A multi-step locking mechanism

Abstract

The application discloses a multi-gear locking mechanism, which comprises a locking unit, a locking holding unit and a first elastic member, the locking unit is configured to rotate by external force to realize locking with an external locking part, the first elastic member connects the locking holding unit and gives the locking holding unit elastic force towards the locking unit; a plurality of locking latches are sequentially arranged on the locking unit along the rotation direction of the locking unit, when the locking unit rotates by external force, the plurality of locking latches rotate to the locking holding unit in sequence, the locking latches and the locking holding unit elastically abut each other through the elastic force of the first elastic member, and the locking latches slide on the locking holding unit relative to the locking holding unit with the rotation of the locking unit; a safety groove is arranged on the locking holding unit on the sliding path of the locking latches, when the locking latches slide to be opposite to the safety groove, the locking latches enter the safety groove through the elastic force of the first elastic member, and the locking state of the locking unit and the locking part is maintained through the cooperation of the two.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of backrest lock technology, and particularly relates to a multi-position locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] A multi-position backrest lock for car seats is a device used to adjust the seat back angle, allowing for two different backrest angles to accommodate different people, different sitting postures, and different riding habits, meeting various needs and reducing riding fatigue. It also allows for backrest folding and storage, increasing luggage space and enhancing storage functionality.

[0003] Existing multi-position locks can adjust the seat back angle, but they have some problems. For example, they are not convenient to operate. You cannot directly enter multiple positions; you must first enter one position, unlock it, and then enter the next position. Alternatively, you must manually unlock and unlock repeatedly to enter multiple positions, which is cumbersome and requires multiple unlocking and locking processes. This not only increases the complexity of operation but also easily produces abnormal noises during repeated locking and unlocking, affecting driving comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems in the background art, the present invention aims to provide a multi-position locking mechanism, including a locking unit, a locking retaining unit, and a first elastic member. The locking unit is configured to be rotated by an external force to lock with an external locking component. The first elastic member is connected to the locking retaining unit and provides it with an elastic force toward the locking unit.

[0005] The locking unit is provided with a plurality of locking tongues in sequence along its rotation direction. When the locking unit is rotated by the external force, the plurality of locking tongues rotate sequentially to the locking retaining unit. The locking tongues and the locking retaining unit elastically abut against each other through the elastic force of the first elastic element, and the locking tongues slide relative to the locking retaining unit as the locking unit rotates.

[0006] The locking and retaining unit has a safety groove on the sliding path of the locking tongue. When the locking tongue slides to be directly opposite the safety groove, the locking tongue enters the safety groove through the elastic force of the first elastic element. The two work together to maintain the locking state of the locking unit and the locking component.

[0007] Let the time from when the latch slides to be aligned with the safety groove until it slides to be misaligned with the safety groove be the first time; let the time when the latch is aligned with the safety groove, and the time when the latch enters the safety groove due to the elastic force of the first elastic member be the second time.

[0008] The locking unit is configured to make the first time greater than or equal to the second time, or to make the first time less than the second time, by using different external forces;

[0009] When the first time is greater than or equal to the second time, the locking tongue enters the safety groove; when the first time is less than the second time, the locking tongue slides past the safety groove and does not enter it.

[0010] Preferably, the locking and retaining unit has a first structural part and a second structural part on both sides of the safety groove, and when the locking unit is rotated by the external force, the locking tongue passes through the first structural part, the safety groove and the second structural part in sequence;

[0011] When the latch is directly opposite the safety groove, the vertical distance between the second structural part and the latch is greater than the vertical distance between the first structural part and the latch.

[0012] Preferably, the length of the safety groove is greater than that of the locking tongue.

[0013] Preferably, the lock includes a lock housing, the locking unit is a ratchet, the locking retaining unit is a stop hook, the ratchet and the stop hook are both rotatably connected inside the lock housing, the first elastic element provides an elastic force to the stop hook to rotate toward the ratchet, and the safety groove is provided on the side wall of the stop hook facing the ratchet.

[0014] It includes a second elastic element, which is connected to the ratchet and provides it with an elastic force to rotate in the unlocking direction. When the ratchet rotates in the locking direction by the external force, it overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic element.

[0015] The device includes an unlocking component for driving the stop hook to rotate away from the ratchet by overcoming the elastic force of the first elastic element, thereby disengaging the safety groove from the locking tongue to release the ratchet from its locked state. The ratchet is then unlocked by rotating in the unlocking direction through the elastic force of the second elastic element.

[0016] Preferably, the external force is provided by the locking component;

[0017] The lock housing has a locking channel with one end open, and the ratchet passes through the locking channel; the ratchet has a first locking slot with one end open, the first locking slot is located inside the locking channel, and the opening of the first locking slot faces the opening of the locking channel;

[0018] When locked, the locking component enters the locking channel through the opening, then enters the first locking slot and drives the ratchet to rotate. The ratchet locks the locking component through the first locking slot.

[0019] Preferably, when the locking component moves to abut against the bottom of the locking channel, the last locking tongue slides to face the safety groove and enters the safety groove by the elastic force of the first elastic member.

[0020] Preferably, the ratchet has a limiting part on the outer wall of the first locking slot opening facing the unlocking direction. When the locking component moves to abut against the bottom of the locking channel, the limiting part abuts against the side of the locking component away from the bottom of the locking channel.

[0021] Preferably, the ratchet has a limiting tongue between adjacent locking tongues. After the locking tongue slides through the safety groove and is misaligned with it, the limiting tongue rotates to abut against the stop hook. Before the limiting tongue rotates to be directly opposite the safety groove, the next locking tongue rotates to abut against the stop hook.

[0022] Preferably, the lock includes a comfort plate and a third elastic element. The comfort plate is disposed adjacent to the stop hook and coaxially rotatably connected within the lock housing. The third elastic element connects to the comfort plate and provides it with an elastic force that rotates toward the ratchet. When the lock tongue rotates to abut against the stop hook, it simultaneously abuts against the side wall of the comfort plate facing the ratchet.

[0023] The end of the comfort plate away from its rotation center extends to the safety groove, and the latch has a first stop portion on the side facing the unlocking direction; when the latch is located in the safety groove, the end of the comfort plate away from its rotation center abuts against the first stop portion, and the latch is restricted between the comfort plate and the side wall of the safety groove facing the locking direction.

[0024] Preferably, the lock includes a locking plate and a fourth elastic element. The locking plate is disposed adjacent to the ratchet and coaxially rotatably connected within the lock housing. The fourth elastic element is connected to the locking plate and provides it with an elastic force that rotates in the unlocking direction.

[0025] The locking plate has a second locking slot with one open end, which is located within the locking channel. The opening of the second locking slot faces the opening of the locking channel, and the second locking slot is adjacent to the first locking slot. When locking, the locking component simultaneously enters the first locking slot and the second locking slot, and simultaneously drives the locking plate and the ratchet to rotate. The locking plate has a transmission tongue, and the transmission tongue has a second stop portion on the side facing the unlocking direction.

[0026] When the locking tongue is located in the safety groove, the end of the comfort piece away from its rotation center abuts against the second stop portion, thereby driving the locking piece to rotate toward the locking direction. The side wall of the second locking slot facing the unlocking direction abuts against the side of the locking component facing the unlocking direction, and the side of the locking component facing the locking direction abuts against the side wall of the first locking slot facing the locking direction.

[0027] Because the present invention adopts the above technical solution, it has the following advantages and positive effects compared with the prior art:

[0028] 1. In this invention, the locking tongue and the locking retaining unit are elastically abutted against each other by the elastic force of the first elastic element. As the locking unit rotates, the locking tongue slides relative to the locking retaining unit. The locking retaining unit has a safety groove on the sliding path of the locking tongue. By setting the safety groove, the speed at which the locking tongue passes through the safety groove can be controlled to determine whether the locking tongue enters the safety groove. When the speed of the locking tongue passing through the safety groove is slow, the locking tongue can fall into the safety groove to achieve locking. When the speed of the locking tongue passing through the safety groove is fast, the locking tongue can skip the safety groove and not lock with it, realizing the function of skipping gears. It can be directly adjusted to the higher gear without adjusting one gear at a time.

[0029] 2. By setting a limiting tongue, the present invention prevents the stop hook from rotating toward the ratchet after the first lock tongue leaves the stop hook and before the second lock tongue abuts against the stop hook. This improves the smoothness of use and prevents abnormal noise. If the limiting tongue is not set, the stop hook will rotate toward the ratchet after the first lock tongue leaves the stop hook and before the second lock tongue abuts against the stop hook. Then, when the second lock tongue abuts against the stop hook, it will collide with it and drive it away from the ratchet to rotate. This produces abnormal noise and unnecessary movement of the stop hook.

[0030] 3. This invention includes a comfort plate, which reduces the gap between the latch and the safety groove, thus reducing noise generated by the latch moving within the safety groove. This invention also includes a locking plate, which not only reduces the gap between the latch and the safety groove but also reduces the gap between the locking component and the ratchet, further reducing noise generated by the locking component moving within the first locking slot of the ratchet. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the entire invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention with the lock cover and outer casing removed;

[0035] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 A diagram with the locking and comfort plates hidden;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly of the ratchet, stop hook, locking plate, and comfort plate of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the neutral state of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the state before the invention enters first gear;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the present invention in first gear;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the state before the invention enters second gear;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second gear state of the present invention.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 1. Lock cover; 2. Bottom shell; 3. Hollow rivet; 4. Outer shell; 5. Handle; 6. Ratchet; 61. First locking slot; 62. First locking tongue; 63. Second locking tongue; 64. Limiting tongue; 65. First stop part; 66. Limiting part; 7. Stop hook; 71. First structural part; 72. Safety groove; 73. Second structural part; 8. Comfort plate; 9. Locking plate; 91. Second locking slot; 92. Transmission tongue; 93. Second stop part; 94. Partially plastic-coated part; 10. First torsion spring; 11. Second torsion spring; 12. Third torsion spring; 13. Fourth torsion spring; 14. Locking channel; 15. Lug; 16. Locking buckle; 17. First washer; 18. Second washer. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are all in a very simplified form and use non-precise ratios, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0046] See Figures 1 to 10The core of this invention is to provide a multi-position locking mechanism, including a locking unit, a locking retaining unit, and a first elastic member. The locking unit is configured to lock with an external locking component by rotating under external force. In this embodiment, the external force is provided by the locking component, that is, the locking component drives the locking unit to rotate and lock it. Of course, in other embodiments, the external force can also be provided by other components, which is not limited here. In this embodiment, the locking component is specifically a rod-shaped latch 16.

[0047] The first elastic element connects to the locking and retaining unit and applies an elastic force to it toward the locking unit. The locking and retaining unit is used to cooperate with the locking unit to maintain the locking state of the locking unit and the latch 16.

[0048] The locking unit has several locking tongues arranged sequentially along its rotation direction. The number of locking tongues represents the number of locking positions. In this embodiment, the ratchet 6 has two locking tongues, namely a first-position locking tongue 62 and a second-position locking tongue 63. That is to say, the multi-position locking mechanism in this embodiment is a two-position lock. Of course, in other embodiments, more locking tongues can be set to form a lock with more positions.

[0049] When the locking unit is rotated by an external force, the two locking tongues rotate sequentially onto the locking and retaining unit. The locking tongues and the locking and retaining unit elastically abut against each other through the elastic force of the first elastic element, and the locking tongues slide relative to the locking and retaining unit as the locking unit rotates.

[0050] The locking and retaining unit has a safety groove 72 on the sliding path of the locking tongue. When the locking tongue slides to be directly opposite the safety groove 72, the locking tongue enters the safety groove 72 by the elastic force of the first elastic element. The two work together to maintain the locking state of the locking unit and the latch 16.

[0051] Let the time from when the locking tongue slides to be directly opposite the safety groove 72 until it slides to be misaligned with the safety groove 72 be the first time; let the time when the locking tongue is directly opposite the safety groove 72, and the time when the locking tongue enters the safety groove 72 by the elastic force of the first elastic element be the second time.

[0052] The locking unit is configured to allow different external forces to make a first time greater than or equal to a second time, or to make a first time less than a second time. When the first time is greater than or equal to the second time, the locking tongue enters the safety groove 72; when the first time is less than the second time, the locking tongue slides past the safety groove 72 and does not enter it.

[0053] In other words, the speed at which the bolt passes through the safety groove 72 can be controlled by controlling the force of the latch 16 pushing the ratchet 6, thus controlling whether the bolt enters the safety groove 72. When the bolt passes through the safety groove 72 slowly, before the bolt has rotated to the point of misalignment with the safety groove 72, the bolt locks with the safety groove 72 when the safety groove 72 is engaged by the elastic force of the first elastic element. When the bolt passes through the safety groove 72 quickly, before the safety groove 72 is engaged by the elastic force of the first elastic element, the bolt rotates to the point of misalignment with the safety groove 72, and the bolt skips over the safety groove 72 and does not lock with it, thus realizing the function of skipping gears. It can be directly adjusted to the higher gear without having to adjust one gear at a time.

[0054] Furthermore, the locking and retaining unit has a first structural part 71 and a second structural part 73 on both sides of the safety groove 72. When the locking unit is rotated by external force, the bolt passes through the first structural part 71, the safety groove 72, and the second structural part 73 in sequence. When the bolt is directly opposite the safety groove 72, the vertical distance between the second structural part 73 and the bolt is greater than the vertical distance between the first structural part 71 and the bolt. By setting the vertical distance between the second structural part 73 and the bolt to be greater than the vertical distance between the first structural part 71 and the bolt, the second time can be increased to increase the probability of the bolt sliding out of alignment with the safety groove 72. In other words, the speed required for the bolt to slide out of alignment with the safety groove 72 can be reduced, thereby reducing the difficulty of use.

[0055] Furthermore, the length of the safety groove 72 is set to be greater than that of the bolt, which increases the probability of the bolt falling into the safety groove 72 at the first moment, thus preventing locking failure.

[0056] Specifically, the locking unit is a ratchet 6, the locking holding unit is a stop hook 7, and a lock housing is also included. Both the ratchet 6 and the stop hook 7 are rotatably connected within the lock housing. A first elastic element provides an elastic force to the stop hook 7 to rotate towards the ratchet 6. The first elastic element is specifically a first torsion spring 10. A safety groove 72 is provided on the side wall of the stop hook 7 facing the ratchet 6. A second elastic element is also included, which is connected to the ratchet 6 and provides it with an elastic force to rotate towards the unlocking direction. When the ratchet 6 rotates towards the locking direction under external force, it overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic element. The second elastic element is specifically a second torsion spring 11.

[0057] The lock housing includes a lock cover 1, a bottom shell 2, and two hollow rivets 3. The lock cover 1 fits over the bottom shell 2, forming a mounting cavity between the lock cover 1 and the bottom shell 2. A ratchet 6 and a stop hook 7 are both located within the mounting cavity. The two hollow rivets 3 pass through the lock cover 1 and the bottom shell 2, with one end of each rivet 3 connected to the lock cover 1 and the opposite end connected to the bottom shell 2. The ratchet 6 and the stop hook 7 are respectively fitted onto and rotatably connected to the two hollow rivets 3. Of course, in other embodiments, a connecting shaft or the like can be used instead of the hollow rivets 3; no specific limitation is made here. In this embodiment, the hollow rivets 3 are provided to reduce weight.

[0058] The lock housing has a locking channel 14 with one open end, through which the ratchet 6 passes. The ratchet 6 has a first locking slot 61 with one open end, located within the locking channel 14, with its opening facing the opening of the locking channel 14. When locked, the latch 16 enters the locking channel 14 through the opening, then enters the first locking slot 61 and drives the ratchet 6 to rotate. After the ratchet 6 rotates, it locks the latch 16 through the first locking slot 61.

[0059] When the latch 16 moves to abut against the bottom of the locking channel 14, the second locking tongue 63 slides to be directly opposite the safety groove 72 and enters the safety groove 72 by the elastic force of the first torsion spring 10.

[0060] The ratchet 6 has a limiting part 66 on the outer wall of the opening of the first locking slot 61 facing the unlocking direction. When the latch 16 moves to abut against the bottom of the locking channel 14, the limiting part 66 abuts against the side of the latch 16 away from the bottom of the locking channel 14. That is, when the second locking tongue 63 enters the safety groove 72, the latch 16 leaves the first locking slot 61 of the ratchet 6 and is locked between the limiting part 66 and the bottom of the locking channel 14.

[0061] A limiting tongue 64 is provided on the ratchet 6 between adjacent latches. After the latch slides through the safety groove 72 and is misaligned with it, the limiting tongue 64 rotates to abut against the stop hook 7. Before the limiting tongue 64 rotates to be directly aligned with the safety groove 72, the next latch rotates to abut against the stop hook 7. By setting the limiting tongue 64, the stop hook 7 is prevented from rotating toward the ratchet 6 after the previous latch leaves the stop hook 7 and before the next latch abuts against the stop hook 7. This improves the smoothness of use and prevents abnormal noise. If the limiting tongue 64 is not set, the stop hook 7 will rotate toward the ratchet 6 after the previous latch leaves the stop hook 7 and before the next latch abuts against the stop hook 7. Then, when the next latch abuts against the stop hook 7, it will collide with it and cause it to rotate away from the ratchet 6. This will produce abnormal noise and cause unnecessary movement of the stop hook 7.

[0062] See Figure 10 When the second-position locking tongue 63 enters the safety groove 72, the limiting tongue 64 also serves to enhance the lateral strength of the ratchet 6 in the thickness direction. The limiting tongue 64 enhances the lateral strength of the ratchet 6 by abutting against the lock housing. In addition, the limiting tongue 64 can also restrict the position of the latch 16.

[0063] Furthermore, the lock includes a comfort plate 8 and a third elastic element. The comfort plate 8 is disposed adjacent to the stop hook 7 and coaxially rotatably connected within the lock housing. The third elastic element connects to the comfort plate 8 and provides it with an elastic force that rotates towards the ratchet 6. When the lock tongue rotates to abut against the stop hook 7, it simultaneously abuts against the side wall of the comfort plate 8 facing the ratchet 6. In this embodiment, the third elastic element is a third torsion spring 12.

[0064] The end of the comfort plate 8 away from its rotation center extends to the safety groove 72, and the latch has a first stop portion 65 on the side facing the unlocking direction; when the latch is in the safety groove 72, the end of the comfort plate 8 away from its rotation center abuts against the first stop portion 65, and the latch is restricted between the comfort plate 8 and the side wall of the safety groove 72 facing the locking direction.

[0065] By setting the comfort plate 8, the gap between the bolt and the safety groove 72 can be reduced, thereby reducing the abnormal noise generated by the bolt moving within the safety groove 72.

[0066] Furthermore, the lock includes a locking plate 9 and a fourth elastic element. The locking plate 9 is disposed adjacent to the ratchet 6 and coaxially rotatably connected within the lock housing. The fourth elastic element is connected to the locking plate 9 and provides it with an elastic force that rotates it in the unlocking direction. In this embodiment, the fourth elastic element is a fourth torsion spring 13.

[0067] The locking plate 9 is provided with a second locking slot 91 with one end open. The second locking slot 91 is located in the locking channel 14, and the opening of the second locking slot 91 faces the opening of the locking channel 14. The second locking slot 91 is arranged adjacent to the first locking slot 61. When locking, the latch 16 enters the first locking slot 61 and the second locking slot 91 at the same time, and drives the locking plate 9 and the ratchet 6 to rotate at the same time. The locking plate 9 is provided with a transmission tongue 92. The transmission tongue 92 has a second stop part 93 on the side facing the unlocking direction. The transmission tongue 92 is closer to the comfort plate 8 than the locking tongue.

[0068] When the latch is located within the safety groove 72, the end of the comfort plate 8 furthest from its rotation center abuts against the second stop portion 93, causing the locking plate 9 to rotate in the locking direction. The side wall of the second locking slot 91 facing the unlocking direction abuts against the side of the latch 16 facing the unlocking direction, and the side of the latch 16 facing the locking direction abuts against the side wall of the first locking slot 61 facing the locking direction. In other words, the comfort plate 8 drives the ratchet 6 to rotate in the locking direction through the transmission of the second stop portion 93, the side wall of the second locking slot 91 facing the unlocking direction, the latch 16, and the side wall of the first locking slot 61 facing the locking direction. The first stop portion 65 moves away from the end of the comfort plate 8 furthest from its rotation center, so that the comfort plate 8 not only restricts the movement of the latch 16 but also restricts the movement of the latch within the safety groove 72.

[0069] By setting the locking plate 9, not only can the gap between the locking tongue and the safety groove 72 be reduced, but the gap between the locking component and the ratchet 6 can also be reduced, thus reducing the abnormal noise generated by the movement of the latch 16 in the first locking slot 61 of the ratchet 6.

[0070] Further, see Figure 8The second locking slot 91 of the locking piece 9 has a partially plastic-coated part 94 on one side wall facing the unlocking direction. The partially plastic-coated part 94 is used to abut against the latch 16 to reduce abnormal noise.

[0071] The system includes an unlocking component connected to both the stop hook 7 and the comfort plate 8. This component drives the stop hook 7 and the comfort plate 8 to rotate away from the ratchet 6, overcoming the elastic forces of the first torsion spring 10 and the third torsion spring 12, respectively. This causes the safety groove 72 to disengage from the latch, and the comfort plate 8 to disengage from the latch, thereby releasing the ratchet 6 from its locked state. The ratchet 6 and the locking plate 9 then rotate in the unlocking direction due to the elastic force of the second elastic element, causing the latch 16 to exit the locking channel 14.

[0072] Specifically, the unlocking component includes a handle 5 and a housing 4. The handle 5 is rotatably connected to the housing 4, and the housing 4 is connected to the lock housing. The stop hook 7 and the comfort plate 8 are both provided with lugs 15. One end of the handle 5 hooks onto the lugs 15. When the handle 5 is rotated, it pulls the stop hook 7 and the comfort plate 8 away from the ratchet 6 and rotates them.

[0073] See Figure 2 A first washer 17 is provided between the ratchet 6 and the locking plate 9. Because the ratchet 6 is partially provided with a plastic-coated part 94, a gap will be generated between the ratchet 6 and the locking plate 9. The first washer 17 is used to fill the gap. A second washer 18 is provided between the stop hook 7 and the comfort plate 8 to fill the gap between the comfort plate 8 and the lock housing.

[0074] The working process of this invention will be further explained below:

[0075] See Figure 6 In the neutral position, the stop hook 7 and the comfort plate 8 rotate counterclockwise toward the ratchet 6 and the locking plate 9 by the elastic force of the second torsion spring 11 and the third torsion spring 12, respectively. The first locking tongue 62 of the ratchet 6 simultaneously abuts against the stop hook 7 and the comfort plate 8 to limit their rotation and prevent them from rotating further toward the ratchet 6.

[0076] When it is necessary to lock the latch 16, the latch 16 enters the opening of the locking channel 14, and then enters the first locking slot 61 and the second locking slot 91, driving the ratchet 6 and the locking plate 9 to rotate counterclockwise in the locking direction against the elastic force of the first torsion spring 10 and the fourth torsion spring 13, respectively.

[0077] See Figure 7When the first locking tongue 62 rotates to a position directly opposite the safety groove 72, the first locking tongue 62 releases its restriction on the stop hook 7 and the comfort plate 8. If the ratchet 6 rotates too quickly, the first locking tongue 62 slides past the safety groove 72 without entering it; if the ratchet 6 rotates too slowly, the stop hook 7 rotates towards the first locking tongue 62 and engages it through the elastic force of the second torsion spring 11, thus achieving first-position locking. The latch 16 is locked in the first locking slot 61 and the second locking slot 91, forming a... Figure 8 In the state shown, since the transmission tongue 92 is closer to the comfort plate 8 than the first locking tongue 62, the comfort plate 8 rotates to abut against the second stop portion 93 of the transmission tongue 92 through the elastic force of the third torsion spring 12, while the first locking tongue 62 does not abut against the comfort plate 8. This causes the locking plate 9 to be subjected to the force of the comfort plate 8. The comfort plate 8 drives the ratchet 6 to rotate in the locking direction through the transmission of the second stop portion 93, the side wall of the second locking slot 91 facing the unlocking direction, the latch 16, and the side wall of the first locking slot 61 facing the locking direction. The first locking tongue 62 abuts against the side wall of the safety groove 72 facing the locking direction. The latch 16 is restricted between the side wall of the second locking slot 91 facing the unlocking direction and the side wall of the first locking slot 61 facing the locking direction.

[0078] See Figure 9 This is the second-position locking tongue 63 facing the safety groove 72. This position can be reached directly by using the first-position locking tongue 62 to bypass the safety groove 72, or by locking the first-position locking tongue 62 with the safety groove 72, then unlocking it via handle 5 and further rotating the ratchet 6. (See attached image) Figure 10 At this point, the latch 16 moves to the bottom of the locking channel 14 and cannot move further, meaning it cannot further drive the ratchet 6 and locking plate 9 to rotate. The latch 16 then leaves the first locking slot 61 and the second locking slot 91, and is locked between the limiting part 66 of the ratchet 6 and the bottom of the locking channel 14. Meanwhile, the second-position locking tongue 63 enters the safety groove 72 and locks itself there. The comfort plate 8, through the elastic force of the third torsion spring 12, abuts against the first stop part 65 of the second-position locking tongue 63, reducing the gap between the second-position locking tongue 63 and the safety groove 72.

[0079] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Even if various changes are made to the present invention, if these changes fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, they shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-position locking mechanism, characterized in that, It includes a locking unit, a locking retaining unit, and a first elastic member. The locking unit is configured to be rotated by an external force to lock with an external locking component. The first elastic member is connected to the locking retaining unit and provides it with an elastic force toward the locking unit. The locking unit is provided with a plurality of locking tongues in sequence along its rotation direction. When the locking unit is rotated by the external force, the plurality of locking tongues rotate sequentially to the locking retaining unit. The locking tongues and the locking retaining unit elastically abut against each other through the elastic force of the first elastic element, and the locking tongues slide relative to the locking retaining unit as the locking unit rotates. The locking and retaining unit has a safety groove on the sliding path of the locking tongue. When the locking tongue slides to be directly opposite the safety groove, the locking tongue enters the safety groove by the elastic force of the first elastic element. The two cooperate to maintain the locking state of the locking unit and the locking component. Let the time from when the latch slides to be aligned with the safety groove until it slides to be misaligned with the safety groove be the first time; let the time when the latch is aligned with the safety groove, and the time when the latch enters the safety groove due to the elastic force of the first elastic member be the second time. The locking unit is configured to make the first time greater than or equal to the second time, or to make the first time less than the second time, by using different external forces; When the first time is greater than or equal to the second time, the locking tongue enters the safety groove; when the first time is less than the second time, the locking tongue slides past the safety groove and does not enter it.

2. The multi-position locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking and retaining unit has a first structural part and a second structural part on both sides of the safety groove. When the locking unit is rotated by the external force, the locking tongue passes through the first structural part, the safety groove and the second structural part in sequence. When the latch is directly opposite the safety groove, the vertical distance between the second structural part and the latch is greater than the vertical distance between the first structural part and the latch.

3. The multi-position locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the safety groove is greater than that of the locking tongue.

4. The multi-position locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock includes a lock housing, the locking unit is a ratchet, the locking retaining unit is a stop hook, the ratchet and the stop hook are rotatably connected inside the lock housing, the first elastic element provides an elastic force to the stop hook to rotate toward the ratchet, and the safety groove is provided on the side wall of the stop hook facing the ratchet. It includes a second elastic element, which is connected to the ratchet and provides it with an elastic force to rotate in the unlocking direction. When the ratchet rotates in the locking direction by the external force, it overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic element. The device includes an unlocking component for driving the stop hook to rotate away from the ratchet by overcoming the elastic force of the first elastic element, thereby disengaging the safety groove from the locking tongue to release the ratchet from its locked state. The ratchet is then unlocked by rotating in the unlocking direction through the elastic force of the second elastic element.

5. The multi-position locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The external force is provided by the locking component; The lock housing has a locking channel with one end open, through which the ratchet passes; The ratchet is provided with a first locking slot with one end open. The first locking slot is located in the locking channel, and the opening of the first locking slot faces the opening of the locking channel. When locked, the locking component enters the locking channel through the opening, then enters the first locking slot and drives the ratchet to rotate. The ratchet locks the locking component through the first locking slot.

6. The multi-position locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the locking component moves to abut against the bottom of the locking channel, the last locking tongue slides to face the safety groove and enters the safety groove by the elastic force of the first elastic member.

7. The multi-position locking mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ratchet has a limiting part on the outer wall of the first locking slot opening facing the unlocking direction. When the locking component moves to abut against the bottom of the locking channel, the limiting part abuts against the side of the locking component away from the bottom of the locking channel.

8. The multi-position locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ratchet has a limiting tongue between adjacent locking tongues. After the locking tongue slides through the safety groove and is misaligned with it, the limiting tongue rotates to abut against the stop hook. Before the limiting tongue rotates to be directly opposite the safety groove, the next locking tongue rotates to abut against the stop hook.

9. The multi-position locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, It includes a comfort plate and a third elastic element. The comfort plate is disposed adjacent to the stop hook and coaxially rotatably connected in the lock housing. The third elastic element connects the comfort plate and provides it with an elastic force to rotate toward the ratchet. When the lock tongue rotates to abut against the stop hook, it also abuts against the side wall of the comfort plate facing the ratchet. The end of the comfort plate away from its rotation center extends to the safety groove, and the latch has a first stop portion on the side facing the unlocking direction; when the latch is located in the safety groove, the end of the comfort plate away from its rotation center abuts against the first stop portion, and the latch is restricted between the comfort plate and the side wall of the safety groove facing the locking direction.

10. The multi-position locking mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, It includes a locking plate and a fourth elastic element. The locking plate is disposed adjacent to the ratchet and coaxially rotatably connected to the lock housing. The fourth elastic element is connected to the locking plate and provides it with an elastic force to rotate in the unlocking direction. The locking plate has a second locking slot with one open end, which is located within the locking channel. The opening of the second locking slot faces the opening of the locking channel, and the second locking slot is adjacent to the first locking slot. When locking, the locking component simultaneously enters the first locking slot and the second locking slot, and simultaneously drives the locking plate and the ratchet to rotate. The locking plate has a transmission tongue, and the transmission tongue has a second stop portion on the side facing the unlocking direction. When the locking tongue is located in the safety groove, the end of the comfort piece away from its rotation center abuts against the second stop portion, thereby driving the locking piece to rotate toward the locking direction. The side wall of the second locking slot facing the unlocking direction abuts against the side of the locking component facing the unlocking direction, and the side of the locking component facing the locking direction abuts against the side wall of the first locking slot facing the locking direction.

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