MX2008008268A - Device for positioning and holding an emergency key - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for positioning and holding a key (1) in a container comprising at least two parts (13, 14). Said device comprises opening/closing means enabling the two parts to be mobile in relation to each other at least in rotation, about a rotational axis (y, y'), between an open position providing access to a housing of the container and a closed position;and means for locking/unlocking the two parts (13, 14), at least in a closed position, comprising a locking /unlocking control device which is mobile in translation following a translation axis.

Description

DEVICE FOR POSITIONING AND ATTACHING AN EMERGENCY KEY DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY invention relates to a device for positioning and securing an emergency key. It refers in particular, but not exclusively, to positioning and securing of an emergency key in a system for activating a vehicle, it being understood that for this type of application container has to ensure an easy and ergonomic positioning of key in its housing, and removal of key from its housing, inside container. In addition, it is necessary to ensure good security of container closure. Many solutions have already been proposed to hide an emergency key inside a car. Thus, in particular, e are magnetized boxes that have a cover that can be placed, for example, within arc of wheel. This type of boxes is often used in United States. But e boxes do not allow an easy and ergonomic operation to simplify task of operator. are also very difficult to incorporate into passenger compartment of a vehicle. e are also integral supports, which allow emergency key to be held in a cavity provided for this purpose. This solution does not allow sufficient protection of key.

Currently containers for emergency keys have an additional function. More specifically, e containers are used as an interface between emergency key, which comprises a transponder, and vehicle security system, which comprises a reader that is capable of receiving container and reading transponder data. efore, it is necessary to have a container that ensures functions of this interface and that allows a specific positioning of emergency key in container, so that when said emergency key is inserted inside reader of vehicle, can carry out reading of transponder. In addition, current containers are not ergonomic, for example, do not allow opening with one hand. More specifically, it is important to be able to open and close container with one hand, in order to hold key with o hand and in this way position and remove key easily from its container. object of present invention is to remedy e major drawbacks by proposing a device that is particularly well adapted to improve level of key protection, ergonomics and ease of use, which are essential factors today for vehicle equipment be acceptable to users. This device also allows specific positioning of key in container, so that transponder of key can interact in an optimal way with reader of vehicle's security system.

To this end, invention proposes a device for positioning and fastening a key, said device uses a container comprising at least two parts which move relative to one ano, and which comprises: - means for opening / closing allowing that two parts can move relative to each o, at least in rotation, about an axis of rotation, between an open position providing access to a housing of container, a closed position in addition - means for locking / unlocking two parts at least in a closed position, comprising a locking / unlocking control member that can move in translation along a translational axis. translation axis and axis of rotation can be perpendicular or parallel to each o. In case where two axes are perpendicular, one of parts comprises a joining link having two parallel oblong holes that allow a locking / unlocking path during translation, while o part comprises means for articulation as stumps that are coupled in said gaps. In addition, two parts comprise interbonding means with axes parallel to axis of translation, which cooperate with each o at end of blocking path to avoid any relative rotation of two parts in locked position.

In contrast, the two parts are configured to pivot one relative to the other at the end of the unlocking path. In this case, blocking / unlocking control means are formed by the same parts. In a complementary manner, the locking / unlocking means may also comprise guiding means with sliding rails provided in said parts, allowing a relative movement in the axial translation of the two parts. In the case where the two axes are parallel, the two parts are rotatably mounted relative to one another around an axis that is fixed relative to the two parts. In this case, the locking means may comprise a control member that can move in translation along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation, and may even be coaxial thereto. The following features can be incorporated in the device described above: - the axis of rotation and the axis of translation can be fused. - the locking / unlocking means may comprise a button that can be moved in translation by an operator along an axis YY 'and having two main positions, the first position, in which it is pressed, makes it possible to release the movement rotational, and the second position, in which it is not pressed, holds the parties in their closed and locked position. - the locking / unlocking means may comprise a button that is slidably mounted in a cavity of the cover between a pressed position and a raised position, in addition to the locking means actuated by the button, which acts on the rotating assembly of the cover in the body, in order to prevent rotation of the cover in the raised position, and allow rotation in the pressed position. - also the locking / unlocking means may comprise an elastic element tending to return the button to the locked position. - the elastic element can be a spring that operates in compression. - means may be provided to allow the return of the button only when the parts are in the closed position. - the opening / closing means may comprise a restoration spring tending to return the parts to the closed position. - the opening / closing means may comprise a second elastic element that automatically opens the cover as soon as the unlocking means are actuated. - the second elastic element that automatically opens the cover as soon as the release means are actuated, it can be a spring that operates in rotation and that is previously tensioned in the closed position. the grooves may each comprise a notch in which a protrusion provided in each elastic tongue engages when the button is in the raised position. - the elastic element and the second elastic element can be combined in a single spring that operates in compression and in torsion. - the cover can comprise an opening for passing the key through it, to allow the passage of the eye of the key. - the container can comprise an opening that allows the eye of the key to pass through. - the container may comprise, in a visible part for the operator, a surface for carrying information such as a logo. - the information carrier can be placed in the block / unlock control member that moves in translation. As a result of the arrangements described above, the procedure for inserting the key comprises in principle the steps consisting of: a) Unlocking a part (known as mobile) in relation to the other part (known as fixed) b) Open the mobile part. c) Insert the key in the fixed part d) Close the moving part e) Block the moving part.

The removal procedure, to remove the key from the container, simultaneously comprises the steps consisting of: a) Unlocking the moving part b) Opening the moving part c) Removing the key from the fixed part d) Closing the moving part e) Locking the moving part The embodiments of the invention will be described below in the manner of a non-limiting example, referring to the drawings to nexuses, in which: Figure 1A our schematically in an exploded perspective view a container according to a preferred arrangement of the invention. Figure 1 B is a partial longitudinal section of the container cover shown in Figure 1A. Figures 2 to 8 are schematic perspective views illustrating the sequences for positioning and removing a key from the container, according to the preferred solution of Figure 1. Figure 9A is an exploded perspective view of another preferred solution in accordance with the invention. Figure 9B is a partial view of the base 13F of the circular sleeve 13D of the cover 13 showing the shape of the holes 13FD and 13FG.

Figures 10 to 15 schematically show the sequences for positioning and removing the key from the container according to the preferred solution of figure 9. Figure 16 shows a section of the assembly of the assembly device according to figure 9 which is perpendicular to the rotation axis YY ', the container being in the closed and locked position. In the example shown in Figures 1A and 1B the container comprises a housing 2 having the general shape of a box comprising a tubular body (first part) which is closed on one side by a base and which has a on the other side an opening that can be sealed with a cover 3 (second part) to make it possible to position the key 1. In the region of the opening, the side faces of the body are extended by two parallel lateral sliding rails 4D, 4G which are joined together by the extension of one side of the body. Said sliding rails comprise a lower part which acts as a guide. In the region of its connection with these sliding rails 4D, 4G, the lateral faces of the body comprise two axially reentrant cavities CD, CG into which two respective parallel and oblong openings LD, LG are opened, which are oriented in accordance with the longitudinal axis of the body. The cover 3 has a U-shaped cross section whose 3D and 3G side segments have the purpose of coupling with the lateral sides of the sliding rails, to ensure an axial guidance of the cover relative to the body. The cover also comprises, in the region of its front end, a return at right angles that has the purpose of ensuring, with its upper face, the seal of the body in the closed position and in the region of its rear part, two lateral arms 3D1 3G1 extending axially to form a connecting link provided with two respective coaxial journals 5D, 5G, with the axis XX ', which are intended to fit into the openings of the body. The cover also comprises in the region of its front end an opening that makes it possible to verify the presence of the key without having to open the container. These two side arms have a shape such that it makes it possible for them to engage in the two reentrant cavities of the body to ensure the rotation lock of the body and the cover at the end of the locking path. The use of the container just described is relatively simple. Starting with an empty container closed and secured, to insert the key it is sufficient to move the cover three longitudinally, remove the cover of the housing 2 perpendicular to the axis XX '. The trunnions 5G and 5D thus move in the openings LD and LG to rest against the front part of the openings. In this position, the cover is free to rotate about axis XX 'at least enough to allow the passage of the key. More specifically, only in this position the lower sliding rail is in contact with the side arms 3D1, 3G1 of the cover 3. The shape of the end of these side arms is round to allow rotation of the cover. Therefore it is sufficient, after having inserted the key, to close the cover and push said cover in the direction of the housing to ensure the closing of the assembly. This positioning and arrangement device, in addition to the assembly in said device, makes it possible to guarantee the positioning of the key in the container, so that the transponder of the key is positioned optimally in the reader when the container, which incorporates said transponder, it is arranged in the reader of the vehicle's security system. Therefore, this reader verifies the data of the transponder to authorize or not, for example, the ignition of the vehicle. To remove the key from the container while it is located in the closed container and secured, just enough to carry out these same surpasses but removing the key instead of inserting it in it. The steps of the procedure for positioning and removing the container key are shown in the series of figures 2 to 8. Figure 2 shows the empty container and the moving part in the closed and secured position. Figure 3 shows the empty container and the moving part in the closed and unsecured position. Figure 4 shows the empty container and the moving part in the open position. Figure 5 shows the introduction of the key. Figure 6 shows the key in position within the container, the moving part being in the open position. Figure 7 shows the container containing the key and the mobile part in the closed and unsecured position. Figure 8 shows the container containing the key and the moving part in the closed and secured position. In the example illustrated in Figures 9A, 9B and 16 the container is formed by a substantially parallelepipedic housing 14 that is open at its top. The housing 14 comprises a substantially rectangular base which is bordered by two side faces, a front face and a rear face. This container is intended to receive a key. The housing 14 further comprises, on the side of its rear face, a tubular cylindrical section 14C with the axis YY 'provided with two diametrically opposed notches (symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the housing), which are perpendicular thereto. These notches allow the housing of a part of the key 1. The housing 14 is closed by a cover 13 which is pivotally mounted coaxially about the axis YY 'of the tubular section of the tubular section 14C. It is covered having a shape substantially identical to that of the base, it has at its rear a circular hole 13C extended to the interior of the housing 14 by a cylindrical sleeve 13D having an external diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tubular section 14C , but having a height lower than that of said tubular section. This cylindrical sleeve 13D comprises a base 13F, provided with two diametrically opposed grooves 13FD and 13FG. These grooves 13FD and 13FG respectively comprise an outer circular part 13FG1 and 13FD1, two internal circular parts 13FG2, 13FD2 and 13FD5 and a flat part 13FG3 and 13FD3 which are located closer to the axis YY 'and which form a notch. This base comprises a centering bolt TC which allows the centering and positioning of an elastic element 15. The fixing of the cover in the housing 14 in its assembled position is ensured due to a button 16 having a cylindrical head with an external diameter which is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical sleeve 13D of the cover, in which it is coupled. The button flap is extended by two diametrically opposed axial axial tabs 16D and 16G which are arranged so as to pass through the slots 13FD and 13FG of the base 13E of the cover 13. The lower ends of each of these tabs 16D, 16G are provided with an internal protrusion 16FG3, 16FD3 which successively forms a recess 16DE and a bevel 16H. This internal protrusion 16FG3, 16FD3 has the purpose of being hooked (in particular thanks to the bevel) under a circular rim provided on the inner surface of the tubular section 13C, to ensure both the fastening of the button 16 in the housing 14, and indirectly the cover 13 in the housing 14. A housing 14A in the housing 14 allows to press the button 16 but prevents the rotation of the button 16. The internal protrusion, when the button is in the pressed position, prevents the rotation of the cover 13. In contrast When the button is pressed, the inner protrusion is released and passes under the base of the cylindrical sleeve 13D and thus allows the release of the cover 13, which in this way is free to turn. In this case, an angle of rotation in the order of 50 ° is possible. The elastic element 15 is arranged between the upper face of the pressing button and the base, in order to ensure an elastic clamping of the housing / cover / push button assembly. In this assembly, the fastening of the cover 13 in the perfectly closed position is ensured when the cover 13 is interlocked in the housing 14 under the effect of the elastic action of the spring. This interbiochemistry relates, in this case, to the precise relative positioning of the cover on the housing when the container is closed. In this example this is obtained by a chamfer CH which is located around the entire extension of contact between the housing and the cover. The assembly of the assembly and its use are relatively simple. More specifically, this structure makes it possible, with a relatively small number of parts, to implement a plurality of functions and thereby reduce the cost of implementation and assembly.

To mount the container, just simply place the cover 13 on the housing 14 and locate the spring 15 and the button 16, and press the button to hook it onto the housing. To use the container, which is initially empty and in the closed and secured position, just press the button. The translation of the button along the axis YY 'compresses the spring 15 and pushes the protrusion of the button below the base of the cover 13, and allows the rotation of the cover 13. It is possible to open the container by rotating the cover 13 around the YY 'axis. In this way it is also possible to place the key in the container, and then close the cover 13 by rotating said cover in the opposite direction. When the cover enters the closed position, the protrusion of the button is located opposite to the notches 13FG3 and 13FD3 and thus allows the button to be raised under the action of the spring, and in this way the assembly is blocked. To remove the key, simply repeat the operations by removing the key instead of placing it in the container. In the example shown in Figures 9 and 16, the steps of the procedure for positioning the key in the container and removing the key from the container are presented in the series of figures 10 to 15. Figure 10 shows the empty container and the moving part in the closed and locked position. Figure 11 shows the empty container and the moving part in the closed and unlocked position; the push button in this case is pressed. Figure 12 shows the empty container and the moving part in the open position. Figure 13 shows the key in position in the container, the moving part being in the open position. Figure 14 shows the container containing the key and the mobile part in the closed and unsecured position. Figure 15 shows the container containing the key and the moving part in the closed and locked position. It is possible to conceive more solutions and technical variants from this structural design. More specifically, it is possible, for example, to engage the cover 13 directly on the housing 14 and to design a button that would only be used to lock or unlock the cover 13. It is also possible to design an assembly structure where one or more tabs could be fixed. It is also possible to previously tension the compression spring in rotation, so that the spring operates in compression and in rotation, so that when the button is pressed it has the tendency to open the cover. The compression spring can also be replaced by any elastic element that has the same functions as said spring. The container or unlocking control button 16 may comprise on its visible face a surface for carrying information, such as a logo.

The device according to the invention is also suitable to ensure a predetermined positioning and improve the protection of an emergency key in a container. Therefore, the device according to the invention is not limited to the examples cited above, but can be modified within the scope of the claims, without changing the scope itself.

Claims (18)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A device for positioning and fastening a key (1) in a container comprising at least two parts (2, 3, or 13, 14) wherein: the opening / closing means allow the two parts (2, 3) , or 13, 14) move relative to each other at least in rotation, about an axis of rotation (X'X or Y'Y), between an open position that provides access to a container housing, and a closed position in which the means for locking / unlocking the two parts (2, 3, or 13, 14) at least in a closed position, comprises a locking / unlocking control member that can move in translation as along a translation axis.

2. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the axis of rotation and the axis of translation are perpendicular.

3. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the axis of rotation and the axis of translation are parallel.

4. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the axis of rotation and the axis of translation are fused.

5. - The device according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that one of the parts comprises a joining link having two parallel oblong recesses (LD, LG) that allows a translational locking / unlocking path while the other part it comprises means for the articulation (5G, 5D) that are coupled in said recesses.

6. The device according to any of claims 1, 2 or 5, further characterized in that the two parts also comprise interbiochemistry means with axes parallel to the axis of translation that cooperate with each other at the end of the blocking path to avoid any rotation in relation to the two parts in the locked position.

7. The device according to any of claims 1, 3 or 4, further characterized in that the two parts are mounted rotatably one relative to the other around an axis YY 'which is fixed relative to the two parts.

8. The device according to any of claims 1, 3, 4 or 7, further characterized in that the locking / unlocking means comprise a button (16) that is slidably mounted in a cavity of the cover between a pressed position and a raised position, in addition to blocking means actuated by the button acting in the rotary mounting of the cover on the body, in order to prevent rotation of the cover in the raised position and allow rotation in the pressed position.

9. - The device according to any of claims 1, 3, 4, 7 or 8, further characterized in that the locking / unlocking means comprise an elastic element (15) tending to return the button to the locked position.

10. The device according to claim 9, further characterized in that the elastic element (15) is a spring that operates in compression.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, further characterized in that the housing (14) comprises, on the side of its rear face, a tubular cylindrical section (14C), wherein the cover (13) has a hole circular (13C) extended towards the interior of the housing (14) by a cylindrical sleeve (13D), provided with a base (13F) having two opposite circular grooves (13FD, 13FG), said cylindrical sleeve (13D) engages the tubular section (14), wherein the button (16) engages the cylindrical sleeve (13D) and comprises two elastic axial tabs (16D) and (16G) that pass through said slots (13FD, 13FG) and has each one, an internal protrusion (16CH) that has the purpose of engaging under an edge (14A) provided on the inner surface of the tubular section (14C).

12. The device according to claim 11, further characterized in that the grooves (13FD) and (13FG) each comprise a notch (13FG3) in which a protrusion (16FG3) provided in each elastic tongue (16D) is coupled. , 16G) when the button (16) is in the raised position.

13. - The device according to any of claims 1, 3, 4, 7 to 12, further characterized in that a second elastic means tends to open the cover automatically as soon as the button (16) is pressed.

14. The device according to claim 13, further characterized in that the second elastic means tending to open the cover automatically is a twisting spring.

15. The device according to claim 14, further characterized in that the twisting spring is combined with the compression spring (15) in a single compression and twisting spring.

16. The device according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the container comprises an opening that allows the passage of the eye of the key (1).

17. The device according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the container comprises, in a visible part, a surface that carries information as a logo.

18. The device according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the information carrier is placed on the locking / unlocking control member that moves in translation.