Automotive lock actuator
The locking actuator design, which combines a non-contact Hall sensor with a motor-driven slider, solves the problems of complex structure, long transmission path, and linkage failure in existing technologies. It achieves accurate signal transmission and optimized space utilization, and improves service life and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROECHLING AUTOMOTIVE PARTS KUNSHAN
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing automotive locking actuators suffer from complex structures, long transmission paths, frequent linkage failures, high disassembly and replacement costs, and the inability to achieve closed-loop interactive feedback, resulting in safety hazards and short service life.
The locking actuator design employs a non-contact Hall sensor feedback signal. It connects to the PCBA board via a magnetic protrusion to achieve accurate and fast signal transmission. Combined with a compact structural design, it reduces space occupation and utilizes a motor-driven slider to cooperate with the locking groove to complete self-locking or unlocking actions.
It improves the accuracy and speed of signal transmission, extends service life, reduces space occupation and disassembly/reassembly costs, and enhances environmental adaptability and safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN224591954U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically relating to an automotive locking actuator. Background Technology
[0002] The automotive locking actuator is the core device in the automotive electronic control system used to realize the locking function. It receives signals through the electronic control unit (ECU) and outputs locking / unlocking pulse current to control the movement of mechanical components such as the lock cylinder and lock tongue.
[0003] Initially, the fuel filler cap lock on traditional gasoline-powered vehicles used a cable-operated locking mechanism, such as the one disclosed in CN203891615U. This mechanism required the driver to trigger it from inside the vehicle, and the cable ran through the car body, taking up considerable space. Furthermore, replacement was inconvenient and costly when the cable failed. To address this replacement difficulty, an LPP locking actuator, such as the one disclosed in CN109025558A, emerged. While this structure facilitated cost-effective replacement of the locking actuator, it relied solely on a motor-driven locking lever, failing to achieve a closed-loop interaction between the vehicle and the locking actuator. This meant it couldn't provide feedback on the fuel filler cap's closure, posing a safety hazard. Later, an LPP lock with feedback and an emergency pull cable, such as the one disclosed in CN221194660U, was developed. This type of locking actuator uses a push-button microswitch for feedback. While this allows for intelligent control of the entire vehicle, the use of a push-button microswitch places high precision requirements on the fuel filler cap system, making it prone to malfunctions and resulting in a short product lifespan.
[0004] With the development of new energy vehicles, car charging covers with self-locking functions, such as those disclosed in CN117842211A, have emerged, integrating the function of a locking actuator into the charging port cover. This type of locking method, where the charging port cover integrates a locking actuator, has a complex structure, a long transmission path, and frequent linkage failures, affecting transmission efficiency and stability. Furthermore, the gear linkage box has low modularity, requiring coordinated disassembly and assembly with other components of the charging port cover, such as the gear shaft; once a failure occurs, the disassembly and replacement costs are high. Utility Model Content
[0005] This utility model provides an automotive locking actuator.
[0006] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: An automotive locking actuator includes a housing and a locking mechanism disposed within the housing; the locking mechanism includes a drive assembly, a pressing assembly disposed on the front side of the drive assembly, and a signal transmission assembly disposed on one side of the drive assembly; The pressing component includes a push rod sleeved on a positioning rod, and an elastic component is provided between the push rod and the positioning rod; the push rod has an arc-shaped groove and a locking groove, and a magnetic protrusion of a trigger signal transmission component is provided on the push rod; the arc-shaped groove is spiraled upward from the bottom of the push rod. The drive assembly includes a motor and a sliding block connected to the motor. Locking or unlocking is achieved by the cooperation of the sliding block with the locking groove. The signal transmission component includes a PCBA board and PIN pins connected to the PCBA board. A Hall sensor is provided on the PCBA board, and the actuator connects to the vehicle control system via the PIN pins.
[0007] Preferably, the housing includes a top cover and a base that cooperate with each other. A positioning rod is protruding from the base and extends out of the top cover. A push plate is provided at one end of the positioning rod, and a push post is protruding from the side wall of the push plate and is engaged with the arc-shaped groove.
[0008] Preferably, the elastic component includes a spring placed on the upper part of the positioning rod, and a shaped steel wire is provided on the spring through a fixing seat, with the lower end of the shaped steel wire being clamped on both sides of the positioning rod.
[0009] Preferably, the push rod is mounted on the elastic component, the push rod is a hollow column, a transverse groove is provided below the push rod, and a length difference is provided between the two ends of the shaped steel wire, with the long end of the shaped steel wire being engaged in the transverse groove.
[0010] Preferably, the sliding block is provided with a locking block for locking in the locking groove. The sliding block is connected to a screw connected to a motor. When the motor is working, it drives the screw to rotate, so that the sliding block can move back and forth in a linear motion in the direction of the push rod.
[0011] Preferably, the positioning rod has an axial groove on one side for locking the long end of the irregular steel wire, and an inner tangent is provided in the middle of the other side of the positioning rod, with an arrow-shaped protrusion on the inner tangent.
[0012] The advantages of this invention are as follows: the locking actuator uses a non-contact Hall sensor to provide feedback signals, resulting in more accurate and faster signal transmission. Simultaneously, the actuator has a compact overall structure, smaller size, and occupies less space, allowing for a more rational arrangement of components at the charging port cover.
[0013] Contactless signal feedback control avoids the wear and tear caused by continuous contact pressing of microswitches using physical components, as is done in existing technologies, thus further extending the lifespan of the locking actuator. Furthermore, because the Hall sensor is encapsulated and hermetic, it offers greater environmental adaptability, enabling it to handle more challenging environments. Attached Figure Description
[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0015] Figure 1 : Explosion diagram of this utility model.
[0016] Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model in its initial state.
[0017] Figure 3 This utility model Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction.
[0018] Figure 4 : A schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model in its self-locking state.
[0019] Figure 5 : A schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model when the push rod is hidden in its initial state.
[0020] Figure 6 : A schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model when the push rod is hidden in the self-locking state. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following description is provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1 Figure 6 and its embodiments further illustrate the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0022] This utility model proposes an automotive locking actuator, including a housing and a locking mechanism placed inside the housing; the housing includes a top cover 1 and a base 2 that cooperate with each other.
[0023] The locking mechanism includes a drive assembly and a pressing assembly positioned in front of the drive assembly. A signal transmission assembly is located on one side of the drive assembly. The signal transmission assembly includes a PCBA board 91 and a PIN pin 25 connected to the PCBA board. A Hall sensor is located on the PCBA board. The actuator is connected to the vehicle control system via the PIN pin 25. By pressing the pressing assembly, the signal transmission assembly is activated, causing the vehicle control system to send a corresponding signal to the actuator. This execution signal drives the drive assembly to perform a self-locking or unlocking action.
[0024] Specifically, the driving component is located on one side of the base 2, including a motor 3 and a sliding block 5 connected to the motor 3. The sliding block 5 has a locking block 51 facing the pressing component. The sliding block 5 is connected to the motor 3 via a screw 4. When the motor 3 operates, it drives the screw 4 to rotate, causing the sliding block 5 to move linearly back and forth towards the push rod of the pressing component. In this embodiment, there are four pins, two connected to the PCBA board and two connected to the motor. The pins and the base 2 are integrally molded using injection molding.
[0025] A positioning rod 21 protrudes from the other side of the base 2. The positioning rod 21 protrudes out of the upper cover 1 in the direction of the upper cover 1. A push plate 23 is provided at one end of the positioning rod 21. A push post 24 protrudes from the side wall of the push plate 23.
[0026] The pressing component is fitted onto the positioning rod 21. It comprises an elastic component consisting of a spring 9 and a shaped steel wire 8. A steel wire fixing seat 7 is provided above the elastic component, and a hollow cylindrical push rod 6 covers the elastic component onto the positioning rod 21 above the steel wire fixing seat 7. Further, the spring 9 is placed on top of the positioning rod 21, and its upper end is pressed down by the shaped steel wire 8. The two ends of the shaped steel wire 8 straddle the two sides of the positioning rod 21, with a length difference between the two ends. The shorter end of the shaped steel wire 8 is engaged with the positioning rod 21, and the longer end 81 is engaged within the push rod 6. The push rod 6 has an arc-shaped groove 61, a locking groove 63, and a transverse sliding groove 62. The push rod 6 has a magnetic protrusion 65 for triggering a signal transmission component. The arc-shaped groove 61 is spiraled upwards from the bottom of the push rod. After assembly, the push post 24 is placed in the arc-shaped groove 61, and the long end 81 of the irregular steel wire 8 is engaged in the transverse sliding groove 62. When the push rod is pressed, the push post 24 slides in the arc-shaped groove 61, and the push rod rotates simultaneously. The magnetic protrusion 65 rotates to the signal transmission component, connecting with the Hall switch on the PCBA board 91. The push rod 6 also has a limiting protrusion 66 for limiting movement, which is located on one side of the magnetic protrusion 65. The limiting protrusion 66 cooperates with the slot 11 inside the upper cover 1. When the limiting protrusion 66 abuts against the slot, it restricts the push rod 6 from continuing to move upwards. That is, when the push rod is pressed to reset and rises, the limiting protrusion 66 will cooperate with the slot 11 to limit the push rod to the 0° position. In this embodiment, the starting position of the push rod is the 0° position.
[0027] To facilitate the positioning and movement of the shaped steel wire 8, a strip-shaped groove 211 is axially formed on one side of the positioning rod 21 for engaging the long end of the shaped steel wire 8. An inner slit is provided in the middle of the other side of the positioning rod 21, and an arrow-shaped protrusion 22 is raised on the inner slit. Through the inner slit, the short end of the shaped steel wire 8 is engaged at the upper end 212 on the other side of the positioning rod 21. When the top of the shaped steel wire 8 is pressed, it will drive the shaped steel wire 8 downwards, compressing the spring 9. At this time, the short end of the shaped steel wire 8 will also be pressed downwards until it is engaged at the bottom of the arrow-shaped protrusion 22. Furthermore, a locking groove 221 and an unlocking groove 222 are respectively provided on both sides of the arrow-shaped protrusion 22. The upper end of the locking groove 221 connects with the position of the short end of the shaped steel wire 8 in the initial state.
[0028] In the initial stage, the actuator of this utility model has the push column 24 at the bottom of the arc-shaped groove 61 pressing down on the push rod 6. The push rod 6 moves downward, and the push column 24 moves upward along the arc-shaped groove 61. Simultaneously, the push rod rotates downward. During the pressing process, the short end of the irregularly shaped steel wire moves downward along the locking groove 221. When pressed to the bottom, the tail of the short end of the irregularly shaped steel wire in the pressing assembly reaches the bottom of the arrow-shaped protrusion 22. At this time, the magnetic protrusion 65 rotates to the signal transmission assembly, connecting with the PCBA board 91 and communicating with the vehicle control system via a PIN pin. The vehicle control system sends a signal to the drive assembly, the motor operates, and the locking block 51 moves in the direction of the push rod. The locking block 51 enters the locking groove 63 to lock the position of the push rod, completing the self-locking action. At this point, if the push rod is pressed again, the rebound action will not be completed. If the actuator needs to be unlocked, the vehicle system drive motor reverses, causing the locking block 51 to exit from the locking groove 63. At this time, pressing the push rod again completes the unlocking action of the locking actuator. Pressing the push rod again causes the push rod 6 to spring back to its initial position. During this process, the short end of the irregular steel wire will be reset from the bottom of the arrow-shaped protrusion 22 to the unlocking groove 222 until its short end is locked at the upper end 212 on the other side of the positioning rod 21.
[0029] The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0030] Furthermore, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it; although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A car locking actuator, characterized in that: It includes a housing and a locking mechanism placed inside the housing; the locking mechanism includes a drive assembly and a pressing assembly placed in front of the drive assembly, and a signal transmission assembly is provided on one side of the drive assembly; The pressing component includes a push rod (6) sleeved on the positioning rod (21), and an elastic component is provided between the push rod (6) and the positioning rod (21); the push rod (6) is provided with an arc groove (61) and a locking groove (63), and the push rod (6) is provided with a magnetic protrusion (65) of a trigger signal transmission component; the arc groove (61) is opened from the bottom of the push rod upwards. The drive assembly includes a motor (3) and a sliding block (5) connected to the motor (3). Locking or unlocking is achieved by the cooperation of the sliding block (5) with the locking groove (63). The signal transmission component includes a PCBA board (91) and a PIN pin (25) connected to the PCBA board (91). A Hall sensor is provided on the PCBA board (91), and the actuator is connected to the vehicle control system via the PIN pin (25).
2. The automotive locking actuator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The housing includes a top cover (1) and a base (2) that cooperate with each other. A positioning rod (21) is protruding from the base (2). The positioning rod (21) protrudes out of the top cover (1) in the direction of the top cover (1). A push plate (23) is provided at one end of the positioning rod (21). A push post (24) is protruding from the side wall of the push plate (23) and is engaged in the arc groove (61).
3. The automotive locking actuator as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic component includes a spring (9) placed on the upper part of the positioning rod (21), and a shaped steel wire (8) is provided on the spring (9) through a fixing seat. The lower end of the shaped steel wire (8) is clamped on both sides of the positioning rod (21).
4. The automotive locking actuator as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The push rod (6) is covered on the elastic component. The push rod (6) is a hollow column. A transverse groove (62) is provided below the push rod (6). There is a length difference between the two ends of the shaped steel wire (8). The long end (81) of the shaped steel wire (8) is locked in the transverse groove (62).
5. The automotive locking actuator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding block (5) is provided with a locking block (51) for locking in the locking groove (63). The sliding block (5) is connected by a screw (4) connected to the motor. When the motor works, it drives the screw (4) to rotate, so that the sliding block (5) can move back and forth in a straight line in the direction of the push rod.
6. The automotive locking actuator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning rod (21) has an axial groove on one side for locking the long end of the shaped steel wire (8), and an inner tangent is provided in the middle of the other side of the positioning rod (21), with an arrow-shaped protrusion (22) on the inner tangent.