Locking device

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device for closing two hinged lid halves with a plate (10) which is connected to a locking element (20) by a flat web (30), wherein the web (30) is adapted to extend through a gap between the lid halves in a closed position, so that the plate (10) and the locking element (20) engage the lid halves at least partially in a form-fitting manner. The invention is characterized in that the locking element (20) has a clamping element (21) on each of two opposite sides, which faces the plate (10), wherein the clamping elements (21) are adapted to clamp the lid halves against the plate (10) in the closed position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a closure device for closing two hinged lid halves according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Such a closure device is known, for example, from US 6,230,965 B1.

[0002] The closure device from US Pat. No. 6,230,965 B1 has two opposing plates connected by a flat web. In the closed position, the web extends through a gap between two hinged lid halves, for example, of a box, so that the plates engage the lid halves in a form-fitting manner, at least in sections. This prevents the lid halves from opening. The disadvantage of such a pre-closing device is that the form-fitting engagement of the two plates between the lid halves creates a relatively loose closure, which can come undone, for example, during transport.

[0003] Further closure devices are known, for example, from US 933 454 A, US 9 321 566 B2 and US 2011 / 0 290 869 A1.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a closure device for closing two hinged lid halves, which enables a reinforced closure of the lid halves.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a closure device according to claim 1.

[0006] Specifically, the object is achieved according to the invention by a closure device for closing two hinged lid halves with a plate that is connected to a locking element by a flat web. The web is adapted to extend through a gap between the lid halves in a closed position, so that the plate and the locking element engage around the lid halves at least in sections in a form-fitting manner. The locking element has a pressing means on each of two opposite sides, which faces the plate, wherein the pressing means are adapted to clamp the lid halves against the plate in the closed position. The closure device is characterized in that the locking element is elongated and longer than the plate, wherein the pressing means are arranged at longitudinal ends of the locking element.

[0007] The elongated geometry of the locking element extends the locking surface, thus strengthening the closure. Furthermore, the elongated shape of the locking element saves material in the width direction. For a particularly strong closure, the locking element is longer than the plate, resulting in a particularly long locking surface.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention is based on the idea of ​​providing the locking element with two pressing means facing the plate. These pressing means are adapted to press the lid halves, which are at least partially encompassed by the locking element and the plate, against the plate in the closed position, thus clamping them together. This clamping strengthens the closure of the lid halves. The risk of the closure coming loose is thus significantly reduced.

[0009] According to the invention, the contact pressure means are arranged on two opposite sides of the locking element, i.e., on the outside. This increases the distance between the contact pressure means and thus extends the clamping path, thus further strengthening the closure. Specifically, according to the invention, the contact pressure means are arranged at the longitudinal ends of the locking element. This arrangement of the contact pressure means has the advantage of extending the clamping path between the contact pressure means and thus further strengthening the closure.

[0010] A particularly firm or strong clamping of the lid halves can be achieved by arranging the pressing means in such a way that, in the closed position, they press the lid halves against an edge of the plate on the one hand and against the locking element on the other.

[0011] The inventive arrangement of the plate and the locking element, such that they engage the lid halves at least partially in a form-fitting manner in the closed position, enables particularly simple closure of the lid halves. This eliminates the need for additional closure means, while the small number of components facilitates the closure of the lid halves and reduces the processing effort in logistics.

[0012] The flat design of the web advantageously allows for a narrow gap between the lid halves in the closed position. A narrow gap is advantageous for preventing the penetration of foreign matter, particularly dirt or the like, through the gap. The flat shape of the web, particularly its thickness, is preferably adapted to the gap in the closed position. The flat design of the web also advantageously allows for material savings in the thickness direction.

[0013] The invention offers further advantages. For example, the use of the pre-closing device according to the invention eliminates the need for adhesive tape, thus saving material and increasing sustainability. Furthermore, the use of the pre-closing device according to the invention prevents cuts when opening and closing lid halves, for example, of a cardboard box, and also prevents noise generated by dispensers. The closure device also enables faster processing when opening and closing the lid halves. Another advantage of the pre-closing device according to the invention is its high reusability, as it can be closed and opened as often as required.

[0014] The closure device according to the invention is designed for closing two hinged lid halves. Specifically, the closure device is used for closing two hinged lid halves of a cardboard box. The closure device is designed for internal use and not as a shipping closure. The closure device can also be used as a shipping closure or for other purposes, as well as for closing other hinged lid halves, whereby more than two lid halves are also conceivable. In principle, the inventive concept can be used generally in connection with the closure of components.

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the web has a thickness which corresponds to or is smaller than the smallest width of the gap between the lid halves in the closed position. This ensures that, in the closed position, the lid halves can be folded shut completely, i.e. so that the gap width is minimal, without deforming or damaging the lid halves or having to undergo additional processing, for example cutting or punching, to accommodate the web. Particularly preferably, the web can be displaceable along the gap at least in sections, in particular over the entire length of the gap. This improves the handling / insertion of the closure device, for example when positioning along the gap.

[0017] Preferably, the pressing means each comprise at least one extension projecting from the locking element. This ensures in a simple manner that, in the closed position, the lid halves are pressed away from the locking element and thus against the opposite plate.

[0018] Preferably, the extension has a rounded outer surface. This facilitates and thus improves the sliding of the extensions along the lid halves, for example, when positioning the closure device. The rounded outer surface also ensures that the extension does not damage the lid halves during sliding.

[0019] To further improve the handling of the pre-locking device, it is advantageous for the locking element to have a circumferential bevel facing the plate. This bevel facilitates the sliding of the locking element along the lid halves, for example, when positioning the locking device.

[0020] The handling of the closure device can be further improved by having the locking element with a rounded outer contour on two opposite sides. The rounded outer contour also facilitates the sliding of the locking element along the lid halves, for example, when positioning the closure device. The rounded edges reduce damage to the carton surface.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element is narrower than the plate. This allows the narrower locking element to be inserted through the gap between partially opened lid halves until it reaches the stop of the wider plate, so that upon further insertion, the lid halves are moved toward the closed position with the locking device. This further facilitates handling.

[0022] In order to enable the locking device to be easily gripped from the outside of the lid halves, it is advantageous if the plate has a gripping means on two opposite sides facing away from the locking element.

[0023] It is advantageous if the closure device is designed with mirror symmetry. This allows the closure device to be used equally well in different orientations, further improving handling.

[0024] For appearance features of the closure device that are not exclusively determined by its technical function, there is creative freedom according to aesthetic design aspects to the extent that the technical effect is realized.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings. In these drawings: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a closure device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a side view of the locking device Fig. 1; Fig. 3 another side view of the locking device from Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a plan view of the locking device from Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 a bottom view of the locking device Fig. 1.

[0026] The attached figures show a preferred embodiment of a closure device which serves to close two hinged lid halves (not shown), for example of a cardboard box.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of this locking device. The locking device comprises a plate 10 and a locking element 20 arranged opposite one another. A flat web 30 is arranged between the plate 10 and the locking element 20, connecting the plate 10 and the locking element 20.

[0028] The web 30 is adapted to extend through a gap between the lid halves in a closed position, so that the plate 10 and the locking element 20 engage around the lid halves in a form-fitting manner, at least in sections. The plate 10, the locking element 20, and the web 30 are thus arranged relative to one another such that, in the closed position, the lid halves are arranged between the plate 10 and the locking element 20, with the web 30 being arranged between the lid halves. The plate 10, the locking element 20, and the web 30 thus form two opposite receiving spaces 40 for receiving the lid halves. In the closed position, the lid halves are each arranged in the receiving space 40, i.e., are enclosed or encompassed by the plate 10 and the locking element 20 in a form-fitting manner, at least in sections, so that folding or opening of the lid halves is prevented or blocked.

[0029] In the closed position, a gap is formed between the lid halves. The lid halves are preferably completely closed, i.e., such that the gap is minimal, with the lid halves preferably spanning a substantially common plane. In the closed position, the lid halves can also be partially closed and / or arranged at an angle to one another. In the closed position, the lid halves can be arranged or configured such that the gap has an elongated, substantially straight geometry. The lid halves can also be arranged and configured differently.

[0030] The web 30 is flat. The web 30 has a thickness that is less than its length and width. Specifically, the thickness of the web 30 is adapted to the geometry of the gap between the lid halves in the closed position.

[0031] The web 30 is thus adapted to extend lengthwise, ie with a narrow side first, through the gap in the closed position.

[0032] In this way, the gap between the lid halves can be particularly narrow in the closed position. In particular, the gap can be so narrow that the penetration of foreign bodies, especially dirt or the like, through the gap is essentially prevented.

[0033] The locking element 20 has a pressing means 21 on each of two opposite sides, each of which faces the plate 10. The pressing means 21 are thus arranged, on the one hand, on two opposite sides of the locking element 20, i.e., on the outside. On the other hand, the pressing means 21 each face the plate 10 and thus the respective receiving space 40. Specifically, the pressing means 21 each delimit the receiving space 40, being oriented toward the side of the locking element 20 that faces or is opposite the plate 10.

[0034] In the closed position, the pressing means 21 press against the lid halves in this way, so that the lid halves are pressed against the plate 10 and thereby clamped. To release this clamping, the pressing forces must first be overcome so that the closure is reinforced. In this case, the section of the lid halves that is arranged in the receiving space 40 between the pressing means 21 and the web 30 is clamped or clamped. The arrangement of the pressing means 21 on two opposite sides of the locking element 20 thus extends the clamped section of the lid halves, i.e., the clamping path, and thus further strengthens the closure.

[0035] The web 30 has a thickness that corresponds to or is smaller than the smallest width of the gap between the lid halves in the closed position. Specifically, the web 30 is designed to be so narrow that it is narrower than or equal to the gap along the entire gap. The web 30 can also be a metal insert if the mechanical forces are insufficient and an even thinner web is required.

[0036] This allows even lid halves that do not have additional processing, such as cutouts or punched-outs, to accommodate the web 30 to be completely folded shut without deforming or damaging the lid halves. This also allows the cartons to be stacked.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the web 30 is designed to be displaceable along the entire length of the gap to improve handling of the closure device, for example, during positioning. The web 30 can also be displaceable only in sections along the gap. It is also possible for the web 30 to be fixed along the gap.

[0038] The locking element 20 is elongated. Specifically, the locking element 20 has a length that is many times greater than its width. The contact pressure means 21 are arranged at the longitudinal ends 22 of the locking element 20, so that the distance between the contact pressure means 21 is maximized. The locking element 20 can have other lengths and further, additional contact pressure means 21.

[0039] The elongated geometry of the locking element 20 extends the locking surface, which locks the lid halves in the closed position, thus preventing them from opening. The arrangement of the clamping elements 21 at the longitudinal ends 22, however, extends the clamping path between the clamping elements 21 in the closed position. Both of these factors reinforce the closure.

[0040] In order to ensure a particularly long locking surface in the closed position, the locking element 20 is longer than the plate 10. In a plan view (cf. Fig. 4) the locking element 20 therefore has two projections which protrude on two opposite sides of the plate 10.

[0041] The clamping means 21 are arranged on the two projections of the locking element 20 such that they are completely visible in plan view, i.e., they are not concealed by the plate 10. In other words, the distance between the clamping means 21 is greater than the length of the plate 10.

[0042] Due to this arrangement of the pressing means 21, in the closed position, they press the lid halves against an edge 13 of the plate 10 on the one hand and against the locking element 20 on the other. In this way, the lid halves are clamped against the plate 10. It is possible that the lid halves bend slightly, thus further strengthening the clamping. The lid halves can also be clamped against the plate 10 in a different way.

[0043] The pressing means 21 each comprise at least one extension 23, which is designed to protrude from the locking element 20. Specifically, the extensions 23 each protrude substantially perpendicularly from the locking element 20 and thus extend into the receiving space 40. The pressing means 21 can also comprise more than one extension 23 each. The extensions 23 can also have other geometries.

[0044] The extensions 23 each have a rounded outer surface. The outer surface is thus free of edges, kinks, cracks, or the like. Specifically, the extensions 23 each have a substantially circular base, with the outer surface resembling a cone whose tip is rounded or convex. The angle of the outer surface can be pronounced depending on the cardboard and thus adapted to the cardboard thickness.

[0045] The locking element 20 has a circumferential bevel 24 that faces the plate 10. In other words, the circumferential edge of the side of the locking element 20 that faces the plate 10 is beveled. The bevel 24 has a height that is less than the height of the locking element 20. The locking element 20 therefore has a circumferential side surface that delimits the bevel 24 in the direction of the side of the locking element 20 that faces away from the plate 10. The bevel 24 has a width that is less than half the width of the locking element 20. Specifically, the bevel 24 is designed to be so wide that it borders on the outer contours of the essentially circular base surfaces of both extensions 23 and thus encloses them. The angle of the bevel 24 can be pronounced depending on the cardboard and can thus be adapted according to the cardboard thickness.

[0046] The locking element 20 has a round outer contour on each of its two opposite sides. Specifically, the outer contour is essentially semicircular. The entire outer contour of the locking element 20 is circumferential and essentially corresponds to the geometry of an elongated hole.

[0047] The rounded outer surfaces of the extensions 23, the circumferential bevel 24 and the round outer contours of the locking element 20 facilitate displacement of the locking element 20 along the cover halves, for example in order to insert the cover halves into the receiving spaces 40 for bracing against the plate 10 in the closed position.

[0048] The locking element 20 is narrower than the plate 10. The plate 10 therefore has a width that is greater than the width of the locking element 20.

[0049] This allows the locking element 20 to be inserted longitudinally through a gap between partially opened lid halves until the plate 10 stops against the lid halves. Upon further insertion, the plate 10, due to its wider shape, pushes the lid halves toward the closed position until the lid halves rest against the web 30. Starting from this position, the locking device can be moved into the closed position, for example, by turning.

[0050] The plate 10 has a gripping means 12 on each of two opposite sides, which faces away from the locking element 20. The gripping means 12 are therefore arranged at a distance from one another on an outer side of the plate 10, and thus on an outer side of the closure device. Specifically, the gripping means 12 are spaced apart from one another as far as possible in the width direction of the plate 10. The gripping means 12 are precisely coordinated so that, when several cardboard boxes are stacked, they fit into the cardboard slot above them. The gripping means 12 each have a rib-shaped geometry that extends essentially straight in the width direction of the plate 10. The gripping means 12 thus lie essentially on a straight line that is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plate 10.

[0051] By means of these gripping means 12, the closure device can be easily gripped and moved from the outside of the lid halves. For example, the closure device can be rotated into the closed position or released from the closed position by pressing the gripping means 12 in the opposite direction in the longitudinal direction of the plate 10. By arranging the gripping means 12 in the width direction, the plate 10, and thus also the locking element 20 connected by the web 30, is set in rotation. By such a rotational movement, for example by approximately 90°, the lid halves can be inserted into the respective receiving spaces 40 and thus clamped against the plate 10. The gripping means 12 can also be used to move or position the closure device along the gap. The closure device is essentially mirror-symmetrical. The closure device has two planes of symmetry.The first plane of symmetry intersects the locking device in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the plate 10 or the locking element 20. The second plane of symmetry intersects the locking device in the width direction, i.e., in the width direction of the plate 10 or the locking element 20. The arrangement of the longitudinal ends 22 and the edge 13 is adjusted to ensure maximum overlap. Other angles are possible.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of the locking device. It shows the plate 10, the locking element 20, and the web 30, each viewed from the width direction. The width direction is therefore perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0053] The narrow side and thus the thickness of the web 30 are visible. Since the thickness of the web 30 is adapted to the gap between the lid halves in the closed position, the width of the gap becomes clear. Specifically, the gap has a width that corresponds to or exceeds the thickness of the web 30.

[0054] The receiving spaces 40, which are formed by the plate 10, the locking element 20 and the web 30, become visible. The height of the receiving spaces 40 corresponds to the length of the web 30. The height of the receiving spaces 40 or the length of the web 30 is therefore adapted to the lid halves, specifically to the thickness of the lid halves, in such a way that the lid halves can be inserted into the receiving spaces 40 and, in the closed position, are at least partially encompassed by the plate 10 and the locking element 20 in a form-fitting manner. Specifically, the receiving spaces 40 each have a height that essentially corresponds to the thickness of the lid halves. The height of the receiving spaces 40, i.e. the length of the web 30, can therefore be developed depending on the cardboard box and thus adapted to the cardboard box thickness. The height of the receiving spaces 40 can also be greater than the thickness of the lid halves.For example, the receiving spaces 40 can have a height corresponding to twice the thickness of the lid halves, so that the receiving spaces 40 can each accommodate two lid halves arranged one above the other. Other heights of the receiving spaces 40 or lengths of the web 30 are possible.

[0055] The greater length of the locking element 20 and the resulting projections on both sides of the locking element 20 when viewed from plate 10 can also be clearly seen.

[0056] The pressing means 21 are clearly facing the plate 10 and arranged on the projections of the locking element 20. It is clear that the distance between the pressing means 21 is greater than the length of the plate 10. The extensions 23 of the pressing means 21, which extend essentially perpendicularly from the plate 10, as well as their rounded outer surfaces, are clearly visible.

[0057] The side view shown also illustrates the circumferential bevel 24, which adjoins and encloses the extensions 23, as well as the gripping means 12, which in this view extend longitudinally substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0058] The plate 10 and the locking element 20 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, with the web 30 oriented substantially perpendicular to the plate 10 and the locking element 20, thus connecting them. The plate 10, the locking element 20, and the web 30 thus form an H-profile. Other arrangements are possible.

[0059] The locking element 20 and the web 30 have essentially the same thickness. The thickness of the plate 10 and the gripping means 12 is smaller than the thickness of the locking element 20 and the web 30. Other thicknesses are possible.

[0060] This very narrow shape of the locking element 20 and the gripping means 12 improves the stackability of several cardboard boxes, whereby the gripping means 12 fit into the gap of the cardboard box above with adhesive strip.

[0061] Fig. 3 shows a further side view of the locking device, wherein the plate 10 and the locking element 20 are each seen from the length direction and the web from the thickness direction.

[0062] It is clear that the locking element 20 has a smaller width than the plate 10. In fact, the width of the plate 10 is approximately a factor of 3 larger than the width of the locking element 20. Other width ratios are possible.

[0063] The web 30 has a width that is smaller than the width of the locking element 20 and the plate 10. The width of the web 30 is also smaller than the length of the gripping means 12.

[0064] The narrow width of the web 30 allows for a narrow gap between the lid halves when the lid halves rest against the narrow sides of the web 30. This can be advantageous, for example, if the locking device is to be moved from this position into the closed position by rotating it, for example, by approximately 90°. Due to its wider shape, the locking element 20 supports the insertion of the lid halves into the receiving spaces 40.

[0065] Fig. Figure 4 shows a plan view of the closure device, in which the plate 10 can be seen in the foreground.

[0066] Behind the plate 10, the two projections of the locking element 20 are visible, projecting on two opposite sides of the plate 10. It is clear that the clamping means 21 are arranged such that they are completely visible in plan view, i.e., they are not obscured by the plate 10. In other words, it is clear that the distance between the clamping means 21 is greater than the length of the plate 10.

[0067] The plate 10 has a substantially circular outer contour with two lateral cutouts 11, which are arranged opposite one another in the width direction of the plate 10 and are substantially circular in shape.

[0068] Fig. Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the locking device, in which the undersides of the locking element 20 and the plate 10 can be seen. List of reference symbols 10 plates 11 Excerpt 12 gripping devices 13 Edge 20 locking element 21 Contact pressure 22 longitudinal ends 23 Extension 30 jetty 40 recording room

Claims

[1] Closure device for closing two hinged lid halves with a plate (10) which is connected to a locking element (20) by a flat web (30), wherein the web (30) is adapted to extend through a gap between the lid halves in a closed position, so that the plate (10) and the locking element (20) engage around the lid halves at least in sections in a form-fitting manner, wherein the locking element (20) has on each of two opposite sides a pressing means (21) which faces the plate (10), wherein the pressing means (21) are adapted to clamp the lid halves against the plate (10) in the closed position, characterized by that the locking element (20) is elongated and longer than the plate (10), wherein the pressing means (21) are arranged at longitudinal ends (22) of the locking element (20). [2] Closure device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the web (30) has a thickness which corresponds to or is smaller than a smallest width of the gap between the cover halves in the closed position. [3] Closure device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the pressing means (21) each comprise at least one extension (23) which is designed to protrude from the locking element (20). [4] Closure device according to claim 3, characterized by that the extension (23) has a rounded outer surface. [5] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (20) has a circumferential bevel (24) which faces the plate (10). [6] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (20) has a round outer contour on two opposite sides. [7] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the locking element (20) is narrower than the plate (10). [8] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plate (10) has a gripping means (12) on each of two opposite sides, which is facing away from the locking element (20). [9] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is mirror-symmetrical.

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