locking mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking mechanism provided and adapted to interact with at least one locking element to establish a lock between the locking mechanism and the locking element, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first locking pawl and a second locking pawl, which are independently rotatable from each other about a first rotation axis, wherein the first locking pawl is arranged and adapted to interact with a first locking element, and wherein the second locking pawl is arranged and adapted to interact with a second locking element, wherein a secure lock exists when the first locking element is locked to the first locking pawl and the second locking element is locked to the second locking pawl.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a locking mechanism provided and designed to interact with a locking element. The invention also relates to a component having such a locking mechanism so as to securely lock the component relative to an element. Background Technology

[0002] Locking mechanisms are known in the prior art, in which secure locking between different components is assumed purely on suspicion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to achieve the safest connection by means of a connection mechanism between components and elements, which is implemented in a particularly simple manner in terms of structure. The locking mechanism of this invention is based on the fail-safe principle.

[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved through a locking mechanism.

[0005] A key idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism that is configured and designed to interact with two locking elements to establish or release a lock.

[0006] According to the present invention, a locking mechanism is intended and adapted to interact with at least one locking element to establish a lock between the locking mechanism and the locking element, wherein the locking mechanism includes a first locking pawl and a second locking pawl, which are rotatable independently of each other about a first rotation axis, wherein the first locking pawl is provided and adapted to interact with a first locking element, and wherein the second locking pawl is provided and adapted to interact with a second locking element, wherein a safety lock exists when the first locking element is locked to the first locking pawl and the second locking element is locked to the second locking pawl.

[0007] Locking is understood as preventing movement of a component toward an element in at least one spatial direction, particularly at least in the vertical direction.

[0008] The locking mechanism is based on the fail-safe principle.

[0009] Conversely, if at most one locking element is engaged with the corresponding locking pawl, then a non-safe locking condition exists. This means that either no locking element is engaged with the corresponding locking pawl, or only one locking element is engaged with the corresponding locking pawl.

[0010] The basic idea is to provide a component that can be releasably connected to an element. This releasable connection can be achieved by means of a locking mechanism interacting with one, two, or more locking elements.

[0011] Particularly preferred is that the locking mechanism can interact with at least two locking elements. This has the advantage of preventing movement in the height direction on the one hand, and preventing rotational movement about the height direction in a plane perpendicular to the height direction on the other.

[0012] Furthermore, preferably, the locking mechanism is designed and provided such that, in the case of locking with at most one of the two locking elements, it can be indicated that there is no security lock.

[0013] In terms of structure, the locking mechanism can be described as follows.

[0014] According to the present invention, the locking mechanism includes a first locking pawl and a second locking pawl. The locking pawl is connected to a locking shaft that extends in a direction perpendicular to the height direction, such as the width direction. Furthermore, the locking pawl is independently rotatable about a first rotation axis formed by the locking shaft. The connection between the locking pawl and the locking shaft is preferably such that the locking pawl is rotatable relative to the locking shaft.

[0015] Further preferably, the locking pawls can be spaced apart from each other in the width direction, preferably by a first distance. Due to the spacing between the locking pawls and their rotatable connection to the locking shaft, the locking pawls can rotate independently about the width direction. This means that the locking of the first locking pawl and the locking of the second locking pawl, i.e., their connection to the first locking element or the second locking element, are independent of each other.

[0016] The locking elements are preferably arranged in a similar manner to the locking pawls relative to each other.

[0017] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a first safety pawl and a second safety pawl are provided, designed and configured such that the first safety pawl interacts with a first locking pawl and the second safety pawl interacts with a second locking pawl to achieve safety locking and release. Preferably, the safety pawls are spaced apart, preferably in the width direction. Preferably, the safety pawls are arranged in a similar manner to the locking pawls relative to each other.

[0018] Preferably, the safety pawls are connected to the synchronizing shaft in a non-rotational manner, thereby enabling synchronized movement of the safety pawls. This means that when the locking mechanism is actuated, its purpose is always to lock the two locking pawls. Preferably, the synchronizing shaft is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the locking shaft.

[0019] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a first safety pawl and a second safety pawl, which are synchronously rotatable about a second rotation axis, wherein the first safety pawl is configured and adapted to interact with a first locking pawl, and wherein the second safety pawl is configured and adapted to interact with a second locking pawl, such that the locking pawl is held in a locked or unlocked position.

[0020] The synchronizing shaft for the second rotating axis and the locking shaft for the first rotating axis can be formed by shafts.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis may be specified to be spaced apart from each other and parallel.

[0022] By separating the rotation axes, good rotatability of each pawl relative to each other and good interaction between the safety pawl and the locking pawl can be achieved.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the synchronizing shaft and the locking shaft are fixedly mounted between the first retaining element and the second retaining element by means of the first retaining element and the second retaining element, except for rotation.

[0024] The locking pawl and the safety pawl extend radially about their respective axes or rotation axes.

[0025] Particularly preferably, according to one embodiment, each locking pawl can be positioned from its unlocked position to a locked position with the corresponding locking element by rotation about a first rotation axis in a first rotational direction, wherein the rotation of the locking pawl can be achieved by bringing the locking pawl and the locking element into contact and moving them toward each other.

[0026] This means that in the first rotational position of each locking pawl, there is an unlocked state, while in the second rotational position, there is a locked state with respect to the locking pawl. If both locking pawls are in the locked position, a secure lock exists. If at most one locking pawl is in the locked position, the lock is insecure.

[0027] Since the locking pawls can move independently of each other, their locking is also independent of each other.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, where the safety pawl is preferably configured and designed to hold the locking pawl in a locked or unlocked position, the safety pawl is connected to a first portion of the corresponding locking pawl in the unlocked position and to a second portion of the corresponding locking pawl in the locked position, thereby allowing each safety pawl to move from the first portion to the second portion by rotation in a first rotational direction.

[0029] Preferably, the first and second portions of the locking pawl are different from each other. The safety pawl can be moved from the first portion to the second portion and vice versa by rotational movement about a second axis of rotation, depending on the rotational position of the respective associated locking pawl.

[0030] To return the locking mechanism with a lockable locking pawl from the locked position to the unlocked position, according to a preferred embodiment, a return element, preferably a Bowden cable element, is provided, which is connected to a second rotational axis such that the safety pawl can be initiated to rotate about the second rotational axis in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction by actuating the return element or the Bowden cable element, respectively.

[0031] For an improved locking and / or resetting mechanism or locking pawl, according to a further embodiment, it may preferably be provided that the first rotating shaft is subjected to a first spring force, each locking pawl is subjected to a spring force, the first spring force is subjected to a first torsion spring, and each locking pawl is subjected to a tension spring.

[0032] It can be further specified that the synchronizing shaft is subjected to a first spring force. For example, the first spring force can be provided by a first torsion spring. For this purpose, the first torsion spring is connected to the synchronizing shaft on one side and to one of the retaining elements on the other. Preferably, the first torsion spring is arranged such that it is preloaded in the unlocked position of each safety pawl or locking pawl, i.e., when the locking pawl rotates in the first rotational direction, the safety pawl rotates from the first part to the second part due to the first spring force.

[0033] More preferably, each locking pawl may be subjected to a spring force. Particularly preferably, each locking pawl is connected to a tension spring, which is connected on one hand to the corresponding locking pawl and on the other hand to one or more of the retaining elements. Preferably, the tension spring is designed such that it is taut in the locked position or has a higher spring tension than in the unlocked position. This means that when the locking pawl rotates from the second part to the first part, each locking pawl rotates in the second rotational direction due to the action of the tension spring, thereby allowing the locking pawl to shift from the second rotational position to the first rotational position.

[0034] The rotational movement of the shaft can be achieved by applying a spring force to the synchronous shaft or locking pawl, depending on the position of the components relative to each other. Similarly, the reset of each component can also be achieved, depending on its position.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the spring forces of the synchronizing shaft and the locking element are applied in opposite directions, so that they can rotate in different directions, which can facilitate locking or unlocking.

[0036] The following describes the possible sequence of motion of the locking mechanism, i.e., the locking pawl being introduced into contact with the locking element.

[0037] In the basic configuration of the locking mechanism, the safety pawl and the locking pawl are designed to be in contact with each other. Preferably, the first part of the safety pawl is in contact with the locking pawl.

[0038] When the locking mechanism moves the locking element and the locking pawl toward each other and into contact, this causes the locking pawl to rotate in the first rotational direction. The safety pawl and the locking pawl remain in contact with each other in the first part.

[0039] Now, the further the locking pawl moves forward in the first rotational direction, the closer the locking mechanism and locking element move toward each other.

[0040] After the locking pawl rotates a certain distance, the contact between the locking pawl and the safety pawl is released, meaning the safety pawl and the locking pawl are no longer in contact. Now, the application of force to the safety pawl causes it to rotate in the first rotational direction. The pawls rotate until they contact the second part of the locking pawl. The locking mechanism is connected to the locking element and the locking pawl, thus establishing an interlock.

[0041] It should be noted that the locking pawl will only rotate when it contacts the locking element. Otherwise, the locking pawl will not rotate.

[0042] When the lock is unlocked or released, the last described state of the lock is the initial state of the current unlock.

[0043] In the first step, the safety pawl is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. Preferably, the synchronizing shaft or safety pawl can be connected to the Bowden cable element so that when the Bowden cable element is actuated, rotation in the second direction can be caused.

[0044] This rotation of the synchronous shaft and the safety pawl in the second rotational direction causes the safety pawl to move relative to the locking pawl. During this process, the safety pawl and the locking pawl come into contact in the second part until a certain rotational distance is covered, and the connection between the safety pawl and the locking pawl is released.

[0045] Because the locking pawls are also subjected to spring force, they are reset, meaning they rotate in the second rotational direction until the locking pawls and safety pawls are in contact with each other again in the first part. The rotation of the locking pawls releases them from the locking element.

[0046] Because the synchronous shaft is connected to the Bowden cable element, the first end of the Bowden cable element connected to the synchronous shaft moves together with the synchronous shaft or indirectly causes the synchronous shaft to move.

[0047] This means that when the locking mechanism is locked, i.e., when both locking pawls are locked, the first end of the Bowden cable element will also move due to the movement of the synchronizing shaft. It should be noted that the rotation of the synchronizing shaft only occurs when both safety pawls rotate, and the two safety pawls only rotate when they rotate by contacting their respective locking elements.

[0048] During unlocking, the Bowden cable element is actuated, specifically the first end itself, causing the synchronizing shaft and the corresponding safety pawl to rotate.

[0049] More preferably, the present invention relates to a vehicle having an element including a locking mechanism and a locking element.

[0050] The component can be, for example, a box-type component, which can be removed from the vehicle due to space constraints or inserted due to the need for a shelf or storage space.

[0051] Locking or unlocking can also be described using methods.

[0052] When locked, the steps are as follows:

[0053] - Provide locking mechanisms and locking elements;

[0054] - By moving the locking mechanism and locking element toward each other to bring them into contact, the locking pawl rotates, and the connection between the locking pawl and the safety pawl in the first part is released;

[0055] - When the connection of the first part is released, the synchronous shaft with the pawl is rotated until the pawl contacts the locking pawl in the second part.

[0056] Rotation occurs automatically due to the contact between the locking pawl and the connecting element, and preferably by means of spring force. It should be noted that the pawl will only rotate when there is contact between the pawl and the locking element.

[0057] If unlocked, the steps will be provided as follows:

[0058] - Provides a locking mechanism and a locking element, with the locking pawl contacting the locking element in the second part;

[0059] - Operate the Bowden cable element to rotate the synchronizing shaft and release the locking pawl from contact with the safety pawl in the second part;

[0060] - Rotate the locking pawl until the first part contacts the safety pawl.

[0061] If only one locking pawl is in contact with the locking element during locking, the synchronizing shaft will not rotate. This means that the first end of the Bowden cable element will not be moved.

[0062] Preferably, the Bowden cable element can be actuated by means of an actuating element. Preferably, the actuating element is arranged at the second end of the Bowden cable element.

[0063] Particularly preferred is that the actuating element can be provided both to actuate the locking mechanism and to provide a status indication of the locking mechanism.

[0064] Specifically, the actuating element can be arranged on the element and has the following characteristics. Particularly preferred is that the actuating element can move up and down along the height direction.

[0065] When the locking mechanism is unlocked, the actuating element is positioned in the first position. Preferably, the actuating element can be colored green to make this position identifiable.

[0066] During the corresponding movement of the locking and Bowden cable element's first end, the actuating element is moved to the second position. Preferably, the area dyed red can be made visible in this way. In the second position, it can be seen that the locking mechanism is properly locked.

[0067] During unlocking, the actuating element is manually moved from the second position to the first position, thus moving the first end of the Bowden cable element accordingly. The red-stained area is no longer visible.

[0068] If only one locking pawl contacts the locking element during locking, the actuating element remains in the first position because it does not cause movement at the first end of the Bowden wire element.

[0069] Therefore, it is easy for a person to be informed whether the component or locking mechanism is locked correctly.

[0070] A further preferred option is to provide a comfort pawl that is designed to compensate for the tolerances between the safety pawl and the locking pawl, allowing the locking pawl to rotate fully to the locked position.

[0071] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a first comfort pawl and a second comfort pawl may be provided, which are designed and intended to compensate for the tolerances between the respective safety pawls and locking pawls, such that the locking pawl can be fully rotated to the locked position.

[0072] Preferably, two comfort pawls, namely a first comfort pawl and a second comfort pawl, are provided, which are connected to the synchronizing shaft so that they can be rotated slightly relative to the synchronizing shaft.

[0073] If the safety pawl and locking pawl are in contact with each other in the second part, there may be a small distance between them, preventing the locking pawl from fully rotating to the locked position. This could be due to manufacturing tolerances or wear. To compensate for this small distance, a comfort pawl is provided. These pawls have a radial extension necessary for full rotation of the locking pawl. The comfort pawl and safety pawl are offset from each other by an angle. Preferably, the comfort pawl is spring-loaded, allowing it to rotate so that it contacts the second part and rotates the locking pawl to the locked position.

[0074] Further embodiments and embodiments thereof are applicable to further embodiments and can be freely combined with each other, as long as they do not correspond to opposite embodiments.

[0075] Further advantageous implementation schemes arise from specific implementation methods.

[0076] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures. Attached Figure Description

[0077] Further objects, advantages, and usefulness of the invention will be found in the following description relating to the accompanying drawings. It is hereby shown that:

[0078] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded view of a locking mechanism according to a preferred embodiment;

[0079] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 An assembly perspective view of the locking mechanism in the safe locked position;

[0080] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 1 An assembly perspective view of the locking mechanism in the non-safe locking position;

[0081] Figures 4A-4F It is the sequence of movements when the locking pawl is locked;

[0082] Figures 5A-5D It is the sequence of movements that releases the locking pawl;

[0083] Figure 6A It is a component in which the locking mechanism is locked to the vehicle floor;

[0084] Figure 6B It is in the secure locked position. Figure 6A The components in;

[0085] Figure 7A It is based on being in an insecure locked position. Figure 6A Components;

[0086] Figure 7B It is in an unlocked state. Figure 6A Components. Detailed Implementation

[0087] In the figures, the same components should be understood with their corresponding reference numerals. For clarity, some components in the figures may not have reference numerals, but have been specified elsewhere.

[0088] Figure 1 A locking mechanism 1 according to a preferred design is shown. Figure 1 An exploded view of at least a portion of the locking mechanism 1 is shown.

[0089] As can be seen, the locking mechanism 1 has a first locking pawl 2 and a second locking pawl 3. These locking pawls are rotatably mounted about the locking axis 4, that is, about the first rotation axis 8. The first locking pawl 2 and the first locking pawl 3 are arranged to be a first distance 21 apart from each other in the width direction B.

[0090] Furthermore, a synchronization shaft 5 is provided, wherein a first safety pawl 6 and a second safety pawl 7 are arranged on the synchronization shaft 5 and are connected to the synchronization shaft 5 in a non-rotational manner. For example, this can be achieved via a combination of a tongue and a groove having a tongue 18 and a groove 19.

[0091] A first comfort pawl 10 and a second comfort pawl 11 are also provided, which are also connected to the synchronous shaft 5. The first comfort pawl 10 and the second comfort pawl 11 are connected to the synchronous shaft 5 so that they can rotate slightly relative to the synchronous shaft 5. For this purpose, the first comfort pawl 10 and the second comfort pawl 11 each have an extension hole 20, which can interact with a corresponding other spring on the synchronous shaft 5.

[0092] In the width direction B, the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7 are arranged at a second distance 22 apart, and the first comfort pawl 10 and the second comfort pawl 11 are arranged at a third distance 23 apart. Preferably, the first comfort pawl 10 and the second comfort pawl 11 are arranged between the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7 in the width direction B, or vice versa.

[0093] Synchronous shaft 5 and locking shaft 4 are rotatably mounted by means of first retaining element 12 and second retaining element 13.

[0094] A first torsion spring 14 and a second torsion spring 15 are provided for applying force to the synchronous shaft 5. Preferably, these first torsion springs 14 and second torsion springs 15 surround the synchronous shaft 5. Preferably, the first torsion springs 14 and second torsion springs 15 are connected to the synchronous shaft 5 on one side and to one or the other of the first retaining element 12 and the second retaining element 13 on the other side.

[0095] Force is applied to the first comfort pawl 10 by means of the third torsion spring 16 and to the second comfort pawl 11 by means of the fourth torsion spring 17. The third torsion spring 16 and the fourth torsion spring 17 are connected to the synchronizing shaft 5 on one hand and to their respective first comfort pawl 10 and second comfort pawl 11 on the other hand, so the application of this force is independent of the application of force to the synchronizing shaft 5.

[0096] Bowden cable attachment 24 can be arranged on synchronous shaft 5, and the attachment is provided and designed to receive the first end 26 of Bowden cable element 25.

[0097] exist Figure 2 The diagram shows a product in an assembled state with other components. Figure 1 Locking mechanism 1. According to Figure 2 Bowden cable element 25, first locking element 27, and second locking element 28 are now shown. The first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 can, for example, be embedded in the vehicle floor 29 or the vehicle body. The first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 are each rotatably arranged relative to the vehicle floor 29, so that they can be moved from a parked position, i.e., recessed into the floor, to a locked position, i.e., completely rotated out of the floor. The first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 can be a perforated design.

[0098] Figure 2 A first tension spring 30 and a second tension spring 31 are also shown. The first tension spring 30 is connected on one side to the first locking pawl 2 and on the other side to the first retaining element 12 or another fixing element. The second tension spring 31 is connected on one side to the second locking pawl 3 and on the other side to the second retaining element 13 or another fixing element. Here, the fixing element preferably refers to an element, such as part of a box-type element. Preferably, the locking mechanism 1 is fixedly connected to the element by means of the first retaining element 12 and the second retaining element 13.

[0099] Figure 2 The locking position is further shown, where the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 are both in contact with their respective first locking elements 27 and second locking elements 28.

[0100] Figure 3 The diagram shows the locking mechanism 1 in contact with only one of the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28. The first locking element 27 is in the locked position, and the second locking element 28 is in the parked position. Since the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 can rotate independently of each other, only the first locking pawl 2 is locked.

[0101] Also visible is receiver 32, the first end 26 of Bowden cable element 25 is connected to synchronous shaft 5 by means of receiver 32.

[0102] The receiver 32 is spaced apart from the synchronous shaft in its radial direction, thereby forming a lever that facilitates the rotation of the synchronous shaft 5.

[0103] according to Figures 4A to 4D The sequence of movements during the locking of the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 is shown.

[0104] The first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 preferably comprise a U-shaped hook element 33 having a first leg 34 and a second leg 35. The hook element 33 is arranged such that the legs 34 and 35 can move substantially in a circular path around the first axis of rotation 8. Particularly preferred is that if the first leg 34 is formed to be longer than the second leg 35, and the first leg is arranged to be closer to the first axis of rotation 8 in the radial direction, then the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 can contact the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 particularly well. Therefore, the opening 36 of the hook element 33, i.e., the free space between the first leg 34 and the second leg 35, can easily contact the eyelet-shaped first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28.

[0105] A locking member 39, opposite to the hook element 33 and relative to the first axis of rotation 8, is provided and designed to interact with the first safety pawl 6, the second safety pawl 7, or the first comfort pawl 10, the second comfort pawl 11. For this purpose, the locking member 39 has a first portion 37 and a second portion 38. The first portion 37 is essentially an arc centered on the first axis of rotation 8. The first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7 have complementary third portions 40, thereby achieving good contact. The same applies to the second portion 38 and the corresponding fourth portions 41 of the first safety pawl 6, the second safety pawl 7, the first comfort pawl 10, the second comfort pawl 11. The second portion 38 can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the first portion 37. Accordingly, the fourth portion 41 is perpendicular to the third portion 40.

[0106] The operating mode is illustrated in more detail in the following diagrams.

[0107] Specifically, regarding the sequence of movements Figure 4A The locking mechanism 1 is shown in an unlocked state, i.e., there is no contact between the first locking pawl 2, the second locking pawl 3, the first locking element 27, and the second locking element 28.

[0108] If locking mechanism 1 is now in Figure 4BAs the vehicle floor 29 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow, the first locking pawl 2, the second locking pawl 3, the first locking element 27, and the second locking element 28 come into contact with each other, causing the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 to rotate. In this case, they rotate in the first rotation direction DR1, which is equivalent to clockwise. The locking component 39 also moves accordingly.

[0109] The first part 37 now moves relative to the third part 40, and the hook element 33 moves in the direction of the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28, and begins to receive the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 into the opening 36.

[0110] The first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 are rotated until the first part 37 and the third part 40 are no longer in contact with each other. The hook element 33 is now fully engaged with the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28. Due to the spring-loaded arrangement of the synchronous shaft 5, the synchronous shaft 5 now rotates together with the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7 about the second rotation axis 9, also rotating in the first rotation direction DR1. Figure 4C As shown. Synchronous shaft 5 or the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7 now rotate in direction DR1 until the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7 contact the second part 38 by means of the fourth part 41, as... Figure 4D As shown. Locking mechanism 1 is now locked.

[0111] Corresponding to the movement of the synchronous shaft 5, the first end 26 of the Bowden cable element 25 also rotates, i.e., by means of the Bowden cable attachment 24. The Bowden cable attachment 24 is rigidly connected to the synchronous shaft 5.

[0112] The movement of the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 stretches the corresponding first tension spring 30 and second tension spring 31.

[0113] Further shown, the first comfort pawl 10 and the second comfort pawl 11 are arranged at an angle 43° to the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7. Figure 4D As can be seen, the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7 are slightly too small (indicated by the distance 42) to rotate the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 to the fully locked position or state. Since the first comfort pawl 10 and the second comfort pawl 11 are longer radially than the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7, and are also force-loaded and allow slight rotation relative to the synchronous shaft 5, the first comfort pawl 10 and the second comfort pawl 11 can continue to rotate in the direction of DR1, and the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 can continue to rotate in the direction of DR1.

[0114] Figure 4Eand Figure 4F The functions of the first comfort pawl 10 and the second comfort pawl 11 are shown more precisely here.

[0115] Figure 4E The diagram shows the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7 in contact with the second part 38, but the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 have not fully rotated to the locked position. Therefore, the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 still have some degree of freedom in terms of rotation, but at the same time, the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7 can no longer rotate.

[0116] Due to the design of the first comfort pawl 10 and the second comfort pawl 11, they can be further rotated, thus allowing the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 to now rotate to the fully locked position. This is... Figure 4F The diagram is shown in the figure. Therefore, the tolerance 47 of the locking mechanism 1 can be compensated.

[0117] from Figure 4E and Figure 4F The comparison shows that the angle 43 between the first comfort pawl 10, the second comfort pawl 11 and the first safety pawl 6, the second safety pawl 7 is variable.

[0118] Preferably, the first comfort pawl 10 and the second comfort pawl 11 are also formed with a third and a fourth portion, however, as described above, they are formed to be longer in the radial direction than the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7.

[0119] Figures 5A to 5D The sequence of motion is shown when the locked locking mechanism 1 is unlocked.

[0120] Figure 5A Corresponding to Figure 4D This is the locked state. It is now necessary to remove the first safety pawl 6 and the second safety pawl 7 from the second section 38. To do this, the Bowden cable element 25 is actuated. This means that the synchronous shaft 5 can undergo a counterclockwise rotation in the direction DR2, thereby guiding the first safety pawl 6, the second safety pawl 7, the first comfort pawl 10, and the second comfort pawl 11 out of the second section 38.

[0121] If the first locking pawl 2, the second locking pawl 3, the first safety pawl 6, the second safety pawl 7, and the first comfort pawl 10, the second comfort pawl 11 are no longer in contact, then the first tension spring 30 and the second tension spring 31 will cause the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 to move back in the direction of DR2, thus restoring the first locking pawl 2 and the second locking pawl 3 to their original positions. Figure 4B The situation was eventually restored. Figure 4AIn this situation, the locking mechanism 1 and the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 are released from each other, and the elements can be removed.

[0122] Figure 6A Component E or box-type component E is shown, which can be placed on and locked to vehicle floor 29.

[0123] Figure 6B A portion of element E is shown, having an actuating element 44 for actuating Bowden cable elements. Figure 6B Corresponding to Figure 6A The lock shown is a representation of a lock.

[0124] Element E preferably has a flat upper side 45, so that when correctly locked, the actuating element 44 is flush with the upper side 45. The actuating element 44 may also be colored, for example, green. This can provide visual and tactile feedback to the user that element E is correctly locked.

[0125] exist Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the unlocked position, element E is spaced apart from the vehicle floor 29. To unlock the locking mechanism 1, Bowden cable element 25 is actuated by means of actuating element 44, for example, as shown. Actuating element 44 is no longer flush with the upper side 45. By pressing down actuating element 44, viewing area 46 is now exposed, which can be colored differently from actuating element 44, such as red. This provides visual and tactile feedback to the viewer that element E has been unlocked.

[0126] If the locking mechanism 1 is not properly locked, but component E is in contact with the vehicle floor 29, Figure 7A The situation shown is further illustrated because the synchronous shaft 5 cannot rotate. This could also provide feedback that the locking was not performed correctly. The reason could be that the first locking element 27 and the second locking element 28 were not engaged, as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0127] All features disclosed in this application are considered essential features of the invention, provided that they, individually or in combination, are novel compared to the prior art.

[0128] Features and process features related to structural design can be used in a corresponding manner. Similarly, features of locking mechanisms, elements having locking mechanisms, and vehicles having elements and locking elements can also be used in a corresponding manner.

[0129] All the listed features can be combined with each other in any way.

[0130] List of reference numerals

[0131]

Claims

1. A locking mechanism configured and adapted to interact with at least one locking element to establish a lock between the locking mechanism and the locking element. Its features The locking mechanism includes a first locking pawl and a second locking pawl, which are rotatable independently about a first rotation axis. The first locking pawl is configured and adapted to interact with a first locking element, and the second locking pawl is provided and adapted to interact with a second locking element. A secure lock exists when the first locking element is locked to the first locking pawl and the second locking element is locked to the second locking pawl. The locking mechanism includes a first safety pawl and a second safety pawl, which are synchronously rotatable about a second rotation axis. The first safety pawl is provided and adapted to interact with the first locking pawl, and the second safety pawl is provided and adapted to interact with the second locking pawl, so that the locking pawl is held in a locked or unlocked position.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, Its features If at most one locking element is locked with the corresponding locking pawl, then an unsafe lock exists.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, Its features Each locking pawl can be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position of the locking pawl and the corresponding locking element by rotation about the first rotation axis in a first rotation direction, the rotation of the locking pawl being caused by bringing the locking pawl and the locking element into contact with each other and toward each other.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, Its features In the unlocked position, the safety pawl is connected to the first part of the corresponding locking pawl, while in the locked position, the safety pawl is connected to the second part of the corresponding locking pawl, and each safety pawl can be moved from the first part to the second part by rotation in a first rotational direction.

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 3 or 4, Its features To return the locked position to the unlocked position, a Bowden cable element is provided, which is connected to the second rotating shaft such that the drive of the Bowden cable element enables the safety pawl to rotate in a second rotational direction, which is opposite to the first rotational direction.

6. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Its features The first rotating shaft is subjected to a first spring force, and each locking pawl is subjected to a spring force. The first spring force is exerted by a first torsion spring, and each locking pawl is exerted by a tension spring.

7. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, Its features A first comfort pawl and a second comfort pawl are provided, the first comfort pawl and the second comfort pawl being designed and configured to compensate for the tolerances between the respective safety pawl and locking pawl, such that the locking pawl can be fully rotated to the locked position.

8. The locking mechanism according to claim 7, Its features Each comfort pawl is arranged at an angle to the safety pawl and connected to the second rotating axis, enabling slight rotation relative to the second rotating axis, wherein the comfort pawl is subjected to spring force.

9. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Its features The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are spaced apart from each other and are parallel.

10. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Its features The locking pawls are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a first distance in the width direction, and the safety pawls are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a second distance in the same width direction.

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