Mailbox flap assembly

Abstract

Mailbox flap assembly wherein the mailbox (A1) has a front-facing insertion opening (A2) and an inside of the mailbox (A3), comprising a support body (30), a first swivel arm (10), a second swivel arm (20), a drop flap (40) and a spring assembly, wherein the support body (30) is assigned to the insertion opening (A2) and is arranged for fixed attachment to the inside of the letterbox (A3), and has a first pivot bearing receptacle (31) and a second pivot bearing receptacle (32) with a common pivot axis (33), wherein the first pivot arm (10) is assigned to the first pivot bearing receptacle (31) and has a first bearing section (11) and a first fastening section (12), wherein the first bearing section (11) is pivotably arranged about the first pivot bearing receptacle (31) and the first pivot bearing receptacle (31) and the first bearing section (11) together form the first pivot bearing (13) and wherein a rotation damper (50) is associated with the first pivot bearing (13), wherein the first fastening section (12) is connected on the inside to a drop-in flap (40) at its first end section (41), wherein the second swivel arm is assigned to the second swivel bearing receptacle (32) and has a second bearing section (21) and a second fastening section (22), wherein the second bearing section (21) is pivotably arranged about the second pivot bearing receptacle (32) and the second pivot bearing receptacle (32) and the second bearing section (21) together form the second pivot bearing (23) and wherein a spring assembly is assigned to the second pivot bearing (23), wherein the second fastening section (22) is connected on the inside to the second end section (42) of the deposit flap (40), wherein the spring assembly is designed for a locking preload and comprises a torsion spring (60), a spring attachment (70), a lateral retaining plate (80) and a clamping plate (90), wherein the torsion spring (60) has a helical body (63), a first anchor arm (51) which engages the second pivot arm (20), and a second anchor arm (62), wherein the helical body (63) is arranged coaxially to the pivot bearing axis (33), wherein spring attachment (70) corresponds to the second pivot bearing receptacle (32) and together with it radially encompasses the helical body (63), wherein the lateral retaining plate (80) is arranged axially on the outside of the second pivot bearing receptacle (32) and has a support pin (81) which is arranged concentrically in the helical body (63), wherein the clamping plate (90) is detachably connected to the second pivot bearing receptacle (32) and has a plurality of lateral receiving slots (91) for a variable arrangement of the second anchor arm (62) of the torsion spring (60).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a high-quality letterbox flap assembly for a mailbox.

[0002] Various technical solutions for a letterbox flap with different additional features are known from the state of the art.

[0003] The mail slot allows mail to be inserted into the mailbox without having to or being able to open it completely. The slot makes it possible to insert mail into the mailbox, but preferably prevents it from being retrieved, or at least makes it difficult.

[0004] The flaps for depositing mail are mostly pivot-mounted and can usually be operated manually. They open and close automatically. The closing process is generally gravity-driven, so that the flaps fall back into the closed position on their own.

[0005] Depending on the size and build quality of the mailbox, the mail slots vary considerably in size and weight. Large mailboxes, especially those made with reinforced materials for vandalism protection, have heavy and large mail slots. One disadvantage of this is that large and heavy slots can make loud noises when closing automatically. Conversely, lighter slots can rattle when subjected to vibrations and strong winds. Furthermore, some mail slots may not close completely.

[0006] It is generally known to design flaps with spring tension. However, this has proven disadvantageous because if the spring force is too low, the aforementioned drawbacks are not overcome; if the spring force is too high, the opening effort becomes unpleasantly high and there is a risk of jamming; furthermore, deviations from the appropriate spring force often only become apparent once the flap is installed.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a letterbox flap that can be opened and kept open with reasonable effort, that closes reliably and precisely, that makes no or only slight noise when closing and does not rattle when closed.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features listed in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0009] The letter slot assembly according to the invention is designed for a mailbox with a front-facing letter slot. The mailbox can be designed as a freestanding mailbox or as a built-in mailbox for integration into a building wall. Preferably, the letter slot is arranged substantially vertically. The mailbox, including the letter slot and the interior of the mailbox, is not part of the device according to the invention but merely represents the functional context of the device according to the invention.

[0010] The basic components of the drop flap assembly include a support body, a drop flap, a first swivel arm, a second swivel arm and a spring assembly.

[0011] The basic components are located in the area of ​​the letter slot of the mailbox and form a cohesive assembly. The letter slot assembly is subsequently sometimes referred to simply as the assembly. It is attached to the inside of the mailbox for proper use.

[0012] The supporting body, as the first basic component, forms the basic frame to which all relevant parts are arranged.

[0013] The support body is located at the letter slot and is arranged for secure attachment to the inside of the mailbox. Preferably, antiparallel contact surfaces for adhesive bonding are provided for attachment to the inside of the mailbox. This allows for an advantageous attachment that is not visible from the outside. However, the invention also includes other suitable attachment methods.

[0014] The support body has a first pivot bearing mount for the pivoting of the first swivel arm and a second pivot bearing mount for the pivoting of the second swivel arm. Both pivot bearing mounts share a common pivot axis. The flap can pivot around this axis, thereby opening or closing the insertion opening.

[0015] The supporting body is preferably designed as a fiber-reinforced plastic part.

[0016] The first pivot arm is associated with the first pivot bearing mount. This pivot arm has a first mounting section that is connected to the inside of the flap at its first end section. When closed, the first pivot is therefore not visible when looking at the flap from the outside. The connection between the first mounting section and the flap is preferably also made using adhesive bonding.

[0017] Furthermore, the pivot bearing housing has a first bearing section that is pivotably arranged around the first pivot bearing housing. The first pivot bearing housing and the first bearing section together form the first pivot bearing. The first pivot bearing serves to provide a rotary movement, hereinafter referred to as pivoting movement. The first pivot arm has a specific length. The angle of rotation is limited by stop surfaces against the support frame. Within these limits, the mail slot flap pivots outwards on the pivot arms towards the outside of the mailbox. High-quality bearings that enable low-friction and precise rotation are preferably used as pivot bearings.

[0018] The first pivot bearing is equipped with a rotary damper. The rotary damper slows the pivoting movement, ensuring it is slow and, in particular, uniform. This allows the flap to close advantageously with a slow but largely uniform movement.

[0019] The second swivel arm is assigned to the second swivel bearing mount and has a second mounting section. The descriptions for the first swivel arm also apply to the second swivel arm, unless otherwise specified below.

[0020] The second pivot arm is also connected to the inside of the flap – at its second end section. This second pivot arm has a second bearing section, which is pivotally arranged around the second pivot bearing housing. The second pivot bearing housing and the second bearing section together form the second pivot bearing. Similar to the first pivot bearing, the second pivot bearing is preferably equipped with a high-quality bearing that enables precise and low-friction pivoting movement.

[0021] The second pivot bearing is associated with a spring assembly. The spring assembly forms another basic component and is designed to provide a locking preload.

[0022] The spring assembly includes a torsion spring. This spring serves to return the rotational movement to its restoring position. The torsion spring comprises a helical body, a first anchor arm, and a second anchor arm. The helical body is arranged coaxially with the pivot bearing axis. The first anchor arm acts on the second pivot arm in the closing direction. The second anchor arm exerts a holding force as a counterforce and indirectly supports itself against the support body.

[0023] For reliable guidance of the helical body, a spring attachment is arranged that corresponds to the second pivot bearing mount and, together with it, radially encompasses the helical body. The torsion spring is enclosed and held in position by the spring attachment. Furthermore, a lateral retaining plate is arranged axially on the outside of the second pivot bearing mount. This plate has a support pin. This pin is arranged concentrically in the helical body and has a clamping plate that is detachably connected to the second pivot bearing mount.

[0024] The clamping plate features multiple lateral mounting slots designed for variable positioning of the second anchor arm of the torsion spring. This means the second anchor arm can be positioned in any of the multiple lateral mounting slots. Each slot defines a different angular position relative to the common pivot axis and thus to the rotation axis of the torsion spring. Depending on the mounting slot in which the second anchor arm is positioned, the spring preload will be lower or higher.

[0025] Thus, the restoring force and therefore the closing movement as well as the pressure force acting on the insertion flap in the closed state can be adjusted.

[0026] The assembly is advantageously adaptable to the dimensions and weight of the drop flap, as well as to the running characteristics of the two swivel bearings and the rotary damper, and the properties of the torsion spring.

[0027] Furthermore, this adaptability allows for adjustments to different installation conditions regarding the mailbox's position. The defined return mechanism using a torsion spring and the damping provided by a rotary damper allow for very precise control of the closing speed and force of the mail slot flap.

[0028] The adjustment can be made particularly advantageously while the mailbox is in its actual installed position. The clamping plate can be easily detached – preferably unscrewed – without disassembling the mailbox or the front panel with the mail slot. The second anchor arm can then be inserted into the conveniently located lateral slot, and the clamping plate reattached.

[0029] Furthermore, even after a longer period of operation, a simple readjustment can be carried out if a need arises due to a change in the movement behavior of the flap.

[0030] Ultimately, removing the spring attachment allows for advantageous lateral access to the torsion spring, enabling its replacement if necessary.

[0031] According to a first advantageous embodiment, the letterbox flap assembly is characterized by having a precision lateral guide. The precision lateral guide comprises a first pressure piece arranged in a first bore of the support body and acting on an outer flange of the first pivot arm. Furthermore, the precision lateral guide comprises a second pressure piece arranged in a second bore of the support body and acting on an outer flange of the second pivot arm. The two pressure pieces are axially opposed to each other and act laterally on the two pivot arms.

[0032] This allows the final position of the flap relative to the opening to be precisely positioned. This offers the crucial advantage of producing a very high-quality visual representation of the gap dimensions. Defined gaps can also be set to meet safety requirements regarding pinch protection. The two pressure pieces are preferably spring-loaded, adjustable, and readjustable, so that, for example, gap deviations after a longer break-in period can be corrected.

[0033] According to another advantageous embodiment, the letterbox flap assembly is characterized in that the first pivot bearing or the second pivot bearing has a bearing insert.

[0034] The bearing assembly offers the advantage of modularity. Standard industrial bearings with excellent running properties can be used at low cost. This also simplifies the assembly and procurement process. Furthermore, industrial bearings are permanently lubricated and therefore require very little maintenance. They are also very precise and low-friction, which is highly advantageous for the accurate and smooth movement of the feed flap. Replacement during maintenance is also conveniently simple, as the entire bearing assembly can be replaced.

[0035] Insofar as numerals such as first, second or similar are used in the description and in the claims, this does not serve to indicate a specific hierarchy or value, but merely for unambiguous identification and assignment.

[0036] The invention is described as an exemplary embodiment by reference to Fig. 1 Schematic oblique view of the letter slot assembly for a mailbox Fig. 2. Schematic oblique view of the letter slot assembly for a mailbox Fig. 3. Schematic oblique view as exploded view of the drop flap assembly explained in more detail.

[0037] In this context, identical reference symbols in different figures refer to the same features or components. These reference symbols are used in the description even if they are not shown in the figure in question.

[0038] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic oblique view of the letter slot assembly for a mailbox A1. The inside of the mailbox A3 is shown, looking towards the letter slot opening A2. This is located in the Fig. The locking position shown in 1 is closed by the drop flap 40.

[0039] The drop flap 40 is received by the first swivel arm 10 and the second swivel arm 20.

[0040] The first pivot arm 10 has its first mounting section 12 on the flap side and its first bearing section 11 on the support body side. The first pivot arm 10 is connected to the first end section 41 of the flap 40 by means of an adhesive bond via its first mounting section 12. At its other end, the first pivot arm 10 is pivotably connected to the support body 30 by means of the first bearing section 11. The rotation damper 50 is associated with the first pivot bearing 13 thus formed.

[0041] At its second end section 42, the drop flap 40 is connected to the second pivot arm 20 at its second mounting section 22. This connection is also made by bonding. Analogous to the first pivot arm 10, the second pivot arm 20 is also pivotably attached at its other end to the support body 30 at its second pivot bearing receptacle 32 by means of the second bearing section 21. The second pivot bearing 23 is formed there.

[0042] The support body 30 is glued to the inside of the mailbox A1 A3 and thus its position is fixed.

[0043] The torsion spring 60 is arranged on the second pivot bearing. This spring serves to return the open flap 40 to the closed position. The first anchor arm 61 of the torsion spring 60 is attached to the second pivot arm 20. The second anchor arm 62 of the torsion spring 60 acts as a counter-support and indirectly transmits the spring force in the opposite direction to the support body 30. The torsion spring 60 can be pre-tensioned to the desired degree via the clamping plate 90 and the lateral receiving slots 91 provided therein. The details are described in Fig. 3 shown in more detail.

[0044] The Fig. Figure 2 also shows, in a schematic oblique view, an exemplary embodiment of the letter slot assembly for a mailbox A1. Fig. 2 corresponds to the basic principle of Fig. 1, however, the perspective has shifted to the other side.

[0045] The Fig. Figure 2 shows, in particular, the outer side of the first pivot arm 10. Specifically, the first pivot bearing 13 on the first pivot arm 10 is accessible on this side. The pivot bearing axis 33 runs through the center of rotation of the pivot bearings 13 and 23, and the subassembly consisting of the two pivot arms 10 and 20 and the drop flap 40 pivots around this axis. The common pivot bearing axis 33 of the first pivot bearing 13 and the second pivot bearing 23 is shown by the dashed line. The drop flap 40 is moved along a precise circular segment path by the common pivot bearing axis 33. The axial accuracy of both pivot bearings 13 and 23 ensures smooth movement.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic oblique view of an exploded view of the letter slot assembly in an unassembled state without the letterbox A1. In particular, this view shows the side with the spring assembly belonging to the second end section 42 of the letter slot 40.

[0047] This is the side on which the torsion spring 60 is located. The illustration shows the receptacle for the torsion spring 60 in the support body 30 in the area of ​​the second pivot bearing 23. The spring is arranged with the helical body 63 in a semicircular recess of the support body 30. To ensure that the torsion spring 60 is held securely in the support body 30 after assembly, the spring attachment 70 is fitted. This attachment closes the receiving contour in the form of a half-cylinder, complementary to the recess in the support body. The spring attachment 70, which is screwed firmly to the support body 30, has a recess for receiving the second anchor arm 62 of the torsion spring 60. The recess is segment-shaped and allows for different angular positions of the second anchor arm 62. The connecting screws are not shown.

[0048] To allow the torsion spring 60 to be pre-tensioned to varying degrees, a chipboard plate 90 is placed on the spring attachment 70. The chipboard plate 90 has slots 91 for which the second anchor arm 62 can be inserted. The spring pre-tension is easily adjusted by selecting the appropriate slot 91. To readjust the pre-tension, the chipboard plate 90 simply needs to be unscrewed or at least loosened.

[0049] The first anchor arm 61 of the torsion spring 60, however, engages in a receiving contour on the second pivot arm 20. After assembly, the second pivot arm 20 is guided radially in the support body 30 via a second bearing section 21 by means of a second pivot bearing 23, here designed as a bearing insert. For precise radial guidance of the second pivot arm 20, a pressure piece 25 is inserted into a bore in the support body 30. The second pressure piece 25 acts on the second outer web 24 of the second pivot arm 20. Analogously, there exists - in Fig. 3 not visible - an identical arrangement of the first pressure piece 15, which acts on the first outer cheek 14 of the first pivot arm, on the side of the first pivot arm 10. In this way the pivoting movement of the drop flap is axially secured. Reference symbols used A1 mailbox A2 slot A3 Mailbox inside 10 first swivel arm 11 first camp section 12 first fastening section 13 first swivel bearing 14 first outer cheek 15 first printing piece 20 second swivel arm 21 second camp section 22 second fastening section 23 second swivel bearing 24 second outer cheek 25 second printing piece 30 support structures 31 first swivel bearing mount 32 second swivel bearing mount 33 Swivel bearing axis 40 drop-in flap 41 first final section 42 second final section 50 rotary dampers 60 Torsion spring 61 first anchor arm 62 second anchor arm 63 Helix bodies 70 spring attachment 80 Mounting plate 81 support pins 90 chipboard 91 recording slots

Claims

[1] Letter slot assembly for a letterbox, wherein the mailbox (A1) has a front-facing insertion opening (A2) and an inside of the mailbox (A3), comprising a support body (30), a first swivel arm (10), a second swivel arm (20), a drop flap (40) and a spring assembly, wherein the support body (30) is assigned to the insertion opening (A2) and is arranged for fixed attachment to the inside of the letterbox (A3), and has a first pivot bearing receptacle (31) and a second pivot bearing receptacle (32) with a common pivot axis (33), wherein the first pivot arm (10) is assigned to the first pivot bearing receptacle (31) and has a first bearing section (11) and a first fastening section (12), wherein the first bearing section (11) is pivotably arranged about the first pivot bearing receptacle (31) and the first pivot bearing receptacle (31) and the first bearing section (11) together form the first pivot bearing (13) and wherein a rotation damper (50) is associated with the first pivot bearing (13), wherein the first fastening section (12) is connected on the inside to a drop-in flap (40) at its first end section (41), wherein the second swivel arm is assigned to the second swivel bearing receptacle (32) and has a second bearing section (21) and a second fastening section (22), wherein the second bearing section (21) is pivotably arranged about the second pivot bearing receptacle (32) and the second pivot bearing receptacle (32) and the second bearing section (21) together form the second pivot bearing (23) and wherein a spring assembly is assigned to the second pivot bearing (23), wherein the second fastening section (22) is connected on the inside to the second end section (42) of the deposit flap (40), wherein the spring assembly is designed for a locking preload and comprises a torsion spring (60), a spring attachment (70), a lateral retaining plate (80) and a clamping plate (90), wherein the torsion spring (60) has a helical body (63), a first anchor arm (51) which engages the second pivot arm (20), and a second anchor arm (62), wherein the helical body (63) is arranged coaxially to the pivot bearing axis (33), wherein spring attachment (70) corresponds to the second pivot bearing receptacle (32) and together with it radially encompasses the helical body (63), wherein the lateral retaining plate (80) is arranged axially on the outside of the second pivot bearing receptacle (32) and has a support pin (81) which is arranged concentrically in the helical body (63), wherein the clamping plate (90) is detachably connected to the second pivot bearing receptacle (32) and has a plurality of lateral receiving slots (91) for a variable arrangement of the second anchor arm (62) of the torsion spring (60). [2] Letter slot assembly for a letterbox according to claim 1, characterized by , that this has a precision side guide, wherein the precision side guide has a first pressure piece (15) arranged in a first bore of the carrier body (30) and acting on an outer cheek (14) of the first pivot arm (20), and a second pressure piece (25) arranged in a second bore of the carrier body (30) and acting on an outer cheek (24) of the second pivot arm (20). [3] Letter slot assembly for a letterbox according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first pivot bearing (13) or the second pivot bearing (23) has a bearing insert.

Images