DE102007051442B4 - Self-locking system - Google Patents

Abstract

Self-retaining locking system (1) for producing a releasable coupling connection, at least comprising a first coupling body (2) with at least one latching element (3) formed on an end-side coupling surface (10) which snaps into at least one complementary receiving element (5) on the front-side coupling surface (3). 10) engages a second coupling body (4), wherein at least one of the two coupling bodies (2, 4) is in operative connection with at least one controllable coupling member (6), which is arbitrarily positionable by application by means of auxiliary power between two end positions, and when joining or Loosening of the two coupling bodies (2, 4) in each case successively run two temporally and functionally separate processes, namely
a. when manually joining the two coupling bodies (2, 4) without auxiliary power, first the coupling process and then the locking process and
b. when releasing the two coupling bodies (2, 4) as well as the unlocking process and then the decoupling process, wherein the auxiliary force during both processes of dissolving steadily and along a defined path,
where the one ...

Description

The The invention relates to a self-retaining closure system for the production a detachable coupling connection with at least one first coupling body with a front side coupling surface formed latching element, which is snap-in in a complementary one Receiving element engages the front-side coupling surface of a second coupling body.

Under the previously known from the prior art self-locking locking systems Take in practice so-called snap closures a prominent position because they usually do not require any tools for their application and cost-effective are to produce.

From the prior art is the AT 407 073 B known, in which a snap connection between several profiles for the formation of furniture panels is described. The individual profiles are in this case connected with interlocking male or female elements of a plug connection. With the help of stop surfaces a connection is formed, which avoids unevenness and visible joints between the two profiles over all possible dimensional tolerances of the profiles. The snap connection is mechanically stable and designed such that its geometry is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the plate center plane. A disadvantage of this invention is that the release of the snap connection is not necessary or at least only with the aid of additional tools.

In the EP 1 270 777 B1 For example, there is disclosed a locking member for reducing a snap fit between a drive belt and a sliding portion of a flat bar. The belt is provided with elastic and paired connecting elements, so that a distance between the connecting elements of a pair is formed. Characteristic of this invention is a head portion with a handle and a latch that can be inserted between the connecting elements to substantially bridge the distance, wherein the latch is provided with grooves and / or beads, which also form a snap connection with the connecting elements can. A disadvantage of this invention is the design effort in the production of the complex locking element to call.

In the DE 600 14 551 T2 For example, there is described a filter for an internal combustion engine having a seat provided with a bottom and sidewalls extending from the bottom to an open end, the seat having an inlet and an outlet. Furthermore, a filter element is provided, which is inserted into the seat such that it is arranged between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the filter element has a support structure with a first and a second flange, between which a filter wall is arranged, wherein the first and the second flange is placed near the open end and the bottom of the seat, respectively. Characteristic of this invention is that the filter further comprises means for fixing the filter element, which project from the bottom of the seat towards the open end of this seat coaxial with the first and second flange and a base fixed to the ground and a free head comprise, wherein the head has an oval cross-section. In addition, the supporting structure of the filter element comprises fastening means, which cooperate by a resilient snap connection with the head of the fixing means to allow mounting of the filter element by an elastic Aufsteckverbindung and an expansion of the filter element by rotating the filter element to release it elastically from the Aufsteckverbindung, and that the support structure of the filter element and the seat of the housing comprise means for radial sealing. Although this snap connection always secures a loosening of the partners involved in the connection by turning, however, this manual operation is unsuitable for applications in which rapid and reliable decoupling is of primary importance.

The DE 94 15 686 U1 discloses a releasable snap connection having two connected joining partners. The two joining partners can be solved via a arranged in the joining direction, elastic Schnapparm with at the end existing, preferably rectangular hooks of a joining partner and one, this hook directed counter, fixed Schließhinterschneidung the other joining partner again. To release the two joining partners also a key is provided, which disengages by bending the Schnapparms whose hook from the locked position for closing undercut. A disadvantage of this invention is that the decoupling and subsequent release of the two joining partners along a defined path only with the aid of an additional tool, the key takes place. The force that is applied for decoupling and for subsequent release of the joining partners in the opposite direction, does not run steadily.

The object of the invention is now to propose a self-locking system for the production of a detachable coupling connection, which is simple in construction, ensures a quick joining and releasing the paired coupling partners and is easy to use. Another object of the invention is the automati releasing the paired coupling partners from each other.

To The concept of the invention comprises the self-retaining closure system for producing a detachable Coupling connection at least a first coupling body with at least one a front-side coupling surface formed latching element, which is snap-in in at least one complementary Receiving element engages the front-side coupling surface of a second coupling body. According to the invention at least one of the two coupling body in operative connection with at least one controllable coupling member, which by Application by auxiliary power between two end positions arbitrarily is positionable. When joining or release the two coupling body Run sequentially two temporally and functionally separated operations from. When manually joining together the two coupling body without auxiliary power takes place first the coupling process and then the Locking operation. When releasing the two coupling body from each other, however also takes place first the unlocking process and then the decoupling process, while the assistant during both processes steadily and along a defined path. The one coupling body is as a plug-type connector of a hose and the other coupling bodies is as complementary and socket-like connection piece a medical device educated.

The preferably for the medical technology provided closure system can be used to technical devices, z. As pumps, with hoses safe to connect and disconnect from each other.

at an advantageous embodiment of the invention is carried out together Add the two coupling body also with the help of the assistant, who during both processes steadily and acts along a defined path.

The Solve the two coupling body thus always takes place with the help of an assistant; that with each other Add the two coupling bodies, respectively to engage with each other, both by means of Assistance as well as manually realized.

Prefers be when joining or release the two coupling body the coupling member and / or the one or both coupling body of a reversible deformation, such as a bend subjected.

The The direction of action of the auxiliary power of the coupling element runs along a defined orbit that has at least one first degree function is.

at Using a plurality of coupling members, preferably on a circumferential line of the associated coupling body or attack the front side of the coupling body, can the coupling members individually or jointly acted upon by an auxiliary power become.

The Coupling link can in this case using an additional Component indirectly or preferably directly to form a complex component connected to at least one of the coupling body or as a part of the coupling body be educated. In the latter case, the coupling member fixed or pivotable on the coupling body be arrested.

When Coupling members are preferably a lever arm, an actuating rod, a Threaded spindle or a pin inserted. Basically, one or more Coupling member (s) are provided.

lever arms have the advantage that, depending on the training of the both separated by a pivot axis of the arms to be initiated Auxiliary force, which until the assumption of an end position of the coupling member transferred to a coupling body will, depending the formation of the lever arms are dimensioned exactly. The power to Unlocking or locking the two coupling body engages preferably eccentrically, wherein the release or joining of the two coupling bodies also Centric takes place.

The while the decoupling process and unlocking operation over the Coupling member applied force can, as mentioned, by means of a Stell- or Threaded rod are applied to one of the two coupling body. at A preferred embodiment of the invention is here as Control rod trained coupling member centric to one of the two coupling body placed so that the force direction of action is centric. additionally this can optionally be a guide element to the leadership of the coupling body be used. This guide element can along an arbitrary running web, preferably one linearly extending path, be arranged.

Of Further can Pins are used, which make it possible for unlocking or coupling of the two coupling bodies needed Auxiliary power as a tensile force preferably below the coupling member applied. This embodiment of the invention can also be used as an additional possibility for one Manual decoupling can be used.

The Adjustment rods or pins used for decoupling may be preferred also phased surfaces exhibit an optimal or desired direction of the on the Transmitting coupling link To ensure strength.

The Force action direction of the acted upon by auxiliary coupling member can be eccentric or centric or axial to one of the two coupling body.

The Coupling link can both a translational and a pivoting movement execute, where this movement according to the invention also with additional Superimpose movements in the direction of the other two axes of a 3D coordinate system.

When Assistant for the coupling member according to the invention is an electromotive, a provided electromagnetic or a pneumatic force. Under Use of an electric motor or an electromagnet and the driven by these actuating rods as coupling members can the applied force to reach the coupling state or Decoupled state of the two complementary coupling body controlled and dosed.

Out establish a low wear of the Closure system according to the invention has proved to be particularly advantageous when the two coupling body rotationally symmetrical are formed and placed coaxially with each other. One of the two coupling bodies comprises while an inner contact surface and the other coupling body a complementary outer contact surface, the contact each other in the coupling state.

at Another preferred embodiment of the invention are the both the coupling connection forming complementary coupling body in cross-section as a convex-concave curvature pairing with a bead-like latching element of the first coupling body and a receiving element having a recess or a groove of the second coupling body educated.

Further the closure system may comprise an additional guide element which is in operative connection with the coupling member. For the purpose of a better guide and transmit power the guide element and the coupling member preferably has complementary contact surfaces.

The Self-retaining according to the invention Closure system is also used in the automotive industry and in electrical engineering.

• • konstruktiv einfacher Aufbau des selbsthaltenden Verschlusssystems und damit kostengünstig,
• • betriebssichere Einnahme des Entkopplungszustand der beiden miteinander zu verbindenden komplementären Koppelkörper unter Verwendung eines gesteuerten Koppelglieds,
• • der Entkopplungszustand kann in Abhängigkeit von verschiedenen physikalischen Parametern, wie z. B. der Zeit, einer Druckdifferenz oder eines Stroms eingenommen werden und
• • als Hilfskraft kann wahlweise eine elektromotorische, elektromagnetische oder eine pneumatische Hilfskraft eingesetzt werden.

The significant advantages and features of the invention over the prior art are essentially:

• • structurally simple construction of the self-holding locking system and therefore cost-effective,
• Reliable use of the decoupling state of the two complementary coupling bodies to be connected to each other using a controlled coupling element,
• • The decoupling state can vary depending on various physical parameters, such. As the time, a pressure difference or a current are taken and
• • As an auxiliary power either an electromotive, electromagnetic or a pneumatic auxiliary power can be used.

The The aims and advantages of this invention are, after careful study the following detailed DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED, non-limiting example embodiment herein the invention with the associated To better understand and evaluate drawings that show:

1 FIG. 4: cross-section of a self-holding locking system with eccentric force attack on a coupling element, FIG.

2 : Cross-section of a self-locking locking system with eccentric force attack on a coupling member as well as coupling body with bead-like latching element and groove-containing receiving element,

3 FIG. 2: cross-section of a self-holding locking system with centric force attack on a guided coupling element, FIG.

4 FIG. 2: cross-section of a self-holding closure system with centric force application to a coupling element and complementary contact surfaces of the coupling element and of a coupling body, FIG.

5 Cross section of a self-locking locking system with centric force attack on a coupling member and coupling body with control rod and

6 : perspective view of the first coupling body of the self-locking system according to 1 ,

The 1 shows a cross section of a self-locking system 1 with eccentric force attack on a coupling link 6 in the coupling state. The closure system according to the invention 1 consists of a first coupling body 2 with a frontal coupling surface 10 trained latching element 3 which snaps into a complementary receiving element 5 at the front-side coupling surface 10 according to 2 a second coupling body 4 intervenes. Furthermore, a controllable coupling element 6 provided, which as a part of the first coupling body 2 is trained. The coupling link 6 as part of the first coupling body 2 is here as a swiveling jacket section, see also 6 , of the coupling body 2 trained, the about an unspecified pivot axis by application by means of auxiliary power between two end positions is arbitrarily positionable. At its upper end from the viewer, the coupling member comprises 6 a beady one 7 latching 3 , which extends over an upper edge of the second coupling body 4 also extends and thus the two coupling body 2 . 4 locked together. The the coupling member 6 opposite side, respectively, the larger shell portion of the first coupling body 2 is formed as a flat wall, with its outer surface, the inner surface of the second coupling body 4 contacted flatly. The assumption of the coupling state of the two coupling bodies 2 . 4 done by manual levering; the assumption of the decoupling state or the release of the two coupling bodies 2 . 4 from each other by an eccentric application of force to the coupling member 6 realized as a result of which the bead-like 7 latching 3 of the coupling link 6 as part of the first coupling body 2 from the top of the second link 4 away. Upon reaching a defined position of the coupling member 4 be the two complementary coupling body 2 . 4 separated from each other.

The 2 shows a cross section of a self-locking system 1 with eccentric force attack on the coupling member 6 as well as coupling body 2 . 4 with beaded 7 latching 3 and groove 8th having receiving element 5 in the coupling state. The basic structure of the closure system 1 corresponds to the 1 , but with the main difference being that the latching element 3 the first coupling body in the region of its larger shell portion additionally a bead 7 and the receiving element 5 of the second coupling body 4 with a complementary groove or recess 8th are formed. Through this extra bead 7 of the latching element 3 and the complementary groove 8th of the receiving element 5 it is ensured that the two coupling bodies now in addition to the region of the coupling member 6 are firmly locked together over their entire circumference. This additional self-triggering lock can also be placed at other locations of the coupling body or several times around the circumference.

In 3 is the cross section of a self-retaining closure system 1 with centric or axial force attack on a guided coupling member 6 illustrated in the coupling state. In this embodiment, the closure system 1 from two complementary coupling bodies 2 . 4 of which the one latching element 3 having first coupling body 2 in its end region any number of pivotable coupling links 6 includes. The coupling link 6 is formed in cross-section substantially with angled ends and thus causes a pivoting or bending of the coupling member. The angled ends of the circumferentially arranged coupling links 6 are under formation of a gap 11 spaced apart. The legs of the coupling member 6 of the first coupling body 2 each further comprise a bead placed laterally on its outside 7 which is in a complementary recess 8th of the second coupling body 4 intervene so that both coupling bodies 2 . 4 locked together. The distal outer surfaces of the legs of the coupling links 6 of the first coupling body 2 are flat and at the same time form the bearing surface for a bolt only hinted, which axially or centrally acts upon these outer surfaces when acted upon by auxiliary power and when reaching a defined position over the entire circumference of the coupling member 6 extending bead of the first coupling body 2 from the respective recess 8th of the second coupling body 4 removed and thus the two coupling body 2 . 4 placed in the decoupled state. In addition, a centric to the two coupling bodies 2 . 4 placed rod-shaped guide element 12 provided to the over the coupling member 6 of the first coupling body 2 distribute applied force evenly.

The 4 shows the cross section of a self-locking system 1 with axial force attack on the coupling member 6 of the first coupling body 2 and the complementary contact surfaces of the coupling member 6 and the guide element 12 , The structure of the closure system 1 basically corresponds to the 3 , but with the difference that the guide element is now over the between the ends of the two U-legs of the coupling member 6 training gap 11 extends and the front side provides a bearing surface for the axial pressure force introduction. In the region of the two angled ends of the legs of the coupling member 6 are beads placed in complementary grooves 8th attached to the guide element 12 are arranged, intervene. To take the decoupling state, the guide element 12 over the coupling link 6 of the first coupling body 2 subjected to axial compressive force, as a result of the circumferential circumferential bead 7 of the first coupling body 2 from the associated groove of the second coupling body 4 be pressed out. Alternatively, on the guide element 12 also attack an axial tensile force to the two paired coupling body 2 . 4 to solve each other.

In the 5 is the cross section of a self-retaining closure system 1 with axial force attack on a trained as an actuating rod coupling member 6 illustrated. The closure system 1 again comprises two complementary coupling bodies 2 . 4 , of which the first coupling body 2 with a snap-in element 3 and the second coupling body 4 with a receiving element 5 are formed. Both coupling bodies by 2 . 4 are formed complementary. The first coupling body 2 with latching element 3 is with his trained as an actuating rod coupling member 6 firmly connected and exemplified at two points of the first coupling body 2 locked. The trained as an actuating rod coupling member 6 is preferably axially in the first coupling body 2 arranged and extends through a centrally placed opening of the second coupling body 4 through this. The coupling link 6 of the first coupling body 2 is for the purpose of taking the coupling state of the two coupling body 2 . 4 subjected to an axial pressure and / or tensile force.

The 6 shows a perspective view of the first coupling body 2 the self-locking system 1 according to 1 , The first coupling body 2 is here designed as an irregularly shaped ring-like structure, wherein the coupling member 6 a shell portion of this structure corresponds. Between the coupling link 6 and the remaining jacket of the first coupling body 2 extend parallel vertical slots 13 , so that the coupling member 6 can perform a pivoting movement. The coupling link 6 as part of the lateral surface of the first coupling body 6 , which on the second coupling body, not shown 4 lies flat in the coupling state, the front side has a circular cross-sectional area, which is acted upon by an axial compressive force. Since the coupling member 6 is not arranged centrically, the power is transmitted to the second coupling body, not shown 4 therefore eccentric.

1

locking system

2

first coupling body

3

latching

4

second coupling body

5

receiving element

6

coupling member

7

bead

8th

Recess / groove

9

contact area

10

coupling surface

11

gap

12

guide element

13

slot

Claims (12)

Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) for producing a detachable coupling connection, at least comprising a first coupling body ( 2 ) with at least one at a front-side coupling surface ( 10 ) formed latching element ( 3 ), which snap-like manner into at least one complementary receiving element ( 5 ) at the front-side coupling surface ( 10 ) of a second coupling body ( 4 ) engages, wherein at least one of the two coupling body ( 2 . 4 ) in operative connection with at least one controllable coupling element ( 6 ), which is arbitrarily positionable by applying an auxiliary force between two end positions, and when joining or releasing the two coupling bodies ( 2 . 4 ) run sequentially two temporally and functionally separate processes, namely a. when manually joining the two coupling bodies ( 2 . 4 ) without auxiliary power first the coupling process and then the locking process and b. when releasing the two coupling bodies ( 2 . 4 ) as well as the unlocking process and then the decoupling process, the auxiliary force during both processes of dissolving steadily and along a defined path acts, said one coupling body ( 2 ) as a plug-type connector of a hose and the other coupling body ( 4 ) are designed as a complementary and socket-like connection piece of a medical device. Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the joining of the two coupling bodies ( 2 . 4 ) also with the assistance of the auxiliary force, which acts steadily during both processes and along a defined path. Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling member ( 6 ) and / or the coupling bodies ( 2 . 4 ) when joining or releasing the two coupling bodies ( 2 . 4 ) is subjected to a reversible deformation, for example a bend. Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the direction of action of the auxiliary power of the coupling member ( 6 ) runs along a defined path that is at least a first degree function. Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when using a plurality of coupling members ( 6 ) These are applied individually or jointly by a helper. Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the coupling member ( 6 ) with at least one of the coupling bodies ( 2 . 4 ) fixedly connected to form a complex component or as a part of the coupling body ( 2 . 4 ) is trained. Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling member ( 6 ) as a lever arm with a Pivot, as a control rod, is designed as a threaded spindle or pin. Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that as auxiliary power for the coupling member ( 6 ) An electromotive, an electromagnetic or a pneumatic force is provided. Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the two coupling bodies ( 2 . 4 ) are rotationally symmetrical and are placed coaxially with each other. Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the two complementary coupling bodies forming the coupling connection ( 2 . 4 ) in cross-section as a convex-concave curvature pairing with a bead-like ( 7 ) Snap-in element ( 3 ) of the first coupling body ( 2 ) and a recess ( 8th ) receiving element ( 5 ) of the second coupling body ( 4 ) are formed. Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an additional guide element ( 12 ) is provided, which as well as with this in operative connection coupling member ( 6 ) for the purpose of better guidance and power transmission complementary contact surfaces ( 9 ). Self-holding locking system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the direction of action of force of the auxiliary force to be acted upon coupling member ( 6 ) axially to one of the two coupling bodies ( 2 . 4 ).