Locking device and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock device and a motor vehicle. The lock device comprises a latch mechanism, a latch release mechanism and a switching mechanism. The latch release mechanism has an engaged state, in which the latch release mechanism is engaged with the latch mechanism, and a disengaged state, in which the latch release mechanism is disengaged from the latch mechanism. The switching mechanism comprises an actuation unit and is configured to switch the latch release mechanism between the engaged state and the disengaged state only when an output part of the actuation unit moves from a home position in a first direction towards an actuation position. According to the invention, an undesired state switching of the latch release mechanism when the output part of the actuation unit returns from the actuation position to the home position can be avoided, so that the desired state of the latch release mechanism can be maintained; and the state switching of the latch release mechanism occurs when actuating in the same direction, so that actuation of the actuation unit in the other direction can be used for other desired functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a latching system for motor vehicles. In particular, this invention relates to locking devices and motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] This section provides background information relevant to this application, which does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Vehicle closing panels—such as doors for vehicle compartments—are configured to move relative to the vehicle body between an open and closed position and are typically equipped with a locking device. The locking device is used to latch the vehicle closing panel when it is in the closed position. Furthermore, the locking device can be released to allow the vehicle closing panel to move to the open position.

[0004] In related technologies, locking devices typically include a latching mechanism for latching a vehicle closing panel and a latch release mechanism for releasing the vehicle closing panel. The latch release mechanism is typically connected to a handle on the vehicle closing panel and has an engaged state (available state) and a disengaged state (disabled state): in the engaged state, the latch release mechanism engages with the latching mechanism, allowing the user to release the latch by mechanically actuating the latching mechanism using the handle on the vehicle closing panel; in the disengaged state, the latch release mechanism disengages from the latching mechanism, preventing the user from mechanically actuating the latching mechanism by operating the handle on the vehicle closing panel to release the latch.

[0005] Locking devices typically also include a motor and an actuating gear for switching the latch release mechanism between the aforementioned engaged and disengaged states. The forward and reverse rotation of the motor drives the actuating gear from its original position in opposite directions, thus switching the latch release mechanism between different states. However, this can cause undesirable state switching of the latch release mechanism when the actuating gear returns to its original position after each actuation, preventing the latch release mechanism from maintaining its current state. Furthermore, since both forward and reverse rotation of the motor are used to achieve state switching of the latch release mechanism, additional actuation units are usually required to implement other functions. Too many actuation units increase the cost, complexity, power requirements, and size of the locking device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve one or more of the technical problems mentioned above.

[0007] In particular, the present invention aims to provide a locking device that switches the latch release mechanism between an engaged state and a disengaged state only when the output component of the actuating unit moves from its original position toward the actuating position along a first direction, and does not switch the state of the latch release mechanism when the output component of the actuating unit resets from the actuating position toward the original position along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0008] In particular, another object of the present invention is to provide a locking device that can selectively perform multiple functions via a single actuation unit.

[0009] In a first aspect of the invention, a locking device is provided. The locking device includes: a latching mechanism; a latch release mechanism having an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein in the engaged state, the latch release mechanism is engaged with the latching mechanism; and in the disengaged state, the latch release mechanism is disengaged from the latching mechanism; and a switching mechanism including an actuation unit and configured to switch the latch release mechanism between the engaged state and the disengaged state only when an output component of the actuation unit moves from an original position toward an actuated position in a first direction.

[0010] Optionally, the switching mechanism further includes an actuating arm, a linkage assembly, and a slider, wherein the actuating arm is connected to the output component to move with the output component; the linkage assembly is coupled to the slider and configured to move the slider between a first end position and a second end position when the actuating arm moves from the original position toward the actuated position along the first direction, and to keep the slider stationary when the actuating arm moves from the actuated position toward the original position along a second direction opposite to the first direction; the slider is capable of abutting the latch release mechanism such that the latch release mechanism can switch between the engaged state and the disengaged state when the slider moves.

[0011] Optionally, the locking device includes a support member with a guide groove, and the linkage assembly includes: a first drive arm with a free end and a connecting end, the free end being located in the motion path of the actuating arm moving from its original position along the first direction; a second drive arm, one end of which is pivotally connected to the connecting end of the first drive arm in the guide groove and is movable in the guide groove; and a rocker arm pivotable about a rocker arm pivot axis and having a rocker arm slot, the other end of the second drive arm being disposed in the rocker arm slot and movable in the rocker arm slot, the rocker arm being connected to the sliding member at a connection portion different from the rocker arm pivot axis.

[0012] Optionally, the linkage assembly further includes a reset arm having a pivot end and a connecting end, the connecting end of the reset arm being pivotally connected in the guide groove to the first drive arm and the second drive arm, the pivot end being provided with an arm biasing member configured to bias the reset arm toward the actuating arm.

[0013] Optionally, the latch release mechanism includes: an auxiliary release member for connection to a handle for user operation; and an abutment member pivotally connected to the auxiliary release member, wherein when the latch release mechanism is in the engaged state, the abutment member engages with the latch mechanism, the abutment member abuts against the slider, such that the slider can disengage the abutment member from the latch mechanism, and the abutment member is provided with an abutment member biasing member configured to bias the abutment member toward an engagement position with the latch mechanism.

[0014] Optionally, a toggle spring is provided at the connecting portion of the rocker arm so that the slider can be held at the first end position or the second end position when the slider is stationary.

[0015] Optionally, the locking device further includes an additional latch release mechanism configured to be driven by the output component, the additional latch release mechanism engaging with the latch mechanism and configured to move the latch mechanism only when the output component of the actuation unit moves from the original position in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0016] Optionally, the locking device includes an intermediate engagement member, through which the latch release mechanism and the additional latch release mechanism are indirectly engaged with the latch mechanism; and the additional latch release mechanism and the intermediate engagement member are engaged in a manner that allows them to move freely relative to each other.

[0017] Optionally, the actuation unit includes: a motor; and an actuation gear as the output component, the actuation gear being driven by the motor to move from the original position along the first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction, the actuation gear being provided with a gear biasing member to bias the actuation gear toward the original position.

[0018] Optionally, the movement of the output component of the actuation unit from the actuation position toward the original position along the second direction will not switch the latch release mechanism between the engaged state and the disengaged state.

[0019] Optionally, the actuation unit operates on a pawl connected to the latching mechanism, and the actuation unit is configured to move the pawl when the actuation unit moves from the original position in a second direction opposite to the first direction to release the latching mechanism.

[0020] In another aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is provided, the motor vehicle comprising: a vehicle body having a striker provided thereon; and a vehicle closure panel movable relative to the vehicle body between an open position and a closed position, the vehicle closure panel having any of the above-described locking devices configured to releasably engage with the striker when the vehicle closure panel is in the closed position.

[0021] The locking device provided by this invention, on the one hand, can avoid undesirable state switching of the latch release mechanism when the output component of the actuation unit returns from the actuation position or the additional actuation position to the original position, so that the desired state of the latch release mechanism can be maintained; on the other hand, the state switching of the latch release mechanism occurs when actuated in the same direction, so that the actuation of the actuation unit in another direction can be used for other required functions. Multiple functions can be selectively executed by a single actuation unit, which can reduce the size and weight of the locking device, reduce the cost of the actuation unit, and improve the design flexibility of the vehicle closing panel. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The foregoing and other features and characteristics of this application will become clearer from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are merely illustrative and not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals are used in the drawings to indicate the same parts, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a part of the motor vehicle provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the latching mechanism of a locking device in one embodiment of a motor vehicle is shown in the figure;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a latch release mechanism and a switching mechanism of a locking device according to one embodiment of a motor vehicle, wherein the actuating gear of the switching mechanism is in the original position and the latch release mechanism is in the engaged state.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of a latch release mechanism and a switching mechanism of a locking device in one embodiment of a motor vehicle is shown, wherein the actuating gear of the switching mechanism is from Figure 3The original position is actuated for the first time in the counterclockwise direction and is in the actuated position with the latch release mechanism in the disengaged state;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows another schematic of a latch release mechanism and a switching mechanism for a locking device in one embodiment of a motor vehicle, wherein the actuating gear of the switching mechanism moves from... Figure 4 The actuation position shown returns to its original position in a clockwise direction and the latch release mechanism is disengaged;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows another schematic of a latch release mechanism and a switching mechanism for a locking device in one embodiment of a motor vehicle, wherein the actuating gear of the switching mechanism moves from... Figure 5 The original position is actuated a second time in a counterclockwise direction and is in the actuated position, and the latch release mechanism is engaged.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows another schematic of a latch release mechanism and a switching mechanism for a locking device in one embodiment of a motor vehicle, wherein the actuating gear of the switching mechanism moves from... Figure 6 The actuation position shown returns to its original position clockwise and the latch release mechanism is engaged; and

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a latch release mechanism, an additional latch release mechanism, and a switching mechanism of a locking device according to another embodiment of a motor vehicle, wherein the actuating gear of the switching mechanism is in the original position and the latch release mechanism is in the engaged state. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0032] The present invention provides a locking device for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle having the locking device.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a portion of the motor vehicle 100 provided by the present invention. (See diagram below.) Figure 1As shown, the motor vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 110, a passenger compartment 120 defined by the vehicle body 110, and at least one door for the passenger compartment (as an example of a "vehicle closing panel"), such as a front door 130 and a rear door 140. The front door 130 and the rear door 140 are configured (e.g., hinged) to be movable relative to the vehicle body 110 between an open position and a closed position. Figure 1 The diagram shows the front door 130 in the closed position and the rear door 140 in the open position. Locking devices 200 are provided on both the front door 130 and the rear door 140. The locking devices 200 are disposed on the rear edge surface of the front door 130 or the rear door 140 and configured to releasably engage with a strike pin 150 provided on the vehicle body 110 when the front door 130 or the rear door 140 is in the closed position. Handles on the doors are configured for user operation to disengage the locking devices 200 from the strike pin 150 to release the latch, thereby allowing the door to move to its open position. For example, the locking devices 200 can be disengaged from the strike pin 150 by mechanical actuation of the inner handle 141 or the outer handle 142 on the rear door 140 to release the latch, thereby allowing the rear door 140 to move to its open position.

[0034] Figures 2 to 7 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a locking device 200 of one embodiment of a motor vehicle 100, wherein, for clarity, the outer housing 210 of the locking device 200 has been removed. Figure 1 The following will combine Figures 2 to 7 The locking device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail using the locking device 200 provided on the rear door 140 as an example. It is understood that the locking device 200 can also be applied to the front door 130. In addition, the locking device 200 can also be provided on the trunk lid (not shown, as another example of "vehicle closing panel") or the hood (not shown, as yet another example of "vehicle closing panel") of the motor vehicle 100.

[0035] like Figure 2As shown, the locking device 200 includes a support member 220 located within an outer housing 210, which is exemplarily shown as a plate-like member. The support member 220 has a first side and a second side opposite to each other in the thickness direction. A through groove 221 is provided in the support member 220, passing through the first side and the second side of the support member 220. A latching mechanism 300 is provided on the first side of the support member 220. The latching mechanism 300 is movable between a latch-capture position for capturing the latch 150 on the vehicle body 110 and a latch-release position for releasing the latch 150 on the vehicle body 110. The latching mechanism 300 is exemplarily shown as a ratchet-pawl mechanism. Specifically, the latching mechanism 300 includes a ratchet 310 and a pawl 320. Both the ratchet 310 and the pawl 320 are pivotally mounted on the support member 220. The ratchet 310 is movable between a pin-capture position and a pin-release position. In the pin-capture position, the ratchet 310 uses a pin groove 311 in the ratchet 310 to hold the pin 150 and keep the rear door 140 in the closed position. In the pin-release position, the ratchet 310 allows the pin 150 to be released from the fish-mouth portion 211 provided by the outer housing 210 and support member 220 of the locking device 200, so as to allow the rear door 140 to move to the open position. The ratchet 310 is provided with a ratchet biasing member (not shown), such as a biasing spring, to bias the ratchet 310 toward the pin-release position of the ratchet 310. The pawl 320 is movable between a ratchet holding position and a ratchet release position. In the ratchet holding position, the pawl 320 holds the ratchet 310 in the ratchet 310's pin-capture position. In the ratchet release position, the pawl 320 allows the ratchet 310 to move to the ratchet 310's pin-release position, for example, under the biasing force of a ratchet biasing member. The pawl 320 is provided with a pawl biasing member (not shown), such as a biasing spring, to bias the pawl 320 toward the ratchet holding position of the pawl 320.

[0036] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, a latch release mechanism 400 is provided on the second side of the support member 220. On one hand, the latch release mechanism 400 is connected to the inner handle 141 or the outer handle 142 on the rear door 140, so that it can be mechanically actuated via the inner handle 141 or the outer handle 142. On the other hand, the latch release mechanism 400 selectively engages with the latch mechanism 300, so as to selectively release the latch mechanism 300 by operating the inner handle 141 or the outer handle 142 on the rear door 140.

[0037] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 3 to 7As shown, the latch release mechanism 400 includes an auxiliary release member 410 and an abutment member 420. The auxiliary release member 410 is pivotally mounted on the support member 220 about an auxiliary release member pivot 411. The auxiliary release member 410 is connected to an inner handle 141 and / or an outer handle 142 on the rear door 140 for user operation. For example, the auxiliary release member 410 is provided with an elongated cable hole 412 for connecting to the inner handle 141 and / or the outer handle 142 on the rear door 140 via a cable (not shown) passing through the cable hole 412. The abutment member 420 is pivotally connected to the auxiliary release member 410. Specifically, the abutment member 420 is capable of engaging with the latch mechanism 300 about the abutment member pivot 421 provided on the auxiliary release member 410 in an engaged position. Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) and the disengaged position from the latching mechanism 300 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The latch release mechanism 400 moves between these states. Correspondingly, the latch release mechanism 400 has an engaged state and a disengaged state and can switch between these two states. In the engaged state, the latch release mechanism 400 engages with the latch mechanism 300; specifically, the abutment 420 of the latch release mechanism 400 engages with the latch mechanism 300. In the disengaged state, the latch release mechanism 400 disengages from the latch mechanism 300. An abutment biasing member (not shown), such as a biasing spring, is provided on the abutment 420, which is configured to bias the abutment 420 toward the engagement position with the latch mechanism 300. When the latch release mechanism 400 is in the engaged state, the locking device 200 is in the "unlocked" state; when the latch release mechanism 400 is in the disengaged state, the locking device 200 is in the "locked" state.

[0038] It should be noted that the term "joining" between one component and another in this article can refer to the two components being directly joined or indirectly joined through an intermediate component. Correspondingly, "disjointing" between one component and another can refer to the disjointing of two components that are directly joined to each other, or to at least one of two components that are indirectly joined to each other through an intermediate component disjointing from that intermediate component.

[0039] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 2 to 7As shown, the locking device 200 includes an intermediate engaging member 230, through which the latch release mechanism 400 is indirectly engaged with the latch mechanism 300 located on the first side of the support member 220. The intermediate engaging member 230 is disposed on the second side of the support member 220, i.e., on the side where the latch release mechanism 400 is disposed. The intermediate engaging member 230 passes through a through slot 221 on the support member 220 to engage with the pawl 320 of the latch mechanism 300 on the first side of the support member 220. The intermediate engaging member 230 is provided with an engaging protrusion 231 for engaging with the abutment member 420 of the latch release mechanism 400. When the abutment 420 of the latch release mechanism 400 engages with the engagement protrusion 231 on the intermediate engagement member 230, the latch release mechanism 400 indirectly engages with the pawl 320 of the latch mechanism 300 through the intermediate engagement member 230. This allows the latch release mechanism 400 to actuate the pawl 320 when mechanically actuated by the inner handle 141 or outer handle 142 of the rear door 140. The pawl 320 then moves to the ratchet release position against the biasing force of the pawl biasing member, allowing the ratchet 310 to move to the pin release position, thus allowing the rear door 140 to open. When the abutment 420 of the latch release mechanism 400 disengages from the engagement protrusion 231 on the intermediate engagement member 230, the latch release mechanism 400 also disengages from the pawl 320 of the latch mechanism 300. In this situation, when the latch release mechanism 400 is mechanically actuated by the inner handle 141 or the outer handle 142 on the rear door 140, the pawl 320 cannot be actuated. The pawl 320 is held in the ratchet holding position by the biasing force of the pawl biasing member, thereby holding the ratchet 310 in the ratchet pin capture position, and the rear door 140 cannot be opened.

[0040] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the latch release mechanism 400 switches between the engaged and disengaged states via a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a motor 510 and an actuating gear 520. The actuating gear 520 is driven by the motor 510. The motor 510 and the actuating gear 520 constitute an example of an "actuation unit," wherein the motor 510 serves as the power component of the actuation unit, and the actuating gear 520 serves as the output component of the actuation unit. The motor 510 is capable of rotating forward or backward, thereby driving the actuating gear 520 from its original position (…). Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7The actuation gear 520 moves counterclockwise (as an example of a "first direction") toward the actuation position or clockwise (as an example of a "second direction" opposite to the first direction) toward an additional actuation position. A gear biasing member (not shown), such as a biasing spring, is provided on the actuation gear 520 to bias the actuation gear 520 toward its original position. It is understood that in other possible embodiments of the invention not shown, the actuation gear 520 may not have a gear biasing member, and the actuation gear 520 may return to its original position by operation of the motor 510.

[0041] In this embodiment, the switching mechanism is configured to switch the latch release mechanism 400 between the engaged and disengaged states only when the actuating gear 520 moves counterclockwise from its original position toward the actuated position. That is, the movement of the actuating gear 520 from its original position clockwise toward the additional actuated position under the drive of the motor 510, and the movement of the actuating gear 520 from the actuated position clockwise or from the additional actuated position counterclockwise toward the original position under the biasing force of the gear biasing member, will not cause the latch release mechanism 400 to switch between the engaged and disengaged states. On the one hand, this avoids undesirable state switching of the latch release mechanism 400 when the actuating gear 520 returns from the actuated position or the additional actuated position to its original position after the motor 510 stops operating, allowing the desired state of the latch release mechanism 400 to remain without the actuating gear 520 remaining in the actuated position. On the other hand, the state switching of the latch release mechanism 400 occurs during actuation in the same direction, allowing actuation of the actuating unit in another direction to be used for other required functions.

[0042] like Figures 3 to 7As shown, in order to switch the latch release mechanism 400 between an engaged and disengaged state only when the actuating gear 520 moves counterclockwise from its original position toward its actuated position, the switching mechanism further includes: an actuating arm 530, a first drive arm 540, a second drive arm 550, a rocker arm 560, and a slider 570. Optionally, the switching mechanism further includes a reset arm 580. The actuating arm 530 is connected to the actuating gear 520 to move with the actuating gear 520. The actuating arm 530 has an original position corresponding to the original position of the actuating gear 520 and an actuated position corresponding to the actuated position of the actuating gear 520. One end of the first drive arm 540 is a free end, which is located in the movement path of the actuating arm 530 moving counterclockwise from its original position. The other end of the first drive arm 540 is a connecting end, located in a guide groove 222 provided on the support member 220 and pivotally connected to one end of the second drive arm 550, and the ends of the first drive arm 540 and the second drive arm 550 connected to each other are movable in the guide groove 222. One end of the reset arm 580 is a pivot end, which is pivotally mounted on the support member 220 via a reset arm pivot 581. The other end of the reset arm 580 is a connecting end, which is pivotally connected to the first drive arm 540 and the second drive arm 550 in the guide groove 222. The pivot end of the reset arm 580 is provided with an arm biasing member (not shown), such as a biasing spring, to bias the reset arm 580 and the first drive arm 540 and the second drive arm 550 connected to the reset arm 580 toward the actuating arm 530.

[0043] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the rocker arm 560 is pivotable about a rocker arm pivot 561 mounted on the support member 220. The rocker arm 560 has a rocker arm groove 562, which is arc-shaped. The rocker arm pivot 561 is located outside the rocker arm groove 562 and between the two ends of the groove along its extension direction. The other end of the second drive arm 550 is located in the rocker arm groove 562 and is movable within it.

[0044] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the slider 570 is configured to slide left and right on the support 220 between a first end position and a second end position, abutting against the latch release mechanism 400 on one hand and interacting with the rocker arm 560 on the other. Specifically, the slider 570 abuts against the abutment member 420 of the latch release mechanism 400, so that the latch release mechanism 400 can switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state when the slider 570 moves. Specifically, when the slider 570 moves towards the direction of pushing against the abutment member 420 ( Figures 3 to 7When the slider 570 moves towards the first end position (in the direction to the right), it can disengage the abutment 420 from the engagement protrusion 231, and thus disengage from the latching mechanism 300. When the slider 570 is in the first end position, the abutment 420 is completely disengaged from the engagement protrusion 231. When the slider 570 moves away from the abutment 420 (in the direction to the right), it can disengage the abutment 420 from the engagement protrusion 231. Figures 3 to 7 When the slider 570 moves towards the second end position (in the left direction), the abutment 420 returns to the engagement position engaged with the latching mechanism 300 under the biasing force of the abutment biasing member. When the slider 570 is in the second end position, the abutment 420 can fully return to the engagement position engaged with the latching mechanism 300. The slider 570 is connected to the rocker 560 at a connection 563 different from the rocker pivot 561. A toggle spring (not shown) is provided at the connection 563 of the rocker 560 so that when the slider 570 is stationary, the slider 570 can be held in either the first end position or the second end position, and not in an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first drive arm 540, the second drive arm 550, the rocker arm 560, and the optional reset arm 580 together constitute an example of a "linkage assembly" connected to the slider 570. This linkage assembly is configured such that when the actuating arm 530 moves counterclockwise from its original position toward its actuated position, it drives the slider 570 to move between two end positions, and when the actuating arm 530 moves clockwise from its actuated position toward its original position, it keeps the slider 570 stationary. When the slider 570 moves, the latch release mechanism 400 can switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state; when the slider 570 remains stationary, the latch release mechanism 400 cannot switch between the engaged and disengaged states.

[0046] The following will combine Figures 3 to 7 The working principle of the switching mechanism of the locking device 200 switching the state of the latch release mechanism 400 is described in detail.

[0047] Figure 3 A schematic diagram is shown with the actuating gear 520 of the switching mechanism in its original position and the latch release mechanism 400 in an engaged state, wherein the end of the second actuating arm 560 located in the rocker slot 562 abuts against one end of the rocker slot 562. Figure 4 The actuating gear 520 of the switching mechanism is shown. Figure 3 The diagram shows the initial position after the first actuation in a counter-clockwise direction, with the latch release mechanism 400 in the disengaged state. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the motor 510 is actuated in one direction, the actuation gear 520 is driven by the motor 510 from... Figure 3 When the initial position is moved counterclockwise, the actuating arm 530 connected to the actuating gear 520 will also move counterclockwise from its corresponding initial position along with the actuating gear 520. Since the free end of the first driving arm 540 is located in the movement path of the actuating arm 530 moving counterclockwise from its initial position, the actuating arm 530 will contact the free end of the first driving arm 540 and will push the first driving arm 540 and the second driving arm 550 connected to the first driving arm 540 to move in the guide groove 222 during the subsequent continued movement. During this process, the second driving arm 550, which abuts against one end of the rocker groove 562 of the rocker arm 560, moves together with the first driving arm 540 while pivoting the rocker arm 560 about the rocker pivot 561, thereby driving the sliding member 570 connected to the rocker arm 560 to move along the rocker arm 560. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The slider 570 moves to the right towards the first end position. The movement of the slider 570 will resist the biasing force of the abutment biasing member on the abutment 420 of the latch release mechanism 400 that abuts against the slider 570, causing the abutment 420 to pivot about the abutment pivot 421, thereby causing the abutment 420 to disengage from the engagement protrusion 231 of the intermediate engagement member 230, and the latch release mechanism 400 to be in the disengaged state.

[0048] Figure 5 This shows the actuating gear 520 after its first actuation in a counterclockwise direction. Figure 4 The diagram shows the actuation position returning to its original position clockwise and the latch release mechanism 400 being disengaged. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the motor 510 stops working, the actuating gear 520 moves clockwise from the actuated position toward the original position under the biasing force of the gear biasing member. The actuating arm 530 connected to the actuating gear 520 will also move clockwise from the corresponding actuated position toward the corresponding original position along with the actuating gear 520. During this process, the actuating arm 530 no longer applies a force to the first drive arm 540. The first drive arm 540 and the second drive arm 550 move toward the actuating arm 530 along the guide groove 222 under the biasing force of the arm biasing member on the reset arm 580. During this process, the rocker groove 562 of the rocker 560 provides movement space for the end of the second drive arm 555 in the rocker groove 562. This movement of the end of the second drive arm 555 in the rocker groove 562 will not cause the rocker 560 to pivot about the rocker pivot 561. Therefore, the rocker 560 will not drive the slider 570 to move. The actuating spring at the connection 563 between the rocker 560 and the slider 570 can keep the slider 570 in the first end position, so as not to change the state of the latch release mechanism 400. The latch release mechanism 400 is still in the disengaged state.

[0049] Figure 6 The actuating gear 520 is shown from Figure 5 The diagram shows the initial position being actuated a second time in a counter-clockwise direction, resulting in the actuated position and the latch release mechanism 400 being engaged. The end of the second actuating arm 560 located in the rocker slot 562 abuts against the other end of the rocker slot 562. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the motor 510 is actuated a second time in the same direction, the actuation gear 520 is driven by the motor 510 from... Figure 5 The original position shown is moved counterclockwise again. The actuation arm 530 connected to the actuation gear 520 will also move counterclockwise from the corresponding original position along with the actuation gear 520. Since the free end of the first drive arm 540 is located in the movement path of the actuation arm 530 moving counterclockwise from the original position, the actuation arm 530 will contact the free end of the first drive arm 540 and will push the first drive arm 540 and the second drive arm 550 connected to the first drive arm 540 to move in the guide groove 222 during the subsequent continued movement. During this process, the second drive arm 550, which abuts against the other end of the rocker groove 562, moves together with the first drive arm 550 while driving the rocker arm 560 to pivot about the rocker pivot 561, thereby causing the slider 570 connected to the rocker arm 560 to move toward the second end position in a direction away from the abutment 420. The abutment 420 will return to the position of re-engaging with the intermediate engagement 230 under the biasing force of the abutment biasing member, and the latch release mechanism 400 will be in the engaged state.

[0050] Figure 7 This shows the actuating gear 520 after being actuated a second time in a counterclockwise direction. Figure 6 The diagram shows the actuation position returning to its original position clockwise and the latch release mechanism 400 being engaged. (See diagram.) Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, when the motor 510 stops working, the actuating gear 520 moves clockwise from the actuated position toward the original position under the biasing force of the gear biasing member. The actuating arm 530 connected to the actuating gear 520 will also move clockwise from the corresponding actuated position toward the corresponding original position along with the actuating gear 520. During this process, the actuating arm 530 no longer applies a force to the first drive arm 540. The first drive arm 540 and the second drive arm 550 move toward the actuating arm 530 along the guide groove 222 under the biasing force of the arm biasing member on the reset arm 580. During this process, the rocker groove 562 of the rocker 560 provides movement space for the end of the second drive arm 555 in the rocker groove 562. The movement of the end of the second drive arm 555 in the rocker groove 562 will not cause the rocker 560 to pivot about the rocker pivot 561, and therefore will not drive the slider 570 to move. The actuating spring at the connection part 563 between the rocker 560 and the slider 570 can keep the slider 570 in the second end position, so as not to change the state of the latch release mechanism 400. The latch release mechanism 400 is still in the engaged state.

[0051] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a locking device 200' of another embodiment of a motor vehicle 100 is shown in the figure. Figure 8 The locking device 200' shown in the figure and Figures 2 to 7 The locking device 200 shown is largely the same, except that, in addition to including a manually operated latch release mechanism 400 as in the first embodiment, the actuation unit also operates a pawl 320 connected to the latch mechanism 300, and the actuation unit is configured to move the pawl 320 to release the latch mechanism 300 when the actuation gear 520 of the actuation unit moves clockwise from its original position toward an additional actuation position. Specifically, the locking device 200 is also provided with an additional latch release mechanism electrically driven by the actuation unit, through which the actuation unit operates the pawl 320 connected to the latch mechanism 300.

[0052] like Figure 8As shown, the additional latch release mechanism is represented as an additional release arm 600, one end of which is connected to and driven by an actuating gear 520. The other end of the additional release arm 600 engages with the latch mechanism 300. For example, the other end of the additional release arm 600 is indirectly engaged with the latch mechanism 300 via an intermediate engagement member 230, wherein the additional latch arm 600 and the intermediate engagement member 230 are engaged in a vacant manner relative to each other. Specifically, the other end of the additional release arm 600 is provided with a vacant groove 610 extending along the length of the additional release arm 600. An additional engagement protrusion 232 is provided on the intermediate engagement member 230, which engages in the vacant groove 610 of the additional release arm 600. The position of the additional engagement protrusion 232 in the idler groove 610 is set such that when the actuating gear 520 moves from the original position to the actuated position in the counterclockwise direction as described above, the idler groove 610 moves relative to the additional engagement protrusion 232, and the additional engagement protrusion 232 does not contact the groove end 611 of the idler groove 610; when the actuating gear 520 moves from the original position in the clockwise direction, the additional engagement protrusion 232 can engage the groove end 611 of the idler groove 610. Therefore, when the actuating gear 520 moves from its original position to the actuated position in a counterclockwise direction, the additional engaging protrusion 232 does not contact the end 611 of the idle slot 610. Instead, the idle slot 610 is idle relative to the additional engaging protrusion 232, and the movement of the idle slot 610 does not act on the pawl 320 of the latching mechanism 300 via the intermediate engaging member 230. When the actuating gear 520 moves from its original position to the additional actuated position in a clockwise direction, the additional engaging protrusion 232 engages the end 611 of the idle slot 610. Therefore, when the additional release arm 600 moves with the actuating gear 520, it can act on the pawl 320 of the latching mechanism 300 via the intermediate engaging member 230, so that the pawl 320 can move to the ratchet release position, thereby allowing the ratchet 310 to move to the ratchet 310's pin release position. In other words, the additional release arm 600 moves the latch mechanism 300 only when the actuating gear 520 moves clockwise from its original position.

[0053] exist Figure 8 In the locking device 200' shown according to another embodiment, counterclockwise actuation output by the actuation gear 520 of the actuation unit can switch the latch release mechanism 400 between its engaged and disengaged states, and clockwise actuation output by the actuation gear 520 of the actuation unit can automatically release the latch mechanism 300 from the additional latch release mechanism. In other words, multiple functions can be selectively performed by a single actuation unit, reducing the size and weight of the locking device 200', lowering the cost of the actuation unit, and improving the design flexibility of the vehicle's closing panel.

[0054] It should be understood that various different implementation methods can be designed by combining or modifying different implementation methods and various technical features in different ways.

[0055] The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. It is understood that the above description is exemplary only and not restrictive, and various modifications and variations can be conceived by those skilled in the art with reference to the above description without departing from the scope of the invention. These modifications and variations are also included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A locking device, characterized in that, The locking device includes: Latch mechanism; A latch release mechanism having an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein in the engaged state, the latch release mechanism is engaged with the latch mechanism; and in the disengaged state, the latch release mechanism is disengaged from the latch mechanism; and A switching mechanism, comprising an actuation unit and configured to switch the latch release mechanism between the engaged state and the disengaged state only when the output component of the actuation unit moves from its original position toward the actuated position in a first direction.

2. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching mechanism further includes an actuating arm, a linkage assembly, and a slider, wherein the actuating arm is connected to the output component to move with the output component; the linkage assembly is coupled to the slider and configured to move the slider between a first end position and a second end position when the actuating arm moves from the original position toward the actuated position along the first direction, and to keep the slider stationary when the actuating arm moves from the actuated position toward the original position along a second direction opposite to the first direction; the slider is capable of abutting the latch release mechanism such that the latch release mechanism can switch between the engaged state and the disengaged state when the slider moves.

3. The locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking device includes a support member, on which a guide groove is provided; the linkage assembly includes: A first drive arm, comprising a free end and a connecting end, wherein the free end is located in the motion path of the actuator arm moving from its original position along the first direction; A second drive arm, one end of which is pivotally connected in the guide groove to the connecting end of the first drive arm, and is movable in the guide groove; A rocker arm, which is pivotable about a rocker pivot and has a rocker slot, wherein the other end of the second drive arm is disposed in the rocker slot and is movable in the rocker slot, and the rocker arm is connected to the slider at a connection point different from the rocker pivot.

4. The locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The linkage assembly further includes a reset arm having a pivot end and a connecting end. The connecting end of the reset arm is pivotally connected in the guide groove to the first drive arm and the second drive arm. The pivot end is provided with an arm biasing member configured to bias the reset arm toward the actuating arm.

5. The locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The latch release mechanism includes: An auxiliary release element for connection to a user-operated handle; and An abutment is pivotally connected to the auxiliary release member, wherein when the latch release mechanism is in the engaged state, the abutment engages with the latch mechanism, and the abutment abuts against the slider so that the slider can disengage the abutment from the latch mechanism. The abutment is provided with an abutment biasing member configured to bias the abutment toward the engagement position with the latch mechanism.

6. The locking device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A toggle spring is provided at the connecting part of the rocker arm so that the slider can be held at the first end position or the second end position when the slider is stationary.

7. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking device further includes an additional latch release mechanism configured to be driven by the output component, the additional latch release mechanism engaging with the latch mechanism and configured to move the latch mechanism only when the output component of the actuation unit moves from the original position in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

8. The locking device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking device includes an intermediate coupling member, and the latch release mechanism and the additional latch release mechanism are indirectly engaged with the latch mechanism through the intermediate coupling member; The additional latch release mechanism and the intermediate engagement are engaged in a manner that allows them to move freely relative to each other.

9. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuation unit includes: Motor; and The actuating gear, which is the output component, is driven by the motor to move from the original position along the first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The actuating gear is provided with a gear biasing member to bias the actuating gear toward the original position.

10. A motor vehicle, characterized in that, The motor vehicle includes: The vehicle body, on which a striker is provided; and A vehicle closing panel, the vehicle closing panel being movable relative to the vehicle body between an open position and a closed position, the vehicle closing panel being provided with a locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the locking device being configured to releasably engage with the striker when the vehicle closing panel is in the closed position.

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