Vehicle lock and control method

Abstract

A vehicle lock and a control method. Provided in the present application is the vehicle lock. The vehicle lock is provided with a first limiting face and a second limiting face, and comprises a first locking member and a second locking member; a locking slot and a locking part are provided on the first locking member; the first locking member and the second locking member are respectively and elastically hinged to two hinge points; when the second locking member and the first locking member abut against each other at another point position outside a straight line where the two hinge points are located, the first limiting face and the second limiting face form an opposite position relationship, so as to cause the locking part of the first locking member to be confined between the first limiting face and the second limiting face. With respect to the vehicle lock, during both unlocking or locking processes, even if a battery compartment cover becomes deformed and a lock tongue applies great acting force to the locking slot of the first locking member, unlocking or locking will not be affected, so that the use by a rider will also not be affected, and the safety and firmness of battery compartments is ensured.

Description

Vehicle lock and control method

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on June 10, 2023, with application number 202310683972.4 and invention name “A Vehicle Lock and Control Method”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention belongs to the technical field of locks, and in particular relates to a vehicle lock and a control method. Background Art

[0003] A battery compartment lock is a lock used on the battery compartment cover of an electric vehicle or other device. The battery used in an electric vehicle is typically installed in a battery compartment inside the vehicle body to ensure its safety and stability. The closing and locking of the battery compartment door are critical to the proper operation and safety of the battery. Therefore, the battery compartment lock is designed to protect the battery in an electric vehicle and ensure the battery compartment door is securely closed.

[0004] When an electric vehicle's battery needs to be replaced or repaired, the battery compartment cover must be opened. The rider must unlock the battery compartment cover to facilitate access. After completing the battery replacement or repair, the rider must securely close the battery compartment cover to ensure the lock remains secure.

[0005] However, the battery compartment cover of the prior art may deform during use, which may result in poor unlocking and locking, which not only affects the rider's use but also reduces the safety and firmness of the battery compartment.

[0006] Therefore, the existing technology needs to be improved and developed.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide a vehicle lock and control method that can ensure the safety and firmness of the battery compartment.

[0009] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a vehicle lock, which is formed with a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface, including a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member is provided with a locking groove and a locking portion, the first locking member and the second locking member are elastically hinged at two hinge points respectively, when the second locking member and the first locking member abut each other at another point outside the straight line where the two hinge points are located, the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface form a relative position relationship, so that the locking portion of the first locking member is restricted between the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking portion includes a first restricted surface and a second restricted surface, and the first restricted surface and the second restricted surface form a relative positional relationship.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a lock shell, the first limiting surface is arranged on the lock shell, and the second limiting surface is arranged on the second locking element.

[0012] Furthermore, the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface are provided on the second locking element, and the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface form a relative positional relationship.

[0013] Furthermore, the distance from the first limiting surface to the second limiting surface is greater than the width of the locking portion.

[0014] Furthermore, the second locking element further includes an unlocking surface, the locking portion is provided with a third restricted surface, and the third restricted surface is adapted to the unlocking surface.

[0015] Furthermore, the vehicle lock is formed with a third limiting surface, and the third limiting surface is used to limit the rotation angle of the first locking element.

[0016] Furthermore, the vehicle lock is formed with a fourth limiting surface, and the fourth limiting surface is used to limit the rotation angle of the second locking element.

[0017] Furthermore, the first locking member is further provided with an extension portion, which protrudes outward along the radial direction of the first locking member, and the side surface of the extension portion smoothly transitions to the side surface of the locking groove.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a driving mechanism, which is connected to the second locking member and is used to rotate the second locking member so that the locking portion is restricted to the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface or to release the restriction.

[0019] Furthermore, the driving mechanism includes a driving device and a control block, the output shaft of the driving device is connected to the control block, and the control block is connected to the second locking element.

[0020] Furthermore, the control block is connected to the second locking member via a flexible connection member.

[0021] Furthermore, the driving mechanism is a linear reciprocating motion mechanism.

[0022] Furthermore, the driving mechanism includes a driving device and a control block, the control block is provided with a control surface, the second locking element is provided with a controlled surface, and the control surface of the control block abuts against the controlled surface of the second locking element.

[0023] The present application also provides a vehicle lock control method, which is used in the above-mentioned vehicle lock. In the locked state, the first lock element and the second lock element abut against each other, and the locking portion of the first lock element is restricted between the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface that form a relative position relationship, so that the lock tongue is stuck in the lock groove; during the unlocking process, the driving mechanism controls the second lock element to rotate so that the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface release the relative position relationship; in the unlocking state, the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface release the restriction on the locking portion of the first lock element, and the lock tongue can be disengaged from the lock groove; during the locking process, the driving mechanism controls the second lock element to rotate in the opposite direction so that the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface re-form a relative position relationship.

[0024] From the above, it can be seen that no matter whether the vehicle lock is being unlocked or locked, even if the battery compartment cover is deformed, the lock tongue exerts a large force on the lock slot of the first lock element, and the force is converted into an extrusion force of the locking portion of the first lock element on the second limiting surface of the second lock element. Since the extrusion force is along the normal direction of the contact point of the second limiting surface, and the center (centroid) of the torque of the driving mechanism to rotate the second lock element is on the straight line where the extrusion force is located, the extrusion force will not affect the unlocking or locking process, and will not affect the rider's use, thereby ensuring the safety and firmness of the battery compartment.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in the following description, and in part will become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the present application. The purposes and other advantages of the present application can be realized and obtained by the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electric scooter in the prior art.

[0027] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a conventional electric scooter with the battery compartment cover opened.

[0028] FIG3 is a perspective view of the vehicle lock according to embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0029] FIG4 is a three-dimensional view of the lock housing of Example 1 of the present application.

[0030] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the first locking element of Example 1 of the present application.

[0031] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the second locking element of Example 1 of the present application.

[0032] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the locked state of Example 1 of the present application.

[0033] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the unlocking state of Example 1 of the present application.

[0034] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of the driving mechanism of Example 1 of the present application.

[0035] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the driving mechanism of Example 1 of the present application.

[0036] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of the second locking element and the third locking element of Example 2 of the present application.

[0037] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the locked state of Example 2 of the present application.

[0038] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the unlocked state of Example 2 of the present application.

[0039] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of one of the locking processes of Example 2 of the present application.

[0040] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the second locking process of Example 2 of the present application.

[0041] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the third locking process of Example 2 of the present application.

[0042] Figure 17 is a structural schematic diagram of the second locking component of Example 3 of the present application.

[0043] Figure 18 is a structural schematic diagram of the driving mechanism of Example 3 of the present application.

[0044] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the locked state of Example 3 of the present application.

[0045] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the unlocked state of Example 3 of the present application.

[0046] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the locked state of Example 4 of the present application.

[0047] Explanation of reference numbers: 1-vehicle body, 11-battery compartment, 2-battery compartment cover, 21-standing area, 22-lock tongue, 3-vehicle lock, 31-end cover, 32-lock housing, 321-first limiting surface, 322-third limiting surface, 323-fourth limiting surface, 324-opening, 325-drive mechanism mounting groove, 326-wire groove, 327-first rotating shaft seat, 328-second rotating shaft seat, 33-first locking element, 331-lock groove, 332-locking portion, 3321-first limiting surface, 3322-second limiting surface, 3323-third limiting surface, 333-first rotating shaft, 334-extension portion, 34-second locking element, 341-first One end, 3411-controlled surface, 342-second end, 3421-second limiting surface, 3422-unlocking surface, 343-second rotating shaft, 344-first connecting hole, 35-driving mechanism, 351-driving device, 352-reducer, 353-positioning block, 3531-positioning groove, 354-sealing ring, 355-control block, 3551-second connecting hole, 3552-control surface, 356-positioning switch, 357-circuit board, 36-third locking piece, 37-flexible connecting piece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0049] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0050] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections, or mutual communication; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0051] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0052] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing different structures of the present invention. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0053] An electric scooter is a portable electric vehicle that combines traditional scooters with electric technology. It consists of a body, wheels, handlebars, a motor, and a battery. Its body is typically wider than traditional scooters, with anti-slip features and larger wheels to accommodate more complex road conditions. Electric scooters use an electric motor instead of traditional human propulsion, which can reduce the rider's physical burden and improve riding efficiency. Their speed and range depend on the power and capacity of the motor and battery. Generally, an electric scooter has a speed of approximately 20 km / h and a range of 20-30 km. Furthermore, electric scooters can be intelligently managed and controlled through smart controls and apps, such as remote power on and off using a mobile phone.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a conventional electric scooter. As shown, the main body of the electric scooter includes a body 1, which is formed with a battery compartment 11 for accommodating batteries. Battery compartment 11 is used to store and protect the batteries. It is also crucial to securely close and lock the battery compartment cover 2 with the battery compartment 11 lock. This prevents the batteries from falling out of the battery compartment 11, protects the batteries from external damage, and ensures their safety and stability.

[0055] The vehicle body 1 mainly plays a bearing role. When riding, the rider stands in the middle of the vehicle body 1, such as the standing area 21 in Figure 1. The upper surface of the vehicle body 1 is covered with a battery compartment cover 2. The front end of the battery compartment 11 is installed at the front end of the vehicle body 1 by means of a hinge. When the battery compartment cover 2 is opened, the battery compartment cover 2 is flipped upward as shown in Figure 2.

[0056] The battery compartment cover 2 is provided with a lock tongue 22 near the rear of the vehicle. The lock tongue 22 is U-shaped. The battery compartment 11 is provided with a vehicle lock 3 at a corresponding position. When the battery compartment cover 2 is pressed toward the vehicle lock 3 (downward), the lock tongue 22 is inserted into the vehicle lock 3 and cannot move. At this time, the battery compartment 11 is locked; after the vehicle lock 3 is unlocked, the vehicle lock 3 no longer restricts the movement of the lock tongue 22, and the battery compartment cover 2 can be opened normally to take out the battery for charging and other operations.

[0057] Then, since the standing area 21 needs to bear the entire weight of the rider, after a period of use, the battery compartment cover 2 will warp and deform, that is, the position of the standing area 21 will be concave downward, and since the position where the front end of the battery compartment cover 2 is connected to the hinge will not change, the battery compartment cover 2 will tilt upward at the location where the lock tongue 22 is installed. This will cause the lock tongue 22 to exert a vertical upward force on the battery compartment cover 2, which may cause the parts in the vehicle lock 3 to malfunction, and thus cause the lock to fail to be opened and closed normally.

[0058] Based on the above technical problems, the present application provides a vehicle lock 3 that can be normally unlocked and locked even when the lock tongue 22 is subjected to external force.

[0059] Example 1

[0060] FIG3 shows a perspective view of the vehicle lock 3 of the present application. The vehicle lock 3 includes a lock shell 32 and an end cover 31. FIG4 shows a perspective view of the lock shell 32. The lock shell 32 is a rectangular parallelepiped structure. Both sides of the lock shell 32 are provided with symmetrically designed flanges, and the flanges are drilled with through holes. The lock shell 32 can be mounted on the bottom surface of the battery compartment 11 by screws. An opening 324 is provided above the lock shell 32, and the lock tongue 22 can be inserted or removed from the opening 324 in the vertical direction. A drive mechanism mounting groove 325 is provided below the lock shell 32, and the drive mechanism 35 is mounted here. A wire groove 326 is provided on the left side of the drive mechanism mounting groove 325. External cables enter the wire groove 326 and are connected to the drive mechanism 35 to supply power to the drive mechanism 35 and transmit data signals. Above the mounting slot of the drive mechanism 35 are provided a first rotational shaft seat 327 and a second rotational shaft seat 328, which protrude along the thickness direction of the lock housing 32. The first rotational shaft seat 327 and the second rotational shaft seat 328 are annular structures. The first rotational shaft seat 327 is rotatably hinged to the first lock element 33, while the second rotational shaft seat 328 is rotatably hinged to the second lock element 34. The end cap 31 is also provided with corresponding rotational shaft seats. The end cap 31 is snapped onto the lock housing 32, so that the first and second lock elements 33, 34 can only rotate about their respective axes. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the rotational hinge is formed by forming a revolving pair between the first rotational shaft 333 of the first lock element 33 and the inner hole of the first rotational shaft seat 327. The first rotational shaft seat 327 can also be interchanged with the first rotational shaft 333 of the first lock element 33, that is, the first rotational shaft 333 can be provided on the first rotational shaft seat 327 while the first lock element 33 is provided with an inner hole. For ease of processing, in this embodiment, the first rotational shaft 333 is machined on the first lock element 33.

[0061] Figure 5 shows a schematic structural diagram of the first locking element 33. The first locking element 33 is generally cylindrical in structure, with a first rotating shaft 333 disposed at the center of the first locking element 33. The first locking element 33 is also provided with a locking slot 331 and a locking portion 332. The locking slot 331 is disposed at the edge of the first locking element 33 and is concave inwardly in the radial direction of the first locking element 33. The locking slot 331 is fan-shaped, and the width of the locking slot 331 is slightly larger than the diameter of the locking tongue 22, allowing the locking tongue 22 to fully engage within the locking slot 331. A locking portion 332 is disposed on the opposite side of the locking slot 331. The locking portion 332 is used to limit the rotation of the first locking element 33 when locked, thereby limiting the position of the locking slot 331, so that the locking tongue 22 cannot escape from the locking slot 331 after being subjected to force.

[0062] In this embodiment, the locking portion 332 is fan-shaped and protrudes radially outward from the first locking member 33. The locking portion 332 specifically includes a first restricted surface 3321, a second restricted surface 3322, and a third restricted surface 3323. The first restricted surface 3321 and the second restricted surface 3322 are respectively connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first locking member 33, and the first restricted surface 3321 and the second restricted surface 3322 are disposed opposite each other. The third restricted surface 3323 is respectively adjacent to the first restricted surface 3321 and the second restricted surface 3322. Specifically, the first restricted surface 3321 and the second restricted surface 3322 are both planes, and the straight line intersecting the first restricted surface 3321 and the second restricted surface 3322 coincides with the axis of the first rotating shaft 333. The third restricted surface 3323 is an arc surface and is coaxial with the outer peripheral surface of the first locking member 33.

[0063] Of course, the specific shape structure of the first restricted surface 3321, the second restricted surface 3322 and the third restricted surface 3323 is not limited to the above structure. It only needs to satisfy that the first restricted surface 3321 and the second restricted surface 3322 are opposite to each other. Moreover, the first restricted surface 3321 does not need to be strictly opposite to the second restricted surface 3322. According to the inventor's theoretical analysis and practice, the angle between the two planes only needs to be between forty-five degrees to effectively limit the locking portion 332.

[0064] In addition, the first rotating shaft 333 is also sleeved with a first torsion spring (not shown), one end of the first torsion spring is fixed to any point of the lock housing 32, and the other end of the first torsion spring is against the second restricted surface 3322 of the locking portion 332. The first torsion spring stores elastic potential energy, which can enable the first lock member 33 to always have a tendency to rotate counterclockwise, even if the first lock member 33 approaches the first limiting surface 321.

[0065] The rotational position of the first lock member 33 is generally only within the range of Figures 7 and 8. If it exceeds this rotational range, the lock tongue 22 will not be able to quickly engage with the lock groove 331 when locking, and the lock tongue 22 will not be able to quickly disengage from the lock groove 331 when unlocking. Therefore, a third limiting surface 322 is provided on the lock shell 32, and the third limiting surface 322 is located below the first limiting surface 321. The first limiting surface 321, the third limiting surface 322 and the axis of the first rotating shaft 333 of the first lock member 33 form a fan-shaped area with a central angle of approximately ninety degrees. The locking portion 332 of the first lock member 33 can only move in this fan-shaped area to improve the reliability of the first lock member 33.

[0066] Figure 6 shows a schematic structural diagram of the second locking element 34. The second locking element 34 includes a first end 341, a second end 342, and a second rotating shaft 343. The first end 341 and the second end 342 are respectively disposed on either side of the second rotating shaft 343. The second rotating shaft 343 is rotatably hinged on the second rotating shaft seat 328. The first end 341 is connected to a driving mechanism 35, which is configured to exert a certain force on the first end 341, causing the first end 341 to generate rotational motion, thereby restricting or releasing the restriction on the first locking element 33. The second end 342 is provided with a second limiting surface 3421. When the second locking element 34 is rotated to a specific angle, the second limiting surface 3421 can prevent the second limiting surface 3322 of the first locking element 33 from moving.

[0067] The lock housing 32 is also provided with a fourth limiting surface 323, which is located on the right side of the first limiting surface 321 and is used to limit the rotation angle of the second lock member 34. When the second lock member 34 is rotated to the first position, the upper edge of the first end portion 341 of the second lock member 34 is exactly horizontal under the restriction of the fourth limiting surface 323, so that the distance from the first limiting surface 321 to the second limiting surface 3421 is slightly larger than the distance from the first limiting surface 3321 to the second limiting surface 3322 of the locking portion 332 of the first lock member 33, so that the locking portion 332 of the first lock member 33 can be reliably locked.

[0068] The second rotating shaft 343 is also sleeved with a second torsion spring (not shown), one end of the second torsion spring is fixed to any point of the lock housing 32, and the other end of the second torsion spring is against the lower edge of the first end 341 of the second lock member 34. The second torsion spring stores elastic potential energy, which can enable the second lock member 34 to always have a tendency to rotate counterclockwise, even if the second lock member 34 approaches the fourth limiting surface 323.

[0069] The limiting groove here refers to a non-physical limiting groove formed by a movable structure, and can also be a physical groove fixedly formed on a certain part.

[0070] It should be noted that the first end 341 and the second end 342 are not in the same straight line due to the internal space of the lock shell 32. The first end 341 and the second end 342 can also be in the same straight line, which will not affect the realization of unlocking and locking.

[0071] To rotate the second lock member 34, in this embodiment, a drive mechanism 35 is used. The drive mechanism 35 specifically includes a drive device 351, a circuit board 357, and a control block 355. The output shaft of the drive device 351 is fixedly connected to the control block 355. The control block 355 defines a second connection hole 3551 extending through its thickness. The second end 342 of the second lock member 34 defines a first connection hole 344. The first connection hole 344 and the second connection hole 3551 are connected by a flexible connector 37. The spatial relationship between the first connection hole 344 and the second connection hole 3551 is approximately parallel to a vertical plane. The function of the flexible connector 37 is to allow a certain degree of deformation. If the first lock member 33 or the second lock member 34 is impacted by the lock tongue 22, the flexible connector 37 can absorb some of the impact force, thereby reducing the impact force transmitted to the drive mechanism 35 and improving the connection stability of the drive mechanism 35. Preferably, the flexible connector 37 can be a tension spring.

[0072] When the driving device 351 rotates forward, the second locking member 34 is pulled downward by the flexible connecting member 37 and is in the second position, as shown in Figure 8 , in which the second locking member 34 releases the restriction on the first locking member 33, i.e., the unlocked state. When the driving device 351 rotates reversely, the second locking member 34 is pushed upward by the flexible connecting member 37 and is in the first position, as shown in Figure 7 , in which the second locking member 34 resumes the restriction on the first locking member 33, i.e., the locked state.

[0073] In this embodiment, drive device 351 is a motor. Motors typically have high rotational speeds but low torque, making it difficult to pull second locking member 34. Therefore, a speed reducer 352 is provided on the output shaft of drive device 351 to increase output torque. To enhance the waterproof and dustproof performance of drive mechanism 35, a sealed housing (not shown) is provided on the exterior of drive device 351. This housing encloses drive device 351 and circuit board 357. A sealing ring 354 is provided on the output shaft of drive device 351 to prevent moisture and dust from entering through gaps in the sealed housing.

[0074] The circuit board 357 and the drive unit 351 are connected via a cable. The circuit board 357 houses a controller that, upon receiving unlocking or locking commands, causes the drive unit 351 to rotate forward or reverse. To determine the position of the drive unit 351, a positioning switch 356 is welded to the circuit board 357. This electronic component features a triangular trigger that can swing back and forth between two positions, each outputting a different signal. The positioning switch 356 is mounted between the circuit board 357 and the drive unit 351. The positioning block 353 includes a fan-shaped positioning slot 3531.

[0075] As shown in Figure 10, when the driving device 351 is in the initial position, one side wall of the positioning groove 3531 abuts against the triangular trigger member, the triangular trigger member swings upward, and the positioning switch 356 outputs a first signal, i.e., an unlocking signal; when the driving device 351 rotates clockwise in the figure, the other side wall of the positioning groove 3531 abuts against the triangular trigger member, the triangular trigger member swings downward, and the positioning switch 356 outputs a second signal, i.e., a locking signal.

[0076] The present application also provides a control method for the above-mentioned vehicle lock 3. In the locked state, the first lock member 33 and the second lock member 34 abut against each other, and the locking portion 332 of the first lock member 33 is restricted between the first limiting surface 321 and the second limiting surface 3421 forming a relative position relationship, so that the lock tongue 22 is stuck in the lock groove 331. During the unlocking process, the driving mechanism 35 controls the second lock member 34 to rotate so that the first limiting surface 321 and the second limiting surface 3421 release the relative position relationship. In the unlocking state, the first limiting surface 321 and the second limiting surface 3421 release the restriction on the locking portion 332 of the first lock member 33, and the lock tongue 22 can be disengaged from the lock groove 331. During the locking process, the driving mechanism 35 controls the second lock member 34 to rotate in the opposite direction so that the first limiting surface 321 and the second limiting surface 3421 re-form a relative position relationship. The specific steps include:

[0077] The unlocking process of the vehicle lock 3 is as follows: when the circuit board 357 receives the unlocking command, the driving device 351 rotates, pulling the flexible connecting member 37 to make the second lock member 34 rotate clockwise, and the second limiting surface 3421 of the second lock member 34 rotates to another angle not opposite to the first limiting surface 321. The second lock member 34 and the lock shell 32 release the restriction on the locking portion 332 of the first lock member 33, so that the lock tongue 22 stuck in the lock groove 331 can be taken out, and the battery compartment cover 2 can be opened.

[0078] The locking process of the vehicle lock 3 is as follows: the rider first closes the battery compartment cover 2, the lock tongue 22 moves downward and is locked in the lock groove 331 of the first lock member 33, the first lock member 33 rotates until its first restricted surface 3321 contacts the first limiting surface 321 of the lock shell 32, when the circuit board 357 receives the locking instruction, the drive device 351 rotates in the opposite direction, pushing the flexible connecting member 37 to make the second lock member 34 rotate counterclockwise, the second limiting surface 3421 of the second lock member 34 rotates to be opposite to the first limiting surface 321, the second lock member 34 and the lock shell 32 restrict the locking portion 332 of the first lock member 33, and the battery compartment 11 locks the battery compartment cover 2 firmly.

[0079] As can be seen from the above, no matter whether the vehicle lock 3 is being unlocked or locked, even if the battery compartment cover 2 is deformed, the lock tongue 22 exerts a large force on the lock slot 331 of the first lock member 33, and the force is converted into an extrusion force of the locking portion 332 of the first lock member 33 on the second limiting surface 3421 of the second lock member 34. Since the extrusion force is along the normal direction of the contact point of the second limiting surface 3421, and the center (centroid) of the torque of the driving mechanism 35 to rotate the second lock member 34 is on the straight line where the extrusion force is located, the extrusion force will not affect the unlocking or locking, and will not affect the rider's use, thereby ensuring the safety and firmness of the battery compartment 11.

[0080] The vehicle lock 3 can also be used on any vehicle equipped with a U-shaped lock tongue 22, such as an electric bicycle seat, a motorcycle trunk, etc.

[0081] In some special cases, the rider may accidentally close the lock while opening the battery compartment cover 2, while the second lock element 34 is still in the first position. To improve the lock's usability, an unlocking surface 3422 is provided on the first end 341 of the second lock element 34. The unlocking surface 3422 mates with the third restricted surface 3323 of the first lock element 33. The unlocking surface 3422 allows the first lock element 33 to push open the second lock element 34. This allows the lock to be locked even if it is accidentally closed, by inserting the lock tongue 22 into the first lock element 33 and relocking the lock, eliminating the need to re-open and re-lock the lock, thereby improving the lock's usability and the rider's convenience. However, when the first lock element 33 pushes open the second lock element 34, the flexible connector 37 is stretched, which can instantly subject the drive mechanism 35 and the flexible connector 37 to a significant tensile force, potentially causing damage.

[0082] Example 2

[0083] To address the issue in Example 1 where, under certain circumstances, the drive mechanism 35 and the flexible connector 37 are subjected to momentary, high tension, which can easily lead to damage, a third locking member 36 is added in this embodiment. This third locking member 36, combined with the new second locking member 34, is structurally equivalent to the second locking member 34 in Example 1. As shown in FIG11 , the third locking member 36 is hingedly connected to the second locking member 34, with the upper edge of the second end 342 of the second locking member 34 abutting against the lower edge of the third locking member 36. To facilitate connection between the flexible connector 37 and the control block 355 of the drive mechanism 35, a first connecting hole 344 is provided on the second locking member 34. The unlocking and locking processes are illustrated in FIG12 and FIG13 . The third locking member 36 and the second locking member 34 are simultaneously pulled or pushed. The remaining processes are identical to those in Example 1 and are not further described here.

[0084] In some cases, the rider accidentally closes the lock when opening the battery compartment cover 2. At this time, the second lock member 34 is still in the first position. An unlocking surface 3422 is provided at the first end portion 341 of the second lock member 34. The unlocking surface 3422 enables the first lock member 33 to rotate counterclockwise to push open the second lock member 34. During the pushing-opening process, the third lock member 36 remains in its original position, while the second lock member 34 will separate from the third lock member 36. As shown in FIG15 , when the first lock member 33 returns to the first limiting surface 321 and the second limiting surface 3421, the second lock member 34 is close to the third lock member 36 again, so that the flexible connector 37 will not be stretched, thereby protecting the flexible connector 37 and the control block 355 and extending the service life of the vehicle lock 3.

[0085] Example 3

[0086] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that adaptive adjustments are made to the first locking member 33 , the second locking member 34 and the driving mechanism 35 .

[0087] The first locking member 33 is provided with an extension portion 334 near the lock groove 331. The extension portion 334 protrudes outward along the radial direction of the first locking member 33. The side surface of the extension portion 334 smoothly transitions to the side surface of the lock groove 331. The function of the extension portion 334 is to increase the contact area between the lock tongue 22 and the lock groove 331 during the unlocking and closing process, making it easier to insert and remove the lock tongue 22.

[0088] The second locking member 34 is shown in Figure 17, and the first end 341 and the second end 342 of the second locking member 34 are arranged on the same side of the second rotating shaft 343, and the first limiting surface 321 and the second limiting surface 3421 are both arranged on the second locking member 34, and the first limiting surface 321 and the second limiting surface 3421 are fixed relative to each other to form a physical limiting groove.

[0089] By means of a linear reciprocating motion mechanism, the second locking member 34 is swung left and right, thereby causing the locking portion 332 of the first locking member 33 to be engaged in or disengaged from the limiting groove.

[0090] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the driving mechanism 35 includes a driving device 351, a reducer 352 and a control block 355. The control block 355 has a control surface 3552 inclined to its rotation axis. The left arc surface of the first end 341 of the second locking element 34 is the controlled surface 3411. After the driving mechanism 35 is assembled, it is offset against the control surface 3552 of the control block 355 and the controlled surface 3411 of the second locking element 34.

[0091] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the second torsion spring should be able to make the second locking member 34 always have a tendency to rotate clockwise, that is, to keep the control surface 3552 of the control block 355 and the controlled surface 3411 of the second locking member 34 in good contact.

[0092] Figure 19 shows the locked state of the vehicle lock 3. In this state, the second lock member 34 swings to the extreme left, and the locking portion 332 of the first lock member 33 is stuck in the limiting groove. Figure 20 shows the unlocked state of the vehicle lock 3. In this state, the driving device 351 rotates one hundred and eighty degrees, and the control surface 3552 pushes the controlled surface 3411 to make the second lock member 34 swing to the extreme right end. The locking portion 332 of the first lock member 33 disengages from the limiting groove, and the lock tongue 22 can be taken out.

[0093] This structure no longer requires the positioning block 353 to monitor the position. It only needs to control the drive device 351 to rotate fixedly one hundred and eighty degrees to switch from unlocking to locking or from locking to unlocking. The drive device 351 can use a stepper motor, which has the characteristics of precise positioning and control, high precision and small error.

[0094] In addition, the linear reciprocating mechanism can also adopt a hydraulic telescopic rod, a pneumatic telescopic rod, a ball screw mechanism, a crank rocker mechanism, etc. to achieve the swing structure of the second locking member 34.

[0095] Example 4

[0096] This embodiment differs from Example 2 in that a positioning block 353 is provided on the first lock element 33. As shown in Figure 21, the positioning block 353 is a long, rectangular protrusion located on the edge of the first lock element 33. Furthermore, a positioning switch 356 is located outside the drive mechanism 351. In this embodiment, the positioning switch 356 is a spring-loaded travel switch. When the vehicle lock is locked, the positioning block 353 of the first lock element 33 does not compress the spring of the positioning switch 356, and no signal is output. When the vehicle lock is unlocked, the first lock element 33 rotates clockwise, causing the positioning block 353 to compress the spring of the positioning switch 356, outputting an unlock signal. This design simplifies the assembly process.

[0097] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0098] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, which all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle lock, characterized in that: The vehicle lock is formed with a first limiting surface (321) and a second limiting surface (3421), and includes a first locking member (33) and a second locking member (34); the first locking member (33) is provided with a locking groove (331) and a locking portion (332); the first locking member (33) and the second locking member (34) are elastically hinged at two hinge points respectively; when the second locking member (34) and the first locking member (33) abut against each other at another point outside the straight line where the two hinge points are located, the first limiting surface (321) and the second limiting surface (3421) form a relative position relationship, so that the locking portion (332) of the first locking member (33) is limited between the first limiting surface (321) and the second limiting surface (3421).

2. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking portion (332) comprises a first restricted surface (3321) and a second restricted surface (3322), and the first restricted surface (3321) and the second restricted surface (3322) form a relative positional relationship.

3. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a lock shell (32), the first limiting surface (321) being arranged on the lock shell (32), and the second limiting surface (3421) being arranged on the second locking element (34).

4. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first limiting surface (321) and the second limiting surface (3421) are arranged on the second locking element (34), and the first limiting surface (321) and the second limiting surface (3421) form a relative position relationship.

5. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance from the first limiting surface (321) to the second limiting surface (3421) is greater than the width of the locking portion (332).

6. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second locking element (34) further comprises an unlocking surface (3422), and the locking portion (332) is provided with a third restricted surface (3323), and the third restricted surface (3323) is adapted to the unlocking surface (3422).

7. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle lock is formed with a third limiting surface (322), and the third limiting surface (322) is used to limit the rotation angle of the first locking element (33).

8. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle lock is formed with a fourth limiting surface (323), and the fourth limiting surface (323) is used to limit the rotation angle of the second locking member (34).

9. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first locking member (33) is further provided with an extension portion (334), the extension portion (334) protruding outwardly along the radial direction of the first locking member (33), and the side surface of the extension portion (334) smoothly transitions with the side surface of the locking groove (331).

10. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a driving mechanism (35), which is connected to the second locking member (34), and is used to rotate the second locking member (34) so ​​that the locking portion (332) is restricted on the first limiting surface (321) and the second limiting surface (3421) or releases the restriction.

11. The vehicle lock according to claim 10, characterized in that: The driving mechanism (35) comprises a driving device (351) and a control block (355); an output shaft of the driving device (351) is connected to the control block (355); and the control block (355) is connected to the second locking element (34).

12. The vehicle lock according to claim 11, characterized in that: The control block (355) is connected to the second locking member (34) via a flexible connecting member (37).

13. The vehicle lock according to claim 10, characterized in that: The driving mechanism (35) is a linear reciprocating motion mechanism.

14. The vehicle lock according to claim 13, characterized in that: The driving mechanism (35) comprises a driving device (351) and a control block (355); the control block (355) is provided with a control surface (3552); the second locking element (34) is provided with a controlled surface (3411); the control surface (3552) of the control block (355) abuts against the controlled surface (3411) of the second locking element (34).

15. A method for controlling a vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: In the locked state, the first lock member (33) and the second lock member (34) are in contact with each other, and the locking portion (332) of the first lock member (33) is limited between the first limiting surface (321) and the second limiting surface (3421) which form a relative position relationship, so that the lock tongue (22) is stuck in the lock groove (331); during the unlocking process, the driving mechanism (35) controls the second lock member (34) to rotate, so that the first limiting surface (321) and the second limiting surface (3421) are released from the relative position relationship. In the unlocking state, the first limiting surface (321) and the second limiting surface (3421) release the restriction on the locking portion (332) of the first locking element (33), and the locking tongue (22) can be disengaged from the locking groove (331); during the locking process, the driving mechanism (35) controls the second locking element (34) to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the first limiting surface (321) and the second limiting surface (3421) re-form a relative position relationship.

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