FR3134836A1 - Bolt mechanism actuation system - Google Patents

Abstract

Actuation system for a bolt mechanism This actuation system comprises: - a differential (80; 200) equipped with: - a first input shaft (82) mechanically connected to a shaft (48) of a electric motor (30), - a second input shaft (84) mechanically connected to a member (46) for unlocking an emergency device (32), - an output shaft (70) capable of moving a bolt mechanism (10) from its protruding state to its retracted state when it is rotated, this output shaft being mechanically in permanent engagement with the first and second input shafts, - a first device (90 ) immobilization capable of blocking the rotation of the first input shaft while the second input shaft is rotated, and - a second immobilization device (92) capable of blocking the rotation of the second input shaft while the first input shaft is rotated. Fig. 2

Description

Bolt mechanism actuation system

The invention relates to a system for actuating a bolt mechanism. The invention also relates to a door strip comprising this actuation system as well as an assembly for producing this actuation system.

Actuation systems are used in locks and, in particular, in electronic door locks. The actuation systems allow the bolt mechanism to be moved between a protruding state and a retracted state. In the protruding state, the bolts of the bolt mechanism are in an extended position in which they lock the door in a closed position by formal cooperation with a door frame. In the retracted state, the bolts are in a retracted position in which the door can be freely moved from its closed position to its open position.

Known actuation systems include in particular an electric motor which allows, when an unlocking command is received,
to automatically move the bolt mechanism from its protruding state to its retracted state. These known actuation systems also include a mechanical cylinder to be able to open the door even in the event of failure of the electric motor.

Thus, these actuation systems include a coupling mechanism which mechanically connects the bolt mechanism:
- to the electric motor shaft to move it to its retracted state using the electric motor, and alternately.
- to the mechanical cylinder to move it to its retracted state using an authorized key turned inside the mechanical cylinder.

Examples of such coupling mechanisms are described in applications WO0188315A1 and EP3196388A1. In these coupling mechanisms, a moving part is moved in translation to connect the bolt mechanism to the electric motor shaft and, alternately, to the mechanical cylinder. These coupling mechanisms also generally include at least one spring which makes it possible to automatically return the coupling mechanism to a position where the bolt mechanism is mechanically connected to the shaft of the electric motor.

These coupling mechanisms are complex and not very robust. The invention aims to remedy this drawback by proposing a system for actuating a bolt mechanism provided with a more robust and less complex coupling mechanism.

Its purpose is therefore a system for actuating a bolt mechanism capable of being moved:
- from a protruding state in which at least one bolt is in an extended position in which it locks a door in a closed position by formal cooperation with a corresponding cavity secured to a door frame,
- towards a retracted state in which each bolt is in a retracted position in which the door can freely be moved from its closed position to an open position,
this actuation system comprising for this purpose:
- an electric motor equipped with a drive shaft capable of moving the bolt mechanism between its protruding and retracted states,
- a control unit capable of receiving a command to unlock the door and, in response, of controlling the electric motor to rotate its shaft in a direction which moves the bolt mechanism towards its retracted state,
- an emergency device allowing the bolt mechanism to be moved in its retracted state in the event of unavailability of the electric motor, this emergency device comprising:
- an unlocking member capable of moving the bolt mechanism in its retracted state when it is driven in movement, and
- an access authorization mechanism capable of authorizing the movement of the unlocking member only when a key authorized to open this door is used,
- a suitable coupling mechanism:
- to transmit the movement of the unlocking member to the bolt mechanism to move it from its protruding state to its retracted state, and alternately,
- to transmit the rotational movement of the drive shaft of the electric motor to the bolt mechanism to move it from its protruding state to its retracted state,
in which the coupling mechanism comprises:
- a differential equipped:
- a first input shaft mechanically connected to the shaft of the electric motor to be driven in rotation by this shaft of the motor,
- a second input shaft mechanically connected to the unlocking member to be rotated by the movement of this unlocking member,
- an output shaft capable of moving the bolt mechanism from its protruding state to its retracted state when it is rotated, this output shaft being mechanically permanently engaged with the first and second input shafts,
- a first immobilizing device capable of blocking the rotation of the first input shaft while the second input shaft is rotated by the movement of the unlocking member, and
- a second immobilizing device capable of blocking the rotation of the second input shaft while the first input shaft is rotated by the motor shaft.

Embodiments of this system may include one or more of the following characteristics:
1)
- the coupling mechanism comprises a mechanical connection capable of rotating the second input shaft from the movement of the unlocking member, this mechanical connection containing a Maltese cross mechanism, this Maltese cross mechanism comprising:
- a driving wheel driven in rotation by the movement of the locking member,
- a finger secured to the driving wheel, this finger being eccentric in relation to the axis of rotation of the driving wheel, and
- a Maltese cross rotating the second input shaft, this Maltese cross comprising radial grooves each capable of receiving the finger to rotate the Maltese cross when the driving wheel rotates around its axis of rotation, and
- the second immobilization device comprises:
- a stop integral with the driving wheel, this stop comprising a convex cylindrical face whose directing curve is an arc of a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the driving wheel, and
- concave faces (142) between each of the grooves of the Maltese cross whose radii of curvature are identical to that of the convex cylindrical face, each of these concave faces being able to fit in turn on the face cylindrical to block the rotation of the Maltese cross as long as the finger is outside the radial grooves.
2)
- the access authorization mechanism is able to block the movement of the unlocking member as long as a key authorized to open the door is not used, and
- the coupling mechanism comprises a mechanical connection capable of rotating the second input shaft from the movement of the unlocking member, and
- the second immobilization device is integrated into this mechanical connection so that it is independent of the access authorization mechanism.
3)
- the emergency device is an emergency cylinder comprising:
- a rotor equipped with a key channel, this rotor being movable in rotation only when a key authorized to open the door is present in the key channel,
- a fixed stator inside which the rotor is rotatably mounted,
- the unlocking member is a bit driven in rotation by the rotation of the rotor,
- the coupling mechanism includes:
- a mechanical connection which mechanically connects the bit to the second input shaft, and
- an electronic blocking device capable of blocking the rotation of the second input shaft in response to receipt of a locking command, this electronic blocking device being integrated into the mechanical connection so that it is entirely located at the exterior of the emergency cylinder.
4) The electronic blocking device includes:
- a stopper movable between:
- an active position in which the stopper blocks the movement of the second input shaft even when the key authorized to open the door is used, and
- an inactive position in which the stopper authorizes the rotation of the second input shaft by the movement of the unlocking member when the key authorized to open the door is used,
- a controllable electric actuator capable of moving the stopper from its inactive position to its active position, and
- the control unit is able to receive the locking command from the emergency device and, in response, to control the electric actuator to move the stopper from its inactive position to its active position.
5) The control unit comprises a wireless receiver capable of receiving the locking command via a long-distance wireless network for transmitting information.
6) The first immobilizer comprises a reduction stage mechanically connected between the shaft of the electric motor and the first input shaft of the differential to reduce the rotational speed of the first input shaft relative to the rotational speed of the electric motor shaft.
7) The first immobilization device comprises:
- an endless screw driven in rotation by the shaft of the electric motor around an axis of rotation, and
- a toothed ring meshed with the endless screw and mounted to rotate around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the endless screw.
8) The differential includes:
- an external toothed ring,
- a sun wheel located inside the toothed ring whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of rotation of the toothed ring,
- at least one satellite meshed with both the sun wheel and the gear ring and whose axis of rotation is parallel to the axis of rotation of the gear ring, and
- a satellite carrier on which the satellite is mounted free to rotate and whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of rotation of the toothed ring,
the first and second input shafts and the output shaft being fixed, without any degree of rotational freedom, to the respective one of the ring gear, the sun gear and the planet carrier.
9)
- the system comprises a Maltese cross mechanism capable of transmitting the movement of the unlocking member to the second input shaft of the differential, this Maltese cross mechanism comprising:
- a driving wheel rotated around an axis of rotation by the movement of the unlocking member,
- a finger secured to the driving wheel, this finger being eccentric in relation to the axis of rotation of the driving wheel, and
- a Maltese cross rotating the second input shaft, this Maltese cross comprising radial grooves each capable of receiving the finger to rotate the Maltese cross when the driving wheel rotates around its axis of rotation, and
- the satellite is mounted to rotate freely on the Maltese cross so that the Maltese cross of the Maltese cross mechanism and the satellite carrier of the differential constitute one and the same part.
10) The emergency device is a mechanical cylinder without an electronic component.

The invention also relates to a door strip comprising:
- a bolt mechanism movable between:
- a protruding state in which at least one bolt is in an extended position in which it locks a door in a closed position by formal cooperation with a corresponding cavity secured to a door frame, and
- a retracted state in which each bolt is in a retracted position in which the door can freely be moved from its closed position to an open position,
- the above system for actuating the bolt mechanism.

The invention also relates to an assembly for producing the above actuation system, this assembly comprising:
- an electric motor equipped with a drive shaft capable of moving the bolt mechanism between its protruding and retracted states,
- a control unit capable of receiving a command to unlock the door and, in response, of controlling the electric motor to rotate its shaft in a direction which moves the bolt mechanism towards its retracted state,
- a housing capable of receiving the emergency device capable of moving the bolt mechanism in its retracted state in the event of unavailability of the electric motor, this emergency device comprising:
- an unlocking member capable of moving the bolt mechanism in its retracted state when it is driven in movement, and
- an access authorization mechanism capable of authorizing the movement of the unlocking member only when a key authorized to open this door is used,
- a suitable coupling mechanism:
- to transmit the movement of the unlocking member to the bolt mechanism to move it from its protruding state to its retracted state, and alternately,
- to transmit the rotational movement of the drive shaft of the electric motor to the bolt mechanism to move it from its protruding state to its retracted state,
in which the coupling mechanism comprises:
- a differential equipped:
- a first input shaft mechanically connected to the shaft of the electric motor to be driven in rotation by this shaft of the motor,
- a second input shaft capable of being mechanically connected to the unlocking member to be rotated by the movement of this unlocking member,
- an output shaft capable of moving the bolt mechanism from its protruding state to its retracted state when it is rotated, this output shaft being mechanically permanently engaged with the first and second input shafts, And
- a first immobilizing device capable of blocking the rotation of the first input shaft while the second input shaft is rotated by the movement of the unlocking member, and
- a second immobilizing device capable of blocking the rotation of the second input shaft while the first input shaft is rotated by the motor shaft.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:
- there is a schematic and perspective illustration of a door equipped with a door strip,
- there is a schematic illustration of the architecture of the door strip of the ;
- there is a schematic illustration of a mechanical connection between the shaft of an electric motor and an input shaft of a differential, implemented in the door strip of the ;
- there is a schematic illustration, in perspective, of a mechanical connection between a mechanical cylinder and an input shaft of a differential, implemented in the door strip of the ;
- Figures 5, 6 and 7 are illustrations in front view of the mechanical connection of the in different operating states;
- there is a schematic illustration of part of a differential implemented in the headband of the ;
- there is a schematic illustration of the architecture of another possible embodiment for the differential of the headband of the .

In the remainder of this description, the characteristics and functions well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail. In these figures,
the same references are used to designate the same elements.

In this description, detailed examples of embodiments are first described in chapter I with reference to the figures. Then, in Chapter II, variants of these embodiments are presented.
Finally, the advantages of the different embodiments are introduced in chapter III.

CHAPTER I: EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT MODES

There represents a door 2 of a dwelling. This door 2 can be moved between an open position, shown on the , and a closed position. In the open position, access to the interior of the housing is possible.
In the closed position, access to the interior of this housing is prohibited.

To lock door 2 in its closed position, an electronic lock is fixed without any degree of freedom on door 2. Here, this electronic lock is a multi-point door strip 4 mounted on the interior side of door 2.

This strip 4 is in the form of a housing 6 inside which a bolt mechanism 10 is housed ( ) and a system 12 ( ) for actuating the mechanism 10. Here, the strip 4 also includes a handle 14 which allows the door 2 to be moved between its open and closed positions. The housing 6 is here fixed along the vertical edge of the door 2 located on the side opposite the hinges.

The bolt mechanism 10 includes bolts. Each of these bolts can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, each bolt is received in a corresponding cavity arranged in a frame or a frame 14 fixed without any degree of freedom on the frame, to lock the door 2 in its closed position. In its retracted position, each bolt is pressed inside the housing 6 and located outside the cavity provided in the frame 14. Thus, when all the bolts are in their retracted position, the door 2 can freely be moved from its position. closed position to its open position.

On the , four bolts 20 are shown in their extended position to make them more visible even if the door 2 is in its open position. For example, each bolt 20 is a cylindrical bar movable in translation between its extended and retracted positions.

The actuation system 12 makes it possible to move the mechanism 10 from a protruding state to a retracted state and vice versa. In the protruding state, at least one bolt 20 is in its extended position. Here, in the protruding state, all the bolts 20 are in their extended position. In the retracted state, all the bolts 20 are in their retracted position. For this purpose, for example, the system 12 comprises a toothed wheel meshed with a rack of the bolt mechanism 10. When this toothed wheel turns, in a first direction, this moves the mechanism 10 from its protruding state to its retracted state. When this same toothed wheel turns in the opposite direction, this moves the mechanism 10 from the retracted state to its protruding state.

The operation of the system 12 to move the mechanism 10 from its retracted state to its protruding state can be deduced from the explanations given in the case where the system 12 is used to move the mechanism 10 from its protruding state to its retracted state. Thus, subsequently, the description is mainly made in the case where the system 12 is used to move the mechanism 10 to its retracted state.

To move the mechanism 10 between its protruding and retracted states,
the system 12 comprises an electric motor 30 ( ) and an emergency device 32. On the , only the device 32 is visible.

The device 32 is called "emergency" because it is mainly intended to move the mechanism 10 from its protruding state to its retracted state in the event of unavailability of the electric motor 30. The motor 30 is said to be "unavailable" when it cannot not be used to move the mechanism 10 from its protruding state to its retracted state. Such unavailability may result from a breakdown of the motor 30 or another element of the actuation system 12. This unavailability can also result, for example, from a cut in the electrical power supply to the motor 30.

There also represents an orthogonal coordinate system XYZ.
The Z direction of this mark corresponds to the vertical. The X and Y directions are horizontal. The X direction is parallel to the vertical plane in which the door mainly extends. The direction X is directed from the edge of the door along which the strip 4 is fixed, towards the hinges of this door. The direction Y is directed from the interior side to the exterior side of door 2. Figures 3 to 8 are oriented relative to this same XYZ mark.

There schematically represents the architecture of the actuation system 12. To be able to move the mechanism 10 to its retracted state even in the event of a power cut to the motor 30 and without compromising the security of access to the housing, the device 32 comprises:
- an unlocking member 46 capable of moving the bolt mechanism 10 in its retracted state when it is driven in movement, and
- an access authorization mechanism capable of authorizing the movement of the member 46 only when a key authorized to open the door is used.

In this embodiment, the device 32 is a mechanical cylinder devoid of any electronic component which requires power to operate. In this case, the unlocking member 46 is a bit which moves in rotation. Subsequently, the same numerical references 32 and 46 are used to designate, respectively, this mechanical cylinder and this bit.

Here, cylinder 32 is a mechanical cylinder in European format. In this embodiment, it comprises two half-cylinders accessible, respectively, from the interior and exterior sides of the door 2. Thus, the cylinder 32 can be used both from the exterior side of the door 2 and from on its inner side. For this, the strip 4 comprises a housing passing right through the housing 6 in the direction Y and into which a first portion of the cylinder 32 can be inserted. This housing is located opposite a hole passing through the door 2 in the Y direction and into which a second portion of the cylinder 32 can be inserted. Here, the vertical section of the housing and the hole are identical and each capable of allowing the insertion of the cylinder 32. Thus, when the cylinder 32 is received in this housing and this hole, the cylinder 32 is accessible both from the exterior side and on the interior side. Conventionally, the cylinder 32 is only fixed, without any degree of freedom, to the door 2 using a screw whose screw head is only accessible from the vertical edge of the door 2 or from a vertical face of the housing 6 parallel to this vertical edge of the door 2.

The cylinder 32 comprises a rotor 40 rotatably mounted inside a fixed stator 42. The stator 42 is fixed, without any degree of freedom, on the door 2. The rotor 40 comprises a key channel 44 which opens from the interior side and exterior side.
This channel 44 is intended to receive a key. The rotor 40 can be rotated around its axis of rotation only when an authorized key is introduced inside the channel 44 and then turned. An authorized key is a key authorized to move the mechanism 10 to its retracted state. Conversely, in the absence of a key inside channel 44 or in the presence of an unauthorized key inside channel 44, the rotor 40 is blocked from rotating and cannot rotate around its rotation axis.

Typically, for this purpose, the access authorization mechanism of the cylinder 32 comprises a first set of pins movable in translation inside the stator 42 and, opposite, a second set of pins movable in translation inside the rotor 40 by the key inserted into the channel 44. The pins of the first set are also known under the term "counter pins". When an authorized key is inserted inside the channel 44, the interfaces between the pins of the first and second sets of pins are all located at the interface between the rotor 40 and the stator 42, which releases the rotation of the rotor 40. The interface between the rotor 40 and the stator 42 is also known under the term "hyphenation line". Conversely, in the absence of a key in channel 44 or in the presence of an unauthorized key, the interfaces between the pins of the first and second sets of pins are not all located at the interface between the rotor 40 and the stator 42, which prevents the rotation of the rotor 40 and therefore the rotation of the bit 46.

When the rotation of the rotor 40 is prohibited by the first and second sets of pins, the rotor 40 is in a particular angular position relative to the stator 42. This particular angular position is subsequently called the rest position. A key can be completely inserted or removed from channel 44 only when rotor 40 is in this rest position. As soon as the rotor 40 is angularly offset from this rest position, generally, the key cannot be removed from the channel 44. Subsequently, these positions of the rotor 40 angularly offset from the rest position are called " rotated positions”.

In the cylinder 32, the bit 46 is rotated by the rotor 40 when this rotor is turned. It is the rotation of this bit 46 which makes it possible to activate the movement of the mechanism 10 towards its retracted state.

The motor 30 includes a drive shaft 48. When the motor 30 is controlled to move the mechanism 10 to its retracted state,
it is the rotation of the shaft 48 which activates the movement of the mechanism 10.

To control the motor 30, the system 12 includes a control unit 50. This unit 50 is able to receive an unlocking command and, in response, to control the motor 30 so that the shaft 48 rotates in a first direction which moves the mechanism 10 towards its retracted state. For this purpose, the unit 50 comprises a programmable microprocessor 52 and a non-volatile memory 54 comprising the instructions to be executed by the microprocessor 52. The memory 54 comprises all of the instructions and data necessary to execute the different functions described in this text. In addition, the different components of the unit 50 are connected to each other via an information transmission bus 58.

Here, to receive the unlocking command, the unit 50 comprises a transmitter/receiver 56 capable of establishing a wireless communication link with a remote mobile terminal 55 via a long-distance telecommunications network 59 such as a wireless telephone network. For this purpose, typically, the terminal 55 executes an application which acquires an unlocking command via a man-machine interface then transmits this unlocking command to the transmitter/receiver 56. For example, the terminal 55 is a smartphone.

Here, the unit 50 is also capable of controlling the motor 30 to rotate the shaft 48 in the opposite direction and thus return the mechanism 10 to its protruding state. For example, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the unit 50 received the unlock command, the unit 50 automatically controls the motor 30 to return the mechanism 10 to its protruding state if the door 2 is in its closed position. To know if door 2 is in its closed position, here, the system 12 includes an opening sensor 60 capable of detecting if door 2 is in its closed position. This sensor 60 is connected to unit 50.

Other features of Unit 50 are described later.

The system 12 comprises an output shaft 70 and a mechanism 72 for mechanically coupling the bit 46 and the shaft 48 to this shaft 70 to cause it to rotate. The shaft 70 moves the mechanism 10 from its protruding state to its retracted state when it is turned in one direction and from its retracted state to its protruding state when it is turned in the opposite direction.

The coupling mechanism 72 transmits the rotational movement of the bit 46 to the shaft 70 when the rotor 40 is rotated by the authorized key. Alternately, it transmits the rotational movement of the shaft 48 to the shaft 70 when the motor 30 drives this shaft 48 in rotation. For this, the coupling mechanism 72 comprises:
- a differential 80 comprising two input shafts 82 and 84 and the output shaft 70,
- a mechanical connection 86 which permanently mechanically connects the shaft 48 to the shaft 82, and
- a mechanical connection 88 which mechanically connects the bit 46 to the shaft 84.

A differential is usually used to distribute the rotational speed of one input shaft to two output shafts. Here the 80 differential is used differently. More precisely, when the shaft 84 is blocked in rotation, it transmits the rotational movement of the shaft 82 to the shaft 70. Conversely, when the shaft 82 is blocked in rotation, the differential 80 transmits the rotational movement from shaft 84 to shaft 70.

In this embodiment, the differential 80 is an epicyclic differential. Such a differential is formed using gear wheels. An exemplary embodiment of this differential 80 is described below with reference to Figures 3 to 8. In the exemplary embodiment described, the differential 80 also makes it possible to amplify the torque of the pin 46 and therefore to obtain a higher torque. important on the shaft 70. This makes it possible to increase the force exerted on the bolt mechanism 10 to facilitate its movement.

The connection 86 systematically transmits the rotational movement of the shaft 48 to the shaft 82. In addition, this connection 86 includes an immobilizing device 90.
The device 90 makes it possible to block the rotation of the shaft 82 when the shaft 84 is rotated by the bit 46. Here, for this, the device 90 authorizes the transmission of the rotational movement only in the direction going from shaft 48 towards shaft 82 and, conversely, prevents the transmission of a rotational movement from shaft 82 towards shaft 48.

The mechanical connection 88 transmits the rotational movement of the bit 46 to the shaft 84. In addition, this connection 88 comprises an immobilizing device 92.
The device 92 makes it possible to block the rotation of the shaft 84 when the shaft 82 is rotated by the motor 30. Here, for this, the device 92 authorizes the transmission of the rotational movement only in the direction going from the bit 46 towards the shaft 84 and, conversely, prevents the transmission of a rotational movement from the shaft 84 to the bit 46. As described below, the connection 88 is also made using toothed wheels.

In this exemplary embodiment, the connection 88 additionally comprises an electronic device 94 for blocking the rotation of the shaft 84. The device 94 can be moved reversibly between an active state and a passive state. In the active state, it blocks the rotation of shaft 84. In the passive state, they release the rotation of shaft 84.

The device 92 does not prevent turning, using the authorized key,
the rotor 40 from its rest position to a rotated position and therefore to rotate the shaft 84. Thus, the device 92 does not make it possible to condemn the use of the cylinder 32.

Conversely, the device 94 makes it possible to prohibit the use of the cylinder 32. To this end, it prohibits the rotation of the shaft 84 even using an authorized key. Furthermore, here, by blocking the rotation of the shaft 84, the device 94 also blocks the rotation of the rotor 40.

The device 94 is able to condemn the use of the cylinder 32, and therefore to move in its active state, in response to receipt of a condemnation command. The device 94 also moves from its active state to its passive state in response to receiving a rehabilitation command. For this purpose, the device 94 comprises the control unit 50 and the unit 50 is configured to receive, via the transmitter/receiver 56, a condemnation command and, alternately, a rehabilitation command transmitted by the terminal 55. Thus, the use of the cylinder 32 can be condemned and, alternately, rehabilitated remotely. This feature is useful, for example, in the event that the authorized key is lost. When the user detects the loss of the authorized key, he interacts with the terminal 55 to transmit the locking command. Next, it replaces cylinder 32 with a mechanical cylinder having a different authorized key. Finally, it interacts with terminal 55 to transmit the rehabilitation command.

It is emphasized here that cylinder 32 can be replaced by any mechanical cylinder in European format commonly marketed. This is made possible by the fact that the devices 92 and 94 are located outside the cylinder 32, that is to say that none of the parts of the devices 92 and 94 are received, at least in part, in this cylinder 32. Thus, the mechanical cylinder 32 has nothing specific compared to the mechanical cylinder currently marketed. Cylinder 32 is therefore interchangeable with mechanical cylinders currently marketed in European format which have the same length.

A detailed embodiment of the coupling mechanism 72 is now described with reference to Figures 3 to 8.

There represents an exemplary embodiment of the mechanical connection 86. In this embodiment, the connection 86 and the immobilization device 90 are combined. For this purpose, here, the immobilization device 90 comprises a reduction stage which makes it possible to obtain a rotation speed of the shaft 82 several times lower than the rotation speed of the shaft 48. Such a reduction stage multiplies by a factor F _c greater than two the torque of the shaft 82 relative to the torque of the shaft 48. Preferably, the factor F _c is greater than ten or thirty. The factor F _c is also generally less than 500. Therefore, for this reason alone, it is much more difficult to cause the shaft 48 to rotate by rotating the shaft 82 than the reverse. Here, the device 90 completely prevents the rotation of the shaft 48 from the shaft 82. For this, the device 90 comprises:
- an endless screw 100 driven in rotation by the shaft 48, and
- a toothed ring 102 whose external teeth mesh with the endless screw 100.

The endless screw 100 is fixed, without any degree of freedom, on the shaft 48 and rotates on itself around an axis 104 of rotation coincident with the axis of rotation of the shaft 48.

The crown 102 rotates on itself around an axis 106 of rotation perpendicular to the axis 104. For example, the axis 106 is parallel to the Y direction.
The crown 102 also constitutes the input shaft 82 of the differential 80.
Under these conditions, the crown 102 is blocked from rotating as long as the shaft 48 is not rotated.

Figures 4 to 7 represent a detailed example of the mechanical connection 88. Figures 5 and 6 correspond to the states of the connection 88 when the rotor 40 is, respectively, in its rest position and a rotated position. There illustrates the active state of the immobilization device 92 reached when the shaft 82 is rotated while the rotor 40 is in a rotated position. To simplify the , the blocking device 94 has not been shown on this .

Connection 88 includes:
- a toothed ring 110 rotated by the bit 46, and
- a Maltese cross mechanism 112 meshed with the crown 110.

The crown 110 rotates on itself around an axis 114 ( ) of rotation coincident with the axis of rotation of the bit 46. More precisely, the cylinder 32 has a notch crossed by the bit 46 when the latter is rotated by the rotor 40. When the bit 46 rotates, its distal end describes a circle, of radius R ₄₆ , centered on the axis 114. The crown 110 also passes through this notch when it rotates on itself. For this purpose, the exterior radius R _ext110 of the ring 110 is less than or equal to the radius R ₄₆ . In addition, the crown 110 includes a radial slot 116 ( ) inside which the bit 46 is received. Thus, when the bit 46 rotates, it comes to rest on one of the flanks of this slot 116 and thus causes the rotation of the crown 110. Finally, here, the internal radius R _int110 of the crown 110 and the width of the slot 116 are sufficiently large so that the cylinder 32 can be inserted inside the crown 110 by a translation movement in the Y direction when the bit 46 is received at the inside the cylinder notch. The crown 110 is held in place inside the system 12, even in the absence of the cylinder 32. For example, for this, the principle disclosed in application FR2821381A1 is implemented. For this, the crown 110 comprises, in addition to external teeth, a smooth circular ring 118 whose external radius is equal to R ₄₆ . The system 12 comprises a circular hole, not shown, centered on the axis 114 and inside which the ring 118 is received. The diameter of this circular hole is chosen to keep the ring 118 centered on the axis 114 even in absence of the cylinder 32 while allowing the rotational movement of the ring 118 around the axis 114. For this, the radius of the circular hole is slightly greater than the diameter R ₄₆ .

The Maltese cross mechanism 112 includes:
- a driving wheel 120 meshed with the crown 110,
- an eccentric finger 122 fixed, without any degree of freedom, on one face of the wheel 120, and
- a Maltese cross 124 rotated by the finger 122.

The wheel 120 turns on itself around an axis 126 of rotation parallel to the axis 114. It has teeth shaped to mesh with the teeth of the crown 110. Here, the teeth of the crown 110 and of the wheel 120 are shaped to allow rotation of the bit 46 over more than one complete revolution. For this purpose, the teeth of the wheel 120 have a space 128 ( ) authorizing the passage of the bit 46 without blocking its rotation around the axis 114.

Finger 122 is eccentric with respect to axis 126. Here, finger 122 is a cylinder, of circular section, whose axis extends parallel to axis 126.

The Maltese cross 124 has radial grooves 130 each capable of receiving the finger 122. When the finger 122 is received inside one of these grooves 130, the wheel 120 rotates the Maltese cross 124. Here , each time that the crown 110 rotates the Maltese cross 124, this Maltese cross 124 rotates by 40 degrees around an axis of rotation coincident with the axis 106 of rotation of the Maltese cross 124.

In this embodiment, the Maltese cross 124 also constitutes the input shaft 84 of the differential 80.

The immobilization device 92 comprises:
- a cylindrical stop 140 rotated on itself around the axis 126, and
- concave faces 142 integral with the Maltese cross 124.

Here, the stop 140 is fixed, without any degree of freedom, on a vertical face of the wheel 120. The stop 140 includes a convex cylindrical face 144 whose directing curve is an arc of a circle centered on the axis 126.

Each concave face 142 is located between two grooves 130 and turned towards the stop 140. The concave faces 142 and the convex face 144 are shaped to block, by shape cooperation with each other, any transmission of the rotation of the Maltese cross 124 towards the bit 46. For this, in the rest position, the convex face 144 is fitted inside one of the concave faces 142 as illustrated in the . In this rest position, the finger 122 is outside the grooves 130. This prevents any transmission of a rotational movement from the Maltese cross 124 to the wheel 120. On the other hand, in the rest position, the rotation of the wheel 120 around its axis 126 remains authorized. Thus, the rotational movement of the bit 46 causes the rotation of the wheel 120 and therefore of the Maltese cross 124.

In the case where the rotor 40 is in a rotated position where the concave face 144 is not fitted inside one of the convex faces 142, the mechanism 112 also does not make it possible to transmit a rotational movement of the Maltese cross 124 towards bit 46. Indeed, in this case, as illustrated on the , one of the concave faces 142 abuts against one end of the convex face 144 which blocks the rotation of the Maltese cross 124. On the other hand, in the position of the , the rotation of the wheel 120 around its axis 126 remains authorized. Thus, the rotational movement of the bit 46 causes the rotation of the wheel 120 and therefore of the Maltese cross 124. The position represented on the can be achieved, for example, when an authorized key is forgotten in channel 44 and the rotor is in a rotated position and then the shaft 82 is rotated by the motor 30.

There also schematically represents a possible embodiment of the blocking device 94 in its active state. The device 94, in addition to the control unit 50, comprises:
- a stopper 150, and
- an electric actuator 152.

The stopper 150 can be moved reversibly between an active position and an inactive position. In the active position, the stopper 150 prohibits the rotation of the Maltese cross 124 even using an authorized key. In the inactive position, the stopper 150 releases the rotation of the Maltese cross 124. For this, the stopper 150 is here a pin comprising a point 154 which, in its active position shown on the , is introduced between two teeth of the wheel 120. In the inactive position, this tip 154 is not engaged with the teeth of the wheel 120. The stopper 150 moves between these active and inactive positions in translation along 'an axis which intersects axis 126.

The actuator 152 moves the stopper 150 between its active and inactive positions in response to a corresponding command transmitted by the control unit 50.

For example, here, the actuator 152 is a monostable actuator which includes a return spring which permanently urges the stopper 150 towards its inactive position. Under these conditions, in response to receipt of a locking command, the actuator 152 is powered to move the stopper 150 from its inactive position to its active position. Then, the power supply to the actuator 152 is maintained until a rehabilitation command is received. If when moving the stopper 150 towards its active position, the tip 154 comes into abutment, for example, on the top of a tooth, then the stopper 150 remains in this intermediate position until the authorized key is introduced into channel 44 then turned. When the authorized key is turned, this causes the wheel 120 to rotate and the tip 154 then sinks between two teeth, thus immediately blocking the rotation of the wheel 120. Then, when the rehabilitation command is received, the power supply to the actuator is cut and the return spring automatically returns the retainer 150 to its passive position.

There represents the elements of the differential 80 not visible in Figures 4 and 5. The differential 80 comprises, in addition to the crown 102 and the Maltese cross 124:
- a sun wheel 160 mounted to rotate around the axis 106, and
- three satellites 162 to 164 each meshed, on one side, with internal teeth of the crown 102 ( ) and, on the other side, with the sun wheel 160.

The wheel 160 is mechanically connected, without any degree of freedom, with a toothed wheel 166. The toothed wheel 166 rotates on itself around the axis 106 when the wheel 160 turns. The wheel 166 constitutes the output shaft 70 of the differential 80. For example, the wheel 166 is meshed with the rack of the bolt mechanism 10 to move it between its protruding and retracted states.

The satellites 162 to 164 are mounted free to rotate around, respectively, axes 170 to 172 of rotation. The axes 170 to 172 are parallel to the axis 106. These axes 170 to 172 are integral with the Maltese cross 124. Therefore, a rotation of this Maltese cross 124 around the axis 106 moves these satellites 162 to 164 along a circular trajectory centered on the axis 106. Thus, in this embodiment, the Maltese cross 124 also fulfills the function of satellite carrier for the satellites 162 to 164. Here, the satellites 162 to 164 are spaced angularly from each other by 120 degrees.

The satellites 162 to 164 are received inside the ring 102. For this, as visible on the , the crown 102 also includes internal teeth meshed with each of the satellites 162 to 164.

When the Maltese cross 124 is blocked from rotating, a rotation of the crown 102 causes the satellites 162 to 164 to rotate around their respective axes 170 to 172, which causes the wheel 160 and therefore the wheel 166 to rotate. Conversely, when the crown 102 is blocked in rotation, a rotation of the Maltese cross 124 causes the satellites 162 to 164 to roll on the internal teeth of the crown 102. The satellites 162 to 164 then rotate around their respective axes 170 to 172 of rotation, which causes the wheels 160 and 166 to rotate.

There represents a differential 200 capable of being used in place of the differential 80. Unlike the differential 80, the differential 200 is not an epicyclic differential but a bevel gear differential. It comprises :
- a toothed wheel 202 driven to rotate on itself around an axis 204 by the crown 110 associated with the bit 46,
- a toothed wheel 206 driven in rotation around the axis 204 by the endless screw 100,
- a satellite carrier 210 secured to wheel 206 and rotated by wheel 206 around axis 204,
- two satellites 212 and 214 each mounted to rotate around an axis, respectively 216 and 218, secured to the satellite carrier 210, and
- two pinions 220 and 222 each meshed with the satellites 212 and 214.

Satellites 212 and 214 are bevel gears. Axes 216 and 218 are perpendicular to axis 204 and intersect this axis 204.

Pinion 220 is rotated by wheel 202. Its axis of rotation coincides with axis 204.

Pinion 222 turns on itself around axis 204. When it turns, it rotates wheel 166.

In this embodiment, the wheels 202 and 206 correspond to the input shafts of the differential 200 and the wheel 166 corresponds to the output shaft of the differential 200.

In the embodiment of the , the mechanical connection between the bit 46 and the wheel 202 is permanent. In this case, it is the sets of pins of the cylinder 32 which form the immobilizing device of the wheel 202. Indeed, in the absence of an authorized key in channel 44 or in the presence of an unauthorized key, the rotor 40 is blocked in rotation by the sets of pins. Since wheel 202 is permanently connected to rotor 40, wheel 202 is therefore also blocked from rotating in the absence of an authorized key in channel 44.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of the , no electronic device for blocking the rotation of the wheel 202, such as the device 94 previously described, is implemented.

The operation of the device 200 is deduced from the operation described for the device 80. In particular, in the absence of an authorized key in channel 44,
the crown 110 and therefore the wheel 202, is blocked in rotation by the sets of pins of the cylinder 32. In this situation, a rotation of the shaft 48 causes a rotation of the wheel 206 and the planet carrier 210 around the axis 204. The rotation of the satellite carrier 210 moves the satellites 212 and 214 along a circular trajectory centered on the axis 204. Since the wheel 202 is blocked in rotation, this movement causes the satellites 212 and 214 to rotate around, respectively, of the axes 216 and 218, which causes the rotation of the pinion 222 and therefore of the wheel 166. Conversely, when the wheel 206 is blocked in rotation, it is only a rotation of the bit 46 which can result in rotation of wheel 166.

Chapter II: Variants

Variants of the differential:

Alternatively, the number of satellites of the differential may be different. For example, in another embodiment, the differential includes only one or two satellites or, on the contrary, more than three satellites.

The functions of the input and output shafts can be interchanged. Thus, in an alternative embodiment, the worm gear 100 meshes with the wheel 166 and the external teeth of the crown 102 mesh, for example, with a rack of the bolt mechanism 10. In this case, shaft 70 becomes an input shaft while shaft 82 becomes an output shaft.

Similarly, the shaft 70 can, as a variant, be rotated by the bit 46 thanks to a mechanical connection, similar to the connection 88, which mechanically connects the bit 46 to the shaft 70. In this case, the The output shaft corresponds to shaft 84. It is also possible, as a variant, to transmit the rotational movement of the bit 46 to the shaft 82 and to transmit the rotational movement of the shaft 48 to the shaft 84 .

Variants of the mechanical connection 86:

Other embodiments of the mechanical connection 86 are possible. For example, the mechanical connection may include additional gears which do not belong to the reduction stage. Thus, instead of directly fixing the endless screw 100 on the shaft 48, a toothed wheel is fixed on the shaft 48. This toothed wheel is meshed with another toothed wheel secured to the endless screw 100 so that the rotation of the shaft 48 causes the rotation of the endless screw 100 without it being necessary for this endless screw 100 to be directly mounted on the shaft 48.

The reduction stage can also be made without using a worm screw and instead using small diameter gears meshed with large diameter gears to achieve a significant reduction in the angular speed of the motor shaft electric. Here, a reduction is considered "significant" if it makes it possible to block the rotation of the shaft 82 when the key is turned in the emergency cylinder.

The mechanical immobilizer device 90 can be replaced by an electronic immobilizer device. Typically, this electronic immobilizer device is made like the blocking device 94. In this case, for example, a sensor detects the presence of the authorized key in the key channel. In response, the unit 50 controls the electronic immobilizer device to block the rotation of the shaft 82. Conversely, when the absence of an authorized key in the key channel is detected, the electronic immobilizer device immobilization releases the rotation of the shaft 82.

Alternatively, the electronic immobilizer device simply consists of controlling the electric motor to block the rotation of its shaft 48. When such an electronic immobilizer device is provided, it is not necessary for the locking function of the rotation of the shaft 82 when the shaft 84 rotates is ensured by the reduction stage. Thus, in this case, the reduction stage can be omitted or carried out differently.

Variants of the mechanical link 88:

Other embodiments of the Maltese cross mechanism are possible. For example, alternatively, the external Maltese cross mechanism 112 is replaced by an internal Maltese cross mechanism.

Alternatively, the mechanical connection between the bit 46 and the shaft 84 is made without using a Maltese cross mechanism. For example, in a simplified version, this mechanical connection is only made using toothed wheels meshed with each other as illustrated in the .

Alternatively, the transmission of the rotational movement of the bit 46 to the shaft 84 is done via a connecting part which moves in translation when the bit rotates. For example, this room is a rack. In this case, the blocking device 94 is, for example, adapted to block, in its active state, the translation movement in order to block the rotation of the shaft 84.

Alternatively, the amplification of the torque of the bit 46 is only achieved by the mechanical connection 88 or only by the differential 80. In another variant, the mechanical connection 88 and the differential 80 both amplify the torque of the bit 46 when he turns.

Variants of the immobilizer device 92:

Other embodiments of the mechanical immobilization device 92 are possible. For example, the Maltese cross mechanism 112 is replaced by a mechanical connection comprising:
- an endless screw driven in rotation by the pin 46 of the cylinder 32, and
- a toothed wheel meshed with the endless screw and whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the endless screw, this toothed wheel being mechanically permanently connected to the shaft 84 of the differential.

In all embodiments, such as that of the , where the connection 88 permanently connects the shaft 84 to the bit 46 and where the access authorization mechanism immobilizes the locking member in the absence of an authorized key, the immobilization device integrated into the connection 88 can be omitted . Indeed, in this case, the access authorization mechanism also fulfills the function of immobilizing device of the shaft 84. On the other hand, in this last variant, when the user forgets the authorized key inside channel 44, the rotor 40 can freely rotate. Consequently, in the absence of devices 92 and 94, shaft 84 is also free to rotate. When the shaft 84 is not blocked in rotation, a rotation of the shaft 82 causes a rotation of the shaft 84 and not of the shaft 70 because, in particular, of the resistance to the movement of the mechanism 10. Thus, as long as the shaft 84 is free to rotate, it is not possible to move the mechanism 10 using the motor 30. Thus, even when the cylinder access authorization mechanism is used as as a device for immobilizing the shaft 84, it may still be interesting to additionally implement at least one of the devices 92 and 94 to block the rotation of the shaft 84 when an authorized key is forgotten in the channel 44. For example, the sensor 60 detects the presence of the key inside the channel 44. After a predetermined duration where the presence of the key inside the channel 44 has been continuously detected, in response, the unit 50 controls the blocking device 94 to automatically move the stopper 150 into its active position. The predetermined duration is, for example, greater than 1 min or 10 min. In another embodiment where the device 92 is omitted, systematically before using the motor 30, the unit 50 controls the blocking device 94 to automatically move the stopper 150 into its active position.

Variants of the blocking device 94:

Other embodiments of the blocking device 94 are possible. In particular, the stopper 150 can cooperate with other parts of the mechanical connection 88 to lock the cylinder 32. For example, in its active position, the tip 154 of the stopper 150 is inserted between two teeth of the crown 110 or inside one of the radial grooves 130 of the Maltese cross 124. In another embodiment, the stopper 150 moves between these active and inactive positions in translation along an axis parallel to the axis 126. In this case, the point 154 can be introduced into a hole made in a vertical face of the crown 110 or the wheel 120 and, preferably, in a vertical face of the Maltese cross 124 to block it from rotating . This last embodiment is advantageous because, in the absence of an authorized key, the Maltese cross occupies a very limited number of angular positions. It is therefore easy to guarantee that for each of these angular positions, the point 154 is located exactly opposite a hole made in the vertical face of the cross 124. For example, for this, the cross 124 comprises, for each groove 130, a hole associated with this groove in the vertical face of the cross 124. The position of the hole relative to the groove 130 with which it is associated is the same for all the other hole/groove associations 130 of the cross 124.

Alternatively, instead of a pin, the stopper 150 comprises two jaws which grip a part of the mechanical connection 88 to block the rotation of the input shaft 84.

In a simplified embodiment, the electronic blocking device 94 is omitted.

The electronic blocking device 94 can be used in all locks, including locks without a differential. For example, the electronic blocking device can be used in an actuation system without the electric motor 30 and the differential 80. In this case, only the rotation of the key authorized in the cylinder makes it possible to move the bolt mechanism from its position. salient state towards its retracted state. The electronic blocking device 94 can also be used in locks where the coupling device 72 does not include a differential but another mechanism to ensure the coupling of the shaft 70 with the bit 46 and, alternately, the coupling of the shaft 70 with shaft 48 of electric motor 30. For example, such an alternative embodiment of the coupling device is described in application WO0188315A1 or in application EP3196388.

Variants of the emergency device:

Other embodiments of the emergency device are possible. For example, in a particular embodiment, the emergency device does not include a rotor. In this case, for example, the stator comprises a key channel of circular transverse section and the rotation of the blade of the key authorized inside this channel causes the rotation of the bit.

In another embodiment, the emergency device is not in the form of a European format cylinder. For example, the emergency device is a cylinder whose stator does not conform to the European format but to another format. The emergency device is also not necessarily in the form of a cylinder. For example, the emergency device can be integrated into the door strip without the possibility of simply replacing it with another emergency device. In the latter case, the emergency device does not include a stator or the stator is fixed, without the possibility of dismantling, to the door strip.

Other embodiments of the unlocking member 46 are possible. For example, as a variant, the unlocking member is moved in translation along axis 114 when an authorized key is used. For example, it is the sliding of the authorized key inside the key channel which causes the translational movement of the unlocking member. In this case, the connection 88 comprises a conversion mechanism to transform the translational movement of the unlocking member into a rotational movement transmitted to the shaft 84. By way of illustration, such a conversion mechanism is obtained with a rack moved in translation by the unlocking member and a toothed wheel meshed with this rack. All the embodiments and all the variants described here can be adapted to the case where the unlocking member moves in translation and not in rotation.

In another embodiment, the unlocking member 46 is mechanically isolated from any key or door button that may be used to move it as long as an authorized key is not used. When an authorized key is used, the access authorization mechanism mechanically connects the unlocking member to the authorized key or a door knob so that the unlocking member can now be moved by turning the key or the door knob. When the unlocking member is mechanically isolated from the key or the door button, it can be left free to move in rotation or in translation. In the latter case, in the absence of the device 92, the blocking device 94 is implemented to block the rotation of the shaft 84 as soon as a command to unlock the door using the motor 30 is received.

Other embodiments of the access authorization mechanism are possible. For example, pin and counter pin sets can be replaced with glitter. A cylinder equipped with such flakes is known as a "flakes cylinder" or "flakes lock".

Alternatively, the access authorization mechanism is not entirely mechanical but includes an electronic circuit which authorizes the rotation of the bit only if the key transmits to the access authorization mechanism an authorized access code to open the door. In the case where the emergency device is a cylinder comprising such an electronic circuit, the cylinder is known under the term "electronic cylinder". In this case, preferably, the electronic cylinder is an electronic cylinder which itself produces the energy necessary for its operation, typically, from the movement of the key inside channel 44. For example, such cylinders electronic devices which may be suitable are disclosed in application EP1808816A1 or application EP2765264A1. In other embodiments, the energy necessary for the operation of the emergency electronic cylinder comes from a battery housed in the key or in the electronic cylinder. The energy necessary for the operation of such an electronic cylinder can also be obtained by connecting this electronic cylinder to an electricity distribution network.

In the case where the access authorization mechanism includes an electronic circuit, key channel 44 can be omitted. For example, the access code is transmitted to this access authorization mechanism via a wireless link.

The bit corresponds to the part of the emergency device which is rotated when an authorized key is used. In the case where the emergency device does not have a key channel, the bit is, for example, rotated by an electric actuator or a door knob manually turned by the user when an authorized key is used to open the door. door.

In a simplified embodiment, the emergency cylinder only allows the bolt mechanism 10 to be moved towards its retracted position and not the other way around.

Other variations:

The actuation system described here can be implemented in any lock. For example, the actuation system can be implemented in a built-in mortise lock. It can also be implemented in a single-point or multi-point lock.

The control unit 50 may include a man-machine interface to acquire the locking, unlocking, locking and/or rehabilitation commands without going through the telecommunications network 59. For example, for this purpose, the man-machine interface includes a button or a touch screen. In this case, the wireless transmitter/receiver 56 of the control unit 50 can be omitted.

Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the transmitter/receiver 56, the unit 50 comprises a short distance wireless transmitter/receiver capable of receiving locking and unlocking commands via a short link information transmission distance. A short distance information transmission link is a link which can be established only if the terminal 55 is less than 100 m or 50 m from the short distance transmitter/receiver. For example, such a short distance link complies with the NFC ("Near-Field Communication) or Bluetooth or WiFi standard. Condemnation and/or rehabilitation commands can also be received via this wireless transmitter/receiver short distance.

The different elements of the actuation system 12 are not necessarily housed inside the same housing. For example, the control unit 50 is housed in a housing mechanically independent of another housing comprising the other elements of the actuation system 12.

The bolt mechanism 10 may include a single bolt. The bolts can be moved between their retracted and extended position by rotating.

Several of the variants described above can be combined in the same embodiment.

Chapter III: Advantages of the embodiments described

Unlike the coupling mechanisms used in the state of the art, a differential does not use parts which move in translation between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. It also does not use a return spring or the like. Thus, because of these differences, to perform the same function, the differential is more robust and therefore makes it possible to limit breakdowns.

The use of a Maltese cross mechanism 112 makes it possible to obtain a particularly simple mechanical immobilization device 92. In addition, it makes it possible to block the rotation of the shaft 84 when the shaft 82 is rotated even in situations where the unlocking member is free to move as in the case where an authorized key is forgotten in the 44 key channel.

The fact of integrating the device 92 into the connection 88 in addition to the sets of pins of the cylinder 32 makes it possible to block the rotation of the shaft 84 when the shaft 82 is rotated without exerting force on the sets of pins or the glitter of the access authorization mechanism.

The fact that the blocking device 94 is located outside the emergency cylinder allows any commonly marketed cylinder to be used as an emergency cylinder. This simplifies the manufacture and maintenance of the actuation system 12. Furthermore, when the motor 30 is used to move the bolt mechanism 10 and the device 94 is in its active state, then the pins or spangles of the access authorization mechanism are not mechanically stressed.

The use of the electronic blocking device 94 makes it possible to prohibit the use of the cylinder 32 in the event of loss of the authorized key.

The use of the receiver 56 makes it possible to remotely block the use of the cylinder 32.

The presence of a reduction stage makes it possible to simply block the rotation of shaft 82 of the differential in the absence of a locking or unlocking command.

The fact that the reduction stage uses an endless screw 100 and a toothed ring 102 meshed with this endless screw makes it possible to simply obtain a very robust rotational locking of the shaft 82 of the differential in the absence of a locking command or unlocking.

The fact of using an epicyclic differential 80 simplifies the manufacture of the system because the axes of rotation of the crown 102, of the sun wheel 160 and of the planet carrier 124 are all combined. In addition, this reduces the bulk of the differential in the direction of the thickness of the door.

The fact that the Maltese cross 124 is also used as a satellite carrier of the differential 80 simplifies the manufacturing of the actuation system 12 because the same part is used to fulfill several functions which limits the total number of parts of the system .

The fact that the cylinder 32 is a mechanical cylinder guarantees that the actuation of the bolt mechanism 10 is possible even in the absence of a power source.

Claims (13)

System for actuating a bolt mechanism capable of being moved:
- from a protruding state in which at least one bolt is in an extended position in which it locks a door in a closed position by formal cooperation with a corresponding cavity secured to a door frame,
- towards a retracted state in which each bolt is in a retracted position in which the door can freely be moved from its closed position to an open position,
this actuation system comprising for this purpose:
- an electric motor (30) equipped with a drive shaft (48) capable of moving the bolt mechanism between its protruding and retracted states,
- a control unit (50) capable of receiving a command to unlock the door and, in response, of controlling the electric motor to rotate its shaft in a direction which moves the bolt mechanism towards its retracted state,
- an emergency device (32) making it possible to move the bolt mechanism in its retracted state in the event of unavailability of the electric motor, this emergency device comprising:
- an unlocking member (46) capable of moving the bolt mechanism in its retracted state when it is driven in movement, and
- an access authorization mechanism capable of authorizing the movement of the unlocking member only when a key authorized to open this door is used,
- a coupling mechanism (72) capable of:
- to transmit the movement of the unlocking member to the bolt mechanism to move it from its protruding state to its retracted state, and alternately,
- to transmit the rotational movement of the drive shaft of the electric motor to the bolt mechanism to move it from its protruding state to its retracted state,
characterized in that the coupling mechanism (72) comprises:
- a differential (80; 200) equipped:
- a first input shaft (82) mechanically connected to the shaft of the electric motor to be rotated by this motor shaft,
- a second input shaft (84) mechanically connected to the unlocking member (46) to be rotated by the movement of this unlocking member,
- an output shaft (70) capable of moving the bolt mechanism from its protruding state to its retracted state when it is rotated, this output shaft being mechanically in permanent engagement with the first and second shafts 'entrance,
- a first immobilization device (90) capable of blocking the rotation of the first input shaft while the second input shaft is rotated by the movement of the unlocking member, and
- a second immobilizing device (92) capable of blocking the rotation of the second input shaft while the first input shaft is rotated by the motor shaft. System according to claim 1, in which:
- the coupling mechanism comprises a mechanical connection (88) capable of rotating the second input shaft from the movement of the unlocking member, this mechanical connection containing a Maltese cross mechanism, this cross mechanism Malta comprising:
- a driving wheel (120) driven in rotation by the movement of the locking member,
- a finger (122) secured to the driving wheel, this finger being eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the driving wheel, and
- a Maltese cross (124) rotating the second input shaft, this Maltese cross comprising radial grooves (130) each capable of receiving the finger to rotate the Maltese cross when the driving wheel rotates around its axis of rotation, and
- the second immobilization device (92) comprises:
- a stop (140) integral with the driving wheel, this stop comprising a convex cylindrical face (144) whose directing curve is an arc of a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the driving wheel, and
- concave faces (142) between each of the grooves of the Maltese cross whose radii of curvature are identical to that of the convex cylindrical face, each of these concave faces being able to fit in turn on the face cylindrical to block the rotation of the Maltese cross as long as the finger is outside the radial grooves. System according to claim 1 or 2, in which:
- the access authorization mechanism is able to block the movement of the unlocking member as long as a key authorized to open the door is not used, and
- the coupling mechanism comprises a mechanical connection (88) capable of rotating the second input shaft from the movement of the unlocking member, and
- the second immobilization device (92) is integrated into this mechanical connection (88) so that it is independent of the access authorization mechanism. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which:
- the emergency device (32) is an emergency cylinder comprising:
- a rotor (40) equipped with a key channel (44), this rotor being movable in rotation only when a key authorized to open the door is present in the key channel,
- a fixed stator (42) inside which the rotor is rotatably mounted,
- the unlocking member is a bit (46) rotated by the rotation of the rotor,
- the coupling mechanism includes:
- a mechanical connection (88) which mechanically connects the bit (46) to the second input shaft (84), and
- an electronic blocking device (94) capable of blocking the rotation of the second input shaft in response to receipt of a locking command, this electronic blocking device being integrated into the mechanical connection so that it is entirely located outside the emergency cylinder (32). System according to claim 4, in which the electronic blocking device (94) comprises:
- a stopper (150) movable between:
- an active position in which the stopper blocks the movement of the second input shaft even when the key authorized to open the door is used, and
- an inactive position in which the stopper authorizes the rotation of the second input shaft by the movement of the unlocking member (46) when the key authorized to open the door is used,
- a controllable electric actuator (152) capable of moving the stopper from its inactive position to its active position, and
- the control unit (50) is able to receive the locking command from the emergency device and, in response, to control the electric actuator to move the stopper from its inactive position to its active position. System according to claim 5, in which the control unit (50) comprises a wireless receiver (56) capable of receiving the locking command via a long-distance wireless network (59) for transmission of information. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first immobilizer device (90) comprises a reduction stage mechanically connected between the shaft (48) of the electric motor and the first input shaft (82) of the differential (80; 200) to reduce the rotational speed of the first input shaft relative to the rotational speed of the electric motor shaft. System according to claim 7, in which the first immobilizer device comprises:
- an endless screw (100) driven in rotation by the shaft of the electric motor around an axis of rotation, and
- a toothed ring gear (102) meshed with the endless screw and mounted to rotate around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the endless screw. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the differential (80) comprises:
- an external toothed ring (102),
- a sun wheel (160) located inside the toothed ring whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of rotation of the toothed ring,
- at least one satellite (162-164) meshed with both the sun wheel and the gear ring and whose axis of rotation is parallel to the axis of rotation of the gear ring, and
- a satellite carrier (124) on which the satellite is mounted free to rotate and whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of rotation of the toothed ring,
the first and second input shafts and the output shaft being fixed, without any degree of rotational freedom, to the respective one of the ring gear, the sun gear and the planet carrier. System according to claim 9, in which:
- the system comprises a Maltese cross mechanism (112) capable of transmitting the movement of the unlocking member (46) to the second input shaft of the differential (80), this Maltese cross mechanism comprising:
- a driving wheel (120) driven in rotation around an axis (126) of rotation by the movement of the unlocking member (46),
- a finger (122) secured to the driving wheel, this finger being eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the driving wheel, and
- a Maltese cross (124) rotating the second input shaft, this Maltese cross comprising radial grooves (130) each capable of receiving the finger to rotate the Maltese cross when the driving wheel rotates around its axis of rotation, and
- the satellite (162-164) is mounted to rotate freely on the Maltese cross (124) so that the Maltese cross of the Maltese cross mechanism (112) and the satellite carrier of the differential constitute only one and same room. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the emergency device (32) is a mechanical cylinder devoid of electronic component. Door strip comprising:
- a bolt mechanism (10) movable between:
- a protruding state in which at least one bolt is in an extended position in which it locks a door in a closed position by formal cooperation with a corresponding cavity secured to a door frame, and
- a retracted state in which each bolt is in a retracted position in which the door can freely be moved from its closed position to an open position,
- a system (12) for actuating the bolt mechanism,
characterized in that the actuation system (12) conforms to any one of the preceding claims. Assembly for producing an actuation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, this assembly comprising:
- an electric motor (30) equipped with a drive shaft capable of moving the bolt mechanism between its protruding and retracted states,
- a control unit (50) capable of receiving a command to unlock the door and, in response, of controlling the electric motor to rotate its shaft in a direction which moves the bolt mechanism towards its retracted state,
- a housing capable of receiving the emergency device capable of moving the bolt mechanism in its retracted state in the event of unavailability of the electric motor, this emergency device comprising:
- an unlocking member (46) capable of moving the bolt mechanism in its retracted state when it is driven in movement, and
- an access authorization mechanism capable of authorizing the movement of the unlocking member only when a key authorized to open this door is used,
- a coupling mechanism (72) capable of:
- to transmit the movement of the unlocking member to the bolt mechanism to move it from its protruding state to its retracted state, and alternately,
- to transmit the rotational movement of the drive shaft of the electric motor to the bolt mechanism to move it from its protruding state to its retracted state,
characterized in that the coupling mechanism comprises:
- a differential (80; 200) equipped:
- a first input shaft (82) mechanically connected to the shaft of the electric motor to be rotated by this motor shaft,
- a second input shaft (84) capable of being mechanically connected to the unlocking member (46) to be rotated by the movement of this unlocking member,
- an output shaft (70) capable of moving the bolt mechanism from its protruding state to its retracted state when it is rotated, this output shaft being mechanically in permanent engagement with the first and second shafts entry, and
- a first immobilization device (90) capable of blocking the rotation of the first input shaft while the second input shaft is rotated by the movement of the unlocking member, and
- a second immobilizing device (92) capable of blocking the rotation of the second input shaft while the first input shaft is rotated by the motor shaft.