Lock assembly, back door assembly, and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a lock assembly, a back door assembly and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of vehicle back door locks. The lock assembly is used in a back door assembly, the back door assembly comprises a first back door and a second back door capable of being flipped relative to a vehicle body, when the first back door and the second back door are in a closed state, one end of the first back door away from a rotation axis is overlapped on the outside of the second back door, the lock assembly comprises: a lock body and a lock catch, one of the lock body and the lock catch is used for being connected with the first back door, and the other is used for being connected with the vehicle body or the second back door; and an energy storage and release structure, at least part of which is arranged in the lock body, when the lock body and the lock catch are locked with the first back door, the energy storage and release structure is in an energy storage state; when the lock body and the lock catch are disengaged, the energy storage and release structure drives the lock body or the lock catch to move, so that the first back door is opened to a preset position. In this way, the probability of interference and collision of the first back door and the second back door when being opened can be reduced, and the reliability and safety of the back door assembly when being opened can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle tailgate lock technology, and in particular to a lock assembly, tailgate assembly and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Double-opening tailgates are widely used in vehicles due to their advantages such as convenient loading and unloading capabilities, ease of opening in narrow spaces, and versatility in various application scenarios.

[0003] In related technologies, a double-opening rear door includes a first rear door and a second rear door. The opening order of the two rear doors is controlled by a controller to avoid interference. For example, if one end of the first rear door abuts against the outside of the second rear door, the first rear door needs to be opened to a safe angle first, and then the second rear door needs to be opened. If the order is reversed or the first rear door is not opened to the correct position, interference or collision will occur.

[0004] However, the execution accuracy of the controller depends on the accuracy of the position detection of the first and second back doors. If there is a deviation in the position detection information of the first and second back doors, interference and collision problems will still occur when the first and second back doors are opened, thus affecting the safety and reliability of the back door opening. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a lock assembly, a tailgate assembly, and a vehicle, aiming to improve the problem of low security and reliability of tailgate opening.

[0006] The specific technical solution is as follows: In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a lock assembly for a tailgate assembly, the tailgate assembly including a first tailgate and a second tailgate capable of rotating relative to the vehicle body. When the first tailgate and the second tailgate are in a closed state, the end of the first tailgate away from the rotation axis overlaps the outside of the second tailgate. The lock assembly includes: a lock body and a latch, one of the lock body and the latch being used to connect with the first tailgate, and the other being used to connect with the vehicle body or the second tailgate; and an energy storage and release structure, at least partially disposed in the lock body. When the lock body and the latch lock the first tailgate, the energy storage and release structure is in an energy storage state; when the lock body and the latch disengage, the energy storage and release structure drives the lock body or the latch to move, so that the first tailgate opens to a preset position.

[0007] The lock assembly of this application embodiment is used to lock the first rear door. Furthermore, the lock assembly includes an energy storage and release structure. This structure stores energy when the lock body and latch are locked and releases energy when the lock body and latch are unlocked, driving the latch or lock body to move and open the first rear door to a safe open position. Afterward, the second rear door can be opened freely. Thus, compared to related technologies that rely on software programs and position detection for safe opening of the rear door, this method eliminates the need for software judgment and sensor detection, freeing it from reliance on electronic components. The automatic pop-up of the first rear door is achieved through a mechanical structure, thereby reducing the probability of interference or collision between the first and second rear doors during opening, and ultimately improving the reliability and security of the rear door assembly opening.

[0008] In some embodiments, the lock body includes a housing and a connecting post disposed inside the housing, the housing having a latch opening for engaging and locking with the latch, and the wall surface of the latch opening having a first opening; The energy storage and release structure is a torsion spring located inside the housing. The torsion spring is sleeved on the connecting post. One end of the torsion spring is used to abut against the inner wall of the housing, and the other end of the torsion spring extends into the locking hole through the first opening.

[0009] In this embodiment, the torsion spring stores energy through physical deformation. The storage and release of its elastic potential energy depends only on its own material properties. It does not require electronic components or complex control logic, nor does it require additional drive modules, controllers, sensors, etc. This helps to solve the interference problem when the first and second back doors are opened, while reducing costs and taking into account both economy and reliability.

[0010] In some embodiments, there are two first openings arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the housing, and there are two connecting posts located on opposite sides of the latching opening; There are two torsion springs, each of which is sleeved on a connecting post. One end of each torsion spring abuts against the inner wall of the housing, and the other end extends into the locking hole through the first opening.

[0011] This helps reduce the probability of misalignment when the first tailgate opens, thus reducing mechanical wear. Furthermore, the energy of the two torsion springs can be superimposed, increasing the range of total driving force and improving the adaptability and versatility of the locking assembly across different vehicle models. In addition, the dual torsion spring structure creates functional redundancy, further enhancing the reliability and security of anti-interference measures.

[0012] In some embodiments, the wall surface of the latch hole is further provided with a second opening; The lock body also includes a driving component and a locking plate and a locking hook disposed inside the housing. The locking plate is rotatably disposed on one side of the latch opening. The locking plate is provided with a locking groove. At least a portion of the locking groove extends into the latch opening through the second opening. The locking plate can rotate from the initial position to the first locking position under the abutment action of the latch. The locking hook is rotatably disposed on the other side of the latch opening. The driving member is fixedly connected to the housing. The output end of the driving member is connected to the locking hook to drive the locking hook to rotate between the unlocked position and the second locked position. When the locking plate is in the first locking position and the locking hook is in the second locking position, part of the locking hook is engaged in the locking groove.

[0013] This design helps improve the reliability and stability of the latch and lock body locking, reduces the probability of energy release due to accidental latch disengagement, and ensures stable energy storage status.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lock body further includes a first elastic reset member and a second elastic reset member disposed inside the housing; The first elastic reset member is disposed between the locking hook and the housing, so that the locking hook tends to move toward the second locking position; The second elastic reset member is disposed between the locking plate and the housing, so that the locking plate tends to move toward the initial position.

[0015] By incorporating a first elastic reset element, the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved. Furthermore, it simplifies the operating logic of the drive components, extends their lifespan, and reduces power consumption. The second elastic reset element ensures smoother subsequent locking and improves operational fault tolerance. In addition, while the second elastic reset element drives the locking plate to reset, it indirectly applies a pushing force to the latch. Combined with the energy released by the torsion spring, this accelerates the separation of the latch from the lock body, thereby improving the anti-interference effect.

[0016] In some embodiments, the energy storage and release structure includes a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet with the same polarity, the first permanent magnet being disposed on the latch and the second permanent magnet being disposed on the lock body.

[0017] This approach helps to solve the interference problem when the first and second rear doors are opened, while reducing costs and balancing economy and reliability.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lock body includes a housing having a latch opening for engaging and locking with the latch; The energy storage and release structure includes a compression elastic element and a top block. One end of the compression elastic element is connected to the lock body, and the other end is connected to the top block. At least a portion of the top block is located in the latch hole.

[0019] This approach helps to solve the interference problem when the first and second rear doors are opened, while reducing costs and balancing economy and reliability.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a tailgate assembly for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle body has a rearward opening, and the tailgate assembly includes: a first tailgate capable of flipping relative to the vehicle body; a second tailgate capable of flipping relative to the vehicle body, wherein the opening is closed when the first tailgate and the second tailgate are in a closed state, and one end of the first tailgate away from the rotation axis is attached to the outside of the second tailgate; and the lock assembly described in the first aspect, wherein one of the lock body and the latch is connected to the first tailgate, and the other is connected to the vehicle body or the second tailgate.

[0021] The tailgate assembly of this application embodiment is a double-opening tailgate, using the lock assembly described in the first aspect. Therefore, the automatic pop-up of the first tailgate through a mechanical structure helps reduce the probability of interference or collision when the first and second tailgates are opened, thereby improving the reliability and security of the tailgate assembly's opening mechanism.

[0022] In some embodiments, the lock body is located at one end of the first back door near the second back door, and the latch is located at one end of the second back door near the first back door.

[0023] This is beneficial to improving the response speed and efficiency of the first back door's anti-interference action.

[0024] In some embodiments, there are two lock assemblies, with the lock bodies of the two lock assemblies located on opposite sides of the first tailgate in the left-right direction, and the latches of the two lock assemblies located on opposite sides of the vehicle body in the left-right direction.

[0025] This design helps to improve the stability and reliability of the first back door locking mechanism.

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle including the tailgate assembly described in the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rear tailgate assembly provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lock assembly provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3A schematic diagram of the lock assembly provided in this application embodiment in the unlocked state after the housing panel is removed; Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the lock assembly in the locked state. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the middle frame of the housing provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the lock assembly provided in this application embodiment in the unlocked state after removing the drive unit, housing panel, and middle frame; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lock assembly provided in this application embodiment in a locked state after removing the drive unit, housing panel, and middle frame.

[0028] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 10. Rear door assembly; 100. Lock assembly; 200. First back door; 300. Second back door; 110. Lock body; 111. Housing; 1111. Locking hole; 112. Connecting post; 1112. First opening; 111a. Base plate; 111b. Panel; 111c. Middle frame; 1114. Receiving groove; 112a. First post; 112b. Second post; 1113. Second opening; 113. Driving component; 114. Locking plate; 115. Locking hook; 1141. Locking groove; 116. First elastic reset component; 117. Second elastic reset component; 118. Micro switch; 120. Lock; 130. Energy storage and release structure; 1301. Torsion spring. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] In related technologies, a double-opening rear door includes a first rear door and a second rear door. The opening order of the two rear doors is controlled by a controller to avoid interference. For example, if one end of the first rear door abuts against the outside of the second rear door, the first rear door needs to be opened to a safe angle first, and then the second rear door needs to be opened. If the order is reversed or the first rear door is not opened to the correct position, interference or collision will occur.

[0034] However, the execution accuracy of the controller depends on the accuracy of the position detection of the first and second back doors. If there is a deviation in the position detection information of the first and second back doors, interference and collision problems will still occur when the first and second back doors are opened, thus affecting the safety and reliability of the back door opening.

[0035] Based on the above problems, this application proposes a lock assembly 100 to improve the low security and reliability of opening the back door.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, in a first aspect, this application provides a lock assembly 100. The lock assembly 100 is used in a tailgate assembly 10, which includes a first tailgate 200 and a second tailgate 300 that are capable of rotating relative to the vehicle body. When the first tailgate 200 and the second tailgate 300 are in a closed state, one end of the first tailgate 200 away from the axis of rotation overlaps the outside of the second tailgate 300. The lock assembly 100 includes a lock body 110, a latch 120, and an energy storage and release structure 130. One of the lock body 110 and the latch 120 is used to connect to the first tailgate 200, and the other is used to connect to the vehicle body or the second tailgate 300. At least a portion of the energy storage and release structure 130 is disposed on the lock body 110. When the lock body 110 and the latch 120 lock the first tailgate 200, the energy storage and release structure 130 is in an energy storage state. When the lock body 110 and the latch 120 are disengaged, the energy storage and release structure 130 drives the lock body 110 or the latch 120 to move, so that the first tailgate 200 is opened to a preset position.

[0037] The lock assembly 100 of this application embodiment is applied to the double-opening tailgate assembly 10. It can be a left-right double-opening tailgate assembly or a top-bottom double-opening tailgate assembly; this application does not limit this. When the first tailgate 200 and the second tailgate 300 are closed, they seal the opening of the vehicle's rear cargo space, ensuring the cargo space's airtightness. Since the end of the first tailgate 200 away from the rotation axis presses against the outside of the second tailgate 300 when closed, when opening, the first tailgate 200 must be opened to a safe angle first, and then the second tailgate 300 must be opened; otherwise, interference or collision may occur.

[0038] The lock assembly 100 is used to lock the first back door 200. Specifically, the lock assembly 100 includes a lock body 110, a latch 120, and an energy storage and release structure 130. The lock body 110 is the core load-bearing structure of the lock assembly 100, which needs to form a locking space that cooperates with the latch 120 and provide an installation base for the energy storage and release structure 130. The latch 120 is a cooperating structure of the lock body 110. When the latch 120 is inserted into the locking space of the lock body 110, the two are locked by mechanical limiting, thereby locking the first back door 200; when the mechanical limiting is unlocked, the latch 120 disengages from the lock body 110, thereby unlocking and opening the first back door 200. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings of this application, the latch 120 is simplified as a collision bar. In reality, the latch 120 usually includes a base and a U-shaped bar provided on the base. The collision bar in the drawings is a partial structure of one section of the U-shaped bar.

[0039] One of the lock body 110 and the latch 120 is used to connect to the first tailgate 200, and the other is used to connect to the vehicle body or the second tailgate 300. That is, there are multiple ways to install the lock body 110 and the latch 120. For example, one of the lock body 110 and the latch 120 can be connected to the first tailgate 200, and the other to the second tailgate 300. In this case, the first tailgate 200 is locked to the second tailgate 300. Another example is that one of the lock body 110 and the latch 120 can be connected to the first tailgate 200, and the other to the vehicle body. In this case, the first tailgate 200 is locked to the vehicle body. The specific design can be flexibly adapted to the actual situation.

[0040] The energy storage and release structure 130 is a component that can store energy when locked and release energy when unlocked. When locked, the energy storage and release structure 130 stores energy through the relative movement between the latch 120 and the lock body 110; when unlocked, the energy storage and release structure 130 releases energy, driving the lock body 110 or the latch 120 to move, thereby driving the first back door 200 to open to a preset position.

[0041] It should be noted that the preset position refers to the safe opening position of the first tailgate 200. When the first tailgate 200 reaches this position, the second tailgate 300 can open normally without interfering with or colliding with the first tailgate 200. Optionally, the preset position of the first tailgate 200 can be the opening position when the opening angle of the first tailgate 200 is between 10° and 20°, such as opening to 10°, 12°, 15°, 18°, 20°, etc., which can be flexibly set according to the actual situation.

[0042] In addition, the energy storage and release structure 130 can be in various forms, such as mechanical deformation, air volume compression, magnetic potential energy, etc. The specific form is not limited, as long as it can drive the first back door 200 to open to the safe opening position when released.

[0043] The energy storage and release structure 130 driving the lock body 110 or the latch 120 to move means that when the lock body 110 is connected to the first back door 200, the energy storage and release structure 130 drives the lock body 110 to move, and when the latch 120 is connected to the first back door 200, the energy storage and release structure 130 drives the latch 120 to move.

[0044] The lock assembly 100 of this embodiment is used to lock the first back door 200. Furthermore, the lock assembly 100 is provided with an energy storage and release structure 130. The energy storage and release structure 130 stores energy when the lock body 110 and the latch 120 are locked, and releases energy when the lock body 110 and the latch 120 are unlocked, driving the latch 120 or the lock body 110 to move, thus opening the first back door 200 to a safe open position. Afterwards, the second back door 300 can be opened freely. Thus, compared to related technologies that rely on software programs and position detection for safe opening of the back door, this method eliminates the need for software judgment and sensor detection, freeing it from dependence on electronic components. The automatic pop-up of the first back door 200 is achieved through a mechanical structure, thereby reducing the probability of interference or collision between the first back door 200 and the second back door 300 when opening, and thus improving the reliability and security of the back door assembly opening.

[0045] Furthermore, this application achieves automatic pop-up of the first rear door 200 through the energy storage and release structure 130. The software program no longer needs to determine whether the first rear door 200 has completely escaped the collision interference zone; subsequently, it only needs to control the opening of the first rear door 200 and the second rear door 300. This also helps to simplify the control logic, reduce reliance on high-precision sensors, reduce costs, and improve system stability.

[0046] Furthermore, this application integrates the energy storage and release structure 130 into the lock assembly 100. While realizing the unlocking and locking functions, the lock assembly 100 can also realize the automatic pop-up function of the first back door 200, which also helps to reduce the space occupied by the energy storage and release structure 130, reduce the layout burden, and improve the functional diversity and structural compactness of the lock assembly 100.

[0047] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the lock body 110 includes a housing 111 and a connecting post 112 disposed inside the housing 111. The housing 111 has a latching opening 1111 for locking with the latch 120. The wall of the latching opening 1111 has a first opening 1112. The energy storage and release structure 130 is a torsion spring 1301 disposed inside the housing 111. The torsion spring 1301 is sleeved on the connecting post 112. One end of the torsion spring 1301 is used to abut against the inner wall of the housing 111, and the other end of the torsion spring 1301 extends into the latching opening 1111 through the first opening 1112.

[0048] This application embodiment proposes one configuration of the energy storage and release structure 130. The housing 111 provides installation space and protection for internal components, while also forming a latching opening 1111 that mates with the latch 120, ensuring that the latch 120 can be stably inserted under the guidance of the latching opening 1111. The latching opening 1111 serves as the insertion channel for the latch 120 and also as the mating space between the latch 120 and the lock body 110 in the locked state. The shape of the latching opening 1111 can be, for example, a funnel-shaped U-shaped structure to ensure smooth and unobstructed insertion of the latch 120.

[0049] The connecting post 112 serves as the mounting reference for the torsion spring 1301, providing a fixed center of rotation for the torsion spring 1301 and preventing it from shifting or tilting within the housing 111. The first opening 1112 provides a force transmission channel for the torsion spring 1301. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 7 When the first back door 200 is closed, the latch 120 slides into the latch slot 1111. During this sliding process, the latch 120 compresses one end of the torsion spring 1301 that extends into the latch slot 1111, causing the torsion spring 1301 to twist around the connecting post 112, thereby storing elastic potential energy. After the latch 120 is in position, the lock body 110 and the latch 120 are locked, and the torsion spring 1301 remains in the stored energy state. When it is necessary to open the back door, the lock body 110 and the latch 120 unlock. At this time, refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 6 The torsion spring 1301 releases its elastic potential energy, thereby driving the lock body 110 or the latch 120 connected to the first back door 200 to move, thus opening the first back door 200 to a preset position. After that, the first back door 200 and the second back door 300 can be opened normally without interference.

[0050] In this embodiment, the torsion spring 1301 stores energy through physical deformation. The storage and release of its elastic potential energy depends only on its own material properties and does not require electronic components or complex control logic. Compared with related technologies that rely on sensors and software control, it is not affected by rain, snow, dust, temperature changes, etc., and does not require additional drive modules, controllers, sensors, etc. This helps to solve the interference problem when the first back door 200 and the second back door 300 are opened, while reducing costs and taking into account both economy and reliability.

[0051] Furthermore, the torsion spring 1301 is small in size and is directly installed inside the housing 111 via the connecting post 112. The entire energy storage and release structure 130 is fully integrated with the lock body 110, without requiring additional space in the vehicle body or tailgate. This also helps to improve the convenience and adaptability of the layout, and meets the compact layout requirements of the vehicle tailgate space.

[0052] In addition, this embodiment uses a torsion spring 1301 to achieve pre-opening, which relies entirely on mechanical deformation energy storage and does not require electric drive. Even if the vehicle is powered off, as long as the lock body 110 and the latch 120 are unlocked, the torsion spring 1301 can automatically spring the first tail door 200 to a safe angle through rebound, thereby ensuring effective anti-interference under extreme working conditions.

[0053] Optionally, such as Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the housing 111 has a split structure, specifically including a base plate 111a, a front panel 111b, and a middle frame 111c connecting the base plate 111a and the front panel 111b. The middle frame 111c forms a receiving groove 1114, within which a first post 112a is formed. The first post 112a is hollow. The base plate 111a forms a second post 112b. After the base plate 111a is connected to the middle frame 111c, the second post 112b is fitted inside the first post 112a. The second post 112b and the first post 112a together form a connecting post 112 for mounting the torsion spring 1301. The front panel 111b, the middle frame 111c, and the base plate 111a together form a locking opening 1111.

[0054] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, there are two first openings 1112 and they are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the housing 111. There are two connecting posts 112 and they are located on opposite sides of the latching opening 1111. There are two torsion springs 1301. Each torsion spring 1301 is sleeved on a connecting post 112. One end of each torsion spring 1301 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 111, and the other end extends into the latching opening 1111 through a first opening 1112.

[0055] The single torsion spring 1301 design may result in uneven force distribution when the first tailgate 200 unlocks and opens due to concentrated thrust on one side of the latch 120. This embodiment addresses this by providing two torsion springs 1301 on opposite sides of the latch opening 1111, each extending into the latch opening 1111 through a corresponding first opening 1112. When the latch 120 is inserted, it simultaneously compresses the torsion springs 1301 on both sides; upon energy release, they rebound symmetrically, applying a balanced reverse thrust to the latch 120 or the lock body 110. This reduces the probability of the first tailgate 200 opening with a tilted shape, minimizing mechanical wear. Furthermore, the energy of the two torsion springs 1301 can be superimposed, increasing the range of the total driving force and improving the adaptability and versatility of the lock assembly 100 for different vehicle models. Additionally, the dual torsion spring structure provides functional redundancy; even if one fails, the other can still provide partial thrust, further enhancing the reliability and security against interference. Moreover, the structure is compact and does not require additional space.

[0056] like Figures 3 to 7As shown, in some embodiments, the wall surface of the latch 1111 is further provided with a second opening 1113. The lock body 110 also includes a driving member 113 and a locking plate 114 and a locking hook 115 disposed inside the housing 111. The locking plate 114 is rotatably disposed on one side of the latch 1111. The locking plate 114 is provided with a locking groove 1141. At least a portion of the locking groove 1141 extends into the latch 1111 through the second opening 1113. The locking plate 114 can move from its initial position ( Figure 6 Rotate to the first locking position. Figure 7 The locking hook 115 is rotatably disposed on the other side of the latch 1111. The driving member 113 is fixedly connected to the housing 111, and the output end of the driving member 113 is connected to the locking hook 115 to drive the locking hook 115 to the unlocked position. Figure 6 ) and second locking position ( Figure 7 When the locking plate 114 is in the first locking position and the locking hook 115 is in the second locking position, part of the locking hook 115 is engaged in the locking groove 1141.

[0057] This embodiment presents a specific structure for the locking of the lock body 110 and the latch 120. The second opening 1113 provides a channel for the locking groove 1141 of the locking plate 114 to extend into the latch opening 1111, ensuring that while the latch 120 is inserted into the locking groove 1141, it drives the locking plate 114 to rotate from the initial position to the first locking position. At this time, referring to... Figure 7 At least a portion of the opening of the locking groove 1141 is blocked by the housing 111.

[0058] The locking hook 115 is an active locking component that can rotate actively under the drive of the drive member 113. When the drive member 113 drives the locking hook 115 to the unlocked position, the locking plate 114 can rotate to the first locking position without interference. After the locking plate 114 is in position, the drive member 113 drives the locking hook 115 to the second locking position, and part of the locking hook 115 can be engaged in the locking groove 1141 to prevent the locking plate 114 from rotating in the opposite direction. Since at least part of the opening of the locking groove 1141 is blocked by the housing 111, and the locking plate 114 itself can no longer rotate in the opposite direction, the latch 120 is locked in the locking groove 1141. Optionally, the locking hook 115 can be engaged with the locking groove 1141 in the following ways: the end of the locking hook 115 hooks onto the edge of the groove wall of the locking groove 1141, forming a ratchet-like structure to achieve locking; or, the end of the locking hook 115 extends completely into the locking groove 1141, interfering with the rotation trajectory of the locking plate 114 to achieve locking. This application does not limit the specific method of engagement, as long as it can achieve locking of the locking plate 114. The driving component 113 can be, for example, a linear motor, an electric push rod, etc.

[0059] This design helps improve the reliability and stability of locking the latch 120 and the lock body 110, reduces the probability of energy release caused by accidental disengagement of the latch 120, and ensures the stability of the energy storage state.

[0060] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the lock body 110 further includes a first elastic reset member 116 and a second elastic reset member 117 disposed inside the housing 111. The first elastic reset member 116 is disposed between the lock hook 115 and the housing 111 to cause the lock hook 115 to have a tendency to move toward the second locking position. The second elastic reset member 117 is disposed between the locking plate 114 and the housing 111 to cause the locking plate 114 to have a tendency to move toward the initial position.

[0061] By incorporating the first elastic reset element 116, the locking hook 115 can automatically return to the second locking position after the driving force of the drive element 113 is released. This improves the reliability of the locking mechanism. Furthermore, the drive element 113 only needs to output driving force during the unlocking phase to drive the locking hook 115 to the unlocked position; it does not need to operate continuously during the locking phase. Since the time for closing the back door is usually much longer than the time for opening, this also simplifies the working logic of the drive element 113, extends its lifespan, and reduces power consumption.

[0062] By providing a second elastic reset element 117, after the locking hook 115 releases its lock on the locking plate 114, the locking plate 114 can automatically return to its initial position, thereby ensuring smoothness of the next locking and improving operational error tolerance. Furthermore, during unlocking, the second elastic reset element 117 drives the locking plate 114 to reset, indirectly applying a pushing force to the latch 120. Combined with the energy released by the torsion spring 1301, this accelerates the separation of the latch 120 from the lock body 110, further enhancing the anti-interference effect.

[0063] Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a micro switch 118 is also provided inside the housing 111. The micro switch 118 can determine the locking status of the locking assembly 100 based on the position of the locking plate 114. When the locking plate 114 is in the initial position, the micro switch 118 is not in contact with the locking plate 114, and the micro switch 118 does not send an electrical signal. At this time, the locking assembly 100 is in the unlocked state. When the locking plate 114 rotates to the first locking position, the edge of the locking plate 114 presses against the micro switch 118, triggering the micro switch 118. At this time, the locking assembly 100 is in the locked state.

[0064] In some embodiments, the energy storage and release structure 130 includes a first permanent magnet (not shown in the figure) and a second permanent magnet (not shown in the figure) with the same polarity. The first permanent magnet is disposed on the latch 120 and the second permanent magnet is disposed on the lock body 110.

[0065] This embodiment proposes an alternative construction for the energy storage and release structure 130. Specifically, the energy storage and release structure 130 utilizes magnetic potential energy to achieve the automatic pop-up of the first back door 200 after unlocking. When locked, the first and second permanent magnets approach each other, storing magnetic potential energy; after unlocking, under the action of repulsion, the first back door 200 pops up to a safe open position. This helps to solve the interference problem when the first back door 200 and the second back door 300 are opened, while reducing costs and balancing economy and reliability.

[0066] Optionally, the first permanent magnet is disposed on the latch 120. For example, the first permanent magnet may be disposed on the end of the latch 120 near the lock body 110; or, the latch 120 may be made of the first permanent magnet; or, the first permanent magnet may be disposed on the base of the latch 120, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0067] Optionally, the second permanent magnet is disposed on the lock body 110, for example, the second permanent magnet is disposed on the bottom region of the latch opening 1111 of the lock body 110; or, the second permanent magnet is disposed on the top outer surface of the housing 111 of the lock body 110; or, at least a portion of the housing 111 of the lock body 110 is made of the second permanent magnet, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0068] Understandably, the repulsive force between permanent magnets varies non-linearly with the distance between them. Compared to linearly varying elastic elements such as the torsion spring 1301, controlling the opening angle is more difficult, and a larger repulsive force needs to be overcome when the distance is small. Therefore, a linearly varying energy storage and release structure is preferred.

[0069] In some embodiments, the lock body 110 includes a housing 111, which has a latch opening 1111 for locking with the latch 120. The energy storage and release structure 130 includes a compression elastic member (not shown) and a top block (not shown). One end of the compression elastic member (not shown) is connected to the lock body 110, and the other end is connected to the top block. At least a portion of the top block is located in the latch opening 1111.

[0070] This embodiment proposes another construction for the energy storage and release structure 130. The energy storage and release structure 130 includes a compression elastic element and a top block. The compression elastic element can be, for example, a gas spring or a compression spring. When the latch 120 is inserted into the latch slot 1111, the latch 120 compresses the top block and pushes the compression elastic element to compress, storing elastic potential energy. When the lock body 110 unlocks from the latch 120, the compression elastic element releases energy, pushing the top block and the latch 120 apart, thereby driving the first back door 200 to a preset position. This helps to solve the interference problem when the first back door 200 and the second back door 300 are opened, while reducing costs and balancing economy and reliability.

[0071] It is understandable that, compared to a torsion spring, a compression elastic element achieves energy storage and release through axial compression deformation, rather than rotational deformation. Compression elastic elements typically exhibit linear changes, and controlling the opening angle is less difficult than using the torsion spring 1301 described above. However, in terms of both arrangement method and difficulty, the arrangement method and difficulty using the torsion spring 1301 are relatively simpler, and the structure is more compact. Therefore, the scheme using the torsion spring 1301 is preferred.

[0072] Of course, the energy storage and release structure 130 can also be other types of components, and this application does not limit this.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, in a second aspect, this application provides a tailgate assembly 10 for a vehicle. The vehicle body has a rearward opening. The tailgate assembly 10 includes a first tailgate 200, a second tailgate 300, and the lock assembly 100 described in the first aspect. Both the first tailgate 200 and the second tailgate 300 are capable of rotating relative to the vehicle body. When the first tailgate 200 and the second tailgate 300 are in a closed state, the opening is closed. The end of the first tailgate 200 away from the axis of rotation overlaps the outside of the second tailgate 300. One of the lock body 110 and the latch 120 is connected to the first tailgate 200, and the other is connected to the vehicle body or the second tailgate 300.

[0074] The tailgate assembly 10 of this application embodiment is a double-opening tailgate, using the lock assembly 100 described in the first aspect. Therefore, the automatic pop-up of the first tailgate 200 is achieved through a mechanical structure, which helps to reduce the probability of interference and collision when the first tailgate 200 and the second tailgate 300 are opened, thereby improving the reliability and security of opening the tailgate assembly.

[0075] In some embodiments, the lock body 110 is located at one end of the first back door 200 near the second back door 300, and the latch 120 is located at one end of the second back door 300 near the first back door 200.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first back door 200 is directly locked to the second back door 300. After the second back door 300 is closed, the first back door 200 closes and locks itself to the second back door 300. Upon unlocking, the thrust of the energy storage and release structure 130 acts directly on the overlapping end of the first back door 200, enabling the first back door 200 to quickly spring up and move away from the interference area with less thrust and travel. This improves the response speed and efficiency of the first back door 200's anti-interference action.

[0077] In some embodiments, there are two lock assemblies 100, with the lock bodies 110 of the two lock assemblies 100 located on opposite sides of the first tailgate 200 in the left-right direction, and the latches 120 of the two lock assemblies 100 located on opposite sides of the vehicle body in the left-right direction.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first tailgate 200 is locked to the vehicle body via two locking assemblies 100 on the left and right sides. Upon unlocking, the energy storage and release structures 130 on both sides synchronously drive the first tailgate 200 to a preset position, causing the first tailgate 200 to move out of the interference zone. This design improves the stability and reliability of the locking mechanism of the first tailgate 200.

[0079] Thirdly, embodiments of this application propose a vehicle including the tailgate assembly 10 described in the second aspect. This helps reduce the probability of interference collisions occurring when the first tailgate 200 and the second tailgate 300 are opened, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the tailgate assembly opening.

[0080] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A locking assembly for a tailgate assembly, the tailgate assembly including a first tailgate and a second tailgate capable of rotating relative to the vehicle body, wherein when the first tailgate and the second tailgate are in a closed state, the end of the first tailgate away from the axis of rotation overlaps the outside of the second tailgate, characterized in that, The lock assembly includes: A lock body and a latch, one of which is used to connect to the first tailgate, and the other is used to connect to the vehicle body or the second tailgate; and An energy storage and release structure is at least partially disposed in the lock body. When the lock body and the latch lock the first back door, the energy storage and release structure is in an energy storage state. When the lock body and the latch are disengaged, the energy storage and release structure drives the lock body or the latch to move, so that the first back door opens to a preset position.

2. The lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock body includes a housing and a connecting post disposed inside the housing. The housing has a latch opening for engaging and locking with the latch. The wall of the latch opening has a first opening. The energy storage and release structure is a torsion spring located inside the housing. The torsion spring is sleeved on the connecting post. One end of the torsion spring is used to abut against the inner wall of the housing, and the other end of the torsion spring extends into the locking hole through the first opening.

3. The lock assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first opening consists of two openings spaced apart along the thickness direction of the housing, and the connecting posts consist of two posts located on opposite sides of the latching opening; There are two torsion springs, each of which is sleeved on a connecting post. One end of each torsion spring abuts against the inner wall of the housing, and the other end extends into the locking hole through the first opening.

4. The lock assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wall of the latch is also provided with a second opening; The lock body also includes a driving component and a locking plate and a locking hook disposed inside the housing. The locking plate is rotatably disposed on one side of the latch opening. The locking plate is provided with a locking groove. At least a portion of the locking groove extends into the latch opening through the second opening. The locking plate can rotate from the initial position to the first locking position under the abutment action of the latch. The locking hook is rotatably disposed on the other side of the latch opening. The driving member is fixedly connected to the housing. The output end of the driving member is connected to the locking hook to drive the locking hook to rotate between the unlocked position and the second locked position. When the locking plate is in the first locking position and the locking hook is in the second locking position, part of the locking hook is engaged in the locking groove.

5. The lock assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lock body also includes a first elastic reset element and a second elastic reset element disposed inside the housing; The first elastic reset member is disposed between the locking hook and the housing, so that the locking hook tends to move toward the second locking position; The second elastic reset member is disposed between the locking plate and the housing, so that the locking plate tends to move toward the initial position.

6. The lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage and release structure includes a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet with the same polarity. The first permanent magnet is disposed on the latch, and the second permanent magnet is disposed on the lock body.

7. The lock assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock body includes a housing, the housing having a latch opening for engaging and locking with the latch; The energy storage and release structure includes a compression elastic element and a top block. One end of the compression elastic element is connected to the lock body, and the other end is connected to the top block. At least a portion of the top block is located in the latch hole.

8. A tailgate assembly for a vehicle, the vehicle body having a rearward opening, characterized in that, The tailgate assembly includes: The first tailgate is capable of flipping relative to the vehicle body; The second tailgate is capable of flipping relative to the vehicle body. When the first and second tailgates are closed, the opening is sealed, and the end of the first tailgate away from the axis of rotation overlaps the outside of the second tailgate; and The lock assembly as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein one of the lock body and the latch is connected to the first tailgate and the other is connected to the vehicle body or the second tailgate.

9. The tailgate assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lock body is located at one end of the first back door near the second back door, and the latch is located at one end of the second back door near the first back door; Alternatively, there are two lock assemblies, with the lock bodies of the two lock assemblies located on opposite sides of the first tailgate in the left-right direction, and the latches of the two lock assemblies located on opposite sides of the vehicle body in the left-right direction.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the rear tailgate assembly as described in claim 8 or 9.

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