EP0487912A1 - Fastener, especially for suitcase or similar - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastener, especially for suitcases (1) or the like, having a latch (22) which engages into a counter-closing part orifice (31) and is blocked in its closing engagement position and which engages by pivoting into the counter-closing part orifice (31) and thereafter assumes the closing position by a longitudinal pull, and proposes, to achieve an easy closing mode and a high clamping torque exerted by the latch, that the latch (22) possess two actuating faces (24, 25) which are located on both sides of a bearing axle (20) displaceable on a curved path and of which one (24) serves for the pivoting displacement of the latch (22) into the counter-closing part orifice (31) and the other (25) brings about the longitudinal pull as a result of an actuating pressure load. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a closure according to the preamble of claim 1.

A closure of the type in question is known from GB-PS 932 218, the bolt being controlled by means of an operating lever pivoting about a fixed pivot point. This is done via a pin / slot control between the operating lever and bolt, which pivots when the operating lever is moved into the closed position, accompanied by a longitudinal pull movement. The use of such closures may be suitable for appropriate containers, but it cannot be used in suitcases because of the relatively far protruding operating lever in the locked position. An unintentional opening of the case cannot be ruled out. The above operating lever is also a nuisance when transporting a case.

The object of the invention is based on the object of designing a generic closure in such a way that, with a simple, space-saving construction, an easy closure is achieved while achieving a large tightening torque exerted by the bolt.

This object is achieved in a generic closure by the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 1.

The sub-claims relate to advantageous developments of claim 1.

As a result of such a configuration, a closure of the type in question is created, which is characterized in particular by a very simple, space-saving construction. It is suitable for use on suitcases. In the closed position of the case, there are no protruding components that would promote self-opening of the case by bumping. An operating lever to control the bolt is not required. The closure or the case equipped with it is closed in such a way that the lid is closed for the time being. The actuating surface of the bolt facing the suitcase lid is then to be acted on, the latter engaging, for example, with its locking hook in the counter-closing part opening of the suitcase lid. This happens because the bolt pivots about its bearing axis. The other actuating surface must then be pressurized. Here, the bearing axis moves on an arc path connected to the longitudinal pull, which forces the case lid into its final closed position via its counter-closing part opening. The above-mentioned closing process is easy to carry out, namely by means of two-finger actuation. For example, the index finger is used to pivot the bolt and the thumb is used to displace the bearing axis on the arched path while bringing about the longitudinal pull, since a greater compressive force can be applied by means of the thumb. Due to the space-saving design, little trunk space is lost. The closed position of the bolt can be secured in different ways. In particular, however, a latch slider is suitable for the bolt which is spring-loaded in the opening direction in its closed position and which holds the bolt on its underside. Opening the lock requires pressing the button adjacent to the bolt, which causes the latch slide to move releasing the latch. Due to its spring load, it then steers into the open position releasing the case lid. A particularly low overall height is achieved in the transverse direction of the case if the direction of extension of the bolt is transverse to the direction of extension of the button and the latch slide. This means that the latch slide and key as well as the bolt are at right angles to each other. This arrangement is particularly suitable for suitcases with shell-like case halves that carry a profile on the edge. A closure constructed in this way can be accommodated in a particularly space-saving manner. The fact that the bearing axis is supported by a chain link also contributes to this. The latter is pivotally limited on a pivot axis of a closure base plate arranged parallel to the bearing axis. In the open position of the bolt, it can therefore move into its projecting open position. In the closed position of the bolt, however, the bearing axis for the bolt dips into the interior of the lock in a space-saving manner due to the pivoting displacement of the chain link. The chain link fulfills yet another task by holding the bolt in a defined open position with its stop shoulder. This can be such that the two actuating surfaces of the bolt run approximately parallel to the facing case wall. Spreading springs arranged on the bearing axis and articulation axis facilitate the sequence of the operating steps when closing. The pivoting of the bolt into the engagement position about the bearing axis is accordingly less resistance, so that the locking position of the bolt can be brought about as intended, which is secured by the latch slide. Thanks to its frame-like design, the latch slide allows space-saving nesting with the locking base plate. It is constantly spring-loaded in the direction of bolt engagement. By means of the material-integrally formed button, the latch slide is then to be moved on the closure base plate in order to open, its catch hook releasing the claw emanating from the underside of the bolt. Only then can the bolt move spring-loaded into its open position. The safety value of the lock is increased by the locking mechanism, which extends between the button and the bolt and locks the slide movement of the latch slide. This can also be inserted into the overall structure of the closure in a space-saving manner. The button of the latch slide and the bolt are accordingly separated by the shooting mechanism. It makes sense to design the locking mechanism as a permutation lock. Its axis carrying the shims runs transversely to the direction of displacement of the latch slide. The symbols - such as numbers - on the dials are therefore easy to read. If the key secret is set correctly, the locking sleeves provided on the axle release a locking rocker that allows the latch slide to be moved using the button. However, if the key secret is blocked, the locking ends of the locking rocker protrude into the way of locking projections on the latch slide side. It is then not possible to move the latch slide. So that all movements of closure components are limited by the closure itself, further stops on the latch slide extend behind the locking projections, in the movement path of which protrudes a housing cap projecting beyond the permutation lock. When the locking rocker is in the release position, the displacement of the latch slide is then limited by the stops abutting the housing cap. Assembly-related advantages result from a hook securing the assembled position of the lock base plate and latch slide. This spills over the facing frame crosspiece of the latch slide in such a way that the length of the overlap when the latch slide occupies the blocking position is greater than the distance between the stops and the facing edge of the housing cap. Therefore, the securing overlap is not abandoned even in the position shifted in the opening direction. The latch slide can only be dismantled if the housing cap is removed. Then the latch slide can be shifted to a greater extent, so that the hook of the closure base plate releases the frame crosspiece. The housing cap is designed so that its surface is flush with that of the bolt which assumes its closed position and with that of the key. In addition to a favorable appearance of the closure, there are therefore no unfavorably projecting components on the closure.

Fig. 1

in perspektivischer Darstellung einen mit zwei erfindungsgemäß gestalteten Verschlüssen ausgestatteten Koffer,

Fig. 2

in etwa natürlicher Größe eine Ansicht des Koffers im Bereich eines Verschlusses,

Fig. 3

den Schnitt nach der Linie III-III in Fig. 2, wobei sich der Riegel in seiner Schließstellung befindet,

Fig. 4

eine der Fig. 3 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch in der anschlagbegrenzten Offenstellung des Riegels,

Fig. 5

die Ansicht in Pfeilrichtung V in Fig. 3, wobei die das Permutationsschloß überfangende Gehäusekappe fortgelassen ist bei strichpunktiert veranschaulichtem Riegel,

Fig. 6

teilweise in Ansicht, teilweise im Längsschnitt den Verschluß in Schließstellung des Riegels bei verstelltem Schlüsselgeheimnis des Permutationsschlosses,

Fig. 7

eine der Fig. 6 entsprechende Darstellung, wobei abweichend von dieser der Fallenschieber in die Freigabestellung verschoben ist und der Riegel sich in Offenstellung befindet,

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Fallenschiebers,

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Grundplatte,

Fig. 10

die Verschlußgehäusekappe in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 11

in perspektivischer Einzeldarstellung die Sperrwippe,

Fig. 12

die perspektivische Darstellung des U-förmig gestalteten Kettengliedes,

Fig. 13

in perspektivischer Darstellung den Riegel und

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Darstellung der dem Permutationsschloß zugeordneten Gehäusekappe.

An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a case equipped with two closures designed according to the invention,

Fig. 2

roughly natural size a view of the case in the area of a lock,

Fig. 3

the section along the line III-III in Fig. 2, wherein the bolt is in its closed position,

Fig. 4

3 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 3, but in the stop-limited open position of the bolt,

Fig. 5

3 the view in the direction of the arrow V in FIG. 3, the housing cap covering the permutation lock being omitted in the case of a bolt shown in dash-dot lines,

Fig. 6

partly in view, partly in longitudinal section, the lock in the closed position of the bolt with the key secret of the permutation lock being adjusted,

Fig. 7

6 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 6, with the latch slider being displaced into the release position and the bolt being in the open position,

Fig. 8

a perspective view of the latch slide,

Fig. 9

a perspective view of the base plate,

Fig. 10

the closure housing cap in a perspective view,

Fig. 11

the rocker switch in perspective individual representation,

Fig. 12

the perspective view of the U-shaped chain link,

Fig. 13

in perspective the latch and

Fig. 14

a perspective view of the housing cap assigned to the permutation lock.

The number 1 denotes a case, the case bottom 2 and case lid 3 are designed like a shell. The mutually facing edge of the case bottom 2 and case lid 3 step into each other like a profile. For this purpose, the case lid 3 has a circumferential web 4, which dips into a forked opening 5 of the facing edge of the case bottom 2.

A lock 7 extends on both sides of the carrying handle 6 assigned to the case bottom 2. A single lock 7 is dealt with below, since both locks are designed almost identically.

The closure 7 has a closure base plate 8 adjacent to the bifurcated opening 5, which is elongated and the longitudinal extent of which extends parallel to the edge of the case bottom. On the underside, the closure base plate 8 is overlaid by a closure housing cap 9, which in turn is supported with its cap edge 10 on the front edge 11 of the case lid 2, cf. 3 and 4 in particular. In this way, the base plate 8 is held on the case base 2 by means of fastening screws 12 which pass through the closure housing cap 9. The fastening screws 12 are inserted from the inside of the case and engage in the end area 13 of the closure base plate 8, cf. Fig. 6.

The area of the closure base plate 8 adjacent to the carrying handle 6 holds a pivot axis 16 for a chain link 17 in two mutually aligned bores 14, 15. The U-shaped construction of the chain link 17 is present. In the two U-legs 17 ', 17''near the two connecting U-web 17''' bearing holes 18 are provided, which in turn are penetrated by the articulation axis 16. The U-legs 17 ', 17''are at the free end further bearing holes 19 aligned with one another. These are penetrated by a bearing axis 20, the ends of which protrude beyond the U-legs 17 ′, 17 ″ enter plug openings 21 of a bolt 22 that are adapted to the cross section. The plug openings 21 are located in bearing blocks 23 extending from the underside of the bolt 22. The arrangement of the plug openings 21 is such that the surface F of the bolt 22 is divided into two actuating surfaces 24, 25 on both sides of the bearing axis 20. The length of the actuating surface 24 is approximately twice that of the actuating surface 25.

Following the bearing blocks 23, a claw 26 extends from the underside of the latch 22. This has a head 28 carried by a web 27, on which a run-up slope 29 is formed, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the bolt 22. The claw 26 extends approximately on the longitudinal center of the bolt 22. Near the free end of the actuating surface 24, the bolt 22 forms a pull hook 30 projecting on the underside, to which a counter-locking part opening 31 on the case lid 3 is assigned. The counter-closing part opening 31 is located in the web 4 of the case lid 3.

A torsion spring 32 is seated on the articulation axis 16. One end 32 'is supported on the closure base plate 8, while the other end 32''is bent and plunges into a central longitudinal slot 33 of the U-leg 17'. In this way, the chain link 17 is loaded in the clockwise direction, that is to say in the sense of being spread apart from the base plate 8. The maximum spreading position of the chain link 17 is limited by an angled stop tongue 34 on the U-web 17 ″ ″, which strikes a projection 35 provided on the closure base plate 8. see. 4 in particular. Then the longitudinal direction of the chain link 17 extends approximately at an angle of 45 ° to the closure base plate 8.

A torsion spring 36 is also attached to the bearing axis 20. One end 36 'acts on the underside of the latch 22 at the level of the actuating surface 24, while the other end 36' 'also engages in the longitudinal slot 33 of the U-leg 17'. This torsion spring 36 loads the bolt 22 counterclockwise around the bearing axis 20. The pivoting movement of the bolt 22 in its open position is limited by the fact that the chain link 17 has outwardly angled stop shoulder 37 on its two U-webs 17 ', 17' ', on which counter stops 38 of the latch 22 are supported, cf. 4. The counter stops 38 are formed by the inclined flanks of the bearing blocks 23 on the underside of the bolt 22. The force of the torsion spring 36 loading the bolt 22 is less than that of the torsion spring 32 acting on the chain link 17.

A frame-shaped latch slide 39 is guided on the closure base plate 8. At its one end facing away from the bolt 22, the latch slide 39 continues via a bend 40 into a button 41 which is used for actuation. A niche 42 extends from the surface thereof and is used to attack a finger of the actuating hand. The end section 43 of the button 41 is stepped and, in the mounted position of the latch slide 39, engages under the facing edge of a cover strip 44 of the case bottom 2. A compression spring 45 arranged between the closure base plate 8 and latch slide 39 loads the latch slide 39 in the direction of the latch 22, to lock it in its closed position. The latching element of the latch slide 39 is a catch hook 46 which is located at the end of the latch slide 39 opposite the button 41. The catch hook 46 starts from the frame crosspiece 48 of the latch slide 39 connecting the two longitudinal frame legs 47. The catch hook 46 has a trap slope 49, which also extends in the longitudinal direction of the bolt 22. In the closed position of the latch 22, the catch hook 49 engages over the claw 26 starting from the underside of the latch 22, cf. 3 and 6 in particular.

Between the key 41 and the bolt 22, the locking base plate 8 carries a sliding movement of the latch slide 39 lockable locking mechanism 50. This is designed as a permeation lock. It has two support plates 51, 52 which run parallel to one another and which engage positively in webs 53, 54 extending from the closure base plate 8. The support plates 51, 52 support an axle 55. Shims 56 with numbers and locking sleeves 57 cooperating with them are arranged on this. A compression spring 58 provided on the axis 55 loads the sleeves 57 in the engagement position with the adjusting disks 56. On the opposite end of the axle 55 there is an adjusting lever 59, by means of which it is possible in a known manner to disengage the locking sleeves 57 from the adjusting disks 56 bring to change the key secret.

The locking sleeves 57 have secant flats 60 which cooperate with a locking rocker 61. In the middle area, this has recesses 62 for the passage of the shims 56. Beyond the recesses 62, the locking rocker 61 is provided with laterally projecting bearing tongues 63, which are in openings 64 engage the support plates 51, 52. A spring 74 illustrated in dash-dotted lines in FIG. 5 loads the locking rocker 61 in the direction of the locking sleeves 57. In a parallel position opposite the bearing tongues 63, the locking rocker 61 forms laterally protruding locking ends 65 The locking position of the bolt 22 and the adjusted key secret of the permutation lock lie in front of the locking ends 65 of the locking rocker 61. A displacement of the latch slide 39 is then not possible. The bolt 22 is accordingly not released.

Behind the locking projections 66, further stops 67 are formed on the longitudinal frame legs 47. In the path of movement there is a housing cap 68 which overlaps the permeability lock - locking mechanism 50. There is a U-shaped plan view of this housing cap 68. In the U-legs 69 there are longitudinal slots 70 with open edges, which allow the housing cap 68 to be plugged on. The ends of the axis 59 of the permutation lock protrude into the longitudinal slots 70. For the shims 56 of the permutation lock, the U-web 71 of the housing cap 68 forms through openings 72 in such a way that the shims 56 protrude slightly and allow the same to be adjusted.

From Fig. 6 it can be seen in particular that the surface F F of the bolt 22 in its closed position is flush with that of the housing cap 68 and the key 41.

In the assembled position of the latch slide 39, its position is secured by a hook 73 extending from the base plate 8, which hooks the facing frame crosspiece 48 of the Latch slide 39 engages. The length of the overlap when the latch slide 39 is in the locked position is greater than the distance between the stops 67 of the same and the facing end 69 'of the U-leg 69 of the housing cap 68. This ensures that when the latch slide 39 is displaced in the release position, the overlap of the frame crosspiece 48 is not abandoned by the hook 73. The latch slide 39 must be installed before the housing cap 68 is put on. Then a larger displacement path of the latch slide 39 is possible. After the housing cap 68 has been put on, the aforementioned fuse only occurs.

The operation of the lock 7 is as follows: If the lock 7 is in its locked position and the key secret of the permutation lock is adjusted, the position according to FIG. 6 is present. Through the locking sleeves 57, the locking rocker 61 is pivoted in such a way that its locking ends 65 lie in front of the locking projections 66 of the latch slide 39 and prevent its displacement by the button 41. The latch 22 is accordingly not released for pivoting into the open position.

Opening the lock 7 requires the correct key secret to be set. Characterized the locking sleeves 57 are rotated so that their flats 60 allow the pivoting of the locking rocker 61 in the release position. The locking ends 65 accordingly move away from the locking jumps 66 of the latch slide 39. This can now be displaced by attacking its button 41 against the direction of the latch 22 by compressing the compression spring 45. At the same time, the catch hook 46 of the latch slide 39 releases the claw 26 of the bolt 22. Because of this, the chain link 17 can 4, which pivot displacement is limited by the projection 35 of the closure base plate 8 by the stop tongue 34 abutting this projection 35. At the same time, the bolt 22 also pivots, the pulling hook 30 of which leaves the counter-closing part opening 31 of the case lid 3. The pivoting of the bolt 22 takes place in the opposite direction of rotation. The pivoting movement of the bolt 22 is limited in that its counter stops 38 act on the stop shoulders 37 of the chain link 17. The case lid 3 can now be opened.

To close the case 1, the case lid 3 is at least to be brought into the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 4. The locking then takes place by means of two-finger actuation. The latch 22 is preferably pivoted into the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 4 by means of the index finger, in that the index finger presses against the actuating surface 24 of the latch 22 and thereby brings the pulling hook 30 into engagement with the counter-closing part opening 31. The chain link 17 does not change its position. Subsequently, the actuating surface 25 of the latch 22 is to be loaded by the thumb, the bearing axis 20 being displaceable on an arc path, namely because of the pivoting of the chain link 17 about the articulation axis 16. In this case, the pulling hook 30 of the latch 22 forces the longitudinal pull, which Luggage cover 3 pulls into its closed position. In the final phase of the closing movement, the claw 26 acts with its run-up slope 29 on the latch slope 49 of the latch slide 39, which initially deflects against the spring action and then overlaps the head 28 of the claw 26 by moving the latch slide 39 back. As a result, the latch 22 is in held in its closed position. The closed position can be secured by adjusting the shims 56 of the locking mechanism 50. As a result, the locking sleeves 57 are rotated such that they pivot the locking rocker 61 into the locking position such that the locking ends 65 thereof are in the way of the locking projections 66 of the latch slide 39.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, the drawing and the claims can be of importance both individually and in any combination for the implementation of the invention. All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also included in full in the disclosure of the application.

Claims (14)

Closure, in particular for suitcases (1) or the like, with a bolt (22) which engages in a counter-locking part opening (31) and is blocked in its locking engagement position, which engages pivotally in the counter-locking part opening (31) and then subsequently enters the closed position in the longitudinal pull, thereby characterized in that the bolt (22) has two actuating surfaces (24, 25) lying on both sides of a bearing axis (20) which can be displaced on an arched path, one of which (24) for pivoting the bolt (22) into the counter-closing part opening (31) serves and the other (25) forces the longitudinal pull by actuating pressure. Closure, in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that the latch (22) spring-loaded in the opening direction is caught in its closed position on its underside by a latch slide (39), the opening displacement of which can be carried out by a button (41) which is adjacent to the latch (22 ) is arranged. Closure, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the direction of extension of the bolt (22) is transverse to the direction of extension of the button (41) and the latch slide (39). Closure, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing axis (20) is carried by a chain link (17) which can be pivoted to a limited extent on a pivot axis (16) of a closure base plate (16) arranged parallel to the bearing axis (20). 8) sits. Closure, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chain link (17) forms at least one stop shoulder (37) on which a counter stop (38) is supported in the open position of the bolt (22). Closure, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by torsion springs (32 and 36) arranged on the bearing axis (20) and articulation axis (16), which both the chain link (17) and the bar (22) in the direction of a Spring limit stop limit. Closure, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force of the torsion spring (36) loading the bolt (22) is less than that of the torsion spring (32) acting on the chain link (17). Closure, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latch slide (39) guided by the closure base plate (8) and spring-loaded in the direction of its engagement with the bolt (22) is designed like a frame, the button at one end (41) and at its other end has a catch hook (46) formed with a bevel (49) which, in the closed position of the bolt (22), engages over a claw (26) extending from its underside. Closure, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by a between the button (41) and bolt (22) extending Sliding movement of the latch slide (39) lockable locking mechanism (50). Closure, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism (50) is designed as a permutation lock having shims (56), the axis (55) carrying the shims (56) transverse to the direction of displacement of the latch slide (39). and has locking sleeves (57) which cooperate with the adjusting disks (56) and which, when the key secret is set correctly, release a spring-loaded locking rocker (61) assigned to the latch slide (39). Lock, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by locking projections (66) formed on the latch slide (39), which, when the bolt (22) is in the closed position and the key secret of the permutation lock is adjusted, lie in front of the locking ends (65) of the locking rocker (61). Closure, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that further stops (67) are formed on the latch slide (39) behind the locking projections (66), in the movement path of which a housing cap (68) overlapping the permutation lock protrudes. Lock, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by a hook (73) securing the assembled position of the lock base plate (8) and latch slide (39), which overlaps the facing frame crosspiece (48) of the latch slide (39) in such a way that the length of the overlap is greater when the latch slide (39) is in the locked position is the distance between the stops (67) and the facing edge (69 ') of the housing cap (68). Closure, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface (F) of the bolt (22) in its closed position is flush with that of the housing cap (68) and the button (41).

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