Folding lock

Abstract

Folding lock for a bicycle, comprising a head with a bolt axially movable between an unlocked and locked position for locking a last link of the folding lock, characterized in that the bolt in an unlocked position is displaceable against a spring preload when the last link is inserted and then snaps into the last link.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a folding lock for a bicycle. The invention further relates to a locking mechanism. Background of the invention

[0002] Folding locks are commonly used to secure bicycles. They generally offer greater security than cable locks and are more versatile than U-locks.

[0003] Such a folding lock comprises a multitude of articulated links, with a final link being lockable at the head of the folding lock.

[0004] To lock the lock, the last link is inserted into a slot in the head. The folding lock is then locked by the bolt engaging through a through-hole in the end piece of the last link.

[0005] For locking, the through-hole of the last link must be positioned relatively precisely relative to the bolt. Therefore, locking usually requires two hands. Object of the invention

[0006] In contrast, the invention is based on the objective of providing a simple, securely constructed and robust folding lock that enables the most convenient operation possible. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is already solved by a folding lock for a bicycle and by a locking mechanism designed for the folding lock according to one of the independent claims.

[0008] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0009] The invention relates to a folding lock for a bicycle, comprising a head with a bolt axially movable between an unlocked and locked position for locking a last link of the folding lock. In an unlocked position, the bolt is displaceable against a spring preload when the last link is inserted and then snaps into the last link.

[0010] The basic principle of the invention is therefore based on the fact that the bolt, which engages through a through-hole of the last link to lock the folding lock, already snaps into the last link to some extent when unlocked.

[0011] The bolt is still in the unlocked position, i.e., it is not fully guided through the through-hole, but only engages a portion of the through-hole, in particular less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, in particular 0.5 to 3 mm.

[0012] Thus, even when unlocked, the bolt secures the last link against falling out. This makes it possible, in particular, to lock the folding lock without having to hold the last link with a second hand.

[0013] Preferably, the folding lock is designed such that the bolt springs back upon insertion of the last link due to a chamfer on the bolt and / or an end piece of the last link. The chamfer can, in particular, be designed as a bevel.

[0014] When the end piece of the last link is inserted into a slot in the head of the folding lock, the bolt is moved inwards a little due to the chamfer and then snaps back when the bolt can engage in the through hole.

[0015] Preferably, the folding lock is designed such that, when the last link is pulled out in the unlocked state, the bolt springs back due to a chamfer on the bolt and / or an end piece of the last link. In the unlocked state, the last link can therefore be pulled out against the spring tension of the bolt.

[0016] The folding lock is designed such that when unlocking, the bolt is moved axially into the unlocked position, while still remaining partially engaged in the through-hole and only being pulled out laterally against the spring tension. This prevents, in particular, the last link from falling out of the slot when unlocking, which could, for example, damage the surface of a bicycle component if a falling link strikes it.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, the bolt is axially displaceable by means of a pin guided transversely through the bolt, wherein the pin is guided through an elongated hole of the bolt and is displaceable against the spring preload in the elongated hole.

[0018] The elongated hole thus provides a certain amount of play, within which the bolt can be moved against the spring preload, at least when unlocked.

[0019] In particular, in one embodiment of the invention, the pin is displaceable between the unlocked and locked positions via a rotatable sleeve with helical through holes or grooves.

[0020] The sleeve thus provides a guide track that converts the rotary movement of the sleeve into a linear movement of the pin and therefore into an axial movement of the bolt.

[0021] This allows for a particularly simple yet safe mechanism for actuating the bolt.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, the head comprises an inner housing and an outer housing, wherein the sleeve and the locking cylinder are received in the inner housing and wherein the bolt engages through a through-hole of the inner housing.

[0023] This allows for the provision of a particularly secure and at the same time easy-to-install folding lock.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the spring preload is provided by the pin having a channel into which a spring engages. The spring preferably rests against the pin. The spring is located in a channel of the bolt that is designed as a blind hole. The spring can, in particular, be designed as a spring-loaded pressure piece that is inserted, especially pressed, into the channel of the bolt.

[0025] Alternatively, the spring can also be supported by the lock cylinder and extend through the sleeve. In particular, the spring can be supported by a driver of the lock cylinder, via which the sleeve is coupled to the lock cylinder, or by the housing of the lock cylinder.

[0026] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a folding lock for a bicycle, which can be designed in particular as described above.

[0027] The folding lock comprises a head with a bolt that is axially movable between an unlocked and locked position for locking a last link of the folding lock.

[0028] A locking cylinder is arranged in the head, which is coupled to a sleeve, wherein a bolt for locking the folding lock is located in the sleeve and wherein a pin engages transversely through a through-hole of the bolt as well as through helical guide cams of the sleeve in order to move the bolt axially by means of the pin by means of a rotation of the sleeve.

[0029] As explained above, this allows for a particularly simple and safe actuating mechanism for the bolt. Between the unlocked and locked positions, the sleeve is preferably rotatable by more than 30° but less than 270°, in particular by an angle between 70° and 120°.

[0030] The invention further relates to a locking mechanism designed for the folding lock described above. However, it is also conceivable that the locking mechanism could be used for other locks.

[0031] In particular, the invention also relates to a frame lock, a chain lock or a U-lock with the locking mechanism. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] The subject matter of the invention will be explained below using an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 6 will be explained in more detail. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the folding lock. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the essential components of the locking mechanism. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective detail view of the bolt along with the pin for moving the bolt. Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of the components of the locking mechanism. Fig. 4a is a longitudinal section of the bolt including pin and spring. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the head with the casing hidden. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective detail view of the end piece of the last link and the bolt. Detailed description of the drawings

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a folding lock according to the invention in a perspective view.

[0034] The folding lock 1 includes a head 4 in which the locking mechanism is housed.

[0035] The head 4 comprises an outer housing 10 into which an inner housing 20 is inserted.

[0036] The folding lock 1 comprises a plurality of links 2a to 2n connected via joints 3a to 3n, with one link 2n being fixedly connected to the head 4. The last link 2a can be inserted laterally into a slot in the head 4 and locked there.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows the essential components of the locking mechanism in a perspective exploded view.

[0038] The head comprises an outer housing 10 and an inner housing 20, which is inserted into the outer housing 10.

[0039] The inner housing 20 serves to accommodate the lock cylinder 50 and the sleeve 30.

[0040] In its assembled state, the sleeve 30 is coupled to the lock cylinder 50. For this purpose, the lock cylinder 50 includes a driver 52, which can be rotated by means of the key 51.

[0041] The bolt 40 sits in the sleeve 30 and protrudes through a through hole 22 of the inner housing 20 into the slot 21 in order to lock the last link.

[0042] The outer casing 10 also includes a correspondingly shaped slot 11.

[0043] The sleeve 30 comprises two opposing helical elongated holes 31 in which, when assembled, the pin 5 sits, which simultaneously engages through the opposing elongated holes 41 of the bolt 40.

[0044] This creates a cam track, i.e. a rotary movement of the sleeve 30 is converted into a linear movement of the pin 5, which is guided in opposite grooves of the inner housing 20.

[0045] Furthermore, a spring 6 is located in a channel of the bolt 40 which is designed as a blind hole. In this embodiment, the spring 6 is designed as a resilient pressure piece, i.e. as a sleeve with a spring that presses on a pressure body, e.g. a ball.

[0046] The spring 6 generates a spring preload that pushes the bolt 40 forward until the pin 5 reaches a stop at the distal end of the elongated hole 41. This allows the bolt 40 to move against the spring preload towards the lock cylinder 50, i.e., in a proximal direction. This movement is achieved via chamfers (see [reference]). Fig. 6).

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bolt 40 engaging in the end piece 60 of the link 2a.

[0048] The pin 5 is guided transversely through the elongated hole 41.

[0049] Furthermore, the bolt 40 includes a spring receptacle 42, which can be designed, for example, as a bore into which the spring is inserted.

[0050] Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of components of the locking mechanism in the unlocked state, in which the bolt 40 is moved forward by the preload of the spring 6 such that the pin 50 comes to rest against a proximal end of the elongated hole 41.

[0051] At the same time, the pin 5 sits in the elongated holes 31, which form the guide track.

[0052] In this unlocked position shown, the bolt 40 can now be moved against the spring preload until the bolt 5 comes to rest against the distal end of the elongated hole 41.

[0053] At its end face, the bolt 40 includes a chamfer 43, which in this embodiment is designed as a round chamfer.

[0054] Fig. Figure 4a shows a corresponding longitudinal section of the bolt 10 together with the spring 6 and pin 5. The spring 6, designed as a resilient pressure piece, is inserted, in particular pressed into, the spring recess 42, which is designed as a channel. The spring 6 presses the pin 5 against the proximal end of the elongated hole 41, so that the bolt 40 can deflect against the preload of the spring 40 in the direction of the lock cylinder until the pin comes to rest against the distal end of the elongated hole 41.

[0055] Fig. Figure 5 shows the head of the folding lock with the housing components hidden.

[0056] The cylinder 50 is secured in the inner housing via the locking pin 7a.

[0057] The locking pin 7b connects the inner housing to the outer housing. In particular, the locking pin 7b may be driven into the head.

[0058] This illustration shows the locked state in which the bolt 40 fully engages through the through-hole 61 of the last element 2a. In this state, the bolt 40 engages in a correspondingly shaped bore of the inner housing.

[0059] Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective detail view of the end piece 60 of the last link 2a.

[0060] The through-hole 61 includes a circumferential chamfer 62 as a ramp, over which the bolt 40 is disengaged against the spring preload when the chamfer 43 of the bolt 40 runs against the chamfer 62.

[0061] Furthermore, the side edges of the end piece 60 include a chamfer 63 which, when the last link 2a is inserted into the slot, comes into contact with the chamfer 43 of the bolt 40 and disengages the bolt 40 against the spring preload. It snaps back into the through hole 61 when the bolt 40 is aligned with the through hole 61.

[0062] The invention made it possible to provide a safe, robust, simply constructed and at the same time comfortable-to-use folding lock. Reference symbol list 1 folding lock 2a - 2n link 3a - 3n joint 4 heads 5 pens 6 springs 7a, 7b Safety pin 10 outer casings 11 slots 20 inner housings 21 slots 22 Through hole 30 sleeve 31 helical slotted hole 40 bolts 41 Slotted hole 42 Spring mount 43rd phase 50 lock cylinders 51 keys 52 drivers 60 End piece 61 Through hole 62 chamfer (through hole) 63 Chamfer (edge)

Claims

[1] Folding lock for a bicycle, comprising a head with a bolt axially movable between an unlocked and locked position for locking a last link of the folding lock, characterized by , that the bolt, in an unlocked position, can be displaced against a spring preload when the last link is inserted, and then snaps into the last link. [2] Folding lock according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the bolt springs back when the last link is inserted due to a chamfer on the bolt and / or an end piece of the last link. [3] Folding lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that when the last link is pulled out in the unlocked state, the bolt springs back due to a chamfer on the bolt and / or an end piece of the last link. [4] Folding lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the bolt is axially displaceable by means of a pin guided transversely through the bolt, wherein the pin is guided through an elongated hole of the bolt and is displaceable against the spring preload in the elongated hole. [5] Folding lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pin is axially displaceable via a rotatable sleeve with helical through holes or grooves between the unlocked and locked positions. [6] Folding lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sleeve is coupled to a locking cylinder. [7] Folding lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the head comprises an inner housing and an outer housing, wherein the sleeve and the firing cylinder are received in the inner housing and wherein the bolt engages through a through-hole in the inner housing. [8] Folding lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the pin has a channel in which a spring sits, which is preferably supported by the pin. [9] Folding lock for a bicycle, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a head with a bolt axially movable between an unlocked and locked position for locking a last link of the folding lock, the head contains a lock cylinder, which is coupled to a sleeve, wherein a bolt for locking the folding lock is located in the sleeve, wherein a pin engages transversely through a through hole of the bolt and through helical guide cams of the sleeve in order to move the bolt axially by means of the pin by means of a rotation of the sleeve. [10] Locking mechanism designed for a folding lock according to one of the preceding claims.

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