Low torque cabinet lock

Abstract

The utility model discloses a low torque cabinet lock, including the casing, handle, handle rotatable and can overturn between locking position and turn over position, handle is connected with the lock piece, including drive arrangement, set up in the casing, rotating member is connected in the output of drive arrangement, and the circumferential profile of rotating member is provided with the reducing section, and the radial dimension of rotating member is less than the radial dimension of remaining part at the reducing section, locking member is movably arranged in the casing, and locking member is used for locking cooperation with handle to keep handle at locking position, wherein, drive arrangement can drive rotating member rotation, makes reducing section rotate to opposite position with locking member to allow locking member to move to the unlocking position and separate handle. Can realize stable and reliable unlocking under the condition that the output torque of drive arrangement is small.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to locks, specifically a low-torque cabinet lock. Background Technology

[0002] Cabinet locks, as a type of lock, commonly fall into two categories: purely mechanical and mechanical-electric. Electric locks require an electric drive assembly to provide torque for unlocking. However, in practical applications, the torque of this drive assembly may be very low, leading to unlocking failures. Therefore, improving the ability to achieve stable unlocking even with low torque is essential. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a low-torque cabinet lock that can achieve stable and reliable unlocking under the condition that the output torque of the drive device is relatively small.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A low-torque cabinet lock, comprising a housing and a handle, the handle being rotatable and capable of flipping between a locked position and an extended position, the handle being connected to a locking element, including... The drive unit is housed within the casing; A rotating component is connected to the output end of the drive device. A variable diameter section is provided on the circumferential contour of the rotating component. At the variable diameter section, the radial dimension of the rotating component is smaller than the radial dimension of the rest of the component. A locking member is movably disposed within the housing and is used to engage with the handle to hold the handle in the locked position. The drive unit can drive the rotating component to rotate, so that the variable diameter section rotates to a position opposite to the locking component, allowing the locking component to move to the unlock position and disengage from the handle.

[0005] As a further improvement of this utility model, it also includes an elastic element connected to the locking member, which is used to apply a movement tendency toward the locking direction to the locking member. In the locked state, a gap is formed between the locking member and the rotating member by the elastic force of the elastic element.

[0006] As a further improvement of this utility model, the locking component includes a first component and a second component. The first component cooperates with the rotating component, and the second component is movably connected to the first component. An inter-component elastic element is provided between the first component and the second component. The inter-component elastic element is used to apply a movement tendency toward the locking direction to the second component. A locking recess is provided on the handle, and the second component can be inserted into the locking recess to lock the handle.

[0007] As a further improvement of this utility model, during the process of the handle flipping back from the flipped-out position to the housing, the handle first squeezes the second component, driving the second component to move away from the locking recess. When the handle flips back into place, the second component is embedded into the locking recess under the action of the elastic element between the components.

[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, the handle has a mechanical locking mechanism, and the end of the mechanical locking mechanism is provided with a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft rotates with the mechanical locking mechanism, and the locking recess is located on the rotating shaft. When the mechanical locking mechanism drives the rotating shaft to rotate, it can drive the locking recess to disengage from the second component.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, it also includes a manual operation component, which extends out of the outer shell and cooperates with the locking component. Pressing the manual operation component will drive the locking component to move.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the manual operation component is provided with a driving surface. When the manual operation component is pressed, the driving surface converts the pressing displacement into a lateral displacement that pushes the locking component to move.

[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, the manual operation component includes a pressing member, a force transmission member, and an operating elastic member disposed between the pressing member and the force transmission member. The force transmission member cooperates with the locking member. The pressing member drives the force transmission member to press down and move through the operating elastic member. A stroke limiting member is provided inside the housing. The stroke limiting member is used to limit the maximum pressing stroke of the pressing member to prevent the pressing member from continuing to transmit external force to the locking member after exceeding the normal operating stroke.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, it also includes a manual operation component installed on the housing. The manual operation component is provided with a driving surface. When the manual operation component is pressed, the driving surface converts the pressing displacement into a lateral displacement. The driving surface of the manual operation component cooperates with the first component to drive the locking component to the unlock position by pushing the first component. The movement of the first component causes the second component to separate from the locking recess.

[0013] The beneficial effect of this utility model is that, through the cooperation between the variable diameter section on the rotating component and the locking component, the unlocking mechanism commonly used in the prior art, which directly pushes the locking component to overcome the locking force, is transformed into an unlocking mechanism in which the driving device only needs to rotate the rotating component to the position where the variable diameter section is opposite to the locking component, thereby releasing the moving space of the locking component. This reduces the torque required by the driving device and enables stable and reliable unlocking under low torque conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall external structure of this utility model; Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the internal three-dimensional structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal rear view of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of this utility model; Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of part A in the image; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the manual operation component of this utility model.

[0015] Reference numerals: 1. Housing; 11. Travel limiter; 2. Handle; 21. Locking element; 22. Locking recess; 23. Mechanical lock mechanism; 24. Rotating shaft; 3. Drive device; 4. Rotating component; 41. Variable diameter section; 5. Locking component; 51. First component; 52. Second component; 61. Elastic element; 62. Elastic element between components; 63. Operating elastic element; 7. Manual operation component; 71. Drive surface; 72. Pressing element; 73. Force transmission element. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Reference Figure 1-7 As shown, a low-torque cabinet lock of this embodiment includes a housing 1 and a handle 2. The handle 2 is rotatable and can be flipped between a locked position and a flipped-out position. The handle 2 is connected to a locking member 21, and the lock also includes: The drive unit 3 is housed inside the housing 1; Rotating component 4 is connected to the output end of driving device 3. A variable diameter section 41 is provided on the circumferential contour of rotating component 4. At the variable diameter section 41, the radial dimension of rotating component 4 is smaller than the radial dimension of the rest. The locking member 5 is movably disposed within the housing 1. The locking member 5 is used to lock and engage with the handle 2 to keep the handle 2 in the locked position. The drive device 3 can drive the rotating member 4 to rotate, so that the variable diameter section 41 rotates to a position opposite to the locking member 5, so that the locking member 5 can move to the unlock position and disengage from the handle 2.

[0018] In the locked state, the locking component 5 engages with the handle 2, keeping the handle 2 in the locked position (i.e., the state where the handle 2 is embedded in the housing 1 as shown in the figure). At this time, the handle 2 cannot be flipped, the locking element 21 remains locked to the cabinet body, and the cabinet door is in the locked state. When unlocking is required, the drive device 3 (which may be a motor) drives the rotating component 4 to rotate, causing the variable diameter section 41 on the rotating component 4 to rotate to a position opposite to the locking component 5. As the radial dimension of the rotating component 4 at the variable diameter section 41 decreases, the locking component 5 gains space to move towards the rotating component 4, allowing the locking component 5 to move to the unlocked position and disengage from the locking engagement with the handle 2. At this time, the handle 2 is no longer locked by the locking component 5 and can be flipped from the locked position to the flipped-out position. The user rotates the handle 2, causing the locking element 21 to rotate, disengaging from the cabinet body's locked state, thus unlocking the cabinet door.

[0019] In some options, an elastic element 61 is also included, which is connected to the locking member 5 and is used to apply a tendency to move toward the locking direction to the locking member 5. In the locked state, a gap is formed between the locking member 5 and the rotating member 4 by the elastic force of the elastic element 61.

[0020] One end of the elastic element 61 abuts against the housing 1 or its internal structure, and the other end abuts against the locking member 5, continuously applying a force towards the locking direction to the locking member 5. In the locked state, the elastic element 61 pushes the locking member 5 away from the rotating member 4, creating a stable gap between them. This prevents the locking member 5 from accidentally approaching or contacting the rotating member 4 due to vibration or gravity, thus avoiding increased friction. During unlocking, the locking member 5 moves towards the unlocked position against the force of the elastic element 61. After the operation is complete, the elastic element 61 automatically pushes the locking member 5 back to the locked position, restoring the gap between the locking member 5 and the rotating member 4. The elastic element 61 ensures that the locking member 5 remains in the locked position even when power is off or the drive device 3 is not operating, resulting in a more stable locking effect and reducing reliance on the drive device 3.

[0021] To achieve elastic clearance and automatic locking when the handle 2 flips back, further optimization can be achieved by selecting the following method: the locking component 5 includes a first component 51 and a second component 52. The first component 51 cooperates with the rotating component 4, and the second component 52 is movably connected to the first component 51. An inter-component elastic element 62 is provided between the first component 51 and the second component 52, which applies a movement tendency towards the locking direction to the second component 52. The handle 2 is provided with a locking recess 22, and the second component 52 can be inserted into the locking recess 22 to lock the handle 2. During the process of the handle 2 flipping back from the flipped-out position to the housing 1, the handle 2 first squeezes the second component 52, driving the second component 52 to move away from the locking recess 22. When the handle 2 flips back to its original position, the second component 52 is inserted into the locking recess 22 under the action of the inter-component elastic element 62.

[0022] The locking component 5 adopts a split structure. The first component 51 cooperates with the rotating component 4; the second component 52 is movably connected to the first component 51, serving as a component that directly locks into the handle 2. When the first component 51 is driven to move in the unlocking direction, it drives the second component 52 to move synchronously. The second component 52 disengages from the locking recess 22 on the handle 2, and the handle 2 is unlocked. After unlocking, the handle 2 can be flipped, and the first component 51 and the second component 52 return to the locking direction under the action of the elastic element 61. When the handle 2 flips back from the flipped-out position to the housing 1, the handle 2 contacts the second component 52. The second component 52 is compressed and elastically moves away from the locking recess 22 relative to the first component 51, allowing the handle 2 to continue flipping back. After the handle 2 flips back into place, the locking recess 22 aligns with the second component 52, and the elastic element 62 pushes the second component 52 into the locking recess 22, completing the locking. The split structure allows the locking drive and handle 2 engagement functions to be assigned to the first component 51 and the second component 52 respectively. The elastic yielding when the handle 2 flips back only affects the second component 52 and does not affect the engagement state between the first component 51 and the rotating component 4.

[0023] In order to unlock the handle 2 in case the drive device 3 completely fails or as an emergency, the handle 2 has a mechanical locking mechanism 23. The end of the mechanical locking mechanism 23 is provided with a rotating shaft 24. The rotating shaft 24 rotates with the mechanical locking mechanism 23. The locking recess 22 is located on the rotating shaft 24. When the mechanical locking mechanism 23 drives the rotating shaft 24 to rotate, it can drive the locking recess 22 to disengage from the second component 52.

[0024] The mechanical lock mechanism 23 is independent of the drive device 3 and adopts a purely mechanical rotary drive method. When the drive device 3 fails to work due to power depletion or malfunction, or when the conditions for triggering the drive device 3 are not met, the user can insert a suitable key into the mechanical lock mechanism 23 and rotate the key to drive the mechanical lock mechanism 23 to rotate, and the rotating shaft 24 rotates synchronously. The locking recess 22 is located on the rotating shaft 24. When the rotating shaft 24 rotates, the locking recess 22 rotates accordingly and is displaced relative to the second component 52. The locking recess 22 disengages from the second component 52, the second component 52 loses its locking of the handle 2, and the handle 2 can be flipped to unlock. The mechanical lock mechanism 23 serves as a backup unlocking scheme for the drive device 3, improving the openability of the cabinet lock in the event of a malfunction of the drive device 3 or power depletion. Meanwhile, the mechanical lock mechanism 23 drives the locking recess 22 through the rotating shaft 24. The cooperation between the locking recess 22 and the second component 52 and the cooperation between the locking component 5 and the handle 2 in the electric unlocking path form a parallel path. The two unlocking methods share the execution path of the locking component 5, reducing the need for additional independent locking mechanisms and making the structure more streamlined.

[0025] In one option, a manual operation component 7 is also included. The manual operation component 7 extends out of the housing and cooperates with the locking member 5. Pressing the manual operation component 7 causes the locking member 5 to move.

[0026] When the drive device 3 drives the rotating component 4 to the unlocked state, the user presses the manual operation component 7. The movement of the manual operation component 7 is transmitted to the locking component 5, causing the locking component 5 to move towards the unlocked position. After the locking component 5 moves to the unlocked position, it disengages from the locking engagement with the handle 2, and the handle 2 can then be flipped over.

[0027] In order to effectively convert the pressing displacement into the lateral movement of the locking member 5, the manual operation component 7 is provided with a driving surface 71. When the manual operation component 7 is pressed, the driving surface 71 converts the pressing displacement into the lateral displacement that pushes the locking member 5 to move.

[0028] The driving surface 71 has an inclined or wedge-shaped structure. When the user presses the manual operation component 7, the driving surface 71 slides into contact with the corresponding surface of the locking component 5, converting the downward pressing displacement into a lateral pushing displacement, which pushes the locking component 5 to the unlocked position along its direction of movement. The driving surface 71 has a simple structure and can realize the conversion from pressing direction to unlocking direction without additional transmission mechanism, thus reducing structural complexity.

[0029] To ensure that unintended unlocking does not occur when subjected to external force impact, the manual operation component 7 includes a pressing member 72, a force transmission member 73, and an operating elastic member 63 disposed between the pressing member 72 and the force transmission member 73. The force transmission member 73 cooperates with the locking member 5. The pressing member 72 drives the force transmission member 73 to press down and move through the operating elastic member 63. A stroke limiter 11 is provided inside the housing 1. The stroke limiter 11 is used to limit the maximum pressing stroke of the pressing member 72 to prevent the pressing member 72 from continuing to transmit external force to the locking member 5 after exceeding the normal operating stroke.

[0030] During normal operation, the user presses the pressing component 72. The pressing component 72, through the operating elastic component 63, drives the force transmission component 73 downwards. The force transmission component 73 pushes the locking component 5 to the unlock position, completing normal unlocking. When the pressing component 72 is pressed to the end of its travel required for unlocking, the travel limiter 11 blocks the pressing component 72, preventing it from moving further downwards. When subjected to external hammering or abnormally strong pressing, because the travel limiter 11 blocks the pressing component 72 from further displacement after it reaches the end of its normal unlocking travel, any force exceeding the normal operating travel is absorbed by the travel limiter 11 and cannot be transmitted along the force transmission component 73 to the locking component 5. The locking component 5 remains in the locked position, and the handle 2 will not be accidentally unlocked. This design balances normal operating response and the prevention of abnormal external forces, improving the physical security of the cabinet lock.

[0031] Specifically, it also includes a manual operation component 7 installed on the housing 1. The manual operation component 7 is provided with a driving surface 71. When the manual operation component 7 is pressed, the driving surface 71 converts the pressing displacement into a lateral displacement. The driving surface 71 of the manual operation component 7 cooperates with the first component 51 to drive the locking component 5 to move to the unlock position by pushing the first component 51. The movement of the first component 51 drives the second component 52 to separate from the locking recess 22.

[0032] When the user presses the manual operation component 7, the driving surface 71 converts the pressing displacement into a lateral displacement, which then acts directly on the first component 51. After the first component 51 is pushed, it drives the second component 52 to move synchronously. The second component 52 disengages from the locking recess 22 on the handle 2, thus completing the unlocking process.

[0033] Based on the above embodiments, the overall working process of this utility model low-torque cabinet lock is as follows.

[0034] In the locked state, handle 2 is in the locked position, and locking member 21 is locked to the cabinet. Elastic member 61 applies a tendency to move towards the locking direction to locking member 5, locking member 5 and handle 2 are locked together. A gap is formed between locking member 5 and rotating member 4 by the elastic force of elastic member 61, preventing them from contacting each other. The variable diameter section 41 of rotating member 4 is not opposite to locking member 5, and the larger radial portion of rotating member 4 obstructs the movement path of locking member 5 in the unlocking direction.

[0035] When the electric drive unlocks, the drive device 3 drives the rotating component 4 to rotate, causing the variable diameter section 41 to rotate to a position opposite to the locking component 5. Due to the reduced radial dimension at the variable diameter section 41, the locking component 5 gains space to move towards the rotating component 4. At this time, the locking component 5 can overcome the force of the elastic element 61 and be pushed to the unlocked position, disengaging from the handle 2. After unlocking, the handle 2 can be flipped out from the locked position. The user holds the handle 2 and rotates it, causing the locking component 21 to disengage from the cabinet's locked state, completing the unlocking process. In a design where the locking component 5 adopts a split structure, the first component 51 cooperates with the rotating component 4, and the second component 52 cooperates with the locking recess 22 of the handle 2. During unlocking, the first component 51 drives the second component 52 to move, and the second component 52 disengages from the locking recess 22.

[0036] When manually unlocking, the user presses the manual operation component 7 extending from the outer shell, which moves the locking member 5. When the manual operation component 7 is provided with a driving surface 71, the driving surface 71 converts the pressing displacement into a lateral displacement, pushing the locking member 5 to the unlock position. When the manual operation component 7 includes a pressing member 72, a force transmission member 73, an operating elastic member 63, and a travel limiter 11, the pressing member 72 drives the force transmission member 73 to move downward through the operating elastic member 63, and the force transmission member 73 pushes the locking member 5. When the pressing member 72 is pressed to the maximum travel limiter 11, it can no longer move downward, and the structure protects the locking member 5 from damage by external hammering. The driving surface 71 of the manual operation component 7 can optionally cooperate with the first member 51, pushing the first member 51 to move the locking member 5, thereby causing the second member 52 to separate from the locking recess 22.

[0037] When mechanically unlocking, the user inserts the key into the mechanical lock mechanism 23 and rotates it. The rotating shaft 24 rotates with the mechanical lock mechanism 23, and the locking recess 22 located on the rotating shaft 24 disengages from the second component 52, releasing the lock on the handle 2, and the handle 2 can be flipped.

[0038] When handle 2 flips back to its original position, it rotates from the flipped-out position to the locked position. Handle 2 first contacts the second component 52. The second component 52, supported by the inter-component elastic element 62, elastically retracts after being compressed, and handle 2 continues to flip back to the locked position. At this time, the locking recess 22 aligns with the second component 52, and the inter-component elastic element 62 pushes the second component 52 into the locking recess 22. The locking component 5 remains in the locked position under the action of the elastic element 61, and the distance between the locking component 5 and the rotating component 4 is restored, and handle 2 is relocked.

[0039] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are protected. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A low-torque cabinet lock, comprising a housing (1) and a handle (2), the handle (2) being rotatable and flip-up between a locked position and a flip-out position, the handle (2) being connected to a locking element (21), characterized in that, Also includes The drive unit (3) is disposed inside the housing (1); A rotating component (4) is connected to the output end of the drive device (3). A variable diameter section (41) is provided on the circumferential contour of the rotating component (4). At the variable diameter section (41), the radial dimension of the rotating component (4) is smaller than the radial dimension of the rest. The locking member (5) is movably disposed within the housing (1) and is used to lock into the handle (2) to keep the handle (2) in the locked position; The drive device (3) can drive the rotating member (4) to rotate, so that the variable diameter section (41) rotates to a position opposite to the locking member (5), so that the locking member (5) can move to the unlock position and disengage from the handle (2).

2. The low-torque cabinet lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic element (61), which is connected to the locking member (5) and is used to apply a tendency to move toward the locking direction to the locking member (5). In the locked state, a gap is formed between the locking member (5) and the rotating member (4) by the elastic force of the elastic element (61).

3. The low-torque cabinet lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking member (5) includes a first member (51) and a second member (52). The first member (51) cooperates with the rotating member (4), and the second member (52) is movably connected to the first member (51). An inter-member elastic element (62) is provided between the first member (51) and the second member (52). The inter-member elastic element (62) is used to apply a movement tendency toward the locking direction to the second member (52). A locking recess (22) is provided on the handle (2). The second member (52) can be inserted into the locking recess (22) to lock the handle (2).

4. The low-torque cabinet lock according to claim 3, characterized in that, During the process of the handle (2) flipping back from the flipped-out position to the housing (1), the handle (2) first squeezes the second component (52), driving the second component (52) to move away from the locking recess (22). When the handle (2) flips back into place, the second component (52) is embedded in the locking recess (22) under the action of the elastic element (62) between the components.

5. The low-torque cabinet lock according to claim 3, characterized in that, The handle (2) has a mechanical locking mechanism (23), and the end of the mechanical locking mechanism (23) is provided with a rotating shaft (24). The rotating shaft (24) rotates with the mechanical locking mechanism (23). The locking recess (22) is located on the rotating shaft (24). When the mechanical locking mechanism (23) drives the rotating shaft (24) to rotate, it can drive the locking recess (22) to disengage from the second component (52).

6. The low-torque cabinet lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a manual operation component (7), which extends out of the housing and cooperates with the locking component (5). Pressing the manual operation component (7) will cause the locking component (5) to move.

7. The low-torque cabinet lock according to claim 6, characterized in that, The manual operation component (7) is provided with a drive surface (71). When the manual operation component (7) is pressed, the drive surface (71) converts the pressing displacement into a lateral displacement that pushes the locking member (5) to move.

8. The low-torque cabinet lock according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The manual operation component (7) includes a pressing member (72), a force transmission member (73), and an operating elastic member (63) disposed between the pressing member (72) and the force transmission member (73). The force transmission member (73) cooperates with the locking member (5). The pressing member (72) drives the force transmission member (73) to press down through the operating elastic member (63). A stroke limiter (11) is provided inside the housing (1). The stroke limiter (11) is used to limit the maximum pressing stroke of the pressing member (72) to prevent the pressing member (72) from continuing to transmit external force to the locking member (5) after exceeding the normal operating stroke.

9. The low-torque cabinet lock according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a manual operation component (7) installed on the housing (1), the manual operation component (7) is provided with a driving surface (71), when the manual operation component (7) is pressed, the driving surface (71) converts the pressing displacement into a lateral displacement; the driving surface (71) of the manual operation component (7) cooperates with the first member (51) to drive the locking member (5) to move to the unlock position by pushing the first member (51), and the second member (52) is separated from the locking recess (22) by the movement of the first member (51).

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