Tailgate opening and closing device

Abstract

To provide a tailgate opening / closing device that simplifies tailgate opening / closing structure to reduce the cost and weight of the device and improve the quality.SOLUTION: The tailgate opening / closing device includes a release gear that rotates forward and reversely for cinching operation or release operation depending on the rotational force of a motor, a cinching gear that rotates by meshing with the release gear, a link mechanism that receives force from the cinching gear and rotates toward a claw during the cinching operation rotation step of the cinching gear, a claw that is fastened to a striker by rotating together with the link mechanism during the cinching operation rotation step of the link mechanism, and a pole unit configured to be hooked on the claw to limit the rotation of the claw in the release direction and to rotate with the release gear only when the release gear rotates in the release direction with the claw fastened to the striker so as to allow the claw to rotate in the release direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tailgate opening and closing device that simplifies the structure for opening and closing a tailgate, reduces the cost and weight of the device, and improves the quality of the device. [Background technology]

[0002] An opening is formed at the rear of an SUV or MPV vehicle so that items can be easily loaded, and this opening is configured as a tailgate that can be opened and closed. As an example, a claw is attached to the tailgate and a striker is attached to the vehicle body, so that when the tailgate is closed, the claw engages with the striker and is locked, and when a release lever is operated, the claw is released from its engagement with the striker and the locking is released.

[0003] In particular, in the case of a power tailgate device in which the claw and striker are electrically operated to perform locking and unlocking operations, a cinching motor for locking operation and a release motor for unlocking operation perform the corresponding functions. For example, a cinching motor is connected to the claw device via a cable, and a release motor is attached to the claw device. Therefore, when the claw is half-engaged with the striker, if the cinching motor is operated to completely close the tailgate, the cable is pulled by the cinching motor, and the claw is completely engaged with the striker.

[0004] In this state, when the release motor is operated to open the tailgate, the claw is removed from the striker by the release motor, and the tailgate moves to a position where it is completely open, thereby opening the tailgate. However, in the case of such a power tailgate device, since the cinching motor and the release motor are installed separately, there is a problem that the cost and weight of the device increase, and there is also a problem that the number of parts increases, resulting in a high defect rate of the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0115569 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tailgate opening and closing device that simplifies the tailgate opening and closing structure, reduces the cost and weight of the device, and improves quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The tailgate opening and closing device according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes a release gear that rotates forward and backward for cinching or release operation by the rotational force of a motor, a cinching gear that rotates in mesh with the release gear, a link mechanism that receives force from the cinching gear and rotates toward the claw during the cinching operation rotation process of the cinching gear, a claw that is engaged with the link mechanism and rotates together with the link mechanism during the cinching operation rotation process of the link mechanism to be fastened to a striker, and a pawl unit that is configured to engage with the claw to restrict rotation of the claw in the release direction when the claw is fastened to the striker, and to rotate together with the release gear only when the release gear rotates in the release direction, allowing rotation of the claw in the release direction.

[0008] A hook groove is formed on the outer surface of the claw facing the striker, and as the striker enters the hook groove, the claw rotates around the rotation axis, and the claw is fastened to the striker in a half-locked state.

[0009] The locking mechanism may further include a half-lock detection sensor for detecting a half-lock position of the claw, and a controller for controlling the motor to rotate in a cinching operation direction when the half-lock position is detected.

[0010] A half-lock detection protrusion is formed around the rotation axis of the claw, and the half-lock detection sensor detects a half-lock state depending on whether the half-lock detection protrusion is detected or not.

[0011] A cinching protrusion is formed on a circumferential portion of the cinching gear, and a part of a link mechanism is located on a rotation path of the cinching protrusion, so that the cinching protrusion applies a pressing force to the link mechanism as it rotates.

[0012] The link mechanism includes a crank lever having one end connected to the first fixed hinge shaft and the other end connected to the first rotating hinge shaft, a coupler lever having one end connected to the first rotating hinge shaft and the other end connected to the second rotating hinge shaft, and a follower lever having one end connected to the second fixed hinge shaft and the other end connected to the second rotating hinge shaft, wherein an outer surface of the crank lever is pressed by a cinching protrusion, and the first rotating hinge shaft and the second rotating hinge shaft rotate around the first fixed hinge shaft and the second fixed hinge shaft, thereby rotating the crank lever, coupler lever, and follower lever.

[0013] The cinch lever may further include a cinching lever having one end coupled to the second rotating hinge shaft and a cinching shaft fixed to the other end, and a cinching spring providing elastic force to the cinching lever so that the cinching shaft rotates toward the claw around the second rotating hinge shaft, and a locking protrusion is formed on one side of an outer surface of the claw, and the cinching shaft engages with the locking protrusion during the process of the cinching lever rotating toward the claw, rotating in a direction in which the claw is fastened to the striker.

[0014] A release protrusion is formed on a circumferential portion of the release gear, and the pole unit is characterized in that it includes a pole arranged to face the claw and rotates around a rotation axis, and a pole lever having one end located on the rotation path of the release protrusion and interfering with the release protrusion and the other end at an end of the pole which rotates independently when the release gear rotates in the cinching direction and rotates together with the pole when the release gear rotates in the release direction.

[0015] A stopper is formed between the pole and the pole lever, and the stopper is formed on a rotation path of the pole lever which rotates together with the pole.

[0016] The claw locking device further includes a full lock detection sensor that detects a full lock position of the claw when the claw is fastened to the striker in a full lock state by the cinching operation of the motor, and a controller that controls the motor to stop when the full lock position is detected.

[0017] A full lock detection protrusion is formed around the rotation shaft of the cinching gear, and the full lock detection sensor detects a full lock state depending on whether the full lock detection protrusion is detected or not.

[0018] A pinion is fixed to the rotation shaft of the release gear, and the pinion is externally engaged with the cinching gear to form a predetermined reduction gear ratio. When the motor rotates in the cinching direction according to the reduction gear ratio and the full lock detection sensor detects the full lock detection protrusion, the full lock state is established.

[0019] The pawl lever and the pawl may be rotated together by a release protrusion due to a release operation of the motor to release the claw from the striker, and an unlock detection sensor may be further included which detects an unlock position of the pawl, and the controller controls the motor to stop when the unlock position is detected.

[0020] An unlock detection protrusion is formed around the rotation axis of the pole, and the unlock detection sensor detects an unlocked state depending on whether the unlock detection protrusion is detected or not.

[0021] The controller detects the unlocked position of the pole and stops the motor, and then controls the motor to return to the state before the release operation after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0022] The pawl further includes an interrupt lever that, when released, pushes one end of the pawl, rotates around the center, and pushes up the cinching shaft whose other end is engaged with the engaging protrusion of the claw, thereby disengaging the pawl.

[0023] When the release gear rotates in the release direction, the release protrusion pushes the pole together with the pole lever, thereby pressing one end of the interrupt lever.

[0024] The latch mechanism further includes an emergency lever that rotates around a central portion, has one end provided outside the latch mechanism, and the other end located inside the pole lever, and when one end is rotated, the other end rotates the pole lever in the release rotation direction. Effect of the Invention

[0025] As a result of solving the above problems, the present invention realizes cinching and releasing operations using a single motor, thereby reducing the number of parts, thereby reducing the cost and weight of the device, and improving the operability of the product, thereby improving the product defect rate and reducing field complaints. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows an external view of the latch mechanism according to the present invention coupled to a tailgate. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a latch mechanism according to the present invention. [Diagram 3]3A and 3B are diagrams showing the internal part shapes and coupling relationships of a latch mechanism according to the present invention; [Figure 4a] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a process of operating the claw from an unlocked state to a half-locked state according to the present invention. [Figure 4b] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a process of operating the claw from an unlocked state to a half-locked state according to the present invention. [Figure 5a] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a process of cinching by a motor in a half-locked state of the claw according to the present invention. [Figure 5b] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a process of cinching by a motor in a half-locked state of the claw according to the present invention. [Figure 5c] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a process of cinching by a motor in a half-locked state of the claw according to the present invention. [Figure 6a] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the link mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 6b] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the link mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 6c] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the link mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 shows the claw in a fully locked state according to the present invention. [Figure 8a] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a process of releasing the fully locked state by a motor according to the present invention; [Figure 8b] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a process of releasing the fully locked state by a motor according to the present invention; [Figure 9a] 11A to 11C are views illustrating a release operation process performed by a motor during the cinching operation process according to the present invention. [Figure 9b] 11A to 11C are views illustrating a release operation process performed by a motor during the cinching operation process according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration in which an emergency lever is coupled to the latch mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 11a] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a release operation process by an emergency lever according to the present invention. [Figure 11b] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a release operation process by an emergency lever according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration for sensing the locking state of the claw and striker according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a latch mechanism 10 according to the present invention connected to a tailgate, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the latch mechanism 10 according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the shapes of internal parts and their connection relationships of the latch mechanism 10 according to the present invention. 1, the present invention includes a release gear 200 that rotates forward and backward for cinching or release operation by the rotational force of a motor 100, a cinching gear 300 that rotates in mesh with the release gear 200, a link mechanism 400 that receives force from the cinching gear 300 during the cinching operation rotation process of the cinching gear 300 and rotates toward the claw 500, a claw 500 that is engaged with the link mechanism 400 and rotates together with the link mechanism 400 during the cinching operation rotation process of the link mechanism 400 to be fastened to the striker 20, and a pawl unit that is configured to engage with the claw 500 when the claw 500 is fastened to the striker 20 to restrict rotation of the claw 500 in the release direction, and to rotate together with the release gear 200 only when the release gear 200 rotates in the release direction, allowing the claw 500 to rotate in the release direction.

[0029] More specifically, the motor 100, release gear 200, cinching gear 300, link mechanism 400, claw 500 and pole unit are housed inside a housing to form the latch mechanism 10, and mount brackets are attached to both sides of the latch mechanism 10, which are bolted to the tailgate. That is, the latch mechanism 10 can be fixed to the tailgate by fastening bolts to one side mount bracket and the other side mount bracket, respectively. The motor 100 is an actuator that performs both the cinching operation and the release operation, and can be housed in the upper end of the latch mechanism 10.

[0030] A worm gear 110 is fixed to the shaft of the motor 100, and the worm gear 110 meshes with a release gear 200. The release gear 200 and the cinching gear 300 mesh with each other, so that the release gear 200 and the cinching gear 300 can be rotated simultaneously, and the gears can be rotated in a forward or reverse direction according to the rotation direction of the motor 100 to perform cinching and release operations. The link mechanism 400 is a four-joint link mechanism, and each link (lever) is connected via two rotating hinge shafts and two fixed hinge shafts, and the link (lever) connected between the two rotating hinge shafts contacts and is pressed by the cinching mechanism during the rotation of the cinching mechanism, so that the link mechanism 400 reciprocates along a predetermined radius of motion of the link mechanism 400.

[0031] In particular, the claw 500 is attached to the lower end of the link mechanism 400 so as to be rotatable about a central rotation axis, and a hook groove 510 is formed on a part of the outer surface of the lower end, and the striker 20 is fastened within the hook groove 510. In addition, a number of protrusion structures are formed on the outer surface of the claw 500, and the protrusion structures are engaged with the link mechanism 400 or the pole unit depending on the fastening state of the claw 500 and the striker 20, thereby rotating the claw 500 or restricting the rotation of the claw 500. The protrusion structures will be described again below.

[0032] Furthermore, the pole unit is attached at a position facing the claw 500, is formed long in the vertical direction, has a rotation axis formed at the lower end, and is attached so that the upper part of the rotation axis can rotate in a direction toward the claw 500. Thus, the pole unit is engaged with or released from the claw 500 during the operation of the latch mechanism 10, thereby restricting or allowing the rotation of the claw 500. In particular, the upper end of the pole unit is engaged during the rotation of the release gear 200 as the upper end is located within the rotation radius of the release gear 200. When the release gear 200 rotates in the cinching operation direction, only the upper end that interferes with the release gear 200 is configured to rotate independently, so that the pole unit can maintain a state of restricting the rotation of the claw 500.

[0033] Conversely, when the release gear 200 rotates in the release operation direction, the entire pole unit rotates around the rotation axis together with the upper end that interferes with the release gear 200, so that the pole unit can be converted into a state that allows the rotation of the claw 500. That is, in the case of cinching operation, when the motor 100 rotates in one direction, the release gear 200 rotates in the forward direction and the cinching gear 300 rotates in the reverse direction, so that the cinching gear 300 pushes the link mechanism 400. However, at this time, since the release gear 200 rotates in the forward direction and only the upper end of the pole unit rotates independently, the lower end of the pole unit does not change position in the rotation direction.

[0034] Therefore, during the movement of the link mechanism 400, the link mechanism 400 engages with the claw 500, and the claw 500 rotates in a direction in which the hook groove 510 of the claw 500 faces the striker 20. Therefore, the striker 20 is completely fastened within the hook groove 510, and the protrusion structure of the claw 500 engages with the pawl unit, thereby locking the claw 500 and the striker 20 in a completely fastened state.

[0035] Meanwhile, in the case of a release operation, when the motor 100 is rotated in the other direction, the release gear 200 rotates in the reverse direction. Therefore, when the release gear 200 rotates in the reverse direction, not only the upper end of the pole unit but also the entire pole unit rotates, and the pole unit is separated from the claw 500. Therefore, the claw 500 rotates in a direction in which the hook groove 510 of the claw 500 is released from the striker 20, and the striker 20 is released from within the hook groove 510, thereby releasing the locking between the claw 500 and the striker 20.

[0036] In this way, the present invention does not have separate motors for cinching operation and release operation, but instead uses a single motor 100 to perform cinching and release operations, thereby reducing the number of parts, reducing the cost and weight of the device and improving operability.

[0037] 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of operating the claw 500 from an unlocked state to a half-locked state according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b. Referring to FIG. 4, a hook groove 510 is formed on the outer surface of the claw 500 facing the striker 20, and as the striker 20 enters the hook groove 510, the claw 500 rotates around the rotation axis, so that the claw 500 is fastened to the striker 20 in a half-locked state. For this, the left-right position of the rotation axis provided on the claw 500 and the left-right position of the striker 20 must be separated by a certain distance, and the left-right position of the entrance of the hook groove 510 in the unlocked state must match the left-right position of the striker 20.

[0038] That is, when the tailgate is closed from an open unlocked state, as the tailgate moves downward, the upper surface of the entrance of the hook groove 510 of the claw 500 is pushed by the striker 20 due to the tailgate's own weight. Therefore, the claw 500 rotates around its rotation axis due to the pressing force of the striker 20, and the striker 20 enters the hook groove 510, resulting in a half-locked state in which the striker 20 is about half-fastened inside the hook groove 510.

[0039] In the present invention, when the half-lock state is reached, it is detected and the cinch is activated. For this purpose, the present invention further includes a half-lock detection sensor 520 for detecting the half-lock position of the claw 500, and a controller CRL for controlling the motor 100 to rotate in the cinching direction when the half-lock position is detected.

[0040] 10 and 12, a half-lock detection protrusion 530 is formed around the rotation axis of the claw 500, and the half-lock detection sensor 520 can detect the half-lock state depending on whether the half-lock detection protrusion 530 is detected. For example, an arc-shaped half-lock detection protrusion 530 is formed around the rotation axis of the claw 500, and the half-lock detection sensor 520 is provided on a side of the half-lock detection protrusion 530. Therefore, if the half-lock detection sensor 520 detects the half-lock detection protrusion 530, it is determined that the claw is in a state other than the half-lock state, and if the half-lock detection sensor 520 cannot detect the half-lock detection protrusion 530, it is determined that the claw is in the half-lock state. Of course, the structure for detecting the half-lock state is not limited to the half-lock detection protrusion 530, and the half-lock state can be detected by detecting the movement of a specific part in the half-lock state in addition to the half-lock detection protrusion 530.

[0041] The controller CRL according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is implemented by a non-volatile memory (not shown) configured to store data regarding algorithms configured to control the operation of various components of a vehicle or software instructions for reproducing the algorithms, and a processor (not shown) configured to perform operations described below using the data stored in the memory. Here, the memory and the processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip integrated with each other. The processor may have the form of one or more processors.

[0042] In addition, the present invention may be configured to restrict the rotation of the claw 500 in the half-locked state in a direction to release the claw 500 from the striker 20. Referring to Fig. 4b, a first restraining protrusion 540 is formed on the outer surface of the claw 500 toward the pole unit, and a locking protrusion 610 is formed on the outer surface of the pole unit toward the claw 500, and when the claw 500 is in the half-locked position, the locking protrusion 610 engages with the first restraining protrusion 540 to restrict the rotation of the claw 500 in the release direction.

[0043] For example, a first restraining protrusion 540 is formed on the outer surface of the rotation direction in which the claw 500 cinches based on the hook groove 510 of the claw 500. The pawl unit includes a pawl 600 at the lower end and a pawl lever 700 at the upper end, and a locking protrusion 610 is formed toward the claw 500 on one surface of the pawl 600 facing the claw 500. That is, in the half-locked state, the locking protrusion 610 formed on the pawl 600 engages with the first restraining protrusion 540 formed on the claw 500, thereby preventing the claw 500 from rotating in the release direction.

[0044] Meanwhile, Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a process of cinching operation by the motor 100 in a half-locked state of the claw 500 according to the present invention. Fig. 5 is shown in Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, and Fig. 5c. Referring to the drawings, a cinching protrusion 310 is formed on a part of the circumferential direction of the cinching gear 300, and a part of the link mechanism 400 is located on the rotation path of the cinching protrusion 310, and the cinching protrusion 310 applies a pressing force to the link mechanism 400 as it rotates. For example, a circular cinching protrusion 310 is protruded from one surface of the cinching gear 300, and the cinching protrusion 310 presses the link mechanism 400 during the rotation of the cinching gear 300.

[0045] In other words, when the motor 100 is operated to rotate the release gear 200 in the forward direction, the cinching gear 300 rotates in the reverse direction, and the cinching protrusion 310 pushes the link mechanism 400 located on its rotation path toward the claw 500, thereby causing the mechanism 400 to move while rotating within a predetermined radius of motion.

[0046] 6 is a diagram showing the operation process of the link mechanism 400 shown in FIG. 5. To explain the structure of the link mechanism 400 in detail, the link mechanism 400 includes a crank lever 410 having one end connected to the first fixed hinge shaft hf1 and the other end connected to the first rotating hinge shaft hr1, a coupler lever 420 having one end connected to the first rotating hinge shaft hr1 and the other end connected to the second rotating hinge shaft hr2, and a follower lever 430 having one end connected to the second fixed hinge shaft hf2 and the other end connected to the second rotating hinge shaft hr2. Thus, the outer surface of the crank lever 410 is pressed by the cinching protrusion 310, and the first rotating hinge shaft hr1 and the second rotating hinge shaft hr2 rotate around the first fixed hinge shaft hf1 and the second fixed hinge shaft hf2, and the levers rotate.

[0047] Therefore, the first fixed hinge shaft hf1 and the second fixed hinge shaft hf2 are fixed in position even when the link mechanism 400 is operated, whereas the first rotating hinge shaft hr1 and the second rotating hinge shaft hr2 move in conjunction with the movement of the lever and change position. In addition, in the case of the crank lever 410, since the cinching protrusion 310 is pressed in a contacting state, the entire length of the crank lever 410 can be extended to the position of the maximum radius of the cinching protrusion 310. In addition, one surface of the crank lever 410 that contacts the cinching protrusion 310 is formed in a concave arc shape, so that the cinching protrusion 310 can be configured to smoothly slide along the crank lever 410.

[0048] Also, referring to Figures 5a, 5b and 5c, the claw 500 further includes a cinching lever 440 having one end connected to the second rotating hinge axis hr2 and a cinching shaft 442 fixed to the other end, and a cinching spring 450 that provides an elastic force to the cinching lever 440 so that the cinching shaft 442 rotates toward the claw 500 around the second rotating hinge axis hr2.

[0049] Thus, a locking protrusion 550 is formed on one side of the outer surface of the claw 500, and as the cinching lever 440 rotates toward the claw 500, the cinching shaft 442 engages with the locking protrusion 550, causing the claw 500 to rotate in a direction in which it is fastened to the striker 20. For example, the locking protrusion 550 is formed on the outer surface of the claw 500 opposite to the hook groove 510. The cinching spring 450 can be a torsion spring, which is inserted into the second fixed hinge axis hf2, which is the rotation axis of the claw 500, with one end supported by the housing of the latch mechanism 10 and the other end hanging on the cinching lever 440 adjacent to the cinching shaft 442.

[0050] Therefore, when the claw 500 rotates in the cinching operation direction, the elastic force of the cinching spring 450 moves the cinching shaft 442 toward the claw 500, causing the cinching shaft 442 to engage with the locking protrusion 550 formed on the claw 500, and in this state, the cinching gear 300 continues to rotate in the cinching operation direction, causing the cinching shaft 442 to rotate the claw 500. In addition, when the cinching shaft 442 is disengaged from the locking protrusion 550, the cinching spring 450 also serves to provide an elastic force to the link mechanism 400, causing the link mechanism 400 to move back toward the cinching gear 300.

[0051] Meanwhile, Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a process of a release operation by the motor 100 in a fully locked state according to the present invention. Fig. 8 is shown in Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b. Referring to Fig. 8, a release protrusion 210 is formed at a circumferential portion of the release gear 200. The pawl unit includes a pawl 600 arranged to face the claw 500 and rotate around a rotation axis, and a pawl lever 700 having one end positioned on the rotation path of the release protrusion 210 and interfering with the release protrusion 210, and the other end at the end of the pawl 600, which rotates independently when the release gear 200 rotates in the cinching direction and rotates together with the pawl 600 when the release gear 200 rotates in the release direction.

[0052] For example, the release protrusion 210 is formed on one surface of the release gear 200 in a part of the rotation path of the release gear 200. The pole lever 700 is located within the rotation radius of the release gear 200, and the pole lever 700 does not rotate in the release direction based on the upper end of the pole 600, but only rotates in the cinching direction. That is, when the release gear 200 rotates in the release direction, the release protrusion 210 engages with the pole lever 700, and the pole 600 and the pole lever 700 rotate together around the rotation axis of the pole 600. Of course, if the release gear 200 rotates in the cinching direction, the release protrusion 210 engages with the pole lever 700, but the pole lever 700 rotates alone and the pole 600 does not rotate.

[0053] 10, the pole lever 700 may further include a pole lever spring 710 that provides elastic force to the pole lever 700 in a direction in which the pole lever 700 rotates independently with respect to the pole 600. For example, the pole lever spring 710 may be a torsion spring, and may be inserted into a rotating shaft that connects the pole lever 700 and the pole 600, and may provide elastic force in a rotating direction in which the pole lever 700 is released.

[0054] 8A and 8B, a stopper 620 is formed between the pole 600 and the pole lever 700, and the stopper 620 may be formed on the rotation path of the pole lever 700 that rotates together with the pole 600. For example, a triangular stopper 620 is formed on one side of a rotation shaft that is axially coupled to the upper end of the pole 600, so that when the release protrusion 210 pushes the pole lever 700 during the release rotation of the release protrusion 210, the pole lever 700 is caught by the stopper 620 and cannot rotate independently, and the pole 600 rotates together with the pole lever 700.

[0055] Meanwhile, the present invention is configured to detect when the claw 500 is engaged with the striker 20 in a full-lock state and stop the motor 100. To this end, the present invention further includes a full-lock detection sensor 320 that detects the full-lock position of the claw 500 when the claw 500 is engaged with the striker 20 in a full-lock state by the cinching operation of the motor 100, and a controller CRL that controls the motor 100 to stop when the full-lock position is detected.

[0056] 10 and 12, a full lock detection protrusion 330 is formed around the rotation axis of the cinching gear 300, and the full lock detection sensor 320 can detect the full lock state depending on whether or not the full lock detection protrusion 330 is detected. For example, a triangular full lock detection protrusion 330 is formed on one side of the rotation axis of the cinching gear 300, and the full lock detection sensor 320 is provided on the side of the full lock detection protrusion 330. Therefore, when the full lock detection sensor 320 detects the full lock detection protrusion 330, it is determined that the full lock state exists, and when the full lock detection sensor 320 does not detect the full lock detection protrusion 330, it is determined that the state exists other than the full lock state.

[0057] Of course, the structure for detecting the full-lock state is not limited to the full-lock detection protrusion 330, and the full-lock state can be detected by detecting the movement of a specific part in the full-lock state in addition to the full-lock detection protrusion 330. In addition, the pinion 220 is fixed to the rotation shaft of the release gear 200, and the pinion 220 is externally engaged with the cinching gear 300 to form a predetermined reduction gear ratio, and when the motor 100 rotates in the cinching direction according to the reduction gear ratio and the full-lock detection sensor 320 detects the full-lock detection protrusion 330, the full-lock state can be detected.

[0058] For example, the pinion 220 and the cinching gear 300 may be formed with a gear ratio of 3:1. In this case, when the pinion 220 rotates three times, the cinching gear 300 rotates one time. That is, the present invention detects the full-lock state by forming only one full-lock detection protrusion 330 on the rotation shaft of the cinching gear 300. In order to realize this, the cinching gear 300 may be configured to rotate only one time from the start of the half-lock state to the end of the full-lock state. Therefore, the full-lock state may be detected by only one full-lock detection protrusion 330 depending on the design of the gear ratio of the pinion 220 and the cinching gear 300.

[0059] 7 is a diagram showing the full lock state of the claw 500 according to the present invention. Referring to the figure, a second restraining protrusion 560 is formed on the outer surface of the claw 500 toward the pole unit, and a locking protrusion 610 is formed on the outer surface of the pole unit toward the claw 500, and the locking protrusion 610 can be configured to engage with the second restraining protrusion 560 at the full lock position of the claw 500 to restrict the rotation of the claw 500 in the release direction. For example, the second restraining protrusion 560 is formed in a protruding shape on the outer surface in the rotation direction in which the claw 500 cinches based on the hook groove 510 of the claw 500. For reference, the second restraining protrusion 560 is formed between the first restraining protrusion 540 and the hook groove 510. And, the locking protrusion 610 is formed toward the claw 500 on one side of the pole 600 facing the claw 500.

[0060] That is, in the full lock state, the locking protrusion 610 formed on the pole 600 engages with the second restraining protrusion 560 formed on the claw 500, thereby preventing the claw 500 from rotating in the release direction in the state where it is fully fastened to the striker 20. In addition, the locking protrusion 610 is formed on the upper end of the rotation shaft of the pole 600. The present invention further includes a pole spring 630 that provides elastic force to the pole 600 so that the locking protrusion 610 rotates toward the claw 500, and a claw spring 570 that provides elastic force to the claw 500 in the rotation direction in which the claw 500 is released. For example, the pole spring 630 may be a torsion spring, which is inserted into the rotation shaft of the pole 600, one end of which is supported by the housing of the latch mechanism 10, and the other end of which is engaged with the upper end of the pole 600.

[0061] Therefore, the elastic force of the pole spring 630 applies a force that always rotates the upper end of the pole 600 toward the claw 500, so that the locking protrusion 610 maintains a state of being engaged with both the second restraining protrusion 560 and the first restraining protrusion 540 of the claw 500, restricting the rotation of the claw 500 in the release direction. In addition, the claw spring 570 may be a torsion spring, and is inserted into the second fixed hinge shaft hf2, which is the rotation shaft of the claw 500, with one end supported by the housing of the latch mechanism 10 and the other end engaged with the claw 500. Therefore, due to the elastic force of the claw spring 570, a force is always applied to rotate the claw 500 in the rotational direction in which it is released, so that when the first restraining protrusion 540 and the second restraining protrusion 560 are engaged with the locking protrusion 610 of the pole 600, the fastened state of the claw 500 is stably maintained, and when the first restraining protrusion 540 and the second restraining protrusion 560 are disengaged from the locking protrusion 610 of the pole 600, the claw 500 is rotated in the release direction to return the claw 500 to the unlocked state.

[0062] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8 as well as FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, when the pawl lever 700 and the pawl 600 rotate together by the release protrusion 210 due to the release operation of the motor 100 and the claw 500 is released from the striker 20, the controller CRL can control the motor 100 to stop when detecting the unlocked position by the unlock detection sensor 640 which detects the unlocked position of the pawl 600.

[0063] Specifically, an unlock detection protrusion 650 is formed around the rotation axis of the pole 600, and the unlock detection sensor 640 can detect the unlocked state depending on whether or not the unlock detection protrusion 650 is detected. For example, an arc-shaped unlock detection protrusion 650 is formed around the rotation axis of the pole 600, and the unlock detection sensor 640 is provided on a side of the unlock detection protrusion 650. Therefore, when the unlock detection sensor 640 detects the unlock detection protrusion 650, it is determined to be in the unlocked state, and when the unlock detection sensor 640 does not detect the unlock detection protrusion 650, it is determined to be in a state other than the unlocked state.

[0064] The state where the unlocked state is detected by the unlock detection sensor 640 may be a state where the release protrusion 210 rotates in the release direction, causing the release protrusion 210 to rotate the pole lever 700 and the pole 600 together, and the outer edge of the release protrusion 210 to contact the pole lever 700. Of course, the structure for detecting the unlocked state is not limited to the unlock detection protrusion 650, and the unlocked state may be detected by detecting the movement of a specific part in the unlocked state in addition to the unlock detection protrusion 650. In addition, the controller CRL may stop the motor 100 by detecting the unlocked position of the pole 600, and then control the motor 100 to return before the release operation after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0065] That is, after the motor 100 stops, the release protrusion 210 keeps pushing the pole lever 700 for a predetermined time, creating a condition in which the claw 500 is not bound to the pole 600. Therefore, even if the tailgate sags toward the striker 20 due to its own weight, the claw 500 is not re-fastened to the striker 20, preventing unintended locking of the claw 500.

[0066] Meanwhile, Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a process of a release operation by the motor 100 in the cinching operation process according to the present invention. Fig. 9 is shown in Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b. Referring to Fig. 9, the pawl 600 may further include an interrupt lever 800 that presses one end and rotates around the center to push up the cinching shaft 442 that is engaged with the locking protrusion 550 of the claw 500 by the release operation, thereby disengaging the pawl 600. For example, the central rotation axis of the interrupt lever 800 is coupled to the first fixed hinge axis hf1, and one end of the interrupt lever 800 is bent upward, so that the upper end of the pawl 600 is located in the direction of release rotation. Therefore, the release protrusion 210 can press the pawl 600 together with the pawl lever 700 by rotating the release gear 200 in the release direction to press one end of the interrupt lever 800.

[0067] The other end of the interrupt lever 800 is located at least under the locking protrusion 550 when the claw 500 and the striker 20 are in a fully locked state. That is, when a release signal is applied during the cinching operation process by the operation of the motor 100, the release protrusion 210 rotates in the release direction to rotate the pawl 600 together with the pawl lever 700. Thus, the upper end of the pawl 600 presses one end of the interrupt lever 800, so that the other end is raised around the center of the interrupt lever 800, and the other end of the interrupt lever 800 pushes up the cinching shaft 442, so that the cinching shaft 442 is disengaged from the locking protrusion 550 of the claw 500. Therefore, the elastic force of the claw spring 570 rotates the claw 500 in the unlocking direction, so that the claw 500 can be disengaged from the striker 20.

[0068] In addition, one end of the interrupt lever 800 may further include an interrupt lever spring 810 that provides elastic force in a direction in which the interrupt lever 800 rotates toward the pawl lever 700. That is, after the interrupt lever 800 pushes the cinching shaft 442 to disengage the claw 500 from the striker 20, the interrupt lever 800 rotates to return to its original position by the interrupt lever spring 810.

[0069] Meanwhile, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which an emergency lever is combined with the latch mechanism 10 according to the present invention, and Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining a process of releasing by the emergency lever according to the present invention. Fig. 11 is shown in Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b. Referring to Fig. 11, the latch mechanism 10 further includes an emergency lever 900 which rotates around a center, has one end outside the latch mechanism 10, and the other end inside the pole lever 700, and rotates the pole lever 700 in a release rotation direction by rotating one end. That is, when the emergency lever 900 is manually operated to release during the cinching operation process by the operation of the motor 100, the other end of the emergency lever 900 rotates the pole lever 700 in the release direction, and the pole 600 rotates together with the pole lever 700.

[0070] Therefore, when the upper end of the pawl 600 presses one end of the interrupt lever 800, the other end of the interrupt lever 800 is raised around the center of the interrupt lever 800, and the other end of the interrupt lever 800 pushes up the cinching shaft 442, which is disengaged from the locking projection 550 of the claw 500. Therefore, the elastic force of the claw spring 570 rotates the claw 500 in the unlocking direction, and the claw 500 can be disengaged from the striker 20.

[0071] <Power cinching operation> The operation of power cinching by the motor 100 after switching from the unlocked state to the half-locked state will now be described.

[0072] When the tailgate is lowered in the unlocked state as shown in Fig. 4a in the closing direction, the upper surface of the entrance of the hook groove 510 of the claw 500 is pushed by the striker 20 due to the weight of the tailgate. Then, as shown in Fig. 4b, the claw 500 rotates around the rotation axis due to the force of the striker 20 pressing the claw 500. Therefore, as the striker 20 enters the hook groove 510, the locking protrusion 610 engages with the first restraining protrusion 540 to restrain the rotation of the claw 500, so that the striker 20 is half-locked into the hook groove 510.

[0073] In this half-locked state, as shown in FIG. 5a, the motor 100 rotates to rotate the release protrusion 210 in the clockwise direction, and the cinching gear 300 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, the cinching protrusion 310 rotates together and pushes the crank lever 410 downward, causing the link mechanism 400 to rotate. In particular, as the link mechanism 400 rotates downward, the cinching lever 440 has a clockwise torque due to the elastic force of the cinching spring 450, and the cinching shaft 442 coupled to the cinching lever 440 is caught by the locking protrusion 550 formed on the claw 500 and is restrained. In this state, as shown in FIG. 5b, the cinching gear 300 continues to rotate and pushes the crank lever 410, causing the cinching shaft 442 to rotate the claw 500 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0074] At this time, the release protrusion 210 formed on the release gear 200 pushes the pole lever 700, but since the release protrusion 210 rotates in the clockwise direction of the release, the pole 600 does not rotate, and only the pole lever 700 rotates. When the cinching gear 300 rotates one revolution in the counterclockwise direction due to this cinching operation, the claw 500 rotates beyond the full lock point as shown in Figure 5c. At this time, the pole 600 rotates in a direction that restrains the claw 500 due to the elastic force of the pole spring 630.

[0075] Then, when the cinching protrusion 310 continues to rotate and no longer presses the crank lever 410, the link mechanism 400 and the claw 500 rotate to restore their original positions due to the elastic forces of the cinching spring 450 and the claw spring 570. The locking protrusion 610 formed on the pole 600 engages with the second restraining protrusion 560 of the claw 500, maintaining the full-lock state as shown in Fig. 7. When the controller CRL detects the full-lock state, it stops the motor 100 and completes the power cinching operation.

[0076] <Power release activated> Next, the operation of the power release in the full-lock state using the motor 100 will be described. When a release signal is applied in the full-lock state of Fig. 7, the motor 100 rotates to rotate the release gear 200 counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 8a. Therefore, the release protrusion 210 rotates counterclockwise together with the release gear 200 and pushes the pole lever 700. At this time, the pole lever 700 rotates together with the pole 600 around the rotation axis by the stopper 620. Then, the locking protrusion 610 of the pole 600 is disengaged from the second constraining protrusion 560 of the claw 500, and the constraint of the claw 500 is released.

[0077] Therefore, the claw 500 rotates clockwise, i.e., in the unlocking direction, due to the elastic force of the claw spring 570, and the striker 20 is released from the restraint of the claw 500, and the locking between the claw 500 and the striker 20 is released. When the controller CRL detects the unlocked state, it stops the motor 100, so that the release protrusion 210 pushes the pawl lever 700 and maintains that state for a predetermined time. This is to prevent the claw 500 from being locked by the striker 20 again if it sags due to the weight of the tailgate.

[0078] 8b, after a predetermined time has elapsed to allow the tailgate to move to an open position, the motor 100 is operated to rotate the release gear 200 clockwise to return, so that the release protrusion 210 separates from the pole lever 700, and the pole rotates to return toward the claw 500 by the pole spring 630. When the controller CRL detects that the pole 600 is rotating to return, it stops the motor 100, completing the release operation.

[0079] <Power interrupt release activated> Next, the operation will be described when a release signal is applied to the controller CRL during power cinching operation using the motor 100. If a release signal is detected during power cinching operation as shown in Fig. 5c, the motor 100 is operated in reverse to rotate the release gear 200 counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 9a. Therefore, the release protrusion 210 rotates counterclockwise together with the release gear 200 and pushes the pole lever 700. In this case, the pole lever 700 rotates around the rotation axis together with the pole 600 by the stopper 620, and in particular, the pole 600 rotating together with the pole lever 700 pushes the interrupt lever 800 to rotate it.

[0080] Then, the other end of the interrupt lever 800 rotates in a direction to push up the cinching shaft 442, and the cinching shaft 442 is disengaged from the locking protrusion 550, thereby releasing the restraint of the claw 500. Therefore, the claw 500 rotates clockwise, i.e., in the unlocking direction, by the elastic force of the claw spring 570, and the striker 20 is released from the restraint of the claw 500, and the locking of the claw 500 and the striker 20 is released. In this case, if the controller CRL detects the unlocked state, it stops the motor 100, so that the release protrusion 210 pushes the pawl lever 700 and maintains that state for a predetermined time. This is to prevent the claw 500 from being locked by the striker 20 again if it sags due to the weight of the tailgate.

[0081] 9b, after a predetermined time has elapsed to allow the tailgate to move to an open position, the motor 100 is operated to rotate the release gear 200 clockwise to return, so that the release protrusion 210 separates from the pole lever 700, and the pole 600 rotates to return toward the claw 500 by the pole spring 630. When the controller CRL detects that the pole 600 is rotating to return, it stops the motor 100, completing the release operation.

[0082] <Manual interrupt release operation> Next, the operation of manually releasing the pawl lever 900 during the power cinching operation using the motor 100 will be described. When the emergency lever 900 is operated during the power cinching operation as shown in Fig. 5c, one end of the emergency lever 900 directly rotates the pawl lever 700 counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 11a. In this case, the pawl lever 700 rotates around the rotation axis together with the pawl 600 by the stopper 620, and in particular, the pawl 600 rotating together with the pawl lever 700 pushes the interrupt lever 800 to rotate it. Then, the other end of the interrupt lever 800 rotates in a direction to push up the cinching shaft 442, so that the cinching shaft 442 is disengaged from the locking protrusion 550, and thus the restraint of the claw 500 is released.

[0083] Therefore, the claw 500 rotates clockwise, i.e., in the unlocking direction, due to the elastic force of the claw spring 570, the striker 20 is released from the restraint of the claw 500, and the locking between the claw 500 and the striker 20 is released, completing the release operation.

[0084] As described above, the present invention does not have separate motors for cinching and releasing, but instead uses a single motor 100 to perform cinching and releasing operations, thereby reducing the number of parts, thereby reducing the cost and weight of the device and improving the operability of the product, thereby improving the product defect rate and reducing field complaints. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Latch mechanism 20 Striker 100 Motor 110 Worm Gear 200 Release Gear 210 Release protrusion 220 Pinion 300 Cinching Gear 310 Cinching protrusion 320 Full lock detection sensor 330 Full lock sensing protrusion 400 Link mechanism 410 Crank Lever 420 Coupler Lever 430 Follower Lever 440 Cinching Lever 442 Cinching shaft 450 Cinching Spring 500 kr 510 Hook groove 520 Half lock detection sensor 530 Half-lock detection protrusion 540 1st restraint protrusion 550 Locking protrusion 560 2nd restraining protrusion 570 Claw Spring 600 pole 610 Locking protrusion 620 Stopper 630 Pole Spring 640 Unlock detection sensor 650 Unlock sensing protrusion 700 Pole Lever 710 Pole Lever Spring 800 Interrupt Lever 810 Interrupt Lever Spring 900 Emergency Lever CRL controller hf1 1st fixed hinge axis hr1 1st rotation hinge axis hf2 Second fixed hinge axis hr2 Second rotation hinge axis

Claims

1. A release gear that rotates forward and backward for cinching or releasing by the torque of the motor; a cinching gear that rotates in mesh with the release gear; a link mechanism that receives a force from the cinching gear during the cinching operation rotation process of the cinching gear and rotates toward the claw; a claw that is engaged with the link mechanism during the cinching operation rotation of the link mechanism and rotates together with the link mechanism to be fastened to the striker; a pawl unit including a pawl arranged to face the claw and rotating about a rotation axis, the pawl being engaged with the claw to restrict rotation of the claw in the release direction when the claw is fastened to the striker, and configured to rotate together with the release gear only when the release gear rotates in the release direction, allowing rotation of the claw in the release direction; and an interrupt lever that, when actuated by the release operation, presses one end of the pole, rotates around the center, and pushes up the cinching shaft whose other end is engaged with the engaging protrusion of the claw, thereby disengaging the cinching shaft.

2. A hook groove is formed on the outer surface of the claw facing the striker, 2. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein as the striker enters the hook groove, the claw rotates about the rotation axis, and the claw is engaged with the striker in a half-locked state.

3. A half-lock detection sensor that detects the half-lock position of the claw; 3. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 2, further comprising a controller for controlling the motor to rotate in a cinching operation direction when the half-lock position is detected.

4. A half-lock detection protrusion is formed around the rotation axis of the claw, 4. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 3, wherein the half-lock detection sensor detects the half-lock state based on whether or not a half-lock detection protrusion is detected.

5. A cinching protrusion is formed on a portion of the cinching gear in the circumferential direction, 2. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein a part of a link mechanism is located on a rotation path of the cinching protrusion, and the cinching protrusion applies a pressing force to the link mechanism as it rotates.

6. The link mechanism includes: a crank lever having one end connected to a first fixed hinge shaft and another end connected to a first rotating hinge shaft; a coupler lever having one end connected to the first rotating hinge shaft and the other end connected to the second rotating hinge shaft; a follower lever having one end connected to the second fixed hinge shaft and the other end connected to the second rotating hinge shaft; 6. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 5, wherein an outer surface of the crank lever is pressed by a cinching protrusion, and the first rotating hinge shaft and the second rotating hinge shaft rotate around the first fixed hinge shaft and the second fixed hinge shaft, thereby rotating the crank lever, the coupler lever and the follower lever.

7. a cinching lever having one end connected to the second rotating hinge shaft and the other end to which a cinching shaft is fixed; a cinching spring that provides an elastic force to the cinching lever so that the cinching shaft rotates toward the claw about the second rotation hinge axis, 7. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 6, wherein a locking protrusion is formed on one side of an outer surface of the claw, and the cinching shaft is engaged with the locking protrusion in the process of the cinching lever rotating toward the claw, and the claw rotates in a direction in which it is fastened to the striker.

8. A release protrusion is formed on a circumferential portion of the release gear, The pole unit comprises: and a pole lever, one end of which is located on the rotation path of the release protrusion and interferes with the release protrusion, and the other end of which is an end of a pole and which rotates independently when the release gear rotates in the cinching direction and rotates together with the pole when the release gear rotates in the release direction.

9. 9. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 8, wherein a stopper is formed between the pole and the pole lever, and the stopper is formed on a rotation path of the pole lever which rotates together with the pole.

10. a full lock detection sensor for detecting a full lock position of the claw when the claw is engaged with the striker in a full lock state by the cinching operation of the motor; The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 8, further comprising: a controller that controls the motor to stop when the full lock position is detected.

11. A full lock detection protrusion is formed around the rotation axis of the cinching gear, 11. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 10, wherein the full lock detection sensor detects the full lock state based on whether or not a full lock detection protrusion is detected.

12. A pinion is fixed to the rotation shaft of the release gear, The pinion is circumscribingly engaged with the cinching gear to form a predetermined reduction gear ratio, The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 11, wherein the motor is rotated in a cinching direction according to the reduction gear ratio, and the full lock state is established when the full lock detection sensor detects a full lock detection protrusion.

13. The pawl lever and the pawl are rotated together by the release protrusion due to the release operation of the motor, and the claw is released from the striker. When this occurs, an unlock detection sensor detects an unlock position of the pawl. The tailgate opening and closing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the controller controls the motor to stop when the unlocked position is detected.

14. An unlock detection protrusion is formed around the rotation axis of the pole, 14. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 13, wherein the unlock detection sensor detects the unlocked state based on whether or not an unlock detection protrusion is detected.

15. 14. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 13, wherein the controller detects the unlocked position of the pole and stops the motor, and then controls the motor to return to a state before the release operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the controller stopped the motor.

16. 2. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the release gear in the release direction causes the release protrusion to push the pole together with the pole lever, thereby pressing one end of the interrupt lever.

17. 2. The tailgate opening and closing device according to claim 1, further comprising an emergency lever that rotates around a central portion, has one end provided outside the latch mechanism and the other end located inside the pole lever, and when the one end is rotated, the other end rotates the pole lever in the release rotation direction.

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