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Description  |
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The invention relates to an apparatus for detachably connecting two parts;
namely a locking pin, and a receiving part for receiving the locking pin
when moved in an inserting direction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For the purpose of the invention, parts are components which are to be
connected to one another and then completely detached from one another
again. They include, for example, doors and door frames, couplings of
hoses, ropes, rods, etc., equipment or the like to be fastened to walls,
or wall panels, coverings, etc.
Similar apparatuses have been disclosed in a very wide range of variants,
for example, as a truck or hood closure, or as connecting elements for two
components provided with flush orifices, as described in, for example,
German Offenlegungsschrift 3511070. In all these known systems, one-hand
operation is possible only during closing of the apparatus, but at least a
second sequence of movements is required for detaching, such as pulling on
an opening lever in the case of the vehicle, or pressing a peg or the like
(cf. the German Offenlegungsschrift).
It is true that there are also known apparatuses or furniture fittings
which are equipped with a toggle lever mechanism and thus permit the
opening and closing of doors merely by the application of pressure. These
apparatuses, however, are relatively complicated to produce and have a
large number of components.
Moreover, overextending the toggle lever results in some cases in a loud
snapping noise which may be found unpleasant, for example, in the bedroom
area.
Snap-closures having a spring-loaded locking element are also known, for
example, ball catches which, although simple to operate in both
directions, scarcely offer any more resistance in the opening direction
than in the closing direction. The features of the relevant apparatus in
the prior art are described most clearly in U.S. Pat. No. 3,039,802. Two
spring lips formed as a single piece with a receiver project from the
receiver at an angle to one another and lock the displacement part. During
the unlocking process they are spread apart by the unlocking part, so that
withdrawal of the displacement part and hence unlocking are possible. The
spring lips are bent at their connection points to the base part. Thus,
bending takes place at this point and, with frequent use, this may lead to
weakening of the material and consequently even to fracture. In the locked
stage--when the locking pins are subjected to tension--these connection
points are likewise subjected to a load.
Finally, the free ends of the spring lips shear both against the
displacement part and against the unlocking sleeve, with the result that
material wear and undesirable abrasion may occur.
The force of the lock is difficult to adjust, since strengthening of the
material simultaneously results in greater spring force and makes locking
and unlocking more difficult. Further problems may arise from the leaf
spring construction which opposes the locking pin. In order to possess
sufficient springiness, these leaf springs must in fact be relatively long
and therefore bulky. The total space requirement for the known apparatus
is thus considerable, so that it is scarcely suitable for use in, for
example, furniture construction. Furthermore, the leaf springs fastened on
one side exert a lateral pressure on the locking pin, which may lead to
jamming. Conversely, in the case of leaf springs for both sides, a locking
pin inserted slightly obliquely can result in lateral tilting of the leaf
springs through twisting, which then prevents them from acting in the
desired manner and may lead to undesirable locking between the leaf
springs and the displacement part. Locking of this type may only be
capable of being undone by destruction of the entire closure. Because of
their connection to the base part, it is furthermore impossible to replace
or adjust the known leaf springs alone. All these disadvantages have
obviously meant that the apparatus according to the US Patent has not
become established in practice.
OBJECT AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the invention to provide an apparatus which can be
produced in a simple, space-saving form with few components but
nevertheless permits reliable closing, firm locking and easy detachment,
can be operated with one hand and has a long life. Furthermore, the
disadvantages of the known apparatuses are to be avoided.
This object is achieved by an apparatus having:
A displacement part on one of the interconnecting parts having a first
displacer contour,
a spring-loaded lock on the other interconnecting part being moveable by
the displacement part from a locking position against its spring-load into
an unlocking position,
first spring means for biasing the spring-loaded lock into the locking
position,
second spring means acting against movement of the locking pin in the
inserting direction,
force adjusting means for adjusting the force of the second spring means,
first and second abutment means,
a sleeve-like unlocking part supported securely by the locking pin and
retained by the first abutment means in one direction along the locking
pin and the second abutment means in the opposite direction and having a
second displacer contour mounted so that it is moveable along the locking
pin, the minimum penetration depth of the locking pin into the receiving
part corresponding to the extension of the displacement part in the
direction of movement of the locking pin plus clearance and the depth of
the spring-loaded lock in the direction of movement of the locking pin.
According to the invention, the entire apparatus thus consists merely of
five components, a locking pin, a sleeve-like unlocking part, a
spring-loaded lock in the vertical position with respect to the locking
pin and a housing having a concentric spring whose force is directed
against the locking pin. The parts to be connected are fastened to the
locking pin or to the housing, so that the two can be connected to one
another. The invention thus provides an apparatus for detachable
connection which can be operated with one hand and is lockable and
detachable, the locking pin and the housing automatically moving a
distance apart during detachment. For example, a door automatically opens
a little after unlocking, as is also the case in known toggle lever
systems in furniture systems. The concentric arrangement of the spring
avoids oblique loads and thus does not interfere with the functioning of
the lock; hence, there is only slight wear of the material. The required
penetration depth is obtained from the alternative features in the
defining clause of claim 1, the second alternative being shorter overall
but less elegant in terms of operation. The inventive effect, however, in
the case of one-hand locking or opening is the same. Swivelling in the
plane at right angles causes less damage since the swivel joint has to
absorb only swivel forces and not locking or retaining forces.
For the purposes of the invention, the locking pin is preferably in the
form of a rotating part but the invention also embraces any other shapes
for various applications. All that is critical in the case of the locking
pin is the presence of a shaft having a certain length--as will be
explained below--for mounting the unlocking part or the lock. If the
unlocking part is mounted on the shaft, it too has a displacement part or
a displacer contour, which part or contour is capable of pressing the
lock--which in this case is mounted in the housing--into its opening
position during the closing process--in order thus to permit penetration
by the locking pin and, on the other hand, must be capable of being locked
with the lock if the latter has returned again to its locking position
under the action of the spring. If the lock is mounted on the shaft, the
displacement part can be dispensed with, although a tapered contour at its
end may facilitate locking. The force required for locking or unlocking is
independent of the retaining force of the lock. This is determined only by
the form of the lock itself. If the lock used is, for example, a catch,
the cross-section of the catch determines the retaining force of the lock.
The force required there for locking or unlocking is mainly determined by
the spring which presses the catch in the locking direction. This spring
can be as strong or as weak as desired without influencing the retaining
force.
For the purposes of the invention, spring-loaded locks are understood as
meaning all those individual components or components collected together
in groups, which are pressed by a spring in their locking direction
(vertically to the direction of movement of the locking pin) and which can
be pressed into an opening position by a displacer contour and then
automatically return again to their locking position. As mentioned above,
they can be mounted in the housing or on the locking pin.
For the purposes of the invention, sleeve-like unlocking parts are
understood as meaning all those components which are displaceably mounted,
in such a way that they cannot be lost, either on the outside of the shaft
of the locking pin or on the inside of the housing and have a displacer
contour for pushing the lock back into its opening position. In the
variant with the lock on the locking pin, the normal extension of this
displacer contour with respect to the direction of movement is at least as
large as, but preferably greater than, the displacer contour of the
locking pin.
Thus, the apparatuses according to the invention have three types of
movement:
penetration of the locking pin to the penetration depth behind the lock and
the resulting interlocking with the housing;
deeper penetration to the penetration depth of the housing against the
force of the spring and consequent opening or spreading apart of the lock
by the unlocking part or by the displacer contour of the unlocking part;
and
subsequent withdrawal of the locking pin--assisted by the force of the
spring--into the detached position, the lock--guided by the unlocking
part--being capable of sliding over its abutment on the locking pin or in
the housing.
The embodiments described include the following additional advantageous
features. One embodiment according to the invention is an apparatus having
the lock on the locking pin. This apparatus is chosen if the locking pin
is to be as small as possible and light-weight (for example, in tool
holders). The lock is held on the locking pin, and the unlocking part has
on its inner lateral surface a channel which is formed for interaction
with the lock. That edge of the housing which faces the locking pin in the
open position is beaded inward and forms the displacement part, so that
the remaining aperture is smaller than the diameter of the unlocking part
or than the width of the lock in the open state. The displacement part is
preferably undercut and has a recess for the displacer contour of the
unlocking part. The locking pin has at least a partially annular channel
or a hole for holding the lock, the lock being in the form of a spring
ring in the first case and, in the second case, in the form of at least
one spring-loaded catch having a loss prevention means.
The channel ensures that the lock carries the unlocking part as far as the
stop during withdrawal, i.e. as far as the displacement part (formed by
the inward-flanged housing edge). The connection between the lock and this
channel essentially corresponds to that of a conventional ball catch. An
annular groove on the locking pin permits the use of a relatively cheap
spring as a lock, which can also be easily replaced, while a hole with a
catch-like lock is advantageous, especially in a cylindrical locking pins.
The channel permits reliable locking and opening in all directions, even
with or against gravity.
The following features guarantee absolutely reliable detachment of the
apparatus as soon as the unlocking part has displaced the lock.
The extension of the unlocking part at right angles to the direction of
movement is greater than that of the displacement part, and the unlocking
part has an end surface which faces the displacement part of the locking
pin and has an undercut in which the displacement part of the locking pin
can be at least partially sunk.
The lock has, in the direction of movement, along its surface closest to
the axis of the locking pin, a length which, viewed in the longitudinal
direction of the locking pin, approximately corresponds to the length of
the displacer contour of the locking pin at its greatest extension.
The guide bevel, usually provided on the displacer contour of the locking
pin, automatically interacts with a bevelled entrance of the lock, so that
the locking pin is pushed out of the housing. Furthermore, the required
travel during unlocking is the minimum. In the embodiment with the lock on
the locking pin, during opening the lock interacts with a guide bevel,
formed as a displacer contour, on the outer housing edge which acts as a
displacement part.
Another object is important particularly in the field of child security of
doors: even when locks are present, children frequently acquire keys and
thus forbidden access. The object is to prevent this. The last-mentioned
object has been achieved for the first time in a simple manner by the
following features:
The force of the second spring means in the unlocking direction is
established by adjustable means, spring means, a plurality of springs and
blocking means.
Depending on the force which has to be overcome to detach the apparatus,
springs of corresponding strength can be provided. The adjustable or
replaceable springs permit constant adaptation to the prevailing
conditions (age of the children), whereas a blocking means permits
permanent locking. For the purposes of the invention, blocking means are
understood as being rigid components which are clamped parallel to the
spring or arranged at right angles to the direction of the movement of the
locking pin and can be made to engage the displacement part of the said
pin in order to prevent its movement or to prevent the lock from receding.
For the purposes of the invention, suitable springs are any springy
material, such as conventional coil springs or rubber springs.
The following features ensure that the spring can be easily replaced and
mounted in an uncomplicated manner:
The locking pin has, on its end facing away from the displacement part, a
thrust plate which projects the width of the unlocking part at right
angles to the direction of movement, and the second spring means is
arranged between the housing and the thrust plate in a locked state.
The following features define an optimally integrated solution, a
particularly simple constructional form and cheap spring material:
The second spring means is arranged on that side of the lock which faces
away from the unlocking pin in an unlocked state.
The following features permit simple and rapid adjustment of the initial
tension of the spring, so that this tension can be altered if required
(visit by other children, but, for example, reduction of the spring force
in the case of users convalescence, etc.):
The force adjustment means comprise a second abutment--which is adjustable
in the direction of movement preferably by turning an adjusting screw or
screw or an adjusting cam--and the screw can, if required, be operated
from the side on which the spring is located. These means are manually
displaceable against one end of the second spring means.
The following features represent various constructional variants which
likewise guarantee reliable unlocking and have an uncomplicated shape:
The lock is formed from a spring wire which is preferably round and is held
securely in a groove in the housing in such a way that it cannot be lost
and the unlocking part--which may be capable of being operated as desired
by a rod system--has, at its periphery, a channel for spring-actuated
interlocking with the lock.
The lock has, in the direction of movement, along its surface closest to
the axis of the locking pin, a length which approximately corresponds to
at least the distance between the greatest extensions of the displacer
contours--at closest approach of these contours.
The rods, which can be operated as desired, can be employed for any special
cases where detachment of the apparatus is not to be effected by pressure
applied directly to the locking pin.
The following feature represents an optimal constructional form for use in
furniture, since the apparatus occupies only a small amount of space:
The housing (in the locked state) is essentially concentric with respect to
the axis of the locking pin in the locked state.
The following features define a hose closure or connection in a hose or
pipe system as may be used, for example, in watering systems or in
hydraulic systems:
The locking pin has an axial hole and is connected to a hose or tube, and
the housing is connected to a second hose or tube, the spring being in the
form of a sealing ring.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is described in detail by means of examples and with
reference to diagrams.
FIG. 1 shows a lateral section through an apparatus according to the
invention, having a mushroom-shaped locking pin;
FIG. 2 shows a variant of this with separately controllable unlocking part;
FIG. 3 shows a variant with a hook-like locking pin and recessed unlocking
parts;
FIG. 4 shows an integral apparatus with spring force adjustment;
FIG. 5 shows three different spring variants for an apparatus according to
FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 shows a variant of an apparatus with adjustable spring force and
with a cam;
FIG. 7 shows a locking pin having an integral spring;
FIG. 8 shows a detail of FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 shows an apparatus according to the invention, for coupling two
ropes;
FIG. 10 shows an apparatus of the same type for coupling two hoses;
FIG. 11 shows a section along the line XI--XI through FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 shows a section through FIG. 9, along the line XII--XII;
FIG. 13 shows a suspension apparatus for a household appliance;
FIG. 14 shows a simple, leaf-like steel spring in the form of a lock;
FIGS. 15 and 16 show an article of furniture having the locking apparatus
according to the invention, in one case without a door, as an elevation,
and in the other case with a door, as a plan view;
FIG. 17 shows a section along the line XVII--XVII through FIG. 14;
FIG. 18 shows a door having another locking pin mounting;
FIG. 19 shows a schematically represented vehicle tail with mounted
apparatus for fastening a towing rope;
FIG. 20 shows an embodiment having a spring-braked unlocking part;
FIGS. 21 to 27 show embodiments having a spring as a lock;
FIGS. 28 and 29 show details of the receiver for a housing of an apparatus
according to the invention;
FIGS. 30 and 31 show an embodiment having a facility for adjustment of the
spring force from the locking part side;
FIG. 32 shows a lock having two retaining projections;
FIG. 33 shows an embodiment having a lock on the locking pin;
FIGS. 34 and 35 show details of this; and
FIG. 36 shows a variant having a catch-like lock on the locking pin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Identical parts are provided with an identical reference symbol, while
similar parts are provided with identical reference symbols and different
indices. The Figures are described generally and in relation to one
another.
The essential feature of the invention comprises a receiver part 1 and a
locking part 2, the latter having a locking pin 9 which, in accordance
with FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 13, 16, 18, 19 and 21 to 27, is
mushroom-shaped and has a cylindrical shft and a conically widening
displacement part 12 which corresponds to the cap of the mushroom and acts
as a catch against the direction of movement (arrow 57), as will be
described below.
The locking pin 9 according to FIGS. 33 to 36 is cylindrical and without a
mushroom cap, since it does not have to perform any displacement.
The locking pin 9a in FIGS. 3 and 8 is hook-shaped, the projecting part of
the hook forming the displacement part 12f. The displacement part 12g in
FIGS. 21 to 27 has, on its side which faces away from the receiving part
1, a recess 59 for partial acceptance of an unlocking part lid - f, while
the other displacement parts 12 possess, in this area, a flat end face in
a plane at about 90.degree. to the axis 6 of the locking pin 9.
The displacement part 12e according to FIG. 10 is likewise mushroom-shaped
but provided with a hole 14 axially in the center. All displacement parts
12 have a displacer contour 13 which is essentially in the form of a cone
envelope or bomb-shaped.
During connection of the parts, the displacer contour 13 serves firstly to
push back the lock 5, to push past it in the direction of movement (arrow
57) and then to interlock with it. The displacer contour 13e; f and the
displacement part 12; k are not located on the locking pin 9 but are
formed on the housing 2n; m. The relevant locks 5k and l are pressed
inward by the contours 13e and f, while the locks 5a-i are always pushed
outward by the contours 13a-d during locking.
Analogously to the locking pins 9, the locks 5 have a very wide range of
embodiments, which are esentially determined by the displacement processes
occurring during the locking operation and by the connecting forces to be
transmitted between the two parts. The most sturdy embodiment of the lock
is shown in FIG. 1, 2 and 9 and 12. In these cases, the lock 5a and 5b,
respectively, consists of three indentical elements which are in the form
of annular segments and which are centered by a spring or by a rubber ring
16 and are held pressed against the axis 6. As a result of the elasticity
of extension of the spring or of the rubber ring 16, the lock 5a and b can
thus be pressed apart radially and permit passage of the displacement part
12a or d. Once the broadest part (greatest extension at right angles to
the direction of movement) of the displacement part 12a or d has passed,
the lock 5a or b closes again due to the spring force of the rubber ring
16. Instead of three ring segments, it is of course also possible to
provide a plurality of ring segments or only two ring segments.
Where fewer forces have to be transmitted, simpler one-part locks 5c, as
shown in FIG. 3, 6 and 8 are also sufficient. In these cases, the lock 5c
is a component having a trapezoidal cross-section.
The locks 5d according to FIGS. 14 and 17 are simpler to produce by
nevertheless have good force transmission behavior. The locks 5d
essentially consist of an annular leaf spring which is in the form of a
single piece and has an inner star-shaped incision and in which the cut-in
segments 34 are bent at an angle to the plane of the leaf spring. The
segments 34 move back under spring force and thus permit passage of the
displacement part 12 in the direction of the movement. As soon as the said
displacement part has passed, they return to their starting position and
thus prevent opening of the apparatus. The lock 5d is produced as a
separate component and can be used in a very wide range of constructions.
Another lock 5e is shown in FIGS. 4, 10 and 11. The lock 5e consists of an
open conical spring ring which can be expanded by the displacer contour 13
and springs back to its starting position.
Compared with the locks 5 described previously, the locks 5d and e have the
advantage that they are spring-loaded without additional spring elements
and are simple to produce.
All variants of the lock 5 described so for have a bevelled entrance 7
which permits displacement of the lock during penetration of the
displacement part 12 in the locking direction or direction of movement.
The bevelled entrance 7 and the displacer contour 13 which consequently
interacts with it are selected so that the friction between the two
surfaces is minimal and self-locking is prevented.
Thee weakest embodiment of the lock 5h is obtained if the said lock is
formed from spring wire and provided for locking merely with two retaining
projections (69). However, such an embodiment, like the variants of the
locks 5f, g, i, k, which also consist of a bent spring wire, are the most
economical, especially since they are both self-locking and are themselves
springy. The bevelled entrance is formed by the generally circular
embodiment of the wire cross-section.
The third essential element of the invention is an unlocking part 11, which
is arranged, so that it can slide, on the outside 18 of the shaft of the
locking pin 9 or on the inner surface 71 of the housing 3m, n (FIGS.
33-36). The unlocking parts 11a, b and d to g corresponding to FIGS. 1; 4
or 2; 7; 9; 10 and 18 and 21 to 27 and 33 to 36 are cylindrical sleeves,
while the unlocking part 11c according to FIGS. 3 and 8 is a cubic element
having a hole for the shaft of the locking pin 9a. Like the displacement
part 12, all variants of the unlocking parts 11 have a displacer contour
17 which, in the simplest case corresponding to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9,
10, 16, 18, 19 and 36, consists of a rectangular interlock between that
end face of the unlocking part 11 which faces the displacement part 12 and
the outside of the said unlocking part.
The displacer contour 17a is preferably rounded, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8.
A sharp edge of the displacer contour 17 may be damaged during frequent
contact with the bevelled entrance 7. A rounded area reduces the friction
between the bevelled entrance 7 and the displacer contour 17 and thus
facilitates closing of the apparatus. Self-locking between the displacer
contour 17 and the bevelled entrance 7 is prevented.
In FIGS. 21 to 27 and 33 to 35, the displacer contours 17b; c are conically
inclined, similarly to those of the displacement part 12. The locking
parts 11d and e have a fin 62 adjacent to the displacer contour 17b or c
and, adjacent to this, have a channel 60 or 60b whose curvature preferably
corresponds to that of the wire of the lock 5g, h, or k. During unlocking,
the displacer contour 17b or c enters the recess 59 or 59a of the
displacement part 12g or i and, after passing the width of the fin 62 of
the lock 5g; h; k, enters the channel 60; 60b for a short time, so that,
during the final opening process, it moves rapidly, under slight initial
tension, over the fin 60 or over the gap between the displacement part
12g, i and the unlocking part 11d, e, g. This embodiment optimally takes
into account the spring properties of the lock 5g, h, k. A special
bevelled entrance is no longer necessary in this embodiment.
The unlocking part 11 is pressed against the bevelled entrance 7 of the
lock 5, independently of the closing pin 9c or 9e (FIG. 2 or FIG. 7,
respectively) or together with the locking pin 9, so that the said lock
moves radially outward until the region of the greatest extension at right
angles to the direction of movement of the unlocking part 11 or the
displacer contour 17 interlocks with the radially innermost surface 29
(FIG. 6) of the lock 5. In this position, the lock 5 is in its detached
position. The locking pin 9, which slides in the unlocking part 11, can be
with drawn until its displacement part 12 reaches that end face of the
unlocking part 11 which faces the said displacement part.
If the locking pin 9 is now pulled further outward, the displacement part
12 or the lock 5k; i (FIGS. 33-36) carries the unlocking part 11 with it.
In the embodiments according to FIGS. 1-32, the displacement part 12
unclamps he unlocking part 11 from the lock 5. In the variants according
to FIGS. 33-36, the displacement part 12i; k prevents removal of the
unlocking part 11g; h, and the lock 5k; l is unclamped from the part 11g;
h as soon as the unlocking part 11 has left the lock 5, or, conversely,
the displacement part 12 takes over the clamping force of the lock 5.
However, since he displacement part 12 has its conical or bomb-shaped
displacer contour 13, the lock 5, moving further toward the locking
position--slides toward the axis 6 and thus in turn pushes the
displacement part 12 and hence the locking pin 9 into the completely
detached position.
In order for this to function reliably, the extension (20) of the lock 5 in
the direction of movement (arrow 27 in FIG. 1) must correspond to no more
than the play 19 of the unlocking part 11 in the direction of movement,
with respect to the locking pin 9 (see FIG. 3).
Furthermore, the extension 30b of the lock 5 in the direction of movement
in its region closest to the locking pin 9 must not be smaller than the
minimum distance beteen the greatest extension (33 in FIG. 8) of the
displacer contour 17a or of he unlocking part 11c at right angles to the
direction of movement and the greatest extension (31b in FIG. 8) of the
displacer contour 13a or of the displacement part 12f at right angles to
the direction of movement.
Finally, it is of course necessary for the extension of the unlocking part
11 at right angles to the direction of movement to be at least as large as
the greatest extension of the displacement part 12 at right angles. In
FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 9 and 10, the unlocking parts 11 are shown with about the
same external diameter as the displacement parts 12, whereas the unlocking
part 11c according to FIGS. 3 and 8 has a slightly larger external
diameter than the displacement part 12f and, on its end surface 27 facing
the displacement part 12f, has an undercut 28 which is suitable for
partially receiving the displacement part 12f. This results in removal of
the locking pin 9a from its closed or locked position in an elegant manner
during unlockingg, by insertiong of the unlocking part 11c against the
bevelled entrance 7b of the lock 5c or after subsequent jamming of the
lock 5c against displacer contour 17a. In an embodiment of this type, the
lock 5c may be particularly narrow (viewed in the direction of movement of
the locking pin).
All variants have a spring, which is shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 to
18 and 23, 30, 31 and 36. the spring 10 offers spring resistance to
insertion of the locking pin 9 or at least to insertion of the unlocking
part 11.
FIGS. 1 and 18 show a spring 10b which is fastened to thrust plate 8 which
is mounted on the shaft of the locking pin 9d and projects radially beyond
the latter. The spring 10b is formed from a sleeve-like elastomer, for
example an expanded elastomer, and is arranged concentrically with respect
to the shaft of the locking pin 9d. It is adhesively bonded to that end
surface of the thrust plate 8 which faces the displacement part 12d.
The spring 10b can, if required, be replaced at any time by a spring having
different spring characteristics but about the same dimensions (10c10d)
(see FIG. 5). This makes it possible to achieve settings which differ in
spring force and which make locking or detachment of the apparatus more
difficult or easier.
On the side facing away from the thrust plate 8, the spring 10b is
supported in the closed state on the outer wall 35 of the housing 3a which
has the lock 5a and a hole 4 for the locking pin 9d or its displacement
part 12a.
In the variant according to FIG. 18, the spring 10b is supported, on its
side which faces away from the thrust plate 8, against the edge of a hole
in a door 36a. In this application, the spring is fastened, for example
adhesively bonded, both to the thrust plate 8 and to the door 36a and thus
holds the locking pin 9e in such a way that it cannot be lost. The hole in
the door 36a is sufficiently wide so that the unlocking part 11f is also
accepted therein and is not hindered in its sliding movement along the
shaft of the locking pin 9i. In the variant according to FIG. 18, the
locking or unlocking movement is thus performed by direct pressure on the
thrust plate 8, whereas in the variant according to FIG. 1, in the case of
a door closure, the thrust plate 8 is fastened to, or integrated with, the
inside of a door, and locking or unlocking thus takes place as a result of
pressure on the door itself. Such a variant is indicated in FIG. 16 on the
door 36b.
In the case of FIGS. 15 and 16, the housing 3a is integrated in the door
frame 37. A converse embodiment, in which the locking pin is fastened to
the door frame and the housing is held in the door, is of course also
possible in special cases. In both cases, a thrust plate 8 may be
dispensed with if that end 38 of the shaft 9b which faces away from the
displacement part 12 is in the form of, for example, a screw, as indicated
in FIG. 16. In such a case, however, fastening of a sleeve-like spring 10b
is also disadvantageous, so that one of the spring variants described
below is used.
In FIGS. 2 to 4, 6, 9 to 13, 15, 16, 23, 33 and 36 the spring force is
provided by a spring 10 which is located inside the housing 3 and is in
the form of a coil spring (10a in FIGS. 4; 10g in FIG. 2), a sleeve-like
PG,26 foam spring (10c in FIG. 6) or a block-like foam spring (10h; l in
FIGS. 3; 33; 36). FIG. 2 also shows a cylindrical foam spring 10f which is
inserted into the flat spiral spring 10g to reinforce the spring force of
the said spiral spring.
All springs 10 can be replaceable or, as shown in FIG. 2, reinforceable.
However, FIGS. 4, 6 and 23 show preferred variants in which the spring
force is adjustable by means of an adjusting screw 25 or an adjusting cam
26. adjustment is effected by turning an adjusting knob 39, which is
connected via a shaft 40 to a cam 41 (FIG. 6), or is in the form of a
screw 42 and is screwed in a thread in the housing 3c. Both the cam 41 and
the screw 42 rest against an abutment 24a; b; c for the spring 10c; a; l.
FIGS. 4 and 33 show a further abutment 43; 43a, which is provided at that
end of the spring 10a; l which faces away from the abutment 24b; c and
forms the transition between the displacement part 12a or the locking pin
and the spring 10a; l.
Another particularly advantageous method of adjusting the spring force is
provided by the embodiment according to FIGS. 30 and 31, since the
adjustment can be made there by means of a screwdriver 68 from the side on
which the locking part 2 is located. A screw 42a carries a rubber-sandwich
washer 66a made of metal, to which the rubber spring 10k is adhesively
bonded. A rubber-sandwich washer 66b in which a screw slot 67 or a cross
slot is formed is likewise adhesively bonded to the other end of the
spring 10k. The screw 42a is screwed into a thread in the housing 3k in
such a way that the said screw is adjustable.
FIG. 7 shows a variant in which the locking pin is divided into two parts
9e and 9f. The parts of the locking pin 9e and 9f are undetachably
connected to a spring 10e at their separation points. The unlocking part
11e forms a bridge between the two parts 9e and 9f. The part 9e, which
carries the displacement part 12c, is thus connected to the part 9f in
such a way that the said part 9e cannot be lost, part 9f in turn carrying
the thrust plate 8. When the apparatus is opened, the thrust plate 8 is
subjected to pressure, as described above, whereupon the distance between
the two parts 9e and 9f decreaes against the force of the spring 10e, so
that the unlocking part 11e is pushed aginst the bevelled entrance (not
shown) of the lock.
FIG. 10 shows a rubber seal 44, which also has a springy action. The rubber
seal 44 forms a transition between the drilled-through displacement part
12e and the housing 3g, which in turn is tightly connected to a hose 45.
Since the drilled-through locking pin 9h is just as tightly connected to a
hose 46, there is an unobstructed internal passage between the hoses 45
and 46 in the locked state in the variant according to FIG. 10.
All housings 3 shown in FIGS. 1-32 having suitable recesses for accepting
the lock 5 and for accepting the locking pin 9, this requiring a
penetration depth 21 which corresponds at least to the length of the
displacement part 12f and the play 19 of the unlocking part 11c at the
locking pin 9a (see FIG. 3).
Regarding the further details of the embodiments: The variant according to
FIG. 1 has, in its housing 3a, a slot 47 which projects radially outward
from the axis 6 and holds a displaceable blocking means 22 which has an
approximately rectangular cross-section and with the aid of which the
penetration movement of the locking pin 9 can be prevented. The blocking
means 22 could also be connected to a lock (not shown), so that only
persons possessing a suitable key have access. Another blocking means
could also be provided parallel to the spring 10b.
In the variant according to FIG. 2, the unlocking part 11b is connected to
a rod system 15 which is guided in a hole in the shaft of the locking pin
9c, axially with respect to the latter. In the region of the unlocking
part 11b, the locking pin 9c has a slot 48 in which two parts of the rod
system 15 which project radially outward are displaceable in the direction
of movement. These outward-projecting parts of the rod system 15 are
rigidly connected to the unlocking part 11. Pressure in the direction of
movement (arrow 57) on the rod system 15 thus causes displacement of the
unlocking part 11b toward the bevelled entrance 7a of the lock 5a and thus
results in unlocking. This variant can be provided wherever undesirable
pressures may be exerted on the locking pin, so that even accidental
locking could occur. In this case, however, two-hand operation is
required.
The housing 3c according to the variant in FIG. 4 is a molded part which
possesses, at its end facing the thrust plate 8, an edge 48 which, during
assembly of the receiving part 1, i.e. during installation of all parts in
the housing 3c, is pressed inward. The original state is shown as a
dot-dash line. As a result of pressing the edge 48 inward, a washer 49 is
pressed against the spring ring, which is in the form of a lock 5e, so
that the said spring ring is fixed permanently in the housing 3c in such a
way that it cannot be lost. Although the ring has vertical play, this does
not present problems, owing to the displacer contours 13, 17.
For the installation of a receiving part 1 or the housing 3 in a door or
door frame, it is also possible to provide a thread in the periphery of
the housing 3c, so that the housing can be screwed in.
In this context, also see FIG. 28 with the door frame 37 and a door 36b,
which is provided with a blind hole for the end 38 of a locking part 2. If
the receiving part 1 cannot be inserted into the door frame, a receiving
sleeve 63 according to FIG. 29 is provided, the said sleeve having, in its
base surface 65, slots 64 for screw connection to the door frame or the
like. Any receiving pieces 1 can be inserted, preferably screwed, in such
a receiving sleeve 63. A receiving part 1 according to FIG. 31 is optimal
for this purpose.
The springs 10b to 10d according to FIG. 5 are made of the same material
and are of different thicknesses (10b and 10c) or are made of an
unexpanded elastomer which has wedge-shaped receiving rings for
controlling the spring characteristics (10d).
The spring 10c in the variant according to FIG. 6 is held in the housing 3d
by retaining collars 49, coaxially with respect to the axis 6 of the
locking pin 9b. The lock 5c is held by a known measure (not shown) in the
housing 3d in such a way that it cannot be lost, so that it is not lost
after the locking pin 9b has been removed. It is pressed toward the axis 6
by a flat spiral spring 50. The | | |
