Locking system for a stable door

Abstract

Locking system for a stable door. Locking system (1) for a stable door (3) movably mounted to a stable frame (5), the locking system (1) comprising: a bolt (7); a cage (10) having a window (12) adapted for the passage and sliding of the bolt (7) between a locked and an unlocked position; a locking piece (11) having a cavity (13) adapted to receive a blocking end (15) of the bolt (7) in the locked position, the cavity (13) being configured to block, in the locked position, any movement of the bolt (7) relative to the locking piece (11), said blocking end (15) being outside the cavity (13) in the unlocked position, the bolt (7) comprising a metal body and a plastic cover layer, the cover layer being overmolded onto the body. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Locking system for a livestock gate. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking system for a stable door mounted movably on a stable frame. Previous art

[0002] It is known to use an installation provided with several elements for the keeping in an area and / or for the stabling of animals such as pigs, sheep, cattle or horses.

[0003] This type of installation is used in farms, suckling centers, wholesale markets, auction markets, slaughterhouses or any other suitable structure to keep animals in one area and / or move them from one area to another.

[0004] It is common practice to use an installation with doors incorporating all-metal locking systems. In particular, it is possible to provide a metal lock guided by a stainless steel or galvanized steel cage, the cage itself being installed on a metal door.

[0005] Steel-on-steel friction causes noise and resonance near the door and even in the complete installation which also includes sheet metal panels assembled together for the purpose of delimiting the area for receiving animals.

[0006] The lock can also impact a locking piece located in the frame of the stable door 3 and adapted to receive one end of the lock. This phenomenon is amplified when the door is not properly positioned relative to the frame in the closed position.

[0007] In general, the use of this type of locking system generates a multitude of noise peaks in the installation. As part of improving animal welfare, there is a need to limit this noise pollution. The aim is to reduce stress on animals in the barns.

[0008] The present invention aims to resolve all or part of the disadvantages mentioned above. Description of the invention

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a locking system for a stable door mounted movably on a stable frame, the locking system comprising:

[0010] a lock extending along a longitudinal direction,

[0011] a cage configured to be attached to the stable door, the cage having a window adapted for the passage and sliding of the lock in the longitudinal direction between a locked position and an unlocked position,

[0012] a locking piece configured to be secured to the housing frame, the locking piece having a cavity adapted to receive a locking end of the bolt in the locked position, the cavity being configured to block, in the locked position, a movement of the bolt relative to the locking piece transversely to the longitudinal direction, said locking end being outside the cavity in the unlocked position,

[0013] characterized in that the lock comprises a metal body and a plastic cover layer, the cover layer being overmolded onto the body.

[0014] In other words, the movement of the lock relative to the locking piece is blocked along a blocking direction which is transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0015] The lock is mobile relative to the cage and the locking piece during its movement between the locked and unlocked positions. The movement of the lock therefore involves contact between surfaces with the cage and the locking piece.

[0016] Having a lock made of two materials makes it possible to have a solid part while limiting noise from contact. The metal is sufficiently resistant and the plastic has sound-dampening properties.

[0017] Furthermore, the fact that the cover layer is overmolded makes it possible to design locks with resistance properties very close to those of all-metal locks.

[0018] By overmolding, it is understood that the coating layer is distributed over an external surface of the body, which can also be called the core. The coating layer thus covers at least part, and preferably all, of the external surface of the body.

[0019] The distinctive feature of the locking system lies in the use of a plastic-molded lock. The body or core of the lock is made of steel. The lock body is covered with a plastic material that dampens metallic noises and audible shocks.

[0020] In other words, the lock is intended for closing pens and / or doors in livestock housing. The lock is overmolded and made of plastic with a steel core, the core of the lock being covered with a plastic material to dampen metallic noises and sound shocks.

[0021] Thus, the lock can maintain the same external dimensions as existing locks, thereby allowing replacement of locks already installed in all the stalls already installed. This overmolded lock can also be made in several lengths depending on the longitudinal direction.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the body is made of steel.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the cage and the locking piece are made of metal and of particular steel.

[0024] Preferably, the cage and the locking piece are made of stainless steel or galvanized steel. Noise reduction is effective with only one part, the lock, which includes the plastic cover layer.

[0025] Compared to an all-metal locking system, the transformation required to obtain the present locking system is therefore minimal. It is also possible to adapt existing locking systems by replacing the old metal lock with a lock comprising a body and a cover layer.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the lock comprises a bolt extending along the longitudinal direction and a handle constituting an operating end, the operating end being opposite the locking end along the longitudinal direction.

[0027] The lock has a simple construction, the body forming the bolt and the handle with the cover layer. The handle allows the lock to be moved manually in the longitudinal direction.

[0028] The length of the bolt is thus defined according to the position of the cage on the stable door and according to the geometry of the locking piece.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the bolt has a cylindrical shape.

[0030] The coating layer is thin relative to the body. Different plastics of varying rigidity can be used. For a more rigid plastic, the thickness of the coating layer is limited, while for a more flexible plastic, the thickness is increased.

[0031] This adjustment of the plastic thickness is achieved through successive trials and feedback from the field. This explains why different types of plastics are suitable for the lock, the thickness of the covering layer depending on the plastic used.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the lock comprises a locking lug attached to the bolt and extending transversely in the longitudinal direction, the window having a shape adapted for the passage of the locking lug according to an angular orientation of sliding of the lock relative to the cage.

[0033] The angular orientation of the sliding motion is defined with respect to the longitudinal direction. The lock can pivot around the axis formed by the longitudinal direction, the cage being fixed since it is integral with the stable door.

[0034] The window thus has a rounded shape with an additional radial notch allowing the passage of the locking lug when the lock is positioned according to the angular sliding orientation.

[0035] Securing the lock involves rotating it relative to the cage when the locking lug is outside the window. This allows the lock to be secured in either the locked or unlocked position.

[0036] By "securing," it is understood that the sliding of the lock is blocked by the locking lug which butts against the cage. The movement of the lock is limited. Thus, the locking lug can be positioned so as to allow the locking mechanism to be engaged in the locked position.

[0037] This means that to move to the unlocked position, it will be necessary to manually rotate and then slide the lock relative to the cage.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the lock comprises a limit switch sleeve configured to be disposed on the bolt, the sleeve having a locking end suitable for butting against a first transverse portion of the cage or against a wall of the housing door in the locked position and an unlocking end suitable for butting against a second transverse portion of the cage in the unlocked position.

[0039] Thus, by using a simple element, the sleeve, it is possible to limit the movement of the lock between the locked position and the unlocked position in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] The use of the lock is then easy: the arrival at the end of the stroke during the sliding of the lock indicates to the user that the lock is in the desired position.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the sleeve is fixed on the bolt by a clamping pin adapted to cooperate with a thread or an opening made in the bolt, the sleeve having an orifice adapted to be aligned with the opening for fixing with the bolt.

[0042] The clamping pin may comprise a threaded rod and a bolt or be a single piece - in which case it is a screw - and be configured to hold the sleeve in position on the lock.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the cage has an inverted "U" shape, the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion constituting the arms of the "U" and an upright connecting the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion are configured to be welded to the stable door. The first transverse portion having an opening adapted for the passage of the bolt.

[0045] The lock is thus guided by the window and by said opening in the first transverse portion, which allows it to slide between the locked position and the unlocked position in the longitudinal direction.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the handle extends in an extension plane and defines a closed loop in said extension plane.

[0047] This arrangement allows the handle to be easily rotated around the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the extension plane is vertical or substantially vertical so that the locking lug passes through the window, and the extension plane can be offset by 90° to secure the lock in the locked or unlocked position.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking piece is a folded sheet metal piece having a channel created by several folds, said channel corresponding to the cavity suitable for receiving the locking end.

[0049] According to one possibility, the channel has a U-shaped profile extending transversely to the longitudinal direction. The channel also extends transversely to the locking direction. This allows the lock to be held in position within the cavity transversely to the extension direction of the U-shaped profile. The extension plane is parallel to the channel for passage through the window and sliding of the lock within the cage.

[0050] Preferably, the bent sheet metal part further comprises an extension extending one end of the U-shaped profile at an angle. The extension is arranged to rest on or be welded to the housing frame.

[0051] This arrangement gives the "U" profile a certain rigidity and facilitates the fixing of the locking piece by welding onto the housing frame.

[0052] For example, both the part of the extension coming into contact with the housing frame and the base of the "U" profile can be welded to the housing frame.

[0053] Alternatively, the locking piece may correspond to a portion of the housing frame that is included within the rest of the housing frame, and the cavity may correspond to an opening formed in this portion of the housing frame. The opening is suitable for receiving the locking end of the latch. It may thus be a locking hole formed in the housing frame.

[0054] The present invention also relates to a housing installation comprising a housing frame, a housing door mounted movably to the housing frame by a hinge of the housing installation so as to be able to move the housing door relative to the housing frame between an open position and a closed position, the housing installation further comprising a locking system as described above for holding the housing door in the closed position.

[0055] The stable frame is a fixed element designed to be fixed to the ground or another supporting element. It therefore corresponds to the fixed part. The stable door corresponds to the opening part.

[0056] The stable door is adapted to be moved by rotation relative to the stable frame, a hinge fixing the stable door to the stable frame.

[0057] The stable door can be extendable to adapt to the distance between the hinge and the stable frame. The stable door can also be of fixed dimensions.

[0058] The hinge defines an axis of rotation for the stable door relative to the stable frame. The axis of rotation is both transverse to the longitudinal direction and to the locking direction. In practice, the axis of rotation is vertical or substantially vertical, and the longitudinal and locking directions are horizontal or substantially horizontal.

[0059] The locking system is thus adapted to prevent rotation of the stable door around the axis of rotation.

[0060] The various aspects defined above, which are not incompatible, can be combined. Brief description of the figures

[0061] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description set out below in relation to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] [Fig.1] is a front and longitudinal sectional view of a lock of a locking system.

[0063] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the lock.

[0064] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a stable structure, of a stable door and the locking system.

[0065] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the locking system mounted on the frame of stable and the stable gate. Description with reference to the figures

[0066] In the detailed description that will follow of the figures defined above, the same elements or elements fulfilling identical functions may retain the same references in order to simplify the understanding of the invention.

[0067] As illustrated in figures 1 to 4, a locking system 1 for a stable door 3 mounted movably to a stable frame 5, includes a lock 7 extending in a longitudinal direction 9.

[0068] The locking system 1 includes a cage 10 configured to be attached to the stable door 3. The cage 10 has a window 12 adapted for the passage and sliding of the lock 7 in the longitudinal direction 9 between a locked position, shown in figures 3 and 4, and an unlocked position.

[0069] The locking system 1 includes a locking piece 11 configured to be secured to the housing frame 5, the locking piece 11 having a cavity 13 adapted to receive a locking end 15 of the lock 7 in the locked position.

[0070] The cavity 13 is configured to block, in the locked position, a movement of the lock 7 relative to the locking piece 11 transversely to the longitudinal direction 9, said blocking end 15 being outside the cavity 13 in the unlocked position.

[0071] The lock 7 comprises a metal body 17 and a plastic cover layer 19, the cover layer 19 being overmolded onto the body 17.

[0072] In other words, the movement of the lock 7 relative to the locking piece 11 is blocked along a blocking direction 21 shown in [Fig.4] which is transverse to the longitudinal direction 9.

[0073] The lock 7 is movable relative to the cage 10 and to the locking piece 11 during its movement between the locked and unlocked positions. The movement of the lock 7 therefore involves contact between surfaces with the cage 10 and with the locking piece 11.

[0074] By overmolding, it is understood that the coating layer 19 is distributed over an external surface of the body 17, the latter of which may also be called the core. The coating layer 19 thus covers at least part, and preferably all, of the external surface of the body 17.

[0075] The distinctive feature of the locking system 1 lies in the construction of a plastic-molded lock 7. The body 17, or core of the lock 7, is made of steel. The body 17 of the lock 7 is covered with a plastic material that dampens metallic noises and audible shocks.

[0076] In other words, the lock 7 is intended for closing pens and / or doors in livestock housing. The lock 7 is overmolded and made of plastic with a steel core, the core of the lock 7 being covered with a plastic material to dampen metallic noises and sound shocks.

[0077] The body 17 is preferably made of steel. The cage 10 and the locking piece 11 are made of metal, and in particular steel. The cage 10 and the locking piece 11 can be made of stainless steel or galvanized steel.

[0078] The lock 7 includes a bolt 23 extending along the longitudinal direction 9 and a handle 25 forming an operating end 27. The operating end 27 is opposite the locking end 15 along the longitudinal direction 9.

[0079] The lock 7 is of simple construction, the body 17 forming the bolt 23 and the handle 25 with the cover layer 19. The handle 25 allows the lock 7 to be moved manually in the longitudinal direction 9.

[0080] The length of the bolt 23 is thus defined according to the position of the cage 10 on the stable door 3 and according to the geometry of the locking piece 11.

[0081] The bolt 23 has a cylindrical shape. The cover layer 19 is thin compared to the body 17.

[0082] The lock 7 includes a locking lug 29 attached to the bolt 23 and extending transversely in the longitudinal direction 9. The window 12 has a shape adapted for the passage of the locking lug 29 according to an angular orientation of sliding of the lock 7 relative to the cage 10.

[0083] The angular orientation of the sliding is defined with respect to the longitudinal direction 9. The lock 7 can pivot around the axis formed by the longitudinal direction 9, the cage 10 being fixed since it is integral with the stable door 3.

[0084] The window 12 thus has a rounded shape with an additional radial notch allowing the passage of the locking lug 29 when the lock 7 is positioned according to the angular sliding orientation.

[0085] The securing consists of rotating the lock 7 relative to the cage 10 when the securing lug 29 is out of the window 12. It is thus possible to secure the lock 7 in the locked position or in the unlocked position.

[0086] By "securing," it is understood that the sliding of the lock 7 is blocked by the locking lug 29 which abuts against the cage 10. The movement of the lock 7 is limited. Thus, the locking lug 29 can be positioned so as to allow the locking mechanism to be engaged in the locked position.

[0087] This means that to move to the unlocked position, it will be necessary to manually rotate and then slide the lock 7 relative to the cage 10.

[0088] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the lock 7 includes a limit switch sleeve 31 configured to be disposed on the bolt 23. The sleeve 31 has a locking end 33 adapted to come against a first transverse portion 35 of the cage 10 or against a wall of the housing door 3 in the locked position and an unlocking end 37 adapted to come against a second transverse portion 39 of the cage 10 in the unlocked position.

[0089] Thus, by using a simple element, the sleeve 31, it is possible to limit the movement of the lock 7 between the locked position and the unlocked position along the longitudinal direction 9.

[0090] The use of the lock 7 is then easy: the arrival at the end of the stroke during the sliding of the lock 7 indicates to the user that the lock 7 is indeed in the desired position.

[0091] The sleeve 31 is fixed to the bolt 23 by a clamping pin 41 adapted to cooperate with a thread or an opening provided in the bolt 23. The sleeve 31 has an orifice adapted to be aligned with the opening for fixing with the bolt 23.

[0092] The clamping pin 41 may include a threaded rod and a bolt or be a single piece - in which case it is a screw - and be configured to hold the sleeve 31 in position on the lock 7.

[0093] The cage 10 has an inverted “U” shape, the first transverse portion 35 and the second transverse portion 39 constituting the branches of the “U” and an upright 43 connecting the first transverse portion 35 and the second transverse portion 39.

[0094] The first transverse portion 35 and the second transverse portion 39 are configured to be welded to the stable door 3. The first transverse portion 35 having an opening adapted for the passage of the bolt 23.

[0095] The lock 7 is thus guided by the window 12 and by said opening in the first transverse portion 35, which allows it to slide between the locked position and the unlocked position along the longitudinal direction 9.

[0096] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the handle 25 extends in an extension plane 45 and defines a closed loop in said extension plane 45.

[0097] This arrangement allows the handle 25 to be easily rotated around the longitudinal direction 9. The extension plane 45 is vertical or substantially vertical so that the locking lug 29 passes through the window 12 and the extension plane 45 can be offset by 90° to secure the lock 7 in the locked or unlocked position.

[0098] The locking piece 11 is a folded sheet metal piece having a channel 47 created by several folds, said channel 47 corresponding to the cavity 13 suitable for receiving the locking end 15.

[0099] Here, said channel 47 has a U-shaped profile extending transversely to the longitudinal direction 9. The channel 47 also extends transversely to the locking direction 21. This allows the latch 7 to be held in position in the cavity 13 transversely to the extension direction of the U-shaped profile. The extension plane 45 is parallel to the channel 47 for passage through the window 12 and sliding of the latch 7 in the cage 10.

[0100] The folded sheet metal part further includes an extension 49 extending one end of the U-shaped profile at an angle. The extension 49 is arranged to rest on or be welded to the housing frame 5.

[0101] This arrangement gives the "U" profile a certain rigidity and facilitates the fixing of the locking piece 11 by welding onto the housing frame 5.

[0102] For example, both the part of the extension 49 coming into contact with the housing frame 5 and the base of the "U" profile can be welded to the housing frame 5.

[0103] Thus, a housing installation 51 comprises the housing frame 5, the housing door 3 mounted movably to the housing frame 5 by a hinge 53 of the housing installation 51 so as to be able to move the housing door 3 relative to the housing frame 5 between an open position and a closed position.

[0104] The housing installation 51 thus includes a locking system 1 as described above for keeping the housing door 3 in the closed position.

[0105] The stable frame 5 is a fixed element adapted to be fixed to the ground or another support element. It therefore corresponds to the fixed part. The stable door 3 corresponds to the opening part.

[0106] The stable door 3 is adapted to be moved by rotation relative to the stable frame 5, a hinge 53 fixing the stable door 3 to the stable frame 5.

[0107] The hinge 53 defines an axis of rotation 55 of the stable door 3 relative to the stable frame 5. The axis of rotation 55 is both transverse to the longitudinal direction 9 and to the blocking direction 21. In practice, the axis of rotation 55 is vertical or substantially vertical, the longitudinal direction 9 and the blocking direction 21 are horizontal or substantially horizontal.

[0108] The locking system 1 is thus adapted to prevent rotation of the stable door 3 around the axis of rotation 55.

[0109] Having a lock 7 comprising two materials allows for a solid part while limiting noise by contact.

[0110] Furthermore, the fact that the overlay layer 19 is overmolded makes it possible to design locks 7 with resistance properties very close to those of all-metal locks.

[0111] Thus, the lock 7 can maintain the same external dimensions as existing locks, thereby allowing for the replacement of locks already installed in all existing barns. This overmolded lock 7 can also be produced in several lengths along the longitudinal direction 9.

[0112] Noise reduction is effective with only one part, the lock 7, which includes the plastic cover layer 19.

[0113] Compared to an all-metal locking system, the transformation required to obtain the present locking system 1 is therefore minimal. It is also possible to adapt existing locking systems by replacing the old metal lock with a lock 7 comprising a body 17 and a cover layer 19.

[0114] As can be understood, the invention is not limited to the single embodiment described above by way of example, but on the contrary encompasses all variants of its realization.

Claims

Demands

1. Locking system (1) for a stable door (3) movably mounted to a stable frame (5), the locking system (1) comprising: - a bolt (7) extending along a longitudinal direction (9), - a cage (10) configured to be fixed to the stable door (3), the cage (10) having a window (12) adapted for the passage and sliding of the bolt (7) along the longitudinal direction (9) between a locked position and an unlocked position, - a locking piece (11) configured to be fixed to the stable frame (5), the locking piece (11) having a cavity (13) adapted to receive a blocking end (15) of the bolt (7) in the locked position, the cavity (13) being configured to block, in the locked position, a movement of the bolt (7) relative to the locking piece (11) transversely to the longitudinal direction (9),said locking end (15) being outside the cavity (13) in the unlocked position, characterized in that the lock (7) comprises a metal body (17) and a plastic cover layer (19), the cover layer (19) being overmolded onto the body (17).

2. Locking system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the body (17) is made of steel.

3. Locking system (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cage (10) and the locking piece (11) are made of metal and in particular of steel.

4. Locking system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lock (7) comprises a bolt (23) extending along the longitudinal direction (9) and a handle (25) constituting an operating end (27), the operating end (27) being opposite the locking end (15) along the longitudinal direction (9).

5. Locking system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the lock (7) comprises a locking lug (29) attached to the bolt (23) and extending transversely in the longitudinal direction (9), the window (12) having a shape adapted for the passage of the locking lug (29) according to an angular orientation of sliding of the lock (7) relative to the cage (10).

6. Locking system (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the lock (7) comprises a limit switch sleeve (31) configured to be disposed on the bolt (23), the sleeve (31) having a locking end (33) adapted to abut against a first transverse portion (35) of the cage (10) or against a wall of the housing door (3) in the locked position and an unlocking end (37) adapted to abut against a second transverse portion (39) of the cage (10) in the unlocked position.

7. Locking system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the sleeve (31) is fixed to the bolt (23) by a clamping pin (41) adapted to cooperate with a thread or an opening provided in the bolt (23), the sleeve (31) having an orifice adapted to be aligned with the opening for fixing with the bolt (23).

8. Locking system (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the cage (10) has an inverted "U" shape, the first cross portion (35) and the second cross portion (39) constituting the arms of the "U" and an upright (43) connecting the first cross portion (35) and the second cross portion (39).

9. Locking system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the handle (25) extends in an extension plane (45) and defines a closed loop in said extension plane (45).

10. Locking system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the locking piece (11) is a folded sheet metal piece having a channel (47) created by several folds, said channel (47) corresponding to the cavity (13) suitable for receiving the locking end (15).

11. A housing installation (51) comprising a housing frame (5), a housing door (3) movably mounted to the housing frame (5) by a hinge (53) of the housing installation (51) so as to be able to move the housing door (3) relative to the frame of stabling (5) between an open position and a closed position, the stabling installation (51) further comprising a locking system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for holding the stabling door (3) in the closed position.

Images