EP1927710B1 - Disconnectable bolt, in particular for a locking mechanism of an automobile - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lock with a disengageable rotary barrel, that is to say, able to rotate freely in the case where it would be operated by means of a non-compliant key or any tool.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application in the field of lock mechanisms for motor vehicles.

Among the disengageable locks known from the state of the art, there are those who use an intermediate stator and an indexer to generate the free rotation of the barrel in case of attempted break-in.

In such a device, the rotor is not rotatably mounted directly inside the stator, but in an intermediate stator which is itself mounted mobile both in rotation and in axial translation in said stator.

The assembly is arranged so that the mobility in translation of the intermediate stator is exerted between an indexed position in which it cooperates by interlocking with one or more integral clutch forms of the stator, and a deindexed position in which it is free in rotation. An elastic return means is however provided for permanently driving the intermediate stator in the indexed position.

As regards the rotor, in addition to being conventionally coupled in rotation to a rotor head, it is further linked in translation with an indexer, that is to say a movable part able to fit with each disengagement form when the intermediate stator is in the deindexed position. The indexer in question is also free to rotate relative to the rotor.

This type of disengageable bolt, however, has the disadvantage of having an insufficient resistance to burglary. Indeed, to be able to mount all the internal components inside the lock, it is necessary that the stator is in the form of two longitudinally complementary elements, able to be assembled around said internal elements by radial interlocking; the junction plane between the two parts of the stator then passing substantially through the axis of rotation of the barrel. However, such a composite structure turns out to be insufficiently rigid use to guarantee the integrity of the lock, particularly in case of tearing or driving the barrel.

The document DE 4 122 414 C1 describes an example of a disengageable lock.

Also, the technical problem to be solved by the object of the present invention is to propose a disengageable lock, particularly for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, comprising a stator inside which a rotor head, an intermediate stator and an indexer. are mounted movable in axial rotation, and a rotor which is coupled to the indexer and which is rotatably mounted inside the intermediate stator, the intermediate stator being further mounted to be movable in axial translation inside the stator between an indexed position in which it cooperates by interlocking with at least one fixed release form, and a deindexed position in which it is free in rotation, an elastic return means continuously driving the intermediate stator in the indexed position; the stator being composed of a front element forming a front stator and a rear element forming a rear stator which are substantially tubular and axially complementary, the front stator enclosing the rotor head and substantially all the subassembly rotor formed by the intermediate stator; each form of disengagement being formed on the rear stator; disengageable lock that would avoid the problems of the state of the art including providing significantly improved burglar resistance, both the tearing and depression.

The solution to the technical problem posed consists, according to the present invention, in that the rotor and the elastic return means are enclosed in the front stator, while the rear stator essentially contains the indexer.

It is first specified that the fact that the front stator and the rear stator are substantially tubular, simply means that each of them has an inner housing of substantially cylindrical shape.

It is also emphasized that the fact that the front stator and the rear stator are axially complementary, implies that their assembly is effected by axial interlocking and that the junction plane is then substantially transverse to the axis of the lock. This also implies that their respective internal housings are coaxial and that they communicate directly with each other.

It is furthermore understood that throughout this text, the term rotor designates very generally any subassembly comprising a rotor body through which radial housings are formed capable of receiving flakes which are mounted to move in radial translation. and which are coupled to return springs permanently driving them into protruding positions with respect to the rotor body.

The invention as defined thus has the advantage of having a purely tubular section stator, that is to say able to withstand the axial forces as opposed to the longitudinal element assemblies of the state of the technique. The two-part constitution of the stator does not in any way call into question this maximized structural rigidity, since the joining plane between said parts extends substantially orthogonal to the axis of the barrel.

The mounting of the internal mechanism of a lock according to the invention is advantageously performed by the rear of the latter, most of the components taking place in the front stator while the rear stator plays more of the role of axial closure.

Whatever the case may be, the level of inviolability of such a disengageable bolt is, in the end, considerably increased, especially with regard to a possible attempt to tear or sink the barrel.

The present invention also relates to the features which will emerge during the following description, which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.

• La figure 1 est un éclaté en perspective avant, qui illustre un verrou débrayable conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 2 constitue une vue en perspective avant, qui représente la tête de rotor préalablement à sa mise en place dans le stator avant.
• La figure 3 est également une vue en perspective avant, mais qui montre quant à elle le sous-ensemble rotor préalablement à son montage dans le stator avant.
• La figure 4 fait apparaître en détail l'indexeur équipant le verrou débrayable de la figure 1.
• La figure 5 est une vue en perspective avant, qui illustre l'indexeur préalablement à son implantation dans le stator arrière.
• La figure 6 est une vue en perspective arrière faisant apparaître l'indexeur dans une position active à l'intérieur du stator arrière.
• La figure 7 constitue une vue similaire à la figure 6, mais avec l'indexeur en position passive à l'intérieur du stator arrière.
• La figure 8 représente, en perspective arrière, le sous-ensemble de la figure 7 avant son assemblage avec le sous-ensemble de la figure 3.
• La figure 9 montre en détail la liaison entre l'indexeur et le rotor.
• La figure 10 est une vue en perspective latérale du verrou débrayable en fin de phase d'assemblage.
• Les figures 11 à 19 sont des vues en perspective et en coupe partielle, qui illustrent le fonctionnement du verrou débrayable déjà détaillé aux figures 1 à 10.
• La figure 11 représente notamment le verrou débrayable en position de fonctionnement normal.
• La figure 12 fait plus particulièrement apparaître le couplage en rotation entre l'indexeur et le rotor.
• La figure 13 montre quant à elle le couplage en translation entre l'indexeur et le rotor.
• La figure 14 est une vue similaire à la figure 11, mais avec le verrou débrayable en cours de phase de débrayage.
• La figure 15 constitue une vue analogue à la figure 13, mais avec le verrou débrayable en cours de phase de débrayage.
• La figure 16 est une vue similaire aux figures 11 et 14, mais avec le verrou débrayable en fin de phase de débrayage.
• La figure 17 constitue une vue analogue à la figure 12, mais avec le verrou débrayable en fin de phase de débrayage.
• La figure 18 est une vue similaire aux figures 13 et 15, mais avec le verrou débrayable en fin de phase de débrayage.
• La figure 19 constitue une vue en coupe sagittale partielle du verrou débrayable.

This description, given by way of non-limiting example, is intended to better understand what the invention is and how it can be achieved. It is also given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• The figure 1 is an exploded front perspective, which illustrates a disengageable lock according to the invention.
• The figure 2 is a front perspective view, which shows the rotor head prior to its introduction into the front stator.
• The figure 3 is also a perspective view before, but which in turn shows the rotor subassembly prior to its mounting in the front stator.
• The figure 4 shows in detail the indexer equipping the disengageable lock of the figure 1 .
• The figure 5 is a front perspective view, which illustrates the indexer prior to its implementation in the rear stator.
• The figure 6 is a rear perspective view showing the indexer in an active position inside the rear stator.
• The figure 7 is a view similar to the figure 6 , but with the indexer in passive position inside the rear stator.
• The figure 8 represents, in rear perspective, the subset of the figure 7 before its assembly with the subset of the figure 3 .
• The figure 9 shows in detail the connection between the indexer and the rotor.
• The figure 10 is a lateral perspective view of the disengageable bolt at the end of the assembly phase.
• The Figures 11 to 19 are views in perspective and in partial section, which illustrate the operation of the disengageable lock already detailed in Figures 1 to 10 .
• The figure 11 represents in particular the disengageable lock in the normal operating position.
• The figure 12 more particularly, the coupling in rotation between the indexer and the rotor is shown.
• The figure 13 shows the coupling in translation between the indexer and the rotor.
• The figure 14 is a view similar to the figure 11 , but with the disengageable lock during the disengagement phase.
• The figure 15 constitutes a similar view to the figure 13 , but with the disengageable lock during the disengagement phase.
• The figure 16 is a view similar to figures 11 and 14 , but with the disengageable lock at the end of the disengagement phase.
• The figure 17 constitutes a similar view to the figure 12 , but with the disengageable lock at the end of the disengagement phase.
• The figure 18 is a view similar to figures 13 and 15 , but with the disengageable lock at the end of the disengagement phase.
• The figure 19 is a partial sagittal sectional view of the disengageable bolt.

For the sake of clarity, the same elements have been designated by identical references. Likewise, only the essential elements for understanding the invention have been represented, and this without regard to the scale and in a schematic manner.

The figure 1 illustrates a disengageable lock 1 which is intended to equip a lock mechanism to be mounted in a motor vehicle.

This disengageable bolt 1 is firstly provided with a stator 10 inside which are mounted mobile in axial rotation, a rotor head 20, an intermediate stator 30, and an indexer 40.

But the disengageable lock is further provided with a rotor 50 which is coupled in displacement with the indexer 40, and which is rotatably mounted inside the intermediate stator 30.

It will be noted that the intermediate stator 30 is also mounted to move axially in translation inside the stator 10. This mobility is exerted between an indexed position in which it interacts by interlocking with two fixed release forms 60 and a de-indexed position. in which it is free in rotation.

Finally, it is observed that an elastic return means 70 is provided for permanently driving the intermediate stator 30 in the indexed position.

According to the object of the present invention, the stator 10 is composed of an assembly of two substantially tubular and axially complementary elements, namely a stator before 11 and a rear stator 12. Moreover, the stator before 11 encloses the head rotor 20 as well as substantially all the rotor subassembly formed by the intermediate stator 30, the rotor 50 and the elastic return means 70, while the rear stator 12 essentially contains the indexer 40. Finally, each form of release 60 is arranged on the rear stator 12.

In this particular embodiment, chosen solely by way of example, the body 51 of the rotor 50 can be immobilized in rotation by a plurality of flakes 52 which are mounted transversely sliding in guide housings 53 formed through said body 51 of the rotor 50. The mobility of each straw 52 is exerted between a locking position in which one of its ends is nested at least partially in a locking housing 31 formed in the intermediate stator 30, and an unlocked position in which said flake 52 is entirely retracted inside the body 51 of the rotor 50. In order to guarantee the rotational locking of the rotor 50 when the key conforming to the latch 1 is not inserted, each flake 52 is commonly coupled to a locking means. elastic return not shown, which permanently drives it into the locking position. This is usually a compression spring. The assembly is also arranged so that the axial insertion of the key inside the rotor 50 is able to cause the sliding of each flake 52 from its locking position to its unlocked position.

The rotor head 20 is also conventional. It consists in fact of a head body 21, a cover 22 provided with a central opening for key entry, a flap 23 for closing the key entry in question when the barrel n is not biased, as well as a shutter spring 24 responsible for ensuring the closure of said key entry by said flap 23. In accordance with the figure 2 , these different constituent parts are intended to be assembled to form a unitary unit, namely the rotor head 20.

As can be seen at figure 3 , the elastic return means 70 used to drive the intermediate stator 30 in the indexed position, is here traditionally constituted by a compression spring 71. It is also observed that the rotor 50 is provided with two coupling lugs 54 which are arranged axially and which are intended to fit into holes of substantially complementary cross-section, formed at the rear face of the head body 21. This characteristic ensures the rotational coupling of the rotor head 20 with the rotor 50.

According to a feature of the invention, the rotor 50 is mounted to move in axial translation relative to the indexer 40, between an engaged position in which it is integral in rotation with said indexer 40, and a disengaged position in which it is free in rotation with respect to said indexer 40.

This feature makes it possible to temporarily separate the rotor 50 from the indexer 40, in order to allow rotation of the rotor subassembly in the case of disengagement, but also in order to avoid any rotational drive of the indexer 40, susceptible to inadvertently activate the implementation of the lock mechanism to which the disengageable lock 1 must be coupled.

Anyway, the rotor 50 has for this at least one coupling form 55 which, in the engaged position, is able to fit axially into a complementary coupling form 41 formed on the indexer 40, thus ensuring the rotational coupling of said rotor 50 with said indexer 40. The assembly is furthermore arranged in such a way that, in the disengaged position, each coupling form 55 extends away from the complementary coupling shape 41 associated with it, thus conferring on the rotor 50 a total freedom of rotation with respect to the indexer 40.

In this particular embodiment, the coupling forms 55 are concretely constituted by two pads 56 ( Figures 8 and 9 ) which are able to cooperate by axial engagement with two recesses 42, forming complementary coupling shapes 41 ( figures 4 and 5 ).

According to another feature of the invention, the indexer 40 is connected to the rotor 50 by means of a sliding connection which is exerted in a collinear direction to the axis of rotation common to said indexer 40 and said rotor 50.

Particularly advantageously, the translational play of the sliding connection corresponds to the distance axially separating the engaged position from the disengaged position.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the indexer 40 is connected to the rotor 50 removably.

As can be seen in particular in figure 4 in this embodiment, the indexer 40 is in fact connected to the rotor 50 by clipping, that is to say by interlocking after elastic deformation.

For this, it has a complex transverse housing 45 which is shaped to be able to receive an elastically deformable ring 46. The assembly is arranged so that the ring 46 is also able to take place at the inside a throat 57 which is arranged all around the rear end of the rotor 50, and which has a substantially wider section than that of said rod 46 to form the previously mentioned sliding connection.

According to another particularity of the invention, the indexer 40 is mounted to be movable in axial translation in the rear stator 12, between an active position in which it is free to rotate with respect to said rear stator 12 ( figure 6 ), and a passive position in which it is locked in rotation in said rear stator 12 ( figure 7 ).

This feature makes it possible to guarantee the immobilization of the indexer 40 when the intermediate stator 30 is in the deindexed position and the rotor 50 is in the disengaged position, and consequently to prohibit any untimely implementation of the lock mechanism to which the disengageable lock 1 must be paired.

In this respect, the indexer 40 is provided with at least one locking form 43 which, in the active position, extends away from a complementary locking shape 13 formed on the rear stator 12, thus conferring total freedom in rotation with the indexer 40 coupled to the rotor 50. The assembly is also arranged so that in passive position, each blocking shape 43 is able to fit axially in the complementary locking shape 13 which it is associated with it, thus ensuring the locking in rotation of the indexer 40.

In this particular embodiment, the blocking shapes 43 are concretely constituted by two radial lugs 44 ( Figures 4 to 8 ) which are able to cooperate by axial engagement with two recesses 14, forming complementary locking shapes 13 ( Figures 5 to 8 ).

As can be seen clearly from the Figures 17 to 19 , the rear stator 12 is advantageously provided with first stop means which are able to block the translation of the indexer 40 towards the front of the disengageable bolt 1.

Preferably, the first abutment means are constituted by each radial lug 44 able to bear against the bottom of the recess 14 associated therewith.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the rear stator 12 is provided with second stop means which are able to block the translation of the indexer 40 towards the rear of said disengageable bolt 1.

Preferably, the second stop means are constituted by a shoulder 47 which is formed on the outer periphery of the indexer 40, and which is able to bear against a bearing surface 15 formed on the inner periphery of the rear stator 12.

According to another particularity of the invention, the front stator 11 comprises a first shoulder 16 which blocks the rotor head 20 in translation towards the front of the disengageable bolt 1. Moreover, this same disengageable bolt 1 also has a spacer 80 which takes place inside the front stator 11, and which blocks the rotor head 20 in translation towards the rear.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the spacer 80 is provided with a bearing surface 81 which is intended for the elastic return means 70 loaded with to drive the intermediate stator 30 in the indexed position.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the front stator 11 is provided with a second shoulder 17 which blocks the spacer 80 in translation towards the front of the disengageable latch 1. However, this same disengageable bolt 1 also has means 18 which are able to block the spacer 80 in translation backwards.

Preferably, the abutment means 18 are constituted by at least one lug 19 which is integral with the rear stator 12, and which is able to maintain the spacer 80 against the second shoulder 17.

As can be seen on the figure 10 , the disengageable bolt 1 further comprises fastening means 90 for rigidly securing together the front stator 11 and the rear stator 12.

In this embodiment, the fastening means 90 consist of two pins 91 capable of being inserted into holes 92 which are formed substantially transversely through respectively the front stator 11 and the rear stator 12, and which are positioned opposite one another.

Of course, the disengageable latch 1 may also be provided with means (not shown) for mounting it on a motor vehicle.

The figure 11 to 19 allow to understand the operation of the disengageable lock 1.

As can be seen at figure 11 when the disengageable latch 1 is in the normal operating position, the intermediate stator 30 is held in the indexed position against the shapes of disengagement 60 formed on the rear stator 12, under the effect of the compression spring 71.

In accordance with the figure 12 the rotor 50 is then immobilized in the engaged position in which it is integral in rotation with the indexer 40; the two pads 56 being perfectly nested in the two recesses 42 corresponding.

The Figures 12 and 13 also show that the indexer 40 is placed in the active position relative to the rear stator 12, in which position it is free to rotate relative to said rear stator 12 while being coupled in rotation with the rotor 50.

Thus, in the normal operating position, that is to say in the absence of any disengagement, the rotor head 20, the intermediate stator 30, the indexer 40, the rotor 50 and the control means. resilient return 70 are perfectly integral. The unitary assembly thus formed is then likely to rotate on its axis, provided that it is urged in rotation by a key according to the disengageable lock 1.

It is quite different since the disengageable lock 1 is actuated via a non-compliant key or any tool, in accordance with the Figures 14 to 18 .

In such a case indeed, the flakes 52 are not all retracted in the body 51 of the rotor 50, which has the effect of linking in rotation said rotor 50 with the intermediate stator 30. Any attempt to rotate the rotor 50 will therefore drive that of the intermediate stator 30. The latter will then begin to gradually disengage clutch forms 60 carried by the rear stator 12, in accordance with Figures 14 and 15 . This will in turn cause the forward translation of the rotor subassembly, independently of the indexer 40 at first, that is to say the time that the rotor 50 passes from the engaged position ( Figures 12 and 13 ) at the disengaged position ( figure 15 ).

In the second part of the disengaging phase, when the rotor 50 is completely disengaged in rotation with respect to the indexer 40, the forward translation of the rotor subassembly will cause the axial translation of said indexer 40 from its active position. ( figure 15 ) to its passive position ( Figures 17 and 18 ). This will have the effect of immobilizing the indexer 40, while preserving the rotational mobility of the rotor subassembly.

Of course, the invention more generally relates to any lock device especially for a motor vehicle, and incorporating at least one disengageable lock 1 as previously described.

Claims (21)

1. Disengageable bolt (1) notably for a locking mechanism of a motor vehicle, comprising a stator (10) inside which a rotor head (20), an intermediate stator (30) and an indexing device (40) are mounted so as to be able to rotate axially, and a rotor (50) which is coupled to the indexing device (40) and which is mounted so as to be able to rotate inside the intermediate stator (30), the intermediate stator (30) furthermore being mounted so as to be able to move in axial translation inside the stator (10) between an indexed position in which it interacts by interlocking with at least one form of fixed disengagement (60), and a de-indexed position in which it is free to rotate, an elastic return means (70) constantly driving the intermediate stator (30) into the indexed position; the stator (10) consisting of a front element, forming the front stator (11), and a rear element, forming the rear stator (12), which are substantially tubular and axially complementary; the front stator (11) enclosing the rotor head (20) and substantially all of the rotor subassembly formed by the intermediate stator (30); each form of disengagement (60) being arranged on the rear stator (12); the bolt being characterized in that the rotor (50) and the elastic return means (70) are enclosed in the front stator (11), while the rear stator (12) contains essentially the indexing device (40).
2. Disengageable bolt (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the rotor (50) is mounted so as to be able to move in axial translation relative to the indexing device (40), between an engaged position in which it is secured in rotation to the said indexing device (40), and a disengaged position in which it is free to rotate relative to the said indexing device (40).
3. Disengageable bolt (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the rotor (50) comprises at least one form of coupling (55) which, in the engaged position, is capable of being interlocked axially in a form of complementary coupling (41) arranged on the indexing device (40), and, in the disengaged position, is placed at a distance from the said form of complementary coupling (41).
4. Disengageable bolt (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that each form of coupling (55) consists of a block (56) which is capable of interacting by axial interlocking with a recess (42), forming a form of complementary coupling (41).
5. Disengageable bolt (1) according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the indexing device (40) is connected to the rotor (50) by means of a sliding connection which operates in a direction that is colinear with the axis of rotation common to the said indexing device (40) and to the said rotor (50).
6. Disengageable bolt (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the clearance in translation of the sliding connection corresponds to the distance separating axially the engaged position from the disengaged position.
7. Disengageable bolt (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the indexing device (40) is connected to the rotor (50) in a removable manner and preferably by clipping.
8. Disengageable bolt (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the indexing device (40) is mounted so as to be able to move in axial translation in the rear stator (12) between an active position in which it is free to rotate relative to the said rear stator (12), and a passive position in which it is prevented from rotating in the said rear stator (12).
9. Disengageable bolt (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the indexing device (40) comprises at least one form of immobilization (43) which, in the active position, is placed at a distance from a complementary form of immobilization (13) arranged on the rear stator (12), and, in the passive position, is capable of being interlocked axially in the said complementary form of immobilization (13).
10. Disengageable bolt (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that each form of immobilization (43) consists of a radial lug (44) which is capable of interacting by axial interlocking with a recess (14) forming a complementary form of immobilization (13).
11. Disengageable bolt (1) according to any one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the rear stator (12) comprises first abutment means capable of preventing the translation of the indexing device (40) towards the front of the disengageable bolt (1).
12. Disengageable bolt (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the first abutment means consist of each radial lug (44) capable of resting against the bottom of the recess (14) that is associated therewith.
13. Disengageable bolt (1) according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the rear stator (12) comprises second abutment means capable of preventing the translation of the indexing device (40) towards the rear of the disengageable bolt (1).
14. Disengageable bolt (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the second abutment means consist of a shoulder (47) which is arranged on the outer periphery of the indexing device (40), and which is capable of resting against a bearing surface (15) arranged on the inner periphery of the rear stator (12).
15. Disengageable bolt (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the front stator (11) comprises a first shoulder (16) preventing the rotor head (20) from translating towards the front, and in that the disengageable bolt (1) also comprises a spacer (80) placed inside the front stator (11) and preventing the rotor head (20) from translating towards the rear.
16. Disengageable bolt (1) according to Claim 15, characterized in that the spacer (80) comprises a bearing surface (81) which is intended for the elastic return means (70) responsible for driving the intermediate stator (30) into the indexed position.
17. Disengageable bolt (1) according to one of Claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the front stator (11) comprises a second shoulder (17) preventing the spacer (80) from translating towards the front, and in that the disengageable bolt (1) also comprises abutment means (18) capable of preventing the spacer (80) from translating towards the rear.
18. Disengageable bolt (1) according to Claim 17, characterized in that the abutment means (18) consist of at least one mount (19) which is secured to the rear stator (12) and which is capable of holding the spacer (80) against the second shoulder (17).
19. Disengageable bolt (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises fastening means (90) capable of securely fastening together the front stator (11) and the rear stator (12).
20. Disengageable bolt (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the fastening means (90) consist of at least one pin (91) capable of being inserted into holes (92) that are arranged substantially transversely through respectively the front stator (11) and the rear stator (12), and which are positioned facing one another.
21. Locking device notably for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it incorporates at least one disengageable bolt (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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