EP1859112A1

EP1859112A1 - Releasable lock for a motor vehicle locking system

Info

Publication number: EP1859112A1
Application number: EP06708448A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian Valeo Securite Habitacle FLANDRINCK
Original assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle SAS
Current assignee: Minebea AccessSolutions France SAS
Priority date: 2005-03-04
Filing date: 2006-02-22
Publication date: 2007-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-22
Also published as: BRPI0608460A2; CN101133221B; US20100132420A1; JP4955579B2; EP1859112B1; US8011215B2; KR101247421B1; WO2006092373A1; FR2882771B1; CN101133221A; BRPI0608460B1; JP2008531887A; FR2882771A1; MX2007010748A; KR20080002758A

Abstract

The invention concerns a releasable lock (10), in particular for a motor vehicle locking system, comprising a fixed stator (14), an intermediate tubular sleeve (16) which is mounted rotating about its axis in the stator and which is axially fixed in the sleeve and which comprises springs (32) radially mobile under the action of a key designed to be axially introduced into the rotor, the rotor (12) and the intermediate sleeve (16) being locked in rotation relative to each other by the springs when the key is not compatible, a driving element (26) coupling the rotor (12) and a control lever (24), called flat latch, when the key is compatible and an indexer (28) which is axially mobile between a rest position and a releasing position, under the effect of a rotation of the socket (16) relative to the stator (14) resulting from the rotation of the rotor with a non-compatible key, to move axially the driving element towards a released position. The invention is characterized in that the latch unit comprises means for returning the flat latch (24) into its initial position after its rotation up to a transient position when the lock is released.

Description

DEBRAYABLE LATCH FOR AUTOMOBILE LOCK MECHANISM

The invention relates to a disengageable lock for a car lock mechanism.

The addition of a disengagement mechanism on a lock for a car lock prevents this lock is forced. Indeed, if a false key, or any other flat tool of adequate form, is introduced into the rotor, and if it then attempts to drive the rotor in rotation, the disengaging mechanism allows the rotor and the intermediate sleeve to rotate freely inside the stator without significant effort being exerted on the glitter.

Indeed, in the presence of excessive forces, flakes are likely to be deteriorated or to be retracted, in force, which then allows to unlock the lock without the key compliant.

The invention relates more specifically to a disengageable lock, in particular for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, comprising a fixed stator, a tubular intermediate sleeve which is rotatably mounted about its axis in the stator and which is fixed axially with respect to the stator, a rotor which is rotatably mounted in the sleeve, which is fixed axially in the sleeve and which comprises flakes movable radially under the action of a key intended to be introduced axially into the rotor. Flakes are completely retracted inside the rotor when the key is compliant, so as to allow free rotation of the rotor relative to the sleeve and the stator and thus allow the rotational drive of a control lever, called thresher, the lock that is coupled to the rotor via a coach. The rotor and the intermediate sleeve are locked in rotation relative to one another by the flakes when the key is not in conformity. The lock also comprises an indexer which is movable axially between a rest position and a disengagement position, under the effect of a rotation of the bushing relative to the stator consecutive to the rotational drive of the rotor with the aid of a wrong key, to axially move the coach to a disengaged position.

In such a known latch, during disengagement, more precisely at the beginning of movement of the various parts for this disengagement, takes place a rotation of the thresher out of its rest position said position of 0 °, corresponding to the locking of the lock, because of displacements between the relative displacements of the various parts and in particular of the trainer and the indexer. This rotation is generally done on plus or minus 15 °. This rotation causes a displacement of the linkages of the locking system connected to the lock.

This residual rotation is problematic because, given the maximum rotational movement of the thresher from the locked position to the unlocked position, which may be relatively low, it may lead to a non-voluntary opening of the door bearing the lock.

The invention solves this problem by providing a disengageable lock ensuring automatic return of the thresher in the rest position just after this residual rotation, while providing a particularly compact lock, that is to say of limited length and of particularly robust constitution.

To do this, the invention provides a disengageable lock, in particular for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, comprising a fixed stator, a tubular intermediate sleeve which is rotatably mounted about its axis in the stator and which is fixed axially with respect to the stator, a rotor which is rotatably mounted in the bushing, which is axially fixed in the bushing and which comprises flakes movable radially under the action of a key intended to be introduced axially into the rotor, the rotor and the intermediate bushing being locked in rotation relative to one another by the flakes when the key is not in conformity, a driver ensuring the coupling of the rotor and a control lever, called a threshing machine, when the key and an indexer which is movable axially between a rest position and a disengagement position, under the effect of a rotation of the bushing relative to the stator consecutive to the driving in rotation of the rotor with a non-compliant key, to axially move the driver to a disengaged position, characterized in that it comprises means for returning the thresher to its initial position after its rotation to a position transient when disengaging the lock.

According to a preferred embodiment, the indexer and the driver are cylindrical parts surrounding the rotor and are movable nested one inside the other, in that the driver is connected in translation on the rotor and in that the indexer is translationally connected in the stator.

Preferably, the driver is disengaged from the thresher, in said disengaged position and the indexer is secured in rotation with the thresher, in said disengaged position.

Advantageously, the indexer comprises on its edge facing the thresher at least one guide lug intended to cooperate with a corresponding notch carried by the threshing machine, this notch being trapezoidal in shape.

The indexer may comprise a main ring and two trapezoidal guide lugs, in section through a plane tangential to the ring, which extend axially towards the thresher from the ring.

[0013] Preferably, the distance between the external bases of said guide lug of the indexer is substantially equal to the distance between the front face of the intermediate sleeve and the bottom of the slots carried by the thresher intended to receive said guide tabs of the indexer. Preferably, the indexer comprises on its edge facing the key inlet at least one guide lug intended to cooperate with a corresponding notch carried by the intermediate sleeve. The indexer may also comprise two trapezoidal guide lugs, in section through a plane tangential to the ring, which extend axially towards the key inlet from the ring.

Advantageously, the intermediate bushing comprises two notches corresponding to said first guide lugs and the thresher comprises two notches corresponding to said first guide lugs. Preferably, the coach comprises on its edge facing the thresher at least one flange for cooperating with a corresponding notch carried by the threshing machine. And advantageously, the coach comprises on its edge facing the keyway at least one guide flange for cooperating with a corresponding notch carried by the intermediate sleeve. The trainer may comprise a sleeve, two first trapezoidal guide flanges, in section through a plane tangential to the sleeve, which extend axially towards the key inlet from the sleeve and two second guide flanges. of trapezoidal shape, in section by a plane tangential to the sleeve, which extend axially towards the thresher from the sleeve. The intermediate sleeve may comprise two notches corresponding to said first guide flanges and the thresher comprises two notches corresponding to said first guide flanges.

Advantageously, the trainer is mobile inside the indexer. The invention is described below in more detail using figures showing only a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a disengageable lock according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a lock according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lock according to the invention in the engaged position, the stator is not shown.

FIG. 4 is a view in longitudinal section of the disengageable bolt according to the invention, in engaged position

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view along C of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along G of FIG. 4.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along I of Figure 4. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along J of Figure 4.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along K of Figure 4.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a lock according to the invention in the disengaged position, the stator is not shown.

Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the disengageable bolt according to the invention in the disengaged position.

Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view along P of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a lock according to the invention and illustrating a specific feature of the latch, the stator is not shown. There is shown in Figures 1 and 2 a rotary latch of longitudinal axis A1 having disengaging means according to the teachings of the invention. The latch 10 essentially comprises a rotor 12 which is rotatably mounted around the axis A1, inside a fixed stator 14, with interposition between the two of an intermediate tubular sleeve 16 which is mounted in rotation about its axis in the stator and which is axially fixed relative to the stator. The rotor 12 is intended to be rotated by means of a key (not shown) introduced axially inside the rotor 12 through a key inlet 18 arranged in a transverse face before 20 rotor 12, which face 20 is intended for example to be flush with the outside of a body panel (not shown) of the vehicle. The rear axial end 22 of the rotor 12 is intended to rotate a control lever 24 of a lock mechanism (not shown) to allow the conviction and unlocking of an opening of the vehicle. The rotor 12 is able to rotate the control lever 24, only in the presence of a suitable key, via a driver 26 which is axially movable in the lock 10, under the action an indexer 28, between an engaged position in which it links in rotation the rotor 12 and the control lever

24, and a disengaged position in which the rotor 12 is no longer capable of driving the lever 24 in rotation and in which the driver 26 locks the lever 24 in rotation with respect to the stator 14 of the latch 10. [0028 The rotor 12, the stator 14 and the intermediate bushing 16 are immobile in translation along the axis A1 with respect to each other and a helical compression spring 30 is interposed between the rotor 12 and the driver 26 for solicit the latter axially backwards towards its engaged position. The stator 14 is of generally cylindrical tubular shape and it comprises means

(not shown) which allow the mounting and fixing of the lock 12 on the vehicle. In known manner, the rotor 12 is intended to receive flakes 32 arranged in successive transverse planes at regular intervals in the direction of the axis Al of the latch 10 and which are received in corresponding housings of the rotor 12.

The flakes 32 are movable radially in the rotor 12 and they are biased elastically to a projecting position in which they partially extend outside the housing of the rotor 12.

On the other hand, when a suitable key is introduced inside the rotor 12, the flakes 32 are entirely retracted radially inwards in the rotor 12.

Thus, when the correct key is introduced into the rotor 12, it can pivot freely relative to the cylindrical intermediate sleeve 16 and relative to the stator 14.

On the other hand, if a non-compliant key or any other tool is introduced into the rotor 12, the flakes 34 are not entirely retracted and are received inside corresponding windows 36 arranged in the intermediate bushing 16. Thus, the flakes 34 immobilize the rotor 12 in rotation relative to the intermediate bushing 16, which remains free to rotate with respect to the stator 14.

The indexer 28 movable axially between a rest position and a disengagement position is linked in translation on the stator 14 by means of grooves arranged inside the stator and ribs 28A, 28B sliding at the inside these grooves. The ribs 28A, 28B and the grooves are two in number and are diametrically opposed.

The indexer 28 comprises in particular a main ring 38 and first guide lugs 40 of trapezoidal shape, in section through a plane tangential to the ring 38, which extend axially forwardly from the ring 38. These first tabs 40 are intended to be received in corresponding axial slots 42 of the intermediate sleeve 16. These first guide tabs 40 are two in number and are diametrically opposite on the ring 38.

The notches 42 open axially forwardly in the rear axial end of the sleeve 16 so that, with the guide tabs 40, they ensure the rotational connection of the indexer 28 with the socket intermediate 16, while leaving the possibility for the indexer 28 to move axially in the lock 10.

The indexer also comprises second guide lugs 41 of trapezoidal shape, in section through a plane tangential to the ring 38, which extend axially rearwardly from the ring 38. These second legs 41 are intended to be received in corresponding axial slots 43 of the thresher 24. These second guide tabs 41 are two in number, are diametrically opposite on the ring 38 and are arranged substantially opposite the first guide tabs 40.

The coach 26 ensures the coupling of the rotor 12 and the thresher 24, when the key is compliant. It is linked in translation on the rotor by means of internal ribs and grooves 12A carried by the rotor 12.

The driver 26 comprises a sleeve 39 of inner diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of the ring 38 of the indexer 28, to allow the sliding guide of the driver around the indexer.

The driver 26 comprises first guide flanges 44 of trapezoidal shape, in section through a plane tangential to the sleeve 39, which extend axially forwardly from the sleeve 39. These first flanges 44 are intended for they are received in corresponding axial slots 46 of the intermediate bushing 16. These first guide flanges 44 are two in number and are diametrically opposite on the sleeve 39.

These notches 46 open axially forwardly in the rear axial end of the sleeve 16 so that, with the first guide flanges 44, they ensure the rotational connection of the driver 26 with the intermediate sleeve 16, while leaving the possibility for the trainer to move axially in the lock 10.

The driver 26 also comprises second trapezoidal guide flanges 45, in section through a plane tangential to the sleeve 39, which extend axially rearwardly from the sleeve 39. These second flanges 45 are intended to be received in corresponding axial slots 47 of the thresher 24. These second guide flanges 45 are two in number, are diametrically opposite on the sleeve 39 and are arranged substantially opposite the first guide flanges 44.

The latch 10 also comprises a return spring 50 operating in torsion and serving to return the thresher 24 in the initial position.

The operation of the lock according to the invention will now be described with reference to the other figures.

In Figures 3 to 9, a key compliant has been introduced into the rotor 12 by the key 18 and the lock is in the engaged position. The flakes 32 are thus retracted inside the rotor 12 which can rotate in the intermediate bushing 16.

In this position, the rotor 12 can be rotated with the key and carries with it the driver 26 which by the engagement of its flanges 45 in the corresponding notches 47 of the thresher 24 drives the latter in rotation, releasing the lock.

The other parts remain stationary, specifically the intermediate sleeve 16 immobile in rotation and the indexer 28 fitted into the latter through its front guide tabs 40.

The rotation of the thresher 24 is obtained by the rotation of the following parts: key / rotor / trainer / thresher. At the end of the race, when the key is released, the return spring 50 whose one end is fixed and another end in abutment against a flange 24A of the thresher 24, returns the thresher to the initial position and the coach and the rotor.

In Figures 10 to 12, a non-compliant key has been introduced into the rotor 12 by the key 18 and the lock is therefore in the disengaged position. The flakes 32 are not therefore retracted inside the rotor 12 which is consequently rotatably connected to the intermediate bushing 16, by embedding the flakes in the latter.

The rotation of the non-compliant key therefore rotates the rotor 12 and the intermediate sleeve 16 connected. The rotation of the bushing 16 causes the indexer 28 to move in the direction of the thresher 24, by sliding the front guide lugs 40 of the indexer out of the corresponding notches 42 in the bushing 16. In this translated position, the lugs rear guide 41 of the indexer 28 are embedded in the corresponding notches 43 of the thresher 24. The indexer 28 being rotatably immobilized by its connection with the stator, the thresher can rotate.

The coach 26 is in turn disengaged from the thresher 24 because rotated with the rotor 12, its rear flanges 45 slide on the threshing machine and out of the corresponding notches, which causes its translation in the direction of the key under the effect of the disengagement spring 30. Its front flanges 41 are embedded in the corresponding notches 46 of the intermediate sleeve 16.

The voluntary rotation of the key therefore causes the following parts to move: rotation of the rotor / rotation of the intermediate bushing / translation of the indexer and rotation locking of the threshing machine / rotation of the driver and disconnection of the threshing machine and connection with the intermediate sleeve.

At the end of these movements, when the key is released, the compression spring 30 pushes the driver 26 against the threshing machine, forcing the rotor 12 to return to its initial position by sliding the rear flanges 45 against the notch of the notches corresponding 47 to embed these flanges and notches. Returning to its initial position, the rotor 12 rotating turns the intermediate sleeve 16 which receives the front guide tabs 40 of the indexer 28.

Figure 13 illustrates an essential feature of the invention which has been deliberately ignored above for the sake of clarity and simplification.

This figure illustrates a transient position during the blocking of the thresher 24 by the indexer 28, before arriving in the disengaged position as shown in FIG. 10.

The passage of the indexer 28 from its rest position where its guide lugs 40 are engaged with the corresponding notches of the intermediate sleeve 16, in its disengaged position where its guide lugs 41 are engaged with the corresponding notches of the thresher 24, is performed simultaneously to the movement of the coach 26 in a reverse direction, its rest position where its guide flanges 45 are engaged with the corresponding notches of the thresher 24, in its disengaged position where its guide flanges 44 are engaged with the corresponding notches of the sleeve intermediate 16. To the transient position, the driver 26 rotates the thresher 24 at an angle, before the threseller is effectively locked in this rotation by the indexer 28 in this transient position shown in Figure 13.

The distance d1 between the external bases of said guide lug 40, 41 of the indexer 28 is substantially equal to the distance d2 between the front face of the intermediate bushing 16 and the bottom of the slots 43 carried by the threshing machine intended receiving said guide tabs 41 of the indexer.

Thanks to the trapezoidal shape of the notches 43 carried by the thresher 24, the movement towards the thresher of the indexer 28 after this transient position, pushes the thresher in reverse rotation to its rest position. There is therefore reminder of the thresher in the rest position after disengagement of the lock.

Claims

claims

Disengageable lock (10), in particular for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, comprising a fixed stator (14), a tubular intermediate sleeve (16) which is rotatably mounted about its axis in the stator and which is fixed axially with respect to the stator, a rotor (12) which is rotatably mounted in the sleeve, which is axially fixed in the sleeve and which comprises flakes (32) movable radially under the action of a key intended to be introduced axially in the rotor, the rotor (12) and the intermediate sleeve (16) being locked in rotation relative to one another by the flakes when the key is not in conformity, a driver (26) ensuring the coupling of the rotor (12) and a control lever (24), called a threshing machine, when the key is in conformity and an indexer (28) which is axially movable between a rest position and a disengagement position, under the effect of rotation of the bushing (16) relative to the stator (14) for driving the rotor in rotation with a non-compliant key, for axially moving the driver to a disengaged position, characterized in that it comprises a return means of the thresher (24) in position initial after its rotation to a transient position when disengaging the lock.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the indexer (28) and the driver (26) are cylindrical parts surrounding the rotor (12) and are movable nested one inside the other, in that that the driver (26) is translationally connected to the rotor (12) and in that the indexer (28) is translationally connected in the stator (14).

Lock according to claim 2, characterized in that the driver (26) is disengaged from the thresher (24) in said disengaged position and the indexer (28) is secured in rotation with the thresher (24), in said disengaged position.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the indexer (28) comprises on its edge facing the thresher at least one guide lug (41) intended to cooperate with a corresponding notch (43) carried by the thresher this notch being of trapezoidal shape.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the indexer (28) comprises a main ring (38) and two trapezoidal guide lugs (41), in section through a plane tangential to the ring, which extend axially towards the thresher (24) from the ring.

Lock according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the distance (dl) between the outer bases of said guide lug (40, 41) of the indexer (28) is substantially equal to the distance (d2) between the front face of the intermediate bushing (16) and the bottom of the notches (43) carried by the thresher for receiving said guide tabs (41) of the indexer.

Lock according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the indexer (28) comprises on its edge facing the key inlet (18) at least one guide lug (40) for cooperate with a corresponding notch (42) carried by the intermediate sleeve (16).

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the indexer (28) also comprises two trapezoidal guide lugs (40), in section through a plane tangential to the ring (38), which extend axially to the key inlet (18) from the ring.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the intermediate sleeve (16) has two corresponding notches (42) to said first guide lugs and the thresher (24) has two notches (43) corresponding to said first legs of guide.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the driver (26) comprises on its edge facing the thresher (24) at least one guide flange (45) for cooperating with a notch (47) corresponding scope by the threshing machine (24).

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the driver (26) has on its edge facing the key inlet (18) at least one guide flange (44) intended to cooperate with a notch (46). ) corresponding carried by the intermediate sleeve (16).

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the driver (26) comprises a sleeve (39), two first guide flanges (44) of trapezoidal shape, in section by a plane tangential to the sleeve, which s' extend axially towards the key inlet from the sleeve and two second trapezoidal guide flanges (45), in section through a plane tangential to the sleeve, which extend axially towards the threshing machine from the sleeve.

Lock according to the preceding claim characterized in that the intermediate sleeve (16) has two notches (46) corresponding to said first guide flanges and the thresher (26) has two notches (47) corresponding to said first guide flanges .

Lock according to any one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the driver (26) is movable within the indexer (28).