EP0991833B1 - Driving device for locking and unlocking a lock with conditional opening - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a driving device for locking and unlocking a lock with conditional opening, comprising: motoring means (MT) including a driving element (36) with a rotation axis (X1); a transmission arm (26) mounted about a rotation axis (X2), separate from the axis (X1); a locking unit (PVI) connected to the arm (26) and capable of taking up an active position (P1) countering the displacement of a rod, and an inoperative position (P2) allowing its displacement; and elastic means (48) to activate the locking unit (PVI) when its movement is blocked by the rod. The invention is characterised in that the elastic means (48) are arranged between the driving element (36) and the transmission arm (26), said elastic means (48) being in direct driving contact with a surface connected (54) to the transmission arm (26). Said device is in particular applicable to a lock with conditional opening, in particular a time lock.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for locking and locking unlocking of a conditional opening lock.

More particularly, the invention relates to the application of this device to a so-called time lock with a high degree of security, intended to control, on specified time slots, access to high-level speakers security, such as safes or bedrooms strong for example from bank branches. The invention therefore also relates to the application of this device to high security enclosures, such as safes or vaults.

Such a device and a time lock of this type are described in patent EP 0 256 430.

A security package described in this document and incorporating this device and this lock, is shown very schematically, in Figures 1a and 1b, at explanatory purposes.

As described in this document and as shown in Figure 1a, the closing of a PO door of a safe or any other high security enclosure (this door being seen from the inside in Figure 1a), is done, generally using several PT bolts controlled by a TR linkage, this linkage can be moved, by an operator, using a VO steering wheel, from a position lock to an unlock position and Conversely.

For this purpose, the TR linkage includes a bar B which controls the movement of the bolts PT of the door PO and which is coupled to the VO steering wheel, via a wheel-rack type mechanism.

This bar B can be moved, in translation, under the action of the VO steering wheel, to order the movement PT bolts and to ensure the operations of locking (bolts out) and unlocking (bolts returned).

To prevent the PO door from opening and maintain the TR linkage in the locked position when the PT bolts are in this position, this set includes a first lock S which is itself provided with a bolt PS planned to come to engage in the bar B. The bolt PS is therefore provided to block the translational movement of bar B.

This first lock S can be ordered, in the simplest version by a key, or even by more sophisticated means, such as a magnetic card, a smart card or a functioning electronic system with a code or other type of access authorization.

However, in order to raise the level of security and to prevent any fraudulent use of this first lock S, we associate a second lock SH so-called time lock.

This SH time lock also has its own PV bolt, which is more generally called bolt or locking block and which is intended to be placed on the way to bar B, in order to hinder his movement to the unlocked position. In the high position of the PV block shown in FIG. 1a, the barre B therefore comes butter, by its rear end, against the PV block.

The PV locking block is associated, in this time lock SH, to a DEN drive device, comprising in particular (FIG. 1b) a motor electromagnetic MEL and an MCL mechanism comprising a CA cam formed to drive a lever LE.

Thus, in normal operation, the block of PV lock can occupy a so-called high position active, shown in Figure la, preventing the displacement of the bar B and blocking the PO door of the enclosure.

The PV block can be brought down in a low position called inactive (Figure 1b), by the lowering of the lever LE, under the action of the engine MEL. In this low position of the PV block, the bar B can be moved back, in order to release the PT bolts from the TR linkage. We thus cleared the path of bar B to allow opening the door.

This DEN training device can be ordered by EL electronic means (Figure 1a) associated with PA display and ED data input devices used for programming time slots. The PA and ED devices are made up, in this example, by a digital display and by a keyboard. Ways EL electronics also include an MP microprocessor and a memory MM of the RAM / ROM type, the microprocessor MP providing, from the program stored in the MM memory, control signals which pass to through an AMP amplifier, to the device DEN training.

Thus, by this provision, it is possible to program time periods during which the PV locking block will prevent sliding of bar B, even if the opening of the first lock S is ordered by an authorization signal recognized as valid, i.e. by key or opening code valid.

Therefore, due to the use of this hourly lock SH, we double the security, by prohibiting, even authorized personnel who are in possession of the key or enclosure code, any opening on one or more several judiciously selected time slots.

Figure 1b shows in more detail the DEN drive device which is described in the above-mentioned document EP 0 256 430. It can be seen that the block of PV lock is associated with a compression spring R which is supported by a TG rod controlled by the device DEN training.

More particularly, the PV block has a obviously longitudinal in which the rod can slide TG which is retained by a screw.

The TG rod has a shoulder at its base, the spring TG being interposed between this shoulder and the base of the PV block. So in this device, any movement angle of the AC cam under control of the MEL motor causes the PV block to move up or down, via the spring R which is mounted between the PV block and the transmission member formed by the rod TG, the lever LE and the cam CA.

If bar B is on the way to the PV block, when this block rises, the spring R compresses under the effect of the MCL mechanism which continue its race under the pulse of the MEL motor. The PV block can come and occupy its active high position when bar B is moved to its locked position, to the right in this example. Spring R will then supply the PV block the energy it has stored so that this PV block ends its course in turn and come to obstruct the path of bar B. It is understood that this device is single acting.

There are also more complex devices to double effect with a second spring housed in the rod which is of telescopic structure. This second spring is intended to allow the device to finish its run when the PV block is blocked in the high position by the bar which abuts laterally against him and wedges him in the corridor of the bar B.

This device achieves the result wish.

However, it has several drawbacks.

Indeed, it requires the production of a cam and, in the double-acting version, the arrangement of two springs as well as the realization of a hollow rod complex. It also requires a bore in the locking block.

Furthermore and with reference to FIG. 1b, we notes that the time lock described in the document EP 0 256 430 includes an INH inhibition device allowing, in the event of a breakdown and by a special procedure, inhibit the blocking function of the time lock.

The INH inhibition device makes it possible to move, against the spring pushing action R, the PV locking block from its active high position (Figure 1a) to its lower position where it is inactive, so authorize the translation of bar B and allow opening the PO door to carry out the repairs required on the time lock.

In its application to a high enclosure security, such as a safe or vault, the time lock SH is placed and arranged on the door, to be inviolable. It is generally inaccessible from outside the enclosure.

However, any malfunction of the SH time lock when the PV locking block is in its position high has the effect of blocking the bar B. A dysfunction of this type that occurs in normal opening hours of the enclosure condemns definitively opening the door. The time lock SH is not accessible to security teams, the only one remedy is to destroy the door or one of the walls of the enclosure by making a breach in the wall. This guy intervention is expensive and makes the enclosure of the trunk or the vault unusable for several days or even weeks.

The INH inhibition device avoids this type of intervention. This device authorizes by a exception procedure which is controllable from the outside of the enclosure, unlocking the bar, retracting the PV locking block. Indeed, the device inhibition block INH is designed to be able to push the block PV lock down, even if this block is subject to the stress of the compression spring R which tends to push up.

Therefore, we note that in this type high security installation it is required to arrange the DEN drive device so that it authorizes, in the event of a fault, the return of the PV locking block to its inactive position, even if the PV block is maintained by the DEN drive device in its active position lock.

The DEN drive device must therefore be designed to accept the driving action of the inhibition device INH on the PV locking block, in case this INH inhibitor would have to move the block of PV locking against the force of spring R, in order to make this block temporarily inoperative. This arrangement must therefore be reversible.

US Patent 4,633,687 describes a mechanism for driving a lock that can be controlled by a key. This lock applies to closing the door hotel, where combined locking systems are used, consisting of an electronic key or a purely key mechanical associated with a card which can issue a code which can be read and processed electronically.

This mechanism includes a device for controlling a auxiliary bolt, which is designed to be able to engage in a recess made in a disc, this disc being linked in rotation to a shaft whose rotation, normally ordered by the key, authorizes the return of the bolts of the door, for its opening.

This control device comprises a motor which can be controlled by an electronic circuit, and which can driven a toothed wheel, mechanically linked to the bolt auxiliary by means of a spring and a eccentric mechanism.

This eccentric mechanism includes a finger or tenon which can slide inside an oblong groove to ensure the translational movement of the bolt auxiliary in the groove of the disc and out of it.

Although this arrangement is compact and it avoids the arrangement of one or more springs of compression of the type described in the document EP 0 256 430 mentioned above, this arrangement presents several disadvantages.

Indeed, this arrangement which is provided for a traditional application to a residential door. He ... not not suitable for application to high locks security. Indeed, we note that its mechanism eccentric does not allow to bring back the auxiliary bolt in inactive position when it is released at the end of race. This arrangement is therefore not reversible.

The object of the present invention is to respond to these disadvantages in providing a training device compact, simple in structure, and capable to ensure a reversible movement of the locking block or bolt to unlock the safety enclosure, especially in the event of a malfunction.

• des moyens moteur comportant un élément d'entraínement ayant un premier axe de rotation,
• un bras de transmission ayant une première et une deuxième extrémité, ce bras étant monté pivotant par sa deuxième extrémité autour d'un deuxième axe de rotation, distinct du premier axe, ce bras étant pourvu d'une surface de liaison, ménagée au voisinage de la première extrémité,
• un bloc de verrouillage lié mécaniquement aux moyens moteurs par l'intermédiaire du bras de transmission, ce bras pouvant être actionné par les moyens moteur pour faire occuper au bloc une position active dans laquelle il s'oppose au déplacement d'une barre, et une position inactive dans laquelle il autorise son déplacement, et
• des moyens élastiques permettant d'armer le bloc de verrouillage lorsqu'il est actionné par les moyens moteur, notamment vers sa position active et lorsque son déplacement est empêché par la barre

caractérisé en ce que les moyens élastiques sont ménagés entre l'élément d'entraínement et le bras de transmission, ces moyens élastiques étant en contact d'entraínement direct avec la surface de liaison du bras de transmission.To this end, the invention relates to a drive device allowing, in particular the locking of a lock with conditional opening, this device comprising:

• motor means comprising a drive element having a first axis of rotation,
• a transmission arm having a first and a second end, this arm being mounted to pivot by its second end around a second axis of rotation, distinct from the first axis, this arm being provided with a connection surface, arranged in the vicinity of the first end,
• a locking block mechanically linked to the driving means by means of the transmission arm, this arm being able to be actuated by the driving means to cause the block to occupy an active position in which it opposes the displacement of a bar, and a inactive position in which it authorizes its movement, and
• elastic means making it possible to arm the locking block when it is actuated by the motor means, in particular towards its active position and when its movement is prevented by the bar

characterized in that the elastic means are provided between the drive element and the transmission arm, these elastic means being in direct drive contact with the connecting surface of the transmission arm.

• des moyens moteur comportant un élément d'entraínement,
• un organe de transmission pourvu d'une surface de liaison,
• un bloc de verrouillage lié mécaniquement aux moyens moteurs par l'intermédiaire de l'organe de transmission, cet organe pouvant être actionné par les moyens moteur pour faire occuper au bloc une position active dans laquelle il s'oppose au déplacement d'une barre, et une position inactive dans laquelle il autorise son déplacement, et
• des moyens élastiques permettant d'armer le bloc de verrouillage lorsqu'il est actionné par les moyens moteur, notamment vers sa position active et lorsque son déplacement est empêché par la barre

caractérisé en ce que les moyens élastiques sont ménagés entre l'élément d'entraínement et l'organe de transmission, l'organe de transmission étant lié au bloc de verrouillage par l'intermédiaire d'une tige ou bielle qui est articulée sur le bloc de verrouillage.The invention also relates to a drive device comprising:

• motor means comprising a drive element,
• a transmission member provided with a connecting surface,
• a locking block mechanically linked to the driving means by means of the transmission member, this member being able to be actuated by the driving means to cause the block to occupy an active position in which it opposes the movement of a bar, and an inactive position in which it authorizes its movement, and
• elastic means making it possible to arm the locking block when it is actuated by the motor means, in particular towards its active position and when its movement is prevented by the bar

characterized in that the elastic means are provided between the drive element and the transmission member, the transmission member being linked to the locking block by means of a rod or connecting rod which is articulated on the block lock.

• la figure 1a est une représentation très schématique d'un ensemble de sécurité classique auquel peut être incorporé un dispositif d'entraínement selon l'invention,
• la figure 1b représente de façon plus détaillée le dispositif d'entraínement classique de la figure 1a,
• la figure 2a est une vue de face d'un dispositif selon l'invention, incorporé dans le bâti d'une serrure horaire et représenté dans une première position caractéristique de fonctionnement,
• la figure 2b est une vue de derrière du dispositif de la figure 2a, montré dans la même position,
• la figure 2c est une vue en coupe du dispositif selon l'invention faite selon la ligne C-C de la figure 2b,
• la figure 2d est une vue en coupe du dispositif selon l'invention faite selon la ligne D-D de la figure 2b,
• les figures 3a et 3b sont des vues similaires aux figures 2a et 2b, mais représentant le dispositif selon l'invention dans une deuxième position caractéristique de fonctionnement,
• la figure 3c représente en perspective un ressort pince équipant le dispositif selon l'invention, et
• les figures 4b et 5b sont des vues similaires aux figures 2b et 3b, mais représentant le dispositif selon l'invention dans deux configurations d'exception dans lesquelles la montée du bloc de verrouillage (figure 4b) et la descente de ce bloc (figure 5b) sont empêchées.

However, other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings which are given solely by way of example, and in which:

• FIG. 1a is a very schematic representation of a conventional safety assembly to which a drive device according to the invention can be incorporated,
• FIG. 1b shows in more detail the conventional drive device of FIG. 1a,
• FIG. 2a is a front view of a device according to the invention, incorporated in the frame of a time lock and shown in a first characteristic operating position,
• FIG. 2b is a rear view of the device of FIG. 2a, shown in the same position,
• FIG. 2c is a sectional view of the device according to the invention made along the line CC of FIG. 2b,
• FIG. 2d is a sectional view of the device according to the invention made along the line DD of FIG. 2b,
• FIGS. 3a and 3b are views similar to FIGS. 2a and 2b, but showing the device according to the invention in a second characteristic operating position,
• FIG. 3c shows in perspective a clamp spring equipping the device according to the invention, and
• Figures 4b and 5b are views similar to Figures 2b and 3b, but showing the device according to the invention in two exceptional configurations in which the rise of the locking block (Figure 4b) and the descent of this block (Figure 5b ) are prevented.

Referring now to Figures 2a to 2d, we will describe below an embodiment of a device according to the invention, identified here by the general reference 10.

The device 10 according to the invention is mounted in a frame 12 of a SHI lock which is intended to equip a safety assembly, such as that shown in the figure 1a.

As such, the following description will be understood that the SHI lock being equipped with the device 10 is modified and very simplified.

The SHI lock according to the invention is therefore also intended to block the movement of a bar B towards its unlock position, for example in ranges fixed times, in which it was decided prohibit the opening of the PO door (Figure 1a), in the same conditions as those explained above.

The invention is therefore described here in its application to a time lock, since the opening conditions and closing the door are fixed according to determined and programmed time slots.

Note that this application is not given here as an example and the invention is not limited to this app. The invention may also apply to other type of lock for which the opening and closing conditions are related to other parameters than time or are related, not only to time parameters, but also to additional parameters.

For this reason, the SHI lock is qualified here generically with conditional opening lock.

However, applying to a time lock constitutes a particular and advantageous application which will constitute the embodiment to which it will be made reference in this description.

The SHI lock has a PVI locking block which, in this example, is a shape block rectangular that can slide between two positions high and low characteristics respectively, translating in a guide 14, formed of two walls parallels 16 and 18.

PVI block is mounted in guide 14 with clearances important lateral operation allowing it to slide, without friction, between its two positions.

The PVI block is shown in Figure 2a in a position referenced P2, called inactive position, in which it does not interfere with the displacement of the bar B of the TR linkage.

In this position, the PVI block rests against a stop 20 which is formed by shoulders 22 formed at the base of walls 16 and 18.

Bar B, as mentioned above, can therefore slide in a CR corridor between its positions of locking and unlocking, under the steering wheel control VO (Figure 1a), to allow the opening or closing of the PO door by the set of bolts PT of the TR linkage.

The PVI locking block is, in this example, linked by a classic articulation, not shown, to a TGI rod or connecting rod which is itself connected, by a articulation or pivot 24, at a first end 26a a transmission arm 26 (Figure 2b). The articulation or pivot 24 is constituted by a pin 25 mounted and adjusted freely in rotation in one or two bores 27 formed in the TGI rod and / or in the end of the arm of transmission 26. Pin 25 can be attached or secured to the TGI rod or arm 26.

The transmission arm 26 is pivotally mounted by a second end 26b and it is coupled, in the vicinity of its first end 26a, to motor means MT.

The TGI rod and the transmission arm 26 constitute a transmission member 28 which connects the block of PVI interlock mechanically with MV motor means and which ensures the transmission of the energy supplied by the MV motor means to this PVI locking block.

The MV motor means include an electric motor 30 (Figures 2a and 2d) which is powered and controlled by an ELI electronic control unit (Figure 1a).

The motor 30 is mounted on a plate 32 (Figure 2d) which is arranged so that it can be fixed, for example by screws, on the frame 12 of the SHI lock.

In this example, the motor 30 is mounted on the plate 32 on the side opposite to the transmission arm 26. This motor 30 comprises a motor shaft, not referenced, to the end of which is provided a drive pinion 34 (Figure 2d) which opens, relative to the plate 32, the side of the arm 26, side of the plate where all the functional components of the device, which are intended for cooperate and get in motion.

The pinion 34 meshes with a drive wheel 36 (Figure 2b) on which is formed a toothed sector 35 in taken with the teeth of the pinion 34. This wheel 36 is free rotationally mounted on an axis 38 (Figure 2c) driven in the plate 32. The toothed sector 35 constitutes means for limiting the angular movement of the wheel 36.

The wheel 36 further comprises a flat 40 on which rubs a blade 42 of a position sensor 44 capable of supply signals to the ELI electronic control unit representative of the angular position of the wheel 36. We will understand from the description which follows that in a mode of normal operation of the device 10 corresponding to the normal drive of the PVI block, these signals are also representative of the high and low positions of the PVI block, positions called respectively active (referenced P1, FIG. 3a) and inactive (referenced P2, Figure 2a).

The position sensor 44 is, as such, a conventional structure sensor and it will not be described here in more detail.

The wheel 36 also has a bearing 46 which extends perpendicularly from the body or the board of the wheel 36, and coaxially to its axis of rotation geometric X1.

This range 46 which constitutes a drive shaft has an elongated cylindrical shape and protrudes from the body of the wheel 36, in the direction of the frame 12. It will be noted that the axis 38 which supports the rotating wheel 36 passes through the plate of the wheel 36 and extends over the length of the reach 46. It will also be specified that the wheel 36 and the reach 46 are one piece, the span 46 and the board the wheel 36 coming from material and being produced by example of synthetic material, such as polyoxymethylene commonly known as the abbreviation P.O.M.

A spring 48, called a clamp spring, is mounted around of the bearing 46. This spring 48 has a body 48c formed of a helical winding having in this example several turns, the body 48c being positioned freely around the scope 46.

The spring 48 also has two radial arms 50 and 51 fork-shaped, which are intended to drive the transmission member 28, as will be understood below.

The two arms 50 and 51 and the helical body 48c of the spring 48 are formed of the same elastic wire F. This wire can absorb bending stress and allows two arms 50 and 51 to open, in certainly PVI block training situations, then come back in their original configuration, after deformation elastic.

In accordance with the representation of the device on these figures, and the superimposed arrangement of these two arms 50 and 51, they are respectively designated arms upper and lower arm.

The upper arm 50 is linked to a first turn 48a of the body 48c (FIGS. 2c), this turn 48a resting laterally against the board of wheel 36. The last turn 48b ends in the vicinity of the free end of the scope 46. As seen in the FIG. 3c, the wire F which constitutes the spring 48 has a junction arm 53 which connects the latter turn 48b to the lower arm 51, and which brings this wire F towards the arm lower 51 extending along the body 48c.

Thus, the two arms 50 and 51 are brought back into a same plane substantially parallel to the wheel plank 36, by returning the wire F.

Note that the two arms 50 and 51 extend radially from bearing 46, in directions substantially parallel, towards a lug 52 which projects of the body or plate of the wheel 36. The lug 52 is positioned at a radial distance from the bearing 46 and from the axis of rotation X1 of said wheel, to provide a drive torque to the transmission member 28.

The two arms 50 and 51 of the spring 48 extend from on either side of this lug 52 and imprison it.

Therefore, when the wheel 36 is driven in rotation by the motor 30, via the pinion 34, it drives with it the spring 48 and more particularly its arms 50 and 51, the pin 52 pushing up or down, clockwise or counterclockwise, one or the other of arms 50 and 51, according to the direction of rotation printed on said wheel 36 by the motor 30.

Thus, the rotation of the wheel 36 solicits arms 50 and 51 and causes their angular displacement which, in normal operation, is simultaneous.

The device according to the invention 10 further comprises a protruding finger 54 (see FIG. 2b), parallel to lug 52 and parallel to the axis of rotation X1 of the wheel 36.

The two arms 50 and 51 of the spring 48 extend from on either side of finger 54 and enclose and imprison also this finger 54 just like the lug 52. By Consequently, any rotational movement of the wheel 36 in one direction or another pushes the finger 54 towards the up or down, via lug 52 and via arms 50 and 51 of spring 48. The rotation of wheel 36 therefore has function of causing, in normal operating mode, an upward or downward movement of finger 54, but with the interposition, at this level of the device 10, of elastic motion transmission means formed in this example by the clamp spring 48.

In this example, the finger 54 is secured to the arm transmission 26 which is formed of a metal plate stamped of small thickness having in plan a form of "J". The elbow of the arm 26 is formed to allow it, when in the high position, to come in the vicinity of wheel 36 (see Figures 3b and 5b) and wear its free end above the wheel 36. It can be seen that the finger 54 constitutes a bonding surface between the spring 48 and the arm 26 of the transmission member 28.

This arrangement provides a compact arrangement which provides range of motion to bring the block B in its two extreme positions P1 and P2.

The finger 54 is formed in the vicinity of a first free end 26a of arm 26 and it can come from material with this arm or be chased into it.

At its second end 26b, the arm 26 is mounted free to rotate around a bearing surface 58 which is integral of plate 32 and which is formed by a head tenon 60 hunted in this turntable. The arm 26 can therefore pivot freely around an axis of rotation X2 (Figure 2c) which is parallel to the axis of rotation X1 of the wheel 36.

As can be seen in the figures, the two axes of rotation X1 and X2 are positioned in a horizontal plane PH which is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the PVI block. Note that the axis X2 is distinct from the axis X1 and that it is offset from the X1 axis.

It is thus understood from what has just been described that the device 10 according to the invention comprises at least two characteristic functional units, i.e., of a on the one hand, the MV motor means, and on the other hand, the transmission 28.

In this exemplary embodiment, the motor means MT consist of the motor 30, the pinion 34, the wheel 36, the lug 52, the spring 48 and its two arms 50 and 51; finger 54 being coupled to these motor means MT via the spring 48.

The transmission member 28 is constituted in turn of the TGI rod, the articulation 24 and the arm of transmission 26.

It is therefore understood that the PVI locking block is linked to the MV motor means via the organ transmission 28, and via the spring 48 which is interposed and formed between these motor means MT and this member of transmission 28.

The device 10 according to the invention is shown in Figures 2a to 2d, in a first configuration characteristic, in which the PVI block is held in P2 inactive low position, allowing bar B to move down the hallway CR and unlock the door PO.

When the ELI electronic unit controls the rotation of the motor 30 from this first position, the wheel 36 rotates clockwise (Figure 3b), the lug 52 pushing the upper arm 50 upwards, while the lower arm 51 pushes the finger 54 and the arm of transmission 26 (i.e. the whole organ of transmission 28) upwards, to mount the block locking in its active position P1 (Figure 3a) where it can oppose the displacement of the bar B in the corridor CR.

The sensor 44 informs the electronic unit which deduces that the PVI block is in the active position P1.

When the time corresponding to the ban the SHI lock has opened, the unit electronic ELI controls the rotation of the motor 36 in direction reverse which brings back by the same means the PVI block towards bottom, in inactive position P2, the block can come rest against the stop 20.

Sensor 44 informs the unit again ELI electronics which infers that the PVI block is located in the inactive position P2 and that the bar B can be moved to the CR corridor to open the door.

The operator can therefore from this moment open the PO gate (Figure 1a) provided of course that has the necessary authorization (s) to order opening of the lock S.

If the electronic unit provokes, as it should at the start of a time slot, the rise of the PVI block then that the bar B is at the same time in the corridor CR in line with guide 14 (the door is therefore not yet PVI block will abut against the bar B, the motor 30 will continue its rotation to finish its control stroke and the spring 48 will open by elastic spacing of arms 50 and 51, as shown in exaggerated in Figure 4b. Information ordering the moving the PVI block to its active position P1 is mechanically recorded by spring 48. The block PVI which has just been armed will end its race towards its active position P1 when the bar B has been translated to the right, to its locked position.

The same type of procedure is executed if the bar B blocking the PVI block in the high position, then that the motor 30 has rotated the wheel 36 in the direction anti-clockwise. As shown in FIG. 5b, the arms 50 and 51 of the spring will also move apart, while the wheel 36 will end up running at the instigation of motor 30. When bar B will be moved to the right, to its position the PVI block will be brought down by the action of the spring 48 and, in this example, also by the combined action of gravity, due to its own weight,

Thus, we see that in this arrangement the means MV motor are linked to the PVI locking block by through the spring 48 which forms a connection elastic directly between the motor means MT and the transmission member 28.

We understand from what has just been described that in this arrangement the elastic means 48 are associated functionally and structurally to the motor means MT, and are integrated in the same module, these means MV motors and the elastic means 48 being integral of the same turntable. We will also note that the means elastic 48 are supported by the motor means MT in being mounted on the drive shaft or bearing 46.

The embodiment which has been described is a double-acting device, since it performs a function of arming the TGI rod and the PVI block on the rise and descent. The invention applies to a simple device effect which, in a simplified version, could not understand that only one arm, especially the lower arm 51, the opposite free part of the spring wire 48 being, in this variant not shown, anchored in a orifice or in a groove in the body or the bearing of the wheel 36. In another variant also not shown of a single acting device, the spring 48 could also have two arms 50 and 51, the upper arm 50 which cooperates with the lug 52 being in this variant shorter than the arm 51 and not coming up to finger level 54 to leave it free.

Under these conditions, the lower arm 51 would brought down by the MV motor means in the event of PVI block jammed in the high position, but none of the arm would not come to stress finger 54. The PVI block may return to the lower position below simple effect of gravity, when moving the bar B, the lower arm 51 receiving the finger 54 during its descent.

We therefore understand that we have described above and shown in the figures a drive device allowing, in particular the locking of a lock conditional opening, simple and compact design and ensuring reversibility of the movement of the block of locking.

Claims (18)

1. Drive device for in particular locking a conditionally opening lock, the device comprising:

   motor means (MT) with a drive element (36) having a first axis of rotation (X1),

   a transmission arm (26) having first and second ends (26a, 26b), this arm (26) being mounted pivotally at its second end (26b) about a second axis of rotation (X2), distinct from the first axis (X1), this arm (26) being provided with a coupling surface (54) formed in the vicinity of the first end (26a),

   a locking block (PVI) connected mechanically to the motor means (MT) by means of the transmission arm (26), this arm (26) being operable by the motor means (MT) to cause the block (PVI) to occupy an active position (P1), in which it opposes the displacement of a bar, and an inactive position (P2) in which it allows displacement thereof, and

   elastic means (48) allowing the locking block (PVI) to be put under bias when it is actuated by the motor means (MT), in particular towards its active position (P1) and when its displacement is impeded by the bar,

   characterized in that the elastic means (48) are arranged between the drive element (36) and the transmission arm (26), these elastic means (48) being in direct driving contact with the coupling surface (54) of the transmission arm (26).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission arm (26) is connected to the locking block (PVI) by way of a rod or link (TGI) which is connected by a joint (24) to the first end (26a) of the transmission arm (26) and which is articulated to the locking block (PVI).
3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic means (48) comprise at least one radial arm (51) which can be entrained by the motor means (MT) and which is formed to cooperate with the transmission arm (26) in order to effect its displacement, so as to bring the locking block (PVI) at least into its active position (P1).
4. Device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the elastic means (48) have two arms (50, 51) in the form of a fork, these arms (50, 51), which can both be entrained by the motor means (MT), cooperating with the transmission arm (26) in order to effect its displacement, so as to bring the locking block into its respective active and inactive positions (P1 and P2).
5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the coupling surface (54) is formed by a finger provided on the transmission arm (26), this finger cooperating with the arm or the two arms (50, 51) of the elastic means (48) and ensuring that the transmission arm (26) is entrained via the arm or arms (50, 51) of the elastic means (48).
6. Device according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the coupling surface (54) is located between the arms (50, 51).
7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the motor means (MT) have a lug (52) also located between the said arms (50, 51) of the elastic means (48) and effecting the mechanical transmission between the motor means (MT) and these arms (50, 51).
8. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic means (48) are arranged to effect opening of the fork formed by the arms (50, 51) when the locking block (PVI) is put under bias.
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic means (48) are formed by a helical spring operating by flexion.
10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the said spring (48) is positioned around a shaft (46) formed on the drive element (36).
11. Drive device for in particular locking a conditionally opening lock, the device comprising:

    motor means (MT) with a drive element (36),

    a transmission member (28) provided with a coupling surface (54),

    a locking block (PVI) connected mechanically to the motor means (MT) by means of the transmission member (28), this member being operable by the motor means (MT) to cause the block (PVI) to occupy an active position (P1), in which it opposes the displacement of a bar, and an inactive position (P2) in which it allows displacement thereof, and

    elastic means (48) allowing the locking block (PVI) to be put under bias when it is actuated by the motor means (MT), in particular towards its active position (P1) and when its displacement is impeded by the bar,

    characterized in that the elastic means (48) are arranged between the drive element (36) and the transmission member (28), the transmission member (28) being connected to the locking block (PVI) through a rod or link (TGI) which is articulated to the locking block (PVI).
12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the rod or link (TGI) is connected to the transmission member (28) by a joint or pivot (24).
13. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the drive element (36) is formed by a wheel, on which are provided means (35) for limiting the angular movement of the said wheel.
14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the limiting means (35) are formed by a toothed sector formed on the wheel (36), this sector being in mesh with the teeth of a pinion (34) of the motor means (MT).
15. Device according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the elastic means (48) are formed by a helical spring acting in flexion, this spring having two arms (50, 51) in the form of a fork, between which are disposed the coupling surface (54) and a lug (52) integral with the drive element (36).
16. Device according to claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the two arms (50 and 51) are brought by a connecting arm (53) into the same plane substantially parallel to a plate of the wheel (36).
17. Use of the device according to any one of the preceding claims in a conditionally opening lock and/or a time lock.
18. Use of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 in a high security enclosure, in particular a strong box or strongroom.

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