Locking mechanism and automotive electronic lock

Abstract

The application provides a locking mechanism, which comprises a support frame and a locking clutch part, and the locking clutch part is arranged in the support frame; the application also provides an automobile electronic lock, which comprises the locking mechanism, a box body and a pull rope assembly; the locking mechanism is arranged in the box body, the end of the clutch arm is provided with a clutch groove, and one end of the pull rope assembly penetrates through one side of the box body and is hung in the clutch groove. The locking mechanism is provided with elastic avoiding parts in the avoiding grooves, the elastic avoiding parts are compressed during the process of avoiding the rolling ball from the spiral groove, the compression distance is the avoiding gap of the rolling ball, the avoiding gap of the rolling ball is changeable, if the rolling ball is stuck between the spiral groove and the avoiding groove, the limit compression of the elastic avoiding part can provide the rolling ball with an excess avoiding gap, and the rolling ball is difficult to be stuck in the ball sleeve during the clutching process of the manual unlocking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive electronic lock technology, specifically to a locking mechanism and an automotive electronic lock. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy technologies, the number of new energy vehicles is also increasing. Currently, in order to improve the safety of the charging process, locking devices are installed at the charging interfaces of new energy vehicles. The main purpose of installing locking devices at the charging interfaces of new energy vehicles is to improve the safety of the charging process and prevent accidental operation or unauthorized personnel from plugging or unplugging the charger.

[0003] The prior art invention with publication number CN 113285306 A relates to the field of electronic locking device technology, and particularly to an electronic locking device for a charging dock for new energy vehicles. In paragraph

[0030] , line 6, it states that "when the electronic locking device performs a manual unlocking action, the pull rope drives the pull rope clutch to move backward, pulling the ball clutch to move backward. The backward-moving ball is pushed outward by the stationary ball screw, causing the ball to disengage from the ball screw, thereby disengaging the locking rod from the motor. At this time, pulling the pull rope can drive the locking rod to move backward, achieving the purpose of manual unlocking." Furthermore, the specification includes an appendix... Figure 3 The bottom side of the ball clutch has an opening to facilitate ball retraction when the ball clutch retracts.

[0004] The locking rod fixing component in the above-mentioned prior art needs to rely on the sliding of the slide rod, and the movement of the ball screw needs to be realized through gear meshing, resulting in a compact and cumbersome internal structure of the bottom shell; the locking rod fixing component is a closed design, surrounding the ball clutch component, the cylindrical sleeve, and the ball, etc. Once the cylindrical sleeve gets stuck due to the ball retracting movement of the ball screw during the clutch process, the locking rod fixing component and the ball clutch component are limited on the ball screw and cannot realize the clutch function.

[0005] Based on the above, this application proposes a simple locking mechanism and an electronic lock for automobiles that avoids jamming during clutch retraction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention proposes a locking mechanism and an electronic car lock, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows:

[0008] A locking mechanism includes a support frame and a locking clutch, wherein the locking clutch is disposed in the support frame; the locking clutch includes a geared motor, a helical rod is fixed on the output shaft of the geared motor, a ball sleeve is helically connected to the outside of the helical rod, a clutch bracket is sleeved on the outside of the ball sleeve, and a locking rod is fixed in the middle of the clutch bracket.

[0009] The ball sleeve contains multiple rolling balls, and the ball sleeve has a corresponding ball opening for each rolling ball; the outside of the spiral rod has a spiral groove, and the rolling balls roll along the spiral groove; the clutch bracket has a clearance groove inside on the side away from the geared motor, the rolling balls are adapted to the clearance groove, and the clearance groove has an elastic clearance element that matches the rolling balls; the clutch bracket has an open hole that matches the outside of the ball sleeve.

[0010] Furthermore, the ball sleeve is provided with a limiting seat on the outside, and a barb rib is provided on the inner side of the limiting seat. A hook rib is provided on one side of the clutch bracket, and the barb rib is connected to the hook rib.

[0011] Furthermore, a small spring is provided between the limiting seat and the clutch bracket, and the limiting seat and the clutch bracket are separated by the small spring to create a compensation gap.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a control unit, which includes a control board, micro switches, and thin-walled wires. The control board is located on one side of the bottom of the support frame. There are two micro switches, which are arranged in opposite directions on one side of the control board. One end of the thin-walled wire is connected to the control board. The control board is electrically connected to the micro switches and the geared motor.

[0013] Furthermore, the clutch bracket is provided with a clutch arm, and an actuating block is provided on the side of the end of the clutch arm, the actuating block being in contact with the top of the micro switch.

[0014] Furthermore, a support plate is provided on one side of the support frame, one side of the locking rod passes through the support plate and slides therewith, and the other side of the locking rod passes through the limiting seat and slides therewith.

[0015] The car electronic lock includes the locking mechanism, as well as a housing and a pull cord assembly; the locking mechanism is located in the housing, the end of the clutch arm is provided with a clutch groove, and one end of the pull cord assembly passes through one side of the housing and is hooked in the clutch groove.

[0016] Furthermore, one side of the box is provided with a partition, a sealing plate, and a locking plate that engages with the box, and the other side of the box has a sealing ring, the inner side of which is in close contact with the outer side of the locking rod.

[0017] Furthermore, the pull rope assembly includes a sleeve rod and a pull rope, the pull rope passing through the sleeve rod, and sealing elements at both ends of the sleeve rod; a U-shaped groove is provided on the clamping plate, and a mating interface is provided on the sealing plate, wherein the outer side of one of the sealing elements is adapted to the U-shaped groove and its end is sealed and connected to the mating interface.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application are as follows:

[0019] 1. The locking mechanism, by setting an elastic avoidance component in the avoidance groove, is compressed during the process of the rolling ball avoiding and exiting the spiral groove. The distance of this compression segment is the avoidance gap of the rolling ball. Therefore, the avoidance gap of the rolling ball is variable. If the rolling ball is stuck between the spiral groove and the avoidance groove, the ultimate compression of the elastic avoidance component can provide the rolling ball with extra avoidance gap, so as to avoid the rolling ball getting stuck in the ball sleeve and making it difficult to achieve the clutch during the manual unlocking process.

[0020] 2. This locking mechanism, by designing an open hole on the clutch bracket, with both sides of the open hole communicating with the outside and not forming a enclosure around the outside of the ball sleeve, allows the ball to have a certain range when it exits the ball sleeve and enters the relief groove. This avoids the existing design that encloses and restricts the movement range of the ball. If the ball gets stuck on the screw rod during the clutch retraction process, the ball is further restricted by the closed design, ultimately making it difficult to continue retracting along the screw rod.

[0021] 3. When the car electronic lock needs to be engaged or disengaged, the clutch bracket is pulled by the pull rope, which compresses the small spring and causes the ball bearing to align with the relief groove. Multiple balls are pulled out of the spiral groove and move towards the relief groove. The ball sleeve is not restricted by the balls and moves linearly along the spiral rod under the action of tension to form the clutch. The multiple balls are evenly distributed to balance the inside of the ball sleeve and avoid jamming. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal workings of the locking mechanism of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal workings of the locking mechanism after the clutch bracket has been removed in this invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the geared motor, screw rod, ball bearing sleeve, and clutch bracket of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the back of the support frame, geared motor, screw rod, ball sleeve, and clutch bracket of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic car lock of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the automotive electronic lock of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a top view schematic diagram of the locking clutch and pull rope assembly in the engagement state of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 For the present invention Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the AA section;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the back of the automotive electronic lock of the present invention.

[0033] In the picture:

[0034] 100 Box body, 110 partition, 120 sealing plate, 121 interface, 130 clamping plate, 131 U-shaped groove, 140 sealing ring;

[0035] 210 Locking clutch part, 211 Gear motor, 212 Helical rod, 212a Helical groove, 213 Ball sleeve, 213a Ball opening, 213b Rolling ball, 214 Clutch bracket, 214a Alternating groove, 214b Hook rib, 214c Elastic alternating part, 214d Open hole, 215 Small spring, 215a Compensating gap, 216 Locking rod, 217 Limit seat, 217a Barb rib, 218 Clutch arm, 218a Actuating block;

[0036] 220 Support frame, 221 Support plate, 222 Heat dissipation fins;

[0037] 230 Control unit, 231 Control board, 232 Micro switch, 233 Thin-walled wire, 234 Electrical connection board;

[0038] 300 pull rope assembly, 310 pull rope, 320 sleeve rod, 321 seal. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] Reference Figure 1-5A locking mechanism includes a support frame 220 and a locking clutch 210, wherein the locking clutch 210 is disposed in the support frame 220; the locking clutch 210 includes a reduction motor 211, a helical rod 212 is fixed on the output shaft of the reduction motor 211, a ball sleeve 213 is helically connected to the outside of the helical rod 212, a clutch bracket 214 is sleeved on the outside of the ball sleeve 213, and a locking rod 216 is fixed in the middle of the clutch bracket 214;

[0041] The locking clutch 210 is limited inside the support frame 220. When the reduction motor 211 in the locking clutch 210 transmits motion to the ball sleeve 213 through the screw rod 212, the ball sleeve 213 acts on the clutch bracket 214 to move linearly in the support frame 220, and the locking rod 216 is locked by the movement of the clutch bracket 214.

[0042] In addition, the support frame 220 is provided with heat dissipation fins 222 above and below the geared motor 211, and the heat dissipation fins 222 serve to dissipate heat from the geared motor 211.

[0043] The ball sleeve 213 is provided with a plurality of rolling balls 213b, and the ball sleeve 213 is provided with a ball opening 213a corresponding to the rolling balls 213b; the spiral rod 212 is provided with a spiral groove 212a on the outside, and the rolling balls 213b roll along the spiral groove 212a; the clutch bracket 214 is provided with a clearance groove 214a on the side away from the reduction motor 211, the rolling balls 213b are adapted to the clearance groove 214a, and the clearance groove 214a is provided with an elastic clearance member 214c that cooperates with the rolling balls 213b.

[0044] To increase the output torque of the motor, a geared motor 211 is used as the power output. However, the geared motor 211 is prone to gear jamming. To prevent the locking lever 216 from being unable to unlock after locking due to the geared motor 211 jamming, a clearance groove 214a is provided on the clutch bracket 214. When the clutch bracket 214 retracts, the rolling balls 213b in the ball sleeve 213 can partially exit from the spiral groove 212a on the spiral rod 212 and be repositioned into the clearance groove 214a. Thus, the ball sleeve 213 can move linearly on the spiral rod 212 without being restricted by the rolling balls 213b. With multiple rolling balls 213b evenly distributed in the ball sleeve 213, the ball sleeve 213 is balanced on the spiral rod 212 around its circumference by the multiple rolling balls 213b, ensuring that the backward movement of the ball sleeve 213 on the spiral rod 212 will not cause jamming.

[0045] The elastic stopper 214c is a spring, sponge, or rubber pad. During the clutch operation, to prevent the rolling ball 213b from getting stuck when exiting the helical groove 212a, an elastic stopper 214c is provided in the stop groove 214a of the clutch bracket 214. The elastic setting of the elastic stopper 214c can provide a variable stop clearance for the rolling ball 213b. When the rolling ball 213b moves into the stop groove 214a, the limit contraction of the elastic stopper 214c allows the rolling ball 213b to enter the stop groove 214a a greater distance, thus escaping the stuck state and allowing the ball sleeve 213 to move linearly on the helical rod 212 without being restricted by the rolling ball 213b.

[0046] In some embodiments, the ball sleeve 213 is provided with a limiting seat 217 on the outside, the limiting seat 217 is provided with a barb rib 217a on the inside, and the clutch bracket 214 is provided with a hook rib 214b on one side, with the barb rib 217a and the hook rib 214b being hooked together.

[0047] Because the clutch bracket 214 is sleeved on the outside of the ball sleeve 213, the clutch bracket 214 cannot drive the ball sleeve 213 to move synchronously when the clutch is engaged and retracted. To facilitate the clutch bracket 214 to push the ball sleeve 213 synchronously during the clutch retraction process, a limiting seat 217 is provided on the outside of the ball sleeve 213. When the clutch bracket 214 retracts, it slides until it contacts the limiting seat 217 and drives the ball sleeve 213 to move backward synchronously.

[0048] The clutch bracket 214's hook rib 214b is connected to the limit seat 217's hook rib 214b, which facilitates the unlocking process. During the unlocking process, the speed reduction motor 211 drives the spiral rod 212 to reverse, causing the ball sleeve 213 to retract. The limit seat 217 then pulls the clutch bracket 214 and the locking rod 216 to retract synchronously, thus unlocking the clutch.

[0049] In some embodiments, a small spring 215 is provided between the limiting seat 217 and the clutch bracket 214, and the limiting seat 217 and the clutch bracket 214 are separated by the small spring 215 to form a compensation gap 215a.

[0050] A compensating gap 215a is created between the limiting seat 217 and the clutch bracket 214 by a small spring 215. This compensating gap 215a is the gap that allows the rolling ball 213b to be positioned in the clearance groove 214a during the clutch engagement process. The small spring 215 restricts the separation between the limiting seat 217 and the clutch bracket 214, keeping the clutch bracket 214 in a position where the clearance groove 214a does not correspond to the rolling ball 213b. Once engagement is required, the clutch bracket 214 retracts, compressing the small spring 215 so that its internal clearance groove 214a corresponds to the rolling ball 213b. Under the pulling force, the rolling ball 213b retracts partially and enters the clearance groove 214a. Furthermore, when the external force is released, the small spring 215 pushes the clutch bracket 214 under directional pressure to re-form the compensation gap 215a with the limit seat 217. Then, the clutch bracket 214 drives the relief groove 214a to move along the outside of the ball sleeve 213, and the rolling ball 213b in the relief groove 214a falls back into the ball opening 213a of the ball sleeve 213.

[0051] In some embodiments, a control unit 230 is also included. The control unit 230 includes a control board 231, micro switches 232, and thin-walled wires 233. The control board 231 is located on one side of the bottom of the support frame 220. There are two micro switches 232, which are arranged in opposite directions on one side of the control board 231. One end of the thin-walled wires 233 is connected to the control board 231. The control board 231 is electrically connected to the micro switches 232 and the geared motor 211.

[0052] The micro switch 232 transmits signals to the control board 231, which is used to control the operation of the geared motor 211. In addition, the control board 231 is provided with an electrical connection board 234, which serves both as a support and as an electrical connection to the geared motor 211.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the clutch bracket 214 is provided with a clutch arm 218, and the end side of the clutch arm 218 is provided with an actuating block 218a, which contacts the top of the micro switch 232.

[0054] Because the actuating block 218a contacts the micro switch 232, the micro switch 232 receives a signal by actuating the actuating block 218a and transmits it to the control board 231. The control board 231 then controls the geared motor 211 to stop operating. By reversing the two micro switches 232, the geared motor 211 drives the screw rod 212 to act on the ball sleeve 213. The ball sleeve 213, in conjunction with the rolling ball 213b, converts the rotational motion into linear motion. The ball sleeve 213 pushes the limit seat 217 and the small spring 215 to push the clutch bracket 214. The clutch bracket 214 pushes the locking rod 216 to lock. The clutch arm 218 on the clutch bracket 214 will move synchronously. The actuating block 218a on the clutch arm 218 and a... When the micro switch 232 on one side is engaged, the micro switch 232 transmits a signal to the control board 231, and the control board 231 controls the geared motor 211 to stop running. Conversely, when unlocking is required, the directional movement of the geared motor 211 causes the clutch arm 218 to retract through a series of transmissions. The contact block 218a on the clutch arm 218 contacts the micro switch 232 on the other side, and the micro switch 232 transmits a signal to the control board 231, and the control board 231 controls the geared motor 211 to stop running.

[0055] In some embodiments, a support plate 221 is provided on one side of the support frame 220, one side of the locking rod 216 passes through the support plate 221 and slides therewith, and the other side of the locking rod 216 passes through the limiting seat 217 and slides therewith.

[0056] The locking rod 216 passes through the support plate 221, providing auxiliary support for the locking rod 216; in addition, the end of the spiral rod 212 can rotate with the support plate 221, so that the end of the spiral rod 212 forms a support and blocking mechanism to prevent the movement of the spiral rod 212 from causing the ball sleeve 213 to come out.

[0057] Reference Figure 6-9 The car electronic lock includes the locking mechanism, and also includes a housing 100 and a pull rope assembly 300; the locking mechanism is located in the housing 100, the end of the clutch arm 218 is provided with a clutch groove 218b, and one end of the pull rope assembly 300 passes through one side of the housing 100 and is hooked in the clutch groove 218b.

[0058] When the pull rope assembly 300 is engaged with the clutch groove 218b at the end of the clutch arm 218, the clutch operation of the car electronic lock can be achieved by pulling the pull rope assembly 300 onto the clutch arm 218. In turn, the clutch bracket 214 can synchronize the movement of the clutch arm 218 to perform the clutch operation on the ball sleeve 213.

[0059] In some embodiments, a partition 110, a sealing plate 120, and a locking plate 130 that engage with the box body 100 are sequentially provided on one side of the box body 100, and a sealing ring 140 is provided on the other side of the box body 100, with the inner side of the sealing ring 140 in close contact with the outer side of the locking rod 216.

[0060] The partition 110, sealing plate 120, and locking plate 130 are primarily used to seal and secure the locking mechanism, confining it within the housing 100. Furthermore, the sealing plate 120 has corrugated ribs on its exterior, which are elastic and contribute to the sealing effect. Similarly, the sealing ring 140 provides an effective seal for the locking rod 216, preventing dust, moisture, and impurities from entering the automotive electronic lock.

[0061] In some embodiments, the pull cord assembly 300 includes a sleeve 320 and a pull cord 310, with the pull cord 310 passing through the sleeve 320. Both ends of the sleeve 320 are provided with seals 321 to prevent dust, moisture, or other impurities from entering the housing 100. The retaining plate 130 has a U-shaped groove 131, and the sealing plate 120 has an interface 121. The outer side of one of the seals 321 is fitted with the U-shaped groove 131, and its end is sealed to the interface 121. This design is likely to ensure good sealing performance during use, preventing leakage or infiltration of liquids, gases, or other media.

[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism, comprising a support frame (220) and a locking clutch (210), wherein the locking clutch (210) is disposed in the support frame (220); the locking clutch (210) includes a geared motor (211), a helical rod (212) is fixed on the output shaft of the geared motor (211), a ball sleeve (213) is helically connected to the outside of the helical rod (212), a clutch bracket (214) is sleeved on the outside of the ball sleeve (213), and a locking rod (216) is fixed in the middle of the clutch bracket (214); characterized in that: The ball sleeve (213) is provided with a plurality of rolling balls (213b) evenly distributed therein, and the ball sleeve (213) is provided with a ball opening (213a) corresponding to the rolling ball (213b); the outside of the helical rod (212) is provided with a helical groove (212a), and the rolling ball (213b) rolls along the helical groove (212a); the clutch bracket (214) is provided with a clearance groove (214a) on the side away from the geared motor (211), and the rolling ball (213b) is adapted to the clearance groove (214a); The clearance groove (214a) is provided with an elastic clearance member (214c) that cooperates with the rolling ball (213b). During the manual unlocking process, when the rolling ball (213b) is stuck between the spiral groove (212a) and the clearance groove (214a), the ultimate compression of the elastic clearance member (214c) gives the rolling ball (213b) an extra clearance gap so that the ball sleeve (213) can move linearly on the spiral rod (212). The clutch bracket (214) has an open hole (214d) that is connected to the outside of the ball sleeve (213). The two sides of the open hole (214d) are connected to the outside and do not surround the outside of the ball sleeve (213), so as to provide the ball (213b) with a range of motion that is not closed when the ball (213b) exits the spiral groove (212a) and enters the clearance groove (214a).

2. The locking mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ball sleeve (213) is provided with a limiting seat (217) on the outside, and a barb rib (217a) is provided on the inner side of the limiting seat (217). A hook rib (214b) is provided on one side of the clutch bracket (214). The barb rib (217a) is connected to the hook rib (214b).

3. The locking mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A small spring (215) is provided between the limiting seat (217) and the clutch bracket (214), and the limiting seat (217) and the clutch bracket (214) are separated by the small spring (215) to form a compensation gap (215a).

4. The locking mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit (230), which includes a control board (231), a micro switch (232), and a thin-walled wire (233). The control board (231) is located on one side of the bottom of the support frame (220). There are two micro switches (232) arranged in opposite directions on one side of the control board (231). One end of the thin-walled wire (233) is connected to the control board (231). The control board (231) is electrically connected to the micro switch (232) and the geared motor (211).

5. The locking mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The clutch bracket (214) is provided with a clutch arm (218), and the end side of the clutch arm (218) is provided with an actuating block (218a), which contacts the top of the micro switch (232).

6. The locking mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame (220) has a support plate (221) on one side, and a locking rod (216) passes through the support plate (221) and slides therewith on one side, and the locking rod (216) passes through the limiting seat (217) and slides therewith on the other side.

7. An electronic car lock, characterized in that, The device includes the locking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-6, and further includes a housing (100) and a pull rope assembly (300); the locking mechanism is disposed in the housing (100), the end of the clutch arm (218) is provided with a clutch groove (218b), and one end of the pull rope assembly (300) passes through one side of the housing (100) and is hooked in the clutch groove (218b).

8. The automotive electronic lock as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The box body (100) is provided with a partition (110), a sealing plate (120) and a locking plate (130) that engages with the box body (100) on one side in sequence, and a sealing ring (140) on the other side of the box body (100). The inner side of the sealing ring (140) is in close contact with the outer side of the locking rod (216).

9. The automotive electronic lock as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The pull rope assembly (300) includes a sleeve rod (320) and a pull rope (310). The pull rope (310) passes through the sleeve rod (320). Both ends of the sleeve rod (320) are provided with seals (321). The clamping plate (130) is provided with a U-shaped groove (131). The sealing plate (120) is provided with a mating interface (121). The outer side of one of the seals (321) is adapted to the U-shaped groove (131) and its end is sealed and connected to the mating interface (121).

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