Trunk secondary lock structure

Abstract

The application discloses a rear trunk two-stage locking structure, which comprises a shell, a lock seat installed in the shell, a first micro switch and a driving assembly installed on the shell, a lock hook, a pawl and a swing arm which are rotationally connected to the lock seat, the swing arm and the pawl are rotationally arranged in a direction of approaching each other through a tension spring, the shell is provided with a lock cylinder for limiting on a path corresponding to the swing of the pawl towards the swing arm, the lock seat or the shell is provided with a limiting structure on a path corresponding to the swing of the swing arm towards the pawl, the lock hook is provided with a first matching notch and a second matching notch matched with the pawl, and the first micro switch is arranged on one side of the lock hook, when the lock hook is in a half-locked state, the outer circumferential surface of the lock hook triggers the first micro switch to make the driving assembly push the swing arm, the swing arm drives the lock hook to rotate to make the pawl matched with the second matching notch to enter a full-locked state. The structure automatically converts the half-locked state into the full-locked state, the user does not need to close the rear trunk and then manually lock, and the convenience of the operation of the rear trunk is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a two-stage locking structure for a rear trunk. Background Technology

[0002] Motorcycles and electric bicycles are common modes of transportation in people's daily lives. They are equipped with rear storage boxes at the rear for users to store items. To improve theft prevention, these boxes are equipped with locking mechanisms. However, after using the rear storage box, users may find it inconvenient to lock it while their hands are full, simply closing the lid or forgetting to lock it before leaving. This puts the items inside at risk of theft. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a two-stage locking structure for a rear trunk. By closing the rear trunk cover, the latch and the locking hook engage in a semi-locked state. Subsequently, the locking hook triggers a micro switch to activate the drive assembly for assisted locking.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a two-stage locking structure for a rear trunk, comprising a housing, a lock seat installed within the housing, a first micro switch and drive assembly installed on the housing, a lock hook, a pawl, and a swing arm rotatably connected to the lock seat. The lock hook engages with a latch to lock the trunk. The swing arm and pawl rotate towards each other via a tension spring. The swing arm drives the lock hook to rotate. The pawl engages with the latch to restrict the lock hook from rotating in the unlocking direction. A lock cylinder for limiting the movement of the lock core is provided on the path of the pawl towards the swing arm on the housing. A lock core for limiting the movement of the lock core is provided on the path of the swing arm towards the pawl on the lock seat or housing. The lock is equipped with a limiting structure. The pawl and the swing arm are respectively tensioned to the lock cylinder and the limiting structure by a tension spring. The lock cylinder is controlled by a key to rotate, which drives the pawl to rotate and unlock. The lock hook has a first mating notch and a second mating notch that engage with the pawl. When the pawl engages with the first mating notch, the lock hook is in a half-locked state. When the pawl engages with the second mating notch, the lock hook is in a fully locked state. A first micro switch is located on one side of the lock hook. When the lock hook is in a half-locked state, the outer circumference of the lock hook triggers the first micro switch, causing the drive assembly to push the swing arm. The swing arm drives the lock hook to rotate, causing the pawl to engage with the second mating notch and enter the fully locked state.

[0005] As a further improvement of the present invention, the driving assembly includes a slider slidably connected to the housing and a driving component mounted on the housing. The slider is provided with a first abutting part for abutting the swing arm or pawl. The driving component is used to drive the slider to reciprocate in the direction of the swing arm or pawl, thereby pushing the swing arm or pawl to rotate.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, the driving component is a drive motor, the output shaft of the drive motor is provided with a gear, and the slider is provided with a rack that cooperates with the gear on the side corresponding to the drive motor.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the drive assembly further includes a clutch assembly, which includes a spring mounted on the slider and a first limiting plate disposed on the housing. The first limiting plate is disposed in the direction of movement of the slider toward the swing arm. The slider is provided with a groove for mounting the spring. The groove is provided with a first opening communicating with the spring on one side corresponding to the first limiting plate. When the slider moves to the maximum stroke, the rack and gear are in a clutch state through the cooperation of the spring and the first limiting plate.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the housing is further provided with a second limiting plate, which is arranged in the direction of movement of the slider toward the pawl, and the groove is provided with a second opening communicating with the spring on one side corresponding to the second limiting plate.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the housing is provided with a second micro switch, and the slider is provided with a second abutment for triggering the second micro switch, and the second micro switch is provided for detecting slider reset.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the locking hook and the pawl are arranged on the same side of the lock seat, and the swing arm is arranged on the other side of the lock seat. The locking hook is provided with a connecting rod extending toward the swing arm. The limiting structure is a movable groove, which is provided on the lock seat for the connecting rod to pass through. The swing arm is provided with a window for the connecting rod to pass through and to prevent the connecting rod from getting stuck.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, a sleeve is snapped onto the connecting rod, and the connecting rod cooperates with the window on the swing arm through the sleeve. The sleeve is also provided with a stepped surface for clamping the swing arm.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the locking port of the locking hook is provided with a buffer block for shock absorption, and the buffer block is pressed and engaged with the locking buckle in the fully locked state.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the housing is also provided with one or more of the following unlocking functions: fingerprint recognition module, NFC module, RFID module, and Bluetooth module. The unlocking function is used to control the drive component to push the pawl to unlock.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the structure can automatically convert the half-lock state to the full-lock state, and the user can easily enter the half-lock state when closing the lid without having to manually perform the full-lock operation, which helps to improve the convenience of operating the rear trunk. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the semi-locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fully locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the driving component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the driver components working together according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a lock seat according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Lock base; 2. First micro switch; 3. Drive assembly; 4. Lock hook; 5. Lock catch; 6. Pawl; 7. Swing arm; 8. Tension spring; 9. Lock cylinder; 10. First abutment part; 11. First mating notch; 12. Second mating notch; 13. Protrusion; 14. Movable groove; 15. Slider; 16. Drive motor; 17. Gear; 18. Rack; 19. Spring; 20. First limiting plate; 21. First opening; 22. Second limiting plate; 23. Second opening; 24. Second micro switch; 25. Second abutment part; 26. Connecting rod; 27. Window; 28. Sleeve; 29. ​​Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Reference Figure 1-7As shown, a two-stage locking structure for a rear trunk includes a housing 29, a lock seat 1 installed inside the housing 29, a first micro switch 2 and a drive assembly 3 installed on the housing 29, a lock hook 4, a pawl 6, and a swing arm 7 rotatably connected to the lock seat 1. The lock hook 4 is used to engage with a latch 5 to lock. The swing arm 7 and the pawl 6 rotate towards each other via a tension spring 8. The swing arm 7 drives the lock hook 4 to rotate, and the pawl 6 engages with the latch 5 to restrict the lock hook 4 from rotating in the unlocking direction. A lock cylinder 9 for limiting the movement of the pawl 6 towards the swing arm 7 is provided on the housing 29 along the path of the pawl 6's rotation. A limiting structure is provided on the lock seat 1 or the housing 29 along the path of the swing arm 7's rotation towards the pawl 6. The pawl 6 and the swing arm 7 are respectively tightened to the lock cylinder 9 and the limiting structure by the tension spring 8. The lock cylinder 9 is rotated by the key to drive the pawl 6 to rotate and unlock. The lock hook 4 is provided with a first engagement notch 11 and a second engagement notch 12 that engage with the pawl 6. When the pawl 6 engages with the first engagement notch 11, the lock hook 4 is in a half-locked state. When the pawl 6 engages with the second engagement notch 12, the lock hook 4 is in a fully locked state. The first micro switch 2 is located on one side of the lock hook 4. When the lock hook 4 is in a half-locked state, the outer circumference of the lock hook 4 triggers the first micro switch 2 to cause the drive assembly 3 to push the swing arm 7. The swing arm 7 drives the lock hook 4 to rotate so that the pawl 6 engages with the second engagement notch 12 to enter the fully locked state.

[0025] The housing 29 serves as the overall mounting carrier. The lock seat 1 is fixed to a preset position inside the housing 29 by bolts or clips. The first micro switch 2 is installed on the side of the housing 29 corresponding to the lock hook 4. The drive assembly 3 is fixed to the housing 29 by a detachable connection. The lock hook 4, pawl 6, and swing arm 7 are rotatably connected to the corresponding mounting holes of the lock seat 1 via independent rotating shafts. The two ends of the tension spring 8 are connected to the preset hanging points of the swing arm 7 and pawl 6 via hooks, providing elastic force for them to rotate in the direction of mutual approach. The end of the lock cylinder 9 is provided with a protrusion 13 for abutting against the pawl 6, thereby limiting the pawl 6. The limiting structure can be a protrusion on the housing 29 or the lock seat 1, or a fan-shaped groove on the housing 29 or the lock seat 1 for limiting. A connecting block that moves in the fan-shaped groove is provided on the lock hook 4 or the swing arm 7. The tension of the tension spring 8 keeps the pawl 6 taut on the outer circumference of the protrusion 13 and the swing arm 7 taut on the limiting structure. After the key is inserted into the lock hole of the lock cylinder 9, turning the key will drive the lock cylinder 9 to rotate synchronously. During the rotation of the lock cylinder 9, the protrusion 13 pushes the pawl 6 to rotate around its axis, releasing the limiting of the lock hook 4 and simultaneously unlocking the lock hook 4. The first mating notch 11 and the second mating notch 12 of the lock hook 4 are arranged sequentially along the rotation trajectory of the lock hook 4, and both are adapted to the end contour of the pawl 6. When the trunk needs to be locked, the latch 5 pushes the hook 4 to rotate, causing the pawl 6 to engage with the first mating notch 11. At this time, the hook 4 is in a half-locked state. The outer circumference of the hook 4 triggers the first micro switch 2, which sends a signal to the drive assembly 3. After the drive assembly 3 is activated, it pushes the swing arm 7. Under the action of the driving force, the swing arm 7 overcomes the elastic force of the tension spring 8 and rotates around the pivot, while driving the hook 4 to rotate synchronously. During the rotation of the hook 4, the pawl 6 disengages from the first mating notch 11. After continuing to rotate, the pawl 6 engages with the second mating notch 12 under the action of the tension spring 8, so that the hook 4 enters the fully locked state. This structure can automatically convert the half-locked state to the fully locked state, so the user does not need to close the trunk and then manually lock it, which helps to improve the convenience of trunk operation.

[0026] The drive assembly 3 includes a slider 15 slidably connected to the housing 29 and a drive component mounted on the housing 29. The slider 15 has a first abutment portion 10 for abutting against the swing arm 7 or the pawl 6. The drive component drives the slider 15 to reciprocate in the direction of the swing arm 7 or the pawl 6, thereby pushing the swing arm 7 or the pawl 6 to rotate. The housing 29 is provided with a slide rail or slide groove corresponding to the slider 15. The slider 15 is embedded in the slide rail or slide groove to achieve a sliding connection with the housing 29. In this embodiment, the housing 29 is provided with a guide rod for guidance. The drive component is fixed to a preset position on the housing 29 by bolts, and its output end is connected to the slider 15 for transmission. When the first micro switch 2 is triggered, the drive component starts and drives the slider 15 to move towards the swing arm 7. When the slider 15 moves to the preset position, the first abutment part 10 abuts against the swing arm 7, continuing to push the swing arm 7 to rotate around its axis, thereby driving the locking hook 4 to switch from half-lock to full-lock. When unlocking, the drive component can drive the slider 15 to move towards the pawl 6, pushing the pawl 6 to rotate through the first abutment part 10, assisting the unlocking action. In this embodiment, the drive component is a drive motor 16, and a gear 17 is provided on the output shaft of the drive motor 16. A rack 18 that meshes with the gear 17 is provided on the side of the slider 15 corresponding to the drive motor 16. When it is necessary to drive the slider 15 to move, the drive motor 16 rotates forward or reverse, driving the gear 17 to rotate synchronously. The gear 17 drives the rack 18 to move through tooth surface meshing, thereby driving the slider 15 to reciprocate.

[0027] The drive assembly 3 also includes a clutch assembly, which includes a spring 19 mounted on the slider 15 and a first limiting plate 20 disposed on the housing 29. The first limiting plate 20 is disposed in the direction of movement of the slider 15 toward the swing arm 7. The slider 15 is provided with a groove for mounting the spring 19. The side of the groove corresponding to the first limiting plate 20 is provided with a first opening 21 communicating with the spring 19. When the slider 15 moves to the maximum stroke, the rack 18 and the gear 17 are in a clutch state through the cooperation of the spring 19 and the first limiting plate 20. The first limiting plate 20 is integrally formed or fixedly connected to the housing 29. When the slider 15 moves towards the swing arm 7 to its maximum stroke under the drive of the drive motor 16, the rack 18 disengages from the gear 17. The first limiting plate 20 abuts against the spring 19 through the first opening 21. The spring 19 is compressed and undergoes elastic deformation, causing the slider 15 to retract. This causes the rack 18 on the slider 15 to engage with the gear 17 on the output shaft of the drive motor 16. The drive motor 16 is in an alternating state of disengagement and engagement before entering reverse. This clutch structure can prevent the drive motor 16 from being continuously stressed when the slider 15 moves to its limit position, thus avoiding component damage and extending the service life of the components.

[0028] The housing 29 is also provided with a second limiting plate 22, which is positioned in the direction of movement of the slider 15 toward the pawl 6. A second opening 23 communicating with the spring 19 is provided on one side of the groove corresponding to the second limiting plate 22. The second limiting plate 22 has the same structure as the first limiting plate 20 and is provided on the housing 29 by means of integral molding or fixed connection. The two-way clutch design can play a protective role at both extreme positions of the reciprocating movement of the slider 15.

[0029] A second micro switch 24 is provided on the housing 29, and a second abutment portion 25 is provided on the slider 15 for triggering the second micro switch 24. The second micro switch 24 is used to detect the reset of the slider 15. The second micro switch 24 is fixedly connected to the housing 29 at a preset position corresponding to the reset of the slider 15. The second abutment portion 25 on the slider 15 is an integrally formed boss structure, and the position of the boss corresponds to the trigger end of the second micro switch 24. When the slider 15 completes the driving action, the drive motor 16 reverses to drive the slider 15 to reset. When the slider 15 resets to the initial position, the second abutment portion 25 touches the trigger end of the second micro switch 24, and the second micro switch 24 sends a reset signal to indicate that the slider 15 has returned to the initial position, and the drive motor 16 stops working.

[0030] The locking hook 4 and the pawl 6 are located on the same side of the locking seat 1, and the swing arm 7 is located on the other side of the locking seat 1. The locking hook 4 is provided with a connecting rod 26 extending toward the swing arm 7. The limiting structure is a movable groove 14. The movable groove 14 is provided on the locking seat 1 for the connecting rod 26 to pass through. The swing arm 7 is provided with a window 27 for the connecting rod 26 to pass through and to prevent the connecting rod 26 from getting stuck.

[0031] The lock base 1 is a plate-shaped structure. The lock hook 4 and pawl 6 are rotatably connected to one side of the lock base 1 via a pivot. The swing arm 7 is rotatably connected to the other side of the lock base 1 via a pivot. The connecting rod 26 on the lock hook 4 is integrally formed with the lock hook 4 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the lock base 1. The movable groove 14 on the lock base 1 is a long through hole. The connecting rod 26 passes through the movable groove 14 and extends to the other side of the lock base 1 to cooperate with the swing arm 7. The window 27 on the swing arm 7 is an oblong hole. The length direction of the oblong hole is adapted to the rotation trajectory of the swing arm 7. The connecting rod 26 passes through the oblong hole, and a gap is reserved between the connecting rod 26 and the hole wall of the oblong hole. When the swing arm 7 rotates, it drives the connecting rod 26 to move synchronously through the oblong hole, thereby driving the lock hook 4 to rotate. The design of the oblong hole can accommodate the relative displacement between the connecting rod 26 and the swing arm 7, preventing the connecting rod 26 from getting stuck during movement.

[0032] A sleeve 28 is snapped onto the connecting rod 26. The connecting rod 26 engages with the window 27 on the swing arm 7 via the sleeve 28. The sleeve 28 also has a stepped surface for clamping the swing arm 7. Its inner wall has a snap-fit ​​structure, which engages with the slot on the outer circumference of the connecting rod 26, enabling a detachable connection between the sleeve 28 and the connecting rod 26 for easy replacement and maintenance. The outer diameter of the sleeve 28 matches the inner diameter of the oblong hole on the swing arm 7. The sleeve 28 passes through the oblong hole, allowing the connecting rod 26 to indirectly engage with the swing arm 7 via the sleeve 28. The stepped surface on the sleeve 28 is an annular structure, located on both sides of the swing arm 7. The stepped surface fits against the plate surface of the swing arm 7, clamping and limiting the swing arm 7, reducing relative sway between the swing arm 7 and the sleeve 28, making the power transmission more stable when the swing arm 7 drives the connecting rod 26, and improving the synchronization of the lock hook 4 rotation to some extent.

[0033] The locking hook 4 has a shock-absorbing buffer block on its locking jaw. In the fully locked state, the buffer block is pressed tightly against the latch 5. The buffer block is made of elastic rubber and is fixed to the inner wall of the locking jaw of the locking hook 4 by adhesive or embedding. The surface of the buffer block matches the outer circumferential surface of the latch 5. When the locking hook 4 is fully locked, the latch 5 is embedded in the locking jaw of the locking hook 4. The buffer block is located between the latch 5 and the locking jaw of the locking hook 4 and is pressed between them. The buffer block undergoes elastic deformation, absorbing the impact force of the collision between the latch 5 and the locking hook 4, mitigating vibration during contact, and reducing noise generated by the collision.

[0034] The housing 29 is also equipped with one or more of the following unlocking functions: fingerprint recognition module, NFC module, RFID module, and Bluetooth module. These unlocking functions control the drive component to push the pawl 6 to unlock. One or more of the fingerprint recognition module, NFC module, RFID module, and Bluetooth module are fixed to a pre-reserved mounting position on the outside or inside of the housing 29 by bolts. The module's wiring is electrically connected to the drive component and control unit through wiring holes on the housing 29. The control unit is integrated into a preset position within the housing 29. When the user registers a matching fingerprint through the fingerprint recognition module, senses a matching card through the NFC module, identifies a matching tag through the RFID module, or establishes a connection with a mobile device and receives an unlocking command through the Bluetooth module, the corresponding module sends an unlocking signal to the control unit. The control unit then controls the drive component to start, driving the slider 15 to move towards the pawl 6. The first abutment part 10 of the slider 15 pushes the pawl 6 to rotate around the pivot, releasing the lock hook 4 from its limit and achieving unlocking. The multiple unlocking functions expand the unlocking methods, further improving user convenience. Simultaneously, the stable electrical connection between each module and the control unit allows for faster transmission of unlocking signals, improving the response efficiency of the unlocking action.

[0035] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A two-stage locking structure for a rear trunk, comprising a housing, a lock seat installed within the housing, a first microswitch and drive assembly installed on the housing, a lock hook, a pawl, and a swing arm rotatably connected to the lock seat. The lock hook engages with a latch to lock the trunk. The swing arm and pawl rotate towards each other via a tension spring. The swing arm drives the lock hook to rotate. The pawl engages with the latch to restrict the lock hook from rotating in the unlocking direction. A lock cylinder for limiting the movement of the pawl towards the swing arm is provided on the housing corresponding to the path of the pawl's rotation towards the swing arm. A limiting structure is provided on the lock seat or housing corresponding to the path of the swing arm's rotation towards the pawl. The pawl and the swing arm are respectively tensioned to the lock cylinder and the limiting structure via tension springs. The lock cylinder is controlled by a key to rotate, thereby driving the pawl to rotate and unlock the trunk. The lock hook has a first engagement notch and a second engagement notch that engage with the pawl. When the pawl engages with the first engagement notch... When the pawl engages with the second engagement notch, the locking hook is in a semi-locked state. When the pawl engages with the second engagement notch, the locking hook is in a fully locked state. A first micro switch is located on one side of the locking hook. When the locking hook is in a semi-locked state, the outer circumference of the locking hook triggers the first micro switch, causing the drive assembly to push the swing arm. The swing arm drives the locking hook to rotate, causing the pawl to engage with the second engagement notch and enter a fully locked state. The locking hook and pawl are located on the same side of the lock seat, and the swing arm is located on the other side of the lock seat. The locking hook has a connecting rod extending toward the swing arm. The limiting structure is a movable groove, which is located on the lock seat for the connecting rod to pass through. The swing arm has a window for the connecting rod to pass through and to prevent the connecting rod from getting stuck. A sleeve is engaged with the connecting rod. The connecting rod engages with the window on the swing arm through the sleeve. The sleeve also has a stepped surface for clamping the swing arm.

2. The rear tailgate two-stage locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a slider slidably connected to the housing and a drive component mounted on the housing. The slider is provided with a first abutting part for abutting the swing arm or pawl. The drive component is used to drive the slider to reciprocate in the direction of the swing arm or pawl, thereby pushing the swing arm or pawl to rotate.

3. The rear tailgate two-stage locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving component is a drive motor, and a gear is provided on the output shaft of the drive motor. The slider is provided with a rack that meshes with the gear on the side corresponding to the drive motor.

4. The rear tailgate two-stage locking structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive assembly also includes a clutch assembly, which includes a spring mounted on the slider and a first limiting plate disposed on the housing. The first limiting plate is disposed in the direction of movement of the slider toward the swing arm. The slider is provided with a groove for mounting the spring. The groove is provided with a first opening communicating with the spring on one side corresponding to the first limiting plate. When the slider moves to its maximum stroke, the rack and gear are engaged through the cooperation of the spring and the first limiting plate.

5. The rear tailgate two-stage locking structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing is also provided with a second limiting plate, which is located in the direction of movement of the slider toward the pawl. The groove is provided with a second opening communicating with the spring on one side corresponding to the second limiting plate.

6. The rear tailgate two-stage locking structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a second micro switch, and the slider is provided with a second abutment for triggering the second micro switch. The second micro switch is provided to detect slider reset.

7. The rear tailgate two-stage locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking hook is equipped with a shock-absorbing buffer block on the locking jaw. The buffer block is pressed and engaged with the locking buckle when fully locked.

8. The rear tailgate two-stage locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing is also equipped with one or more of the following unlocking functions: fingerprint recognition module, NFC module, RFID module, and Bluetooth module. These unlocking functions are used to control the drive component to push the pawl to unlock.

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