Locking arrangement for a movable vehicle element, in particular a hood, front flap or tailgate

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock arrangement (1) for a movable vehicle element (100), comprising - at least one locking unit (200) with a rotary latch (210) having a closed position (402) in which the movable vehicle element (100) is held and an open position (400) in which the movable vehicle element (100) is released, and a locking pawl (220) cooperating with the rotary latch (210) which prevents the rotary latch (210) from moving into the open position (400) in the closed position (402), and - a pulling unit (300) comprising at least one driveable pulling element (310), wherein - the closing element (310) and the rotary latch (210) are set up and interact with each other to automatically move the rotary latch (210) from the open position (400) to the closed position (402), and wherein - the closing unit (300) is designed and configured to prevent the rotary latch (210) from moving from the open position (400) to the closed position (402) when an obstacle prevents the movable vehicle element (100) from moving.

Description

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

[0002] A locking mechanism of the type mentioned above is used, for example, in motor vehicles to lock hoods (internal combustion engine vehicles), front hatches (electric vehicles), seatbacks, doors, hoods, tailgates, trunk lids, or the like. To unlock the locking mechanism, an actuator, such as a servo motor, or manually sets in motion a locking mechanism consisting of a pawl, a rotary latch, and a locking element, 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 to rotate from a closed position to an open position, thus releasing the locking element, such as a locking bolt.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved lock arrangement which is simple in design and offers pinch protection.

[0004] The problem is solved according to the invention with a lock arrangement having the features of claim 1.

[0005] A proposed locking arrangement for a movable vehicle element includes the following: - at least one locking unit with a rotary latch having a closed position in which the movable vehicle element is held and an open position in which the movable vehicle element is released, and a pawl cooperating with the rotary latch which prevents the rotary latch from moving into the open position in the closed position, and - a closing unit comprising at least one movable, driveable closing element, wherein - the pull-out element and the rotary latch are set up and interact with each other, to automatically move the rotary latch from the open position to the closed position, and wherein - the closing unit is designed and configured to prevent the rotary latch from moving from the open position to the closed position if an obstacle prevents the movable vehicle element from moving.

[0006] The proposed locking arrangement has only two main components: a locking unit and a closing unit. This makes the locking arrangement particularly simple in design and therefore inexpensive to manufacture. The core principle and fundamental idea of ​​the invention is that the closing unit is designed and configured to automatically move the rotary latch from the open to the closed position, but is not to do so if an obstruction prevents the movable vehicle element from moving. Such an obstruction, which prevents the movable vehicle element from moving and thus deactivates the closing unit according to the invention, is typically a body part that could be injured without pinch protection. The fact that the closing unit is deactivated when such an obstruction is present significantly contributes to the safety of the vehicle's occupants.

[0007] The mechanical closing mechanism is particularly advantageous, especially without electronic aids such as sensors or the like; that is, purely mechanical, it is designed and configured to react differently depending on the presence of an obstacle. If the anti-pinch protection of the locking mechanism relied on electronic detection of an obstacle, it would be significantly less reliable, because, for example, a dead vehicle battery would render it ineffective.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that - the rotary latch of the locking unit is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and has a driver that moves with the rotary latch on a first circular path about the first axis of rotation, - the pulling element of the pulling unit is rotatable about a second axis of rotation and has a catch hook that moves with the pulling element on a second circular path about the second axis of rotation, and - the catch hook can only engage the driver during its movement on the second circular path around the second axis of rotation if the rotary latch has previously moved on the first circular path around the first axis of rotation and has thereby reached an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position.

[0009] In the described embodiment, the catch hook and the drive lug move along two intersecting circular paths. For the catch hook to engage the drive lug, the drive lug must be at the intersection of the two circular paths at the correct time; otherwise, the catch hook will fail to engage. The invention utilizes this principle to provide mechanical, and in particular purely mechanical, pinch protection: If there is no obstruction in the movement range of the movable vehicle element, the drive lug and the catch hook are guided along their respective circular paths in such a way that they engage securely with each other.If, however, an obstacle is located in the movement area of ​​the movable vehicle element, the rotary latch, and with it the driver, is not moved on the circular path, which means that the catch hook cannot grasp the driver when it moves on its circular path into the area of ​​the intersection of the two circular paths.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the closing element comprises a closing lever which has a force application point for connecting a drive device, on which the catch hook is arranged.

[0011] In the interest of high interference resistance and following the principle of simplicity, the proposed lock arrangement according to the invention relies as exclusively as possible on proven mechanical principles. The force required to actuate the closing element can be generated either manually or by an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive device, without deviating from the principle of simplicity.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the proposed lock arrangement, it can be provided that the catch hook on the pull lever is rotatable about a third axis of rotation against the action of a return spring, in particular rotatable to a limited extent, for example slightly.

[0013] This design allows for compensation for manufacturing tolerances on the one hand, but also for natural effects that result, for example, from the presence of elastic seals between the moving vehicle element and the vehicle body.

[0014] In another embodiment of the proposed locking arrangement, it may be provided that the closing unit includes a pop-up pin which extends towards the movable vehicle element and which can be moved into the closed position against the action of a return spring, so that the pop-up pin moves the movable vehicle element from the closed position into the open position (also called the opening position) when the locking pawl releases the rotary latch.

[0015] This design makes it easier for a user of the vehicle to fully open the movable vehicle element, such as a hood, front flap or tailgate, or the like, after opening the locking mechanism, because the pop-up pin creates sufficient space between the movable vehicle element and the vehicle body to grasp the movable vehicle element with the hands.

[0016] In another embodiment of the proposed lock arrangement, it can be provided that the pop-up pin is coupled to the closing element in terms of movement, so that the closing element moves the pop-up pin from the open position to the closed position and the pop-up pin moves the closing element from the closed position to the open position when the locking pawl releases the rotary latch.

[0017] In this way, the components of the lock assembly advantageously influence each other so that no additional auxiliary energy is needed for the proper functioning of the lock assembly.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the proposed lock arrangement, it can be provided that the closing element includes a coupling lever which has a coupling element that interacts with a corresponding coupling element of the pop-up pin in a movement-coupling manner.

[0019] Such a coupling lever can in turn be motion-coupled with the closing lever. Together, the closing lever and the coupling lever form a particularly stable and therefore interference-resistant component.

[0020] In another embodiment of the proposed lock arrangement, it may be provided that the coupling element of the coupling lever is designed as a coupling pin which is held in a coupling element of the pop-up pin designed as a coupling opening with a compensating play running transversely to a longitudinal direction of the pop-up pin.

[0021] This design is an example of how a rotating component such as the closing element, in this case the coupling lever as part of the closing element, can be easily coupled to a linearly moving component such as the pop-up pen.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the proposed lock arrangement, it may be provided that the locking pawl has at least two locking hooks which engage with one of two or more locking hooks of the rotary latch in order to lock the rotary latch in different positions.

[0023] The advantages achieved with the invention consist in particular of the fact that the proposed lock arrangement provides a simple and effective closing aid with a simple design and low manufacturing costs, while at the same time ensuring effective pinch protection.

[0024] The invention is intended for closures of motor vehicles, in particular for closures of the front hood and the trunk, as well as for rear trunk closures.

[0025] The invention is intended for closures with an electric locking device.

[0026] The invention is able to protect a foreign object, in particular the user's fingers, which is located between the locking part (hood, tailgate) and the fixed part of the body, from being pinched by the electric locking device (pinch protection function).

[0027] The invention enables secure closure of the fastener by dividing the force-locking action into two zones. The first zone has a low closing force with pinch protection, and the second zone has a high closing force.

[0028] The invention reduces frictional forces and increases the efficiency of the closing process.

[0029] The invention divides a frictional closure into two safe zones. In the first zone, the closing part (hood) is gently placed onto the pop-up element, which is then forcefully pressed downwards. If an obstruction appears in the closing path of the hood, the hood stops moving, but the pop-up element continues to move. The hood exerts pressure on an obstruction (the user's fingers) solely through its own weight, thus preventing it from being trapped by the high closing force. During the standard closing process, the hood moves into the second zone a few millimeters before reaching the fully closed position. In this second zone, the hood is rigidly engaged and closed by frictional force. A small gap between the hood and a fixed part of the vehicle in the second zone (e.g., 8 mm or less) prevents the insertion of an obstruction (the user's fingers).

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a lock arrangement according to the invention in an open position, Fig. 2 the lock arrangement of the Fig. 1 in an intermediate position, Fig. 3 the lock arrangement of the Fig. 1 in a closed position, Fig. 4 a first perspective partial view of the lock arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 5 a second perspective partial view of the lock arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 6 a third perspective partial view of the lock arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 7 a fourth perspective partial view of the lock arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 8 a lock arrangement according to the invention in an open position, Fig. 9 the castle arrangement of the Fig. 8 in a first intermediate position, Fig. 10 the castle arrangement of the Fig. 8 in a second intermediate position, and Fig. 11 the castle arrangement of the Fig. 8 in an open position.

[0031] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0032] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 shows a successful closing process of an embodiment of a lock arrangement 1 according to the invention, in which no obstacle hinders the movement of the vehicle element 100.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows the embodiment of the lock arrangement 1 according to the invention in an open position 400.

[0034] A movable vehicle element 100, for example a hood, a front flap or a tailgate, has a locking element 110, for example a locking bar 111, which is designed to be held by the locking arrangement 1 such that the movable vehicle element 100 is in a closed position 402 (shown in Fig. 3) is fixed relative to a vehicle body.

[0035] For this purpose, the locking element 110 is fixed in a lock unit 200. The lock unit 200 has a rotary latch 210 for this purpose, which is rotatable about a first axis of rotation 211. In the illustration shown, the rotary latch 210 is in the open position 400. The rotary latch 210 can be moved into the closed position 402 against the force of a return spring 212 by rotating it about the first axis of rotation 211.

[0036] The rotary latch 210 has a locking element receptacle 213, which is designed to receive the locking element 110 of the movable vehicle element 100, for example a locking bar 111.

[0037] Below the rotary latch 210 a locking pawl 220 is arranged, which has two locking hooks 223 and is rotatable against the force of a return spring 222 about a fourth axis of rotation 221, wherein at least one locking hook 223 engages with at least one locking hook 214 of the rotary latch 210 in order to fix the rotary latch 210 in one of several positions.

[0038] The rotary latch 210 has a driver 215, which is required for the automatic closing function of the lock arrangement 1.

[0039] The rotary latch 210 is rotatable about the first axis of rotation 211 and has a driver 215 which moves with the rotary latch 210 on a first circular path 500 about the first axis of rotation 211.

[0040] The lock assembly 1 further comprises a closing unit 300 with a closing element 310. The closing unit 300 is rotatable about a second pivot axis 311 and has a catch hook 314 which moves with the closing element 310 on a second circular path 502 about the second pivot axis 311.

[0041] The catch hook 314 can only engage the driver 215 during its movement on the second circular path 502 around the second axis of rotation 311 in the direction of the driver 215 if the rotary latch 210 has previously moved on the first circular path 500 around the first axis of rotation 211 in the direction of the closing unit 300, thereby reaching an intermediate position 404 (shown in Fig. 2) between the open position 400 and the closed position 402.

[0042] In the described embodiment, the catch hook 314 and the driver 215 move on two intersecting circular paths 500, 502. For the catch hook 314 to "capture" the driver 215, the driver 215 must be at the intersection of the two circular paths 500, 502 at the correct time; otherwise, the catch hook 314 will engage without gripping. The invention utilizes this principle to provide mechanical, and in particular purely mechanical, pinch protection: If there is no obstacle in the movement range of the movable vehicle element 100, the driver 215 and the catch hook 314 are guided on their respective circular paths 500, 502 in such a way that they engage securely with each other.If, however, an obstacle is located in the movement range of the movable vehicle element 100, the rotary latch 210, and with it the driver 215, is not moved on the first circular path 500, which means that the catch hook 314 cannot grasp the driver 215 when it moves on its second circular path 502 into the area of ​​the intersection of the two circular paths 500, 502.

[0043] In detail, the lock arrangement 1 includes, in addition to the lock unit 200, the closing unit 300, which comprises the closing element 310, which are set up and interact with the rotary latch 210 with driver 215 to form a mechanical anti-pinch protection.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment, the closing element 310, which is rotatably mounted about the second axis of rotation 311, comprises a closing lever 312 with a force application point 313, which is required for the automatic actuation of the closing aid, the catch hook 314 which is pivotally mounted on the closing lever 312 about a third axis of rotation 315 against the force of a return spring 316, and a coupling lever 317. In normal operation, the catch hook 314 serves to move the rotary latch 210 into the closed position 402 via the driver 215.

[0045] The coupling lever 317 is rotationally fixed to the pull lever 312 and primarily serves to couple the movement of the pull element 310 with the pop-up pin 320. As is best done in Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the coupling lever 317 has a coupling element 318, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a coupling pin 319. The pop-up pin 320 has a coupling element 322, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a coupling opening 323.

[0046] The pop-up pin 320 is directed towards the movable vehicle element 100, and its free end touches the movable vehicle element 100 or is at least in its immediate vicinity. In the exemplary embodiment, the pop-up pin 320 is telescopic, meaning it consists of at least two parts that are displaceable relative to each other such that the overall length of the pop-up pin 320 is adjustable and thus selectable. However, shortening of the pop-up pin 320 can only occur against the force of a return spring 321. If no compressive external force acts on the pop-up pin 320, it assumes its maximum length.

[0047] In Fig. 1. The movable vehicle element 100, for example a hood, a front flap or a tailgate, was closed to such an extent that the locking element 110 was already received in a front section of the slot-shaped locking element receptacle 213 of the rotary latch 210. The weight of the movable vehicle element 100 alone is usually sufficient for this.

[0048] In this open position 400, the gap width between the movable vehicle element 100 and the vehicle body is, for example, 21 mm. Now, a drive device (not shown) begins to rotate the closing element 310, i.e., the closing lever 312 with the attached catch hook 314 and the coupling lever 317, which is non-rotatably connected to the closing lever 312, about the second axis of rotation 311 via the force application point 313.

[0049] Through the coupling elements 318, 322 of coupling lever 317 and pop-up pin 320, the action of the drive unit pushes the pop-up pin 320 downwards against the force of the return spring 321, thus shortening it. This also moves the movable vehicle element 100, which rests on its free end, downwards, causing the locking element 110 to move the rotary latch 210 further towards the closed position 402. Finally, the gap width between the movable vehicle element 100 and the vehicle body is, for example, 8 mm. At this stage, it is virtually impossible for a body part to unintentionally enter a gap between the movable vehicle element 100 and the vehicle body.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 shows the lock arrangement 1 in an intermediate position 404, in which the catch hook 314 engages the driver 215 and then moves downwards towards the closed position 402 (shown in Figure 2). Fig. 3) presses.

[0051] In Fig. 3 the rotary latch 210 with the locking element 110 has reached the closed position 402 and a locking hook 223 of the locking pawl 220 engages in a locking hook 214 of the rotary latch 210 to fix it in the closed position 402.

[0052] The Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figures 7 show, from different angles, particular details of the same embodiment of the lock arrangement 1 according to the invention, as shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3.

[0053] Fig. Figure 4 shows a first detailed view, from which it is particularly clear how the pawl 220 is rotatably mounted against the force of a return spring 222 about a fourth pivot axis 221. It is also clearly visible that the closing element 310 includes a coupling lever 317, which is rotationally fixed to the closing lever 312 and which has a coupling element 318 that interacts with a corresponding coupling element 322 of the pop-up pin 320 to establish a movement coupling between the closing element 310 and the pop-up pin 320.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows a similar representation to Fig. 4, however, some elements have been removed to better illustrate the details. For example, it is clearly visible how the catch hook 314 is articulatedly attached to the drawbar 312 and can therefore be rotated back and forth by a few degrees relative to the drawbar 312.

[0055] Fig. Figure 6 shows how the rotary latch 210 engages in the locking element 110, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a locking bar 111.

[0056] Fig. Figure 7 shows how the pawl 220 can be rotated about the fourth pivot axis 221 against the force of a return spring 222 in order to engage the locking hooks 223 with the detent hooks 214 of the rotary latch 210. Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 7 shows how the catch hook 314 of the closing element 310 engages the driver 215 of the rotary latch 210 to move the rotary latch 210 in the direction of the closed position 402.

[0057] The Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. Figures 11 show a failed closing operation of the same embodiment of a lock arrangement 1 according to the invention as in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3, where an obstacle hinders the movement of the vehicle element 100.

[0058] The Fig. 8 is identical to Fig. 1, because it shows the initial state in which the rotary latch 210 and all other components of the lock assembly 1 are in the open position 400.

[0059] In Fig. Figure 9 shows a first intermediate position 404.1, in which, through the action of a drive device (not shown), the closing element 310, in particular the catch hook 314, has already moved towards the closing element 110 located in the closing element receptacle 213 of the rotary latch 210. However, the rotary latch 210 has not yet moved towards the catch hook 314. The reason for this is that there is an obstacle (not shown) under the movable vehicle element 100, more precisely between the movable vehicle element 100 and a vehicle body.

[0060] Due to the obstacle, the movable vehicle element 100 did not move downwards under its own weight and thereby move the rotary latch 210 towards the closed position 402 (shown in Fig. 3) misaligned. This can also be seen from the fact that although the pop-up pin 320 has moved downwards through the movement coupling with the closing element 310, the movable vehicle element 100 has nevertheless not lowered and therefore has not rotated the rotary latch 210 into a position in which the catch hook 314 could engage the driver 215.

[0061] Fig. Figure 10 shows a second intermediate position 404.2, in which the catch hook 314 is finally moved past the closing element 110 without engaging it, thus also preventing the movable vehicle element 100 from entering the closed position 402 (shown in Fig. 3) is moved. Although the desired closure was not achieved, the health of the user was protected, whose body part prevented the movable vehicle element 100 from reaching the closed position 402.

[0062] Fig. Finally, 11 is identical to Fig. 8 and thus also to Fig. 1, because in the embodiment the closing unit 300 is arranged such that the attempted closing of the lock unit 200 is reversed after a few seconds and the lock assembly 1 goes into the open position 400. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Lock arrangement 100 vehicle elements 110 locking element 111 locking bars 200 lock units 210 Rotary latch 211 first axis of rotation 212 Return spring 213 Locking element receptacle 214 locking hooks 215 drive wheels 220 Locking pawl 221 fourth axis of rotation 222 Return spring 223 locking hooks 300 pulling unit 310 Pulling element 311 second axis of rotation 312 Pull lever 313 Force application point 314 Catching hooks 315 third axis of rotation 316 Return spring 317 Coupling lever 318 Coupling element 319 Coupling pin 320 Pop-up Pen 321 Return spring 322 Coupling element 323 Coupling opening 400 disclosure 402 Closing position 404 Intermediate position 404.1 first intermediate position 404.2 second intermediate position 500 first circular railway 502 second circular track

Claims

[1] Locking arrangement (1) for a movable vehicle element (100), comprising - at least one locking unit (200) with a rotary latch (210) having a closed position (402) in which the movable vehicle element (100) is held and an open position (400) in which the movable vehicle element (100) is released, and a locking pawl (220) cooperating with the rotary latch (210) which prevents the rotary latch (210) from moving into the open position (400) in the closed position (402), and - a pulling unit (300) comprising at least one driveable pulling element (310), wherein - the closing element (310) and the rotary latch (210) are set up and interact with each other to automatically move the rotary latch (210) from the open position (400) to the closed position (402), and wherein - the closing unit (300) is designed and configured to prevent the rotary latch (210) from moving from the open position (400) to the closed position (402) when an obstacle prevents the movable vehicle element (100) from moving. [2] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the closing unit (300) is mechanically designed and configured to react differently depending on the presence of an obstacle. [3] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - the rotary latch (210) of the lock unit (200) is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (211) and has a driver (215) which moves with the rotary latch (210) on a first circular path (500) about the first axis of rotation (211), - the closing element (310) of the closing unit (300) is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (311) and has a catch hook (314) which moves with the closing element (310) on a second circular path (502) about the second axis of rotation (311), and - the catch hook (314) can only engage the driver (215) during its movement on the second circular path (502) around the second axis of rotation (311) if the rotary latch (210) has previously moved on the first circular path (500) around the first axis of rotation (211) and thereby reached an intermediate position (404) between the open position (400) and the closed position (402). [4] Lock arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the closing element (310) comprises a closing lever (312) which has a force application point (313) for connecting a drive device on which the catch hook (314) is arranged. [5] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein the catch hook (314) is rotatably mounted on the pull lever (312) against the action of a return spring (316) about a third axis of rotation (315), in particular rotatably limited. [6] Locking arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the closing unit (300) comprises a pop-up pin (320) which extends towards the movable vehicle element (100) and which is movable against the action of a return spring (321) into the closed position (402) so that the pop-up pin (320) moves the movable vehicle element (100) from the closed position (402) into the open position (400) when the locking pawl (220) releases the rotary latch (210). [7] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 6, wherein the pop-up pin (320) is coupled to the closing element (310) in a movement-coupled manner, such that the closing element (310) moves the pop-up pin (320) from the open position (400) to the closed position (402) and the pop-up pin (320) moves the closing element (310) from the closed position (402) to the open position (400) when the locking pawl (220) releases the rotary latch (210). [8] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the closing element (310) comprises a coupling lever (317) which has a coupling element (318) which interacts with a corresponding coupling element (322) of the pop-up pin (320) in a movement-coupling manner. [9] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling element (318) of the coupling lever (317) is designed as a coupling pin (319) which is held in a coupling element (322) of the pop-up pin (320) designed as a coupling opening (323) with a compensating play extending transversely to a longitudinal direction of the pop-up pin (320). [10] Lock arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the locking pawl (220) has at least two locking hooks (223) which engage with one of two or more locking hooks (214) of the rotary latch (210) to lock the rotary latch (210) in different positions.

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