DOUBLE LOCKING LAWN WITH SECONDARY POSITION AND COAXIALLY MOUNTED AUXILIARY LOCKING LAWN

Abstract

A locking assembly (10) includes a locking gear (32), a primary locking pawl (36), a secondary locking pawl (38), and an auxiliary locking pawl (44). The locking gear (32) is movable between a primary locking bolt receptacle position, a secondary locking bolt receptacle position, and a locking bolt release position. The primary locking pawl (36) is movable between a primary locking gear retaining position and a primary locking gear release position. The secondary locking pawl (38) is movable about a secondary pivot (38R) from a home position to a secondary locking gear retaining position, in which the secondary locking pawl (38) holds the locking gear (32) in the secondary locking bolt receptacle position, and to a secondary locking gear release position, in which the locking gear (32) can move into its locking bolt release position.The auxiliary pawl (44) is movable around the secondary pivot (38R) between a starting position, in which the primary pawl (36) is in the primary locking gear holding position, and a release position, in which the primary pawl (36) is moved into the locking gear release position. When the locking gear (32) is in the primary locking bolt receiving position, a single actuation of a release lever (46) moves the secondary pawl (38) and the auxiliary pawl (44) together around the secondary pivot (38R) to move the locking gear into the locking bolt release position.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to power-operated door systems for motor vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a power-operated door system equipped with a power-operated locking assembly comprising a primary and a secondary locking pawl. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In view of increased consumer demand for motor vehicles with modern comfort and convenience features, many current vehicles are now equipped with power-operated locking assemblies that have a primary pawl movable between a primary locking gear holding position, in which a locking gear is held in a primary locking bolt receptacle position, and a locking gear release position, in which the locking gear can move freely out of the primary locking bolt receptacle position, and a secondary pawl movable between a secondary locking gear holding position, in which the locking gear is held in a secondary locking bolt receptacle position, and a locking gear release position, in which the locking gear can move freely out of the secondary locking bolt receptacle position.While the locking gear is in the primary locking bolt receptacle position, the primary pawl bears the full load of the locking gear, and while the locking gear is in the second locking bolt receptacle position, the secondary pawl bears the full load of the locking gear. Therefore, both the primary and secondary pawls must be adequately supported and strong enough to bear the full load of the locking gear. To move the primary and secondary pawls between their respective positions, an auxiliary pawl, also known as a release pawl, is provided. This pawl engages with the primary and / or secondary pawl(s) and moves them from one position to another. The auxiliary pawl is typically spaced apart from the primary and secondary pawls so that the primary, secondary, and auxiliary pawls pivot about separate axes.

[0003] Although such power-operated locking assemblies generally offer the desired functionality, they often require a lot of installation space, partly due to the separate axis of each pawl, and in some cases cause undesirable noise, and therefore further improvements are desired to reduce the size, reduce noise, and at the same time minimize the number of components, ensure reliable operation and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing.

[0004] In light of the above, there remains a desire to develop alternative power-operated door locking assemblies that address and overcome the limitations associated with known power-operated door locking assemblies in order to provide improved functionality while minimizing the space requirements, cost burden and complexity associated with such advancements.

[0005] EP 3 655 602 B1 discloses a motor vehicle door locking mechanism with a primary and a secondary locking pawl, each engaging in a locking gear either in a main locking gear or a pre-locking gear position, and includes a blocking or overload feature which, in the event of an impact or overload, automatically transfers the load support from the primary locking pawl to the secondary locking pawl. SUMMARY

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a locking assembly for a vehicle locking flap, wherein the locking assembly has a minimal number of components and is economical to manufacture.

[0007] For this purpose, a locking assembly for a vehicle locking flap is provided, comprising the features according to claim 1.

[0008] The invention is based on the idea of ​​a coaxial mounting of the secondary locking pawl and the auxiliary locking pawl, which allows both to pivot about the same axis, thus reducing the installation space requirement and the number of components compared to conventional locking assemblies where all locking pawls pivot about separate axes.

[0009] The vehicle locking flap of the invention includes: a locking gear movable between a primary locking bolt receiving position, a secondary locking bolt receiving position, and a locking bolt release position; a locking gear preloading element configured to exert a preload force on the locking gear to preload the locking gear toward the locking bolt release position; a primary pawl movable about a primary pawl pivot between a primary locking gear holding position, in which the primary pawl holds the locking gear in the primary locking bolt receiving position, and a primary locking gear release position, in which the primary pawl allows movement of the locking gear into its locking bolt release position;a secondary pawl movable about a secondary pivot from a home position in which the primary pawl is in the primary locking gear holding position, to a secondary locking gear holding position in which the secondary pawl holds the locking gear in the secondary locking bolt receiving position, and to a secondary locking gear release position in which the secondary pawl allows the locking gear to move into its locking bolt release position under the preload force exerted by the locking gear preloading element; an auxiliary pawl movable about the secondary pivot between a home position in which the primary pawl is in the primary locking gear holding position and a release position in which the primary pawl is moved into the locking gear release position;and a release lever configured to move the secondary pawl from its home position to the secondary pawl release position. While the locking gear is in the primary locking bolt receptacle position, the secondary pawl and the auxiliary locking pawl are configured to move together around the secondary pivot pin with a single actuation of the release lever, enabling the locking gear to move from the primary locking bolt receptacle position to the locking bolt release position.

[0010] Further areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. As mentioned, the description and any specific examples in this summary serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure will now be described only by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective partial view of a motor vehicle with a vehicle locking flap equipped with a locking assembly constructed according to the invention; Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B are similar side views of a locking assembly from Fig. 1 and components thereof according to the invention, which show a locking gear of the locking assembly which is held in a primary locking bolt receiving position by a primary locking pawl; Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B illustrates an initial stage in which the primary pawl is moved out of a primary locking gear holding position to release the locking gear from the primary locking bolt receiving position; Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view along line AA of Fig. 3B; Fig. 4 illustrates a movement sequence from Fig. 3, wherein the primary pawl is moved from a primary locking gear holding position to a locking gear release position, the locking gear being able to move freely from the primary locking bolt receiving position; Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a secondary pawl in a secondary locking gear holding position to hold the locking gear in a secondary locking bolt receiving position; and Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B illustrates the primary pawl and the secondary pawl moved into a ratchet gear release position, with the ratchet gear moved into a locking bolt release position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLE EXECUTIONS

[0012] Referring first to Fig. 1 is a locking assembly, also referred to as a locking latch or locking assembly 10, for a motor vehicle locking flap, such as a swing door, shown as a rear door 12, of a motor vehicle 14, shown by way of example and without limitation, positioned and configured along a closing surface section 16 of the door 12 to releasably engage and receive a locking bolt 18 secured to a vehicle body 22, in order to extend into a door opening 20 formed in the vehicle body 22 in response to a movement of the door 12 from an open position to a closed position. The door 12 is shown to include an outer door handle 24 and an inner door handle 26, both of which are functionally (i.e., electrically and / or mechanically) connected to the locking assembly 10.Although not shown, it is understood that a similar locking assembly is provided in conjunction with a front door 13 of the vehicle 14.

[0013] With reference to Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the locking assembly 10 and its internal components, including a locking mechanism 31. Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows the locking mechanism 31 of the locking assembly 10 in a closed, locked position.

[0014] The locking mechanism 31 is shown to have a locking gear 32, a primary locking pawl 36, and a secondary positional locking pawl 38. The locking gear 32 is pivotally supported by a locking gear pivot rivet 32R on at least one plate segment, shown as the frame plate 28a and back plate 28b of a locking housing, wherein the locking gear 32 has a locking gear slot 34 that can be aligned with a fish-mouth slot 30 formed in the frame plate 28a. The locking gear 32 is positioned between a primary closed or “primary locking bolt receptacle” position ( Fig. 2A 2B), in which the locking bolt 18 is held by receiving it in the locking gear slot 34 in the fish-mouth slot 30, a secondary locking bolt receiving position ( Fig. 5) and an open or “locking bolt release” position ( Fig. 6), in which the locking bolt 18 can be freely released from the locking gear slot 34 and the fish-mouth slot 30, pivotably movable. The locking gear 32 is preloaded by a locking gear preloading element 32a ( Fig. 2A and Fig. 6), such as a locking gear spring, preloaded so that the locking gear spring 32a exerts a preload force on the locking gear 32 to preload the locking gear 32 in the direction of its locking bolt release position.

[0015] The primary pawl 36 is pivotably supported by a primary pivot pin, which is shown by way of example and without limitation as a primary pawl rivet 36R for a pivoting movement about a first axis A1, which is defined by the primary pawl rivet 36R between a secured, primary locking gear holding position, also referred to as the “closed” position, in which the primary pawl 36 locates and holds the locking gear 32 in its primary locking bolt receiving position, and an unsecured, locking gear release position, also referred to as the “open” position, in which the primary pawl 36 is positioned so that it can move the locking gear 32 into its locking bolt release position, for example under a preload exerted on the locking gear 32 by the locking gear spring 32a.

[0016] A secondary pawl 38 is pivotally supported by a secondary pivot pin, which is shown by way of example and without limitation as a secondary pawl rivet 38R for a pivoting movement about a second axis A2, which is defined by the secondary pawl rivet 38R. The secondary pawl 38 is pivoted about the second axis A2 from a starting position, which is also referred to as the “closed position” ( Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B), into a secured, secondary locking gear holding position, also known as a “partially closed” position ( Fig. 5) is pivotable. In the secondary locking gear holding position, the secondary locking pawl 38, e.g. with an extension 38a distal to the secondary locking pawl rivet 38R, locates and holds a laterally extending projection, also referred to as a projection 32b, of the locking gear 32, so that the locking gear 32 is held in its secondary locking bolt receiving position.

[0017] The secondary pawl 38 can also be pivoted into an unsecured pawl release position, which is also referred to as the “open” position ( Fig. 6), in which the primary pawl 36 and the secondary pawl 38 are positioned such that the locking gear 32 can move into its locking bolt release position, as if under a preload exerted on the locking gear 32 by the locking gear spring 32a. A secondary pawl preload element 42, such as a secondary torsion spring, is actuated to normally preload the secondary pawl 38 towards its partially closed position. The secondary pawl rivet 38R and the second axis A2 defined by it are spaced apart from the primary locking gear rivet 36R and the first axis A1 defined by it.

[0018] An auxiliary pawl 44 is supported by a secondary pivot pin, shown as a secondary pawl rivet 38R, for pivoting about the second axis A2 between a home position, in which the primary pawl 36 can remain in its primary pawl holding position, and a release position, in which the primary pawl 36 is moved to its pawl release position. A first preload element 40, such as a torsion spring, has a primary pawl preload arm, also referred to as the first arm 40a, which is actuated to normally preload the primary pawl 36 toward its pawl holding position, and an auxiliary pawl preload arm, also referred to as the second arm 40b, which is actuated to normally preload the auxiliary pawl 44 toward its home or locking position.Accordingly, the auxiliary pawl 44 and the secondary pawl 38 are supported in a coaxial relationship to each other for pivoting about the same second axis A2. Thus, the installation space required for the locking assembly 10 can be reduced compared to a locking assembly with a similar pawl or levers configured for pivoting about separate, spaced-apart axes.

[0019] In Fig. 3B and Fig. Figure 3C shows an intermediate stage during the opening sequence of the locking mechanism 31, in which a release lever 46 is actuated to initiate the release of the locking gear 32, wherein Fig. 3C a cross-sectional view along line AA in Fig. Figure 3B shows the coaxial arrangement of the secondary and auxiliary locking pawl 38, 44 around the second axis A2 and their interaction with adjacent components within the locking mechanism 31.

[0020] The release lever 46 is supported in such a way that it can perform a pivoting movement to engage the secondary pawl 38 and drive the second axis A2. When actuated, the release lever 46 pivots and engages the secondary pawl 38, thereby rotating the secondary pawl 38 about the second axis A2 in the direction of its ratchet gear release position to disengage from the alignment with the shoulder or projection 32b on the ratchet gear 32. Fig. Figure 6B shows the release lever 46 in its release position, the auxiliary pawl 44 in its unlocked position, and the secondary pawl 38 in its ratchet gear release position held by the release lever 46. When the release lever 46 is released, the secondary pawl 38 can return under spring tension towards the ratchet gear 32 and be carried along by the movement of the ratchet gear until the ratchet gear 32 reaches the secondary locking bolt receiving position, at which point the preload force causes the secondary pawl 38 to engage and lock the ratchet gear in this position.

[0021] When the secondary pawl 38 rotates, it drives the coaxially mounted auxiliary pawl 44 in a common movement. During the pivoting movement of the secondary pawl 38, the auxiliary pawl 44 is driven together with the secondary pawl 38. Fig. Figure 3B shows that the auxiliary pawl 44 still blocks the main pawl 36, but the continuation of this combined movement causes the auxiliary pawl 44 to move from its blocking position to its release position, allowing the main pawl 36 to pivot away from and release the locking gear 32. Since the secondary pawl 38 is held in its release position, the locking gear 32 can rotate directly to fully open it. The release lever 46 thus acts as a central actuator, coordinating the simultaneous movement of the secondary and auxiliary pawls 38 and 44, thereby enabling a rapid and efficient release of the locking gear 32 from its primary locking bolt receptacle position.

[0022] If, for example, a potentially high sealing load is detected after an impact via a suitable impact detection sensor, such as can occur during an impact, the secondary locking pawl 38 is automatically released from its closed position by the release lever 46 ( Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B) moved into its open position, as in connection with Fig. 3B explained and in Fig. 4, Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B illustrates this. Accordingly, the locking gear 32 can move from its primary locking bolt receiving position during a single actuation of the release lever 46 ( Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B) into its locking bolt release position ( Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B). This highly efficient release only occurs in the primary position and when a high sealing load is expected after impact. Of course, in normal operation, the secondary locking pawl 38 can move from its closed position to its partially closed position upon initial actuation of the locking assembly 10 ( Fig. 5) can be moved, and then, upon a separate second actuation of the locking assembly 10, the secondary pawl 38 can be moved from its partially closed position to its open position, in which both the primary pawl 36 and the secondary pawl 38 are moved to allow the locking gear 32 to move into its fully open locking bolt release position. With reference to Fig. 3A the secondary locking pawl 38 can act in such a way that it rests against the primary locking pawl 36 and moves it, for example by the secondary locking pawl 38 touching the primary locking pawl 36, e.g. by touching an upright projection 36a during a release operation which is attached to the primary locking pawl 36 (cf. Fig. 3A) is provided.

[0023] The secondary locking gear rivet 38R, which supports the secondary locking pawl 38, can also act as an additional structural anchor between the frame plate 28a and the back plate 28b of the locking housing, effectively functioning as a third rivet to increase the strength of the locking mechanism. Furthermore, the positioning of the third rivet—which serves to support the secondary and auxiliary locking pawls—can be chosen to counteract deformation of a locking gear nose 32c when subjected to forces in the Y-direction, thereby creating an additional holding point in the event of such deformation and further improving the overall strength of the locking assembly.

[0024] The secondary locking pawl 38 is in Fig. 2A illustrates that it is located in a plane above or on top of the auxiliary pawl 44. The secondary pawl 38 and the auxiliary pawl 44 are configured to rotate together or independently during a release operation, see e.g. Fig. 3A, while the secondary locking pawl 38 and the auxiliary locking pawl 44 are configured to rotate independently of each other during a closing operation, see e.g. Fig. 5, in which the locking gear 32 returns to the primary receiving position ( Fig. 2A) is rotated to allow the secondary pawl 38 to move past the upright pawl prong 32b.

[0025] According to the invention, the secondary pawl and the auxiliary / blocking pawl are each independently pivotable about their common pivot axis. This arrangement allows the locking gear to be held in a true secondary receiving position, instead of merely assuming a pre-release or accident-related intermediate position as known from the prior art. In the event of an unintentional release of the primary pawl—such as through self-actuation and not due to a mechanical failure—the independent operation of the auxiliary and secondary pawls ensures that the secondary pawl remains unaffected and continues to securely hold the locking gear in the secondary locking bolt receiving position.

[0026] Another advantage of implementing the secondary locking pawl as a separate lever (as illustrated) is that the distance between the secondary and primary locking bolt receptacle positions can be adjusted by varying the length of the secondary locking pawl. This is particularly beneficial when the secondary locking pawl is configured to engage a rivet that can be positioned independently at different locations. This flexibility facilitates setting the tightening start position based on factors such as the type and thickness of the door seals, door geometry, and locking tolerances. Reference symbol list 10 Locking assembly 12 Vehicle locking flap, (rear) door 13 Vehicle front door 14 Motor vehicle 16 Closing surface section of the door 18 locking bolts 20 Door opening 22 Vehicle body 24 Outer door handle 26 Inner door handle 28a Frame plate 28b Backplate 30 fish mouth slits 31 Locking mechanism 32 Locking gear 32a Locking gear preload element / locking gear spring 32b projection / lateral extension 32c Locking gear nose 32R Locking gear rivet 34 Locking gear slot 36 Primary pawl 36R Primary pawl rivet 38 Secondary pawl 38a Extension 38R Secondary pawl rivet 40 First preload element (torsion spring) 40a First arm (pre-tensions primary pawl) 40b Second arm of spring 40 (pre-tensions auxiliary pawl) 42 Secondary pawl preload element (torsion spring) 44 Auxiliary locking latch 46 release levers A1 Primary swivel axis A2 Secondary pivot axis QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 655 602 B1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Locking assembly (10) for a vehicle locking flap (12), comprising: a locking gear (32) that is movable between a primary locking bolt receiving position, a secondary locking bolt receiving position and a locking bolt release position; a locking gear preloading element (32a) configured to preload the locking gear (32) in the direction of the locking bolt release position; a primary pawl (36) which is pivotable about a primary pawl pivot pin (36R) between a primary pawl holding position, in which the primary pawl (36) holds the pawl (32) in the primary locking bolt receiving position, and a primary pawl release position, in which the primary pawl (36) allows the pawl (32) to move into the locking bolt release position; a secondary pawl (38) which is pivotable about a secondary pivot pin (38R) from a starting position in which the primary pawl (36) is in the primary locking gear holding position, to a secondary locking gear holding position in which the secondary pawl (38) holds the locking gear in the secondary locking bolt receiving position, and to a secondary locking gear release position in which the secondary pawl (38) allows the locking gear (32) to move into its locking bolt release position under the preload force exerted by the locking gear preloading element (32a); an auxiliary pawl (44) which is movable about the secondary pivot (38R) between an initial or locking position, in which it holds the primary pawl (36) in the primary locking gear holding position, and a release position, in which it allows the primary pawl (36) to move into the locking gear release position; and a release lever (46) configured to pivot the secondary pawl (38) from the initial position to the release position of the secondary pawl, wherein, when the locking gear (32) is in the primary locking bolt receiving position, a single actuation of the release lever (46) causes a common movement of the secondary locking pawl (38) and the auxiliary locking pawl (44) around the secondary pivot pin (38R) to allow movement of the locking gear (32) from the primary locking bolt receiving position to the locking bolt release position. [2] Locking assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the primary pawl (36) is biased by a first biasing element (40) in the direction of the primary locking gear holding position and / or wherein the secondary pawl (38) is biased by a second biasing element (42) in the direction of the secondary locking gear holding position. [3] Locking assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the auxiliary locking pawl (44) is operationally connected to the secondary locking pawl (38) in order to move together with it when the release lever (46) is actuated. [4] Locking assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary locking pawl (44) and the secondary locking pawl (38) are arranged coaxially on a common secondary rivet (38R) or shank. [5] Locking assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking gear (32) comprises a projection (32b) configured to engage with the secondary locking pawl (38) in the secondary locking bolt receiving position. [6] Locking assembly (10) according to claim 5, wherein the projection (32b) engages with a lever extension (38a) of the secondary locking pawl (38), which preferably extends distally to the secondary pivot pin (38R). [7] Locking assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking assembly is configured such that the release lever (46) is actuated in response to a detected impact or overload condition. [8] Locking assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary locking pawl (44) remains in the release position until the locking gear (32) engages again in the primary locking bolt receiving position and the locking mechanism is returned to a closed state. [9] Locking assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary locking pawl (44) and the secondary locking pawl (38) are each independently pivotable about their common axis (A2). [10] Vehicle (14) comprising a vehicle locking flap (12) and a power-operated door system equipped with a power-operated locking assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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