EP3297099B1 - Latch for locking a connector in an electrical and/or telecommunication network - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lock intended for locking a socket of an electrical and / or telecommunications network.

In order to secure access to an electrical and / or telecommunications network, it may be necessary to prevent the unauthorized connection of a cable to one of the network sockets.

A known solution of the document WO 2009/059269 is to protect each socket individually by inserting a lock into the socket, the lock can only be removed using a specific key. Such a lock can in particular be inserted into an RJ45 type socket in order to prevent access to the corresponding port. This type of lock comprises a body comprising a recess intended for the insertion of the key, and a locking tab capable of being locked on a stop of the socket. When a user wishes to remove the lock, he must insert the key into the corresponding recess and then turn the key in order to deform the locking tab and thus move it away from the stopper of the socket. The lock can then be removed together with the key.

Such a lock has the following drawbacks.

First of all, the proposed solution generally uses the use of the same universal key for all the locks of this type. Thus, a user who has the universal key can have access to all the outlets protected by these locks.

It will be noted that the key used must be able both to pass through the imprint but also to rotate within the lock, which greatly limits the use of specific shapes for the key, and therefore also for the imprint.

Indeed, it would be preferable to be able to authorize access to a small number of locks, or even to a single lock, using the same key, several keys then being necessary to access all of the locks.

Furthermore, the deformation of the tongue by pivoting of the key generates significant friction and mechanical stresses. Such a lock is generally made of synthetic material and has a tendency to degrade quickly in the event of intensive use of these locks.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a simple, effective and economical solution to these problems.

• Un corps destiné à être inséré dans un logement de la prise, le corps comportant au moins une empreinte destinée à correspondre à la forme d'une clé,
• Une languette mobile par rapport au corps entre une position de verrouillage, dans laquelle elle est apte à bloquer le corps dans le logement de la prise, et une position de déverrouillage, dans laquelle elle autorise le retrait du corps hors dudit logement,

caractérisé en ce que le verrou comporte un organe de verrouillage mobile en translation par rapport au corps entre une position de blocage dans laquelle il empêche le déplacement de la languette mobile vers sa position de déverrouillage et une position de libération dans laquelle il autorise le déplacement de la languette mobile vers sa position de déverrouillage, l'organe de verrouillage étant disposé en regard de l'empreinte de façon à pouvoir être déplacé vers sa position de libération lors de l'insertion de la clé.To this end, it proposes a lock intended for locking a socket of an electrical and / or telecommunications network comprising

• A body intended to be inserted into a housing of the socket, the body comprising at least one indentation intended to correspond to the shape of a key,
• A tongue movable relative to the body between a locking position, in which it is able to block the body in the receptacle housing, and an unlocking position, in which it allows the body to be withdrawn from said housing,

characterized in that the lock comprises a locking member movable in translation with respect to the body between a locking position in which it prevents the movement of the movable tongue towards its unlocking position and a release position in which it allows the movement of the tongue movable towards its unlocking position, the locking member being arranged opposite the imprint so as to be able to be moved towards its release position when the key is inserted.

In this way, the lock can be unlocked by simple translation of the specific key into the corresponding cavity. This reduces the mechanical stresses and friction during use of the lock, so as to significantly improve its service life.

Furthermore, it is easily possible to define imprints of different shapes between different locks, as well as specific combinations between the imprints and the keys used, so as to limit access to the different sockets according to the users. This is made possible in particular by the fact that the key is only moved in translation to move the locking member and unlock the tongue, not in translation and in rotation as in the case of the prior art.

The lock may include elastic return means capable of returning the locking member to its locking position.

In this way, the lock is automatically locked after insertion in the socket and / or after removal of the key.

The body can be hollow and can delimit an internal volume comprising an open proximal part, so as to allow the introduction of the key, and a distal part, separated from each other by a partition in which is formed the indentation, the locking member comprising a bearing part situated opposite the indentation, intended to support the key, the locking member further comprising a locking part, the tongue being able to come into contact with the key. support on the locking part when the locking member is in its locking position.

Thus, during the introduction of the key, the latter passes through the partition so as to actuate the locking member, the latter then being moved to its release position.

The bearing part of the locking member may be located in the distal part of the internal volume, the locking part extending, at least in part, in the proximal part of said internal volume.

Thus, due to the presence of the partition preventing access to the bearing part of the locking member, the movement of the locking member is made very difficult for an unauthorized user who does not have the key.

The body can extend along an axis corresponding to the direction of introduction of the key, the locking member being able to move in translation along the axis.

The bearing portion of the locking member may extend perpendicular to the axis, the locking portion extending axially.

The tongue may have a first end connected to the body and a second free end, the second end being located outside the internal volume of the body in the locking position, the second end being able to pass through an opening of the body so as to extend, at least in part, in the internal volume of the body, in the unlocked position.

The locking member may extend opposite the opening of the body, in the locking position, the locking member being spaced from the opening, at least in part, in the released position.

Thus, the locking member prevents the second end of the tongue from entering the internal volume of the body in the locking position, keeping the tongue in the locking position. Conversely, when the locking member is moved away, at least by part of the opening of the body, the second end of the tongue can penetrate into the internal space of the body so as to be in the unlocked position and allow the lock to be withdrawn from the socket.

The lock may include a protective member located between the second end of the tongue and the locking member, the protective member being able to be moved with the second end of the tongue, the protective member extending to inside the internal volume of the body, at least part of the protection member being located axially opposite the locking part of the locking member.

In this way, the protection member prevents an unauthorized user from moving the locking member by pressing on the locking part with the aid of an object inserted into the body, from the access used for the introduction. of the key. The protection member can also serve as an interface between the tongue and the locking member so as to limit friction during use of the lock.

The protective member may be made of flexible material, for example of elastomeric material.

In this way, the protection member does not interfere with the actuation of the tongue, a limited force making it possible to actuate the tongue in order to move it towards its unlocked position.

• la languette mobile est élastiquement déformable,
• les moyens de rappel élastique comportent au moins un ressort de compression, par exemple un ressort de compression hélicoïdal,
• la partie de blocage de l'organe de verrouillage comporte des dents ou des plots s'étendant axialement et traversant la cloison,
• la cloison comporte une extrémité dite supérieure, située du côté de l'ouverture du corps permettant le passage de la seconde extrémité de la languette, et une extrémité opposée dite inférieure, la partie de blocage traversant la cloison au niveau de l'extrémité supérieure,
• l'empreinte est formée à proximité de l'extrémité supérieure de la cloison. De cette manière, si un utilisateur non autorisé tente de traverser l'empreinte de la cloison à l'aide d'une aiguille par exemple, pour appuyer sur la partie d'appui de l'organe de verrouillage, alors l'aiguille ainsi insérée bloque l'introduction de la languette dans le volume interne du corps, de sorte que cette dernière est maintenue en position verrouillée.

The lock according to the invention can also include one or more of the following characteristics:

• the movable tongue is elastically deformable,
• the elastic return means comprise at least one compression spring, for example a helical compression spring,
• the locking part of the locking member comprises teeth or studs extending axially and passing through the partition,
• the partition comprises a so-called upper end, located on the side of the opening of the body allowing the passage of the second end of the tongue, and an opposite so-called lower end, the locking part passing through the partition at the level of the upper end,
• the indentation is formed near the upper end of the septum. In this way, if an unauthorized user tries to cross the impression of the partition using a needle for example, to press on the bearing part of the locking member, then the needle thus inserted blocks the introduction of the tongue into the internal volume of the body, so that the latter is held in the locked position.

The invention may also relate to an assembly comprising a lock of the aforementioned type, and a key comprising at least one actuation pad of section corresponding to the imprint of the lock, so as to allow the key to be introduced in translation into the volume. internal body and actuation of the locking member by the actuation pad, through the cavity.

The key may include a support comprising a first flat part and a second part extending perpendicularly to the first part, the actuation pad being fixed to the second part and being offset with respect to the first part.

• L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres détails, caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description suivante faite à titre d'exemple non limitatif en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :
• la FIG.1 est une vue en perspective, de dessus, du verrou selon une forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la FIG.2 est une vue en perspective, de dessous, du verrou,
• la FIG.3 est une vue en coupe axiale du verrou, en position de blocage de l'organe de verrouillage et en position verrouillée de la languette, la clé n'étant pas insérée dans le verrou,
• la FIG.4 est une vue en perspective avec écorché partiel du verrou de la FIG.3 ,
• la FIG.5 est une vue éclatée, en perspective, du verrou,
• la FIG.6 est une vue en perspective de la cloison,
• la FIG.7 est une vue en perspective de l'organe de verrouillage,
• la FIG.8 est une vue en perspective de la clé permettant d'actionner le verrou,
• les FIG.9 et FIG.10 sont des vues en perspective avec écorché partiel, respectivement de dessus et de dessous, du verrou dans une position de libération de l'organe de verrouillage à l'aide de la clé, la languette étant en position verrouillée,
• les FIG.11 et FIG.12 sont des vues en perspective avec écorché partiel, respectivement de dessous et de dessus, du verrou dans la position de libération de l'organe de verrouillage à l'aide de la clé, la languette étant en position déverrouillée.

When the key is introduced into the body of the lock, the aforementioned shape of the support makes it possible to release a sufficient volume in the body to allow a portion of the tongue to be introduced into the internal volume of the body, and thus allow movement of the tab to its unlocked position.

• The invention will be better understood and other details, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings in which:
• the FIG. 1 is a perspective view, from above, of the lock according to one embodiment of the invention,
• the FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of the lock,
• the FIG. 3 is an axial sectional view of the lock, in the locking position of the locking member and in the locked position of the tongue, the key not being inserted into the lock,
• the FIG. 4 is a perspective view with partial cutaway of the lock of the FIG. 3 ,
• the FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lock,
• the FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the partition,
• the FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the locking member,
• the FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the key to activate the lock,
• the FIG.9 and FIG.10 are perspective views with partial cutaway, respectively from above and from below, of the lock in a position of release from the locking member using the key, the tongue being in the locked position,
• the FIG.11 and FIG.12 are perspective views with partial cut-away, respectively from below and from above, of the lock in the release position of the locking member using the key, the tongue being in the unlocked position.

The drawings illustrate a lock 1 intended for locking a socket (not shown) of an electrical and / or telecommunications network, for example an RJ45 type socket, according to one embodiment of the invention.

The latch 1 comprises a hollow latch 1 , for example of generally parallelepipedal shape, extending along an axis X.

The body 2 comprises an upper wall 3 and a lower wall 4 connected by two side walls 5 and by a bottom wall 6. The body 2 thus defines an internal volume 7 comprising an open proximal part 7a and an opposite, closed distal part 7b. by the bottom wall 6. The proximal part 7a and the distal part 7b are separated from each other by a partition 8. The partition 8 is formed here by a separate part of the body 2 , fixed to said body 2. The proximal part opens axially through an access opening 9.

The upper wall 3 of the body 2 has an opening 10 , for example an opening 9 of generally square or rectangular shape, opening into the proximal part 7a of the internal volume 7.

The upper wall 3 is provided with an elastically deformable tongue 11 integral with the rest of the body 2. As a variant, the tongue 11 can be formed by a separate part, fixed to the body 2.

The tongue 11 has a general shape of Y, comprising a first branch 12 , one end of which is connected to the distal end of the upper wall 3 , a second branch 13 extending obliquely with respect to the X axis, at opposite the upper wall 3 , and a third branch 14 also extending obliquely, in the direction of the opening 9 of the upper wall 3. In particular, the free end 15 of the third branch 14 is suitable to penetrate into the internal volume 7 of the body 2 , through the opening 9 , in the event of deformation of the tongue 11.

As is best seen at the FIG. 6 , the partition 8 comprises at least one indentation 16. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the partition 8 comprises two indentations 16a , 16b spaced apart from each other, located near the upper end 18 of the partition. 8 , that is to say near the upper wall 3 of the body 2 and the opening 9.

The upper end 18 of the partition 8 further comprises at least one notch 19 , here three notches 19 offset from each other along the upper end 18 of the partition 8.

The lock 1 further comprises a locking member 20 , illustrated in particular on FIG. 7 , comprising a bearing portion 21 and a locking portion 22. The bearing portion 21 is formed by a flank extending in a plane perpendicular to the X axis and is housed in the distal portion 7b of the internal volume 7 , between the bottom wall 6 and the partition 8. The shape of the sidewall 21 is adapted to the section of the internal volume 7 so as to allow sliding along the Y axis of the bearing part 21 in the distal part 7b of the internal volume 7.

The locking part 22 is formed of at least one tooth 23 , here three teeth 23 , extending along the X axis from the upper end of the bearing part 21. Each tooth 23 passes through one of the notches. 19 of the partition 8 so as to allow sliding of the teeth 23 through the notches 19 , in the event of displacement of the locking member 20 along the X axis . The free ends 24 of the teeth 23 are tapered.

At least one elastic member 25 ( FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 ), for example at least one helical compression spring 25 , is mounted between the bottom wall 6 and the bearing part 21. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, three elastic members 25 are mounted between the bottom wall 6 and the support part 21.

The locking member 20 is thus movable between a locking position, illustrated in FIG.3 and FIG.4 , in which the teeth 23 extend opposite the major part of the opening 10 so as to close it for the most part, and a release position, illustrated in FIG. 9 to FIG. 12 , in which the teeth 23 largely free the opening 10.

The elastic members 25 make it possible to return the locking member 20 to its locking position.

A protective member 26 in the form of a flexible strip of elastomeric material for example, is mounted in the opening 10 , between the third branch 14 of the tongue 11 and the teeth 23 of the locking member 20.

The proximal end 27 of the protective member 26 is inclined downwards, that is to say is housed in the proximal part 7a of the internal volume 7 of the body 2 , axially facing the teeth 23. In d ' In other words, the protection member 26 prevents access to the teeth 23 , in the axial direction, from the access opening 9 to the internal volume 7 of the body 2 located at the level of the proximal end of said body 2.

The protective member 26 is flexible and is able to be easily deformed, depending on the position of the tongue 11.

The lock 1 is able to operate using a key 29 , illustrated in particular in FIG. 8 . The key 29 has a support 30 and an actuating part 31.

The support 30 comprises a flat part 32 , one end of which has a flange 33 extending perpendicularly to the flat part 32. The flat part 32 serves as a gripping means for a user.

The actuation part 31 comprises at least one actuation pad 34 , here two actuation pads 34a , 34b. Each actuation pad 34a , 34b has a section defined by that of the footprint 16a, 16b, so as to be able to pass through the footprint 16a , 16b by insertion along the X axis of the actuation part 31 in the volume internal 7 of the body 2. Each stud 34a , 34b has one end 35 connected to the rim, near the free edge of the rim 33. The free edge of the rim 33 further comprises at least one notch 36 , here three notches 36 , of which the sections and positions correspond to those of the teeth 23 of the locking member 20.

In operation, the lock 1 is mounted in a housing of the socket such that the tongue 11 , in particular the first branch 12 and / or the second branch 13 of the tongue 11 snap onto a stop of complementary shape of the catch. The tongue 11 is elastic and its elasticity tends to return it to its locking position.

The lock 1 is thus locked in the socket, as long as the tongue 11 is not deformed towards its unlocked position, by pressing a user on the second branch 13.

Independently of the invention, the body 2 may have recessed or projecting zones 37 , 38 , able to cooperate with zones of complementary shapes of the socket.

As shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4 , when the key 29 is not inserted into the internal volume 7 , the locking member 20 is returned to its locking position by the elastic members 25 and the teeth 23 close off the opening 10 of the upper wall 3. In in this case, if a user wishes to remove the latch 1 from the socket by pressing on the second branch 13 of the tongue 11 , the teeth 23 hold the protective member 26 in position and prevent it from deforming, so that the 'free end 15 of the second branch 14 cannot penetrate into the internal volume 7 of the body through the opening 10. In other words, in such a case, it is not possible to deform the tongue 11 to bring it to its unlocked position. The lock 11 cannot therefore be removed from the socket.

If a user has the correct key 29 , he can insert it along the X axis into the proximal part 7a of the internal volume 7 of the body 2 , as illustrated in FIG.9 and FIG.10 , so that the actuating studs 34 a, 34 b pass through the partition 8 , more particularly the indentations 16 a, 16 b of the partition 8 and come to bear on the bearing portion 21 of the locking member 20 . Furthermore, upon insertion of the key 29, the teeth 23 of the locking member 20 pass through the notches 36 in the rim 33 of the key 29.

The locking member 20 can then be pushed back towards the bottom wall 6 by the actuation pads 34 a, 34 b of the key 29 , against the return force exerted by the elastic members 25. Thus , during the insertion of the key 29 , the locking member 20 is moved to its unlocked position.

In this position, the flat part 32 of the support 30 can rest on the lower wall 4 of the body 2 and the rim 33 of the support 30 can rest on the partition 8 , so as to release a sufficient volume in the proximal part. 7a of internal volume 7.

As shown in FIG.11 and FIG.12 , the user can then press on the second branch 13 of the tongue 11 , while maintaining the key 29 in the depressed position, so that the third branch 14 and the protection member 26 can penetrate into the part of the internal volume 7 left free by the support 30 of the key 29. In other words, the tab 11 can be deformed freely towards its unlocking position, so as to release the lock 1 which can then be removed from the socket.

Note that the protective member 26 prevents an unauthorized user from moving the locking member 20 by pressing on the locking part 22 using an object inserted into the body 2 , from the opening of access 9 for the introduction of the key 29 , with a view to actuating the locking member 20. Such an actuation is all the more difficult as the free ends 24 of the teeth 23 are tapered. The protection member 26 also serves as an interface between the tongue 11 and the locking member 20 so as to limit friction when using the lock 1.

Furthermore, the position of the imprints 16a , 16b near the upper end 18 of the partition 8 makes it possible to increase the security of the lock 1. Indeed, if an unauthorized user tries to cross one of the imprints 16a , 16b of the partition 8 using a needle for example, to press on the bearing part 21 of the locking member 20 , then the needle thus inserted blocks the introduction of the protective member 26 and of the third branch 14 of the tongue 11 in the proximal part 7a of the internal volume 7 of the body 2. The tongue 11 is thus held in the locked position.

As indicated above, it is easily possible to define indentations 16a , 16b of different shapes between different locks 1 , as well as combinations between indentations 16a , 16b and actuating pads 34a , 34b of the keys 29 used, so as to limit access to the different outlets depending on the user.

According to an alternative embodiment, a first cavity 16a may be intended to cooperate with the actuation pad of a so-called unique key, allowing a single lock 1 to be unlocked, a second cavity 16b allowing the unlocking of the lock 1 using a so-called universal or multiple key, enabling several locks 1 to be unlocked using the same universal key.

Claims (12)

1. Latch (1) intended to lock a socket or an electric and/or telecommunication network including

   - a body (2) intended to be inserted in a housing of the socket, said body (2) including at least one footprint (16a, 16b) intended to correspond to the shape of a key (34a, 34b, 29),

   - a strip (11) mobile with respect to the body (2) between a locking position, wherein it is capable of blocking said body (2) in the housing of the socket, and an unlocking position, wherein it enables the removal of the body (2) outside of said housing,
   characterised in that the latch (1) includes a locking member (20) mobile in translation with respect to the body (2) between a blocking position, wherein it prevents the displacement of the mobile strip (11) to the unlocking position thereof and a release position, wherein it enables the displacement of the mobile strip (11) to the unlocking position thereof, the locking member (20) being arranged facing the footprint (16a, 16b) so as to be able to be displaced towards the release position thereof during the insertion of the key (29).
2. Latch (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that it includes elastic return means (25) capable of returning the locking member (20) to the blocking position thereof.
3. Latch (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the body (2) is hollow and delimits an inner volume (7) including an open (9) proximal portion (7a), so as to enable the introduction of the key (29), and a distal portion (7b), separated from one another by a partition (8), wherein is formed said footprint (16a, 16b), the locking member (20) including a support portion (21) situated facing the footprint (16a, 16b), intended to support the key (29), the locking member (20) further including a blocking portion (22), the strip (11) being capable of bearing on the blocking portion (22) when the locking member (20) is in the blocking position thereof.
4. Latch (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the support portion (21) of the locking member (20) is situated in the distal portion (7b) of the inner volume (7), the blocking portion (22) extending, at least partially, into the proximal portion (7a) of said inner volume (7).
5. Latch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the body (2) extends about an axis (X) corresponding to the direction for introducing the key, the locking member (20) being capable of being displaced in translation about said axis (X).
6. Latch (1) according to claims 3 and 5, characterised in that the support portion (21) of the locking member (20) extends perpendicularly to the axis (X), the blocking portion (22) extending axially.
7. Latch (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that the strip (11) includes a first end (12) connected to the body (2) and a second free end (14, 15), the second end (14, 15) being situated outside of the inner volume (7) of the body (2) in the locking position, said second end (14, 15) being capable of passing through an opening (10) of the body (2) so as to extend, at least partially, into the inner volume (7) of the body (2), in the unlocking position.
8. Latch (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the locking member (20) extends facing said opening (10) of the body (2), in the blocking position, the locking member (20) being deviated from said opening (10), at least partially, in the release position.
9. Latch (1) according to claims 3, 5 and 8, characterised in that it includes a protective member (26) situated between the second end (14, 15) of the strip (11) and the locking member (20), the protective member (26) being capable of being displaced with the second end (14, 15) of the strip (11), the protective member (26) extending inside the inner volume (7) of the body (2), at least one portion of the protective member (26) being situated axially facing the blocking portion (22) of the locking member (20).
10. Latch (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the protective member (26) is made of flexible material, for example made of elastomer material.
11. Assembly including a latch (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, and a key (29) including at least one actuating pin (34a, 34b) with a cross-section corresponding to the footprint (16a, 16b) of the latch (1), so as to enable an introduction of the key (29) in translation in the inner volume (7) of the body (2) and an actuation of the locking member (20) by the actuating pin (34a, 34b), through the footprint (16a, 16b).
12. Assembly according to claim 11, characterised in that the key (29) includes a support (30) comprising a first flat portion (32) and a second portion (33) extending perpendicularly to the first portion (32), the actuating pin (34a, 34b) being fixed to the second portion (33) and being offset with respect to the first portion (32).

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