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DE-102025107451-B3 - Motor vehicles with an electrically covered front trunk and procedures

DE102025107451B3DE 102025107451 B3DE102025107451 B3DE 102025107451B3DE-102025107451-B3

Abstract

Motor vehicle (10) with an electrically covered front trunk (12), comprising a control device which is controllable by means of a control element (14), whereby a motorized drive mechanism for adjusting a cover (13) covering the front trunk between an open position and a closed position can be controlled, wherein the control element (14) is arranged in an outer circumferential frame surface (16) of a trunk housing (18), which is at an angle to an outer circumferential wall of the trunk housing (18), wherein the control element (14) is adjustable between a retracted position (P1), in which the control element (14) is arranged in a recess (20) of the frame surface (16), and an extended position (P2), in which the control element (14) can be operated by a user. The invention further relates to a method for operating such an electrically operated front trunk (12).

Inventors

  • Rajwardhan Pandit

Assignees

  • Mercedes-Benz Group AG

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20250227

Claims (8)

  1. Motor vehicle (10) with an electrically covered front trunk (12), with a control device which can be controlled by means of a control element (14), whereby a motorized drive mechanism for adjusting a cover (13) covering the front trunk between an open position and a closed position can be controlled, wherein the control element (14) is arranged in an outer circumferential frame surface (16) of a trunk housing (18), which is at an angle to an outer circumferential wall of the trunk housing (18), characterized in that the control element (14) is adjustable between a retracted position (P1), in which the control element (14) is arranged in a recess (20) of the frame surface (16), and an extended position (P2), in which the control element (14) can be operated by a user, and that the adjustment of the control element (14) between the retracted position (P1) and the extended position (P2) depends on the open position and the closing position of the cover (13).
  2. Motor vehicles (10) to Claim 1 , characterized in that the operating element (14) is mechanically adjustable via a spring element (22).
  3. Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (14) is arranged on a plane of the frame surface (16) on a side of the control element (14) which is aligned with the cover (13) in the closed position.
  4. Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one damping element (24) is arranged on a side of the operating element (14) that is aligned with the cover (13) in the closed position.
  5. Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrical contact of the control element (14) is established via the spring element (22).
  6. Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation of the control element (14) requires a force (F_B) less than the spring force (F_F) of the spring element (22).
  7. Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control element (14) is at least partially locked in the extended position (P2).
  8. Method for operating an electrically operated front trunk (12) of a motor vehicle (10), in which an actuation of a control element (14) is detected and a control signal is transmitted from the control element (14) to a control unit of the front trunk (12), and a motorized drive mechanism for adjusting a cover (13) arranged to cover the front trunk (12) between an open position and a closed position is actuated, characterized in that, depending on the position of the cover (13), the control element (14) is adjusted between a retracted position (P1), in which the control element (14) is arranged in a recess within a depression (20) of the frame surface (16), and an extended position (P2), in which the control element (14) can be operated by a user.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle with an electrically covered front trunk according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for operating such an electrically operated front trunk. Vehicles with an electrically operated front trunk, also known as a frunk or power frunk, use a motorized drive control to adjust the front trunk or its cover between an open and closed position. This control is achieved via a control unit, typically activated by a control element, allowing the cover to be opened and/or closed automatically, similar to a conventional trunk. From the US 2024/0301729 A1 A motor vehicle is disclosed which includes a cover for the front engine compartment, which can be opened and closed at least semi-automatically by means of a control element and corresponding sensors. However, the control element is directed at the locking mechanism, whereby the cover is further closed in the closed position, or the locking mechanism is actuated. The object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle with an electrically operated front trunk and a method by which a particularly ergonomic operating option for adjusting the cover covering the trunk is created. This problem is solved by means of a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the motor vehicle and the method according to the invention are described in the dependent claims. Furthermore, additional advantageous developments of the invention are explained in the following description and in the figures. One aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with an electrically operated front trunk, in particular a frunk or power frunk, which includes a control unit that can be operated via a control element. This allows a motorized drive mechanism for adjusting a cover covering the front trunk between an open and a closed position, or rather, allows the cover to be adjusted. The control element is arranged in an outer frame surface of a trunk housing, which is at an angle to an outer wall of the trunk housing. This enables ergonomic and intuitive, as well as easily accessible, operation by a user, thus providing particularly convenient operation of the front trunk (power frunk). Accordingly, to solve the problem of the invention and create an ergonomically accessible operating option, the control element is arranged in the outer frame surface of the trunk housing. This ensures that the control element is both clearly visible and accessible and, at the same time, protected from unintentional activation. The control element can be designed, in particular, as a mechanical push button, capacitive sensor, or pressure-sensitive switch, thus providing one or more actuation options. Control elements requiring no or very little actuation force are preferred to enable particularly convenient and easy operation. The arrangement of the control element thus solves the problem of the invention by providing easily accessible and, in particular, protected control of the trunk. The control element is positioned so that it is easily reachable even for very short people, even when the trunk lid is fully open. Since conventional controls are often located directly on the lid, it can be difficult for shorter users to operate them when open. This ergonomically advantageous position of the control element ensures comfortable and barrier-free operation regardless of height. Furthermore, the control element is positioned so that it cannot be accidentally activated by objects or external influences, such as cargo in the trunk or unintentional contact with other vehicle parts. This prevents unwanted activation while simultaneously providing targeted and intuitive operation. The invention provides that the control element is adjustable between a retracted position, in which it is arranged in a recess within a depression of the frame surface, and an extended position, in which it can be operated by a user. This enables It is clear that the control element is only accessible to the user when the cover is in the open position or adjusted to that position. This reduces the risk of unintentional activation, for example, if objects are placed in or stored in the trunk, or if a user accidentally bumps into or triggers the control element with an object. According to the invention, the adjustment of the control element between the retracted and extended positions is also provided for, depending on the open and/or closed position of the cover. The control element is moved into the retracted position when the cover is in the closed position, and into the extended position when the cover is in the open position. This ensures that the control element is only visible and, in particular, accessible when operation by the user is required. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one damping element is arranged on a side of the control element that faces th