Locking device for the hood of a motor vehicle

Abstract

A locking device (1) for a vehicle opening includes a latch (8) with a notch (9) adapted to receive a strike plate (2) attached to the opening. The latch (8) moves between a locked position, a partially locked position, and an open position. A first pawl (15) moves from a position where it locks the latch (8) in its locked position. This first pawl (15) is actuated successively by a first and a second command. A second pawl (17) moves from a position where it locks the latch (8) in its partially locked position. The second pawl (17) has a retracted state where it is offset by a stroke of the first pawl (15) corresponding to the first command, and an extended state where it is capable of being driven by the first pawl (15) for at least part of a stroke of the first pawl (15) corresponding to the second command.The latch (8) moves the second ratchet (17) from its retracted state to its deployed state by moving from its locked position to its partially locked position. (Fig. 6).

Description

Title of the invention: Locking device for the hood of a motor vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device for an opening of a motor vehicle, in particular a front hood.

[0002] It is known to provide a compartment at the front of a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine to house this engine. This compartment is generally closed by an opening, which is commonly referred to as a hood.

[0003] Generally, a hood comprises an edge that pivots on the body, typically by means of hinges, and a free edge. This free edge is generally provided with at least one latch, arranged to cooperate with a locking device provided on the body and which allows the hood to be held in the closed position.

[0004] In order to meet the high safety requirements in the automotive field, the locking device is operated in two stages, so as to prevent in particular the hood from opening unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion and suddenly obstructing the driver's view.

[0005] In vehicles where the internal combustion engine is located under the front hood, the user traditionally performs an initial maneuver, which is carried out remotely from the hood by activating a lever accessible from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment. This initial maneuver activates a hood ejection mechanism in a partially open position.

[0006] Then, in order to fully release the hood opening, the user performs a second maneuver, which requires them to exit the vehicle to operate a lever located under the hood. The position of this lever may vary depending on the type of vehicle, and the user often has to search for it "blindly," by sweeping their hand.

[0007] In recent years, the fight against air pollution has led car manufacturers to develop vehicles with an electric motor as their sole means of propulsion. In these electric vehicles, a battery is mounted in the floor of the vehicle body, freeing up the space traditionally occupied by the internal combustion engine.

[0008] The space thus freed up at the front of the electric vehicle is used to form a trunk, for example intended to hold luggage. As this trunk is located at the front of the vehicle, it is commonly referred to by the English expression "front truck" (front trunk) in French, or by its abbreviation "frunk".

[0009] It is therefore understood that this new use of the front space of the motor vehicle considerably alters the use and frequency of opening the hood Previously, the traditional opening method, which requires the user to exit the vehicle, appeared poorly designed. It was also perceived as awkward, even uncomfortable. It could sometimes also convey a perception of poor vehicle quality.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to propose a locking device which makes it possible to increase the comfort of use of a trunk equipped with a front hood of a motor vehicle and to adapt its operation for frequent and regular use while respecting the safety constraints inherent in the automotive field.

[0011] Prior art is already known from patent application DE 10 2010 062 700 A1 concerning a lock for a motor vehicle engine hood comprising a hook that retains a hood latch and a locking ratchet that secures the hook in the closed position. The ratchet is actuated by pulling to sequentially adopt with the latch a closed configuration (engagement of the latch by the hook), a pre-closed configuration (partial disengagement of the latch), and a latch release configuration allowing the hood to be lifted.

[0012] To this end, the hook has a peripheral edge with two notches, and the pawl engages with each of the notches of the hook in the closed and intermediate pre-closed positions. To prevent the hook from pivoting until the strike plate is released when transitioning from the closed to the intermediate position, the pawl includes a locking ridge that engages with a stop formed on the peripheral edge of the hook.

[0013] The drawback of such a solution is that it requires near-horological precision in the ratcheting mechanism formed by the ratchet and the hook, which is also subject to mechanical, vibratory, and wear stresses that can eventually misalign the lock mechanism. In this case, the ratchet becomes ineffective in preventing the lock from unlocking with a single command, rather than with two successive commands, which presents a significant risk to vehicle safety.

[0014] The Applicant sought to improve the situation.

[0015] A locking device is proposed for a motor vehicle opening, in particular a front hood. The proposed device comprises a latch having a notch adapted to receive a strike plate attached to the opening. The latch is movable between a first position of locking the strike plate, a second position of partially locking the strike plate, and a third position corresponding to an open position, in which the strike plate is free to disengage from the notch. The device further comprises a first ratchet arrangement, movable from at least one position in which this first arrangement locks the latch in its first position. The first The arrangement is capable of being actuated following a first and a second control action. The device includes a second ratchet-like arrangement, movable from at least one position in which this second arrangement locks the latch in its second position. The second arrangement has a retracted state, in which the second arrangement is offset by one stroke of the first arrangement corresponding to the first control action, and an extended state, in which at least part of the second arrangement is capable of being driven by the first arrangement, by at least part of one stroke of the first arrangement corresponding to the second control action. The second arrangement and the latch are mutually arranged such that the latch moves the second arrangement from its retracted state to its extended state when the latch moves from its first position to its second position.

[0016] Thanks to the invention, the device makes it possible, while limiting the number of mechanical parts, to increase reliability with two ratchet arrangements. Doubling the ratchet function prevents the device from becoming completely inoperative following the failure of one of the two ratchet arrangements.

[0017] Optional, complementary or alternative features of the invention are set forth below: The second arrangement comprises a second ratchet and a second lever that can be moved relative to each other. The second lever and the latch are arranged so that the latch moves the second lever relative to the second ratchet, causing the second arrangement to move from its retracted to its extended state when the latch moves from its first to its second position. The movement of the latch allows the second arrangement to be extended or retracted. Depending on whether it is extended or retracted, the second arrangement either cooperates with or does not cooperate with the first arrangement.

[0018] - The second arrangement further comprises a coupling capable of making the second The ratchet is fixed in motion with the second lever, this coupling being active when the second arrangement is in the deployed state. When the second lever and the second ratchet are fixed together in motion, the first arrangement is likely to drive the second ratchet, for example in rotation, when the first arrangement acts on the second lever.

[0019] - The coupling comprises a first stop surface integral with the second lever and a second stop surface attached to the second ratchet. The first stop surface engages with the second stop surface when the second arrangement moves from the retracted to the extended state. Activation of these stop surfaces marks the end of the second arrangement's deployment, particularly when this involves separating the second lever and the second ratchet from each other.

[0020] - At least one of the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface is supported by a cylindrical element. Linear contact is achieved between the abutment surfaces.

[0021] - The second lever comprises at least one portion shaped as a follower of The cam and the latch have a portion shaped like a cam that cooperates with the cam follower when the latch moves from its first to its second position and / or from its second position to the first. The latch can actuate the second lever so as to deploy the second lever.

[0022] - The latch includes at least a portion shaped to retain the second pawl, This portion is active when the latch moves from its second to its first position. The latch thus acts on the second lever to deploy or retract the second arrangement.

[0023] - The second arrangement further comprises at least one elastic organ, this organ The elastic band is arranged to return the second lever and / or the second ratchet to a mutual position corresponding to the extended state of the second arrangement. In the absence of other constraints, the second arrangement tends to return to its retracted position. This activates the cam mechanism that connects the latch to the second lever by forcing the second lever against the latch.

[0024] - The second arrangement and the latch are mutually arranged such that the The latch moves the second arrangement from its extended state to its retracted state when the latch moves from its second position to its first position. The latch thus retracts the second arrangement when the hood is closed.

[0025] - The first arrangement further includes an ejection arm capable of driving the The latch moves from its first to its second position and / or from its second to its third position. This ejection arm is active over at least part of the stroke of the first position corresponding to the first control action and / or over at least part of the stroke of the first position corresponding to the second control action. An elastic return mechanism is not required to actuate the latch. Unlocking the device is accompanied by the gradual opening of the hood.

[0026] - The first arrangement and the latch interact essentially at the level of a foreground. The second arrangement and the latch interact primarily at a background level. The foreground and background are roughly parallel to each other. The functional parts can be partially overlapped, or even distributed across the planes according to their function. The device thus becomes more compact.

[0027] - The first arrangement includes a first movable ratchet from the less a position in which this first ratchet locks the latch in its first position and a first actuating lever capable of being moved as a consequence of the first control action and the second control action. At least part of the second arrangement is capable of being driven by the actuating lever, over at least part of the stroke of the actuating lever.

[0028] - The first lever is capable of being actuated following the first The first lever travels a path corresponding to the second actuation. During the stroke of the second actuation, the first lever follows a path that at least partially overlaps with the path traveled by the first lever during the stroke of the first actuation. The first lever follows the same path in both its first and second actuations. This greatly simplifies the locking mechanism's configuration and facilitates its operation.

[0029] - The second arrangement is designed to limit the ejection stroke of the strike plate by the latch has a reduced stroke during the first command action and to extend the stroke to a longer stroke during the second command action.

[0030] - A ratio between the reduced stroke and the extended stroke is between 0.1 and 0.2, and preferably around 0.15.

[0031] - The stroke of the first arrangement, corresponding to the second control action, is greater than the stroke of the first arrangement corresponding to the first control action.

[0032] - The second arrangement is designed to block the latch in the third position.

[0033] - The latch comprises at least one portion arranged to retain the second retracted assembly. This portion cooperates with the second assembly when the latch is in its first position. This allows the latch to retract the second assembly when the device is closed.

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings in which: - [Fig. 1] represents an example of an embodiment of a locking device according to the invention, seen in exploded view; - [Fig.2] represents the device of [Fig.1] in a closed state, in front view; - [Fig.3] is analogous to [Fig.2], the device being in a first transient state of a pre-opening sequence; - [Fig.4] is analogous to [Fig.3], the device being in a second transient state of the pre-opening sequence; - [Fig.5] is analogous to [Fig.2], the device being in a partially open state; - [Fig.6] is analogous to [Fig.2], the device being in a first transient state of an opening sequence; - [Fig.7] is analogous to [Fig.6], the device being in a second state transient of the opening sequence; - [Fig.8] is analogous to [Fig.6], the device being in a third transient state of the opening sequence; - [Fig.9] is analogous to [Fig.2], the device being in an open state; - [Fig. 10] is analogous to [Fig.2], the device being in a first transient state of a closing sequence; - [Fig. 11] is analogous to [Fig. 10], the device being in a second transient state of the closing sequence; - [Fig. 12] is analogous to [Fig.2].

[0035] The accompanying drawings contain elements of a definite nature. They may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0036] Figures 1 to 12 show an example of an embodiment of a locking device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 is intended for an opening of a motor vehicle, in particular a front hood.

[0037] The device 1 is configured to cooperate with a strike plate 2 (shown as a dashed line in [Fig. 2]) fixed to the inside of the opening (not shown). For this purpose, the device 1 includes a latching mechanism adapted to cooperate with the strike plate 2.

[0038] The latch 2 is, for example, in the form of a hook closed like a ring. The hook is, for example, rectangular or square in shape.

[0039] Preferably, the locking device 1 includes a support 3 for the latching mechanism. Here, this support 3 includes a plate 31, intended to be fixed to the vehicle chassis or a fixed part of its bodywork, typically near the hood. Optionally, the support 3 further includes a cover 32. In this case, the latching mechanism is mounted, at least essentially, between the plate 31 and the cover 32.

[0040] Here, the plate 31 has a general plate shape, with a main face 4 oriented towards the cover 32. This plate 31 is for example made of sheet metal preferably from a metal sheet, by cutting and / or bending this sheet.

[0041] The device 1 comprises a rotary latch 8 having a notch 9 adapted to cooperate with the strike plate 2. The notch 9 gives the latch 8 a general hook shape, which allows the latch 8 to engage the strike plate 2. Preferably, the latch 8 is rotatably mounted on the support 3, about a first axis 83, for example by means of a first shaft 14. Here, the first shaft 14 is rotatably mounted on the support 3, by means of bearings 312 and 322 formed respectively in the plate 31 and the cover 32. The latch 8 may generally have a flat shape. In particular, The latch 8 can be mounted on the support 3 parallel to the main face 4 of the plate 31

[0042] Conventionally, the support 3 has an elongated opening 6 adapted to receive the strike plate 2 and guide it towards the latch 8. Here, this opening 6 is formed in the plate 31 of the support 3. The elongated opening 6 has, for example, a characteristic fish-mouth shape, open outwards from the support 3. Preferably, the opening 6 extends in a generally straight line, here from an edge of the plate 31, for example the upper edge in Figures 1 and 2. When the cover or the opening is closed, the strike plate 2 engages in the opening 6.

[0043] Conventionally, the latch 8 is movable relative to the support 3, in a direction of release, from a so-called closed, or locked, position to a so-called open position, passing through a so-called partially open, or partially closed, position. In Figures 2 to 12, the direction of release of the latch 8 corresponds to a clockwise direction.

[0044] In the closed and partially open positions, the notch 9 of the latch 8 prevents the striker 2 from disengaging from the opening 6. Typically, when the latch 8 is in the closed position, the vehicle's hood is fully closed and locked. When the latch 8 is in the partially open position, the hood is ajar and locked. The hood cannot be fully opened because the striker 2 remains held in the opening 6 of the support 3 by the notch 9. In the open position, the notch 9 of the latch 8 is disengaged from the striker 2. The striker 2 can then disengage from the opening 6. The hood can then be fully opened.

[0045] Here, the notch 9 has a first surface which forms its outer edge 92, that is to say the edge of the notch 9 furthest from the axis of rotation 83 of the latch 8 and a second surface, opposite the outer edge 92, which forms the inner edge 93. The outer edge 92 has a distal part 921, near the bottom of the notch 9, arranged to retain the strike plate 2 when the latch 8 is in the closed position and a proximal part 922, adjacent to the distal part 921, arranged to retain the strike plate 2 when the latch 8 is in the partially open position.

[0046] Preferably, the device 1 further comprises an ejection mechanism, or ejector, capable of moving the strike plate 2 outwards from the opening 6 of the support 3 when the latch 8 moves from its closed position to its partially open position. This movement corresponds to a first stroke of the strike plate 2. Here, this ejector is also active when the latch 8 moves from its partially open position to its open position. This results in a movement of the strike plate 2 that corresponds to a second stroke. Preferably, the ejector is configured so that the first stroke is substantially shorter than the second. In particular, the first stroke may be approximately 3 millimeters, while the second is approximately 18 millimeters.

[0047] Preferably, the ejector includes, among other things, a cam surface, for example carried by at least part of the inner edge 93 of the notch 9, capable of cooperating with the strike plate 2 when the latch 8 moves from its closed position to its partially open position and / or from its partially open position to its open position.

[0048] The device 1 further includes a first pawl 153, movable from at least one position, or rest position, visible in [Fig. 2], in which the first pawl 153 locks the latch 8 in its closed position. In Figures 2 to 12, this movement is clockwise. The movement of the first pawl 153 is preferably constrained in the direction of the latch 8, towards the rest position of the first pawl 153, for example by means of one or more elastic return elements, such as the spring 1561 of [Fig. 1], for example.

[0049] Preferably, the first pawl 153 is rotatably mounted on the support 3 about a second axis 151, here by means of a second shaft 155. Here, the axis of rotation 151 of the first pawl 153 extends parallel to the axis of rotation 83 of the latch 8. The second shaft 155 is, for example, rotatably mounted on the support 3, here by means of bearings 311 and 321 formed respectively in the plate 31 and the cover 32. In particular, the first pawl 153 has a bore 161 which allows the first pawl 153 to be mounted on the second shaft 155. Preferably, the first pawl generally has a flat shape. Here, the first pawl 153 is in the form of a generally flat piece. The first ratchet 153 is mounted on the plate 31 parallel to the main surface 4 of the plate 31.

[0050] Preferably, the first pawl 153 has a first locking surface 163, arranged so as to engage with a corresponding surface 812 of the latch 8. In particular, this first locking surface 163 is active when the first pawl 153 is in the rest position and the latch 8 is in the closed position.

[0051] For example here, the first pawl 153 includes a portion shaped into a locking arm 162, one free end of which carries the first locking surface 163. In particular, the first locking surface 163 is arranged perpendicular to a principal plane of the latch 8. The locking arm 162 extends for example from the bore 161 of the first pawl 153.

[0052] For example here, the first locking surface 812 of the latch 8 extends generally radially relative to the axis of rotation 83 of the latch 8. In particular, the latch 8 here has a notched portion 88 of which a free face carries the locking surface 812.

[0053] Here, the first locking surface 163 of the first pawl 153 and its corresponding surface 812 of the latch 8 are curved and have similar curvatures. Preferably, the center of curvature coincides substantially with the axis of rotation 151 of the first pawl 153.

[0054] The device further includes a second pawl 173 that can be moved from at least one first position, or rest position, visible in [Fig. 2], in which the second pawl 173 locks the latch 8 in its partially open position. In Figures 2 to 12, for example, this movement is counterclockwise. The movement of the second pawl 173 is preferably constrained in the direction of the latch 8, towards the rest position of the second pawl 173, for example by means of one or more elastic return elements such as the spring 176 of [Fig. 1], for example.

[0055] The second pawl 173 is preferably rotatably mounted on the support 3, around a third axis 171, here by means of a third shaft 175. Here, the axis of rotation 171 of the second pawl 173 extends parallel to the axis of rotation 83 of the latch 8. The third shaft 171 is, for example, rotatably mounted on the support 3 by means of bearings 313 and 323 provided respectively in the plate 31 and the cover 32. The second pawl 173 here has a bore 182 which allows the second pawl 173 to be mounted on the third shaft 171. Preferably, the second pawl 173 generally has a flat shape. The second ratchet 173 can be mounted on the support 3 parallel to the main face 4 of the plate 31. In particular, the second ratchet 173 can be made from a single piece

[0056] The second pawl 173 has a locking surface 189, arranged to engage with a corresponding surface 12 of the latch 8. This locking surface 179 of the second pawl 173 is active when the second pawl 173 is in its rest position and the latch 8 is in a partially open position. In particular, the locking surface 179 extends perpendicularly to a principal plane of the second pawl 173.

[0057] For example, the latch 8 has a locking portion arranged here in the form of a tooth 821, while the second ratchet 173 has a notch 170 in form corresponding with the tooth 821. For example, an upper edge of the notch 170 carries the locking surface 189, while a front face of the tooth 821 carries the locking surface 12 of the latch 8.

[0058] In particular, the locking surface 179 of the second pawl 173 is shaped to act as a stop for the tooth 821 and its locking surface 12 when the latch 8 moves from its closed position to its partially open position. In this embodiment, the notch 170 is arranged to house the tooth 821, at least partially, when the latch 8 is in the partially open position.

[0059] In the illustrated example, this tooth 821 comprises three faces perpendicular to a general plane of the latch 8. A first face 11 terminates the tooth 821 in the radial direction. This first face 11 is, for example, curved and has a center of curvature located on the axis of rotation 83 of the latch 8. The first face 11 extends here coaxially to a first outer edge 813 of the latch 8.

[0060] Here, the locking surface 12 of the tooth 821 connects to the lower edge 93 of the notch 9. This locking surface 12 is here shaped into an ejection surface of the strike plate 2, which is active when the latch 8 reaches its open position. Here, the locking surface 12 extends, for example, at an angle relative to a radial direction of the latch 8. In particular, the locking surface 12 connects to the end of the inner edge 93 of the notch 9 and to the first face 11 of the tooth 821. The tooth 821 here has a third face 13 that extends between the first outer edge 813 of the latch 8 and the first face 11 of the tooth 821. For example, this third face 13 generally extends radially with respect to the latch 8.

[0061] Here, the second pawl 173 includes a portion shaped into an arm, or locking arm 181, which extends for example from the bore 182 of the second pawl 173. The notch 170 is provided in this locking arm 181.

[0062] Here, the second pawl 173 further includes a stepped portion in the form of a notch 190 near its upper end. The notch 190 is adapted to interact with the tooth 821 of the latch 8, in particular via the third face 13 of this tooth 821.

[0063] The movement of the latch 8 in the release direction can be achieved by one or more elastic deformation elements arranged to return the latch 8 to its open position. In other words, the device 1 can include one or more elastic return elements arranged to rotate the latch 8 in the release direction, here clockwise. For example, the device 1 includes, for this purpose, a spring with arms 10, interposed between the latch 8 and the support 3.

[0064] In this case, in its closed position, the latch 8 is held against the return force by the first pawl 153, which is in its rest position ([Fig. 2]). When the first pawl 153 leaves this rest position, the return force moves the latch 8 to its partially open position, where the latch 8 is held by the second pawl 173, as long as this second pawl 173 is in its rest position ([Fig. 5]). When the second pawl 173 leaves its rest position, the latch 8 moves under the return force to its open position ([Fig. 8]).

[0065] As a replacement for, or in addition to, the elastic return elements, the device 1 may include a drive mechanism for moving the latch 8 over at least part of its release stroke, or at least for contributing to such a movement. Here, for example, this drive mechanism includes at least one cam 168 arranged to link the movement of the first pawl 153 and the rotation of the latch 8 over at least part of the release stroke of the latch 8. The drive mechanism here includes a portion of the latch 8 arranged as a cam follower 87. Here, the first pawl 153 has a second arm, or ejection arm 164, capable of contacting the latch 8 when the first pawl 153 is disengaged. from its rest position and that the latch 8 leaves its closed position. Preferably, the ejection arm 164 extends from the first bore 161, opposite the locking arm 162. The ejection arm 164 includes an end surface generally perpendicular to a principal plane of the first pawl 153. This end face can be shaped into a cam surface 68. The cam surface 68 is here supported by the end of the ejection arm 164.

[0066] Here, the cam follower portion 87 of the latch 8 has a general notch shape. The notch protrudes from the main face of the latch 8.

[0067] By way of exception, the cam follower portion 87 is made in the form of a projecting portion with a generally triangular profile. Preferably, one face of this projecting portion is flush with an outer edge 813 of the latch 8. For example, this face is flush with the outer edge 813, on the central part thereof, over an area approximately equal to half the length of the first outer edge 813. For example, another face of this projecting portion generally extends radially with respect to the axis of rotation 83 of the latch 8. These two faces preferably meet at a rounded edge.

[0068] The ejection arm 164 can be configured to exert a progressive stress on the latch 8, causing the latter to pivot in the direction of ejection, against the torque resulting from the weight of the hood.

[0069] The transition from the closed position of the latch 8 to the partially open position results preferably from a control action causing the first pawl 153 to move out of its rest position, while the transition from the partially open position to the open position results from a subsequent control action.

[0070] To this end, according to the invention, the device 1 further comprises an actuating lever 154, movable relative to the support 3 from a rest position, visible in particular in [Fig. 2], in response to a stimulus resulting from a control action. The actuating lever 154 is shaped so as to drive the first pawl 153 out of its rest position over at least a portion of the stroke of the actuating lever 154 resulting from the control action.

[0071] This control action can, for example, take the form of a pull exerted on the actuating lever 154, here by means of a section of cable 300, one end of which is attached to the actuating lever 154. For example, the actuating lever 154 has for this purpose a notch 167 adapted to receive the end of the cable 300. The control action in question is preferably carried out from an electromechanical actuator (not shown).

[0072] Preferably, the movement of the actuating lever 154 over its actuation stroke is achieved under the constraint of one or more elastic return elements, for example, in the form of springs such as spring 1562 in [Fig. 1]. These elastic elements are arranged to return the actuating lever 154 to its rest position at the end of its actuation stroke, when the control action ceases, for example, when cable 300 is released. The actuating lever 154 returns to its rest position via a path that corresponds to the path of the actuation stroke. This results in a reciprocating movement of the actuating lever 154 in response to a control action.

[0073] Preferably, the actuating lever 154 is rotatably mounted on the support 3. Here, the actuating lever 153 is rotatably mounted around the axis of rotation 151 of the first pawl 153, in particular via the second shaft 155. To this end, the actuating lever 154 has a bore 165 which allows the actuating lever 154 to be mounted on the second shaft 155. For example, the actuating lever 154 here generally has a flat shape.

[0074] Preferably, the actuating lever 154 is equipped with at least one coupling member, capable of cooperating with the first pawl 153, over at least part of the stroke of the actuating lever 154. This coupling member preferably comprises a cylindrical element, in the form of a pin or finger 166, for example. Preferably, the finger 166 projects from a main face of the lever. The finger 166 cooperates here with the ejection arm 164 of the first pawl 153.

[0075] As illustrated, the actuating lever 154 may include a main face. For example, the lever 154 is mounted on the support 3 such that this main face is parallel to the main face 4 of the plate 31.

[0076] Preferably, the ratchet 153 and the actuating lever 154 are mounted to pivot about a common pivot axis, here via the second shaft 155.

[0077] According to the invention, the device 1 further comprises an additional lever 174 forming with the second ratchet 173 a ratchet assembly 17.

[0078] The additional lever 174 is mounted on the support 3 in a movable manner from a rest position, in which the additional lever 174 is out of the way of the stroke of the actuating lever 154, to at least one active position in which the additional lever 174 is across the stroke of the actuating lever 154.

[0079] When the additional lever 174 is outside the travel of the actuating lever 154, the additional lever 174 and the first lever 154 are free from mutual interference. When the additional lever 174 is within the travel of the first lever 154, the additional lever 174 and the actuating lever 154 interfere with each other, as is the case over at least part of the travel of the actuating lever 154.

[0080] The additional lever 174 is free to move relative to the second ratchet 173 from its rest position to its active position. The ratchet assembly 17 includes Another coupling mechanism connects the additional lever 174 and the ratchet 173, which is active when the additional lever 174 is in the active position. This coupling mechanism makes the additional lever 174 and the second ratchet 173 locked together during movement.

[0081] The ratchet assembly 17 is arranged relative to the latch 8 such that the second ratchet 173 is in its rest position when the additional lever 174 is in its rest position. The ratchet assembly 17 has a retracted state in which the ratchet arrangement 17 is clear of the travel of the actuating lever 154 and an extended state in which at least part of the ratchet arrangement 17 is capable of being driven by the first lever 154.

[0082] Preferably, the additional lever 174 is rotatably mounted on the support 3, around the axis of rotation 171 of the second ratchet 173, in particular via the third shaft 175. Preferably, the additional lever 174 and the second ratchet 173 are pivotally mounted around a common axis, here via the third shaft 175. The ratchet assembly 17 is then rotatably mounted on the support 3 via the third shaft 175. In particular, the additional lever 174 has a bore 184 which allows this mounting on the third shaft 175.

[0083] The additional lever 174 has a portion shaped into an arm 186. This arm 186 has a generally pointed terminal portion. In particular, the arm 186 of the additional lever 174 comprises an upper edge 187 and a lower edge 188 opposite the upper edge 187.

[0084] The coupling mechanism preferably comprises a pair of surfaces attached respectively to the second ratchet 173 and the additional lever 174 and which butt against each other when the additional lever 174 reaches its active position relative to the second ratchet 173. Preferably, one butt surface is carried by a generally cylindrical part, a finger 185 attached to the additional lever 174 while the other butt surface 178 is carried by the second ratchet 173.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the additional lever 174 and the latch 8 are mutually arranged so that the latch 8 moves the additional lever 174 from its rest position to its active position when this latch 8 moves from its closed position to its partially open position.

[0086] A drive mechanism is thus provided between the latch 8 and the additional lever 174, this mechanism being active over at least part of the stroke that brings the latch 8 from its closed position to its partially open position. Preferably, this drive mechanism is of the cam type. For example, the additional lever 174 here includes a surface at least partially shaped into a cam follower, while the latch 8 has a surface at least partially shaped into a cam. Preferably, contact between the cam and the cam follower is ensured by returning the additional lever 174 to its rest position.

[0087] Here, for example, the cam follower is made by at least part of the upper edge 189 of the additional lever 174.

[0088] The latch 8 here has a second cam portion formed in the form of a second notch 85. The second notch 85 has an outer edge 813 and an oblique edge 814 arranged to give the second notch 85 a wedge shape. The outer edge 813 and the oblique edge 814 meet in a rounded edge, which at least partially carries a cam-following surface.

[0089] According to the invention, when in its active position, the additional lever 174 interferes with the control lever 154 over a portion of the latter's travel. During this portion of the travel, the actuating lever 154 drives the ratchet assembly 17 to rotate, thereby causing the second ratchet 173 to move from its rest position.

[0090] Preferably, this drive involves a cam arrangement, active over a portion of the actuation stroke of the control lever 154. This arrangement may include a cam, here carried by the control lever 154 and a cam follower carried by the additional lever 174. In the particular case shown here, the cam follower is carried by the lower edge 188 of the additional lever 174. The cam is carried here by a portion of the cam 86 of the actuating lever 154 generally shaped into a wedge.

[0091] The ratcheting mechanism is arranged here in two stages, the parts of this mechanism being distributed over these two stages. In the first stage, there is at least a portion of the latch 8, in particular its tooth 82, the second notch 85, and the first notch 88. Preferably, the elements cooperating with the parts of the latch 8 arranged in this first stage, or at least a portion of these elements, are located in this first stage. In particular, the additional lever 174, the second latch 173, the locking arm 162 of the first pawl 153, and the actuating lever 154 are arranged in this first stage. In the second stage, there is at least a portion of the latch 8, in particular the cam follower portion 87, the second notch 85, and the ejection arm 1 of the first pawl 153.

[0092] In the embodiment described here, the latch 8 is made by assembling two separate parts mounted rigidly one on top of the other, namely a first part 81 and a second part 82. Once assembled, the first part 81 and the second part 82 behave kinematically as a single part. Preferably, the first part 81 and the second part 82 each have a generally flat appearance. Preferably, the first part 81 and the second part 82 each include at least some of the functional surfaces described above. This makes it possible to duplicate at least some of the functions of the latch 8, thus improving its functional security. Here, each of the first part 81 and the second part 82 has a notch analogous to the notch 9 described above.

[0093] Reference is made to [Fig.2], which illustrates device 1 in a locked state.

[0094] The latch 8 is in the closed position. The strike plate 2 is in the opening 6 of the support 3 and in the notch 9 of the latch 8. The latch 8 prevents the strike plate 2 from leaving the opening 6. The first latch 153 is in its rest position. The latch 8 is held in its closed position against a return force to its open position by the mutual support of the first locking surface 812 of the latch 8 and its corresponding surface 163 of the first ratchet 153.

[0095] The second ratchet 173 and the additional lever 174 are in their respective rest positions. The actuating lever 154 is in its rest position. The ratchet mechanism 17 is in its retracted position. The additional lever 174 is held in this position against a force tending to return it in a counterclockwise direction by the bearing of its upper edge 189 against the second notch 85 of the latch 8.

[0096] Reference is now made to Figures 3 to 5, which illustrate successive states of device 1 corresponding to a first opening command action. This is typically a first opening stage of device 1, which results in particular from a first command of the actuator.

[0097] Fig. 3 illustrates a first state, which corresponds to the beginning of the control action.

[0098] Compared to the locked state of [Fig. 2], the actuating lever 154 has been moved out of its rest position, here by pivoting clockwise around axis 151, to an intermediate position in its actuation stroke. This pivoting results from a pull exerted on the actuating lever 154, typically via cable 300. This pull is preferably exerted by an electromechanical actuator, in response to an initial opening command.

[0099] The actuating lever 154 pivoted relative to the support 3 against a restoring force. During its travel from its rest position to its transitional position in [Fig. 3], the actuating lever 154 caused the first pawl 153 to move from its rest position until it reached a transitional position where the ejector arm 164 of the first pawl 153 was in contact with the latch 8. This contact involved the cam follower portion 87 of the latch 8 and the cam 168 of the ejector arm 164. The movement of the first pawl 153 was rotary, specifically clockwise. The coupling of the actuating lever 154 and the first pawl 153 was active. The drive in question involves the finger 166 of the actuating lever 154. This finger 66 remains in contact with the first pawl 153, in particular its ejection arm 164, on this part of the pivoting stroke of the actuating lever 154.

[0100] In the position of [Fig. 3], the locking surface 163 of the first pawl 153 is located away from the locking surface 812 of the latch 8. The latch 8 is shown in its closed position, as in [Fig. 2]. However, unlike in [Fig. 2], the latch 8 is free to pivot clockwise under the action of elastic return elements such as the spring 10 of [Fig. 1], for example. The ratchet assembly 7 remained in its retracted state and in its rest position as shown in [Fig. 2].

[0101] The pulling force exerted on the actuating lever 154 continues until this actuating lever 154 reaches the end of its first stroke. [Fig. 4] shows the state of the device 1 at this instant.

[0102] Compared to the state of device 1 shown in [Fig. 3], the latch 8 has reached its partially open position. The latch 8 has pivoted until its first tooth 821 has engaged the notch 170 of the second pawl 173. The second pawl 173 has maintained its position as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The first face 11 of the latch 8 is located at the gap between pawl 173 and the second pawl. During the movement of the latch 8 from its closed position to its partially open position, the cam 168 of the ejection arm 164 of the first pawl 153 has remained in contact with the cam follower portion 87 of the latch 8. The latch 8 is blocked by the second pawl 173, which prevents the latch 8 from pivoting clockwise.

[0103] When the actuating lever 154 reaches the end of its first stroke, the pulling force ceases. Typically, the cable 300 is released by the electromechanical actuator. [Fig. 5] shows the corresponding state of device 1.

[0104] Compared to the state of device 1 shown in [Fig. 4], under a return effect, in particular from the spring 1562 of [Fig. 1], and in the absence of any tensile force exerted on it, the actuating lever 154 returned to its rest position, as in [Fig. 2]. Under a return effect, in particular from the spring 1561 of [Fig. 1], and in the absence of drive contact with the actuating lever 154, the first pawl 153 pivoted towards its rest position until it reached an intermediate position relative to the support 3 in which the first pawl 153 rests against a peripheral edge of the latch 8. As a result of this return movement, the ejection arm 164 of the first pawl 153 came out of contact with the cam follower portion 87 of the latch 8.

[0105] Under a return force, particularly from the spring 176, the second pawl 173 moves closer to the latch 8, until it reaches a position where the bottom of the notch 170 bears against the tooth 821 of the latch 8. The second pawl 173 engages the latch 8 in a mutually locked position. The finger 185 is in contact with the second pawl 173 under a return force, particularly from the spring 177 of [Fig. 1]. The upper edge 189 of the additional lever 174 is clear of the cam follower portion 87 of the latch 8. The pawl arrangement 17 is in the deployed state. The additional lever 174 is in the path of the actuating lever 154.

[0106] Reference is now made to Figures 6 to 10, which illustrate successive states of device 1, corresponding to a second opening command action, following the first action. This is typically a second opening stage of device 1, a stage which results in particular from a second command of the actuator.

[0107] Figure 6 illustrates a first state, which corresponds to the beginning of the control action.

[0108] Compared to the state of device 1 shown in Figure 5, the actuating lever 154 has pivoted from its rest position to an intermediate position in its second actuation stroke, in which the actuating lever 154 is in contact with the auxiliary lever 174. The contact occurs via the cam portion 86 of the actuating lever 154 and the lower edge 188 of the auxiliary lever 174. The actuating lever 154 has further pivoted relative to the first pawl 153 until the finger 166 is in contact with the first pawl 153.

[0109] The second ratchet 173 has retained its position of [Fig.5]. The ratchet assembly 17 has retained its deployed state of [Fig.5].

[0110] The pulling force exerted on the actuating lever 154 continues. [Fig.7] shows a corresponding transient state of the device 1.

[0111] Compared to the state of the device shown in [Fig. 6], as it continued its pivoting stroke, the actuating lever 154 caused the additional lever 174 to rotate, here in a counterclockwise direction, through the interaction of the cam portion 86 of the actuating lever 154 and the lower edge 188 of the additional lever 174. As the ratchet assembly 17 was deployed, with the finger 185 of the additional lever 174 in contact with the radial stop of the second latch 173, the rotation of the additional lever 174 caused the second latch 173 to rotate out of its rest position against an elastic return force. The actuating lever 154 remained in contact with the additional lever 174.

[0112] On this part of its stroke, the actuating lever 154 has further rotated the first pawl 153, so that the ejection arm 164 of the first pawl 153 is again in contact with the cam follower portion 87 of the latch 8.

[0113] Compared to [Fig.6], the latch 8 has retained its position relative to the support 3. However, the latch 8 is now free from its engagement with the second ratchet 173. The latch 8 is free to pivot relative to the support 3.

[0114] The pulling force exerted on the actuating lever 154 continues. [Fig. 8] shows the transient state of the device when the actuating lever 154 has reached a position corresponding to the end of its first stroke.

[0115] The latch 8 pivoted clockwise, under the return action of elastic elements, such as the spring 10 of [Fig. 1], for example, until it reached its open position. The strike plate 2 left the notch 9 and is free to move out of the opening 6 in the support 3. In this position, the notch 9 communicates with the opening in the support 3, and the strike plate 2 is free to move in and out of the opening 6. The return elements of the latch 8 are in their rest position.

[0116] During its pivoting stroke, the actuating lever 154 continued to drive the first ratchet 153 in rotation, via the finger 166. The ejection arm 164 of the first lever 153 remained in contact with the cam follower portion 87 of the latch 8, thus engaging the cam 168 of the ejection arm 164. During this stroke, the actuating lever 154 further continued to drive the additional lever 174 and the second ratchet 173 in rotation. Since the additional lever 174 and the second ratchet 173 are fixed in rotation in the counterclockwise direction with the additional lever 174, the pivoting of the actuating lever 154 caused the second ratchet arrangement 17 to rotate. Compared to [Fig.7], the second pawl 173 is further away from the latch 8. In particular, the locking surface 12 of the latch 8 is further away from the upper edge 189 of the second pawl 173.During this part of the stroke, the cam 168 of the ejection arm 164 of the first pawl 153 remained in contact with the cam follower portion 87 under the driving effect of the actuating lever 154.

[0117] At the end of this second stroke, the actuating lever 154 is away from the additional lever 174, in particular from its lower edge 188. The ratchet arrangement 17 being in its deployed state, and without contact with the actuating lever 154, the ratchet arrangement 17 is free to pivot relative to the support 3.

[0118] The pulling force on the actuating lever 154 continues until the actuating lever 154 reaches the end of its second stroke, resulting from the second actuation. [Fig. 9] shows the corresponding state of device 1.

[0119] The stroke of the actuating lever 154 corresponding to the second actuation of this lever 154, or second first stroke, is greater than the stroke of the actuating lever 154 corresponding to the first actuation, or first stroke.

[0120] Compared to the state of [Fig.8], the ratchet assembly 17 moved in a clockwise rotation until the second ratchet 173 came into contact with the tooth 821 of the latch 8, in particular via the third face 13. The additional lever 174 pivoted in conjunction with the second ratchet 173. The upper edge 189 of the additional lever 174 is now located under the cam portion 86 of the actuating lever 154. The latch 8 is held in its open position, on the one hand by the interaction of the notch 190 of the second ratchet 173 with the tooth 821 of the latch 8, and on the other hand by the effect of the elastic return elements.

[0121] When the actuating lever 154 has reached the end of its second stroke, the traction force ceases. [Fig. 10] shows the corresponding state of device 1.

[0122] Under a return effect, the lever 154 returned to its rest position. Under the effect of the elastic return elements, the first pawl 173 returned to an intermediate position similar to the position of this first pawl 173 in [Fig. 5], namely in contact against a peripheral edge of the latch 8. The cam 168 of the ejection arm 164 of the first pawl 153 moved away from the cam follower portion 87 of the latch 8.

[0123] Reference is now made to figures 10 to 12 to describe the closure of device 1.

[0124] The closing of the device 1 is carried out in an action which consists of closing the hood of the vehicle, which is accompanied by a movement of the latch 2 along the opening 6 of the support 3 towards the latch 8.

[0125] Figure 10 shows an initial state corresponding to the beginning of the closing of the device, when the strike plate 2 has just encountered the latch 8 in its movement along the opening 6 of the support 3. The device 1 is in its open state. The strike plate 2 is in contact with the locking surface 12 and the inner edge 93 of the notch 9. The strike plate 2 exerts a force against the locking surface 12 and the inner edge 93 of the notch 9. The ratchet assembly 17 is in its deployed state.

[0126] Fig. 11 shows a state of device 1 which corresponds to the continuation of the Closure. Under the effect of force on the cover, the striker 2 continued its movement along the slot 6 towards the latch 8, causing the latch 8 to pivot against the elastic return elements. As a result, the tooth 821 of the latch 8 passed the notch 190 and reached the notch 170, moving the ratchet assembly 17 away from its open position. In particular, the second ratchet 173 moved away from the latch 8 so that the tooth 821 could overcome this obstacle. The ratchet assembly 17 returns to its position corresponding to the partially closed position of the latch 8. The ratchet assembly 17 is in the deployed state because the outer edge 813 of the additional lever 174 is away from the control lever 154. To achieve this, the inner edge 93 of the notch 9 is arranged so as to generate a rotation of the latch 8 in response to a vertical movement of the strike plate 2.

[0127] Reference is now made to [Fig. 12] which illustrates the state of device 1 after closure.

[0128] Compared to the state of device 1 shown in [Fig. 11], under the effect of the force applied to the strike plate 2, the latch 8 pivoted relative to the support 3, against elastic return elements, here in a counterclockwise direction. The force is sufficient to allow the tooth 821 to disengage from the notch 170. During its closing stroke, the latch 8 came into contact with the additional lever 174 via the additional intermediary of its second notch 85. On this stroke, the latch 8 caused the additional lever 174 to rotate against elastic return members to make it reach a position analogous to the rest position of the [Fig.2]. This movement of the additional lever 174 is clockwise, while the second pawl 173 is prevented from accompanying the additional lever 174 in its pivoting because the second pawl 173 is bearing against the tooth 821 of the latch 8. This movement of the additional lever 174 disengages the finger 185 attached to the additional lever 174 from its bearing against the stop surface 178 of the second pawl 173. The tooth 821 of the latch 8 and the cam follower portion 87 allow the latch 8 to retract the pawl assembly 17. The movement of the additional lever 174 occurs without any movement of the second pawl 173. The pawl assembly 17 returns to its retracted state, as shown in [Fig. 2].

[0129] A locking device according to the invention has just been described, in which the selective release of the latch 8 from its closed position and its partially open position is achieved by displacements of the first pawl 153 and the pawl assembly 17, respectively, from their engagement position. In these displacements, the first pawl 153 and the pawl assembly 17 are driven by the same actuating lever 154, on a first and a second stroke of this actuating lever 154, respectively. These strokes correspond to a first or second actuation of the device 1. On its first stroke, the actuating lever 154 cannot drive the pawl assembly 17, the latter being in a retracted state in which the additional lever 174 is out of the way of the actuating lever 154.On its second stroke, the actuating lever 154 drives the ratchet assembly 17, the latter being in a deployed state in which the additional lever 174 is positioned across the path of the actuating lever 154 and the second ratchet 173 and the additional lever 174 are rotationally locked together. In practice, it is sufficient for the second ratchet 173 and the additional lever 174 to be rotationally locked together for a portion of the stroke of the actuating lever 154.

[0130] In the embodiment shown in detail in [Fig.1], the latch 8 is rotated on its release stroke by an elastic return member in the form of the spring with arm 10. In this embodiment, the ejection of the strike plate 2 from the notch 9 of the latch 8 results from the release of this spring with arm 10. This results in a rapid ejection of the strike plate 2, which can be perceived as abrupt.

[0131] When a slower or smoother ejection of the strike plate 2 is desired, it is possible to dispense with elastic return elements for driving the latch 8 through its release stroke. In particular, during its drive stroke, the latch 8 can be driven by the ejection arm 164 attached to the first pawl 153 on a at least part of the stroke of this ejection arm 164 resulting from the actuation of the actuating lever 154. The actuating lever 154 and the first pawl 153 are configured so as to drive the latch 8 through at least part of the first stroke of the actuating lever 154 and at least part of its second stroke. Otherwise, each time the cam mechanism involving the cam follower portion 87 of the latch 8 and the cam 168 attached to the ejection arm 164 is active.

[0132] Figures 2 to 12 described above are likely to illustrate the operation of the device without elastic return elements for the drive of the latch 8, with the following exception.

[0133] In the absence of a return effect on the latch 8, and in the absence of force applied to the strike plate 2 in order to remove it from the elongated opening 6, it may be that the first and / or second locking surface of the latch 8 are not in contact with their corresponding surface of the first ratchet 153 and the second ratchet 173 when the latch 8 is in the closed position or in the partially open position, unlike what is shown in particular in Figures 2, 4 and 5.

[0134] It is understood that the locking device described above can be implemented with or without a dedicated elastic return element for the latch 8, without any functional or structural modification to this device. Two actuation methods for this device have thus been made possible: electrical actuation and mechanical actuation. In an embodiment of the device intended for mechanical actuation, the user can actuate the cable 300 twice. This cable can be connected to a handle, for example, equipped with an elastic return. In an embodiment of the device intended for electrical actuation, the user can actuate the device via an electromechanical actuator, arranged to perform a pull / release movement on the cable each time.When the device 1 includes a return element of the spring type 10, the ejection arm 164 is also functional in that it limits the stroke of the actuating lever 154 by bearing against the portion forming the cam follower 87.

[0135] A locking device equipped with an ejector for the strike plate 2 has been described. The described ejector acts when the latch 8 is moved from its closed position to its partially open position via the inner edge 93 of the notch 9. The described ejector acts when the latch 8 is moved from its partially open position to its open position via at least a portion of the locking surface 12 of the tooth 821. This ejector further includes the means of the device 1 capable of driving the latch 8 into its release stroke. This ejector includes the return spring 10 of [Fig. 1] or, failing that, the ejection arm 164 of the first pawl 153, in particular the cam 168, and the cam follower portion 87 of the latch 8.

[0136] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example only. Other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular: - The locking device can be installed on the trunk of an automatic vehicle. - The latch 8 can be made from a single piece. - At least some of the elastic return devices can take the form of a tension or compression spring. - Support 3 can be formed, at least in part, as a portion of the chassis or body of the vehicle.

Claims

1. Demands Locking device (1) for an opening of a motor vehicle, in particular a front bonnet, the device comprising: - a latch (8) having a notch (9) suitable for receiving a strike plate (2) attached to the opening, the latch (8) being movable between a first locking position of the strike plate (2), a second partially locking position of the strike plate (2) and a third position corresponding to an opening position, in which the strike plate (2) is free to leave the notch (9), - a first arrangement (15) forming a ratchet, movable from at least one position in which this first arrangement (15) locks the latch (8) in its first position the first arrangement (15) being capable of being actuated consecutively by a first control action and a second control action; - a second arrangement (17) forming a ratchet, movable from at least one position in which this second arrangement (17) locks the latch (8) in its second position; characterized in that the second arrangement (17) has a retracted state, in which the second arrangement (17) is offset by a stroke of the first arrangement (15) corresponding to the first control action, and a deployed state, in which at least a part of the second arrangement (17) is capable of being driven by the first arrangement (15), over at least a part of a stroke of the first arrangement (15) corresponding to the second control action, while the second arrangement (17) and the latch (8) are mutually arranged such that the latch (8) moves the second arrangement (17) from its retracted state to its deployed state when the latch (8) moves from its first position to its second position, and in that the second arrangement (17) comprises a ratchet (173) and a lever (174) movable relative to each other,while the lever (174) and the latch (8) are mutually arranged so that the latch (8) moves the lever (174) relative to the ratchet (173) to allow the latter to pass, arrangement (17) of its retracted state to its deployed state when the latch (8) moves from its first position to its second, the second arrangement (17) further comprising a coupling (185; 178) capable of making the ratchet (173) fixed in movement to the lever (174), this coupling being active when the second arrangement (17) is in the deployed state.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling (185; 178) comprises a first stop surface (185) integral with the lever (174) and a second stop surface (178) integral with the ratchet (173), and the first stop surface (185) comes to cooperate with the second stop surface (178), when the second arrangement (17) passes from the retracted state to the deployed state.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first stop surface (185) and the second stop surface (178) is carried by a cylindrical member.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lever (174) comprises at least one portion shaped as a cam follower (189) and the latch (8) has a portion shaped as a cam (85) capable of cooperating with the cam follower (189) when the latch (8) moves from its first to its second position and / or from its second position to the first.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the latch (8) comprises at least a portion (11) shaped to retain the ratchet (173), this portion being active when the latch (8) moves from its second to its first position.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second arrangement (17) further comprises at least one elastic member (176; 177), this elastic member (176; 177) being arranged so as to return the lever (174) and / or the ratchet (173) into a mutual position which corresponds to the deployed state of the second arrangement (17).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second arrangement (17) and the latch (8) are mutually arranged so that the latch (8) moves the second arrangement (17) from its deployed state to its retracted state when the latch (8) moves from its second position to its first position.

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arrangement (15) further comprises an ejection arm (164) capable of driving the latch (8) from its first to its second position and / or from its second to its third position, this ejection arm (164) being active on at least part of the stroke of the first arrangement (15) corresponding to the first control action and / or on at least part of the stroke of the first arrangement (15) corresponding to the second control action.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arrangement (15) and the latch (8) interact essentially at the level of a foreground, while the second arrangement (17) and the latch (8) interact essentially at the level of a background, the foreground and background being substantially parallel to each other.

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arrangement (15) comprises a ratchet (153) movable from at least one position in which this ratchet (153) locks the latch (8) in its first position and an actuating lever (154) capable of being moved as a consequence of the first control action and the second control action, at least a part of the second arrangement (17) being capable of being driven by the actuating lever (154), over at least a part of the stroke of the actuating lever (15).

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the lever (154) of the first arrangement (15) is capable of being actuated consecutively to the first control action and the second control action, and, over a stroke corresponding to the second control action, the lever (154) of the first arrangement (15) travels a path which corresponds at least in part to a path traveled by this lever (154) over a stroke corresponding to the first control action.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second arrangement (17) is arranged to limit the ejection stroke of the strike plate by the latch (8) to a reduced stroke during the first control action and to extend the stroke to an extended stroke during the second control action.

13. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein a ratio between the reduced stroke and the extended stroke is between 0.1 and 0.2, and preferably around 0.

15.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stroke of the first arrangement (15) corresponding to the second control action is greater than the stroke of the first arrangement (15) corresponding to the first control action.

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second arrangement (17) is arranged so as to lock the latch (8) in the third position.

16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (8) comprises at least one portion (85, 821) arranged to retain the second arrangement (17) in the retracted state, this portion (85, 821) cooperating with the second arrangement (17) when the latch (8) is in its first position.

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