JP2021014778A - latch - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a latch that operates normally under high load and vibration environments.SOLUTION: The latch includes: a housing assembly 102 provided with a housing hole; a shaft part assembly 101 inserted in the housing hole; and a cam assembly inserted between the housing assembly and the shaft part assembly. An inner wall of the housing assembly is provided with a first groove, the cam assembly is provided with a second groove, and a projection of the shaft part assembly slides in the first groove and the second groove at the same time. The first groove includes a circumferential portion extending along the circumferential direction of the housing assembly, an axial portion extending along the first axial direction of the housing assembly, and a curved portion moving in an arc shape between the circumferential portion of the first groove and the axial portion of the first groove. The second groove includes a circumferential portion extending along the circumferential direction of the housing assembly, and an inclined portion extending along the second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction from the circumferential portion of the second groove.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to latches, and in particular to latches that can operate and self-block in high load environments.

A latch is a general mechanical device for locking one article to or unlocking one article from the other article. The latch may be designed to accept only the access of a given user, that is, only the user with the corresponding unlocking tool can access and unlock or lock the latch, an unauthorized user. Can be prevented from accessing the latch.

In some application environments, the latch operates in a high load or vibrating environment. For example, each moving part of the latch has a high load and can generate a large amount of frictional resistance against each other, and thus can be caught and difficult to lock and unlock normally. Due to the vibrating environment, the moving parts of the latch can generate relative movements with each other, which can cause the latch in the locked state to unlock unexpectedly.

In such a situation, there is a demand for a latch specially designed so that it can operate normally in a high load environment in which high frictional resistance is unlikely to occur between moving parts. Further demand is for latches that are specially designed to have a self-locking function to maintain the lock in a vibrating environment.

The present invention provides a latch, which can at least partially solve the above problems.

According to the present invention, the latch is configured to fix the first article to the second article, the latch including a housing assembly, a shaft assembly, and a cam assembly. , Fixedly attached to the first article, formed in a tubular shape, limited in axial and radial directions, and provided with a housing hole penetrating along the axial direction, the housing hole being axially With a first end and a second end facing each other along, the shaft assembly is at least partially inserted into the housing hole of the housing assembly and projects from the first end to the shaft assembly. An annular gap is formed between the housing assembly and the shaft assembly, which is rotatable about the axial direction and movable in the axial direction in the housing assembly, whereby the latch can be moved. A lock position in which the shaft assembly abuts on the second article to lock the first article to the second article, and the shaft assembly separates from the second article to form the first article and the second article. Positioned at the unlocked position to unlock between, the cam assembly is at least partially inserted into the annular gap between the housing assembly and the shaft assembly and axially within the annular gap. It is rotatable around. The inner wall of the housing assembly is provided with a first groove, and the portion of the cam assembly inserted between the housing assembly and the shaft assembly is provided with a second groove, and the shaft assembly is provided with a second groove. When a protrusion extending along the radial direction is provided, the protrusion is slidably housed in a first groove and a second groove, and the shaft assembly and the cam assembly rotate and move with respect to the housing assembly, respectively. , The protrusions can slide into the first groove and the second groove, the first groove is substantially L-shaped, and the circumferential portion extending along the circumferential direction of the housing assembly and the housing assembly. It is provided with an axial portion extending along the first axial direction of the first groove and a curved portion transitioning in an arc shape between the circumferential portion of the first groove and the axial portion of the first groove. The second groove has a substantially arc shape and extends in the circumferential direction along the circumferential direction of the housing assembly and in the second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction from the circumferential part of the second groove. It comprises an inclined portion extending along it, and the circumferential extending range of the circumferential portion is at least 15 °.

In one embodiment, the first groove includes a first end formed by the ends of the axial portion and a second end formed by the ends of the circumferential portion, the second groove being inclined. If the shaft assembly is located in the unlocked position, including the first end formed by the ends of the portions and the second end formed by the ends of the circumferential portion, the protrusions of the shaft assembly will be the first. When the shaft assembly is located at the second end of the groove 1 and the first end of the second groove and the shaft assembly is located at the locked position, the protrusions of the shaft assembly are the first end of the first groove and It is located at the second end of the second groove.

In one embodiment, the axial length of the first groove and the axial length of the second groove are substantially equal.

In one embodiment, the inclined portion of the second groove includes an axial portion extending along the second axial direction of the housing assembly at one end away from the circumferential portion of the second groove.

In one embodiment, the axial length of the curved portion of the first groove is equal to or greater than the axial length of the axial portion of the second groove.

In one embodiment, when the shaft assembly is located at the transition position between the unlocked position and the locked position, the protrusions of the shaft assembly are on the curved portion of the first groove and the axial portion of the second groove. To position.

In one embodiment, the housing assembly comprises two first grooves that are axially symmetrical and the cam assembly has two second grooves that are axially symmetrical and axial. The partial assembly comprises two protrusions protruding on both sides facing each other in the radial direction, and one of the two protrusions slides on one of the two first grooves and one of the two second grooves. The other of the two protrusions slides into the other of the two first grooves and the other of the two second grooves.

In one embodiment, an elastic portion is provided between the shaft assembly and the cam assembly so as to urge the shaft assembly in a direction protruding from the first end of the housing assembly.

In one embodiment, the second groove extends along the circumferential direction and along the second axial direction from the end of the circumferential portion of the second groove so as to prevent the protrusions from moving back. Including inclined parts.

In one embodiment, the outer surface of the cam assembly is provided with alignment holes so that the alignment holes drive the rotation of the cam assembly so that the unlocking tool unlocks the inside of the cam assembly along the orientation holes by the alignment holes. If the unlocking tool is away from the cam assembly along a predetermined direction and the latch is in the locked position, the protrusion of the shaft assembly will allow access to or away from the functional part. It is located in the circumferential part of the second groove.

In one embodiment, the upper surface of the cam assembly is provided with a visible identification portion for indicating the locking or unlocking position of the latch.

Examples of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

It is a front view of the latch of this invention. It is a top view of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective view of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective view of the lock release tool of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective view of the lock release operation part of the lock release tool of the latch of this invention. It is a top view of the unlocking operation part of the lock unlocking tool of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective exploded view of the latch of this invention. It is a side view of the Paul of the latch of this invention. It is a top view of the Paul of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective view of the Paul of the latch of this invention. It is a side view of the housing of the latch of this invention. It is a top view of the housing of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective view of the housing of the latch of this invention. It is a side view of the shaft of the latch of this invention. It is a top view of the shaft of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective view of the shaft of the latch of this invention. It is a front view of the sleeve of the latch of this invention. It is a side view of the sleeve of the latch of this invention. It is a top view of the sleeve of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective view of the sleeve of the latch of this invention. It is a front view of the cam of the latch of this invention. It is a side view of the cam of the latch of this invention. It is a top view of the cam of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective view of the cam of the latch of this invention. It is a front view of the cap of the latch of this invention. It is a side view of the cap of the latch of this invention. It is a top view of the cap of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective view of the cap of the latch of this invention. It is a front view of the bush of the latch of this invention. It is a top view of the bush of the latch of this invention. It is a bottom view of the bush of the latch of this invention. It is a perspective view of the bush of the latch of this invention. It is a side view of the washer of the latch of this invention. It is a top view of the washer of the latch of this invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a latch, a first article, and a second article of the present invention, where the latch is in a locked state. It is a side view which shows the latch of this invention, the 1st article, and the 2nd article, in which the latch is in a locked state. FIG. 12B is a diagram in which the housing, the first article, and the second article are removed so as to correspond to FIG. 12B and clearly show the inside of the latch. It is sectional drawing which follows the AA line of FIG. 12A. It is a detailed enlarged view of FIG. 12D. It is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 12C. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a latch of the invention, a first article, and a second article, where the latch is in an intermediate state. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a latch, a first article, and a second article of the invention, where the latch is in an intermediate state. It is a figure which corresponds to FIG. 13B, and has removed the housing, the first article, and the second article so as to clearly show the inside of the latch. It is sectional drawing which follows the line BB of FIG. 13A. It is a detailed enlarged view of FIG. 13D. It is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 13C. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a latch, a first article, and a second article of the present invention, in which the latch is in an unlocked state. It is a side view which shows the latch of this invention, the 1st article, and the 2nd article, in which the latch is in an unlocked state. FIG. 14B is a diagram in which the housing, the first article, and the second article are removed so as to correspond to FIG. 14B and clearly show the inside of the latch. It is sectional drawing which follows the CC line of FIG. 14A. It is a detailed enlarged view of FIG. 14D. It is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 14C. It is a developed view which shows the shape of a cam groove. It is a developed view which shows the shape of a sleeve groove. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mutual positional relationship between a sleeve groove, a cam groove, and a pin in the process of unlocking and locking a latch. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mutual positional relationship between a sleeve groove, a cam groove, and a pin in the process of unlocking and locking a latch. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mutual positional relationship between a sleeve groove, a cam groove, and a pin in the process of unlocking and locking a latch. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mutual positional relationship between a sleeve groove, a cam groove, and a pin in the process of unlocking and locking a latch. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mutual positional relationship between a sleeve groove, a cam groove, and a pin in the process of unlocking and locking a latch.

Although the present invention is described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention should not be limited to the details shown. Specifically, various changes can be made to these details as long as they do not deviate from the present invention within the scope of the claims.

The description of directions such as "front", "rear", "up", and "down" according to the present specification is for ease of understanding, and the present invention is not limited to these directions. It can be adjusted according to the situation of.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing an exemplary latch 100 according to the technical proposal of the present invention. 2A-2C are diagrams showing an exemplary unlocking tool 200 according to the technical proposal of the present invention. The latch 100 is configured to secure the first article 300 to the second article 400. The unlock tool 200 operates the latch 100 to position the latch 100 in the locked position or the unlocked position.

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the unlocking tool 200 includes a lever 210 and an unlocking operation unit 230. The unlocking operation unit 230 has a specific shape corresponding to the unlocking function unit 161 so as to easily access and operate the unlocking function unit 161 of the latch 100, and the details will be described later. The lever 210 is for providing greater torque so that the user can operate the latch 100 in a high load environment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the latch 100 includes a poul 110, a shaft 120, a pin 124, a housing 130, a sleeve 140, a cam 150, a cap 160, a bush 170, and a first shaft positioning nut 181. Includes a second shaft positioning nut 182, a rivet 183, a housing positioning nut 184, a washer 185, an O-ring 186, a seal 187, a spring 189, an O-ring 191 and a holding ring 192.

Based on the mounting relationships between the parts of the latch 100, the latch 100 includes a shaft assembly 101 that includes a paw 110, a shaft 120, and a pin 124, and a housing assembly 102 that includes a housing 130, a sleeve 140, and a bush 170. , The cam assembly 103, which includes the cam 150 and the cap 160, may be included. Other details of the latch 100 will be described later.

Shaft assembly 101 First, the shaft assembly 101 will be described with reference to the drawings. The shaft assembly 101 includes a Paul 110 and a shaft 120. 4A to 4C are a side view, a plan view, and a perspective view of Paul 110 of the latch of the present invention, respectively. 6A to 6C are a side view, a plan view, and a perspective view of the shaft 120 of the latch of the present invention, respectively.

Hereinafter, the specific structure of the shaft 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C. The shaft 120 is at least partially mounted within the housing 130. The shaft 120 extends along the longitudinal axis of the housing 130. The shaft 120 is rotatably attached to the housing 130 about a vertical axis. As shown in the figure, the shaft 120 may be circular so that the shaft 120 can rotate in the housing 130 without being disturbed.

The shaft 120 is movably attached to the housing 130 in the axial direction. The shaft 120 includes a pin hole 123, which extends radially and penetrates the body of the shaft 120. The shape of the pin hole 123 is formed so as to accommodate the pin 124 penetrating the shaft 120, which will be described in detail later.

The shaft 120 has a shaft screw 121 on the outer circumference of one end thereof, and is fixed to the Paul 110 by a first shaft positioning nut 181 and a second shaft positioning nut 182. When the shaft 120 is fixed to the Paul 110, the angles formed by the two are substantially right angles. However, one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the angle formed by the shaft 120 and the Paul 110 may be another angle to suit the specific application environment, which does not deviate from the scope of the present invention. is there.

Hereinafter, the specific structure of the Paul 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C. The Paul 110 is a component for bringing the latch 100 into contact with the second article 400. As shown in the figure, the poul 110 is a block-shaped component having a flat surface, and the poul 110 is provided with a plurality of through holes including a shaft positioning hole 111 and a rivet hole 112.

The shaft positioning hole 111 has a shape corresponding to the shaft key portion 121 of the shaft 120. When the shaft 120 is inserted into the shaft positioning hole 111 of the Paul 110, the Paul 110 engages with the shaft 110 in a relative non-rotatable manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the Paul 110 is fixedly connected to one end of the shaft 120 by a first shaft positioning nut 181 and a second shaft positioning nut 182. A washer can be added between the second shaft positioning nut 182 and the Paul 110 to properly secure the Paul 110 to the shaft 120.

The rivet hole 112 is for receiving the rivet 183. Depending on the actual application, for example, depending on the thickness of the second article 400, the rivet 183 may be positioned in different positions, whereby the rivet 183 may be positioned when the latch 100 is in the locked position. It abuts on the second article 400 to create the desired pressure between the latch 100 and the second article 400.

Paul 110 may move between the locked position and the unlocked position. The Paul 110 moves between the lock position and the unlock position due to the rotation of the shaft 120 and the movement in the axial direction. In the locked position, the Paul 110 engages with the second article 400 and secures the first article 300 to the second article 400. At the unlocked position, Paul 110 separates from the second article 400 and allows the first article 300 to move relative to the second article 400.

The pin 124 extends outward along the radial direction of the shaft 120 with respect to the longitudinal or axial direction of the housing 130. The pin 124 is inserted into the pin hole 123 formed in the shaft 120 and is received by the first groove 141 and the second groove 151. As a result, the shaft 120 is restricted to rotation or axial movement in the path limited by the engagement of the pin 124 with the first groove 141 and the second groove 151, which will be described in detail later.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pin 124 is a pillar extending in the radial direction of the shaft 120 and penetrating the pin hole 123 of the shaft 120. The length of the column is long enough to form opposite pins along the radial direction on either side of the shaft 120.

In the above embodiment, each part of the shaft assembly 101 has been described as being assembled together by a method such as screw and nut, insertion and mounting, but each part of the shaft assembly 101 is assembled by a method such as welding. They may be assembled together or formed as a single piece.

Housing Assembly 102 The housing assembly 102 will be described below with reference to the drawings. The housing assembly 102 includes a housing 130, a sleeve 140, and a bush 170. 5A to 5C are a side view, a plan view, and a perspective view of the housing of the latch of the present invention, respectively. 7A to 7D are a front view, a side view, a plan view, and a perspective view of the latch sleeve of the present invention, respectively.

The housing 130 houses the parts of the latch 100. The housing 130 is configured to engage the first article 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 130 comprises a body portion, the body portion having dimensions that can be mounted within the through hole of the first article 300. The housing 130 further includes a flange 131 extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the body portion. The dimensions of the flange 131 are set so that the flange 131 contacts the inner or outer surface of the first article 300 when the body portion of the housing 130 is received in the through hole of the first article 300.

In one embodiment, the housing 130 is engaged with the first article 300 by a housing positioning nut 184. The housing positioning nut 184 is screwed into a housing screw 132 formed on the outer surface of the main body portion so that the first article 300 is clamped between the flange 131 and the housing positioning nut 184. A washer 185 may be added between the first article 300 and the housing positioning nut 184 to form a suitable fixation of the latch 100 to the first article 300. Also, a seal 187 is added between the first article 300 and the flange 131 of the housing 130 to prevent external components such as liquids or dust from entering the chamber. A housing positioning nut 184 is used in the chamber to secure the latch 100 to the first article 300, which advantageously prevents the latch 100 from being tampered with from the first article 300.

Alternatively or additionally, the housing 130 may engage the first article 300 by any other method, the other method being, for example, penetrating the first article 300 of the body portion. Includes friction or screw mounting in the holes, or bonding the flange 131 to the surface of the first article 300. Fasteners such as screws and brackets, for example, may be used in a particular mounting arrangement. Further, part or all of the housing 130 may form an integral part with the first article 300.

The body portion of the housing 130 extends along the longitudinal axis to limit the axial direction of the housing 130. As shown in the figure, the vertical axis usually extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first article 300. However, as will be understood from the description of the present specification, the vertical axis may extend at an inclination angle with respect to the first article 300, and the direction of the vertical axis may be extended to this. Not limited.

The body portion of the housing 130 has a housing hole 135 therein, the housing hole 135 extending along the longitudinal axis. As described below, the housing hole 135 has dimensions capable of accommodating the components of the latch 100. As shown in FIG. 5C, the housing hole 135 further includes a housing notch 136. The housing notch 136 is installed on the inner wall of the housing. The housing notch 136 is for receiving the bush key 171. By engaging the housing notch 136 with the bush key 171 the housing 130 prevents the bush 170 from rotating clockwise, i.e. the housing 130 engages the bush 170 in a relative non-rotatable manner, which is described in more detail below. Explain to.

The sleeve 140 is positioned in a housing hole 135 that is interposed between the housing 130 and the shaft 120. Therefore, the sleeve 140 limits the hole and the shaft 120 is positioned in the hole.

The sleeve 140 is mounted within the housing 130 so as to prevent the sleeve 140 from rotating with respect to the housing 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 140 includes one or more sleeve keys 142 positioned to engage the housing notch 136 in the housing 130. The sleeve key 142 and the housing notch 136 may be fasteners, protrusions, grooves or any other anti-rotation structure known to those of skill in the art in the areas described herein.

The sleeve 140 has a pair of first grooves 141. The dimensions of the first groove 141 are such that the pin 124 is accepted in the first groove 141 and allows the pin 124 to move axially and / or circumferentially along each first groove 141. Set. In an exemplary embodiment, the first groove 141 is substantially L-shaped and has an axial portion 141a extending along the axial direction of the housing assembly 101 and a circumferential direction extending along the circumferential direction of the housing. Includes a portion 141c and a curved portion 141b that transitions in an arc between the axial portion 141a and the circumferential portion 141c. The end of the axial portion 141a of the first groove 141 is formed with the first end 141d of the first groove 141, and the end of the circumferential portion 141c of the first groove 141 is the end of the first groove 141. The second end 141e of is formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the first end 141d and the second end 141e of the first groove 141 are separated by about 90 ° in the circumferential direction, and the first end 141d is more than the second end 141e. The unlocking tool 200 is closer to the position where it accesses the latch 100, and the second end 141e is closer to the position where the shaft 120 projects from the housing 130 than the first end 141d. During the opening and closing operation of the latch 100, the first groove 141 guides the movement of the shaft 120 in the housing, which will be described in more detail below.

The bush 170 is mounted in the housing hole 135 of the housing 130. The bush 170 is fixedly fitted to the housing 130. The bush 170 includes an upper surface and a cylindrical side wall extending downward from the upper surface. As shown in FIG. 10D, the bush 170 includes an alignment hole 173 on its upper surface. The alignment hole 173 overlaps with the unlock function portion 161 of the cap 160. Therefore, the alignment hole 173 provides access to the unlocking function unit 161 and the drive surface 123 so that the latch 100 can be opened and closed.

In one embodiment, the variant hole 173 forms two axially opposed openings to allow the unlocking tool 200 to access and leave the latch 100 along two specific angles. You may. For example, the unlocking tool enters the latch 100 through one opening of the deformed hole 173 so as to access the unlocking function of the cap 160, rotates the cap 160 by 180 ° in the circumferential direction, and then rotates the cap 160 in the circumferential direction. The other opening exits the latch 100. As a result, if the cap 160 needs to be rotated 180 ° to lock or unlock the latch 100, the unlock tool 200 can only leave the latch 100 after the latch 100 is completely locked or unlocked. , Prevents the unlocking tool 200 from being unintentionally removed when the latch 100 cannot be completely locked or unlocked.

The bush 170 further includes a bush key 171. The bush key 171 is formed by a portion of the upper surface of the bush facing the housing 130. The bush key 171 fits into the flange notch 134 of the housing 130 to prevent relative rotation between the bush 170 and the housing 130.

It is possible to prevent the bush 170 from moving in the axial direction with respect to the housing 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner wall of the housing 130 includes an annular groove and the bush 170 includes a bush groove 172. The retention ring 192 is positioned in the groove and bush groove 172 on the inner wall of the housing 130 to prevent the bush 170 from moving axially out of the housing hole 135. The retention ring 192 may be formed into a complete ring or a ring with an opening.

In the above embodiment, each part of the housing assembly 102 has been described as being assembled together by a passing key and a notch for drawing, but each part of the housing assembly 102 is assembled together by a method such as welding. It may be formed as a single piece.

The cam assembly 103 is described with reference to the cam assembly drawing, the cam assembly 103 includes a cam 150, a cap 160, and a bush 170. 8A to 8D are a front view, a side view, a plan view and a perspective view of the latch cam of the present invention, respectively, and FIGS. 9A to 9D are a front view, a side view and a plan view of the latch cap of the present invention, respectively. 10A to 10D are a front view, a plan view, a bottom view, and a perspective view of the bush of the latch of the present invention, respectively.

The cam 150 is positioned within the sleeve 140 that is interposed between the sleeve 140 and the shaft 120. The cam 150 is mounted in the sleeve 140 so as to rotate about a longitudinal axis with respect to the sleeve 140. In particular, the cam 150 is rotatably attached with the cap 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the cam 150 includes one or more cam keys 151 positioned to fit into the cap notch 162 on the underside of the cap 160. The cam key 151 and cap notch 162 may be fasteners, protrusions, grooves or any other anti-rotation structure known to those of skill in the art in the areas described herein.

The cam 150 has a pair of second grooves 151. The dimensions of the second groove 151 allow the pin 124 to be accepted in the second groove 151 and to move axially and / or circumferentially along each second groove 151. Set. The second groove 151 has a substantially arc shape, and has an axial portion 151a extending along the axial direction of the housing assembly 101, a circumferential portion 151c extending along the circumferential direction of the housing assembly 101, and an axial portion. An inclined portion 151b that shifts to an inclination is provided between the 151a and the circumferential portion 151c. The end of the axial portion 151a of the second groove 151 is formed with the first end 151d of the second groove 151, and the end of the circumferential portion 151c of the second groove 151 is the second groove 151. The second end 151e of is formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the first end 151d and the second end 151e of the second groove 151 are separated by 180 ° in the circumferential direction, and the first end 151d is more axial than the second end 151e. The 120 is closer to the position where it protrudes from the housing 130, and the second end 151e is closer to the position where the unlocking tool 200 accesses the latch 100 than the first end 151d. During the opening / closing operation of the latch 100, the first groove 141 and the second groove 151 guide the movement of the shaft 120 in the housing 130, which will be described in more detail below.

Although the cam 150 has been described as a component separated from the cap 160, the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, all or part of the cam 150 may be formed integrally with the giving cap 160 or may be formed integrally. Such a structure may be desirable so as to further minimize the overall protrusion of the latch 100.

Further, although the cam 150 has been described as being positioned in the sleeve 140, the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cam 150 may be positioned outside the sleeve 140 such that the sleeve 140 is interposed between the cam 150 and the shaft 120, which does not deviate from the scope of the present invention. In such an embodiment, the sleeve 140 may be keyed to the cap 160, or may be formed integrally with the cap 160, and the cam 150 may be keyed to the housing 130. It may be formed integrally with the housing 130, which does not deviate from the scope of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the sleeve 140 includes a pair of diametrically opposed first grooves 141 on both sides, and the cam 150 includes a pair of diametrically opposed second grooves 151 on both sides. Therefore, although the present specification relates to a pair of a first groove 141, a second groove 151, and a pin 124 to describe the operation of the latch 100, those skilled in the art will appreciate one if it does not deviate from the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that two or more corresponding grooves and pins can be used.

The cap 160 is mounted in the housing hole 135 of the housing 130. Since the cap 160 is not fixed to the housing 130, it can rotate about the vertical axis with respect to the housing 130. As shown in FIG. 9D, the cap 160 includes at least one unlocking function portion 161 at its upper end. The unlock function unit 161 extends along the vertical axis and forms a drive surface for rotating the cap 160. When the cap 160 is mounted within the housing 130, the drive surface of the unlock function unit 161 is accessible so that the user can drive or rotate the cap 160, for example, using the unlock tool 200. The unlock function unit 161 may be formed so as to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the unlock tool 200. In this case, the cap 160 does not easily rotate with respect to the housing 130 if there is no corresponding key to engage the drive surface of the unlocking function unit 161.

In one embodiment, a cap seal groove 163 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cap 160 and the housing 130 and the cap 160 are formed so as to prevent an external component of liquid or dust from entering the inside of the main body portion. A seal such as an O-ring 191 may be added between the two.

In one embodiment, the identification portion 164 may be formed on the upper surface of the cap 160. As shown in the figure, the identification unit 164 is formed at the center of the unlock function unit 161. However, the identification unit 164 may be formed at another position, for example, on one side of the unlock function unit. It is formed. The identification unit 164 provides the user with a visual presentation so that the user can easily understand that the latch 100 is in the locked or unlocked position. In one embodiment, the identification unit 164 may have a color to more advantageously provide a visual presentation, eg, both ends of the identification unit 164 are painted in different colors.

Further, the spring 189 urges the shaft 120 downward and presses the pin 124 positioned on the shaft 120 against the lower edge of the cam groove 151 of the cam 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring 189 is a compression spring positioned between the underside of the cap 160 and the shaft 120. The spring may include one or more parts such as a compression spring, a wave spring, a bell bill washer, an elastic spring and / or a conical spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper end of the spring 189 is placed in the groove below the cap 160 and the lower end of the spring 189 is in the shaft 120 so as to reduce or further reduce the overall altitude of the cap 160. Installed in the ditch.

Operation of Latch 100 An exemplary operation of the latch 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12A-14F. In some drawings, the first article 300, the second article 400 and the housing 130 are not shown to better show the function of the parts of the latch 100. Although the exemplary operation indicates a counterclockwise rotation of the cap, the operation described herein may be performed alternative as a clockwise rotation of the cap.

12A-12F show the latch 100 in the locked position. As shown in the figure, at this time, the user does not select the cap 160 by the unlocking tool 200, the pin 124 is the first end 141d of the first groove 141 and the second end of the second groove 151. It is located at 151e.

The alignment hole 173 of the bush 170 is aligned with the unlocking function portion 161 of the cap 160 so as to allow the unlocking tool 200 to be inserted into the unlocking function portion 161.

In this staircase, in order to open the latch 100, the user inserts the unlocking tool 200 through the alignment hole 173 into the unlocking function unit 161 and starts rotating the unlocking tool 200. Rotate the cap 160 to allow the cap 160 to move relative to the bush 170 and housing 130, but not the bush 170. Rotating the cap 160 still causes, for example, the corresponding rotation of the cam 150 by the cam key 151 and the cap notch 162. When the cam 150 rotates, the arcuate second groove 151 of the cam 150 applies a force to the pin 124 along the axial and circumferential directions. The axial portion 141a of the L-shaped first groove 141 allows the pin 124 to move along the axial direction and prevents the pin 124 from moving along the circumferential direction. As a result, rotation of the cap 160 and cam 150 from the locked position causes the pin 124 and the corresponding shaft 120 to move only axially away from the cap 160 (under the urgency of the spring 189). Axial movement of the shaft 120 causes Paul 110 to move downward in the axial direction and away from the second article 400. The axial movement of the pin 124 continues until the pin 124 reaches the curved portion 141b of the L-shaped first groove 141.

13A-13F show the latch 100 at an intermediate position between the unlocked position and the locked position. At that position, the cap 160 has already rotated about 80 ° from the locked position. Further rotation of the cap 160 then causes the pin 124 to move along the curved portion 141b of the first groove 141, which causes the shaft 120 to simultaneously rotate in the circumferential direction and along the axial direction. Thus projecting from the housing 130, the Paul 110 continues to move away from the second article 400 and soon begins to rotate. At this time, the unlock tool 200 is held in the latch 100 until the latch 100 reaches the unlock position, and prevents the unlock tool 200 from being removed.

14A-14F show the latch 100 in the unlocked position. At that position, the cap 160 has already rotated about 180 ° from the locked position. The pin 124 has reached the second end 141e of the first groove 141 and the first end 151d of the second groove 151, and the pin 124 or shaft 120 has already rotated about 90 ° and I can't keep spinning. At that position, Paul 110 is already fully rotated and does not engage the second article 400. The rotation distance between the completely unlocked position and the completely locked position may be any desired distance.

As can be seen from the above sequence, the closing operation of the latch 100 operates in a similar reverse manner. From the unlocked position of the latch 100, the unlocking tool 200 can be rotated to rotate the cap 160. Along with the rotation of the cap 160, it causes the corresponding circumferential rotation and axial movement of the shaft 120, the pin 124 and the poul 110 (ie, the shaft assembly 101), eventually causing the latch 100 to reach the locked position. ..

Shapes of First Groove and Second Groove Hereinafter, specific shapes of the first groove 141 and the second groove 151 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a developed view showing the shape of the second groove 151, and FIG. 16 is a developed view showing the shape of the first groove 141.

As shown in FIG. 16, the axial portion 141a, the curved portion 141b, and the circumferential portion 141c of the first groove 141 form a substantially L-shaped contour of the first groove 141. The curved portion 141b is formed with a large radius of curvature to facilitate smooth sliding of the pin 124 within the first groove 141.

In one embodiment, the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved portion 141b of the first groove 141 to the length of the axial portion 141a of the first groove 141 is 1: 3 or more, or preferably 1: 2. It is .5 or more, or preferably 1: 2 or more.

In one embodiment, the range in which the curved portion 141b of the first groove 141 extends in the circumferential direction is 20 ° or more, or preferably 30 ° or more, or preferably 35 ° or more. Yes, or 40 ° or more.

In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the curved portion 141b of the first groove 141 is equal to or greater than the groove width of the axial portion 141a of the first groove 141 and the inclined portion 151b of the second groove 151.

As shown in FIG. 15, the axial portion 151a, the inclined portion 151b, and the circumferential portion 151c of the second groove 151 form a substantially arc-shaped contour of the second groove 151. In one embodiment, the range in which the inclined portion 151b of the second groove 151 extends in the circumferential direction is at least 60 °, or preferably at least 65 °, or preferably at least 70 °. Yes, or preferably at least 75 °, or preferably at least 80 °. As a result, the inclined portion 151b extending in the inclination occupies a larger extending range, so that the pin 124 can slide more smoothly in the second groove 151.

In one embodiment, the circumferential portion 151c of the second groove 151 occupies an extension range of about 24 ° in the circumferential direction. As a result, when the latch 100 is in the locked position, the pin 124 is located at the second end 151e of the second groove 151. Due to the extensional range occupied by the circumferential portion 151c in the circumferential direction, the pin 124 is easily separated from the circumferential portion 151c when subjected to external disturbances such as vibration, thus favoring unintended unlocking of the latch 100. It can be avoided. In one embodiment, the circumferential portion 151c extends in the circumferential direction at least 15 °, or preferably at least 20 °, or preferably at least 25 °.

In one embodiment, the second groove 151 further includes an inverted inclined portion, and the inverted inclined portion further includes a circumferential extending direction (for example, the right direction in FIG. 15) of the circumferential portion 151c of the second groove 151. ), And along the direction opposite to the axial extending direction of the inclined portion 151b of the second groove 151 (for example, the downward direction in FIG. 15), extends from the circumferential portion 151c of the second groove 151. However, this provides a self-blocking function and prevents the pin 124 from moving back to some extent.

17A to 17E show the positional relationship between the pin 124, the first groove 141, and the second groove 151 in the process of unlocking and locking the latch 100. Here, FIG. 17A corresponds to the lock position, FIGS. 17B to 17D correspond to an intermediate position between the lock position and the unlock position, and FIG. 17E corresponds to the unlock position.

In the locked state shown in FIG. 17A, the pins 124 are located at the second end 151e of the second groove 151 and the first end 141d of the first groove 141 (FIG. 17A). In the unlocking process, the user rotates the cam 150 with the unlocking tool 200 to move the second groove (cam groove) 151 to the right side shown in the figure, and drives the pin 124 to drive the pin. The 124 is moved into the second groove 151 and the first groove 141. Specifically, first, from the position shown in FIG. 17A, the pin 124 moves to the circumferential portion 151c of the second groove 151 and at the same time stays at the first end 141d of the first groove 141, and then the pin. 124 moves to the inclined portion 151b of the second groove 151 and at the same time moves to the axial portion 141a of the first groove 140 (FIGS. 17B to 17C). After that, the pin 124 moves to the circumferential portion 151c of the second groove 151 and at the same time moves to the curved portion 141b of the first groove 141 (FIGS. 17C to 17D). After that, the pin 124 stays at the second end 151e of the second groove 151 and at the same time moves to the circumferential portion 141c of the first groove 141. Finally, the pin 124 reaches the first end 151d of the second groove 151 and the second end 141e of the first groove 141 (FIG. 17E).

It is easily understood that the process from the unlocked state to the locked state of the latch 100 is the reverse of the above process, that is, the pin 124 moves in the order of FIGS. 17E to 17A.

As can be seen from the figure, due to the special curved design of the first groove 141 and the second groove 151, the pin 124 does not have a locking point that is easily caught in the entire sliding process. As a result, even when the latch 100 operates with a large load and the pin 124 receives a large pressure, the pin 124 can smoothly slide in the first groove 141 and the second groove 151.

In particular, in the process from the unlocked state to the locked state of the latch 100, that is, in the process of FIGS. 17E to 17A, the user drives the pin 124 by the second groove 151 of the cam 150 to sleeve the pin 124. When reaching the curved portion 141b of the first groove 141 of the 140 (FIGS. 17D and 17C), the pin 124 is provided with the facing side wall of the first groove 141 and the second groove 151 due to the guiding action of the curved portion 141b. It is possible to smoothly ascend to the axial portion (vertical portion) of the second groove 152 without being pinched by and difficult to continue moving.

Also, when the latch 100 has a manufacturing intersection, the structure of the latch 100 of the present invention is advantageous to ensure that it is locked in place. For example, the unlocking tool 200 is defined to have to rotate a predetermined angle between accessing the latch 100 and leaving the latch 100, eg, the orientation of the bush 170 shown in FIGS. 10B-10D. Hole 173 is defined to have to rotate at a predetermined angle of 180 °. However, if each part of the latch 100 has a certain manufacturing tolerance (eg, a manufacturing tolerance of up to 10 °), after the unlocking tool 200 has rotated a predetermined angle, the pin 124 will be the first. It may not reach the ends of the groove 141 and the second groove 151. In particular, during the locking process, the pin 124 may not reach the second end 151e of the second groove 151 after the unlocking tool 200 has rotated a predetermined angle.

The special design of the present invention ensures that the latch 100 is successfully locked in place if the pin 124 is unable to reach the second end 151e of the second groove 151 during the locking process. Can be done. The reason is that, as described above, the circumferential extension range of the circumferential portion 151c of the second groove 151 is at least 15 °, or preferably at least 20 °, preferably at least 25 °. Therefore, even if the pin 124 cannot reach the second end 151e of the second groove 151, the pin 124 is received by the circumferential portion 151c of the second groove 151 and is received by the second groove 151. This is because it is difficult to slip in the unlocking direction along the inclined portion 151b of the groove 151.

As described above, the present invention provides a latch that can be operated by a user with a manual tool with a large load, and the latch has an advantage that it is hard to be caught. Further, the cell lock of the latch of the present invention can prevent the latch from being unexpectedly unlocked in the vibration environment of the latch, and allows the latch to operate in the vibration environment of high strength. In addition, the latch of the present invention can prevent the unlocking tool from being unexpectedly released when it is not completely locked or completely unlocked.

Although preferred examples have been presented and described herein, it should be understood that these examples are shown by way of example only. One of ordinary skill in the art will come up with many modifications, modifications, and replacements without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include all such modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention.

100 Latch 101 Shaft assembly 110 Paul 111 Shaft positioning hole 112 Rivet hole 120 Shaft 121 Shaft screw 122 Shaft cut surface 123 Pin hole 124 Pin 102 Housing assembly 130 Housing 131 Flange 132 Housing screw 133 Housing cut surface 134 Flange notch 135 Housing hole 136 Housing notch 140 Sleeve 141 Sleeve groove (first groove)
141a Axial part 141b Curved part 141c Circumferential part 141d First end 141e Second end 142 Sleeve key 170 Bush 171 Bush key 172 Bush groove 173 Orientation hole 103 Cam assembly 150 Cam 151 Cam groove (second groove)
151a Axial part 151b Inclined part 151c Circumferential part 151d First end 151e Second end 152 Cam key 160 Cap 161 Unlock function part 162 Cap notch 163 Cap seal groove 164 Identification part 181 First shaft positioning nut 182 First 2 shaft positioning nut 183 rivet 184 housing positioning nut 185 washer 186 O-ring 187 seal 189 spring 191 O-ring 192 holding ring 200 unlocking tool 210 lever 230 unlocking operation unit 300 first article 400 second article

Claims (11)

A latch configured to secure the first article to the second article.
The latch includes a housing assembly, a shaft assembly, and a cam assembly.
The housing assembly is fixedly attached to the first article, has a tubular shape, limits the axial and radial directions, and has a housing hole that penetrates along the axial direction. The hole comprises a first end and a second end facing each other along the axial direction.
The shaft assembly is at least partially inserted into the housing hole of the housing assembly and protrudes from the first end to form an annular gap between the shaft assembly and the housing assembly. The shaft assembly is rotatable about the axial direction in the housing assembly and is movable in the axial direction, whereby the latch can be moved by the shaft assembly to the second article. Between the lock position where the first article is locked to the second article and the shaft assembly is separated from the second article and between the first article and the second article. Positioned at the unlocked position to unlock
The cam assembly is at least partially inserted in the annular gap between the housing assembly and the shaft assembly and in a latch that is rotatable about the axial direction in the annular gap.
A first groove is provided on the inner wall of the housing assembly, and a second groove is provided on a portion of the cam assembly that is inserted between the housing assembly and the shaft assembly. The portion assembly includes protrusions extending along its radial direction, the protrusions being slidably housed in the first groove and the second groove, and the shaft assembly and the cam assembly are said to be slidable. When rotating and moving with respect to the housing assembly, respectively, the protrusions can slide into the first groove and the second groove.
The first groove is substantially L-shaped, and includes a circumferential portion extending along the circumferential direction of the housing assembly, an axial portion extending along the first axial direction of the housing assembly, and the like. A curved portion that transitions in an arc shape between the circumferential portion of the first groove and the axial portion of the first groove is provided.
The second groove has a substantially arc shape, and has a circumferential portion extending along the circumferential direction of the housing assembly and a second groove opposite to the first axial direction from the circumferential portion of the second groove. A latch comprising an inclined portion extending along the axial direction of 2 and having an extending range in the circumferential direction of the circumferential portion being at least 15 °. The first groove includes a first end formed by the ends of the axial portion and a second end formed by the ends of the circumferential portion, and the second groove is the end of the inclined portion. Includes a first end formed by and a second end formed by the ends of the circumferential portion.
When the shaft assembly is located at the unlocked position, the protrusions of the shaft assembly are located at the second end of the first groove and the first end of the second groove.
When the shaft assembly is located at the locked position, the protrusions of the shaft assembly are located at the first end of the first groove and the second end of the second groove. The latch according to claim 1. The latch according to claim 1, wherein the axial length of the first groove and the axial length of the second groove are substantially equal to each other. The inclined portion of the second groove is characterized by including an axial portion extending along the second axial direction of the housing assembly at one end away from the circumferential portion of the second groove. The latch according to claim 1. The latch according to claim 4, wherein the axial length of the curved portion of the first groove is equal to or greater than the axial length of the axial portion of the second groove. When the shaft assembly is located at a transition position between the unlocked position and the locked position, the protrusions of the shaft assembly are the curved portion of the first groove and the axial portion of the second groove. The latch according to claim 4, wherein the latch is located at. The housing assembly comprises two said first grooves that are centrally symmetrical with respect to the axial direction.
The cam assembly comprises two said second grooves that are centrally symmetrical with respect to the axial direction.
The shaft assembly comprises two such protrusions that project on both sides of the shaft that face each other in the radial direction.
One of the two protrusions slides into one of the two first grooves and one of the two second grooves, the other of the two protrusions is the other of the two first grooves and The latch according to claim 1, wherein the latch slides on the other of the two second grooves. A claim characterized in that an elastic portion is provided between the shaft portion assembly and the cam assembly so as to urge the shaft portion assembly in a direction protruding from a first end portion of the housing assembly. Item 1. The latch according to item 1. The second groove extends along the circumferential direction and extends from the end of the circumferential portion of the second groove along the second axial direction so as to prevent the protrusion from moving back. The latch according to claim 1, wherein the latch includes an inclined portion. The outer surface of the cam assembly is provided with an alignment hole, and the unlocking tool unlocks the inside of the cam assembly along a predetermined direction by the alignment hole so that the alignment hole drives the rotation of the cam assembly. Allow access to or away from the unlocking function
When the unlocking tool is separated from the cam assembly along the predetermined direction and the latch is located in the locked position, the protrusion of the shaft assembly is located in the circumferential portion of the second groove. The latch according to claim 1. The latch according to claim 1, wherein a visible identification unit for instructing a lock position or an unlock position of the latch is provided on the upper surface of the cam assembly.