Electronic lock transmission structure, electronic lock, and motor vehicle

Abstract

An electronic lock transmission structure, an electronic lock, and a motor vehicle. The electronic lock transmission structure comprises: a driving device (1), provided with an output shaft (2); a transmission mechanism, comprising an input end and an output end, the input end being a transmission component connected to the output shaft (2), and the output end being a cam device (4); and a lock rod (5), having one end being a free end, and the other end connected to the cam device (4). Rotation of the output shaft (2) is converted into reciprocating motion of the lock rod (5) by means of the transmission mechanism. According to the electronic lock transmission structure, a first worm (3) and a second worm (62) are used for transmission, such that a large reduction ratio can be provided, thereby outputting large ejection force. Moreover, the electronic lock is provided with a rack (8), and the rack (8) can drive a first gear (61) to be separated from the first worm (3) when the transmission mechanism of the whole electronic lock is stuck, such that the electronic lock is reset.

Description

Electronic lock transmission structure, electronic lock and motor vehicle

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202122387018.X, filed on September 30, 2021, with subject name “Electronic lock transmission structure, electronic lock and motor vehicle”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic lock manufacturing, and more particularly to an electronic lock transmission structure, an electronic lock and a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0003] With the booming automotive industry, new energy electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their clean energy, quiet operation, and zero emissions. The charging cables associated with these EVs play a crucial role in electric vehicles, and are therefore receiving increasing attention from manufacturers. Furthermore, the widespread use of charging cables has led to a growing interest in electronic locks that function with them, resulting in a diverse range of electronic locks. In this highly competitive market, the stability, sensitivity, energy efficiency, and durability of these locks have become key research priorities for manufacturers. As is well known, electronic locks typically utilize tiny motors with relatively low currents. To achieve their high torque, these micromotors typically rotate at high speeds. The drive mechanism in these traditional electronic locks generates friction due to the interlocking of the transmission mechanism and the conversion of circular rotation into linear motion. This significantly consumes energy and motor torque, resulting in a shortened battery life, noise generation, wear of the micromotor gears, and instability of the electronic lock drive mechanism. Therefore, for safety reasons, major OEMs have set the ejection force of electronic locks as an important core requirement. However, current electronic locks all have straight teeth, helical teeth, bevel teeth and other structures, with generally small reduction ratios and insufficient ejection force. Therefore, a new solution is urgently needed in the existing technology to solve the above problems.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an electronic lock structure with high ejection force.

[0006] The present invention provides an electronic lock transmission structure, comprising:

[0007] a drive device having an output shaft;

[0008] A transmission mechanism, comprising an input end and an output end, wherein the input end is a transmission assembly connected to the output shaft, and the output end is a cam device;

[0009] a locking rod, one end of which is free and the other end of which is connected to the cam device;

[0010] The rotation of the output shaft is converted into the reciprocating motion of the locking rod through the transmission mechanism.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the reciprocating motion is one or more of telescoping, translation, rotation, swinging, bending, and twisting.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission component is a first worm gear.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the output torque of the output shaft is 2.4 N·mm to 10.8 N·mm.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the output power of the driving device is 0.65W to 6.2W.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission mechanism further includes a transmission gear and an output gear, the transmission gear including a first gear meshing with the first worm and a second worm coaxially arranged with the first gear; the output gear includes a second gear meshing with the second worm, and a cam device arranged on one side end face of the second gear or on an extension shaft of the second gear, the cam device is provided with a transmission shaft, and the axis of the transmission shaft is parallel to but does not overlap with the axis of the second gear.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission ratio between the driving device and the second gear is 35 / 1 to 155 / 1.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation angle of the cam device is 18° to 95°.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, a mounting hole is provided at one end of the locking rod connected to the cam device, the mounting hole is in a closed or open state, the transmission shaft is provided in the mounting hole, and the transmission shaft can drive the mounting hole and drive the locking rod to reciprocate.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the mounting hole and the outer surface of the transmission shaft have a wear-resistant coating; the tooth surfaces of the first worm, the second worm, the first gear, and the second gear have a wear-resistant coating.

[0020] The present invention also provides an electronic lock, comprising an electronic lock housing and an electronic lock transmission structure as described above, wherein the electronic lock transmission structure is arranged in the electronic lock housing, a lock hole is provided on the electronic lock housing, and the lock rod extends from the lock hole and reciprocates; the electronic lock also includes a rack and a handle, a rotating shaft is provided on the rack, a rotating hole is provided on the axis of the first gear on the side opposite to the second worm, the rotating hole is sleeved on the rotating shaft, a third gear meshing with the rack is provided, a control rod is provided on the axis of the third gear, one end of the control rod extends out of the electronic lock housing and is connected to the handle.

[0021] The present invention also provides a motor vehicle, comprising the electronic lock transmission structure and / or the electronic lock as described above.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic lock transmission structure disclosed herein utilizes a first worm and a second worm, providing a large reduction ratio and thereby outputting a greater ejection force. The electronic lock disclosed herein includes a rack that can disengage the first gear from the first worm if the entire electronic lock transmission mechanism becomes stuck, thereby resetting the electronic lock.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0025] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic lock transmission structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of an electronic lock transmission structure of the present invention.

[0027] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0028] 1. Driving device;

[0029] 2. Output shaft;

[0030] 3. First worm gear;

[0031] 4. Cam device;

[0032] 41. Drive shaft;

[0033] 5. Locking rod;

[0034] 51. Mounting hole;

[0035] 61, first gear;

[0036] 62. Second worm gear;

[0037] 7. Second gear;

[0038] 8. Rack;

[0039] 81. Rotating shaft;

[0040] 9. Third gear;

[0041] 91. Control lever;

[0042] 92. Handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0044] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0045] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0046] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0047] An electronic lock transmission structure, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, includes:

[0048] A drive device 1 having an output shaft 2;

[0049] The transmission mechanism comprises an input end and an output end connected in sequence, wherein the input end is a transmission assembly connected to the output shaft 2, and the output end is a cam device 4;

[0050] A locking rod 5, one end of which is free and the other end is connected to the cam device 4;

[0051] The rotation of the output shaft 2 is converted into the reciprocating motion of the locking rod 5 through the transmission mechanism.

[0052] Furthermore, the transmission component is a first worm 3 .

[0053] In this embodiment, the drive device 1 is a drive motor, and the transmission assembly is a first worm gear 3. When the drive motor is operating, the output shaft 2 rotates. The input and output ends of the transmission mechanism connected to the output shaft 2 cooperate to convert the rotation of the output shaft 2 into reciprocating motion of the locking rod 5, thereby enabling the locking rod 5 to engage the keyhole to complete the unlocking and unlocking actions.

[0054] Specifically, the reciprocating motion is one or more of telescoping, translation, rotation, swinging, bending, and twisting. The motion mode can be selected according to the actual use environment, as long as the reciprocating motion of the locking rod 5 can be achieved.

[0055] In one embodiment, the output torque of the output shaft 2 is 2.4 N·mm to 10.8 N·mm.

[0056] The output torque of the drive device 1 determines the magnitude of the force applied to the transmission mechanism. If the torque is insufficient, the lock rod 5 cannot be driven to work. In order to verify the effect of drive devices 1 with different output torques on the opening and closing of the lock rod 5, the inventors conducted relevant tests. The test method is to select drive devices 1 with different output torques. The drive devices 1 with the same other structures are qualified if they can normally drive the lock rod 5 to work, and unqualified if they cannot. If the transmission structure produces abnormal noise during operation, it is also considered unqualified. The test results are shown in Table 1:

[0057] Table 1: Whether the drive device 1 with different output torques can drive the locking rod 5 to work normally

[0058] Torque (N·mm) 2.32.43.03.63.94.55.56.57.68.89.910.811 Can it work? Is there any abnormal sound?

[0059] As shown in Table 1, when the output torque of the drive device 1 is less than 2.4 N·mm, the locking rod 5 cannot be driven. Therefore, the inventors selected a minimum output torque of 2.4 N·mm for the drive device 1. When the output torque is greater than 10.8 N·mm, the locking rod 5 can still be driven, but the excessive output torque will cause abnormal noise during operation of the transmission structure. Therefore, the inventors selected an output torque of 2.4 N·mm-10.8 N·mm for the drive device 1.

[0060] Specifically, it can be 3.5N·mm, 4N·mm, 6N·mm, 8N·mm, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments, the output power of the driving device 1 is 0.65W to 6.2W.

[0062] The output power of drive unit 1 determines the operating speed of the transmission structure. Higher power levels lead to faster transmission completion, while lower power levels slow the transmission, potentially preventing the locking rod 5 from moving. To test the impact of output power on the operation of the transmission structure, the inventors conducted tests. These tests involved selecting drive units 1 with varying output power levels, each with identical transmission structures. Each drive unit 1 operated continuously for one minute, and the number of times the transmission structure completed its operation was recorded. A count of 40 or more was considered acceptable, while a count of less than 40 was considered unacceptable. Any unusual noises heard during operation were also considered unacceptable. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0063] Table 2: Effects of different output powers on the operating speed and abnormal noise of the transmission structure

[0064] Power (W) 0.60.650.70.81.52.22.93.54.34.85.56.26.4 Number of completions 38404752555861636566707171 Is there any abnormal sound? No No No No No No No No No No No Yes

[0065] As shown in Table 2, when the output power of the drive device 1 is less than 0.65W, the number of switching times completed by the transmission structure in 1 minute is less than 40 times, which is too slow and unqualified. Therefore, the inventors selected the minimum power of the drive device 1 to be 0.65W. When the output power of the drive device 1 is greater than 6.2W, the transmission structure enters a bottleneck period due to the influence of the overall design, with no significant improvement, and abnormal noise occurs. Therefore, the inventors selected the output power of the drive device 1 to be 0.65W and 6.2W. Specifically, it can be 0.9W, 0.96W, 1W, 1.08W, 2W, 3W, etc.

[0066] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism also includes a transmission gear and an output gear, the transmission gear includes a first gear 61 meshing with the first worm 3, and a second worm 62 coaxially arranged with the first gear 61; the output gear includes a second gear 7 meshing with the second worm 62, and the cam device 4 arranged on one side end face of the second gear 7 or on the extension shaft of the second gear 7, the cam device 4 is provided with a transmission shaft 41, and the axis of the transmission shaft 41 is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the second gear 7.

[0067] The drive mechanism 1 rotates the output shaft 2, causing the first worm 3 to rotate with it, and also rotating the first gear 61 meshed with the first worm 3. The second worm 62 is coaxial with the first gear 61. Driven by the first gear 61, the second worm 62 also rotates, driving the second gear 7, which in turn drives the cam mechanism 4. The cam mechanism 4 includes a transmission shaft 41, which is parallel to the axis of the second gear 7. This allows the cam mechanism 4 to drive the locking lever 5 to operate normally when the second gear 7 rotates. The first gear 61 and the second gear 7 are helical gears.

[0068] Furthermore, the transmission ratio between the driving device 1 and the second gear 7 is 35 / 1 to 155 / 1.

[0069] A too large transmission ratio between the drive device 1 and the second gear 7 requires more response time, while a too small ratio can easily cause abnormal noise due to inaccurate control. Therefore, the inventors tested various transmission ratios between the drive device 1 and the second gear 7, observing the number of times the locking rod 5 completed locking or unlocking actions within one minute. A failure was considered acceptable if the locking rod 5 completed less than 40 times. Any abnormal noise during the test also resulted in a failure. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0070] Table 3: Effect of different transmission ratios of the driving device 1 and the second gear 7 on the number of completions

[0071] Transmission ratio 30 / 135 / 150 / 165 / 170 / 188 / 1115 / 1140 / 1155 / 1160 / 1 Number of completions 38404752555861636566 Is there any abnormal noise? No No No No No No No No No Yes

[0072] As can be seen from Table 3, when the transmission ratio between the drive device 1 and the second gear 7 is too small, the locking rod 5 completes less than 40 locking or unlocking actions within 1 minute, so it is unqualified. At the same time, when the transmission ratio between the drive device 1 and the second gear 7 is greater than 155 / 1, the transmission structure has abnormal noise, which is also unqualified. Therefore, the inventors selected a transmission ratio between the drive device 1 and the second gear 7 of 35 / 1 to 155 / 1.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation angle of the cam device 4 is 18° to 95°.

[0074] The rotation angle of the cam device 4 can also determine the stroke of the locking rod 5. When the rotation angle of the cam device 4 is too small, the stroke of the locking rod 5 is insufficient and the locking work cannot be completed. When the rotation angle of the cam device 4 is too large, after the locking rod 5 is extended to the working position, the cam device 4 is still outputting the rotation force, which can easily cause damage to the transmission mechanism. In order to verify the influence of the rotation angle of the cam device 4 on the transmission structure, the inventor conducted a test. The test method is to prepare a driving device 1 with different rotation angles of the cam device 4. The other structures of the transmission structure are the same. If the stroke of the locking rod 5 can complete the locking action, it is qualified, otherwise it is unqualified. A larger rotation angle means a larger stroke of the locking rod 5, and accordingly it is necessary to increase the size of each connecting component, which can easily cause contact with other components in the transmission hook, thereby affecting the use of the transmission structure. The rotation angle of the cam device 4 in this case is also considered unqualified. The test results are shown in Table 4:

[0075] Table 4: The impact of different cam rotation angle ranges on the transmission structure function and whether they contact other devices

[0076] Rotation angle 16182836475561707883899596 Can it be locked No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Is it touched No No No No No No No No No No No Yes

[0077] As can be seen from Table 4, when the rotation angle of the cam device 4 is less than 18°, the travel of the lock rod is insufficient, and the locking operation cannot be completed. When the rotation angle of the cam device 4 is greater than 95°, unnecessary contact between the components of the transmission structure occurs, generating abnormal noise, which is also unacceptable. Therefore, the inventors selected the output end rotation angle of the cam device 4 to be 18° and 95°. Specifically, it can be 50°, 60°, 70°, or 80°, etc.

[0078] A mounting hole 51 is provided at one end of the locking rod 5 connected to the cam device 4. The mounting hole 51 is in a closed or open state. The transmission shaft 41 is provided in the mounting hole 51. The transmission shaft 41 can drive the mounting hole 51 and drive the locking rod 5 to reciprocate.

[0079] As a part of the cam device 4, the transmission shaft 41 rotates along with the rotation of the cam device 4. Taking the reciprocating motion of the locking rod 5 perpendicular to the horizontal direction as an example, when the transmission shaft 41 rotates to the upper part of the mounting hole 51, it slides in contact with the upper part of the mounting hole 51, which drives the locking rod 5 to move upward to complete the unlocking action; when the transmission shaft 41 rotates to the lower part of the mounting hole 51, it slides in contact with the lower part of the mounting hole 51, which drives the locking rod 5 to move downward to complete the locking action.

[0080] Furthermore, the inner surface of the mounting hole 51 and the outer surface of the transmission shaft 41 have a wear-resistant coating; the tooth surfaces of the first worm 3, the second worm 62, the first gear 61 and the second gear 7 have a wear-resistant coating.

[0081] Furthermore, the material of the wear-resistant coating contains ceramics, alloys, oxides or fluoroplastics.

[0082] Preferably, the wear-resistant plating layer includes one or more of gold, silver, nickel, tin, tin-lead alloy, zinc, silver-antimony alloy, palladium, palladium-nickel alloy, graphite silver, hard silver, graphene silver and silver-gold-zirconium alloy.

[0083] The corrosion resistance time test in Table 5 below is to place the relevant test samples into a salt spray test box, spray salt spray on various positions of the test samples, take them out for cleaning and observe the surface corrosion every 20 hours, which is one cycle. When the surface corrosion area of ​​the test sample is greater than 10% of the total area, the test is stopped and the number of cycles at that time is recorded. In this embodiment, the number of cycles less than 80 times is considered unqualified. The number of frictions in Table 5 is to fix the test sample on the laboratory table, and after every 100 contact friction tests, it is necessary to stop and observe the damage of the wear-resistant coating of the test sample. If scratches appear and the material of the test sample itself is exposed, the experiment is stopped and the number of frictions at that time is recorded. In this embodiment, the number of frictions less than 8000 times is considered unqualified.

[0084] Table 5: Effects of friction times and corrosion resistance on test samples with different coating materials

[0085]

[0086] As can be seen from Table 5, when the coating materials are gold, silver, silver-antimony alloy, palladium, palladium-nickel alloy, graphite silver, hard silver, graphene silver, and silver-gold-zirconium alloy, the experimental results significantly exceed the standard values, and the performance is relatively stable. When the coating materials are nickel, tin, tin-lead alloy, and zinc, the experimental results also meet the requirements. Therefore, the inventors selected one or more of gold, silver, nickel, tin, tin-lead alloy, zinc, hard silver-antimony alloy, palladium, palladium-nickel alloy, graphite silver, graphene silver, and silver-gold-zirconium alloy as the coating materials.

[0087] The present invention further provides an electronic lock, comprising an electronic lock housing and an electronic lock transmission structure as described above, wherein the electronic lock transmission structure is disposed in the electronic lock housing, a lock hole is disposed in the electronic lock housing, and a lock rod 5 extends from the lock hole and reciprocates;

[0088] The electronic lock also includes a rack 8 and a handle 92. As shown in Figure 2, a rotating shaft 81 is provided on the rack 8, and a rotating hole is provided on the axis of the first gear 61 on one side relative to the second worm 62. The rotating hole is sleeved on the rotating shaft 81. A third gear 9 meshing with it is provided on the rack 8, and a control rod 91 is provided on the axis of the third gear 9. One end of the control rod 91 extends out of the electronic lock housing and is connected to the handle 92.

[0089] If the electronic lock becomes stuck for some reason, you can rotate the handle 92 outside the electronic lock housing, which drives the control rod 91 to rotate, and in turn drives the third gear 9 to rotate. This causes the rack 8, which is meshed with the third gear 9, to move linearly. The rotating shaft 81 drives the first gear 61 to translate through the rotating hole, thereby disengaging the first gear 61 from the first worm 3, thus resolving the problem of the electronic lock's internal structure being stuck. When the electronic lock is operating normally, the first gear 61 rotates, and the rotating hole rotates around the rotating shaft 81, so the rack 8 does not affect the normal operation of the first gear 61.

[0090] The present invention also provides a motor vehicle comprising the electronic lock transmission structure and / or the electronic lock as described above.

[0091] Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic lock drive structure, characterized in that, comprising: a drive device having an output shaft; a transmission mechanism including an input end and an output end, the input end being a transmission component connected to the output shaft, and the output end being a cam device; a lock rod having a free end at one end and connected to the cam device at the other end; the rotation of the output shaft is converted into a reciprocating motion of the lock rod through the transmission mechanism.

2. The electronic lock drive structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, the reciprocating motion mode is one or more of telescoping, translating, rotating, swaying, bending, and twisting.

3. The electronic lock drive structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, the transmission component is a first worm.

4. The electronic lock drive structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, the output torque of the output shaft is 2.4 N·mm to 10.8 N·mm.

5. The electronic lock drive structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, the output power of the drive device is 0.65 W to 6.2 W.

6. The electronic lock drive structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, the transmission mechanism further includes a transmission gear and an output gear. The transmission gear includes a first gear meshing with the first worm and a second worm coaxially arranged with the first gear; the output gear includes a second gear meshing with the second worm and the cam device provided on one side end face of the second gear or on the extension shaft of the second gear. The cam device is provided with a transmission shaft, and the axis of the transmission shaft is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the second gear.

7. The electronic lock drive structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, the transmission ratio of the drive device to the second gear is 35 / 1 to 155 / 1.

8. The electronic lock drive structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, the rotation angle of the cam device is 18° to 95°.

9. The electronic lock drive structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, an installation hole is provided at one end of the lock rod connected to the cam device. The installation hole is in a closed or open state. The transmission shaft is arranged in the installation hole, and the transmission shaft can drive the installation hole and drive the lock rod to reciprocate.

10. The electronic lock drive structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, wear-resistant coatings are provided on the inner surface of the installation hole and the outer surface of the transmission shaft; wear-resistant coatings are provided on the tooth surfaces of the first worm, the second worm, the first gear, and the second gear.

11. An electronic lock, characterized in that, Comprising an electronic lock housing and an electronic lock drive structure according to any one of claims 6-10, the electronic lock drive structure being disposed in the electronic lock housing, a lock hole being provided on the electronic lock housing, and a lock rod extending from the lock hole and reciprocating; the electronic lock further comprises a rack and a handle, a rotating shaft being provided on the rack, a rotating hole being provided at the axis of the first gear on the side opposite to the second worm, the rotating hole being sleeved on the rotating shaft, a third gear meshing with the rack being provided on the rack, a control rod being provided on the axis of the third gear, and one end of the control rod extending out of the electronic lock housing and being connected to the handle.

12. A motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises an electronic lock drive structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or an electronic lock according to claim 11.