Magnetic locking device and associated locking assembly

Abstract

Magnetic locking device and associated locking assembly. The present invention relates to a locking device comprising: - a support (20), defining an internal space; - a latch (22), movable in translation within the internal space between an unlocked position and a locked position; and - an actuation member (24); the latch and the actuation member respectively comprising a first (62) and a second (76) magnetic elements, such that in a first configuration of the actuation member, the latch moves towards the locked position. The device further comprises an unlocking element (26), comprising a third magnetic element such that, in a second configuration of the actuation member, the latch (22) moves away from the locked position. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Magnetic locking device and associated locking assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device, of the type comprising: a support, defining an internal space; said support comprising an opening leading to said internal space; a latch, movable in translation in the internal space along a first axis, between an unlocking position and a locking position; and an actuation member; the latch and the actuation member comprising respectively a first and a second magnetic elements, such that in a first configuration of the actuation member, the second magnetic element is able to exert on the first magnetic element a first force along the first axis, so as to move the latch towards the locking position or to maintain said latch in the locking position.

[0002] The invention is particularly applicable to magnetic locking devices, allowing two structural parts to be reversibly joined. Such a locking device is described, for example, in document FR3040449.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an improved device compared to known devices. To this end, the invention relates to a locking device of the aforementioned type, further comprising a release element, said release element comprising a third magnetic element such that, in a second configuration of the actuating member, the third magnetic element is capable of exerting a second force on the first magnetic element along the first axis, opposite to the first force, so as to move the latch away from the locked position. Furthermore, the actuating member comprises a body that rotates relative to the support between the first and second configurations, the second magnetic element being fixed to the body; and the first force is a magnetic attraction force.

[0004] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the locking device comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0005] - the third magnetic element of the unlocking element is integral with the body of the activating organ; and the second effort is a magnetic repulsion effort;

[0006] - each of the first, second and third magnetic elements is a magnet dipolar;

[0007] - the second and third magnetic elements are arranged respectively along a second and a third axis, not parallel to each other; in the In the first configuration of the stressing element, the first and second axes are substantially coincident; and in the second configuration of the stressing element, the first and third axes are substantially coincident.

[0008] The invention further relates to a locking assembly comprising: a locking device as described above; and an assembly member, movable relative to the support between a dissociated position and an assembled position, the assembly member comprising an assembly element such that in the assembled position, the assembly element passes through the opening of the support and is at least partially disposed in the internal space of said support; the locking assembly being configured such that the latch in the locked position blocks the assembly member in the assembled position.

[0009] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the locking assembly comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0010] - the latch has an insertion nose; the assembly element has a notch; and in the assembled position of the assembly member and in the locking position of the latch, the insertion nose is inserted into the notch so as to lock the assembly member in the assembled position;

[0011] - in the assembled position of the assembly member, the assembly element is arranged along a fourth axis, substantially perpendicular to the first axis;

[0012] - the assembly element has an end; and the latch has a surface cam, such that, during a movement of the assembly member from the dissociated position to the assembled position, the end of the assembly element cooperates with said cam surface to move the latch away from the locking position;

[0013] - the locking assembly further includes a magnetic device suitable for exert a third force on the activating element, so as to move said activating element from the first to the second configuration;

[0014] - the magnetic device includes a dipole magnet.

[0015] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0016] [Fig-1] [Fig.2] [Fig.3] Figures 1 to 3 schematically represent a set locking according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively in a first, a second and a third configuration.

[0017] Figures 1 to 3 represent a locking assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] The locking assembly 10 comprises: a locking device 12; an assembly member 14; and a magnetic device 16.

[0019] The locking device 12 comprises: a support 20; a latch 22; a squeezing member 24; and a release element 26.

[0020] The support 20 comprises: an internal cavity 30; an insertion passage 32; and a rotation zone 34. Preferably, the support 20 is made of a diamagnetic material, such as a plastic material.

[0021] The internal cavity 30 is defined in particular by a first 36 and a second 38 internal walls of the support 20. The internal cavity 30 has an elongated shape, extending along a sliding axis 40.

[0022] In the following description, an orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z) associated with the support 20 is considered. The direction X is parallel to the sliding axis 40.

[0023] The first 36 and second 38 internal walls of the support 20 are substantially flat and parallel to each other. In the embodiment shown, each of said first 36 and second 38 internal walls extends in a plane (X, Y).

[0024] In the embodiment shown, a first end along X of the internal cavity 30 is formed by a partition 42. According to a first embodiment, the partition 42 is made of a diamagnetic material. According to a second embodiment, the partition 42 is made of a ferromagnetic material, as detailed below.

[0025] In an embodiment not shown, the partition 42 is connected to the support by a pivot connection, for example via a film hinge.

[0026] The insertion passage 32 extends along an insertion axis 44, substantially perpendicular to the sliding axis 40. A second end along X of the internal cavity 30, opposite the first end, opens onto said insertion passage 32. In the embodiment shown, the insertion axis 44 is parallel to the Z direction.

[0027] A first opening 46, made in the support 20, forms a first end of the insertion passage 32 along the insertion axis 44.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the insertion passage 32 is through-hole. In other words, a second opening 48, provided in the support 20, forms a second end of the insertion passage 32 along the insertion axis 44.

[0029] In the embodiment shown, the insertion passage 32 is defined by internal third walls 50, 52 of the support, each of said internal third walls 50, 52 extending in a plane (Y, Z).

[0030] The rotation zone 34 is suitable for providing a rotation axis 54 for the stressed member 24, as described below. The rotation axis 54 is offset from the insertion axis 44 along the X direction. Preferably, the insertion passage 32 is located between the internal cavity 30 and the rotation zone 34 along the X direction.

[0031] Preferably, the rotation axis 54 is perpendicular to the insertion axis 44. Preferably, the rotation axis 54 is perpendicular to the sliding axis 40. In the embodiment shown, the rotation axis 54 is parallel to the Y direction.

[0032] In the embodiment shown, the rotation zone 34 is materialized by two flanges 56 spaced apart along the axis of rotation 54. The insertion passage 32 opens onto the space between the two flanges 56.

[0033] The latch 22 comprises a latch body 60 and a first magnetic element 62.

[0034] The latch body 60 extends along the sliding axis 40 between a first and a second 64 end. The second end 64 is oriented towards the partition 42 of the support 20. The first end forms in particular an insertion nose 66.

[0035] In the embodiment shown, the first end of the latch body 60 includes a cam surface 68, adjacent to the insertion nose 66. For example, the cam surface 68 is flat and extends obliquely with respect to the sliding axis 40 and the insertion axis 44. According to an alternative not shown, the cam surface is curved.

[0036] According to another variant not shown, the insertion nose 66 comprises: an edge, forming one end of the cam surface 68; and a chamfer, extending from said edge towards the second end 64 of the latch body, opposite the cam surface. Such a configuration makes it possible to limit the play in the device.

[0037] The latch body 60 further comprises a first substantially flat sliding face 70, located opposite the cam surface. The first sliding face 70 is adapted to slide against the first inner wall 36 of the support 20.

[0038] Preferably, the latch body 60 further comprises a second sliding face 72, substantially parallel to the first sliding face 70 and adapted to slide against the second internal wall 38 of the support 20. The first 70 and second 72 sliding faces extend in planes (X, Y).

[0039] The latch body 60 is movable in translation in the internal cavity 30 of the support 20 along the sliding axis 40, between a locking position and an unlocking position of the latch 22.

[0040] In the locking position of the latch 22, visible in figures 1 and 2, the insertion nose 66 of the latch body 60 protrudes into the insertion passage 32, in line with the first 46 and second 48 openings.

[0041] In the unlocked position of the latch 22, visible in [Fig.3], the latch body 60 is located at a distance from the insertion passage 32 along the sliding axis 40. In the following description, the unlocked position of the latch 22 is considered to correspond to a contact between the second end 64 of the latch body 60 and the partition 42 of the support 20.

[0042] According to an unrepresented variant, the unlocking position of the latch 22 is considered to correspond to a position close together, but without contact, between the second end 64 of the latch body 60 and the partition 42 of the support 20.

[0043] The first magnetic element 62 is integral with the latch body 60. Preferably, the first magnetic element 62 is a permanent magnet. In the embodiment shown, the first magnetic element 62 is a dipole magnet, arranged parallel to the sliding axis 40.

[0044] The excitation member 24 comprises a rotating body 74 and a second magnetic element 76.

[0045] The rotating body 74 is mounted on the rotation zone 34 of the support 20 and is movable in rotation relative to said support around the axis of rotation 54. More precisely, the rotating body 74 is disposed between the flanges 56 of the rotation zone 34.

[0046] The rotating body 74 comprises an outer surface 78, arranged around the axis of rotation.

[0047] The rotating body 74 is mobile in rotation relative to the support 20, between a first and a second angular positions along the axis of rotation 54. The first and second angular positions, visible respectively in Figures 1 and 2 and in [Fig.3], will be described in more detail below.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, in at least the first angular position of the rotating body 74, said rotating body forms a projection in the insertion passage 32.

[0049] According to a first embodiment, in the locked position of the latch 22 and in the first angular position of the rotating body 74, the insertion nose 66 of the latch body 60 comes into contact with the outer surface 78 of the rotating body 74, as detailed below. According to a second embodiment, in the locked position of the latch 22 and in the first angular position of the rotating body 74, the latch body 60 comes into contact with an axial stop (not shown) disposed in the internal cavity 30.

[0050] The second magnetic element 76 is fixed to the rotating body 74. In the embodiment shown, the second magnetic element 76 is inserted into the rotating body 74 and radially away from the axis of rotation 54.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, the second magnetic element 76 is a dipole magnet, arranged along a first magnet axis 80. In other words, the poles of said dipole magnet are aligned along the first magnet axis 80.

[0052] The first magnet axis 80 is perpendicular to the rotation axis 54. Preferably, the first magnet axis 80 and the rotation axis 54 are substantially coplanar.

[0053] In the first angular position of the rotating body 74 of the actuating member 24, the first magnet axis 80 and the sliding axis 40 are substantially coincident. In said first angular position, the second magnetic element 76 exerts on the first magnetic element 62 a first force 82 along the sliding axis 40.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the first force 82 is a magnetic attraction force. In other words, the pole of the first magnetic element 62 oriented towards the insertion passage 32 and the pole of the second magnetic element 76 oriented opposite to the axis of rotation have opposite polarities. These poles are arranged facing each other in the first angular position of the rotating body 74.

[0055] The unlocking element 26 includes a third magnetic element 84. In the embodiment shown, said third magnetic element 84 is integral with the rotating body 74 of the actuating member 24. More specifically, the third magnetic element 84 is inserted into the rotating body 74 and radially offset from the axis of rotation 54.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the third magnetic element 84 is a dipole magnet, arranged along a second magnet axis 86. The second magnet axis 86 is perpendicular to the rotation axis 54, that is to say that the second magnet axis 86 extends radially with respect to the rotation axis 54. Preferably, the second magnet axis 86 and the rotation axis 54 are substantially coplanar.

[0057] Preferably, the first 80 and second 86 magnet axes are substantially coplanar. Said first 80 and second 86 magnet axes form an angle α, preferably between 60° and 120°, more preferably close to 90°.

[0058] The polarities of the second 76 and third 84 magnetic elements are oriented in opposite directions with respect to the axis of rotation 54. More precisely, the poles of the second 76 and third 84 magnetic elements oriented towards the axis of rotation 54 are of opposite polarities.

[0059] In the second angular position of the rotating body 74 of the actuating member 24, the second magnet axis 86 and the sliding axis 40 are substantially coincident. In said second angular position, the third magnetic element 84 exerts a second force 88 on the first magnetic element 62 along the sliding axis 40. In the embodiment shown, given the orientation of the polarities described above, the second force 88 is a magnetic repulsion force, in the opposite direction to the first force 82.

[0060] The assembly member 14 comprises an assembly element 90 and an end plate 92.

[0061] The assembly element 90 extends substantially straight along an assembly axis 94, between a first 96 and a second end. The first end 96 preferably has a tapered shape.

[0062] The assembly element 90 has a notch 98, substantially perpendicular to the assembly axis 94.

[0063] The notch 98 includes in particular a lateral surface 100, substantially flat and perpendicular to the assembly axis 94. The lateral surface 100 is oriented towards the second end of the assembly element 90.

[0064] The end plate 92 is integral with the second end of the assembly element 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the end plate 92 comprises a flat portion 102 and a curved portion 104, adjacent to each other. The flat portion 102 is integral with the second end of the assembly element 90; and said assembly element and the curved portion 104 define a substantially U-shaped profile, forming a recess 106.

[0065] The assembly member 14 is movable relative to the support 20 between an assembled configuration and a dissociated configuration of the assembly 10. The dissociated configuration is visible in [Fig.1], the assembled configuration is visible in Figures 2 and 3.

[0066] In the assembled configuration of the set 10, the assembly element 90 passes through the first opening 46 of the support 20 and is at least partially disposed in the insertion passage 32.

[0067] More specifically, in the assembled configuration of the embodiment shown, the insertion axis 44 and the assembly axis 94 coincide and the assembly element 90 passes through the first 46 and second 48 openings of the support 20.

[0068] Furthermore, in the assembled configuration, the notch 98 of the assembly element is at least partially disposed in the insertion passage 32. More precisely, in the assembled configuration, the lateral surface 100 of the notch 98 is substantially coplanar with the first internal wall 36 of the support.

[0069] Furthermore, in the assembled configuration, the flat portion 102 of the end plate 92 is in contact with, or at a predetermined distance from, the first opening 46 of the support. In addition, the load-bearing member 24 and the rotation zone 34 of the support are received in the housing 106 formed by the assembly member 14. In other words, in the assembled configuration, the load-bearing member 24 and the rotation zone 34 are not visible from outside the locking assembly 10.

[0070] In the assembled configuration of the set 10 and in the locking position of the latch 22, the insertion nose 66 of the latch body 60 is disposed in the notch 98; and the first sliding face 70 of said latch body is in contact with the lateral surface 100 of said notch.

[0071] In the assembled configuration of the set 10 and in the unlocked position of the latch 22, the latch body 60 is moved away from the notch 98 of the assembly element 90 in the direction X.

[0072] The magnetic device 16, visible in Figures 1 and 3, comprises a permanent magnet. In the embodiment shown, the magnetic device 16 is a dipole magnet. According to one embodiment, the magnetic device comprises a permanent magnet inserted in a tool.

[0073] The magnetic device 16 is movable relative to the locking device 12 between a close position, visible in [Fig. 3], and a distant position, visible in [Fig. 1]. In the close position, the magnetic device 16 exerts a third magnetic attraction force 108 on the second magnetic element 76, allowing the actuating member 24 to move from the first to the second angular position. In absolute value, the third force 108 is notably greater than the first 82 and second 88 forces.

[0074] According to a variant of the invention, the magnetic device allows the arousing member 24 to move from the first to the second angular position, when the magnetic device is located in a positioning range which extends in an angular sector located between the assembly axis 84 and the magnet axis 80 (as in [Fig.2]).

[0075] A method for operating the locking assembly 10 will now be described.

[0076] An initial state of the assembly 10, shown in [Fig. 1], is considered, in which the assembly member 14 is in a dissociated configuration with respect to the locking device 12 and the magnetic device 16 is in a remote position with respect to the locking device 12. In the initial state, the rotating body 74 of the actuating member 24 is in the first angular position, under the effect of the magnetic attraction between the first 62 and second 76 magnetic elements; and the latch 22 is in the locked position, under the effect of said magnetic attraction and the first force 82. The insertion nose 66 of the latch is protruding in the insertion passage 32.

[0077] We consider a first step of the process, or locking step.

[0078] In said first step, the magnetic device 16 is held in a position away from the locking device 12. The first end 96 of the assembly element 90 is inserted into the first opening 46 of the support 20 and into the insertion passage 32. Said first end 96 is then moved towards the second opening 48, the insertion axis 44 and the assembly axis 94 being substantially coincident.

[0079] During such a movement, the first tapered end 96 of the assembly element 90 comes into contact with the inclined cam surface 68 of the latch 22. Under the effect of the movement of said first end 96 along the insertion axis 44, the latch 22 is pushed towards the partition 42 forming the first end of the internal cavity 30.

[0080] When the lateral surface 100 of the notch 98 reaches the level of the first internal wall 36 of the support 20, the first force 82 causes the insertion nose 66 to move towards the second magnetic element 76. Said insertion nose 66 thus inserts itself into the notch 98 of the assembly element 90, the first sliding face 70 of the sliding latch body in contact with the lateral surface 100 of the notch 98.

[0081] The latch 22 thus returns to the locking position, blocking the assembly element 90 of the assembly member 14 in the insertion passage 32 of the support 20. The assembly 10 is locked in the assembled configuration by the first magnetic attraction force 82.

[0082] We consider a second step of the process, or unlocking step.

[0083] In said second step, the magnetic device 16 is placed in a position close to the locking device 12. Under the action of the third magnetic attraction force 108, the rotating body 74 of the actuating member 24 pivots from the first to the second angular position. The second magnet axis 86 becomes substantially aligned with the sliding axis 40.

[0084] The third magnetic element 84 therefore exerts the second magnetic repulsive force 88 on the first magnetic element 62. The latch body 60 is thus pushed towards the first end of the internal cavity 30.

[0085] Furthermore, if the partition 42 is made of a ferromagnetic material, the first magnetic element 62 is attracted to said partition. The latch body 60 therefore comes into contact with the partition 42.

[0086] The latch 22 is thus in the unlocked position, the assembly element 90 no longer being blocked in translation in the insertion passage 32 of the support 20.

[0087] Said assembly element 90 is then extracted from said insertion passage 32, and then the magnetic device 16 is moved away from the locking device 12. Under the action of the second 76 and third 84 magnetic elements relative to the first magnetic element 62, the rotating body 74 of the actuating member 24 pivots to the first angular position. The first magnetic element 62 is again subjected to the first magnetic attraction force 82, which is greater than the attraction of the ferromagnetic partition 42.

[0088] In another embodiment not shown, the rotating body 74 is in a stable and / or locked position when it is in the unlocked position. The assembly element 90 can thus be removed after the magnetic device 16 has been moved aside. When the assembly element 90 is removed, a stop on the assembly element acts on a counter-stop provided on the rotating body 14, thereby unlocking the rotating body and allowing it to return to its initial angular position.

[0089] The latch 22 therefore returns to the locked position. The initial state of assembly 10, previously described, is thus restored.

[0090] In one embodiment of the invention, the locking device 12 is assembled in an interior vehicle component, such as a dashboard, a door panel, or a center console. The assembly member 14 is, for example, an aesthetic part, such as a decorative strip that is assembled with the interior vehicle component, or a functional part, such as a screen.

[0091] Such a locking assembly, not involving any gravity-driven locking / unlocking mechanism, can be oriented in a non-constraining manner. Furthermore, it provides a fastening method invisible from the outside of the assembly, allowing unlocking without dismantling surrounding parts.

Claims

Demands

1. Locking device (12) comprising: - a support (20), defining an internal space (30, 32); said support comprising an opening (46) leading to said internal space; - a latch (22), movable in translation within the internal space (30) about a first axis (40), between an unlocked position and a locked position; and - an actuation member (24); the latch (22) and the actuation member (24) comprising respectively a first (62) and a second (76) magnetic elements, such that in a first configuration of the actuation member, the second magnetic element is capable of exerting on the first magnetic element a first force (82) about the first axis, so as to move the latch (22) towards the locked position or to maintain said latch in the locked position;characterized in that it further comprises a release element (26), said release element comprising a third magnetic element (84) such that, in a second configuration of the actuating member, the third magnetic element is capable of exerting on the first magnetic element a second force (88) along the first axis, opposite to the first force (82), so as to move the latch (22) away from the locking position; and in that the actuating member comprises a body (74) movable in rotation relative to the support (20), between the first and second configurations, the second magnetic element (76) being fixed to the body; and the first force (82) is a magnetic attraction force.

2. Locking device according to claim 1, wherein: the third magnetic element (84) of the unlocking element (26) is integral with the body (74) of the actuating member; and the second force (88) is a magnetic repulsion force.

3. Locking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the first (62), second (76) and third (84) magnetic elements is a dipole magnet.

4. Locking device according to claim 3 taken in combination with claim 2, wherein: the second (76) and third (84) magnetic elements are arranged respectively along a second (80) and a third (86) axis, not parallel to each other; in the first configuration of the actuating member (24), the first (40) and second (80) axes are substantially coincident; and in the second configuration of the actuating member, the first (40) and third (86) axes are substantially coincident.

5. Locking assembly (10) comprising: a locking device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims; and an assembly member (14), movable relative to the support (20) between a dissociated position and an assembled position, the assembly member comprising an assembly element (90) such that in the assembled position, the assembly element passes through the opening (46) of the support and is at least partially disposed in the internal space (32) of said support; the locking assembly being configured such that the latch (22) in the locked position blocks the assembly member in the assembled position.

6. Locking assembly according to claim 5, wherein: the latch (22) has an insertion nose (66); the assembly element (90) has a notch (98); and in the assembled position of the assembly member (14) and in the locking position of the latch (22), the insertion nose (66) is inserted into the notch (98) so as to lock the assembly member in the assembled position.

7. Locking assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, in the assembled position of the assembly member (14), the assembly element (90) is arranged along a fourth axis (44), substantially perpendicular to the first axis (40).

8. Locking assembly according to claim 7, wherein: the assembly element (90) has an end (96); and the latch (22) has a cam surface (68), such that, during a movement of the assembly member from the dissociated position to the assembled position, the end (96) of the assembly element cooperates with said cam surface (68) to move the latch away from the locking position.

9. Locking assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising a magnetic device (16) capable of exerting a third force (108) on the activating member (24), so as to move said activating member from the first to the second configuration.

10. Locking assembly according to claim 9, wherein the magnetic device (16) comprises a dipole magnet.

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