Automobile door lock with spring clutch mechanism

By simplifying the structure of car door locks through a spring clutch mechanism, quick unlocking and locking are achieved, solving the problems of complex structure, slow response and poor adaptability in existing technologies, and improving user experience and security.

CN223838847UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-27上海驰助汽车零部件有限公司
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423100059.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-16
Publication Date
2026-01-27
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing car door locks have complex structures, long unlocking response times, and poor adaptability, resulting in high maintenance costs, significant security risks, and high research and development costs.

Method used

The system employs a spring clutch mechanism, which, through the cooperation of the release locking clutch spring and the external locking linkage, enables flexible connection and disengagement of the electric release lever and the electric release auxiliary lever, simplifying the door lock structure and improving response speed and adaptability.

Benefits of technology

The simplified door lock structure improves response speed and adaptability, reduces maintenance costs and development cycle, and enhances user experience and security.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides an automobile door lock with a spring clutch mechanism, which comprises a release locking clutch spring which comprises at least two station states, an electric opening release rod and an electric opening release auxiliary rod can be connected into a whole to rotate in one station state, and the electric opening release auxiliary rod can rotate in the other station state. In the other station state, the electric switch release rod can be separated from the electric switch release auxiliary rod for independent rotation; and the outer locking connecting rod is used for releasing the locking clutch spring to be switched between the two station states. According to the automobile door lock with the spring clutch mechanism, the internal structure of the door lock is greatly simplified, flexible switching between a central control locking state and a central control release state is achieved through ingenious matching of the outer locking connecting rod and the release locking clutch spring, the door lock can rapidly respond to electric opening driving, rapid unlocking or locking is achieved, and the safety of the door lock is improved. And the user experience and the safety are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive electric door lock technology, and in particular to an automotive door lock with a spring clutch mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive manufacturing industry, door locks are a crucial component of vehicle safety, and their performance and reliability directly affect passenger safety and the normal operation of the vehicle. With the continuous development of automotive technology, car door locks have gradually evolved from traditional mechanical locks to multifunctional locks integrating mechanical, electronic, and intelligent control systems. Among these, the central locking mechanism, as the core component of car door locks, has always been a focus of attention for automakers and suppliers in terms of design and performance optimization.

[0003] Currently, there are many types of central locking mechanisms for multi-functional car door locks on the market, but most are designed based on similar principles and structures. Chinese patent CN215056297U discloses a central locking mechanism for a multi-functional car door lock. This patent provides a mechanism that achieves central locking through the cooperation of a release arm, a clutch arm, a stop pawl, and a locking arm. When locked, this mechanism uses a drive motor to rotate a sector gear via a worm gear. The sector gear rotates the locking arm, which in turn pushes the clutch arm, causing the push block on the clutch arm to interlock with the stop block on the stop pawl. This prevents the release arm from engaging the stop pawl via the clutch arm, thus achieving the central locking function.

[0004] However, although this central locking mechanism has achieved electrification and intelligent control of car door locks to a certain extent, the following problems still exist in practical applications:

[0005] 1. Complex structure and high maintenance costs: This central locking mechanism contains multiple precision components, such as the release arm, clutch arm, stop pawl, locking arm, and sector gear. The manufacturing and assembly precision requirements for these components are high, resulting in both high production and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the complex structure increases the likelihood of malfunctions and reduces the reliability of the lock.

[0006] 2. Long unlocking response time: Because this central locking mechanism relies on a motor drive and the transmission of multiple mechanical components to achieve the unlocking function, the unlocking process requires a certain amount of time to complete. In emergency situations, such as vehicle accidents or when a rapid escape is required, the prolonged unlocking response time may pose a safety hazard to passengers.

[0007] 3. Limited adaptability: Due to the relatively fixed structure and principle of this central locking mechanism, it is difficult to adapt to the needs of different vehicle models and door structures. During vehicle design and manufacturing, specific design and adjustments are required for each model, increasing R&D costs and production cycle.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to further improve existing automotive door lock technologies to enhance their reliability and convenience, and meet consumer needs. Utility Model Content

[0009] In view of this, this utility model proposes a car door lock with a spring clutch mechanism, aiming to solve the technical problems of existing car door locks having complex structure, slow response speed and poor adaptability.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0011] A car door lock with a spring clutch mechanism includes:

[0012] The release locking clutch spring includes at least two working states. In one working state, the electric release lever and the electric release auxiliary lever can be rotated as a whole. In the other working state, the electric release lever can be disengaged from the electric release auxiliary lever and rotated independently.

[0013] The external locking linkage is used to release the locking clutch spring and switch between two working positions.

[0014] Furthermore, the electrically operated release rod is provided with a rotating shaft, and the release locking clutch spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft and can connect the electrically operated release rod and the electrically operated release auxiliary rod as one unit. The outer locking link drives the extension end of the release locking clutch spring to move away from the electrically operated release auxiliary rod by horizontal movement, and separates the electrically operated release rod from the electrically operated release auxiliary rod.

[0015] Furthermore, a first connecting part and a first limiting rod are provided on the outer locking link, with the first connecting part and the first limiting rod located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft.

[0016] Furthermore, a first connecting groove is provided on the first connecting part, and the electric release rod can be driven to rotate by the electric opening gear. When the electric opening gear rotates, it drives the locking lever auxiliary rod to rotate. The locking lever auxiliary rod extends into the first connecting groove and drives the outer locking link to slide horizontally to the left and right sides when the electric opening gear rotates forward and backward.

[0017] Furthermore, the release locking clutch spring has an inwardly recessed bent portion at its extended end near the first limiting rod. When the first limiting rod pushes against the bent portion, it can drive the release locking clutch spring to slide outward. The release locking clutch spring resets when the first limiting rod disengages from the bent portion.

[0018] Furthermore, a first limiting baffle is provided on the rotating shaft, and a second limiting baffle is provided on the electric switch release auxiliary rod, forming a clutch groove between the first limiting baffle and the second limiting baffle.

[0019] Furthermore, the second limiting baffle and the first limiting baffle form a misalignment groove in the inward and outward directions.

[0020] Furthermore, a first limiting flange is provided at the end of the clutch groove away from the electric release auxiliary rod, and the first limiting flange is provided on the first limiting baffle.

[0021] Furthermore, the electrically operated release lever can be driven to rotate by an electrically operated gear.

[0022] Compared with existing technologies, the car door lock with spring clutch mechanism described in this utility model has the following advantages:

[0023] (1) The car door lock with spring clutch mechanism described in this utility model greatly simplifies the internal structure of the door lock. Through the clever cooperation between the external locking link and the release locking clutch spring, the central locking state and the central release state can be flexibly switched. The door lock can quickly respond to the electric opening drive to achieve fast unlocking or locking, which improves the user experience and security.

[0024] (2) The car door lock with spring clutch mechanism described in this utility model has a compact structure and can easily adapt to the needs of different car models and door structures, providing car manufacturers with a more flexible and efficient door lock solution and helping the automotive industry to develop towards intelligence and safety. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the car door lock with spring clutch mechanism described in this embodiment of the present invention, showing the release lock clutch spring in the centrally controlled release state;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view of the structure shown in the figure;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a car door lock with a spring clutch mechanism described in this embodiment of the invention, showing the release locking clutch spring in the central locking state.

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3A side view of the structure shown in the figure;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outer locking linkage in the car door lock with spring clutch mechanism described in this embodiment of the present invention, which is electrically driven.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 1. External locking linkage; 2. Electric release lever; 3. Electric release auxiliary lever; 4. Release locking clutch spring; 401. Bending part; 5. First connecting part; 6. First connecting groove; 7. First limiting lever; 8. First limiting baffle; 801. First limiting flange; 9. Clutch groove; 10. Second limiting baffle; 11. Rotating shaft part; 12. Electric opening gear; 13. Locking lever auxiliary lever. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the technical means and objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to specific figures.

[0034] It should be noted that all directional and positional terms used in this utility model, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "top," "lower," "lateral," "longitudinal," and "center," are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and connections between components in a specific state (as shown in the accompanying drawings). They are merely for the convenience of describing this utility model and do not require that this utility model be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., in this utility model are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0037] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this application discloses a car door lock with a spring clutch mechanism, comprising:

[0038] The release locking clutch spring 4 includes at least two working states. In one working state, the electric release rod 2 and the electric release auxiliary rod 3 can be connected as a whole and rotated. In the other working state, the electric release rod 2 can be disengaged from the electric release auxiliary rod 3 and rotated independently.

[0039] The external locking linkage 1 is used to release the locking clutch spring 4 and switch between two working positions.

[0040] This application discloses a car door lock with a spring clutch mechanism. Through the cooperation of the outer locking link 1 and the release locking clutch spring 4, the flexible connection and disengagement between the electrically operated release lever 2 and the electrically operated release auxiliary lever 3 are achieved. The release locking clutch spring 4 has two working states: a central locking state and a central releasing state. When the outer locking link 1 and the release locking clutch spring 4 cooperate to make the release locking clutch spring 4 be in the central releasing state, the release locking clutch spring 4 is used to rotate the electrically operated release lever 2 and the electrically operated release auxiliary lever 3 as a whole. Similarly, when the electric release lever 2 is driven by the electric release, it can drive the electric release auxiliary lever 3 to work and thus open the car door lock; when the outer locking link 1 cooperates with the release lock clutch spring 4 so that the release lock clutch spring 4 is in the central locking state, the release lock clutch spring 4 is used to disengage the electric release lever 2 from the electric release auxiliary lever 3. In this way, when the electric release lever 2 is driven by the electric release, it can only rotate independently and will not drive the electric release auxiliary lever 3 to rotate. That is, when the electric release lever 2 is driven to rotate, it will not open the car door, thus realizing the central locking door lock function.

[0041] The automotive door lock with a spring clutch mechanism disclosed in this application greatly simplifies the internal structure of the door lock. Through the ingenious cooperation between the outer locking linkage 1 and the release locking clutch spring 4, flexible switching between central locking and release states is achieved. The door lock can quickly respond to the electric opening drive, enabling rapid unlocking or locking, thus improving user experience and security. Furthermore, the automotive door lock with a spring clutch mechanism described in this application has extremely high adaptability, easily adapting to the needs of different vehicle models and door structures, providing automakers with a more flexible and efficient door lock solution, and helping the automotive industry develop towards intelligence and security.

[0042] As a preferred example of this application, the electrically operated release rod 2 is provided with a rotating shaft 11, and the release locking clutch spring 4 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 11 and can connect the electrically operated release rod 2 and the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3 into one unit. The outer locking link 1 drives the extension end of the release locking clutch spring 4 to move away from the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3 by horizontal movement, and separates the electrically operated release rod 2 from the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3.

[0043] This design further defines the specific structure of the release lock clutch spring 4. By incorporating the rotating shaft 11 on the electrically operated release rod 2 and the release lock clutch spring 4, a stable and reliable connection and separation between the electrically operated release rod 2 and the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3 are achieved, greatly improving the durability and reliability of the door lock. Simultaneously, the horizontal movement of the outer locking linkage 1 controls the extension end of the release lock clutch spring 4. This design makes the central locking and release switching action of the door lock smoother and faster, enhancing the user experience.

[0044] As a preferred example of this application, a first connecting part 5 and a first limiting rod 7 are provided on the outer locking link 1, and the first connecting part 5 and the first limiting rod 7 are provided on opposite sides of the rotating shaft part 11.

[0045] Preferably, a first connecting groove 6 is provided on the first connecting part 5, and the electric release rod 2 can be driven to rotate by the electric opening gear 12. When the electric opening gear 12 rotates, it drives the locking lever auxiliary rod 13 to rotate. The locking lever auxiliary rod 13 extends into the first connecting groove 6 and drives the outer locking link 1 to slide horizontally to the left and right sides when the electric opening gear 12 rotates forward and backward. This configuration further defines the drive structure for the external locking linkage 1 to drive the release locking clutch spring 4 to switch between clutch engagement and disengagement. When the electrically operated release lever 2 is driven to rotate by the electrically operated gear 12, the electrically operated gear simultaneously drives the locking lever auxiliary lever 13 to rotate. One end of the locking lever auxiliary lever 13 extends into the first connecting groove 6 on the first connecting part 5. As the electrically operated gear 12 rotates forward and backward, the locking lever auxiliary lever 13 slides in the first connecting groove 6, and drives the external locking linkage 1 to slide horizontally to the left and right sides, thereby driving the release locking clutch spring 4 to switch between the central control locking state and the central control release state, realizing the connection and separation of the electrically operated release lever 2 and the electrically operated release auxiliary lever 3.

[0046] This design enables precise control of the external locking linkage 1, improving the reliability and stability of the door lock. It also makes the locking and disengaging actions smoother and more fluid, reducing noise and wear caused by mechanical friction and extending the lock's lifespan. Furthermore, the coordinated use of the electric opening gear 12 and the locking lever auxiliary rod 13 drives the horizontal sliding of the external locking linkage 1, reducing the number of components and lowering the lock's production cost.

[0047] As a preferred example of this application, the release locking clutch spring 4 is provided with an inwardly recessed bent portion 401 at the extended end near the first limiting rod 7. When the first limiting rod 7 pushes the bent portion 401, it can drive the release locking clutch spring 4 to slide outward. The release locking clutch spring 4 resets when the first limiting rod 7 disengages from the bent portion 401. This design further optimizes the extension end of the release lock clutch spring 4. When the outer locking linkage 1 slides to the right under the action of the electric opening gear 12 and the locking lever auxiliary rod 13, the first limiting rod 7 simultaneously slides to the right and pushes the inwardly recessed bent portion 401 on the release lock clutch spring 4, thereby sliding the extension end of the release lock clutch spring 4 outward and entering the central locking state. The electric opening release rod 2 disengages from the electric opening release auxiliary rod 3. When the first limiting rod 7 resets and disengages from the bent portion 401, the release lock clutch spring 4 will reset under its own elasticity and return to its initial state, that is, enter the central release state.

[0048] This design, by incorporating a bent portion 401 on the release lock clutch spring 4 that engages with the first limiting rod 7, achieves precise control of the release lock clutch spring 4. This not only improves the stability and reliability of the clutch mechanism switching but also effectively reduces mechanical friction and wear, thereby extending the service life of the clutch mechanism. Simultaneously, the rapid switching action significantly improves the door lock's response speed, providing users with a smooth and efficient user experience. Furthermore, the reset design of the release lock clutch spring 4 ensures that the door lock quickly returns to its initial state upon unlocking, fully preparing for the next locking action, further enhancing the door lock's performance and user experience. Preferably, the first limiting rod 7 can directly contact and push against the bent portion 401 on the release lock clutch spring 4, or it can indirectly contact and push against the bent portion 401 on the release lock clutch spring 4 through other structures such as a sleeve or gasket.

[0049] As a preferred example of this application, a first limiting baffle 8 is provided on the rotating shaft portion 11, and a second limiting baffle 10 is provided on the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3. A clutch groove 9 is formed between the first limiting baffle 8 and the second limiting baffle 10. The second limiting baffle 10 and the first limiting baffle 8 form a misalignment groove in the inward and outward directions, which is used to separate the electrically operated release rod 2 from the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3 when the release locking clutch spring 4 is pushed outward by the first limiting rod 7. Preferably, the length of the second limiting baffle 10 in the inward and outward directions is less than the length of the first limiting baffle 8 in the inward and outward directions. By setting a first limiting baffle 8 and a second limiting baffle 10 on the rotating shaft 11 and the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3 respectively, a clutch groove 9 is formed between them to accommodate the extension end of the limiting release locking clutch spring 4. When the extension end of the release locking clutch spring 4 is inside the clutch groove 9, the electrically operated release rod 2 and the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3 are connected as one unit; when the extension end of the release locking clutch spring 4 is outside the clutch groove 9, the electrically operated release rod 2 is disengaged from the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3. By designing the length of the second limiting baffle 10 in the inward and outward directions to be less than the length of the first limiting baffle 8, when the release locking clutch spring 4 is pushed outward, the second limiting baffle 10 can more easily disengage from the clutch groove 9 due to the length difference, thereby achieving rapid and smooth disengagement of the electrically operated release rod 2 from the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3.

[0050] This design further enables precise control of the clutch mechanism, making the disengagement of the electric release lever 2 and the electric release auxiliary lever 3 more stable and reliable, providing users with a smoother and more efficient user experience. At the same time, the length difference design makes the clutch mechanism easier to align and adjust during manufacturing and assembly, reducing production costs and difficulties.

[0051] As a preferred example of this application, a first limiting flange 801 is provided at the end of the clutch groove 9 away from the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3. The first limiting flange 801 is disposed on the first limiting baffle 8. By providing the first limiting flange 801 at the end of the clutch groove 9 away from the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3, when the release locking clutch spring 4 is pushed outward to switch working conditions, the first limiting flange 801 acts as a physical restriction, ensuring that the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3 does not move excessively. This precisely controls the opening degree of the clutch groove 9, achieving stable engagement and disengagement of the electrically operated release rod 2 and the electrically operated release auxiliary rod 3, thus improving the response speed and reliability of the door lock. In addition, the simple structure of the first limiting flange 801 reduces manufacturing costs and facilitates installation and maintenance, providing automakers and users with an efficient and economical door lock solution.

[0052] As a preferred example of this application, the electrically operated release lever 2 can be driven to rotate by the electrically operated gear 12. In the example of this application, by driving the rotation of the electrically operated release lever 2, combined with the working condition of the release lock clutch spring 4, the electrically operated release lever 2 and the electrically operated release auxiliary lever 3 are connected together or disengaged, thereby realizing the switching between central locking and central release functions. The opening of the door lock is mainly achieved by the electrically operated release auxiliary lever 3 driving the release lever and other mechanisms to realize the opening and closing control of the door lock.

[0053] As a preferred example of this application, the car door lock with spring clutch mechanism described in this application, by setting a structure including the above-mentioned release locking clutch spring 4 and outer locking linkage 1 for clutch spring clutch switching, can be used not only for central locking or central locking functions, but also for other structures that achieve working condition switching or function switching through clutch.

[0054] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A car door lock with a spring clutch mechanism, characterized in that, include: Release lock clutch spring (4) includes at least two working states. In one working state, the electric release rod (2) and the electric release auxiliary rod (3) can be connected together and rotated. In the other working state, the electric release rod (2) can be separated from the electric release auxiliary rod (3) and rotated independently. The external locking linkage (1) is used to release the locking clutch spring (4) and switch between two working states; The electric release rod (2) is provided with a rotating shaft (11), and the release locking clutch spring (4) is sleeved on the rotating shaft (11) and can connect the electric release rod (2) and the electric release auxiliary rod (3) into one unit. The outer locking link (1) drives the extension end of the release locking clutch spring (4) to move away from the electric release auxiliary rod (3) by horizontal movement, and separates the electric release rod (2) from the electric release auxiliary rod (3).

2. The car door lock with spring clutch mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first connecting part (5) and a first limiting rod (7) are provided on the outer locking link (1), and the first connecting part (5) and the first limiting rod (7) are provided on opposite sides of the rotating shaft part (11).

3. The car door lock with spring clutch mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first connecting groove (6) is provided on the first connecting part (5). The electric release rod (2) can be driven to rotate by the electric opening gear (12). When the electric opening gear (12) rotates, it drives the locking lever auxiliary rod (13) to rotate. The locking lever auxiliary rod (13) extends into the first connecting groove (6) and drives the outer locking link (1) to slide horizontally to the left and right sides when the electric opening gear (12) rotates forward and backward.

4. The car door lock with spring clutch mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The release locking clutch spring (4) has an inwardly recessed bent portion (401) at its extended end near the first limiting rod (7). When the first limiting rod (7) pushes the bent portion (401), it can drive the release locking clutch spring (4) to slide outward. The release locking clutch spring (4) resets when the first limiting rod (7) disengages from the bent portion (401).

5. The automobile door lock with a spring clutch mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, A first limiting baffle (8) is provided on the rotating shaft (11), and a second limiting baffle (10) is provided on the electric release auxiliary rod (3). A clutch groove (9) is formed between the first limiting baffle (8) and the second limiting baffle (10).

6. The car door lock with spring clutch mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second limiting baffle (10) and the first limiting baffle (8) form a misalignment groove in the inner and outer directions.

7. The car door lock with spring clutch mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, A first limiting flange (801) is provided at one end of the clutch groove (9) away from the electric release auxiliary rod (3), and the first limiting flange (801) is provided on the first limiting baffle (8).

8. The car door lock with spring clutch mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrically operated release lever (2) can be driven to rotate by the electrically operated gear (12).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Central lock mechanism of multifunctional automobile door lock

    CN215056297U