FR3133874A1 - System for locking a moving part to a fixed part of a vehicle, and corresponding vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

System for locking a moving part to a fixed part of a vehicle, and corresponding vehicle The locking system (7) comprises: - at least one lock (15) having a locking position of the moving part (5) and a release position of the moving part (5); - a kinematic chain (17) allowing the movement of one or each lock (15); - at least one return member (25), returning the or each lock (15) to the locking position or the release position; the or each return member (25) having a first point (27) fixed to one of the moving part (5) or the fixed part (3), a second point (29) fixed to an element of the chain kinematic (17), and an elastically deformable part (31); the or each return member (25) having at least one damping zone (37, 39) made of a deformable material, resting against a stop (35) when the lock (15) is in one of the position of locking or the release position, the at least one damping zone (37, 39) being spaced from the stop (35) when the lock (15) is in the other of the locking position or the release position. release. Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

System for locking a moving part to a fixed part of a vehicle, and corresponding vehicle

The present invention generally relates to the locking of a moving part to a fixed part on board a vehicle.

A motor vehicle typically includes a glove box, with a receptacle having an opening and a shutter for closing the opening. The shutter is locked relative to the receptacle using a lock movable via a control member. A return member returns the lock to its shutter locking position. This return member is typically a spiral metal spring.

The locking system may include a foam block arranged along the spiral spring, intended to prevent noise and vibrations generated by the spiral spring when it is actuated.

Furthermore, an elastomer stop, for example EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) is provided on the interior face of the shutter. It cushions the movement of the lock when it returns to the locking position under the effect of the force exerted by the return member.

The locking system thus comprises a significant number of parts. As a result, it is complex and presents a significant manufacturing cost. Assembly is also complex, due to the fact that several parts must be assembled on board the vehicle.

In this context, the invention aims to propose a system for locking a moving part to a fixed part of a vehicle which is of simpler design.

To this end, the invention relates to a system for locking a moving part to a fixed part of a vehicle, the locking system comprising:

- at least one lock having a locking position in which the moving part is locked in position relative to the fixed part, and a release position in which the moving part is movable relative to the fixed part;

- a kinematic chain allowing the movement of one or each lock in one of the locking position or the release position;

- at least one return member, returning the or each lock to the other from the locking position or the release position;

the or each return member having a first point fixed to one of the moving part or the fixed part, a second point fixed to an element of the kinematic chain, and an elastically deformable part connecting the first point to the second point;

said one of the moving part or the fixed part or said element of the kinematic chain carrying a stop;

the or each return member having at least one damping zone made of a deformable material, resting against the stop when the lock is in said other of the locking position or the release position, the at least one zone d 'damping being moved away from the stop when the lock is in said one of the locking position or the release position.

Thus, it is the return member itself which provides the damping function when the lock returns to its starting position under the effect of the force exerted by the return member. The design of the locking system is therefore simplified.

The locking system has a smaller number of elements, and its manufacturing cost is reduced.

Installation on board the vehicle is also simpler.

The locking system may also have one or more of the characteristics below, considered individually or in any technically possible combination:

- the at least one damping zone comprises two damping zones made of a deformable material, pinching the stop between them when the lock is in said other of the locking position or the release position, one of the two damping zones being moved away from the stop when the lock is in said one of the locking position or the release position;

- the entire deformable part is in said deformable material, the at least one damping zone belonging to the deformable part;

- the return member is entirely made up of said deformable material;

- said deformable material is chosen from the following list: EPDM, natural rubbers (NR) called polyisoprenoids, synthetic rubbers such as Styrene Butadiene (BSR) or hydrogenated nitriles (HNBR) or Fluoroelastomer (FKM), silicone;

- the deformable part of the return member has a closed contour;

- the deformable part has a closed contour around a geometric center when the lock is in said other of the locking position or the release position, the two damping zones being located at opposite points of the deformable part by relation to the geometric center;

- the fixed part is a receptacle having an opening, and the moving part is a shutter for closing the opening; And

- the kinematic chain comprises an arm, one end of which defines the lock, the first point of the return member being fixed to the moving part, the second point of the return member being fixed to the arm.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a fixed part, a movable part relative to the fixed part and a system for locking the movable part to the fixed part having the above characteristics.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description given below, for information only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures, among which:

There is a simplified schematic representation of a vehicle equipped with a glove box;

There is a simplified schematic representation of the glove box of the ;

There perspective view of part of the glove box of the , showing the lock of the invention;

There is a schematic front view of the stop and the locking return member of the , when the return member is at rest, that is to say when the lock occupies its locking position; And

There is a view similar to that of the , when the return member is deformed, that is to say when the lock occupies its release position.

The vehicle shown schematically on the is typically a motor vehicle, for example a car, truck, bus, etc.

Alternatively, this vehicle is a train, an airplane or any other suitable vehicle.

The motor vehicle 1 comprises a fixed part 3, a part 5 movable relative to the fixed part 3, and a locking system 7 of the movable part 5 to the fixed part 3.

The fixed part 3 is for example the receptacle of a glove box, as illustrated schematically on the .

This receptacle has an opening 9 through which a user can place objects inside the receptacle 3 or extract them ( ).

In this case, the moving part 5 is typically a shutter for closing the opening 9.

The movable part 5 is linked to the fixed part 3 by a connection 11 configured so that the movable part 5 can be moved between a position of closing the opening 9 and a position of releasing the opening 9 ( ).

The connection 11 is for example a pivot connection.

Alternatively, the fixed part is not the receptacle of a glove box but is another receptacle provided on board the vehicle, the movable part being in this case a flap making it possible to close or clear an access opening to the receptacle.

According to yet another variant, the moving part is not a shutter. The moving part is for example a cover, or a retractable structure, or any other suitable part.

In this case, the fixed part is a structural element of the vehicle cabin.

As illustrated on the , and partially on the , the locking system 7 includes:

- a control member 13;

- a lock 15 having a locking position in which the moving part 5 is locked in position relative to the fixed part 3, and a release position in which the moving part 5 is movable relative to the fixed part 3;

- a kinematic chain 17 allowing the movement of the lock 15 in one of the locking position or the release position.

Typically, the locking system 7 comprises a control member 13.

The kinematic chain 17 transmits a movement of the control member 13 to the lock 15, the movement of the control member 13 driving the lock 15 in one of the locking position or the release position.

In the example shown, the locking system 7 is mounted on the moving part 5.

Alternatively, the locking system 7 is mounted on the fixed part 3.

The control member 13 can be moved relative to the moving part 5.

For example, it is designed to be moved manually by a vehicle passenger. It is mounted on an external surface of the moving part.

The control member 13 is in this case a pivoting pallet relative to the moving part 5, or a button movable in rotation relative to the moving part 5, or any other type of control member.

Alternatively, the control member 13 is moved by an electric motor.

In the example shown, the locking system 7 comprises two locks 15, located transversely on the two opposite sides of the moving part 5. The kinematic chain 17 transmits the movement of the control member 13 to the two locks 15.

Alternatively, the locking system 7 comprises a single lock 15.

The fixed part 3 comprises for the or each lock 15 a housing 19 in which said lock 15 is engaged in the locking position. The kinematic chain 17 moves the or each lock 15 relative to the moving part 5 in the example shown.

This movement is here substantially transverse.

For example, the kinematic chain 17 comprises for the or each lock 15 an arm 21, the lock 15 constituting one end of the arm 21.

The arm 21 has a substantially transverse orientation.

The kinematic chain 17 also includes a rotating member 23 driven in rotation by the control member 13.

The rotating member 23 is mounted on the internal surface 24 of the movable part 5 and is linked to the end of the arm 21 opposite the lock 15. The connection between the rotating member 23 and the arm 21 is configured so that the rotation of the member 23 relative to the movable part 5 causes a movement of the arm 21 relative to the movable part 5, substantially transversely, in the direction of extraction of the lock 15 from the housing 19.

The connection is of any type: connection by cam and counter-cam, by an eccentric, by a toothed wheel cooperating with a rack, etc.

Thus, the movement of the control member 13 brings the or each lock 15 into its release position.

The locking system 7 further comprises, for the or each lock 15, a return member 25, returning the lock 15 to its locking position.

The return organs are all identical.

As visible in the figures, the or each return member 25 has a first point 27 fixed to the moving part 5. The return member 25 also has a second point 29 fixed to an element of the kinematic chain 17.

In the example shown, the first point 27 is fixed on the internal surface 24 of the moving part 5.

The second point 29 is fixed to the arm 21.

The return member 25 also includes an elastically deformable part 31 connecting the first point 27 to the second point 29.

The element of the kinematic chain 17 to which the second point 29 is fixed also carries a stop 35, visible in Figures 3 to 5.

The return member 25 comprises at least one damping zone 37 made of a deformable material, bearing against the stop 35 when the lock 15 is in its locking position (Figures 3 and 4), the damping zone 37 being away from the stop 35 when the lock 15 is in the release position (see ).

In the example shown, the at least one damping zone comprises two damping zones 37, 39 made of a deformable material, pinching the stop 35 between them when the lock 15 is in its locking position.

The damping zone 37 is moved away from the stop 35 when the lock 15 is in its release position ( ).

The damping zone 39, on the other hand, constantly rests against the stop 35.

As visible on the , the stop 35 is a transverse rib, formed on the arm 21.

Advantageously, the deformable part 31 of the return member has a closed contour. It extends in a plane containing the transverse direction.

The stop 35 is housed inside the deformable part 31 with a closed contour.

On the , the shape of the deformable part 31 with a closed contour is represented when the lock 15 is in its locking position, that is to say at rest. The deformable part 31 with a closed contour has a geometric center C. We see that the two damping zones 37, 39 are located at opposite points of the deformable part 31 with respect to the geometric center C.

The two damping zones 37, 39 are aligned in the direction D of movement of the second point 29 relative to the first point 27 when the lock 15 moves from its locking position to its release position and vice versa.

This direction of movement D is substantially transverse in the example shown.

The first point 27 is a block connected to the damping zone 37 by a material bridge 41. As visible in the , the bridge of material 41 is engaged in a recessed relief 43 formed in a rib 45 formed on the movable or fixed part 5. The rib 45 extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement D, and is engaged between the first fixing point 27 and the deformable part 31.

The second point 29 is also a block connected by a bridge of material 43 to the damping zone 39. The block constituting the second point 29 is housed in an orifice 49 formed in a rib 51 formed on the arm 21. The block is rigidly fixed to the rib 51, by any suitable means.

The deformable material constituting the damping zones 37 and 39 is chosen from the following list: EPDM, natural rubbers (NR) called polyisoprenoids, synthetic rubbers such as Styrene Butadiene (BSR) or hydrogenated nitriles (HNBR) or Fluoroelastomer (FKM ), silicone.

Preferably, the entire deformable part 31 is in said deformable material.

Advantageously, the return member 25 is entirely made up of said deformable material.

The operation of the locking system 7 will now be detailed.

In the position shown in Figures 2 and 3, the or each lock 15 is in its locking position.

It is engaged in the corresponding housing 19.

It is returned to this locking position by the corresponding return member 25.

In this situation, the return member 25 has the shape illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. In particular, the two damping zones 37 and 39 are in contact against the stop 35.

The moving part 5 is then locked in position relative to the fixed part 3.

To move the moving part 5 relative to the fixed part 3, a user moves the control member 13 or activates an automatic control.

The kinematic chain 17 transmits the movement of the control member 13 to or to each lock 15.

The kinematic chain 17 moves the or each lock 15 from the locking position to the release position.

More precisely, the movement of the control member 13 causes the rotating part 23 to rotate, the latter moving the or each lever 21 transversely.

The lock 15, due to the movement of the arm 21, is moved out of the housing 19.

Under the effect of the movement of the arm 21, the second point 29 is moved according to the direction of movement D shown on the relative to the first point 27. It is moved in the direction of a spacing, that is to say an increase in the distance separating the points 27 and 29 from one another following the direction of movement D.

As a result, the deformable part 31 deforms by extending in the direction of movement D.

In the example shown, the deformable part 31 at rest, that is to say in the locking position of the lock 15, has a so-called race track shape elongated perpendicular to the direction of movement D. When the lock 15 is in its release position, the deformable part 31 has the shape of a television screen, elongated in the direction of movement D, as visible on the .

Due to the movement of the second point 29, the damping zone 37 is moved away from the stop 35. On the contrary, the damping zone 39 remains in contact with the stop 35, due to the fact that this stop is formed on the arm 21 and moves with arm 21.

The user can then move the moving part 5 relative to the fixed part 3, for example opening the glove box of the vehicle by moving the flap.

When the user releases the control member 13, the kinematic chain 17 no longer exerts a bias to move the second fixing point 29 away from the first fixing point 27. The return member 25 biases the lock 15 towards its position locking.

To do this, the deformable part 31 of the return member, which has a shape memory, returns to its initial shape, shown on the . This tends to bring the first and second attachment points 27, 29 closer to each other. More precisely, the first fixing point 27 rests against the rib 45 and cannot move in the direction of movement D towards the right in the representation of the . As a result, it is the second fixing point 29 which moves towards the first fixing point 27, taking the arm 21 with it. The movement is interrupted when the stop 35 comes into contact with the damping zone 37.

The lock 15 then reaches its locking position.

Due to the fact that the damping zone 37 is made of a deformable material, the arrival of the stop 35 against the damping zone occurs without noise.

Furthermore, due to the fact that the zones of the return member 25 in contact with the stop 35, namely the damping zones 37 and 39, are in deformable materials, the vibrations and relative movements of the return member return 25 relative to the stop 35 do not generate parasitic noise or vibration.

The invention may have multiple variants, some of which will be described below.

The kinematic chain, alternatively, is different from that described above. It may include different return members between the control member and the lock. For example, the one-piece arm 21 can be replaced by several arms connected by links or references. The second attachment point in this case is connected to one of the arms, or to the link, or to any other suitable element of the kinematic chain.

The stop 35 is not necessarily formed on the element of the kinematic chain to which the second fixing point 29 is connected. Alternatively, the stop 35 is carried by the moving part 5. In this case, it is the zone damping 39 which is moved away from the stop 35 when the lock 15 is in its release position.

According to yet another variant, the return member 25, in the locking position of the lock, has only one damping zone in contact with the stop 35. In the example of embodiment of the , with a stop 35 carried by the element of the kinematic chain to which the second fixing point 29 is fixed, only the damping zone 37 would be in contact with the stop 35. The zone 39 would be permanently separated from the stop 35 If the stop 35 is formed on the moving part 5, then the zone 37 is permanently spaced from the stop 35, and the damping zone 39 comes into contact with the stop 35 in the locking position of the lock.

According to another alternative embodiment, the kinematic chain 17 moves the lock 15 from the release position to the locking position, and the return member 25 returns the lock to its release position. The cushioning zone is in contact with the stop in the lock release position and is spaced away from the stop in the lock position.

According to yet another variant, the locking system 7 is mounted on the fixed part 3, and not on the moving part 5. In this case, the lock 15 moves relative to the fixed part 3 between its locking position and its release position. The control member 13 is then typically mounted on the fixed part 3. The stop 35 is formed either on the fixed part 3, or on the element of the kinematic chain 17 to which the second fixing point 29 is connected. The first fixing point 27 is connected to the fixed part. In this embodiment, the housing 19 is carried by the moving part.

The deformable part 31 of the return member does not necessarily have a closed contour. For example, this part alternately has a U shape, open downwards or upwards.

The return member 25 is not necessarily entirely in the deformable material. For example, only the deformable part 31 is in the deformable material, the first and second attachment points 27, 29 being in a rigid material.

The different variants which have been described above can be implemented individually or combined with each other.

The invention has multiple advantages.

When the return member has two damping zones in contact with the stop in the locking position or the release position of the lock, the position of this lock is particularly stable. Parasitic noise generated by possible vibrations is reduced to a minimum.

When the entire deformable part is in said deformable material, the manufacture of the deformable part is particularly simple.

When the return member is entirely made up of said deformable material, the manufacture of this return member is particularly simple.

When the deformable material is chosen from the following list - EPDM, natural rubbers (NR) called polyisoprenoids, synthetic rubbers such as Styrene Butadiene (BSR) or hydrogenated nitriles (HNBR) or Fluoroelastomer (FKM), silicone - the damping of the movement of the bolt is carried out in a particularly efficient manner, and parasitic noise is reduced to a particularly low level.

When the deformable part of the return member has a closed contour, the transmission of forces in the deformable part is balanced, and the deformation of the return member is regular. It is easier to control the contacting of the damping zone(s) with the stop.

The fact that the two damping zones are located at opposite points of the deformable part relative to the geometric center also contributes to allowing satisfactory control of the contacting of the damping zone(s) with the stop.

The invention is particularly well suited to the case where the fixed part is a receptacle having an opening, and the moving part a shutter for closing the opening.

The invention is particularly easy to adapt to the case where the kinematic chain comprises an arm, one end of which defines the lock, the first point of the return member being fixed to the shutter, the second point of the return member being fixed to the arm.

Claims (10)

System for locking a moving part (5) to a fixed part (3) of a vehicle, the locking system (7) comprising:;
- at least one lock (15) having a locking position in which the moving part (5) is locked in position relative to the fixed part (3), and a release position in which the moving part (5) is movable relative to the fixed part (3);
- a kinematic chain (17) allowing the movement of one or each lock (15) in one of the locking position or the release position;
- at least one return member (25), returning the or each lock (15) to the other from the locking position or the release position;
the or each return member (25) having a first point (27) fixed to one of the moving part (5) or the fixed part (3), a second point (29) fixed to an element of the chain kinematic (17), and an elastically deformable part (31) connecting the first point (27) to the second point (29);
said one of the moving part (5) or the fixed part (5) or said element of the kinematic chain (17) carrying a stop (35);
the or each return member (25) having at least one damping zone (37, 39) made of a deformable material, resting against the stop (35) when the lock (15) is in said other locking position or the release position, the at least one damping zone (37, 39) being spaced from the stop (35) when the lock (15) is in said one of the locking position or the release position . Locking system according to claim 1, in which the at least one damping zone comprises two damping zones (37, 39) made of a deformable material, pinching the stop (35) between them when the lock (15) is in said other of the locking position or the release position, one of the two damping zones (37, 39) being spaced from the stop (35) when the lock (15) is in said one of the position lock or release position. Locking system according to claim 1 or 2, in which the entire deformable part (31) is in said deformable material, the at least one damping zone (37, 39) belonging to the deformable part (31). Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the return member (25) is entirely made of said deformable material. Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which said deformable material is chosen from the following list: EPDM, natural rubbers (NR) called polyisoprenoids, synthetic rubbers such as Styrene Butadiene (BSR) or hydrogenated nitriles (HNBR) or Fluoroelastomer (FKM), silicone. Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the deformable part (31) of the return member (25) has a closed contour. Locking system according to claim 6 combined with claim 2, in which the deformable part (31) has a closed contour around a geometric center (C) when the lock (15) is in said other locking position or from the release position, the two damping zones (37, 39) being located at opposite points of the deformable part (31) relative to the geometric center (C). Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the fixed part (3) is a receptacle having an opening (9), and the movable part (5) is a shutter for closing the opening ( 9). Locking system according to claim 8, in which the kinematic chain (17) comprises an arm (21) one end of which defines the lock (15), the first point (27) of the return member (25) being fixed to the moving part (5), the second point (29) of the return member (25) being fixed to the arm (21). Motor vehicle comprising a fixed part (3), a part (5) movable relative to the fixed part (3), and a locking system (7) of the movable part (5) to the fixed part (3) according to the any of claims 1 to 9.