EP1863986A1

EP1863986A1 - Disengageable lock for motor vehicle locking system

Info

Publication number: EP1863986A1
Application number: EP06725055A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE FLANDRINCK
Original assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle SAS
Current assignee: Minebea AccessSolutions France SAS
Priority date: 2005-03-18
Filing date: 2006-03-15
Publication date: 2007-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-15
Also published as: BRPI0609060A2; CN101155968B; US7997109B2; WO2006097476A1; US20080168810A1; MX2007011499A; EP1863986B1; ES2552910T3; FR2883322A1; FR2883322B1; KR101256690B1; JP5037486B2; CN101155968A; JP2008533333A; KR20070120111A

Abstract

The invention concerns a disengageable lock (10), in particular for motor vehicle locking system, comprising a fixed stator (14), an intermediate tubular sleeve (16) which is mounted rotatably about its axis in the stator and which is axially stationary relative to the stator, a rotor (12) which is mounted rotatably in the sleeve, which is axially stationary in the sleeve and which comprises springs (32) radially mobile under the action of a key designed to be introduced axially into the rotor, the rotor (12) and the intermediate sleeve (16) being locked in rotation relative to each other by the springs when the key is not compatible, a driving member (26) coupling the rotor and a control lever (24), called locking-interlocking lever, when the key is compatible and an indexer (28) which is axially mobile between a rest position and a disengaged position, under the effect of a rotation of the sleeve relative to the stator following the rotation of the rotor of a non-compatible key, to move axially the driving element towards a disengaged position. The invention is characterized in that the indexer (28) and the driving member (26) are cylindrical parts surrounding the rotor (12) and are mobile in mutual support, the driving member (26) is linked in disengageable rotation on the rotor (12) and the indexer (28) is linked in translation in the stator (14) by ribs surrounding the intermediate sleeve.

Description

DEBRAYABLE LATCH FOR AUTOMOBILE LOCK MECHANISM

The invention relates to a disengageable lock for a car lock mechanism.

The addition of a disengagement mechanism on a lock for a car lock prevents this lock is forced. Indeed, if a false key, or any other flat tool of adequate form, is introduced into the rotor, and if it then attempts to rotate the rotor, the disengaging mechanism allows the rotor and an intermediate sleeve to rotate freely inside the stator without significant effort being exerted on the glitter.

Indeed, in the presence of excessive forces, flakes are likely to be deteriorated or to be retracted, in force, which then allows to unlock the lock without the key compliant.

The invention relates more specifically to a disengageable lock, in particular for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, comprising a fixed stator, a tubular intermediate sleeve which is rotatably mounted about its axis in the stator and which is fixed axially with respect to the stator, a rotor which is rotatably mounted in the sleeve, which is fixed axially in the sleeve and which comprises flakes movable radially under the action of a key intended to be introduced axially into the rotor. Flakes are completely retracted inside the rotor when the key is compliant, so as to allow free rotation of the rotor relative to the sleeve and the stator and thus allow the rotational drive of a control lever, called thresher, the lock that is coupled to the rotor via a coach. The rotor and the intermediate sleeve are locked in rotation relative to one another by the flakes when the key is not in conformity. The lock also comprises an indexer which is movable axially between a rest position and a disengagement position, under the effect of a rotation of the bushing relative to the stator consecutive to the rotational drive of the rotor with the aid of a wrong key, to axially move the coach to a disengaged position.

Such a disengageable lock is described in the patent document FR 2 748 513.

According to this known lock, the indexer and the trainer are in a configuration substantially end-to-end arrangement. These two parts are substantially arranged one in extension of the other.

The indexer is integral in rotation with the intermediate sleeve and is guided in translation therein. The coach is guided in rotation on the rotor.

The indexer comprises a main ring and guide tabs which extend axially from the ring and which are intended to be received in corresponding axial slots of the intermediate sleeve. It also comprises two lugs which extend axially in the opposite direction in the extension of two diametrically opposite guide lugs.

This lock arrangement poses the following technical problems.

By its configuration in end-to-end arrangement, the length of such a lock is relatively important.

Moreover, the indexer is a relatively fragile piece by its constitution.

The invention solves these problems by providing a particularly compact disengageable lock, that is to say of limited length, and particularly robust constitution.

To do this, the invention provides a disengageable lock, in particular for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, comprising a fixed stator, a tubular intermediate bush which is rotatably mounted about its axis in the stator and which is fixed axially with respect to the stator, a rotor which is rotatably mounted in the bushing, which is axially fixed in the bushing and which comprises flakes movable radially under the action of a key intended to be introduced axially into the rotor, the rotor and the intermediate bushing being locked in rotation relative to one another by the flakes when the key is not in conformity, a driver ensuring the coupling of the rotor and a control lever, called a threshing machine, when the key and an indexer which is movable axially between a rest position and a disengagement position, under the effect of a rotation of the bushing relative to the stator consecutive to the driving in rotation of the rotor with a non-compliant key, to axially move the driver to a disengaged position, characterized in that the indexer and the driver are cylindrical parts surrounding the rotor and are movable in support of the one on the other, in that the driver is connected in rotation disengageable on the rotor and in that the indexer is linked in translation in the stator by means of ribs surrounding the intermediate sleeve.

According to a preferred embodiment, the driver is disengaged from the rotor in said disengaged position.

Preferably, the trainer comprises internal ribs embedded in corresponding grooves of the rotor, in the engaged position, these grooves being open towards the rear of the rotor on a cylindrical section of diameter less than the internal diameter of the driver.

Advantageously, the lock comprises a compression spring interposed between the thresher and the trainer. Preferably, the coach comprises on its edge facing the thresher at least one guide flange for cooperating with a corresponding notch carried by the threshing machine, this notch allowing a translation to the thresher of the coach to the against the force of the compression spring.

Said notch may be open on the rear end face of the threshing machine. The trainer may comprise a sleeve and two guide flanges which extend axially towards the threshing machine from the sleeve. Preferably, the indexer is secured in rotation with the thresher, in said disengaged position. Advantageously, the indexer comprises on its edge facing the thresher at least one guide lug intended to cooperate with a corresponding notch carried by the threshing machine. Preferably, the indexer comprises on its edge facing the key inlet at least one guide lug intended to cooperate with a corresponding notch carried by the intermediate sleeve. Advantageously, the indexer comprises a main ring, two first trapezoidal guide lugs, in section through a plane tangential to the ring, which extend axially towards the key inlet from the ring. and two second guide tabs that extend axially toward the thresher from the ring. The intermediate sleeve may comprise two notches corresponding to said first guide lugs and the thresher comprises two notches corresponding to said second guide lugs. The invention is described below in more detail with the aid of figures showing only a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a disengageable lock according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the disengageable bolt according to the invention, in the initial position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along G of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along I of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view along C of FIG. 3.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along J of Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along K of Figure 3.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a lock according to the invention in the engaged position, the stator is not shown.

Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the disengageable bolt according to the invention in the disengaged position.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along P of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view along R of Figure 9.

There is shown in Figure 1 a rotary latch of longitudinal axis A1 having disengaging means according to the teachings of the invention. This lock is shown in Figures 2 to 7 in the initial position before introduction of a key.

The latch 10 essentially comprises a rotor 12 which is rotatably mounted around the axis A1, inside a stator 14 fixed, with interposition between the two of an intermediate tubular sleeve 16 which is mounted in rotation about its axis in the stator and which is axially fixed relative to the stator.

A ball 60 is mounted between leather and flesh in a radial through orifice 16A arranged on the intermediate sleeve 16. The rotor 12 on the one hand has an outer receiving cavity 12B external of this ball and the stator 14 of other part has an internal receiving cavity 14B of this ball. This orifice 16A, this cavity of the rotor 12B and this cavity of the stator 14B are arranged such that in the rest position, before rotation of a key, the orifice 16A, the rotor cavity 12B and the stator cavity 14B are aligned as shown in Figure 2.

The rotor 12 is intended to be rotated with a key (not shown) introduced axially inside the rotor 12 through a key inlet 18 arranged in a transverse face before 20 rotor 12, which face 20 is intended for example to be flush with the outside of a body panel (not shown) of the vehicle.

The rear axial end 22 of the rotor 12 is intended to drive in rotation a control lever 24 of a lock mechanism (not shown) to allow the conviction and unlocking of an opening of the vehicle.

The rotor 12 is able to rotate the control lever 24, only in the presence of a suitable key, via a driver 26 which is axially movable in the lock 10, under the action an indexer 28, between an engaged position in which it links in rotation the rotor 12 and the control lever 24, and a disengaged position in which the rotor 12 is no longer capable of driving the lever 24 in rotation and in which the driver 26 ensures the locking in rotation of the lever 24 relative to the stator 14 of the lock 10.

The rotor 12, the stator 14 and the intermediate sleeve 16 are immobile in translation along the axis Al with respect to each other and a compression coil spring 30 is interposed between the thresher 24 and the trainer. 26 to bias the latter axially rearward towards its engaged position.

The stator 14 is generally cylindrical tubular and includes means (not shown) which allow the mounting and fixing of the lock 10 on the vehicle.

In known manner, the rotor 12 is intended to receive flakes 32 arranged in successive transverse planes at regular intervals in the direction of the axis Al of the latch 10 and which are received in corresponding housings of the rotor 12.

The flakes 32 are movable radially in the rotor 12 and they are biased elastically to a projecting position in which they extend partially outside the housing of the rotor 12.

On the other hand, when a suitable key is introduced inside the rotor 12, the flakes 32 are entirely retracted radially inwards in the rotor 12.

Thus, when the correct key is introduced into the rotor 12, it can pivot freely relative to the cylindrical intermediate sleeve 16 and relative to the stator 14.

On the other hand, if a non-compliant key, or any other tool, is introduced into the rotor 12, the flakes 34 are not entirely retracted and are received inside corresponding windows 36 arranged in the intermediate bushing 16. the flakes 34 immobilize the rotor 12 in rotation relative to the intermediate bushing 16, which remains free to rotate with respect to the stator 14.

The indexer 28 movable axially between a rest position and a disengagement position is linked in translation on the stator 14 by means of grooves arranged inside the stator and ribs 38A, 38B sliding at the Inside these grooves and surrounding the intermediate sleeve 16. The ribs 38A, 38B and the grooves are two in number and are diametrically opposed.

The indexer 28 comprises in particular a main ring 38 and first guide lugs 40 of trapezoidal shape, in section through a plane tangential to the ring 38, which extend axially forwardly from the ring 38. These first tabs 40 are intended to be received in corresponding axial slots 42 of the intermediate sleeve 16. These first guide lugs 40 are two in number and are diametrically opposite on the ring 38.

The notches 42 open axially rearwards in the rear axial end of the sleeve 16 so that, with the guide tabs 40, they provide the rotational connection of the indexer 28 with the socket intermediate 16, while leaving the possibility for the indexer 28 to move axially in the lock 10.

The indexer also comprises second guide lugs 41 of rectangular shape, in section through a plane tangential to the ring 38, which extend axially rearwardly from the ring 38. These second legs 41 are intended to be received in corresponding axial slots 43 of the thresher 24. These second guide tabs 41 are two in number, are diametrically opposite on the ring 38 and are arranged substantially opposite the first guide tabs 40.

The driver 26 ensures the coupling of the rotor 12 and the thresher 24, when the key is compliant. It is linked in translation on the rotor by means of internal ribs 26 A and grooves 12A carried by the rotor 12.

The internal ribs 26 A are embedded in the corresponding grooves 12A of the rotor, in the engaged position, these grooves being open towards the rear of the rotor 12 on a cylindrical section of diameter less than the internal diameter of the driver.

The driver 26 comprises a sleeve 39 of inner diameter or inner substantially equal to the outer diameter or inner ring 38 of the indexer 28, the indexer and the driver being arranged end to end.

The driver 26 comprises guide flanges 45 of rectangular shape, in section by a plane tangential to the sleeve 39, which extend axially rearwardly from the sleeve 39. These guide flanges 45 are intended for be received in corresponding axial slots 47 of the thresher 24, these notches allowing a translation to the thresher of the trainer against the force of the compression spring 30 and advantageously being open on the rear end face of the thresher. These guide flanges 45 are two in number, are diametrically opposite on the sleeve 39.

The latch 10 also comprises a return spring 50 operating in torsion and serving to return the thresher 24 in the initial position.

The operation of the lock according to the invention will now be described with reference to the other figures.

In Figure 8, a key compliant has been introduced into the rotor 12 by the keyway 18 and the lock is in the engaged position. The flakes 32 are thus retracted inside the rotor 12 which can rotate in the intermediate bushing 16.

In this position, the rotor 12 can be rotated with the key and carries with it the driver 26 which by the engagement of its flanges 45 in the corresponding notches 47 of the thresher 24 drives the latter in rotation, releasing the lock.

The other parts remain stationary, specifically the intermediate sleeve 16 immobile in rotation and connected to the stator 14 by the ball 60 and the indexer 28 fitted into the latter through its front guide tabs 40.

The rotation of the thresher 24 is obtained by the rotation of the following parts: key / rotor / trainer / thresher.

At the end of the race, when the key is released, the return spring 50, one end of which is fixed and another end in abutment against a flange 24A of the thresher 24, returns the thresher to its initial position as well as the coach and the rotor.

In Figures 9 to 11, a non-compliant key has been introduced into the rotor 12 by the key input 18 and the lock is in the disengaged position. The flakes 32 are not therefore retracted inside the rotor 12 which is consequently rotatably connected to the intermediate bushing 16, by embedding the flakes in the latter. The rotation of the non-compliant key therefore rotates the rotor 12 and the intermediate sleeve 16 connected and driving the ball 60 in the hole 16A of the intermediate sleeve 16A and in the cavity 12B of the rotor 12. The rotation of the bushing 16 causes the indexer 28 to move in the direction of the thresher 24, by sliding the front guide lugs 40 of the indexer out of the corresponding notches 42 of the bushing 16. In this translated position, the rear guide lugs 41 of the indexer 28 are embedded in the corresponding notches 43 of the thresher 24. The indexer 28 is rotatably immobilized by its connection with the stator, the thresher can rotate.

The driver 26 is in turn disengaged from the rotor 12, because it is pushed against the force of the compression spring 30 by the indexer 28 which presses on the front end face. Its ribs 26 A therefore leave corresponding slots 12A of the rotor and the rotational connection of the rotor and the driver is removed.

In this disengaged position, during the rotation of a non-compliant key, the ball links in rotation the intermediate sleeve 16 and the rotor 12, that is to say is embedded in the outer cavity 12B of the rotor.

The voluntary rotation of the key thus causes the following parts to move: rotation of the rotor / rotation of the intermediate bushing / translation of the indexer and blocking in rotation of the threshing machine / translation of the driver and disconnection of the threshing machine .

During the subsequent introduction of a suitable key, the rotor 12 is rotated by the rotation of the key to the initial position shown in Figures 2 to 7, the ball 60 being disengaged from the rotor, then the lock is engaged if the key is compliant or is disengaged if the key does not comply.

Claims

claims

Disengageable lock (10), in particular for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, comprising a fixed stator (14), a tubular intermediate bush (16) which is rotatably mounted about its axis in the stator and which is fixed axially with respect to the stator, a rotor (12) which is rotatably mounted in the sleeve, which is axially fixed in the sleeve and which comprises flakes (32) movable radially under the action of a key intended to be introduced axially in the rotor, the rotor (12) and the intermediate sleeve (16) being locked in rotation relative to one another by the flakes when the key is not in conformity, a driver (26) ensuring the coupling of the rotor and a control lever (24), called a threshing machine, when the key is in conformity and an indexer (28) which is axially movable between a rest position and a disengagement position, under the effect of a rotation of the socket relative to the stator consecutive to the input rotationally rotating the rotor with a non-compliant key, for axially moving the driver to a disengaged position, characterized in that the indexer (28) and the driver (26) are cylindrical pieces surrounding the rotor (12) and are movable in abutment with each other, in that the driver (26) is connected in releasable rotation to the rotor (12) and in that the indexer (28) is connected in translation into the stator (14) by means of ribs surrounding the intermediate sleeve.

Lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the driver (26) is disengaged from the rotor (12) in said disengaged position.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the trainer comprises internal ribs (26A) embedded in corresponding grooves (12A) of the rotor, in the engaged position, these grooves being open towards the rear of the rotor (12 ) on a cylindrical section of diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the driver.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a compression spring (30) interposed between the thresher (24) and the driver (26).

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the driver (26) has on its edge facing the thresher (24) at least one guide flange (45) for cooperating with a notch (47) corresponding scope by the thresher (24), this notch allowing a translation to the thresher of the trainer against the force of the compression spring.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said notch is open on the rear end face of the thresher.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the trainer (26) comprises a sleeve (39) and two guide flanges (45) which extend axially towards the thresher (24) from the sleeve.

Lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indexer (28) is secured in rotation with the thresher (24) in said disengaged position.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the indexer (28) comprises on its edge facing the thresher (24) at least one guide lug (41) intended to cooperate with a notch (43) corresponding scope by the threshing machine.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the indexer (28) has on its edge facing the key inlet at least one guide lug (40) intended to cooperate with a corresponding notch (42) scope by the intermediate sleeve (16).

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the indexer (28) comprises a main ring (38), two first trapezoidal guide lugs (40), in section through a plane tangential to the ring, which extend axially towards the key entry (18) from the ring and two second guide tabs (41) which extend axially towards the thresher (24) from the ring.

Lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the intermediate sleeve (16) has two notches (42) corresponding to said first guide lugs (40) and the thresher (24) has two notches (43) corresponding to said second guide lugs (41).