Connection mechanism and manufacturing method

Abstract

The connecting mechanism comprises a first section and a second section engageable with the first section. The second section includes a locking assembly configured to engage a stud with a roller bearing of the first section. That is, the locking assembly is operable between a locked state configured to lock the first section to the second section when the first and second sections are engaged, and an unlocked state configured to allow the second section to engage with or disengage from the first section. The locking assembly comprises a connecting arm that engages with a handle and a wedge having a tapered section. The handle is operable between a locked position configured to place the locking assembly in a locked state by advancing the tapered section of the wedge and an unlocked position configured to place the locking assembly in an unlocked state by retracting the tapered section of the wedge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connection mechanism, and more particularly, to first and second sections of a connection mechanism that can be selectively engaged with each other.

Background Art

[0002] Various organizations use robots in their work. These operations can vary from a small laboratory with one robot to a large factory with dozens or more robots. These robots are complex and generally can be prohibitively expensive for small organizations with limited funds. However, at the same time, these robots may be necessary for such small organizations to perform their work, whether they are related to research, manufacturing, repair, etc.

[0003] Furthermore, even if an organization has the budget to purchase such a robot, the robot must be attached in a safe manner for use under various operating conditions. Due to safety concerns, an organization may need to use an attachment method that attaches the robot to its work area either permanently or in a way that requires a great deal of effort to revert. For example, the robot may be welded in place and / or attached with many fasteners that take time to remove. Thus, these methods of attaching the robot make it difficult to move the robot to another location if needed.

[0004] Furthermore, these mounting methods typically require regular maintenance to ensure that the mounting structure does not break or loosen. For example, if a robot is fitted with multiple fasteners, the organization must periodically check whether the fasteners require tightening. If the organization does not perform maintenance, there is a risk that the robot may loosen and injure a person near the robot, damage nearby equipment or products, or damage the robot itself. However, these maintenance checks require the organization to appoint one or more personnel to schedule and perform the checks, which increases the cost of owning and using the robot.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a connection mechanism that allows for easier attachment to the work surface, easier transfer of objects or machines attached to the connection mechanism, and a robust structure that provides durability and safety during operation. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, the connecting mechanism comprises a first section and a second section engageable with the first section. The first section comprises a stud having a roller bearing. The second section comprises a housing configured to pass through and receive the stud, and a locking assembly disposed within the housing, which is operable between a locked state configured to lock the first section into the second section when the first and second sections are engaged, and an unlocked state configured to allow the second section to engage with or disengage from the first section. The locking assembly comprises a wedge configured to pass through and receive the stud and having a tapered section, a connecting arm including a first end and a second end that engage with the wedge, and a die spring disposed on the connecting arm between the first end and the second end. The lock assembly also includes a handle that engages with the second end of the connecting arm and the housing, and is operable between a locked position configured to lock the lock assembly by advancing the tapered section of the wedge to engage the roller bearing of the stud, and an unlocked position configured to unlock the lock assembly by retracting the tapered section of the wedge.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a connecting mechanism comprising a first section and a second section engageable with the first section comprises constructing the first section by providing a stud having a roller bearing. The method further comprises constructing the second section by providing a housing configured to pass through and receive the stud, and assembling a locking assembly within the housing that is operable between a locked state configured to lock the first section to the second section when the first and second sections are engaged, and an unlocked state configured to allow the second section to engage with or disengage from the first section. Assembling the locking assembly comprises engaging a handle with the housing that is configured to operate between a locked position corresponding to the locked state of the locking assembly and an unlocked position corresponding to the unlocked state of the locking assembly. Furthermore, assembling the lock assembly includes engaging a handle with a first end of a connecting arm having a die spring positioned thereon, and engaging a second end of the connecting arm with a wedge configured to pass through and receive a stud, and includes a tapered section configured to advance and engage with the roller bearing of the stud when the handle is actuated to the locked position, and to retract when the handle is actuated to the unlocked position.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a locking assembly for a connecting mechanism comprises a wedge having a tapered section and configured to penetrate and receive a stud; a connecting arm having a first end and a second end configured to engage with the wedge; and a die spring configured to fit into the connecting arm between the first end and the second end. In addition, the locking assembly comprises a handle configured to engage with the second end of the connecting arm, and is operable between a locked position configured to place the locking assembly in a locked state by advancing the tapered section of the wedge and an unlocked position configured to place the locking assembly in an unlocked state by retracting the tapered section of the wedge.

[0009] These and various other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0010] The drawings show embodiments currently intended to carry out the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a top perspective view of a connecting mechanism having an exemplary object attached, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a top perspective view of a connection mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention, without any exemplary objects attached. [Figure 3] This is a top perspective view of the first section or base section of the connection mechanism shown in Figures 1 and 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a bottom perspective view of the second section or portable section of the connecting mechanism shown in Figures 1 and 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a top perspective view of a portable section of the connection mechanism shown in Figures 1 and 2, without a cover plate, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]This is an exploded perspective view of the lock assembly of the portable section of the connecting mechanism shown in Figures 1 and 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a top view of a portable section of the connection mechanism of Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the studs of the base section of the connection mechanism of Figure 1 extend through and the lock assembly is in the unlocked state. [Figure 8] This is a top view of a portable section of the connection mechanism of Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the studs of the base section of the connection mechanism of Figure 2 extend through and the lock assembly is in the locked state. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the base section of the connecting mechanism in Figures 1 and 2, cut off at the stud post, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a top perspective view of a connection mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a top perspective view showing the pneumatic operation of the lock assembly of the connection mechanism in Figure 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a top perspective view showing the pneumatic operation of the lock assembly of the connection mechanism in Figure 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention provide a connecting mechanism, a method for manufacturing the same, and a method for operating the same. The connecting mechanism comprises a first section or base section and a second section or portable section that is engageable with the base section. The base section comprises a housing and a stud mounted within the housing and having a roller bearing. The portable section comprises a housing configured to pass through and receive the stud. Within the housing are a locking assembly configured to lock the base section to the portable section when the base section and the portable section are engaged, and an unlocked state configured to allow the portable section to engage with or disengage from the base section. The locking assembly comprises a wedge having a tapered section with a bifurcated taper configured to pass through and receive the stud and to engage with the roller bearing of the stud. The locking assembly also comprises a connecting arm that connects the wedge to a handle extending through the housing. The handle is operable between a locked position, configured to lock the lock assembly by advancing the tapered section of the wedge and engaging it with the roller bearing of the stud, and an unlocked position, configured to unlock the lock assembly by retracting the tapered section of the wedge.

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention may be described herein with reference to use with a robot, but those skilled in the art will understand that the concepts disclosed herein may be applicable to a variety of systems, industries, objects, or machines. In a non-limiting example, the concepts of the present invention may be applied to a user who desires to transport an object attached to a connecting mechanism to different stations and perform different actions on the object.

[0014] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a top perspective view of a connecting mechanism 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The connecting mechanism 10 comprises a first section or base section 12 and a second section or portable section 14. Figure 1 shows, as a non-limiting example, a connecting mechanism 10 having an object 16 comprising a base plate 18 and a stand 20 coupled to the portable section 14. In Figure 1, the base plate 18 of the exemplary object 16 is coupled to the portable section 14 via a plurality of fasteners 22.

[0015] As will be described in more detail below, the connection mechanism 10 is arranged such that the portable section 14 can selectively engage with the base section 12. That is, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the portable section 14 can engage with the base section 12 and lock into place. The portable section 14 may also be detached from the base section 12 while the object 16 remains attached, so that the object 16 can be moved to a different location. In a non-limiting example, the portable section 14 and the object 16 may be moved to a different base section (not shown) so that different operations can be performed there. In another non-limiting example, the portable section 14 and the object 16 may be detached so that the object 16 can be temporarily removed to be cleaned in another area and then returned for further use.

[0016] As shown in the illustration, the portable section 14 includes a housing 24 having side walls 25. The side walls 25 include a handle opening 26 and a handle recess 28. A lever or handle 30 is disposed within / extends through the handle opening 26 and is configured to fit within the recess 28. The handle 30 includes an elongated protrusion 32 that extends partially along its length and engages with the housing 24 via a pin 33 (FIG. 2) and is rotatable relative thereto. The recess 28 includes a groove 34 configured to receive the elongated protrusion 32 of the handle 30 such that the handle 30 can be flush with the side wall 25 when disposed within the recess 28, as shown in FIG. 2. However, when the handle 30 is disposed within the recess 28, the recess 28 still has a space for the user to access the handle 30 in an area where the groove 34 does not exist.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, the portable section 14 includes a mounting surface 36 adjacent to the side wall 25. In FIG. 1, an object 16 is attached to the mounting surface 36 via a fastener 22 that extends through a fastener opening 37 shown in FIG. 2. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the use of four fasteners 22 having four faster openings 37, but more or fewer fasteners 22 and fastener openings 37 can be used in various embodiments. Further, in various embodiments, the fastener openings 37 may be disposed at different positions on the mounting surface 36.

[0018] In addition to the fastener opening 37, the mounting surface 36 includes a main opening or recess 38 and a pin opening 39 for a pin 33 that engages the handle 30 with the housing 24. Within the main opening 38 are a stud opening 42 and a plurality of fastener openings 44, and a cover plate 40 coupled to the housing 24 by corresponding fasteners 45. The number and position of the fastener openings 44 and fasteners 45 are exemplary and thus non-limiting.

[0019] The side wall 25 of the housing 24 of the portable section 14 also includes a plurality of connection openings 46. The connection openings 46 can be used to provide electrical, pneumatic, or other similar types of connections (not shown) to an object or machine attached to the mounting surface 36. These connections may be provided via the base section 12.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base section 12 includes a housing 48 that engages with the portable section 14, a mounting surface 50, and a connection section 52 that may be considered a component of the housing 48 or the mounting surface 50 in various embodiments. The connection section 52 includes a plurality of connection openings 54 similar to the connection openings 46. The connection openings 54 can be configured to receive electrical, pneumatic, or other similar types of connection parts (not shown) for providing to the connection openings 46.

[0021] The mounting surface 50 includes a plurality of openings 56 for fasteners 58 for coupling the base section 12 to a surface independent of the surface of the connection mechanism 10. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the fasteners 58 are shown as inclined rivets, but the fasteners 58 may be of other types, may be in different positions in various embodiments, and / or may have different numbers. In addition to the above, the base section 12 also includes a stud 60 that extends from the housing 48 through the portable section 14 and finally through the stud opening 42 of the cover plate 40.

[0022] Referring here to FIG. 3, a top perspective view of the base section 12 of the connection mechanism 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the housing 48 of the base section 12 includes a mounting plate 62 and side walls 64. A stud 66 is mounted within the housing 48 and extends through the stud opening 66 of the mounting plate 62. The mounting plate 62 can also include an optional fastener opening 67 for receiving a fastener (not shown) for coupling the stud 60 to the mounting plate 62.

[0023] The mounting plate 62 helps to secure the mounting plate 62 in place and, in some embodiments, further includes a plurality of fastening openings 68 for fasteners 70 to help mount the base section 12. That is, in various embodiments, the base section 12 does not have a mounting surface 50 and may be mounted on an outer surface (not shown) via fasteners 70. Furthermore, the mounting plate 62 includes a plurality of connecting openings 72 communicating with connecting openings 54 of the connecting section 52 of the base section 12, and a plurality of locator projections 74. The locator projections 74 can be used to align the portable section 14 with the base section 12 when they are engaged with each other.

[0024] The stud 60 of the base section 12 includes a base 76 having a stepped configuration, also shown in Figure 8. The base 76 of the stud 60 may have multiple openings 77 that align with the openings 67 of the mounting plate 67 for coupling the stud 60 to the mounting plate 62. The stud 60 further includes a post 78 extending from the base 76 to the head 80. The post 78 and the head 80 are positioned such that the stud 60 has a "T" shape above the mounting plate 62. The head 80 includes a roller bearing opening 82 and a roller bearing 84, the operation of which will be described in more detail below.

[0025] Referring here to Figure 4, a bottom perspective view of the portable section 14 of the connecting mechanism 10 of Figures 1 and 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 shows that the housing 24 comprises a mounting plate 86 for engaging with the mounting plate 62 of the base section 12. The mounting plate 86 comprises a stud opening 88 for penetrating and receiving a stud 60, a pin opening 90 for a pin 33, and a plurality of connecting openings 92 that communicate with a connecting opening 46 and the connecting opening 72 of the mounting plate 62 of the base section 12 (Figure 3). Furthermore, the mounting plate 86 comprises a plurality of locator receivers 94 configured to engage with the locator projections 74 of the mounting plate 62 of the base section 12 (Figure 3), thereby assisting engagement between the base section 12 and the portable section 14. In various embodiments, the engagement between the locator projection 74 and the receiving portion 94 functions as a switch for engaging with a connecting portion (not shown) provided through the connecting openings 54, 72, 92, 46 of the base portion 12 and the portable section 14. Alternatively or additionally, a separate switch (not shown), such as a push-button switch, may be provided in the base portion 12 or the portable section 14 to actuate such connections.

[0026] Referring here to Figure 5, a top perspective view of a portable section 14 of the connecting mechanism 10 of Figures 1 and 2 without the cover plate 40, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, within the main opening 38, the cover plate 40 is coupled to the housing 24 by fasteners 45 via a fastener opening 95. Furthermore, Figure 5 shows how the portable section 14 includes a lock assembly 96 within it. The lock assembly 96 comprises a wedge 98, a connecting arm 100 that engages with the wedge 98, a die spring 102 positioned on the connecting arm 100, and a handle 30 that engages with the connecting arm 100.

[0027] Referring here to Figure 6, an exploded perspective view of the lock assembly 96 of the portable section 14 of the connecting mechanism 10 of Figures 1 and 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is shown. First, the connecting arm 100 engages with the wedge 98 and the handle 30 via pins 104 and 106, respectively. The wedge 96 comprises a first end 108 having an opening 110 for the pin 104, a second end 112, and side walls 114 and 116 extending between the first end 108 and the second end 112. The wedge 98 further comprises a stud opening 118 for penetrating and receiving the stud 60, and a stud groove 120 for engaging with the post 78 of the stud 60 as the stud 60 extends through the wedge 98. The wedge 98 further comprises a tapered section 121 having a first taper 122 and a second taper 124 extending downward from the first end 108.

[0028] The connecting arm 100 includes a main plate 126 having a first end 127 with an opening 128 for receiving a pin 104 and a second end 129 with a slot or elongated opening 130 for receiving a pin 106. The connecting arm 100 further includes first and second connecting arm connectors 132, 134, each having a biasing plate 136 for biasing a die spring 102 between them, an end plate 137 with an opening 138 that aligns with the opening 128 and slot 130 of the main plate 126, respectively, and a slot 139 configured to receive the first end 127 and the second end 129 of the main plate 126, respectively.

[0029] Pin 104 extends through the opening 138 of the first connecting arm connector 132, the opening 110 of the wedge 98, and the opening 128 of the main plate 126. The handle 30 has a first handle pin opening 140 for receiving pin 106. Thus, pin 106 extends through the first handle pin opening 140, and the opening 138 is the second connecting arm connector 134 and the slot 130 of the main plate 126. The handle 30 further has a second handle pin opening 142 for passing through and receiving pin 33.

[0030] The operation of the lock assembly 96 will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figures 7 and 8 are top views of the portable section 14 of the connecting mechanism 10 of Figures 1 and 2, respectively, in which the stud 60 of the base section 12 of the connecting mechanism 10 of Figures 1 and 2 extends through and the lock assembly 96 is in the unlocked and locked states, respectively. Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of Figure 8 cut off at the post 78 of the stud 60 of the base section 12 of the connecting mechanism 10 of Figures 1 and 2, in which the lock assembly 96 is in the unlocked state, according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, as shown in Figure 7, when the lock assembly 96 is in the unlocked state, the handle 30 is in the unlocked position, extending away from the housing 24 of the portable section 14. When the handle 30 is moved to the unlocked position, the tapered section 121 of the wedge 98 in the housing 24 retracts, and the stud 60 aligns with the stud opening 118 of the wedge 98. Therefore, when the handle 30 is in the unlocked position to place the lock assembly 96 in an unlocked state, the portable section 14 can be removed or detached from the base section 12 via the stud opening 118 of the wedge 98 and the stud opening 88 of the mounting plate 86 of the housing 24.

[0031] Referring here to Figures 8 and 9, when the handle 30 moves to the locked position within the recess 28 in the side wall 25 of the housing 24 of the portable section 14, the connecting arm 100 rotates along an eccentric path until it locks into the illustrated position. This eccentric path is made possible by the slot 130 in the main plate 126. As shown in Figure 9, when the handle 30 is in the locked position, the pin 106 moves within the slot 130 so that the die spring 102 can apply clamping pressure to the wedge 98. In other words, the rotation of the connecting arm 100 advances the tapered portion 121 of the wedge 98 and engages with the roller bearing 84 in the head 80 of the stud 60, which is located in the groove 120 between the tapers 122 and 124. As most clearly shown in Figure 9, the head 80 of the stud 60 has a taper that matches the taper of tapers 122, 124, and the roller bearing 84 extends through the taper and engages with the tapers 122, 124 on both sides of the post 78 of the stud 60.

[0032] The locked state of the lock assembly 96 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is due to the eccentric path of the connecting arm 100, the clamping pressure provided by the die spring 102, and the tapered section of the wedge 96 that engages with the roller bearing 84 of the stud 60. The angle 144 of the taper 122, 124 and the taper of the head 80 of the stud 60 forms a self-locking taper. Generally, the self-locking taper is less than 7 degrees. In a non-limiting embodiment, the angle 144 is 4 degrees. The exact clamping pressure is determined by the configuration of the wedge 98 and the die spring 102. As a non-limiting example, in various embodiments, the die spring 102 provides a clamping pressure of 500 pounds.

[0033] In this precise configuration, when the lock assembly 96 is in the locked state, the self-locking taper and clamping pressure do not allow the wedge 98 to retract. In fact, the precision of the configuration causes vibrations to tighten the lock between the components, making the connecting mechanism 10 extremely rigid. Thus, the strength of the connecting mechanism 10 depends on the shear strength of the stud 60, which allows the connecting mechanism 10 to operate at high holding pressures. In non-limiting examples, in various embodiments, the holding pressure may be 20,000 pounds. Furthermore, switching between the locked and unlocked states does not abruptly degrade the precise engagement between the stud 60 and the wedge 98. That is, at most, the tapered section 121 of the wedge 98 may lose a few microns of distance between the stud 60 in the groove 120 and the first end of the wedge 98. Thus, the connecting mechanism 10 provides a durable and reliable connection for objects, machines, etc., mounted on it.

[0034] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a connection mechanism 150 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The connection mechanism 150 includes many of the same components as the connection mechanism 10, and therefore similar components are numbered the same. The connection mechanism 150 provides pneumatic operation of the lock assembly 96, as will be described later. The connection mechanism 150 comprises a first section or base section 152 and a second section or portable section 154. The portable section 154 includes side walls 156 and an opening 158 for a handle or lever 160 that is actuated via a pneumatic system. The handle 160 is coupled to a link mechanism 162 that connects the handle 160 to a pneumatic cylinder 164 using a pneumatic piston 166 in a housing 168. The pneumatic cylinder 164 can be actuated so that the piston 166 actsuate the handle 160, and therefore the lock assembly 96. The base section 152 has an alternative configuration without mounting surfaces around the housing 172, as briefly described above. The base section 152 includes a connection opening 174 equivalent to the connection opening 54.

[0035] [Figure 11] Pneumatic pressure of the lock assembly of the connection mechanism in Figure 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a top perspective view showing the operation. [Figure 12] Air pressure of the lock assembly of the connection mechanism in Figure 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a top perspective view illustrating the operation. In Figure 11, the lock assembly 96 is locked with the piston 166, which is mostly inside the housing 168. In Figure 12, the lock assembly 96 is unlocked, and the piston 166 extends from the housing 168 to actuate the handle 160. Except for the pneumatic operation of the lock assembly 96, the locking and unlocking operations of the lock assembly 96 are the same.

[0036] Accordingly, a useful embodiment of the present invention provides a connecting mechanism comprising a first section or base section and a second section or portable section engageable with the base section. The base section comprises a housing and a stud mounted within the housing and having a roller bearing. The portable section comprises a housing configured to pass through and receive the stud. Within the housing are a locking assembly configured to lock the base section to the portable section when the base section and the portable section are engaged, and an unlocked state configured to allow the portable section to engage with or disengage from the base section. The locking assembly comprises a wedge having a tapered section with a bifurcated taper configured to pass through and receive the stud and to engage with the roller bearing of the stud. The locking assembly also comprises a connecting arm that connects the wedge to a handle extending through the housing. The handle is operable between a locked position configured to place the locking assembly in a locked state by advancing the tapered section of the wedge to engage with the roller bearing of the stud, and an unlocked position configured to place the locking assembly in an unlocked state by retracting the tapered section of the wedge.

[0037] The locking assembly configuration provides a precise and reliable connection for the object or machine attached to the connecting mechanism. Furthermore, the operation of the handle for switching between the locked and unlocked states provides a quick and easy method of operation. Thus, the user can easily detach the portable section for transfer to another area or base section and then transfer it again. The strength of the connecting mechanism stems from the self-locking taper combined with the clamping pressure from the die spring and the holding pressure provided by the stud.

[0038] Accordingly, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting mechanism comprises a first section and a second section engageable with the first section. The first section comprises a stud having a roller bearing. The second section comprises a housing configured to pass through and receive the stud, and a locking assembly disposed within the housing, which is operable between a locked state configured to lock the first section into the second section when the first and second sections are engaged, and an unlocked state configured to allow the second section to engage with or disengage from the first section. The locking assembly comprises a wedge configured to pass through and receive the stud and having a tapered section, a connecting arm including a first end and a second end that engage with the wedge, and a die spring disposed on the connecting arm between the first end and the second end. The lock assembly also includes a handle that engages with the second end of the connecting arm and the housing, and is operable between a locked position configured to lock the lock assembly by advancing the tapered section of the wedge to engage the roller bearing of the stud, and an unlocked position configured to unlock the lock assembly by retracting the tapered section of the wedge.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a connecting mechanism comprising a first section and a second section engageable with the first section comprises constructing the first section by providing a stud having a roller bearing. The method further comprises constructing the second section by providing a housing configured to pass through and receive the stud, and assembling a locking assembly within the housing that is operable between a locked state configured to lock the first section to the second section when the first and second sections are engaged, and an unlocked state configured to allow the second section to engage with or disengage from the first section. Assembling the locking assembly comprises engaging a handle with the housing that is configured to operate between a locked position corresponding to the locked state of the locking assembly and an unlocked position corresponding to the unlocked state of the locking assembly. Furthermore, assembling the lock assembly includes engaging a handle with a first end of a connecting arm having a die spring positioned thereon, and engaging a second end of the connecting arm with a wedge configured to pass through and receive a stud, and includes a tapered section configured to advance and engage with the roller bearing of the stud when the handle is actuated to the locked position, and to retract when the handle is actuated to the unlocked position.

[0040] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a locking assembly for a connecting mechanism comprises a wedge having a tapered section and configured to penetrate and receive a stud; a connecting arm having a first end and a second end configured to engage with the wedge; and a die spring configured to fit into the connecting arm between the first end and the second end. In addition, the locking assembly comprises a handle configured to engage with the second end of the connecting arm and is operable between a locked position configured to place the locking assembly in a locked state by advancing the tapered section of the wedge and an unlocked position configured to place the locking assembly in an unlocked state by retracting the tapered section of the wedge.

[0041] Although the present invention has been described in detail in relation to only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent configurations that are not described herein but are in accordance with the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present invention may include only a subset of the embodiments described. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered limited by the foregoing description, but only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connection mechanism, A first section comprising a stud having a roller bearing, The first section comprises a second section that is engageable with the first section, the second section being A housing configured to penetrate and receive the stud, The housing comprises a locking assembly which is operable between a locked state configured to lock the first section to the second section when the first and second sections are engaged, and an unlocked state configured to allow the second section to engage with or disengage from the first section, wherein the locking assembly A wedge having a tapered section, configured to penetrate and receive the stud, A connecting arm having a first end that engages with the wedge and a second end, A die spring is positioned on the connecting arm between the first end and the second end, A connecting mechanism comprising a handle that engages with the second end of the connecting arm and the housing, and is configured to position the lock assembly in the locked state by advancing the tapered section of the wedge and engaging with the roller bearing of the stud, and an unlocked position configured to position the lock assembly in the unlocked state by retracting the tapered section of the wedge.

2. The connecting arm of the lock assembly is A main plate having an opening at the first end and a slot at the second end, The main plate comprises first and second connecting arm connectors that engage with the main plate at the first and second ends of the main plate, and each of the first and second connectors is A biasing plate and An end plate extending from the biasing plate to define the first end or the second end of the connecting arm, and having an opening aligned with an opening or slot in the main plate, It comprises a slot that extends through the biasing plate and the end plate and receives the first or second end of the main plate, The die spring is positioned on the main plate of the connecting arm between the first connector and the second connector. The connecting arm engages with the wedge at its first end via a first pin extending through the opening in the end plate of the first connecting arm connector, the opening in the wedge, and the opening in the main plate. The connecting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the connecting arm engages with the handle at its second end via a second pin extending through an opening in the end plate of the second connecting arm connector, an opening in the handle, and a slot in the main plate.

3. The connecting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the connecting arm is configured to rotate in an eccentric path when the handle is operated.

4. The aforementioned stud, A post having a first end and a second end, The post comprises a head at the first end of the post, the head having a roller bearing opening, The connection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the roller bearing is disposed within the roller bearing opening.

5. The tapered section of the wedge comprises a first taper and a second taper, with a stud groove formed between them. The stud groove is configured to receive the post of the stud, The connection mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the first and second tapers are configured to engage with the roller bearing located on the head of the stud.

6. The connection mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the stud further comprises a base having a stepped structure at the second end of the post.

7. The head of the stud has a tapered section that matches the tapered section of the wedge. The connecting mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the roller bearing extends through the tapered section of the head of the stud.

8. The housing of the second section described above, A first surface having a main opening, A second surface located opposite the first surface and having stud openings, The second section is coupled to the housing of the second section within a main opening in the first surface and further comprises a cover plate having stud openings, The connecting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein when the second section engages with the first section, the studs extend through the stud openings in the second surface of the housing, through the wedge, and through the stud openings in the cover plate.

9. The handle is provided with an elongated projection that extends at least partially along the length of the handle, The connection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the first section comprises a recess having a groove configured to receive an elongated projection of the handle inside.

10. The first section mentioned above is, A housing to which the aforementioned stud is attached, The connection mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising: a mounting surface adjacent to the housing and configured to mount the first section on a surface independent of the connection mechanism.

11. A method for manufacturing a connection mechanism, The first section is constructed by providing studs equipped with roller bearings, A second section that can engage with the second section, A housing is provided that is configured to penetrate and receive the stud, This includes constructing a lock assembly within the housing that is operable between a locked state configured to lock the first section to the second section when the first and second sections are engaged, and an unlocked state configured to allow the second section to engage with or disengage from the first section, wherein the assembly of the lock assembly is Engaging the housing with a handle configured to operate between a locked position corresponding to the locked state of the lock assembly and an unlocked position corresponding to the unlocked state of the lock assembly, The first end of the connecting arm having a die spring positioned above it is engaged with the handle, A method comprising engaging the second end of the connecting arm with a wedge having a tapered section configured to pass through and receive the stud, configured to advance when the handle is actuated to the locked position to engage with the roller bearing of the stud, and configured to retract when the handle is actuated to the unlocked position.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising joining a cover plate within the main opening of the housing, wherein the cover plate has stud openings configured to pass through and receive the studs.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising engaging the first section and the second section by inserting the stud through the housing of the first section and the wedge of the lock assembly.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising assembling the lock assembly by positioning the connecting arm such that it rotates along an eccentric path when the handle is operated.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein constructing the first section further includes mounting the studs within the housing of the first section.

16. A locking assembly for a connection mechanism, A wedge configured to penetrate and receive studs, and featuring a tapered section, A connecting arm comprising a first end configured to engage with the wedge, and a second end, A die spring configured to fit into the connecting arm between the first end and the second end, A locking assembly comprising a handle configured to engage with a second end of the connecting arm, and which is operable between a locked position configured to position the locking assembly in a locked state by advancing the tapered section of the wedge, and an unlocked position configured to position the locking assembly in an unlocked state by retracting the tapered section of the wedge.

17. The lock assembly according to claim 16, wherein the tapered section of the wedge has a self-locking taper.

18. The lock assembly according to claim 17, wherein the self-locking taper has an angle of 4 degrees.

19. The lock assembly according to claim 16, wherein the tapered section of the wedge comprises a first taper and a second taper that form a stud groove between them.

20. The connecting arm of the lock assembly A main plate having an opening at the first end and a slot at the second end, The system comprises first and second connecting arm connectors configured to engage with the main plate at the first and second ends of the main plate, and each of the first and second connectors is configured to engage with the main plate. A biasing plate and An end plate extending from the biasing plate to define the first end or the second end of the connecting arm, and having an opening aligned with an opening or slot in the main plate, The system includes a slot that extends through the biasing plate and the end plate and is configured to receive a first end or a second end of the main plate, The die spring is positioned on the main plate of the connecting arm between the first connector and the second connector. The connecting arm is configured to engage with the wedge at its first end via a first pin extending through an opening in the end plate of the first connecting arm connector, an opening in the wedge, and an opening in the main plate. The lock assembly according to claim 16, wherein the connecting arm is configured to engage with the handle at its second end via a second pin extending through an opening in the end plate of the second connecting arm connector, an opening in the handle, and a slot in the main plate.

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