EP1335330B1 - System for unlocking a motor vehicle opening - Google Patents

System for unlocking a motor vehicle opening Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1335330B1
EP1335330B1 EP20030290301 EP03290301A EP1335330B1 EP 1335330 B1 EP1335330 B1 EP 1335330B1 EP 20030290301 EP20030290301 EP 20030290301 EP 03290301 A EP03290301 A EP 03290301A EP 1335330 B1 EP1335330 B1 EP 1335330B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lock
opening
unlocking
vehicle
power supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP20030290301
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1335330A3 (en
EP1335330A2 (en
Inventor
Jean-Marc Belmond
Frédéric Burkat
Sylvain Chonavel
Yi Hwa Chu
Pascal De Vries
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Inteva Products France SAS
Original Assignee
ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems France SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems France SA filed Critical ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems France SA
Publication of EP1335330A2 publication Critical patent/EP1335330A2/en
Publication of EP1335330A3 publication Critical patent/EP1335330A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1335330B1 publication Critical patent/EP1335330B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B81/00—Power-actuated vehicle locks
    • E05B81/02—Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the type of actuators used
    • E05B81/04—Electrical
    • E05B81/06—Electrical using rotary motors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B81/00—Power-actuated vehicle locks
    • E05B81/12—Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators
    • E05B81/14—Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C9/00309—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B81/00—Power-actuated vehicle locks
    • E05B81/54—Electrical circuits
    • E05B81/90—Manual override in case of power failure
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B85/00—Details of vehicle locks not provided for in groups E05B77/00 - E05B83/00
    • E05B85/01—Mechanical arrangements specially adapted for hands-free locking or unlocking
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C2009/00579—Power supply for the keyless data carrier
    • G07C2009/00603—Power supply for the keyless data carrier by power transmission from lock
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C2009/00753—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys
    • G07C2009/00769—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by wireless means
    • G07C2009/00777—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by wireless means by induction
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
    • Y10T292/08—Bolts
    • Y10T292/1043—Swinging
    • Y10T292/1044—Multiple head
    • Y10T292/1045—Operating means
    • Y10T292/1047—Closure
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
    • Y10T292/08—Bolts
    • Y10T292/1043—Swinging
    • Y10T292/1075—Operating means
    • Y10T292/1082—Motor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00—Locks
    • Y10T70/50—Special application
    • Y10T70/5889—For automotive vehicles
    • Y10T70/5973—Remote control
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00—Locks
    • Y10T70/50—Special application
    • Y10T70/5889—For automotive vehicles
    • Y10T70/5973—Remote control
    • Y10T70/5978—With switch

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of locks of motor vehicles, and more specifically the unlocking locks equipping the opening of motor vehicles.
  • a lock of a motor vehicle allows the maintenance in the closed position of an opening; it also allows to unhook the opening by action on an inner or outer opening control connected to the lock and operable by a user.
  • a lock is typically mounted on the opening of the vehicle. It has a bolt whose function is to fix in relation to the lock a finger mounted on the vehicle, or unlike to release the finger.
  • the opening of the lock is called the action of releasing the finger, which allows the opening of the opening; conversely, locking the lock is known to hold the finger in the lock, which prevents the stall from opening.
  • the bolt is biased towards its closed position by the finger when closing the opening, a pawl prohibiting the return of the bolt to its open position and holding the lock in the closed position in the absence of external stress on the lock.
  • the use of a lock poses the following problems.
  • the presence of the lock is a strong architectural constraint: the introduction of an object in the seal of the window can allow a thief to act on the lock-lock connection.
  • This problem is solved by bringing the lock closer to the lock or by providing a connection between the lock and the lock that can not be manipulated through the window seal.
  • the solution generates a constraint on the relative position of the lock and the lock; in the other case, the solution generates a constraint on the type of link movement.
  • the position of the lock is also constrained by the need to allow the descent of the window.
  • a solution of rape is to tear the lock of the door: it is therefore proposed to provide around the lock reinforcement of the sheet constituting the door.
  • the vehicle marketed by Peugeot under the trademark 406 has a key provided with a transponder, that is to say, a passive circuit powered remotely and searchable remotely.
  • a transponder supply and interrogation circuit is provided in the vehicle and prevents starting in the absence of a transponder response; in this application the power supply and muting circuit is designed to interrogate the transponder when the key is in the vicinity of the steering wheel.
  • the circuit operates at frequencies close to 125 kHz, called low frequencies, with a range of about 5 cm.
  • FR-A-2 740 501 proposes a hands-free system for unlocking and / or opening the trunk of a motor vehicle.
  • One or two antennas are provided on the vehicle; presenting a transponder in front of the antenna or the antennas in a predetermined sequence causes the unlocking and / or opening of the trunk.
  • the system proposed in this document requires a battery supply of the vehicle for unlocking and opening and therefore involves providing the vehicle with a lock used in case of failure of the hands-free system.
  • US-A-5,134,392 discloses a keyless opening system.
  • the opening system uses a transmitter powered by a long life battery.
  • EP-A-0 694 644 proposes a lock with electric opening of a motor vehicle.
  • the opening of the lock is provided electrically by the operation of an actuator powered by the vehicle battery.
  • an emergency power source consisting of a battery backup located in the door with which the lock is associated. In case of malfunction of the supplied power supply the battery of the vehicle, the lock is likely to be opened through the power supply provided by the battery backup. This document is silent about the lock used.
  • This solution first poses a problem of sizing the engine opening the lock; indeed, the engine must allow not only the opening of the lock in normal use, but also the opening of the lock in degraded conditions, for example after an impact.
  • the motor and its gearbox are designed to allow opening in degraded conditions, which leads to oversized electrical and mechanical compared to the need in normal conditions.
  • the dimensioning of the engine therefore poses a problem for the emergency power supply; it must indeed be able to provide the engine with the energy necessary for opening under heavy load.
  • US-A-5,552,641 and EP-A-1 052 353 disclose automotive vehicle opening systems based on portable transmitters or transponders. These documents do not explain what type of lock is used for the vehicle.
  • WO-A-01 23695 proposes a transmitter for actuating a motor vehicle locking system. Contacts are provided on the transmitter, to compensate for a fault in the transmitter battery or vehicle.
  • EP-A-1 001 118 discloses a lock with electric opening and electric lock / unlock.
  • an electronic recognition device is associated with the lock to make it pass in a unlocked state when it recognizes an identifying device.
  • the recognition device transmits a unlocking signal which is simultaneously transmitted to an electromechanical unlocking device and to a motor of the electric lock.
  • the electric lock will open the door since it acts parallel to the unlocking device.
  • Document DE-A-196 00 524 describes a lock, in particular for motor vehicle doors.
  • This lock comprises a bolt cooperating with a locking latch, the bolt being adapted to be locked in a locking position by a pawl.
  • An adjusting device electrically brings the pawl into an open position by actuating a handle with a transmission device which brings the pawl into its open position by actuating the handle on an enlarged control area relative to an electric unlocking.
  • the lock also includes a mechanical transmission device for unlocking.
  • This mechanical transmission device is able to be actuated efficiently in the event of an incident, in particular when there is no electric power or in the event of a failure of the power supply, so that the ratchet is able to be actuated by the transmission device independently of the position of the adjustment device.
  • Document DE-A-100 48 709 discloses a vehicle door locking system comprising, in its basic structure, a lock consisting of a bolt and a pawl, as well as a control lever and an electric drive member. .
  • the electric drive member allows the electric opening of the lock.
  • a mechanical connection between the control lever and the lock can be arranged in such a way that the lock can be opened mechanically urgently.
  • the electric actuator is not only responsible for the electric opening of the lock but also couples the control lever to the bolt and / or the ratchet in the case of emergency opening.
  • the signal delivered under normal conditions may be a software unlocking signal of the electrical opening of the lock; it can also be a clutch signal of the mechanical opening of the lock.
  • the interrogation circuit can remotely power the portable object to the interrogation. It can also be provided that the portable object has contacts and that the interrogation circuit has contacts adapted to mate with the contacts of the portable object.
  • the system advantageously has a backup power supply separate from the main power supply of the vehicle; the interrogation circuit can then be powered by the emergency power supply.
  • the system may further comprise a unlocking mechanism receiving the unlocking signal from the interrogation circuit.
  • the unlocking mechanism can be connected to the emergency power supply.
  • This emergency electronics advantageously has a standby state which it outputs upon receipt of a signal from a sensor. actuating an inner opening control or an outer opening control.
  • the unlocking mechanism may comprise an electric motor with an electric power of less than 10 W.
  • the invention also proposes a door without lock having such a system and a vehicle having a door without lock and such a system.
  • the invention proposes, for the unlocking of an opening of a motor vehicle, to use a portable object powered interrogation. It is intended to interrogate the portable object an interrogation circuit, which is typically mounted on the door of the vehicle. The interrogation circuit is able to interrogate the object while it is outside the vehicle, while ensuring its power supply. If the results of the query show that the portable object has a Authorization of unlocking locks of the vehicle, the circuit provides the lock of the opening a signal allowing the unlocking.
  • the lock is an electric lock with a mechanical opening clutch. In normal operation, when the vehicle battery provides sufficient power, such a lock can be used as an electric lock. However, in the event of a power failure, the lock can be engaged using reduced power; this limits the electrical power needed to overcome the failures.
  • the system of the invention resists a failure of the (possible) power supply of the portable object, because the interrogation circuit is able to supply the object when it is outside the vehicle.
  • the system of the invention also resists a failure of the power supply of the vehicle, due to the mechanical opening of the electric lock clutch. It suffices to provide in the opening a low-power back-up power supply to enable clutching of the mechanical opening; alternatively, this mechanical opening can be permanently engaged, as explained with reference to FIG.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the various elements of a system according to one embodiment of the invention; a portable object 2 is represented in the figure.
  • the object is supplied with interrogation by the interrogation circuit: it is therefore capable of answering the interrogations of an interrogation circuit which supplies it, without which it is necessary that it presents a clean power supply such as a battery or a battery.
  • the power supply of the portable object can be provided remotely, i.e. without contact; a first solution is to use a transponder; a transponder has a coil which serves firstly for the remote power supply of the object by means of a magnetic field and secondly for the transmission of a response.
  • the transponder 1 shows the case of a transponder, with a coil 4 and a circuit 6 fed by the coil and capable of short-circuiting the coil for the transmission of a response.
  • the transponder can be powered remotely and interrogated at low frequencies, for example at a frequency of 125 kHz.
  • the portable object is powered by means of contacts, by providing corresponding contacts on the interrogation circuit; the interrogation is then advantageously performed by modulation of the supply voltage to limit the number of contacts.
  • the object could thus have the form of a card that would be introduced into a slot, for example between the door and the amount. This reading position of the card would protect the power contacts and / or interrogation of the card.
  • the portable object has a memory 8, dead, reprogrammable or more generally capable of storing an identifier even when the object is not powered.
  • the identifier is used to characterize the object.
  • the use of such an identifier stored in memory provides more combinations than the mechanical combinations of a key.
  • storage of the identifier on 15 bits provides more than 30,000 combinations, while the number of combinations of a mechanical key is of the order of 3000.
  • the memory 8 is connected to the circuit 6, so as to allow the interrogation of the circuit the transmission of the identifier from the portable object to the interrogation circuit. From this point of view, it is possible to use any appropriate interrogation protocol, providing, if necessary, encryption of the transmitted data, a rotating code, and all the security solutions known for other applications in the state of the art. For example, it can be used in case of receipt of N incorrect codes a temporary or permanent blocking of the door.
  • FIG. 1 is only a schematic representation; thus, the distinction between the circuit 6 and the memory 8 is made only for the clarity of the explanation, the circuit and the memory can be perfectly implemented with the aid of a single component. It is also possible to provide for the portable object to serve other purposes; it could thus be used for a command, providing, in addition to the circuit supplied to the interrogation just described, a battery or battery power and a high frequency transmission circuit. In this case, the circuit 6 could be powered by the battery or battery in normal mode and be powered by the interrogation circuit in case of failure of the battery or battery.
  • the system has an interrogation circuit 10 provided on the vehicle.
  • This circuit provides power to the portable object during the interrogation.
  • the power supply is provided by means of an antenna 12 emitting a magnetic interrogation field, which is used for feeding the coil and is modulated for interrogation.
  • the power supply 12 is controlled by a control logic 14; this logic controls the power supply of the portable object during the interrogation, the interrogation of the object and the answers provided by it. Depending on these responses, the logic 14 emits a signal of unlocking.
  • a control logic 14 controls the power supply of the portable object during the interrogation, the interrogation of the object and the answers provided by it.
  • the logic 14 emits a signal of unlocking.
  • a memory 16 storing an identifier and the interrogation of the portable object consists in comparing the identifiers of the memories 16 and 8; the unlocking signal is issued if the comparison shows that the identifiers are identical.
  • circuit 10 is also advantageous for the circuit 10 to be powered by a power supply 18 distinct from the main power supply of the vehicle; the presence of such a power supply - battery, battery, supercapacity or other - overcomes any failure of the main power of the vehicle. It can of course also provide that the circuit 10 is powered by the main power of the vehicle, or that the power supply 18 is used only in emergency, in case of failure of the main power supply.
  • Figure 1 still shows a mechanism of unlocking 20 of the vehicle door.
  • the mechanism 20 receives the unlocking signal emitted by the interrogation circuit 10 and proceeds to the unlocking of the door on reception of this unlocking signal.
  • FIG. 1 again shows that the unlocking mechanism 20 is powered by the power supply 18, at least in emergency mode. Once again, such a feed of the unlocking mechanism, distinct from the main power supply of the vehicle, ensures that the unlocking remains possible even when the main power supply of the vehicle is faulty.
  • a first solution is to use an electromechanical lock, in which the unlocking is provided by a specific motor.
  • the unlocking motor is typically a motor operating at a voltage of 6 V, with an electric power of 10 W.
  • An electric lock is used according to the invention, with an engageable mechanical opening.
  • Such a lock is described below with reference to Figures 2 to 5 and is described in more detail in the application filed by the plaintiff on the same day as the present application and entitled "Lock motor vehicle".
  • the unlocking signal simply causes the clutch of the mechanical opening, so that it is possible to open the door by mechanical action on the handle.
  • Figure 6 shows another example of an electrically opening lock with mechanical opening clutchable, which can also be used in a system according to the invention.
  • the emergency power supply can be made using a battery, a battery, a capacitor, providing a lower voltage This value allows, besides the activation of the unlocking mechanism, a power supply for interrogation and interrogation of the portable object.
  • the position of the interrogation circuit 10, the power supply 18 and the unlocking mechanism 20 may vary in the vehicle.
  • the only constraint is that the interrogation circuit must be able to supply and interrogate the portable object while he is outside the vehicle.
  • the interrogation circuit is located on a non-metallic part of the vehicle, such as a door handle, a door jamb trim, a protection strip, a mirror cover , optics, etc. Other positions may be preferred for other types of interrogation circuit, such as in the door seal discussed above.
  • the circuit 10 can also in this case be part of the main electronic door - while maintaining if necessary a separate power supply 18. This solution provides information to control a lock, especially in case of emergency .
  • the system described with reference to Figure 1 has the following advantages. It makes possible a unlocking even in case of failure of the main power of the engine. Due to the high reliability it offers - thanks to the emergency power supply - it is possible to completely remove the lock; it frees the design constraints of the door and limits the possibilities of violating the lock or the lock of the door.
  • a lock advantageous in the context envisaged is described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and following. It is a lock with electric opening, but has an opening mechanical clutch.
  • the mechanical opening can be engaged under the action of the interrogation circuit 10, to allow the opening of the door even in case of failure of the power supply of the vehicle.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of a lock according to one embodiment of the invention, in a closed position and locked.
  • the figure shows the bolt 32, which is rotatably mounted about an axis 34.
  • the rotation of the bolt 32 about the axis 34, in the opposite direction of the clockwise, allows the opening of the door as 3 or 5.
  • the bolt is biased by a spring in the direction of clockwise towards its open position.
  • the pawl prevents the opening of the door by holding the bolt on a finger not shown.
  • the exact shape of the bolt as its movement are known per se and are not described in more detail. They can also be modified without this having any effect on the operation of the lock.
  • FIG. 2 further shows a counter-catch 36 and a pawl 38.
  • the pawl and the pawl are rotatable about an axis 40.
  • the ratchet and the pawl are more clearly visible in FIG. are integral with one another: the use of two parts is advantageous for mounting constraints.
  • the rotation of the counter pawl 36 and the pawl 38 about the axis 40, in the counterclockwise direction, has the effect of allowing the counterclockwise rotation of the bolt 32, and therefore the opening of the lock.
  • the counter-pawl 36 has a substantially circular shape; it has a first span 42 and a second span 44. A support on one or the other of these ranges makes it possible to turn the pawl in the counterclockwise direction.
  • the pawl 38 is secured to the counter-pawl 36 so as to be rotated by the counter-pawl when it rotates in the opposite direction of clockwise. It has a finger 46, which comes into contact with the bolt to prevent its movement when the lock is closed and locked, in the position shown in Figure 2. The movement of the finger 46 releases in rotation the bolt, as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the pawl and the counter-pawl are biased by a not shown spring towards the closed and locked position shown in FIG. 1.
  • Figure 2 still shows a lever 48 manual or mechanical opening of the door.
  • the lever 48 is rotatably mounted about the axis 40 of the pawl; it is connected by a cable or rod 50 of external opening to an external opening control not shown. It is connected by an inner opening cable or rod 52 to an inner opening control, not shown. Actuation of the outer (respectively inner) opening control causes, by through the cable 50 (respectively 52) a rotation of the lever 48 around the second axis 40, in the opposite direction of clockwise.
  • the lever 48 also has a bearing surface 54 for driving the counter-pawl 36 when the mechanical opening of the lock is engaged, as explained below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • the lever 48 also has a light 56, of which the function will appear in the description that follows.
  • a spring not shown recalls the lever 48 to its closed position shown in the figure, in the direction of clockwise.
  • Figure 2 shows under reference 58 an electric opening motor of the lock.
  • the motor 58 drives in translation along the vertical axis of Figure 1 a drive arm 60.
  • the motor is electrically powered by the main electrical circuit of the vehicle; it is dimensioned to allow the opening of the lock and the door under normal operating conditions.
  • the motor 58 it is typical to use a DC motor with a power of 40 Watts electric and a no-load speed of the order of 12,500 rpm.
  • the lock has a hold 62 opening authorization.
  • This shim 62 is mounted at the end of an arm 64.
  • the arm has a pin 66, which engages in the slot 56 of the lever.
  • a spring 68 biases the arm 64 to the left in FIG. 2.
  • the post 66 bears against the left end. light 56, under the effect of the bias of the spring 68; the arm 64 and the shim 62 are then brought to the right by the lever and spaced apart from the first bearing surface 42 of the pawl and the driving arm 60.
  • the lever 48 rotates about the axis 40 counterclockwise, as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the spring 68 biases the arm 64 to the left, and the shim 62 is positioned between the first bearing 42 against the pawl and the drive arm 60.
  • the wedge allows the triggering of the motor excitation 58 by coming to close a contact; its position between the arm 60 and the first seat 42 of the pawl allows the opening of the door by excitation of the motor 58.
  • the cylindrical or rounded shape of the shim 62 facilitates the release of the shim under the effect of the return spring of the lever 48, in the case where the drive arm 60 is locked in the position shown in FIG. 4.
  • the release of the wedge avoids in this case that the lock is locked in an open position.
  • FIG. 2 finally shows the elements of the clutch mechanism of the mechanical opening of the lock.
  • This mechanism comprises an arm 70, which is rotatably mounted about a third axis 72.
  • the movement of the arm 70 about the axis 72 is controlled by a backup engine 74 operating at very low load.
  • the motor makes it possible to turn the arm 70 in one direction or the other, for the reasons explained below.
  • On the arm 70 is mounted a mechanical clutch finger 76.
  • the emergency engine 74 causes the rotation of the arm 70 in the opposite direction of clockwise, the end 78 of the finger 76 is interposed between the bearing 54 of the lever 48 and the second bearing 44 of the counter-pawl.
  • the reference 80 designates a member for guiding the end 78 of the finger 76.
  • the finger 76 is rotatably mounted on the arm 70, so as to allow its end 78 to turn about the second axis 40 at the same time as the lever and the counter-ratchet.
  • a first contact is provided at the outer opening control and is activated when the user manipulates this command.
  • a second contact is actuated by the opening clearance 62, when it is interposed between the arm 60 and the first bearing 42 of the pawl.
  • An open door contact has two states representative of the open or closed state of the door.
  • FIG 3 This figure shows the movement of the lever, in case of action on the outer (respectively inner) opening control.
  • the cable or the rod 50 (respectively 52) transmits the movement of the opening control lever, which rotates about the second axis 40, as shown by the arrow 90 (respectively 92).
  • the opening authorization block 62 is driven to the left of Figure 2, as shown by the arrow 94; it comes to interpose between the arm 60 and the first bearing 42 of the counter-pawl. At the end of the race, she comes to activate the second contact.
  • Figure 3 still shows the movement of the arm 60 under the action of the motor 58.
  • the lever 48 is shown behind the pawl and against-ratchet.
  • Activation of the second contact by the shim 62 causes the excitation of the motor 58, which drives the arm 60 towards the shim 62 and the first reach of the counter-catch, as represented by the arrow 96.
  • the pawl and the counter-pawl are rotated about the second shaft 40, in the opposite direction of clockwise; this rotational movement is represented in FIG. 3 by the arrow 98.
  • the open door contact changes state; the motor 58 is controlled to raise the arm 60; the shim 62 is released and the lever 48 returns to the position of Figure 2 on release of the outer opening control.
  • the pawl is biased towards the position of Figure 2, so that the closing of the door brings the bolt and the pawl in the position of Figure 2.
  • Figures 4 and 5 show views of the lock of Figure 2, showing the movement of the various parts of the lock during the mechanical opening of the lock.
  • the mechanical opening is controlled by the unlocking signal emitted by the circuit 10, when the power supply of the vehicle is faulty.
  • Figure 4 shows a view of the lock after powering the emergency engine 74 to engage the mechanical opening of the lock; as shown in the figure, the triggering of the emergency engine 74 causes the rotation of the arm 70 about the axis 72, in the opposite direction of clockwise as symbolized in FIG. 4 by the arrow 102. Because of this rotation, the mechanical clutch finger moves towards the lever 48 and against the pawl 36. The presence of the guide member 80 assists that the end 78 of the finger comes to interpose between the scope 54 of the lever 48 and the second bearing 44 of the counter-catch. In the position of Figure 4, the mechanical opening of the lock is engaged, insofar as the actuation of the outer or inner opening control causes the opening of the lock, independently of the motor 58, as explained in FIG. reference to Figure 5.
  • the motor 74 is simply sized to allow the rotation of the arm 70 and the movement of the finger 76; therefore, this motor can be sized for a low load; we can typically use for the engine 74 a DC motor 10 watt power and no-load speed of the order of 4,000 to 6,000 rpm.
  • power is the simple product of the setpoint voltage by the intensity of the engine at startup; this value is not representative of the average power consumed by the engine (the ratio between the energy consumed by the motor during the rotation of the arm 40 and the duration of this rotation). In practice, the average power consumed by the engine is of the order of 1 W.
  • the emergency power supply 18 can be compact and inexpensive , as indicated above.
  • Figure 5 shows a view of the lock during a mechanical opening.
  • An action on the inner opening control or on the outer opening control causes the lever 48 to rotate. Due to the presence of the end 78 of the finger between the bearing surface 54 of the lever 48 and the second bearing surface 44 of the counter -cliquet, the rotation of the lever 48 causes the rotation of the counter-pawl 36 is the opening of the bolt; the movement of the ratchet and bolt assembly is similar to that described above and is not detailed again.
  • the arrows 104 and 106 representative of the rotational movement of the ratchet assembly 36-38 and of the bolt 32 have been shown.
  • FIGS. 108 and 110 representative of the rotation of the lever 48 under FIG. action of the outer or inner opening control, which causes rotation of the ratchet assembly.
  • the locking or unlocking of the lock can be provided purely by software. It suffices to condemn the lock not to trigger the motor 58, even when the contact of the shim 62 is switched. The lock is unlocked by allowing the motor to trip by the contact of the cleat.
  • the unlocking signal emitted by the circuit 10 is therefore simply transmitted to the main electronics of the door, which authorizes the software unlocking.
  • the unlocking signal transmitted by the circuit 10 controls the emergency engine of the lock, to engage the mechanical opening as shown in Figure 4.
  • the unlocking mechanism is then formed of the arm 70, the engine of rescue 74 and the finger 76.
  • the motor 74 can be powered by the power supply 18, which ensures a unlocking even in the event of a failure of the main power supply of the vehicle.
  • FIG. 6 shows another example of a lock that can be used in the system of FIG. 1.
  • This lock is similar to that of FIGS. 2 to 5; however, instead of providing only one clutch for the outer and inner opening controls, a mechanical linkage for the inner opening control and an electrical connection for the outer opening control is used.
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the lock in a closed and super-locked position. The elements of the lock that are similar to those of Figure 2 have the same references and are not described again.
  • the bolt 32, the lever 48, the inner opening cable or rod 52, the pawl 36, the pawl 38, the electric opening motor 58 with its drive arm 112, the arm 70, are thus recognized.
  • the motor 74, the clutch finger 76 and the guide member 80 are thus recognized.
  • the lock of FIG. 6 does not have an opening authorization wedge with the arm and the tenon.
  • the drive arm 112 of the motor 58 bears directly on the first bearing surface 42 of the counter-catch 36 when the motor 58 is actuated.
  • the shape of the drive arm 112 of the motor 58 is slightly different in FIG. 6, compared with FIG. 1, because of the absence of the opening authorization wedge; more precisely, the arm 112 has a dimension, in its direction of displacement, substantially equal to the sum of the dimensions of the arm 60 and the shim 62; this makes it possible not to modify the stroke of the motor 58 to ensure the opening, that is to say to use in the example of FIG. 6 the same motor as in the lock of FIG. 2.
  • the lock has no cable or external opening rod 50.
  • the lever 48 is identical to that of FIGS. 2 to 5, but understand that we could do without the light and the part used to receive the outer opening cable.
  • the mechanical opening of the lock of Figure 6 can be engaged; in this state, an action on the inner opening control causes the mechanical opening of the lock.
  • the clutch of the mechanical opening is effected, as shown in FIG. 4, by lowering the finger 76 with the aid of the motor 74.
  • the end 78 of the finger comes between the second bearing surface 44 of the counter-catch 36 and in this state, when the internal opening control is actuated, it causes via the cable 52 the rotation of the lever 48 about the axis 40.
  • the rotation of the lever 48 is transmitted against the pawl 36 through the end 78 of the finger 76.
  • the rotation of the pawl 36 and the pawl 38 allows the rotation of the bolt 32, similar to that shown in Figure 5.
  • the lock of the figure works as follows.
  • the opening of the lock from the external opening control is electric and is effected by triggering the motor 58, so that the drive arm 112 causes the counter-pawl 36 to rotate. No cable or cable is provided. rod to the lever.
  • the locking and unlocking of the lock are purely software operations, which do not involve any element mechanical. The risk of self-opening is not managed as in the example of Figures 2 to 5 by a clutchable and disengageable electrical opening.
  • the opening of the lock from the inner opening control is a mechanical opening.
  • the finger 76 In the condemned, super-condemned or child-safe state, the finger 76 is in the raised position of FIG. 6; an action on the inner opening control moves the lever 48, but has no effect on the pawl and counter-pawl.
  • the finger 76 When the lock is unlocked, in the absence of child safety, the finger 76 is in the low position. Actuation of the inner opening control 76 acts on the counter-catch and the pawl to cause the opening of the lock.
  • the lock is therefore a lock with purely electric external opening, purely mechanical interior opening, with mechanical links disengageable for super-conviction or for child safety.
  • the lock of Figure 6 reduces the problem of diversity and limit the need for a backup power in the door.
  • the lock of Figure 6 also simplifies the door structure, insofar as it does not involve mechanical links between the outer opening control and the lock. It would also be possible using other sensors than the sensor of the outer opening control described in the example, to completely do without external opening control.
  • the unlocking signal transmitted by the interrogation circuit of the object thus causes a software unlocking of the electrical opening of the lock. This can for example be triggered when the user approaches the vehicle or manipulates the external opening command.
  • the unlocking signal further causes the clutch to engage the mechanical opening of the lock from the inner opening control; in other words, the unlocking mechanism formed of the motor 74, the arm 70 and the finger 76 is actuated to allow the mechanical opening of the lock from the inner opening control.
  • the lock of Figure 6 reduces the problem of diversity and limit the need for a backup power in the door. It also simplifies the structure of the doors, insofar as it does not involve mechanical links between the external opening control and the lock. It would also be possible using other sensors than the sensor of the outer opening control described in the example, to completely do without external opening control.
  • the unlocking signal may not cause unlocking of the mechanical opening from the inner opening control; this ensures that a door in the state "child safety" remains in this state even when the interrogation circuit emits a signal of unlocking.
  • the finger 76 is between the bearing surfaces 44 and 54 in the rest position. This avoids having to provide in the door an emergency power supply for the motor 74. Indeed, if the finger 76 in the rest position is in the up position, it is preferable to have in the vehicle door an emergency power supply - battery, capacity or other - likely to allow, in case of accident, a clutch mechanical links. Conversely, if the finger 76 is at rest in the low position, it is possible to super-lock the lock or provide child safety from the start of the vehicle, without providing emergency power; it is sufficient for this purpose, using the battery of the vehicle, to raise the finger 76.
  • this lock As an alternative to that described with reference to FIG. 6, it would be possible for this lock, as in the example of FIGS. 2 to 5, to provide an electric opening by the motor 58, triggered by the movement of the control unit. opening inside or by the movement of the lever. In this case, actuation of the inner opening control would have the effect of triggering the electrical opening.
  • This solution provides an electric opening of the lock from the inner opening control. It has the disadvantage of imposing an emergency power supply to lower the finger 76 in the event of failure of the electrical opening, to allow the mechanical opening of the lock at least since the internal opening control; since such a power supply is provided for the interrogation circuit, it is not really a disadvantage. If an electric opening is thus provided from the internal opening control, the unlocking signal transmitted from the interrogation circuit has also for the internal opening control the effect of allowing the motor 58 to trip; it does not cause the descent of the finger 76.
  • Another alternative is to provide an electrically assisted opening from the inner opening control.
  • the finger 76 when the lock is unlocked, in the absence of super-conviction or child safety, the finger 76 is in the low position.
  • An action on the inner opening control causes the lever to move and triggers opening by the motor.
  • This solution presents the disadvantages of an assisted mechanical opening, in particular the risks during a sudden actuation of the internal opening control. It also avoids providing an emergency power supply in the door and makes it possible to use only a motor 74 of very low power to actuate the finger 76.
  • the unlocking signal transmitted by the interrogation circuit allows the triggering the motor 58 during an action on the inner opening control, but also causes the descent of the finger 76.
  • this emergency power supply can supply the interrogation circuit of the vehicle and / or the clutch of the mechanical opening of the lock.
  • this emergency power supply can supply the interrogation circuit of the vehicle and / or the clutch of the mechanical opening of the lock.
  • a backup power supply it is possible, in the event of a vehicle battery failure, to cause the clutch of the mechanical opening and thus to allow the mechanical opening of the lock, either through the control of outer opening and inner opening control (in the example of Figures 2 to 5), or through the inner opening control (in the example of Figure 6).
  • the necessary energy remains in all cases quite low, insofar as it is only to engage the mechanical opening and not to actually open the lock. If it is thus possible to clutch the mechanical links from the emergency power supply, sensors can be used on the internal opening control or on the external opening control to wake up the interrogation circuit electronics or the associated with the lock, in case of failure of the main battery of the vehicle.
  • Such emergency electronics can also provide a backup electronics, using only a low power and has only a limited number of functions, including the clutch mechanical opening.
  • Such emergency electronics is connected to the main battery of the vehicle, or at the very least receives a signal representative of the power supply by the main battery of the vehicle.
  • the emergency electronics are powered by the emergency power supply and are able to scan the status of the sensors on the internal opening control or the external opening control or to receive signals representative of the state of these sensors.
  • the backup electronics are inactive as long as the vehicle's battery provides power. If the vehicle battery stops supplying a voltage supply, the emergency electronics are awakened by the signals from the sensors. It can then engage the mechanical opening.
  • the alarm clock of the electronics of Rescue signals from the sensors ensure that the emergency electronics, under normal conditions of use, do not consume power from the back-up power supply.
  • the backup electronics can be performed on a printed circuit including the emergency power supply.
  • the emergency electronics then comprises a logic circuit capable of analyzing the signals received from the sensors, a switch capable of supplying the clutch of the mechanical opening from the emergency power supply.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiments described by way of example.
  • other portable objects can be used than a transponder; the schematic descriptions of Figure 1 do not exclude implementations in which the functions are performed differently.
  • the invention is described in its application to the unlocking of a door; it applies more generally to any opening of the vehicle - including the opening of the trunk.
  • the simplest case in which the interrogation circuit provides a unlocking signal to the lock of an opening of the vehicle has been described. It is also possible that the interrogation circuit provides a unlocking signal to more than one lock, for example to all the locks of the vehicle in normal operation.

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Description

L'invention concerne le domaine des serrures des véhicules automobiles, et plus spécifiquement la décondamnation des serrures équipant les ouvrants des véhicules automobiles.The invention relates to the field of locks of motor vehicles, and more specifically the unlocking locks equipping the opening of motor vehicles.

Une serrure de véhicule automobile permet le maintien en position fermée d'un ouvrant ; elle permet aussi de décrocher l'ouvrant par action sur une commande d'ouverture intérieure ou extérieure reliée à la serrure et actionnable par un utilisateur. Une telle serrure est typiquement montée sur l'ouvrant du véhicule. Elle présente un pêne dont la fonction est de fixer par rapport à la serrure un doigt monté sur le véhicule, ou au contraire de libérer le doigt. On appelle ouverture de la serrure l'action de libérer le doigt, ce qui permet le décrochage de l'ouvrant ; inversement, on appelle fermeture de la serrure le fait de maintenir le doigt dans la serrure, ce qui interdit le décrochage de l'ouvrant. Le pêne est sollicité vers sa position de fermeture par le doigt lors de la fermeture de l'ouvrant, un cliquet interdisant le retour du pêne vers sa position d'ouverture et le maintien de la serrure en position fermée en l'absence de sollicitation extérieure sur la serrure.A lock of a motor vehicle allows the maintenance in the closed position of an opening; it also allows to unhook the opening by action on an inner or outer opening control connected to the lock and operable by a user. Such a lock is typically mounted on the opening of the vehicle. It has a bolt whose function is to fix in relation to the lock a finger mounted on the vehicle, or unlike to release the finger. The opening of the lock is called the action of releasing the finger, which allows the opening of the opening; conversely, locking the lock is known to hold the finger in the lock, which prevents the stall from opening. The bolt is biased towards its closed position by the finger when closing the opening, a pawl prohibiting the return of the bolt to its open position and holding the lock in the closed position in the absence of external stress on the lock.

Dans ce contexte, on appelle levier d'ouverture extérieure - respectivement intérieure - la pièce de la serrure reliée à la commande d'ouverture extérieure - respectivement à la commande d'ouverture intérieure. On appelle "condamnation" de la serrure l'action d'interdire l'ouverture de la serrure par action sur la commande d'ouverture extérieure ; la "décondamnation" est l'opération inverse, qui rétablit l'ouverture de la serrure lorsque l'on agit sur la commande d'ouverture extérieure. Pour une portière de véhicule automobile, ces opérations sont classiquement assurées à l'aide d'une tirette de frise ou d'un actionneur électromécanique. Pour un coffre de véhicule ou une portière avant, on utilise aussi un verrou pour la condamnation ou la décondamnation ; dans ce cas, pour une serrure mécanique, il est nécessaire de prévoir une liaison entre la serrure et le verrou.In this context, it is called external opening lever - respectively inner - the lock part connected to the outer opening control - respectively to the inner opening control. It is called "locking" of the lock the action to prohibit the opening of the lock by action on the outer opening control; the "unlocking" is the opposite operation, which restores the opening of the lock when acting on the external opening control. For a motor vehicle door, these operations are conventionally provided with a furrow zipper or an electromechanical actuator. For a vehicle trunk or a front door, it also uses a lock for the conviction or unlocking; in this case, for a mechanical lock, it is necessary to provide a connection between the lock and the lock.

L'utilisation d'un verrou pose les problèmes suivants. La présence du verrou est une forte contrainte architecturale : l'introduction d'un objet dans le joint de la fenêtre peut permettre à un voleur d'agir sur la liaison serrure-verrou. Ce problème est résolu en rapprochant le verrou de la serrure ou en prévoyant une liaison entre le verrou et la serrure qui ne puisse pas être manipulée à travers le joint de la fenêtre. Dans un cas, la solution génère une contrainte sur la position relative du verrou et de la serrure ; dans l'autre cas, la solution génère une contrainte sur le type de mouvement de liaison.The use of a lock poses the following problems. The presence of the lock is a strong architectural constraint: the introduction of an object in the seal of the window can allow a thief to act on the lock-lock connection. This problem is solved by bringing the lock closer to the lock or by providing a connection between the lock and the lock that can not be manipulated through the window seal. In one case, the solution generates a constraint on the relative position of the lock and the lock; in the other case, the solution generates a constraint on the type of link movement.

La position du verrou est aussi contrainte par la nécessité de permettre la descente de la vitre.The position of the lock is also constrained by the need to allow the descent of the window.

La présence du verrou créée aussi une contrainte mécanique. Une solution de viol consiste à arracher le verrou de la portière : il est donc proposé de prévoir autour du verrou un renforcement de la tôle constituant la portière.The presence of the lock also creates a mechanical constraint. A solution of rape is to tear the lock of the door: it is therefore proposed to provide around the lock reinforcement of the sheet constituting the door.

Enfin, les clefs utilisées pour les verrous sont mécaniquement violables.Finally, the keys used for locks are mechanically violable.

Il est connu d'utiliser pour la condamnation ou la décondamnation des portières de véhicules automobiles une télécommande portable ; une telle télécommande est alimentée par pile et fonctionne à des fréquences de 315, 433 ou 865 MHz, dites hautes fréquences. Un tel système d'ouverture à distance fonctionne avec des portées de l'ordre de 10 m ; il est prévu en complément des verrous classiques, qui sont conservés pour toujours permettre la décondamnation, même en cas de défaillance de la télécommande portable ou de son récepteur.It is known to use for the locking or unlocking of motor vehicle doors a portable remote control; such a remote control is battery powered and operates at frequencies of 315, 433 or 865 MHz, referred to as high frequencies. Such a remote opening system works with ranges of the order of 10 m; it is provided in addition to conventional locks, which are retained to always allow the unlocking, even in case of failure of the portable remote control or its receiver.

Le véhicule commercialisé par la société Peugeot sous la marque 406 présente une clef munie d'un transpondeur, c'est-à-dire d'un circuit passif alimenté à distance et interrogeable à distance. Un circuit d'alimentation et d'interrogation du transpondeur est prévu dans le véhicule et empêche le démarrage en l'absence d'une réponse du transpondeur ; dans cette application le circuit d'alimentation et d'inhibition est conçu pour interroger le transpondeur lorsque la clef se trouve au voisinage du volant. Le circuit fonctionne à des fréquences voisines de 125 kHz, dites basses fréquences, avec une portée de l'ordre de 5 cm.The vehicle marketed by Peugeot under the trademark 406 has a key provided with a transponder, that is to say, a passive circuit powered remotely and searchable remotely. A transponder supply and interrogation circuit is provided in the vehicle and prevents starting in the absence of a transponder response; in this application the power supply and muting circuit is designed to interrogate the transponder when the key is in the vicinity of the steering wheel. The circuit operates at frequencies close to 125 kHz, called low frequencies, with a range of about 5 cm.

FR-A-2 740 501 propose un système mains libres de déverrouillage et/ou d'ouverture de coffre de véhicule automobile. Une ou deux antennes sont prévues sur le véhicule ; la présentation d'un transpondeur devant l'antenne ou les antennes, suivant une séquence prédéterminée provoque le déverrouillage et/ou l'ouverture du coffre. Le système proposé dans ce document nécessite une alimentation par la batterie du véhicule pour le déverrouillage et l'ouverture et implique donc de munir le véhicule d'un verrou servant en cas de défaillance du système mains libres.FR-A-2 740 501 proposes a hands-free system for unlocking and / or opening the trunk of a motor vehicle. One or two antennas are provided on the vehicle; presenting a transponder in front of the antenna or the antennas in a predetermined sequence causes the unlocking and / or opening of the trunk. The system proposed in this document requires a battery supply of the vehicle for unlocking and opening and therefore involves providing the vehicle with a lock used in case of failure of the hands-free system.

US-A-5 134 392 décrit un système d'ouverture sans clef. Le système d'ouverture utilise un transmetteur alimenté par une batterie à longue durée de vie.US-A-5,134,392 discloses a keyless opening system. The opening system uses a transmitter powered by a long life battery.

Il existe dans l'état de la technique un préjugé considérable à la suppression du verrou mécanique, qui rend possible l'ouverture du véhicule même en cas de défaillance d'une commande radio.There exists in the state of the art a considerable prejudice to the removal of the mechanical lock, which makes it possible to open the vehicle even in case of failure of a radio control.

EP-A-0 694 644 propose une serrure à ouverture électrique de véhicule automobile. L'ouverture de la serrure est assurée électriquement par la manoeuvre d'un actionneur alimenté par la batterie du véhicule. Il est prévu une source d'énergie de secours constituée d'une batterie de secours implantée dans la portière à laquelle la serrure est associée. En cas de disfonctionnement de l'alimentation électrique fournie par la batterie du véhicule, la serrure est susceptible d'être ouverte grâce à l'alimentation électrique fournie par la batterie de secours. Ce document est muet quant au verrou utilisé.EP-A-0 694 644 proposes a lock with electric opening of a motor vehicle. The opening of the lock is provided electrically by the operation of an actuator powered by the vehicle battery. There is provided an emergency power source consisting of a battery backup located in the door with which the lock is associated. In case of malfunction of the supplied power supply the battery of the vehicle, the lock is likely to be opened through the power supply provided by the battery backup. This document is silent about the lock used.

Cette solution pose d'abord un problème de dimensionnement du moteur d'ouverture de la serrure ; en effet, le moteur doit permettre non seulement l'ouverture de la serrure dans les conditions normales d'utilisation, mais aussi l'ouverture de la serrure dans des conditions dégradées, par exemple après un choc. Le moteur et son réducteur sont donc conçus pour permettre l'ouverture en conditions dégradées, ce qui conduit à des surdimensionnements électrique et mécanique par rapport au besoin en conditions normales. Le dimensionnement du moteur pose donc un problème pour l'alimentation de secours ; celle-ci doit en effet être capable de fournir au moteur l'énergie nécessaire à l'ouverture sous forte charge.This solution first poses a problem of sizing the engine opening the lock; indeed, the engine must allow not only the opening of the lock in normal use, but also the opening of the lock in degraded conditions, for example after an impact. The motor and its gearbox are designed to allow opening in degraded conditions, which leads to oversized electrical and mechanical compared to the need in normal conditions. The dimensioning of the engine therefore poses a problem for the emergency power supply; it must indeed be able to provide the engine with the energy necessary for opening under heavy load.

US-A-5 552 641 et EP-A-1 052 353 divulguent des systèmes d'ouvertures pour véhicule automobiles, à base d'émetteurs récepteurs ou de transpondeurs portables. Ces documents n'expliquent pas quel type de serrure est utilisé pour le véhicule. WO-A-01 23695 propose un transmetteur destiné à actionner un système de condamnation de véhicule automobile. Des contacts sont prévus sur le transmetteur, pour pallier une défaillance de la batterie du transmetteur ou de véhicule.US-A-5,552,641 and EP-A-1 052 353 disclose automotive vehicle opening systems based on portable transmitters or transponders. These documents do not explain what type of lock is used for the vehicle. WO-A-01 23695 proposes a transmitter for actuating a motor vehicle locking system. Contacts are provided on the transmitter, to compensate for a fault in the transmitter battery or vehicle.

D'autres documents divulguent des serrures, à ouverture électrique ou mécanique. On peut notamment citer EP-A-0 589 158, EP-A-0 828 049, DE-A-196 00 524 ou encore WO-A-01 66889Other documents disclose locks with electrical or mechanical opening. We can notably mention EP-A-0 589 158, EP-A-0 828 049, DE-A-196 00 524 or WO-A-01 66889.

Le document EP-A-1 001 118 décrit une serrure à ouverture électrique et à condamnation/décondamnation électrique. Afin de permettre un accès main libre, un dispositif électronique de reconnaissance est associé à la serrure pour la faire passer dans un état décondamné lorsqu'il reconnaît un dispositif identifiant. Le dispositif de reconnaissance émet un signal de décondamnation qui est simultanément transmis à un dispositif électromécanique de décondamnation et à un moteur de la serrure électrique. En cas d'avarie mécanique et/ou électrique du dispositif de décondamnation, même si la serrure est restée dans un état condamné, la serrure électrique permettra l'ouverture de porte puisqu'elle agit parallèlement au dispositif de décondamnation.EP-A-1 001 118 discloses a lock with electric opening and electric lock / unlock. In order to allow free hand access, an electronic recognition device is associated with the lock to make it pass in a unlocked state when it recognizes an identifying device. The recognition device transmits a unlocking signal which is simultaneously transmitted to an electromechanical unlocking device and to a motor of the electric lock. In case of mechanical and / or electrical failure of the unlocking device, even if the lock has remained in a condemned state, the electric lock will open the door since it acts parallel to the unlocking device.

Le document DE-A-196 00 524 décrit une serrure, en particulier pour des portes de véhicule automobile. Cette serrure comprend un pêne coopérant avec un taquet de fermeture, le pêne étant apte à être bloqué dans une position de verrouillage par un cliquet. Un dispositif de réglage amène électriquement le cliquet dans une position d'ouverture par actionnement d'une manette avec un dispositif de transmission qui amène le cliquet dans sa position d'ouverture via l'actionnement de la manette sur une zone de réglage agrandie par rapport à un déverrouillage électrique. La serrure comprend également un dispositif de transmission mécanique pour le déverrouillage. Ce dispositif de transmission mécanique est apte à être actionné de façon efficace en cas d'incident, en particulier lorsqu'il n'y a pas d'énergie électrique ou en cas de défaillance de l'alimentation électrique, de façon à ce que le cliquet soit apte à être actionné par le dispositif de transmission de façon indépendante de la position du dispositif de réglage.Document DE-A-196 00 524 describes a lock, in particular for motor vehicle doors. This lock comprises a bolt cooperating with a locking latch, the bolt being adapted to be locked in a locking position by a pawl. An adjusting device electrically brings the pawl into an open position by actuating a handle with a transmission device which brings the pawl into its open position by actuating the handle on an enlarged control area relative to an electric unlocking. The lock also includes a mechanical transmission device for unlocking. This mechanical transmission device is able to be actuated efficiently in the event of an incident, in particular when there is no electric power or in the event of a failure of the power supply, so that the ratchet is able to be actuated by the transmission device independently of the position of the adjustment device.

Le document DE-A-100 48 709 décrit un système de verrouillage de porte de véhicule comprenant, dans sa structure de base, une serrure consistant en un pêne et un cliquet, ainsi qu'un levier de contrôle et un organe d'entraînement électrique. L'organe d'entraînement électrique permet l'ouverture électrique de la serrure. Une liaison mécanique entre le levier de contrôle et la serrure peut être agencée de telle façon que la serrure puisse être ouverte mécaniquement en urgence. Dans ce but, l'organe d'actionnement électrique n'est pas seulement responsable de l'ouverture électrique de la serrure mais couple également le levier de contrôle au pêne et/ou au cliquet dans le cas d'une ouverture en urgence.Document DE-A-100 48 709 discloses a vehicle door locking system comprising, in its basic structure, a lock consisting of a bolt and a pawl, as well as a control lever and an electric drive member. . The electric drive member allows the electric opening of the lock. A mechanical connection between the control lever and the lock can be arranged in such a way that the lock can be opened mechanically urgently. For this purpose, the electric actuator is not only responsible for the electric opening of the lock but also couples the control lever to the bolt and / or the ratchet in the case of emergency opening.

Il existe donc un besoin pour les véhicules automobiles d'une solution de décondamnation qui pallie les inconvénients des verrous et permette de s'affranchir des contraintes architecturales et mécaniques qu'ils créent.There is therefore a need for motor vehicles of a unlocking solution that overcomes the disadvantages of locks and allows to overcome the architectural and mechanical constraints they create.

L'invention propose donc, dans un mode de réalisation, un système de décondamnation d'ouvrant de véhicule automobile sans verrou, comprenant :

  • - une serrure électrique avec une ouverture mécanique embrayable;
  • un objet portable présentant un identifiant ;
  • un circuit d'interrogation de l'objet, apte à alimenter l'objet et à l'interroger lorsque celui-ci est à l'extérieur du véhicule et apte à délivrer à la serrure un signal autorisant la décondamnation de l'ouvrant du véhicule en fonction de l'identifiant.
The invention thus proposes, in one embodiment, a lock unlocking system of a motor vehicle without a lock, comprising:
  • - an electric lock with an opening mechanical clutch;
  • a portable object having an identifier;
  • an interrogation circuit of the object, able to supply the object and interrogate it when it is outside the vehicle and able to deliver to the lock a signal allowing the unlocking of the opening of the vehicle according to the identifier.

Le signal délivré dans les conditions normales peut être un signal de décondamnation logicielle de l'ouverture électrique de la serrure; il peut aussi s'agir d'un signal d'embrayage de l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure.The signal delivered under normal conditions may be a software unlocking signal of the electrical opening of the lock; it can also be a clutch signal of the mechanical opening of the lock.

Le circuit d'interrogation peut alimenter à distance l'objet portable à l'interrogation. On peut aussi prévoir que l'objet portable présente des contacts et que le circuit d'interrogation présente des contacts adaptés à s'accoupler aux contacts de l'objet portable.The interrogation circuit can remotely power the portable object to the interrogation. It can also be provided that the portable object has contacts and that the interrogation circuit has contacts adapted to mate with the contacts of the portable object.

Le système présente avantageusement une alimentation de secours distincte de l'alimentation principale du véhicule; le circuit d'interrogation peut alors être alimenté par l'alimentation de secours.The system advantageously has a backup power supply separate from the main power supply of the vehicle; the interrogation circuit can then be powered by the emergency power supply.

Le système peut encore comprendre une mécanique de décondamnation recevant le signal de décondamnation provenant du circuit d'interrogation. La mécanique de décondamnation peut être reliée à l'alimentation de secours.The system may further comprise a unlocking mechanism receiving the unlocking signal from the interrogation circuit. The unlocking mechanism can be connected to the emergency power supply.

On peut encore prévoir une électronique de secours alimentée par l'alimentation de secours et adaptée à embrayer l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure Cette électronique de secours présente avantageusement un état de veille dont elle sort à réception d'un signal provenant d'un capteur d'actionnement d'une commande d'ouverture intérieure ou d'une commande d'ouverture extérieure.It is also possible to provide an emergency electronics powered by the emergency power supply and adapted to engage the mechanical opening of the lock. This emergency electronics advantageously has a standby state which it outputs upon receipt of a signal from a sensor. actuating an inner opening control or an outer opening control.

On peut encore prévoir dans le système une serrure à ouverture électrique et à ouverture mécanique embrayable par l'action de la mécanique de décondamnation. Dans ce cas, la mécanique de décondamnation peut comprendre un moteur électrique d'une puissance électrique inférieure à 10 W.It is also possible in the system to provide a lock with electric opening and mechanical opening engageable by the action of the unlocking mechanism. In this case, the unlocking mechanism may comprise an electric motor with an electric power of less than 10 W.

L'invention propose encore un ouvrant sans verrou présentant un tel système et un véhicule présentant un ouvrant sans verrou et un tel système.The invention also proposes a door without lock having such a system and a vehicle having a door without lock and such a system.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la description apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui suit, donnée à titre d'exemple et en référence aux figures qui montrent :

  • figure 1, un schéma bloc des différents éléments d'un système selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • figure 2, une vue schématique d'une serrure utilisable dans un tel système, dans une position fermée, secours d'ouverture mécanique débrayé ;
  • figure 3, une vue de la serrure de la figure 2, dans une position d'ouverture électrique ;
  • figure 4, une vue de la serrure de la figure 2, dans une position fermée et décondamnée pour permettre une ouverture mécanique ;
  • figure 5, une vue de la serrure de la figure 5, dans une position d'ouverture mécanique après la décondamnation représentée à la figure 4;
  • figure 6, une vue schématique d'une autre serrure utilisable dans le système de la figure 1, dans une position fermée, secours d'ouverture mécanique débrayé.
Other features and advantages of the description will appear on reading the description which follows, given by way of example and with reference to the figures which show:
  • FIG. 1, a block diagram of the various elements of a system according to one embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of a lock used in such a system, in a closed position, mechanical opening relief disengaged;
  • Figure 3, a view of the lock of Figure 2, in an electrical open position;
  • Figure 4, a view of the lock of Figure 2, in a closed position and unlocked to allow mechanical opening;
  • Figure 5, a view of the lock of Figure 5, in a mechanical open position after the unlocking shown in Figure 4;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic view of another lock used in the system of Figure 1, in a closed position, mechanical opening relief disengaged.

L'invention propose, pour la décondamnation d'un ouvrant de véhicule automobile, d'utiliser un objet portable alimenté à l'interrogation. On prévoit pour interroger l'objet portable un circuit d'interrogation, qui est typiquement monté sur la portière du véhicule. Le circuit d'interrogation est capable d'interroger l'objet alors que celui-ci se trouve à l'extérieur du véhicule, en assurant en outre son alimentation électrique. Si les résultats de l'interrogation démontrent que l'objet portable a une autorisation de décondamnation des serrures du véhicule, le circuit fournit à la serrure de l'ouvrant un signal autorisant la décondamnation.The invention proposes, for the unlocking of an opening of a motor vehicle, to use a portable object powered interrogation. It is intended to interrogate the portable object an interrogation circuit, which is typically mounted on the door of the vehicle. The interrogation circuit is able to interrogate the object while it is outside the vehicle, while ensuring its power supply. If the results of the query show that the portable object has a Authorization of unlocking locks of the vehicle, the circuit provides the lock of the opening a signal allowing the unlocking.

L'utilisation d'un tel objet portable et d'un circuit d'interrogation associé pour commander la décondamnation permet d'éviter de munir la portière d'un verrou. On évite donc les contraintes architecturales et mécaniques de l'état de la technique.The use of such a portable object and an associated interrogation circuit to control the unlocking avoids providing the door with a lock. It avoids the architectural and mechanical constraints of the state of the art.

La serrure est une serrure électrique avec une ouverture mécanique embrayable. En fonctionnement normal, lorsque la batterie du véhicule fournit une puissance suffisante, une telle serrure peut être utilisée comme serrure électrique. Toutefois, en cas de défaillance d'alimentation, la serrure peut être embrayée en utilisant une puissance réduite; ceci limite la puissance électrique nécessaire pour pallier les défaillances.The lock is an electric lock with a mechanical opening clutch. In normal operation, when the vehicle battery provides sufficient power, such a lock can be used as an electric lock. However, in the event of a power failure, the lock can be engaged using reduced power; this limits the electrical power needed to overcome the failures.

Le système de l'invention résiste à une défaillance de l'alimentation (éventuelle) de l'objet portable, du fait que le circuit d'interrogation est apte à alimenter l'objet lorsque celui-ci est à l'extérieur du véhicule. Le système de l'invention résiste aussi à une défaillance de l'alimentation électrique du véhicule, du fait de l'ouverture mécanique embrayable de la serrure électrique. Il suffit de prévoir dans l'ouvrant une alimentation de secours de faible puissance pour permettre l'embrayage de l'ouverture mécanique; alternativement, cette ouverture mécanique peut être embrayée en permanence, comme expliqué en référence à la figure 6.The system of the invention resists a failure of the (possible) power supply of the portable object, because the interrogation circuit is able to supply the object when it is outside the vehicle. The system of the invention also resists a failure of the power supply of the vehicle, due to the mechanical opening of the electric lock clutch. It suffices to provide in the opening a low-power back-up power supply to enable clutching of the mechanical opening; alternatively, this mechanical opening can be permanently engaged, as explained with reference to FIG.

La figure 1 est un schéma bloc des différents éléments d'un système selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ; on a représenté à la figure un objet portable 2. L'objet est alimenté à l'interrogation par le circuit d'interrogation : il est donc susceptible de répondre aux interrogations d'un circuit d'interrogation qui l'alimente, sans qu'il ne soit nécessaire qu'il présente une alimentation propre telle qu'une pile ou une batterie. L'alimentation de l'objet portable peut être assurée à distance, i.e. sans contact ; une première solution est d'utiliser un transpondeur ; un transpondeur présente une bobine qui sert d'une part pour l'alimentation à distance de l'objet à l'aide d'un champ magnétique et d'autre part pour l'émission d'une réponse. On a représenté à la figure 1 le cas d'un transpondeur, avec une bobine 4 et un circuit 6 alimenté par la bobine et susceptible de court-circuiter la bobine pour l'émission d'une réponse. Le transpondeur peut être alimenté à distance et interrogé à basses fréquences, par exemple à une fréquence de 125 kHz.Figure 1 is a block diagram of the various elements of a system according to one embodiment of the invention; a portable object 2 is represented in the figure. The object is supplied with interrogation by the interrogation circuit: it is therefore capable of answering the interrogations of an interrogation circuit which supplies it, without which it is necessary that it presents a clean power supply such as a battery or a battery. The power supply of the portable object can be provided remotely, i.e. without contact; a first solution is to use a transponder; a transponder has a coil which serves firstly for the remote power supply of the object by means of a magnetic field and secondly for the transmission of a response. FIG. 1 shows the case of a transponder, with a coil 4 and a circuit 6 fed by the coil and capable of short-circuiting the coil for the transmission of a response. The transponder can be powered remotely and interrogated at low frequencies, for example at a frequency of 125 kHz.

On peut aussi prévoir que l'objet portable est alimenté à l'aide de contacts, en prévoyant des contacts correspondants sur le circuit d'interrogation ; l'interrogation s'effectue alors avantageusement par modulation de la tension d'alimentation pour limiter le nombre de contacts. L'objet pourrait ainsi présenter la forme d'une carte que l'on introduirait dans une fente, par exemple entre la portière et le montant. Cette position de lecture de la carte permettrait de protéger les contacts d'alimentation et/ou d'interrogation de la carte.It is also possible that the portable object is powered by means of contacts, by providing corresponding contacts on the interrogation circuit; the interrogation is then advantageously performed by modulation of the supply voltage to limit the number of contacts. The object could thus have the form of a card that would be introduced into a slot, for example between the door and the amount. This reading position of the card would protect the power contacts and / or interrogation of the card.

L'objet portable présente une mémoire 8, morte, reprogrammable ou plus généralement susceptible de stocker un identifiant alors même que l'objet n'est pas alimenté. L'identifiant est utilisé pour caractériser l'objet. L'utilisation d'un tel identifiant stocké en mémoire fournit des combinaisons plus nombreuses que les combinaisons mécaniques d'une clef. Ainsi, un stockage de l'identifiant sur 15 éléments binaires fournit plus de 30 000 combinaisons, tandis que le nombre de combinaisons d'une clef mécanique est de l'ordre de 3000.The portable object has a memory 8, dead, reprogrammable or more generally capable of storing an identifier even when the object is not powered. The identifier is used to characterize the object. The use of such an identifier stored in memory provides more combinations than the mechanical combinations of a key. Thus, storage of the identifier on 15 bits provides more than 30,000 combinations, while the number of combinations of a mechanical key is of the order of 3000.

La mémoire 8 est reliée au circuit 6, de sorte à permettre à l'interrogation du circuit la transmission de l'identifiant depuis l'objet portable vers le circuit d'interrogation. On peut de ce point de vue utiliser tout protocole d'interrogation approprié, en prévoyant si nécessaire un cryptage des données transmises, un code tournant, et toutes les solutions de sécurisation connues pour d'autres applications dans l'état de la technique. A titre d'exemple, on peut utiliser en cas de réception de N codes incorrects un blocage temporaire ou définitif de la portière.The memory 8 is connected to the circuit 6, so as to allow the interrogation of the circuit the transmission of the identifier from the portable object to the interrogation circuit. From this point of view, it is possible to use any appropriate interrogation protocol, providing, if necessary, encryption of the transmitted data, a rotating code, and all the security solutions known for other applications in the state of the art. For example, it can be used in case of receipt of N incorrect codes a temporary or permanent blocking of the door.

La représentation de la figure 1 n'est qu'une représentation schématique ; ainsi, la distinction entre le circuit 6 et la mémoire 8 n'est faite que pour la clarté de l'explication, le circuit et la mémoire pouvant parfaitement être implémentés à l'aide d'un composant unique. Il est aussi possible de prévoir que l'objet portable sert à d'autres fins ; il pourrait ainsi être utilisé pour une commande, en prévoyant, outre le circuit alimenté à l'interrogation qui vient d'être décrit, une alimentation par pile ou batterie et un circuit d'émission hautes fréquences. Dans ce cas, le circuit 6 pourrait être alimenté par la pile ou batterie en régime normal et n'être alimenté par le circuit d'interrogation qu'en cas de défaillance de la pile ou batterie.The representation of FIG. 1 is only a schematic representation; thus, the distinction between the circuit 6 and the memory 8 is made only for the clarity of the explanation, the circuit and the memory can be perfectly implemented with the aid of a single component. It is also possible to provide for the portable object to serve other purposes; it could thus be used for a command, providing, in addition to the circuit supplied to the interrogation just described, a battery or battery power and a high frequency transmission circuit. In this case, the circuit 6 could be powered by the battery or battery in normal mode and be powered by the interrogation circuit in case of failure of the battery or battery.

Outre l'objet portable, le système présente un circuit d'interrogation 10 prévu sur le véhicule. Ce circuit assure l'alimentation de l'objet portable lors de l'interrogation. Dans le cas du transpondeur de la figure 1, l'alimentation est assurée grâce à d'une antenne 12 émettant un champ magnétique d'interrogation, qui sert pour l'alimentation de la bobine et est modulé pour l'interrogation. On peut bien sûr prévoir plus d'une antenne.In addition to the portable object, the system has an interrogation circuit 10 provided on the vehicle. This circuit provides power to the portable object during the interrogation. In the case of the transponder of FIG. 1, the power supply is provided by means of an antenna 12 emitting a magnetic interrogation field, which is used for feeding the coil and is modulated for interrogation. We can of course provide more than one antenna.

L'alimentation 12 est contrôlée par une logique 14 de contrôle ; cette logique contrôle l'alimentation de l'objet portable lors de l'interrogation, l'interrogation de l'objet et les réponses fournies par celui-ci. En fonction de ces réponses, la logique 14 émet un signal de décondamnation. Dans le cas le plus simple, on prévoit une mémoire 16 stockant un identifiant et l'interrogation de l'objet portable consiste à comparer les identifiants des mémoires 16 et 8 ; le signal de décondamnation est émis si la comparaison montre que les identifiants sont identiques.The power supply 12 is controlled by a control logic 14; this logic controls the power supply of the portable object during the interrogation, the interrogation of the object and the answers provided by it. Depending on these responses, the logic 14 emits a signal of unlocking. In the simplest case, there is provided a memory 16 storing an identifier and the interrogation of the portable object consists in comparing the identifiers of the memories 16 and 8; the unlocking signal is issued if the comparison shows that the identifiers are identical.

Il est aussi avantageux que le circuit 10 soit alimenté par une alimentation 18 distincte de l'alimentation principale du véhicule ; la présence d'une telle alimentation - pile, batterie, supercapacité ou autre - permet de pallier toute défaillance de l'alimentation principale du véhicule. On peut bien sûr prévoir aussi que le circuit 10 soit alimenté par l'alimentation principale du véhicule, ou encore que l'alimentation 18 ne soit utilisée qu'en secours, en cas de défaillance de l'alimentation principale.It is also advantageous for the circuit 10 to be powered by a power supply 18 distinct from the main power supply of the vehicle; the presence of such a power supply - battery, battery, supercapacity or other - overcomes any failure of the main power of the vehicle. It can of course also provide that the circuit 10 is powered by the main power of the vehicle, or that the power supply 18 is used only in emergency, in case of failure of the main power supply.

La figure 1 montre encore une mécanique de décondamnation 20 de la portière du véhicule. La mécanique 20 reçoit le signal de décondamnation émis par le circuit d'interrogation 10 et procède à la décondamnation de la portière à réception de ce signal de décondamnation. La figure 1 montre encore que la mécanique de décondamnation 20 est alimentée par l'alimentation 18, au moins en mode secours. De nouveau, une telle alimentation de la mécanique de décondamnation, distincte de l'alimentation principale du véhicule, assure que la décondamnation reste possible, même lorsque l'alimentation principale du véhicule est défaillante.Figure 1 still shows a mechanism of unlocking 20 of the vehicle door. The mechanism 20 receives the unlocking signal emitted by the interrogation circuit 10 and proceeds to the unlocking of the door on reception of this unlocking signal. FIG. 1 again shows that the unlocking mechanism 20 is powered by the power supply 18, at least in emergency mode. Once again, such a feed of the unlocking mechanism, distinct from the main power supply of the vehicle, ensures that the unlocking remains possible even when the main power supply of the vehicle is faulty.

Pour que l'alimentation 18 de secours soit facilement réalisable, compacte et peu onéreuse, il est avantageux que la décondamnation n'utilise pas une puissance électrique trop importante ; une première solution est d'utiliser une serrure électromécanique, dans laquelle la décondamnation est assurée par un moteur spécifique. Dans ce cas, le moteur de décondamnation est typiquement un moteur fonctionnant sous une tension de 6 V, avec une puissance électrique de 10 W. On utilise selon l'invention une serrure électrique, avec une ouverture mécanique embrayable. Une telle serrure est décrite dans la suite en référence aux figures 2 à 5 et est décrite plus en détail dans la demande déposée par la demanderesse le même jour que la présente demande et intitulée "Serrure de véhicule automobile ". Dans ce cas, le signal de décondamnation provoque simplement l'embrayage de l'ouverture mécanique, de sorte qu'il soit possible d'ouvrir la portière par action mécanique sur la poignée. La figure 6 montre un autre exemple d'une serrure à ouverture électrique et à ouverture mécanique embrayable, qui peut aussi être utilisée dans un système selon l'invention.So that the emergency power supply 18 is easily feasible, compact and inexpensive, it is advantageous that the unlocking does not use too much electrical power; a first solution is to use an electromechanical lock, in which the unlocking is provided by a specific motor. In this case, the unlocking motor is typically a motor operating at a voltage of 6 V, with an electric power of 10 W. An electric lock is used according to the invention, with an engageable mechanical opening. Such a lock is described below with reference to Figures 2 to 5 and is described in more detail in the application filed by the plaintiff on the same day as the present application and entitled "Lock motor vehicle". In this case, the unlocking signal simply causes the clutch of the mechanical opening, so that it is possible to open the door by mechanical action on the handle. Figure 6 shows another example of an electrically opening lock with mechanical opening clutchable, which can also be used in a system according to the invention.

Dans un cas comme dans l'autre, l'alimentation de secours peut être réalisée à l'aide d'une pile, d'une batterie, d'un condensateur, fournissant une tension inférieure
ou égale à 6 V. Cette valeur permet, outre l'actionnement de la mécanique de décondamnation une alimentation à l'interrogation et une interrogation de l'objet portable.In either case, the emergency power supply can be made using a battery, a battery, a capacitor, providing a lower voltage
This value allows, besides the activation of the unlocking mechanism, a power supply for interrogation and interrogation of the portable object.

La position du circuit d'interrogation 10, de l'alimentation 18 et de la mécanique de décondamnation 20 peut varier dans le véhicule. La seule contrainte est que le circuit d'interrogation doit pouvoir alimenter et interroger l'objet portable alors qu'il se trouve à l'extérieur du véhicule. Pour l'interrogation d'un transpondeur, il suffit que le circuit d'interrogation se trouve sur une partie non-métallique du véhicule, comme une poignée de portière, un enjoliveur de montant de portière, une baguette de protection, une coque de rétroviseur, un optique, etc. D'autres positions peuvent être préférées pour d'autres types de circuit d'interrogation, comme dans le joint de portière évoqué plus haut.The position of the interrogation circuit 10, the power supply 18 and the unlocking mechanism 20 may vary in the vehicle. The only constraint is that the interrogation circuit must be able to supply and interrogate the portable object while he is outside the vehicle. To interrogate a transponder, it suffices that the interrogation circuit is located on a non-metallic part of the vehicle, such as a door handle, a door jamb trim, a protection strip, a mirror cover , optics, etc. Other positions may be preferred for other types of interrogation circuit, such as in the door seal discussed above.

On peut en outre prendre en considération les facteurs suivants ; il convient d'assurer le câblage entre le circuit 10 et la mécanique de décondamnation 20, et le cas échéant le câblage de ces deux éléments avec l'alimentation de secours 18. Il est avantageux de ce point de vue que ces différents éléments soient aussi proches que possible ; ce premier facteur milite en faveur d'une installation des différents éléments du système dans la porte.In addition, the following factors can be taken into consideration; it is necessary to ensure the wiring between the circuit 10 and the unlocking mechanism 20, and where appropriate the wiring of these two elements with the emergency power supply 18. It is advantageous from this point of view that these different elements are also as close as possible; this first factor militates in favor of an installation of the various elements of the system in the door.

Une installation des différents éléments du système dans la porte - qui est un élément fermé - améliore en outre la sécurité ; il ne suffit de couper un circuit au niveau de la portière pour alimenter de façon distincte la mécanique de décondamnation 20, ou pour isoler le circuit d'interrogation 10. Une rupture du faisceau de porte n'empêcherait pas l'interrogation ni la décondamnation.An installation of the various elements of the system in the door - which is a closed element - further improves security; it is not enough to cut a circuit at the door to supply separately the unlocking mechanism 20, or to isolate the interrogation circuit 10. A broken door beam would not prevent interrogation or unlocking.

Le circuit 10 peut aussi dans ce cas faire partie de l'électronique principale de porte - tout en conservant le cas échéant une alimentation distincte 18. Cette solution permet de disposer d'informations pour commander une décondamnation, notamment en cas de situation d'urgence.The circuit 10 can also in this case be part of the main electronic door - while maintaining if necessary a separate power supply 18. This solution provides information to control a lock, especially in case of emergency .

Inversement, si l'on prévoit un câblage vers les autres portière du véhicule, il peut être avantageux de prévoir une position centralisée pour le circuit d'interrogation 10 - ce qui peut limiter le câblage.Conversely, if provision is made for wiring to the other doors of the vehicle, it may be advantageous to provide a centralized position for the interrogation circuit 10 - which may limit the wiring.

Le système décrit en référence à la figure 1 présente les avantages suivants. Il rend possible une décondamnation même en cas de défaillance de l'alimentation principale du moteur. Du fait de la grande fiabilité qu'il présente - grâce à l'alimentation de secours - il est possible de supprimer complètement le verrou ; on libère les contraintes de conception de la portière et on limite les possibilités de viol du verrou ou de la serrure de la portière.The system described with reference to Figure 1 has the following advantages. It makes possible a unlocking even in case of failure of the main power of the engine. Due to the high reliability it offers - thanks to the emergency power supply - it is possible to completely remove the lock; it frees the design constraints of the door and limits the possibilities of violating the lock or the lock of the door.

On décrit dans la suite en référence aux figures 2 et suivantes une serrure avantageuse dans le contexte envisagé. Il s'agit une serrure à ouverture électrique, mais qui présente une ouverture mécanique embrayable. L'ouverture mécanique peut être embrayée sous l'action du circuit d'interrogation 10, pour permettre l'ouverture de la porte même en cas de défaillance de l'alimentation électrique du véhicule.A lock advantageous in the context envisaged is described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and following. It is a lock with electric opening, but has an opening mechanical clutch. The mechanical opening can be engaged under the action of the interrogation circuit 10, to allow the opening of the door even in case of failure of the power supply of the vehicle.

Dans la description qui suit, on utilise les mots vertical, horizontal, gauche, droite, haut et bas en référence à la position de la serrure représentée sur les figures. Cette position est illustrative et ne doit pas être comprise comme limitant la position de la serrure en fonctionnement.In the following description, the words vertical, horizontal, left, right, up and down are used with reference to the position of the lock shown in the figures. This position is illustrative and should not be understood as limiting the position of the lock in operation.

La figure 2 est une vue schématique d'une serrure selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans une position fermée et condamnée. La figure montre le pêne 32, qui est monté à rotation autour d'un axe 34. La rotation du pêne 32 autour de l'axe 34, dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre, permet l'ouverture de la porte comme représenté aux figures 3 ou 5. Le pêne est sollicité par un ressort dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre, vers sa position d'ouverture.Figure 2 is a schematic view of a lock according to one embodiment of the invention, in a closed position and locked. The figure shows the bolt 32, which is rotatably mounted about an axis 34. The rotation of the bolt 32 about the axis 34, in the opposite direction of the clockwise, allows the opening of the door as 3 or 5. The bolt is biased by a spring in the direction of clockwise towards its open position.

Dans la position du pêne représentée à la figure 2, le cliquet empêche l'ouverture de la porte en maintenant le pêne sur un doigt non représenté. La forme exacte du pêne comme son mouvement sont connus en soi et ne sont pas décrits plus en détail. Ils peuvent d'ailleurs être modifiés sans que ceci n'ait d'incidence sur le fonctionnement de la serrure.In the position of the bolt shown in Figure 2, the pawl prevents the opening of the door by holding the bolt on a finger not shown. The exact shape of the bolt as its movement are known per se and are not described in more detail. They can also be modified without this having any effect on the operation of the lock.

La figure 2 montre encore un contre-cliquet 36, ainsi qu'un cliquet 38. Le cliquet et le contre cliquet sont mobiles en rotation autour d'un axe 40. Le cliquet et le contre cliquet apparaissent plus clairement à la figure 3. Ils sont solidaires l'un de l'autre : l'utilisation de deux pièces est avantageuse pour des contraintes de montage. La rotation du contre-cliquet 36 et du cliquet 38 autour de l'axe 40, dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre, a pour effet de permettre la rotation dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre du pêne 32, et donc l'ouverture de la serrure.FIG. 2 further shows a counter-catch 36 and a pawl 38. The pawl and the pawl are rotatable about an axis 40. The ratchet and the pawl are more clearly visible in FIG. are integral with one another: the use of two parts is advantageous for mounting constraints. The rotation of the counter pawl 36 and the pawl 38 about the axis 40, in the counterclockwise direction, has the effect of allowing the counterclockwise rotation of the bolt 32, and therefore the opening of the lock.

Comme le montre mieux la figure 3, sur laquelle le cliquet et le contre-cliquet sont représentés en avant-plan, le contre-cliquet 36 a une forme sensiblement circulaire ; il présente une première portée 42 et une deuxième portée 44. Un appui sur l'une ou l'autre de ces portées permet de faire tourner le cliquet dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre. Le cliquet 38 est solidaire du contre-cliquet 36 de sorte à être entraîné en rotation par le contre-cliquet lorsque celui-ci tourne dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre. Il présente un doigt 46, qui vient au contact du pêne pour empêcher son mouvement lorsque la serrure est fermée et verrouillée, dans la position représentée à la figure 2. Le mouvement du doigt 46 libère en rotation le pêne, comme représenté aux figures 3 ou 5. Le cliquet et le contre-cliquet sont sollicités par un ressort non représenté, vers la position de fermeture et de condamnation représentée à la figure 1.As best shown in Figure 3, on which the pawl and the counter-pawl are shown in the foreground, the counter-pawl 36 has a substantially circular shape; it has a first span 42 and a second span 44. A support on one or the other of these ranges makes it possible to turn the pawl in the counterclockwise direction. The pawl 38 is secured to the counter-pawl 36 so as to be rotated by the counter-pawl when it rotates in the opposite direction of clockwise. It has a finger 46, which comes into contact with the bolt to prevent its movement when the lock is closed and locked, in the position shown in Figure 2. The movement of the finger 46 releases in rotation the bolt, as shown in FIG. 5. The pawl and the counter-pawl are biased by a not shown spring towards the closed and locked position shown in FIG. 1.

La figure 2 montre encore un levier 48 d'ouverture manuelle ou mécanique de la porte. Le levier 48 est monté en rotation autour de l'axe 40 du cliquet ; il est relié par un câble ou tringle 50 d'ouverture extérieure à une commande d'ouverture extérieure non représentée. Il est relié par un câble ou tringle 52 d'ouverture intérieure à une commande d'ouverture intérieure, non représentée. L'actionnement de la commande d'ouverture extérieure (respectivement intérieure) provoque, par l'intermédiaire du câble 50 (respectivement 52) une rotation du levier 48 autour du deuxième axe 40, dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre. Le levier 48 présente aussi une portée 54 permettant d'entraîner le contre-cliquet 36 lorsque l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure est embrayée, comme expliqué plus bas en référence aux figures 4 et 5. Le levier 48 présente encore une lumière 56, dont la fonction apparaîtra dans la description qui suit. Un ressort non représenté rappelle le levier 48 vers sa position de fermeture représentée à la figure, dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre.Figure 2 still shows a lever 48 manual or mechanical opening of the door. The lever 48 is rotatably mounted about the axis 40 of the pawl; it is connected by a cable or rod 50 of external opening to an external opening control not shown. It is connected by an inner opening cable or rod 52 to an inner opening control, not shown. Actuation of the outer (respectively inner) opening control causes, by through the cable 50 (respectively 52) a rotation of the lever 48 around the second axis 40, in the opposite direction of clockwise. The lever 48 also has a bearing surface 54 for driving the counter-pawl 36 when the mechanical opening of the lock is engaged, as explained below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The lever 48 also has a light 56, of which the function will appear in the description that follows. A spring not shown recalls the lever 48 to its closed position shown in the figure, in the direction of clockwise.

La figure 2 montre sous la référence 58 un moteur d'ouverture électrique de la serrure. Le moteur 58 entraîne en translation suivant l'axe vertical de la figure 1 un bras d'entraînement 60. Le moteur est alimenté électriquement par le circuit électrique principal du véhicule ; il est dimensionné pour permettre l'ouverture de la serrure et de la porte dans des conditions normales de fonctionnement. On peut typiquement utiliser pour le moteur 58 un moteur à courant continu d'une puissance de 40 Watts électrique et de vitesse à vide de l'ordre de 12 500 trs/min.Figure 2 shows under reference 58 an electric opening motor of the lock. The motor 58 drives in translation along the vertical axis of Figure 1 a drive arm 60. The motor is electrically powered by the main electrical circuit of the vehicle; it is dimensioned to allow the opening of the lock and the door under normal operating conditions. For the motor 58, it is typical to use a DC motor with a power of 40 Watts electric and a no-load speed of the order of 12,500 rpm.

La serrure présente une cale 62 d'autorisation d'ouverture. Cette cale 62 est montée à l'extrémité d'un bras 64. A l'autre extrémité, le bras présente un tenon 66, qui s'engage dans la lumière 56 du levier. Un ressort 68 sollicite le bras 64 vers la gauche sur la figure 2. Dans la position de condamnation de la serrure représentée à la figure 2, lorsque le levier 48 est en position de repos, le tenon 66 s'appuie contre l'extrémité gauche de la lumière 56, sous l'effet de la sollicitation du ressort 68 ; le bras 64 et la cale 62 sont alors ramenés vers la droite par le levier et écartés de la première portée 42 du cliquet et du bras d'entraînement 60.The lock has a hold 62 opening authorization. This shim 62 is mounted at the end of an arm 64. At the other end, the arm has a pin 66, which engages in the slot 56 of the lever. A spring 68 biases the arm 64 to the left in FIG. 2. In the locking position of the lock shown in FIG. 2, when the lever 48 is in the rest position, the post 66 bears against the left end. light 56, under the effect of the bias of the spring 68; the arm 64 and the shim 62 are then brought to the right by the lever and spaced apart from the first bearing surface 42 of the pawl and the driving arm 60.

Dans cette position, l'excitation du moteur 58 et le déplacement du bras d'entraînement 60 ne permettent pas de faire tourner le cliquet ; la cale 62 constitue donc une sécurité contre l'ouverture accidentelle en cas d'excitation intempestive du moteur 58.In this position, the excitation of the motor 58 and the displacement of the driving arm 60 do not make it possible to turn the pawl; the shim 62 thus constitutes a safety against accidental opening in case of inadvertent excitation of the engine 58.

Lorsque la commande d'ouverture intérieure ou extérieure est actionnée, le levier 48 tourne autour de l'axe 40 dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre, comme représenté sur la figure 3. Dans cette position, le ressort 68 sollicite le bras 64 vers la gauche, et la cale 62 vient se positionner entre la première portée 42 du contre-cliquet et le bras d'entraînement 60. Dans cette position, comme expliqué plus bas, la cale autorise le déclenchement de l'excitation du moteur 58 en venant fermer un contact ; sa position entre le bras 60 et la première portée 42 du cliquet permet l'ouverture de la porte par excitation du moteur 58.When the inner or outer opening control is actuated, the lever 48 rotates about the axis 40 counterclockwise, as shown in Fig. 3. In this position, the spring 68 biases the arm 64 to the left, and the shim 62 is positioned between the first bearing 42 against the pawl and the drive arm 60. In this position, as explained below, the wedge allows the triggering of the motor excitation 58 by coming to close a contact; its position between the arm 60 and the first seat 42 of the pawl allows the opening of the door by excitation of the motor 58.

En cas de dysfonctionnement du moteur 58, si le bras d'entraînement 60 se déplace vers la première portée 42 du contre-cliquet et reste bloqué dans cette position, la lumière 56 du levier permet néanmoins la rotation du levier : en effet, si le levier 48 tourne, la cale 62 vient au contact du bras 60 et est bloquée dans son déplacement. Le levier peut continuer à tourner, le tenon 66 se déplaçant dans la lumière 56 à l'encontre de la sollicitation du ressort 68. La lumière 56, le ressort 68 et le tenon 66 sont donc une sécurité contre le dysfonctionnement du moteur 58. Cette liaison élastique entre la cale et le levier évite le blocage de la serrure en cas de panne du moteur lorsque le bras est en position basse.In the event of a malfunction of the motor 58, if the driving arm 60 moves towards the first bearing surface 42 of the counter-catch and remains locked in this position, the light 56 of the lever nevertheless allows the rotation of the lever: indeed, if the lever 48 rotates, the shim 62 comes into contact with the arm 60 and is blocked in its movement. The lever can continue to rotate, the tenon 66 moving in the light 56 against the bias of the spring 68. The light 56, the spring 68 and the pin 66 are therefore a safety against the malfunction of the engine 58. This elastic connection between the shim and the lever avoids the locking of the lock in case of engine failure when the arm is in the low position.

Enfin, la forme cylindrique ou arrondie de la cale 62 facilite la libération de la cale sous l'effet du ressort de rappel du levier 48, dans le cas où le bras d'entraînement 60 serait bloqué dans la position représentée à la figure 5 ou 4. La libération de la cale évite dans ce cas que la serrure ne soit bloquée dans une position ouverte.Finally, the cylindrical or rounded shape of the shim 62 facilitates the release of the shim under the effect of the return spring of the lever 48, in the case where the drive arm 60 is locked in the position shown in FIG. 4. The release of the wedge avoids in this case that the lock is locked in an open position.

La figure 2 montre enfin les éléments du mécanisme d'embrayage de l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure. Ce mécanisme comprend un bras 70, qui est monté à rotation autour d'un troisième axe 72. Le mouvement du bras 70 autour de l'axe 72 est commandé par un moteur 74 de secours fonctionnant sous très faible charge. Le moteur permet de faire tourner le bras 70 dans un sens ou dans l'autre, pour les raisons expliquées plus bas. Sur le bras 70 est monté un doigt d'embrayage mécanique 76. Lorsque le moteur de secours 74 provoque la rotation du bras 70 dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre, l'extrémité 78 du doigt 76 vient s'interposer entre la portée 54 du levier 48 et la deuxième portée 44 du contre-cliquet. La référence 80 désigne un organe de guidage de l'extrémité 78 du doigt 76. Le doigt 76 est monté à rotation sur le bras 70, de sorte à permettre à son extrémité 78 de tourner autour du deuxième axe 40 en même temps que le levier et le contre-cliquet.Figure 2 finally shows the elements of the clutch mechanism of the mechanical opening of the lock. This mechanism comprises an arm 70, which is rotatably mounted about a third axis 72. The movement of the arm 70 about the axis 72 is controlled by a backup engine 74 operating at very low load. The motor makes it possible to turn the arm 70 in one direction or the other, for the reasons explained below. On the arm 70 is mounted a mechanical clutch finger 76. When the emergency engine 74 causes the rotation of the arm 70 in the opposite direction of clockwise, the end 78 of the finger 76 is interposed between the bearing 54 of the lever 48 and the second bearing 44 of the counter-pawl. The reference 80 designates a member for guiding the end 78 of the finger 76. The finger 76 is rotatably mounted on the arm 70, so as to allow its end 78 to turn about the second axis 40 at the same time as the lever and the counter-ratchet.

On prévoit pour l'actionnement de la serrure les contacts suivants. Un premier contact est prévu au niveau de la commande d'ouverture extérieure et est activé lorsque l'utilisateur manipule cette commande. Comme expliqué plus haut, un deuxième contact est actionné par la cale 62 d'autorisation d'ouverture, lorsqu'elle s'interpose entre le bras 60 et la première portée 42 du cliquet. Un contact de portière ouverte présente deux états représentatifs de l'état ouvert ou fermé de la portière.For the operation of the lock, the following contacts are provided. A first contact is provided at the outer opening control and is activated when the user manipulates this command. As explained above, a second contact is actuated by the opening clearance 62, when it is interposed between the arm 60 and the first bearing 42 of the pawl. An open door contact has two states representative of the open or closed state of the door.

Dans les conditions normales, le fonctionnement de la serrure est représenté à la figure 3. Cette figure montre le déplacement du levier, en cas d'action sur la commande d'ouverture extérieure (respectivement intérieure). Le câble ou la tringle 50 (respectivement 52) transmet le déplacement de la commande d'ouverture au levier, qui tourne autour du deuxième axe 40, comme représenté par la flèche 90 (respectivement 92). Sous l'effet de la rotation du levier 48, la cale d'autorisation d'ouverture 62 est entraînée vers la gauche de la figure 2, comme représenté par la flèche 94 ; elle vient s'interposer entre le bras 60 et la première portée 42 du contre-cliquet. En bout de course, elle vient actionner le deuxième contact.Under normal conditions, the operation of the lock is shown in Figure 3. This figure shows the movement of the lever, in case of action on the outer (respectively inner) opening control. The cable or the rod 50 (respectively 52) transmits the movement of the opening control lever, which rotates about the second axis 40, as shown by the arrow 90 (respectively 92). Under the effect of the rotation of the lever 48, the opening authorization block 62 is driven to the left of Figure 2, as shown by the arrow 94; it comes to interpose between the arm 60 and the first bearing 42 of the counter-pawl. At the end of the race, she comes to activate the second contact.

La figure 3 montre encore le déplacement du bras 60 sous l'action du moteur 58. Sur la figure 3, pour la clarté de l'explication, le levier 48 est représenté derrière le cliquet et le contre-cliquet. L'activation du deuxième contact par la cale 62 provoque l'excitation du moteur 58, qui entraîne le bras 60 vers la cale 62 et la première portée du contre-cliquet, comme représenté par la flèche 96. Sous l'effet de la force d'entraînement du moteur 58, transmise par le bras 60 et la cale 62, le cliquet et le contre-cliquet sont entraînés en rotation autour du deuxième arbre 40, dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre ; ce mouvement de rotation est représenté à la figure 3 par la flèche 98.Figure 3 still shows the movement of the arm 60 under the action of the motor 58. In Figure 3, for the sake of clarity, the lever 48 is shown behind the pawl and against-ratchet. Activation of the second contact by the shim 62 causes the excitation of the motor 58, which drives the arm 60 towards the shim 62 and the first reach of the counter-catch, as represented by the arrow 96. Under the effect of the force driving the motor 58, transmitted by the arm 60 and the wedge 62, the pawl and the counter-pawl are rotated about the second shaft 40, in the opposite direction of clockwise; this rotational movement is represented in FIG. 3 by the arrow 98.

A la fin du mouvement d'ouverture de la serrure ; le cliquet et le contre-cliquet tournent comme symbolisé par la flèche 98, et libèrent en rotation le pêne 32. Sous l'action de l'effort de réaction de joint auquel est soumise la portière, celui-ci tourne dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre, comme symbolisé par la flèche 100 et libère le doigt de fermeture monté sur le véhicule. La portière s'ouvre.At the end of the opening movement of the lock; the pawl and the counter-pawl rotate as symbolized by the arrow 98, and release in rotation the bolt 32. Under the action of the joint reaction force to which the door is subjected, it turns in the opposite direction of clockwise, as symbolized by the arrow 100 and releases the closing finger mounted on the vehicle. The door opens.

Une fois que la portière s'ouvre, le contact de portière ouverte change d'état ; le moteur 58 est commandé pour remonter le bras 60 ; la cale 62 est libérée et le levier 48 revient dans la position de la figure 2 au relâcher de la commande d'ouverture extérieure. Le cliquet est rappelé vers la position de la figure 2, de sorte que la fermeture de la portière ramène le pêne et le cliquet dans la position de la figure 2.Once the door opens, the open door contact changes state; the motor 58 is controlled to raise the arm 60; the shim 62 is released and the lever 48 returns to the position of Figure 2 on release of the outer opening control. The pawl is biased towards the position of Figure 2, so that the closing of the door brings the bolt and the pawl in the position of Figure 2.

Les figures 4 et 5 montrent des vues de la serrure de la figure 2, montrant le déplacement des différentes pièces de la serrure au cours de l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure. L'ouverture mécanique est commandé par le signal de décondamnation émis par le circuit 10, lorsque l'alimentation électrique du véhicule est défaillante.Figures 4 and 5 show views of the lock of Figure 2, showing the movement of the various parts of the lock during the mechanical opening of the lock. The mechanical opening is controlled by the unlocking signal emitted by the circuit 10, when the power supply of the vehicle is faulty.

La figure 4 montre une vue de la serrure après alimentation du moteur de secours 74 pour embrayer l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure ; comme le montre la figure, le déclenchement du moteur de secours 74 provoque la rotation du bras 70 autour de l'axe 72, dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre comme symbolisé sur la figure 4 par la flèche 102. Du fait de cette rotation, le doigt d'embrayage mécanique se déplace vers le levier 48 et le contre-cliquet 36. La présence de l'organe de guidage 80 aide à ce que l'extrémité 78 du doigt vienne s'interposer entre la portée 54 du levier 48 et la deuxième portée 44 du contre-cliquet. Dans la position de la figure 4, l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure est embrayée, dans la mesure où l'actionnement de la commande d'ouverture extérieure ou intérieure provoque l'ouverture de la serrure, indépendamment du moteur 58, comme expliqué en référence à la figure 5.Figure 4 shows a view of the lock after powering the emergency engine 74 to engage the mechanical opening of the lock; as shown in the figure, the triggering of the emergency engine 74 causes the rotation of the arm 70 about the axis 72, in the opposite direction of clockwise as symbolized in FIG. 4 by the arrow 102. Because of this rotation, the mechanical clutch finger moves towards the lever 48 and against the pawl 36. The presence of the guide member 80 assists that the end 78 of the finger comes to interpose between the scope 54 of the lever 48 and the second bearing 44 of the counter-catch. In the position of Figure 4, the mechanical opening of the lock is engaged, insofar as the actuation of the outer or inner opening control causes the opening of the lock, independently of the motor 58, as explained in FIG. reference to Figure 5.

On comprend que le moteur 74 est simplement dimensionné pour permettre la rotation du bras 70 et le déplacement du doigt 76 ; de ce fait, ce moteur peut être dimensionné pour une faible charge ; on peut typiquement utiliser pour le moteur 74 un moteur à courant continu de puissance 10 Watts électrique et de vitesse à vide de l'ordre de 4 000 à 6 000 trs/min. On entend ici par puissance le simple produit de la tension de consigne par l'intensité du moteur au démarrage; cette valeur n'est pas représentative de la puissance moyenne consommée par le moteur (le rapport entre l'énergie consommée par le moteur au cours de la rotation du bras 40 et la durée de cette rotation). En pratique, la puissance moyenne consommée par le moteur est de l'ordre de 1 W. Comme le moteur présente une faible puissance et n'est soumis qu'à une faible charge, l'alimentation de secours 18 peut être compacte et peu onéreuse, comme indiqué plus haut.It is understood that the motor 74 is simply sized to allow the rotation of the arm 70 and the movement of the finger 76; therefore, this motor can be sized for a low load; we can typically use for the engine 74 a DC motor 10 watt power and no-load speed of the order of 4,000 to 6,000 rpm. Here the term power is the simple product of the setpoint voltage by the intensity of the engine at startup; this value is not representative of the average power consumed by the engine (the ratio between the energy consumed by the motor during the rotation of the arm 40 and the duration of this rotation). In practice, the average power consumed by the engine is of the order of 1 W. As the engine has a low power and is subjected to a low load, the emergency power supply 18 can be compact and inexpensive , as indicated above.

La figure 5 montre une vue de la serrure lors d'une ouverture mécanique. Une action sur la commande d'ouverture intérieure ou sur la commande d'ouverture extérieure provoque la rotation du levier 48. Du fait de la présence de l'extrémité 78 du doigt entre la portée 54 du levier 48 et la deuxième portée 44 du contre-cliquet, la rotation du levier 48 provoque la rotation du contre-cliquet 36 est l'ouverture du pêne ; le mouvement de l'ensemble cliquet et du pêne est similaire à celui décrit plus haut et n'est pas détaillé à nouveau. On a porté à la figure les flèches 104 et 106 représentatives du mouvement de rotation de l'ensemble cliquet 36-38 et du pêne 32. On a aussi porté à la figure les flèches 108 et 110 représentatives de la rotation du levier 48 sous l'action de la commande d'ouverture extérieure ou intérieure, qui provoque la rotation de l'ensemble cliquet.Figure 5 shows a view of the lock during a mechanical opening. An action on the inner opening control or on the outer opening control causes the lever 48 to rotate. Due to the presence of the end 78 of the finger between the bearing surface 54 of the lever 48 and the second bearing surface 44 of the counter -cliquet, the rotation of the lever 48 causes the rotation of the counter-pawl 36 is the opening of the bolt; the movement of the ratchet and bolt assembly is similar to that described above and is not detailed again. The arrows 104 and 106 representative of the rotational movement of the ratchet assembly 36-38 and of the bolt 32 have been shown. FIGS. 108 and 110, representative of the rotation of the lever 48 under FIG. action of the outer or inner opening control, which causes rotation of the ratchet assembly.

Le fonctionnement de la serrure des figures 2 à 5 est le suivant. En mode normal, l'ouverture de la serrure s'effectue comme expliqué en référence aux figures 2 et 3. Dans ce mode, il suffirait d'un contact - le contact de la cale 62 pour déclencher le moteur 58 et donc l'ouverture de la serrure.The operation of the lock of Figures 2 to 5 is as follows. In normal mode, the opening of the lock is effected as explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In this mode, it would be enough to make a contact - the contact of the shim 62 to trigger the motor 58 and thus the opening lock.

La condamnation ou la décondamnation de la serrure peuvent être assurées de façon purement logicielle. Il suffit pour condamner la serrure de ne pas déclencher le moteur 58, même lorsque le contact de la cale 62 est commuté. La décondamnation de la serrure s'effectue en autorisant le déclenchement du moteur par le contact de la cale.The locking or unlocking of the lock can be provided purely by software. It suffices to condemn the lock not to trigger the motor 58, even when the contact of the shim 62 is switched. The lock is unlocked by allowing the motor to trip by the contact of the cleat.

En fonctionnement normal, le signal de décondamnation émis par le circuit 10 est donc simplement transmis à l'électronique principale de la porte, qui autorise la décondamnation logicielle.In normal operation, the unlocking signal emitted by the circuit 10 is therefore simply transmitted to the main electronics of the door, which authorizes the software unlocking.

En mode dégradé, la serrure fonctionne comme représenté à la figure 5, après embrayage des liens mécaniques de secours comme représenté à la figure 4. On peut entrer en mode dégradé, par exemple pour les raisons suivantes :

  • panne d'alimentation électrique du moteur 58, du moteur lui-même,
  • situation d'urgence, détectée par exemple par la mise en oeuvre d'un équipement de sécurité du véhicule comme un coussin gonflable ("air-bag") ou un système anti-blocage (ABS).
In degraded mode, the lock operates as shown in FIG. 5, after clutching the mechanical emergency links as shown in FIG. 4. It is possible to enter degraded mode, for example for the following reasons:
  • power failure of the engine 58, the engine itself,
  • emergency situation, detected for example by the implementation of a vehicle safety equipment such as an airbag or an anti-lock system (ABS).

Dans le mode dégradé, le signal de décondamnation transmis par le circuit 10 commande le moteur de secours de la serrure, pour embrayer l'ouverture mécanique comme représenté à la figure 4. La mécanique de décondamnation est alors formée du bras 70, du moteur de secours 74 et du doigt 76. Comme expliqué plus haut, le moteur 74 peut être alimenté par l'alimentation 18 de secours, ce qui assure une décondamnation même dans le cas d'une panne de l'alimentation électrique principale du véhicule.In the degraded mode, the unlocking signal transmitted by the circuit 10 controls the emergency engine of the lock, to engage the mechanical opening as shown in Figure 4. The unlocking mechanism is then formed of the arm 70, the engine of rescue 74 and the finger 76. As explained above, the motor 74 can be powered by the power supply 18, which ensures a unlocking even in the event of a failure of the main power supply of the vehicle.

La serrure des figures 2 à 5 permet donc

  • une décondamnation logicielle de la serrure, en mode de fonctionnement normal,
  • un embrayage des liens mécaniques de la serrure, même en cas de défaillance de l'alimentation principale du véhicule.
De la sorte, il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir de verrou.The lock of Figures 2 to 5 therefore allows
  • a software unlocking of the lock, in normal operating mode,
  • a clutch of the mechanical links of the lock, even in case of failure of the main power of the vehicle.
In this way, it is not necessary to provide a lock.

La figure 6 montre un autre exemple de serrure utilisable dans le système de la figure 1. Cette serrure est similaire à celle des figures 2 à 5; toutefois, au lieu de ne prévoir qu'un embrayage unique pour les commandes d'ouverture extérieure et intérieure, on utilise une liaison mécanique pour la commande d'ouverture intérieure et une liaison électrique pour la commande d'ouverture extérieure. La figure 6 montre une vue schématique de la serrure dans une position fermée et super-condamnée. Les éléments de la serrure qui sont similaires à ceux de la figure 2 portent les mêmes références et ne sont pas décrits à nouveau. On reconnaît donc le pêne 32, le levier 48, le câble ou tringle d'ouverture intérieure 52, le contre-cliquet 36, le cliquet 38, le moteur d'ouverture électrique 58 avec son bras d'entraînement 112, le bras 70, le moteur 74, le doigt d'embrayage 76 et l'organe 80 de guidage.FIG. 6 shows another example of a lock that can be used in the system of FIG. 1. This lock is similar to that of FIGS. 2 to 5; however, instead of providing only one clutch for the outer and inner opening controls, a mechanical linkage for the inner opening control and an electrical connection for the outer opening control is used. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the lock in a closed and super-locked position. The elements of the lock that are similar to those of Figure 2 have the same references and are not described again. The bolt 32, the lever 48, the inner opening cable or rod 52, the pawl 36, the pawl 38, the electric opening motor 58 with its drive arm 112, the arm 70, are thus recognized. the motor 74, the clutch finger 76 and the guide member 80.

A l'inverse de la serrure de la figure 2, la serrure de la figure 6 ne présente pas de cale d'autorisation d'ouverture avec le bras et le tenon. De la sorte, le bras d'entraînement 112 du moteur 58 porte directement sur la première portée 42 du contre-cliquet 36 lorsque le moteur 58 est actionné. La forme du bras d'entraînement 112 du moteur 58 est légèrement différente sur la figure 6, comparée à la figure 1, du fait de l'absence de la cale d'autorisation d'ouverture; plus précisément, le bras 112 présente une dimension, suivant sa direction de déplacement, sensiblement égale à la somme des dimensions du bras 60 et de la cale 62; ceci permet de ne pas modifier la course du moteur 58 pour assurer l'ouverture, c'est-à-dire d'utiliser dans l'exemple de la figure 6 le même moteur que dans la serrure de la figure 2.Unlike the lock of FIG. 2, the lock of FIG. 6 does not have an opening authorization wedge with the arm and the tenon. In this way, the drive arm 112 of the motor 58 bears directly on the first bearing surface 42 of the counter-catch 36 when the motor 58 is actuated. The shape of the drive arm 112 of the motor 58 is slightly different in FIG. 6, compared with FIG. 1, because of the absence of the opening authorization wedge; more precisely, the arm 112 has a dimension, in its direction of displacement, substantially equal to the sum of the dimensions of the arm 60 and the shim 62; this makes it possible not to modify the stroke of the motor 58 to ensure the opening, that is to say to use in the example of FIG. 6 the same motor as in the lock of FIG. 2.

En outre, la serrure ne présente pas de câble ou tringle d'ouverture extérieure 50. Structurellement, le levier 48 est identique à celui des figures 2 à 5, mais on comprend que l'on pourrait se passer de la lumière et de la partie servant à recevoir le câble d'ouverture extérieure.In addition, the lock has no cable or external opening rod 50. Structurally, the lever 48 is identical to that of FIGS. 2 to 5, but understand that we could do without the light and the part used to receive the outer opening cable.

Dans l'état représenté à la figure 6, la serrure est fermée et supercondamnée ou en mode de sécurité enfant. Comme à la figure 2, le doigt d'embrayage 76 est remonté et ne se trouve pas entre les portées 44 et 54 du levier 48 et du contre-cliquet 36.In the state shown in Figure 6, the lock is closed and supercondeamed or in child safety mode. As in Figure 2, the clutch finger 76 is raised and is not between the bearing surfaces 44 and 54 of the lever 48 and against the pawl 36.

Lorsque la serrure est condamnée, une tentative d'ouverture de la serrure depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure provoque un déplacement des différentes pièces de la serrure similaire à celui représenté sur la figure 3. Le levier 48 est entraîné en rotation autour de l'axe 40 par la traction du câble 52, comme représenté sur la figure 3 par la flèche 92. La portée 54 du levier s'approche de la deuxième portée 44 du contre-cliquet 36. Du fait de la position du doigt d'embrayage 76, la rotation du levier 48 n'est pas transmise au contre-cliquet. L'action sur la commande d'ouverture intérieure ne provoque donc pas l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure, qui est débrayée. Dans un état supercondamné ou avec sécurité enfant, l'ouverture électrique de la serrure n'est pas non plus déclenchée, de sorte que la tentative d'ouverture depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure est sans effet sur l'ouverture de la serrure.When the lock is locked, an attempt to open the lock from the inner opening control causes a movement of the various parts of the lock similar to that shown in Figure 3. The lever 48 is rotated around the lock 40 by the pulling of the cable 52, as shown in Figure 3 by the arrow 92. The scope 54 of the lever approaches the second bearing 44 of the counter-catch 36. Due to the position of the clutch finger 76 , the rotation of the lever 48 is not transmitted to the counter-ratchet. The action on the inner opening control therefore does not cause the mechanical opening of the lock, which is disengaged. In a superlocked state or with child safety, the electric opening of the lock is also not triggered, so that the attempt to open from the inner opening control has no effect on the opening of the lock.

L'ouverture mécanique de la serrure de la figure 6 peut être embrayée; dans cet état, une action sur la commande d'ouverture intérieure provoque l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure. L'embrayage de l'ouverture mécanique s'effectue, comme représenté à la figure 4, en faisant descendre le doigt 76 à l'aide du moteur 74. L'extrémité 78 du doigt vient entre la deuxième portée 44 du contre-cliquet 36 et la portée 54 du levier 48. Dans cet état, lorsque la commande d'ouverture intérieure est actionnée, elle provoque par l'intermédiaire du câble 52 la rotation du levier 48 autour de l'axe 40. La rotation du levier 48 est transmise au contre-cliquet 36 à travers l'extrémité 78 du doigt 76. La rotation du contre-cliquet 36 et du cliquet 38 permet la rotation du pêne 32, de façon similaire à ce qui est représenté à la figure 5.The mechanical opening of the lock of Figure 6 can be engaged; in this state, an action on the inner opening control causes the mechanical opening of the lock. The clutch of the mechanical opening is effected, as shown in FIG. 4, by lowering the finger 76 with the aid of the motor 74. The end 78 of the finger comes between the second bearing surface 44 of the counter-catch 36 and in this state, when the internal opening control is actuated, it causes via the cable 52 the rotation of the lever 48 about the axis 40. The rotation of the lever 48 is transmitted against the pawl 36 through the end 78 of the finger 76. The rotation of the pawl 36 and the pawl 38 allows the rotation of the bolt 32, similar to that shown in Figure 5.

La serrure de la figure fonctionne de la façon suivante. L'ouverture de la serrure depuis la commande d'ouverture extérieure est électrique et s'effectue par déclenchement du moteur 58, de sorte que le bras d'entraînement 112 provoque la rotation du contre-cliquet 36. On ne prévoit pas de câble ou tringle vers le levier. De la sorte, il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir sur la portière du véhicule une commande d'ouverture extérieure ou une verrou pour l'introduction d'une clef. On peut le cas échéant prévoir une redondance d'alimentation, de capteur ou logicielle pour sécuriser l'ouverture de la serrure. La condamnation et la décondamnation de la serrure sont des opérations purement logicielles, qui n'impliquent aucun élément mécanique. Le risque d'auto-ouverture n'est pas géré comme dans l'exemple des figures 2 à 5 par une ouverture électrique embrayable et débrayable.The lock of the figure works as follows. The opening of the lock from the external opening control is electric and is effected by triggering the motor 58, so that the drive arm 112 causes the counter-pawl 36 to rotate. No cable or cable is provided. rod to the lever. In this way, it is not necessary to provide on the door of the vehicle an external opening command or a lock for the introduction of a key. If necessary, it can provide power redundancy, sensor or software to secure the opening of the lock. The locking and unlocking of the lock are purely software operations, which do not involve any element mechanical. The risk of self-opening is not managed as in the example of Figures 2 to 5 by a clutchable and disengageable electrical opening.

L'ouverture de la serrure depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure est une ouverture mécanique. Dans l'état condamné, super-condamné ou sécurité enfant, le doigt 76 est dans la position remontée de la figure 6; une action sur la commande d'ouverture intérieure déplace le levier 48, mais n'a pas d'effet sur le cliquet et le contre-cliquet. Lorsque la serrure est décondamnée, en l'absence de sécurité enfant, le doigt 76 est dans la position basse. L'actionnement de la commande d'ouverture intérieure 76 agit sur le contre-cliquet et le cliquet pour provoquer l'ouverture de la serrure.The opening of the lock from the inner opening control is a mechanical opening. In the condemned, super-condemned or child-safe state, the finger 76 is in the raised position of FIG. 6; an action on the inner opening control moves the lever 48, but has no effect on the pawl and counter-pawl. When the lock is unlocked, in the absence of child safety, the finger 76 is in the low position. Actuation of the inner opening control 76 acts on the counter-catch and the pawl to cause the opening of the lock.

Le fait d'abaisser le doigt d'embrayage 76 dé-super-condamne la serrure ou désactive la sécurité enfant. La serrure est donc une serrure à ouverture extérieure purement électrique, à ouverture intérieure purement mécanique, avec des liens mécaniques débrayables pour la super-condamnation ou pour la sécurité enfant. Comme dans l'exemple des figures 2 à 5, la serrure de la figure 6 permet de réduire le problème de la diversité et de limiter le besoin d'une alimentation de secours dans la porte. La serrure de la figure 6 permet aussi de simplifier la structure des portières, dans la mesure où elle n'implique pas de liens mécaniques entre la commande d'ouverture extérieure et la serrure. On pourrait aussi en utilisant d'autres capteurs que le capteur de la commande d'ouverture extérieure décrit dans l'exemple, se passer complètement de commande d'ouverture extérieure.Lowering the clutch finger 76 de-super-condemns the lock or disables the child lock. The lock is therefore a lock with purely electric external opening, purely mechanical interior opening, with mechanical links disengageable for super-conviction or for child safety. As in the example of Figures 2 to 5, the lock of Figure 6 reduces the problem of diversity and limit the need for a backup power in the door. The lock of Figure 6 also simplifies the door structure, insofar as it does not involve mechanical links between the outer opening control and the lock. It would also be possible using other sensors than the sensor of the outer opening control described in the example, to completely do without external opening control.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 6, le signal de décondamnation transmis par le circuit d'interrogation de l'objet provoque donc une décondamnation logicielle de l'ouverture électrique de la serrure. Celle-ci peut par exemple être déclenchée lorsque l'utilisateur s'approche du véhicule ou manipule la commande d'ouverture extérieure. Le signal de décondamnation provoque encore l'embrayage de l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure; en d'autres termes, la mécanique de décondamnation formée du moteur 74, du bras 70 et du doigt 76 est actionnée pour permettre l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure.In the example of FIG. 6, the unlocking signal transmitted by the interrogation circuit of the object thus causes a software unlocking of the electrical opening of the lock. This can for example be triggered when the user approaches the vehicle or manipulates the external opening command. The unlocking signal further causes the clutch to engage the mechanical opening of the lock from the inner opening control; in other words, the unlocking mechanism formed of the motor 74, the arm 70 and the finger 76 is actuated to allow the mechanical opening of the lock from the inner opening control.

Comme dans l'exemple des figures 2 à 5, la serrure de la figure 6 permet de réduire le problème de la diversité et de limiter le besoin d'une alimentation de secours dans la porte. Elle permet aussi de simplifier la structure des portières, dans la mesure où elle n'implique pas de liens mécaniques entre la commande d'ouverture extérieure et la serrure. On pourrait aussi en utilisant d'autres capteurs que le capteur de la commande d'ouverture extérieure décrit dans l'exemple, se passer complètement de commande d'ouverture extérieure.As in the example of Figures 2 to 5, the lock of Figure 6 reduces the problem of diversity and limit the need for a backup power in the door. It also simplifies the structure of the doors, insofar as it does not involve mechanical links between the external opening control and the lock. It would also be possible using other sensors than the sensor of the outer opening control described in the example, to completely do without external opening control.

On peut prévoir des variantes; ainsi, sur une porte avec une condamnation enfant, le signal de décondamnation peut ne pas provoquer de décondamnation de l'ouverture mécanique depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure; ceci assure qu'une porte à l'état "sécurité enfant" reste dans cet état même lorsque le circuit d'interrogation émet un signal de décondamnation.Variations can be provided; thus, on a door with a child lock, the unlocking signal may not cause unlocking of the mechanical opening from the inner opening control; this ensures that a door in the state "child safety" remains in this state even when the interrogation circuit emits a signal of unlocking.

Il est avantageux, pour la serrure de la figure 6, que le doigt 76 se trouve entre les portées 44 et 54 en position de repos. Ceci évite de devoir prévoir dans la porte une alimentation de secours pour le moteur 74. En effet, si le doigt 76 en position de repos est en position haute, il est préférable de disposer dans la porte du véhicule une alimentation de secours - batterie, capacité ou autre - susceptible de permettre, en cas d'accident, un embrayage des liens mécaniques. A l'inverse, si le doigt 76 se trouve au repos dans la position basse, il est possible de super-condamner la serrure ou de fournir une sécurité enfant dès le démarrage du véhicule, sans prévoir d'alimentation de secours; il suffit pour cela, à l'aide de la batterie du véhicule, de remonter le doigt 76. Si on laisse toujours le doigt 76 en position basse sur la portière conducteur - autrement dit si l'on ne permet pas la super-condamnation de la portière conducteur - il reste toujours une portière susceptible d'être ouverte depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure, même en cas d'accident.It is advantageous for the lock of Figure 6, the finger 76 is between the bearing surfaces 44 and 54 in the rest position. This avoids having to provide in the door an emergency power supply for the motor 74. Indeed, if the finger 76 in the rest position is in the up position, it is preferable to have in the vehicle door an emergency power supply - battery, capacity or other - likely to allow, in case of accident, a clutch mechanical links. Conversely, if the finger 76 is at rest in the low position, it is possible to super-lock the lock or provide child safety from the start of the vehicle, without providing emergency power; it is sufficient for this purpose, using the battery of the vehicle, to raise the finger 76. If we always leave the finger 76 in the lower position on the driver's door - in other words if we do not allow the super-conviction of the driver's door - there is always a door that can be opened from the inside door, even in the event of an accident.

De façon alternative à ce qui est décrit en référence à la figure 6, on pourrait prévoir pour cette serrure, comme dans l'exemple des figures 2 à 5, une ouverture électrique par le moteur 58, déclenchée par le mouvement de la commande d'ouverture intérieure ou par le mouvement du levier. Dans ce cas, l'actionnement de la commande d'ouverture intérieure aurait pour effet de déclencher l'ouverture électrique. Cette solution permet de fournir une ouverture électrique de la serrure depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure. Elle présente l'inconvénient d'imposer une alimentation de secours pour abaisser le doigt 76 en cas de défaillance de l'ouverture électrique, pour permettre l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure au moins depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure; dans la mesure où une telle alimentation est prévue pour le circuit d'interrogation, il ne s'agit pas réellement d'un inconvénient. Si on prévoit ainsi une ouverture électrique depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure, le signal de décondamnation transmis depuis le circuit d'interrogation a aussi pour la commande d'ouverture intérieure l'effet d'autoriser le déclenchement du moteur 58; il ne provoque pas la descente du doigt 76.As an alternative to that described with reference to FIG. 6, it would be possible for this lock, as in the example of FIGS. 2 to 5, to provide an electric opening by the motor 58, triggered by the movement of the control unit. opening inside or by the movement of the lever. In this case, actuation of the inner opening control would have the effect of triggering the electrical opening. This solution provides an electric opening of the lock from the inner opening control. It has the disadvantage of imposing an emergency power supply to lower the finger 76 in the event of failure of the electrical opening, to allow the mechanical opening of the lock at least since the internal opening control; since such a power supply is provided for the interrogation circuit, it is not really a disadvantage. If an electric opening is thus provided from the internal opening control, the unlocking signal transmitted from the interrogation circuit has also for the internal opening control the effect of allowing the motor 58 to trip; it does not cause the descent of the finger 76.

Une autre alternative est de prévoir une ouverture assistée électriquement depuis la commande d'ouverture intérieure. Dans ce cas, lorsque la serrure est décondamnée, en l'absence de super-condamnation ou de sécurité enfant, le doigt 76 est en position basse. Une action sur la commande d'ouverture intérieure provoque le déplacement du levier et déclenche l'ouverture par le moteur. Cette solution présente les inconvénients d'une ouverture mécanique assistée, en particulier les risques lors d'un actionnement brutal de la commande d'ouverture intérieure. Elle évite aussi de prévoir une alimentation de secours dans la portière et permet de n'utiliser qu'un moteur 74 de très faible puissance pour actionner le doigt 76. Dans ce cas, le signal de décondamnation transmis par le circuit d'interrogation autorise le déclenchement du moteur 58 lors d'une action sur la commande d'ouverture intérieure, mais provoque aussi la descente du doigt 76.Another alternative is to provide an electrically assisted opening from the inner opening control. In this case, when the lock is unlocked, in the absence of super-conviction or child safety, the finger 76 is in the low position. An action on the inner opening control causes the lever to move and triggers opening by the motor. This solution presents the disadvantages of an assisted mechanical opening, in particular the risks during a sudden actuation of the internal opening control. It also avoids providing an emergency power supply in the door and makes it possible to use only a motor 74 of very low power to actuate the finger 76. In this case, the unlocking signal transmitted by the interrogation circuit allows the triggering the motor 58 during an action on the inner opening control, but also causes the descent of the finger 76.

Un autre problème des serrures de l'état de la technique est celui de la diversité. En effet, un verrou n'est généralement prévu que sur les portières avant, mais pas sur les portières arrière. L'utilisation du système de la figure 1 permet de réduire cette diversité, dans la mesure où il n'est plus nécessaire de prévoir un verrou mécanique.Another problem of locks of the state of the art is that of diversity. Indeed, a lock is usually provided on the front doors, but not on the rear doors. The use of the system of Figure 1 reduces this diversity, in that it is no longer necessary to provide a mechanical lock.

Dans tous les exemples, on peut prévoir une alimentation de secours, comme indiqué plus haut; cette alimentation de secours peut alimenter le circuit d'interrogation du véhicule et/ou l'embrayage de l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure. En présence d'une telle alimentation de secours, on peut, en cas de défaillance de la batterie du véhicule, provoquer l'embrayage de l'ouverture mécanique et permettre ainsi l'ouverture mécanique de la serrure, soit à travers la commande d'ouverture extérieure et de la commande d'ouverture intérieure (dans l'exemple des figures 2 à 5), soit à travers la commande d'ouverture intérieure (dans l'exemple de la figure 6). L'énergie nécessaire reste dans tous les cas assez faible, dans la mesure où il ne s'agit que d'embrayer l'ouverture mécanique et non pas d'ouvrir effectivement la serrure. Si on permet ainsi l'embrayage des liens mécaniques depuis l'alimentation de secours, on peut utiliser des capteurs sur la commande d'ouverture intérieure ou sur la commande d'ouverture extérieure pour réveiller l'électronique du circuit d'interrogation ou l'électronique associée à la serrure, en cas de défaillance de la batterie principale du véhicule.In all the examples, it is possible to provide an emergency power supply, as indicated above; this emergency power supply can supply the interrogation circuit of the vehicle and / or the clutch of the mechanical opening of the lock. In the presence of such a backup power supply, it is possible, in the event of a vehicle battery failure, to cause the clutch of the mechanical opening and thus to allow the mechanical opening of the lock, either through the control of outer opening and inner opening control (in the example of Figures 2 to 5), or through the inner opening control (in the example of Figure 6). The necessary energy remains in all cases quite low, insofar as it is only to engage the mechanical opening and not to actually open the lock. If it is thus possible to clutch the mechanical links from the emergency power supply, sensors can be used on the internal opening control or on the external opening control to wake up the interrogation circuit electronics or the associated with the lock, in case of failure of the main battery of the vehicle.

On peut aussi prévoir une électronique de secours, n'utilisant qu'une faible puissance et qui n'a qu'un nombre limité de fonctions, dont l'embrayage de l'ouverture mécanique. Une telle électronique de secours est reliée à la batterie principale du véhicule, ou à tout le moins reçoit un signal représentatif de l'alimentation par la batterie principale du véhicule. Par ailleurs, l'électronique de secours est alimentée par l'alimentation de secours et est capable de scruter l'état des capteurs sur la commande d'ouverture intérieure ou sur la commande d'ouverture extérieure ou de recevoir des signaux représentatifs de l'état de ces capteurs. L'électronique de secours est inactive tant que la batterie du véhicule fournit une alimentation. Si la batterie du véhicule cesse de fournir une alimentation en tension, l'électronique de secours est réveillée par les signaux en provenance des capteurs. Elle peut alors embrayer l'ouverture mécanique. Le réveil de l'électronique de secours par les signaux des capteurs assure que l'électronique de secours, dans les conditions normales d'utilisation, ne consomme pas de puissance en provenance de l'alimentation de secours. L'électronique de secours peut être réalisée sur un circuit imprimé comportant par ailleurs l'alimentation de secours. L'électronique de secours comprend alors un circuit logique apte à analyser les signaux reçus des capteurs, un commutateur capable d'alimenter l'embrayage de l'ouverture mécanique à partir de l'alimentation de secours.It can also provide a backup electronics, using only a low power and has only a limited number of functions, including the clutch mechanical opening. Such emergency electronics is connected to the main battery of the vehicle, or at the very least receives a signal representative of the power supply by the main battery of the vehicle. In addition, the emergency electronics are powered by the emergency power supply and are able to scan the status of the sensors on the internal opening control or the external opening control or to receive signals representative of the state of these sensors. The backup electronics are inactive as long as the vehicle's battery provides power. If the vehicle battery stops supplying a voltage supply, the emergency electronics are awakened by the signals from the sensors. It can then engage the mechanical opening. The alarm clock of the electronics of Rescue signals from the sensors ensure that the emergency electronics, under normal conditions of use, do not consume power from the back-up power supply. The backup electronics can be performed on a printed circuit including the emergency power supply. The emergency electronics then comprises a logic circuit capable of analyzing the signals received from the sensors, a switch capable of supplying the clutch of the mechanical opening from the emergency power supply.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits à titre d'exemple. En particulier, on peut utiliser d'autres objets portables qu'un transpondeur ; les descriptions schématiques de la figure 1 n'excluent pas des implémentations dans lesquelles les fonctions sont réalisées différemment. Les exemples mentionnent des moteurs électriques pour la décondamnation à partir du signal fourni par le circuit d'interrogation ; on pourrait aussi utiliser pour la décondamnation des actionneurs différents, comme des actionneurs pneumatiques.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described by way of example. In particular, other portable objects can be used than a transponder; the schematic descriptions of Figure 1 do not exclude implementations in which the functions are performed differently. The examples mention electric motors for unlocking from the signal provided by the interrogation circuit; one could also use for unlocking different actuators, such as pneumatic actuators.

Les différents circuits ou logiciels de commande de la serrure ne sont pas décrits en détails ; ils peuvent être réalisés par l'homme du métier, à l'aide de composants connus en soi dans l'état de la technique.The various circuits or software for controlling the lock are not described in detail; they can be made by those skilled in the art, using components known per se in the state of the art.

Dans les exemples, l'invention est décrite dans son application à la décondamnation d'une portière ; elle s'applique plus généralement à tout ouvrant du véhicule - notamment à l'ouvrant du coffre. On a décrit le cas le plus simple dans lequel le circuit d'interrogation fournit un signal de décondamnation à la serrure d'un ouvrant du véhicule. Il est aussi possible que le circuit d'interrogation fournisse un signal de décondamnation à plus d'une serrure, par exemple à toutes les serrures du véhicule en fonctionnement normal.In the examples, the invention is described in its application to the unlocking of a door; it applies more generally to any opening of the vehicle - including the opening of the trunk. The simplest case in which the interrogation circuit provides a unlocking signal to the lock of an opening of the vehicle has been described. It is also possible that the interrogation circuit provides a unlocking signal to more than one lock, for example to all the locks of the vehicle in normal operation.

Claims (14)

  1. A system for unlocking a key cylinder-less automobile vehicle door or the like, comprising:
    - an electrically-releasable lock with mechanical release means able to be coupled-in and coupled-out;
    - a coupling mechanism for for coupling in mechanical release should electrical release fail;
    - a portable object (2) having an identifier;
    - a circuit (10) for interrogating the object, adapted to power the said object and interrogate the object when it is outside the vehicle, and adapted to supply to said lock a signal authorizing the vehicle door or the like to be unlocked, as a function of said identifier, the signal supplied under conditions where a vehicle power supply has failed being a signal for coupling in said mechanical release means.
  2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal supplied under normal conditions is a software unlocking signal for electrical release of the lock.
  3. The system of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said interrogation circuit (10) remotely powers said portable object (2) upon interrogation.
  4. The system of one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said portable object (2) has contacts and said interrogation circuit (10) has contacts adapted to be coupled to the contacts of said portable object.
  5. The system of one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by comprising a standby power supply (18) separate from a main power supply of the vehicle.
  6. The system of claim 5, characterized in that the interrogation circuit (10) is powered by the standby power supply (18).
  7. The system of one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by comprising an unlocking mechanism receiving an unlocking signal originating from said interrogations circuit (10).
  8. The system of claims 5 and 7, characterized in that said unlocking mechanism is connected to said standby power supply (18).
  9. The system of one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by comprising standby electronic circuitry powered by said standby power supply and adapted to couple-in said mechanical release means of said lock.
  10. The system of claim 9, characterized in that said standby electronic circuitry has a low-power mode which terminates upon reception of a signal originating from a sensor detecting operation of an inner lock release control or an external lock release control.
  11. The system of one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by further comprising an electrically-releasable lock, with mechanical release means able to be coupled-in by the action of said unlocking mechanism (20).
  12. The system of claim 11, characterized in that said unlocking mechanism comprises an electric motor of electric power less than 10 W.
  13. A key cylinder-less door or the like comprising a system according to one of claims 1 to 12.
  14. A vehicle having a key cylinder-less door or the like and a system according to one of claims 1 to 12.
EP20030290301 2002-02-12 2003-02-06 System for unlocking a motor vehicle opening Expired - Lifetime EP1335330B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0201698A FR2835866B1 (en) 2002-02-12 2002-02-12 MOTOR VEHICLE OPENING DEVICE
FR0201698 2002-02-12

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1335330A2 EP1335330A2 (en) 2003-08-13
EP1335330A3 EP1335330A3 (en) 2004-02-04
EP1335330B1 true EP1335330B1 (en) 2006-04-26

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EP20030290301 Expired - Lifetime EP1335330B1 (en) 2002-02-12 2003-02-06 System for unlocking a motor vehicle opening

Country Status (5)

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US (1) US7224259B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1335330B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2003262054A (en)
DE (1) DE60304751T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2835866B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1335330A3 (en) 2004-02-04
FR2835866B1 (en) 2004-08-20
EP1335330A2 (en) 2003-08-13
US7224259B2 (en) 2007-05-29
US20030155779A1 (en) 2003-08-21
DE60304751T2 (en) 2007-05-03
DE60304751D1 (en) 2006-06-01
FR2835866A1 (en) 2003-08-15
JP2003262054A (en) 2003-09-19

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