Locking device, in particular for the hood of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking device (1) comprising at least: - a pawl (2) for a locking element (3); - a safety latch (4) for the locking element (3); - a pawl (5) interacting with the safety latch (4), wherein the safety latch (4) is mounted at a first bearing pin (6) in a manner rotatable about a first rotation axis (7), and the pawl (5) is mounted at a second bearing pin (8) in a manner rotatable about a second rotation axis (9), and wherein the safety latch (4) has a base (41) having a groove (42) receiving the second bearing pin (8) such that the second bearing pin (8) is arranged in the groove (42), and wherein the groove (42) is movable relative to the second bearing pin (8) or the groove is movable relative to the second bearing pin when the safety latch (4) is pivoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a locking device, particularly a locking device for the hood or rear cover of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Locking devices of the aforementioned type are used, for example, in motor vehicles for locking hoods, seatbacks, doors, covers, rear covers, trunk lids, etc., and are known, for example, from US2,256,465A, DE 10 2007 003 292A1, US 3,397,906A, or US 5,738,393A. To unlock the locking device, the obstructed portion formed by the pawl, rotary latch, and locking element is moved by means of an actuator (e.g., an actuating motor) or manually, so that the pawl is moved from the obstructed position to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position of the pawl, the rotary latch is released so that it can be opened from the locked position to the open position and the locking element, such as a locking bow, is released. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved locking device that has a simple structure and is constructed to be relatively stable under mechanical stress.

[0004] The present invention achieves the above-mentioned objective by means of a locking device having the features described herein.

[0005] Advantageous technical solutions of the present invention are described below.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved using a locking device, particularly a locking device for a vehicle hood or trunk lid, wherein the locking device includes at least a pawl for a locking element (particularly a bolt or bolt), a safety latch for the locking element, and a pawl interacting with the safety latch, wherein the safety latch is mounted at a first bearing pin or a first journal in a manner rotatable about a first axis of rotation, and the pawl is mounted at a second bearing pin or a second journal in a manner rotatable about a second axis of rotation, wherein the safety latch has a base with a groove that receives a second bearing pin such that the second bearing pin is arranged in the groove, wherein the groove is movable relative to the second bearing pin, or the groove is movable relative to the second bearing pin, when the safety latch is pivoted.

[0007] The advantages gained from this invention are particularly that the pivoting movement of the safety latch is safely guided, and in particular, forcibly guided, by means of a second bearing pin guided in a groove.

[0008] One improved design involves a locking device in a fixed position, where the pawl is open and the locking element is held securely in place by a safety latch. Forces acting on the locking element are dissipated in a segmented manner to the first and second bearing pins. Due to the segmentation of these two bearing points and the forces that may act on the locking element (particularly the tension of the hood or rear cover connected to the locking element) when the pawl and safety latch are in contact, the locking device is constructed to be sufficiently stable against mechanical stress even in the fixed position.

[0009] A further aspect is that the groove includes at least a first end stop and a second end stop for pivoting the safety latch between a first end position and a second end position. For example, the groove is designed to be arc-shaped.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, in the locked position of the locking device, where the pawl and locking element are engaged in a locked manner, a second bearing pin is disposed at a first end stop. This first end stop restricts the pivoting movement of the safety latch toward the locked position.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, in the fixed position of the locking device, where the pawl is open and the locking element is securely held by means of a safety latch, a second bearing pin is disposed at a second end stop. This second end stop restricts the pivoting movement of the safety latch toward the fixed position.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, a handle element is provided for opening the locking device, by means of which the safety latch can be brought into the open position. For example, the manual handle element is movably connected to the safety latch via a Bowden cable.

[0013] A further aspect is that the safety latch is flipped by the locking element to the locked position of the locking device. Therefore, the safety latch is permanently held in the locked position.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, when the locking device is opened, the safety latch can be brought into a fixed position with spring support. The pivoting movement of the safety latch toward the fixed position, particularly the lifting movement, is limited by a second bearing pin and a second end stop. For example, a spring element is arranged between the pawl and the safety latch. The safety latch can be preloaded in the locked position of the locking device in the opposite direction of the pivoting movement toward the fixed position via the spring element, particularly a leg spring or torsion spring. Therefore, the pivoting or lifting movement of the safety latch from the locked position to the fixed position is continuously supported by the spring. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 A locking device with two bearing points is schematically shown in a top view.

[0017] Figure 2 A locking device with two bearing points is schematically shown in a 3D diagram.

[0018] Figure 3 The locking mechanism is schematically shown in a top view, featuring two bearing points and a lock housing that partially surrounds them.

[0019] Figure 4 The diagram schematically shows the data based on a 3D representation. Figure 3 The locking device has a manual handle element for opening the locking device and a Bowden cable.

[0020] Figure 5 The locking mechanism in the partially open position is schematically shown in a top view.

[0021] Figure 6 The locking device in a fixed position is schematically shown in a top view.

[0022] Figure 7 A top-down view schematically shows the data based on... Figure 6 A locking device in a fixed position, and the locking device having a division of forces acting on two bearing points, and

[0023] Figure 8 The lock mechanism is schematically shown in a partially transparent top view, in its fixed position before being unlocked.

[0024] The same parts in all the accompanying drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 A locking device 1 in the locked position 100 is schematically shown in a top view. This locking device is used for, for example, the hood or rear cover of a vehicle.

[0026] In its assembled state, the locking device 1 is designed as an assembly unit. All components of the locking device 1 are mechanically connected and interlocked. The locking device 1 can be designed as manual or electric, particularly electric motor type.

[0027] The following describes a lock device 1 with a manual opening mechanism.

[0028] The locking device 1 includes at least a pawl 2 for locking element 3, a safety latch 4 for locking element 3, and a ratchet 5 that interacts with the safety latch 4. The locking element 3 and the pawl 2 are connected in a locking manner, and the locking element 3 is in the locked position 100.

[0029] The safety latch 4 is mounted on the first bearing pin 6 or the first journal in a manner that allows it to rotate about the first axis of rotation 7. The pawl 5 is mounted on the second bearing pin 8 or the second journal in a manner that allows it to rotate about the second axis of rotation 9.

[0030] The safety latch 4 has at least a base 41 with a groove 42. The groove 42 receives a second bearing pin 8 such that the second bearing pin 8 is arranged in the groove 42, wherein the groove 42 is movable relative to the second bearing pin 8 when the safety latch 4 is pivoted, or the groove is movable relative to the second bearing pin.

[0031] The first bearing pin 6 and the second bearing pin 8 serve as bearing points at the fixed position 101 of the locking device 1.

[0032] The claw 2 is, for example, a rotary latch or hook-shaped claw 2 for the locking element 3 in the locked position 100, particularly for fixing the locking element 3 in the locked position 100.

[0033] For example, locking element 3 is designed as a bolt or a U-shaped locking bow.

[0034] The safety latch 4 is specifically a rotary latch or hook-shaped safety element for locking element 3, particularly for gripping locking element 3 and holding it fixedly in a fixed position 101 (in Figure 6 and Figure 7 (as shown in the image).

[0035] The pawl 5 is specifically designed as a blocking mechanism for the pawl 2, so as to block the pawl in the locked position 100 of the locking device 1 to prevent accidental opening.

[0036] The groove 42 includes at least a first end stop 421 and a second end stop 422 for allowing the safety latch 4 to be in the first terminal position 43 (at Figure 1 and Figure 2 (shown in) and the second terminal position 44 (in) Figures 5 to 7 (as shown in the image) pivots between them. The groove 42 is designed, for example, to be arc-shaped.

[0037] In the locked position 100, the pawl 2 (also referred to as a rotary latch) and the locking element 3 are engaged in a locked manner. For example, the pawl 2 has a hook-shaped receiving portion 2.1 in which the locking element 3 is held.

[0038] In the locked position 100 of the locking device 1 (=locked state of the locking device 1), the pawl 2 and the locking element 3 are connected in a locked manner in this locked position, and the second bearing pin 8 is arranged at the first end stop 421 or in the area of ​​the first end stop 421.

[0039] Furthermore, the pawl 2 and the locking element 3 are blocked by the pawl 5 to prevent the blockage from being released. For example, the outer contours of the pawl 2 and the pawl 5 are thus in a force-locked connection that can be released, particularly in a friction-locked connection.

[0040] Additionally, the safety latch 4 is positioned (particularly flipped or pivoted) in the locked position 100 of the locking device 1 by the locking element 3. For this purpose, the safety latch 4 includes a slit-like opening 47 in which the locking element 3 is arranged such that it positions and holds the safety latch 4 in a first end position 43. This placement movement is limited by the interaction of a first end stop 421 and a second bearing pin 8. In this first end position 43, the safety latch 4 is pivoted away from the fixed position 101.

[0041] Additionally, a lifting spring 10 is provided, one end of which is hinged to the lock frame 11 and the opposite end is hinged to the pawl 2. By means of the lifting spring 10, which is tensioned in the locked position 100 of the locking device 1, the pawl 2 is lifted under the support of the spring when the locking device 1 is opened, in particular, it is pivoted open.

[0042] The lock frame 11 can be specifically constructed as a multi-body type. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 8 In each example, only the first support member 111 is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The image shows a lock frame 11 with a first support 111 and a second support 112 in its assembled state. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first support member 112 is not shown in the image.

[0043] Additionally, the locking device 1 may include a damper 12. The damper 12 serves to reduce or avoid noise from the lifting spring 10 during actuation, particularly during the lifting movement of the claw 2. For this purpose, the damper 12 is designed inside the lifting spring 10, which is designed as a helical spring. This helical spring is specifically designed as a tension spring.

[0044] A pawl spring 51 is assigned to the pawl 5. For example, the pawl spring 51 is a leg spring. The pawl spring 51 is specifically designed as a reset element for the pawl 5. One end of the pawl spring 51 is hinged to the pawl 5, and the other end is hinged to the first support member 111.

[0045] Spring element 45 is assigned to safety latch 4. For example, spring element 45 is a leg spring. Spring element 45 is specifically designed as a lifting element of safety latch 4. One end of spring element 45 is hinged to safety latch 4, and the other end is hinged to first support member 111. Spring element 45 may be specifically arranged between pawl 2 and safety latch 4, for example on first bearing pin 6. Figure 1The image shows the free spring end of the spring element 45, which is hinged to the safety latch 4. The safety latch 4 includes a spring receiving portion 46 for this purpose.

[0046] Figure 2 The locking device 1 is schematically shown in a perspective view. The locking device has bearing pins 6 and 8 designed as two bearing points and a safety latch 4 with a groove 42.

[0047] To open the locking device 1, a force transmission element 13 is provided, which is connected to the safety latch 4. For this purpose, the safety latch 4 includes a corresponding receiving portion 48. The force transmission element 13 is, for example, a Bowden cable.

[0048] With the aid of force transmission element 13, an opening force can be transmitted to safety latch 4, which is generated at a handle element (not shown) for manually opening the lock device 1, or by an electrically driven element (not shown), to move safety latch 4 from fixed position 101 to open position 49, such as, for example, in Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. The safety latch 4 then opens and the locking element 3 is released, thereby opening the locking device 1 and causing a movable element connected to the locking element 3, such as, for example, the hood or trunk lid, to open.

[0049] Additionally, the locking device 1 may include a micro switch 14. The micro switch 14 is specifically used to indicate that the locking device 1 is open, particularly the open pawl 5 or the open latch. The micro switch 14 specifically monitors the position of the pawl 5. When the pawl 5 is open, the micro switch 14 is activated at the defined pawl position, thereby displaying, for example, an "open hood" on the vehicle's dashboard.

[0050] Figure 3 The locking device 1 is schematically shown in a top view. The locking device has bearing pins 6 and 8 designed as two bearing points and a lock frame 11, but does not have a locking element 3.

[0051] The lock frame 11 includes support members 111 and 112, which are assembled together and at least partially surround the components of the locking device 1. The lock frame 11 at least partially forms the lock housing.

[0052] The second support member 112 includes two through holes 113 through which the two bearing pins 6 and 8 protrude when the locking device 1 is assembled.

[0053] The locking device 1 with a partially enclosed locking frame 11 can be pre-assembled without the locking element 3 to form an assembly module 15.

[0054] Figure 4The locking device 1 is shown in a perspective view. The locking device has a plug 16 for a micro switch 14 and a force transmission element 13 for opening the locking device 1, in particular opening the safety latch 4.

[0055] Figure 5 The locking device 1 is shown schematically in a top view in the partially open position 102. This partially open position 102 is not a fixed position, but only a snapshot during the opening of the claw 2 to release the locking element 3.

[0056] The safety latch 4 (also referred to as a safety hook or rotary latch) is rotated according to arrow 17 around the first bearing pin 6, such as a journal or bearing rivet, by the torque action of the associated spring element 45, until the stop portion of the second bearing pin 8 abuts against the second end stop 422 in the groove 42. In other words, the lifting movement of the safety latch 4, particularly the pivoting movement according to arrow 17, is determined by the second bearing pin 8 and by the shape of the groove 42 in the safety latch 4.

[0057] The locking element 3, such as a bolt or bolt, moves from the locked position 101 to the open position according to arrow 18.

[0058] When the locking device 1 is in the partially open position 102 (in) Figure 5 (as shown in) and / or fixed position 101 (in Figure 6 and Figure 7 During the period shown in the figure, the stop portion 423 of the second bearing pin 8 reaches the position abutting against the second end stop 422. At the latest at the fixed position 102, the stop portion of the second bearing pin 8 is in the state of abutting against the second end stop 422.

[0059] As described above, the safety latch 4 is brought into the fixed position 101 under the support of the spring. The lifting movement of the safety latch 4, especially the pivoting movement, is restricted by the stop portion of the second bearing pin 8 abutting against the second end stop 422.

[0060] The first bearing pin 6 of the safety latch 4 can be used as the pawl bearing of the pawl 2. The second bearing pin 8 of the safety latch 4 can be used as the pawl bearing of the pawl 5.

[0061] Figure 6 The locking device 1 is schematically shown in a top view at a fixed position 101, where the claw 2 is open and the locking element 3 is held in place by means of a safety latch 4. The gripping stop 31 of the locking element 3 is positioned to abut against the gripping receiving portion 40 of the safety latch 4. The gripping receiving portion 40 is designed to be hook-shaped.

[0062] The locking element 3, such as a bolt or bolt, is positioned from the open position to the fixed position 101 of the locking device 1, according to arrow 19. In the fixed position 101, the locking element 3 is securely held in place by the gripping receiving portion 40 of the raised safety latch 4, as in... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the image.

[0063] Figure 7 A top-down view schematically shows the data based on... Figure 6 The locking device 10 is in a fixed position 101 and has a force 20, particularly a tensile force, acting on the locking element 3, divided at two bearing pins 6 and 8 designed as bearing points. The force 20 is divided into two components 21 and 22 and dissipated to the two bearing pins 6 and 8.

[0064] The locking element 3 is gripped by the gripping receiving portion 40 of the safety latch 4, particularly by the gripping contour. The force 20 acting on the locking element 3, particularly the pulling force, can be caused by a moving element connected to the locking element 3, such as a hood or rear cover.

[0065] At fixed position 101, the force 20 is distributed on two contact surfaces of the first bearing pin 6 and the second bearing pin 8, through which the component forces 21 and 22 can be dissipated.

[0066] Figure 8 The locking device 1 is schematically shown in a partially transparent top view in a fixed position 101 (shown by dashed lines), and the opening movement of the safety latch 4 toward the first bearing pin 6, which is also the open position 103 of the locking device 1, is shown in a solid line, according to arrow 23.

[0067] To open the locking device 1, the safety latch 4 can be opened manually or electrically via the actuation transmission element 13. The opening movement of the safety latch 4 can be carried out by the guide of the pin 25 in the receiving portion 48 of the safety latch 4, as indicated by the arrow 24.

[0068] List of icon symbols

[0069] 1 Locking device

[0070] 100 Locked Position

[0071] 101 Fixed Position

[0072] 102 Part Open Location

[0073] 103 Open Location

[0074] 2 claws

[0075] 2.1 Reception Section

[0076] 3 locking elements

[0077] 4 Safety latches

[0078] 40 gripping and holding section

[0079] 41 matrix

[0080] 42 grooves

[0081] 421 First end stop

[0082] 422 Second end stop

[0083] 423 Stop section

[0084] 43 First terminal position

[0085] 44 Second terminal position

[0086] 45 Spring Element

[0087] 46 Spring Receiving Section

[0088] 47 Slit-like opening

[0089] 48 Accommodation Department

[0090] 49 Open Location

[0091] 5 pawls

[0092] 51 Pawl Spring

[0093] 6 First bearing pin

[0094] 7 First axis of rotation

[0095] 8 Second bearing pin

[0096] 9 Second axis of rotation

[0097] 10. Lift the spring

[0098] 11 lock frames

[0099] 111 First Support Component

[0100] 112 Second support component

[0101] 113 through hole

[0102] 12 dampers

[0103] 13 Force Transmission Elements

[0104] 14 micro switches

[0105] 15 Assembly Modules

[0106] 16-plug

[0107] 17 arrows

[0108] 18 arrows

[0109] 19 arrows

[0110] 20 strength

[0111] 21 and 22 components

[0112] 23 arrows

[0113] 24 arrows

[0114] 25 sales

Claims

1. A locking device (1), the locking device comprising at least: - Claw (2) for locking element (3); - Safety latch (4) for the locking element (3); - A pawl (5) that interacts with the safety latch (4). The safety latch (4) is mounted on the first bearing pin (6) in a manner that allows it to rotate about the first axis of rotation (7), and The pawl (5) is mounted on the second bearing pin (8) in a manner that allows it to rotate about the second axis of rotation (9), and The safety latch (4) has a base (41) with a groove (42) that receives the second bearing pin (8), such that the second bearing pin (8) is arranged in the groove (42), and When the safety latch (4) is pivoted, the groove (42) moves relative to the second bearing pin (8), and the pivoting motion of the safety latch (4) is guided by the second bearing pin (8) guided in the groove (42).

2. The locking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the fixed position (101) of the locking device (1), the pawl (2) is open and the locking element (3) is fixedly held by means of the safety latch (4), and the force (20) acting on the locking element (3) can be dissipated in a segmented manner to the first bearing pin (6) and the second bearing pin (8).

3. The locking device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the groove (42) includes at least a first end stop (421) and a second end stop (422) for pivoting the safety latch (4) between a first end position (43) and a second end position (44).

4. The locking device (1) according to claim 3, wherein in the locked position (100) of the locking device (1), the pawl (2) and the locking element (3) are connected in a locking manner, and the second bearing pin (8) is arranged at the first end stop (421).

5. The locking device (1) according to claim 3, wherein in the fixed position (101) of the locking device (1), the pawl (2) is open and the locking element (3) is fixedly held by means of the safety latch (4), and the second bearing pin (8) is arranged at the second end stop (422).

6. The locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the groove (42) is designed to be arc-shaped.

7. The locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein a handle element is provided for opening the locking device (1), by means of which the safety latch (4) can be brought into the open position (49).

8. The locking device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the safety latch (4) is placed in the locked position (100) of the locking device (1) by the locking element (3).

9. The locking device (1) according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein the safety latch (4) can be brought into the fixed position (101) under spring support.

10. The locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein a spring element (45) is arranged between the claw (2) and the safety latch (4).

Images