GB2465060A

GB2465060A - A locking system

Info

Publication number: GB2465060A
Application number: GB0919116A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wu Chun-Hsien
Original assignee: Milenco Ltd
Current assignee: Milenco Ltd
Priority date: 2008-11-07
Filing date: 2009-11-02
Publication date: 2010-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2029-11-02
Also published as: GB2465209A; TWM355835U; GB2465209B; GB0919116D0; GB0822139D0; GB2465060B

Abstract

A locking system comprises a clamp body 1 comprising a lock core seat 14, a rotating unit 2 comprising a pull section 22 and a rotating rod 23, the rotating unit 2 inserted into the lock core seat 14, a resilient member 172, the rotating rod 23 being pushed outwards by the resilient member 172, and a block 211 for extending in a lock hole, which ensures that the rotating unit 2 will not disengage from the lock core seat 14. When the rotating unit 2 is unlocked, the block 211 will be retracted and not engaged with the lock hole, the rotating rod 23 of the rotating unit 2 will be pushed outwards by the resilient member 172, the rotating unit 2 retreats from the lock core seat 14 and the pull section 22 can be rotated to turn the rotating rod 23.

Description

DESCRIPTION

A LOCKING SYSTEM

This invention relates to a locking system.

As shown in Figure 15, a conventional locking system for use on a wheel clamp is disclosed in UK Patent GB 2179607 B, which comprises an L-shaped clamp body A. One end of the clamp body A is pivotally connected io with a movable rod Al. The clamp body A is provided with a connecting rod A2 inserted on the movable rod Al for moving the movable rod Al. The connecting position of the connecting rod A2 and the clamp body A is provided with a lock core A3 to secure the connecting rod A2 when the clamp body A is engaged with a wheel. To unlock the wheel clamp, the lock core A3 is unlocked, the clamp body A is disengaged from the wheel, and then a rod-shaped manual tool is used to extend into the connecting rod for adjusting the length of the connecting rod to move the movable rod Al for disengagement.

This is very inconvenient in use because the lock core A3 has to be disengaged from the clamp body A, a rod-shaped manual tool is required for adjustment, and the tool may be lost.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve upon the known art.

According to the present invention, there is provided a locking system comprising a clamp body comprising a lock core seat, a rotating unit comprising a pull section and a rotating rod, the rotating unit inserted into the lock core seat, a resilient member, the rotating rod being pushed outwards by the resilient member, and a block for extending in a lock hole, which ensures that the rotating unit will not disengage from the lock core seat, wherein, when the rotating unit is unlocked, the block will be retracted and not engaged with the lock hole, the rotating rod of the rotating unit will be pushed outwards by the resilient member, the rotating unit retreats from the lock core seat and the pull section can be rotated to turn the rotating rod.

Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a locking system that provides a simple method of securing a rotating unit from rotation when the system is locked, but nevertheless can provide a user friendly method of achieving rotation without the need for any additional components when the system is unlocked and in use.

The locking system has two conditions, a first locked condition in which the rotating unit is prevented from rotating relative to the clamp body by the engagement of the block in the lock hole (which prevents the expulsion of the rotating unit from the clamp body by the resilient member). In the second, unlocked, condition, the block retreats from the lock hole and the rotating unit is partially expelled from the clamp body (by the resilient member) and the rotating unit can now be rotated relative to the clamp body. The block may be provided on the rotating unit or the lock hole may be provided on the rotating unit. This is a simple design choice.

is The unlocking of the locking system is preferably performed using a key in a lock which will withdraw the block from the lock hole. This lock may be provided in the rotating unit, but equally may be provided in the clamp body itself. It is sufficient that the unlocking procedure releases the rotating unit from the clamp body. This is achieved by removing the block from the lock hole.

The system can use a second engaging block to mesh with and drive a first engaging block so the rotating unit is able to rotate a screw for adjusting an open distance between a movable rod and the clamp body. It is convenient in use without an adjusting tool. The rotating unit of the present system is limited within the lock core seat, and will not depart from the lock core seat.

Preferably, the present system has a recess formed at one side or two sides of the lock core seat for receiving the pull section of the rotating unit, preventing awkward carrying, damage or collision.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is an exploded view according to a first preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 2 is a perspective view according to the first preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view according to the first preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotating unit and a screw according to the first preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit retreated from a lock core seat according to the first preferred embodiment of the locking system; io Figure 6 is a schematic view showing a movable rod and a clamp body in an open status according to the first preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a first engaging member meshing with a second engaging member according to the first preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 8 is a schematic view showing the first preferred embodiment of the locking system applied to a wheel; Figure 9 is a perspective view according to a second preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a rotating rod and a second engaging member according to a third preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 11 is a schematic view showing the engagement of a first engaging block and engaging blocks according to the third preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 12 is a schematic view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the locking system in use; Figure 13 is a partially sectional view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 14 is a partially sectional view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the locking system; Figure 15 is a schematic view of the prior art; and Figures 16 and 17 are perspective views of a further embodiment of the locking system.

As shown in Figures 1 through 4, a first preferred embodiment of the locking system comprises a clamp body 1, a rotating unit 2, a first engaging member 3, and a second engaging member 4. The hollow clamp body 1 is shaped like an English capital letter "L" having two closed ends, and comprises a positioning section 11 at one end and a pivot section 12 at the other end thereof. The pivot section 12 is pivotally connected with a hollow movable rod 13 which has closed upper and lower ends. The movable rod 13 is formed with a rack portion 131 at an upper section thereof. The clamp body 1 is provided with a lock core seat 14 at a middle section thereof and a recess 141 close to one end of the lock core seat 14. The recess 141 is disposed at one side or two opposite sides of the lock core seat 14. The other end of the lock core seat 14 is formed with a first pin hole 142 for insertion of a pin 143 connected to an outer sleeve 15. The outer sleeve 15 is formed with a second pin hole 151 for insertion of the pin 143. The outer end of the lock core seat 14 is formed with a lock hole 144. A connecting rod 16 is inserted into the outer sleeve 15. The connecting rod 16 has a connecting section 161 at one end and a threaded section 162 at the other end thereof. The movable rod 13 is inserted through the connecting section 161 of the connecting rod 16.

A screw 17 is screwed into the threaded section 162 of the connecting rod 16. The screw 17 has an accommodating trough 171 at one end for insertion of a resilient member 172. The resilient member 172 is a spring. A washer 173 is provided at the edge of the screw 17. The rotating unit 2 is inserted into the lock core seat 14, and comprises a lock core 21 at one end thereof. The lock core 21 comprises a block 211 thereon for extending into the lock hole 144 of the lock core seat 14 when in a locked status. The lock core 21 further comprises a pull section 22 corresponding in shape to the recess 141 of the lock core seat 14. The pull section 22 may be shaped like English letter "I" or English capital letter "L" to be accommodated in the recess 141 of the lock core seat 14, preventing awkward carrying, damage or collision. The rotating unit 2 further comprises a rotating rod 23 at the other end thereof. The rotating rod 23 is inserted into the accommodating trough 171 of the screw 17 to compress the resilient member 172.

The first engaging member 3 is secured to an open end of the accommodating trough 171 of the screw 17. The first engaging member 3 has a first engaging block 31 protruding from the end facing the accommodating trough 171. The second engaging member 4 is secured to the end of the rotating rod 23 of the rotating unit 2. One end of the engaging member 4 has a second engaging block 41 facing and corresponding in position to the first io engaging block 31 of the first engaging member 3 for meshing with the first engaging block 31.

To use the locking system, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the lock core 21 of the rotating unit 2 is unlocked, the block 211 will be retracted and not engaged with the lock hole 144 of the lock core seat 14. (This is a is conventional disengaging technique, and doesn't be described hereinafter.) The rotating rod 23 of the rotating unit 2 is pushed outward within the outer sleeve 15 by the elasticity of the resilient member 172. The second engaging block 41 of the second engaging member 4 on the rotating rod 23 is stopped by the first engaging member 3 secured to the screw 17 so the rotating rod 23 will not be pushed out. The rotating unit 2 retreats from the lock core seat 14, and the pull section 22 retreats from the recess 141 of the lock core seat 14.

The pull section 22 is rotated to turn the rotating rod 23 which brings the second engaging block 41 of the second engaging member 4 to mesh with and drive the first engaging block 31 of the first engaging member 3 to rotate, as shown in Figure 7. The screw 17 is driven to rotate. The first engaging member 3 on the screw 17 is stopped by the pin 143 in the second pin hole 151 of the outer sleeve 15 and the first pin hole 142 of the lock core seat 14, so the screw 17 is rotated without moving the connecting rod 16 connected with the screw 17 rearward. The threaded section 162 is rotated and moved with respect to the screw 17. The connecting section 161 of the connecting rod 16 brings the movable rod 13 on the pivot section 12 of the clamp body 1 to turn, thus the movable rod 13 is opened to a desired position with respect to the clamp body 1. The positioning section 11 of the clamp body 1 is fitted onto a bolt BI provided on an outer side of a wheel B, as shown in Figure 8. The pull section 22 of the rotating unit 2 is rotated in the reverse direction. The threaded section 162 is also rotated in the reverse direction with respect to the screw 17 until the rack portion 131 of the movable rod 13 engages with an inner edge of the wheel B. Finally, the rotating unit 2 is pushed in the lock 20 core seat 14, and the rotating rod 23 is to compress the resilient member 172 again. The lock core 21 is locked, which brings the block 211 to extend end engage with the lock hole 144 of the lock core seat 14. The rotating unit 2 will not disengage from the lock core seat 14.

The second engaging block 41 of the second engaging member 4 doesn't mesh with the first engaging block 31 of the first engaging member 3.

Thus, the clamp body 1 is secured to the wheel B, providing a burglar-proof effect.

Figure 9 shows a second embodiment of the locking system, which is substantially similar to the aforesaid first embodiment with the exceptions described hereinafter. The clamp body 1 is provided with a protecting board 5, enhancing the burglar-proof effect. Figures 10 and 11 show a third embodiment of the locking system, which is substantially similar to the aforesaid first embodiment with the exceptions described hereinafter. A rotating rod 23 of a rotating unit 2A has a through hole 24A. A second engaging member 4A is in the form of a pin having two second engaging blocks 41A at two ends thereof. The second engaging member 4A is inserted through the through hole 24A of the rotating rod 23A. When the second engaging blocks 41A are turned, they will mesh with a first engaging block 31A for bearing more meshing force, avoiding deformation or break.

Figures 12 and 13 show a fourth embodiment of the locking system, which is substantially similar to the aforesaid first embodiment with the exceptions described hereinafter. A shield member 62 is disposed next to a positioning section 61 of a clamp body 6. The clamp body 6 has a first threaded hole 63 and the shield member 62 has a second threaded hole 65. A fastening member 64 in the form of a screw is screwed into the second threaded hole 65 and the first threaded hole 63 for securing the shield member 62 to the clamp body 6. When the positioning section 61 of the clamp body 6 is fitted on the bolt Bi of the wheel B, the shield member 62 will block the bolt Bi of the wheel B, preventing it from damage.

Figure 14 shows a fifth embodiment of the locking system, which is substantially similar to the aforesaid first embodiment with the exceptions described hereinafter. A protecting member 72 is provided on a movable rod 7 at a connecting portion of the movable rod 7 and a pivot section 71. The protecting member 72 is made of rubber material in a wrinkled square shape.

The movable rod 7 has engaging notches 73 for insertion of wrinkled ends 74 of the protecting member 72, preventing the protecting member 72 from disengagement. The protecting member 72 provides waterproof and dustproof effects.

Figures 16 and 17 show a further embodiment of the locking system, in which the lock core 21 is located separately from the rotating unit 2. The locking system of these Figures still functions in the same manner as the previous embodiments, in that the unlocking of the lock core 21 will allow the rotating unit 2 to move away from the clamp body (not shown in this Figure) and thereby allow rotation of the rotating unit 2 using the pull section 22.

Figure 16 shows the locked configuration of the rotating unit 2. The block 211 extends into the lock hole 144 and this prevents the rotating unit 2 from being pushed outwards by the resilient member (not shown). The rotating rod 23 is being pushed outwards by the resilient member, which is housed within the screw 17.

When the key 10 is turned in the lock core 21, this will unlock the lock core 21, thereby unlocking the rotating unit 2. The block 211 is retracted from the lock hole 144 and the rotating rod 23 of the rotating unit 2 is pushed outwards by the resilient member. This unlocked configuration can be seen in Figure 17. The rotating unit 2 retreats from the clamp body and the pull section 22 can be rotated to turn the rotating rod 23. In this way the locking system can be operated in its unlocked configuration.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A locking system comprising: o a clamp body (1) comprising a lock core seat (14), o a rotating unit (2) comprising a pull section (22) and a rotating rod (23), the rotating unit (2) inserted into the lock core seat (14), o a resilient member (172), the rotating rod (23) being pushed outwards by the resilient member (172), and o a block (211) for extending in a lock hole (144), which ensures io that the rotating unit (2) will not disengage from the lock core seat (14), wherein, when the rotating unit (2) is unlocked, the block (211) will be retracted and not engaged with the lock hole (144), the rotating rod (23) of the rotating unit (2) will be pushed outwards by the resilient is member (172), the rotating unit (2) retreats from the lock core seat (14) and the pull section (22) can be rotated to turn the rotating rod (23).
2. A locking system according to claim 1, wherein the clamp body (1) further comprises a recess (141) close to one end of the lock core seat (14).
3. A locking system according to claim 2, wherein the pull section (22) corresponds in shape to the recess (141).
4. A locking system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the recess (141) is disposed at one side or two opposite sides of the lock core seat (14).
5. A locking system according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotating rod (23) compresses the resilient member (172).
6. A locking system according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotating unit (2) comprises a lock core (21) at one end thereof, the lock core (21) comprising the block (211) thereon.
7. A locking system according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer end of the lock core seat (14) is formed with the lock hole (144).
8. A locking system according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock core seat (14) is provided at a middle section of the clamp body (1).
9. A locking system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.