Lock, in particular quarter-turn lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock, in particular a quarter-turn lock, comprising a locking rod (3) which is rotatably mounted in a lock housing (2) and a spring protection (4) for protecting the locking rod from unintentional rotation relative to the lock housing in at least one position of rotation. The spring protection (4) comprises a spring (5) and a protection element (6), which is pretensioned by means of the spring (5) and interlockingly cooperates with the lock housing (2).

Description

[0001] Closure, especially cam lock

[0002] The present invention relates to a closure, in particular a cam closure, with a locking shaft rotatably mounted in a closure housing and a spring lock for securing the locking shaft against unintentional rotation relative to the closure housing in at least one rotational position.

[0003] Such cam locks are used in various areas, such as the electrical industry, mechanical engineering, refrigeration and air conditioning technology, vehicle construction and even in the private sector for locking doors, flaps, hatches, windows or similar locking elements, which are also summarized below under the term "door".

[0004] In order to be able to fix the locking element relative to a door frame, a fixed frame, a housing or device wall or similar elements, which are also referred to collectively as “door frame” below, these locks have a locking housing in which a locking shaft is mounted so as to be rotatable about the locking axis of the lock between an open and a closed position.

[0005] The outward-facing end of the locking shaft serves to operate the lock, which is why a square, a key flat, a pivoting or lever handle, or a similar actuating element can be arranged at this end. The opposite inner end of the locking shaft serves to connect a locking element, often tongue-shaped, which, together with the locking shaft, is fixed to the latter so that it can be moved back and forth between the open and locked positions. As a rule, the closures are designed such that the locking element can be pivoted from the open to the closed position and vice versa through an angular range of 90 degrees, or the locking shaft can be rotated accordingly.

[0006] Such closures, often also referred to as cam locks or cam locks, are known in a wide variety of designs from the state of the art.

[0007] Special demands are placed on these closures in situations in which they are exposed to shaking, vibrations or similar influences. In such situations, it is important to ensure that unintentional opening of the closure as a result of these influences is avoided. For this purpose, closures are also known from the prior art in which a spring safety device is provided, by means of which the locking shaft is secured against unintentional rotation in at least one rotational position. As a rule, this secured rotational position is the closed position of the closure, so that there is no risk of unintentional opening even under the influence of strong vibration. As a rule, such closures are also designed in such a way that two rotational positions, i.e. both the open and closed positions, are secured against unintentional rotation relative to the closure housing by the spring safety device.

[0008] Known quarter turn locks of this type, which are sometimes also referred to as safety quarter turn locks, often have a two-part locking shaft, one part of which is coupled to the other part of the locking shaft via a spring lock in such a way that the lock can only be operated after one part of the locking shaft has been axially displaced relative to the other part, counter to the force of a tensioning spring. Such quarter turn locks are known, for example, from EP 1 712 716 A2 and WO 2009 / 103414 A1 and have proven themselves in the past for applications in which the locks are exposed to very strong shaking or vibration, sometimes over long periods of time. However, due to the two-part locking shaft, the corresponding quarter turn locks have a comparatively complex design.

[0009] Vibration-resistant cam locks are also known, in which a one-piece locking shaft is secured by a spring lock against unintentional rotation due to shaking or vibration. In this type of cam lock, the spring of the spring lock has a locking element integrally formed on it, which interacts with a counter-element on the lock housing under spring force when the lock is in the closed position. This also allows unintentional rotational movements of the locking shaft relative to the lock housing due to vibrations and similar factors to be prevented with comparatively little effort.

[0010] However, with this type of closure there is a certain risk that inhomogeneous stress profiles may arise within the spring containing the locking element, which may lead to failure of the spring and thus of the closure after a large number of actuation cycles of the closure.

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a closure with a spring safety device which is characterized by both a simple structure and a low risk of failure.

[0012] This task is solved in a closure of the type mentioned above in that the spring safety device has a spring and a safety element which is pre-tensioned by the spring and interacts with the closure housing in a locking manner.

[0013] In addition to the spring, the spring safety device features a locking element preloaded by the spring and engaging with the bolt housing. This distributes the two functions of the spring safety device—its spring function and its locking function—into two separate components. This results in homogeneous stress distributions within the spring, preventing it from failing even after a very large number of actuation cycles. Furthermore, the bolt design is simpler.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment provides that the securing element is arranged so as to rotate with the locking shaft and / or that the securing element is arranged so as to be axially movable on the locking shaft. Due to the rotating arrangement of the securing element on the locking shaft, a relative rotation occurs between the securing element and the bolt housing. This relative rotation can be used to lock the securing element relative to the bolt housing. The axial mobility of the securing element results in an axial relative movement relative to the bolt housing. This axial mobility can also be used to lock or unlock the securing element relative to the bolt housing.

[0015] To guide the linear movements of the locking element relative to the locking shaft, a further embodiment proposes that the locking element be connected to the locking shaft via a guide for axial movement. Defined linear movements can be achieved via the guide. Furthermore, wear between the locking shaft and the locking element, which is mounted on it for axial movement, can be reduced. This allows for low wear between the locking shaft and the locking element, even with manufacturing dimensions with tighter tolerances, such as in the case of zinc die-cast parts. This also contributes to a lower risk of failure of the lock.

[0016] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the spring is supported on the locking shaft and preloads the locking element with a locking force. The spring can, for example, be supported on an axial shoulder of the locking shaft. The locking element can be tensioned against the axial shoulder via the locking element. The preload of the locking element creates a type of force threshold that must first be overcome before the locking element, which is locked to the bolt housing, can be rotated relative to it. This results in a high level of protection against shaking or vibration influences, as these are not sufficient to overcome the force threshold generated by the preload. In addition, the preload force can be varied by using different springs, depending on the application and the expected shaking or vibration loads.

[0017] A further advantageous design with regard to a simple construction of the closure provides for the spring to be designed as a spring washer, in particular a wave washer, and the securing element as a locking washer. Configuring both the spring and the securing element as washers results in a structurally simple design. Furthermore, standard components can be used, particularly for the spring, which are available on the market at low cost and are characterized by high resistance to alternating stresses. The spring can, for example, be designed as a wave washer made of spring steel.

[0018] A design in which the spring and the locking element rest against each other, forming a pair of discs, is advantageous. The pair of discs can be attached to the locking shaft in a single assembly step, resulting in assembly advantages.

[0019] A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the securing element interacts with the lock housing in a locked and / or open position of the lock. This results in a locking rotation lock. The rotation lock can be activated in two rotational positions: the open position and the closed position of the lock. In the closed position, the rotation lock prevents the lock from being opened accidentally. In the open position, the locking element prevents it from pivoting back toward the closed position, which could lead to a collision with the door frame when the open door is closed. In the worst case, the locking element could bend, thereby compromising the functional reliability of the lock.A further advantageous embodiment provides that the securing element has at least one locking contour, which interacts in a locking manner with at least one correspondingly designed locking contour of the bolt housing. Advantageously, several locking contours can be provided on both the securing element and the bolt housing. By having several locking contours, locking can be achieved not only in one rotational position, but in several rotational positions. Furthermore, having several locking contours simultaneously engaged results in a locking force applied symmetrically between the securing element and the bolt housing.

[0020] An advantageous embodiment provides that the locking contours are designed and arranged in such a way that they can be locked together and / or unlocked from one another by a rotational movement of the locking shaft. In this way, the rotational movement of the locking shaft can be used to lock or unlock the locking contours. It is not necessary to actuate them in a separate step.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the securing element for derusting the locking contours is arranged to be movable against the force of the tensioning spring.

[0022] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the locking contours of the locking element are designed as projections and the locking contours of the lock housing as recesses. Alternatively, however, it would also be possible for the locking contours of the lock housing to be designed as projections and the locking contours of the securing element as recesses. The projections can be designed in the manner of locking lugs that can be engaged in corresponding locking recesses. In this context, it is also advantageous if the locking contours have unlocking bevels. The unlocking bevels can be used to utilize a relative rotation of the locking shaft with respect to the housing for unlocking. Due to the rotational movement, the securing element can be moved along the locking shaft and pressed against the tensioning spring until the locking contours are axially derusted from one another.As soon as the next recess on the bolt housing is reached after further turning of the locking shaft, the projection can snap into it and rust from the axial direction.

[0023] In this context, a structurally advantageous embodiment provides that the locking contours of the securing element and the locking contours of the locking housing have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.

[0024] Finally, in a further embodiment, it is proposed that the spring and the securing element be made of different materials. The spring can be made of spring steel. The securing element can advantageously be made of a zinc alloy, for example, a Zamak alloy, and manufactured using a zinc die-casting process.

[0025] Further details and advantages of a closure according to the invention will be explained below with the aid of the accompanying drawings of an exemplary embodiment. In these drawings:

[0026] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a closure,

[0027] Fig. 2 is a side view of the closure as shown in

[0028] Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 a sectional view according to the cutting plane designated III-III in Fig. 2,

[0029] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the closure as shown in Fig. 1,

[0030] Fig. 5 is a further exploded perspective view of the closure as shown in Fig. 1, viewed from its other side,

[0031] Fig. 6 a perspective view (a) and a plan view (b) of the closure housing,

[0032] Fig. 7 a perspective view (a) and a plan view (b) of the securing element, and

[0033] Fig. 8 a perspective view (a) and a plan view (b) of the locking shaft.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a lock 1 as used in many areas of technology for locking doors to door frames.

[0035] The lock 1 is a cam lock, also known as a sash lock. The lock 1 has a cylindrical lock housing 2, which can be inserted into an opening of a door (not shown in the figures). To secure the cam lock 1 to the door, the lock housing 2 has a collar 2.5 resting on a surface of the door. Furthermore, the lock housing 2 has a threaded portion 2.6, which is inserted through the opening of the door and onto which a nut 10 can be screwed from the other side (see also Fig. 4).

[0036] A locking shaft 3, designed like an actuating bolt, is rotatably mounted in the locking housing 2. The locking shaft 3 is formed in one piece. The locking shaft 3 has an external actuating end and an internal locking end.

[0037] An actuator 8 is provided on the outer actuating end of the locking shaft 3. The actuator 8 is a square. The square is formed integrally with the locking shaft 3. A suitable tool can be attached to the actuator 8, thereby rotating the locking shaft 3.

[0038] A locking element 11 is arranged at the inner end of the locking shaft 3. The locking shaft 3 has a substantially square cross-section in the connection area with the locking element 11, which can be inserted into a correspondingly square-shaped receiving opening 11.1 of the locking element 11. To secure the locking element 11 to the locking shaft 3, a screw bolt 9 is screwed into the locking shaft 3 coaxially to its central axis, and the locking element 11 is fixed to the locking shaft 3 so that it rotates.

[0039] As can be seen from the illustrations in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the locking element 11 is a locking tongue. The locking element 11 has a stop 11.2 next to the receiving opening 11.1. The stop 11.2 projects in the direction of the bolt housing 2 and engages in a housing opening 2.7 of the bolt housing 2, on the sides of which two stops 2.8 are provided at a distance of 90 degrees. The stops 2.8 interact with the stop 11.2 in such a way that the locking shaft 3 can only be rotated by 90 degrees. One stop 2.8 corresponds to the open position of the bolt 1 and the other stop 2.8 to the closed position of the bolt 1.

[0040] For dust protection, a seal receptacle 12 is provided on the locking shaft 3 in the area of ​​the actuation 8, in which a seal 13 can be arranged (see Fig. 4). The seal receptacle 12 is a groove opening radially outward. The seal 13 is an O-ring.

[0041] To protect the locking shaft 3, which is rotatably mounted in the bolt housing 2, from unintentional rotation relative to the bolt housing 2 under the influence of external influences such as shaking or vibration, the bolt 1 has a spring lock 4, see also the illustration in Fig. 3. The spring lock 4 secures the locking shaft 3 against unintentional rotation both in the open position of the bolt 1 and in the closed position of the bolt 1. This results in a position lock in two rotational positions.

[0042] Details of the spring lock 4 will be explained below, particularly with reference to the illustrations in Fig. 4 to Fig. 8.

[0043] The spring lock 4 has a spring 5 designed in the manner of a spring washer and a locking element 6 designed in the manner of a retaining washer, see the illustration in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

[0044] The spring 5 is a corrugated washer made of spring steel. The spring 5 rests against the locking element 6 from its rear side. The spring 5 preloads the locking element 6 toward a base 2.9 of the lock housing 2. The disc-shaped spring 5 and the disc-shaped locking element 6 form a pair of discs that can be mounted on the locking shaft 3 in a single assembly step. The locking element 6 is arranged on the locking shaft 3 for axial movement.

[0045] A guide 7 serves to guide the axial movements of the securing element 6 relative to the axially fixed locking shaft 3. The guide 7 can be designed as a linear guide or as an axial guide. The guide 7 has guide elements 7.1 on the locking shaft side and guide elements 7.2 on the securing element side. The guide elements 7.1 on the locking shaft side are arranged at a distance of 90 degrees around the circumference of the locking shaft 3. A total of four guide elements 7.1 are provided, which extend in the axial direction of the locking shaft 3. The guide elements 7.1 end shortly before the end of the locking shaft 3 so that the locking element 11 can be pushed onto the locking shaft 3 with its receiving opening 11.1 without being hindered by the guide elements 7.1. The guide elements 7.2 on the securing element side are formed by guide openings that can be pushed over the guide elements 7.1.The guide elements 7.2 are formed on an inner opening 6.5 of the securing element 6. A total of four guide elements 7.2 are arranged at an angular spacing of 90 degrees each around the circumference of the opening 6.5.

[0046] Defined movements are achieved via the guide 7 of the locking element 6 relative to the locking shaft 3. Furthermore, wear between the locking shaft 3 and the locking element 6 is prevented, even in the case of larger manufacturing tolerances.

[0047] This is particularly advantageous in the present embodiment, since the locking shaft 3, the securing element 6, the breech housing 2, and also the locking element 11 of the breech 1 were manufactured using a zinc die-casting process, which is advantageous from a manufacturing perspective. This process results in somewhat increased manufacturing tolerances. If the outer surface of the locking shaft 3 were reworked with high precision, for example, by machining, it would also be possible to guide the movements of the securing element 6 via a square inner opening on the square outer circumference of the locking shaft 3.

[0048] On the side facing away from the spring 5, the securing element 6 has several locking contours 6.1, 6.2. The locking contours 6.1, 6.2 are designed like locking projections with a trapezoidal cross-section. The locking contours 6.1, 6.2 each have a release slope 6.3, 6.4 on both sides, the function of which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0049] The locking contours 6.1 are offset by 90 degrees from the locking contours 6.2. A total of four locking contours 6.1 and 6.2 are provided.

[0050] The locking contours 6.1, 6.2 interact with correspondingly designed locking contours 2.1, 2.2 on the bottom of the bolt housing. The locking contours 2.1, 2.2 are arranged on the bottom 2.9 of the bolt housing 2 opposite the locking element 6.

[0051] The functionality of the closure 1 will be explained in detail below.

[0052] In the closed position of the bolt 1, the tongue-shaped locking element 11 rests with its nose-shaped stop 11.2 against a stop 2.8 on the housing side. Therefore, the locking shaft 3 can only be rotated in one direction from this position, namely towards the open position of the bolt 1. In the closed position, the trapezoidal locking contours 6.1, 6.2 rest in the respective opposite locking contours 2.1, 2.2 of the bolt housing 2. The spring 5 preloads the securing element 6 and with it the locking contours 6.1, 6.2 in the direction of the locking contours 2.1, 2.2. For this reason, the locking contours 6.1, 6.2 cannot be easily released from the locking contours 2.1, 2.2.

[0053] To release the locking mechanism, it is necessary to overcome the securing force provided by the tension of spring 5. The shocks or vibrations occurring during operation of the lock 1 are not capable of achieving this, which is why the lock 1 is resistant to unwanted rotational movements of the locking shaft 3 or the locking element 11 arranged on it.

[0054] In order to remove rust from the locking elements 6.1, 6.2 from the locking elements 2.1, 2.2, it is necessary to first overcome the securing force by turning the actuation 8 of the closure 1, before the actuation 8 can then be turned further with less effort.

[0055] In this case, the unlocking bevels 6.3, 6.4 initially come into contact with the edge of the locking contours 2.1, 2.2 which is at the front in the direction of rotation. Due to the inclined position of the unlocking bevels 6.3, 6.4 with respect to the plane of rotation of the locking shaft 3, in addition to the rotational movement, there is also an axial movement component of the locking element 6 against the force of the tensioning spring 5. The locking element 6 therefore lifts off from the base 2.9 of the lock housing 2 and the locking contours 6.1, 6.2 disengage from the housing-side locking contours 2.1, 2.2 when the axial locking force is reached. The locking shaft 3 can then be rotated further with less effort, whereby the locking contours 6.1, 6.2 are disengaged from the locking contours 2.1, 2.2. Only when the open position is reached, after a rotation angle of 90 degrees, do the locking contours 6.1, 6.2 of the securing element 6, pre-tensioned by the spring 5, meet a matching locking contour 2.1, 2.2 on the bolt housing 2. Driven by the spring 5, the locking contours 6.1, 6.2 engage with the opposite locking contours 2.1, 2.2. Since both the locking washer 6 and the bolt housing 2 are made of a metallic material, this engagement is also audibly perceptible to the operator.

[0056] In the open position, the bolt 1 is also secured against unintentional rotation. The process is similar when moving the bolt 1 from the open to the closed position.

[0057] Although a spring lock 4 with a locking element 6 having a total of four locking contours 6.1, 6.2 and a housing 2 also having four correspondingly designed locking contours 2.1, 2.2 was described above, a different number of locking contours is also conceivable. For example, it would also be sufficient to provide only one locking contour 6.1 on the locking element 6 and two locking contours 2.1, 2.2 on the housing 2. In this way, it would also be possible to secure the locking shaft 3 relative to the housing 2 in two rotational positions. The advantage of the design described here with four locking contours 6.1, 6.2, 2.1, 2.2 each lies in the symmetrical transmission of the spring preload generated by the spring 5 via the securing element 6 to the lock housing 2. Due to the larger number of locking contours 6.1, 6.2, 2.1, 2.2, there are correspondingly several support points, which leads to favorable wear behavior.In addition, other numbers and arrangements of locking contours 6.1, 6.2, 2.1, 2.2 would also be conceivable, for example in order to secure a locking element 11 in a further rotational position, for example an intermediate position between the open and the closed position via the spring lock 4 or similar.

[0058] The cam lock 1 described above is characterized by reliable protection against unwanted twisting, even under strong shocks or vibrations. Furthermore, the separation of the locking and spring functions results in a design that is not at risk of failure even under high load cycles.

[0059] Reference symbol:

[0060] 1 closure

[0061] 2 bolt housings

[0062] 2.1 Locking contour

[0063] 2.2 Locking contour

[0064] 2.3 Unlatching bevel

[0065] 2.4 Unlatching bevel

[0066] 2.5 Collar

[0067] 2.6 Threaded section

[0068] 2.7 Housing opening

[0069] 2.8 Stop

[0070] 2.9 Soil

[0071] 3 Closing shaft

[0072] 4 spring lock

[0073] 5 spring

[0074] 6 Securing element

[0075] 6.1 Locking contour

[0076] 6.2 Locking contour

[0077] 6.3 Unlatching bevel

[0078] 6.4 Unlatching bevel

[0079] 6.5 Opening

[0080] 7 Guide

[0081] 7.1 Guide element

[0082] 7.2 Guide element

[0083] 8 Operation

[0084] 9 screw bolts

[0085] 10 Mother

[0086] 11 Locking element

[0087] 11.1 Receptacle opening stop seal receptacle sealing ring

Claims

Patent claims: 1 . Closure, in particular a cam closure, with a locking shaft (3) rotatably mounted in a closure housing (2) and a spring lock (4) for securing the locking shaft (3) against unintentional rotation relative to the closure housing (2) in at least one rotational position, characterized in that the spring lock (4) has a spring (5) and a locking element (6) pretensioned by the spring (5) and interacting with the closure housing (2) in a locking manner.

2. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the securing element (6) is arranged to rotate on the locking shaft (3) and / or that the securing element (6) is arranged to be axially movable on the locking shaft (3).

3. Closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the securing element (6) is connected to the locking shaft (3) via a guide (7) in an axially movable manner.

4. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (5) is supported on the locking shaft (2) and pre-tensions the securing element (6) with a securing force.

5. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (5) is designed as a spring washer, in particular as a corrugated washer, and the securing element (6) is designed as a securing washer. Closure according to claim 5, characterized in that the spring (5) and the securing element (6) bear against one another and form a pair of discs. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (6) interacts with the closure housing (2) in a closed position and / or an open position of the closure (1). Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (6) has at least one locking contour (6.1, 6.2) which interacts with at least one correspondingly designed locking contour (2.1, 2.2) of the closure housing (2). Closure according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking contours (6.1, 6.2; 2.1, 2.2) are designed and arranged such that they can be locked to one another and / or unlocked from one another by a rotary movement of the locking shaft (3).Closure according to claim 9, characterized in that the securing element (6) is arranged to be movable against the force of the tensioning spring (5) for unlocking the locking contours (6.1, 6.2; 2.1, 2.2). Closure according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the locking contours (6.1, 6.2) are designed as projections and the locking contours (2.1, 2.2) as recesses. Closure according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the locking contours (6.1, 6.2; 2.1, 2.2) have unlocking bevels (6.3, 6.4; 2.3, 2.4). Closure according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the locking contours (6.1, 6.2) and the locking contours (2.1, 2.2) have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (5) and the securing element (6) are made of different materials.

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