Mechanical control device with improved control cable coupling

Abstract

The mechanical control device comprises a control cable (18) connected to the rod (22) and a connecting element (24) fixed to one end of the cable (18), the connecting element (24) comprising two pivot ends mounted movably about a pivot axis (X), respectively, on two flanges (F1, F2) of the rod (22). The cable coupling end (18A) is axially interposed between the two pivot ends of the coupling element (24). The coupling element (24) comprises a radial projection (26) for limiting axial movement of the coupling element (24) between the flanges (F1, F2). A radial projection (26) extends between the flanges (F1, F2) and has an axial dimension greater than the diameter (D) of the cable (18) so as to maintain a gap between the cable (18) and each rod flange (F1, F2) during axial movement of the coupling element (24) between the flanges (F1, F2).

Description

Summary of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine control device having an improved control cable connection.

[0002] The invention is particularly applicable to control devices for motor vehicle door latches. Background Art

[0003] Typically, motor vehicle door latches, such as a latch for a passage door leading to a vehicle passenger compartment, are controlled, inter alia, by a chain connecting a control handle outside or inside the passenger compartment and a mechanism for the latch.

[0004] A mechanical cable control device is known in the prior art, for example of the Bowden type, which is integrated into a chain of a mechanism connecting a control handle and a latch. The control cable is used to actuate or be actuated by a rod, which forms part of the chain of the latch or of the mechanism connecting the control handle and the latch. The control cable carries a coupling element fixed to one end of the cable, called the coupling end of the cable. The coupling element has two pivot ends, which are mounted so that they can move around a pivot axis on two flanges of the rod, respectively. The cable coupling end is axially interposed between the two pivot ends of the coupling element.

[0005] When the chain of the mechanism connecting the control handle and the latch is actuated, the movement of the various elements of the chain, in particular the movement of the control cable, tends to cause axial movements of the cable coupling element between the flanges of the lever. These axial movements tend to bring the control cable into contact with one or the other of the flanges and thus generate friction between the cable and the flanges, causing wear of the cable.

[0006] The object of the invention is in particular to limit or even avoid the friction of the cable with the flange of the lever during the actuation of the chain connecting the mechanism of the control handle and the latch. Summary of the invention

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a mechanical control device, comprising:

[0009] - a control cable coupled to the lever in order to actuate or be actuated by the lever,

[0010] a coupling element, which is fixed to one end of the cable, which end is called the coupling end of the cable, and which comprises two pivoting ends, which are respectively mounted movably about a pivot axis on two flanges of the rod, the cable coupling end being axially interposed between the two pivoting ends of the coupling element,

[0011] It is characterized in that the coupling element includes a radial protrusion for limiting the axial movement of the coupling element between the flanges, the radial protrusion extending between the flanges and having an axial dimension greater than the diameter of the cable, so as to maintain a gap between the cable and each of the rod flanges during the axial movement of the coupling element between the flanges, thereby preventing the cable from contacting each of the flanges.

[0012] Thus, the radial protrusions for limiting the axial movement of the coupling element make it possible to maintain a gap between the cable and each flange of the rod when the control cable is actuated and moved, which gap prevents the cable from coming into contact with each flange. This avoids or at least limits the risk of the control cable rubbing against the flanges of the rod. The life of the cable control device is thus optimized.

[0013] Other optional features of the invention are described below, which may be employed alone or in combination.

[0014] The cable coupling end and the radial projection for limiting axial movement are angularly offset from each other relative to the pivot axis of the pivot end of the coupling element. The area of ​​the coupling element close to the cable coupling end is sensitive to wear. The angular offset between the cable coupling end and the radial projection makes it possible to space the projection from the wear area.

[0015] The radial protrusions for limiting axial movement form on the flanges a quarter-turn mounting protrusion for the coupling element, which is mounted on the flange by displacing the coupling element parallel to the pivot axis of the coupling element through an entry aperture formed in one of the flanges (called the entry flange), the entry aperture having a profile including a portion complementary to the profile of the radial protrusions and an interruption forming a cable passage when the coupling element is moved through the entry aperture.

[0016] The cable coupling end and the radial protrusion for limiting axial movement have a common plane of symmetry perpendicular to the pivot axis of the coupling element.

[0017] Furthermore, the cable coupling end has a first symmetry plane including the pivot axis of the coupling element, and the radial protrusion for limiting axial movement has a second symmetry plane including the pivot axis of the coupling element, the first and second symmetry planes containing the pivot axis of the coupling element being perpendicular to each other.

[0018] These different symmetries enable the control cables to be mounted both on a first rod and on a similar second rod derived from the first rod by chiral symmetry.

[0019] Preferably, the axial dimension of the radial protrusion is between 1.35×D and 2×D, D being the diameter of the control cable.

[0020] Preferably, the axial spacing between the two flanges is between 1.95×D and 2.05×D, where D is the diameter of the control cable.

[0021] Radial projections for limiting axial movement are integral with both pivot ends of the coupling element.

[0022] The radial protrusions for limiting the axial movement are formed of a material selected from polymers and metallic materials, such as alloys based on zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper.

[0023] The invention also relates to a control device for a motor vehicle door latch, comprising a mechanical control device as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] - Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle including a device for controlling the opening of a door latch according to the present invention;

[0026] - Figure 2 is integrated into Figure 1 A front view of a mechanical control device according to the present invention in a latch control device;

[0027] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a perspective view of the mechanical control device shown during an assembly step;

[0028] - Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The mechanical control device shown in FIG. 1 is removed from the Figure 3 Perspective view of different viewing angles;

[0029] - Figure 5 It should Figure 2 The mechanical control device shown in Figure 2 A side view of arrow V;

[0030] - Figure 6 It should Figure 2 The mechanical control device shown in Figure 2 Side view of arrow VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] exist Figure 1 Detailed Description of the Invention A motor vehicle A is shown comprising a device according to the invention, indicated by the general reference numeral 10, for controlling a latch 12 on a door of the vehicle.

[0032] The device 10 for controlling the latch 12 includes a link connecting a control handle 14 (eg, outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle) and the mechanism of the latch 12. Alternatively, the control handle 14 may be inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0033] One of the mechanical means connecting the latch 12 and the control handle 14 is formed by a mechanical control device 16 according to the invention. The mechanical control device 16 comprises a control cable 18 slidably mounted in a sheath 20, for example a control cable 18 of the Bowden type.

[0034] The mechanical control device 16 also comprises a rod 22 which forms part of the latch 12 or part of a chain connecting the control handle 14 and the mechanism of the lock 12. The control cable 18 is used to actuate the rod 22.

[0035] exist Figures 2 to 6 The control cable 18 and rod 22 are shown in more detail in FIG.

[0036] refer to Figures 2 to 4 As can be seen, the mechanical control device 16 also includes a coupling element 24 fixed to one end of the cable 18 (referred to as the coupling end 18A of the cable 18 ).

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the coupling element 24 comprises a first pivot end E1 and a second pivot end E2 which are movably mounted about a pivot axis X on a first flange F1 and a second flange F2 of the lever 22 , respectively.

[0038] It should be noted that the coupling end 18A of the cable is axially interposed between the two pivot ends E1 , E2 of the coupling element 24 .

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the coupling element 24 also comprises a radial projection 26 intended to limit the axial movement of the coupling element 24 between the flanges F1 , F2 .

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, after assembling the coupling element 24 on the flanges F1 , F2 of the rod 22 , the radial protrusion 26 extends axially between the flanges F1 , F2 .

[0041] As in Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen more specifically in FIG, radial protrusion 26 has an axial dimension greater than diameter D of cable 18 so as to maintain a gap between cable 18 and each of flanges F1, F2 of rod 22 during axial movement of coupling element 24 between flanges F1, F2, thereby preventing cable 18 from contacting each of flanges F1, F2.

[0042] The control cable 18 is made of conventional materials, such as braided metal wire.

[0043] In the example shown in the figures, the radial protrusions 26 are integral with the two pivot ends E1, E2 of the coupling element 24. Furthermore, in the example shown, the coupling element 24 and the radial protrusions 26 are formed from a metal alloy based on zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper (also known as Zamak). Alternatively, the coupling element 24 and the radial protrusions 26 may be formed from another metallic material or from a polymer.

[0044] According to another example not shown, the radial protrusions 26 can be attached to the coupling element 24 by being embedded or fixed by suitable fixing means. In this case, the coupling element 24 and the radial protrusions 26 can be formed of different materials, in particular selected from polymers and metallic materials, such as Zamak.

[0045] The coupling end 18A of the cable is fixed to the coupling element 24 in a manner known per se, for example by molding the coupling element 24 around the coupling end 18A. Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the coupling end 18A of the cable and the radial projection 26 are angularly offset from each other relative to the pivot axis X. In fact, the area of ​​the coupling element 24 close to the coupling end 18A of the cable, which is flexible, is sensitive to wear. The angular offset between the cable coupling end 18A and the radial projection 26 makes it possible to space this projection 26 from this wear area.

[0046] Preferably, as in the example described, the cable coupling end 18A has a first symmetry plane P1 containing the pivot axis X, and the radial protrusion 26 has a second symmetry plane P2 containing the pivot axis X. Figure 3 As shown, the first symmetry plane P1 and the second symmetry plane P2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0047] Furthermore, preferably, in particular Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cable coupling end 18A and the radial protrusion 26 have a common symmetry plane Q perpendicular to the pivot axis X.

[0048] In particular, these different symmetries enable the control cable 18 to be installed in Figures 2 to 6 On the rod 22 shown and on similar rods derived from the rod 22 by chiral symmetry.

[0049] It should be noted that, in particular, reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the radial projection 26 forms a quarter-turn mounting projection of the coupling element 24 on the flanges F1 , F2 .

[0050] In fact, Figure 3 and Figure 4 An initial step and an intermediate step of mounting the coupling element 24 on the flanges F1 , F2 are shown respectively.

[0051] Therefore, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the coupling element 24 is mounted on the flanges F1, F2 by the coupling element 24 being moved in translation parallel to the pivot axis X through an access orifice 28 provided in the first flange F1 forming the access flange. This access orifice 28 has a profile comprising a portion 28C complementary to the profile of the radial protrusion 26 and an interruption 28I forming a passage for the cable 18 when the coupling element 24 is moved through the access orifice 28.

[0052] When the translation movement of the coupling element 24 has been completed, the first end E1 and the second end E2 can respectively pivot in the access orifice 28 , which then forms the first bearing, and in a second bearing provided in the second flange F2 .

[0053] Pivoting the coupling element 24 about the axis X captures the radial protrusion 26 axially between the flanges F1, F2, thereby coupling the control cable 18 to the rod 22, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 shown.

[0054] In order to effectively limit or even prevent the risk of the control cable 18 rubbing against the flanges F1 , F2 of the rod 22 , preferably the axial dimension H of the radial protrusion 26 is between 1.35×D and 2×D, D being the diameter of the control cable 18 (see Figure 5 ).

[0055] Furthermore, preferably, the axial spacing T between the two flanges is between 1.95×D and 2.05×D.

[0056] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and embodiments. In particular, the cable coupling end 18A and the radial protrusion 26 may not have a common symmetry plane perpendicular to the pivot axis X. Therefore, considering the specific configuration of the path of the cable 18, the cable coupling end 18A may have a symmetry plane perpendicular to the axis X, which is axially offset relative to the symmetry plane perpendicular to the axis X of the radial protrusion 26.

[0057] Furthermore, the mechanical control device 16 may form a chain of any mechanical control devices, i.e. not necessarily a chain of mechanical devices connecting a motor vehicle door control handle to a latch. In particular, the mechanical control device 16 may form a chain of mechanical devices for controlling a circulating brake or a brake of a light non-motor vehicle.

[0058] Furthermore, the control cable 18 of the mechanical control device according to the invention is not necessarily intended to actuate the lever 22 , but can be coupled to the lever in order to be actuated by it, in particular in the case of a cable of the Bowden type.

[0059] Reference numerals list

[0060] 10: Control device

[0061] 12: Latch

[0062] 14: Control handle

[0063] 16: Mechanical control device

[0064] 18: Control cable

[0065] 18A: Cable connection end

[0066] 20: Sheath

[0067] 22: Rod

[0068] 24: Connecting elements

[0069] 26: Radial protrusion

[0070] 28: Enter the orifice

[0071] 28C: Complementary to the profile of the radial protrusion

[0072] 28I: Interruption forming a passage for cables

[0073] D: Cable diameter

[0074] E1: First pivot end of the coupling element

[0075] E2: Second pivot end of the coupling element

[0076] F1: First flange

[0077] F2: Second flange

[0078] H: Axial dimension of radial protrusion

[0079] P1: First symmetry plane

[0080] P2: Second symmetry plane

[0081] Q: Symmetry plane perpendicular to the pivot axis

[0082] T: Axial distance between two flanges

[0083] X: Pivot axis

Claims

1. A mechanical control device (16), comprising: a control cable (18) coupled to the rod (22) in order to actuate the rod (22) or to be actuated by the rod (22), a coupling element (24) fixed to one end (18A) of the cable (18), referred to as the coupling end (18A) of the cable (18), the coupling element (24) comprising two pivot ends (E1, E2) respectively mounted movably about a pivot axis (X) on two flanges (F1, F2) of the rod (22), the cable coupling end (18A) being axially interposed between the two pivot ends (E1, E2) of the coupling element (24), Characterized in that the coupling element (24) includes a radial protrusion (26) for limiting the axial movement of the coupling element (24) between the flanges (F1, F2), the radial protrusion (26) extending between the flanges (F1, F2) and having an axial dimension greater than the diameter of the cable (18), so as to maintain a gap between the cable (18) and each of the rod flanges (F1, F2) during the axial movement of the coupling element (24) between the flanges (F1, F2), preventing the cable (18) from contacting each of the flanges (F1, F2).

2. The machine control device (16) according to claim 1, wherein: The cable (18) coupling end and the radial projection (26) for limiting axial movement are angularly offset from each other relative to the pivot axis (X) of the pivot end (E1, E2) of the coupling element (24).

3. The machine control device (16) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The radial protrusion (26) for limiting axial movement forms a quarter-turn mounting protrusion (26) of the coupling element (24) on the flanges (F1, F2), and the coupling element (24) is mounted on the flanges (F1, F2) by displacing the coupling element (24) parallel to the pivot axis (X) of the coupling element (24) through an entry opening (28) formed in one of the flanges (F1, F2), the one flange formed with the entry opening being called the entry flange (F1), the entry opening (28) having a profile including a portion (28C) and an interruption (28I), the portion (28C) being complementary to the profile of the radial protrusion (26), the interruption (28I) forming a passage for the cable (18) when the coupling element (24) moves through the entry opening (28).

4. The machine control device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The cable coupling end (18A) and the radial protrusion (26) for limiting axial movement have a common symmetry plane (Q) perpendicular to the pivot axis (X) of the coupling element (24).

5. The machine control device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: - the cable coupling end (18A) has a first plane of symmetry (P1) which includes the pivot axis (X) of the coupling element (24), and - the radial projection (26) for limiting axial movement has a second plane of symmetry (P2) comprising the pivot axis (X) of the coupling element (24), The first symmetry plane (P1) and the second symmetry plane (P2) containing the pivot axis (X) of the coupling element (24) are perpendicular to each other.

6. The machine control device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The axial dimension (H) of the radial protrusion (26) is between 1.35×D and 2×D, D being the diameter of the control cable (18).

7. The machine control device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The axial spacing (T) between the two flanges (F1, F2) is between 1.95×D and 2.05×D, where D is the diameter of the control cable (18).

8. The machine control device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The radial protrusion (26) for limiting axial movement is integral with the two pivot ends (E1, E2) of the coupling element (24).

9. The machine control device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The radial protrusions (26) for limiting axial movement are formed of a material selected from polymers and metallic materials, such as alloys based on zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper.

10. A control device (10) for a motor vehicle door latch, characterized in that The control device comprises a mechanical control device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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