EP1283315A1 - Key with articulated bit - Google Patents

Abstract

The key has a housing (22) and a shank (24) with one end pivoted to the housing between use and retracted positions. The free end (25b) of the shank, for insertion into the lock, extends longitudinally of the shank axis. The shank pivot axis (X) is angled to the longitudinal axis of the shank.

Description

The present invention relates to an articulated bit key.

It applies in particular to a key for a motor vehicle intended by example to lock or unlock vehicle windows, order an anti-theft device and a vehicle starter, etc.

• un corps, et
• un panneton comportant :
  • une extrémité articulée sur le corps, autour d'un axe de pivotement lié à ce corps, de façon à permettre le déplacement du panneton entre des positions d'utilisation et de rangement, et
  • une extrémité libre d'introduction dans une serrure correspondante, cette extrémité libre ayant une forme générale allongée définissant une direction longitudinale dite direction longitudinale du panneton.

We already know in the prior art, in particular from FR-A-2 640 670 (FR-89 16127), a key of the type comprising:

• a body, and
• a bit comprising:
  • one end articulated on the body, around a pivot axis linked to this body, so as to allow the movement of the bit between positions of use and storage, and
  • a free end for insertion into a corresponding lock, this free end having a generally elongated shape defining a longitudinal direction known as the longitudinal direction of the bit.

Usually the body of the key forms a housing for means electronic remote control for locking means of the vehicle windows. Through elsewhere, the body includes a storage compartment for the bit. The size of this accommodation is likely to limit in some cases the space available for electronic means contained in the housing.

The object of the invention is in particular to optimize the volume available for electronic means contained in a housing forming a key body.

To this end, the invention relates to a key of the aforementioned type, characterized in that that the pivot axis is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the bit.

• la direction longitudinale du panneton en position d'utilisation est inclinée par rapport à un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement d'un angle compris entre 1° et 5°, de préférence égal à 3° ;
• la direction longitudinale du panneton en position d'utilisation et l'axe de pivotement définissent un plan médian du corps ;
• la direction longitudinale du panneton en position de rangement et l'axe de pivotement définissent un plan incliné par rapport au plan médian du corps ;
• le corps comprend un boítier muni de première et seconde demi-coquilles comportant chacune un bord de liaison avec l'autre demi-coquille, les bords de liaison des deux demi-coquilles du boítier s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement à un plan de joint de ces deux demi-coquilles, la direction longitudinale du panneton en position d'utilisation étant sensiblement parallèle au plan de joint ;
• le corps a une forme générale prismatique aplatie, la direction longitudinale du panneton en position d'utilisation étant sensiblement parallèle aux deux plus grandes dimensions du corps ;
• le corps est délimité par deux surfaces opposées de dessus et de dessous reliées entre elles par deux surfaces opposées avant et arrière et deux surfaces opposées latérales, une des faces latérales comprenant un logement de rangement du panneton incliné d'avant en arrière, par rapport à la direction longitudinale du panneton en position d'utilisation ;
• le panneton a une forme générale de lame, l'extrémité libre du panneton étant pliée par rapport à l'extrémité articulée de ce panneton.

According to other characteristics of this key:

• the longitudinal direction of the bit in the position of use is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis by an angle between 1 ° and 5 °, preferably equal to 3 °;
• the longitudinal direction of the bit in the position of use and the pivot axis define a median plane of the body;
• the longitudinal direction of the bit in the storage position and the pivot axis define a plane inclined relative to the median plane of the body;
• the body comprises a housing provided with first and second half-shells each comprising a connecting edge with the other half-shell, the connecting edges of the two half-shells of the housing extending substantially parallel to a joint plane of these two half-shells, the longitudinal direction of the bit in the position of use being substantially parallel to the joint plane;
• the body has a generally flat prismatic shape, the longitudinal direction of the bit in the position of use being substantially parallel to the two largest dimensions of the body;
• the body is delimited by two opposite surfaces from above and from below connected together by two opposite surfaces front and rear and two opposite lateral surfaces, one of the lateral faces comprising a storage compartment for the bit inclined from front to rear, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bit in the position of use;
• the bit has the general shape of a blade, the free end of the bit being folded relative to the articulated end of this bit.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une clé selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, le panneton étant en position d'utilisation ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée de la clé représentée sur la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de coté de la clé représentée sur la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue similaire à la figure 1 dans laquelle le panneton est en position de rangement ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective avec une coupe suivant un plan sensiblement parallèle à l'extrémité d'introduction du panneton de la clé représentée dans la configuration de la figure 4 ;
• les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues en perspective de la clé représentée sur la figure 1 avec une coupe partielle suivant un plan sensiblement parallèle à l'axe de pivotement du panneton, un levier de commande du panneton étant respectivement dans une position de repos permettant la retenue de ce panneton en position de rangement et une position de libération de ce panneton ;
• la figure 8 est une vue similaire à la figure 1 dans laquelle le panneton est une position intermédiaire entre ses position d'utilisation de rangement ;
• la figure 9 est une vue partielle en perspective, en partie éclatée, d'une clé selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 10 à 13 sont des vues en perspective de la clé représentée sur la figure 9 avec des coupes suivant divers plans sensiblement parallèles à l'axe de pivotement du panneton.

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

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a key according to a first embodiment of the invention, the bit being in the position of use;
• Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the key shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a side view of the key shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 in which the bit is in the storage position;
• Figure 5 is a perspective view with a section along a plane substantially parallel to the insertion end of the key bit shown in the configuration of Figure 4;
• Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of the key shown in Figure 1 with a partial section along a plane substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the bit, a bit control lever being respectively in a rest position allowing retaining this bit in the storage position and a position for releasing this bit;
• Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 1 wherein the bit is an intermediate position between its storage use position;
• Figure 9 is a partial perspective view, partially exploded, of a key according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• Figures 10 to 13 are perspective views of the key shown in Figure 9 with sections along various planes substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the bit.

There is shown in Figures 1 to 8 a key according to a first mode of embodiment of the invention, designated by the general reference 20. This key 20 is intended, for example, to lock or unlock doors of a vehicle automobile, order an anti-theft device and a starter for this vehicle, etc.

The key 20 comprises a body 22, for example of generally prismatic shape flattened, and a bit 24, also called insert, having in particular a general shape of blade.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the body 22 comprises a housing 26 comprising first 26A and second 26B half-shells. Each half-shell 26A, 26B comprises a connecting edge J1, J2 with the other half-shell.

Referring to Figure 3, we see that the connecting edges J1, J2 of the two half-shells 26A, 26B extend substantially parallel to a joint plane J of these two half-shells.

The housing 26 forms a housing for electronic means 28 intended, for example, to remote control means for locking the doors of the vehicle. The electronic means 28 are controlled using conventional buttons B1 to B3 carried by the second half-shell 26B.

The bit 24 has an end 24A, articulated on the first half-shell 26A, and a free end 24B for insertion into a conventional lock corresponding, not shown.

The articulated end 24A of the bit is movably mounted on the body 22 around a pivot axis X (see in particular FIG. 3) linked to this body 22, so as to allow movement of the bit 24 between a position of use, such as shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2, and a storage position, such as shown in particular in Figures 4 to 7.

In Figure 3, the bit 24 is shown in solid lines in position of use and, in phantom, in the storage position. In this figure 3, we see that the free end 24B of the bit has a generally elongated shape defining a direction longitudinal said longitudinal direction of the bit LP.

The free end 24B of the bit is folded relative to the articulated end 24A of this bit, so that the pivot axis X is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction LP of the bit, whether this bit is in the position of use or storage.

More particularly, it will be noted that the longitudinal direction LP of the bit 24 in the position of use is substantially parallel to the joint plane J and to the two more large dimensions of the flattened prismatic body 22.

Referring to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the longitudinal direction LP of the bit 24 in the position of use and the pivot axis X define a median plane MS of body 22 of key.

Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the longitudinal direction LP of the bit 24 in the storage position and the pivot axis X define an inclined plane PI with respect to the median plane PM.

Preferably, the longitudinal direction LP of the bit 24 in position of use is inclined relative to a plane P perpendicular to the pivot axis X at an angle between 1 and 5 °, preferably equal to 3 °.

The housing 26 is delimited by two opposite surfaces from above H and bottom B connected to each other by two opposite surfaces, front front and rear AR and two opposite side surfaces LG, LD. One of the side faces, for example the side face LD, comprises a housing 30 for storing the bit 24. This housing 30 is inclined from front to back, relative to the longitudinal direction LP of the bit 24 in position of use, thus taking into account the inclination of the pivot axis X of the bit.

The inclination of the storage housing 30 makes it possible to optimize the volume inside of the box 26 available for electronic means 28.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the pivot axis X is materialized by a body of general shape of revolution forming a pivot 32. This pivot 32 includes a first part 32A mounted journalled in an orifice complementary 34 formed in the first half-shell 26A, and a second part 32B fitted into a complementary orifice 36 formed in the articulated end 24A bit. The bit 24 is secured in rotation (around the X axis) with the second part 32B of the pivot by cooperation of complementary shapes made in the orifice 36 of the bit and on the second part 32B of the pivot.

The bit 24 is resiliently returned to its position of use by a spring 38 with angular effect, housed inside the pivot 32, bearing on the housing 26 and this pivot 32.

The key 20 includes releasable means for retaining the bit 24 in storage position comprising a control lever 40 movably mounted around a hinge pin Y intended to be linked to the housing 26.

The control lever 40 is movable between a rest position allowing in particular the retention of the bit 24 in the storage position, such that shown in Figures 4 to 6, and a release position of this bit 24, such as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

Preferably, the control lever 40 is of the first kind. So the lever 40 comprises an operating end 40A, forming a button, and an end 40B of cooperation with the bit 24. The axis Y of articulation of the lever 40 is interposed between its maneuvering ends 40A and cooperation ends 40B.

The control lever 40 is resiliently returned to the rest position at by means of a compression spring 42, housed in a blind hole 44 formed in the first half-shell 26A, bearing between the bottom of this hole 44 and the end of lever operation 40A.

The axis Y of articulation of the control lever 40 is materialized by two pins 46, integral with lever 40, fitted in two slides 48 forming flanges. These slides 48 are formed in the first half-shell 26A so as to extend substantially parallel to a direction called longitudinal direction of LG slides. The shapes of the pins 46 and of the slides 48 will be described in more detail detail later on the occasion of the second embodiment of the invention.

The pins 46 are immobilized longitudinally in the slides 48, after nesting of these pins 46 in these slides 48, for example using complementary fitting means 50, 52, formed on one end of the pivot 32 and on the control lever 40. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be seen that these nesting means 50, 52, form a ball joint. The nesting direction of complementary means 50, 52 is roughly transverse to the longitudinal direction LG slides.

During the assembly of the key 20, the pins 46 of the control lever 40 in the corresponding slides 48, then immobilized longitudinally this lever 40 in the slides 48 by driving the pivot 32 into the orifice 34 of the half-shell 26A and in the orifice 36 of the bit 24 so as to fit the complementary means 50, 52 formed on the ball joint 32 and the control lever 40.

The main aspects of the operation of the key will be specified below 20 related to the invention.

Initially, the bit 24 of the key is in its storage position, as as shown in Figures 4 to 6. The control lever 40 is in the rest position. The end 40B of the control lever cooperates with the bit 24, more particularly with the articulated end 24A of this bit (see FIG. 5), so as to retain the bit 24 in the storage position, against the return force of the spring 38 with angular effect.

To place the bit 24 in the use position, the user presses the operating end 40A of the control lever so as to oppose the force of return of the spring 42. This has the effect of releasing the end 40B of the control lever relative to the bit 24, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. the bit 24 then moves automatically, under the return effect of the spring 38, towards its position of use, as shown in Figure 1. In this position, the longitudinal direction LP of bit 24 is substantially parallel to the two plus large dimensions of the flattened prismatic body 22.

To replace the bit 24 in the storage position, the user presses again on the operating end 40A of the control lever, so as to release the trajectory of the bit 24, then moves this bit 24 to its storage position by opposing the return force of the spring 38.

When the bit 24 reaches its storage position, the lever control 40 automatically returns to the rest position under the recall effect of the spring 42.

The cooperation end 40B of the control lever may include ramps intended to cooperate with the bit 24 in order to cause a retraction automatic lever 40 when this bit 24 is brought back from its position of use to its storage position.

In FIGS. 9 to 13, a key is shown according to a second mode of realization of the invention. In these figures, elements similar to those of Figures 1 to 8 are designated by identical references.

In this case, the control lever 40, articulated on the first half-shell 26A, is flush with the external surface of the second half-shell 26B, carrying the buttons control B1 to B3, so that, in the rest position, this control lever 40 extends the second half-shell 26B.

With particular reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, it can be seen that each slide 48 is delimited by two opposite longitudinal faces F1, F2. Each pin 46 has a polygonal cross section delimited by at least two pairs of sides consecutive C1, C2 (two sides of a polygon are said to be consecutive when they have a common summit). The two sides C1, C2 of the same pair respectively form two cooperation stops with a corresponding longitudinal face F1, F2 of the slide 48 to define, on the one hand, the rest position of the lever 40, such that shown in Figure 12, and, on the other hand, the release position of the lever 40, such that shown in Figure 13.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the means longitudinal immobilization (in the direction LG) of the pins 46 include, for each slide 48, an end stop 54 for fitting the journal 46 corresponding in the slide. Alternatively, the end stop 54 may not be provided on a single slide 48.

The means of longitudinal immobilization of the pins 46 comprise plus a stopper 56 for immobilizing at least one pin 46 against the stop corresponding 54 end of nesting race. This cleat 56, represented on the Figures 9 and 11 is integral with the second half-shell 26B of the housing. Trunnion 46 is inserted longitudinally (in the LG direction) between the stop 54 and the cleat 56.

When mounting the key 20, the pins 46 of the control lever are first of all fitted into the runners 48 formed in the first half-shell 26A. Then, the second half-shell 26B is fixed on the first half-shell 26A, of so as to place the cleat 56 in its immobilization position of the pin 46 corresponding, as shown in Figure 11.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the bit 24 is similar to that of the first embodiment, the pivot 32 materializing an axis X of orientation identical to that described in the first embodiment of the invention.

Claims (8)

Type key comprising: a body (22) and a bit (24) comprising: one end (24A) articulated on the body, around a pivot axis (X) linked to this body (22), so as to allow the movement of the bit (24) between positions of use and storage, and a free end (24B) for insertion into a corresponding lock, this insertion end (24B) having a generally elongated shape defining a longitudinal direction (LP) called the longitudinal direction of the bit; characterized in that the pivot axis (X) is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction (LP) of the bit. Key according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal direction (LP) of the bit in the position of use is inclined relative to a plane (P) perpendicular to the pivot axis (X) by an angle between 1 ° and 5 °, preferably equal to 3 °. Key according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the longitudinal direction (LP) of the bit (24) in the position of use and the pivot axis (X) define a median plane (PM) of the body (22). Key according to claim 3, characterized in that the longitudinal direction (LP) of the bit (24) in the storage position and the pivot axis (X) define a plane (PI) inclined relative to the median plane (PM) of the body. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (22) comprises a housing (26) provided with first (26A) and second (26B) half-shells each comprising a connecting edge (J1, J2) with the other half-shell, the edges (J1, J2) connecting the two half-shells (26A, 26B) of the housing extending substantially parallel to a joint plane (J) of these two half-shells, the longitudinal direction (LP) of the bit (24) in the use position being substantially parallel to the joint plane (J). Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (22) has a generally flat prismatic shape, the longitudinal direction (LP) of the bit (24) in the position of use being substantially parallel to the two largest dimensions of the body (22). Key according to claim 6, characterized in that the body (22) is delimited by two opposite surfaces from above (H) and from below (B) interconnected by two opposite surfaces front (AV) and rear (AR) and two opposite lateral surfaces (LG, LD), one of the lateral faces (LD) comprising a housing (30) for storing the bit (24) inclined back and forth relative to the longitudinal direction (LP) of the bit (24) in position of use. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bit (24) has the general shape of a blade, the free end (24B) of the bit being bent relative to the articulated end (24A) of this bit .

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