Lock device having a multi-part pawl

A lock unit, comprising:

• a spring-loaded catch rotatable about a catch rotation axis;
• a first pawl rotatable about a pawl rotation axis between a locking position blocking movement of the catch in an opening direction and a releasing position allowing movement of the catch in the opening direction;
• a second pawl rotatable about the same pawl rotation axis;
• and
• a blocking lever rotatable about a blocking lever rotation axis;
• wherein in a locked state of the lock unit, the catch is biased into contact with the first pawl at a contact area between the catch and the first pawl and applies to the first pawl a force acting in the direction of a contact force vector, the contact force vector in the locked state of the lock unit not pointing towards the pawl rotation axis but instead to a side of the pawl rotation axis such that, the catch applies a pivoting moment to the first pawl in a direction going from the locking position to the releasing position of the first pawl;
• and during an opening movement, the second pawl actuates the blocking lever causing the blocking lever to pivot and move away from the first pawl, thereby setting free the first pawl and allowing rotation of the first pawl by the catch.

A lock unit comprising

• a catch,
• a first pawl having a pawl rotation axis about which the first pawl rotates between a locking position blocking movement of the catch in an opening direction and a releasing position allowing movement of the catch in the opening direction,
• a blocking lever, and
• a second pawl mounted on the pawl rotation axis and engageable with the blocking lever and the catch,
• wherein the catch in a locked state of the lock unit and when biased toward the first pawl, engages the first pawl at a contact area between the catch and the first pawl and applies to the first pawl a force acting in the direction of a contact force vector, the contact force vector in the locked state of the lock unit not pointing towards the pawl rotation axis, but rather forming an angle with a line connecting the pawl rotation axis and the contact area between the catch and the first pawl such that the catch applies a pivoting moment to the first pawl in a direction going from the locking position to the releasing position of the first pawl for facilitating a release of the catch, and
• wherein in a locked state of the lock unit movement of the first pawl is blocked by a blocking lever.