Driver's cab for a utility vehicle, and a method for unlocking a locking device for the driver's cab

Abstract

The invention relates to a driver's cab (10) for a utility vehicle, comprising at least one front flap (12) and a locking device (14) for the front flap (12), which locking device can be unlocked on the basis of a coupled remote actuation, wherein the locking device (14) has a locking bolt (16) which, in order to lock the front flap (12) to a region (10a) of the body-mounted driver's cab, can be adjusted by means of an actuator (18) from an open position (S1) into a closed position (S2) in which the locking bolt (16) is introduced into and locked in a bolt receptacle (20), and wherein the locking device (14) has a monitoring device (22) by means of which it can be detected when a side door (24) of the driver's cab (10) is opened and which is electronically coupled to the actuator (18) and provides the remote actuation, such that, when the side door (24) is opened, the locking bolt (16) can be adjusted by means of the actuator (18) into the open position (S1). The invention also relates to a method for unlocking such a locking device (14).

Description

[0001] Driver's cab for a commercial vehicle and a method for unlocking a locking device for the driver's cab

[0002] The invention relates to a driver's cab for a commercial vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for unlocking a locking device for the driver's cab.

[0003] Automatic opening systems for front hoods or front flaps on vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, are already known from the state of the art.

[0004] DE 102010 026 764 A1 discloses an actuating device for a locking mechanism of a component, in particular a flap or hood, of a motor vehicle. The actuating device comprises an actuating handle and at least one remote actuating element coupled to the handle, by means of which the locking mechanism can be actuated. The actuating handle is associated with an emblem of the motor vehicle, which is rotatable about a central axis extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the plane of the emblem. This enables remote actuation of the locking mechanism by means of an emblem.

[0005] The object of the invention is to increase cab security by preventing unauthorized operations.

[0006] This object is achieved by means of a driver's cab having the features of patent claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous refinements of the driver's cab according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the driver's cab are used to carry out the method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a driver's cab for a commercial vehicle with at least one front flap and with a locking device for a front flap of the driver's cab, which can be unlocked depending on a coupled remote control.

[0008] It is provided that the locking device has a locking bar which, for locking the front flap to a body-fixed area of ​​the driver's cab, can be adjusted by means of an actuator from an open position to a closed position, in which position the locking bar is inserted into a bar receptacle and locked therein. It is also provided that the locking device has a monitoring device by means of which the opening of a side door of the driver's cab can be detected and which is electronically coupled to the actuator and represents the remote actuation, so that when the side door is opened, the locking bar can be adjusted to the open position by means of the actuator.

[0009] In order to prevent unauthorized or unauthorised operation of the front hatch, for example by third parties, it is proposed according to the invention that the locking device has an adjustable locking bar. The locking bar is, for example, cylindrical and can be adjusted linearly in the vertical direction of the vehicle from top to bottom or from bottom to top. It is arranged, inserted or attached in a correspondingly designed bar receptacle in order to receive and hold, lock or block the adjustable locking bar. The bar receptacle can also be cylindrical and, for example, have an integrated locking device or a locking element. This locks the front hatch to a fixed area of ​​the driver's cab, preferably at the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.The locking bolt can be adjusted between the closed or locked position and the open position by means of an actuator, such as an electromechanical motor or other suitable equipment. It is also possible to arrange or use alternative locking options with rotary mechanisms or spring mechanisms.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking device is extended or equipped with a monitoring device, or such a device is integrated or arranged, which can detect the opening of a side door, in particular the driver's door of the cab, or is designed to detect an opening process or an open position. The monitoring device is electronically coupled to the actuator or connected via signaling, so that when the side door is opened, the locking bolt is adjusted or moved into an open position by means of the actuator and, in alternative embodiments, rotated, for example. In this way, the locking device detects the opening of the side door, for example via a sensor device or sensor circuit, and thereby unlocks the front flap.

[0011] By coupling or connecting the monitoring device to the actuator, it is possible and thus also ensured that the front flap is only released for opening when the cab side door is open. This provides an important safety measure to prevent unauthorized opening.

[0012] As soon as the monitoring device detects that the side door is opened, which indicates that an authorized person has opened it, it sends a signal to the actuator, which then moves the locking bar to the open position. This unlocks the front hatch and allows it to be opened. Conversely, if the side door remains closed, the locking bar remains in the closed position, keeping the front hatch securely locked. This mechanism ensures that the front hatch can only be opened when the cab side door is open. This prevents unauthorized persons from opening the front hatch.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the front flap is pivotably connected to the body-mounted area of ​​the driver's cab by means of a four-bar hinge. The four-bar hinge comprises four joints that are interconnected in a predetermined or specific arrangement and enable a pivotable connection between the front flap and the body-mounted area of ​​the driver's cab. Such a hinge allows efficient and stable movement or adjustment of the front flap relative to the driver's cab during opening and closing, particularly during rotational adjustment.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking bar is arranged or attached to the body-mounted area so that it can be displaced in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This allows the locking bar to be moved laterally along the width of the vehicle. This arrangement provides additional flexibility in the locking device, allowing the locking bar to be positioned in various positions along the transverse direction of the commercial vehicle, in particular to provide efficient locking of the front lid, for example, axially relative to a hinged axis of the front lid.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the latch receptacle is formed by an opening in a side wall of the front flap, in particular by a punched-out portion. This construction integrates the latch receptacle directly into the side wall of the front flap. The punched-out portion forms a corresponding shape and size to accommodate and lock the locking latch. This enables a compact and space-saving design of the locking device, since no additional components or fastening elements are required. Furthermore, the integration of the latch receptacle into the side wall of the front flap also offers particularly improved structural integrity and stability.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the monitoring device is formed by a rotation angle sensor that is fixed to the body near the side door. The rotation angle sensor detects the opening state of the side door by measuring the rotation angle of a corresponding door mechanism. Arranging or positioning the rotation angle sensor near the side door enables precise detection of the opening state. The rotation angle sensor converts the measured rotation angle into an electronic signal and transmits it to the locking device. Through the electronic coupling or signaling connection with the actuator, the locking device can react directly to the signal from the rotation angle sensor and automatically unlock the front flap lock as soon as the side door is opened.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the monitoring device is formed by a door push button switch, by means of which the interior lighting can be activated when the side door is opened. The door push button switch is arranged or mounted close to the side door so as to be fixed to the body. As soon as the side door is opened, the door push button switch is activated and transmits or sends out a corresponding signal. This signal can then be received by the locking device in order to release the locking bolt. Furthermore, it is provided that the door push button switch can also be used or applied to activate the interior lighting. When the side door is opened, the signal from the door push button switch is not only transmitted or forwarded to the locking device, but also to a lighting system in the driver's cab, namely the interior lighting.This turns on the interior lights to illuminate the vehicle interior.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the monitoring device is formed by an optical detection device, in particular a camera, which is fixed to the vehicle body. The exemplary camera is firmly connected or installed on the vehicle body near the side door and thus enables optical detection of the opening and closing process of the side door. It detects the area around the side door and detects whether the door is open or closed. By using a camera-based monitoring device, not only can the opening and closing state of the side door be detected, but also, for example, information about people getting in and out can be recorded. The camera thus detects the area of ​​the side door and can detect or recognize and record movements or activities in the vicinity.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking device is arranged exclusively on the passenger side. Various reasons are conceivable for such an arrangement. For example, the driver's entry and exit cannot be assumed to be a reason for the unintentional unlocking of the hood.

[0020] A further aspect relates to a method for unlocking a locking device for a driver's cab for a commercial vehicle with at least one front flap and with the locking device for the front flap, which is unlocked depending on a coupled remote control. Here, it is provided that a locking bolt of the locking device, which is used to lock the front flap to a body-fixed area of ​​the driver's cab, is adjusted by means of an actuator from an open position into a closed position, in which the locking bolt is inserted into a bolt receptacle and locked therein. Furthermore, it is provided that by means of a monitoring device of the locking device, by means of which the remote control is provided, the opening of a side door of the driver's cab is detected and, when the side door is opened, the locking bolt is adjusted to the open position by means of the electronically coupled actuator.

[0021] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing(s). The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0022] Showing:

[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a driver's cab for a commercial vehicle with at least one front flap; and

[0024] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of another possible design of the driver's cab for the commercial vehicle to illustrate a possible locking mechanism.

[0025] In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a driver's cab 10 for a commercial vehicle with at least one front flap 12 (not shown) and with a locking device 14 for the front flap 12, which can be unlocked depending on a coupled remote control. A front side 11a and a driver's side 11b of the driver's cab 10 are shown. The front flap 12 can be opened about a first axis A1, and a side door 24 of the driver's cab 10 can be swung open about a second axis A2.

[0027] The locking device 14 has a locking bolt 16, which, for locking the front flap 12 to a body-fixed area 10a of the driver's cab, can be adjusted by means of an actuator 18 from an open position S1 (not shown in Fig. 1) into a closed position S2, in which the locking bolt 16 is inserted into a bolt receptacle 20 and locked therein. The locking device 14 has a monitoring device 22, by means of which the opening of a side door 24 of the driver's cab 10 can be detected and which is electronically coupled to the actuator 18 and provides remote actuation, so that when the side door 24 is opened, the locking bolt 16 can be adjusted by means of the actuator 18 into the open position S1.

[0028] It is also possible for the front flap 12 to be pivotably connected to the body-mounted area 10a of the driver's cab 10 by means of a four-bar hinge 26. The four-bar hinge 26 consists of four joints that are connected to one another in a specific arrangement and enable a safe and stable pivoting movement of the front flap 12. In particular, a vehicle-mounted first part 26a and a pivotable second part 26b are pivotally connected to one another.

[0029] Additionally, the locking bar 16 can be arranged on the body-mounted area 10a so that it can be displaced in the vehicle's transverse direction y. This means that the locking bar 16 can be displaced along a width of the commercial vehicle in the vehicle's transverse direction y. This allows for precise positioning and locking of the front flap 12.

[0030] Furthermore, the locking receptacle 20 can be formed by an opening in a side wall 12a of the front flap 12. The opening in the side wall 12a serves as the locking receptacle 20, into which the locking bolt 16 is inserted and held. This configuration enables easy integration of the locking receptacle 20 into the structure of the front flap 12 without the need for additional components.

[0031] Furthermore, the monitoring device 22 can be formed by a rotation angle sensor 30, which is arranged in a fixed manner near the side door 24. The rotation angle sensor 30 detects the opening state of the side door 24 by measuring the rotation angle of the door mechanism or a corresponding part near the side door 24. This information is then used to control the locking device 14 to position the locking bolt 16 accordingly.

[0032] Thus, the existing mechanism of a four-bar hinge 26 can be used on the front flap 12 of the commercial vehicle to provide a pre-locking mechanism. The four-bar hinge 26 is formed by two connected parts 26a, 26b. The first part 26a moves when the front flap 12 is opened. Previously, the front flap 12 was actuated by the locking device 14 or a locking system, for example, with an externally operable release mechanism. For vehicle series, the requirement can now be established that only the driver is authorized to open the front flap 12 to prevent misuse or theft by unauthorized persons. This can only be enabled if the driver has access to the interior of the cab or is in possession of a corresponding vehicle key.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a possible technical solution in which the two connected parts 26a, 26b of the four-bar hinge 26 can be locked to one another by a wedge 26c. The wedge 26c is controlled by a linear actuator or the actuator 18 and moved linearly into a recess, so that the two parts 26a, 26b are either locked to one another or can be moved within the kinematics of the four-bar hinge 26. The actuator 18, designed as a linear actuator, can be controlled either by the aforementioned angle of rotation sensor 30, which detects the movement of the side door 24, or by the existing door push button switch 32. These are activated whenever the side door 24, which is shown as the driver's door, is opened.

[0034] In particular, the existing control via the door push button 32 is suitable as an opening signal, as this is already used in the commercial vehicle for the interior light and as a safety function. This means that the driver is signaled visually or acoustically in the cockpit if the door or the passenger door or side door 24 is not properly closed. In summary, the existing locking device 14 can continue to be used, but the front lid 12 can only be opened if the described locking device 14 is activated. Furthermore, it is also possible to control the adjustment between the open position S1 and the closed position S2 using an ID transmitter or key 42.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of another possible embodiment of the driver's cab 10 for the commercial vehicle to illustrate a locking mechanism which is represented by the locking device 14.

[0036] The locking device 14 is designed with or comprises a rotatable holding element 34 that can rotate about a rotation axis A3. The holding element 34 is held in the closed position S2 by a spring element 36, in which the front flap 12 is locked and cannot be opened. The spring element 36 introduces the necessary holding force into the mechanism to hold the holding element 34 in the closed position S2.

[0037] The retaining element 34 is mechanically connected to the actuator 18 in the front region 38. The actuator 18 pulls the retaining element 34 downward in the vehicle's vertical direction z, causing the retaining element 34 to rotate downward. This rotation, for example, releases a pin 40 (not shown) held on the side door 24. This enables the opening position S1.

[0038] This arrangement makes it possible to control the locking of the front flap 12 (not shown). In the closed position S2 (not shown), the front flap 12 is securely and firmly locked, preventing it from being opened. Actuation of the actuator 18 rotates the retaining element 34 and releases the retained pin 40, thereby moving the front flap 12 into the open position S1. The actuator 18 is actuated by signals from the monitoring device 22 and thus by remote actuation.

[0039] In summary, the invention proposes an automatic opening system for front hoods on vehicles.

[0040] List of reference symbols

[0041] 10 Driver's cab

[0042] 10a area

[0043] 11a Front

[0044] 11b Driver's side

[0045] 12 Front flap

[0046] 12a side wall

[0047] 14 Locking device

[0048] 16 locking bolts

[0049] 18 Actuator

[0050] 20 bolt holder

[0051] 22 Monitoring device

[0052] 24 Side door

[0053] 26 four-joint hinge

[0054] Part 26a

[0055] Part 26b

[0056] 26c wedge

[0057] 30 rotation angle sensor

[0058] 32 door push buttons

[0059] 34 Holding element

[0060] 36 spring element

[0061] 38 Area

[0062] 40 pen

[0063] A1, A2 axis

[0064] A3 rotation axis

Claims

Patent claims 1. A driver's cab (10) for a commercial vehicle with at least one front flap (12) and with a locking device (14) for the front flap (12), which can be unlocked depending on a coupled remote control, characterized in that the locking device (14) has a locking bar (16) which, for locking the front flap (12) to a body-fixed area (10a) of the driver's cab, can be adjusted by means of an actuator (18) from an open position (S1) to a closed position (S2), in which the locking bar (16) is inserted into a bar receptacle (20) and locked therein, wherein the locking device (14) has a monitoring device (22) by means of which an opening of a side door (24) of the driver's cab (10) can be detected and which is electronically coupled to the actuator (18) and provides the remote control,so that when the side door (24) is opened, the locking bolt (16) can be adjusted into the open position (S1) by means of the actuator (18).

2. Driver's cab (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the front flap (12) is pivotally connected to the body-fixed area (10a) of the driver's cab (10) by means of a four-bar hinge (26).

3. Driver's cab (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking bolt (16) is arranged on the body-fixed region (10a) so as to be displaceable in the vehicle transverse direction (y).

4. Driver's cab (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking receptacle (20) is formed by an opening (20) in a side wall (12a) of the front flap (12).

5. Driver's cab (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring device (14) is formed by a rotation angle sensor (30) which is arranged in a body-fixed manner near a side door.

6. Method for unlocking a locking device (14) for a driver's cab (10) for a commercial vehicle according to one of the preceding claims.

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