Locking / unlocking device

Abstract

Locking / unlocking device The invention relates to a locking / unlocking device for an object, in particular an elongated object such as a roof bar, on the roof of a vehicle comprising: - An elongated hollow body with a longitudinal axis X fixed relative to the roof and arranged to be disposed at least partially in a correspondingly shaped housing made in said object; - A clamping piece extending outside the body and arranged to come at least partially into contact with a first face of the object;- A locking mechanism for the object on the roof, capable of being actuated between a locking position and an unlocking position that releases the object; - An actuating mechanism for the locking mechanism, said mechanism being at least partially housed within the body and capable of being actuated by a user from inside the vehicle to switch the locking mechanism from its locking position to its unlocking position. Figure for abbreviation: Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Rust-locking / rust-unlocking device technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking / unlocking device for an object, particularly one of elongated shape, such as a roof rack, on the roof of a vehicle. Technological background

[0002] It is known to equip motor vehicles with roof bars extending parallel to each other along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. For some of these vehicles, these bars can be removed and / or repositioned and then fixed to the roof so as to extend along a transverse axis of the vehicle. This new configuration of the bars allows objects such as luggage, bicycles, etc., to be secured to the roof of the vehicle.

[0003] However, changing the bars from one configuration to another can require complicated and cumbersome operations, most often necessitating specialized tools and demanding handling. Furthermore, these bars, which are accessible to anyone from outside the vehicle, can be easily stolen without having to break into the vehicle.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a locking / unlocking system that allows roof bars to be switched from one configuration to another in a simple and secure manner. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention addresses this need and relates to a locking / unlocking device for an object, particularly one of elongated shape such as a roof bar, on the roof of a vehicle, said device comprising: - An elongated hollow body with longitudinal axis X arranged to be disposed at least partially in an opening of corresponding shape made in said object, - A clamping piece for holding the object on the roof, said piece extending outside the body and arranged to come at least partially into contact with a first face of the object; - A mechanism for locking the object on the roof, capable of being actuated between a locking position and an unlocking position that releases the object. - An actuation mechanism for the locking mechanism, said mechanism being at least partially housed inside the body and capable of being actuated by a user from inside the vehicle in order to move the locking mechanism from its locked position to its unlocked position.

[0006] Preferably, said hollow body is fixed with respect to the roof.

[0007] The device has the advantage of being easy to use.

[0008] Furthermore, because of its handling from inside the vehicle, its inviolability is ensured.

[0009] Moreover, it is housed at least partially inside the object such as the roof bar, which reduces its exposure to external factors.

[0010] The actuation mechanism can be actuated in various ways, for example, manually, electrically, magnetically, or pneumatically, this list not being exhaustive.

[0011] The user can act on the actuation mechanism directly or through one or more intermediate parts.

[0012] Preferably, the first face of the object corresponds to its lower face, in particular the one directed towards the roof.

[0013] The body can be cylindrical, in particular cylindrical of revolution about the X axis.

[0014] The body may have a substantially circular cross-section, with a diameter between 10 mm and 30 mm.

[0015] The body may have a height, measured along the X axis, of between 25 mm and 90 mm.

[0016] Preferably, the body comprises a wall internally delimiting a volume to receive the actuation mechanism, said wall having a plurality of openings leading into said volume and to the outside. Preferably, the openings are distributed around the X-axis.

[0017] Preferably, the body comprises a wall delimiting a volume to at least partially receive the actuation mechanism, said wall having a plurality of openings leading into said volume and to the outside. Preferably, the openings are distributed around the X-axis.

[0018] Preferably, the openings are arranged around the X axis at the same height.

[0019] Alternatively, the openings are at different heights.

[0020] Preferably, the openings are identical, in particular of substantially circular shape. Each opening may have a diameter between 10 mm and 30 mm (+ 0.1 mm - 2 mm tolerances).

[0021] Alternatively, at least two openings of the plurality of openings are of different size and / or shape.

[0022] The locking mechanism may include a sleeve engaged on the body and at least partially surrounding it, said sleeve having a plurality of orifices, each orifice being arranged to overlap at least partially with an opening of said plurality of openings of the body.

[0023] Preferably, said sleeve is movable relative to the body in translation along the X axis between an open position in which the orifices overlap the openings of the body and a closing position of said openings.

[0024] Preferably, said sleeve is movable relative to the body in translation along the X axis between an opening position in which the orifices overlap at least partially with the openings of the body and a closing position of said openings.

[0025] Preferably, the movement of the sleeve from its closing position to its opening position is done by downward translational movement.

[0026] By "downwards" is meant a movement approaching the roof.

[0027] Preferably, the body includes first and second end stops arranged to limit the travel of the movable sleeve along the X axis, the first and second stops being placed on either side of the sleeve along the X axis.

[0028] Preferably, the locking mechanism further comprises first means for returning the sleeve to its closing position, the first means for returning the sleeve to its closing position being at rest when the sleeve is in the closing position.

[0029] Preferably, the first restoring means are arranged to exert a restoring force along the X axis upwards.

[0030] By "upwards" is meant a movement away from the roof of the sleeve.

[0031] Preferably, the clamping piece is integral with said movable sleeve. Also, the The movement of the sleeve is accompanied by that of the clamping piece.

[0032] Preferably, the locking / unlocking device is arranged in such a way that pressure exerted on the clamping piece causes the locking mechanism to move from its unlocking position to its object locking position.

[0033] In particular, the device is arranged in such a way that the pressure exerted on the clamping piece causes the sleeve to move from its closed position to its open position.

[0034] Preferably, the orifices have a shape similar to that of the body's openings. The orifices may be the same size as the openings.

[0035] Alternatively, the orifices have a different shape and / or size than the openings in the body.

[0036] Preferably, the clamping piece is located at one end of the sleeve, in particular at its lower end.

[0037] By "lower end" is meant the end of the sleeve closest to the roof.

[0038] Preferably, the locking mechanism further comprises a plurality of balls housed inside the body, each ball being movable, in particular radially, between: - a deployed position in which the ball protrudes partially through one of the plurality of orifices in the sleeve and comes at least partially into contact with a second face, in particular opposite to said first face, of said object in order to oppose the displacement of the object relative to the body, and - a retracted position releasing the object and in which the ball is entirely inside the body, the ball in the retracted position being arranged in particular to be in contact with an inner face of the envelope.

[0039] The second face may correspond to a top face of said object. The object is thus located between the clamping piece and the balls.

[0040] The number of marbles can be between 2 and 8.

[0041] The actuation mechanism may include an elongated rod whose axis coincides with the X-axis, housed at least partially inside the body. This rod is movable in translation along the X-axis between a first position in which the locking mechanism is locked and a second position in which the locking mechanism is unlocked. Preferably, the actuation mechanism includes second means for returning the rod to its first position. These second return means are preferably in their rest position when the rod is in its first position.

[0042] Preferably, the movement of the rod from its first position to its second position is carried out downwards, i.e. towards the interior of the vehicle.

[0043] Advantageously, when the actuation device is operated by the user from inside the vehicle, the rod is configured to move from its first position to its second position, causing the locking mechanism to move from its locked position to its unlocked position.

[0044] Preferably, the stem is arranged in the center of the body.

[0045] Preferably, the balls are arranged between the rod and the inner face of the body wall.

[0046] Preferably, the rod has a plurality of recesses arranged to receive the balls when the balls are in the retracted position. Preferably, the rod has at least one solid portion distinct from the recesses. This solid portion is preferably arranged to come into contact with the balls when they are in the extended position.

[0047] In embodiments, the rod further comprises ball pusher blades arranged to exert a push on the balls outwards from the body, said blades preferably being arranged in the recesses.

[0048] The object can be any object intended to be fixed to the roof of the vehicle. The object can be chosen from: - a roof bar, - a camping roof for sun protection - a camping shower bag - a camping lighting system - a sunroof panel - dedicated supports for surfboards, skis or other activities - a camping tent - a roof box, etc.

[0049] The invention further relates to an assembly comprising at least one elongated roof bar and a locking / unlocking device according to the invention, said device being housed at least partially in a housing provided for this purpose in said roof bar.

[0050] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a roof, at least one roof bar held fixed on the roof by means of at least one device according to the invention, said roof bar being further able to move between a longitudinal position along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and a transverse position along a transverse axis of said vehicle.

[0051] A method for changing the configuration of at least one roof bar held fixed to the roof of a vehicle using at least one device according to the invention, comprising the steps of: - Activate the device's actuation mechanism from the inside to release the roof bar so that it can be moved from an initial position in which the bar extends in one direction to a final position in which the roof bar extends in a second direction. - In the final position, apply pressure, particularly horizontal downwards, to the clamping piece in order to move the locking mechanism from its unlocking position to its locking position, locking the roof bar in its final position.

[0052] By way of example, the initial position may correspond to a longitudinal position along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the final position may correspond to a transverse position along a transverse axis of said vehicle.

[0053] The actuation step of the actuation mechanism can be carried out manually, in particular by pulling the rod downwards, electrically, magnetically, or pneumatically. Brief description of the figures

[0054] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the accompanying figures:

[0055] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a locking / unlocking device for an object according to the invention.

[0056] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a side view of the device of the [Fig.1];

[0057] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a longitudinal section of the device of the [Fig.2];

[0058] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a detail of the device according to Fig.1 in the position of unlocking;

[0059] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 1 in position lockdown ;

[0060] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal section of [Fig.5]; and

[0061] [Fig.7a], [Fig.7b] and [Fig.7c] Figures 7a, 7b and 7c are examples of use of the device in [Fig.1]. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0062] In the figures, and unless otherwise specified, identical elements shall bear the same reference symbols.

[0063] Figures 1 to 6 show a locking / unlocking device 1 for an object 2 on the roof of a vehicle according to the invention.

[0064] The object can be any object intended to be fixed to the roof. Preferably, the object is a roof bar, as illustrated in particular in Figures 5 and 6.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the roof bar is arranged on a clamping piece 40 for holding the device 1 on the roof.

[0066] The locking / unlocking device 1 is disposed inside a correspondingly shaped housing 3 made in the roof bar 2.

[0067] As can be seen in the figures, the device 1 has a substantially cylindrical external shape. The device 1 comprises an elongated body 10 which is fixed relative to the object 2.

[0068] The body 10 comprises a wall 12 internally delimiting a volume 13. The wall 12 is cylindrical in shape and of revolution about an axis X. The wall 12 has a circular cross-section with a diameter d between 7 mm and 27 mm and a height, measured along the axis X, between 23.5 mm and 88.5 mm, the wall thickness is between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0069] The wall 12 has a plurality of openings 14 leading into said volume 13 and to the outside. As illustrated, the openings 14 are distributed around the axis X at the same height.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the openings are identical and substantially circular in shape. However, it does not depart from the scope of the present invention if the openings have a different shape and / or are not identical.

[0071] The device 1 includes a locking mechanism for the object 2 on the roof. This locking mechanism is capable of being actuated between a locking position of object 2 in which object 2 is immobilized on the roof and a unlocking position releasing the object.

[0072] As illustrated, the locking mechanism comprises a sleeve 22 engaged on and surrounding the body 10. Said sleeve 22 has a plurality of orifices 23, each orifice 23 being arranged to overlap at least partially with an opening 14 of said plurality of openings in the body 10. The sleeve 22 and the body 10 are coaxial.

[0073] In the illustrated example, the sleeve 22 is movable relative to the body 10 in translation along the axis X between an open position in which the orifices 23 overlap the openings 14 of the body 10, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, and a closed position of said openings 14, as can be seen in [Fig.4].

[0074] The device 1 includes first and second end stops 15 and 17 arranged to limit the travel of the sleeve 22 movable along the X axis, the first and second stops 15 and 17 being placed on either side of the sleeve 22 along the X axis.

[0075] The locking mechanism further includes first means 24 for returning the sleeve 22 to its closing position, the first means 24 being at rest when the sleeve 22 is in the closing position.

[0076] The clamping piece 40 is integral with said movable sleeve. Thus, the movement of the sleeve is accompanied by that of the clamping piece 40. As illustrated, the clamping piece is located at the lower end 22a of the sleeve 22.

[0077] The locking mechanism further comprises a plurality of balls 26 housed inside the body, each ball 26 being radially movable between: - a deployed position, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], in which the ball 26 protrudes partially through an orifice 23 of the plurality of orifices in the sleeve and comes at least partially into contact with the upper face of the roof bar 2 to oppose the movement of the roof bar 2 relative to the body 10, and - a retracted position freeing the roof bar and in which the ball 26 is entirely inside the volume 13, the ball 26 in the retracted position being in support of the inner face of the sleeve 22 as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0078] The number of marbles can be between 2 and 8.

[0079] In the example considered, the orifices 23 have a shape similar to that of the openings 14 of the body 10.

[0080] Device 1 further includes an actuation mechanism for the locking mechanism.

[0081] In the example considered, the actuation mechanism comprises an elongated rod 32 whose axis coincides with the X axis, disposed inside the volume 13, at its center. The rod 32 is movable in translation along the X axis between a first a position in which the locking mechanism is in the locked position, as seen in [Fig.6] and a second position in which the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position, as seen in [Fig.4].

[0082] In particular, the rod 32 has a plurality of recesses 33 arranged to receive the balls 26 when the balls are in the retracted position, as illustrated in [Fig.4],

[0083] The actuation mechanism includes an internal spring 34 disposed inside the volume 13. The internal spring 34 is arranged to return the rod 32 to its first position, i.e. to the position in which the locking mechanism is in the locked position.

[0084] When the actuation mechanism is operated by the user, the rod 32 is configured to move from its first position to its second position, causing the locking mechanism to move from its locked position to its unlocked position. In particular, the movement of the rod 32 from its first position to its second position causes the balls to withdraw from the corresponding recesses in the rod.

[0085] The actuation mechanism further comprises ball pusher blades 36 arranged to exert a push on the balls 26 outwards from the body 10. In the example, the ball pusher blades 36 are arranged at the recesses 33.

[0086] We will subsequently describe the operation of the locking / unlocking device 1 according to the invention.

[0087] To unlock the roof bar 2, the user activates the release mechanism, for example, manually by pulling on the rod 32. This causes the rod 32 to move downwards. The balls then enter the recesses in the rod and release the sleeve 22, which moves to its closed position under the action of the first return means. With the balls 26 in the retracted position, the roof bar 2 can move. The user can therefore move the roof bar from a first configuration to a second securing position as described above.

[0088] Once the roof bar 2 is in the desired configuration, the user applies pressure to the clamping piece 40, which causes the sleeve 22 to move downwards, i.e., to its open position in which the orifices 23 align with the openings 14 in the body 10. The balls 26 can then move outwards under the effect of the push blades. The movement of the balls 26 to their deployed position releases the rod, which can then move upwards to its second position under the effect of the internal spring 34. Consequently, the balls 26 are locked in their deployed position by the solid portion of the rod 32, thus immobilizing the roof bar 2 on the roof.

[0089] The invention is not limited to the example just described. The object can be any object intended to be attached to the roof of a vehicle. Figures 7a to 7c illustrate examples of objects compatible with the device according to the invention. By way of example, the object can be a camping sunshade, a camping shower bag, a camping lighting system, a sunroof panel, dedicated supports for surfboards, skis or other activities, a camping tent, or even a roof box.

Claims

Demands

1. A locking / unlocking device (1) for an object (2), particularly an elongated object such as a roof rack, on the roof of a vehicle, said device comprising: - An elongated hollow body (10) with a longitudinal axis (X) fixed relative to the roof and arranged to be at least partially disposed in a correspondingly shaped housing (3) formed in said object (2); - A clamping piece (40) for retaining the object (2) on the roof, said piece (40) extending outside the body (10) and arranged to come at least partially into contact with a first face of the object (2); - A locking mechanism for the object (2) on the roof capable of being actuated between a locking position of the object and an unlocking position releasing the object; - An actuating mechanism for the locking mechanism.said actuating mechanism being at least partially housed within the body (10) and capable of being actuated by a user from inside the vehicle in order to switch the locking mechanism from its locked position to its unlocked position, in which the body (10) comprises a wall (12) delimiting a volume (13) to accommodate at least partially the actuating mechanism, said wall (12) comprising a plurality of openings (14) leading into said volume (13) and outwards, in which the locking mechanism comprises a sleeve (22) engaged on the body (10) and at least partially surrounding it, said sleeve (22) comprising a plurality of orifices (23), each orifice (23) being arranged to overlap at least partially an opening (14) of said plurality of openings in the body,said sleeve (22) being movable in translation along the axis (X) between an open position in which the orifices overlap at least partially with the openings of the body and a position in which said openings are closed.

2. Locking / unlocking device according to claim 1, being arranged in such a way that pressure exerted on the clamping piece (40) causes the locking mechanism to move from its unlocking position to its locking position of the object (2).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, the locking mechanism further comprising first means for returning (24) the sleeve (22) to its closed position, preferably the clamping piece (40) being integral with said movable sleeve (22).

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the locking mechanism further comprising a plurality of balls (26) housed inside the body, each ball (26) being movable, in particular radially, between: - a deployed position in which the ball (26) protrudes partially through an orifice of the plurality of orifices (23) of the sleeve (22) and comes at least partially into contact with a second face, in particular opposite to said first face, of said object to oppose the movement of the object relative to the body, and - a retracted position releasing the object.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the actuation mechanism comprising an elongated rod (32) whose axis coincides with the axis (X) housed at least partially inside the body (10), said rod (32) being movable in translation along the axis (X) between a first position in which the locking mechanism is in the locked position and a second position in which the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

6. Device according to claim 5 with attachment to claim 4, the rod (32) having a plurality of recesses (33) arranged to receive the balls when the balls are in the retracted position, the rod further having ball push blades (36) arranged to exert a push on the balls outwards from the body, said blades preferably being disposed in the recesses (33).

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, the actuation mechanism comprising second means for returning the rod (32) to its first position, the second means for returning (34) preferably being in the rest position when the rod is in its first position.

8. An assembly comprising at least one elongated roof bar (2) and a locking / unlocking device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said device being housed at least partially in a dwelling provided for this purpose in said roof bar.

9. Vehicle comprising a roof, at least one roof bar (2) held fixed on the roof by means of the locking / unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, said roof bar (2) being capable of moving between a longitudinal position along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and a transverse position along a transverse axis of said vehicle.

10. A method for changing the configuration of at least one roof bar (2) held fixed on the roof of a vehicle by means of a locking / unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: - Actuating the actuation mechanism of the device (1) from the inside to release the roof bar (2) so as to be able to move it from an initial position in which the bar extends in a first direction to a final position in which the roof bar extends in a second direction, - In the final position, exerting pressure, in particular horizontal downward pressure, on the clamping piece (40) so as to move the locking mechanism from its unlocking position to its locking position, locking the roof bar (2) in its final position.

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