TWI386172B - Locking device - Google Patents

Description

Locking device

The present invention relates to a snap-on locking device for releasing two components and holding the two components together from the outside, comprising: at least one clamping member; at least one movable arm; and at least one spring; At least one movable arm is rotatably coupled to said at least one clamping member and directly or indirectly coupled to a first member of said two members.

US, A, 2 829 912 discloses a joint bolt for luggage. Each of the engagement bolts or locking devices has a clamping member, a movable arm and a spring. The springs are not configured in a direction that urges the clamping member away from the baggage and, therefore, inadvertently locks or jams in the unlocked position.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a snap-fit locking device that facilitates locking and unlocking and that is easy to use in an unlocked state so that the locking device does not inadvertently get caught in a locked or half-locked state. A second object of the present invention is to provide a snap-fit locking device having fewer components than the conventional type of locking device. A third object of the present invention is to provide a snap-fit locking device that is simple in construction and therefore cost-effective to manufacture.

Accordingly, the present invention has a snap-locking device primarily for releasing two components and holding the two components together from the outside, and comprising: at least one clamping member; at least one movable arm; and at least one spring; The at least one movable arm is rotatably coupled to the at least one clamping member and is directly or indirectly coupled to a first member of the two members. The at least one spring abuts against the at least one clamping member to urge the clamping member in a direction away from the two members.

The at least one spring abuts against a first side of the at least one clamping component facing the two components.

The at least one movable arm is rotatable relative to the at least one clamping member about a first fixed rotational axis and rotatable relative to the first member about a second rotational axis. The at least one movable arm is rotatably or fixedly coupled to the at least one fixed arm, which is then rotatably or fixedly coupled to the first component. The at least one fixed arm can be a component of the locking device. The at least one fixed arm can be part of the first component. The at least one fixed arm can be integrally formed with the first component.

The at least one spring may include at least one anchoring spring leg extending from a second axis of rotation into the first component and/or in an additional component mounted in the first component a recess, slot or the like for preventing rotation of the at least one spring about the second axis of rotation in this manner, the at least one movable arm being mountable about the second axis of rotation relative to The first component rotates.

The at least one spring may be fitted with at least two push spring legs that extend from the second rotational axis at an angle relative to each other to a first side of the two components that abut against the at least one clamping member So that the at least one first push spring foot of the at least two push spring legs can rotate the at least one clamping member about the second rotational axis in a first direction, and the at least one of the at least two push spring legs Pushing the spring leg to rotate the at least one clamping member about the second axis of rotation in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction and generating when the locking device is in the unlocked position A state of balance. In the equilibrium state, the at least one clamping component is in a free position at a distance from the two components. A main plane of extension of the at least one clamping member is substantially parallel to a major extent of the at least one clamping member in the locked position when in the unlocked position.

Each of the two movable arms is rotatably coupled to the at least one clamping member and directly or indirectly coupled to the first member, wherein the arms and a first axis of rotation The coincident first shaft and a second shaft overlapping the second rotating shaft form a unit for moving together, wherein each shaft extends between the arms and joins the arms, wherein In the unlocked position, the first shaft can abut against at least one of the at least one first and a second push spring foot.

The at least one spring may abut against a first side of the two members on a spring side of one of the planes, at an angle of less than a major right angle with the at least one clamping member A primary extension plane intersects and simultaneously passes and is primarily parallel to a second axis of rotation, the at least one movable arm being disposed about the second axis of rotation for rotation to the first component, and vice versa, wherein At least one first arm of the at least one movable arm is abuttable against at least one pleat on the first side of the arm side of the plane in the unlocked position, wherein the spring side and the arm The sides are on different sides of the plane.

The at least one second arm of the at least one movable arm can abut the at least one spring when in the unlocked position, wherein the at least one clamping member is located at a free position at a distance from the two members. In the unlocked position, the primary plane of extension of the at least one clamping member extends substantially parallel to the main extent of the at least one clamping member when in the locked position.

The at least one movable arm is rotatable relative to the at least one clamping member about a first axis of rotation and shaped such that it simultaneously forms a first portion that at least partially coincides with the first axis of rotation a shaft, and a second shaft at least partially coincident with the second rotating shaft, wherein a first end of the at least one movable arm can be mounted in a bearing in a recess, thereby Cooperating with a first flange of the at least one clamping member, a second end of the at least one movable arm can be mounted in a bearing in the recess, so that the at least one clamping member can be fitted And a portion of the at least one movable arm that is mounted between the second flange and the intermediate portion thereof is mounted in a bearing in the recess, and thus can fit in the first component, and/or An additional component that is attached to the first component.

A first embodiment of the locking device has the same appearance and functionality as shown in Figures 1-5. The locking device is mounted on a first component 1 (e.g., a bottom member 1 that is a box), and the locking device includes a clamping member 11, two movable arms 12, and two springs 14. The clamping member 11 is rotatably coupled to each of the movable arms 12 (and vice versa), and each movable arm 12 is then rotatably coupled to the same fixed arm 13 . The fixed arm 13 is coupled to the first member 1. The springs 14 hold the clamping member 11 at a distance from the first member 1 and a second member 2 in an unlocked state, such as a cover member 2 on a box.

The movable arm 12 is rotatable about a first rotating shaft 16 which is coincident with a shaft 16 which is coupled to the clamping member 11 and is rotatable about a second rotating shaft 17 Rotating, the second axis of rotation 17 is coincident with a shaft 17, which is associated with the fixed arm 13 and thereby simultaneously associated with the first component 1. Each spring 14 has two push spring legs 14a, 14b, that is, a total of four push spring legs that extend at an angle relative to each other in pairs, such as from the second axis of rotation 17 A first side 11a of the clamping member 11 (i.e., the side of the clamping member 11 facing the first and second members 1, 2) extends. One of the two push spring legs 14a, 14b of each spring 14 first urges the spring leg 14a such that the clamping member 11 rotates about the second axis of rotation 17 in a first direction, and the two push springs of each spring a second push spring leg 14b of the foot 14a, 14b causes the clamping member 11 to rotate about the second axis of rotation 17 in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the direction of the first direction, and It can provide a fact that an equilibrium state can be achieved when the locking device is in the unlocked position.

The main mutually parallel arms 12 together with the first and second shafts 16, 17 which are mainly parallel to each other constitute a unit and move together. Each of the shafts 16, 17 at a distance from each other extends between and is coupled to the arms 12 and intersects the arms 12 at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. In the unlocked position, the shaft 16 abuts against a push spring leg 14b of each pair of push spring legs 14a, 14b (i.e., each spring 14) by the action of a spring generated by the spring foot as described above. The action is like an anchor when the entire locking device is unlocked. In this anchoring position, a major plane of extension of the clamping member 11 extends primarily parallel to a major plane of extension of the clamping member 11 in the locked position of the locking device.

By the fact that each spring 14 includes an anchoring spring leg 14c at the same time, it is possible to avoid the rotation of each actuating spring 14 about the shaft 17 during operation of the locking device and/or when stored, the anchoring spring foot 14c Extending from the shaft 17 into a recess of the first component 1 is described.

Each spring 14 is ingeniously formed integrally in a metal wire or the like, which has been formed in a first end to show the spring leg 14a abutting the side 11a of the clamping member 11, So as to extend from the shaft 17 therewith and at least one turn around the shaft 17 to extend further down into the recess in the first part 1 and to form an anchor spring there a loop in the leg 14c and extending back to the shaft 17 and at least one turn about the shaft 17 for further angled toward the side 11a of the clamping member 11 at an angle relative to the spring leg 14a Extending to terminate in the form of the spring leg 14b abutting against the side surface 11a. The two springs 14 are mounted at each end of the shaft 17, and the angle between the two push spring legs 14a, 14b of each spring 14 is on the same plane as the anchor spring legs 14c of the same spring 14, This plane is mainly perpendicular to the direction in which each of the shafts 16, 17 extends.

A second embodiment of the locking device has the geometry and function as shown in Figures 6 through 17, wherein Figures 15 and 16 show only the clamping member 11, and Figure 17 shows only other components. Only one movable arm 12 is shown here, which is formed in such a manner that it can be independently imparted with the same operational capabilities as the two arms and the two shafts of the first embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the movable arm 12 is rotatable about a first rotating shaft 16 associated with the clamping member 11, and is configured to simultaneously form a first shaft 16 and a second shaft 17 Forming, the first shaft 16 at least partially coincides with the first rotating shaft 16; the second shaft 17 at least partially coincides with the second rotating shaft 17. A first end of the movable arm 12 is mounted in a bearing in a recess, and thus can be fitted into a first flange 20 in the clamping member 11, while the A second end of the moving arm 12 is mounted in a bearing in a recess and is therefore engageable in a second flange 21 in the clamping member 11. A portion of the movable arm 12 formed therebetween is mounted in a bearing in a recess so as to fit in an arm or in a projection coupled to the first member 1 Out of the section 13.

Only one spring 14 is shown that abuts against the first side 11a of a spring side of a plane that intersects a major extension plane of the clamping member 11 at an angle less than a major right angle, and At the same time, it passes and is mainly parallel to the second axis of rotation 17 . a first leg 12a of the movable arm 12 abuts at least one pleat 18 on the first side 11a of one arm side of the plane in the unlocked position, the spring The sides and the side of the arms are on different sides of the plane. A second arm 12b of the movable arm 12 abuts against the spring 14 when in the unlocked position, and the clamping member 11 is freely spaced from the two parts 1, 2 position. In this anchoring position, a major plane of extension of the clamping member 11 extends primarily parallel to one of the main extension planes of the clamping member 11 of the locking device in the locked position.

Each spring 14 is manufactured in one piece integrally formed of a metal wire or the like, which has been manufactured at a first end from the projection 13 that is coupled to the first member 1 A dedicated recess 19 begins to extend therefrom to the outside of the recess 19, and then extends toward and around the shaft 17 to further extend in the direction of the side 11a of the clamping member 11 The side surface 11a is then abutted further along the side surface 11a in a direction substantially parallel to the main direction of extension of the shaft 17, from which it further goes toward the shaft 17 and around The shaft 17 extends to extend further in the direction of the recess 19 in the projection 13 and terminates in the recess 19 in the form of a second end. The portion of the spring 14 between the shaft 17 and the clamping member 11 can be regarded as a spring that pushes the spring leg 14a between the shaft 17 and the groove 19 in the projection 13. The portion of 14 can be viewed as an anchoring spring leg 14c which can thereby prevent the entire spring 14 from rotating about the shaft 17.

When the upper lock closure is subsequently included, a front/upper portion of the clamping member 11 can be pushed over a pleat 15 present on the second member 2, see Figure 4, and then by the clip A rear/lower portion of the tight member 11 is pressed against the first member 1, and the locking device locks the second member 2 and the first member 1 together, see FIG. The front/upper portion of the clamping member 11 is mounted with a third flange 22 which is particularly suitable for the purpose, the main extension plane of which is formed at the same main angle as the main plane of extension of the clamping member 11 The angle formed by a major extension plane of a specially adapted recess 23 in the pleat 15 in the unlocked state and the locked state. For example, it can be seen from Figure 7 that the angle can vary between approximately 0° and approximately 90°, in this embodiment approximately 45°. When the lock is unlocked, the rear/lower portion of the clamping member 11 can be retracted from the first member 1, see Fig. 4, after which the front/upper portion of the clamping member 11 can be removed from the presence. The pleats 15 on the two parts 2 are removed, see Figure 3.

The locking device is particularly suitable for a plastic tool case with two locking devices, but many other fields of application, such as most conventional boxes, boxes, drawers, fittings, and various architectural elements, etc., apply to the locking. Device. The number of locking devices per application object can vary, for example, it is conceivable that a box can have one or more locking devices. The distance between the devices that produce the locking effect and their arrangement on the box (or the like) can vary simultaneously.

The components included in the locking device are preferably made of metal, but other suitable materials (e.g., various plastic forms of materials) may also be used. Combinations of different materials are also possible, for example, a clamping member 11 made of plastic can be used in conjunction with a movable arm 12 and a spring 14 made of metal. At the same time, it is also possible to combine different materials in one and the same component.

The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown herein, but variations thereof are within the scope of the appended claims.

1. . . First part

2. . . Second part

11. . . Clamping part

11a. . . First side

12. . . Movable arm

12a. . . First arm

12b. . . Second arm

13. . . Fixed arm, protruding

14. . . spring

14a, 14b. . . Push spring foot

14c. . . Anchoring spring foot

15. . . Pleated portion

16. . . First rotating shaft, shaft

17. . . Second rotating shaft, shaft

18. . . Pleated portion

19. . . Groove

20. . . First flange

twenty one. . . Second flange

twenty two. . . Third flange

twenty three. . . Recess

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a left side elevational view of a first embodiment of a locking device in a locked state in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the locking device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the locking device of Figure 1 in an unlocked state.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the left side portion of the locking device in the half-locked state of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view showing the left side of the locking device in the locked state of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a right side cross-sectional perspective view showing a second embodiment of the locking device in the locked state in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a right sectional view showing the locking device in the locked state of Fig. 6.

8 and 9 are perspective views showing the right side of the locking device in the locked state of Fig. 6.

Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are perspective views showing the right side of the lock device of Fig. 6 in an unlocked state.

Figure 12 is a left side perspective view of the locking device of Figure 6 in an unlocked state.

Figure 13 is a perspective view, partly in section, of the locking device of Figure 6 in an unlocked state.

Figure 14 is a left side perspective view of the locking device of Figure 6 in a locked state.

Figure 15 is a top right perspective view of a component of the locking device of Figure 6.

Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the lower right side of the member in accordance with Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a right side perspective view of the components of the locking device of Figure 6.

1. . . First part

2. . . Second part

11. . . Clamping part

16. . . First rotating shaft, shaft

Claims (18)

A snap-type locking device for releasing two components and holding the two components (1, 2) together mainly from the outside, comprising: at least one clamping component (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22); At least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b); and at least one spring (14, 14a, 14b, 14c); the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) being rotatably coupled to the at least a clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) and directly or indirectly connected to a first component (1) of the two components (1, 2), the at least one spring ( 14, 14a, 14b, 14c) abutting the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) to urge the clamping member in a direction away from the two members (1, 2) The at least one spring (14, 14a, 14b, 14c) includes at least one anchoring spring leg (14c) extending from a rotating shaft (17), the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) mounted about the axis of rotation for rotation relative to the first component (1) and mounted to the first component (1) and/or mounted to the first component (1) Additional parts in ( ) In a recess, slot or the like, in order to prevent the at least one spring (14, 14a, 14b, 14c) from rotating about the axis of rotation (17) in this manner. The locking device of claim 1, wherein the rotating shaft (17) is a second rotating shaft (17). The locking device of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring (14, 14a, 14b, 14c) abuts against the face of the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) A first side (11a) of the two parts (1, 2). The locking device of claim 1, wherein the at least one The movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) is rotatable relative to the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) about a first axis of rotation (16). The locking device of claim 2, wherein the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) is relative to the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) Rotating around a first axis of rotation (16). The locking device of claim 3, wherein the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) is relative to the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) Rotating around a first axis of rotation (16). The locking device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) is rotatably or fixedly coupled to the at least one fixed arm (13) The at least one fixed arm (13) is also rotatably or fixedly coupled to the first component (1). The locking device of claim 7, wherein the at least one fixed arm (13) is part of the locking device. The locking device of claim 7, wherein the at least one fixed arm (13) is part of the first component (1). The locking device of claim 9, wherein the at least one fixed arm (13) is integrally formed with the first component (1). The locking device of claim 2, wherein the at least one spring (14, 14a, 14b, 14c) is mounted with at least two push spring legs (14a, 14b) that are at an angle relative to each other a second rotating shaft (17) extending to a first side (11a) of the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) facing the two members (1, 2) So that at least one of the first push spring legs (14a) of the at least two push spring legs (14a, 14b) causes the at least one The clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) rotates about the second rotation axis (17) in a first direction, and at least a second of the at least two push spring legs (14a, 14b) Pushing the spring leg (14b) to rotate the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) about the second axis of rotation (17) in a second direction, the second direction The first direction is reversed and an equilibrium state can be achieved when the locking device is in the unlocked position. The locking device of claim 11, wherein in the equilibrium state, the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) is at a distance from the two components (1, 2) A free position for a distance. The locking device of claim 12, wherein a main extension plane of the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) in the unlocked position is substantially parallel to the at least one of the locking positions A main extension plane of a clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) extends. A locking device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein each of the two movable arms (12, 12a, 12b) is rotatably coupled to the at least one Clamping members (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22), and directly or indirectly coupled to the first member (1), the arms (12, 12a, 12b) and one and one A first shaft (16) coincident with a rotating shaft (16) and a second shaft (17) coincident with the second rotating shaft (17) constitute a unit for moving together, each shaft (16, 17) extending between the arms (12, 12a, 12b) and joining them, the first shaft (16) in the unlocked position abutting against the at least one first and a second pushing spring foot ( At least one of 14a, 14b). The locking device of claim 1, wherein the at least a spring (14, 14a, 14b, 14c) abutting against the two parts (1, 2) of the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) on one of the spring sides of a plane a first side (11a) intersecting a major extension plane of the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) at an angle less than a major right angle and passing simultaneously And mainly parallel to a second axis of rotation (17), the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) being mounted about the second axis of rotation (17) for rotation in the first component (1) And vice versa, at least one first arm leg (12a) of the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) abuts the first side of the arm side of the plane in the unlocked position ( At least one pleat (18) on 11a), the spring side and the side of the arm being different sides of the plane. The locking device of claim 15, wherein at least one second arm (12b) of the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) abuts against the at least one spring when in the unlocked position (14, 14a, 14b, 14c), the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) is at a free position a distance from the two members (1, 2). The locking device of claim 16, wherein the main extension plane of the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) in the unlocked position is substantially parallel to the at least the locking position. The main extension plane of a clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) extends. The locking device of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) is relative to the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) rotates around a first axis of rotation (16) and is shaped such that it can simultaneously form at least a portion a first shaft (16) coincident with the first rotating shaft (16), and a second shaft (17) at least partially overlapping the second rotating shaft (17), the at least one movable branch A first end of the arm (12, 12a, 12b) is mounted in a bearing in a recess so that it can be fitted to one of the at least one clamping member (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) In the first flange (20), a second end of the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) is mounted in a bearing in the recess, and thus can be fitted to the at least one clamping component ( a second flange (21) of 11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22), and a portion of the at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) formed therebetween The bearing in a recess can thus fit in the first component (1) and/or in an additional component (13) that is coupled to the first component (1).