Emergency release device for a vehicle door and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides an emergency unlocking device for a vehicle door, which comprises a base for being fixed to or integrated with the vehicle door; an actuating member and a biasing member for being mounted to the base, wherein the actuating member is mounted to the base to be positioned at a first position against the biasing force of the biasing member; a locking member for releasably locking the actuating member at the first position; and a linkage member for being mechanically connected between the actuating member and a door lock of the vehicle door. When the actuating member is released from the first position, the actuating member moves away from the first position under the biasing force of the biasing member so as to actuate the linkage member to unlock the door lock. The application also provides a vehicle comprising the emergency unlocking device. The emergency unlocking device is simple in operation and can significantly shorten the time for unlocking the door lock, thereby significantly improving the safety of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of vehicle accessories, and more specifically to emergency unlocking devices for vehicle doors and vehicles including such emergency unlocking devices. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the continuous development of vehicle electrification, electronic door locks and switches for car doors have been widely used. However, in extreme situations such as a collision that cause a power outage, electronic door locks and switches will fail. To ensure safety, mechanical emergency unlocking devices are installed on the doors as a backup.

[0003] A common emergency unlocking device is a cable mechanically connected to the electronic door lock. Passengers inside the vehicle can unlock the electronic door lock and open the door by pulling the cable. However, the cable is usually hidden under a special cover, requiring passengers to manually remove the cover to access it. Removing the cover is time-consuming, making the cable operation difficult and inefficient. Furthermore, even after successfully removing the cover, passengers still need to manually feel for and grasp the cable to operate it. This process further increases the difficulty and time consumption.

[0004] This demonstrates that the current emergency unlocking device is poorly designed, making it difficult to locate and operate, posing a serious safety hazard. In extreme situations where the vehicle loses power, the emergency unlocking device, intended as a safety measure, may, due to its flawed design, prevent occupants from quickly opening the doors, thus delaying escape.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a new type of emergency unlocking device to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned defects. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a novel emergency unlocking device for vehicle doors to overcome at least one of the aforementioned defects.

[0007] According to one aspect of this application, an emergency unlocking device for a vehicle door is provided. The emergency unlocking device includes: a base for being fixed to or integrally formed with the vehicle door; an actuating member and a biasing member for being mounted to the base, wherein the actuating member is mounted to the base to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member and is positioned in a first position; a locking member for releasably locking the actuating member in the first position; and a linkage member for mechanically connecting the actuating member to a door lock of the vehicle door, wherein when the actuating member is released from the first position, the actuating member moves away from the first position under the biasing force of the biasing member, thereby actuating the linkage member to unlock the door lock.

[0008] In some embodiments, the base includes a base defining an inner side and an outer side, and a first hole extending from the outer side through the base to the inner side along a first direction; the actuating member includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being wider than the second portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and when the actuating member is in the first position, the first portion is spaced apart from the base on the outer side of the base, the second portion extends from the first portion through the first hole along the first direction and is mechanically connected to the actuating member, and the biasing member is held between the first portion and the base.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the actuating member is released from the first position to move away from the first position, the second portion moves in the first hole toward the outside of the base along the first direction to drive the linkage member to move toward the outside along the first direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the biasing member is a helical spring and is disposed around the second portion, wherein the helical spring is compressed between the first portion and the base when the actuating member is in the first position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the base further includes a third portion that projects outward from the base along the first direction and surrounds the helical spring and the first portion; and when the actuating member is in the first position, the helical spring and the first portion are received in the third portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the actuating member is released from the first position to move away from the first position, the first portion is ejected from the third portion along the first direction by the helical spring, and the top of the first portion and the third portion are spaced apart by a distance of at least 2 cm in the first direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third portion includes an opening that opens outward along the first direction, the first portion closing the opening when the actuating member is in the first position, and the first portion being ejected from the opening when the actuating member is released from the first position to move away from the first position.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the actuating member is released from the first position to move away from the first position, the first portion is ejected from the third portion along the first direction by the helical spring, and the second portion moves through the first hole to be located entirely outside the base.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first portion includes a second hole extending along a third direction intersecting the first direction, and the third portion includes a third hole extending along the third direction. When the actuating member is in the first position, the second hole and the third hole are aligned in the third direction. The locking member includes a locking pin configured to extend through the second hole and the third hole when the actuating member is in the first position, so as to releasably lock the actuating member in the first position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the locking member includes a warning element or warning label disposed thereon.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion respectively define opposite ends of the actuating member in the first direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the emergency unlocking device is configured to orient the outer side of the base toward the vehicle interior defined by the door, and the locking member and the third portion of the base are configured to be exposed to the vehicle interior.

[0019] In some embodiments, the linkage member includes a cable mechanically connected between the second portion of the actuating member and the door lock of the vehicle door, and is pulled by the second portion as the second portion moves outward toward the base in the first direction to unlock the door lock.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cable includes a cable end and a cable body extending from the cable end along the extension direction of the cable, the cable end being wider than the cable body in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction; and the second portion of the actuating member includes a proximal end connected to the first portion, a distal end opposite to the proximal end in the first direction, and a first groove and a second groove, the first groove extending into the second portion along a fourth direction intersecting the first direction, and the second groove extending from the end of the first groove along the first direction away from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein: the first groove is used to receive the cable end and the cable body along the fourth direction. A portion of the cable body adjacent to the cable end, when the cable end and the portion of the cable body are received in the first slot such that the portion of the cable body is aligned with the second slot, the portion of the cable body is oriented along a fifth direction intersecting the first direction and the fourth direction, and the cable is rotatable about the cable end; and the second slot is used to receive the portion of the cable body when the cable end and the portion of the cable body are received in the first slot and the cable is rotated about the cable end, so as to allow the portion to be oriented along the first direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first groove includes an inner groove section and an outer groove section extending from the inner groove section along the fifth direction to the outer surface of the second portion, the inner groove section being wider than the outer groove section in the fifth direction; the inner groove section is used to receive the cable end along the fourth direction, and the outer groove section is used to receive the portion of the cable body along the fourth direction; and the second groove extends from the end of the outer groove section along the first direction away from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fourth direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fifth direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cable end has a cylindrical or spherical shape.

[0025] In some embodiments, the section of the cable body is rotated from being oriented along the fifth direction to being oriented along the first direction by an angle ranging from 60 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0026] In some embodiments, the width of the outer groove segment is the same as the width of the second groove.

[0027] In some embodiments, the base further includes a fourth portion projecting inward from the base along the first direction; the linkage member further includes a sheath surrounding the cable, wherein the cable end and the portion of the cable body extend from the end of the sheath; and the fourth portion and the end of the sheath are configured such that when the cable is rotated such that the portion of the cable body is received in the second slot and oriented along the first direction, the end of the sheath is held by the fourth portion.

[0028] According to another aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a door and the aforementioned emergency unlocking device, wherein: the base is fixed to or integrally formed with the door; an actuating member and a biasing member are mounted to the base, wherein the actuating member is mounted to the base against the biasing force of the biasing member and positioned in a first position; a locking member releasably locks the actuating member in the first position; and a linkage member is mechanically connected between the actuating member and the door lock, wherein when the actuating member is released from the first position, the actuating member moves away from the first position under the biasing force of the biasing member to actuate the linkage member to unlock the door lock.

[0029] The emergency unlocking device according to this application enables occupants to unlock the door lock simply by operating the locking member to release the actuating member from its initial position, thereby allowing the door to be opened. This emergency unlocking device is simple to operate and significantly reduces the time required to unlock the door, thus significantly improving vehicle safety.

[0030] These techniques can be used alone or in any suitable combination. The foregoing summary is provided illustratively and is not intended to be restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and other aspects of this application will be more thoroughly understood and appreciated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and not drawn to scale. In different drawings, the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, for the sake of brevity, not all components or parts of the emergency unlocking device and door according to this application are shown or labeled in the drawings. It should be understood that the dimensions, scale relationships, and number of components or parts in the drawings are not intended to limit this application. In the drawings: Figure 1A This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle door according to some embodiments of the present application, on which an emergency unlocking device is provided; Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An enlarged view of the dashed circled area 1B, which shows in detail an emergency unlocking device according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1B A perspective view of the emergency unlocking device, in which the emergency unlocking device is in its initial state, in which the emergency unlocking device is not activated and therefore does not affect the locking and unlocking of the door lock; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of an emergency unlocking device, which includes a base, an actuating component, a biasing component, a linkage component, and a locking component; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Front view of the emergency unlocking device; Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken from line II; Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 A similar cross-sectional view, but showing the emergency unlocking device in an activated state, in which the emergency unlocking device unlocks the door lock; Figure 7A and Figure 7B The process of connecting the linkage component to the actuating component is shown in sequence; and Figure 8A and Figure 8B They are Figure 3 A three-dimensional view and a side view of the actuating component. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, a car door for a passenger car is used as an example to illustrate the emergency unlocking device according to this application. It should be understood that this example does not imply any limitation on this application. Rather, the emergency unlocking device according to this application, or its variations, is applicable to any other suitable type of vehicle. Furthermore, features in the various embodiments of this application can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0033] Figures 1A to 8B An emergency unlocking device 10 according to some embodiments of this application is schematically illustrated. The emergency unlocking device 10 is configured for installation on a vehicle door 1. The vehicle door 1 may be, for example, a car door, but this application is not limited thereto. Figure 1AOnly a portion of the door 1 is shown, not all of it. The door 1 may be equipped with a door lock (not shown), which may be an electronic door lock. The emergency unlocking device 10 may be located on the inside of the door 1 near the bottom of the interior panel 2. The interior panel 2 may be a plate-like component installed on the side of the door 1 facing the vehicle to cover the metal structure of the door 1 and fix various functional components. The electronic switch 3 may be located on the armrest structure 4 of the interior panel 2. The emergency unlocking device 10 may be located in the funnel-shaped structure 5 of the interior panel 2 formed below the armrest structure 4. It should be understood that the placement of the electronic switch 3 and the emergency unlocking device 10 is merely exemplary, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0034] The emergency unlocking device 10 is mechanically associated with the door lock (not shown) of the vehicle door 1, enabling occupants inside the vehicle to unlock the door lock by operating the emergency unlocking device 10. As used herein, "unlocking the door lock" means removing the door lock from its position, allowing the door 1 to be opened (i.e., opening the door is no longer restricted by the door lock) or enabling the door 1 to open (e.g., the door 1 opens due to actuation by the door lock or other structures when the door lock is unlocked). In other words, "unlocking the door lock" means enabling or allowing the door 1 to be opened. Figure 1B As best shown and as will be specifically described below, a portion of the emergency unlocking device 10 (a portion of the base 20, a portion of the actuating member 30, and the locking member 50, as will be described below) can be exposed on the door 1 (i.e., unobstructed) to facilitate discovery and operation by the driver or passenger.

[0035] Electronic switch 3 is electronically associated with the door lock of door 1 so that occupants can control the unlocking of the door lock (and optionally the locking of the door lock) by operating (e.g., pressing or touching) electronic switch 3. Although electronic switch 3... Figure 1A The electronic switch 3 is shown in the form of a button, but this application is not limited thereto. The electronic switch 3 and the door lock of the door 1 can be linked to each other in any suitable manner known in the art. To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this application, a description of these contents is omitted here.

[0036] The following will combine Figures 1B to 8B The configuration of the emergency unlocking device 10 is described in detail.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the emergency unlocking device 10 includes a base 20, an actuating member 30, a biasing member 40, a locking member 50, and a linkage member 60. The base 20 is configured to secure the emergency unlocking device 10 to the vehicle door 1. The base 20 can be secured to the vehicle door 1 or integrally formed with the vehicle door 1. Figure 1BAs shown, the base 20 can be a separate base fixed to the interior panel 2 of the door 1. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the base 20 can be integrally formed with the interior panel 2 of the door 1, or fixed to or integrally formed with a metal structure located below the interior panel 2 of the door 1. The base 20 can also be fixed to or integrally formed with other structures of the door 1.

[0038] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the actuating member 30 and the biasing member 40 are mounted to the base 20. The biasing member 40 is configured to be positioned such that when the actuating member 30 is mounted to the base 20, it is positioned as shown in the image. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 A biasing force is applied to the actuating member 30 at the initial position shown (also referred to as the "first position"). The actuating member 30 is then mounted to the base 20 to be positioned at this initial position in order to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member 40. That is, when the actuating member 30 is positioned at this initial position, the actuating member 30 is subjected to the biasing force of the biasing member 40, which causes the actuating member 30 to tend to move away from the initial position.

[0039] Locking member 50 is used to releasably lock actuating member 30 in the initial position. "Releasably locked" means that locking member 50 can be operated (e.g., repeatedly) to lock actuating member 30 in the initial position and to release actuating member 30 from that initial position. When locking member 50 locks actuating member 30 in the initial position, actuating member 30 is held relative to base 20 in that initial position and does not move away from the initial position under the biasing force of biasing member 40. When locking member 50 releases actuating member 30 from the initial position (e.g., locking member 50 is removed or unlocked, etc.), actuating member 30 moves away from the initial position under the biasing force of biasing member 40.

[0040] The linkage member 60 is mechanically connected between the actuating member 30 and the door lock of the vehicle door 1. This mechanical connection enables the actuating member 30 to actuate the linkage member 60 to unlock the door lock when the actuating member 30 is released from its initial position and moves away from that initial position under the biasing force of the biasing member 40. In other words, the actuating member 30 and the door lock of the vehicle door 1 are mechanically linked by means of the linkage member 60, so that the door lock can be unlocked by releasing the actuating member 30 from its initial position. Furthermore, the biasing force of the biasing member 40 is large enough to enable the actuating member 30 to actuate the linkage member 60 to unlock the door lock when the actuating member 30 is released. As will be described in detail below, the linkage member 60 can be mechanically connected between the actuating member 30 and the door lock of the vehicle door 1 in any suitable manner to achieve the above-mentioned linkage.

[0041] Furthermore, the linkage member 60 and the door lock of the vehicle door 1 can cooperate with each other in any suitable manner known in the art to unlock the door lock when the linkage member 60 is actuated by the actuating member 30. To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this application, a description of these contents is omitted herein.

[0042] In summary, when the actuating member 30 is locked in its initial position by the locking member 50, the actuating member 30 is held in that initial position relative to the base 20 and is subjected to a biasing force from the biasing member 40. At this time, the emergency unlocking device 10 is in its initial state (or "inactive state"), in which it is not activated and therefore does not affect the locking and unlocking of the door 1. When the actuating member 30 is released from its initial position, it moves away from the initial position under the biasing force of the biasing member 40, thereby actuating the linkage member 60 to unlock the door. At this time, the emergency unlocking device 10 is activated, in which it unlocks the door. As mentioned earlier, unlocking the door means that the door 1 can be opened or is capable of being opened.

[0043] This configuration of the emergency unlocking device 10 allows occupants to unlock the door 1 simply by operating the locking member 50 to release the actuating member 30 from its initial position, thus enabling the door 1 to be opened. This emergency unlocking device 10 is simple to operate and significantly reduces the time required to unlock the door, thereby significantly improving vehicle safety. In the event of a power outage in extreme circumstances, occupants can quickly open the door using the emergency unlocking device 10 to escape, ensuring their safety.

[0044] The following describes some exemplary configurations of the emergency unlocking device 10.

[0045] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As best shown, the base 20 may include a base 21 defining an inner and an outer side, and a first direction 71 extending from the outer side of the base 21. Figures 5 to 7B A first hole 22 extends through the base 21 to the inner side of the base 21. The base 21 can be fixed to the door 1 (e.g., its interior panel 2) or integrally formed with the door 1 (e.g., its interior panel 2). The emergency unlocking device 10 can be oriented such that the outer side of the base 21 is oriented towards the vehicle interior (or cabin) defined by the door 1, so that it can be reached by the occupants. Accordingly, the outer side of the base 21 is oriented away from the vehicle interior, for example, facing the metal structure of the door 1. The base 21 can be partially exposed at the surface of the door 1. For example, the base 21 can be plate-shaped to define the inner and outer sides. In this case, the first direction 71 can be perpendicular to a portion of the base 21 (e.g., perpendicular to the plate-shaped portion, or along the normal of the curved plate). It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0046] like Figures 1B to 8B As shown, the actuating member 30 may include a first portion 31 and a second portion 32. The first portion 31 is wider than the second portion 32 in a second direction (not shown) perpendicular to the first direction 71. That is, the actuating member 30 may include a wider first portion 31 and a narrower second portion 32. In this second direction, the first portion 31 protrudes relative to the second portion 32. Figure 5 As best shown, when the actuating member 30 is in its initial position, the first portion 31 is spaced apart from the base 21 outside the base 21 of the base 20, and the second portion 32 extends from the first portion 31 along the first direction 71 through the first hole 22 and is mechanically connected to the linkage member 60, and the biasing member 40 is held between the first portion 31 and the base 21. That is, the biasing member 40 is held between the first portion 31 and the base 21 outside the base 21 to apply a biasing force to the actuating member 30. With this configuration, the biasing member 40 can be reliably held between the linkage member 60 and the base 20 to achieve the aforementioned function. It should be understood that, although in Figure 5 The diagram shows the second part 32 connected to the linkage member 60 on the inner side of the base 21. However, it should be understood that this application is not limited to this, and in other embodiments, the connection between the second part 32 and the linkage member 60 may be located on the outer side of the base 21 or in the first hole 22.

[0047] When the actuating component 30 is removed Figure 5 When released from the initial position shown, as Figure 6As shown, the actuating member 30 moves away from its initial position under the biasing force of the biasing member 40. The second part 32 of the actuating member 30 moves outward from the base 21 along the first direction 71 in the first hole 22 of the base 21 (i.e., Figure 6 The actuating member 30 moves to the right side of the base 21, causing the linkage member 60 to move outward along the first direction 71. Thus, the actuating member 30 can actuate the linkage member 60 to unlock the door lock. This engagement between the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30 and the first hole 22 of the base 21 causes the actuating member 30 to move, thereby improving the reliability of the emergency unlocking device 10. The external shape of the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30 and the shape of the first hole 22 of the base 21 can be designed to match each other to achieve this guiding effect.

[0048] In some embodiments, the biasing member 40 may be a spring. When the actuating member 30 is in the initial position, the spring is compressed between the first portion 31 and the base 21 of the actuating member 30, and applies a spring force to the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30. When the actuating member 30 is released from the initial position, the actuating member 30 moves away from the initial position under the action of the spring force, thereby causing the linkage member 60 to move outward along the first direction 71.

[0049] In one of these embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As best shown, the biasing member 40 can be a coil spring disposed around the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30. With this configuration, when the actuating member 30 is in its initial position, the coil spring is compressed and reliably held between the first portion 31 and the base 21 of the actuating member 30, and when the actuating member 30 is released from its initial position, the coil spring extends under the guidance of the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30 to apply a spring force to the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30. This configuration improves the reliability of the emergency unlocking device 10.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1B to 6 As shown, the base 20 may include a third portion 23 that projects outward from the base 21 along a first direction 71 and surrounds the first portion 31 of the biasing member 40 (a coil spring in this embodiment) and the actuating member 30. The third portion 23 may also be referred to as a "receiving portion". The third portion 23 may form a cavity therein accommodating the biasing member 40 and the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30, thereby providing protection for the biasing member 40 and the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30. Specifically, as Figure 2 and Figure 5As best shown, when the actuating member 30 is in its initial position, the biasing member 40 (here, a coil spring) and the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30 are received in the third portion 23 of the base 20. A portion of the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30 may also be received in the third portion 23. With this configuration, the base 20 can protect the biasing member 40 and the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30 from accidental contact when the actuating member 30 is in its initial position, and prevent foreign objects from entering between the biasing member 40 and the first portion 31. Furthermore, this configuration allows a portion of the emergency unlocking device 10 (here, the third portion 23 of the base 20 and the locking member 50, as described below) to be exposed within the vehicle interior defined by the door 1, thereby facilitating discovery and operation by the occupants. When the actuating member 30 is released from the initial position to move away from the initial position, the first part 31 of the actuating member 30 is ejected from the third part 23 by the biasing member 40 along the first direction 71.

[0051] The third portion 23 of the base 20 may include an opening 23b that opens outward along a first direction 71. When the actuating member 30 is in the initial position, the first portion 31 closes the opening 23b to prevent foreign objects such as debris and dust from entering the third portion 23. This configuration further improves the reliability of the emergency unlocking device 10. When the actuating member 30 is released from the initial position to move away from the initial position, the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30 is ejected from the opening 23b.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30 is ejected from the third portion 23 of the base 20, the tops of the first portion 31 and the third portion 23 are spaced apart by at least 2 cm in the first direction 71. The top of the third portion 23 of the base 20 refers to the highest part of the third portion 23 in the first direction 71. This configuration allows the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30 to be ejected from the third portion 23 of the base 20 a sufficient distance to allow an occupant's fingers to be inserted between the first portion 31 and the third portion 23 to pull the first portion 31 outward. By pulling the first portion 31 outward, the occupant can further manually drive the actuating member 30 to ensure that the actuating linkage member 60 unlocks the door lock. This configuration further improves the reliability of the emergency unlocking device 10.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, when the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30 is ejected from the third portion 23 of the base 20, the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30 can move through the first hole 22 to be positioned entirely outside the base 21. In this case, the second portion 32 can be offset relative to the first hole 22 in a first direction 71 so that the second portion 32 interferes with the outer surface of the base 21, thereby restricting the actuating member 30 from returning to its initial position. The actuating member 30 can only be returned to its initial position by manually moving the second portion 32 to insert it into the first hole 22 (e.g., by a maintenance personnel or driver / passenger). This configuration allows the emergency unlocking device 10 to be held in the activated state to keep the door lock in the unlocked state.

[0054] In other embodiments, when the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30 is ejected from the third portion 23 of the base 20, the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30 may also be partially located inside the base 21. The biasing force provided by the biasing member 40 is sufficient to hold the actuating member 30 in place. Figure 6 The position shown is used to keep the emergency unlocking device 10 in the activated state.

[0055] It should be understood that the biasing member 40 is not limited to the form of a helical spring, but can be any suitable spring form such as a leaf spring. Furthermore, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the biasing member 40 can be a biasing member other than a spring. For example, the biasing member 40 can be a magnet or include magnets to apply a repulsive force to the actuating member 30 using the principle of repulsion between like magnetic poles. Exemplarily, the first portion 31 of the actuating member 30 and the biasing member 40 can include magnets arranged in an orientation with like magnetic poles facing each other. As another example, the biasing member 40 can be any other suitable type of elastic element.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1B to 5 As shown, the locking member 50 includes a locking pin 51, which may have a pin body 51a and a pull ring 51b. The first portion 31 of the actuating member 30 may include a second hole 31a extending along a third direction (not shown) intersecting the first direction 71. This third direction may be any direction intersecting the first direction 71. For example, the third direction may be perpendicular to the first direction 71. In some examples, the third direction may be parallel to the aforementioned second direction. The third portion 23 of the base 20 may include a third hole 23a extending along this third direction (two are shown in the figure, but this application is not limited thereto). Figure 5As shown, when the actuating member 30 is in the initial position, the second hole 31a and the third hole 23a are aligned in the third direction, and the locking pin 51 (here, its pin body 51a) is configured to extend through the second hole 31a and the third hole 23a to releasably lock the actuating member 30 in the initial position. That is, when the actuating member 30 is in the initial position, the locking pin 51 can be inserted into the second hole 31a and the third hole 23a in the third direction to lock the actuating member 30 in the initial position, and can be pulled out of the second hole 31a and the third hole 23a to release the actuating member 30 from the initial position. The pull ring 51b can be gripped by the driver or passenger to facilitate the insertion and removal of the pin body 51a from the second hole 31a and the third hole 23a. The advantage of this configuration of the locking pin 51 cooperating with the second hole 31a and the third hole 23a is its simple and reliable structure and ease of operation.

[0057] It should be understood that the configuration of the locking pin 51 is not limited to this, but can have any suitable configuration. Furthermore, it should be understood that the locking member 50 is not limited to the form of the locking pin 51, but can take any suitable form such as a snap, pull bar, or button.

[0058] In some embodiments, the locking member 50 may include a warning element or warning mark disposed thereon to alert occupants. This configuration facilitates occupants in finding and operating the emergency unlocking device 10. For example, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the locking member 50 may include a warning sign 52 attached to the locking pin 51. The color of the warning sign 52 may be selected as a color that is easily noticed by drivers or passengers, such as yellow or red. Furthermore, the warning sign 52 may include instructions on how to use the emergency unlocking device 10, such as brief text and / or symbols. It should be understood that the locking member 50 may be provided with any other suitable type of warning element, such as warning strips. Optionally or additionally, the locking member 50 may be provided with warning markings, such as colors and / or symbols that are easily noticed by drivers or passengers, such as yellow or red.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30 can respectively define opposite ends of the actuating member 30 in the first direction 71. That is, the first portion 31 can be the wider head of the actuating member 30 (e.g., disc-shaped), and the second portion 32 can be the narrower neck of the actuating member 30 (e.g., pin-shaped). When the actuating member 30 is in the initial position, the first portion 31 can be flush with the aforementioned top of the third portion 23 in the first direction 71, or the first portion 31 can be slightly recessed into the third portion 23 relative to the top. This configuration can provide protection for the actuating member 30 when it is in the initial position, thereby improving the reliability of the emergency unlocking device 10.

[0060] It should be understood that the configuration of the actuating member 30 is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first portion 31 and / or the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30 may not be the end of the actuating member 30, but rather the middle portion.

[0061] like Figure 1B As best shown, the emergency unlocking device 10 is oriented with the outer side of its base 21 toward the vehicle interior defined by the door 1, and the locking member 50 and the third portion 23 of the base 20 are positioned to be exposed inside the vehicle. This configuration facilitates the discovery and operation of the emergency unlocking device 10 by the occupants.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7B As shown, the linkage member 60 may include a cable 61. This cable 61 is mechanically connected between the actuating member 30 and the door lock of the vehicle door 1, and unlocks the door lock when actuated by the actuating member 30. Specifically, one end of the cable 61 is connected to the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30, and the other end of the cable 61 is connected to a corresponding structure of the door lock (not shown). When the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30 moves outward along the first direction 71 toward the base 21, the cable 61 is pulled accordingly to unlock the door lock. It should be understood that, in Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7B Most of the cable 61 has been omitted, and only the part of the cable 61 associated with the actuating member 30 has been retained, in order to more clearly describe the concept of this application.

[0063] In some embodiments, please continue to see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7BThe cable 61 includes a first end 62, a second end 63, and a cable body 64 extending between the first end 62 and the second end 63 along the extending direction of the cable 61. In other words, the cable body 64 extends from the first end 62 to the second end 63 along the extending direction of the cable 61. The first end 62 of the cable 61 is used to connect to the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30, and the second end 63 of the cable 61 is used to connect to the door lock. Figure 3 and Figure 7A As shown, the first end 62 is wider than the cable body 64 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (not shown). That is, the cable 61 has a wider first end 62 and a thinner cable body 64. The first end 62 and the second end 63 may also be referred to as "cable ends".

[0064] like Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the second portion 32 of the actuating member 30 may include a proximal end 32a connected to the first portion 31, a distal end 32b opposite to the proximal end 32a in a first direction 71, and a first groove 33 and a second groove 34. The first groove 33 and the second groove 34 may extend in the second portion 32, respectively. Specifically, the first groove 33 may extend into the second portion 32 along a fourth direction (not shown) intersecting the first direction 71. This fourth direction may be any direction intersecting the first direction 71. For example, the fourth direction may be perpendicular to the first direction 71. In some examples, the fourth direction may be parallel to the aforementioned second direction. The second groove 34 extends from the end 33c of the first groove 33 along the first direction 71 away from the proximal end 32a to the distal end 32b. Both the first groove 33 and the second groove 34 are open on the outer surface 32c of the second portion 32 between the proximal end 32a and the distal end 32b.

[0065] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The process of connecting the linkage member 60 to the actuating member 30 is shown sequentially. For example... Figure 7A As shown, the first groove 33 is used to receive the first end 62 of the cable 61 and a section 64a of the cable body 64 adjacent to the first end 62 along the fourth direction. Figure 7AIn the diagram, arrow 74 indicates the direction of movement of the first end 62 and the section 64a of the cable body 64 along the first groove 33, and this arrow 74 is parallel to the fourth direction. When the first end 62 and the section 64a of the cable body 64 are received in the first groove 33 such that the section 64a of the cable body 64 is aligned with the second groove 34, the section 64a of the cable body 64 is oriented along a fifth direction (not shown) intersecting the first direction 71 and the fourth direction, and the cable 61 can be rotated about the first end 62. This fifth direction can be any direction intersecting both the first direction 71 and the fourth direction. For example, the fifth direction can be perpendicular to both the first direction 71 and the fourth direction. "The cable 61 can be rotated about the first end 62" means that the cable 61 can be rotated about the first end 62 about the second part 32 of the actuating member 30. During this period, the first end 62 and the section 64a of the cable body 64 rotate synchronously together, rather than the section 64a of the cable body 64 being twisted or screwed relative to the first end 62.

[0066] like Figure 7B As shown, the second groove 34 is used to receive the section 64a of the cable body 64 when the first end 62 and the section 64a of the cable body 64 are received in the first groove 33 and the cable 61 is rotated about the first end 62, so as to allow the section 64a to be oriented along the first direction 71. Figure 7B In the diagram, arrow 75 indicates the direction of rotation of cable 61 about its first end 62. This arrow 75... Figure 7B The middle part is pointing away from the base 21. When this section 64a is oriented along the first direction 71, the second end 63 of the cable 61 can be connected to the door lock, so that the cable body 64 is tightened between the first end 62 and the second end 63, thereby mechanically connecting the cable 61 between the second part 32 of the actuating member 30 and the door lock. It should be understood that the connection method of the cable 61 is not limited to this, and in other partial embodiments, the second end 63 of the cable 61 may be connected to the door lock first, and then the first end 62 of the cable 61 may be connected to the second part 32 of the actuating member 30 in the aforementioned steps.

[0067] The way in which the first end 62 of the cable 61 and the section 64a of the cable body 64 are matched with the first groove 33 and the second groove 34 of the second part 32 of the actuating member 30 can ensure that the cable 61 is conveniently and reliably connected to the actuating member 30, thereby significantly improving the assembly efficiency and reliability of the emergency unlocking device 10.

[0068] like Figure 8A and Figure 8BAs shown, the first groove 33 may include an inner groove segment 33a and an outer groove segment 33b extending from the inner groove segment 33a along the fifth direction (i.e., the direction in which the section 64a of the cable body 64 is oriented when the first end 62 and the section 64a of the cable body 64 are received in the first groove 33 such that the section 64a of the cable body 64 is aligned with the second groove 34). The inner groove segment 33a is wider than the outer groove segment 33b in the fifth direction. The inner groove segment 33a is used to receive the first end 62 along the aforementioned fourth direction, and the outer groove segment 33b is used to receive the section 64a of the cable body 64 along the aforementioned fourth direction. That is, the dimensions of the inner groove segment 33a may be designed to match the dimensions of the first end 62 for receiving the first end 62 and allowing the first end 62 to rotate therein. The dimensions of the outer groove segment 33b can be designed to match the dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the segment 64a of the cable body 64 for receiving the segment 64a. With this configuration, the first end 62 and the segment 64a of the cable body 64 can only be inserted into the first groove 33 in a unique orientation along the fourth direction (i.e., the segment 64a is oriented along the fifth direction), and can be constrained in other directions while being received in the first groove 33. The second groove 34 extends from the end of the outer groove segment 33b (in... Figure 7A (The part referred to as “33c” in the attached figure) extends along the first direction 71 away from the proximal end 32a to the distal end 32b.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8A As shown, the width of the outer groove segment 33b of the first groove 33 can be substantially the same as the width of the second groove 34, that is, it is designed to match the size (e.g., diameter) of the segment 64a of the cable body 64 in order to constrain the movement of the segment 64a of the cable body 64.

[0070] In some embodiments, the rotation angle of this segment 64a of the cable body 64 from being oriented along the fifth direction to being oriented along the first direction 71 can be in the range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees. This rotation angle is the angle between the fifth direction and the first direction 71. This rotation angle ensures that the cable 61 is reliably connected to the actuating member 30. The rotation angle can be any suitable angle in the range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees, including endpoint values, such as 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, or 120 degrees.

[0071] In one of these embodiments, the rotation angle of the segment 64a of the cable body 64 from being oriented along the fifth direction to being oriented along the first direction 71 can be 90 degrees. In this case, the fifth direction is perpendicular to the first direction 71.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first end 62 of the cable 61 can have a cylindrical shape. When the first end 62 is received in the first groove 33, the longitudinal central axis of the cylinder is parallel to the fourth direction. It should be understood that the shape of the first end 62 is not limited to this, but can be any suitable shape that allows the cable 61 to rotate. For example, the first end 62 can have a spherical shape.

[0073] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 7B As shown, the linkage member 60 may include a sheath 65 surrounding the cable 61. The first end 62 and the section 64a of the cable body 64 extend from the end 65a of the sheath 65. The sheath 65 may be fixed relative to the door 1 and may provide protection for the cable 61. When the cable 61 is pulled, the cable 61 moves within the sheath 65, while the sheath 65 remains stationary.

[0074] like Figure 7B As shown, the base 20 may include a fourth portion 24 projecting inwardly from the base 21 along a first direction 71. The fourth portion 24 may be funnel-shaped, but is not limited thereto. The fourth portion 24 and the end 65a of the sheath 65 are configured such that when the cable 61 is rotated such that this section 64a of the cable body 64 is received in the second groove 34 and oriented along the first direction 71 (i.e., when the actuating member 30, the biasing member 40, and the cable 61 are assembled), the end 65a of the sheath 65 is held by the fourth portion 24. This configuration prevents the cable 61 from being accidentally actuated or malfunctioning due to factors such as vibration, thereby improving the reliability of the emergency unlocking device 10.

[0075] For example, the end 65a of the sheath 65 can be releasably retained by the fourth part 24. Figure 7B As shown, the end 65a of the sheath 65 can be engaged into the slot 24b in the wall 24a of the fourth part 24. It should be understood that the engagement of the end 65a of the sheath 65 with the fourth part 24 is not limited to this.

[0076] In other embodiments, the end 65a of the sheath 65 may be held in a non-releasable manner by the fourth part 24 (e.g., by welding, bonding, etc.).

[0077] It should be understood that the first end 62 of the cable 61 is not limited to the form shown in the figure, but can be in any suitable form to establish a reliable connection with the actuating member 30. For example, the first end 62 of the cable 61 can be threaded to be screwed into a threaded hole provided in the second part 32 of the actuating member 30. Alternatively, the first end 62 of the cable 61 can be snapped, welded, or riveted to the second part 32 of the actuating member 30.

[0078] It should also be understood that the second end 63 of the cable 61 can be connected to the door lock of the door 1 by any suitable means known in the art to unlock the door lock when the cable 61 is actuated by the actuating member 30. To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this application, a description of these contents is omitted herein.

[0079] Furthermore, it should be understood that the linkage member 60 is not limited to the form of a cable 61, but can take any suitable form. For example, the linkage member 60 can be a tie rod, a gear train or a combination thereof, or it can be a composite transmission structure.

[0080] This application also relates to a vehicle including the aforementioned emergency unlocking device 10. This vehicle offers a high level of safety. In the event of an extreme situation causing a power outage, occupants can quickly open the doors using the emergency unlocking device 10 to escape, thereby ensuring their safety.

[0081] Although the above description is an example of an emergency unlocking device 10 used in conjunction with an electronic door lock of a vehicle door 1, it should be understood that the emergency unlocking device according to this application and its variations are applicable to any other type of door lock, such as a mechanical lock.

[0082] Although the above description is an example of an emergency unlocking device 10 used in conjunction with a car door, it should be understood that the emergency unlocking device and its variations according to the present application are applicable to any other suitable type of scenario, such as other vehicles such as trucks, or even emergency doors of other types of vehicles or buildings such as aircraft, trains or boats.

[0083] In this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish one component, part, or state from another component, part, or state, but these components, parts, or states should not be limited by such terms. Furthermore, in this application, when the terms "first" and "second" are used in conjunction with direction, unless otherwise expressly stated, directions modified by different terms may refer to the same direction.

[0084] The present application has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as exemplary and not as limiting the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations without departing from the spirit of the present application, and such modifications or alterations do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An emergency unlocking device (10) for a vehicle door (1), characterized in that, The emergency unlocking device includes: For being fixed to the vehicle door or a base (20) integrally formed with the vehicle door. An actuating member (30) and a biasing member (40) are mounted to the base, wherein the actuating member is mounted to the base to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member in order to be positioned in a first position; A locking member (50) for releasably locking the actuating member in the first position; and A linkage member (60) is used to be mechanically connected between the actuating member and the door lock of the vehicle door, wherein when the actuating member is released from the first position, the actuating member moves away from the first position under the biasing force of the biasing member so as to actuate the linkage member to unlock the door lock.

2. The emergency unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base includes a base (21) defining an inner side and an outer side, and a first hole (22) extending from the outer side through the base to the inner side along a first direction (71). The actuating member includes a first part (31) and a second part (32), wherein the first part is wider than the second part in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; as well as When the actuating member is in the first position, the first portion is spaced apart from the base on the outside of the base, the second portion extends from the first portion along the first direction through the first hole and is mechanically connected to the linkage member, and the biasing member is held between the first portion and the base.

3. The emergency unlocking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the actuating member is released from the first position to move away from the first position, the second portion moves in the first hole toward the outside of the base along the first direction to drive the linkage member to move toward the outside along the first direction.

4. The emergency unlocking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The biasing member is a helical spring and is disposed around the second portion. When the actuating member is in the first position, the helical spring is compressed between the first portion and the base.

5. The emergency unlocking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The base also includes a third portion (23) that protrudes outward from the base along the first direction and surrounds the helical spring and the first portion. as well as When the actuating member is in the first position, the helical spring and the first portion are received in the third portion.

6. The emergency unlocking device according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the actuating member is released from the first position to move away from the first position, the first part is ejected from the third part along the first direction by the helical spring, and the top of the first part is spaced apart from the top of the third part by a distance of at least 2 cm in the first direction; and / or The third portion includes an opening (23b) that opens outward along the first direction, the first portion closing the opening when the actuating member is in the first position, and the first portion being ejected from the opening when the actuating member is released from the first position to move away from the first position; and / or When the actuating member is released from the first position to move away from the first position, the first portion is ejected from the third portion along the first direction by the helical spring, and the second portion moves through the first hole to be entirely located outside the base; and / or The first portion includes a second hole (31a) extending along a third direction intersecting the first direction, and the third portion includes a third hole (23a) extending along the third direction. When the actuating member is in the first position, the second hole and the third hole are aligned in the third direction. The locking member includes a locking pin (51) configured to extend through the second hole and the third hole when the actuating member is in the first position, so as to releasably lock the actuating member in the first position. and / or The locking component includes a warning element (52) or warning mark disposed thereon; and / or The first portion and the second portion respectively define opposite ends of the actuating member in the first direction; and / or The emergency unlocking device is configured to orient the outer side of the base toward the vehicle interior defined by the door, and the locking member and the third portion of the base are configured to be exposed to the vehicle interior.

7. The emergency unlocking device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The linkage component includes a cable (61) that is mechanically connected between the second part of the actuating component and the door lock of the vehicle door, and is pulled by the second part to unlock the door lock as the second part moves outward toward the base in the first direction.

8. The emergency unlocking device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cable includes a cable end (62) and a cable body (64) extending from the cable end along the extension direction of the cable, wherein the cable end is wider than the cable body in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction; as well as The second portion of the actuating member includes a proximal end (32a) connected to the first portion, a distal end (32b) opposite to the proximal end in the first direction, and a first groove (33) and a second groove (34). The first groove extends into the second portion along a fourth direction intersecting the first direction, and the second groove extends from the end of the first groove away from the proximal end along the first direction away from the distal end, wherein: The first slot is used to receive the cable end and a portion (64a) of the cable body adjacent to the cable end along the fourth direction. When the cable end and the portion of the cable body are received in the first slot such that the portion of the cable body is aligned with the second slot, the portion of the cable body is oriented along a fifth direction intersecting the first direction and the fourth direction, and the cable is rotatable about the cable end. as well as The second slot is used to receive the portion of the cable body when the cable end and the portion of the cable body are received in the first slot and the cable is rotated about the cable end, so as to allow the portion to be oriented along the first direction.

9. The emergency unlocking device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first groove includes an inner groove section (33a) and an outer groove section (33b) extending from the inner groove section along the fifth direction to the outer surface (33c) of the second portion, wherein the inner groove section is wider than the outer groove section in the fifth direction; The inner groove section is used to receive the cable end along the fourth direction, and the outer groove section is used to receive the portion of the cable body along the fourth direction; and The second groove extends from the end of the outer groove segment away from the proximal end along the first direction to the distal end.

10. The emergency unlocking device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The fourth direction is perpendicular to the first direction; and / or The fifth direction is perpendicular to the first direction; and / or The cable end has a cylindrical or spherical shape; and / or The section of the cable body is rotated from being oriented along the fifth direction to being oriented along the first direction by an angle ranging from 60 degrees to 120 degrees. and / or The width of the outer groove section is the same as the width of the second groove.

11. The emergency unlocking device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The base also includes a fourth portion (24) that protrudes from the base toward the inside along the first direction; The linkage component further includes a sheath (65) surrounding the cable, wherein the cable end and a portion of the cable body extend from the end (65a) of the sheath; and The fourth portion and the end of the sheath are configured such that when the cable is rotated such that a portion of the cable body is received in the second slot and oriented along the first direction, the end of the sheath is held by the fourth portion.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a door and an emergency unlocking device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The base is fixed to the vehicle door or is integrally formed with the vehicle door; The actuating member and the biasing member are mounted to the base, wherein the actuating member is mounted to the base and positioned at the first position, overcoming the biasing force of the biasing member; The locking member releasably locks the actuating member in the first position; and The linkage component is mechanically connected between the actuating component and the door lock of the vehicle door, wherein when the actuating component is released from the first position, the actuating component moves away from the first position under the biasing force of the biasing component, so as to actuate the linkage component to unlock the door lock.

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