Trunk lock mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock mechanism (10) comprising a main body (11 ) mounted on the hatch covering a trunk compartment, configured to cooperate with a lock striker located in the body of the vehicle for opening and closing the hatch covering the trunk or door compartment in road vehicles, the main body (11) comprising at least one locking arm (20) having at least one striker slot (21) into which said lock striker is inserted.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TRUNK LOCK MECHANISM

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The invention relates to a lock mechanism comprising a main body mounted on a hatch covering a trunk or door compartment, configured to cooperate with a lock striker located in the body of the vehicle for opening and closing the hatch covering the trunk or door compartment in road vehicles, the main body comprising at least one locking arm having at least one striker slot into which said lock striker is inserted.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] In the trunk or door sections of vehicles such as buses, midibuses, minibuses and cars, there are lock mechanisms for closing the hatch covering the compartment and keeping it in the closed position. These mechanisms comprise a lock body and a lock striker, and when the lock striker is inserted into the slot on the lock body, the mechanism is activated and locking is achieved. In addition, the lock mechanisms provide two-stage locking: the first stage is configured for safety purposes to prevent the hatch from reopening in case of being closed slowly. The second stage is the position in which full closure is achieved.

[0007] Currently, lock mechanisms are manufactured from metal materials. The material being metal and the mechanisms designed in accordance with it bring some disadvantages. Since a large number of parts need to be joined with connections such as sheet metal processing, machining, spot welding, riveting and so on in present mechanisms, manufacturing and installation difficulties arise, and at the same time, the material being metal causes high costs. In addition, the metal material causes the mechanism to work in a noisy manner. Since the mechanism is exposed to vibrations during the advancing of the vehicle, there is a noise problem in the locked position in addition to the operating sound of the mechanism. Further, the area where the lock striker comes into contact with the mechanism being metal causes the striker to be damaged over time. Another problem of the present mechanisms is the tension spring located in the lock mechanism. This spring can become displaced over time and lose its function. For this reason, the spring may need to be changed periodically. In addition to all these, the metal material causes the mechanism to be heavy. The aim is to minimize fuel consumption and emission values in vehicles, and for this, it is desired to keep the vehicle weight low. Especially in today's electric vehicles, it is important to reduce the weight of every part of the vehicle in order to keep the range long.

[0008] Another disadvantage of metal lock mechanisms is the problem of rusting. Metal lock mechanisms rust over time, and the life of the mechanism is significantly shortened due to rust.

[0009] As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to make an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a lock mechanism for eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages and bringing new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0012] An object of the invention is to introduce a lock mechanism that is easy to manufacture and install.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to introduce a lock mechanism that operates silently.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to introduce a cost-effective, long-lasting and lightweight lock mechanism.

[0015] In order to accomplish all the objects mentioned above and to be derived from the detailed description below, the present invention is a lock mechanism comprising a main body mounted on the hatch covering a trunk or door compartment, configured to cooperate with a lock striker located in the body of the vehicle for opening and closing the hatch covering the trunk or door compartment in road vehicles, the main body comprising at least one locking arm having at least one striker slot into which said lock striker is inserted. Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises at least one first cocking body rotating in a locking direction about a first axis by rotating said locking arm in a locking direction; comprises at least one first lock tongue extending outward from the first said cocking body; comprises at least one second cocking body that the first lock tongue comes into contact with when rotating in the locking direction and is positioned to rotate about a second axis when the first lock tongue makes contact; comprises at least one second lock tongue extending outwards from the second cocking body to come into contact with the first lock tongue of said cocking body; at least one of the main body, the first cocking body, and the second cocking body are manufactured from at least one plastic-based raw material. Thus, an easy-to-manufacture, silent-operating, rust-free, lightweight and cost-effective lock mechanism is revealed.

[0016] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the main body, the first cocking body and the second cocking body are manufactured from at least one plasticbased material.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention is that at least one of the main body, the first cocking body, and the second cocking body contains one or more of the material group of PA6, glass fiber reinforced PA6, PA6.6, glass fiber reinforced PA6.6, PPS, glass fiber reinforced PPS, POM / Delrin.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the main body, the first cocking body, and the second cocking body contain one or more of the material group of PA6, glass fiber reinforced PA6, PA6.6, glass fiber reinforced PA6.6, PPS, glass fiber reinforced PPS, POM / Delrin.

[0019] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the locking arm is manufactured from at least one plastic material. Thus, a lock mechanism that can operate silently during contact with the lock striker and does not damage the lock striker is introduced.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the locking arm contains one or more of the material group of PA6, glass fiber reinforced PA6, PA6.6, glass fiber reinforced PA6.6, PPS, glass fiber reinforced PPS, POM / Delrin.

[0021] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the first cocking body and the second cocking body comprises at least one connection slot thereon for detachable connection to the main body. Thus, ease of installation is ensured. Service and maintenance operations are facilitated.

[0022] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that an opening arm positioned to rotate the second cocking body in an opening direction opposite to the locking direction for opening the lock is detachably connected to the main body by at least one arm fastener. Thus, ease of installation is ensured and service and maintenance operations are facilitated.

[0023] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the first cocking body is connected to at least a first spring, which, when cocked, generates a force such that it forces the first cocking body to rotate in an opening direction opposite to the locking direction, said first spring being the cocking spring.

[0024] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the second spring is connected to at least a second spring, which, when cocked, generates a force such that it forces the second cocking body to rotate in the locking direction, said second spring being the cocking spring.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the lock mechanism of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a representative rear view of the lock mechanism of the invention.

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a representative front view of the lock mechanism of the invention.

[0029] Fig. 4 shows a representative exploded view of the lock mechanism of the invention.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is explained by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect. Fig. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the lock mechanism (10) of the invention. Said lock mechanism (10) is a mechanism associated with a lock striker on the body of the vehicle for opening and closing the hatch covering the trunk or door compartment in road vehicles. Accordingly, the lock mechanism (10) of the invention is connected to a hatch (tailgate or door) covering the trunk or door compartment and moves with the hatch. In order to do this, the lock mechanism (10) is mounted from a main body (11) on the tailgate or door of the vehicle. The main body (11) is a carrier body housing the elements of the locking mechanism (10). Said vehicle is essentially a minibus, midibus or bus.

[0032] The lock mechanism (10) comprises at least one locking arm (20) having at least one strike slot (21) into which the lock striker in the body of the vehicle will be inserted. The locking arm (20) is shown in figure 2. In Fig. 3, the details of the lock mechanism (10) are given in the front view. The locking arm (20) is connected to at least a first cocking body (30). The first cocking body (30) is connected to at least a first cocking spring. The first cocking body (30) is located side by side with at least a second cocking body (50) on the main body (11 ). The first cocking body (30) has the freedom to rotate about at least a first axis (a). The second cocking body has the freedom to rotate about at least a second axis (b). At least one of the first cocking body (30) and the second cocking body (50) has at least one connection slot (70) thereon. The connection slot (70) is a space through which a fastener can be inserted for mounting the first cocking body (30) or the second cocking body (50) on the main body (11 ). Accordingly, at least one of the first cocking body (30) and the second body (11 ) are detachably connected to the main body. Said fastener is preferably a bolt or screw. The first axis (a) passes through the center of the connection slot (70) of the first cocking body (30). The second axis passes through the center of the connection slot (70) of the second cocking body (50).

[0033] When the tailgate or door is switched from the open position to the closed position, the lock striker is inserted into the striker slot (21 ) and causes the locking arm (20) to rotate in a locking direction (I). In addition, the first cocking body (30) connected to the locking arm (20) rotates about the first axis (a) in the locking direction (I). The locking direction (I) is the direction of transition to a position where the mechanism is locked to prevent the tailgate from opening. The first body (30) comprises at least a first lock tongue (31), and the second body (50) comprises at least a second lock tongue (51). Said first lock tongue (31) extends outward from the first cocking body (30), and said second lock tongue (51 ) extends outward from the second cocking body (50).

[0034] The first cocking body (30) is connected to at least a first spring (40), and the second cocking body (50) to at least a second spring (60). The first spring (40) and the second spring (60) are cocking springs. The first spring, when installed, generates a force such that it forces the first cocking body (30) to rotate in the opening direction (II). The second spring, when installed, generates a force such that it forces the second crown (50) to rotate in the locking direction (I).

[0035] The first lock tongue (31 ) comes into contact with the second lock tongue (51) when the first cocking body (30) rotates in the locking direction (I). As a result, the second cocking body (50) rotates about the second axis (b) in the opening direction (II). The end of the second lock tongue facing the second cocking body (50) has a locking end (511 ). At the end of the first lock tongue (31 ) facing the second cocking body (50), there is at least one half-lock stage (311) and at least one full lock stage (312). Said half-lock stage (311) and said full lock stage (312) are hollow forms provided on the first lock tongue (31 ). The lock end (511) of the second lock tongue can be placed in said half-lock stage (311 ) and full lock stage (312). When the locking end (511 ) is placed in one of the stages, the first cocking body (30) and the second cocking body (50) are prevented from rotating by the forces of the first spring (40) and the second spring (60). Thus, it is ensured that the mechanism remains locked unless there is external intervention.

[0036] The lock mechanism (10) comprises at least one opening arm (80). Said opening arm (80) is connected to the main body (11) such that it has freedom of rotation. The opening arm (80) is detachably connected to the main body (11) with at least one arm fastener (81). However, in a possible embodiment, the opening arm (81 ) can also be connected to the main body (11) with rivets. The opening arm (80) has the freedom to rotate around the arm fastener (81). When rotated in one direction, the opening arm (80) forces the second cocking body (50) to rotate in the opening direction (II). Accordingly, the opening arm (80) comprises at least one opening extension (82). The second cocking body comprises at least one support wall (52). Said support wall (52) is a protrusion that extends towards the opening arm (80). When the opening arm (80) is pulled so that it is rotated around the arm fastener (81 ), the opening extension (82) rests against the support wall (52) and rotates the second cocking body (50) in the opening direction (II) and allows the lock to be opened.

[0037] There is at least a first fixed wall (111 ) and at least a second fixed wall (112) on the main body (11). Said first fixed wall (111) is configured in such that it contacts the first cocking body (30) in order to prevent the first cocking body (30) from rotating in the locking direction (I) more than a predetermined amount. Said second fixed wall (112) is configured such that it contacts the second cocking body (50) in order to prevent the second cocking body (50) from rotating in the opening direction (II) and in the locking direction (I) more than a predetermined amount.

[0038] In the light of all these descriptions, the lock mechanism of the invention fulfills its function as follows:

[0039] When the lock striker on the body of the vehicle is inserted into the striker slot (21), the locking arm (20) is rotated in the locking direction (I), and accordingly, since the force of the first spring (40) is overcome, the first cocking body (30) rotates in the locking direction (I). As a result, the first lock tongue (31 ) contacts the second lock tongue (51) and rotates the second cocking body (50) slightly in the opening direction (II). Here, as the first locking arm (20) rotates due to the force of the second spring (60), the second lock tongue (51 ) remains in contact with the first lock tongue (31 ). When the first lock tongue (31) continues to rotate, the locking end (511) is placed in the half-lock stage (311 ). In the half-lock stage (311), the tailgate is in the half-closed position. When sufficient force is applied to the lock mechanism (10) from the tailgate or door, the body of the first lock tongue (31 ) continues to rotate and the second lock tongue (51 ) slides over the first lock tongue (31 ), settling into the full lock stage (312). Here, the tailgate is in the fully closed position. In order to open the lock, the opening arm (80) must be turned. When the opening arm (80) is rotated, it pushes the second cocking body (50) in the opening direction (II), and the forces of the second spring (60) and the first spring (40) are overcome, allowing the lock to be released and return to the starting position.

[0040] In the lock mechanism (10) of the invention, at least one of the main body (11), the first cocking body (30), and the second cocking body (50) is manufactured from at least one plastic-based material. In the preferred embodiment, the main body (11), the first cocking body (30), and the second cocking body (50) are all made of plastic-based material. Also, in the preferred embodiment, at least one of the main body (11 ), the first cocking body (30), and the second cocking body (50) contains one or more of the material group of PA6, glass fiber reinforced PA6, PA6.6, glass fiber reinforced PA6.6, PPS, glass fiber reinforced PPS, POM / Delrin. In the preferred embodiment, the main body (11), the first cocking body (30), and the second cocking body (50) all contain one or more of the material group of PA6, glass fiber reinforced PA6, PA6.6, glass fiber reinforced PA6.6, PPS, glass fiber reinforced PPS, POM / Delrin.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment, the locking arm (20) is manufactured from at least one plastic-based material. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the locking arm (20) contains one or more of the material group of PA6, glass fiber reinforced PA6, PA6.6, glass fiber reinforced PA6.6, PPS, glass fiber reinforced PPS, POM / Delrin.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the opening arm (80) is also manufactured from at least one plastic-based material. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the locking arm (80) contains one or more of the material group of PA6, glass fiber reinforced PA6, PA6.6, glass fiber reinforced PA6.6, PPS, glass fiber reinforced PPS, POM / Delrin.

[0043] The described material structure and the lock mechanism (10) in the invention introduce a lightweight and durable structure. Owing to its lightweight structure, the lock mechanism (10) of the invention contributes to reducing the weight of the vehicle on which it is connected, thus reducing emission values and extending the range. With the advantage of plastic-based material, the operation of the mechanism is silenced. In addition, manufacturing and installation have been facilitated and costs have been reduced. Further, the plastic material prevents the rusting problem in the present art. The lock mechanism (10) can be manufactured by plastic injection method. The first cocking body (30) and the second cocking body (50) are detachably connected to the main body (11). Also, the locking arm (20) and the opening arm (80) are also detachable as they are connected by fasteners. Locating cocking springs in the mechanism instead of tension springs eliminates the problems of the need to change the existing spring and the displacement of the spring. Thus, with this structure, an easy-to-manufacture, long-lasting lock mechanism (10) has been introduced.

[0044] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention.

[0045] REFERENCE NUMERALS GIVEN IN DRAWINGS

[0046] 10 Lock Mechanism

[0047] 11 Main Body

[0048] 111 First Fixed Wall

[0049] 112 Second Fixed Wall

[0050] 20 Locking Arm

[0051] 21 Striker Slot

[0052] 30 First Cocking Body

[0053] 31 First Lock Tongue

[0054] 311 Half-Lock Stage

[0055] 312 Full Lock Stage

[0056] 40 First Spring

[0057] 50 Second Cocking Body

[0058] 51 Second Lock Tongue

[0059] 511 Locking End

[0060] 52 Support Wall

[0061] 60 Second Spring

[0062] 70 Connection Slot

[0063] 80 Opening Arm

[0064] 81 Arm Fastener

[0065] 82 Opening Extension

[0066] (I) Locking Direction

[0067] (II) Opening Direction

[0068] (a) First Axis

[0069] (b) Second Axis

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lock mechanism (10) comprising a main body (11) mounted on the hatch covering a trunk or door compartment, configured to cooperate with a lock striker located in the body of the vehicle for opening and closing a hatch covering the trunk or door compartment in road vehicles, the main body (11 ) comprising at least one locking arm (20) having at least one striker slot (21 ) into which said lock striker is inserted, characterized in that it comprises at least one first cocking body (30) rotating in a locking direction (I) about a first axis (a) by rotating said locking arm (20) in a locking direction (I); it comprises at least one first lock tongue (31) extending outward from the first said cocking body (30); it comprises at least one second cocking body (50) that the first lock tongue (31 ) comes into contact with when rotating in the locking direction (I) and is positioned to rotate about a second axis (b) when the first lock tongue (31) makes contact; it comprises at least one second lock tongue (51) extending outwards from the second cocking body (50) to come into contact with the first lock tongue (31) of said cocking body (50); at least one of the main body (11), the first cocking body (30), and the second cocking body (50) are manufactured from at least one plastic-based raw material.

2. A lock mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the main body (11), the first cocking body (30), and the second cocking body (50) are manufactured from at least one plastic-based material.

3. A lock mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one of the main body (11), the first cocking body (30), and the second cocking body (50) contains one or more of the material group of PA6, glass fiber reinforced PA6, PA6.6, glass fiber reinforced PA6.6, PPS, glass fiber reinforced PPS, POM / Delrin.

4. A lock mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the main body (11), the first cocking body (30), and the second cocking body (50) containone or more of the material group of PA6, glass fiber reinforced PA6, PA6.6, glass fiber reinforced PA6.6, PPS, glass fiber reinforced PPS, POM / Delrin.

5. A lock mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the locking arm (20) is manufactured from at least one plastic material.

6. A lock mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the locking arm (20) contains one or more of the material group of PA6, glass fiber reinforced PA6, PA6.6, glass fiber reinforced PA6.6, PPS, glass fiber reinforced PPS, POM / Delrin.

7. A lock mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one of the first cocking body (30) and the second cocking body (50) comprises at least one connection slot (70) thereon for detachable connection to the main body (11 ).

8. A lock mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that an opening arm (80) positioned to rotate the second cocking body (50) in an opening direction (II) opposite to the locking direction (I) for opening the lock is detachably connected to the main body (11) by at least one arm fastener (81).

9. A lock mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first cocking body (30) is connected to at least a first spring (40), which, when cocked, generates a force such that it forces the first cocking body (30) to rotate in an opening direction (II) opposite to the locking direction (I), said first spring (40) being the cocking spring.

10. A lock mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the second spring (60) is connected to at least a second spring (60), which, when cocked, generates a force such that it forces the second cocking body (50) to rotate in the locking direction (I), said second spring (60) being the cocking spring.

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