EP1283316B1 - Improved key with articulated bit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an improved key bit articulated.

It applies in particular to a key for a motor vehicle intended for example to lock or unlock the opening of the vehicle, to control a lock and a starter of the vehicle, etc.

• un corps,
• un panneton monté mobile d'un axe de pivotement lié au corps entre une position de rangement et une position d'utilisation vers laquelle il est rappelé élastiquement, et
• des moyens libérables de retenue du panneton en position de rangement, portés par le corps, les moyens de retenue comprenant un levier de commande monté mobile autour d'un axe d'articulation lié au corps entre une position de repos permettant la retenue du panneton en position de rangement et une position de libération de ce panneton.

There is already known a key of the state of the art, in particular FR-A-2 640 670 A and US 2001/000 2544 A which discloses a key of the type comprising:

• a body,
• a bit mounted movably with a pivot axis connected to the body between a storage position and a position of use to which it is resiliently biased, and
• releasable means for retaining the bit in storage position, carried by the body, the retaining means comprising a control lever mounted movably about an axis of articulation connected to the body between a rest position allowing the retention of the bit in storage position and a release position of this bit.

Usually, the body of the key forms a housing for electronic means remote control locking means of the opening of the vehicle. In the above document, the retaining means comprise a control button substantially coaxial with the axis of pivoting of the bit. The arrangement of this button in the body of the key depends on the orientation of the pivot axis of the bit.

The object of the invention is in particular to propose means for retaining the bit capable of being independent of the orientation of the axis of pivoting of the bit.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a key of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the bit is movable about a pivot axis connected to the body and in that the axis of articulation of the control lever is materialized by two journals, secured to the lever, fitted into two slides, forming flanges, formed in the body.

• les glissières s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement à une direction dite direction longitudinale des glissières ;
• chaque glissière est délimitée par deux faces longitudinales opposées, chaque tourillon ayant une section transversale polygonale délimitée par au moins deux paires de côtés consécutifs, les deux côtés d'une paire formant respectivement deux butées de coopération avec une face longitudinale correspondante de la glissière pour définir les positions de repos et de libération du levier de commande ;
• la clé comprend des moyens d'immobilisation longitudinale des tourillons dans les glissières après emboîtement de ces tourillons dans les glissières ;
• les moyens d'immobilisation longitudinale des tourillons comprennent des moyens complémentaires d'emboîtement, ménagés d'une part, sur un pivot, porté par le corps, matérialisant l'axe de pivotement du panneton et, d'autre part, sur le levier de commande ;
• les moyens complémentaires d'emboîtement forment une rotule ;
• les moyens d'immobilisation longitudinale des tourillons comprennent, d'une part, au moins une butée de fin de course d'emboîtement d'un tourillon dans une glissière correspondante et, d'autre part, un taquet d'immobilisation de ce tourillon contre la butée de fin de course d'emboîtement, les glissières et le taquet étant portés par deux parties assemblées lors du montage du corps ;
• le corps comprend un boîtier muni de première et seconde demi-coquilles, le levier de commande étant articulé sur la première demi-coquille ;
• les glissières sont ménagées sur la première demi-coquille et le taquet est solidaire de la seconde demi-coquille;
• la seconde demi-coquille porte des moyens de commande de moyens électroniques logés dans le boîtier ;
• en position de repos, le levier de commande prolonge la seconde demi-coquille ;
• le levier de commande est du premier genre, ce levier comportant une extrémité de manoeuvre et une extrémité de coopération avec le panneton entre lesquelles est intercalé l'axe d'articulation de ce levier ;
• le levier de commande est rappelé élastiquement en position de repos.

According to characteristics of the various embodiments of this key:

• the slides extending substantially parallel to a direction said longitudinal direction of the slides;
• each slide is delimited by two opposite longitudinal faces, each pin having a polygonal cross-section delimited by at least two pairs of consecutive sides, the two sides of a pair respectively forming two engagement stops with a corresponding longitudinal face of the slide to define the positions of rest and release of the control lever;
• the key comprises means for longitudinally immobilizing the journals in the slides after interlocking these journals in the slides;
• the means for longitudinally immobilizing the journals comprise complementary interlocking means provided on the one hand on a pivot carried by the body, embodying the axis of pivoting of the bit and, on the other hand, on the lever of ordered ;
• the complementary interlocking means form a ball joint;
• the means for longitudinally immobilizing the journals comprise, on the one hand, at least one end stop for interlocking a journal in a corresponding slideway and, on the other hand, a locking tab for this journal against the interlocking end stop, the slides and the cleat being carried by two parts assembled during assembly of the body;
• the body comprises a housing provided with first and second half-shells, the control lever being articulated on the first half-shell;
• the slides are formed on the first half-shell and the cleat is integral with the second half-shell;
• the second half-shell carries means for controlling electronic means housed in the housing;
• in the rest position, the control lever extends the second half-shell;
• the control lever is of the first kind, this lever having an operating end and a cooperating end with the bit between which is interposed the axis of articulation of the lever;
• the control lever is resiliently biased to the rest position.

• 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, le levier de commande du panneton étant respectivement dans une position de repos permettant la retenue de ce panneton 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 et 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 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 use position;
• 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 bit of the key 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 in a plane substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the bit, the control lever of the bit being respectively in a rest position allowing the retention of this bit and a release position of this bit;
• Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 1 wherein the bit is an intermediate position between its position of use and storage;
• Figure 9 is a partial perspective view, partly broken away, 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 in various planes substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the bit.

FIGS. 1 to 8 show a key according to a first embodiment of the invention, designated by the general reference 20. This key 20 is intended, for example, to lock or unlock the opening of a motor vehicle, order an immobilizer and a starter of this vehicle, etc.

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

Referring in particular to Figure 2, we see that the body 22 comprises a housing 26 having 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 locking means of the opening of the vehicle. The electronic means 28 are controlled by means of 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 introduction into a corresponding conventional lock, not shown.

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

In Figure 3, the bit 24 is shown in solid lines in the use position 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 longitudinal direction said longitudinal direction of the LP blade.

The free end 24B of the bit is folded with respect 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, that 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 largest dimensions of the flattened prismatic body 22.

With reference 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 PM of the body 22 of the key.

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

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

The housing 26 is delimited by two opposite surfaces from above H and from below B interconnected by two opposite surfaces before AV and rear AR and two opposite side surfaces LG, LD. One of the lateral faces, for example the lateral face LD, comprises a housing 30 for storing the bit 24. This housing 30 is inclined forwards and backwards with respect to the longitudinal direction LP of the bit 24 in the position of use, in taking into account the inclination of the pivot axis X of the bit.

The inclination of the storage compartment 30 optimizes the interior volume of the housing 26 available for the electronic means 28.

Referring in particular to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the pivot axis X is embodied by a member of general shape of revolution forming a pivot 32. This pivot 32 comprises a first portion 32A mounted to pivot in a complementary orifice 34 formed in the first half-shell 26A, and a second portion 32B nested in a complementary hole 36 formed in the articulated end 24A of the bit. The bit 24 is secured in rotation (about the axis X) with the second portion 32B of the pivot by cooperation of complementary shapes formed in the hole 36 of the bit and on the second portion 32B of the pivot.

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

The die 20 comprises releasable means for retaining the bit 24 in the storage position comprising a control lever 40 mounted to move about a hinge axis Y intended to be connected to the case 26.

The control lever 40 is movable between a rest position in particular for retaining the bit 24 in the storage position, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, and a release position of this bit 24, as shown in the figures 7 and 8.

Preferably, the control lever 40 is of the first kind. Thus, the lever 40 has an operating end 40A, forming a button, and a 40B end of cooperation with the blade 24. The Y axis of articulation of the lever 40 is interposed between its actuating ends 40A and 40B of cooperation.

The control lever 40 is resiliently biased into the rest position 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 operating lever 40A of the lever.

The axis Y of articulation of the control lever 40 is materialized by two journals 46, integral with the lever 40, nested 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 longitudinal direction said direction of LG slides. The shapes of the trunnions 46 and slides 48 will be described in more detail later on the occasion of the second embodiment of the invention.

The journals 46 are immobilized longitudinally in the slides 48, after interlocking of these journals 46 in these slides 48, for example by means of complementary interlocking means 50, 52, formed on one end of the pivot 32 and on the lever of FIG. 40. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, it can be seen that these interlocking means 50, 52 form a ball joint. The interlocking direction of the complementary means 50, 52 is approximately transverse to the longitudinal direction of the slides LG.

When the key 20 is mounted, the trunnions 46 of the control lever 40 are first introduced into the corresponding slideways 48, and this lever 40 is immobilized longitudinally in the slideways 48 by pressing the pivot 32 into the hole 34 of the half-shell 26A and in the hole 36 of the bit 24 so as to fit the complementary means 50, 52 formed on the ball 32 and the control lever 40.

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

Initially, the bit 24 of the key is in its storage position, 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 hold the bit 24 in the storage position, against the force return of the spring 38 with angular effect.

To place the bit 24 in the position of use, the user presses the operating end 40A of the control lever so as to oppose the return force of the spring 42. This has the effect of disengaging 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 effect of the spring 38, to its position of use, as shown In this position, the longitudinal direction LP of the bit 24 is substantially parallel to the two largest dimensions of the flattened prismatic body 22.

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

When the bit 24 reaches its storage position, the control lever 40 is automatically returned to the rest position under the spring return effect 42.

The cooperating end 40B of the control lever may comprise ramps intended to cooperate with the bit 24 to cause an automatic retraction of the lever 40 when the bit 24 is returned from its use position to its storage position.

In Figures 9 to 13, there is shown a key according to a second embodiment 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 outer surface of second half-shell 26B, carrying the control buttons B1 to B3, so that, in the rest position, this lever control 40 extends the second half-shell 26B.

Referring in particular to Figures 12 and 13, we see that each slide 48 is delimited by two longitudinal faces F1, F2 opposite. Each pin 46 has a polygonal cross-section delimited by at least two pairs of consecutive sides C1, C2 (two sides of a polygon are said to be consecutive when they have a common vertex). The two sides C1, C2 of the same pair respectively form two stops cooperating with a corresponding longitudinal face F1, F2 of the slide 48 to define, on the one hand, the rest position of the lever 40, as shown on the FIG. 12, and, on the other hand, the position of release of the lever 40, as represented in FIG. 13.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal immobilization means (in the direction LG) of the journals 46 comprise, for each slide 48, a stop 54 of end of travel of interlocking of the corresponding pin 46 in the slideway . Alternatively, the limit stop 54 could be provided on only one slide 48.

The means for longitudinally immobilizing the journals 46 further comprise a stop 56 for immobilizing at least one journal 46 against the corresponding stop 54 of the interlocking limit switch. This tab 56, shown in Figures 9 and 11 is secured to the second half-shell 26B of the housing. The pin 46 is inserted longitudinally (in the direction LG) between the stop 54 and the catch 56.

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

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

Among the advantages of the invention, it will be noted that the articulation of the control lever 40 on the body 22 of the key as well as the movements of this lever 40 are independent of the orientation of the pivot axis X of the blade 24 .

Claims (13)

1. Key of the type comprising:

   a body (22),

   a bit (24) mounted so as to be able to move between a storage position and a position of use towards which it is returned elastically, and

   releasable means (40) for holding the bit (24) in the storage position, carried by the body (22), the holding means comprising a control lever (40) mounted so as to be able to move about an articulation axis (Y) connected to the body (22) between an idle position enabling the bit (24) to be held in the storage position and a position of releasing this bit (24), characterised in that the bit (24) is able to move about a pivot axis (X) connected to the body (22) and in that the articulation axis (Y) of the control lever (40) is embodied by two journals (46), fixed to the lever (40), fitting in two runners (48), forming flanges, provided in the body (22).
2. Key according to claim 1, characterised in that the runners (48) extend substantially parallel to a direction referred to as the longitudinal direction of the runners.
3. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each runner (48) is delimited by two opposite longitudinal faces (F1, F2), each journal (46) having a polygonal transverse section delimited by at least two pairs of consecutive sides (C1, C2), the two sides (C1, C2) in a pair forming respectively two stops for cooperation with a corresponding longitudinal face (F1, F2) of the runner (48) in order to define the idle and release positions of the control lever (40).
4. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the key comprises means (50, 52, 54, 56) for the longitudinal immobilisation of the journals (46) in the runners (48) after these journals are fitted in the runners.
5. Key according to claim 4, characterised in that the means of longitudinal immobilisation of the journals comprise complementary fitting means (50, 52), provided on the one hand on a pivot (32) carried by the body (22), representing the pivot axis (X) of the bit, and on the other hand on the control lever 40.
6. Key according to claim 5, characterised in that the complementary fitting means (50, 52) form a swivel.
7. Key according to claim 4, characterised in that the means of longitudinal immobilisation of the journals comprise on the one hand at least one end-of-travel stop (54) for the fitting of a journal (46) in a corresponding runner (48) and on the other hand a latch (56) for immobilising this journal (46) against the fitting end-of-travel stop (54), the runners (48) and the latch (56) being carried by two parts (26A, 26B) connected together when the body (22) is assembled.
8. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body (22) comprises a casing (26) provided with first (26A) and second half shells (26B), the control lever (40) being articulated on the first half shell (26A).
9. Key according to claims 7 and 8 taken together, characterised in that the runners (48) are provided on the first half shell (26A) and the latch (56) is fixed to the second half shell (26B).
10. Key according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the second half shell (26B) carries means (B1 to B3) of controlling electronic means (28) housed in the casing (26).
11. Key according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that, in the idle position, the control lever (40) extends the second half shell (26B).
12. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control lever (40) is of the first type, this lever comprising a manoeuvring end (40A) and an end (40B) for cooperation with the bit, between which the articulation axis (Y) of this lever is interposed.
13. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control lever (40) is elastically returned into the idle position.

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