EP1255007B1 - Locking mechanism for motor vehicle door and arrangement of such device on a wall of said door - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a locking device for motor vehicle opening and an arrangement of this device on a wall of this opening.

• une platine comprenant un support muni d'un logement destiné à recevoir un barillet de serrure, ce logement comprenant une extrémité d'accès au barillet, et
• un joint d'étanchéité plaqué contre la platine.

Already known in the state of the art a locking device for motor vehicle opening, of the type comprising:

• a platen comprising a support provided with a housing for receiving a lock cylinder, this housing comprising an end of access to the cylinder, and
• a seal pressed against the plate.

A device of this type is usually used to lock a boot flap or a motor vehicle door. In this case, the locking device is generally arranged on a wall delimiting the boot flap or the vehicle door.

More and more frequently, the locking device of an opening is operated using remote-controlled motorized means. In the event of failure of these motorized means, the locking device can be actuated with the aid of a spare key. Given that the use of the emergency key is exceptional, it is known to close the barrel access end of the locking device, to protect the barrel against weather or dirt.

Conventionally, the closure means of the access end of the barrel comprise, on the one hand, a removable closure member and, on the other hand, sealing means, such as an O-ring , interposed between this shutter member and the edge of the housing of the barrel defining the access end of the barrel. An arrangement of this type has the disadvantage that the removable closure member can be easily lost.

US-A-4154072 discloses a locking device according to the preamble of claim 1.

The object of the invention is in particular to propose means for closing the access end of the barrel, allowing this end to be closed tightly while being able to be easily disengaged from this end to allow access to the barrel, this by limiting the risk of loss of closure means as an alternative to the state of the art.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a locking device for a motor vehicle opening according to claim 1.

• le joint d'étanchéité est relié à l'organe d'obturation par une partie de liaison rappelant élastiquement l'organe d'obturation vers une position d'ouverture ;
• la partie de liaison à une forme générale de languette munie d'un pli de rappel élastique de l'organe d'obturation en position d'ouverture ;
• l'organe d'obturation est muni d'une jupe coopérant par emboîtement étanche avec un bord du support délimitant l'extrémité d'accès du logement ;
• l'organe d'obturation est muni d'une jupe coopérant par emboîtement étanche avec un bord complémentaire du barillet ;
• le joint d'étanchéité à une forme générale plane, ce joint comprenant une face proximale plaquée contre une face distale de la platine ;
• le logement du barillet a une forme générale cylindrique d'axe sensiblement parallèle à la face distale de la platine ;
• le logement du barillet a une forme générale cylindrique d'axe sensiblement perpendiculaire à la face distale de la platine.

According to features of different embodiments of this locking device:

• the seal is connected to the closure member by a connecting portion resiliently biasing the closure member to an open position;
• the connecting part to a general shape of tongue provided with a resilient return fold of the closure member in the open position;
• the shutter member is provided with a skirt cooperating by sealing engagement with an edge of the support defining the access end of the housing;
• the shutter member is provided with a skirt cooperating by sealing engagement with a complementary edge of the barrel;
• the seal has a generally planar shape, this seal comprising a proximal face pressed against a distal face of the plate;
• the housing of the cylinder has a generally cylindrical shape with an axis substantially parallel to the distal face of the plate;
• the cylinder housing has a generally cylindrical shape with an axis substantially perpendicular to the distal face of the plate.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a locking device as defined above characterized in that the locking device is fixed on a wall defining an opening such as a tailgate or a door of the vehicle.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective, partiellement éclatée, d'un dispositif de verrouillage selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe d'obturation étant dans une position ouverte ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de verrouillage représenté sur la figure 1, ce dispositif étant logé dans un élément de carrosserie du véhicule, l'organe d'obturation étant dans une position ouverte ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de l'élément de carrosserie dans lequel est logé le dispositif de verrouillage, l'organe d'obturation étant dans une position fermée ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un dispositif de verrouillage selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de verrouillage représenté sur la figure 4, l'organe d'obturation étant dans une position ouverte ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective, avec une coupe partielle, du dispositif de verrouillage représenté sur les figures 4 et 5.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of a locking device according to a first embodiment of the invention, the shutter member being in an open position;
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the locking device shown in Figure 1, this device being housed in a vehicle body member, the closure member being in an open position;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the body member in which is housed the locking device, the closure member being in a closed position;
• Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a locking device according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of the locking device shown in Figure 4, the shutter member being in an open position;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view, with a partial section, of the locking device shown in Figures 4 and 5.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a locking device according to a first embodiment of the invention, designated by the general reference 10. This device 10 is intended, in the example illustrated in FIGS. locking of a motor vehicle trunk. In a conventional manner, the trunk comprises a fixed part, forming a frame, on which is articulated a movable part forming an opening, comprising for example a flap or a tailgate.

The locking device 10 is fixed on a wall 12 defining the opening of the box, called the fixing wall.

The wall 12, made of a conventional material, for example sheet metal, separates interior and exterior volumes of the trunk.

In what follows, an organ is called proximal when it is close to the outside of the trunk and distal when it is close to the inside of the trunk, these orientations being considered when the opening of the trunk is closed.

The locking device 10 comprises a plate 14 provided with a proximal face 14P and a distal face 14D.

A support 16, integral with the plate 14, is intended to carry a lock cylinder 17 shown in Figure 2. For this purpose, the support 16 comprises a housing 18 for receiving the cylinder 17. This housing 18 has a generally cylindrical shape of axis substantially parallel to the faces 14P, 14D of the plate.

Preferably, the locking device 10 is fixed on the wall 12 so that the axis of the housing 18 extends substantially vertically, the access of a key 19 to the barrel being from below the housing 18, as this is shown in Figure 2. Indeed, the underside of the housing 18 is defined by an open end 18A of this housing for access to the barrel 17.

The cylinder 17 is intended to control, in a manner known in itself, a movable control member 20, passing through the plate 14.

The plate 14 is fixed on the wall 12 by means not passing through the plate 14, carried by the distal face 14D of this plate.

In the example described, the fixing means comprise a stud 22, integral with the distal face 14D of the plate, intended to extend through a complementary orifice 24 formed in the fixing wall 12. The stud 22 is intended for cooperate by screwing with a nut 25 bearing on a distal face 12D of the fixing wall.

The fixing means also comprise first 26 and second 28 fixing lugs. These legs 26, 28 have a generally curved shape.

Note that the second fastening tab 28 also forms a support for conventional transmission means connecting the movable control member 20 to a locking bolt.

The fixing lugs 26, 28 are intended to extend through respective complementary orifices 30, 32 formed in the fixing wall 12.

A flat sealing gasket 34, preferably of elastomer, is provided with a proximal face 34P pressed against the distal face 14D of the plate and a distal face 34D pressed against a proximal face 12P of the fixing wall.

The seal 34 comprises an extension forming a closure member 36 of the end 18A of access to the housing.

The closure member 36 is connected to the seal 34 by a slimming 36A, forming a hinge, allowing the displacement of the closure member 36 between an open position, as shown in Figure 2, and a position closed, as shown in Figure 3.

Furthermore, the closure member 36 is provided with a skirt 38 cooperating by sealing engagement with a complementary edge 40 of the support 16 defining the access end 18A of the housing.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a bodywork element 42 in which the locking device 10 is housed.

To actuate this locking device 10 by means of the key 19, the user releases the access end 18A to the barrel 17 by placing the closure member 36 in its open position, as shown in FIG. 2.

Then, the user enters the key 19 in the cylinder 17 and actuates the locking device 10 in a manner known per se.

After removing the key 19, the user places the closure member 36 in its closed position as shown in FIG. 3. In the latter position, the closure member 36 is flush with the external surface of the closure member 36. body member 42 so as to mask the barrel access end 18A and fit in the general shape of the body member 42. The closure member 36 is held in its closed position due to the snapping of the skirt 38 on the edge 40 of the support 16.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show a locking device according to a second embodiment of the invention. In these Figures 4 to 6, the elements similar to those of previous Figures 1 to 3, are designated by identical references.

In the example illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the device 10 is intended for locking a motor vehicle door. In a conventional manner, the door is delimited by a wall on which the locking device 10 is fixed. For the sake of clarity, the fixing wall delimiting the door has not been shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.

In what follows, an organ is called proximal when it is close to the outside of the vehicle and distal when it is close to the interior of the vehicle, these orientations being considered when the door is closed.

In this second embodiment of the invention, the locking device 10 is integrated in a door handle assembly. This set includes in particular a handle support 44 and a handle 46 for opening the door. The fixing wall (not shown) is interposed between the handle support 44 and the plate 14 of the locking device.

The support 16 of the locking device is fixed in a manner known per se in a housing 48 of the handle support 44. Furthermore, the housing 18 of the barrel 17 has a generally cylindrical shape with an axis substantially perpendicular to the distal face 14D of the plate.

A member 50 for masking the locking device 10 is snapped onto the closure member 36, as shown in particular in FIG. 6.

The closure member 36 is connected to the seal 34 by a connecting portion 52, generally tab-shaped, provided with a fold 52P elastic return of the closure member 36 in the open position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The skirt 38 cooperates, in this second embodiment of the invention, with a complementary edge 54 formed on one end of the barrel 17.

When the closure member 36 is in the closed position, the member 50 masks the locking device 10. The closure member 36 is held in its closed position due to the snapping of the skirt 38 on the edge 54 of the barrel 17.

To access the barrel 17, the user lifts the masking member 50 and, consequently, the closure member 36 which carries the latter, so as to disengage the skirt 38 from the edge 54.

The fold 52P connecting the shutter member 36 to the sealing member 34 automatically recalls this shutter member 36 in the open position, as shown in FIG. 6.

The user can then introduce a key into the barrel 17 in order to actuate the locking device.

After removing the key from the barrel 17, the user closes the closure member 36 by folding the masking member 50 against the plate 14, so as to overcome the return force of the fold 52P and to fit the skirt 38 on the edge 54 of the barrel.

Among the advantages of the invention, it will be noted that this makes it possible to effectively seal the access end of the barrel by means of the closure member extending the seal of the locking device. Moreover, since the closure member is constantly connected to the seal, there is no risk of losing this closure member when it is disengaged from the access end of the barrel.

Claims (9)

1. Locking device for an automobile vehicle door of the type comprising:

   - a plate (14) comprising a support (16) provided with a housing (18) that will hold a lock barrel (17), this housing (18) comprising an access end (18A) to the barrel, and

   - a seal (34) forced into contact with the plate (14), comprising an extension forming a device (36) closing the access end (18A) of the housing,

   
   characterised in that a locking device masking device (50) is click-fitted onto the closing device (36).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the seal (34) is connected to the closing device (36) through a connecting part (52, 52P) elastically returning the closing device (36) to the open position.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the connecting part is generally in the shape of a tongue (52) in which there is a fold (52P) to elastically bring the closing device (36) back into the open position.
4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the closing device (36) is provided with a skirt (38) that engages with a complementary edge (40) of the support (16) delimiting the access end (18A) of the housing to make a leaktight joint.
5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the closing device (36) is provided with a skirt (38) that engages with a complementary edge (54) of the barrel to make a leaktight joint.
6. Device according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the general shape of the seal (34) is plane, this seal comprising a proximal face (34P) forced into contact with a distal face (34D) of the plate.
7. Device according to claim 6, characterised in that the barrel housing (18) is generally in the shape of a cylinder with its axis approximately parallel to the distal face (14D) of the plate.
8. Device according to claim 6, characterised in that the barrel housing (18) is generally in the shape of a cylinder with its axis approximately perpendicular to the distal face (14D) of the plate.
9. Automobile vehicle with a locking device (10) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the locking device (10) is fixed onto a wall (12) forming an opening such as a vehicle boot lid or door.

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