Closing device comprising two pawls and a motor-driven actuating mechanism

#This is a National Stage Application of International Patent Application No. PCT/DE2009/000738, with an international filing date of May 26, 2009, which is based on German Patent Application No. 10 2008 028 256.1, filed Jun. 13, 2008.

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a locking device comprising at least one locking mechanism with a catch, a pivotal first pawl, and a second pawl, wherein the pivoting of the first pawl can be blocked by the second pawl. Thus, the invention relates in particular to a locking system preferably with an electrically-openable locking mechanism comprising a catch and at least two pawls, preferably for locking and unlocking of the seat backrests in motor vehicles, especially for backrests of folding rear seats.

#FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a locking device in a plan view in a closed position;

#FIG. 2 shows the locking device of FIG. 1 in a side view;

#FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the closed position;

#FIG. 1 shows a locking device 1, in which a locking mechanism 2 is implemented with a catch 3 and two pivoting pawls, namely the first pawl 4 and the second pawl 5. These three components are rotatably fixed on a base plate of the housing 27. Shown here is a plan view of a locking device 1, wherein the cover has been omitted. In the housing 27, an inlet 25 can be seen, which can receive the latch pin 26. In the locked position, the latch pin 26 is enclosed by the rotatable catch 3, so that the latch pin can no longer leave the inlet 25. The catch 3 is biased by the spring element 28 and, therefore, seeks to swing back (here, clockwise) into the open position. In addition, it should be noted that seat cushions, seals, and the like are usually found between the locking device and the component to be locked, so that the latch pin 26 also exerts a reset force on the catch 3.

#A pawl 4 is provided in order to prevent the catch 3 from pivoting back to the open position. The pawl 4 engages the catch 3 partially and blocks the catch with respect to its opening movement. The first pawl 4 is mounted on the bearing 11 on the housing 27. On the side of the first pawl 4 and opposite to the catch 3 is positioned the second pawl 5. The second pawl 5 is partially covered by the electric motor 8, which lies above it. The electric motor 8 is a part of the actuator 6. The interaction of the catch 3, the first pawl 4, and the second pawl 5 will be explained in detail below.

#An operating lever 7 is provided at the bearing 11 above the first pawl 4. The function thereof is described in detail below. Also attached to this bearing 11 is a drive wheel 10 of the actuator 6, which is located above the operating lever 7. The electric motor 6 comprises an output shaft 9 in the form of a worm pinion, which cooperates with the tooting on the periphery of the drive wheel 10.