Electric self-absorption tail door lock

Abstract

According to the technical scheme, the electric self-absorption tail door lock is characterized in that the electric self-absorption tail door lock comprises a bottom plate, a cover plate, a motor, a worm assembly, an unlocking assembly, a microswitch assembly, a lock body assembly and a transmission assembly, the motor is connected with the worm assembly, and the unlocking assembly and the transmission assembly are both connected with the worm assembly; the transmission assembly and the unlocking assembly are both connected with the lock body assembly, the unlocking assembly and the lock body assembly are both connected with the microswitch assembly, the microswitch assembly comprises a first microswitch, a second microswitch, a driving lever clockwork spring and a microswitch driving lever, and the unlocking assembly and the lock body assembly are both connected with the microswitch driving lever. The first microswitch is connected with the microswitch driving lever, the second microswitch is connected with the lock body assembly, the two ends of the driving lever clockwork spring are fixedly connected with the bottom plate and the microswitch driving lever respectively, and the device can combine a self-suction structure with a lock structure, reduces the overall size and can be controlled by an ECU system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a door lock, and more specifically, to an electric self-closing tailgate lock. Background Technology

[0002] An electric tailgate lock is a vehicle tailgate closing device that uses a motor to lock and unlock the tailgate. Its main function is to simplify the tailgate closing operation, improve ease of use, and enhance the vehicle's technological appeal. Generally installed on the tailgate, it is a crucial vehicle accessory that locks the tailgate and opens it through its internal structure. It serves a safety function, ensuring reliable locking during normal use and preventing accidental opening, while also allowing for smooth opening when needed. While existing tailgate locks feature self-closing mechanisms, in practice, these mechanisms are often additional, resulting in a bulky lock. Furthermore, the self-closing mechanism cannot be controlled by the ECU system, making it inconvenient to use. Therefore, a new type of electric self-closing tailgate lock is needed. This device would combine the self-closing mechanism with the lock structure, reducing the overall size and allowing for ECU system control.

[0003] For the reasons mentioned above, how to combine the self-closing structure with the lock structure is the problem that this application addresses. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, an electric self-closing tailgate lock is provided. This device combines the self-closing structure with the lock structure, reducing the overall size and enabling it to be controlled by an ECU system.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solution is provided: an electric self-closing tailgate lock, characterized in that it includes a base plate, a cover plate, a motor, a worm gear assembly, an unlocking assembly, a micro switch assembly, a lock body assembly, and a transmission assembly. The base plate and the cover plate are fixedly connected and form a frame. The motor, worm gear assembly, lock body assembly, and transmission assembly are all installed inside the frame. The worm gear assembly and the unlocking assembly are respectively installed on both sides outside the frame. The motor is connected to the worm gear assembly. The unlocking assembly and the transmission assembly are both connected to the worm gear assembly. The transmission assembly and the unlocking assembly are both connected to the lock body assembly. The unlocking assembly and the lock body assembly are both connected to the micro switch assembly.

[0006] The micro switch assembly includes a first micro switch, a second micro switch, a lever spring, and a micro switch lever. The unlocking assembly and the lock body assembly are both connected to the micro switch lever. The first micro switch is connected to the micro switch lever, the second micro switch is connected to the lock body assembly, and the two ends of the lever spring are fixedly connected to the base plate and the micro switch lever, respectively.

[0007] When the unlocking component drives the lock body component, the unlocking component drives the lock body component to unlock, the unlocking component drives the micro switch lever to move, the micro switch lever drives the first micro switch to output an unlock signal, the lock body component drives the second micro switch to output an unlock signal, and the motor is turned off;

[0008] When the lock body assembly is separated from the second micro switch and the first micro switch outputs an unlock signal, the second micro switch outputs a lock signal, the motor starts, and the motor drives the lock body assembly to lock in sequence through the worm gear assembly and the transmission assembly.

[0009] When the unlocking component is separated from both the micro switch lever and the second micro switch, the first and second micro switches output a locking signal, and the motor shuts off.

[0010] In summary, the above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: Compared with traditional tailgate locks without self-priming, this utility model is safer, and the lock is compact in size, with dimensions of 124mm*98mm*70mm, which makes it easy to place in the narrow space of the vehicle body, and better enables the vehicle body to achieve weight reduction. The self-priming of unlocking and locking is controlled by the vehicle's ECU, which makes it easier to achieve intelligent operation. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of one side of the worm gear assembly in an electric self-closing tailgate lock;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of one side of the lock body assembly in this utility model;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of one side of the worm gear assembly in this utility model;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the bottom of this utility model.

[0015] Reference numerals: 1. Base plate; 2. Cover plate; 3. Motor; 4. Worm gear assembly; 5. Unlocking assembly; 6. Micro switch assembly; 7. Lock body assembly; 8. Transmission assembly;

[0016] 41. First worm gear; 42. First turbine gear; 43. Second worm gear; 44. Second turbine gear; 45. Threaded rod;

[0017] 51. Unlock the half-tooth; 52. Unlock the paddle shifter group; 53. Unlock the linkage; 54. Unlock the spring;

[0018] 61. First micro switch; 62. Second micro switch; 63. Toggle spring; 64. Micro switch lever; 65. Contact element; 66. Second groove;

[0019] 71. Pawl assembly; 72. Pawl spring; 73. Ratchet assembly; 74. Ratchet spring; 75. First unlocking handle; 76. Second unlocking handle; 77. Unlocking handle spring;

[0020] 711. First groove;

[0021] 81. Transmission nut; 82. Locking plate; 83. Crank connecting rod assembly; 84. Locking spring. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" used in the following description refer to directions in the accompanying drawings, and the terms "bottom surface," "top surface," "inner," and "outer" refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0023] Reference Figure 1-4 As shown, an electric self-closing tailgate lock includes a base plate 1, a cover plate 2, a motor 3, a worm gear assembly 4, an unlocking assembly 5, a micro switch assembly 6, a lock body assembly 7, and a transmission assembly 8. The base plate 1 and the cover plate 2 are fixedly connected and form a frame. The motor 3, the worm gear assembly 4, the lock body assembly 7, and the transmission assembly 8 are all installed inside the frame. The worm gear assembly 4 and the unlocking assembly 5 are respectively installed on both sides outside the frame. The motor 3 is connected to the worm gear assembly 4. The unlocking assembly 5 and the transmission assembly 8 are both connected to the worm gear assembly 4. The transmission assembly 8 and the unlocking assembly 5 are both connected to the lock body assembly 7. The unlocking assembly 5 and the lock body assembly 7 are both connected to the micro switch assembly 6.

[0024] Furthermore, the micro switch assembly 6 includes a first micro switch 61, a second micro switch 62, a lever spring 63, and a micro switch lever 64. The unlocking assembly 5 and the lock body assembly 7 are both connected to the micro switch lever 64. The first micro switch 61 is connected to the micro switch lever 64, the second micro switch 62 is connected to the lock body assembly 7, and the two ends of the lever spring 63 are fixedly connected to the base plate 1 and the micro switch lever 64, respectively.

[0025] When the unlocking component 5 drives the lock body component 7, the unlocking component 5 drives the lock body component 7 to unlock, the unlocking component 5 drives the micro switch lever 64 to move, the micro switch lever 64 drives the first micro switch 61 to output an unlock signal, the lock body component 7 drives the second micro switch 62 to output an unlock signal, and the motor 3 is turned off.

[0026] When the lock body assembly 7 is separated from the second micro switch 62 and the first micro switch 61 outputs an unlocking signal, the second micro switch 62 outputs a locking signal, the motor 3 starts, and the motor 3 drives the lock body assembly 7 to lock in sequence through the worm gear assembly 4 and the transmission assembly 8.

[0027] When the unlocking component 5 is separated from both the micro switch lever 64 and the second micro switch 62, the first micro switch 61 and the second micro switch 62 output a locking signal, and the motor 3 is turned off.

[0028] Furthermore, the lock body assembly 7 includes a pawl assembly 71, a pawl spring 72, a ratchet assembly 73, and a ratchet spring 74. The two ends of the pawl spring 72 are fixedly connected to the base plate 1 and the pawl assembly 71, respectively. The two ends of the ratchet spring 74 are fixedly connected to the base plate 1 and the ratchet assembly 73, respectively. The pawl assembly 71 abuts against the ratchet assembly 73. The pawl assembly 71 is connected to the unlocking assembly 5. The ratchet assembly 73 is connected to the transmission assembly 8. Both the pawl assembly 71 and the ratchet assembly 73 are connected to the micro switch assembly 6.

[0029] When the unlocking component 5 drives the pawl component 71, the pawl component 71 separates from the micro switch component 6. The unlocking component 5 drives the micro switch component 6 to output an unlocking signal. The pawl component 71 separates from the ratchet component 73. The ratchet spring 74 drives the ratchet component 73 to unlock. The ratchet component 73 drives the micro switch component 6 to output an unlocking signal. The motor 3 is turned off.

[0030] When the ratchet assembly 73 is partially separated from the micro switch assembly 6, the micro switch assembly 6 outputs an unlock signal and a lock signal, the motor 3 starts, and the motor 3 drives the ratchet assembly 73 to lock in sequence through the worm gear assembly 4 and the transmission assembly 8.

[0031] When the ratchet assembly 73 is completely separated from the micro switch assembly 6, the micro switch assembly 6 outputs a lock signal, and the motor 3 is turned off.

[0032] Furthermore, the unlocking component 5 includes an unlocking half-tooth 51, an unlocking paddle group 52, an unlocking connecting rod 53, and an unlocking spring 54. The unlocking half-tooth 51 is connected to the worm gear assembly 4, the unlocking paddle group 52 is fixedly connected to the unlocking half-tooth 51, the unlocking connecting rod 53 is connected to the unlocking paddle group 52, the pawl assembly 71 and the micro switch lever 64 are both connected to the end of the unlocking connecting rod 53 away from the unlocking paddle group 52, the pawl assembly 71 and the micro switch lever 64 are respectively located on both sides of the unlocking connecting rod 53, and the two ends of the unlocking spring 54 are respectively fixedly connected to the unlocking connecting rod 53 and the cover plate 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the transmission assembly 8 includes a transmission nut 81, a locking plate 82, a crank connecting rod assembly 83, and a locking spring 84. The transmission nut 81 is connected to the worm gear assembly 4, the locking plate 82 and the crank connecting rod assembly 83 are fixedly connected, the transmission nut 81 is used to abut against the locking plate 82, the crank connecting rod is used to abut against the ratchet assembly 73, and the two ends of the locking spring 84 are fixedly connected to the locking plate 82 and the base plate 1, respectively.

[0034] The base plate 1 and the cover plate 2 form the lock body frame. In use, the unlocking half tooth 51 is driven to rotate by the motor 3 and the worm gear assembly 4. The unlocking half tooth 51 directly drives the unlocking paddle assembly 52 to rotate. When the unlocking paddle assembly 52 rotates, it abuts against the unlocking linkage 53, thereby driving the unlocking linkage 53 to abut against and push open the pawl assembly 71. At the same time, it drives the micro switch lever 64 to rotate. The micro switch lever 64 abuts against the first micro switch 61, causing the first micro switch 61 to output an unlock (OFF) signal. At the same time, after the pawl assembly 71 is pushed open, the pawl assembly 71's stop point is released, that is, it no longer abuts against the ratchet assembly 73. The ratchet assembly 73 then completes the unlocking under the force of the ratchet spring 74. At this time, the tail of the ratchet assembly 73 will touch the second micro switch 62, and the second micro switch 62 will output an (OFF) signal. When the ECU system receives two unlock (OFF) signals, it will stop all movement of the tailgate lock.

[0035] When locked, the ratchet assembly 73 has two states: half-lock and fully-lock, to correspond to different signal combinations received by the ECU system. When the ratchet assembly 73 is in the half-lock state, it separates from the second microswitch 62. At this time, the second microswitch 62 outputs a lock (ON) signal. Because it is in the half-lock state, the ratchet assembly 73 is still in contact with the microswitch lever 64. Therefore, the microswitch lever 64 is still in contact with the first microswitch 61, so the first microswitch 61 outputs an unlock (OFF) signal. Therefore, the ECU system simultaneously receives a lock (ON) signal. The ECU system controls the motor 3 to start when the ON signal and the OFF signal are activated. The motor 3 drives the transmission nut 81 to move through the worm gear assembly 4. After the transmission nut 81 moves, it will abut against the locking plate 82 and drive the crank connecting rod assembly 83 to rotate. This allows the locking plate 82 and the crank connecting rod assembly 83 to rotate clockwise. When the crank connecting rod assembly 83 rotates, it will abut against the stop point behind the ratchet assembly 73, thereby forcing the ratchet assembly 73 to rotate in the fully locked direction. This completes the action of the car tailgate being sucked into the car body.

[0036] When the ratchet assembly 73 is in the fully locked position, the ratchet assembly 73 is separated from the micro switch lever 64, and the first micro switch 61 will output a lock (ON) signal. When the ECU system receives two lock (ON) signals, it indicates that the tailgate is locked and will stop the movement of the tailgate lock.

[0037] The transmission nut 81 and the unlocking half tooth 51 are driven by the motor 3 and the worm gear assembly 4. When the unlocking half tooth 51 and the unlocking paddle group 52 move, they collide with the unlocking linkage 53. The unlocking linkage 53 disengages the pawl assembly 71 and the ratchet assembly 73 completes the unlocking under the force of the torsion spring.

[0038] When the ratchet assembly 73 is in the semi-locked state, the transmission nut 81 is driven to move to the right by the motor 3 and the worm gear assembly 4. The transmission nut 81 touches the upper locking plate 82 and the crank connecting rod assembly 83 and rotates to the right. At this time, the crank connecting rod assembly 83 will hit the stop behind the ratchet, forcing the ratchet assembly 73 to rotate in the fully locked direction, thus completing the action of sucking the car tailgate into the car body.

[0039] This utility model is safer than traditional tailgate locks without self-closing mechanism, and the lock itself is compact, with dimensions of 124mm*98mm*70mm, making it easy to install in tight spaces in the vehicle body and allowing for better weight reduction. The self-closing and unlocking mechanisms are controlled by the vehicle's ECU, making it easier to achieve intelligent operation.

[0040] Furthermore, the lock body assembly 7 also includes a first unlocking handle 75, one end of which is located inside the frame and close to the unlocking link 53, and the other end of which is located outside the frame.

[0041] When actively unlocking, the first unlocking lever 75 abuts against the unlocking linkage 53, and the unlocking linkage 53 drives the first micro switch 61 to output a signal through the micro switch lever 64.

[0042] Furthermore, there is a gap between the unlocking linkage 53 and the first unlocking handle 75.

[0043] Furthermore, the lock body assembly 7 also includes a second unlocking handle 76, one end of which is located inside the frame and close to the crank connecting rod assembly 83, and the other end of which is located outside the frame.

[0044] When actively unlocking, the second unlocking lever 76 abuts against the crank connecting rod assembly 83, and the crank connecting rod assembly 83 abuts against the ratchet assembly 73.

[0045] Furthermore, a gap is provided between the crank connecting rod assembly 83 and the second unlocking lever lock 76.

[0046] Furthermore, the lock body assembly 7 also includes an unlocking handle spring 77, the two ends of which are fixedly connected to the first unlocking handle 75 and the second unlocking handle 76, respectively.

[0047] The two microswitches transmit information wirelessly and are directly controlled wirelessly by the ECU system. Therefore, a mechanical structure is required as a safety measure. For this purpose, a first unlocking lever 75 and a second unlocking lever 76 are provided, and the first unlocking lever 75 and the second unlocking lever 76 are linked by an unlocking lever spring 77 to avoid functional conflict between the two. In addition, since the vehicle body inevitably vibrates during driving, in order to reduce the possibility of the first unlocking lever 75 abutting the unlocking linkage 53 or the second unlocking lever 76 abutting the crank connecting rod assembly 83 in case of an accident, a gap is provided between the unlocking linkage 53 and the first unlocking lever 75, and a gap is provided between the crank connecting rod assembly 83 and the second unlocking lever 76, thereby enhancing safety while ensuring the practicality of the mechanical structure.

[0048] Furthermore, the pawl assembly 71 is provided with a first groove 711, and the micro switch lever 64 is fixedly connected to a contact member 65;

[0049] After the unlocking linkage 53 abuts against the pawl assembly 71, the pawl assembly 71 moves away from the micro switch lever 64, and the contact member 65 abuts against the inner wall of the first groove 711.

[0050] Furthermore, the contact member 65 is provided with a second groove 66;

[0051] When the contact member 65 contacts the inner wall of the first groove 711, the inner wall of the second groove 66 abuts against the inner wall of the first groove 711.

[0052] The microswitch lever 64 is an important medium for controlling the two microswitches, while the pawl assembly 71 is one of the components that directly affects the rotation of the microswitch lever 64. During the unlocking process, in order to prevent changes in the output signal of the microswitches, it is necessary to fix the relative position between the microswitch lever 64 and the pawl assembly 71. Therefore, a contact member 65 is provided. After the pawl assembly 71 is moved by the unlocking linkage 53, the contact member 65 increases the contact surface by abutting against the inner wall of the first groove 711, thereby preventing the microswitch lever 64 and the pawl assembly 71 from accidentally resetting. On this basis, a second groove 66 is provided on the contact member 65. The inner wall of the second groove 66 abuts against the inner wall of the first groove 711. This not only increases the contact surface but also increases the contact direction, thereby further reducing the possibility of the microswitch lever 64 and the pawl assembly 71 accidentally resetting.

[0053] Furthermore, the unlocking paddle group 52 is located outside the frame, and the end of the unlocking linkage 53 facing the unlocking paddle group 52 is located outside the frame.

[0054] The unlocking paddle group 52 and the unlocking linkage 53 are the end of the unlocking assembly 5 closest to the drive source. Since the drive source adopts a half-tooth structure for connection, the unlocking paddle group 52 can be directly controlled from the outside. The unlocking paddle group 52 will not conflict with the worm gear assembly 4.

[0055] By placing the unlocking paddle group 52 and unlocking linkage 53 externally, the internal space of the frame can be simplified, making the layout of the core components on the inner wall more compact and reasonable. At the same time, it reduces the possibility of motion interference during the unlocking and locking processes. The external unlocking paddle group 52 can be operated directly through the additional components using special tools. In an emergency, it can be used as an independent emergency unlocking structure to prevent the inability to unlock directly when the ECU system fails. Furthermore, the physical isolation design can effectively prevent chain failures caused by accidental activation.

[0056] Furthermore, the worm gear assembly 4 includes a first worm 41, a first turbine 42, a second worm 43, a second turbine 44, and a threaded rod 45. The first worm 41 is connected to the motor 3, the first turbine 42 is connected to the first worm 41, the first turbine 42 and the second worm 43 are fixedly connected, the second worm 43 and the second turbine 44 are connected, the second turbine 44 and the threaded rod 45 are coaxially fixedly connected, the transmission nut 81 is connected to the threaded rod 45, and the unlocking half-tooth 51 is connected to the first worm 41.

[0057] Furthermore, the second worm gear 43 is tilted.

[0058] The motor 3 can increase torque through the cooperation of two worms and two turbines. If necessary, an additional worm gear structure can also be added. In addition, the tilt of the second worm 43 can increase the stability of the transmission process, and the stability of the second worm 43 itself can be maintained by the shape of the base plate 1 without affecting the transmission.

[0059] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are protected. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electric self-sucking tailgate lock, characterized by, The lock body assembly comprises a pawl assembly, a pawl spring, a ratchet wheel assembly and a ratchet spring, two ends of the pawl spring are fixedly connected with the bottom plate and the pawl assembly respectively, two ends of the ratchet spring are fixedly connected with the bottom plate and the ratchet wheel assembly respectively, the pawl assembly abuts against the ratchet wheel assembly, the pawl assembly is connected with the unlocking assembly, the ratchet wheel assembly is connected with the transmission assembly, and the pawl assembly and the ratchet wheel assembly are connected with the micro switch assembly. The unlocking assembly comprises an unlocking half tooth, an unlocking tab group, an unlocking connecting rod and an unlocking spring, the unlocking half tooth is connected with the worm assembly, the unlocking tab group is fixedly connected with the unlocking half tooth, the unlocking connecting rod is connected with the unlocking tab group, the pawl assembly and the micro switch lever are connected with the end of the unlocking connecting rod away from the unlocking tab group, the pawl assembly and the micro switch lever are arranged on the two sides of the unlocking connecting rod respectively, and two ends of the unlocking spring are fixedly connected with the unlocking connecting rod and the cover plate respectively. When the unlocking assembly drives the lock body assembly, the unlocking assembly drives the lock body assembly to be unlocked, the unlocking assembly drives the micro switch lever to move, the micro switch lever drives the first micro switch to output an unlocking signal, the lock body assembly drives the second micro switch to output an unlocking signal, and the motor is turned off. When the lock body assembly is separated from the second micro switch and the first micro switch outputs an unlocking signal, the second micro switch outputs a locking signal, the motor is started, and the motor drives the lock body assembly to be locked through the worm assembly and the transmission assembly in sequence. When the unlocking assembly is separated from the micro switch lever and the second micro switch, the first micro switch and the second micro switch output a locking signal, and the motor is turned off.

2. The electric self-pumping tailgate lock of claim 1, wherein, The lock body assembly further comprises a first unlocking handle, one end of the first unlocking handle is arranged in the frame and close to the unlocking connecting rod, and the other end of the first unlocking handle is arranged outside the frame.

3. An electric self-sucking tailgate lock as defined in claim 2 wherein, ​ 4. An electric self-sucking tailgate lock as defined in claim 3 wherein, ​ 5. The electric self-pumping tailgate lock of claim 3, wherein, ​ When the lock is unlocked actively, the first unlocking handle pushes the unlocking link, and the unlocking link drives the first micro switch through the micro switch lever to output a signal.

6. An electric self-pumping tailgate lock as defined in claim 5, wherein, A gap is arranged between the unlocking link and the first unlocking handle.

7. An electric self-sucking tailgate lock as defined in claim 5 wherein, The lock body assembly further comprises a second unlocking handle, one end of the second unlocking handle is arranged in the frame and close to the crank link assembly, and the other end of the second unlocking handle is arranged outside the frame. When the lock is unlocked actively, the second unlocking handle pushes the crank link assembly, and the crank link assembly pushes the ratchet assembly.

8. An electric self-sucking tailgate lock as defined in claim 7 wherein, A gap is arranged between the crank link assembly and the second unlocking handle.

9. An electric self-pumping tailgate lock as defined in claim 8, wherein, The lock body assembly further comprises an unlocking handle spring, two ends of the unlocking handle spring are fixedly connected with the first unlocking handle and the second unlocking handle respectively.

10. The electric self-pumping tailgate lock of claim 4, wherein, The worm assembly comprises a first worm, a first turbine, a second worm, a second turbine and a threaded rod, the first worm is connected with the motor, the first turbine is connected with the first worm, the first turbine and the second worm are fixedly connected, the second worm and the second turbine are connected, the second turbine is coaxially fixedly connected with the threaded rod, the transmission nut is connected with the threaded rod, and the unlocking half tooth is connected with the first worm.

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