Kiekert Ag

Omar Inan

Michael Scholz

Holger Schiffer

Thomas Hulsmann

The problem addressed by the invention is to devise a method for closing a motor vehicle hood which makes it possible to minimize a gap between the hood and the vehicle body. This should in particular make it possible to keep the risk of injuries low. In order to solve said problem, the hood is closed as follows by means of a hood closing device comprising a locking bolt () and a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch () and a pawl (): the open hood is moved in the direction of the closed position; this movement of the hood causes the locking bolt () to pivot the rotary latch () about its pin () in the direction of the latched position until the rotary latch () hits a breakthrough preventing contraption, in particular a catching lever (), whereupon the hood or the rotary latch along with the hood is moved using a drive unit (), in particular an electric drive unit, in such a way that the gap between the hood and the motor vehicle body is reduced; following this movement caused by the drive unit, the rotary latch () is locked by the pawl ().

Method for closing a motor vehicle hood

The problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a closing device for a motor vehicle, by means of which a gap in a door or flap can be minimized. One aim in particular is to minimize the risk of injury. To solve this problem, a closing device comprises a locking mechanism that consists of a rotary latch and a pawl for locking said rotary latch in place. A drive is provided, with which said locking mechanism can be moved, totally or partially, by means of a pivot lever, also called a rocker, such that a gap in a door or flap can be reduced. Therefore, when a door or flap is closed, a gap initially remains between the door and doorframe, or between a frame and its associated flap. The drive allows the rocker, and therefore the locking mechanism or parts thereof, to be moved such that this gap is reduced. In order to minimize the weight and number of parts, the rotary latch and pawl are preferably rotatably secured to the rocker by means of shafts.

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Dorsten, Germany

Omar Inan