Lock for hood of vehicle

Abstract

Provided in the present utility model is a lock for a hood of a vehicle, which lock is configured to be connected to or released from a latch (10) attached to the hood so as to lock or release the hood. The lock comprises: a lock housing (1) adapted to be fixed to a body of a vehicle; a pivot shaft (2) fixedly connected to the lock housing (1) and configured to comprise at least a first section (21), a second section (22) and a flange portion located between the first section and the second section; a safety hook (3) and a handle (4), which are rotatably supported on the lock housing (1) by means of the first section of the pivot shaft and can respectively pivot relative to the lock housing (1) around the pivot shaft; and a double-ended torsion spring (5), which is separately connected to the safety hook and the lock housing, wherein the second section of the pivot shaft is located on the side of the flange portion away from the lock housing, so that the double-ended torsion spring is detachably sleeved on the second section of the pivot shaft. In the lock, the double-ended torsion spring can be freely detached, so that the operating force of the handle and the insertion force of the safety hook can be freely adjusted.

Description

Locks for vehicle hoods Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a lock for a vehicle hood, such as a front hood, for engaging or disengaging a latch attached to the hood to lock or release the hood. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle hoods, such as the engine cover of a motor vehicle or the trunk lid of a new energy vehicle, are equipped with hood locks that secure them to the front of the vehicle body. Common types of hood locks include safety hooks, handles, and torsion springs.

[0003] However, in existing designs, the handle is mounted on the safety hook, so when the hood is closed, the safety hook moves the handle along with it. The handle is a moving part, and due to inertia, its movement is out of sync with the safety hook, creating installation difficulties. Furthermore, the handle's center of gravity is far from the mounting point, so its movement exerts a torsional force on the mounting point, which in extreme cases could cause cracking. Additionally, the increased overall mass of the handle and safety hook as a single moving part slows down the safety hook's response.

[0004] In addition, in existing designs, rivets with flanges on the outside are usually used to assemble the safety hook, handle, and torsion spring to the lock housing. This requires the spring to be threaded through before riveting, which is a more complex process and increases manufacturing and assembly costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure provides a lock for a vehicle hood for engaging or disengaging a latch attached to the hood to lock or release the hood, the lock comprising: a lock housing adapted to be fixed to a vehicle body; a pivot shaft fixedly connected to the lock housing, the pivot shaft being configured to include at least a first section, a second section, and a flange portion located between the first section and the second section; a safety hook and a handle, the safety hook and the handle being rotatably supported on the lock housing via the first section of the pivot shaft and pivotable relative to the lock housing about the pivot shaft respectively; and a double-ended torsion spring, the double-ended torsion spring being connected to the safety hook and the lock housing respectively, wherein the second section of the pivot shaft is located on the side of the flange portion away from the lock housing such that the double-ended torsion spring is detachably fitted onto the second section of the pivot shaft.

[0007] In the above solution, by providing such a pivot, the double-headed torsion spring can be detachably installed onto the pivot, simplifying installation and avoiding the problem of scrapping due to misalignment of the double-headed torsion spring. Furthermore, using a single independent double-headed torsion spring, compared to other designs with three torsion springs or two springs, simplifies the overall lock installation and allows for flexible adjustment of the insertion force, unaffected by the handle's operating force.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the double-ended torsion spring includes a torsion spring body and a first arm and a second arm extending from both ends of the torsion spring body, wherein the first arm is connected to the safety hook and the second arm is connected to the lock housing. With this double-ended torsion spring, the spring torque can be adjusted individually to regulate the insertion force of the safety hook and the operating force of the handle.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the safety hook includes a connecting end having a first connecting hole and a free end opposite to the connecting end; and the safety hook also includes a protrusion extending from the connecting end on a first side therein, wherein at least a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion are provided, and the first arm of the double-ended torsion spring engages with the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion.

[0010] In the above configuration, the installation position of the first arm of the double-headed torsion spring can be adjusted as needed, thereby adjusting the operating force of the handle and the insertion force of the safety hook.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, both the first and second joints are constructed as through holes extending through the entire thickness of the protrusion. In this configuration, the first arm of the double-ended torsion spring can be hooked into the corresponding through hole, thereby simplifying the installation of the torsion spring.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the base plate of the lock housing is provided with a first limiting mechanism, the safety hook is provided with a second limiting mechanism, and the handle is provided with a limiting portion; through the cooperation of the first limiting mechanism, the second limiting mechanism, and the limiting portion, the safety hook can pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, a portion of the safety hook is located on the travel path of the latch, and in the second position, the safety hook leaves the travel path of the latch.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, the substrate includes a mounting hole for a pivot shaft, wherein a first limiting mechanism includes a first stop and a second stop located on both sides of the mounting hole; a second limiting mechanism includes a first protrusion located on a first side of the safety hook near the connecting end and a second protrusion located on a second side of the safety hook, and the safety hook is fitted onto the pivot shaft through the first connecting hole; and a handle includes a handle connecting end having a second connecting hole, wherein a limiting portion is located on the side of the handle away from the free end of the safety hook near the handle connecting end, and the handle is fitted onto the pivot shaft through the second connecting hole; wherein in a first position, the limiting portion abuts against the first stop, and the first protrusion abuts against the limiting portion; in a second position, the limiting portion abuts against the first stop, and the second protrusion abuts against the second stop.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the first stop portion and the second stop portion are in the form of lugs that extend perpendicularly to the substrate and parallel to each other, wherein the end of the first stop portion is provided with a first hook portion, the end of the second stop portion is provided with a second hook portion, and the second arm of the double-ended torsion spring is connected to the second hook portion.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the pivot shaft is constructed as a hollow rivet and further includes a third section extending from the first section, wherein the outer diameter of the third section is smaller than the outer diameter of the first section, the outer diameter of the first section is smaller than the outer diameter of the second section, and the pivot shaft is riveted to the lock housing at the mounting hole via the third section. By providing such a pivot shaft, the torsion spring can be riveted first and then detachably installed, thereby simplifying the installation process.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the safety hook, handle, and double-ended torsion spring are configured such that: during the process of closing the cover, the safety hook can pivot from a first position to a second position relative to the lock housing, while the handle remains stationary, and under the action of the spring force of the double-ended torsion spring, the safety hook can automatically return from the second position to the first position; and during the process of opening the cover, the operating handle can drive the safety hook to pivot from the first position to the second position, and the action of the spring force of the double-ended torsion spring causes the safety hook and handle to return to their original positions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lock for a vehicle hood according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the lock shown in the figure;

[0019] Figure 3 shows a front view of the lock with the safety hook in the first position, where the cover is open;

[0020] Figure 4 shows a front view of the lock's safety hook in the second position during the hood closing process.

[0021] Figure 5 shows a front view of the lock with the safety hook in the first position, where the cover is closed, i.e., the lock is locked.

[0022] Figure 6a shows a front view schematic diagram of a pivot shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before assembly (i.e., before being riveted to the lock housing);

[0023] Figure 6b is a front view of the pivot shaft shown in Figure 6a after assembly (i.e., after it has been riveted to the lock housing); and

[0024] Figure 7 shows a front view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the safety hook according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to enable those skilled in the art to more fully understand and implement the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that implementations of the present disclosure may not include some of these specific details.

[0026] Referring to Figures 1-5, a schematic diagram of a lock for a vehicle hood according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. It should be noted that the vehicle hood described herein can be the engine cover of the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. However, the application of the lock of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, for new energy vehicles, the corresponding position at the front of the vehicle is the luggage compartment, and the lock of the present disclosure can also be used for the cover of this luggage compartment. The front compartment of the vehicle can be opened or closed via a hood (not shown). A latch / pin 10 is attached to the hood. The lock is fixed to the vehicle body structure (not shown) of the front compartment, and the hood is held in the closed position by locking the latch 10.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the lock 100 includes a lock housing 1, a pivot shaft 2, a safety hook 3, a handle 4, and a double-headed torsion spring 5. The lock housing 1 may include a mounting portion (not shown) through which the lock 100 is fixed to the vehicle body structure. The lock housing 1 has a base plate / base plate 1a, which includes mounting holes 1b for the pivot shaft 2, through which the pivot shaft 2 can be fixedly connected to the base plate, for example, through the mounting holes 1b. Advantageously, the pivot shaft 2 includes a first section 21, a second section 22, and a flange 20 located between the first section and the second section, wherein the safety hook 3 and the handle 4 are rotatably supported on the lock housing 1 via the first section 21 of the pivot shaft and are pivotable relative to the lock housing 1 about the pivot shaft, respectively. As can be seen from the figures, the safety hook 3 is closer to the lock housing 1 than the handle 4. The pivot shaft 2 is arranged such that its second section 22 is located on the side of the flange 20 away from the lock housing 1, such that the double-headed torsion spring is detachably fitted onto the second section 22 of the pivot shaft.

[0028] In the above embodiments, by providing such a pivot shaft, the double-headed torsion spring can be detachably installed, simplifying installation and avoiding the problem of scrapping due to misalignment of the double-headed torsion spring. Furthermore, using a single independent double-headed torsion spring, compared to other designs with three torsion springs or two springs, simplifies the overall lock installation and allows for flexible adjustment of the insertion force, unaffected by the handle's operating force.

[0029] Referring again to Figure 2, the double-ended torsion spring 5 includes a torsion spring body 50 and a first arm 51 and a second arm 52 extending from both ends of the torsion spring body. The first arm is connected to the safety hook, and the second arm is connected to the lock housing. Additionally, the lock housing 1 includes a first limiting mechanism disposed on the base plate 1a. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, the first limiting mechanism includes a first stop portion 11 and a second stop portion 12 located on both sides of the mounting hole 1a. Preferably, the first stop portion 11 and the second stop portion 12 are symmetrically arranged about the mounting hole and are in the form of lugs extending perpendicular to the base plate 1a and parallel to each other. The first stop portion has a first hook portion 110 at its end, and the second stop portion has a second hook portion 120 at its end. The second arm 52 of the double-ended torsion spring is connected to the second hook portion. The first hook portion and the second hook portion are configured such that, depending on specific needs, the safety hook can be installed in the opposite direction to that shown in the figure.

[0030] Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, a preferred embodiment of the pivot shaft 2 according to the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the pivot shaft 2 is in the form of a hollow rivet and also includes a third section 23 extending from the first section 21. Figure 6a shows the state before riveting, and Figure 6b shows the state after riveting. As can be seen from the figures, the outer diameter of the first section 21 is larger than the outer diameter of the third section 23, and the outer diameter of the second section 22 is larger than the outer diameter of the first section 21. During assembly, the safety hook 3 and the handle 4 can be first fitted onto the first section 21 of the pivot shaft 2, and then the third section 23 of the pivot shaft 2 is passed through the mounting hole 1b and riveted to the base plate 1a of the lock housing 1. After riveting, a riveting flange 23a is formed on the outermost side of the third section of the pivot shaft 2. With the cooperation of the flange 23a and the end face of the first section 21, the pivot shaft 2 is fixedly connected to the lock housing 1. Then, the torsion spring body 50 is fitted onto the second section 22 of the pivot shaft 2.

[0031] Referring to Figure 7, an embodiment of the safety hook 3 according to the present disclosure is shown. As can be seen from the figure, the safety hook 3 includes, for example, a connecting end 31 having a first connecting hole 30 and a free end 32 having a hook-shaped portion 32a along its length direction (the longitudinal direction shown in the figure). Furthermore, the safety hook 3 has a first side and an opposing second side along its width direction (the transverse direction shown in the figure), and the safety hook also includes a protrusion 33 extending from the connecting end 31 on its first side, in which a first engaging portion 331 and a second engaging portion 332 are provided. Preferably, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are in the form of through holes through the entire thickness of the protrusion. That is, the protrusion has two through holes, upper and lower, and the first arm 51 of the double-ended torsion spring 5 can be hooked to one of the through holes. This configuration allows adjustment of the connection position of the first arm to adjust the tension of the double-ended torsion spring, thereby allowing free adjustment of the handle operating force and the safety hook insertion force. It should be understood that although only two engaging portions are shown in the figure, it should be understood that more engaging portions can be provided, also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] In addition, the safety hook 3 is also provided with a second limiting mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the second limiting mechanism includes a first protrusion 311 located on the first side (left side shown in the figure) of the safety hook near the connecting end and a second protrusion 312 located on the second side (right side shown in the figure) of the safety hook, and the safety hook 3 is fitted onto the first section 21 of the pivot shaft 2 through the first connecting hole 30.

[0033] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the handle 4 includes a handle connection end 41 with a second connection hole 40 and an operating end opposite to the handle connection end. Furthermore, a limiting portion 42 is provided near the handle connection end 41 on the side of the handle away from the safety hook's free end 32, and the handle is fitted onto the first section of the pivot shaft through the second connection hole 40. In the lock 100 according to this disclosure, the safety hook can pivot between a first position and a second position through the cooperation of the first limiting mechanism, the second limiting mechanism, and the limiting portion. In the first position, the free end of the safety hook 3 is located on the travel path of the latch 10, and in the second position, the safety hook 3 is away from the travel path of the latch 10.

[0034] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the safety hook 3 is in the first position, where the limiting part 42 abuts against the first stop part 11, and the first protrusion 311 abuts against the limiting part 42. Referring to Figure 4, the safety hook 3 is in the second position, where the limiting part 42 abuts against the first stop part 11, and the second protrusion 312 abuts against the second stop part 12.

[0035] Referring to Figures 3 through 5, the operation of the hood lock will be described below in an exemplary manner.

[0036] First, during the closing of the cover, the latch 10, which moves as the cover closes, abuts against the outer edge of the hook-shaped portion 32a of the safety hook 3, which is positioned along the travel path of the latch 10. As a result of the latch 10 abutting against the hook-shaped portion 32a, the safety hook 3 rotates from the first position shown in FIG3 (i.e., the auxiliary locking position) towards the second position shown in FIG4 (i.e., the auxiliary unlocking position), thereby rotating it outside the travel path of the latch 10. This allows the latch 10 to enter the latch groove of the lock housing 1 and be further locked by the lock fork. During the rotation of the safety hook 3 from the first position to the second position, the handle 4 does not rotate with the safety hook 3 but remains stationary. Then, due to the spring force of the double-headed torsion spring 5, the safety hook 3 automatically returns to the first position shown in FIG5.

[0037] During the process of opening the hood, as the first protrusion 311 abuts against the limiting part 42, the operating handle 4 can drive the safety hook 3 to overcome the force of the double-headed torsion spring 5 and rotate from the first position shown in Figure 5 to the second position of the safety hook, until the second protrusion 312 abuts against the second stop part 12. At this time, the hook-shaped part 32a of the safety hook 3 rotates out of the travel path of the latch 10, which allows the latch 10 to disengage from the latch groove, thereby fully opening the hood. Then, under the action of the spring force of the double-headed torsion spring 5, the safety hook and handle are reset to the first position shown in Figure 3.

[0038] It should be noted that the embodiments described above should be considered exemplary only, and this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. By considering the content of this specification, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. The true scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lock for a vehicle hood, the lock (100) for engaging or disengaging a latch (10) attached to the hood to lock or release the hood, characterized in that, The lock includes: A lock housing (1) suitable for fixing to the body of a vehicle; A pivot shaft (2) is fixedly connected to the lock housing (1), the pivot shaft being configured to include at least a first section (21), a second section (22), and a flange (20) located between the first section and the second section; A safety hook (3) and a handle (4), the safety hook and the handle being rotatably supported on the lock housing (1) via a first section (21) of the pivot axis and pivotable relative to the lock housing (1) about the pivot axis, respectively; and A double-ended torsion spring (5) is connected to the safety hook and the lock housing respectively, wherein the second section (22) of the pivot shaft is located on the side of the flange (20) away from the lock housing (1) so that the double-ended torsion spring is detachably fitted to the second section (22) of the pivot shaft.

2. The lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The double-headed torsion spring includes a torsion spring body (50) and a first arm (51) and a second arm (52) extending from both ends of the torsion spring body, wherein the first arm is connected to the safety hook and the second arm is connected to the lock housing.

3. The lock according to claim 2, characterized in that, The safety hook (3) includes a connecting end (31) having a first connecting hole (30) and a free end (32) opposite to the connecting end; and The safety hook also includes a protrusion (33) extending from the connecting end (31) on its first side, wherein at least a first engagement (331) and a second engagement (332) are provided in the protrusion, and the first arm of the double-headed torsion spring (5) engages with the first engagement or the second engagement.

4. The lock according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first and second joints are configured as through holes that extend through the entire thickness of the protrusion.

5. The lock according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The base plate (1a) of the lock housing (1) is provided with a first limiting mechanism, the safety hook (3) is provided with a second limiting mechanism, and the handle (4) is provided with a limiting part (42). Through the cooperation of the first limiting mechanism, the second limiting mechanism and the limiting part, the safety hook can pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, a part of the safety hook is located on the travel path of the latch, and in the second position, the safety hook leaves the travel path of the latch.

6. The lock according to claim 5, characterized in that, The substrate (1a) includes a mounting hole (1b) for the pivot shaft (2), wherein the first limiting mechanism includes a first stop (11) and a second stop (12) located on both sides of the mounting hole; The second limiting mechanism includes a first protrusion (311) located on the first side of the safety hook near the connecting end and a second protrusion (312) located on the second side of the safety hook, and the safety hook is fitted onto the pivot shaft through the first connecting hole; and The handle (4) includes a handle connection end (41) having a second connection hole (40), wherein the limiting part (42) is located near the handle connection end on the side of the handle away from the free end (32) of the safety hook, and the handle is fitted onto the pivot shaft through the second connection hole; In the first position, the limiting part (42) abuts against the first stop part (11), and the first protruding part (311) abuts against the limiting part; in the second position, the limiting part (42) abuts against the first stop part (11), and the second protruding part (312) abuts against the second stop part (12).

7. The lock according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first stop (11) and the second stop (12) are in the form of lugs that extend perpendicularly to the substrate (1a) and parallel to each other. The end of the first stop is provided with a first hook (110), and the end of the second stop is provided with a second hook (120). The second arm (52) of the double-headed torsion spring is engaged with the second hook.

8. The lock according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pivot shaft (2) is constructed in the form of a hollow rivet and also includes a third section (23) extending from the first section, wherein the outer diameter of the third section is smaller than the outer diameter of the first section, the outer diameter of the first section is smaller than the outer diameter of the second section, and the pivot shaft is riveted to the lock housing at the mounting hole (1b) through the third section (23).

9. The lock according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The safety hook (3), the handle (4), and the double-headed torsion spring (5) are configured as follows: During the closing of the cover, the safety hook can pivot relative to the lock housing from the first position to the second position, while the handle remains stationary. Under the spring force of the double-ended torsion spring, the safety hook can automatically return from the second position to the first position. During the process of opening the cover, operating the handle can drive the safety hook to pivot from the first position to the second position, and the spring force of the double-headed torsion spring will cause the safety hook and the handle to return to their original positions.

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