Lock, vehicle, and control method for lock

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of locks, and in particular provides a lock, a vehicle, and a control method for the lock, aiming to solve the problem of existing engine hoods being difficult to realize electric automatic closing due to a large locking force. To achieve this objective, the lock of the present invention comprises: a base; a locking assembly comprising a pawl and a ratchet that can be meshed with each other, and a first spring; a driving assembly comprising a driving arm, an auxiliary arm and a second spring; a driving device electrically connected to a control unit, fitted with and connected to the driving arm, and used for enabling the control unit to control, by means of the driving device, the driving arm to drive the pawl and the auxiliary arm to rotate; a first signal device in signal connection with the control unit and used for sending a signal to the control unit in response to triggering of the auxiliary arm; and a second signal device in signal connection with the control unit and used for sending a signal to the control unit in response to triggering of the pawl. The lock has a simple structure, can complete the locking process by only overcoming small resistance in the locking process, and is convenient to operate.

Description

Lock, vehicle, and lock control method

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application CN202311288001.6, filed on September 28, 2023, entitled “Lock, Vehicle, and Lock Control Method.” The entire contents of the above Chinese patent application are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] At present, the hoods of most vehicles are only opened for maintenance or refueling, and are rarely opened by vehicle users. However, with the emergence of electric vehicles, traditional fuel engines are no longer used as vehicle power, and most of the space in the front cabin of the vehicle is freed up. Many car companies have developed this space into a front trunk.

[0004] When the front hood becomes a trunk lid, user demand for opening and closing it increases significantly. This requires automakers to optimize the user experience while ensuring reliable opening and closing. Consequently, the market initially saw the emergence of front trunks that only supported manual opening and closing with electric unlocking, and later evolved to fully electric opening and closing. The ultimate goal of both is functional reliability, ease of use, and a comfortable experience.

[0005] There are two main functional requirements for electric front trunks: electric opening and electric closing. Regarding electric closing of electric front trunk locks, there are currently two implementation solutions on the market.

[0006] Solution 1 relies heavily on electronics, entering semi-lock very early during the electric closing process. It then self-closes in sections, achieving anti-pinch protection by limiting the current threshold. The advantage lies in high functional reliability. However, the first disadvantage is that the closing process requires overcoming a significant locking force, making it difficult for the electronic control unit to discriminate between this significant locking force and the anti-pinch force, resulting in a relatively high anti-pinch force. The second disadvantage is that the closing process requires rapid closing, placing high demands on the electronic components' response speed. If this response speed is insufficient, anti-pinch protection becomes ineffective.

[0007] Option 2: A mechanical anti-pinch solution can be provided. Mechanical anti-pinch does not require response speed and can be considered accurate and efficient, but the mechanical structure inevitably has dimensional tolerances, and the transmission chain is relatively long. The switching point between the mechanical anti-pinch and the actual attraction becomes erratic, which not only affects the anti-pinch effect, but also makes it difficult to connect it with the electric drive system.

[0008] In summary, because the front hood lock has a relatively strong locking force, option one starts self-priming immediately upon contact with the locking force, resulting in a wide self-priming range. Because the locking force is relatively strong, the anti-pinch force is also high. Option two also starts closing before contact with the locking force, but to mitigate the locking force, partial closing is chosen. In the first half of closing, only the lock itself is engaged, and the hood is closed in the second half.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, to solve the problem that existing locks need to overcome a large locking force during the locking process.

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a lock comprising: a base; a locking assembly comprising a pawl and a ratchet that can engage with each other and a first spring whose two ends are respectively connected to the pawl and the ratchet; a driving assembly comprising a driving arm and an auxiliary arm and a second spring whose two ends are respectively connected to the auxiliary arm and the base; a driving device electrically connected to a control unit and cooperatively connected to the driving arm, so that the control unit controls the driving arm through the driving device to drive the pawl and the auxiliary arm to rotate; a first signal device signal-connected to the control unit and sends a signal to the control unit in response to the triggering of the auxiliary arm; a second signal device signal-connected to the control unit and sends a signal to the control unit in response to the triggering of the pawl.

[0012] Further, the first signal device is a micro switch; when the first signal device is triggered by the auxiliary arm to become an on state, the first signal device sends an on signal to the control unit; or / and, when the first signal device is triggered by the auxiliary arm to become an off state, the first signal device sends an off signal to the control unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the pawl is rotatably fixed to the base via a pawl shaft, and the pawl includes a first meshing portion and a signal triggering portion; the ratchet is rotatably fixed to the base via a ratchet shaft, and the ratchet includes a second meshing portion, a third meshing portion and a locking portion; the first meshing portion can engage with the second meshing portion or the third meshing portion.

[0014] Furthermore, the second signal device includes a second signal switch and a third signal switch arranged opposite to the signal triggering portion of the pawl; the second signal switch and / or the third signal switch sends a signal to the control unit in response to the triggering of the signal triggering portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the second signal switch and the third signal switch are micro switches; when the second signal switch and / or the third signal switch are triggered by the signal triggering unit to become the on state, the second signal switch and / or the third signal switch sends an on signal to the control unit; or / and, when the second signal switch and / or the third signal switch are triggered by the signal triggering unit to become the off state, the second signal switch and / or the third signal switch sends an off signal to the control unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the auxiliary arm includes: a limiting portion, which is movably arranged in a limiting groove opened on the driving arm, so that the driving arm can limit the rotation range of the auxiliary arm through the cooperation between the limiting groove and the limiting portion; a positioning portion, which is arranged opposite to the first signal device, and is used to trigger the first signal device to send an on signal or an off signal to the control unit when the auxiliary arm rotates.

[0017] Furthermore, the locking assembly and the driving assembly are respectively arranged on two opposite surfaces of the base.

[0018] Furthermore, an opening slot is provided on the base for accommodating the lock buckle; the structure of the base is symmetrical with respect to the opening slot.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a lock as described above.

[0020] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling a lock, the lock comprising: a base; a pawl and a ratchet capable of engaging with each other, and a first spring with both ends connected to the pawl and the ratchet respectively; a driving arm and an auxiliary arm, and a second spring with both ends connected to the auxiliary arm and the base respectively, and a driving device; the driving device is electrically connected to a control unit and cooperates with the driving arm, so that the control unit controls the driving arm to drive the pawl and the auxiliary arm to rotate through the driving device; the control method comprises: when the lock is in an unlocked state, the control unit sends a locking instruction to the driving device of the lock; the control unit drives the lock catch to move toward the auxiliary arm; the driving arm drives the auxiliary arm to rotate in the direction of movement of the lock catch under the drive of the driving device; the lock catch pushes the ratchet so that the ratchet engages with the pawl for a first time, thereby restricting the lock catch in the lock; thereafter, the driving arm pushes the lock catch under the drive of the driving device to drive the ratchet to engage with the pawl for a second time; and the driving arm drives the auxiliary arm to continue to rotate, thereby locking the lock catch in the lock.

[0021] Furthermore, the driving arm and the auxiliary arm are coaxially fixed on the base through a driving shaft; the auxiliary arm includes a limiting portion and a supporting portion arranged in a limiting groove opened on the driving arm; the lock also includes a first signal device, which is connected to the control unit signal and sends a signal to the control unit in response to the triggering of the auxiliary arm; the driving arm drives the auxiliary arm to rotate in the direction of movement of the lock buckle under the drive of the driving device; including: the driving device drives the driving arm to rotate around the driving shaft through a matching connection with the driving arm; when the driving arm rotates, the driving arm pushes the limiting portion of the auxiliary arm through the limiting groove to drive the auxiliary arm to rotate around the driving shaft, so that the supporting portion of the auxiliary arm and the lock buckle move in the same direction; when the auxiliary arm rotates to trigger the first signal device to make it become a conductive state, the first signal device sends a conductive signal to the control unit; after receiving the conductive signal, the control unit controls the driving device to stop driving the driving arm to rotate.

[0022] Furthermore, the pawl and the ratchet are rotatably fixed on the base; the pawl includes a first meshing portion and a signal triggering portion; the ratchet includes a second meshing portion and a third meshing portion; the lock also includes a second signal switch and a third signal switch arranged opposite to the signal triggering portion; the lock buckle pushes the ratchet so that it engages with the pawl for the first time, thereby restricting the lock buckle in the lock; including: the lock buckle pushes the ratchet to rotate, and drives the pawl to rotate at the same time through the first spring, so that the third meshing portion of the ratchet engages with the first meshing portion of the pawl; when the third meshing portion engages with the first meshing portion, the third signal switch is triggered by the signal triggering portion of the pawl to become a disconnected state, and sends a disconnection signal to the control unit; the control unit determines that the lock buckle is in a semi-locked state restricted by the ratchet in the lock based on the disconnection signal sent by the third signal switch and the conduction signal sent by the first signal device.

[0023] Furthermore, after that, the driving arm pushes the lock catch under the drive of the driving device, causing the ratchet and the pawl to engage for the second time; and the driving arm drives the auxiliary arm to continue to rotate, thereby locking the lock catch in the lock; including: the driving arm pushes the lock catch under the drive of the driving device, causing it to drive the ratchet and the pawl to rotate simultaneously, so that the second engaging portion of the ratchet is engaged with the first engaging portion of the pawl; when the second engaging portion is engaged with the first engaging portion, the second signal switch is triggered by the signal triggering portion of the pawl to become a disconnected state, and sends a disconnection signal to the control unit; the driving arm drives the auxiliary arm to continue to rotate until the auxiliary arm triggers the first signal device to make it become a disconnected state, and the first signal device sends a disconnection signal to the control unit; the control unit determines that the lock catch is in a state locked by the lock based on the disconnection signal sent by the second signal switch and the disconnection signal sent by the first signal device.

[0024] Furthermore, when the lock catch is in a locked state by the lock, the control unit sends an unlocking instruction to the driving device of the lock; the driving arm drives the pawl and the ratchet to rotate under the drive of the driving device, so that the first engaging portion of the pawl is disengaged from the second engaging portion of the ratchet, and the first engaging portion of the pawl is engaged with the third engaging portion of the ratchet, thereby releasing the lock on the lock catch; thereafter, the driving arm continues to drive the pawl and the ratchet to rotate until the third engaging portion is disengaged from the first engaging portion, so that the lock catch is disengaged from the lock and the lock is in an unlocked state.

[0025] Furthermore, when the pawl and the ratchet rotate until the third engaging portion of the ratchet engages with the first engaging portion of the pawl, the control unit determines whether the lock is currently in a stationary state; when the control unit determines that the lock is currently in a stationary state, the drive device continues to drive the drive arm to drive the pawl and the ratchet to rotate; when the control unit determines that the lock is currently in a non-stationary state, the drive device stops driving the drive arm to drive the pawl and the ratchet to rotate, so that the lock maintains its current state.

[0026] Furthermore, the driving arm drives the pawl and the ratchet to rotate under the drive of the driving device, so that the first meshing portion of the pawl is disengaged from the second meshing portion of the ratchet, and the first meshing portion of the pawl is meshed with the third meshing portion of the ratchet; including: when the first meshing portion is engaged with the third meshing portion, the second signal switch is triggered by the signal triggering portion of the pawl to change from an off state to an on state, and sends a conduction signal to the control unit; when the driving arm rotates under the drive of the driving device, the auxiliary arm rotates around the driving shaft under the action of the restoring force of the second spring, so that the support portion of the auxiliary arm lifts the lock buckle; and, the first signal device is triggered by the positioning portion of the auxiliary arm to change from an off state to an on state, and sends a conduction signal to the control unit; the control unit determines that the lock releases the lock buckle based on the conduction signal sent by the second signal switch and the conduction signal sent by the first signal device.

[0027] Furthermore, the driving arm drives the pawl and the ratchet to rotate under the drive of the driving device, so that the first meshing portion of the pawl is disengaged from the second meshing portion of the ratchet, and the first meshing portion of the pawl is meshed with the third meshing portion of the ratchet; including: when the first meshing portion is engaged with the third meshing portion, the second signal switch is triggered by the signal triggering portion of the pawl to change from an off state to an on state, and sends a conduction signal to the control unit; when the driving arm rotates under the drive of the driving device, the auxiliary arm rotates around the driving shaft under the action of the restoring force of the second spring, so that the support portion of the auxiliary arm lifts the lock buckle; and, the first signal device is triggered by the positioning portion of the auxiliary arm to change from an off state to an on state, and sends a conduction signal to the control unit; the control unit determines that the lock releases the lock buckle based on the conduction signal sent by the second signal switch and the conduction signal sent by the first signal device.

[0028] When adopting the above technical solution, the lock of the present invention can rotate the auxiliary arm around the driving shaft through the driving arm, so that when the lock is locked, the resistance of the auxiliary arm to the lock buckle entering the lock can be eliminated first, so that the lock buckle only needs to overcome the smaller resistance provided by the ratchet to enter the semi-locked state, which provides convenience for subsequent locking and makes the locking operation easier to complete.

[0029] Furthermore, the lock of the present invention has a simple structure, with the pawl and ratchet linked only by a spring, unlike existing locks that have separate springs for the pawl and ratchet. Furthermore, by providing a coaxial, rotatable drive arm and auxiliary arm, the simple coordination of a small number of components can eliminate the auxiliary arm's resistance to the downward movement of the lock catch during the locking process, assisting the lock catch in moving downward, thereby completing the locking process. Furthermore, during the unlocking process, the auxiliary arm assists the lock catch in pushing it out of the opening slot in the base.

[0030] In addition, the lock of the present invention is provided with a first signal device and a second signal device electrically connected to the control unit, so that the control unit can quickly and accurately determine the locked or unlocked state of the lock based on the signals sent by the two signal devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0032] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of the overall structure of a lock in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a locking assembly of a lock in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] 4A and 4B are schematic structural diagrams of the pawl in the locking assembly shown in FIG3 ;

[0035] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the ratchet in the locking assembly shown in FIG3 ;

[0036] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a drive assembly of a lock in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a driving arm in the driving assembly shown in FIG6 ;

[0038] 8A and 8B are schematic structural diagrams of the auxiliary arm in the driving assembly shown in FIG6 ;

[0039] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a lock base in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] 10A and 10B are schematic structural diagrams showing that the installation positions of the various components of the lock in the present application are symmetrical to the installation positions of the components of the lock in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 ;

[0041] 11A and 11B are schematic structural diagrams of the lock in a locked state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] 12A and 12B are schematic structural diagrams of the lock in a semi-locked state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] 13A and 13B are schematic structural diagrams of the lock in the unlocked state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG14 is a process flow chart of a locking control method of a lock in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG15 is a process flow chart of step 300 in FIG14;

[0046] FIG16 is a process flow chart of step 400 in FIG14 ;

[0047] FIG17 is a process flow chart of step 500 in FIG14;

[0048] FIG18 is a process flow chart of a lock unlocking control method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG19 is a process flow chart of step 700 in FIG18 ;

[0050] FIG20 is a process flow chart of step 700 in FIG18;

[0051] FIG21 is a timing diagram of signal changes of the first signal device, the second signal switch, and the third signal switch during the unlocking and locking process of the lock in an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Description of reference numerals:

[0053] 10. Base; 11. Opening slot;

[0054] 20. Locking assembly;

[0055] 21, ratchet; 211, first engaging portion; 212, signal triggering portion; 213, toggle portion;

[0056] 22, ratchet; 221, second meshing portion; 222, third meshing portion; 223, locking portion;

[0057] 23. Spring; 24. Pawl shaft; 25. Ratchet shaft;

[0058] 30. Drive assembly;

[0059] 31. Driving arm; 311. Limiting groove; 312. Driving part; 313. Transmission part;

[0060] 32. Auxiliary arm; 321. Limiting portion; 322. Positioning portion; 323. Support portion; 324. Hooking portion;

[0061] 33. Return spring; 34. Drive shaft;

[0062] 40. Driving device; 50. First signal device; 60. Second signal switch; 70. Third signal switch; 80. Lock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely intended to illustrate the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may adjust these embodiments as needed to suit specific applications.

[0064] First, it should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "longitudinal," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or component described must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0065] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, 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, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication 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.

[0066] An embodiment of the present invention provides a lock that is used in conjunction with a lock catch. By locking and unlocking the lock catch, the lock locks and unlocks the components to which the lock catch belongs. In this embodiment, the lock is applied to a car hood as an example. The lock is installed at the front end of the car body, and the lock catch is fixed to the front end of the car hood. The lock locks and unlocks the car hood by locking and releasing the lock catch on the car hood. The structure of the lock is described in detail below.

[0067] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lock in this embodiment includes a base 10, a locking assembly 20, a drive assembly 30, a drive device 40, and a first signaling device 50 and a second signaling device. The locking assembly 20 and the drive assembly 30 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the base 10. The base 10 is typically a sheet metal component. As shown in Figures 9 and 11A, the base 10 is provided with an open slot 11 for accommodating a latch 80 secured to the hood during locking, or for allowing the latch 80 to exit the hood lock through the open slot 11 during unlocking. Various holes may also be provided in the base 10 for mounting corresponding components thereon.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the locking assembly 20 includes a pawl 21 and a ratchet 22 that can mesh with each other, and a first spring 23 connected at both ends to the pawl 21 and ratchet 22, respectively. Specifically, the base 10 has holes for securing a pawl shaft 24 and a ratchet shaft 25. The pawl 21 is fixed to the base 10 via the pawl shaft 24 and can rotate about the pawl shaft 24; the ratchet 22 is fixed to the base 10 via the ratchet shaft 25 and can rotate about the ratchet shaft 25; and the pawl 21 and ratchet 22 can mesh with each other. In this embodiment, the pawl shaft 24 is located at the top of the pawl 21, and the ratchet shaft 25 is located in the middle of the ratchet 22. The position of the pawl shaft 24 relative to the pawl 21 and the position of the ratchet shaft 25 relative to the ratchet 22 can be determined based on the shapes of the pawl 21 and ratchet 22, as well as the meshing method of the pawl 21 and ratchet 22. This is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0069] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the pawl 21 includes a first meshing portion 211, a signal triggering portion 212, and a toggle portion 213. As shown in Figure 5, the ratchet 22 includes a second meshing portion 221, a third meshing portion 222, and a locking portion 223. Under the action of an external force or the mutual pushing action of each other, the pawl 21 or the ratchet 22 can respectively rotate about the pawl shaft 24 or the ratchet shaft 25. This rotation enables the first meshing portion 211 of the pawl 21 to mesh with the second meshing portion 221 or the third meshing portion 222 of the ratchet 22, thereby changing the mating relationship between the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22, placing the lock in different locking states, thereby locking the latch 80 on the vehicle hood into the opening slot 11 of the base 10 or disengaging the latch 80 from the opening slot 11, thereby achieving the purpose of locking and unlocking the vehicle hood.

[0070] In this embodiment, the ends of the first spring 23 are respectively attached to the bottom of the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22, enabling the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22 to move in a coordinated manner. For example, when the pawl 21 rotates clockwise around the pawl shaft 24 under the action of an external force, the pawl 21 pulls on the first spring 23, causing the ratchet 22 to also rotate clockwise around the ratchet shaft 25. The connection positions of the ends of the first spring 23 with the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22 can be determined based on the shapes of the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22, as well as the meshing method of the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22. This is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, the drive assembly 30 includes a drive arm 31 and an auxiliary arm 32, which are coaxially fixed to the base 10 and can rotate about the same axis, and a second spring 33, whose ends are respectively connected to the auxiliary arm 32 and the base 10. Specifically, the base 10 has a hole for fixing the drive shaft 25. The drive arm 31 and the auxiliary arm 32 are coaxially fixed to the base 10 via a drive shaft 34, and both can rotate about the drive shaft 34.

[0072] As shown in FIG7 , the driving arm 31 includes a limiting slot 311 provided therein, a driving portion 312, and a transmission portion 313 provided at the bottom of the driving arm 31. As shown in FIG8A and FIG8B , the auxiliary arm 32 includes a limiting portion 321, a positioning portion 322, and a supporting portion 323. The limiting portion 321 is movably provided in the limiting slot 311 provided on the driving arm 31, so that the driving arm 31 limits the range of rotation of the auxiliary arm 32 around the driving shaft 34 through the cooperation between the limiting slot 311 and the limiting portion 321 provided therein. Furthermore, when the driving arm 31 rotates around the driving shaft 34, the limiting portion 321 can be pushed by the ends of the limiting slot 311, thereby causing the driving arm 31 to drive the auxiliary arm 32 to rotate around the driving shaft 34.

[0073] In addition, as shown in Figures 2, 4B and 7, a groove is provided on the base 10 at a position opposite to the driving portion 213 of the pawl 21, so that the driving portion 213 of the pawl 21 can pass through the groove and extend to the side of the base 10 where the driving assembly 30 is provided, and the driving portion 213 of the pawl 21 can be connected and cooperated with the driving portion 312 of the driving arm 31.

[0074] As shown in Figure 11B, one end of the second spring 33 is hooked on the base 10, and the other end is hooked on the hook portion 324 of the auxiliary arm 32. When the second spring 33 is compressed, its restoring force causes the auxiliary arm 32 to rotate clockwise about the drive shaft 34. During the unlocking process of the hood lock, the restoring force of the second spring 33 exerts an upward force on the lock catch 80 locked in the opening slot 11 of the base 10, thereby helping the lock catch 80 locked in the hood lock to disengage from the opening slot 11 of the base 10.

[0075] As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the drive device 40 is connected to the drive arm 31 and is electrically connected to the control unit so that the control unit controls the drive arm 31 through the drive device 40 to drive the pawl 21 and the auxiliary arm 32 to rotate. There are many ways to implement the hardware of the control drive device 40. It can be a lock control unit installed in the lock, or a signal device provided in the lock can send a signal to a control unit located outside the lock. In this embodiment, the control unit can be an electronic control unit (ECU) of the automobile. Specifically, the drive device 40 can include a motor, a transmission mechanism, and a driven gear; the driven gear is engaged with the transmission part 313 (e.g., a toothed structure) to realize the rotation of the motor drive arm 31 around the drive shaft 34.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the hood lock is unlocked, the motor drives the arm 31 to rotate clockwise around the drive shaft 34. The driving portion 312 of the driving arm 31 pushes the shifting portion 213 of the pawl 21, driving the pawl 21 to rotate clockwise around the pawl shaft 24. As a result, during the rotation of the pawl 21, the engagement position of the first engagement portion 211 of the pawl 21 with the second engagement portion 221 or the third engagement portion 222 of the ratchet wheel 22 is changed, thereby changing the locked state of the hood lock.

[0077] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lock in the embodiment of the present application also includes a first signal device 50 and a second signal device. The first signal device 50 and the second signal device are signal-connected to the control unit. The first signal device 50 can send a signal to the control unit in response to the triggering of the auxiliary arm 32; the second signal device can send a signal to the control unit in response to the triggering of the pawl 21. In this embodiment, the first signal device 50 is a signal switch, and the second signal device includes a second signal switch 60 and a third signal switch 70. The first signal device 50, the second signal switch 60, and the third signal switch 70 can be micro signal switches, and the carrier is current. When the signal switch changes from an off state to an on state under the action of an external force, current is generated and a conduction signal is sent to the control unit; alternatively, when the signal switch changes from an on state to an off state under the action of an external force, the current is interrupted and a disconnection signal is sent to the control unit.

[0078] Specifically, as shown in FIG2 , the first signal device 50 is disposed opposite the positioning portion 322 of the auxiliary arm 32. When the auxiliary arm 32 rotates about the drive shaft 34, the first signal device 50 is triggered to send an on signal or a off signal to the control unit. When the positioning portion 322 of the auxiliary arm 32 contacts the first signal device 50, the first signal device 50 is turned on and sends an on signal to the control unit. When the auxiliary arm 32 separates from the first signal device 50, the first signal device 50 is turned off and sends a off signal to the control unit.

[0079] As shown in Figures 1 and 4A, the second signal switch 60 and the third signal switch 70 are arranged opposite the signal trigger portion 212 of the pawl 21. As the pawl 21 rotates about the pawl shaft 24, the signal trigger portion 212 sends a signal to the control unit through the contact or separation between the second signal switch 60 and / or the third signal switch 70. When the signal trigger portion 212 contacts the second signal switch 60 and / or the third signal switch 70, the second signal switch 60 and / or the third signal switch 70 is turned on and a turn-on signal is sent to the control unit. When the signal trigger portion 212 separates from the second signal switch 60 and / or the third signal switch 70, the second signal switch 60 and / or the third signal switch 70 is turned off and a turn-off signal is sent to the control unit.

[0080] Furthermore, the second signal device can also be a signal switch. When the pawl 21 contacts or separates from the second signal device presented in the structure of a signal switch, the second signal device sends different current signals to the control unit to achieve the function of sending a conduction and / or disconnection signal to the control unit when the pawl 21 contacts or separates from the second signal switch 60 and / or the third signal switch 70 as described above. In addition, the first signal device 50 and the second signal device can also be other types of signal devices other than signal switches, for example, signal sensors, and triggering the first signal device 50 through the auxiliary arm 32 to achieve the same function as the signal switch as described above sending a conduction and separation signal to the control unit; and triggering the second signal device through the pawl 21 to achieve the same function as the signal switch as described above sending a conduction and separation signal to the control unit. In the embodiment of the present invention, the form and structure of the first signal device 50 and the second signal device are not specifically limited.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in FIG9 , the structure of the base 10 is symmetrically arranged relative to the opening slot 11, allowing the arrangement of the various components of the lock on the base 10 to be customized as needed. For example, the placement of the pawl 21 on the left or right side of the ratchet 22 can be determined based on whether the steering wheel is on the left side (left-hand drive) or the right side (right-hand drive). The positions of the drive arm 31, auxiliary arm 32, first signal device 50, second signal device, and drive device 40 on the base 10 can be arranged accordingly. FIG10A and FIG10B illustrate schematic structural diagrams of the lock components of this embodiment, with the installation positions being symmetrical to the components of the lock shown in FIG1 and FIG2 .

[0082] Although the technical solution of the lock in this application is based on various problems existing in existing hood locks on automobiles, this does not limit the application scenarios of the lock in this application. In fact, the lock in this application can be used in a wider range of application scenarios. For example, the lock in this application can be used not only as a hood lock on an automobile, but also as a lock in other parts of the automobile, such as a trunk lock, a door lock, etc.; it can also be applied to other devices and equipment suitable for use with the lock.

[0083] The lock in the embodiment of the present application uses the driving arm 31 to make the auxiliary arm 32 rotate counterclockwise around the driving shaft 34, so that when the lock is unlocked, the resistance of the auxiliary arm 32 to the lock catch 80 entering the lock can be eliminated first, so that the lock catch 80 only needs to overcome the smaller resistance provided by the ratchet 22 to enter the semi-locked state, which provides convenience for subsequent locking and makes the locking operation easier to complete.

[0084] Furthermore, the lock of the embodiment of the present application has a simple structure, with the pawl 21 and ratchet 22 linked only by the first spring 23, unlike existing locks that have separate springs for the pawl and ratchet. Furthermore, by providing a coaxial and rotatable driving arm 31 and auxiliary arm 32, and by coordinating the limiting groove 311 on the driving arm 31 with the limiting portion 321 of the auxiliary arm 32 disposed therein, the lock can eliminate the resistance of the auxiliary arm 32 to the downward movement of the lock catch 80 during the locking process and assist the lock catch 80 in moving downward, thereby completing the locking process. Furthermore, during the unlocking process, the auxiliary arm 32 assists the lock catch 80 in pushing it out of the opening 11 of the base 10.

[0085] In addition, the lock in the embodiment of the present application is provided with a first signal device 50, a second signal switch 60 and a third signal switch 70 electrically connected to the control unit, so that the control unit can quickly and accurately determine the locked or unlocked state of the lock based on the signals sent by the three signal switches.

[0086] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a vehicle, which includes the lock described above.

[0087] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a lock control method, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lock includes: a base 10; a pawl 21 and a ratchet 22 that can engage with each other, and a first spring 23 whose two ends are respectively connected to the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22; a driving arm 31 and an auxiliary arm 32, and a second spring 33 whose two ends are respectively connected to the auxiliary arm 32 and the base 10, and a driving device 40; the driving device 40 is electrically connected to the control unit and is cooperatively connected to the driving arm 31, so that the control unit controls the driving arm 31 through the driving device 40 to drive the pawl 21 and the auxiliary arm 32 to rotate.

[0088] This embodiment also takes the application of the lock as a hood lock on a car as an example to introduce the control method of the lock.

[0089] Figures 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing the structure of the hood lock in the unlocked state in this embodiment. In the unlocked state, the relationship between the various components of the hood lock is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0090] As shown in FIG14 , the lock control method of the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0091] Step S100: When the lock is in the unlocked state, the control unit sends a locking instruction to the drive device 40 of the lock.

[0092] Step S200 : the control unit drives the lock buckle 80 to move toward the auxiliary arm 32 .

[0093] Step S300 : The driving arm 31 is driven by the driving device 40 to drive the auxiliary arm 32 to rotate in the direction of the lock 80 .

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 to 8 and 13B, the drive arm 31 and auxiliary arm 32 of the lock in this embodiment are coaxially fixed to the base 10 via a drive shaft 34. The auxiliary arm 32 includes a stopper 321 and a support portion 323 disposed within a stopper slot 311 defined in the drive arm 31. The lock also includes a first signaling device 50, which is signal-connected to the control unit and transmits a signal to the control unit in response to activation of the auxiliary arm 32.

[0095] As shown in FIG15 , step S300 further includes the following steps:

[0096] Step S310 : the driving device 40 drives the driving arm 31 to rotate around the driving shaft 34 by being connected with the driving arm 31 .

[0097] Step S320 : When the driving arm 31 rotates, the driving arm 31 pushes the limiting portion 321 of the auxiliary arm 32 through the limiting slot 311 to drive the auxiliary arm 32 to rotate around the driving shaft 34 , so that the supporting portion 323 of the auxiliary arm 32 and the lock buckle 80 move in the same direction.

[0098] Step S330 : When the auxiliary arm 32 rotates to trigger the first signal device 50 to turn it into a conducting state, the first signal device 50 sends a conducting signal to the control unit.

[0099] Step S340 : After receiving the on signal, the control unit controls the driving device 40 to stop driving the driving arm 31 to rotate.

[0100] Step S400: the lock catch 80 pushes the ratchet 22, causing the ratchet 22 to engage with the pawl 21 for the first time, thereby restricting the lock catch 80 in the lock.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4A-5 and 13A, the pawl 21 and ratchet 22 are rotatably fixed to the base 10. The pawl 21 includes a first meshing portion 211 and a signal triggering portion 212; the ratchet 22 includes a second meshing portion 221 and a third meshing portion 222. The lock also includes a second signal switch 60 and a third signal switch 70 disposed opposite the signal triggering portion 212.

[0102] As shown in FIG16 , step S400 further includes the following steps:

[0103] Step S410 : the lock catch 80 drives the ratchet 22 to rotate, and drives the pawl 21 to rotate simultaneously through the first spring 23 , so that the third engaging portion 222 of the ratchet 22 engages with the first engaging portion 211 of the pawl 21 .

[0104] Step S420 : When the third engaging portion 222 is engaged with the first engaging portion 211 , the third signal switch 70 is triggered by the signal triggering portion 212 of the pawl 21 to become an off state, and sends an off signal to the control unit.

[0105] Step S430: Based on the off signal sent by the third signal switch 70 and the on signal sent by the first signal device 50, the control unit determines that the lock catch 80 is in a semi-locked state, restrained in the lock by the ratchet 22. In other words, the hood lock is determined to be in the semi-locked position shown in Figures 12A and 12B. In this semi-locked state, the lock catch 80 enters the opening slot 11 of the hood lock base 10 and is engaged by the locking portion 223 of the ratchet 22, restraining the lock catch 80 in the opening slot 11. At this point, the hood is not fully closed.

[0106] Step S500: Then, the driving arm 31 pushes the lock catch 80 under the drive of the driving device 40 to drive the ratchet 22 and the pawl 21 to engage for the second time; and the driving arm 31 drives the auxiliary arm 32 to continue to rotate, thereby locking the lock catch 80 in the lock.

[0107] As shown in FIG17 , step S500 further includes the following steps:

[0108] Step S510 : The driving arm 31 pushes the lock catch 80 under the drive of the driving device 40 , causing the ratchet 22 and the pawl 21 to rotate simultaneously, so that the second engagement portion 221 of the ratchet 22 engages with the first engagement portion 211 of the pawl 21 .

[0109] Step S520 : When the second engagement portion 221 is engaged with the first engagement portion 211 , the second signal switch 60 is triggered by the signal triggering portion 212 of the pawl 21 to become an off state, and sends an off signal to the control unit.

[0110] Step S530 : the driving arm 31 drives the auxiliary arm 32 to continue rotating until the auxiliary arm 32 triggers the first signal device 50 to change to the disconnected state, and the first signal device 50 sends a disconnection signal to the control unit.

[0111] Step S540: Based on the disconnect signal sent by the second signal switch 60 and the disconnect signal sent by the first signal device 50, the control unit determines that the lock catch 80 is in the locked state. In other words, the hood lock is determined to be in the locked state shown in Figures 11A and 11B. In this locked state, the lock catch 80 has fully entered the bottom of the opening slot 11 of the hood lock base 10 and is engaged by the locking portion 223 of the ratchet 22, completely closing the hood. This completes the hood lock's process from unlocking the lock catch 80 to locking it.

[0112] The lock control method of the embodiment of the present application, during the locking process, controls the driving arm 31 to first rotate the auxiliary arm 32 to eliminate the resistance of the auxiliary arm 32 to the downward movement of the lock buckle 80, so that the lock buckle 80 only needs to overcome the smaller resistance provided by the ratchet 22 to enter the state of being half-locked by the hood lock, which provides convenience for subsequent locking and makes the locking operation easier to complete.

[0113] As shown in FIG18 , the lock control method of the embodiment of the present application further includes the following steps:

[0114] Step S600: When the lock catch 80 is in the locked state, the control unit sends an unlocking instruction to the lock driving device 40.

[0115] Step S700: The driving arm 31 drives the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22 to rotate under the drive of the driving device 40, so that the first engaging portion 211 of the pawl 21 and the second engaging portion 221 of the ratchet 22 are disengaged, and the first engaging portion 211 of the pawl 21 and the third engaging portion 222 of the ratchet 22 are engaged, thereby releasing the lock on the lock buckle 80.

[0116] Furthermore, when the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22 rotate until the third engagement portion 222 of the ratchet 22 engages with the first engagement portion 211 of the pawl 21, the control unit determines whether the lock is currently in a stationary state;

[0117] When the control unit determines that the lock is currently in a stationary state, the driving device 40 continues to drive the driving arm 31 to drive the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22 to rotate;

[0118] When the control unit determines that the lock is currently in a non-stationary state, the driving device 40 stops driving the driving arm 31 to drive the pawl 21 and the ratchet 22 to rotate, so that the lock maintains the current state.

[0119] As shown in FIG19 , step S700 further includes the following steps:

[0120] Step S710 : When the first engaging portion 211 is engaged with the third engaging portion 222 , the second signal switch 60 is triggered by the signal triggering portion 212 of the pawl 21 to change from the off state to the on state, and sends an on signal to the control unit.

[0121] Step S720: When the driving arm 31 rotates under the drive of the driving device 40, the auxiliary arm 32 rotates around the driving shaft 34 under the action of the restoring force of the second spring 33, so that the supporting portion 323 of the auxiliary arm 32 lifts the lock 80; and the first signal device 50 is triggered by the positioning portion 322 of the auxiliary arm 32 to change from the disconnected state to the on state, and sends a conduction signal to the control unit.

[0122] Step S730 : The control unit determines that the lock releases the lock catch 80 based on the on signal sent by the second signal switch 60 and the on signal sent by the first signal device 50 .

[0123] Step S800 : The driving arm 31 then continues to drive the pawl 21 and the ratchet wheel 22 to rotate until the third engagement portion 222 is disengaged from the first engagement portion 211 , so that the lock catch 80 is disengaged from the lock and the lock is in an unlocked state.

[0124] As shown in FIG20 , step S800 further includes the following steps:

[0125] Step S810 : When the third engagement portion 222 is disengaged from the first engagement portion 211 , the third signal switch 70 is triggered by the signal triggering portion 212 of the pawl 21 to change from the off state to the on state, and sends an on signal to the control unit.

[0126] Step S820: The auxiliary arm 32 continues to rotate around the drive shaft 34 under the restoring force of the second spring 33, so that the first signal device 50 is triggered by the positioning portion 322 of the auxiliary arm 32 to change from the on state to the off state, and sends a disconnection signal to the control unit.

[0127] Step S830 : The control unit determines that the lock catch 80 is disengaged from the lock according to the on signal sent by the third signal switch 70 and the off signal sent by the first signal device 50 ; and stops the driving device 40 from driving the driving arm 31 to rotate.

[0128] FIG21 shows a timing diagram of the signals sent by the first signal device 50 and the second and third signal switches 60 and 70 during the unlocking and locking process, as well as the displacement distance of the locking rod 80 relative to its locked position during this process.

[0129] During the unlocking process, the driving arm 31 pushes the pawl 21 to rotate, causing the pawl 21 to trigger the second signal switch 60 to send an on signal to the control unit (as shown in point D in the figure). Then, during the rotation process, the auxiliary rod 32 triggers the first signal device to send an on signal to the control unit (as shown in point B in the figure). The driving arm 31 continues to push the pawl 21 to rotate, causing the pawl 21 to engage with the ratchet 22, and causing the pawl 21 to trigger the third signal switch 70 to send an on signal to the control unit (as shown in point C in the figure); at this point, the lock is in a semi-locked state. The auxiliary rod 32 continues to rotate and triggers the first signal device 50 to send a disconnect signal to the control unit (as shown in point A in the figure). At this point, the unlocking process is completed.

[0130] Accordingly, during the locking process, the auxiliary rod 32 rotates first, and during the rotation process, it triggers the first signal device 50 to send a conduction signal to the control unit (as shown in point A in the figure). Then the lock catch 80 contacts the ratchet 22, and pushes the ratchet 22 to engage with the pawl 21 for the first time, and causes the pawl 21 to trigger the third signal switch 70 to send a disconnection signal to the control unit (as shown in point C in the figure); at this time, the lock is in a semi-unlocked state. The auxiliary rod 32 continues to rotate, and during the rotation process, it triggers the first signal device 50 to send a disconnection signal to the control unit (as shown in point B in the figure). At the same time, the lock catch 80 continues to push the ratchet 22 to engage with the pawl 21 for the second time, and causes the pawl 21 to trigger the second signal switch 60 to send a disconnection signal to the control unit (as shown in point D in the figure). At this point, the locking process is completed.

[0131] Thus far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lock, characterized in that: include: Pedestal; A locking assembly, comprising a pawl and a ratchet wheel that can mesh with each other and a first spring with two ends respectively connected to the pawl and the ratchet wheel; A driving assembly, comprising a driving arm and an auxiliary arm, and a second spring with two ends respectively connected to the auxiliary arm and the base; A driving device, which is electrically connected to the control unit and is cooperatively connected to the driving arm, so that the control unit controls the driving arm through the driving device to drive the pawl and the auxiliary arm to rotate; a first signal device, which is signal-connected to the control unit and sends a signal to the control unit in response to the triggering of the auxiliary arm; A second signal device is signal-connected to the control unit and sends a signal to the control unit in response to the triggering of the pawl.

2. The lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first signal device is a micro switch; When the first signal device is triggered by the auxiliary arm to become a conducting state, the first signal device sends a conducting signal to the control unit; Or / and, When the first signal device is triggered by the auxiliary arm to become a disconnected state, the first signal device sends a disconnection signal to the control unit.

3. The lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pawl is rotatably fixed on the base through a pawl shaft, and the pawl includes a first meshing portion and a signal triggering portion; The ratchet is rotatably fixed on the base through a ratchet shaft, and the ratchet includes a second meshing portion, a third meshing portion and a locking portion; The first engagement portion can engage with the second engagement portion or the third engagement portion.

4. The lock according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second signal device comprises a second signal switch and a third signal switch which are arranged opposite to the signal triggering portion of the ratchet; The second signal switch and / or the third signal switch sends a signal to the control unit in response to the triggering of the signal triggering unit.

5. The lock according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second signal switch and the third signal switch are micro switches; When the second signal switch and / or the third signal switch is triggered by the signal triggering unit to become a conducting state, the second signal switch and / or the third signal switch sends a conducting signal to the control unit; Or / and, When the second signal switch and / or the third signal switch is triggered by the signal triggering unit to become an off state, the second signal switch and / or the third signal switch sends an off signal to the control unit.

6. The lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary arm comprises: A limiting portion, which is movably disposed in a limiting groove provided on the driving arm, so that the driving arm limits the rotation range of the auxiliary arm through the cooperation between the limiting groove and the limiting portion; A positioning portion is arranged opposite to the first signal device, and is used to trigger the first signal device to send an on signal or an off signal to the control unit when the auxiliary arm rotates.

7. The lock according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The locking assembly and the driving assembly are respectively arranged on two opposite surfaces of the base.

8. The lock according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The base is provided with an open slot for accommodating the lock buckle; the structure of the base is symmetrical with respect to the open slot.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising a lock as claimed in claims 1 to 8.

10. A lock control method, characterized in that: The lock comprises: a base; a pawl and a ratchet wheel that can mesh with each other and a first spring whose two ends are respectively connected to the pawl and the ratchet wheel; a driving arm and an auxiliary arm and a second spring whose two ends are respectively connected to the auxiliary arm and the base and a driving device; The driving device is electrically connected to the control unit and is cooperatively connected to the driving arm, so that the control unit controls the driving arm through the driving device to drive the pawl and the auxiliary arm to rotate; The control method comprises: When the lock is in an unlocked state, the control unit sends a locking instruction to the drive device of the lock; The control unit drives the lock buckle to move toward the auxiliary arm; The driving arm drives the auxiliary arm to rotate in the direction of movement of the lock buckle under the drive of the driving device; The lock catch pushes the ratchet wheel, causing the ratchet wheel to engage with the pawl for the first time, thereby restricting the lock catch in the lock; Afterwards, the driving arm, driven by the driving device, pushes the lock catch to drive the ratchet wheel and the pawl to engage for the second time; and the driving arm drives the auxiliary arm to continue to rotate, thereby locking the lock catch in the lock.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The driving arm and the auxiliary arm are coaxially fixed on the base via a driving shaft; The auxiliary arm comprises a limiting portion and a supporting portion arranged in a limiting groove provided on the driving arm; The lock further comprises a first signal device, which is signal-connected to the control unit and sends a signal to the control unit in response to the triggering of the auxiliary arm; The driving arm drives the auxiliary arm to move toward the lock under the drive of the driving device. Turn to include; The driving device drives the driving arm to rotate around the driving shaft by being connected with the driving arm; When the driving arm rotates, the driving arm pushes the limiting portion of the auxiliary arm through the limiting groove to drive the auxiliary arm to rotate around the driving shaft, so that the supporting portion of the auxiliary arm and the lock buckle move in the same direction; When the auxiliary arm rotates to trigger the first signal device to turn it into a conducting state, the first signal device sends a conducting signal to the control unit; After receiving the conduction signal, the control unit controls the driving device to stop driving the driving arm to rotate.

12. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The pawl and the ratchet are rotatably fixed on the base; the pawl includes a first meshing portion and a signal triggering portion; the ratchet includes a second meshing portion and a third meshing portion; The lock further comprises a second signal switch and a third signal switch arranged opposite to the signal triggering part; The lock catch pushes the ratchet to engage with the pawl for the first time, thereby restricting the lock catch in the lock; comprising: The lock buckle pushes the ratchet wheel to rotate, and drives the pawl to rotate at the same time through the first spring, so that the third meshing portion of the ratchet wheel meshes with the first meshing portion of the pawl; When the third meshing portion is meshed with the first meshing portion, the third signal switch is triggered by the signal triggering portion of the pawl to become an off state, and sends an off signal to the control unit; The control unit determines that the lock catch is in a semi-locked state restrained in the lock by the ratchet according to the disconnection signal sent by the third signal switch and the conduction signal sent by the first signal device.

13. The control method according to claim 12, characterized in that: Afterwards, the driving arm, driven by the driving device, pushes the lock buckle to drive the ratchet wheel and the pawl to engage for the second time; and the driving arm drives the auxiliary arm to continue to rotate, thereby locking the lock buckle in the lock; comprising: The driving arm pushes the lock buckle under the drive of the driving device, so that the lock buckle drives the ratchet wheel and the pawl to rotate simultaneously, so that the second meshing portion of the ratchet wheel meshes with the first meshing portion of the pawl; When the second meshing portion is meshed with the first meshing portion, the second signal switch is triggered by the signal triggering portion of the pawl to become an off state, and sends an off signal to the control unit; The driving arm drives the auxiliary arm to continue to rotate until the auxiliary arm triggers the first signal device to change it into a disconnected state, and the first signal device sends a disconnection signal to the control unit; The control unit determines that the lock buckle is in a state of being locked by the lock according to the disconnection signal sent by the second signal switch and the disconnection signal sent by the first signal device.

14. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes: When the lock buckle is in a locked state by the lock, the control unit sends an unlocking instruction to the drive device of the lock; The driving arm drives the pawl and the ratchet wheel to rotate under the drive of the driving device, so that the first meshing portion of the pawl is disengaged from the second meshing portion of the ratchet wheel, and the first meshing portion of the pawl is meshed with the third meshing portion of the ratchet wheel, thereby releasing the lock from the lock to the lock buckle; Afterwards, the driving arm continues to drive the pawl and the ratchet wheel to rotate until the third engagement portion is disengaged from the first engagement portion, so that the lock catch is disengaged from the lock and the lock is in an unlocked state.

15. The control method according to claim 14, characterized in that: When the pawl and the ratchet wheel rotate until the third meshing portion of the ratchet wheel meshes with the first meshing portion of the pawl, The control unit determines whether the lock is currently in a stationary state; When the control unit determines that the lock is currently in a stationary state, the drive device continues to drive the drive arm to drive the pawl and the ratchet wheel to rotate; When the control unit determines that the lock is currently in a non-stationary state, the drive device stops driving the drive arm to drive the pawl and the ratchet wheel to rotate, so that the lock maintains the current state.

16. The control method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The driving arm drives the pawl and the ratchet wheel to rotate under the drive of the driving device, so that the first meshing portion of the pawl is disengaged from the second meshing portion of the ratchet wheel, and the first meshing portion of the pawl is meshed with the third meshing portion of the ratchet wheel; comprising: When the first meshing portion is meshed with the third meshing portion, the second signal switch is triggered by the signal triggering portion of the pawl to change from an off state to an on state, and sends an on signal to the control unit; When the driving arm rotates under the driving of the driving device, the auxiliary arm rotates around the driving shaft under the restoring force of the second spring, so that the supporting portion of the auxiliary arm lifts the lock buckle; and the first signal device is triggered by the positioning portion of the auxiliary arm to change from an off state to an on state, and sends an on signal to the control unit; The control unit determines that the lock releases the lock buckle according to the conduction signal sent by the second signal switch and the conduction signal sent by the first signal device.

17. The control method according to claim 14, characterized in that: After that, the driving arm continues to drive the pawl and the ratchet wheel to rotate until the third engagement portion is disengaged from the first engagement portion, so that the lock catch is disengaged from the lock; comprising: When the third meshing portion is disengaged from the first meshing portion, the third signal switch is triggered by the signal triggering portion of the pawl to change from an off state to an on state, and sends an on signal to the control unit; The auxiliary arm continues to rotate around the driving shaft under the restoring force of the second spring, so that the first signal device is triggered by the positioning portion of the auxiliary arm to change from the on state to the off state, and sends a disconnection signal to the control unit; The control unit determines that the lock catch is disengaged from the lock according to the on signal sent by the third signal switch and the off signal sent by the first signal device; and causes the driving device to stop driving the driving arm to rotate.

Images