Locking mechanism

Abstract

To provide a lock mechanism with excellent operability.SOLUTION: The lock mechanism comprises: a base having a notch into which an engaged member can be inserted; a latch member having a hook and a first receiving face, rotatably connected to the base around a first rotation axis; and a lock member having a lever and a restriction part, rotatably connected to the base around a second rotation axis. The latch member can be rotated between an engaging position in which a portion of the notch is blocked by the hook and the engaged member inserted into the notch is surrounded with a wall surface of the notch and the hook, and an engaging release position in which blocking of the notch by the hook is released. The lock member can be rotated between a lock position in which the restriction part is brought into contact with the first receiving face of the latch member in the engaging position and the rotation of the latch member towards the engaging release position is restricted, and a lock release position in which the first receiving face of the latch member in the engaging position and the restriction part are separated. When the lock member is rotated from the lock position towards the lock release position, the restriction part does not interfere with the latch member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for connecting a ship and a trailer on which the ship is loaded.

Background Art

[0002] Small ships such as small boats and water motorcycles are carried on a trailer for ship transportation to a predetermined place when not in use. For example, the trailer includes a frame on which a small ship can be placed and wheels attached to this frame. Further, the trailer includes a locking mechanism that can engage with an engagement member such as a bar provided on the hull.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a locking mechanism (latch) for connecting a ship and a trailer. This locking mechanism includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a latch element disposed between these top and bottom plates, and a claw that restricts the rotation of this latch element. The top and bottom plates have a notch into which the engagement member is inserted. By closing this notch with the hook of the latch element, the engagement member is locked to the latch element. Further, in a state where the notch is closed by the hook, the claw engages with the latch element to lock the latch element, and rotation of the latch element in a direction to release the closing of the notch by the hook is suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the locking mechanism described in Patent Document 1 above, when the latch element is released by the claw, the latch element also rotates by a certain amount due to the pressure from the claw. When the latch element rotates, the engaged member to which the hook engages also moves within the notch. At this time, the vessel to which the engaged member is connected also moves, so a large force is required to rotate the claw. If the weight of the vessel is large, it may be difficult to release the lock with the claw.

[0006] Furthermore, conventional locking mechanisms have room for improvement in terms of operability. Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism with excellent operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A locking mechanism according to one embodiment connects a vessel to a trailer on which the vessel is carried. The locking mechanism comprises a base having a notch into which an engaged member can be inserted; a latch member having a hook and a first receiving surface, and rotatably connected to the base about a first rotation axis; and a locking member having a lever and a restricting portion, and rotatably connected to the base about a second rotation axis. The latch member is rotatable between an engagement position in which a portion of the notch is closed by the hook and the engaged member inserted into the notch is surrounded by the wall surface of the notch and the hook, and an engagement release position in which the closure of the notch by the hook is released. The locking member is rotatable between a lock position in which the restricting portion abuts against the first receiving surface of the latch member in the engagement position, and the rotation of the latch member toward the engagement release position is restricted, and an unlock position in which the first receiving surface of the latch member in the engagement position and the restricting portion are separated. Furthermore, when the locking member is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position, the latching member does not interfere with the locking member.

[0008] For example, when the latch member is in the engagement position, the first receiving surface is an arc-shaped curved surface centered on the second rotation axis.

[0009] The locking mechanism may further include a first elastic body that biases the latch member toward the disengaged position, and a second elastic body that biases the locking mechanism and the locking member toward the locked position.

[0010] The latch member may further have an operating arm facing the hook. In this case, when the latch member is in the disengaged position, the operating arm may close a portion of the notch, and when the engaged member is inserted into the notch, the operating arm may be pushed by the engaged member, causing the latch member to rotate toward the engaged position against the biasing force of the first elastic body.

[0011] The latch member may further have a second receiving surface against which the restricting portion is pressed by the biasing force of the second elastic body when the latch member is in the disengaged position and the locking member is in the disengaged position. In this case, when the latch member rotates from the disengaged position toward the engaged position, the restricting portion slides against the second receiving surface, and when the restricting portion has finished sliding against the second receiving surface, the second locking member may rotate to the locked position by the biasing force of the second elastic body.

[0012] The locking mechanism may further include a plunger attached to the base. In this case, the locking member has an engaging portion that engages with the plunger when in the unlocked position, and the engagement of the plunger and the engaging portion restricts the rotation of the locking member toward the locked position due to the biasing force of the second elastic body.

[0013] The locking member may further have a release arm provided at a distance from the restricting portion in the rotational direction of the locking member. The latching member may further have a protrusion located between the restricting portion and the release arm in the rotational direction of the latching member when in the engaged position. In this case, when the latching member rotates from the engaged position toward the disengaged position, the protrusion may push the release arm, causing the latching member to rotate and disengaging the plunger from the engaged portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, a locking mechanism with excellent operability can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a vessel and trailer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the locking mechanism and holding mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a locking mechanism in which the latch member is in the disengaged position and the locking member is in the standby position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a locking mechanism in which the latch member is in the engaged position and the locking member is in the locked position. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a locking mechanism in which the latch member is in the engaged position and the locking member is in the unlocked position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of a locking mechanism in which the latch member is rotating from the engaged position to the disengaged position and the locking member is in the disengaged position. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a locking mechanism in which the latch member is rotating from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and the locking member is rotating from the disengaged position to the standby position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a ship and a trailer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a lock mechanism according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a lock mechanism according to the fourth embodiment. **[Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]**

[0016] Some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a ship V and a trailer 100 according to the first embodiment. The ship V is a small ship such as a small boat or a water bike. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 1, the front FD and the rear RD of the trailer 100 are defined. The front FD and the rear RD are opposite directions.

[0017] The trailer 100 includes a frame 101 on which the ship V is placed. The frame 101 is provided with front wheels 102 and rear wheels 103. At the end of the frame 101 in the front FD, a connecting member 104 for connecting the trailer 100 to a vehicle is provided.

[0018] In the vicinity of the front wheels 102, a support column 105 extends upward from the frame 101. A support member 106 is provided at the tip of the support column 105. A lock mechanism 1 is attached to the support member 106 via a holding mechanism 110.

[0019] A engaged member T is provided near the bow of the ship V. The engaged member T is, for example, a bar bent in a U-shape or a J-shape, but is not limited to this example. The lock mechanism 1 can be engaged with the engaged member T.

[0020] When transporting the vessel V, the vessel V is placed on the rear RD of the frame 101, then moved to the front FD and placed on the frame 101. Furthermore, the engaged member T is engaged with the locking mechanism 1. When lowering the vessel V, the engagement between the engaged member T and the locking mechanism 1 is released, and the vessel V is moved to the rear RD.

[0021] A control unit CT is located on frame 101. In the example shown in Figure 1, the control unit CT is located near the base of the support column 105, but the control unit CT may be located in other positions. For example, the control unit CT comprises a waterproof enclosure and electronic components such as a control board and a power supply unit housed within this enclosure. The control unit CT may also include a wireless communication unit and a lamp.

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the locking mechanism 1 and the holding mechanism 110 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism 1 shown in Figure 2. In the following description, we define the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z as mutually orthogonal. Viewing the locking mechanism 1 and the holding mechanism 110 parallel to the third direction Z is called a plan view. For example, the first direction X corresponds to the width direction of the trailer 100, the second direction Y corresponds to the length direction of the trailer 100, and the third direction Z corresponds to the height direction of the trailer 100.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the locking mechanism 1 includes a base 2. The base 2 is composed of a first base plate 21 and a second base plate 22 that are spaced apart and parallel to each other in the third direction Z.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the first base plate 21 has a notch 210, and the second base plate 22 has a notch 220. The notch 210 is recessed in a V shape from the edge 21a (the edge on the rear RD side) in the second direction Y of the first base plate 21. The notch 220 is recessed in a V shape from the edge 22a (the edge on the rear RD side) in the second direction Y of the second base plate 22. The notches 210 and 220 have the same shape, for example, in a plan view. The engaged member T can be inserted into the notches 210 and 220.

[0025] The first base plate 21 has a plurality of female threads 211 formed near both sides in the first direction X. The second base plate 22 has a plurality of through holes 221 provided at positions corresponding to each female thread 211. Furthermore, cylindrical spacers 23 are positioned between the first base plate 21 and the second base plate 22 at positions corresponding to the female threads 211 and the through holes 221. Bolts 24 are passed through each through hole 221 and spacer 23, and the tips of these bolts 24 are screwed into the female threads 211. In other words, the first base plate 21 and the second base plate 22 are fixed together by the bolts 24 with a gap corresponding to the height of the spacers 23.

[0026] The locking mechanism 1 further comprises a latch member 3 and a locking member 4. The latch member 3 and the locking member 4 are positioned between the first base plate 21 and the second base plate 22.

[0027] The latch member 3 is rotatably connected to the first base plate 21 and the second base plate 22 about the first rotation axis AX1. The lock member 4 is rotatably connected to the first base plate 21 and the second base plate 22 about the second rotation axis AX2.

[0028] The latch member 3 has a through hole 30 that overlaps with the first rotation axis AX1. The first base plate 21 has a through hole 212 that overlaps with the first rotation axis AX1. The second base plate 22 has a through hole 222 that overlaps with the first rotation axis AX1. A bearing 50 having a flange interposed between the latch member 3 and the second base plate 22 is inserted into the through hole 30. A shaft 51 is inserted into the bearing 50. The shaft 51 is also inserted into a washer 52 positioned between the latch member 3 and the first base plate 21.

[0029] One end of the shaft 51 protrudes downward from the first base plate 21 in Figure 3, and a retaining ring 53 is fitted into an annular groove provided near this end. The other end of the shaft 51 protrudes upward from the second base plate 22 in Figure 3, and a retaining ring 54 is fitted into an annular groove provided near this protruding end (see Figure 2).

[0030] The locking member 4 has a through hole 40 that overlaps with the second rotation shaft AX2. The first base plate 21 has a through hole 213 that overlaps with the second rotation shaft AX2. The second base plate 22 has a through hole 223 that overlaps with the second rotation shaft AX2. A bearing 60 with a flange interposed between the locking member 4 and the second base plate 22 is inserted into the through hole 40. A shaft 61 is inserted into the bearing 60. The shaft 61 is also inserted into a washer 62 positioned between the locking member 4 and the first base plate 21.

[0031] One end of the shaft 61 protrudes downward from the first base plate 21 in Figure 3, and a retaining ring 63 is fitted into an annular groove provided near this end. The other end of the shaft 61 protrudes upward from the second base plate 22 in Figure 3, and a retaining ring 64 is fitted into an annular groove provided near this protruding end (see Figure 2).

[0032] The locking mechanism 1 further comprises a first elastic body 71 that biases the latch member 3 and a second elastic body 72 that biases the locking member 4. The first elastic body 71 and the second elastic body 72 are arranged between the first base plate 21 and the second base plate 22. In this embodiment, the first elastic body 71 and the second elastic body 72 are coil springs. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and other types of elastic bodies, such as torsion springs, can be used as the first elastic body 71 and the second elastic body 72.

[0033] The first base plate 21 has female threads 214 and 215. A post 73 with a male thread is screwed into the female thread 214. The tip of the post 73 protrudes downward from the first base plate 21 in Figure 3 and is screwed into a nut 75. A post 74 with a male thread is screwed into the female thread 215. The tip of the post 74 protrudes downward from the first base plate 21 in Figure 3 and is screwed into a nut 76. One end of the first elastic body 71 is connected to the latch member 3 and the other end is connected to the post 73. One end of the second elastic body 72 is connected to the lock member 4 and the other end is connected to the post 74.

[0034] The locking mechanism 1 further comprises stoppers 81, 82, and 83, plungers 84 and 85, and a sensor 86. The first base plate 21 has through holes 216 at positions corresponding to the stoppers 81, 82, and 83. The stoppers 81, 82, and 83 are, for example, pins fitted into these through holes 216 and protruding between the first base plate 21 and the second base plate 22.

[0035] The first base plate 21 has a female thread 217 at a position corresponding to the plunger 84. The second base plate 22 has a female thread 227 at a position corresponding to the plunger 85. The plunger 84 has a male thread formed on it, which is screwed into the female thread 217. Similarly, the plunger 85 has a male thread formed on it, which is screwed into the female thread 227.

[0036] The plungers 84 and 85 are ball plungers having a ball-shaped movable piece biased, for example, by a coil spring. The movable pieces of the plungers 84 and 85 protrude between the first base plate 21 and the second base plate 22 and face each other in the third direction Z.

[0037] The locking member 4 has an engaging portion 41 that can engage with the plungers 84 and 85. The engaging portion 41 is, for example, a through hole that penetrates the locking member 4. The engaging portion 41 may also be a recess or groove formed on both sides of the locking member 4 in the third direction Z.

[0038] The first base plate 21 has a through hole 218 at a position corresponding to the sensor 86. A bolt 87 is inserted through this through hole 218 and an opening provided in the sensor 86. The tip of the bolt 87 protrudes downward from the first base plate 21 in Figure 3 and is screwed into a nut 88. The sensor 86 is, for example, a limit switch having a contact 860.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the first base plate 21 has a plurality of through holes 219 formed near both sides in the first direction X. These through holes 219 are used to connect the locking mechanism 1 and the holding mechanism 110.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the holding mechanism 110 comprises a pair of first brackets 120A and 120B and a pair of second brackets 130A and 130B. The first brackets 120A and 120B each have plate-shaped mounting portions 121 and 122 parallel to the second direction Y and the third direction Z, and an intermediate portion 123 connecting the mounting portions 121 and 122. The mounting portion 121 has a plurality of through holes 121a. In the example in Figure 2, the support member 106 described above is positioned between the mounting portions 121 of the first brackets 120A and 120B. Furthermore, a bolt 124 is inserted into each through hole 121a, and its tip is screwed into a nut 125. As a result, the support member 106 is sandwiched between the mounting portions 121 of the first brackets 120A and 120B.

[0041] The second brackets 130A and 130B have plate-shaped mounting portions 131 parallel to the second direction Y and the third direction Z, and plate-shaped mounting portions 132 parallel to the first direction X and the second direction Y. The mounting portion 131 of the second bracket 130A has a plurality of through holes 131a. Bolts 133 are inserted into some of the through holes 131a. The bolts 133 are also inserted into through holes provided in the mounting portion 122 of the first bracket 120A, and their ends are screwed into nuts (not shown). In this way, the first bracket 120A and the second bracket 130A are connected. The first bracket 120B and the second bracket 130B are connected by a similar structure.

[0042] The mounting portions 132 of the second brackets 130A and 130B are connected to the first base plate 21 by a plurality of connecting members 140. Each connecting member 140 has an elastic body 141 for vibration damping located between the mounting portion 132 and the first base plate 21, and a male screw 142 extending downward from the elastic body 141 in the figure. The elastic body 141 is made of, for example, rubber. The male screw 142 is inserted into a through hole provided in the mounting portion 132, and its tip is screwed into a nut 143. Furthermore, the connecting member 140 has a female screw opening at its upper end in the figure. A bolt 144 inserted into a through hole 219 (see Figure 2) in the first base plate 21 is screwed into this female screw.

[0043] Figures 4 to 8 are schematic plan views of the locking mechanism 1. In these figures, the second base plate 22 and bolts 24 are omitted from the illustration. The notch 210 has a shape in which the width in the first direction X gradually decreases from the edge 21a of the first base plate 21 to the bottom 210a. The notch 220 has a shape similar to that of the notch 210.

[0044] The latch member 3 is rotatable around the first rotation axis AX1 in the first rotation direction R1a and the second rotation direction R2a. The lock member 4 is rotatable around the second rotation axis AX2 in the first rotation direction R1b and the second rotation direction R2b. The first rotation directions R1a and R1b are clockwise directions in Figures 4 to 8. The second rotation directions R2a and R2b are counterclockwise directions in Figures 4 to 8.

[0045] The latch member 3 has a connecting hole 31 into which one end of the first elastic body 71 is hooked. The lock member 4 has a connecting hole 42 into which one end of the second elastic body 72 is hooked. The latch member 3 is biased in the first rotational direction R1a by the first elastic body 71. The lock member 4 is biased in the second rotational direction R2b by the second elastic body 72.

[0046] The latch member 3 has a hook 32, an operating arm 33, and a protrusion 34. The hook 32 extends radially around the first rotation axis AX1 and has a shape in which its tip protrudes in the second rotation direction R2a. The operating arm 33 extends radially around the first rotation axis AX1. The operating arm 33 faces the hook 32 in the rotation directions R1a and R2a. A gap G capable of accommodating the engaged member T is formed between the hook 32 and the operating arm 33. In this embodiment, the center line C of the gap G does not coincide with the first rotation axis AX1. The center line C passes between the first rotation axis AX1 and the connection hole 31.

[0047] The protrusion 34 extends radially around the first rotation axis AX1. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 8, the distance between the tip of the protrusion 34 and the first rotation axis AX1 is shorter than the distance between the tip of the operating arm 33 and the first rotation axis AX1. The connection hole 31 to which the first elastic body 71 is connected is provided at the end of the hook 32 in the first rotation direction R1a.

[0048] The latch member 3 further has a first receiving surface 35 and a second receiving surface 36 adjacent to the first receiving surface 35. The first receiving surface 35 is located between the hook 32 and the protrusion 34 in the first rotation direction R1a. The first receiving surface 35 is a curved surface that intersects the rotation directions R1a and R2a. The second receiving surface 36 is located between the hook 32 and the first receiving surface 35 in the first rotation direction R1a. For example, the second receiving surface 36 is an arc-shaped curved surface with the first rotation axis AX1 as its center of curvature.

[0049] The locking member 4 includes a lever 43, a restricting portion 44, and a release arm 45. The lever 43 has a long, linear shape and protrudes from the end edge 21b (the front FD side) of the first base plate 21 in the second direction Y. The lever 43 also protrudes from the end edge 22b (see Figure 2) of the second base plate 22, which overlaps with the end edge 21b.

[0050] The restricting portion 44 extends radially around the second rotation axis AX2. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 8, the tip portion 44a of the restricting portion 44 is rounded in a semicircular shape. The release arm 45 is provided at a distance from the restricting portion 44 in the rotation directions R1b and R2b. The connection hole 42 to which the second elastic body 72 is connected is provided in the lever 43.

[0051] The stopper 81 is located between the operating arm 33 and the protrusion 34 in the rotation directions R1a and R2a. The stopper 82 is located on the side of the lever 43 in the second rotation direction R2b, and the stopper 83 is located on the side of the lever 43 in the first rotation direction R1b. In other words, the lever 43 is located between the stoppers 82 and 83 in the rotation directions R1b and R2b.

[0052] Next, we will explain the series of operations of locking mechanism 1. In Figure 4, the protrusion 34 is pressed against the stopper 81 by the biasing force of the first elastic body 71. In this state, the latch member 3 cannot be rotated in the first rotational direction R1a. Hereafter, this position (attitude) of the latch member 3 will be referred to as the disengagement position.

[0053] In the disengaged position, the hook 32 does not overlap with the notches 210 and 220 in the third direction Z. That is, the hook 32 does not block the notches 210 and 220. On the other hand, the operating arm 33 overlaps with the notches 210 and 220 and blocks a portion of the notches 210 and 220 (the intermediate portion in the second direction Y).

[0054] When the latch member 3 is in the disengaged position, the tip 44a of the restricting portion 44 is pressed against the second receiving surface 36 by the biasing force of the second elastic body 72. This restricts the rotation of the locking member 4 in the second rotational direction R2b. Hereinafter, this position (attitude) of the locking member 4 will be referred to as the standby position. When the locking member 4 is in the standby position, the contact element 860 of the sensor 86 is not in contact with the locking member 4. Also, the plungers 84 and 85 are not engaged with the engaging portion 41.

[0055] In the state shown in Figure 4, when the engaged member T is moved toward the bottom 210a of the notch 210, the engaged member T comes into contact with the operating arm 33. Further movement of the engaged member T pushes the operating arm 33 against the engaged member T, causing the latch member 3 to rotate in the second rotational direction R2a against the biasing force of the first elastic body 71. During this rotation, the second receiving surface 36 slides against the tip 44a of the restricting portion 44. Since the second receiving surface 36 is a curved surface with the first rotation axis AX1 as its center of curvature, the rotation of the latch member 3 is not hindered by the restricting portion 44.

[0056] In Figure 5, the engaged member T is pushed in close to the bottom 210a. The engaged member T is located in the gap G. Furthermore, a portion of the notches 210 and 220 (the intermediate portion in the second direction Y) is closed by the hook 32. The engaged member T is surrounded by the hook 32, the operating arm 33, and the wall surface 210b of the notch 210. Hereafter, this position (orientation) of the latch member 3 will be referred to as the engagement position.

[0057] When the latch member 3 rotates from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the restricting portion 44 finishes sliding along the second receiving surface 36. At this time, the locking member 4 rotates in the second rotational direction R2b due to the biasing force of the second elastic body 72 until the lever 43 and the stopper 82 come into contact. When the lever 43 and the stopper 82 are in contact, the tip 44a of the restricting portion 44 abuts against the first receiving surface 35. Hereinafter, this position (or orientation) of the locking member 4 will be referred to as the locked position.

[0058] When the locking member 4 is in the locked position, the first receiving surface 35 is in contact with the restricting portion 44, which suppresses the rotation of the latching member 3 toward the disengaged position. As a result, the latching member 3 is maintained in the engaged position, and the engaged member T cannot be pulled out from the notches 210 and 220.

[0059] Furthermore, the force acting from the latch member 3 to the locking member 4 at the contact point between the first receiving surface 35 and the restricting portion 44 is approximately parallel to the radial direction centered on the second rotation axis AX2. Therefore, even if a strong force is applied that rotates the locking member 4 in the first rotation direction R1a, no moment is generated that rotates the locking member 4 in the first rotation direction R1b. The force acting from the latch member 3 to the locking member 4 at the above contact point may generate a moment that rotates the locking member 4 in the second rotation direction R2b. Even in this case, the locking member 4 does not rotate in the first rotation direction R1b, nor does it rotate in the second rotation direction R2b because the lever 43 is in contact with the stopper 82.

[0060] When the locking member 4 is in the locked position, the release arm 45 contacts the contactor 860 of the sensor 86. At this time, the sensor 86 outputs a detection signal to the control unit CT (see Figure 1). In response to receiving the detection signal, the control unit CT notifies that the locking member 4 is in the locked position. For example, the control unit CT illuminates a specific lamp. Alternatively, the control unit CT may transmit a signal indicating that the locking member 4 is in the locked position to an electronic device such as a smartphone via a wireless communication unit.

[0061] The locking member 4, in the locked position, can be rotated in the first rotational direction R1b by operating the lever 43. In Figure 6, the locking member 4 has rotated to the position where the lever 43 contacts the stopper 83. Hereafter, this position (or orientation) of the locking member 4 will be referred to as the unlocked position.

[0062] In the unlocked position, the plungers 84 and 85 engage with the engaging portion 41. This restricts the rotation of the locking member 4 toward the locked position due to the biasing force of the second elastic body 72. Furthermore, in the unlocked position, the restricting portion 44 and the first receiving surface 35 are separated. The convex portion 34 is located between the restricting portion 44 and the release arm 45 in the rotational directions R1a and R2a.

[0063] In the unlocked position, the contact element 860 and the release arm 45 separate. At this time, the sensor 86 stops outputting a detection signal to the control unit CT. The control unit CT notifies, for example, that the locking member 4 is in the unlocked position. For example, the control unit CT turns off a lamp that was lit when the locking member 4 was in the locked position. As another example, the control unit CT may transmit a signal indicating that the locking member 4 is in the unlocked position to an electronic device such as a smartphone via a wireless communication unit.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 6, the engaged member T is in contact with the operating arm 33. As a result, the latch member 3 is stationary. If the engaged member T is not in contact with the arm 33, the latch member 3 rotates in the first rotational direction R1a until the protrusion 34 contacts the release arm 45. For example, when the protrusion 34 is in contact with the release arm 45, the latch member 3 is stationary.

[0065] In this embodiment, when the locking member 4 is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position, the restricting portion 44 does not interfere with the latching member 3. Other parts of the locking member 4 also do not interfere with the latching member 3. As a result, it is possible to rotate the locking member 4 from the locked position to the unlocked position without substantially rotating the latching member 3. Here, "without substantially rotating the latching member 3" includes not only cases where the latching member 3 does not rotate at all, but also cases where the latching member 3 rotates only a few degrees due to the sliding of the first receiving surface 35 and the tip portion 44a. As an example, the latching member 3 may rotate by a small angle corresponding to the difference in width between the engaged member T and the gap G.

[0066] The first receiving surface 35 is preferably an arc-shaped curved surface with the second rotation axis AX2 as its center of curvature when the latch member 3 is in the engaged position, as shown in Figure 5. This allows the locking member 4 to rotate smoothly toward the unlocked position. However, the first receiving surface 35 may have any other shape, as long as it contacts the tip 44a of the restricting portion 44 when the locking member 4 is in the locked position and does not hinder the rotation of the locking member 4 toward the unlocked position.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, when the engaged member T is moved backward RD from the state in Figure 6, the hook 32 is pushed by the engaged member T. As a result, the latch member 3 rotates in the first rotational direction R1a. At this time, the protrusion 34 pushes the release arm 45, and the engagement between the plungers 84, 85 and the engaging portion 41 is released. The locking member 4 rotates in the second rotational direction R2b due to the biasing force of the second elastic body 72. As shown in Figure 8, when the tip 44a of the restricting portion 44 contacts the second receiving surface 36, the rotation of the locking member 4 stops.

[0068] If the engaged member T is moved further to the rear RD from the state shown in Figure 8, the latch member 3 and the locking member 4 return to the state shown in Figure 4. That is, the latch member 3 rotates to the disengaged position, and the closure of the notches 210 and 220 by the hook 32 is released. At this time, the engaged member T can be pulled out from the notches 210 and 220. The locking member 4 returns to the standby position where the restricting portion 44 is in contact with the second receiving surface 36.

[0069] As described above, in the locking mechanism 1 according to this embodiment, the locking member 4 does not interfere with the latch member 3 when rotating the locking member 4 from the locked position to the unlocked position. As a result, the lock by the locking member 4 can be easily released regardless of the load applied to the latch member 3.

[0070] If the locking member 4 interferes with the latching member 3 when rotating it from the locked position to the unlocked position, the latching member 3 will also rotate in the first rotational direction R1a or the second rotational direction R2a as the locking member 4 rotates. At this time, the vessel V to which the engaged member T is connected will also move, requiring the lever 43 to be operated with considerable force. If the weight of the vessel V is large, operating the lever 43 may become difficult.

[0071] In contrast, with the configuration of this embodiment, the lever 43 can be easily operated even when the weight of the vessel V is large. Furthermore, since the engaged member T does not move when the locking member 4 is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position, the vessel V can be moved at any time after unlocking.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first elastic body 71 constantly biases the latch member 3 toward the disengaged position. Therefore, when the lock by the locking member 4 is released and the engaged member T is pulled out from the notches 210 and 220, the latch member 3 waits in the disengaged position. As a result, when the engaged member T is next connected to the locking mechanism 1, no special preparation such as rotating the latch member 3 to the disengaged position is required.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second elastic body 72 constantly biases the locking member 4 toward the locked position. Therefore, when the engaged member T is pushed into the notches 210 and 220, the locking member 4 automatically rotates to the locked position. This eliminates the need to operate the lever 43 to rotate the locking member 4 from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0074] In this embodiment, as the latch member 3 rotates from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the protrusion 34 pushes the disengagement arm 45, releasing the engagement between the plungers 84 and 85 and the engaging portion 41. This allows the locking member 4 to be automatically rotated to the standby position.

[0075] As described above, this embodiment provides a locking mechanism 1 with significantly improved operability. In addition, various other desirable effects can be obtained from this embodiment.

[0076] [Second Embodiment] Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the vessel V and trailer 100 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the vessel V is provided with a locking mechanism 1, and the trailer 100 is provided with an engaging member T. The engaging member T is connected to, for example, a support member 106. The locking mechanism 1 is preferably provided on the vessel V such that, for example, the second direction Y shown in Figures 2 to 8 coincides with the forward direction FD.

[0077] The locking mechanism 1 is located near the bow of the vessel V. In this case, the lever 43 may be operable from inside the vessel V. Alternatively, a push-pull cable may be connected to the lever 43, and the lever 43 may be operable via the push-pull cable. Even with the configuration of this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0078] [Third Embodiment] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the locking mechanism 1 according to the third embodiment. In the locking mechanism 1 shown in this figure, the latch member 3 has a connection hole 31, a hook 32, an operating arm 33, a protrusion 34, a first receiving surface 35, and a second receiving surface 36, just as in the first embodiment. The locking member 4 also has an engagement part 41, a connection hole 42, a lever 43, a regulating part 44, and a release arm 45, just as in the first embodiment. The roles of each part of the latch member 3 and the locking member 4 are the same as in the first embodiment. In the example in Figure 10, the center line C of the gap G coincides with the first rotation axis AX1. Also, the first elastic body 71 is a coil spring with a larger diameter than the second elastic body 72.

[0079] In Figure 10, the latch member 3 is in the engagement position and is engaged with the engaged member T. Also, the locking member 4 is in the locked position, and the tip 44a of the restricting portion 44 is in contact with the first receiving surface 35. The locking member 4 can be rotated to the unlocked position shown by the dashed line. As in the first embodiment, the latch member 3 does not interfere with the locking member 4 when rotating the locking member 4 from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the locking member 4 is in the unlocked position, it is possible to rotate the latch member 3 to the disengaged position. Even with the configuration of this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0080] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of the locking mechanism 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In the locking mechanism 1 shown in this figure, the latch member 3 has a connection hole 31, a hook 32, an operating arm 33, a first receiving surface 35, and a second receiving surface 36, just as in the first embodiment. The locking member 4 also has an engaging portion 41, a connection hole 42, a lever 43, and a regulating portion 44, just as in the first embodiment. The roles of each part of the latch member 3 and the locking member 4 are the same as in the first embodiment. In the example in Figure 11, the center line C of the gap G coincides with the first rotation axis AX1. Also, the first elastic body 71 is a coil spring with a larger diameter than the second elastic body 72.

[0081] In Figure 11, the latch member 3 is in the engagement position and is engaged with the engaged member T. Also, the locking member 4 is in the locked position, and the tip 44a of the restricting portion 44 is in contact with the first receiving surface 35. The locking member 4 can be rotated to the unlocked position shown by the dashed line. As in the first embodiment, the latch member 3 does not interfere with the locking member 4 when rotating the locking member 4 from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the locking member 4 is in the unlocked position, it is possible to rotate the latch member 3 to the disengaged position.

[0082] The latch member 3 further has a release arm 37 that faces the second receiving surface 36 in the radial direction around the first rotation axis AX1. When the latch member 3 rotates from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the release arm 37 pushes the restricting portion 44 of the lock member 4, which is in the unlocked position. This disengages the engagement portion 41 from the plungers 84 and 85, and the lock member 4 rotates toward the standby position in the second rotation direction R2b. Even with the configuration of this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0083] The first to fourth embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention to the configurations disclosed in these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented by modifying the configurations disclosed in each embodiment in various ways.

[0084] For example, the shapes of the latch member 3 and the locking member 4 are not limited to those exemplified in each embodiment, as long as they produce the same effects as those in each embodiment.

[0085] The sensor 86 may detect the locking member 4 in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism 1 may also include a sensor that detects when the locking member 4 is in the locked position and a sensor that detects when it is in the unlocked position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1... Locking mechanism, 2... Base, 3... Latch member, 4... Locking member, 32... Hook, 33... Actuating arm, 34... Protrusion, 35... First receiving surface, 36... Second receiving surface, 41... Engaging part, 43... Lever, 44... Restricting part, 45... Release arm, 71... First elastic body, 72... Second elastic body, 210, 220... Notch.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for connecting a ship and a trailer on which the ship is loaded, A base having a notch into which the member to be engaged can be inserted, A latch member having a hook and a first receiving surface, and rotatably connected to the base about a first rotation axis, A locking member having a lever and a regulating part, which is rotatably connected to the base about a second rotation axis, Equipped with, The latch member is The hook closes a portion of the notch, and the engaged member inserted into the notch is surrounded by the wall surface of the notch and the hook in an engagement position. The disengagement position in which the notch is released from being blocked by the hook, It is rotatable between, The locking member is A locked position in which the regulating portion abuts against the first receiving surface of the latch member in the engagement position, thereby restricting the rotation of the latch member toward the disengagement position, The unlocked position in which the first receiving surface and the restricting portion of the latch member are separated in the engagement position, It is rotatable between, When the locking member is rotated from the locked position toward the unlocked position, the restricting portion does not interfere with the latching member. Locking mechanism.

2. When the latch member is in the engagement position, the first receiving surface is an arc-shaped curved surface centered on the second rotation axis. The locking mechanism according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises a first elastic body that biases the latch member toward the disengaged position. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The locking member further comprises a second elastic body that biases the locking member toward the locked position. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The latch member further has an operating arm that faces the hook, When the latch member is in the disengaged position, the operating arm closes a portion of the notch. When the engaged member is inserted into the notch, the operating arm is pushed by the engaged member, causing the latch member to rotate toward the engagement position against the biasing force of the first elastic body. The locking mechanism according to claim 3.

6. The latch member further has a second receiving surface against which the restricting portion is pressed by the biasing force of the second elastic body when the latch member is in the disengaged position and the locking member is in the unlocked position. When the latch member rotates from the disengaged position toward the engaged position, the restricting portion slides along the second receiving surface, and when the restricting portion has finished sliding along the second receiving surface, the locking member rotates to the locked position due to the biasing force of the second elastic body. The locking mechanism according to claim 4.

7. The base further comprises a plunger attached to the base, The locking member has an engaging portion that engages with the plunger when it is in the unlocked position, The engagement of the plunger and the engaging portion restricts the rotation of the locking member toward the locked position due to the biasing force of the second elastic body. The locking mechanism according to claim 4 or 6.

8. The locking member further includes a release arm provided at a distance from the restricting portion in the rotational direction of the locking member, The latch member, when in the engaged position, further has a protrusion located between the restricting portion and the release arm in the rotational direction of the latch member, When the latch member rotates from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the protrusion pushes the disengaged arm, causing the latch member to rotate and the engagement between the plunger and the engaging portion to be released. The locking mechanism according to claim 7.

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