Lock arrangement for a movable vehicle element, in particular a bonnet, front flap or tailgate

Abstract

Lock arrangement (1) for a movable vehicle element, comprising at least one lock module (1.1) which has an open position (200) and a closed position (202) and which comprises- at least one lock unit (2) with a rotary latch (2.1) and a pawl (2.2) cooperating with the rotary latch (2.1) and- a securing unit (4) which is designed as an automatic closing latch and is configured to automatically move the lock module (1.1) from the open position (200) into the closed position (202), wherein the securing unit (4) comprises at least one spring-biased securing lever (4.1) and at least one securing claw (4.2), wherein the pre-biased securing lever (4.1) and the securing claw (4.2) are configured and interact with one another to automatically move the lock module (1.1) from the open position (200) into the closed position (202), wherein the Safety lever (4.1) and the rotary latch (2.1) are pivotally mounted about a common first pivot axis (100) and the securing claw (4.2) and the locking pawl (2.2) are pivotally mounted about a common second pivot axis (102).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lock arrangement for a movable vehicle element, in particular a bonnet, front flap or tailgate.

[0002] A locking arrangement of the type mentioned above is used, for example, in motor vehicles for locking engine hoods (combustion-engine vehicles), hoods (electric vehicles), backrests, doors, hoods, tailgates, trunk lids, or the like. To unlock the locking arrangement, a locking mechanism consisting of a pawl, a rotary latch, and a locking element is set in motion by means of an actuator, for example a servomotor, or manually in order to move the pawl from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the unlocked position of the pawl, the rotary latch is released so that it can be rotated from a closed position to an open position and release the locking element, for example a striker.

[0003] For example, lock arrangements and locking devices are known from DE 10 2013 012 117 A1, DE 102018 128 041 A1 and DE 102 31 825 A1.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved lock arrangement which is simple to construct, can be opened safely and can be easily installed.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention with a lock arrangement having the features of claim 1.

[0006] A lock arrangement according to the invention (also called locking system) for a movable vehicle element comprises at least one lock module which has an open position and a closed position and which - at least one, in particular integrated, locking unit (also called locking mechanism) with a rotary latch and a pawl cooperating with the rotary latch and - comprises a, in particular integrated, security unit which is designed as an automatic closing latch and is configured to automatically move the lock module at least from the open position into the closed position, wherein the security unit comprises at least one spring-loaded security lever and at least one, in particular spring-loaded, security claw, wherein the security lever and the security claw are configured and interact with one another to automatically move the lock module from the open position into the closed position.

[0007] In the closed position (also called the locking position or closed position of the lock module), the pawl can be used to lock the rotary latch in at least one locking position, particularly a retracted or detent position. The automatic closing latch can be driven. For example, the automatic closing latch can be motor-driven or mechanically driven, particularly spring-driven.

[0008] Another locking arrangement (also called locking system) for a movable vehicle element comprises at least one locking module which at least: - a lock unit with a rotary latch and a pawl cooperating with the rotary latch, and - a safety unit (also called snap unit or snap latch) with at least one spring-loaded safety lever and at least one, in particular spring-loaded, safety claw, wherein the safety lever and the rotary latch are pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis, in particular a common pivot axis, and wherein the securing claw and the locking pawl are pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis, in particular a common pivot axis.

[0009] In particular, the locking claw can comprise a driver that can be moved along by the locking pawl when the lock module is opened by pivoting the locking pawl. The driver can be arranged on the locking claw in a rotationally fixed manner, for example. For example, the driver can be formed integrally with the locking claw. Furthermore, the locking claw can be coupled to the locking pawl in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0010] The driver, in particular a driving pin (also called a locking pin or snap pin), can be arranged on the locking claw. The driver can, for example, be designed to move the rotary latch in the opening direction when the lock module is opened by pivoting the pawl. As a result of the locking pawl moving the locking claw along with the locking claw when the lock module is opened, the locking claw also opens. The locking claw can thus be set or moved to the open position.

[0011] On the other hand, the driver (also called safety pin or safety pin) is moved into a closed position when the lock module is closed by pivoting the safety lever, in particular it is carried along.

[0012] For example, the locking claw can be carried along by the locking lever by means of the driver when the lock module is closed by a driven, in particular motor-driven or mechanically driven, for example spring-driven, pivoting of the locking lever. As a result of the driving of the locking claw by the driven locking lever, this locking claw can be moved into the closed position. Accordingly, the locking claw is or is moved into the closed position, so that the lock module is locked in the closed position by the locking unit and secured by the locking unit.

[0013] In particular, the lock module is designed as a double lock consisting of a rotary latch and a safety claw. The rotary latch and the safety claw, which form the double lock for a locking bar on the movable vehicle element in the closed position, can be secured by the locking pawl.

[0014] In particular, the safety lever and the rotary latch are pivotally mounted about the common first pivot axis. The safety lever and the rotary latch are pivotally mounted independently of each other about the common first pivot axis. In particular, the safety lever and the rotary latch are coupled to each other in such a way that they can pivot independently of each other in the opening direction and pivot together in the closing direction.

[0015] The locking claw and the pawl are pivotally mounted about the common second pivot axis. In particular, the locking claw and the pawl are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner and are pivotally mounted together about the common second pivot axis. In particular, the locking claw and the pawl are coupled to each other in such a way that they can pivot together in both the opening and closing directions.

[0016] The lock module may comprise a number of microswitches for determining the position of the components of the lock unit and the components of the security unit.

[0017] The advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that such a lock arrangement, comprising a lock module with an integrated lock unit and an integrated security unit, which are arranged in particular in a common lock housing, enables a double lock latch with a security function. The security function is achieved, in particular automatically or suddenly or snap-like, by the interaction of the pre-tensioned security lever and the driver (= security pin or snap-in pin), which can be brought into a securing position by the security lever to secure the closed position of the lock unit. This security function is also called the snap-in function.

[0018] The invention is intended for use with a movable vehicle element, in particular a frunk system, for example, a front hood, a trunk lid in the automotive sector, or the like. The movable vehicle element can be actuated automatically, in particular electrically or hydraulically, or mechanically.

[0019] The invention enables the automatic closing or opening of the lock unit (also called closure) by an integrated or separate actuator from the open position (also called unfolded position) to the fully closed position (also called closed position) or anywhere in between.

[0020] The invention enables the simple extension of the double lock to include the security function (also called secure locking function) of the security unit, in particular by means of a security lever and security claw, whereby by means of this security function the locking element, such as a locking bracket, is additionally secured in the closed position and / or an intermediate position of the lock unit or remains secured after unlocking and against complete opening.

[0021] The locking assembly is highly modular and compact. The invention increases the convenience of closing the movable vehicle element, such as the hood. Furthermore, the invention increases the security of the locking assembly, particularly through the locking assembly's automatic closing function. If a user forgets to close the hood, the locking unit's automatic closing function can automatically close the hood.

[0022] The lock unit and the security unit are compact and coupled together via common pivot points, allowing for a very small installation space and a compact lock module.

[0023] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 schematically shows in perspective a lock module with an integrated lock unit and an integrated security unit and an opened lock housing, Fig. 2 schematically shows in plan view the lock module in a closed position (also called closed position for short) with the integrated lock unit in the closed position, in particular in a locked and secured position, and the integrated security unit in a position that additionally secures the lock unit, Fig. 3 schematically shows in plan view the lock module after a first actuation, in particular unlocking actuation, in a secured position with the integrated lock unit in a blocked position, in particular an unlocked and partially opened, but still blocked position, and the integrated security unit in a position securing the lock unit, Fig. 4 schematically shows in plan view the lock module during the first actuation in a secured position with the integrated lock unit in the unlocked position, in particular in an unlocked (partially opened and no longer blocked) but still secured position, and the integrated security unit in a position that continues to secure the lock unit, Fig. 5 schematically shows in plan view the lock module after a second actuation, in particular an opening movement, in its open position with the integrated lock unit also in the open position and the integrated security unit in a releasing position, Fig. 6 schematically shows in plan view the lock module during the second actuation, in particular the opening movement for releasing and opening a movable vehicle element, in particular a front hood or rear hood (pop-up position), Fig. 7 schematically shows in plan view the lock module at the beginning of a closing movement of the movable vehicle element and at the beginning of the securing function for the lock unit, Fig. 8 schematically shows in plan view the lock module during the closing movement of the movable vehicle element and after the start of the security function, Fig. 9 schematically shows in plan view the lock module at the end of the closing movement when the security unit falls (snaps or engages) into the lock unit to securely lock the lock unit, and Fig. 10 schematically in plan view the lock module in the closed position with the integrated lock unit in the closed position and the integrated security unit in a retracted or engaged position, in which the security unit additionally secures the lock unit in the closed position.

[0024] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a lock module 1.1 of a lock arrangement 1. The lock module 1.1 can be actuated mechanically, for example via a Bowden cable, or electrically by means of an actuator not shown, for example an electric motor.

[0026] The lock module 1.1 comprises an integrated lock unit 2 and an integrated security unit 4. The lock module 1.1 comprises a lock housing 6. The lock housing 6 can be formed in several parts from a lower housing part, in particular a lower housing shell, and an upper housing part, in particular an upper housing shell. Fig. 1 to 10, the lock housing 6 is shown open for better clarity, in particular only as a partial housing, in particular only as a housing shell.

[0027] The integrated lock unit 2 is understood to mean the compact arrangement of the components of the lock unit 2 in the lock housing 6.

[0028] The integrated security unit 4 is understood to mean in particular the compact arrangement of the components of the security unit 4 in the lock housing 6.

[0029] The lock unit 2 comprises at least one rotary latch 2.1 and a pawl 2.2 interacting with the rotary latch 2.1.

[0030] The safety unit 4 (also called snap unit or snap trap) comprises at least one spring-loaded safety lever 4.1 and at least one, in particular spring-loaded, safety claw 4.2.

[0031] The security unit 4 is designed in particular as an automatic closing latch and is configured to automatically close the lock module 1.1 from an open position 200 (shown in Fig. 8) into a closed position 202 (shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 10).

[0032] The pre-tensioned safety lever 4.1 and the safety claw 4.2 are arranged and interact with each other in such a way that the lock module 1.1 can be or is automatically moved from the open position 200 into the closed position 202.

[0033] On the one hand, the safety lever 4.1 and the rotary latch 2.1 are pivotally mounted on a common first pivot point 8.1 about a common first pivot axis 100. On the other hand, the safety claw 4.2 and the locking pawl 2.2 are pivotally mounted on a common second pivot point 8.2 about a common second pivot axis 102.

[0034] A first spring element 10.1 is arranged on the first pivot point 8.1 and a second spring element 10.2 is arranged on the second pivot point 8.2.

[0035] The first spring element 10.1 and the second spring element 10.2 serve to engage or snap in the security unit 4 when closing the lock module 1.1 from an open position 200 (shown in Fig. 8) into a closed position 202 (shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 10). The two spring elements 10.1, 10.2 are pre-tensioned in the closed position 202 and can be further tensioned during an opening movement. The two spring elements 10.1, 10.2 are designed, for example, as leg springs.

[0036] The first spring element 10.1 is, on the one hand, articulated or fixed to the safety lever 4.1 and, on the other hand, articulated or fixed to the lock housing 6 or to the first pivot point 8.1 (not shown in detail). The first spring element 10.1 is designed as a return spring for the safety lever 4.1. In the closed position 202, the first spring element 10.1 is tensioned to hold the safety lever 4.1 in its position. In the open position 200, the first spring element 10.1 is further pretensioned.

[0037] The second spring element 10.2 is hinged or fixed on the one hand to the lock housing 6 or the second pivot point 8.2, and on the other hand, hinged or fixed to the securing claw 4.2. The second spring element 10.2 is designed as a return spring for the securing claw 4.2. In the closed position 202, the second spring element 10.2 is tensioned to hold the securing claw 4.2 in its position. In the open position 200, the second spring element 10.2 is further pretensioned.

[0038] A driver 10, in particular a driver pin (also called a locking pin or snap pin), is arranged on the locking claw 4.2. When the lock module 1.1 is closed from the open position 200 to the closed position 202, the driver 10 is moved by pivoting the locking lever 4.1 into the closed position 202. Consequently, the locking claw 4.2 is also moved into the closed position 202, so that the lock module 1.1 is locked in the closed position 202 by the locking unit 2 and secured by the locking unit 4.

[0039] On the other hand, when the lock module 1.1 is opened, the driver 10 is moved from the closed position 202 (also called closed position) to the open position 200 (also called open position) by pivoting the pawl 2.2.

[0040] The driver 10 is arranged on a driving arm 4.2.2 projecting from a base section 4.2.1 and projects perpendicularly therefrom. The base section 4.2.1 and the driving arm 4.2.2 are designed such that a securing receptacle 4.2.3 for a locking element 12 (shown in Fig. 3), in particular a locking bracket or locking bolt on the movable vehicle element.

[0041] The lock module 1.1 may comprise a number of microswitches (not shown in detail) for determining the position of the components of the lock unit 2 and the components of the security unit 4.

[0042] The advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that such a lock arrangement 1 with such a lock module 1.1 with integrated lock unit 2 and integrated security unit 4, which are arranged in the common lock housing 6, enables a double lock latch with a security function.

[0043] The lock module 1.1 is highly modular and compact. If a user forgets to close the front hood, the automatic closing function of the security unit 4 can close the front hood automatically.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the lock module 1.1 in the closed position 202 with the integrated lock unit 2 in the locked and secured position.

[0045] Complementary hooks 2.1.1 and 2.2.1 of the rotary latch 2.1 and the pawl 2.2 engage with each other.

[0046] The safety lever 4.1 is set in a starting position for the automatic closing or closing function and is held in place by means of the first spring element 10.1 (in Fig. 1) is held pre-tensioned. The integrated security unit 4 is positioned in a position that additionally secures the lock unit 2, in which the base section 4.2.1 covers a locking bolt receptacle 6.1 in the lock housing 6, so that the locking element 12 (shown in Fig. 3) cannot be set to the open position 200.

[0047] All components of the lock module 1.1, in particular the rotary latch 2.1, the pawl 2.2, the safety lever 4.1 and the safety claw 4.2, are in their closed position 202. No position signals and / or status signals are transmitted by the microswitches.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the lock module 1.1 after a first actuation, in particular an unlocking actuation, which can be performed as a double actuation. The pawl 2.2 can be pivoted in a first direction, for example, counterclockwise, according to arrow 104.1. Synchronously or simultaneously, the rotary latch 2.1 is pivoted in a second direction, for example, clockwise, according to arrow 104.2, in particular pivoted in a spring-controlled manner. The opposite rotation of the rotary latch 2.1 and the pawl 2.2 disengages them, in particular their complementary hooks 2.1.1 and 2.2.1.

[0049] When the pawl 2.2 rotates according to arrow 104.1, it takes the driver 10 with it, so that the locking claw 4.2 can be brought into a position securing the locking element 12.

[0050] In other words: By this first actuation, the rotary latch 2.1 and the pawl 2.2 are disengaged, so that the lock module 1.1 is unlocked, wherein the locking element 12 can be automatically brought into a blocked position 204, in which the locking element 12 has fallen into the safety receptacle 4.2.3 of the safety claw 4.2 and is blocked there against opening by means of the safety claw 4.2.

[0051] The lock module 1.1 is thus in a secured position 206 (shown in Fig. 4), wherein the integrated locking unit 2 is in an unlocked position, in particular an unlocked and partially opened, but still blocked position 204, and the integrated securing unit 4 is in a position securing the locking unit 2. Blocking is effected by means of a blocking arm 2.1.2 of the rotary latch 2.1, wherein the blocking arm 2.1.2 strikes a counter-stop surface 2.2.2 of the pawl 2.2.

[0052] By means of one or more microswitches, the change in state of the rotary latch 2.1 and the pawl 2.2 is reported by means of two state signals and can be used to control an actuator, in particular to trigger an actuation signal for an actuator.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a schematic plan view of the lock module 1.1 during a subsequent spring-controlled securing movement, wherein the pawl 2.2 and the rotary latch 2.1 are spring-controlled and moved into a secured position 206 according to arrows 104.3 and 104.4. The integrated lock unit 2 moves into the unlocked position, in particular into the partially opened and no longer blocked, but still secured position 206. A securing arm 2.1.3 of the rotary latch 2.1 releasably engages the hook 2.2.1 of the pawl 2.2. A microswitch can be configured to generate a signal when the rotary latch 2.1 is secured by the pawl 2.2. The integrated securing unit 4 moves into a position that continues to secure the lock unit 2.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view of the lock module 1.1 after a second actuation, in particular an opening movement, according to arrow 104.5 of the pawl 2.2, in particular by an actuator not shown, for example, via a Bowden cable. The driver 10 thereby carries the rotary latch 2.1 according to arrow 104.6, so that it opens and the locking element 12 is released and can move upward out of the locking bolt receptacle 6.1 of the lock housing 6. The pawl 2.2 and the rotary latch 2.1 are thereby disengaged. The lock module 1.1 is in its open position 200 with the integrated lock unit 2 and the integrated security unit 4, in particular the security lever 4.1 and the security claw 4.2, in a releasing position for the locking element 12. When the open position 200 of the rotary latch 2.1, security claw 4.2 and pawl 2.2 is reached, corresponding status signals can be generated by means of the microswitches.

[0055] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic plan view of the lock module 1.1 during the further, spring-controlled opening movement of the rotary latch 2.1 and the pawl 2.2 according to arrows 104.6 and 104.7 for releasing and opening the movable vehicle element, in particular a front hood or rear hood according to arrow 104.8. The microswitches generate, for example, corresponding status signals for the fully open position 200 of the rotary latch 2.1 and securing unit 4, which are no longer in a securing engagement with one another. The pawl 2.2 and the rotary latch 2.1 can be configured to hold the rotary latch 2.1 in the open position 200 by a locking engagement of the pawl 2.2 on the rotary latch 2.1. For example, the hook 2.2.1 comes into a positive or frictional connection on the rotary latch 2.1.

[0056] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic plan view of the lock module 1.1 at the beginning of a closing movement of the movable vehicle element and at the beginning of the securing function for the lock unit 2 from the position according to Fig. 6. The movable vehicle element, in particular its locking element 12, presses according to arrow 104.9 on the rotary latch 2.1 and the securing claw 4.2 due to the weight of the movable vehicle element, whereby the securing claw 4.2 moves according to arrow 104.9.

[0057] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic plan view of the locking module 1.1 during the closing movement of the movable vehicle element and after the start of the locking function, wherein the locking lever 4.1 is actuated, in particular pulled, according to arrow 104.11, for example, by means of the actuator (not shown). The locking lever 4.1 thereby carries the driver 10 and consequently the locking claw 4.2. This allows the locking element 12 to retract further into the locking bolt receptacle 6.1 according to arrow 104.12. The microswitches continue to signal the open position 200 of the rotary latch 2.1 and the safety claw 4.2.

[0058] Fig. 9 shows a schematic plan view of the lock module 1.1 at the end of the closing movement when the rotary latch 2.1 falls (snaps or engages), in particular spring-controlled according to arrow 104.13, into the closed position 202 and the securing claw 4.2 of the securing unit 4 is further carried along according to arrow 104.14 by the driver 10 into the closed position 202 for securely locking the lock unit 2, in particular the locking element 12. When the closed position 202 is reached, no status signal is generated for the rotary latch 2.1, the pawl 2.2 and the securing claw 4.2.

[0059] Fig. 10 shows a schematic plan view of the lock module 1.1 in the closed position or locking position 202 with the integrated lock unit 2 in the locking position 202 and the integrated security unit 4 in the retracted or engaged position, in which the security unit 4 additionally secures the lock unit 2. The security lever 4.1 is spring-controlled into its initial position according to arrow 104.15 by means of the first spring element 10.1 (shown in Fig. 1) postponed. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 Lock arrangement 1.1 Lock module 2 lock units 2.1 Rotary latch 2.1.1 Hook 2.1.2 Blocking arm 2.1.3 Safety arm 2.2 Pawl 2.2.1 Hook 2.2.2 Counter stop surface 4 fuse unit 4.1 Safety lever 4.2 Safety claw 4.2.1 Basic section 4.2.2 Carrying arm 4.2.3 Backup recording 6 lock housings 6.1 Locking bolt holder 8.1 first pivot point 8.2 second pivot point 10 carriers 10.1 first spring element 10.2 second spring element 12 locking element 100 first swivel axis 102 second swivel axis 104.1 to 104.15 Arrow 200 Disclosure 202 Closed position 204 blocked position 206 secured position

Claims

[1] Lock arrangement (1) for a movable vehicle element, comprising at least one lock module (1.1) which has an open position (200) and a closed position (202) and which - at least one lock unit (2) with a rotary latch (2.1) and a pawl (2.2) cooperating with the rotary latch (2.1) and - a security unit (4) which is designed as an automatic closing latch and is configured to automatically move the lock module (1.1) from the open position (200) into the closed position (202), wherein the security unit (4) comprises at least one spring-biased security lever (4.1) and at least one security claw (4.2), wherein the pre-tensioned security lever (4.1) and the security claw (4.2) are configured and interact with one another to automatically move the lock module (1.1) from the open position (200) into the closed position (202), wherein the security lever (4.1) and the rotary latch (2.1) are mounted so as to be pivotable about a common first pivot axis (100) and the security claw (4.2) and the pawl (2.2) are mounted so as to be pivotable about a common second pivot axis (102). [2] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the securing claw (4.2) comprises a driver (10) which can be carried along by the locking pawl (2.2) when the lock module (1.1) is opened by pivoting the latter. [3] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein as a result of the locking claw (4.2) being carried along by the pawl (2.2) when the lock module (1.1) is opened, this locking claw (4.2) opens. [4] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the securing claw (4.2) can be carried along by the securing lever (4.1) by means of the driver (10) when the lock module (1.1) is closed by a driven pivoting of the securing lever (4.1). [5] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein as a result of the securing claw (4.2) being carried along by the securing lever (4.1), this securing claw (4.2) can be or is set in the closed position (202). [6] Lock arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock module (1.1) is designed as a double lock comprising a rotary latch (2.1) and a securing claw (4.2). [7] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety lever (4.1) and the rotary latch (2.1) are pivotally mounted independently of one another about the common first pivot axis (100). [8] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the securing claw (4.2) and the locking pawl (2.2) are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner and are pivotally mounted together about the common second pivot axis (102).

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