EP1994243A2

EP1994243A2 - Self-disengaging lock for a car lock mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP1994243A2
Application number: EP06847106A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabrice Giacomin; Louis Canard
Original assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle SAS
Current assignee: Valeo Comfort and Driving Assistance SAS
Priority date: 2005-12-30
Filing date: 2006-12-21
Publication date: 2008-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-21
Also published as: FR2895762A1; EP1994243B1; ES2347006T3; DE602006015104D1; CN101384785B; PT1994243E; US20090314045A1; JP5072860B2; ES2347006T8; WO2007077345A2; ES2347006T9; ATE472026T1; CN101384785A; KR20080080351A; WO2007077345A3; JP2009522468A; BRPI0620836A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-disengaging lock (10), especially for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, comprising a fixed stator (14), and a rotor (12) which is mounted in rotation in the stator and comprises pins (32) which are radially mobile under the action of a key to be axially introduced into the rotor, the rotor (12) being coupled to a control device (24') of a lock, in an angular alignment in a cardan joint-type manner, when the key fits, and decoupled therefrom in the disengaged position. According to the invention, the rotor (12) and the control device (24') are directly coupled, the end of the control device consisting of a first coupling arrangement (24A, 24B) held by the stator (14), and the end of the rotor consisting of a second complementary coupling arrangement (12A, 12B), said coupling enabling the angular displacement of the control device in order to ensure the angular alignment.

Description

DEBRAYABLE LATCH FOR A LOCK MECHANISM

AUTOMOBILE

The invention relates to a disengageable lock for an automobile lock mechanism.

The addition of a disengagement mechanism on a lock for an automobile lock makes it possible to prevent this lock from being forced.

Such a disengageable lock is disclosed in WO02 / 097222. Such a disengageable bolt, in particular for a lock mechanism of a motor vehicle, comprises a fixed stator consisting of at least two half-cylindrical parts, a rotor which is rotatably mounted in the stator and which comprises flakes movable radially under the action of a key intended to be introduced axially into the rotor, the rotor being coupled with a control lever, when the key is compliant, and uncoupled from the latter in the disengaged position.

The clutch is effected by means of ribs arranged inside the stator and the rotor is coupled to an output element equivalent to a control lever, intended to be connected to an associated lock mechanism. According to this known lock, the rotor and the driver guided in rotation on the rotor are in a substantially end-to-end configuration. These two parts are substantially arranged one in extension of the other.

The coach comprises a main ring and guide tabs which extend axially from the ring and which are intended to be received in corresponding axial slots of the control lever.

This lock arrangement poses the following technical problems. By its configuration in end-to-end arrangement, the length of such a lock is relatively important. In addition, the coach is a relatively fragile piece by its constitution. The constituent parts of this lock are relatively numerous and pose a problem of angular clearance between them.

Furthermore, the constitution of the disengaging device inside the stator can lead to a relatively easy flake blocking and stator wear by these flakes in the disengaged position.

In practice, the control lever part may consist of a threshing machine, lever type rotating about the axis of rotation of the lock, or a cardan-type angular alignment device or transmission cable, c that is to say free to pivot in two degrees of freedom. The invention solves these problems by providing a particularly compact disengageable lock, that is to say of limited length, and particularly robust constitution, for a gimbal type angular alignment control device.

To do this, the invention proposes a disengageable lock, particularly for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, comprising a fixed stator, a rotor which is rotatably mounted in the stator and which comprises flakes movable radially under the action of a key intended to be introduced axially into the rotor, the rotor being coupled with a device for controlling a lock, with cardan-type angular alignment, when the key is in conformity, and uncoupled from the latter in the disengaged position, characterized said coupling of the rotor and the control device is direct, the end of the control device consisting of a first coupling arrangement retained by the stator and the end of the rotor being constituted by a second arrangement of complementary coupling, said coupling allowing the angular displacement of said control device to ensure said angular alignment.

The efficiency of a lock according to the invention is further improved since the drive train in normal operation comprises only two parts in mutual engagement, the rotor and the control device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lock also comprises an indexer which is axially movable between a rest position and a disengagement position, following the rotational drive of the rotor with a non-compliant key, the indexer being directly connected in rotation to said control device.

Preferably, the rotor and the indexer are linked in translation. According to a first variant embodiment, said first coupling arrangement consists of a sphere with n axial faces and in that said second arrangement of a housing with polygonal section with n corresponding sides.

In this case, said indexer is advantageously rotatably connected to said control device via a bore of polygonal section with n sides engaged with said sphere.

According to a second variant embodiment, said first coupling arrangement consists of a housing provided with inclined radial grooves and in that said second arrangement of corresponding inclined radial ribs.

In this case, preferably, said housing constituting said first coupling arrangement is disposed in a sphere with n axial faces disposed at the end of said control device and retained by the stator. And advantageously, said indexer is rotatably connected to said control device via a bore of polygonal section with n sides engaged with said sphere.

The number n can be greater than or equal to six.

The number m can be greater than or equal to four. The invention also relates to a disengageable bolt piece intended to be mounted on a control device to form a lock as specified above.

The invention finally relates to a control device intended to be mounted on a disengageable bolt piece to form a lock as specified above. The control device may be a part belonging to a handle or a lock of a motor vehicle. The invention is described below in more detail with the aid of figures representing only a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a disengageable lock. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the disengageable lock in the initial position.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view in the position before disengagement.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a latch in the engaged position, the stator being only partially shown and the compression spring not being shown.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a latch in the disengaged position, the stator being only partially shown and the compression spring is not shown. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a lock, in the initial position, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

7A and 7B are views in perspective and in longitudinal section of a lock, in the initial position, according to this same first embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 8A and 8B are views in perspective and in longitudinal section of a lock, in the disengaged position, according to this same first embodiment of the invention.

Figures 9A and 9B are views in longitudinal section and in perspective of a lock, in the initial position, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10A and 10B are views in longitudinal section and in perspective of a lock, in the disengaged position, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

There is shown in Figure 1 a rotary latch of longitudinal axis A1 having disengaging means according to the teachings of the invention. This lock is shown in Figure 2 in the initial position before introduction of a key. The latch 10 essentially comprises a rotor 12 which is rotatably mounted around the axis A1, inside a fixed stator 14 consisting of two half-cylindrical parts 14A and 14B, with interposition between the two of a socket tubular intermediate 16 which is rotatably mounted about its axis in the stator and which is axially movable relative to the stator.

This intermediate bushing 16 has near its front face facing the thresher 24, on a portion of its periphery a notch 16A whose sides are inclined. Moreover, this bushing abuts against the rotor by means of an annular flange 16B (visible in FIG. 3), in a direction directed from the thresher towards the key inlet.

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 front transverse face 20 of the rotor 12 , which face 20 is covered by a head cover 21 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 drive in rotation a control lever or thresher 24 intended to be connected to a lock mechanism (not shown) to allow the locking and unlocking of a door of the vehicle.

The rotor 12 is capable of rotating the control lever 24, only in the presence of a suitable key, in an engaged position in which are connected in rotation the rotor 12 and the control lever 24 via an interlocking arrangement. In a disengaged position, the rotor 12 is no longer capable of driving the lever 24 in rotation.

A helical compression spring 30 is interposed between the stator 14 and the intermediate sleeve 16 to bias the latter axially rearwardly towards its engaged position. The stator 14 is generally cylindrical tubular, once the two parts 14A, 14B assembled, and it may comprise means (not shown) which allow the mounting and fixing of the lock 10 on the vehicle. The stator has on its inner face an abutment and guide stud 14C whose sides have a V shape tangential to this inner face on each of its ends. In the engaged position, the notch 16A of the intermediate bushing is nested in this abutment and guide stud 14C under the force of the compression spring 30.

In known manner, the rotor 12 is intended to receive flakes 32 arranged in transverse planes which follow each other at regular intervals in the direction of the axis A1 of the latch 10 and which are received in corresponding housings of the rotor 12.

The flakes 32 are radially movable in the rotor 12 and they are elastically biased towards a protruding position in which they project partially outside the housings of the rotor 12.

On the contrary, 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 contrary, if we introduce into the rotor 12 a non-compliant key, or any other tool, as illustrated in FIG. 3, 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 in rotation the rotor 12 relative to each other. to the intermediate sleeve 16 which remains free to rotate with respect to the stator 14.

An indexer 28 consists of an open ring which is clipped into a groove 23 arranged near the end 22 of the rotor facing the thresher 24. The indexer 28 is thus linked in translation with the rotor. On this ring are arranged in the direction of the thresher two tongues ^' 28A ₁ 28B for embedding in the threshing machine 24. On its face turned towards the rotor, the indexer 28 comprises two inclined faces 28C and 28D. As he will be seen further, these two inclined faces abut against the abutment and guide stud 14C of the stator in the disengaged position.

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

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

In Figure 4, a key compliant has been introduced into the rotor 12 by the key input 18 and the lock is thus 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 thresher 24 in rotation, releasing the lock.

The intermediate bushing 16 remains motionless in rotation, connected to the stator 14 by the abutment and guide stud 14C and the indexer 28 freely rotates with the thresher 24 via its lugs 28A and 28B.

The rotation of the thresher 24 is obtained by the rotation of the following parts: key / rotor / thresher.

At the end of the race, when the key is released, the return spring 50, one end of which is fixed and another end in abutment against a flange 24A of the thresher 24, returns the thresher to its initial position as well as the driver and the rotor.

In FIGS. 3 and 5, a non-compliant key has been inserted into the rotor 12 through the keyway 18 and the lock is thus 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. This intermediate bushing 16, by the cooperation of one side of Ve of the stop and guide pad 14C, turned towards the rotor, and an inclined face of the notch 16A of the sleeve, is translated in the direction of the key entry against the effort of the spring of compression 30. By its annular flange 16B, the intermediate sleeve 16 carries with it the rotor 12 in this translation in the direction of the key entry. The rotor then disconnects from its engagement with the threshing machine 24. Moreover, the rotor 12 and the indexer 28 being linked in translation, the indexer is also moved in the same direction and its inclined faces 28C and 28D abut against the sides of the Ve of the stop and guide pad 14C, turned towards the threshing machine. In this position, it is immobilized and blocks the thresher through its meshing arms 28A, 28B.

The voluntary rotation of the key therefore causes the following parts to move: translation of the intermediate bushing / translation of the rotor / / translation of the indexer / blocking rotation of the threshing machine.

Upon subsequent introduction of a suitable key, the rotor 12 is rotated by the rotation of the key to the initial position shown in Figures 2, then the lock is engaged if the key is compliant or is disengaged if the key does not comply.

The lock according to the invention is provided with a shielded rotor head 21, for example made of sintered steel. The stator 14 in two parts also improves the resistance to shocks.

This lock has increased tamper qualities compared to the prior art.

The two stator parts 14A, 14B enclose the constituent parts of the lock and block by one of their ends the key head 21 by means of a groove 21 A, 21 B arranged at this end and in which is fitted the key head . At their other end, they come to lock via a flange 24B, 24C in an annular groove 24D arranged on the thresher 24.

The lock described above comprises a control device consisting of a thresher 24.

According to the invention, instead of a threshing machine, a cardan type angular alignment control device 24 'is used as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10. Apart from this adaptation, the lock is identical to that already described and therefore essentially comprises a fixed stator 14A, 14B, a rotor 12 which is rotatably mounted in the stator and which comprises flakes movable radially under the action of a key intended to be introduced axially into the rotor, the rotor being coupled with the control device 24 'of a lock, with cardan-type angular alignment, when the key is compliant, and uncoupled from the latter in the disengaged position, when the key does not comply, the coupling of the rotor 12 and the control device 24 'being direct. The end of the latch-side control device 24 'consists of a first coupling arrangement 24A, 24B retained by the stator 14A, 14B and the end of the rotor 12 is formed of a second complementary coupling arrangement 12A. , 12B this coupling allowing the angular displacement of the control device 24 'to ensure angular alignment.

The lock also comprises an indexer 28 which is axially movable between a rest position and a disengagement position, as a result of driving the rotor 12 in rotation with the aid of a non-compliant key, this indexer being connected directly in rotation. to the control device 24 '. The rotor 12 and the indexer 28 are linked in translation.

According to a first variant embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the first coupling arrangement consists of a sphere 12A with n axial faces, advantageously with six or more axial faces, and the second arrangement of a housing 12A with polygonal section with n corresponding sides, preferably hexagonal section.

The indexer 28 is rotatably connected to the control device 24 'via a bore 28E of polygonal section with n sides, advantageously of hexagonal section, in engagement with the sphere 12A.

In FIGS. 7A and 7B, a suitable key has been introduced into the rotor 12 via the key inlet and the lock is thus in the engaged position.

In this position, the rotor 12 can be rotated with the key and carries with it the control device 24 'in rotation, by interlocking its coupling housing 12A in the sphere 24A of this control device.

The intermediate sleeve remains motionless in rotation, connected to the stator 14 by the stop and guide pad and the indexer 28 freely rotates with the control device 24 'by interlocking the sphere 24A of the control device in the bore of coupling 28E of the indexer.

In FIGS. 8A and 8B, a non-compliant key has been inserted into the rotor 12 through the key entrance and the lock is thus in the disengaged position.

The rotation of the non-compliant key therefore rotates the rotor 12 and the intermediate sleeve connected. This intermediate sleeve 16 is translated in the direction of the key entry against the force of the compression spring. By its annular flange, the intermediate sleeve 16 carries with it the rotor 12 in this translation in the direction of the key entry. The rotor then disconnects from its engagement with the sphere 24A of the control device 24 '. Moreover, the rotor 12 and the indexer 28 being linked in translation, the indexer is also moved in the same direction and its inclined faces abut against the sides of the V of the stop and guide stud, turned towards the device control. In this position, it is immobilized and blocks the control device 24 ', always being in engagement with the sphere 24A, by its length and the positioning of its coupling bore 28E.

At the subsequent introduction of a suitable key, the rotor 12 is rotated by the rotation of the key to the initial position shown in Figures 8A and 8B, then the lock is engaged if the key is compliant or is disengaged if the key is not compliant.

According to a second variant embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first coupling arrangement consists of a housing 24B provided with inclined radial grooves 24Bm, advantageously four or more, and the second arrangement 12B of m corresponding inclined radial ribs 12Bm, advantageously four in number. In this case, the housing 24B constituting the first coupling arrangement is disposed in a sphere 24C with n axial faces, advantageously six in number, arranged at the end of the control device 24 'and retained by the stator 14A, 14B . The indexer 28 is rotatably connected to the control device via a n-sided polygonal section bore, advantageously six in number, in engagement with the sphere 24C.

In FIGS. 9A and 9B, a suitable key has been inserted into the rotor 12 through the key inlet and the lock is thus in the engaged position. In this position, the rotor 12 can be rotated with the key and carries with it the control device 24 'in rotation, by interlocking its inclined radial ribs 12Bm in the corresponding inclined grooves 24Bm of this control device.

The intermediate sleeve remains motionless in rotation, connected to the stator 14 by the stop and guide pad and the indexer 28 freely rotates with the control device 24 'by interlocking the sphere 24C of the control device in the bore of coupling 28E of the indexer.

In FIGS. 10A and 10B, a non-compliant key has been inserted into the rotor 12 through the key entrance and the lock is thus in the disengaged position.

The rotation of the non-compliant key therefore rotates the rotor 12 and the intermediate sleeve connected. This intermediate sleeve 16 is translated in the direction of the key entry against the force of the compression spring. By its annular flange, the intermediate sleeve 16 carries with it the rotor 12 in this translation in the direction of the key entry. The rotor then disconnects from its engagement with the radial groove housing 24B of the control device 24 '. Moreover, the rotor 12 and the indexer 28 being linked in translation, the indexer is also moved in the same direction and its inclined faces abut against the sides of the Vé of the stop and guide pad, turned towards the device control. In this position, it is immobilized and blocks the control device 24 ¹ , being always in engagement with the sphere 24A, by its length and the positioning of its coupling bore 28E.

At the subsequent introduction of a suitable key, the rotor 12 is rotated by the rotation of the key to the initial position shown in Figures 1OA and 1OB, then the lock is engaged if the key is compliant or is disengaged if the key is not compliant.

Claims

1. disengageable lock (10), in particular for a lock mechanism of a motor vehicle, comprising a fixed stator (14), a rotor (12) which is rotatably mounted in the stator and which comprises flakes (32) movable radially under the action of a key intended to be introduced axially into the rotor, the rotor (12) being coupled with a control device (24 ') of a lock, with cardan-type angular alignment, when the key is compliant, and disconnected from the latter in the disengaged position, characterized in that said coupling of the rotor (12) and the control device (24 ') is direct, the end of the control device consisting of a first coupling arrangement (24A, 24B) retained by the stator (14) and the end of the rotor being constituted by a second complementary coupling arrangement (12A, 12B), said coupling allowing the angular displacement of said control device to ensure said alignment angular.

2. Lock according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises an indexer (28) which is axially movable between a rest position and a disengagement position, subsequent to the rotational drive of the rotor (12) to the using a non-compliant key, this indexer (28) being directly connected in rotation to said control device (24 ').

3. Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rotor (12) and the indexer (28) are linked in translation.

4. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first coupling arrangement consists of a sphere with n axial faces (24A) and in that said second arrangement of a housing of polygonal section to n corresponding sides (12A).

Lock according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said indexer (28) is rotatably connected to said control device (24 ') by via an n-sided polygonal section bore (28E) engaged with said sphere (24A).

6. The latch according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first coupling arrangement consists of a housing (24B) provided with inclined radial grooves (24Bm) and in that said second arrangement of m corresponding inclined radial ribs (12Bm).

7. Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said housing (24B) constituting said first coupling arrangement is disposed in a sphere with n axial facets (24C) disposed at the end of said control device (24 ') and retained by the stator (14).

A latch according to claim 3 and 7, characterized in that said indexer (28) is rotatably connected to said control device (24 ') via a n-sided polygonal section bore (28E) in mesh with said sphere (24C).

9. Lock according to one of claims 4, 5, 7 or 8, characterized in that said number n is greater than or equal to six.

10. Lock according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said number m is greater than or equal to four.

11. Releasable latch piece for mounting on a control device (24 ') to form a latch according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Control device (24 ') intended to be mounted on a detachable latch piece to form a latch according to one of claims 1 to 10.