LOCKING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE DOOR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of openings, in particular of motor vehicles, provided with a locking device intended to resist break-in attempts.

[0002] Generally, the openings can be used as side doors, as a tailgate or as a hood of a vehicle. The openings comprise an outer sheet and an inner sheet helping to define a thickness of the openings. The latter are movable between an open position, in which the passenger compartment is open to the exterior of the vehicle, and a closed position, blocking access to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In order to prevent access to the passenger compartment, the openings are equipped with a locking device capable of blocking said openings in the closed position, in particular when the user of the vehicle wishes to lock access to the passenger compartment of said vehicle.

[0003] It is known that these locking devices comprise a latch and a lock connected to each other by a connecting member. The latch is the member of the locking device capable of housing a key for unlocking / locking the opening locking device in order to authorize or not the unlocking / locking of the opening, the lock being configured to thus actuate an unlocking / locking mechanism of the opening. The connecting member for its part transmits an unlocking / locking movement from the latch to the lock by applying a rotational force given by the user to the key previously positioned in the latch.

[0004] The latch is arranged through the outer sheet metal while the lock can be arranged against the inner sheet metal, or even at any location between the outer sheet metal and the inner sheet metal. In other words, the position of the lock in the opening generally varies according to the model of the opening, and more generally according to the model of the vehicle. Under these conditions, it is understood that a locking device is specific to each of the existing vehicle models. Indeed, the size and shape of the connecting member is adapted so that each of the locking devices adapts to the positions of the latch and the lock respectively. In addition to the effort produced to develop each of these connecting members, the industrial manufacturing and the management of the logistical aspects related to these connecting members must thus be adapted for each of the connecting devices assigned to each vehicle model, resulting in a significant cost of development of these openings.

[0005] The present invention proposes an alternative to already existing solutions and relates to an adaptive locking device in which the same locking device can be installed on several different vehicle models by adapting the position of the connecting member according to the positions taken by the latch and the lock in each of these openings. In the event that the latch or the lock are dedicated to the vehicle model, the connecting member can be standardized thanks to the invention.

[0006] In this context, the main subject of the present invention is a vehicle opening comprising at least one outer sheet, one inner sheet and at least one locking device for said opening comprising at least one lock in contact at least in part with the outer sheet, a lock arranged at least in part between the inner sheet and the lock and a connecting member having a first end cooperating with the lock and a second end cooperating with the lock, characterized in that the locking device comprises at least one device for guiding the second end of the connecting member in translation, said guiding device connecting the second end of the connecting member to the lock, said guiding device extending at least along a main direction of extension by allowing a translation of the second end of the connecting member along said main direction of extension over at least 10 mm,the guide device passing right through the lock. In other words, the guide device extends along the main direction of extension, opening on the one hand on a first side of the lock and on the other hand on a second side of the lock.,

[0007] It is thus understood that the translation of at least the second end of the connecting member makes it possible to adapt the positioning of the constituent elements of the locking device according to the opening on which the locking device is installed. Indeed, a translation of at least 10 mm of the connecting member makes it possible to adapt the position of the bolt and the lock relative to each other, between the outer sheet and the inner sheet.

[0008] For this, the guide device ensures that the second end of the connecting member can translate along the main direction of extension of said guide device, in particular when mounting the locking device on the opening.

[0009] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the guide device allows a translation of the second end of the connecting member along the main direction of extension over at most 30 mm. In other words, the guide device allows a translation of the second end of the connecting member along the main direction of extension over a dimension of between 10 mm and 30 mm.

[0010] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the guide device comprises at least one groove and at least one rib cooperating with each other to guide the second end of the connecting member in translation. This cooperation between rib and groove blocks rotation around the main direction of extension between the connecting member and the guide device, so that a rotational movement of the lock causes a movable element of the lock to rotate to operate the locking or unlocking of the opening, depending on the direction of rotation applied to the lock.

[0011] According to another optional feature of the invention, the groove and the rib extend mainly along the main direction of extension of the guide device.

[0012] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the connecting member comprises at least one articulation arranged at the second end of said connecting member.

[0013] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the articulation allows rotation of the connecting member around a direction secant to the main direction of extension of the guide device.

[0014] According to another optional feature of the invention, the articulation allows rotation of the connecting member around a direction perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the guide device. Such a design feature makes it possible to position the connecting member inclined relative to the main direction of extension.

[0015] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the articulation allows rotation of the connecting member around a direction parallel to the main direction of extension of the guide device.

[0016] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the guide device comprises an opening through which the connecting member extends at least in part, the opening taking the form of a cone opening towards the outside of the lock.

[0017] According to another optional feature of the invention, the cone shape of the lock opening opens at an angle of between 30° and 120°.

[0018] According to another optional feature of the invention, the opening is oriented from the guide device towards the lock.

[0019] According to another optional feature of the invention, the guide device projects out of an inner face of the lock. This makes it possible to further increase the standardization of the lock regardless of the gap between the inner and outer sheets of the opening.

[0020] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the groove takes the form of a groove extending along the main direction of extension of the guide device along which the second end of the connecting member is movable in translation, the articulation carrying the rib which takes the form of a finger translating in the groove. The finger is of a shape substantially complementary to that of the groove, apart from the mounting clearances to allow a sliding movement.

[0021] The use of such a lock design allows in particular a positioning of the lock in a plane different from that of the bolt, or even to standardize the locking device whatever the type of door, that is to say whatever the gap between the outer sheet and the inner sheet, or the positioning of the bolt in relation to the lock.

[0022] According to another optional feature of the invention, the groove has a dimension measured along the main direction of extension of at least 10 mm.

[0023] According to another optional feature of the invention, the groove has a dimension measured along the main direction of extension of at most 30 mm.

[0024] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the guide device comprises a connecting block and a ring inside which the connecting block translates along the main direction of extension of the guide device, the second end of the guide member being integral with the connecting block. It is understood that the connecting block is movable in translation in the ring along the main direction of extension, driving the second end of the connecting member in translation.

[0025] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the guide device comprises a return member configured to keep the connecting block pressed against the second end of the connecting member.

[0026] According to another optional feature of the invention, the connecting block comprises an opening through which the connecting member extends at least in part, the opening taking the form of a cone opening towards the outside of the lock.

[0027] According to another optional feature of the invention, the cone shape of the lock opening opens at an angle of between 30° and 120°.

[0028] According to another optional feature of the invention, the groove and the rib are arranged one on the ring and the other on the connecting block.

[0029] According to another optional feature of the invention, the groove and / or the rib has a dimension measured along the main direction of extension of at least 10 mm.

[0030] According to another optional feature of the invention, the groove and / or the rib has a dimension measured along the main direction of extension of at most 30mm.

[0031] According to another optional feature of the invention, the groove is arranged on the ring and the rib is arranged on the connecting block.

[0032] According to another optional feature of the invention, the groove is arranged on the connecting block and the rib is arranged on the ring.

[0033] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the ring comprises a translational stop member of the connecting block.

[0034] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the connecting block carries a housing for the articulation making it possible to rotate the second end of the connecting member relative to the connecting block.

[0035] This advantageously allows rotation of the connecting member around a secant axis, in particular perpendicular to the main direction of extension, thus giving freedom as to the positioning of the lock relative to the lock.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising an opening according to any one of the preceding characteristics.

[0037] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a sectional representation of an opening according to the invention comprising a first example of a device for locking the opening, the locking device being operated according to a first configuration; [ Fig. 2] is a sectional representation of an opening shown on the figure 1 , the locking device being operated according to a second configuration; [ Fig. 3 ] is a sectional representation of the opening shown in the figure 1 , the locking device being operated according to a third configuration; [ Fig. 4 ] is a sectional representation of the opening shown in the figure 1 comprising a second example of a door locking device, the locking device being operated according to a first configuration; [ Fig. 5 ] is a sectional representation of the opening shown in the figure 4 , the locking device being operated according to a second configuration; [ Fig. 6 ] is a sectional representation of the opening shown in the figure 4 , the locking device being operated according to a third configuration.

[0038] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0039] There figure 1 represents a sectional view of an opening 1 according to the invention delimited in the thickness by an outer sheet 2 and an inner sheet 4 and equipped with a locking device 6 arranged at least in part between said outer sheet 2 and said inner sheet 4. Such an opening 1 is in particular intended to be mounted on a motor vehicle, the locking device 6 being configured to protect vehicles equipped with the opening 1 against attempted theft.

[0040] It is understood here that the opening 1 may in particular be a motor vehicle door or a motor vehicle tailgate. The outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 4 each thus have a relatively flat surface. At least the outer sheet 2 comprises an orifice through which at least part of the locking device 6 extends. In other words, the orifice of the outer sheet 2 allows communication between the locking device 6 and the environment outside the opening 1, for example to allow a user to actuate the locking device 6.

[0041] As illustrated on the figures 1 to 6, the locking device 6 comprises at least one lock 8 in contact at least in part with the outer sheet 2, a lock 10 arranged at least in part between the inner sheet 4 and the lock 8 and a connecting member 12 having a first end 14 cooperating with the lock 8 and a second end 16 cooperating with the lock 10.

[0042] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the lock 8 may comprise an intermediate support directly installed on the outer sheet 2, the intermediate support being for example of the handle type or external opening control. It is understood that the intermediate support has at least one annular-shaped part in which at least one constituent element of the lock 8.

[0043] The lock 8 here comprises at least one stator 18 and one rotor 20 cooperating with each other and extending here substantially along a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the outer sheet 2 is inscribed. The rotor 20 is arranged at least partly through the stator 18 while being movable in rotation in the stator 18 around a direction of rotation parallel to a main direction of elongation of the rotor 20. The rotor 20 advantageously has a cavity 22 capable of receiving a locking and / or unlocking key, the rotor being configured to be driven in rotation by this locking and / or unlocking key once housed in the cavity 22.

[0044] For example, the stator 18 and / or the rotor 20 may extend at least partially through the aforementioned intermediate support.

[0045] The lock 10 for its part comprises a system for actuating the locking and / or unlocking of the opening 1 housed in a housing. The lock 10 cooperates with the lock 8, in particular by means of the connecting member 12, to engage or trigger the actuation system. It is understood here that when the locking and / or unlocking key corresponding to the lock 8 is inserted into the cavity 22 of the rotor 20, the latter is driven in rotation in the stator 18, this rotation being transmitted via the connecting member 12 to engage or trigger the actuation system of the lock 8, in order to lock and / or unlock the opening 1.

[0046] The lock 10, as mentioned before, is positioned between the latch 8 and the inner sheet 4 of the opening 1. As illustrated in the figures 1 to 6, the lock 10 is arranged at a distance from the inner sheet 4, that is to say that it is not in direct contact with the inner sheet 4. However, an opening 1 in which the lock 10 would be directly in contact with the inner sheet 4, or even fixed to said inner sheet 4, would not depart from the scope of the invention.

[0047] The connecting member 12 extends along a main extension axis, presenting its first end 14 in contact with the latch 8, and its second end 16 in contact with the lock 10. The connecting member 12 constitutes a mechanical link between the latch 8 and the lock 10, so as to transmit a locking or unlocking movement from the latch 8 to the lock 10.

[0048] According to the invention, the locking device 6 comprises at least one device 24 for guiding the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 in translation, said guide device 24 connecting the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 to the lock 10, the guide device 24 extending at least along a main direction of extension A by allowing a translation of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 along said main direction of extension A. “Translation” is understood to mean that the guide device 24 allows a movement of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 along a direction, the latter here being the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24.

[0049] This translation of at least the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 has the objective of adapting the positioning of the constituent elements of the locking device 6 according to the opening 1 on which the locking device 6 is installed. It is understood here that the same locking device 6 can be used in openings of variable thickness.

[0050] This translation is particularly visible here by comparing the figures 1 And 3 , or the figures 4 And 6 . Indeed, in the figures 1 And 4 , the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 is in a first configuration while this second end 16 of the connecting member 12 is in a second configuration on the figures 3 And 6 . The change in configuration of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12, whether as illustrated in the figures 1 And 3 or on the figures 4 And 6, is notably permitted by translation of said second end 16 by means of the guide device 24 along the main direction of extension A of said guide device 24. This change in configuration of the second end 16 also makes it possible to highlight the fact that a measured distance, for example along a direction parallel to the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24, between the latch 8 and the lock 10, is different depending on the configuration taken by the second end 16 of the connecting member 12. It is thus understood that the positioning of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 allows an adaptation of the positions of the latch 8 and the lock 10 relative to each other within the opening 1.

[0051] On the figures 2 And 5, the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 is in a third configuration, that is to say inclined relative to the main direction of extension A. The third configuration of the connecting member 12 allows it to be inclined around an axis intersecting the main direction of extension A, in particular around an axis perpendicular to the main direction of extension A. Independently of the gap between the inner 2 and outer 4 sheets of the opening, the lock 8 can thus be offset vertically relative to the lock 10, in particular relative to the guide member 12.

[0052] According to the invention, the translation of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 along said main direction of extension A by the guide device 24 extends over at least 10 mm. In other words, the guide device 24 allows the movement of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 along the main direction of extension A of said guide device 24 between two configurations and that these two configurations of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 are spaced from each other by at least 10 mm. Indeed, a translation of at least 10 mm of the connecting member 12 makes it possible to adapt the position of the latch 8 and the lock 10 relative to each other between the outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 4, and thus allow the locking device 6 to be installed on several different models of openings.

[0053] Advantageously, the guide device 24 allows a translation of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 along the main direction of extension A over at most 30 mm. In other words, the guide device 24 allows the displacement of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 along the main direction of extension A of said guide device 24 between two configurations and that these two configurations of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 are spaced from each other by at most 30 mm.

[0054] It is understood from the above that the guide device 24 advantageously allows a translation of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 along the main direction of extension A of said guide device 24 over a dimension of between 10 mm and 30 mm.

[0055] The guide device 24 preferably comprises at least one groove 26 and at least one rib cooperating with each other to guide the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 in translation. Preferably, the device comprises two grooves 26 and two ribs to transmit the rotational torque of the rod 12 to the body 28, the latter being movable in rotation around the main direction of extension A. The two grooves 26 are preferably antagonistic to each other, in particular extending perpendicularly to the main direction of extension A.

[0056] The second end 16 of the connecting member 12 may comprise a keying device composed for example of at least one rib or groove arranged in its upper part. Preferably, the keying device is present between the two ribs or grooves dedicated to the transmission of rotational force for locking / unlocking the lock by the bolt. The keying device is in particular positioned at equidistances from these ribs or grooves. The height or depth of the rib or groove of the keying device is less than that of the other ribs and grooves whose function is the transmission of a rotational torque.

[0057] More specifically, the guide device 24 comprises a body 28, as seen in the figures 1 to 3, extending along the main direction of extension A of said guide device 24, this body 28 participating in delimiting a hollow 30 in which the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 extends at least in part, the body 28 carrying one or the other of the rib and the groove 26. Advantageously, the groove 26 and the rib extend mainly along the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24.

[0058] It is understood from the above that, for example, the ribs are carried by the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 while the grooves 26 are carried by the body 28 extending along the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24, the rib being housed in the groove 26 in order to guide the translation of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 along the groove 26, and thus along said main direction of extension A.

[0059] According to an alternative example, the rib is carried by the body 28 extending along the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24 and the groove 26 is carried by the second end 16 of the connecting member 12, the groove 26 and the rib cooperating with each other as described above.

[0060] As illustrated on the figures 1 to 6 , the connecting member 12 comprises at least one articulation 32 arranged at the second end 16 of said connecting member 12. The articulation 32 of the connecting member 12 makes it possible to adapt the position of the latch 8 and the lock 10 relative to each other around different axes.

[0061] More particularly, and according to one example, this articulation 32 allows rotation of the connecting member 12 around a direction substantially secant to the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24. Even more precisely, the articulation 32 allows rotation of the connecting member 12 around a direction perpendicular to the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24, so as to make inclined positioning of the connecting member 12 possible.

[0062] According to another alternative or cumulative example, the articulation 32 allows rotation of the connecting member 12 around a direction parallel to the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24.

[0063] The articulation 32 may for example be a rotary articulation arranged at the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 and allowing rotation of said connecting member 12 around several directions intersecting the main direction of extension A, or even a direction parallel to or coincident with the main direction of extension A.

[0064] An example of positions taken by the lock 8 and the lock 10 permitted by the rotation of the connecting member 12 is illustrated in the figures 2 And 5 The connecting member 12 is thus positioned in an inclined manner, which is made possible by the freedom of rotation in particular around a direction perpendicular to the main direction of extension A, as can be seen in figures 2 And 5. It is notably visible that the rotation of the connecting member 12 permitted by means of the articulation 32 contributes to increasing the choice of possible positions of the lock 8 and the lock 10 within the opening 1.

[0065] Preferably, the guide device 24 comprises an opening 34 through which the connecting member 12 extends at least in part, the opening 34 taking the form of a cone opening 1 towards the outside of the lock 10. As visible in the Figure 5, this opening 34 is for example delimited by the body 28 of the guide device 24 and extends the hollow 30 delimited by the body 28, while being opposite the lock 8. More precisely, the cone shape of the opening 34 is oriented from the guide device 24 towards the lock 8, that is to say that the cone opens presenting a section seen in a plane perpendicular to the main direction of extension A which becomes larger and larger as one approaches the lock 8.

[0066] This cone-shaped opening 34 increases the angle that the connecting member 12 can take relative to the main direction of extension A. According to the invention, the cone shape of the opening 34 of the lock 10 opens at an angle of between 30° and 120°. More particularly, the angle is 90°.

[0067] We will now describe a first example of embodiment of the invention, with reference to: figures 1 to 3, before describing a second example of embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures 4 to 6 .

[0068] As seen on the figures 1 to 3 , the guide device 24 passes right through the lock 10. In other words, the guide device 24 extends along the main direction of extension A, opening on the one hand on one side of the lock 10 and on the other hand on a second side of the lock 10 opposite the first side. It is also possible to define a first dimension corresponding to the dimension of the guide device 24 measured along a direction parallel to the main direction of extension A and a second dimension corresponding to the dimension of the lock 10 measured along a direction parallel to the main direction of extension A, the first dimension being greater than the second dimension.

[0069] In addition, the grooves 26 each take the form of a groove extending along the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24 along which the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 is movable in translation, the articulation 32 carrying the rib which takes the form of a finger translating in the groove. More particularly, the groove is arranged on the body 28 of the guide device 24, the finger sliding in the groove in order to guide the translation of the connecting member 12 in the hollow 30 delimited by the body 28 of the guide device 24.

[0070] Advantageously, the groove has a dimension measured along the main direction of extension A of at least 10 mm.

[0071] Even more advantageously, the groove has a dimension measured along the main direction of extension A of at most 30 mm.

[0072] It is understood from the above that the groove has a dimension measured along the main direction of extension A of between 10mm and 30mm

[0073] As seen on the figures 4 to 6, the guide device 24 comprises a connecting block 36 and a ring 38 inside which the connecting block 36 translates along the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24, the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 being integral with the connecting block 36. It is understood that the connecting block 36 is movable in translation in the ring 38 along the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24, driving in translation the second end 16 of the connecting member 12. Consequently, once the assembly of the lock to the lock, the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 is integral in rotation and translation with the connecting block 36, so that they are both made movable in translation in the ring 38 along the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24.

[0074] The connecting block 36 is a piston movable between the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 and the ring 38, the latter being movable in rotation relative to the lock 10 around the extension direction A to enable the locking / unlocking of the lock.

[0075] To hold the connecting block 36 in position, as well as the second end 16 of the connecting member 12, the guide device 24 comprises a return member 40 configured to hold the connecting block 36 in abutment against the second end 16 of the connecting member 12. The return member 40 takes for example the form of a helical spring along the main direction of extension A, and one of the ends of which bears against the connecting block 36 and the other end bears against a bottom wall of the ring 38. It is understood that when the connecting block 36 is translated along the main direction of extension A towards the bottom wall of the ring 38, also causing the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 to translate towards the bottom wall of the ring 38, the return member 40 is compressed on itself.Conversely, when the connecting block 36 is translated along the main direction of extension A towards the opening 34 of the guide device 24, also causing the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 to translate towards the opening 34 of the guide device 24, the return member 40 relaxes and pushes the connecting block 36. Such a return member makes it possible to combat unwanted noise by holding the parts against each other. It also allows automatic adjustment of the guide device regardless of the thickness of the opening on which it is mounted.

[0076] Advantageously, the ring 38 comprises a stop member 42 in translation of the connecting block 36. This stop member 42 is in particular configured to block the translation of the connecting block 36 opposite the bottom wall of the ring 38 and prevent the connecting block 36 from being expelled from the ring 38 by the relaxation force of the return member 40.

[0077] As seen on the figures 4 to 6 , the ring 38 participates in delimiting the opening 34 of the aforementioned guide device 24 through which the connecting member 12 extends at least in part, the opening 34 taking the form of a cone opening 1 towards the outside of the lock 10.

[0078] According to the invention, the connecting block 36 also participates in delimiting another opening 44 through which the connecting member 12 extends at least in part, this other opening 44 taking the form of a cone opening towards the outside of the lock 10, similarly to the opening 34 of the first embodiment and previously described. In addition, it has identical characteristics, in particular with regard to the angle of the cone of the opening 34.

[0079] The connecting block 36 also carries a housing for the articulation 32 configured to allow rotation of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 relative to the connecting block 36 along an axis of rotation intersecting the main direction of extension A, in particular an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the main direction of extension A of the guide device 24. It is thus understood that the rotation of the connecting member 12 by means of the articulation 32 is carried out around a direction passing through the connecting block 36.

[0080] The groove 26 and the rib of the guide device 24 are arranged one on the ring 38 and the other on the connecting block 36. It is understood that in addition to the return member, which makes it possible to fix the position of the connecting block 36 and the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 in the ring 38, the cooperation between the groove 26 and the rib of the guide device 24 forces the translational displacement of the connecting block 36 in the ring 38 along the main direction of extension A.

[0081] According to one example, the groove 26 is arranged on the ring 38 while the rib is arranged on the connecting block 36. According to another example, the rib is arranged on the ring 38 while the groove 26 is arranged on the connecting block 36.

[0082] Similar to what may have been described previously, the groove 26 and / or the rib preferably has a dimension measured along the main direction of extension A of at least 10 mm. Even more preferably, the groove 26 and / or the rib has a dimension measured along the main direction of extension A of at most 30 mm. It is understood here that advantageously, the groove 26 and / or the rib has a dimension measured along the main direction of extension A of between 10 mm and 30 mm.

[0083] As a reminder, the main subject of the invention is an opening 1 comprising a locking device 6 comprising a latch 8, a lock 10 and a connecting member 12 having a first end 14 secured to the latch 8 and a second end 16 intended to be assembled in rotation to the body 28 or to the ring 38 of the lock 10, the locking device 6 comprising a guide device 24 of the second end 16 of the connecting member 12 making it possible to adapt the position of the latch 8 and the lock 10 relative to each other by translation of said second end 16 of the connecting member 12 over at least 10 mm. This translation thus promotes universality of the locking device 6, the latter adapting to a plurality of openings of different shapes and dimensions.

[0084] The present invention should not, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Opening leaf (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least an outer metal panel (2), an inner metal panel (4) and at least one locking device (6) intended to lock the opening leaf (1) and having at least a door latch (8) at least partially in contact with the outer metal panel (2), a lock (10) disposed at least partially between the inner metal panel (4) and the door latch (8), and a connector (12) having a first end (14) which cooperates with the door latch (8) and a second end (16) which cooperates with the lock (10), characterized in that the locking device (6) comprises at least one guide device (24) for guiding the translational movement of the second end (16) of the connector (12), the guide device (24) connecting the second end (16) of the connector (12) to the lock (10), the guide device (24) extending at least along a main direction of extent (A) while allowing a translational movement of the second end (16) of the connector (12) along the main direction of extent (A) over at least 10 mm, the guide device (24) passing all the way through the lock (10).

2. Opening leaf (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the guide device (24) allows a translational movement of the second end (16) of the connector (12) along the main direction of extent (A) over at most 30 mm.

3. Opening leaf (1) according to either one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide device (24) comprises at least one groove (26) and at least one rib cooperating with one another in such a way as to guide the translational movement of the second end (16) of the connector (12).

4. Opening leaf (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (12) comprises at least one articulation (32) disposed at the second end (16) of the connector (12).

5. Opening leaf (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the guide device (24) has an opening (34) through which the connector (12) at least partially extends, the opening (34) taking the form of a cone from the opening leaf (1) towards the outside of the lock (10).

6. Opening leaf (1) according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the groove (26) takes the form of a recess extending along the main direction of extent (A) of the guide device (24) along which the second end (16) of the connector (12) can move in translation, the articulation (32) bearing the rib which takes the form of a finger moving in translation in the recess.

7. Vehicle comprising an opening leaf (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.