FR3084901A1 - RESETABLE COMBINATION LOCK - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical combination locking device comprising a plurality of rotary coding wheels, said device being locked by default, and unlockable by a unique combination of position of the coding wheels, known as a valid combination, the device comprising an axis. grooved ejection and sleeves comprising a coding lug, capable of sliding in a groove of the ejection axis, the sleeves and the coding wheels being centered with respect to the ejection axis, said sleeves being linked in rotation with the coding wheels by a disengageable link, characterized in that it comprises means for resetting the single combination to a defined value whatever the previously defined valid combination.

Description

Description

Title of the invention: RESETABLE COMBINATION LATCH

Technical Field [0001] The invention relates to a resettable combination lock. The invention is more particularly, but not exclusively, intended for the luggage sector, and in particular for the production of a lock intended to receive the zippers of a zipper to prevent the opening of said luggage.

PRIOR ART Many pieces of baggage have one or more compartments closed by a zipper. To prevent unauthorized access to the content of one of these compartments, the zipper comprising 2 sliders provided with zippers, the luggage comprises a lock, comprising two slots into which the ends of each zipper are inserted.

Once introduced into these slots, said ends are blocked there by a locking system, so that it is no longer possible, without prior unlocking, to operate the pull tabs to open the compartment concerned.

The lock is a mechanical combination lock, that is to say that it comprises several knobs, in general 3, on which are printed signs, generally numbers between 0 and 9.

The ends of the pull tabs being inserted into the slots and locked, unlocking is achieved by aligning, by turning the knobs, a combination of signs, for example in the case of 3 knobs comprising numbers between 0 and 9, a combination between 000 and 999.

In general, the pull tabs can be inserted into the slots regardless of the configuration of the knobs. Thus, after the closure of the zipper, the user introduces the zippers in the slots of the open latch, then randomly turns the knobs, which has the effect of causing the locking. To unlock it is necessary to know the corresponding combination or code.

The code is specific to the user. It is generally initialized to 000, and the user selects his personalized code, for example 123, according to a specific procedure, which then becomes the code for opening the lock.

If the user subsequently wishes to change the code, he must apply the same procedure but starting from the last valid code, ie 123 according to this example. So changing the code is only possible if the user knows his previous code.

This system of the prior art is generally satisfactory, but a problem arises when the user has forgotten his code. In this case, he can very well lock the baggage without knowing how to unlock it except to review all the possible combinations.

In the event that the user knows that he has forgotten his code before closing and locking the baggage, he must simply renounce this locking, because he is not able to reset the code without knowing the previous code.

Locking problems constitute the third cause of return to after-sales service for luggage. Among these lock-related returns, almost three-quarters of them were caused by the user forgetting the code.

According to the prior art, some mechanical combination locks allow the insertion of the zippers in the slots of the lock, only if the knurls of the latter are aligned according to the opening combination. Such a device avoids the user to lock the baggage if he does not know or, more often, if he does not remember his code, on the other hand the baggage is then not lockable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention aims to solve the drawbacks of the prior art and for this purpose relates to a mechanical locking device with a combination comprising a plurality of rotary coding knobs, said device being locked by default, and unlockable by a unique combination of position of the coding knobs, known as a valid combination, the device comprising a grooved ejection axis and sleeves comprising a coding lug, capable of sliding in a groove of the ejection axis, the sleeves and the coding wheels being centered with respect to the ejection axis, said sleeves being linked in rotation to the coding wheels by a disengageable link, which device comprises means for resetting the single combination to a defined value whatever the previously defined valid combination.

Thus the device object of the invention allows its user, when he has forgotten or does not know the unlock code, to reset said code to a defined value. According to the different embodiments, the reset configures the lock in its factory configuration, for example with a valid code set to 000, the user then enters a new valid personal code according to a code change procedure, or, the reset is directly performed at a code chosen by Γ user.

The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and the variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

According to a first embodiment the reset means are configured to reset the code to a predefined fixed configuration and the device object of the invention comprises a code change means acting on the ejection axis, to modify a valid combination after it has been displayed using the coding wheels. This embodiment offers the advantage of not changing the habits of the user with regard to changing the code, while offering the possibility of resetting this code to the factory value in the event of forgetting. Indeed, the code change procedure, when the user knows the start code and therefore the reset procedure is not necessary, is the same on all lock models of this type and users know quickly identify the code change button on the visible side of the case without having to read an instruction manual.

According to a second embodiment, the reset means are configured to reset the code to any combination regardless of the previous valid code. Thus, this embodiment does not require the presence of specific code change means, the reset and code change procedures are the same and are carried out by the same means. This embodiment requires fewer parts and is more economical in terms of manufacturing and assembly. However, the user must consult a notice to make a code change even when it does not require a prior reset, the procedure being different from the common code change procedure for this type of lock.

Advantageously, whatever the embodiment, the reset means comprise, for each coding wheel, an initialization disc centered on the ejection axis and linked in rotation thereto by an incoming stud in the groove of the ejection axis, movable in translation relative to said ejection axis, means, called fork, for displacing in translation the initialization disc along the ejection axis, the disc d initialization comprising means such that when it is pushed by the fork against the wheel, it meshes the coding wheel linking it in rotation with the latter and it separates the sleeve from the coding wheel by disengaging the connection in rotation between the wheel and the sleeve, said initialization disc comprising a first stop, said radial stop, aligned at an angle defined with the post, configured to come into contact with a corresponding first radial stop of the sleeve, said sleeve stop being angularly aligned with the coding lug of said sleeve at the same defined angle, the initialization disc and the sleeve being linked in rotation when their respective radial stops come into contact with one of the other.

Advantageously, the initialization disc and the sleeve each comprise a second radial stop, offset axially and angularly relative to the first radial stop of the same values on the disc and on the sleeve. Thus the reset procedure can be carried out whatever the direction of rotation imposed on the knobs by Γ user during this procedure.

According to the first embodiment, the means for engaging the disc and the wheel comprise an indexing finger linked to the disc and a housing for said finger linked to the wheel, the housing and the must being aligned when the dial is in a predefined position. Thus, the initialization disc can only mesh with the wheel if the latter is initially placed in this position, this position corresponds to the factory setting, for example 000, in which the system is systematically carried out according to this first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, the means for meshing the disc and the wheel comprise on the disc, the wheel or both a toothed ring so that the initialization disc is able to mesh with the wheel whatever or its position. Thus the reset procedure can be carried out whatever the position of the knobs and initializes the code at this same position.

The invention also relates to a piece of luggage, in particular a suitcase, comprising a locking device according to any one of the embodiments of the invention, said locking device comprising a reset button, said button being accessible only inside the suitcase. So the code can only be reset if the case is opened beforehand.

According to a particular embodiment of the luggage object of the invention, it comprises a zipper extending between two compartments of the luggage, and comprising two sliders, the locking device holding the ends of the zippers of said sliders in the locked position.

Advantageously, the locked configuration by default of the locking device prevents the introduction of the ends of the drawbars into the locking means in the absence of the display of a valid combination, by means of the coding wheels. Thus, the user is not able to lock the baggage if he has forgotten his code and in this case he proceeds to a reset procedure to fix a new code.

Brief description of the drawings The invention is set out below according to its preferred embodiments, which are in no way limiting, and with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, in which:

[Fig.l] Figure 1 shows in a top view, an embodiment of a luggage element comprising a locking device according to the invention;

[Fig.2] Figure 2 shows in a perspective view, an embodiment of a zipper slider usable for luggage object of the invention;

[Fig.3] Figure 3, relating to the prior art, schematically shows a mechanical locking device, Figure 3A in the locked position, Figure 3B being unlocked, Figure 3C being changed code;

[Fig.4] Figure 4 shows the device object of the invention according to its first embodiment and according to perspective views, without the latch or the housing, Figure 4A assembled in a front view, Figure 4B in a disassembled exploded view;

[Fig.5] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a coding wheel of the device object of the invention according to its first embodiment, Figure 5A in right view with reference to Figure 4A, Figure 5B in top view and Figure 5C in right view;

[Fig.6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the ejection axis of the device object of the invention corresponding to the first embodiment;

[Fig.7] Figure 7 shows a sleeve of the device object of the invention, Figure7A in top view with reference to Figure 4A, Figure 7B in left view;

[Fig.8] Figure 8 is an embodiment of a translational stop means on the ejection axis of a sleeve of the device object of the invention according to its first embodiment;

[Fig.9] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of an initialization disc of the device object of the invention, Figure 9A in right view with reference to Figure 4A, Figure 9B in view of above, and FIG. 9C in perspective;

[Fig. 10] Figure 10 schematically illustrates the operation of the device object of the invention according to its first embodiment, Figure 10A in the locked configuration and Figure 10B in the code reset configuration;

[Fig. 11] and FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of a coding wheel compatible with the second embodiment of the invention.

To simplify the drawings and their understanding, the entire device is not systematically represented, including in overview views, and its components are sometimes represented in a simplified or schematic manner in order to explain the functions thereof. and functional links.

Best way to carry out the invention [0038] Figure 1, according to an exemplary embodiment the lock object of the invention is used on a suitcase (100) or another piece of luggage.

According to this nonlimiting example, said suitcase comprises two shells (101, 102) or compartments, which are linked to each other, in particular by a zipper (110). According to exemplary embodiments, the suitcase is flexible, rigid or semi-rigid.

The two parts of the zipper are united and separated by sliders (111, 112) operated by pullers (115, 116).

The suitcase (100) comprises a locking device (150) accessible on the external face of one of the shells or compartment, said suitcase being here shown in closed locked configuration.

Figure 2, according to an advantageous but non-limiting embodiment, the ends of the pulls (115, 116) include a shape (225) which is used both to improve the ergonomics of maneuvering the pulls and which is suitable for inserting into a slot of the lock, which form comprises a slot (226) which cooperates with a locking element of said lock to hold said pull tab in the slot when the suitcase is closed locked.

Returning to Figure 1, the latch (150) thus comprises two slots (not visible because under the zippers in this figure) capable of receiving the ends of each zipper (115, 116). The lock (150) is thus presented as an integrated box and fixed to one of the faces of the suitcase (100).

On its visible side from the outside of the suitcase (100), said housing comprises an ejection button (155). Said ejection button (155), when it is moved in translation in the direction of the arrow indicated, releases the locking of the zippers in the slots, which are ejected from said slots. The housing further comprises on its visible face 3 coding wheels (151, 152, 153), which each appear by an individual opening made in the housing.

Said wheels have signs, here numbers between 0 and 9, and can be rotated by the user of the bag around their axis. They thus make it possible to define a combination of these signs authorizing unlocking.

Thus when the signs corresponding to the chosen combination are aligned with respect to a marker, the eject button can be moved in the direction of the arrow in the figure, thus causing the unlocking of the pull tabs.

When another combination of signs that the correct combination is applied, an action on the eject button (155) does not move said button, which is blocked, and therefore unlocking is not feasible .

To allow the user to select his secret unlocking code, the box comprises, according to a first embodiment, a code change button (159) also accessible from the visible external face of the box, the mode of operation of this code selection button is explained below, and according to this first embodiment, allows a code change to be made only if a valid code is known and displayed by means of the dials.

The device object of the invention according to its second embodiment does not include a code change button on the face of the device accessible from outside the suitcase.

Figure 3, according to an exemplary embodiment of the prior art, the device object of the invention includes certain functions, the unlocking and code change functions are shown with reference to a simplified schematic device comprising only '' a single coding wheel (151). Several parts, in particular return springs, have been omitted to facilitate reading.

Figure 3A the device is shown in the locked configuration, that is to say that the locking rod (362) is engaged in the slot (361) capable of receiving the ends of the pull tabs (not shown) of a zipper of a suitcase.

This locked configuration is by default the configuration of the device without action on the eject button (155) or on the code change button (159). That is to say that according to this exemplary embodiment, it is impossible to introduce the end of the zippers into the slot (361), the locking rod (362) prevents it, without operating the ejection button. (155), which can only be operated if a valid code has been displayed using the code dials.

Thus this device of the prior art, like the device object of the invention, prevents the user from locking the luggage if he does not know the unlock code.

The device comprises a housing (350). The coding wheel (151), or the coding wheels the device generally comprising a plurality of them, protrude on the upper face of the housing through an opening formed in the latter, so that said coding wheels are stopped in translation by the housing (350).

The coding wheel (151) is mounted on an ejection axis (300) by means of a sleeve (310). Said sleeve is centered on the ejection axis, and comprises a coding lug (321) projecting on its internal face.

In the locked position, as shown in Figure 3A, the coding lug (321) enters a groove (320) of the ejection axis (300). Thus, the sleeve is linked in translation to the ejection axis (300) by means of this coding lug. (321) and said groove (320).

Starting from this position, to perform a locking release, it is necessary to move the ejection button (155) in the direction of the arrow (E), FIG. 3B, which has the effect of moving the locking rod ( 362) and take it out of its housings in the slot (361).

In the configuration of Figure 3A, this movement is impossible. Indeed, the ejection button (155) abuts against the ejection axis (300) which then pushes on the coding lug (321) of the sleeve through the groove (320).

This push on the coding lug causes the sleeve (310) to push on the coding wheel (151) which is stopped in translation by the housing.

Also, the ejection axis is blocked and the unlocking cannot be operated.

The sleeve (310) is linked in rotation to the coding wheel (151) by means of a toothed sector (302) which cooperates with an arrangement of complementary shape (301) produced on the face of the wheel coding opposite the sleeve.

Thus in the configuration of Figure 3A, the sleeve and the wheel are linked in rotation.

The ejection axis (300) comprises on either side of the groove (320) grooves (331, 332) closed, the width of which is equal to that of the coding lug (321) . When the device comprises several coding knobs, the ejection axis comprises a groove and two grooves closed on either side of said groove.

The grooves are said to be closed because they do not extend over the entire length of the ejection axis (300).

In the case of a device comprising several coding wheels, said grooves are preferably distributed over the circumference of the axis, for example for a device comprising 3 coding wheels, the corresponding grooves are angularly offset by 120 °, from one coding assembly (wheel and sleeve) to another and preferably placed on a shouldered shaft with different diameters.

Ligure 3B, the operation of the coding wheel, drives the sleeve (310) in rotation and when said wheel (or the wheels) displays the valid code, the coding lug (321), shown in dotted lines on this figure, is aligned with the grooves (331, 332) of the ejection axis.

Thus, the definition of a valid code, whatever it may be, corresponds to a situation where the coding pins of each sleeve associated with each wheel are aligned with the grooves located on either side of the groove corresponding to each coding set (wheel and sleeve).

As shown in FIG. 3B, when a valid code is displayed, the coding lug (321) of the sleeve is aligned with the groove (331) of the ejection axis, the thrust in the direction of the arrow (E) on the ejection button (155) pushes on the ejection axis, which is not retained in translation, the coding lug (321) sliding in the groove (331). Thus, the locking rod (362) releases the locking slot (361).

The initial valid combination or code is fixed at a value defined in the factory, for example 000 for a device with 3 coding wheels, and the user must change this combination by a personal code, which becomes a valid code instead and place this code by default.

To this end, the device includes a code change button (159).

Figure 3C, to change the code Γ user must first display a valid code, whether this is the code defined in the factory when the device is used for the first time or a valid code previously configured. It should be noted that the code defined at the factory is only valid when the code is changed for the first time.

Thus, if for example the device is new, its default unlock code is 000. If the user changes this code so that it becomes 123, then to change the code again, the user will have to enter the code 123 , the code 000 is no longer valid, the latter no longer allows either unlocking or changing the code.

Displaying a valid code using the coding wheel aligns the coding lug (321) of the sleeve with the grooves (331, 332) of the ejection axis. When the device has several coding knobs, the display of a valid code aligns the coding pins of each coding assembly with the grooves of the corresponding ejection axis.

Starting from the configuration of FIG. 3A, a valid code being displayed, the action on the button (159) for changing the code pushes the ejection axis (300) in the direction of the arrow (C) in FIG. 3C.

The coding pin (321) being aligned with the grooves, by the displacement of the ejection axis (300) said coding pin enters the groove (332). When the end of the groove (332) meets the coding lug (321) the ejection axis pushes the sleeve (310). The coding wheel (151) being stopped in translation by the housing, the engagement means (301, 302) of the coding wheel and the sleeve (310) separate, by the movement of the sleeve under the effect of this thrust.

The coding wheel (151) can thus be freely rotated without driving the sleeve (310) in rotation. The sleeve, for its part, remains indexed relative to the ejection axis by means of the coding lug (321) taken in the groove (332).

Once the desired combination is displayed, the code change button (159) is released, the ejection axis (300) and said button (159) return to their position in FIG. 3A under the effect of recall means (not shown).

The combination selected is thus that for which the coding lugs (321) are aligned with the grooves (331, 332) of the ejection axis, and therefore constitutes a new combination, or code, valid for the unlocking.

This device of the prior art, applied to a zippered suitcase, prevents the user from introducing the zippers of said closure into the locking means if he does not have a valid code.

Thus this device prevents the user from locking the baggage if he does not know the unlock code. In return, failing to find the code, the baggage is no longer lockable.

The device object of the invention makes it possible to respond to this situation by offering a means for resetting the unlocking code to a value defined or chosen according to the embodiment, whatever the configuration of the coding wheels and without knowledge prior to a valid code.

Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the device object of the invention, shown here without the latch and the eject button, placed on the side (V) of the figure, and without the housing. Said device comprises a grooved ejection axis (400), a plurality (here 3) of coding wheels (151, 152, 153).

Each wheel is mounted on a sleeve (410) which cooperates via a coding lug with the groove of the ejection axis for the locking / unlocking operations and for selection / code change as previously described in the case of the prior art.

According to a first embodiment, code change is achieved by actuating a code change button (159) acting on the ejection axis (400) in the opposite direction to the locking action, as described above. for the example of the prior art.

The device further comprises a code reset device, allowing in case the user forgets his code, to reset said code to a nominal value, for example 000, or to a selected value.

Whatever its embodiment, a code reset device comprises, associated with each coding wheel, an initialization disc (420) and a return spring (415) of said initialization disc.

The initialization discs (420) interact with the coding wheels (151, 152, 153) and the sleeves (410) according to their relative axial position with respect to these components.

The relative axial position of the initialization discs is controlled by a fork (450) capable of axially moving said discs on the ejection axis (400), which movement of the fork (450) is achieved by the user during a reset of the code, by means of a button (451), said reset button, linked to said fork (450) and which, when the device is mounted on a suitcase or a piece of luggage, does not is accessible only inside said suitcase.

Before describing the device in more detail, it is necessary to differentiate between the code change and code reset operations.

The code change is made by the user to configure the device so that it is unlocked for a configuration of the coding wheels corresponding to the display of a desired code. This operation is carried out in a similar manner to that described for the prior art by requesting the code change button (159).

This code change operation is carried out using a valid unlock code. As indicated in the case of the prior art, the user must first display a valid code, then proceed to change the code. The display of an invalid code does not allow a code change to be made.

According to this embodiment, resetting the code consists in returning the device to its default configuration, in which the unlocking is performed by the display of a predefined code, for example 000.

This operation does not require displaying a valid code for it to be carried out. Whatever the configuration of the dials, the reset operation returns the device to its default configuration, ie 000 for the unlock code. This default unlock code becomes the valid code until the user changes this code to enter their personal code.

This de-initialization operation is only possible if the user has access to the reset button (451) which is located inside the suitcase.

Figure 5, each coding wheel (151, 152, 153) has an arrangement (502) visible in right view (Figure 5A) able to cooperate with a finger on the corresponding indexing disc. This arrangement (502) is aligned with position 0 of the coding wheel, so that in this position 0, the indexing disc and the wheel can be linked in rotation by this arrangement (502) as explained below. Said wheel is centered on the cylindrical outer face of the indexing disc by a centering portion (520).

On its other face (FIG. 5C) the wheel comprises meshing means (501) with the sleeve, in the form of a toothed ring which meshes with a profile complementary to the sleeve.

The central part of the wheel comprises a passage (512) for the initialization disc and the sleeve, said passage comprises a groove (513) allowing the passage of a radial abutment for coupling the initialization disc with a sleeve.

Figure 6, the ejection axis (400) is a cylindrical axis, split by a groove (610) over its entire length. Eadite groove (610) allows on the one hand to link in rotation the indexing discs with the ejection axis, and also allows the displacement of the ejection axis during an unlocking operation, the pins of the sleeves then being positioned aligned with this branch.

The ejection axis (400) comprises a pair of grooves (621, 622) at the level of each coding wheel. The first groove (621) receives the coding lug of the sleeve, as according to the prior art. The second groove receives a stop block in translation of the sleeve as described below. The widths of these grooves are defined, for the first (621), by the stroke of the sleeve during the reset operation, and for the second (622) by the stroke of the ejection axis during the operation unlocking.

[0100] Figure 7, the sleeve (510) is centered on the ejection axis by a bore (700) of suitable diameter, and comprises a coding lug (721) projecting into said bore. When the device is in the locked configuration, said coding lug (721) is located in the first groove of the ejection axis. When unlocking, said lug (721) is aligned with the longitudinal groove of the ejection axis, the movement of the ejection axis engages the coding lug in said groove, the latter not opposing to the translation of the axis, as described for the prior art.

The sleeve (510) comprises on its face opposite the coding wheel, a toothed sector (701) capable of cooperating with the toothed crown of said coding wheel to produce a meshing.

In a recess concentric with the bore (700), the sleeve comprises a radial stop (720) capable of cooperating with the radial stop of an indexing disc to link said indexing disc and the sleeve in rotation. during a re-indexing operation.

Finally, the sleeve includes a housing (722) for inserting therein a means of translational stop of the sleeve relative to the indexing axis, which translational stop means cooperates with the second groove of the axis. ejection. This stop in translation occurs during a code change operation. According to this embodiment, two housings of this type, diametrically opposite, are formed on the sleeve.

[0104] Figure 8, according to an exemplary embodiment, the means of translational stop of the sleeve on the ejection axis consists of a U-shaped jumper (822), the branches of which are terminated by nozzles (823). When said jumper is inserted into the suitable housing of the sleeve, the latter being mounted on the ejection axis, said spouts (823) penetrate into the second groove of the ejection axis. The width of said groove is defined so that this translational stop leaves an axial clearance equal to the length of the stroke of the ejection axis during its unlocking stroke.

[0105] Figure 9, the indexing disc (420) comprises an outer cylindrical surface (950) on which the coding wheel is centered. The disc is itself centered on the ejection axis by a bore (900) which comprises a lug (901) which is housed in the longitudinal groove of the ejection axis, so that the indexing disc and the ejection axis are linked in rotation.

The indexing disc comprises radial stop means (920), capable of cooperating with the radial stops of the recess of the sleeve, in order to link the indexing disc and the sleeve in rotation during a reset operation of the coded. The radial stop means (920) are angularly positioned relative to the post (901) of the initialization disc in the same way (at the same relative angle) as the radial stop means (720, FIG. 7) of the sleeve are positioned relative to the coding lug (721, Figure 7) of the sleeve. In this nonlimiting exemplary embodiment, the radial abutment means both of the sleeve and of the indexing disc are aligned with the lugs and the respective pins.

A radial finger (902) is able to cooperate with the arrangement of a complementary shape of the coding wheel in order to link the indexing disc and said coding wheel in rotation during a code reset operation. According to this exemplary embodiment, said finger is facing the arrangement of the coding wheel when the latter is placed in a particular configuration, for example when it displays 0.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the return springs (415, FIG. 4) of the indexing discs, extend between the indexing disc and the coding wheel in circular grooves (915, 515, FIG. 5) ) made on the facing sides of the indexing disc and the coding wheel.

Figure 10, the device is shown in a very simplified manner and without respect for proportions with a single wheel and a single lock to explain the functions. Many parts, in particular the springs and their housings, are omitted to facilitate reading.

As for the example of the prior art described above, the device which is the subject of the invention is by default locked, that is to say that the locking rod is engaged in the locking means, in recurrence the slot receiving the zipper zippers of the luggage according to this example of application. Thus, it is impossible to insert said drawbars into said slot without operating the unlocking button, which requires displaying a valid code by means of the coding wheels.

Figure 10A, the device is shown in the locked position. To obtain the unlocking, the coding wheels (151, 152, 153) are turned until the unlocking code is displayed.

The rotation of the coding wheels causes the sleeves (510) to rotate by means of the engagement of the toothed ring of the wheel with the toothed wheel (701) of the sleeve.

The display of the correct combination aligns the coding lug (721), which rotates with said sleeve in the first groove (621) of the ejection axis (400), with the groove (610 ) of the ejection axis.

Acting on the unlocking button (155) in the direction of the arrow (E) pushes on the ejection axis (400).

Placed in alignment with the groove (610), the coding pins (721) do not prevent the translation of the ejection axis, the width of the second groove (622) leaves sufficient travel of the ejection axis, before it meets the stop (822) stop in translation. Thus the unlocking button (155) moves in translation, the ejection axis not opposing any blockage in this movement and the lock is released.

If an incorrect code is displayed, the coding pins (721) of the sleeves (510) are not aligned with the groove (610) of the ejection axis (as shown in FIG. 10A) so that the button unlocking device (155) is blocked by the ejection axis, and unlocking is impossible.

To make a code change, a valid code being displayed with the coding wheels, the code change button (not shown in this figure) is then pressed. This pushes the ejection axis (400) in the direction of the arrow (C). The coding pins (721) being aligned with the groove, since a valid code is displayed before the code change, these do not oppose the movement of the ejection axis (400).

In this movement, the ejection axis (400) pushes the sleeve (510) by

Γintermediate contact between the second groove (622) and the block (822) for stopping in translation, so that the toothed wheel (701) of said sleeve is distant from the contact of the toothed ring of the coding wheel.

Thus the turning wheel is free to rotate without driving the sleeve (510), which remains indexed by its coding lug (721) in the groove (610) of the ejection axis. The user then chooses his code by placing the coding wheels in the corresponding configuration.

When the user has chosen the code, the code change button is released so that the ejection axis and the sleeves return to their initial position under the effect of springs (not shown), the toothed wheel (701) of the sleeve meshes with the ring gear of the coding wheel, while the coding pins (721) of the sleeves remain aligned with the groove (610) of the ejection axis. The combination selected by the user thus becomes the new unlock code.

Thus, in its operation in unlocking and in code change, the device object of the invention is similar to the device of the prior art.

However in comparison with this device of the prior art:

- the groove (610) is extended over the entire length of the ejection axis and this groove is unique. The ejection axis is advantageously of constant diameter, and therefore it is simpler and less expensive to produce in comparison with the prior art;

- the translational connection of the sleeve (510) with the ejection axis involves the coding lug (721) but also the translational stop pad (822);

- the ejection axis (400) includes two grooves (621, 622) at each coding wheel, while the device of the prior art has only one.

Similarly to the prior art described above, the device object of the invention prohibits the insertion of the zipper pullers in the lock if a valid code is not displayed.

It should be noted that during these locking / unlocking and code changing operations, the indexing discs remain fixed. They are neither driven in rotation by the coding wheels nor in translation by the ejection axis or the sleeves during these maneuvers.

[0128] Figure 10B, to reset the code, the coding wheels being in any position, the user must access the initialization button, which is located inside the suitcase.

According to this exemplary embodiment, before actuating the initialization button, the user places all the coding wheels in the default initialization configuration, for example 000. When the coding wheel is in its position initialization, the finger (902) of the initialization disc is opposite the corresponding arrangement (502) of the wheel.

The user then pushes the initialization button (not shown in this figure) which has the effect of moving the fork (450) in the direction of the arrow (R). The fork presses on the indexing disc, nothing stops said disc in translation on the ejection axis (400) so that the disc (420) moves until it comes into contact with the wheel (151, 152, 153) which is stopped in translation by the housing. On contact between the indexing disc (420) and the coding wheel, the finger (902) of the disc meshes with the corresponding arrangement (502) of the wheel.

[0131] At the same time, at the other end of the indexing disc, the latter pushes the sleeve (510) out of engagement with the coding wheel. The widths of the grooves (621, 622) are for this purpose selected to allow the corresponding axial clearance of the sleeve (510) while the coding lug (721) of the sleeve is not aligned with the groove (610) of the ejection axis.

The radial stop (920) of the indexing disc also enters the chamber comprising the radial stop (720) of the sleeve (510). At this point, the radial stops (720, 920) of the indexing disc and the sleeve are not in contact.

The user then performs a complete revolution of one of the coding wheels, for example starting from position 0 of this wheel to return to this position 0.

Each wheel is meshed with its indexing disc (420). The rotation of one of the coding wheels drives the indexing disc in rotation and with it, the ejection axis (400), the disc being linked in rotation to the ejection axis by its tenon. By turning the ejection axis rotates the indexing discs of the other coding assemblies, which themselves, being applied against their respective coding wheel and meshed with it via the finger, drives them in rotation.

During this rotation, the radial stop (920) of each indexing disc meets the radial stop (720) of the sleeve (510) of the associated coding assembly, and at this time causes the latter to rotation, whatever the previous position of the radial stop (720) of the sleeve.

The radial stops (920, 720) of the indexing disc and of the sleeve being angularly aligned with the rotary connecting pin of the indexing disc and the coding lug (721) of the sleeve respectively, as soon as the radial stop (920) of the indexing disc meets the radial stop (720) of the sleeve the coding lug (720) of the sleeve is aligned with the groove (610) of the indexing axis.

Returning to FIGS. 5 and 9, the indexing disc and the sleeve each have two radial stops offset axially and angularly. Thus, the rotational connection between the indexing disc and the sleeve always respects the alignment of the lug and the tenon whatever the direction of rotation of the coding wheel during the reset operation.

Thus, at the end of this maneuver, the coding wheels are at 000 and the coding pins (721) of the sleeves (510) are aligned with the groove (610).

The fork (450) is then released, the indexing discs return to the axial position of FIG. 10A under the effect of the return spring (415, FIG. 4, not shown in this FIG. 10) as well as the sleeves (510) which return to mesh with the coding wheels.

The coding wheels do not move axially during this whole operation because they are retained by the housing. Also, the return to position of the indexing disc (420) frees the rotating link between the latter and the coding wheel.

Thus, at the end of this maneuver, according to this embodiment, the coding wheels are in the position 000 and the coding pins (721) of the sleeves (510) are aligned with the groove (610) of the ejection axis.

The unlock code is reset to 000, and from this code the user can enter a new code by performing the code change procedure as described above.

Way (s) of Carrying Out the Invention [0143] Figure 11, according to another exemplary embodiment, the coding wheel, on the initialization disc side, comprises not a simple arrangement but a toothed crown (1102) capable of meshing with the finger of the indexing disc, whatever the sign displayed by the coding wheel.

The same result is obtained according to this embodiment, if the initialization disc and the coding wheel are both provided with a toothed crown.

According to this embodiment, the stop block in translation of the sleeve and the second groove of the ejection axis in line with each coding assembly are no longer necessary.

[0146] According to this embodiment, the code can be reset to any combination, so that the code change button is no longer necessary.

The reset procedure, which according to this embodiment is also the code change procedure is in all respects similar to that of the embodiment presented previously.

Thus, to reset the code or make a code change according to this embodiment, the user must access the reset button accessible only inside the luggage.

The user begins by displaying any combination using the coding wheels. The combination displayed will become the new lock code.

The combination being displayed, the user actuates the reset button, which has the effect of pushing the indexing discs in contact with the coding wheels.

This time the coding wheel comprising the disc side, no longer a simple arrangement, but a toothed crown whose housings correspond to the different signs displayed by the coding wheel, then, whatever the angular position of the wheel coding, the finger of the indexing disc meshes with the dial in one of said housings.

The procedure is then the same. The user performs a full turn using one of the knobs, after this complete turn the combination initially chosen is displayed again while the lugs of the sleeves are aligned with the groove of the ejection axis.

Thus, the code is reset to the combination initially displayed, which becomes the new unlock code, regardless of this combination. Thus, it is no longer necessary, according to this embodiment, to know a valid combination to effect a code change, it suffices to reset the lock to the desired combination.

Of course, the two embodiments can be combined. In this case, the knurls comprise, as for this second embodiment, a toothed crown (1102) on the disc side, on the other hand, the stop in translation of the sleeve, the second groove of the ejection axis and the button code changes are retained.

This embodiment allows the code to be reset to any value as described above, if the user has access to the initialization button inside the suitcase, and to perform in change code starting from a known valid code, using the code change button on the outside of the case for this purpose.

Claims (1)

claims [Claim 1] Mechanical combination locking device comprising a plurality of rotary coding wheels (151, 152, 153), said device being locked by default, and unlockable by a unique combination of position of the coding wheels, called a valid combination, the device comprising a grooved ejection axis (400) and sleeves (410) comprising a coding lug (721), capable of sliding in a groove (610) of the ejection axis, the sleeves and coding wheels being centered by relative to the ejection axis, said sleeves being linked in rotation to the coding wheels by a disengageable link (701, 501), characterized in that it comprises means (450, 451, 420) for resetting the single combination to a defined value regardless of the previously defined valid combination. [Claim 2] Device according to claim 1, in which the reset means (450, 451, 420) are configured to reset the code to a predefined fixed configuration and the device object of the invention comprises a code change means (159) acting on the ejection axis (400), to modify a valid combination after it has been displayed using the coding wheels. [Claim 3] The device of claim 1, wherein the reset means (450, 451, 420) is configured to reset the code to any combination regardless of the previous valid code. [Claim 4] Device according to claim 1, in which the reinitialization means comprise, for each coding wheel, an initialization disc (420) centered on the ejection axis (400) and linked in rotation thereto by a tenon (901) entering the groove (610) of the ejection axis, movable in translation relative to said ejection axis, means, known as fork (450), for moving in translation the initialization disc along the ejection axis, the initialization disc comprising means (902) such that when it is pushed by the fork against the wheel (151, 152, 153), it meshes the coding wheel binding it in rotation with the latter and it separates the sleeve (410) from the coding wheel by disengaging the rotational connection between the wheel and the sleeve, said initialization disc comprising a first stop (920), called radial stop, aligned at an angle defined with the post (901), configured to enter c ontact with a first radial stop (720) corresponding to the sleeve, said stop (720) of the sleeve (410) being angularly aligned with the coding lug (721) of said sleeve at the same defined angle, the initialization disc and the sleeve being linked in rotation when their respective radial stops (920, 720) come into contact with one of the 'other. [Claim 5] Device according to claim 4, in which the initialization disc and the sleeve each comprise a second radial stop (720, 920), axially and angularly offset with respect to the first radial stop of the same values on the disc and on the sleeve. [Claim 6] Device according to claim 2, in which the means for engaging the disc and the wheel comprise an indexing finger (902) linked to the disc and a housing (502) for said finger linked to the wheel, the housing and the finger. being aligned when the dial is in a predefined position. [Claim 7] Device according to claim 3, in which the means for engaging the disc and the wheel comprise on the disc, the wheel or both a toothed ring (1102) so that the initialization disc is able to mesh with the wheel regardless of its position. [Claim 8] Luggage element, in particular a suitcase (100), comprising a locking device according to claim 1, said locking device comprising a reset button (451), said button being accessible only inside the suitcase. [Claim 9] Luggage element according to claim 8, comprising a locking device according to claim 3, in which the reset button (451) acts on the fork (450). [Claim 10] Luggage element according to claim 8, comprising a zipper (110) extending between two compartments (101, 102) of the luggage, and comprising two sliders (111, 112), the locking device now in the locked position, the ends (225) of the pulls (115, 116) of said sliders in locking means. [Claim 11] Luggage element according to claim 10, in which the default locked configuration of the locking device prevents the introduction of the ends (225) of the zippers in the locking means in the absence of the display of a valid combination, by means of the coding wheels (151, 152, 153). 1/7