EP1088143B1 - Mechanism for authorising a control member movement by forming a code - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a mechanism for authorising a control member movement by forming a code, comprising a body (20), several stop elements (24) each arranged in a hole of the body (20), an elongated slide (28) sliding in a sliding space and having a series of cuts along each of its lateral edges, push-buttons (14) for moving a corresponding stop element and bearing different signs displayed outside the mechanism such that the sequential control corresponds to a series of signs forming a code, a return tilting plate, and a linking device for transforming a control member movement into a movement translating the slide (28). The invention is applicable to locks.

Description

The present invention relates to an authorization mechanism of a movement of a control member by composition of a code, and more precisely, it concerns a useful mechanism for controlling a lock.

The invention is described in its application to the control of a lock allowing the opening of a door, for example from an office door. However, she has other applications and is suitable for controlling access to premises in general.

We already know code devices intended for allow or prohibit the opening of a door, for example used at the entrance of a building where a keyboard is incorporated near the door. The person who wants to enter types in code on the keyboard that usually has a dozen keys. If the code entered is suitable, an electrical circuit triggers the door strike, mounted on the frame of it, so that the person can enter by pushing the door.

These systems have several drawbacks. The more important is that their installation is complicated because there is an electrical connection between the keyboard, the strike and a power supply. In addition, the keyboard and keeper are distant from each other and must be connected by electrical wiring. When passing through the door must be freely authorized, the keeper must be able to operate continuously. Consequently, in the event of a breakdown power supply, access to the door can be impossible. Changing the code and bringing it to a state of free passage requires operation at a distance from the door. Consequently, such an installation is expensive.

Given the drawbacks of these electrical devices, it is advantageous to use a mechanism that does not no power supply required. Such a mechanism does not does not require modification of the keeper or the frame the door, nor the lock thereof. In addition, it is desirable that such a mechanism should have a small width for be able to be mounted on a narrow frame glass door.

We already know mechanisms to control a lock using a code composed purely mechanically. Documents WO 90/13 721 and CH-A-437 035 relates to locks in which keys allow a displacement of racks allowing the operation of a handle. However, these locks have drawbacks. The main ones are the complexity of the mechanism which is consequently relatively expensive, little robust and unreliable, and secondly the difficulty of change of the combination which controls the mechanism.

Consequently, it is desirable to provide a mechanism authorization of the movement of a control member, for example of a lock handle, by composition of a code, which does not have these drawbacks, i.e. whose mechanism is simple and robust and whose change combination is easy. In addition, it is desirable that this mechanism can be achieved with low width so that it can be mounted on a low frame width, for example a glass door frame.

The invention relates to an authorization mechanism which has all the aforementioned advantages and which implements a original mechanism of great simplicity and above all of great robustness.

More specifically, the invention relates to a mechanism for authorizing a movement of a control member by composition of a code, which comprises
a body forming a guide slide in translation and delimiting an elongated sliding space having two lateral parts, the body having two series of stop guide holes, each series comprising several holes which each partially overlap one of the lateral parts of the sliding space,
several stops, each arranged in a hole in a series of body holes, each stop having an effective length greater than the length of the corresponding hole in which it can slide and having a clearance such that, in a first locking position, a part of the stop is in the sliding space, and, in a second passage position, the clearance is at the level of the corresponding lateral part, so that no part of the stop is then inside the sliding space,
an elongated slide guided by the slide so that it slides in the elongated sliding space and having a series of notches along each of its lateral edges, the arrangement of the notches being such that, in a first position of the slide, the notches are opposite the body holes so that the stops can move freely in the corresponding holes without being hindered by the slide, this first position being a blocking position of the slide when at least part of a stop is located in the sliding space, and such that, in a second position of the slider, parts of the edge of the slider penetrate into the recesses of the stops so that the slider can move in translation in the sliding space,
pushers movable relative to the body so that each pushbutton can move a corresponding stop in a first direction into the corresponding hole in the body, the pushers bearing different signs appearing outside the mechanism so that their sequential operation corresponds to a series of signs making up a code,
a tilting return plate movable between two extreme positions such that, when the plate switches to one of its extreme positions, it pushes the stops placed in a first series of body holes, in the opposite direction to the first direction, and, when the plate switches to the other of its extreme positions, it pushes the stops placed in the other series of body holes, in the opposite direction to the first direction, the tilting of the plate being controlled by the movement of a stop when that -this is pushed by the corresponding pusher, and
a connecting device intended to transform a movement of the control member into a translational movement of the slide, and such that, when the slide is in its first position and at least part of a stop is in space sliding, the movement of the control member is blocked.

Preferably, the slide is an elongated plate of practically constant thickness, each stop is a cylindrical spindle of circular section, and the clearance of a stop is a groove formed at the periphery of the spindle and having a height slightly greater than the thickness of the slide plate.

It is advantageous that the stops are interchangeable, so that changing the combination of the code to dial simply includes swapping positions stops in their hole. Preferably, the brochure tilting return is then removable so that it allows easy change of code combination.

Preferably, the slide displacement stroke has a first part in which the command performs its command, for example of a lock, and a second part which extends the first, and the mechanism has a reset device intended to prevent displacement in translation of the slide in the second part of its course.

In a first embodiment, the device for rearming comprises a member for blocking the sliding of the slide. Preferably, the blocking member is released from its locking position by the return plate when it is tilted.

In a second embodiment, the device rearmament includes a rearmament unit intended to move at least one stop so that part of the stop is located in the sliding space.

In an exemplary embodiment, the rearming member is then constituted by the tilting return plate which is moved by tilting to at least one side when reset.

In another example of execution, the plate of reference is moved in translation during the second part of the slide stroke, preferably by command of the translational movement of a support of the wafer.

It is advantageous that the mechanism further comprises a free passage device intended to prevent operation of the reset device. Preferably, the vested benefits device has a projection and clearance intended to cooperate to limit the travel of the slide to its first part.

In one embodiment, the movement of the organ control is a rotation that controls a lock. he it is therefore particularly advantageous that the bond intended to transform a rotational movement of the control member in a translational movement of the slide is reversible, i.e. can be mounted for rotation in one direction or the other direction.

It is advantageous that, in the locked position, the rotation of the control member is prohibited by contact of it with the slide in a perpendicular direction the direction of travel of the slide.

In another exemplary embodiment, in the position of blocking, rotation of the control member is prohibited by contact of the slide with at least one stop.

In an advantageous embodiment, the mechanism further includes a cover having through holes for the pushers, and preferably the pushers do not have all the same dimension in their direction of travel.

Preferably, each pusher is returned by a spring placed between the body and itself, and the signs worn by the pushers are alphanumeric signs.

la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un mécanisme d'autorisation à code incorporé à un organe de commande de serrure ;

la figure 2 est une vue de l'arrière du mécanisme représenté sur la figure 1 ;

la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'une partie des éléments contenus dans le mécanisme des figures 1 et 2, représentant certains éléments du mécanisme ;

la figure 4 est une coupe du mécanisme des figures 1 à 3 illustrant le principe de fonctionnement du mécanisme ;

la figure 5 représente un exemple d'organe de commande du mécanisme représenté sur les figures 1 à 4 ;

la figure 6 est une vue très schématique représentant un autre dispositif de commande ;

la figure 7 représente une partie du système de commande du second mode de réalisation ; et

la figure 8 est une coupe d'une partie d'un système dans lequel le réarmement du mécanisme est obtenu par déplacement de la plaquette basculante de renvoi.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description which follows of embodiments, made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a code authorization mechanism incorporated in a lock control member;

Figure 2 is a rear view of the mechanism shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of part of the elements contained in the mechanism of Figures 1 and 2, showing certain elements of the mechanism;

Figure 4 is a section of the mechanism of Figures 1 to 3 illustrating the principle of operation of the mechanism;

FIG. 5 represents an example of a control member of the mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 to 4;

Figure 6 is a very schematic view showing another control device;

Figure 7 shows part of the control system of the second embodiment; and

Figure 8 is a section of a part of a system in which the resetting of the mechanism is obtained by displacement of the tilting return plate.

We first describe an example of a mechanism in which pushbuttons control stops which allow or not the translational movement of a slide.

More specifically, the mechanism includes a cover 10 on which is mounted a handle 12 for controlling a lock through a usual square, like indicates the cavity 18 of square section represented on the Figure 2, on the back of the mechanism. The hood shows pushers 14 which, although this characteristic is not shown, each bear a sign, for example a number or a letter.

Reference 16 designates two pushers intended for order a vested benefits mechanism described in the after. In this embodiment, no other element does not appear on the front panel. Figure 2, which represents the back of the lock, indicates part of the mechanism internal which is best shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The mechanism has a body 20 whose shape appears more clearly in FIG. 4. The body 20 comprises several holes 22 in which can move stops 24 which each have a circular groove 26 forming a release.

Reference 28 designates a slide which has the form of a plate of practically constant thickness. This plate at a width greater than the width separating the holes 22 formed in the body. However, as the Figure 4, when the clearances formed by the grooves 26 stops 24 are aligned on the slide, this can move longitudinally. The slide has notches, not shown because they are hidden, by which can pass the stops 24 when the notches are aligned with stops 24.

In the mechanism according to the invention, the judgments 24 have different lengths and their grooves 26 have locations different in their length. In the example shown, all stops 24 are longer to the thickness of the body 20. Consequently, when the grooves of all 24 stops are aligned on the space of sliding of the slide 28, so that it can be move longitudinally, all stops 24 exceed more or less on one side and the other of the body 20.

When the mechanism is controlled, a pusher of a series, right or left, is pressed, this corresponding button at the first digit or sign of the code. This pusher is associated with stop 24 of greater length of this series. Consequently, this stop pushes the plate as far as possible tilting 32 return which pushes back all the stops 24 of the other series so that their lower ends, in figure 4, are all at the surface of the body 20. Then, the pusher associated with the stop 24 the longest of the other series is pressed down, and it places all the stops 24 of the first series in position tangent to the lower surface of the body 20. These two operations have already placed the shortest stops in the position in which their groove is at the level of the sliding space of slide 28.

Then the next longest stop of the first set is pushed so well that it topples the wafer 32 less prominently. At this moment plate positions a stop of the second series so that its groove is at the level of the sliding space. Then, the depressing of the second longest pusher of the second series causes the positioning of another stop 24 of the first series so that his throat is at the level of sliding space.

These operations continue with a switchover of more and more reduced from the plate 32, and finally the grooves of all 24 stops are aligned on the space of sliding. At this time, the slide can move longitudinally.

In a first position of the slide 28, the notches of it are aligned with the holes in which stops can slide. It only takes one stop has its groove not aligned on the sliding space the slide so that it cannot be moved longitudinally. In this position, the slide prevents rotation of the control member and opening of the associated door. When the operation of the pushers has caused the alignment of the grooves of all stops on the sliding space, the slider 28 is moved towards another position by the control member which can then turn the lock square and open the door. The slide thus describes a control stroke.

Note in Figure 4 that springs 30 are placed between the body and each pusher so that they recall the pushers to their external position. If all the pushers had the same length, it would be possible, by pushing a pusher of a series, determining the order lengths of stops from the other series and to simplify the discovery of the lock control code. Consequently, in this mechanism, the pushers have lengths different and preferably three different lengths, and they are placed in any position on the hood. Of this way it is not possible to determine the order lengths of stops simply by pushing the pushers.

An advantageous feature of the the invention is the convenience of changing the suit of the order code. Figure 4 shows that the plate tilting 32 is articulated on an axis 34 which is carried by two supports 36 which are integral with the body 20. A spring mounted in the support 36 pushes the plate 32 towards the other support 36. When the combination must be modified, the plate is pushed towards the spring so that its axis can come out of the other support. When the brochure is removed, pins 34 can be removed from their hole and placed in another hole, by exchanging the position of the stops. The judgments bear at the end a figure which indicates their order of maneuver and the order of the combination formed. Consequently, when the combination is to be modified, just dismantle the door mechanism and remove the plate 32, exchange the stops, and reassemble the plate, then the mechanism on the door.

When all the stops have been aligned with their grooves in front of the sliding space, they are held in position by springs 38, shown in FIG. 3, so that the slide 28 can then be moved. So when the code has been composed, the mechanism can then be maneuvered indefinitely. This characteristic is a disadvantage when the mechanism used must prevent opening the associated door without requiring a specific locking operation. Consequently, according to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the mechanism has a reset device.

Two embodiments are described below. different from reset device. The first device reset prevents the slide from moving, without moving the stops, and the second reset device moves stops so the combination is blurred.

In the first embodiment shown in the Figure 3, we note that the slide, after its travel in which it allowed the operation of the control member, moves a cursor 40 which then protrudes backwards, side of the plate 32. When it returns from the end of its race (second part), the slide 28 causes a spring 42 which passes over the cursor 40 and hangs behind this one. In this way, even if the stops 24 are suitably aligned, with their grooves in the space of sliding, the slider is retained by the cursor 40 and can no longer describe his race. He can only be released by moving this cursor 40. This movement is obtained when, at the start of code composition, a button placed on the side opposite the cursor is pressed and toggles the plate which then repels the cursor 40. The slide is no longer blocked by the cursor, but is blocked by the stop that was moved. The maneuver of the control unit therefore requires a new composition code by pushers.

This rearmament can be rendered inoperative when the stroke of the slide 28 is limited so that it does not move by cursor 40. This limitation of the stroke then allows free operation of the control member. This function is called "vested benefits". It is obtained thanks to the pushers 16 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. At least one of these pushers, which are analogous to the combination of a stop and a pusher, has a groove which can align with the sliding space to allow free movement of the slide 28 or which can deviate from it. In this case, the slide 28 cannot move that on a limited run that corresponds to a notch of suitable length formed at its edge at level button 16.

In this first embodiment, in which the resetting device works by stopping the slide by a slider, it is desirable to limit the force applied to the cursor. As a result, the command advantageously includes, as shown in the figure 5, a plate which moves a triangular lever which pushes back an operating part 51 of the slide by through a spring 53 which limits the force applied to the cursor.

FIG. 8 represents another embodiment of reset device. In this device, the slide is pushed by a spring so that as soon as the proper code has been composed, the slide moves in translation and releases the control unit which can then rotate (as described in more detail below with reference to the figures 6 and 7). The supports 36 which are integral with the body in the first embodiment are replaced by supports 43 which are movable in translation in the body. These supports 43 have a hole 44 for the housing of the axis 34 of the plate 32. Springs 46, in the form of washers Belleville, push the support 43 towards the rear of the slide 28. In its normal position, the slide keeps the springs compressed so that the pad 32 is distant from the body. In this way, it can tip over, as described above, to move the stops. To the end of the slide stroke, the end 50 of the support 43, of frustoconical shape, can penetrate into a frustoconical hole 48 of the slide. As a result, the two supports 43 are brought closer to the body 20 and the plate pushes all the stops whose grooves are therefore no longer aligned with sliding space. To this end, the notches in the slide 28 are slightly elongated, their length corresponding to the travel range of the limit switch of the slide, i.e. 3 mm for example. In this mode of realization, it is the tilting plate itself which constitutes the rearming organ.

Obtaining this rearmament movement requires a slide stroke which consists of two parts, a first part in which the control member can rotate the square of the lock, and a second resetting part.

Figures 6 and 7 show another member of command which allows obtaining such a race. The FIG. 6 represents a plate 52 having a square hole corresponding to the lock control square, and having a finger 54. The finger 54 pushes a first arm of a lever 56 articulated on an axis 58 integral with the body 20. The other arm of the lever overlaps an axis 60 integral with the slide 28. When the plate 52 rotates to the right, in Figure 6, it causes displacement in translation of the slide 28 in the first and second part of its race.

Figure 7 shows a part of the device control comprising a sliding part 62 recalled by a spring 64 on a hub 66 along which it can slide. The part 62 delimits a rectangular recess the edge 68 of which hangs on the end of the slide 28. Consequently, when the operating member rotates, the piece 62 is applied perpendicularly against the slide 28 which therefore experiences virtually no force longitudinal, for example able to act on stops. Through however, if the code has been entered, the slide has already been moved by the associated spring and out of the recess. The control member can then rotate.

The mechanism according to the invention optionally gives the vested benefits function, previously described with reference to the pushers 16. In the second embodiment, this function can be obtained by using a device which prevents the slide from describing the second part of its race (reset). This device can simply include a projection and a clearance, respectively placed on the body or cover and on the slide and intended for cooperate to limit the slide stroke to its first part.

An advantageous characteristic of the mechanism according to the invention, when used with a lock, is that it is reversible, that is to say that it can be ordered by a handle (control member) rotating either to the right, either to the left. For example, in the embodiment illustrated by figures 6 and 7, this reversibility is obtained by turning and mounting lever 56 on the side opposite of the body and by inverting the plate 52.

Claims (10)

1. A mechanism for authorizing movement of a control member by dialing a code, the mechanism being characterized in that it comprises :

   a body (20) forming a slideway for providing guidance in translation and defining an elongate sliding space having two lateral portions, the body (20) having two series of stop-guiding holes (22), each series comprising a plurality of holes (22) each partially overlapping one of the lateral portions of the sliding space,

   a plurality of stops (24), each disposed in a respective hole of a series of holes (22) in the body (20), each stop (24) having a working length longer than the length of the corresponding hole in which it is slidable and possessing a setback (26) such that in a blocking first position a portion of the stop lies in the sliding space, and in a passing second position the setback (26) is level with the corresponding lateral portion, such that no portion of the stop then lies inside the sliding space,

   an elongate slider (28) guided by the slideway so as to slide in the elongate sliding space and having a series of notches along each of its lateral edges, the disposition of the notches being such that in a first position of the slider (28) the notches are in register with holes (22) of the body (20) so that the stops (24) can move freely in the corresponding holes (22) without being hindered by the slider (28), this first position being a position in which the slider (28) is blocked when at least a portion of a stop (24) lies in the sliding space, and such that in a second position of the slider (28), edge portions of the slider (28) penetrate into the setbacks (26) of the stops (24) so that the slider (28) can move in translation in the sliding space,

   pushbuttons (14) movable relative to the body (20) so that each pushbutton can move a corresponding stop in a first direction in the corresponding hole of the body (20), the pushbuttons (14) carrying different signs that are visible from outside the mechanism so that they can be operated sequentially in correspondence with a sequence of signs constituting a code,

   a rocker plate (32) movable between two extreme positions such that when the plate (32) tilts towards one of its extreme positions, it pushes the stops (24) placed in a first sires of holes (22) of the body (20) in a direction opposite to the first direction, and when the plate (32) tilts towards the other one of its extreme positions, it pushes the stops (24) placed in the other series of holes (22) of the body (20) in a direction opposite to the first direction, the plate (32) being tilted by moving a stop (24) when the stop is pushed by the corresponding pushbutton, and

   a link device for transforming movement of the control member into translation movement of the slider (28), and such that when the slider (28) is in its first position and at least a portion of a stop (24) lies in the sliding space, then movement of the control member is blocked.
2. A mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement stroke of the slider (28) comprises a first portion in which the control member executes its control action, and a second portion which extends the first, and the mechanism has a reengagement device for preventing the slider (28) for moving in translation in the second portion of its stroke.
3. A mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the reengagement device comprises a reengagement member designed to move at least one stop (24) so that a portion of the stop lies in the sliding space.
4. A mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the reengagement member is constituted by the rocker plate (32).
5. A mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the reengagement device includes a member blocking sliding of the slider (28).
6. A mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a free passage device for preventing the operation of the reengagement device.
7. A mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the movement of the control member is rotation which controls a lock.
8. A mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that the link device for transforming rotary movement of the control member into translation movement of the slider (28) is reversible.
9. A mechanism according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that in the blocking position rotation of the control member is prevented by the control member coming into contact with the slider (28) in a direction perpendicular to the displacement direction of the slider (28).
10. A mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the mechanism further comprises a cap (10) having through holes for the pushbuttons (14), and the pushbuttons (14) are not all of the same size in their displacement direction.

Images