Method for unlocking the driver's cab and the locking mechanism of a commercial vehicle.

Abstract

This technology enhances the safety of the driver's cab by preventing unauthorized operation. [Solution] The present invention relates to a driver's cab (10) of a commercial vehicle, comprising at least one front flap (12) and a locking device (14) for the front flap (12) that can be released in response to a connected remote operation. The locking device (14) comprises a locking bolt (16) adjustable from an open position (S1) to a closed position (S2) by an actuator (18) for locking the front flap (12) to a vehicle body fixing area (10a) of the driver's cab. In the closed position (S2), the locking bolt (16) is inserted into a bolt receiver (20) and locked therein. The locking device (14) comprises a monitoring device (22) which can detect when the side door (24) of the driver's cab (10) is opened. The monitoring device (22) is electronically connected to the actuator (18) to enable remote operation, and when the side door (24) is opened, the actuator (18) can adjust the locking bolt (16) to the open position (S1). The present invention further relates to a method for releasing such a locking device (14).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a driver's cab for a commercial vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The present invention further relates to a method for releasing a locking device of a driver's cab. [Background Art]

[0002] Automatic opening systems for bonnets or front flaps of motor vehicles, in particular of commercial vehicles, are already known from the prior art.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an operating device for a locking device of a motor vehicle component, in particular a flap or a bonnet. This operating device comprises an operating handle and at least one remote operating element that is interlocked with the operating handle and can operate the locking device. Herein, the operating handle is associated with an emblem of the motor vehicle, and the emblem is rotatable about a central axis extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, relative to the plane of the emblem. This enables remote operation of the locking device by means of the emblem. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2010 026 764 A1 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the safety of a driver's cab by preventing unauthorized operation. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by the driver's cab having the features of claim 1 and the method according to the present invention. An advantageous embodiment of the driver's cab according to the present invention can be considered an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the present invention, in which case the means of the driver's cab are used to carry out the steps of the method. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the present invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description and drawings.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a driver's cab of a commercial vehicle, comprising at least one front flap and a locking device for the driver's cab front flap that can be released in response to a connected remote control.

[0008] The locking device includes a locking bolt that can be adjusted from an open position to a closed position by an actuator to lock the front flap to the vehicle body fixing area of ​​the driver's cab. In the closed position, the locking bolt is inserted into a bolt receiver and locked there. The locking device also includes a monitoring device that can detect when the driver's cab side door is opened and is electronically connected to the actuator to enable remote operation. As a result, when the side door is opened, the actuator can adjust the locking bolt to the open position.

[0009] This invention proposes providing an adjustable locking bolt in the locking device to prevent unauthorized or unauthorized operation of the front flap by a third party, for example. The locking bolt is, for example, cylindrical and can be linearly adjusted (displaced) from top to bottom or bottom to top in the height direction of the vehicle. The locking bolt is positioned, inserted, or mounted in a suitably designed bolt receiver to receive, hold, lock, or secure the adjustable locking bolt. The bolt receiver may be designed to be cylindrical and may, for example, include an integrated locking device or locking element. This locks the front flap in 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 a closed position (locked position) and an open position by an actuator (e.g., an electromechanical motor or other suitable device). It is also possible to position or use an alternative locking means equipped with a rotary mechanism or a spring mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking device is equipped with, integrated with, or positioned with a monitoring device that can detect when the side door of the driver's cab, particularly the driver's side door, is opened, or is designed to detect the process of opening or the open position. The monitoring device is electronically connected to an actuator or connected by signaling technology, and when the side door is opened, the actuator adjusts or moves the lock bolt to the open position, or in an alternative embodiment, rotates it. In this way, the locking device recognizes (detects) that the side door has been opened, for example, via a sensor device or sensor circuit, and thereby releases the front flap.

[0011] By connecting or linking the monitoring device to the actuator, it becomes possible and guaranteed that the front flap will be released and opened only when the cab side door is open. This provides an important safety measure to prevent unauthorized opening.

[0012] The monitoring device detects that the side door has been opened, and if it is assumed that an authorized person opened it, the monitoring device immediately sends a signal to the actuator, which adjusts the lock bolt to the open position. This releases the front flap, allowing it to open. On the other hand, if the side door remains closed, the lock bolt remains in the closed position, thereby ensuring that the front flap remains locked. Such a mechanism makes it possible to open the front flap only when the driver's cab side door is open. This effectively prevents unauthorized persons from opening the front flap.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the front flap is pivotably connected to the vehicle body fixed area of ​​the driver's cab by a four-link hinge. The four-link hinge comprises four joints connected to each other in a predetermined or specific arrangement, enabling a pivotable connection between the front flap and the vehicle body fixed area of ​​the driver's cab. Such a hinge allows for efficient and stable movement or adjustment of the front flap relative to the driver's cab during opening and closing, and especially during rotational adjustment.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the bolt is positioned or mounted in a vehicle body fixing area so as to be movable laterally along the vehicle. This allows the locking bolt to move laterally along the width of the vehicle. This arrangement increases the flexibility of the locking device, allowing the locking bolt to be positioned at various locations along the lateral direction of the commercial vehicle, and in particular, the front flap to be efficiently locked, for example, axially with respect to the opening axis of the front flap.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the bolt receiver is formed by an opening, particularly a punched hole, in the side wall of the front flap. This configuration integrates the bolt receiver directly with the side wall of the front flap. The punched hole has the appropriate shape and dimensions for receiving and locking the lock bolt. This eliminates the need for additional parts or fasteners, enabling a compact and space-saving design for the locking device. Furthermore, integrating the bolt receiver with the side wall of the front flap also improves structural integrity and stability.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring device comprises a rotation angle sensor positioned to be fixed to the vehicle body near the side door. There, the rotation angle sensor detects the open state of the side door by measuring the rotation angle of the door mechanism. Positioning or installing the rotation angle sensor near the side door makes it possible to accurately detect the open state. There, the rotation angle sensor converts the measured rotation angle into an electrical signal and transmits it to the locking device. Through electronic or signal technology connection with the actuator, the locking device can immediately respond to the signal from the rotation angle sensor and automatically release the lock on the front flap as soon as the side door is opened.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring device comprises a door push-button switch (door button switch) that can activate the interior lighting when the side door is opened. The door push-button switch is positioned or mounted to be fixed to the vehicle body near the side door. As soon as the side door is opened, the door push-button switch is activated and transmits or sends a corresponding appropriate signal. This signal is then received by the locking device and releases the lock bolt. Furthermore, the door push-button switch can also be used or operated to activate the interior lighting. When the side door is opened, the signal from the door push-button switch is transmitted or forwarded not only to the locking device but also to the driver's cab lighting system, i.e., the interior lighting. This causes the interior lighting to turn on and illuminate the inside of the vehicle.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring device comprises an optical detection device, particularly a camera, positioned to be fixed to the vehicle body. In this example, the camera is connected or mounted to be fixed to the vehicle body near the side door, thereby enabling optical detection of the opening and closing process of the side door. The camera photographs the area around the side door and recognizes whether the door is open or closed. By using a camera-based monitoring device, not only can the open / closed state of the side door be detected, but information about people getting in and out of the vehicle can also be obtained, for example. In this way, the camera can photograph the area around the side door and detect, recognize, and record surrounding movements and activities.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the locking device is located only on the passenger side. There are various reasons for such an arrangement. For example, doing so prevents the driver getting in or out of the vehicle from causing the undesirable unlocking of the front flap.

[0020] A further embodiment relates to a method for unlocking a driver's cab locking device of a commercial vehicle, comprising at least one front flap and a front flap locking device that is released in response to a connected remote operation. Therein, a locking bolt of the locking device is adjusted by an actuator from an open position to a closed position in order to lock the front flap to the vehicle body fixing area of ​​the driver's cab, in the closed position the locking bolt is inserted into a bolt receiver and locked therein. Furthermore, a monitoring device of the locking device that enables remote operation detects that the side door of the driver's cab has been opened, and when the side door is opened, an electronically connected actuator adjusts the locking bolt to the open position.

[0021] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention are given by the following description of preferred embodiments and the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above herein, as well as the features and combinations of features described later in the description of the drawings and / or shown only in the drawings, may be used not only in the respective combinations described, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a cab of a commercial vehicle provided with at least one front flap according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a cab of a commercial vehicle for illustrating a locking mechanism according to another embodiment. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] In the figures, identical and functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference signs.

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cab 10 of a commercial vehicle, the cab 10 comprising at least one front flap 12 (not shown) and a locking device 14 for the front flap 12 that can be released in response to a connected remote operation. Here, a front side 11a and a driver seat side 11b of the cab 10 are shown. The front flap 12 can be opened about a first axis A1, and a side door 24 of the cab 10 can be opened about a second axis A2.

[0025] The locking device 14 includes a locking bolt 16 that can be adjusted by an actuator 18 from an open position S1 (not shown in Figure 1) to a closed position S2 in order to lock the front flap 12 to the vehicle body fixing area 10a of the driver's cab 10. In the closed position S2, the locking bolt 16 is inserted into a bolt receiver 20 and locked there. The locking device 14 also includes a monitoring device 22 that can detect when the side door 24 of the driver's cab 10 is opened. The monitoring device 22 is electronically connected to the actuator 18, enabling remote operation, and when the side door 24 is opened, the actuator 18 can adjust the locking bolt 16 to the open position S1.

[0026] Furthermore, the front flap 12 can also be pivotably connected to the vehicle body fixed area 10a of the driver's cab 10 by a four-link hinge 26. The four-link hinge 26 consists of four joints connected to each other in a specific arrangement, enabling safe and stable pivoting of the front flap 12, in particular, the first part 26a fixed to the vehicle and the pivotable second part 26b are pivotably connected to each other.

[0027] Furthermore, the lock bolt 16 can be positioned in the vehicle body fixing area 10a so as to be movable in the lateral direction y of the vehicle. In other words, the lock bolt 16 can be moved along the width of the commercial vehicle in the lateral direction y of the vehicle. This enables precise positioning and locking of the front flap 12.

[0028] Furthermore, the bolt receiver 20 can be formed by an opening in the side wall 12a of the front flap 12. The opening in the side wall 12a functions as the bolt receiver 20, into which the lock bolt 16 is inserted and held. This configuration allows the bolt receiver 20 to be easily integrated into the structure of the front flap 12 without the need for additional parts.

[0029] Furthermore, the monitoring device 22 can be comprised of a rotation angle sensor 30 positioned to be fixed to the vehicle body near the side door 24. The rotation angle sensor 30 detects the open 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 properly determine the position of the lock bolt 16.

[0030] In this way, the existing four-link hinge 26 mechanism can be used in the front flap 12 of a commercial vehicle to create a pre-locking mechanism. The four-link hinge 26 consists of two parts 26a and 26b that are connected to each other. When the front flap 12 is opened, the first part 26a moves. Until now, the front flap 12 has been operated by a locking device 14 or a locking system with, for example, an externally operable release mechanism. Now, depending on the vehicle model, there may be a requirement that only the driver be allowed to open the front flap 12 in order to prevent unauthorized use or theft. This is only possible when the driver has access to the interior of the driver's cab or has the corresponding vehicle key.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a possible technical solution in which two connected parts 26a and 26b of the four-link hinge 26 can be locked together by a wedge 26c. The wedge 26c is controlled by a linear actuator or actuator 18 and moves linearly into the punched hole, allowing the two parts 26a and 26b to be locked together or to move within the kinematic range of the four-link hinge 26. The actuator 18, designed as a linear actuator, can be controlled by the aforementioned rotation angle sensor 30 that detects the movement of the side door 24, or by an existing door push-button switch 32. These are always activated when the side door 24 (shown as the driver's side door) is opened.

[0032] In particular, control by the existing door push-button switch 32 is already used for interior lighting in commercial vehicles and as a safety function, making it suitable as an open signal. If the driver's door, passenger door, or side door 24 is not properly closed, the driver will receive a visual or auditory signal in the driver's seat. In short, the existing locking device 14 can continue to be used, but the front flap 12 can only be opened when the aforementioned 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.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the driver's cab 10 of a commercial vehicle to show the locking mechanism represented by the locking device 14.

[0034] The locking device 14 is designed with a rotatable retaining element 34, or comprises such an element that is rotatable around a pivot axis A3. The retaining element 34 is held in a closed position S2 by a spring element 36, in which case the front flap 12 is locked and cannot be opened. The spring element 36 introduces the retaining force into the mechanism necessary to hold the retaining element 34 in the closed position S2.

[0035] 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 height direction z, thereby rotating the retaining element 34 downward. This rotation releases, for example, a pin 40 (not shown) held in the side door 24. This enables the door to be opened to the open position S1.

[0036] This configuration allows control of the locking of the front flap 12 (not shown). In the closed position S2 (not shown), the front flap 12 is securely locked and cannot be opened. By operating the actuator 18, the retaining element 34 rotates, releasing the retained pin 40, thereby moving the front flap 12 to the open position S1. The actuator 18 is operated by a signal from the monitoring device 22, and therefore by remote control.

[0037] In summary, the present invention proposes an automatic hood opening system for automobiles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 10 Driver's cab 10a area 11a Front side 11b Driver's side 12 Front flap 12a side wall 14 Locking device 16 Lock bolts 18 Actuators 20 Bolt receiver 22 Monitoring equipment 24 Side Doors 26 4-link hinge 26a part 26b part 26c wedge 30 Rotation Angle Sensor 32 Door push button switch 34 Retention element 36 Spring elements 38 Anterior area 40 pins A1, A2 axis A3 Rotation axis

Claims

1. A driver's cab (10) of a commercial vehicle comprising at least one front flap (12) and a locking device (14) for the front flap (12) that can be released in response to a connected remote control, The locking device (14) The front flap (12) is adjustable from an open position (S1) to a closed position (S2) by an actuator (18) in order to lock it to the vehicle body fixing area (10a) of the driver's cab, and in the closed position (S2), a lock bolt (16) is inserted into a bolt receiver (20) and locked therein, A monitoring device (22) that can detect when the side door (24) of the driver's cab (10) is opened. Equipped with, The monitoring device (22) is electronically connected to the actuator (18), enabling the remote operation. When the side door (24) is opened, the actuator (18) can adjust the lock bolt (16) to the open position (S1). A driver's cab (10) characterized by the following:

2. The front flap (12) is pivotably connected to the vehicle body fixing area (10a) of the driver's cab (10) by a four-link hinge (26). The driver's cab (10) according to claim 1.

3. The lock bolt (16) is positioned in the vehicle body fixing area (10a) so as to be movable in the lateral direction (y) of the vehicle. The driver's cab (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The bolt receiver (20) is formed by the opening (20) in the side wall (12a) of the front flap (12). The driver's cab (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. The monitoring device (22) is composed of a rotation angle sensor (30) that is fixed to the vehicle body near the side door. The driver's cab (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A method for releasing the locking device (14) of the driver's cab (10) of a commercial vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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