System for deviating part of the external panelling of a motor vehicle

Translation of description of equivalent WO 2004007247 A2

Arrangement for deflecting a portion of the outer skin of a motor vehicle

description

The invention relates to an arrangement for deflecting a portion of the outer skin of a motor vehicle in a crash according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

By deflecting a portion of the outer skin of the motor vehicle in the direction of the outer space in case of a crash, the possibility should be created, the impact of a person by a movement of the deflected part counter to the deflecting controlled dissipate impact energy and at the same time a contact person with behind outer skin located, rigid motor vehicle elements, such as an engine block to prevent. A generic device for this purpose comprises means for deflection of the part of the outer skin, which engages at least one point of this part and which permits a movement of this part with the impact of a person against the direction of deflection, whereby impact energy is dissipated.

Such an arrangement is known for example from WO 01/23 225 A1, in which a means for raising the hood of a motor vehicle is described in case of a crash, which can be detected by a pre-crash sensor. This sensor triggers a lifting up the hood when it detects an imminent, unavoidable accident. A as a result of this accident rebounding on the hood will be protected from contact with the engine block located under the hood by lifting the hood. Since the impact of a person on the hood and the related impact forces lead to a movement of the hood counter to the deflecting, ie to deflect the hood, also can be controlled energy are degraded, so that the risk of injury compared with a direct impact on a rigid part the motor vehicle is reduced.

In such an arrangement, however, there is the problem that the impact of a person on the outer skin of a motor vehicle, for example on the engine hood, often in several steps takes place. In accordance with the usual kinematic sequence of a pedestrian-vehicle collision the head impact on the hood goes namely usually a collision of the upper body. The impact of the upper body and the impact energy associated therewith can already lead to a lowering of the previously deflected hood, so that during the subsequent impact of the head is not a sufficient protective potential longer available. However, it is precisely the protection of the head of colliding with the vehicle pedestrian or cyclist is of particular importance.

The invention is therefore based on the problem to improve an arrangement for deflecting a portion of the outer skin of a motor vehicle of the aforementioned type, in particular with regard to the protection of the head of a person colliding.

This problem is achieved by the creation of an arrangement with the features of claim 1.

Thereafter, the for deflecting a portion of the outer skin of the motor vehicle serving for deflecting device in such a way in dependence on the location, time and / or the direction of the impact is controllable such that in response to the time of impact (after triggering of the deflecting device or after a previous first impact) on the part of the outer skin and / or in dependence on the location of the impact on the deflected part of the outer skin and / or in dependence on the direction of the impact against the deflected part of the outer skin of the deflecting movement of the part of the external paneling counter to the deflection allows or does not allow.

In this way, depending on experience about the timing of the impact of the upper body of a person on the one hand and her head on the other hand and as a function of historical data about the location and direction of the impact of the upper body on one hand and the head on the other hand, the deflection device can be controlled such that they a moving counter to the deflecting just then allow if on the available experience an offboard person's head on the deflected part of the outer skin of the vehicle, eg on a deflected hood incident. Because of the movability and deformability of the deflected portion of the outer skin of the feature according to which the deflecting device permits a movement of the part of the external paneling counter to the deflecting direction or does not allow not in the sense is absolutely to be understood that either a movement or, alternatively, no movement of the outer skin takes place , Rather, depending on the severity of the impact, even in cases in which at no movement of the outer skin is to take place counter to the deflecting, the system some movement imposed. Decisive for the feature is rather that the deflection is controlled so that it opens under given conditions (depending on the time, the place and the direction of the impact), the possibility of movement of the part of the external paneling counter to the deflecting or counteracts this movement, to prevent them if possible.

With the solution according to the invention a deformation is provided on the one hand by deflecting a portion of the outer skin in order to reduce the power transmitted by the head of a pedestrian or a cyclist on the outer skin of energy at an acceptable level without any contact is located behind the outer skin rigid vehicle parts, such as the engine block takes place. This is achieved by controlling the deflection device that this deformation is not used already in a head impact preceding impact of the upper body. Rather, at a head impact preceding impact of the upper body of asked to available deformation not possible decrease.

An accident which leads to the activation of the deflection device can be detected by a contact sensor or a proximity sensor (pre-crash sensor). The corresponding sensor generated upon detection of an accident, a signal, due to which the deflecting device, the corresponding part of the motor vehicle for

Exterior deflects towards. The activation of the deflection device and the impact of

Head may not coincide this time. This requires correspondingly short Auslenkzeiten. For this purpose, the corresponding part of the outer skin of the motor vehicle, such as the hood be designed so that it can be accommodated without permanent deformation in the deployed position (guard position). On the other hand, the challenge

Skin but not be made so stiff that the exposure limits of

Head be exceeded only because of the rigidity of the outer skin. In particular, the outer skin has also in the places where attacks the deflection device, be made sufficiently resilient so that exposure limits are not exceeded for the head.

Overall, a uniform and low head load is on a part of the outer skin on impact achieved a motor vehicle in order to avoid serious head injuries with the inventive arrangement.

For controlling the deflection means in response to the time of impact can be provided that the deflecting device only after expiration of a predetermined

Period after activating the deflecting counter to the deflecting permits movement of the deflected part of the outer skin by the

Force with which the deflecting device acts on the deflected part of the outer skin, is timed. The control is such that the force with which the deflecting device acts on the external skin, according to the deflection of the part of the

Skin decreases with time. This means that in a collision of the

Upper body of a person immediately after deflecting a portion of the outer skin, the force applied by the deflecting force is still large enough to be a

to prevent return movement of the portion of the outer skin. During the subsequent impact of the head has the power then so far removed that now by moving the

Part of the outer skin against the deflection and thus contrary to the

The effective direction of the pressure controlled energy can be reduced.

To this end a deflection device are used, under the action of the pressure of a fluid, particularly a gas, deflects the be deflected part of the outer skin, wherein the pressure of the fluid is time-controlled and decreases after the deflection of the part of the outer skin, so that movement of part of the external paneling counter to the pressure of the fluid is possible.

The pressure of the fluid acting on the deflected part of the outer skin, for example, be reduced by discharge of parts of the fluid by corresponding outflow openings are provided for discharging the fluid. The size of the outlet openings can also be controlled in order to adjust the pressure of the fluid targeted in function of time can. The triggering of the deflecting device can for example be carried out pyrotechnically, wherein in addition, the generation or release of a gas used to deflect the outer skin can be carried out pyrotechnically.

According to one embodiment, the deflecting device comprises a generating pressure fillable with fluid element, for example an inflatable airbag, which acts on the part of the outer skin to be deflected. According to another embodiment, the deflecting device a (for example, guided in a cylinder) piston which is acting on the part to be deflected to the outer skin and is moved for example by a pressure generated by a fluid.

According to another variant the timing of the deflecting device, the deflecting device is so locked that it counter to the deflecting device does not allow movement of the deflected portion of the outer skin in the locked state, the locking by the impact of a body part (eg, the upper body) of a person on the outer skin releasably, so that at a further impact (for example, the head) movement of the deflected portion of the outer skin can be made counter to the deflecting. The locking may, for example be done by a hook, which is achieved due to the force generated at a first impact.

According to a further variant of the invention, the deflecting device permits a movement of this part counter to the deflecting only at the impact of a body part of a person within a given area of ​​the deflected portion of the outer skin. This range is selected so that it just covers those points of the part of the outer skin, bouncing on to the standing to available experience in a typical accident sequence, the head of a pedestrian or a cyclist.

In a preferred embodiment of that area shall include the locations of the outer skin on which engages the deflection. The deflection device can for this attack on an elastically or plastically deformable element on the outer skin. The corresponding element may well be designed in multiple parts, so that the deformability by the movement of two components of the element is achieved each other, for example by the movement of a piston in a cylinder. The elastically or plastically deformable element is deformed in a collision of a person on the outer skin of the motor vehicle in the area of ​​this element such that the deflected part of the outer skin counter to the deflecting can move (with deformation of each element).

The deformable element may for example be formed by a resilient member, by a flexible coupling element of the deflecting device (eg in the form of a flexible traction means) or by a telescopic element (eg in the form of a guided in a cylinder piston).

Alternatively, or in addition to a deformable element may be provided that the deflecting device is formed reversibly or at least partially reversible, so that immediately the to deflect the outer skin serving elements of the deflecting device at the impact of a body part of a person (within a certain range of the skin) a allow movement of the part of the outer skin against the deflection device.

According to a further variant of the invention, the deflecting device can be a movement of the deflected part of the external paneling counter to the deflecting direction to only if the impact of a body part of a person takes place on the outer skin along a certain, predetermined directional range (corresponding to a predetermined range of possible application of force directions).

This can be achieved for example by using a deformation element which is deformable only in a collision with a direction of force within the predetermined solid angle range. According to another embodiment with a reversible or partially reversible deflecting these leaves because of their reversibility movement of the outer skin only to when the force applied to the deflection force has a direction that is within the specified directional region.

The deflection device may comprise, for example for deflecting a portion of the outer skin of the motor vehicle a lever mechanism with at least one pivotable lever. On the other hand, the deflection device comprises a movably guided traction means which is streamlined for deflecting a portion of the outer skin. To permit movement of the deflected part of the external paneling counter to the deflecting direction, the pivotally mounted levers of the deflecting device is pivoted in the opposite direction and moves the moving member to the outer skin against the tension of the traction means. The pivotable lever and the traction means may be arranged and designed such that a movement of the deflected part of the external paneling counter to the deflecting direction is only possible when the result of the impact of a body part (in particular, the head) of a person force exerted on a given subregion and / or with a certain direction to the deflected part engages.

In a corresponding manner, also during the deflection of a portion of the outer skin may be provided by means of a piston, is that the piston is arranged and guided in such a way that a movement of the deflected part counter to the deflecting only upon an impact to a certain area of ​​the deflected part and / or in a particular direction of force is possible.

In one development of the invention, the deflection device is coupled with an elastic member that the deflection in the deflection biases. There is a locking element is further provided, which counteracts a deflection of the corresponding part of the outer skin by the deflection and which sensor control in case of a crash either or by the heat generated during the impact of a person force is unlocked.

The inventive solution is particularly advantageously applicable to deflect (lifting) a flap of a motor vehicle, such as the hood or the trunk lid, in a crash situation, the engagement point of the deflection device is preferably be arranged in the area of ​​the passenger dream side end of the corresponding flap.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to FIGS.

Show it: Figure 1a is a schematic representation of an arrangement for lifting a hood by means of an inflatable airbag.

Fig. 1b shows the arrangement of Figure 1a after raising the hood;

Figure 2a is a schematic representation of an arrangement for lifting a hood by means of a movable piston by gas pressure.

Fig. 2b shows the arrangement of Figure 2a after lifting up the hood;

Fig. 3a shows a modification of the embodiment of Figure 2a;

Fig. 3b shows the arrangement of Figure 3a after lifting up the hood;

4a is a schematic representation of an arrangement for lifting a hood, using a pulling means.

FIG. 4b shows the arrangement of Figure 4a after lifting up the hood.

Fig. 5a is a further development of the embodiment of Figure 4a;

Fig. 5b shows the arrangement of Figure 5a after lifting up the hood;

Figure 6a is a schematic representation of an arrangement for lifting a hood, using a pivoting lever and a spring acting thereon.

Fig. 6b shows the arrangement of Figure 6a after lifting up the hood;

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of an arrangement for lifting a

Hood using a lever system;

8a is a schematic representation of an arrangement for lifting a hood, using a pivotably mounted piston.

Fig. 8b shows the arrangement of FIG 8a after lifting up the hood; 9a is a schematic representation of an assembly for lifting the outside of a hood by means of an inflatable airbag.

Fig. 9b, the arrangement of Figure 9a after lifting up the hood;

Figure 10 is a schematic representation of an arrangement for lifting a hood by using a gas bag which, in addition to the hood covering adjacent areas of a motor vehicle.

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of an arrangement for lifting a hood by using a gas bag which extends along the outer edges of the bonnet.

12a shows a hinge for a hood for use in one of the arrangements according to figures 1a to 11.

Fig. 12b, the hinge according to FIG 12a after raising a bonnet.

Figure 1a schematically shows a hood of a motor vehicle M in the region of its rear end is H, ie, in the region of the passenger compartment, in particular the windshield, facing end.

In the region of the rear in the direction of travel of the passenger compartment facing end H of the hood M is a deflecting device 1 disposed between a support structure T of the motor vehicle and of the engine hood F, with which the hood M can be raised in case of a crash, a deformation for one as a result of the accident impinging on the hood of person, for. example, to provide a pedestrian or a cyclist available. This deflecting device 1 comprises a supporting structure arranged on the T of the motor vehicle 1, by means of a gas generator 12, inflatable air bag 1, extending in the condition shown in Figure 1a, the folded between the supporting structure and the bonnet T M. Above the airbag 10, a force transmission element 15 is arranged on the bonnet M, through which the airbag 1 can act on the bonnet M. If by means of a so-called pre-crash sensor in the form of a proximity sensor with imminent, unavoidable accident detected or is detected by means of a contact sensor an already taking place accident, so the deflection 1 is triggered by the gas generator 12 is ignited. The gas generator 12 produced by means of a pyrotechnic charge, a gas and / or releases the saved gas flowing into the gas bag 10, so that it is inflated and deployed.

Upon inflation of the airbag 10, it presses on the force transmission element 15 on the hood M, so that this is lifted, as shown in Figure 1b. In the fully inflated state of the airbag 10 the hood M is raised in the region of its rear end H by a defined distance s relative to its initial position shown in Figure 1a. may be this distance s defines the deformation, which is made of, as a result of an accident impinging on the hood M person available so that controlled impact energy degraded and the direct contact bouncing person lying behind the hood M rigid vehicle parts such. B. is the engine block prevented.

The hood M has this one hand be sufficiently stable so that it can be raised by means of a millisecond very fast inflatable airbag 10 without being damaged. On the other hand, the engine hood M must also be sufficiently resilient so that a bouncing person is already incurs serious injury due to the stiffness of the hood M.

Immediately after the inflation of the airbag 10 forms the basis of the current in the airbag 10 gas pressure an element which stably keeps the hood M in the raised position and the bonnet initially only gives way as small shaped itself upon impact a person that no significant movement the hood M counter to the deflecting a hood is possible. That is, in the case of a first on collision of a body part of the person involved in the accident, z. B. the upper body, the bonnet M immediately after the deflection of the engine hood M by inflating the airbag 10 takes this impact not mean that the engine hood M counter to the deflecting a moving and thereby controlled energy is dissipated. The corresponding deformation s therefore still represents a further impact available. In a later, second impact movement of the bonnet M is counter to its direction of displacement a thus allows the gas bag 10 has vents, as they are eg. As known in airbag modules for protecting vehicle occupants through which the in the gas from the inflator 12 the gas bag 10 has flowed gas can again be released into the environment. In this way decreases the pressure within the airbag 10 so that opposes a counter to the deflecting of a subsequent impact, z. B. of the head of a person to the hood M a considerably lower pressure to movement of the bonnet M. The hood M can then be under the action of force of impact to move counter to the deflecting a, which now controls impact energy degraded and a violation of impacting on the hood M head is prevented.

In this context it should be noted that the deflecting device nevertheless still satisfied during the first impact of the person against the engine hood M with her upper body a second main function, namely the person from direct contact located below the engine hood M rigid vehicle parts such. B . the engine block to protect.

As a result, so an impinging on the hood M person is located at a first collision immediately after the inflation of the airbag 10 by the raising of the bonnet M from contact with beneath the hood M with the arrangement shown in Figures 1a and 1b, rigid parts of the vehicle protected. In a later, second impact occurs beyond (in addition) nor to a controlled reduction of the impact energy by a movement of the bonnet M counter to the deflecting a.

Since in a accidental impact of a person initially impinging on the hood of a motor vehicle is usually the upper body and then the head on the hood, the impacting head of maximum protection in particular a reduction of the deformation path is commanded and s prevented even before the impact of the head.

In one development of the arrangement shown in Figures 1a and 1b for discharging gas from the airbag 10 serving vents can be timed in size, so that targeted a specific, predetermined

Time window can be provided in which a degradation of impact energy counter to the deflecting a possible by moving the engine hood M. It can also be provided for example that the size of the vent holes is changed by acting in a first collision with the bonnet M and the deflecting 1 force that a specific predeterminable pressure level for the expected within a certain time period secondary impact by the person ( is placed with its head) are available.

2a shows an arrangement in a modification of the embodiment shown in Figure 1a shown for lifting the hood M, wherein the deflection device 2 instead of an airbag includes a guided in a cylinder 20 piston 21, which can be raised by a signal generated by a gas generator 22 gas and then such acts in accordance with figure 2b on a power transmission member 25 to the hood M, that this is a defined distance s is raised along a deflection a.

Again, the pressure with which the deflection device on the hood 2 M in the area of ​​its rear end acts H may be varied in that from the piston-cylinder arrangement 20, 21, gas is discharged. This makes it possible as in the reach 1a and 1b illustrated embodiment, in the same way from the figures, that immediately after the deflection of the bonnet M by means of the piston 21 initially counter to the deflecting a is no movement of the bonnet M possible, while at a later time , after the release of gas from the deflection device 2 the hood M can be moved counter to the deflecting a, the piston 21 is again a piece is far moved into the cylinder 20 inside.

3a shows a modification of the arrangement shown in Figure 2a, after which consists of a cylinder 20 with piston 21 (see FIG 3b) existing deflecting 2 with the hood M in the region of its rear, cabin-side end H on a power transmission member in the form of a deformation element 26 connected is. This deformation element 26 is so elastically deformable that it on the hood of M in the vicinity of the deformation element 26 gives the impact of a person and thus permits a movement of the engine hood M counter to the direction a, along which they previously received in Figure 3b by raising the piston 21 of the deflection device 2 had been raised. The deformation element 26 may be provided in addition or alternatively to that described with reference to Figures 2a and 2b timing of deflecting the second That is, the deformation element 26 allows movement of the bonnet M counter to the deflecting device A, even if the piston 21 to the bonnet M can not be pushed back into the cylinder 20 during an impact of a body part. But it is important that the impact in the area of ​​the deformation element 26 in the area of ​​the rear end of the hood H M takes place, ie in the area where often strikes a person's head in an accident and then with a corresponding force F_H acts on the hood M. The design of the force-transmitting element (26) as a deformation element is in particular of importance when the deflecting device (2) is not formed reversible, the piston (21) so under the action of force which occurs on impact of the head (F_H) Can not be moved back into the associated cylinder 20 back.

From an impact in the area of ​​the front end of the engine hood M V originating forces F_bResulting for example from the impact of a person's legs, not result in contrast to a deformation of the deformation element 26, and thus not to move the hood M counter to its deflecting direction a. This is due partly to the curved design of the engine hood M.

With the embodiment shown in Figures 3a and 3b it is therefore possible (possibly in addition to that described with reference to FIGS 1a to 2b timing) a spatial control of the deflecting 2 achieve in such a way that after putting up the hood M a movement counter to the deflection a and the degradation of the provided path during deflection deformation takes place only when the collision around the deflection device 2 takes place at the rear of the hood H M. As often impacts the head of a pedestrian or cyclist involved in the accident in the area, this is again a special protection of the head of the relevant person.

Furthermore it can be provided that the force-displacement curve of the

The deformation element 26 is anisotropic, for example by a particularly strong deformation of the deformation element 26 is possible if the corresponding force F_H in the Acts substantially perpendicularly to the bonnet M, as is often the case with a head impact.

In the shown in Figure 4a embodiment of an arrangement for lifting the hood of M in the region of its rear, the windshield W end facing H comprises the deflecting device 3, a traction device 31 which engages with one end on a provided on the bonnet M power transmission member 35 and with the the other end is arranged in a jig 32nd The flexible traction means 31 can be formed for example by a rope and is deflected at least once between its two ends by means of a deflecting 30th

In a crash, the tensioner 32 is activated, which then exerts a pulling force on the traction means 31, for example by means of a pyrotechnic charge, or by means of an electric drive, so that it is streamlined with the hood M according to Figure 4b in the region of its rear end H is raised. When lifting the bonnet M in the region of its rear end H this pivot point formed at a front end to their V pivoted bonnet lock. The way by which the hood M is raised compared with its broken lines in Figure 4b starting position shown in the area of ​​its rear end H, depends on the position of the deflecting 30th The force with which the hood M is held in its raised position, which in turn depends on the voltage of the traction device 31 which is produced by the pulling device 32nd

In the case of an impact of the head of a person to the hood M in the range from the rear end of H as a result of an accident, the hood M due to the impact force F acting in this case_H be moved against the action of the tension of the traction means against the deflection a, so that a controlled impact energy is dissipated. The amount of movement depends on the location of impact, in the area of ​​the rear end of the hood H and M of the direction of the force F associated therewith_H from.

Impact forces F, the V of the engine hood M occur by the impact of a body part, such as, for. Example, the legs, in the region of the front end, in contrast, do not cause movement of the bonnet M counter to the deflecting a. Here, too, is in turn the curvature of the hood M significant. Optionally, the voltage may be of the traction device is 31, are also varied over time, as with increasing length of time after activation of the deflection device 3 is reduced.

5a shows a development of the embodiment shown in Figure 4a, wherein an inclined plane 37 is provided for lifting the bonnet M in addition, which is connected via a deformation element 36 with the hood M and arranged with a fixed position on a supporting part of the motor vehicle rotationally symmetrical element 38 cooperates. By forming the inclined plane 37, for example, their length and slope, the way see FIG is set to the the hood M is raised when activating the traction device 32 by tightening the traction means 31, 5b. Since the inclined plane is connected 37 via a deformation element 36 with the hood M, the possibility of movement of the bonnet M counter to the deflecting a described with reference to Figures 4a and 4b is not impaired under the effect of corresponding impact forces.

In the illustrated in Figure 6a arrangement for lifting the hood M in the region of its rear end H in case of a crash, the deflection device 4 a lever pivotable about a pivot 40 supported 41, 41b at one end (see Figure 6b) with a spring element 42 is coupled. This as a tension spring element 42 on the other hand fixed to a supporting body part T and exerts on the swing lever 41 a force which has a tendency these to pivot about the pivot point 40, wherein the hood M would be raised in the region of its rear end H. This pivotal movement is prevented by a hook 43 which engages on the pivot lever 41 and prevents the producible by the spring element 42 pivotal movement.

Rebounds as a result of an accident, a person with a body part in the region of the front end to the hood V M, so this effect the resulting impact forces F_b unlocking of the hook 43, the prejudice to the pivot lever 41 releases. This then pivots under the action of the spring element 42 about its rotational axis 40 and acts a with its end facing the spring element 42 facing away from end 41a to a arranged on the bonnet M in the region of its rear, passenger compartment side end H force transmitting element 45 so that the hood M lifted there becomes. The pivot lever 41 is also in its end position shown in Figure 6b by the raising of the bonnet M nor inclined in such a way that it by a force acting in the region of the rear end of the hood H M impact force F_H, Z. B. may result from the impact of the head of a person, in such a way against the action of the spring element 42 is pivoted such that the hood M can be lowered counter to its direction of deflection a. The spring constant of the spring element 42 determines the force required to move the hood M impact force. The inclination of the swing lever 41 in the deflected state of the deflection device 4 puts in contrast the directions of the force F_H fixed, which can trigger a pivoting back the lever 41st The less the pivot lever 41 is inclined to the vertical, the smaller the directional range within which the direction of the force F_H must occur to trigger pivoting back the lever 41st

Overall, the in this deflecting device 4 major selectable parameters include the spring constant of the spring element 42, the lengths of the two lever arms of the rocking lever 41, the mass M of the hood as well as the time required for raising the bonnet M.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 6a and 6b, so one person is in the first place the deflecting device 4 is released onto the hood M by a first impact of a body part, which then causes a lifting of the bonnet M and thereby a deformation for a later second impingement particular head of the relevant person provides.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the deflection device 5 in case of a crash of a lever arrangement 51, 52 with a about a pivot 50 pivotally mounted pivoting lever 51 and a coupled with a bumper S of the vehicle pushrod 52. covers for lifting the hood M The pushrod 52 is hinged to the lower end 51 b of the pivot lever 51st The upper end 51a of the swing lever 51 is guided in a longitudinal guide 57, which in turn is determined by a deformation element 55 of the hood M. The deformation element 55 and the longitudinal guide 57 are arranged in the region of the rear end of the hood H M immediately before the windshield W of the vehicle. Works in a crash triggered by the impact of a person force F_b the bumper S a, then this triggers a movement of the push rod 52 in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the rear (opposite to the Forward driving direction), which in turn generates a pivoting movement of the pivot lever 51 about the axis of rotation 50th In this way, the hood M is raised in the region of its rear end is H, wherein the upper end 51a of the pivot lever 51 to slide in the longitudinal guide 57th This creates a deformation path for a subsequent, secondary impact by the person affected by the accident is placed on the hood of M available, in particular for the impact of the head of the person on the hood M. Depending on the location and direction of the impact in the area of ​​the rear end H M is the hood allows a movement of the hood counter to the deflecting M a through the deformation element 55 and optionally by a swiveling back of the swivel lever 51st

In the arrangement for lifting the hood 7 shown in Figure 7 may be provided as biasing means, instead of a lever mechanism and a traction means or an inclined plane, this would have to be respectively coupled with the bumper S. Further, the bumper can cooperate S with the push rod 52 through a gear to increase the displacement of the push rod 52nd

In Figure 8a shows an arrangement for lifting the hood M is shown which deflecting 6 as in the formed in figure 3a illustrated embodiment, by a guided in a cylinder 60 piston 61 (see Figure 8b) formed by a gas generating device 62 for lifting the bonnet M is deflected in the region of its rear end H. The coupling of the piston 61 with the hood M is also done via a power transmission element 65. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 3a of the cylinder is presently 60 pivotally mounted about a pivot point D on a supporting vehicle part t.

After activation of the deflection device 6 by means of a suitable sensor, the piston 61 and thus the hood M is raised in FIG 8b, at the same time, the cylinder 60 is pivoted slightly about the pivot axis D. The existing in the cylinder 60 pressing force F_f keeps the hood M in its deflected position. Upon an impact of a body part, in particular of the head of a person to the hood M in the region of its rear end this can be moved for the controlled degradation of the impact energy, contrary to its direction of deflection A, when the force associated with the impact F_H the force generated by the gas in the cylinder 60 F_f counteracts. Has contrast in the area of ​​the front end of the engine hood M V an impact force F_bResulting from a there impacting body part, so this does not lead to a movement of the bonnet M counter to the deflecting a, since the corresponding force F_b no or sufficiently large component against the force exerted by the piston 61 force F_f having.

Further, it can be provided that the piston 61 (eg in the region of its piston rod) cooperating with clamping elements, which counteract a displacement of the piston 61 against the Auslenkrichtuπg A, the arrangement being designed so that the clamping forces in a typical impact of the torso of a person are significantly larger than the impact of the head, in such a way that a displacement of the piston 61 counter to the deflecting a is only possible with a head impact.

In Figure 9a is a modification of the embodiment shown in Figure 1a, in which an inflatable airbag 10 having deflecting 1 between a

Support structure MT and the outer skin (outside Ma) of said engine hood.

Ie., The engine hood M is present in two parts with a relatively stable support structure Mt and the exterior design of the bonnet determining

Outside Ma. Between these components of the hood M is arranged according to Figure 9a, the gas bag 10 in the folded state, wherein the support structure of the Mt

M hood has a corresponding recess R for accommodating the airbag 10 and a projecting into the airbag 10 gas generator 12 for inflating the airbag. The airbag 10 and the inflator 12 are shared by means of appropriate

Fixing elements 13 (eg. As in the form of screws or rivets) attached to the support structure of the hood Mt M.

If an imminent or has already occurred accident detected by a sensor, the airbag 10 is inflated by the gas generator 12 and thereby, as seen with reference to Figure 9b, the outer side Ma of the engine hood M is lifted from the support structure Mt. This creates a deformation path for impinging on the outer side Ma of the engine hood M pedestrians or cyclists will be provided again. The control of the airbag 10 can be carried out in the same manner as described above with reference to Figures 1a and 1b. D. h., Through targeted release of gas from the airbag 10 after lifting the outer side Ma of the bonnet M, the pressure level inside the airbag 10 and thus also the force with which the airbag 10 acts on the outer side Ma of the bonnet M, chronologically be varied. This occurs particularly with a view to a concerned at the date of a probable charge of the head in the accident, located outside of the motor vehicle person adjust such a pressure level which permits movement of the outer side Ma of the engine hood M counter to its deflection.

Due to the relatively low stiffness of the outside Ma of the engine hood M compared with a complete, from support structure Mt and outside Ma existing hood, the air bag 10 must have a relatively large volume to the engine hood M support the outside Ma extensively. This also allows a subdivision of the airbag 10 into several chambers, of which an impacting Waist allocated chambers are filled first, and with a comparatively high internal pressure, while an impacting head associated (in the region of the rear end of the bonnet M lying) chambers thereafter and be filled with a comparatively low internal pressure. This can for example be ensured by means of overflow openings, through which gas from the upper body associated chambers flows into the head associated chambers. Alternatively, a plurality of gas bags may be provided for the different impact areas which are filled at different times and with different internal pressures.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 10 is again used an airbag 10 as a deflecting device 1 for lifting the outside Ma a hood M against the support structure Mt for the protection of an off the motor vehicle person in an accident. The gas bag in the inflated state relies on the one hand to the support structure MT from and simultaneously acts in such a way to the outside of the hood Ma M a that this is deflected.

The airbag 10 is formed so as to protrude protrudes with a rear section 100 behind the rear end of the hood H and M with a further portion 101 laterally adjacent to the bonnet M. A corresponding laterally outstanding section of the airbag 10 can also be provided on the other, opposite side of the hood M. With these outstanding in addition to the hood portions 100, 101 of the airbag 10 additional areas of the vehicle body, such as fenders, the A-pillars and the frame can a Windowpane covered. In this way, the risk of injury for a person situated outside the motor vehicle is further reduced.

At the same time the airbag 10, of the hood M both in the region of its rear end H and in the region of its longitudinal sides S supporting the outer side of Ma in the inflated state, a particularly homogeneous impingement surface for an impinging person is provided in this embodiment, so that over the entire bonnet M a comparatively soft catch the head, the torso, or other body parts of a person bouncing is possible evenly.

The arrangement shown in FIG 10 can be in the same way also apply to the case where not only the outside of the hood Ma M, but the entire hood M by deflecting 1 in the form of an airbag 10 is raised.

In the embodiment shown in FIG 11, the engine hood M is a total of a 'raised, which with its base portion 100' by a deflection device 1 in the form of a substantially U-shaped airbag 10 in an accident along the rear end H of the engine hood M and its two from the base region 100 'angled legs 101', 102 'along the longitudinal sides of the hood S M extends below this. The hood M is thus supported in the raised position on three sides by the airbag 10 '.

M are provided on the entire surface of the hood M homogeneous conditions available to, as soft as possible to catch a bouncing onto the hood M person, regardless of the location of the impact on the bonnet M In this arrangement, in the raised state of the hood, by the hood M is moved against its deflection.

In the embodiments of an arrangement for lifting a hood to protect an off the motor vehicle the person depicted on the basis of figures 1a to 11 the hood M is in each case at its front end V (for example, a front lock assembly) pivoted and in particular in the area of its rear end H raised. On the other hand, it is necessary for the bonnet is lifted in case of a repair, oil change or other reasons, to be able to pivot the hood H and to its rear end. The Namely, the hood M must in each case on the one hand in the region of its rear end H to be pivotally connected to the vehicle body in order to open this for repair purposes can, and must on the other hand H may be raised in the region of its rear end to an accident, the protection function according to the invention to allow the participation of an off the motor vehicle person.

A hinge with which these requirements can be met, is shown in Figure 12a. The hinge 9 includes a base member 90 on which is fixed to the vehicle body, and a base part 90 with respect to the pivotable upper part 95, which is connectable with an engine hood. The upper part 95 is connected to the base part 90 via two adjusting levers 91, 92, which in the region of their lower ends via hinge points 91a, 92a at a part connected to the base part 90 holding element 900 and in the region of their upper ends via further hinge points 91 b , 92b articulated connected to the upper part 95 of the hood hinge. 9 This allows the upper portion 9 by means of the lever 91, 92 pivot relative to the Baisteiles 90, wherein the hood is pivoted about its rear end so that the front end of the hood flips up and concealed by the hood of the vehicle is accessible ,

The holding member 900, on which the two adjusting levers 91, 92 pivotally linked at their lower ends is, by means of two fixing elements 90a, 90b, for example in the form of rivets, to the base part 90 is connected. The fastening elements 90a, 90b of the longitudinally extended retaining member 900 are provided on the two longitudinal ends of the holding element. The - in the arrangement of the hood hinge 9 in a motor vehicle in the area of ​​the rear end of a hood - front in the direction of travel fastener 90b is adapted or has such a weakened area that the front connection between the base part 9 and the support member 900 can be solved, to raise the rear end of the hood. Because after release of the front mounting member 90b, the rear mounting member 90a acts as a hinge, so that the holding member 900 can be with respect to the base part 9, 90a pivot around this rear propeller. This is illustrated in Figure 12b. The holding member 900 then forms with the two adjusting levers 91, 92 of a lever arrangement, which permits a substantially vertical raising the rear end of the corresponding engine bonnet, as is required in the arrangements shown in the Figures 1a to eleventh The formation shown in the figures 12a and 12b of a hood hinge or bonnet hinge 9 so based on the principle that the hood hinge is modified such by the action of certain predeterminable forces that raising the rear end of a hood (that of on the hood hinge on vehicle body is hinged) is made possible. The forces required for this possibility to be applied (1a to 11 see FIGS.) Itself according to an alternative by the used to deflect the hood M deflecting. 1 According to another embodiment, a separate device may be provided which acts specifically on a particular portion of the hood hinge 9 in order to modify this in such a manner that lifting of the rear end of the bonnet hood is made possible.

Naturally, it is also conceivable to completely decouple by destruction of the hood hinge 9 the hood in the region of its rear end of the vehicle body. This could include, for example, the lever 91, 92 from either the

Base part 90 or be disconnected from the upper part of the 95th The embodiment shown in Figures 12a and 12b of a hood hinge, the only modified for raising the rear end of a bonnet is however not destroyed, has the advantage that the hood hinge 9 can simultaneously serve to raising the

to limit the bonnet M by means of the deflecting device (the manner of a retaining strap) so that an excessive lifting is avoided. Because this could in turn cause a bouncing person hits on the rear edge of the bonnet, which would increase the risk of injury.

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