DE102012112610A1 - Notched pin used in e.g. fixture construction, has indexing mechanism with detent or magnet elements, that is magnetically attached corresponding to bolt in first axial limit position and second axial end position - Google Patents

Abstract

The notched pin (1) has the bolts (5) that are mounted in the sleeve (2) and provided with a locking end (6) and an actuating end (7). The bolt is displaced between a first axial end position and a second axial end position in the sleeve. An indexing mechanism (9) with detent or magnet elements is magnetically attached corresponding to the bolt in the first axial limit position and the second axial end position.

Description

The invention relates to a locking bolt having a sleeve and a bolt mounted in the sleeve, which has a locking end and an actuating end, wherein the bolt is axially displaceably mounted between a first axial end position and a second axial end position within the sleeve.

Locking bolts serve as lockable bolts in various designs for locking two elements together. For example, they can be used to hold a flap closed. Wherever something has to be locked in a cost-effective and simple way, locking bolts find their use. Fields of application are, for example, general mechanical engineering, fixture construction, in construction machinery and agricultural machinery but also in the furniture and fittings industry.

The bolt is axially displaceably mounted within a sleeve, wherein in an unlocked position, the locking end of the bolt is received within the sleeve open at both ends. The operating end is then further pulled out of the sleeve. In a locking position, the locking end of the bolt projects axially out of the sleeve and the actuating end is moved toward the sleeve. With the sleeve itself, the locking pin is then set, for example, on the element to be locked, while the counter element is often provided a recess for the bolt. But it is also conceivable, with the help of the bolt simply to engage behind a part of the counter element and thus to effect a locking.

Often, it is desirable to automatically move the bolt to the locking position, typically providing a spring element that urges the bolt into an axial end position.

Out DE 10 2007 004 357 A1 a locking bolt with a locking function is known, which has a spring-loaded, axially displaceably mounted within a sleeve bolt which is connected to a handle. The handle is equipped with a pressure switch. Within the sleeve two locking recesses are formed, which are axially spaced from each other. When the bolt is in its first axial end position, which corresponds for example to an unlocked position, the bolt is held against the spring force within the sleeve detent. When the bolt is in its second end position, ie in its locking position, the detent element engages in the other detent recess. For releasing the latching element from the respective latching recess is actuated via the pressure switch, by which a deformation of the latching element is effected. Radial ends of the locking element are thereby moved towards each other. In an alternative solution in which the locking elements are formed as balls, a constriction of a cylindrical element is brought into coincidence with the locking elements by pressing the pressure switch so that they can be moved radially inwardly and thus get out of engagement with the locking recess.

Out EP 2 175 093 A2 a locking bolt with a locking mechanism is known in which a bolt is axially displaceably mounted in a sleeve and is displaceable by pressing a push button against a spring force. In this case, a locking mechanism is provided in the manner of a ballpoint pen mechanism, with the aid of which the bolt can be fixed in two locking positions. For a movement of the bolt from an unlocking position to a locking position and back then only one pressure actuation of the push button is required.

EP 2 163 772 A1 discloses a spring-loaded locking pin, wherein a bolt is mounted axially displaceably within a sleeve. In this case, a latching mechanism is arranged radially between the sleeve and a sleeve engaging the operating handle. With the help of the locking mechanism, the bolt can be locked at its two axial end positions.

These known locking bolts are composed of relatively many and production-intensive components. Accordingly, they require a relatively large installation effort and are relatively expensive.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a locking bolt with a simple and compact design, which is robust and can be produced with a low production cost. In this case, this locking pin should be inexpensive. Furthermore, the bolt should be lockable in the sleeve at least in its axial end positions.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a locking bolt with the features of claim 1. Main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 10.

According to the invention, it is thus provided that the bolt can be fixed magnetically, at least in the first axial end position and the second axial end position, relative to the sleeve with a latching mechanism or with magnetic elements. This will ensure that the bolt equally held in both end positions in the sleeve, wherein the actuating force with which the bolt on the actuating end, which may for example have a handle, is selected such that the bolt is easily manually displaced. The bolt itself or / and also the sleeve may be formed, for example, from metal or plastic, with optional magnetic portions being provided which cooperate with the magnetic elements. In addition, axial stops can secure the bolt from falling out of the sleeve. Since the bolt is fixed in its two end positions in the sleeve, can be dispensed with an additional spring which pushes the bolt in one of the end positions and there. For a movement of the bolt relative to the sleeve, a manual intervention is always required due to the secured end positions, wherein the bolt is reliably held in both end positions. An additional compression spring therefore offers no advantage. Rather, the abandonment of a compression spring allows a simple, compact construction of the locking bolt, which is thus störunanfälliger and cheaper.

In a preferred embodiment, the latching mechanism has at least two axially spaced-apart radial latching recesses formed in the sleeve or bolt and at least one latching member acting in a radial direction engaging one of the latching recesses when the bolt is in one of the axial end positions is, wherein the locking element can be pushed out of the recess by an axial force between the bolt and sleeve. The latching element is then arranged between the bolt and the sleeve, ie within the sleeve, wherein the latching recess is formed either in the bolt or in an inner surface of the sleeve. The locking element may be spring-loaded or be configured correspondingly elastically deformable to be pushed out of the recesses can and intervene releasing a bias again in the recesses. The pairing or geometry between the latching recess and latching element is chosen such that the latching element can be pressed out of the latching recess by axial displacement of the bolt relative to the sleeve, without the operating forces becoming too high for manual actuation. At the same time it is ensured by a sufficient locking force, that the bolt is not moved, for example, already in vibration from one of the end positions, but is held securely by the latching mechanism. Additional actuators to release the locking mechanism are not required. Thus, the structure of the locking bolt is kept simple.

Preferably, the locking recesses are formed by annular grooves with axially inner groove flanks and axially outer groove flanks, wherein the axially inner groove flanks are formed as chamfers and the axially outer groove flanks extend in the radial direction. The respective axially outer groove flanks, that is to say the groove flank which is adjacent to the locking end or the actuating end, is designed as a stop, against which the catch element abuts axially. The inner groove flanks, however, are formed as a ramp, over which the locking element is radially compressed in an axial relative movement between the sleeve and bolt, so that the locking element is out of engagement with the locking recess and the bolt can be moved relative to the sleeve. Optionally, an air gap between the bolt and the sleeve may be formed between the recesses, so that the bolt is guided only axially outside the region between the recesses in the sleeve. This requires on the one hand a lower adjustability of the locking element in the radial direction and on the other hand simplifies the production of the locking bolt in particular by choosing larger tolerances.

In a preferred development, at least one further recess formed as an annular groove with groove flanks, which are formed as chamfers, is arranged between the latching recesses. This additional latching recess serves to secure intermediate positions of the bolt between the first and second axial end positions. Accordingly, the locking element must be able to be led out of the recess in both axial directions. This is made possible by the fact that the groove flanks of the annular grooves are formed as a ramp. The operating forces are kept low. At the same time a certain self-centering is achieved by engagement of the locking element in the recess.

The latching element is advantageously formed by one or more spring-loaded ball or as a radially deformable ring, in particular as an open snap ring or as a star wheel. The locking element is held axially in one or more recesses which are formed in the bolt or in the sleeve. The locking element can be made of plastic, metal or spring steel. By this configuration, an automatic engagement of the locking elements is ensured in the recesses as soon as the bolt occupies one of its axial end positions. By choosing the spring force or the material elasticity of the locking elements or the detent force can be set relatively accurately.

In a preferred embodiment, the bolt is a particularly continuous Radial bore formed in which a radially outwardly acting on the one or more locking elements spring element is arranged, wherein the one or more locking elements are radially inwardly pressed into the radial bore. A cross section of the radial bore is therefore large enough to at least partially accommodate the one or more locking elements can. As a result, the latching elements can be displaced radially inwards when the bolt is displaced from an end position to an intermediate position or to the other end position. Thus, the latching element is disengaged from the latching recess, so that the bolt can be moved relatively easily after overcoming the latching force. The locking element itself does not have to be elastic in this embodiment.

In an alternative embodiment, a recess is formed in the sleeve inside, in which the locking element is pressed radially outward against a spring force, wherein the recess is in particular continuous and an outer side of the sleeve is optionally covered elastically. The locking element is thus movable radially outward to be brought out of engagement with the recesses can. In this case, an elastic deformation of the locking element or alternatively a radial displacement against a spring force can take place. This can be done in particular when the recess is continuous, by an elastic cover of the recess on the outside of the sleeve. The cover may for example comprise an elastomer and e.g. be cylindrical, so the sleeve surrounded ring under tension. This represents a very simple embodiment, which is inexpensive to produce.

In one embodiment of the locking element as a radially deformable ring, the recess is formed in particular as an annular groove, in which the ring is radially deformable, that is held with radial play, but guided in the axial direction. The annular groove may then be formed either in the sleeve inner side or in the bolt.

Preferably, the sleeve and the locking pin are rotationally symmetrical. This represents a shape that is very easy and accurate to produce. Optionally, additional recesses, as required, for example, for holding the locking elements, can subsequently be introduced, without this unduly increasing the production outlay.

For easier attachment of the locking bolt, the sleeve may have on its outer side a connecting geometry, which is in particular designed as a welding surface or as an external thread or as locking projections. In one embodiment, as a welding surface, the sleeve can be easily smooth-walled. By introducing an external thread on the sleeve, the sleeve is versatile and can be attached for example via ring nuts. Circumferential locking projections are used in particular when the sleeve of the locking bolt is simply pressed into corresponding openings and held there, for example in furniture.

In a preferred embodiment, an anti-rotation device is arranged between the bolt and the sleeve, which in particular has a longitudinal groove in which a securing element engages. Such a longitudinal groove is relatively easy to implement and can be introduced into the sleeve inner surface or in the bolt. It is also conceivable to provide a longitudinal recess in both elements, and to arrange the securing element in the form of a feather key therein. The securing element may also be formed fixedly or integrally with the bolt or the sleeve, wherein the longitudinal recess is then formed in a corresponding manner in the bolt or the sleeve. By an anti-rotation, the possible applications for the locking pin widen.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1a a locking bolt with a locking element designed as a snap ring,

1b a detailed view of 1a .

2a a locking bolt with locking elements designed as balls,

2 B a detailed view 2a .

3a a locking bolt with a locking projections having connection geometry,

3b a detailed view of 3a .

4 a locking bolt with locking elements formed as balls and locking recesses formed in the bolt,

5 a locking bolt with a removable snap ring and

6 a locking bolt with magnetic elements.

In 1a is a locking pin 1 shown in section, which is a cylindrical sleeve 2 with open ends 3 . 4 in which a bolt 5 is mounted axially displaceable. The bolt 5 instructs locking end 6 and an end of operation 7 on, with a handle 8th is provided. Shown is a situation where the bolt 5 in a first axial end position via a latching mechanism 9 held latching, wherein the locking end 6 of the bolt 5 in the sleeve 2 is received and flush with the open front 3 concludes. That's the end of the operation 7 over the handle 8th axially from the sleeve 2 pulled out, in the illustration according to 1a to the right.

When pressing on the handle 8th or on the end of the operation 7 becomes the bolt 5 so in the sleeve 2 pushed in, that the locking end 6 from the open end 3 the sleeve 2 emerges and thus occupies a locking position. A second axial end position is reached when the locking end 6 completely out of the sleeve 2 protrudes and the bolt on the locking mechanism 9 is latched in its second axial end position.

The locking mechanism 9 includes latchingly holding the bolt within the sleeve 2 in its axial end positions at least one locking element 10 and at least two axially spaced locking recesses 11 . 12 , In this embodiment, the locking element 10 as a snap ring, so as a one-sided open ring 13 educated. The recesses 11 . 12 are in a sleeve inner surface 14 molded and designed in the form of annular grooves. These annular grooves have groove flanks, wherein the respective outer groove flanks 15 . 16 in the radial direction. The respective inner groove flanks 17 . 18 on the other hand run obliquely to the radial direction and are thus formed as chamfers.

The locking element 10 or the snap ring 13 is in an annular groove 19 held axially in the bolt 5 is formed. Radial inwards is the annular groove 19 formed sufficiently far enough so that the snap ring 13 radially in the groove 19 can be deformed to disengage from the recess 11 . 12 to get to when the bolt 5 between the one and the other end position should be moved.

On an outside 20 the sleeve 2 is an external thread 21 molded, which serves as a connection area. About the external thread 21 can the sleeve 2 and thus the locking bolt 1 be attached relatively easily.

It can be seen that the locking bolt 1 works with very few elements, which are rotationally symmetrical and therefore can be relatively easily made by turning. The locking bolt is very compact and very robust.

In the 2a and 2 B is the locking bolt 1 shown in an alternative embodiment, which is largely the locking pin after the 1a and 1b corresponds, but wherein the locking element 10 as balls 22 . 23 is trained. The balls 22 . 23 are in a radial bore 24 of the bolt 5 held radially movable and axially immovable, being between the balls 22 . 23 a compression spring 25 is arranged, which the balls 22 . 23 radially outwardly away from each other radially. This will make the balls 22 . 23 loaded in one direction, through which it enters one of the recesses 11 . 12 engage as soon as the bolt assumes one of its end positions.

On the external thread 21 the sleeve 2 are two ring nuts 27 . 28 screwed, which serve to fix the sleeve to an element, not shown.

2 B shows a detailed view of 2a , wherein it can be seen that a diameter of the sleeve between the recesses 11 . 12 is enlarged so that between the bolt 5 and the sleeve inner surface 14 an air gap 26 is trained. Through the air gap 26 is achieved that the locking elements 10 or the balls 22 . 23 not have to be moved radially inward so far. At the same time a contact surface between sleeve 2 and stop bolts 1 reduced, whereby a production with larger tolerances is possible. In this case, the actuating forces to Rausdrücken the balls 22 . 23 from the detent recess for movement of the bolt between the end positions, while at the same time moving beyond these positions, so removing the bolt 5 from the sleeve 2 , through the radially extending groove flanks 15 . 16 and the direct abutment in the axial end regions between the bolt 5 and the sleeve inner surface 14 is prevented.

In 3a and 3b is an embodiment of the locking bolt 1 shown to a large extent the embodiment 1 equivalent. This is the bolt 5 in its locked position, ie in its second end position. Here is the locking end 6 axially from the sleeve 2 led out while the handle 8th axially on the front side 4 the sleeve 2 is applied. The locking element 10 , which in turn is designed as a snap ring, then engages in the recess 11 one.

Between the recesses 11 . 12 is again an air gap 26 formed by an increase in a clear inner diameter of the sleeve 2 is reached.

On the outside 20 the sleeve 2 are circumferential locking projections as connection geometry 29 intended. These are barb-shaped and facilitate insertion of the sleeve 2 in a particular circular opening, while pulling out the locking bolt 1 through the locking projections 29 is prevented. In particular, when using the locking bolt in a relatively soft material, such as wood, can be by the locking projections 29 very easy to create a reliable connection.

4 shows an embodiment of the locking bolt 1 in which, in contrast to the previous embodiments, the latching recesses, 11 . 12 formed by annular grooves in the bolt 5 are formed radially inwardly. These recesses 11 . 12 again have outer, in the radial direction groove flanks 15 . 16 and inner, mutually inclined groove flanks 17 . 18 on. Between the recesses 11 . 12 is a diameter of the bolt 5 reduced to an air gap 26 between the bolts 5 and the sleeve inner surface.

As a locking element 10 is a ball 22 inserted in a radial recess 30 the sleeve 2 is held axially. The recess 30 points to the sleeve outside 21 an elastic cover 31 on. If the bolt 5 opposite the sleeve 2 is to be moved axially from the end position shown in a different position, the locking element 10 over the sloping groove flank 18 pressed radially outwards and thus deforms the cover 31 outward, so for the movement of the bolt 5 enough space is available. Once the recess 11 in overlap with the locking element 10 This is achieved by the elastic restoring force of the cover 31 pressed back into the recess, so radially inward.

5 shows an embodiment of the locking bolt 1 which, in essence, the embodiment 1 matches, with the snap ring 13 but interchangeable between the sleeve 2 and the bolt 5 is arranged. For that has the handle 8th facing, formed as an annular groove recess 12 an open, outer groove flank, passing through a ring 32 is replaced with the help of a snap ring 33 detachable with the sleeve 2 connected is.

6 shows an embodiment of the locking bolt 1 , wherein instead of a latching mechanism magnetic elements 34 are provided, for example, annular in the region of the front side 4 in the sleeve 2 are arranged. The bolt 5 has repellent from its locking end 6 a section 35 on, which is designed as a diameter taper, but can also be designed as an additional element. This creates between the section 35 and the locking end 6 a step that acts as an axial stop 36 serves. At least the locking end 6 of the bolt 5 is formed of a magnetic material.

A second axial stop 37 is in one to the bolt 5 facing axial surface of the handle 8th educated. This also has a magnetic material.

If the bolt 5 its locking position occupies, as in 6 shown, lies the stop 37 of the handle 8th at the magnetic elements 34 and is held there magnetically. By introducing a pulling force on the handle 8th becomes the handle 8th finally from the magnetic elements 34 and thus of the sleeve 2 solved, so the bolt 5 is moved axially relative to the sleeve. Finally the attack hits 36 of the bolt 5 at the magnetic elements 34 and is held there again magnetically. Depending on the configuration of the magnetic elements 34 can be achieved that the magnetic forces act substantially in the axial direction, so that a movement between the end positions is hardly affected.

In all these embodiments, the same elements are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the explanations to the one embodiment of one of the other embodiments are transferable. Shown are only locking bolts, in which only two locking recesses are provided to hold the locking pin in its respective axial end positions. Of course, additional locking recesses may be provided which allow fixing of the bolt in the sleeve at intermediate positions. It is conceivable to provide these recesses, for example, at a shallower depth, so that lower actuation forces are required to overcome them.

In the embodiment with magnetic elements, only an example is shown in which the magnetic elements are arranged on the sleeve. Of course, the magnetic elements can also be attached to the bolt, in which case corresponding mating surfaces must be formed on the inside of the sleeve.

The locking bolt according to the invention allows a simple construction with a small space requirement. This locking pin is very robust and comes with few elements. In particular, no compression spring is present, since this is no longer necessary due to a determination of the bolt at its two axial end positions. In this case, the bolt is secured at least at its two end positions. The sleeve and the bolt can be very easily and accurately produced as a rotating part and provided with simply constructed locking elements or recesses. It can be adjusted by the steepness of the groove edges or by selecting the magnetic properties required operating forces. Removal of the bolt from the sleeve can be reliable at the same time be prevented. Overall, a cost-effective, robust locking pin is obtained, which allows a compact design with simple manufacturing components that are quick and easy to manufacture and assemble. In this case, one or individual elements of the locking bolt may be formed from plastic or metal.

The invention is not limited to one of the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in many ways.

All of the claims, the description and the drawings resulting features and advantages, including design details, spatial arrangements and method steps may be essential to the invention both in itself and in various combinations.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Indexing plungers

2

shell

3

front

4

front

5

bolt

6

locking end

7

actuating end

8th

handle

9

detent mechanism

10

locking element

11

recess

12

recess

13

snap ring

14

Sleeve inner surface

15

outer groove flank

16

outer groove flank

17

inner groove flank

18

inner groove flank

19

annular groove

20

outside

21

external thread

22

Bullet

23

Bullet

24

drilling

25

compression spring

26

air gap

27

mother

28

mother

29

catch projection

30

recess

31

cover

32

ring

33

snap ring

34

magnetic elements

35

section

36

first stop

37

second stop

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007004357 A1 [0005]
• EP 2175093 A2 [0006]
• EP 2163772 A1 [0007]

Claims (10)

Locking bolt ( 1 ) with a sleeve ( 2 ) and one in the sleeve ( 2 ) mounted bolts ( 5 ), which has a locking end ( 6 ) and an actuation end ( 7 ), wherein the bolt ( 5 ) between a first axial end position and a second axial end position within the sleeve ( 2 ) is mounted axially displaceable, characterized in that the bolt ( 5 ) at least in the first axial end position and the second axial end position relative to the sleeve ( 2 ) with a latching mechanism ( 9 ) latching or with magnetic elements ( 34 ) is magnetically fixable. Locking bolt according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching mechanism ( 9 ) at least two axially spaced radial recesses ( 11 . 12 ) in the sleeve ( 2 ) or in the bolt ( 5 ) are formed, and at least one acting in a radial direction Rastelelement ( 10 ), which at least in one of the recesses ( 11 . 12 ) engages when the bolt ( 5 ) is in one of the axial end position, wherein by an axial force effect between bolts ( 5 ) and sleeve ( 2 ) the locking element ( 10 ) from the recess ( 11 . 12 ) is herausdrückbar. Locking bolt according to claim 2, characterized in that the latching recesses ( 11 . 12 ) by annular grooves ( 19 ) with axially inner groove flanks ( 17 . 18 ) and axially outer flanks ( 15 . 16 ) are formed, wherein the axially inner groove flanks ( 17 . 18 ) are formed as a ramp and the axially outer groove flanks ( 15 . 16 ) extend in the radial direction. Locking bolt according to claim 3, characterized in that between the latching recesses ( 11 . 12 ) At least one further groove formed as an annular groove recess is arranged with groove flanks, which are formed as chamfers. Locking bolt according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the latching element ( 10 ) by one or more spring-loaded balls ( 22 . 23 ) or as a radially deformable ring ( 13 ), in particular as an open snap ring or star disc is formed. Locking bolt according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that in the bolt ( 5 ) a particularly continuous radial bore ( 24 ) is formed in which a radially on the one or more locking elements ( 10 ) acting spring element ( 25 ) is arranged, wherein the one or more locking elements ( 10 ) into the radial bore ( 24 ) are at least partially depressible. Locking bolt according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that in a sleeve inside ( 14 ) at least one recess ( 30 ) is formed, in which the locking element ( 10 ) is pressed radially against a spring force, wherein the recess ( 30 ) is in particular continuous and on an outside ( 20 ) of the sleeve ( 2 ) is optionally covered elastically. Locking bolt according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve ( 2 ) and the locking bolt ( 5 ) are rotationally symmetrical. Locking bolt according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve ( 2 ) on its outside ( 20 ) a connection geometry ( 21 . 29 ), in particular as a welding surface or as external thread ( 21 ) or as latching projections ( 29 ) is trained. Locking bolt according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the bolt ( 5 ) and the sleeve ( 2 ) an anti-rotation is arranged, which in particular has a longitudinal groove, in which engages a securing element.

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