Quick-release fastening device

Abstract

The invention relates to a quick-release fastening device (1) for securing objects or loads to a robotic vehicle (2), wherein the quick-release fastening device (1) comprises a bayonet locking unit (3) and an adapter (4) lockable by the bayonet locking unit (3), which is designed to connect to an object, wherein the bayonet locking unit (3) comprises: a base plate (10) designed to be attached to the robotic vehicle (2), a central adapter receptacle (13) fixedly connected to the base plate (10), and a locking ring (18) pivotally disposed on the base plate (10) about a quick-release central pivot axis (6), which concentrically surrounds the adapter receptacle (13), and which has locking tabs (27) directed inward toward the quick-release central pivot axis (6).wherein the adapter (4) has bayonet teeth (29) arranged on its circumference that are in a plane perpendicular to the quick-release pivot axis (6) and are designed to provide fixed rotational support for the adapter (4) on an associated, particularly annular, bearing surface (35) of the adapter receptacle (13), wherein in a closed position of the bayonet locking unit (3) the locking ring (18) assumes a first pivot position in which the locking tabs (27) cover the bayonet teeth (29) in a locked manner and maintain the adapter (4) locked to the adapter receptacle (13), and in an open position of the bayonet locking unit (3) the locking ring (18) assumes a second pivot position in which the locking tabs (27) release the bayonet teeth (29) for removal of the adapter (4) from the adapter receptacle (13).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a quick-release fastening device and a robot vehicle with such a quick-release fastening device.

[0002] Quick-release fasteners can have limitations in handling, particularly regarding the positioning of loads or objects to be attached. US 2016 / 212869 A1 discloses a quick-release fastener with a bayonet locking mechanism. Further prior art is described in WO 2017 / 194827 A1.

[0003] The object of the invention is to create a quick-release fastening device which is improved with regard to a simple and universal attachment of loads or objects, and to provide a robot vehicle with such an improved quick-release fastening device.

[0004] The object of the invention is achieved by a quick-release fastening device for attaching objects or loads to a robot vehicle, wherein the quick-release fastening device comprises a bayonet locking unit and an adapter that can be locked to the bayonet locking unit. The adapter is designed to be connected to an object or load. The bayonet locking unit comprises a base plate designed to be attached to the robot vehicle, a central adapter receptacle fixedly connected to the base plate, and a locking ring pivotably arranged on the base plate about a central quick-release pivot axis, concentrically surrounding the adapter receptacle, and having locking lugs directed inwards towards the central quick-release pivot axis.The adapter features bayonet teeth arranged around its circumference, positioned in a plane perpendicular to the quick-release pivot axis. These teeth are designed to securely hold the adapter on a corresponding, particularly annular, contact surface of the adapter receptacle. In the closed position of the bayonet locking unit, the locking ring assumes a first pivot or latching position, in which the locking lugs at least partially cover the bayonet teeth and lock the adapter to the adapter receptacle. In the open position of the bayonet locking unit, the locking ring assumes a second pivot or open position, in which the locking lugs release the bayonet teeth, allowing the adapter to be removed from the adapter receptacle.

[0005] The problem is further solved by a robot vehicle with the features of claim 13.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] A quick-release fastening device according to the invention ensures the simple and rapid attachment and locking of the adapter to the bayonet locking unit. During locking, only the locking ring pivots, while the adapter is blocked against circumferential movement. Therefore, an object attached to the robot vehicle using the adapter retains its preselected position when locked.

[0008] The adapter mount and the adapter itself are designed in such a way that the adapter can be inserted into the adapter mount in various positions along its circumference. This allows for a free choice of the object's rotational position, independent of the locking ring's pivot position.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter receptacle has at least one stop or radial rib which, in engagement with at least one bayonet tooth, defines the position of the adapter in the circumferential direction relative to the adapter receptacle and / or limits or prevents a pivoting movement of the adapter relative to the adapter receptacle. This ensures that the adapter is secured against rotation both when being inserted into the adapter receptacle and when being locked.

[0010] Preferably, the at least one radial rib is formed as a projection on the annular bearing surface. Advantageously, the bearing surface is subdivided into partial bearing surfaces in the circumferential direction by the at least one radial rib.

[0011] Advantageously, the contact surface is a centrally aligned, ring-shaped surface that can be either perpendicular to the quick-release pivot axis or slightly conically inclined. The bayonet teeth are adapted to this shape on their undersides. The contact surface or partial contact surfaces can also be formed as projections or recesses on a ring-shaped contact area of ​​the adapter mount. A raised transition between two projections or recesses can form a stop as described above.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment, a recess is formed between each pair of bayonet teeth, into which one of the radial ribs engages. The number of radial ribs is at most equal to the number of recesses.

[0013] Advantageously, in the second pivot position or open position of the locking ring, the locking lugs are arranged above the radial ribs. In particular, the locking lugs do not extend beyond the radial ribs in the circumferential direction. This allows the respective recess between two bayonet teeth to accommodate both the locking lug and the radial rib when the adapter is inserted.

[0014] The adapter conveniently includes a mechanism for limiting the swivel movement of the locking lever in its first swivel or locking position. This ensures easier operation and handling.

[0015] A time-consuming manual search for the correct pivot position is not required. Preferably, the pivot limiting device comprises at least one radial limiting rib, which is expediently arranged on the upper surface of one of the bayonet teeth and forms a stop for an associated locking lug in the first pivot position of the locking ring. The limiting rib is, for example, manufactured integrally or as a single piece with the adapter and supports the bayonet tooth against a base body of the adapter, particularly under bending loads. The bayonet teeth are expediently designed to transmit a high load.

[0016] The locking ring is designed to have a base ring section that slides on the base plate of the bayonet locking unit and a head ring containing the locking lugs. The head ring is preferably attached to the base ring section by means of screw connections. This makes it easily replaceable, particularly for replacing the locking lugs. A screw connection can also be advantageous during the assembly of the bayonet locking unit components.

[0017] The base ring section contains a bearing leg that projects inwards towards the quick-release pivot axis and is pivotably held in an annular guide groove. The guide groove is bounded on its underside by the base plate and on its upper side by a base plate of the adapter receptacle. Advantageously, the guide groove is formed by a circumferential recess in the base plate. The bearing leg can be part of the base ring section or attached to it as a separate component. The locking ring is radially centered and axially secured by the bearing leg.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment, a centering device for centering the adapter on the adapter receptacle comprises an external cone on the adapter receptacle and an internal cone on the adapter corresponding to the external cone. Such a centering device facilitates and supports the correct feeding of the adapter to the adapter receptacle as well as the correct centric positioning on the adapter receptacle.

[0019] Preferably, at least one pivot lever for pivoting the locking ring is attached to the locking ring, and is fastened by means of a screw connection or a plug connection. The pivot lever facilitates manual operation and can also support visual identification of the locking ring's position.

[0020] Advantageously, the bayonet locking unit includes a detent device that holds the locking ring in a defined pivot position, e.g., in an open position of the bayonet locking unit in which the adapter can be inserted or removed. The detent device comprises, for example, at least one detent element that is inserted into the locking ring, e.g., in a downwardly open bore, and which releasably presses a spring-loaded detent ball into a corresponding detent recess formed in the top surface of the base plate.

[0021] A robot vehicle according to the invention is formed with at least one quick-release fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and the preceding description. The at least one quick-release fastening device is preferably arranged on an outer surface or a top surface of the robot vehicle. The outer surface or the top surface is formed by a component that has the strength required for attaching an object or a load.

[0022] The at least one quick-release fastening device is specifically designed for attaching objects or loads such as antennas, radar equipment, laser equipment and support devices for equipment or for persons.

[0023] The robot vehicle is, for example, a self-driving or autonomous vehicle that is used, for example, for reconnaissance purposes or as a transport vehicle.

[0024] The following section explains in more detail a quick-release fastening device according to the invention using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 in an isometric view a quick-release fastening device according to the invention with a bayonet locking unit and an adapter attached thereto in an unlocked open position; Fig. 2 in an isometric view the bayonet locking unit with the adapter in exploded view; Fig. 3 in an isometric view the bayonet locking unit with the attached adapter in the locked position; Fig. 4 in an isometric view the bayonet locking unit; Fig. 5 in an isometric sectional view the bayonet locking unit; Fig. 6 in another isometric sectional view the bayonet locking unit; Fig. 7in another isometric sectional view the bayonet locking unit of the Fig. 6 ; Fig. 8 in another isometric sectional view a partial sectional view of the underside of the bayonet locking unit; Fig. 9 in an isometric sectional view the bayonet locking unit with the attached, unlocked adapter in partial sectional view; Fig. 10 in an isometric view the adapter; Fig. 11 in an isometric view the adapter in section view; Fig. 12 in an isometric view a robot vehicle according to the invention with several quick-release fastening devices; Fig. 13 in a side view of the robot vehicle of Fig. 12 ; Fig. 14 in a top view the top of the robot vehicle of the Fig. 12 ; and Fig. 15 in an isometric view the bayonet locking unit in sectional view with a locking device.

[0025] A quick-release fastening device 1 ( Fig. 1 ) for attaching objects or loads, especially heavy loads, to a vehicle such as an autonomous vehicle or a robot vehicle 2 (see Figs. 12 to 14The device comprises a bayonet locking unit 3 and an adapter 4. The adapter 4 is largely symmetrical about its central axis 5 and can be attached to the bayonet locking unit 3 concentrically with a central pivot axis 6 of the quick-release fastening device 1. The adapter 4 is designed to be connected to an object (not shown) to be attached to the robot vehicle 2. For this purpose, the adapter 4 has, for example, several through-holes 7, which are formed in particular parallel to the central axis 5 and preferably on a circle concentric with the central axis 5, and through which an object can be attached, for example, by means of screws. The object advantageously rests against an end mounting surface 8 of the adapter 4 facing away from the bayonet locking unit 3.

[0026] The bayonet locking unit 3 contains a base plate 10 on its underside 9 (see Fig. 5 ,7 and 8 ), via which the quick-release fastening device 1 rests on the robot vehicle 2 when it is attached, for example, by means of several screws 11 to a fastening point 12 of the robot vehicle 2.

[0027] The bayonet locking unit 3 further comprises a central adapter receptacle 13, which is attached concentrically to the pivot axis 6 on a top surface 14 of the base plate 10, preferably by means of a screw connection, in particular by means of the screws 11, which secure the bayonet locking unit 3 to the robot vehicle 2. The adapter receptacle 13 comprises a base plate 15, which rests on and is attached to the base plate 10, and a central ring section 16, which has a central cylindrical opening 17.

[0028] The bayonet locking unit 3 also contains a locking ring 18 ( Fig. 5), which is pivotably arranged concentrically to the central quick-release pivot axis 6 on the base plate 10. A base ring section 19 of the locking ring 18 rests with its underside flat on the top surface 14 of the base plate 10 and can slide circumferentially on the top surface 14 of the base plate 10. The base ring section 19 has a bearing leg 20 that projects radially inwards and is received in an annular guide groove 21, which is formed by a circumferential recess 22 in the base plate 15 of the adapter receptacle 13 and is bounded on its underside by the base plate 10. Preferably, a circumferential edge 23 of the base plate 15 contacts an inner surface 24 of the base ring section 19 and provides radial guidance for the locking ring 18. In an alternative design, the bearing leg 20 can also contact the circumferential recess 22 of the base plate 15 in a radial direction via its inner end face 25 and provide the radial guidance.The locking ring 18 is thus mounted with essentially no radial and axial play and is pivotable in the circumferential direction. The locking ring 18 is flush with the circular base plate 10 at its circumference.

[0029] The locking ring 18 has a head ring 26 on its upper section, which contains several locking lugs 27 projecting inwards from the head ring 26 and arranged evenly distributed around the circumference of the head ring 26 and the locking ring 18. The locking lugs 27 are, for example, formed as tongue-shaped projections or plates arranged in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis 6 of the locking mechanism and thus parallel to the base plate 10. The illustrated embodiment has, by way of example, eight locking lugs 27. The head ring 26 is expediently fastened to the base ring section 19 by means of a screw connection comprising several screws 28.

[0030] The adapter 4 has several bayonet teeth 29, preferably in a number equal to the number of locking lugs 27. The bayonet teeth 29 are arranged on an adapter base of the adapter 4 in a plane perpendicular to the quick-release pivot axis 6 and are evenly distributed around the circumference of the adapter 4. The bayonet teeth 29 project radially outwards with their respective outer circumferential surfaces 30 to such an extent that they can be positioned within the locking ring 18 when the adapter 4 is inserted into the adapter receptacle 13. A circle circumscribing the outer circumferential surfaces 30 and concentric with the quick-release pivot axis 6 thus has a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the base ring section 19 of the locking ring 18. Each pair of adjacent bayonet teeth 29 is separated from each other by a recess 31.Each recess 31 is shaped such that when the adapter 4 is inserted into the adapter receptacle 13, an associated locking lug 27 can be moved through the recess 31 when the bayonet teeth 29 are guided past the locking lugs 27.

[0031] The quick-release fastening device 1 includes a centering device 32 for a centering receptacle of the adapter 4 on the adapter receptacle 13 with respect to the quick-release pivot axis 6. The centering device 32 comprises an external cone 33 on the adapter receptacle 13 and an internal cone 34 on the adapter 4 associated with the external cone 33.

[0032] The base plate 15 of the adapter receptacle 13 has a ring-shaped support surface 35 on its upper side, which surrounds the central ring section 16 of the adapter receptacle 13 and which is designed to support the bayonet teeth 29 of the adapter 4.

[0033] The bayonet locking unit 3 includes a positioning device 36 that at least limits or completely prevents circumferential movement of the adapter 4 mounted on the support surface 35. The positioning device 36 comprises, for example, at least one radial rib 37 ( Fig. 4 and 5 ), which is arranged and designed on the adapter receptacle 13 on the support surface 35 such that it is received in the recess 31 between two bayonet teeth 29 of the attached adapter 4. The illustrated embodiment of the quick-release fastening device 1 has, by way of example, four radial ribs 37 in a cross arrangement. Two bayonet teeth 29 can each be received on a partial support surface of the support surface 35, which is subdivided by the radial ribs 37, between two adjacent radial ribs 37 ( Fig. 9 and 10). The adapter 4 can therefore be used in different positions, offset in the circumferential direction.

[0034] Advantageously, the bayonet locking unit 3 includes at least one actuating lever or pivot lever 38 for pivoting the locking ring 18. The pivot lever 38 is attached to the locking ring 18, for example, by means of a screw connection 39 ( Fig. 5 ) or attached by means of a plug connection (not shown).

[0035] Advantageously, the bayonet locking unit 3 includes a detent device 40 that holds the locking ring 18 in a defined pivot position, e.g., in an open position of the bayonet locking unit 3, in which the adapter 4 can be inserted or removed. The detent device 40 comprises, for example, at least one detent element 41, which is inserted in the locking ring 18, e.g., in a downwardly open bore 42, and which releasably presses a spring-loaded detent ball 43 into a corresponding detent recess 44 formed in the upper surface 14 of the base plate 10.

[0036] Furthermore, a device is provided for limiting the pivot travel of the locking lever 18 in its locked position. For this purpose, the adapter 4 has, for example, at least one radial limiting web 45 ( Fig. 10), which is arranged on a top surface 46 of one of the bayonet teeth 29 and forms a stop 47 for an associated locking lug 27 in the corresponding pivot position of the locking ring 18 when the locking lugs 27 are pivoted over the bayonet teeth 29. Preferably, such a limiting web 45 is arranged on each bayonet tooth 29. Each limiting web 45 is expediently supported radially on the inside of, for example, a cylindrical circumferential wall 48 of a base body 49 of the adapter 4 or manufactured integrally with it. The limiting web 45 is preferably designed such that it supports the bayonet tooth 29 in a deformation-resistant manner relative to the base body 49 when bending stress occurs.

[0037] To attach an object to the robot vehicle 2 using the quick-release fastening device 1, the locking ring 18 of the bayonet locking unit 3 attached to the robot vehicle 2 is positioned from any initial pivot position into an open position or second pivot position ( Fig. 2), in which the locking lugs 27 are arranged above the radial ribs 37. The detent device 40 can be used as a positioning aid for this purpose. The adapter 4 is moved axially towards the adapter receptacle 13 by moving the object connected to it along the quick-release rotary axis 6. The circumferential alignment of the adapter 4 and the associated assignment of the bayonet teeth 29 to the support surface 35 and to the radial ribs 37, as well as to the locking lugs 27 arranged above them, can be selectively adjusted, taking into account a desired rotational position of the object relative to an outer surface or surface of the robot vehicle 2. The centering device 32 supports the centered feeding of the adapter 4 to the adapter receptacle 13 relative to the quick-release rotary axis 6 and ensures the centered positioning of the adapter 4.The adapter 4, which is accordingly inserted into the adapter receptacle 13 of the bayonet fitting 3, is in . Fig. 1 depicted.

[0038] To lock the adapter 4, the bayonet locking unit 3 is actuated by pivoting the locking ring 18 into its locked position or first pivot position by means of the pivot lever 38 (from Fig. 1 after Fig. 3 (counterclockwise). During this movement, the locking lugs 27 move circumferentially over the bayonet teeth 29 and their lateral edges engage with the associated limiting rib 45, which forms the stop 47. This defines the first pivot position of the locking ring 18. When the bayonet fitting is locked, only the locking ring 18 pivots. The adapter 4 does not rotate or pivot. Therefore, the object retains its position. Reference symbol list

[0039] 1 Quick-release fastening device 26 Head ring 27 locking lug 2 robot vehicle 28 screw 3 Bayonet locking unit 29 Bayonet tooth 4 adapter 30 External perimeter area 5 central axis 31 recess 6 Quick-release swivel axle 32 Centering device 7 through hole 33 Outer cone 8 Front mounting surface 34 inner cone 9 bottom 35 Contact surface 10 Base plate 36 Positioning device 11 screws 37 radial rib 12 Mounting point 38 Swivel lever 13 Adapter mount 39 screw connection 14 Top 40 Locking device 15 base plate 41 Latching element 16 Ring section 42 Drilling 17 opening 43 ratchet ball 18 locking ring 44 rest recess 19 Base ring section 45 Boundary bridge 20 bearing leg 46 Top 21 Guide groove 47 stop 22 Perimeter recess 48 Perimeter wall 23 Perimeter 49 basic body 24 Inner surface 25 inner end face

Claims

1. Quick-release fastener (1) for attaching objects or loads to a robotic vehicle (2), wherein the quick-release fastener (1) contains a bayonet closure unit (3) and an adapter (4) lockable by the bayonet closure unit (3), which is designed to be connected to an object, wherein the bayonet closure unit (3) contains - a base plate (10) designed to be attached to the robotic vehicle (2), - a central adapter receptacle (13) fixedly connected to the base plate (10), and - a locking ring (18), which is arranged on the base plate (10) so as to be pivotable about a central quick-release axis of rotation (6), concentrically surrounds the adapter receptacle (13) and has locking lugs (27) directed inwards towards the central quick-release axis of rotation (6), wherein the locking ring (18) has a base ring section (19), which rests slidably on the base plate (10), and a head ring (26) containing the locking lugs (27), wherein the base ring section (19) has a bearing limb (20), which projects inwards towards the quick-release axis of rotation (6) and is held pivotably in an annular guide groove (21), which is delimited on the underside by the base plate (10) and on the top by a base plate (15) of the adapter receptacle (13), wherein the adapter (4) has bayonet teeth (29) arranged on its circumference, which are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the quick-release axis of rotation (6) and are designed to receive the adapter (4) in a rotationally fixed manner on an associated, in particular annular, support surface (35) of the adapter receptacle (13), wherein in a closed position of the bayonet closure unit (3), the locking ring (18) assumes a first pivot position, in which the locking lugs (27) cover the bayonet teeth (29) in a blocking manner and keep the adapter (4) locked on the adapter receptacle (13), and in an open position of the bayonet closure unit (3), the locking ring (18) assumes a second pivot position, in which the locking lugs (27) release the bayonet teeth (29) from the adapter receptacle (13) in order to remove the adapter (4).

2. Quick-release fastener (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the adapter receptacle (13) and the adapter (4) are formed in such a way that the adapter (4) can optionally be inserted in different positions on the adapter receptacle (13) in the circumferential direction.

3. Quick-release fastener (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the adapter receptacle (13) has at least one stop or a radial rib (37) which, when engaged on at least one bayonet tooth (29), defines the position of the adapter (4) in the circumferential direction relative to the adapter receptacle (13) and / or limits or prevents a pivoting movement of the adapter (4) relative to the adapter receptacle (13).

4. Quick-release fastener (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the at least one radial rib (37) is formed as an elevation from the annular support surface (35) and divides the support surface (35) in the circumferential direction into partial support surfaces.

5. Quick-release fastener (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that a recess (31) into which one of the radial ribs (37) engages is formed in each case between two bayonet teeth (29).

6. Quick-release fastener (1) according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that, in the second pivot position or open position of the locking ring (18), the locking lugs (27) are arranged above the radial ribs (37).

7. Quick-release fastener (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the adapter (4) has a device for limiting the pivoting of the locking lever (18) in its first pivot position or locking position.

8. Quick-release fastener (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the device for limiting the pivoting has at least one radial delimiting web (45) which is arranged on an upper side (46) of one of the bayonet teeth (29) and forms a stop (47) for an associated locking lug (27) in the first pivot position of the locking ring (18).

9. Quick-release fastener (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that a centring device (32) is provided for centring the adapter (4) on the adapter receptacle (13) and has an outer cone (33) on the adapter receptacle (13) and an inner cone (34) on the adapter (4) associated with the outer cone (33).

10. Quick-release fastener (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that at least one pivot lever (38) for pivoting the locking ring (18) is attached to the locking ring (18) by means of a screw connection (39) or by means of a plug-in connection.

11. Robotic vehicle (2) with at least one quick-release fastener (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10 for attaching objects or loads to the robotic vehicle (2).

12. Robotic vehicle (2) according to claim 11, characterised in that the at least one quick-release fastener (1) is arranged on an outer side or an upper side of the robotic vehicle (2).

13. Robotic vehicle (2) according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the at least one quick-release fastener (1) is designed for attaching objects or loads such as antennas, radar devices, laser devices and carrying devices for equipment or for persons.

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