Mechanical locking device

Abstract

Mechanical locking device (3) for a slide rail arrangement (1) of a door equipped with a door closer, wherein the mechanical locking device (3) comprises: A housing (15) extending along a central longitudinal axis (19) and defining an interior space (17), wherein an actuating arm (11) is pivotably mounted on the housing (15) about an axis (12), wherein an adjustable preloading device (21) is provided which, in an operating position, extends in the interior space (17) of the housing (15) parallel to or along the central longitudinal axis (19) and interacts with the actuating arm (11), in particular by applying a force to the actuating arm (11), characterized in that the housing (15) has a first opening (31) on a first side (33) and a second opening (35) on a second side (37) of the housing (15) facing away from the first side (33), wherein the first opening (31) and the second opening (35) each open into the interior space (17) of the housing (15), wherein the first opening (31) and the second opening (35) are configured such that the preloading device (21), which includes a screw (23),a nut (25) and a spring (27) also attached thereto, in an assembly position that differs from the operating position, the first opening (31) extends through the interior (17) and the second opening (35), wherein the screw (23) in the assembly position projects through the first opening (31) into the interior (17), the nut (25) is arranged at least predominantly in the interior (17) and the spring (27) projects at least partially out of the second opening (35), wherein guide sections (43) are formed on the first opening (31) which extend into the interior (17) and which are designed to guide a screw head (29) of the screw (23) in such a way that the preloading device (21) can be moved from the assembly position to the operating position by pivoting.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical locking device with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a slide rail arrangement with the features of the dependent claim.

[0002] Mechanical holding devices for slide rail arrangements of a door equipped with a door closer are known from the prior art, e.g. from DE 103 00 823 A1. This document describes a mechanical holding device for a door equipped with a door closer, which is intended to be of simple construction.

[0003] This allows a door to be held open with a slide rail door closer. However, a disadvantage is that the installation of the pre-tensioning device in the mechanical hold-open mechanism is complex. This means that, in addition to the initial assembly during manufacturing, repairs or replacements of parts are also costly and time-consuming.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a mechanical locking device for a door equipped with a door closer, which has a structurally simple design and whose installation is simplified.

[0005] The invention solves this problem by means of a mechanical locking device with the features of claim 1.

[0006] The mechanical locking device is designed and / or intended for a sliding rail arrangement of a door equipped with a door closer.

[0007] The mechanical holding device for a sliding rail assembly of a door equipped with a door closer comprises a housing extending along a central longitudinal axis, which defines an interior space. An actuating arm is pivotally mounted on the housing about an axis. In other words, the holding device has an actuating arm that can pivot within a limited angular range relative to the housing.

[0008] An adjustable preload device is provided, which, in an operating position, extends inside the housing parallel to or along the central longitudinal axis and interacts with the actuating arm, in particular by applying a force to the actuating arm. The preload device can interact with the actuating arm directly or indirectly via an intermediate element.

[0009] The housing has a first opening on one side and a second opening on a second side facing away from the first. In other words, the first side with the first opening and the second side with the second opening are opposite each other. Both the first and second openings lead into the interior of the housing.

[0010] The first and second openings are configured such that the preloading device, comprising a screw, a nut mounted on it, and a spring also mounted on it (i.e., on the screw), extends through the first opening, the interior, and the second opening in an assembly position that differs from the operating position. In other words, the preloading device includes at least a screw, a nut, and a spring. It is suitable for adjusting different preloads through the interaction of at least these components (adjusting the spring preload by moving the nut along the screw). The screw has an external thread, and the nut has a corresponding internal thread.

[0011] In the assembled position of the preloading device, the screw protrudes through the first opening into the interior, the nut is located at least predominantly inside, and the spring protrudes at least partially from the second opening. Guide sections are formed at the first opening, extending into the interior.

[0012] The guide sections are designed and configured to guide the screw head, allowing the preloading device to be moved from the assembly position to the operating position by pivoting (first pivoting direction). By pivoting in the opposite direction to the first pivoting direction (second pivoting direction), the preloading device can be moved from the operating position to the assembly position.

[0013] The proposed design has the advantage of allowing for easy installation of the pre-tensioning device within the mechanical locking mechanism. This enables an operator, such as a technician, to easily pivot the pre-tensioning device into its operating position by grasping the screw and / or spring on the second side (guided by the guide sections). This simplifies not only the installation and maintenance of the locking mechanism, but also its integration into a sliding rail system or a door, where work often has to be carried out in confined spaces.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the screw of the preloading device can extend along a screw axis that, in the operating position, is oriented parallel to or along the central longitudinal axis and forms an angle with the central longitudinal axis in the assembly position. In other words, during pivoting from the assembly position to the operating position, the preloading device has an instantaneous center of rotation. The pivot axis about which the preloading device pivots during the transition from the assembly position to the operating position (instantaneous center of rotation) can, in particular, intersect the central longitudinal axis of the housing orthogonally. Specifically, the angle that the screw axis forms with the central longitudinal axis in the assembly position can be less than 90°. Particularly preferably, this angle can be between 30° and 70°.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a force transmission element in the form of a ball can be arranged between the spring and the pivot arm in the operating position of the preload device. This has the advantage that a ball prevents tilting during force transmission. The ball can be securely mounted in the housing. The screw can be arranged so that it can be removed through the first opening. Alternatively, the screw can be arranged so that it can be removed through the second opening.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the screw head can be located entirely inside the preloading device when it is in its operating position. This has the advantage that the locking device can be designed more compactly (the screw head does not protrude beyond the housing of the locking device in its operating position).

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, a recess can be formed in an end-face wall section of the housing facing the screw head, thus providing access to a tool engagement section formed on the screw head. This has the advantage that the preload force can be easily adjusted directly via the screw head. (Partial) disassembly can be avoided. In particular, the tool engagement section can be designed as an internal hexagon or an internal Torx.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the nut can be designed as a square nut and, in the operating position, bear against inner wall sections of the housing in such a way that the square nut is secured against rotation within the interior. This has the advantage that the screw moves through the thread of the square nut when turned, since the square nut is prevented from rotating. This contributes to easy adjustment of the preload force. In particular, this can be achieved by preferably designing the wall sections parallel to the sides of the square nut facing the inner walls. In other words, the inner walls of the housing are arranged and / or oriented in such a way that (unintentional) rotation of the square nut is prevented.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the guide sections can be designed as curved, in particular convexly curved, guide tracks that engage behind the screw head. This has the advantage that the preloading device can be pivoted more easily and with less wear when swiveling from the assembly position to the operating position, as the guide tracks guide the screw head and thus support the pivoting movement. In particular, the guide tracks can be designed parallel to the line corresponding to the pivot path along which the preloading device moves when it is pivoted from the assembly position to the operating position. The guide tracks can each extend towards each other from an inner wall of the housing, leaving a gap between them through which a shank of the preloading device screw can pass.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the housing can have a threaded bore extending from the first side to the second side to accommodate a locking screw. This has the advantage that the locking device can be fixedly mounted on a slide rail assembly and secured there. In particular, the locking device can be mounted on a frame of a door assembly that includes a slide rail assembly and secured there.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the actuating arm can have a hook section at its free end, where it is exposed to the housing. This has the advantage that, in a slide rail arrangement, a sliding piece can be gripped and held more securely by a detent element. This facilitates secure engagement and holding.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the housing can be designed as a zinc component. This has the advantage that zinc components are particularly resistant to corrosion and inexpensive to manufacture. This reduces housing wear and the need for repairs.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the screw, nut, spring, and / or ball can each be designed as a standard part. This has the advantage that the screw, nut, and spring are cost-effective. Furthermore, they do not need to be specially manufactured, as they are commercially available on the market.

[0024] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a sliding rail arrangement with the features of the subordinate claim.

[0025] The slide rail arrangement for a door equipped with a door closer comprises a slide rail, a sliding piece corresponding to the slide rail and a mechanical holding device with one or more of the foregoing aspects.

[0026] Regarding the advantages that can be achieved in this way, reference is made to the relevant explanations concerning the mechanical locking device.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the housing of the mechanical locking device can be fixed in the sliding rail to prevent displacement, and the sliding element can be displaceable along the sliding rail. This has the advantage that the mechanical locking device can interact advantageously with the sliding element.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the sliding piece can have a detent element (e.g. a pin) for interaction with the actuating arm, in particular with the hook section of the confirmation arm.

[0029] The measures discussed in the context of the locking device and / or those explained below can also be used to further develop the slide rail arrangement.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, where identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference numerals, possibly only once. The figures show: Fig. 1 a cross-section of a slide rail arrangement with an embodiment of a mechanical locking device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a cross-section of a mechanical locking device according to the invention; Fig. 3a a perspective view of a mechanical locking device according to the invention with the pre-tensioning device in the assembly position; Fig. 3b a perspective view of a cross-section of a mechanical locking device according to the invention in its mounted position; and Fig. Figures 4a-4d show a pivoting of the pretensioning device of a mechanical locking device according to the invention from a mounting position to an operating position in a cross-sectional view.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a slide rail arrangement 1 with a mechanical locking device 3 according to the invention. In a slide rail arrangement 1 in which a mechanical locking device 3 according to the invention is used, a corresponding sliding piece 7 is arranged on a slide rail 5 next to the mechanical locking device 3 in the slide rail arrangement 1. In this embodiment, the sliding piece 7 is slidably mounted in the slide rail 5. The mechanical locking device 3 is fixed in position in the slide rail 5. As in the example, it can be fixed to the slide rail 5 by a locking screw 9. In principle, it is also possible for the sliding piece 7 to be non-sliding and fixed in position, and for the mechanical locking device 3 to be movable in the slide rail 5.If the mechanical locking device 3 is movable in the slide rail 5, it is not fixed with a locking screw 9 (locking screw 9 omitted).

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding piece 7 is movable along the slide rail 5, and the mechanical locking device 3 is fixed in position. When the sliding piece 7 is moved in the direction of the mechanical locking device 3, an actuating arm 11 of the mechanical locking device 3 can interact with a detent element 13 in the sliding piece 7. The detent element 13 can be designed, in particular, as a pin, but can also be cylindrical or semi-cylindrical. The actuating arm 11 can be designed, in particular, as a hook at the part that interacts with the detent element 13 (free end of the actuating arm). In other words, the actuating arm 11 can have a hook section 14.

[0033] When the locking element 13 of the sliding piece 7 interacts with the actuating arm 11 of the mechanical locking device 3, the actuating arm 11 can pivot about an axis 12 over the locking element 13, engage with it, and thus hold it in place. The axis 12 is shown schematically in a top view. In other words, in this position, the sliding piece 7 (when engaged with the actuating arm 11) is secured against displacement by the mechanical locking device 3.

[0034] Such sliding rail arrangements 1 are particularly suitable for concealed installation in doors.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-section through an embodiment of a mechanical locking device 3 according to the invention. The mechanical locking device 3 has a housing 15 with an interior 17 and extends along a central longitudinal axis 19. A preloading device 21 is shown in an assembly position.

[0036] The preloading device 21 has a screw 23 which carries a nut 25 and a spring 27. The screw 23 has a screw head 29. In the assembly position, the screw head 29 projects through a first opening 31 on a first side 33 of the housing 15 into the interior 17 of the housing 15. The nut 25 and the spring 27 project out of the interior 17 through a second opening 35 on a second side of the housing 37.

[0037] This cross-section also shows a force transmission element 39, which in this embodiment according to the invention is designed as a sphere. In principle, other geometric shapes are also conceivable as force transmission elements, such as a cylinder, a cone, or a truncated cone. In this illustration, the force transmission element 39 interacts with the actuating arm 11, which is shown in cross-section. The spring 27 is in the operating position (cf. Fig. 4d), in which the preloading device 21 extends along the central longitudinal axis 19, is connected to the force transmission element 39. The preload force of the preloading device 21 can be influenced by turning the screw 23, which causes the nut 25 to move along the screw 23 relative to the spring 27 (the spring 27 is compressed or relaxed depending on the direction of rotation of the screw 23). The force transmission element 39 generates an optimal force transmission of the preload force to the actuating arm 11.

[0038] The Fig. Figures 3a and b show a perspective view of the mechanical locking device 3 according to the invention, which is in Fig. 2 shown and previously described. It can be seen in this illustration that a recess 42 is formed on a wall section 40 facing the screw head 29, so that a tool engagement section 32 formed on the screw head 29 is accessible.

[0039] The Fig. Figures 4a to 4d show a sequence of pivoting the pre-tensioning device 21 from the mounting position (see Figure 4a to 4d). Fig. 4a) into the operational position (see Fig. 4d). In this illustration, guide sections 43 are shown at the first opening 31. The screw head 29 can be guided along the guide sections 43 while the preloading device 21 is moved from the assembly position to the operating position (as explained above by a pivoting movement by an operator). In the assembly position, a screw axis 45, along which the preloading device 21 extends, forms an angle α with the central longitudinal axis 19 of the housing 15. A pivoting path 41, which moves the preloading device 21 from the assembly position to the operating position, is shown schematically.

[0040] During pivoting, in which the preloading device 21 is moved from the assembly position to the operating position, the angle α decreases until it reaches 0°. During pivoting, the preloading device 21 pivots about a pivot axis 47 that intersects the central longitudinal axis 19 of the housing 15 orthogonally. The preloading device 21a in the Fig. Figures 4a to 4c show the pivoting from the assembly position towards the operating position in several pivot positions, while the preloading device 21b is in Fig. Figure 4d shows the operating position then reached. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 103 00 823 A1

[0002]

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