EP2326777B1 - Control module for antitheft lock and associated antitheft lock - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control module and a motor vehicle lock equipped with such a module.

An antitheft lock conventionally comprises a stator and a rotor that can be rotated in the stator, for example by means of a corresponding key.

Already known in the state of the art an identification device comprising in particular an electronic identifier carried by the user, for example in the compliant key, and an identification unit of an electronic identifier of a key authorized by through an antenna attached to the stator. When an authorized key is detected, vehicle start is allowed.

To control the starting of the vehicle, the rotor then switches a switch after being rotated by the authorized correct key, the switch being in known manner fixed on the stator of the lock. Such constructions are known for example from DE-A1-19842224 or US A1-20050012593 .

This method of implementation has the disadvantage of requiring production separately on the one hand from the antenna and on the other hand the switch, which may require different specific and expensive production machines.

In addition, the mounting of the stator, antenna, switch assembly requires separate operations that can lead to a relatively long assembly time and the establishment of several specific and expensive assembly machines.

The invention therefore aims to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art by reducing the time and cost of production and assembly of the antenna and the switch on the stator.

• authentifier l'identifiant électronique de ladite clé par échanges de signaux, et
• autoriser le démarrage du véhicule lorsqu'un identifiant autorisé est détecté, caractérisé en ce que ledit support porte en outre au moins un commutateur sans contact apte à changer d'état de commutation lorsque le rotor est déplacé en rotation, le support comportant :
• une première partie formant port d'antenne réalisée sous forme de jupe cylindrique coiffant le stator, et
• une seconde partie portant ledit au moins un commutateur sans contact et réalisée sous forme de languette solidaire de la première partie.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a control module for a vehicle antitheft lock comprising a stator and a rotor capable of being rotated in the stator by a conforming key comprising an electronic identifier, said module comprising a support intended to be mounted on the stator and carrying an antenna intended to be connected to an identification unit able to:

• authenticating the electronic identifier of said key by signal exchanges, and
• allow the vehicle to start when an authorized identifier is detected, characterized in that said support also carries at least one switch without contact able to change the switching state when the rotor is rotated, the support comprising:
• a first antenna port portion formed as a cylindrical skirt covering the stator, and
• a second portion carrying said at least one non-contact switch and formed as a tab integral with the first part.

Preferably, the cylindrical skirt comprises a circular groove adapted to receive the antenna.

Judiciously, the tongue has on its lateral sides at least one latching means adapted to cooperate with a complementary latching means carried by the stator.

Advantageously, for each non-contact switch, a housing-forming slot is formed in the tongue.

Preferably, each non-contact switch comprises a Reed bulb adapted to cooperate with a permanent magnet secured to the rotor to perform a switching according to the angular position of the rotor.

According to a preferred embodiment, the tongue carries at its free end an electrical connection connector, electrically connected on the one hand to the antenna and on the other hand to said at least one non-contact switch.

Advantageously, said connector is connected on the one hand to the antenna and on the other hand to said at least one non-contact switch by stamped conductive tracks whose connection ends in said connector form connection pins and whose other ends form contact pads with the antenna on the one hand and the switches without contacts on the other hand.

Preferably, at least one of the conductive tracks has at its end a U-shaped contact pad each branch of which forms a contact pad with a non-contact switch.

Advantageously, the tongue is surmounted by two lateral edges defining between them a receiving channel of the conductive tracks and said module comprises a hubcap comprising a ring covering the receiving groove of the antenna, and a closing cover of the reception channel of said tracks, integral with the ring.

Preferably, the cover has at its free end a lug cooperating with a corresponding recess provided in the rear wall of said connector.

The invention also relates to a vehicle lock lock comprising a stator and a rotor capable of being rotated in the stator, and comprising a control module according to the invention.

• la figure 1 est une vue éclatée d'un module de commande selon un premier mode de réalisation,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'éléments assemblés du module de commande de la figure 1,
• la figure 3a illustre le module de commande des figures 1 et 2 assemblé, et
• la figure 3b illustre un module de commande selon un deuxième mode de réalisation assemblé.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description given by way of example, without limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is an exploded view of a control module according to a first embodiment,
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of assembled elements of the control module of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3a illustrates the control module of the Figures 1 and 2 assembled, and
• the figure 3b illustrates a control module according to a second assembled embodiment.

An antitheft lock conventionally comprises a stator and a rotor that can be rotated in the stator, for example by means of a corresponding key comprising an electronic identifier introduced into a key inlet disposed on one end of the rotor.

In the example described, the antitheft device is intended to control the starting of the vehicle.

According to the invention, the lock is equipped for this purpose with a control module 1 represented on the Figures 1 to 3b . This module 1 comprises a support 3 intended to be mounted on the stator and carrying both an antenna 5 and at least one non-contact switch 7A, 7B, so as to allow a very simple and very fast assembly of the stator assembly, antenna , switch, while reducing the number of components to produce and assemble and thus the costs of production and assembly.

The antenna 5 cooperates by exchanging signals with an emitter provided for example in a not shown key head.

In addition, the antenna 5 is electrically connected, for example by means of a first connection connector 9, to an identification unit, preferably on board the vehicle, and transmits the signals transmitted to this identification unit. .

The identification unit analyzes and processes these signals to recognize the electronic identifier, for example in the form of an identification code, and to authenticate or not this code by comparing it with a code in memory, in order to identify a authorized key.

When an authorized code, and in particular an authorized key is detected, the identification unit then authorizes the vehicle to start.

On the contrary, as long as the code is not authenticated, the start authorization is not commanded.

When the start is authorized and the switches 7A, 7B change state as a result of a rotation of the rotor after driving of the latter by the corresponding key, a vehicle control unit (not shown) controls the starting phases of the motor or the supply of accessories, depending on the angular position of the rotor.

• une position dite « STOP » pour l'arrêt du moteur,
• une position dite « CONTACT » pour la mise en marche du moteur du véhicule et ainsi l'alimentation des équipements électriques du véhicule, et
• une position dite « DEMARRAGE » pour l'alimentation du démarreur du véhicule et ainsi le démarrage du moteur.

Indeed, it can be provided that the rotor is placed successively in the following angular positions respectively associated with a command:

• a position called "STOP" for stopping the engine,
• a position called "CONTACT" for starting the vehicle engine and thus powering the electrical equipment of the vehicle, and
• a position called "STARTING" for powering the starter of the vehicle and thus starting the engine.

Of course, one can also provide a position called "ACCESSORIES" for the supply of accessories of the vehicle.

• une première partie formant port d'antenne réalisée sous forme de jupe cylindrique 3A coiffant le stator, et
• une seconde partie portant les commutateurs sans contact 7A,7B réalisée sous forme de languette 3B solidaire de la jupe cylindrique 3A, de manière à former le support 3 d'une seule pièce.

According to the embodiment described, the support 3 advantageously has:

• a first antenna port portion formed as a cylindrical skirt 3A capping the stator, and
• a second portion carrying the non-contact switches 7A, 7B formed as a tab 3B integral with the cylindrical skirt 3A, so as to form the support 3 in one piece.

In the illustrated example, the cylindrical skirt 3A comprises a groove 13 receiving the antenna made for example in the form of a coil 5 wound on an independent support 11.

This groove 13 is for example formed on one end of the cylindrical skirt 3A receiving the end of the rotor which carries the key inlet, so that when the key is introduced, the coil 5 is placed near the transmitter of the key for a better exchange of signals.

As for the tongue 3B, it has judiciously at least one latching means on its lateral sides cooperating with a complementary latching means carried by the stator, for fixing the control module 1 on the stator.

In addition, for each non-contact switch 7A, 7B, a corresponding slot 15A, 15B housing is advantageously formed in the tongue 3B.

As illustrated by figure 1 these lights 15A, 15B are preferably formed in a receiving channel 16, defined by two lateral edges which surmount the tongue 3B.

Preferably, each non-contact switch 7A, 7B is low current and comprises a Reed bulb, so as to allow use of the control module 1 in a vehicle with a low current switching architecture.

The term "weak current" refers to a current intended to diffuse, collect or exchange information in the form of electrical signals. The currents in question are sometimes very weak (a few μA to a few mA).

These Reed bulbs are disposed on the tongue 3B, with their longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotor, and cooperate with a permanent magnet (not shown) secured to the rotor, so as to be sensitive to the rotor position after training in rotation of the rotor by the key, to perform the corresponding switching to the angular position of the rotor.

According to a preferred embodiment, the permanent magnet is carried by the end face of a cam secured to the free end of the rotor, inside the stator. This magnet may be ferrite or neodymium alloy / iron / boron or other and be fitted into a cavity provided in the cam.

Thus, during rotation of the rotor, the detection of a magnetic field produced near one or more Reed bulbs makes it possible to close the bulbs, thus establishing a current, so as to drive an associated control.

For this, the Reed bulbs 7A, 7B are connected by their pins to a second connector 17, allowing electrical connection with the control unit not shown, so as to switch the associated contacts when the bulbs are closed, and so transmit a signal corresponding to the control unit.

Advantageously, the second connection connector 17 is carried by the support 3, more precisely at the free end of the tongue 3B.

Preferably, the connection connector 17 is secured to the support 3, for example by overmoulding, so as to produce in one piece the support 3 and the second connection connector 17.

As can be seen from the Figures 1 and 2 , the connection connector 17 is advantageously connected to the Reed bulbs 7A, 7B via the conductive tracks 21A, 21B, 21C stamped received in the reception channel 16.

These tracks 21A-21C have first connection ends in the connection connector 17 which form connection pins and second ends which form contact pads with the switches 7A, 7B.

Preferably, the central track 21B has at its end a contact area, for example U-shaped, which comprises two branches each forming a contacting range with a pin of each bulb 7A, 7B. The other two tracks 21A, 21C are respectively connected to the other pin of each bulb 7A, 7B.

Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that in the off position, which corresponds to the relative position of the latch and the switches after assembly, the magnet is away from the Reed bulbs 7A, 7B and these bulbs are all two open. No electrical signal is therefore transmitted by the connection connector 17 to the control unit.

The key can then be turned at a first angle to bring the rotor into the "Contact" position. In this case, the magnet is close to a first Reed bulb that closes under the effect of the magnetic field. Two contacts of the connection connector 17 are then switched and transmit an electrical signal to the control unit which provides power to the electrical equipment.

The key can still be turned a second angle to bring the rotor into the "Start" position. During this rotation, the first bulb remains closed and a second bulb closes, ensuring the switching of the three contacts of the connector 17. The electrical signal transmitted to the control unit starts the engine.

From this position, the key can be turned in the opposite direction to return to the position where the starter is no longer powered but the engine is running, the second bulb being open following the removal of the magnet.

Then, by an additional rotation in the same direction, the key can be returned to the off position where the two reed bulbs 7A, 7B are open.

Of course, when the rotor occupies the fourth position "ACCESSORIES", a third Reed bulb can be used according to the same principle.

Preferably, the connections between the contacts of the connection connector and the pins of the Reed bulbs 7A, 7B are made by welding.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the bulbs 7A, 7B are connected to the second connector 17 by means of a printed circuit card.

The Reed bulbs 7A, 7B are then soldered onto the card which has two slots in which the Reed bulbs 7A, 7B are fitted, and the contacts of the connection connector 17 are themselves welded close to one side of this card.

Once the connections have been made, the card / reed / contact bulb assembly is inserted into a space formed on the support 3, for example the reception channel 16.

Furthermore, the second connector 17 can be attached to the stator by a rail and slide arrangement substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotor. More precisely, the connection connector 17 has on each of its sides a rib which fits into a corresponding rail arranged on the stator 1.

Preferably, the second connection connector 17 has at its end opposite the contacts a latching device 25 on the stator, consisting of an orifice which snaps onto a corresponding resilient tongue (not shown) arranged on the stator. at the end of the race ribs in their respective rail.

According to a preferred embodiment shown in the figure 3B the first connection connector 9 is integrated with the second connection connector 17 so as to form a common connection connector.

The connection connector 17 is then connected on the one hand to the antenna 5 and on the other hand to the bulbs 7A, 7B, so that the electrical connections between on the one hand the antenna 5 and the identification unit and on the other hand the contactless switches 7A, 7B and the control unit are carried out simultaneously.

In this case, it is possible to provide two additional non-illustrated stamped conductor tracks for electrically connecting the connection connector 17 to the antenna 5.

Like the tracks 21A to 21C, the additional tracks have first connection ends in the connection connector 17 which form connection pins and second ends which form contact pads with the ends of the coil 5.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the antenna 5 is connected to the connector connector 17 via a printed circuit board.

Moreover, as can be seen from the Figures 1 to 3b , the control module 1 advantageously comprises a hubcap 27 fixed on the support 3, so as to perfect the aesthetics of the control module 1.

The hubcap 27 is preferably made of plastic and is fixed on the control module 1 by clipping or overmolding.

More specifically, this hubcap 27 comprises a ring 27A covering the groove 13, and a cover 27B for closing the receiving channel 16, integral with the ring 27A.

Finally, this hubcap 27 has a lug 27C, preferably at the free end of the lid 27B, cooperating with a recess provided in the rear wall of the second connector 17, so as to hide the entire visible surface of the module. command 1, as shown on the Figures 3a, 3b .

It is therefore understood that such a control module makes it possible to reduce the number of mechanical components to be mounted on the lock and to reduce the assembly time.

This results in a significant decrease in production and assembly costs.

Of course, it is obvious that such a control module according to the invention can equip any vehicle antitheft lock, of the type comprising a stator and a rotor capable of being rotated in the stator.

Claims (11)

1. A control module for a vehicle anti-theft lock comprising a stator and a rotor likely to be driven in rotation in the stator by an appropriate key including an electronic identifier, said module including a support (3) intended to be mounted on the stator and carrying an antenna (5) intended to be linked to an identification unit capable of:

   - authenticating the electronic identifier of said key by exchanging signals, and

   - authorizing the starting of the vehicle when an authorized identifier is detected,

   characterized in that said support (3) further carries at least one contactless switch (7A, 7B) capable of changing switching state when the rotor is moved in rotation, and in that the support (3) includes:

   - a first portion forming an antenna port designed as a cylindrical skirt (3A) enclosing the stator, and

   - a second portion carrying said at least one contactless switch and designed as a tongue (3B) secured to the first portion.
2. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylindrical skirt (3A) includes a circular groove (13) capable of receiving the antenna (5).
3. The module according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the tongue (3B) includes, on its lateral sides, at least one detent means capable of cooperating with a complementary detent means carried by the stator.
4. The module according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, for each contactless switch (7A, 7B), an opening (15A, 15B) forming a housing is arranged in the tongue (3B).
5. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each contactless switch (7A, 7B) includes a Reed bulb capable of cooperating with a permanent magnet secured to the rotor for performing a switching according to the angular position of the rotor.
6. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tongue (3B) carries, at its free end, a connector of electrical connection (17) electrically linked, on the one hand, to the antenna (5) and, on the other, to said at least one contactless switch (7A, 7B).
7. The module according to claim 6, characterized in that said connector (17) is linked, on the one hand, to the antenna and, on the other, to said at least one contactless switch by conductor embossed tracks (21A, 21 B, 21C) whose branch ends in said connector (17) form connecting pins and whose other ends form contact pads with, on the one hand, the antenna (5) and, on the other, the contactless switches (7A, 7B).
8. The module according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one (21 B) of the conductor tracks (21A, 21 B, 21C) includes, at its end, a U-shaped contact pad of which each branch forms a contact pad with a contactless switch (7A, 7B).
9. The module according to claim 2 taken together with any of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the tongue (3B) is surmounted by two side edges defining therebetween a receiving channel (16) of the conductor tracks (21A, 21B, 21C) and in that said module comprises a hubcap (27) including:

   - a ring (27A) covering the receiving groove (13) of the antenna (5), and

   - a cover (27B) for closing the receiving channel (16) of the tracks (21A, 21 B, 21 C) secured to the ring (27A).
10. The module according to claim 9, characterized in that the cover (27B) includes, at its free end, a stud (27C) cooperating with an appropriate recess provided in the rear wall of said connector (17).
11. An anti-theft lock for a vehicle comprising a stator and a rotor likely to be driven in rotation in the stator, characterized in that it includes a control module (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

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