achieve a prolonged deformation path active hinges can be installed, which include the actual hinge and an actuator. If an impact on the front flap is to be expected; the upper hinge part or the entire hinge with the front flap is shot up by the actuator (active impact).

DE 10 2007 033 325 A1 describes a hinge for the pivotable connection of a cover or hood on a motor vehicle, which comprises a body attachment part, a connecting arm and a hood connection part held thereon, wherein the connecting arm is hinged against the body attachment part pivotally. To realize a pedestrian protection function, the hood connection part is held at the protruding end of the connecting arm in a locked by a locking element against pivoting from a rest position joint.

DE 10 2006 037 831 A1 relates to a pyrotechnic actuator with a housing, a displaceably arranged in a cavity of the housing piston arranged thereon piston rod (the Aktorstößel) and an igniter, wherein the ignition of the igniter, a quantity of gas is released and by means of this gas quantity, the piston from a starting position, the Resting position, in an end position, the working position, is movable, wherein the piston rod on the way from the starting position to the end position or in the end position triggers a process.

In the case of active impact, it is disadvantageous that as a result of the activation of the actuator, the system of movable hinge and front flap initially oscillates in a range around a stationary stroke before the system reaches the stationary stroke. This is particularly undesirable because the swinging of the system and the impact on the front door may coincide in an unfavorable case such that instead of standing by to cushion the impact, the system still opposes the impacting object with a remaining speed.

The object of the invention is to avoid the abovementioned disadvantages and in particular to provide an efficient solution which greatly reduces or prevents overshooting of the front flap and / or the activated hinge in the direction of the impacting object.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

• – ein Scharnierunterteil, das beweglich mit einem Scharnieroberteil verbunden ist,
• – einen Aktor zum Anheben des Scharnieroberteils gegenüber dem Scharnierunterteil,
• – wobei das Scharnieroberteil mindestens ein Deformationselement aufweist, anhand dessen ein Teil der mit dem Anheben verbundenen Energie zu einer plastischen Verformung des mindestens einen Deformationselements führt.

To achieve the object, a hinge for a vehicle, in particular for a front door of the vehicle, specified, at least exhibiting

• A hinge base movably connected to a hinge top,
• An actuator for lifting the upper part of the hinge with respect to the lower part of the hinge,
• - Wherein the hinge upper part has at least one deformation element, based on which a part of the energy associated with the lifting leads to a plastic deformation of the at least one deformation element.

The fact that a part of the energy required for lifting the upper part of the hinge is used for the plastic deformation of the at least one deformation element ensures that the upper part of the hinge does not oscillate or a possible overshoot is at least greatly reduced. Since the overshoot of the hinge upper part beyond its final position is thus greatly reduced or avoided, the possibility is excluded that an impact on the front flap object, the front door with a significant speed comes against us thus - instead of attenuating the impact - this even more ,

The approach proposed here is on the front door, the bonnet or any hinged flap of the vehicle, e.g. As a tailgate, applicable.

A development is that the deformation element has a lattice-like structure or a honeycomb-like structure.

In particular, the deformation element may have any structure suitable for reducing kinetic energy. By bending or destroying, for example, a grid-like or honeycomb-like structure of the deformation element can - based on the available space - a high level of kinetic energy to be absorbed.

Also, the deformation element may comprise a special material for absorbing kinetic energy or at least partially made of such a material.

Preferably, the deformation element is made interchangeable, so that in the case of deformation cost-effective repair is possible.

Another development is that the deformation element is plastically deformable by means of a tensile force or by means of a compressive force.

In particular, it is a development that the hinge upper part has a backdrop and the deformation element is arranged in a slot slot of the backdrop.

Thus, kinetic energy can be dissipated by deformation by the movement of a sliding block in the slot slot. The sliding block presses on the deformation element.

It is an alternative development that the hinge upper part has a backdrop and the deformation element is arranged in at least one wall region of the backdrop.

Thus, by the movement of a sliding block in the slot slot kinetic energy can be reduced by deformation of the wall portion of the backdrop. The sliding block in this case pulls apart the deformation element arranged in the wall area.

Further, it is a development that the hinge upper part has a lower hinge upper part and an upper hinge upper part, wherein the upper hinge upper part is designed to be movable relative to the lower hinge upper part.

In particular, the upper hinge upper part and the lower hinge upper part can be connected by means of a joint.

In the context of an additional development, the movement of the upper hinge upper part is limited relative to the lower hinge upper part.

A next development is that the at least one deformation element is arranged in the upper hinge upper part.

One embodiment is that the upper hinge upper part has a gate in which a sliding block of the lower hinge upper part is guided and in which in the backdrop of the upper hinge upper part, the at least one deformation element is arranged.

In particular, several scenes and sliding blocks can be provided on the said elements. It is also possible that the backdrop is attached to the lower hinge upper part and the sliding block of the upper hinge shell is guided in this backdrop. Then the at least one deformation element is arranged in the backdrop of the lower hinge shell.

A next embodiment is that an actuator for lifting the hinge upper part, in particular of the upper hinge upper part and the lower hinge upper part, is provided.

In particular, the actuator has a plunger, the z. B. is activated pyrotechnically and the hinge upper part moves from the initial position to an end position in which, for example, with the hinge upper part, the vehicle door flips up.

The actuator may in particular be a pyrotechnic actuator, a bimetallic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electrochemical actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a magnetostrictive actuator and / or a magnetorestrictive actuator. Combinations of the abovementioned actuators can also be used.

The actuator can be equipped with or without Hubunterstützung and / or Hubvergrößerungsmittel.

• – bei dem der Aktor aktiviert wird,
• – bei dem über den Aktor das Scharnieroberteil gegenüber dem Scharnierunterteil verschwenkt wird,
• – bei dem das mindestens eine Deformationselement zumindest teilweise plastisch verformt wird.

The above object is also achieved by means of a method for operating the hinge as described herein,

• - in which the actuator is activated,
• In which the hinge upper part is pivoted relative to the lower hinge part via the actuator,
• - In which the at least one deformation element is at least partially plastically deformed.

It is an embodiment that the at least one deformation element is designed such that a swinging or overshooting of the hinge upper part is suppressed or reduced by the plastic deformation of the at least one deformation element.

A development is that an impending impact detected and the actuator is triggered.

The above object is further achieved by a vehicle comprising at least one hinge as described herein.

Embodiments of the invention are shown and explained schematically with reference to the drawings.

Show it:

1 an active hinge in a side view in a starting position;

2 the active hinge according to 1 in an extended state;

3 an exemplary embodiment of a backdrop with a deformation element;

4 an alternative exemplary embodiment of a backdrop with a deformation element.

The present approach proposes a deformation element by means of which an overshoot of an actuator-actuated system, comprising e.g. As a flap of a vehicle, in particular a front flap, and / or at least a portion of a hinge, effectively reduced and possibly completely prevented.

For this purpose, the deformation element can be designed so that it degrades kinetic energy by plastic deformation at a load on train. Alternatively, the deformation element can be designed such that it converts kinetic energy into plastic deformation during a pressure load.

1 shows a side view of a hinge 1 for connecting a vehicle flap, in particular front flap, to a motor vehicle. The hinge 1 is in its starting position or rest position. In 2 is the hinge 1 shown in an extended state.

The hinge has a hinge base 2 for attachment to the motor vehicle, in particular its body or chassis, and a two-part hinge upper part 3 for fastening the vehicle door on. The hinge shell 3 is from an upper hinge shell 4 and a lower hinge shell 5 composed, which face each other via a joint 19 are pivotable. To attach the vehicle door is the upper hinge shell 4 intended. The hinge base 2 and the hinge shell 3 are pivotally connected to each other via two connecting arms, via a short link 6 and a long handlebar 7 , The short handlebar 6 and the long handlebar 7 are each at their ends with the hinge base 2 or with the lower hinge upper part 5 pivotally connected.

In an active crash event, a possible upcoming impact of an object collided head-on with the vehicle is detected, e.g. B. by a crash sensor. In this case, the vehicle door is lifted up to mitigate the impact of the object on the vehicle door. To lift the vehicle door is a pyrotechnic actuator 8th provided, which by means of a sleeve-like actuator holder 9 on the hinge base 2 is attached

The actor 8th has an actuator housing 10 with a cylindrical basic shape and one in the actuator housing 10 slidably mounted Aktorstößel 11 on. The actuator ram 11 has at its free end a rounded and laterally projecting plunger head 12 on, which in the rest position shown a defined minimum distance from the lower hinge upper part 5 having. The actuator housing 10 has widenings at both ends 13a . 13b on, namely an upper broadening 13a at an upper end where the actuator ram 11 from the actuator housing 10 protrudes, and a lower broadening 13b at an opposite lower end of the actuator housing 10 , The actuator housing 10 can in the actuator holder 9 be slidably mounted.

2 shows the hinge 1 in an extended position, as in the case of detection of a collision by actuation of the actuator 8th is achieved in the active impact case. When actuating the actuator 8th moves the actuator ram 11 , z. B. pyrotechnically driven, at high speed from the actuator housing 10 out. After overcoming the distance to the lower hinge shell 5 the plunger head hits 12 on an underside of a contact plate 23 of the lower hinge shell 5 and causes pivoting of the lower hinge shell 5 upwards in the extended position, whereby also the upper hinge upper part 4 from the lower hinge shell 5 is swung upwards.

The upper hinge shell 4 has a backdrop 14a . 14b on, in the a pin or sliding block of the lower hinge shell 5 intervenes. The scenery 14a . 14b can be one-piece or multi-piece with the upper hinge shell 4 be executed. It is also possible that the upper hinge shell 4 having the sliding block and the lower hinge upper part 5 providing the backdrop. The combination of slot with slot and pin serves to limit the rotation of the upper hinge shell 4 opposite the lower hinge upper part 5 ,

The scenery 14a . 14b in this case has a deformation element, such that a swinging of the upper hinge shell 4 can be reduced or (almost) completely suppressed.

An example of a backdrop 14a with a deformation element 15 is in 3 shown. The deformation element 15 allows a reduction of kinetic energy into plastic deformation when loaded on a train. The deformation element 15 is on both sides in the walls of the scenery 14a arranged so that the outer walls of the backdrop 14a at least partially deformable. The operation corresponds to the principle of a concertina, which is pulled apart.

Will the actor 8th ignited, moves the upper hinge shell 4 around the joint 19 opposite the lower hinge upper part 5 , It slides a sliding block 16 in the scenery 14a in one direction 18 , The sliding stone meets a lower limit 17 the scenery 14a and causes a plastic deformation (a pulling apart of the deformation element 15 in the direction 18 ). As a result, kinetic energy is reduced, and there is a swing of the upper hinge shell 4 prevented.

4 shows another example of a backdrop 14b with a deformation element 20 in which a kinetic energy is converted into plastic deformation at a pressure load.

The outer walls of the backdrop 14b are preferably solid in this example. The deformation takes place inside the scenery 14b , especially in the gate slot instead. There is the deformation element 20 arranged, the z. B. is performed in sections on the outer walls of the link slot. Thus, a buckling of the deformation element 20 prevented. The deformation element 20 works similar to a concertina, which is compressed.

Will the actor 8th ignited, moves the upper hinge shell 4 around the joint 19 opposite the lower hinge upper part 5 , It slides a sliding block 21 along the scenery slot in one direction 22 , The sliding block 21 meets the deformation element 20 and deforms this. The kinetic energy is reduced, and there is a swing of the upper hinge shell 4 prevented.

The deformation elements are plastically deformed in order to reduce or prevent oscillation of the hinge shell. The deformation elements can be made interchangeable, so that in the case of activation, only the deformation element and / or the scenery must be replaced. In particular, this can be interchangeable connected to the hinge for the backdrop.

In particular, it is advantageous that, according to the solution proposed here, the deformation element dampens the oscillation of the hinge and thus reduces the risk that an impact on the front flap could lead to an additionally increased HIC value in the moment of the overshoot.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

hinge

2

Hinge lower

3

Hinge cover

4

Upper hinge top

5

lower hinge top

6

short handlebar

7

long handlebar

8th

actuator

9

actuator holder

10

actuator housing

11

actuator tappet

12

ram head

13a

Broadening at the upper end of the actuator housing

13b

Broadening at the lower end of the actuator housing

14a

scenery

14b

scenery

15

deformation element

16

sliding block

17

lower limit of the scenery

18

direction

19

joint

20

deformation element

21

sliding block

22

direction

23

contact plate

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007033325 A1 [0003]
• DE 102006037831 A1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Hinge ( 1 ) for a vehicle, in particular for a front flap of the vehicle, at least comprising - a hinge lower part ( 2 ) movable with a hinge top ( 3 ), - an actuator ( 8th ) for lifting the hinge upper part ( 3 ) relative to the hinge base ( 2 ), - whereby the hinge upper part ( 3 ) at least one deformation element ( 15 . 20 ), on the basis of which a part of the energy associated with the lifting results in a plastic deformation of the at least one deformation element ( 15 . 20 ) leads. Hinge according to claim 1, in which the deformation element ( 15 . 20 ) has a lattice-like structure or a honeycomb-like structure. Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, in which the deformation element ( 15 . 20 ) is plastically deformable by means of a tensile force or by means of a compressive force. Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge upper part is a backdrop ( 14a . 14b ) and the deformation element ( 15 . 20 ) in a gate slot of the scenery ( 14a . 14b ) is arranged. Hinge according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hinge upper part a backdrop ( 14a . 14b ) and the deformation element ( 15 . 20 ) in at least one wall area of the backdrop ( 14a . 14b ) is arranged. Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, in which the hinge upper part ( 3 ) a lower hinge top ( 5 ) and an upper hinge shell ( 4 ), wherein the upper hinge upper part ( 4 ) opposite the lower hinge upper part ( 5 ) is designed to be movable. Hinge according to Claim 6, in which the upper hinge upper part ( 4 ) and the lower hinge upper part ( 5 ) by means of a joint ( 19 ) are connected. Hinge according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the movement of the upper hinge upper part relative to the lower hinge upper part is limited. Hinge according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least one deformation element ( 15 . 20 ) in the upper hinge upper part ( 4 ) is arranged. Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, in which the upper hinge upper part ( 4 ) a backdrop ( 14a . 14b ), in which a sliding block ( 16 . 21 ) of the lower hinge shell ( 5 ) and in which in the scenery ( 14a . 14b ) of the upper hinge shell ( 4 ) the at least one deformation element ( 15 . 20 ) is arranged. Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, with an actuator ( 8th ) for lifting the hinge shell. Method for operating the hinge according to one of the preceding claims, - in which the actuator is activated, In which the hinge upper part is pivoted relative to the lower hinge part via the actuator, - In which the at least one deformation element is at least partially plastically deformed. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one deformation element is configured such that a swinging or overshooting of the hinge upper part is suppressed or reduced by the plastic deformation of the at least one deformation element. Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, in which an impending impact detected and the actuator is triggered. Vehicle comprising at least one hinge according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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