Lock Arrangement with Bidirectional Rotary Latch Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock arrangements for vehicle doors or flaps suffer from undesirable rattling noise due to the rotary latch's tendency to move into an overtravel position, which is exacerbated by low sealing forces in flat-mounted tailgates, requiring additional components for immobilization, increasing costs and reducing compactness.
Innovation Solution
A lock arrangement featuring a hook-shaped pawl section with diverging locking surfaces that engage with a radially projecting locking element on the rotary latch, blocking rotational movement in both directions, thus preventing overtravel and rattling noise without additional components or wear-prone elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking element is added to clamp the locking bolt between the rotary latch and the locking element, then rattling noise is prevented, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated directly into the rotary latch structure, merging two previously separate components (locking element and rotary latch) into one unified structure. This eliminates the need for additional clamping components while maintaining the noise-prevention function, as the integrated locking element directly engages with the pawl to prevent rattling.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary latch is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only engages and disengages the locking bolt but also incorporates a locking element that prevents rattling noise. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate noise-prevention components, reducing overall device complexity while addressing both locking and noise issues.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional components are added to prevent overtravel and rattling, then noise is reduced, but compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is merged with the rotary latch structure, eliminating the need for separate overtravel-prevention components. This integration maintains compact dimensions while effectively preventing rattling noise through the direct engagement between the integrated locking element and the pawl.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing forces are increased to prevent overtravel, then rattling noise is reduced, but the sealing system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical overtravel prevention is achieved through the geometric design of the locking element and pawl engagement surfaces, replacing the need for additional sealing forces. The diverging contact surfaces create a mechanical wedge effect that naturally prevents overtravel and rattling without requiring modified sealing systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock arrangement (3) comprising a lock housing (4), a rotary latch (6; 6') rotatably mounted on the lock housing (4) and a detent (7; 7') that is pivotably mounted on the lock housing (4) and can be moved between a locking position securing the rotary latch (6; 6') and a release position releasing the rotary latch (6; 6'), the detent (7; 7') being designed such that, in the locking position, it blocks a rotational movement of the rotary latch (6; 6') towards the open position (18). The invention is characterised in that the detent (7; 7') is designed such that, in the locking position, it blocks a rotational movement of the rotary latch (6; 6') away from (23) the open position.