FR2957179A1 - Method for guiding and driving identification badge in badge receiving device of badge reading system to start motor vehicle, involves restoring energy to guiding block by elastic unit such that badge is driven by block, in end of course - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves rotatably driving an annular guiding block (31) by an identification badge (4), and storing potential energy obtained from rotation of the block in an elastic unit i.e. tension spring (2), in the beginning of introduction course (R) of the badge into a rectangular case (10) of a badge receiving device (1), where the elastic unit is rotatably coupled in an eccentric manner with respect to the block. The energy is restored to the block by the elastic unit such that the badge is driven by the block, in the end of course of the badge. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a badge receiving device comprising a case (2) a badge reading system comprising badge reading units.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for guiding and driving a badge in a badge receiving device, a badge receiving device and a badge reading system implementing such a method. The invention relates to the field of card guidance systems or badges to predetermined positions, in particular reading these cards or badges, used for example to start a motor vehicle. Conventionally, a badge reading system comprises a badge receiving device comprising a housing with a slot for the introduction of the badge.

To achieve correct positioning of the badge in the housing, it is common to provide guide means and drive in the housing to route the badge to its place of reading. The drive means may be in the form of a toothed drive wheel whose teeth are arranged to penetrate into driving cavities provided in the identification badge. Thus, when the badge is inserted into the slot, the toothed drive wheel drives the badge which is "swallowed" by the receiving device. An electric motor is generally provided to drive the wheel in rotation. In addition to its high cost, this device is likely to trap the badge, if the engine is defective.

Moreover, such drive means require appropriate badges in which drive cavities are formed. These drive cavities affect the rigidity of the badge and can therefore damage it. In addition, they limit the surface of the badge that can be personalized. Such a device for receiving a badge is therefore not satisfactory.

Alternatively, there is also known a badge receiving device comprising pads on which slide the side walls of the badge. Such a device comprises many parts and remains imprecise in its guidance, which can cause a blocking of the badge. In order to eliminate at least some of these disadvantages, the invention proposes a device using elastic means in order to "swallow" the badge when inserted into the housing. In addition to its ease of use, the device is not very complex and has a low manufacturing cost. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for guiding and driving a badge in a badge receiving device, the device comprising a housing, at least one guide pad rotatably mounted relative to the housing and arranged for guiding the introduction path of the badge into the housing to a predetermined position, in which an elastic means is rotatably coupled eccentrically with respect to the guide shoe, and wherein: • at the beginning of the race, an introduction of the badge in the device drives the guide shoe in rotation, the elastic means then storing energy by extension, and • at the end of travel, the elastic means restores said energy by rotating the guide shoe, the guide shoe then driving the badge. Thus, the elastic means takes energy from the pad - driven at the start of the race by the introduction of the badge - to restore it at the end of the race. The receiving device is advantageously a passive device. Thanks to the invention, after introducing a certain portion of the badge in the device, the badge is then advantageously "swallowed" by the badge receiving device which allows, on the one hand, to facilitate its path - effect "gully "- after its introduction by a user and, secondly, to position precisely, quickly and safely in the predetermined position. The invention also relates to a badge receiving device, the device comprising a housing and at least one guide shoe rotatably mounted on a transverse axis of the housing, and arranged to guide the path of the badge in the housing along a longitudinal axis and to a predetermined position. In this device, one end of a resilient means is rotatably mounted on a lug itself rotatable about the axis of the guide shoe, the other end of the elastic means being fixed to said housing. According to particular embodiments: the elastic means is in the form of a tension spring; • the tension spring is in the rest position when the badge is not inserted into the device, the tension spring is stretched with a minimum length in the rest position so as to limit the vibration of the guide shoe relative to the housing in the rest position; The guide shoe is arranged to come into contact with an upper or lower face of the badge; • the guide shoe is secured to a transverse beam rotatably mounted relative to the housing; The ends of the transverse beam are mounted in gantries perpendicular to a bottom surface of the casing so as to provide a passage space for the badge between the guide pad and the bottom surface, the guide pads advantageously allowing the guide to be guided. badge in the housing longitudinally and resting on the bottom surface; • the transverse beam comprises a drive wheel mounted externally to the vertical gantries which comprises the eccentric connecting lug connected to one end of the elastic means; • the device comprises a switch to enable the position of the badge at the end of the race according to the predetermined position; The housing comprising a slot for introducing the badge, a flap is pivotally mounted in the housing between a closed position and an open position of the slot, the flap being arranged, in the closed position, to lock the badge in reading position.

The invention also relates to a badge reading system comprising a badge receiving device as presented above and reading means of the badge adapted to read the badge when the latter is disposed in said predetermined position. The invention will be better understood and other advantages and characteristics will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures which represent, respectively: FIG. 1, a schematic perspective view of an example of badge receiving device according to the invention in which a badge is at the beginning of the race; FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the device of FIG. 1 in which the badge is in the middle of the race; • Figure 3 is a schematic view of the device of Figure 1 in which the badge is at the end of the race; • Figure 4, a representation of the device of Figure 1 in exploded view; FIG. 5, an exploded view of an example of a reading system according to the invention, and FIG. 6, an enlarged schematic view of the receiving device of the system according to FIG. 5 in which the badge is in middle of the race. A vehicle badge receiving device is shown in FIG. 1. A badge reading system comprises a badge receiving device and a reading device, for example a printed circuit board, which is able to read the badge. once the latter is placed in a predetermined reading position by the badge receiving device. The invention is presented here for a starter system of a motor vehicle in which a badge is used to start the vehicle, the badge replacing a conventional ignition key. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, with reference to FIG. 1, the receiving device 1 comprises a housing 10, of substantially rectangular shape, in which is provided a slot 15 for introducing an identification badge 4 in this case 10.

Subsequently, the precisions "before", "back", "upper" and "lower" are defined with respect to the badge 4 as positioned in FIG. 1. The identification badge 4 comprises an electronic identification circuit which is protected by an upper shell 4a and a lower shell 4b substantially planar, the shells being hermetically sealed by welding on their side faces 4c. The assembly constitutes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped card whose main rectangular faces are the hulls. Under these conditions, the introduction slot 15 of the receiving device 1 is also rectangular and of suitable dimensions to allow the introduction of the badge 4.

The badge 4 is introduced into the housing 10 by its front face 4d of major size corresponding to the width of the shells. The introduction is carried out from the rear towards the front (arrow F) along the longitudinal axis X'X of the housing 10, parallel to the length of the shells. To enable the badge 4 to be guided to the predetermined position corresponding to the reading position in the case 10, there is provided a guide plate 16 which forms the bottom surface of the case 10. Thereafter, the term "vertical" And derivatives applies to the surfaces perpendicular to the guide plate 16. The guide plate 16 comprises lateral rails 12 parallel to the axis X'X and a transverse rail 11 perpendicular to the axis X'X, arranged respectively for driving the badge along the X'X axis, limiting the transverse movements of the badge 4 during its insertion, and to form a transverse limit stop of the badge 4. When the badge 4 is in abutment on the rail 11, the badge 4 is in the reading position. In order to drive the badge 4 into the casing 10, annular guide shoes 31 are also mounted which are rotatably mounted relative to the casing 10. Two lateral guide pads 31 are described here, but it is possible to provide alternately a single guide shoe for driving and guiding the badge 4. Preferably, for a receiving device with a single guide shoe 31, the guide shoe is centered on the axis X'X so as to balance the driving of the badge 4. Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the guide pads 31 are integral with a beam 3, extending parallel to the slot 15 and therefore perpendicular to the axis X'X.

The ends of the beam 3 are mounted in lateral gantries 14 secured to the guide plate 16. For this purpose, the side gantries 14 each comprise an orifice 141 traversed by a beam end to allow its rotational mounting, as shown in FIG. exploded view of Figure 4. The guide pads 31 are mounted between the gantries 14 which are vertical so that the outer surface of the guide pads 31 is in contact with the upper shell of the badge 4, the lower shell of the badge 4 being in contact with the guide plate 16. In other words, the gantries 14 allow to provide a vertical space between the guide pads 31 and the guide plate 16 substantially equal to the thickness of the badge 4.

The guiding shoes 31 may be smooth or advantageously castellated, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, to increase the adhesion between the badge 4 and the guiding shoes 31. Preferably, the guiding shoes 31 are made of a material elastic, for example elastomer or rubber, arranged to exert sufficient pressure on the upper surface of the badge 4 without creating friction with the latter, so as not to damage or mark the shell of the badge 4. Still with reference to the 1, the beam 3 is terminated at one of its ends by a drive wheel 33. The gantry 14 is then between the shoe 31 and the drive wheel 33. In other words, as shown in FIG. , the beam 3 comprises successively along its length (in the direction of Y to Y ') a first guide end 34 intended to be mounted in a first gantry 14, a first guide pad 31, a body of li 32, a second guide shoe 31, a second guide end 34 intended to be mounted in a second gantry 14 and a drive wheel 33. All of these elements - beam, runners and wheel - are likely to turn around the same axis of rotation Y'Y perpendicular to the axis X X '. The beam 3 can be one-piece or comprise several associated modules. The connecting body 32 is in this cylindrical example with a cross section, but any form of appropriate section may be suitable. The useful section of the beam 3 at the gantries 14 is cylindrical and of circular section so as to allow the rotation of the beam 3 in the housing 10. A tension spring 2 is mounted between the drive wheel 33 and the housing 10 to act on the rotation of the beam 3 and thus on that of the guide pads 31 during the advancement of the badge 4 in the housing 10.

More specifically (see Figure 1), the drive wheel 33 comprises a connecting lug 35 which is connected to a first end 2a of the tension spring 2. This end has a curved shape which surrounds the lug largely. This end 2a is mounted loosely on the lug for reasons explained below. The second end 2b of the spring 2 is connected to a fixing pin 13 integral with the plate 16 which remains fixed relative to the housing 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The connecting pin 35 is positioned eccentrically with respect to the center of the drive wheel 33 through which the axis of rotation Y'Y (see Figure 4). The connection pin 35 forms an eccentric which makes it possible to vary the tension of the spring 2. Thus, during the rotation of the drive wheel 33, the connecting pin 35 moves in rotation about the axis Y'Y and therefore relative to the housing 10. The distance between the fixing pin 13 and the connecting lug 35 varies accordingly, which varies the elongation of the elastic spring 2 which relaxes.

The successive phases of operation of the receiving device according to this first embodiment of the invention will be detailed hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. When the badge 4 is inserted (FIG. 1), the spring 2 is in its rest position, defined by a minimum elongation d, corresponding to a minimum distance between the fixing lug 13, which is fixed, and the eccentric connecting lug 35, which is movable. Preferably, in this rest position, the spring 2 is stretched and exerts a traction force on the eccentric connecting lug 35 so as to immobilize the beam 3 relative to the housing 10. In other words, if the beam 3 is driven in rotation due to a jolt or vibration, the spring 2 exerts traction on the eccentric lug of connection 35 so that the latter returns to its rest position. Thus, the spring 2 limits the vibration of the elements of the receiving device 1 when not in use. This is particularly advantageous for an application in the field of the automobile subject to vibration.

Referring to Figure 1, the user introduces the badge 4 in its length through the introduction slot 15 by exerting a mechanical push on the badge 4 from front to back with his hand. The front end of the badge 4 then moves on the guide plate 16 (FIG. 2) and is guided laterally by the lateral rails 12, as well as vertically between the guide plate 16 and the guide pads 31 which come into contact with the upper surface of the badge 4. The mechanical push applied to the badge 4 by the user causes the guide pads 31 to rotate counterclockwise (arrow R). Since the guide shoes 31, the drive wheel 33 and the beam 3 are integral in rotation, the eccentric pin of the linkage 35 of the drive wheel 33 is also rotated in the R direction. the eccentric lug 35 moves to move away from the fixing pin 13 of the guide plate 16, the spring 2 stretches and stores potential energy. In order not to cause blocking and deformations (buckling, forces) in the spring, the end 2a of the spring slides without friction, or with minimal friction, around the eccentric connection pin 35. The spring extends to a tilting position, illustrated in Figure 2 which is advantageously located diametrically opposite the rest point (Figure 1). In this tilting position, the spring 2 has a maximum length d2 (see Figure 2). To allow the insertion of the badge 4 in the housing 10, the pressure applied by the user to the badge 4 is greater than the pulling force of the spring 2, and the energy thus supplied to the badge is transformed into potential energy in the spring 2 by the rotation of the guide pads 31 on the badge. The contraction force of the spring 2 then goes, once this tipping point is exceeded, the wheel 33 rotates by restitution of the accumulated potential energy, the wheel 33 then driving the pads 31 which in turn cause the badge 4 which progresses to the stop 11 (Figure 3). In this phase, the energy restored by the pulling force of the spring 2 has substituted for that supplied by the user to complete the driving movement of the badge 4. In this final position, the pin 35 has resumed its rest position. Indeed, in this example, the guide pads 31 have been dimensioned so that the path of the badge 4 in the housing 10 corresponds to a rotation of the guide shoe 31. In other words, at the beginning of the race, the eccentric pin connection 35 is in the rest position and, at the end of the stroke, when the badge 4 is in the reading position, the eccentric pin of connection 35 is again in the rest position after having made a complete turn of the drive wheel. Thus, advantageously, the device 1 allows "swallowing" the badge 4 because the spring 2 is loaded, in the restitution phase, to provide the guide shoes 31 the energy necessary to route the badge 4 until at his reading position.

And in the reading position, the connecting pin 35 is in its rest position, which limits the appearance of vibration in the device. As shown in FIG. 3, the badge 4 abuts against the transverse rail 11 and is guided by the lateral rails 12. The position of the badge 4 in the housing 10 corresponds precisely to a predetermined position able to allow the badge to be read by appropriate means. Still with reference to FIG. 3, it appears that the rear end of the badge 4 remains projecting out of the receiving device 1. To remove the badge 4, the two phases described above follow each other in the reverse order and according to a reverse direction of rotation around the Y'Y axis and movement of the badge. Starting from the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the user pulls the rear end of the badge 4 which protrudes from the casing 10 so as to cause the connecting lug 35 to rotate in the clockwise direction (opposite to the direction of rotation R , Figure 2) to the tipping point. After the tipping point, the spring 2 releases its energy, and continues the rotation of the drive wheel clockwise which "ejects" the badge of the device 1.

The device 10 advantageously makes it possible to swallow and eject the badge 4, which limits the mechanical pushing forces of the user. In other embodiments, a drive by one or more guide pads come into contact with respectively the lateral face or faces 4c of the badge 4, the badge then being guided vertically by at least one guide rail in contact with the shell superior 4a. According to this variant, the axes of rotation of the guide pads extend vertically with respect to the guide plate 16. A second embodiment of the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 which show an exploded view and an exploded view. enlargement on an essential part. The references used to describe the elements of structure or function that are identical, equivalent or similar to those of the elements of FIGS. 1 to 4 are the same, for reasons of simplification. In fact, the entire description of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 can be used to describe this second mode when there are no incompatibilities. Only the notable differences, structural and functional, are described below. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a reading system comprises a reading device 40, in the form of a printed circuit board, and a receiving device 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The receiving device 1 comprises a locking flap 50 pivotally mounted relative to the casing 10 and arranged to move between an open position, in which the inside of the casing 10 is visible from the outside through the slot 15, and a closed position, in which the inside is masked by the locking flap 15. The flap 50 comprises a flap spring 51 arranged to drive the flap 50 in the closed position. Such a flap 50 advantageously serves a dual function and allows, on the one hand, to prevent dust from entering the housing 10 and to be deposited on the reading device 40. On the other hand, it makes it possible to secure the badge 4 when it is received in the device in the reading position. The insertion of the badge 4 in the housing 10 pushes the flap 50 towards the inside of the casing 10, and the insertion force of the badge 4 opposes the flap force of the flap spring, as shown in FIG. 6 , which holds the badge 4 in place in the device 1. The flap 50 bears on the upper shell of the badge 4. Once in the reading position, the flap 50 locks the badge 4 in place by contact, thereby preventing the moving the badge 4. Preferably, the badge 4 comprises a groove in its width to lock in the reading position the badge 4 by contact and complementarity of shapes between the free end of the flap 50 and the groove of the badge 4. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown. It is for example possible to provide a second elastic means at the other end of the beam symmetrically with the first elastic means described above. Furthermore, this elastic means can be any element capable of storing potential energy and to restore it: • leaf springs, • magnets, • elastic bands, etc. In addition, when the device uses a helical tension spring, the connection with the eccentric connecting pin 35 on the drive wheel can be achieved without friction (or with minimal friction) in the axis of the pin, parallel to the axis of rotation Y'Y.

Claims (9)

REVENDICATIONS1. Method for guiding and driving a badge (4) in a badge receiving device (4), the device comprising a housing (10), at least one guide shoe (31) mounted around an axis of rotation (Y'Y) relative to the housing (10), and arranged to guide the introduction path of the badge (4) in the housing (10) to a predetermined position, characterized in that a means elastic member (2) is rotatably coupled eccentrically with respect to the guide shoe (31), and in that: • at the start of travel of the badge (4), the badge (4) drives the guide shoe (31) in rotation, the elastic means (2) storing energy; and • at the end of the race of the badge (4), the elastic means (2) returns said energy to the guide shoe (31), so that the guide shoe (31) drives the badge (4). 2. Device for receiving a badge (4) for implementing the method according to claim 1, comprising a housing (10) and at least one guide shoe (31) rotatably mounted relative to the housing (10), and arranged for guiding the path of the badge (4) in the housing (10) along a longitudinal axis (X'X) and to a predetermined position, and characterized in that one end (2a) of an elastic means ( 2) is mounted in rotation and sliding on a lug (35) itself able to rotate eccentrically about the axis (Y'Y) of the guide shoe (31), the other end (2b) of the elastic means (2) being attached to said housing (10). 3. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the elastic means (2) is in the form of a tension spring (2). 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the traction spring (2) being in the rest position when the badge (4) is not inserted into the device, the tension spring (2) is tensioned with a minimum length in the rest position. 5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the guide pad (31) is integral with a transverse beam (3) rotatably mounted relative to the housing (10). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the ends of the transverse beam (3) are mounted in gantries (14) perpendicular to a bottom surface (16) integral with the housing (10) so as to provide space vertical passage of the badge (4) between the guide pad (31) and the bottom surface (16) of the housing (10). 7. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the transverse beam (3) comprises a drive wheel (33) mounted externally to the gantries (14) which comprises the eccentric pin coupling (35) connected to one end (2a) of the elastic means (2). 8. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the housing (10) comprising an insertion slot (15) of the badge (4), a flap (50) is pivotally mounted in the housing (10). ) between a closed position and an open position of the slot (15), the flap (50) being arranged, in the closed position, for locking the badge (4) at a predetermined position. 9. A badge reading system comprising a badge receiving device 5 according to any one of claims 2 to 8 and reading means of the badge (40) adapted to read the badge when the latter is disposed in said predetermined position.