TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention is related to a lock mechanism which enables electromechanically and mechanically opening car doors.

The invention is particularly related to a lock mechanism which allows for electrical opening and mechanical opening in emergencies of trunk lids of vehicles.

PRIOR ART

Automobiles’ trunk lids are locked with the mechanisms which include a hook. The hook on the mechanism is seated on the latch with a pin fixed on the vehicle, and the door is maintained locked when the hook turns inside and locks.

In the mentioned configuration, the hook mechanism turns in one direction, it becomes free when the locking mechanism is released, and thus the trunk lid is opened.

Said release mechanism in the previous art, is released mechanically by triggering the mechanism either by inserting the key to the lock outside of the vehicle, and turning it, or by pressing/pulling a handle.

Mechanisms that allow for the driver to open the trunk lid in the car have also been developed with an optional feature offered on some vehicles. In these said mechanisms, the trunk lid is opened by means of an arm positioned next to the driver’s seat preferably in the passenger compartment. This said configuration is similar to the front hood opening mechanism currently used on vehicles.

In this configuration, the arm and the hook release mechanism are connected to each other mechanically by means of a wire. By pulling/pushing the arm, the wire is retracted and the hook release mechanism is triggered, thus the trunk lid is opened.

With the developing technology, peoples’ needs have also increased and directed automobile manufacturers to new options that they can offer to users. With the new trunk lid locking mechanisms develops, the trunk lid hook release mechanism is electromechanically controlled by means of a servomotor. As a result of this said configuration, the trunk lid opening button can easily be placed at any position on the console in the passenger compartment, and triggering can be realized electrically.

Said system allows for opening the trunk lid by means of a button put on the remote control of the car, while some automobile manufacturers have also enabled opening the trunk lid hands free by means of a sensor placed under the back buffer.

Said electromechanical lock mechanism includes a button on the trunk lid, and pushing the button enables the hook release mechanism to start the servo motor and trigger.

However in cases of emergency, in the events when the car’s battery is depleted or its fuses trip, the trunk lid mechanism fails as electrical transmission is not realized, and individuals cannot access the trunk lid.

In addition, the present lock mechanisms include many and complicated pieces, and the production cost of these pieces is high. Furthermore, the installation cost of the locking mechanism which includes multiple and complicated pieces are also high, and the problems such as faulty production/quick failure are frequently experienced.

Furthermore, a noise problem occurs due to the metal components used in the present applications. In addition, the present applications fail to satisfy the force values expected from the lock mechanisms under ECE regulation no. 11 (rev2).

The USPTO document with the application number US5180198 mentions a kind of electric- driven lock device for trunk lids. The used mechanism components are preferable metal components and the lock mechanism is put forth through the interaction of several complicated components. Said mechanism is highly susceptible to mechanical failures during its operation. Said problems are also experienced during installation processes of production. Said invention has an automatic locking system if the motor fails in emergencies. The lock mechanism also has a mechanical opening function.

As a result, all problems described above have necessitated an innovation in the related field.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention makes it necessary to eliminate the foregoing problems and provide technical innovations in the related field. The main objective of the invention is to introduce an electric-controlled door lock mechanism which allows mechanical opening of the trunk lid in cases of emergency.

Another objective of the invention is to suggest a door lock structure with both an electromechanical and mechanical releasing mechanism.

Another objective of the invention is to enable mechanical opening of the trunk lid by means of a release mechanism.

Another objective of the invention is to allow for opening the trunk lid by means of the remote control of the vehicle with its mechanism structure.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a mechanism that enables opening the trunk lid with a button placed on the console in the passenger compartment due to its mechanism structure.

Another objective of the invention is to enable mechanical opening of the trunk lid in case of ECU failures, running out of battery or in case of accidents.

Another objective of the invention is to eliminate the problems experienced in automatic lock systems.

Another objective of the invention is to enable easy installation with optimum number of components that the existing lock mechanisms contain, and to minimize the labor costs, and to eliminate labor defects.

Another objective of the invention is to ensure resistance of the lock mechanism under the international ECE regulation No. 11 (rev3).

Another objective of the invention is to eliminate noise problems experienced in the lock system.

Another objective of the invention is to prevent failures which may arise from the measurement tolerances by obtaining the components with more precise production.

In order to realize all objectives described above and arising from the following detailed description, the present invention is a lock mechanism which fulfils the function of opening with mechanical and electrical drive, with the function of mechanical locking the trunk lid, and which acts as a lock for car trunks, characterized in that it includes at least a hook that enables closing the trunk lid and keeping it locked, a lock knob which retains the strike plate of said hook and keeps it in closed position, a release arm connected to the lock knob which enables manual release of the hook by said lock knob, a motor with minimum one motor shaft that realizes mechanical drive, a gear mechanism that transfers the mechanical energy received from said motor to the arm, a release arm connected to the lock knob, which enables manual release of the hook, electric terminals which enable making electric connections with the vehicle control system, at least one key, a lower grouping cover which includes the motor, gear mechanism and key and an upper grouping cover.

The preferred mechanism cover of the invention includes a hook assembly socket which enables assembling with rivets in the mechanism casing, a hook jaw which enables keeping the trunk locked by retaining the strike plate, a hook with a key triggering projection which enables triggering the key in the event the trunk lid is open, a lock knob installation socket which enables installing with rivets in the mechanism casing, a locking contact surface which enables gradual releasing of the hook, a step tab, a step recess and a release face, and a lock knob with a release arm, which enables mechanic release of the hook.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises at least one pinion connected to the motor shaft included in the motor.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a gear mechanism which comprises a pinion connected to the motor shaft that transmits the mechanical energy received from the motor shaft to the arm, a rack gear born in the lower grouping casing and the upper grouping casing by means of the bedding pin, a toothed rack gear which transforms the circular force on the rack gear to directional force.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a rack gear which enables increasing torque by reducing the rotation speed.

In a preferred embodiment the invention comprises a motion transfer component on the rack gear which enables releasing the hook by the lock knob by driving the arm.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the motor casing that retains the motor comprises an upper grouping casing which includes a gear casing that bears the gear mechanism and protects it against external factors, a gear mechanism, and a lower grouping cover which bears the electric terminals.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a lower cover and an upper cover made of plastic material.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a lower cover and an upper cover made of metal material. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a lower cover and an upper cover made of composite material.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises electric terminals which enable receiving electric signal from the key, supplying electric power to the motor, and realizes the connection of the lock mechanism with the vehicle’s control system.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a terminal casing produced uniform with an upper grouping casing which retains the electric terminals and reveals the socket structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises at least one key connected on the lower grouping casing that enables emitting warning to the driver when the trunk lid is open.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a release arm with increased ergonomics by means of a notch.

The lock mechanism of the invention is installed on the car’s trunk lid by means of two bolts preferably through the installation sheet sockets on the installation sheet that the lock mechanism has. The strike plate is fixed on the trunk base of the vehicle body on the strike plate installation socket positioned on the strike plate sheet against the lock mechanism.

The invented door lock mechanism can fulfill both mechanical and electromechanical trunk lid opening function. The lock mechanism becomes ready for use as a result of connection with the control unit of the vehicle and the terminals included in the lock mechanism.

Pressing the trunk lid opening button in the vehicle, or pressing the button on the trunk or the door control trunk opening button opens the trunk lid lock mechanism electromechanically by means of the motor in it.

The hook and the lock knob mechanism of the invention are preferably fixed with rivets in a manner to make circular movements on the mechanism casing. The hook applies a continuous outward rotation force by means of springs that are included in the lock mechanism. The movement of the hook is fixed by means of the lock knob, and it enables keeping the trunk locked. In the event the arm is moved by means of the rack gear, the lock heat releases the hook and the lock opens.

The lock knob is mechanically turned by means of the release arm comprised by the invention, and the hook is mechanically released. As a result, the trunk lid mechanically opens in cover of emergency. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical opening action is realized by means of an arm placed in the vehicle, and fixing said arm on the release arm by means of a steel cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 provides an isometric view of the invention.

Figure 2 is the top view of the invention.

Figure 3 is the upper perspective view of the upper grouping cover of the invention.

Figure 4 is the lower perspective view of the upper grouping cover of the invention.

Figure 5 provides the perspective view of the mechanism placed in the lower grouping cover of the invention.

Figure 6 provides front view of the gear assembly in the invention.

Figure 7 provides lower view of the gear assembly in the invention.

Figure 8 provides a bottom view of the lock mechanism.

Figure 9 provides a bottom view of the inner components of the lock mechanism.

Figure 10 provides the view of a step from the release position of the mechanism from the inner mechanisms of the lock mechanism.

Figure 11 provides the view of a step from the release position of the inner mechanisms of the lock mechanism.

Figure 12 provides the release position of the inner mechanisms of the lock mechanism.

DESCRIBING THE REFERENCE NUMBERS OF THE FIGURES

10. Upper grouping cover

11. Engine cover

12. Terminal cover

13. Gear cover 14. Tab cover 0. Lower grouping cover

21. Assembly tab

0. Assembly sheet

31. Assembly sheet socket 0. Mechanism cover

41. Pressure plate

42. Rivet

50. Strike plate

51. Strike plate sheet

52. Strike plate installation socket

60. Motor

61. Motor Shaft

62. Pinion

70. Electric Terminals

71. Key

711. Key pin

80. Rack gear

801. Bearing pin

81. Large diameter gear

82. Small diameter gear

90. Toothed rack gear

91. Driveshaft

100. Handle 110. Lock knob

111. Lock knob installation socket

112. Locking contact surface

113. Step tab

114. Step recess

115. Release face 120. Release arm

121. Notch 1000. Hook

1010. Hook installation socket 1020. Hook jaw 1030. Key triggering tab D. Gear mechanism K. Lock mechanism F. Direction of force

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invented door lock mechanism is described in this detailed description without having any restrictive effect using embodiments only to facilitate understanding of the invention.

The subject of the invention is related with a lock mechanism (K) which enables electromechanically and mechanically opening car doors.

The invention is particularly related with a lock mechanism (K) which allows for electrical opening and mechanical opening in emergencies of trunk lids of vehicles.

The invention comprises a hook (1000) which enables closing the trunk lid and keeping it locked, a lock knob (110) which retains the strike plate (50) of said hook (1000) and keeps it in closed position, an arm (100) connected to the lock knob (110) which enables releasing said lock knob (110) from the hook (1000), a motor (60) with at least one motor shaft (61) which realizes mechanical drive, a gear mechanism (D) which transmits the mechanical energy received from said motor (60) to the arm (100), a release arm (120) connected to the lock knob (110) which enables manual release of the hook (1000), electric terminals (70) which enable making electric connections with the vehicle control system, at least one key (71), a lower group casing (20) and a upper group casing (10) which retain the key (71), a hook installation socket (1010) which enables installing in the mechanism casing (40) by means of a rivet (42), a hook jaw (1020) which enables keeping the trunk locked by retaining the strike plate, a hook (1000) with a key triggering tab (1030) which enables triggering the key (71) if the trunk lid is open, a lock knob installation socket (111) which enables installing with a rivet (42) in the mechanism casing (40), a locking contact surface (112) which enables gradual release of the hook (1000), a step tab (113), a step recess (114) add a release surface (115), a lock knob (110) with a release arm (120) which enables mechanical release of the hook (1000).

In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a motor casing (11) that retains the motor (60), an upper grouping casing (10) which includes a gear casing (13) that bears the gear mechanism (D) and protects it against external factors, a gear mechanism (D), and a lower grouping casing (20) which bears the electric terminals (70).

Figure 1 provides an isometric view of the invention, and Figure 2 provides a top view of the invention. The lock mechanism (K) is fixed on the vehicle’s trunk lid by means of the installation sheet socket (31) which comprises the installation sheet (30) of the lock mechanism (K), the strike plate (50) shown on the figures is installed on the vehicle by means of the strike plate installation socket (52) positioned on the strike plate sheet (51) with which it is connected. Locking is achieved when the hook (1000) of the lock mechanism (K) sits on the strike plate (50), and the door is opened when the hook (1000) is released.

The lock mechanism (K) stores its components in the upper grouping cover (10) and the lower grouping cover (20). The upper grouping cover (10) includes one motor cover (11), one terminal cover (12) and one gear cover (13), as shown on Figure 2. Said motor cover (11), terminal cover (12) and gear cover (13) are manufactured as integrated to each other, preferably from plastic materials, and they constitute a portion of the upper grouping cover (10).

The lower grouping cover (20) bears the rack gear (80), toothed rack gear (90) and the motor gear (62), thus prevents damaging the moving mechanical components by also acting as a covered cover. The lower grouping cover (20) also retains the key (71). The upper grouping cover (10) and the lower grouping cover (20) in the invention, interlocks by means of the installation latch (21) contained in the lower grouping cover and the latch socket (14) of the upper grouping cover (10) to retain the inner elements.

The installation of the mechanism to the vehicle’s trunk lid is realized by means of the assembly sheet (30) comprised by the invention, and the assembly sheet socket (31) comprised by the assembly sheet (30).

The hook (1000), arm (100) and lock knob (110) of the invention are stored by means of the mechanism cover (40) of the invention. Said mechanism cover (40) is preferably made of metal material and it is made of plastic material in another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 provides the perspective view of the gear mechanism (D) placed in the lower grouping cover (20) of the invention. Motor (60), rack gear (80), the rack gear (90), electric terminals (70) and the key (71) are positioned in the lower grouping cover (20) as shown on the figure. As shown on the figure, the electric terminals (70) exert the female socket structure through which the controller will be connected to the motor (60) and the key (71) by means of the terminal cover (12) comprised by the upper grouping cover (10). The gear cover (13) comprised by the upper grouping component (10) enables storing the rack gear (80) in Figure 5. Said rack gear (80) is born on the lower grouping cover (20) and the upper grouping cover (10) by means of two bearing pins (801) respectively on the upper and lower sections.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rack gear (80) is born by means of only one bearing pin (801).

The motor (60) in the gear mechanism (D) of the invention is connected to the motor gear (62) by means of a motor shaft (61). The drive received from the motor (60) by means of the motor gear (62) is transferred to the rack gear (80). Said rack gear (80) comprises a large diameter gear (81) in the upper section and a small diameter gear (82) in the lower section. As a result, the rotation speed of the motor (60) is decreased and the torque is increased, thus the toothed rack gear (90) is driven with lower force.

Figure 6 and Figure 7 provide the positions of the motor (60), motor gear 862), rack gear (80) and toothed rack gear (90) compared to each other in the upper grouping cover (10) and the lower grouping cover (20). Said gear mechanism (D) comprises a rack gear (80) born in the upper grouping cover (10) and the lower grouping cover (20) by means of the bearing pin (801) which includes a large diameter gear (81), a small diameter gear (82) and a motor gear (62) connected to the motor shaft (61) that transmits the mechanical energy received from the motor shaft (61) in the motor (60) to the arm (100), and a rack gear (90) which converts the circular force of the rack gear (80) to linear force. As shown on Figure 7, the motor (60) drives the motor gear (62) by means of the motor shaft (61), and the rack gear (80) by means of said motor gear (62), and said rack gear (80) is enabled to turn around the axis of the bearing pins (801). Linear movement of the lower grouping cover (20) is obtained by means of the small diameter gear (82) possessed by the rack gear (80), and that of the toothed rack gear (90) with born axis by means of the upper grouping cover (10).

This said gear mechanism (D) carries the rotational force produced by means of motor (60) to the lateral axis. The lock mechanism (K) is released by means of the movement transmission component (91) contained in the toothed rack gear (90) of the invention.

Figure 8 provides a bottom view of the lock mechanism (K). The movement transmission component (91) contained by the toothed rack gear driven by the motor (60) and the gear mechanism (D) drives the arm (100) as shown on the figure, and enable releasing the hook (1000).

Figure 9 provides the inner structure of the lock mechanism (K). The arm (100) contained by the invention is connected with the lock knob (110), and said lock knob (110) is fixed in the mechanism cover (40) by means of a rivet (42) through the lock knob installation socket (111). Said lock knob (110) can move circularly on the axis of the rivet (42) positioned on the lock knob installation socket (111). Similarly, the hook (1000) that provides the locking action contains a hook installation socket (1010) on it. Said hook (1000) is fixed in the mechanism cover (40) with a rivet (42) through the hook installation socket (1010). As a result, the hook (1000) can move circularly on the axis created by the rivet (42). The hook (1000) and the lock knob (110) are born by means of a rivet (42) in this said embodiment. Said two rivets (42) are fixed on the mechanism cover (40) by using a pressure plate (41). As a result, the force applied by the rivets (42) on the mechanism cover (40) is equally spread on the surface.

The hook (1000) and the lock knob (110) which can turn around their own axes apply rotational force to each other by means of one spring on each. The lock mechanism (K) is released when the hook (1000) and the lock knob (110) are disconnected.

The hook (1010) of the invention retains the strike plate (50) and locks the trunk lid with a suitable form of the contained hook jaw (1020) according to the strike plate (50).

In the event the trunk lid is opened by means of the key (71) included, the lock mechanism (K) sends a signal to the ECU of the vehicle and warns the driver that the trunk lid is open.

In the event the lock mechanism (K) is locked by means of the key triggering tab (1030) included in the hook (1000) of the invention (Figure 9), the key pin (711) included in the key (71) remains at the lower position and ensures the key (71) to remain open, in the event the lock mechanism (K) is unrestricted (Figure 11) , pressure is applied on the key pin (711) contained in the key (71) by means of the key triggering tab (1030) contained in the hook (1000), thus the key (71) is brought to closed position and signal is sent to the control system. As a result, the driver is warned when the trunk lid is open.

The lock knob (110) contained in the invention contacts the surface that remains on the upper part of the hook jaw (1020) by means of the locking contact surface (112) on its surface, which contacts the hook (1000), and enables keeping the hook (1000) locked (Figure 9).

Figure 9, 10, 11 and 12 provide the gradual release of the lock mechanism (K) comprised by the invention.

In the event electromechanical opening of the lock mechanism (K) is desired, the movement transmission piece (91) contained by the moved toothed rack gear (90), enables pushing the arm (100) as shown on Figure 10, 11 and 12, and enables releasing the hook (1000).

Figure 10 provides the view of the lock mechanism’s (K) inner part mechanisms in the semi release position. The arm (100) included in the invention slides gradually and enables rotation of the lock knob (110) around its own axis. In that cover, the end portion of the hook jaw (1020) is attached to the form which consists of the step tab (113) and the step recess (114) contained in the lock knob (110). As a result, the lock mechanism (K) remains in semi-released position.

Figures 11 and 12 provide the view of the lock mechanism’s (K) inner part mechanisms in the release position. Slightly further pushing the arm (100) comprised by the invention, by means of the movement transmission piece (91) contained by the toothed rack gear (90) releases the hook jaw’s (1020) end section from the form on the lock knob (110), and enables it to softly slide from the release surface (115) on the lock knob (110), thus releasing the strike plate (50) restricted in the hook jaw (1020).

The lock mechanism (K) can be released mechanically and without requiring motor (60) drive and/or movement of the toothed rack gear (90) by means of the release arm (120) it has at the end portion of the lock knob (110). In this said embodiment, in the event force is applied in the force direction (F) to the release arm (120), a force in counter direction to the force applied to the lock knob (110) by the spring which applies pressure to the hook (1000) of the lock knob (110) is applied on the lock knob (110). In which cover, the hook jaw (1020) is mechanically released from the lock knob (110) by hand, and the strike plate (50) is released. The release arm (120) positioned at the end point of the lock knob (110) of the invention is uniformly produced together with the lock knob (110). Sliding of the release arm (120 is prevented by means of the notch (121) said release arm (120) in the event the lock mechanism (K) is manually opened.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the release arm (120) can be driven by means of a wire and an arm (100) placed in the vehicles. In this said embodiment, the force required to be applied on the release arm (120) contained by the lock mechanism (K) in emergency, is put forth by pulling or pushing the arm (100) in the vehicle, and mechanical opening of the trunk is obtained.