Device for unclipping an opening panel by rotation against a frame

The mechanism for unclipping a sash by rotating it against a frame addresses the challenge of easy and efficient lid separation from containers, enabling quick and economical operation through rotational and translational movements, facilitated by a frame and insertion mechanism with return means.

WO2025262027A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-12-26PA COTTE SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/066867
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-06-18
Filing Date
2025-06-17
Publication Date
2025-12-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing devices struggle to allow easy and efficient unclipping of lids from containers, especially when they are only partially open, leading to difficulty in separating the lid from the body.

Method used

A mechanism for unclipping a sash by rotating it against a frame, comprising a frame and an insertion mechanism with a keyway and a key, allowing for rotational and translational movements to lock and unlock the opening, facilitated by a return means and flexible elements to guide the key, converting pressure force into orthogonal forces for coupling.

Benefits of technology

Enables easy manual or automated opening and closing of containers, ensuring quick and economical implementation, suitable for various dimensions and support types, with a mechanism that locks the opening in place and guides the key for seamless unclipping.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a device for unclipping an opening panel (2) by rotation against a frame (3) for a container, the device comprising: - a structure (4) intended to be secured to the frame (3); - an insertion mechanism (5) intended to be secured to the opening panel (2), the mechanism (5) comprising at least one keyway (51) and at least one key (52) that is movable relative to the keyway (51). The insertion mechanism (5) co-operates with the structure (4) according to a rotational and / or translational movement between a first position corresponding to an open position of the opening panel (2) and a second position corresponding to a closed position of the opening panel (2).
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Description

[0001] Device for unclipping a sash by rotating it against a fixed frame

[0002] Scope of the invention

[0003] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of clipping and unclipping mechanisms.

[0004] More specifically, the invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to a mechanism for clipping and unclipping by rotation of an opening against a fixed part.

[0005] The invention finds in particular a particularly suitable application in logistics for the handling of containers or cases composed of a body (fixed part) and a lid (opening part) movable relative to the body.

[0006] Unclipping refers to the reverse action of clipping, which is the act of securing two elements together using clips or fasteners, typically spring-loaded fasteners. Unclipping is the action of separating the two elements from the assembly.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] It is known, from patent FR3136803 in the field of small transport cases, a device adapted to the bottom of the box (body) with a mechanism allowing the lid to be kept in the closed position and cooperating with the lid allowing the closure and locking of said lid.

[0009] However, when the lid is barely open, it cannot be unclipped and cannot be easily separated from the body.

[0010] Objectives of the invention

[0011] The invention therefore aims, in particular, to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above. Furthermore, one objective of the present invention is to provide easy-to-install opening handling systems for any existing handling system, allowing for easy and adjustable manipulation based on the dimensions of the support, quick to implement, simple, and economical to produce.

[0012] These objectives, as well as others that will emerge later, are achieved using a mechanism for unclipping a sash by rotating it against a frame. This same unclipping mechanism also cleverly allows the cover to be clipped in place by a primarily vertical translational movement.

[0013] Description of the invention

[0014] The invention consists of a device for unclipping an opening by rotation against a frame, comprising a frame intended to be attached to the frame, an insertion mechanism intended to be attached to the opening, and comprising at least one keyway and at least one key movable relative to the keyway, characterized in that said insertion mechanism, according to a rotational and / or translational movement between a first position corresponding to an open position of the opening, and a second position corresponding to a closed position of the opening, cooperates with the frame.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the frame is commonly understood to be the part of the device intended to be integral with the frame.

[0016] Thus, the positioning of said key allows the opening to be advantageously locked when it is opened by holding it in place and then beyond a significant opening angle allows the guided sliding of the key to release the opening from the frame.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which, and according to another feature of the invention, the key housing includes a return means disposed within the key housing and intended to return the key to an extended position.

[0018] According to another feature of the invention, the keyway includes a means for closing the keyway, located at the keyway and designed to guide the key and allow the opening sash to be unclipped. According to another feature of the invention, the keyway includes a flexible means located at the keyway, designed to allow the opening sash to be unclipped.

[0019] According to another feature of the invention, the key comprises an S-shaped form intended to cooperate with the elements forming the key housing and the frame.

[0020] According to another feature of the invention, the frame has a first ramp called the frame ramp, the key has a second ramp called the key ramp, the frame ramp and the key ramp are shaped and intended to cooperate so as to convert the pressure force of the opening on the frame into a force substantially orthogonal and opposed to a force exerted by the return means on the key, so as to allow the coupling of the insertion mechanism with the frame.

[0021] According to another feature of the invention, the first frame ramp includes frame lugs.

[0022] According to another feature of the invention, the second keyway ramp includes key lugs.

[0023] According to another feature of the invention, a clipping and / or unclipping device for an opening by translation against a frame, comprising a frame intended to be attached to the frame, an insertion mechanism intended to be attached to the opening, and comprising at least one keyway and at least one key movable relative to the keyway, characterized in that said insertion mechanism, according to a translation and / or rotation movement between a first position corresponding to an open position of the opening, and a second position corresponding to a closed position of the opening, cooperates with the frame.

[0024] According to another feature of the invention, a container includes at least one unclipping device.

[0025] According to another feature of the invention, a method of using a release device includes the steps of placing said container so that it can be maneuvered, holding it in place, manipulating the opening upwards by a rotational and / or translational movement around the hinge axis so that said key moves in the housing during said rotational and / or translational movement, releasing the key from any contact with its frame, removing said opening by extracting the assembly by effortless manipulation of said assembly and vice versa.

[0026] According to another feature of the invention, a method of using a clipping device for unclipping includes the steps of placing said container so that it can be maneuvered, holding it in place, positioning the opening so that the apparent end of the key is inserted into the housing of the frame provided for this purpose, manipulating the opening downwards by a rotational and / or translational movement around the hinge axis so that said key moves in the housing during said rotational and / or translational movement inserting the key into the contact area of ​​the frame, and placing said opening onto the frame by pressing the assembly together by effortless manipulation of said assembly.

[0027] According to another feature of the invention, a method of using a clipping device for unclipping includes the steps of placing said container so that it can be maneuvered, holding it in place, positioning the opening so that the apparent end of the key is inserted into the housing of the frame provided for this purpose, manipulating the opening downwards by a predominantly translational movement so that said key moves in the housing, cooperating with the frame during said translational movement, inserting the key into the contact zone of the frame, and placing said opening onto the frame by pressing the assembly together by effortless manipulation of said assembly.

[0028] Thus, the user handling the container can easily open and / or close it manually. Furthermore, the operation can easily be automated by robotic means, for example, a robotic arm coupled to a conveyor.

[0029] Figures

[0030] The objects, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating the invention. Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description and the accompanying drawings, among which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the device alone in the closed position; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device integrated into the container shown by the dashed line, in the open position; Figure 3 is a 3D view of the device alone; Figure 4 is a 3D vertical cross-sectional view of the device alone, showing the return means; Figure 5 is a 3D view of the frame with its details; Figure 6 is a 3D view of the key only, showing its details; Figure 7 is a 3D view of the closing means only, showing its details.

[0031] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading the drawings, the same elements bear the same reference numbers from one figure to another.

[0032] Detailed description of the invention

[0033] Example of an embodiment of the invention

[0034] Figure 1 represents a device for unclipping an opening by rotation against a fixed part, intended to be integrated into a container, box, parcel, crate, luggage or briefcase, or, in summary, any assembly consisting of at least one fixed part and at least one opening part with an internal volume of sufficient capacity to store, keep and / or transport any product or object.

[0035] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional figure in a vertical plane which is defined as the principal plane of the mechanism; said vertical plane is that in which the rotational movement of the mechanism is carried out, it being understood as the basis that the container and frame are usually positioned in front of the operator, opening it at the top with the hinge at the rear of the assembly with an axis of rotation perpendicular to said vertical plane, globally collinear with the front edge of the frame on which the mechanism is mounted.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, the release device comprises two main parts: a frame (4) and an insertion mechanism (5). The frame (4) has a portion designed to be fixed to the jamb, typically at the upper edge of the jamb. The frame (4) conforms to the shape of the jamb and is formed, to cooperate with the insertion mechanism (5), by incorporating a projecting inverted V-shaped section (41) and, in its outer portion, a semi-open hinge (42). The insertion mechanism (5) comprises a housing (51) for receiving a movable key (52), a spring-type return means (53), and a locking means (54), fixed to the housing (51) by means of screws, for example, which holds the key (52) in its housing (51) and guides the key during the closing and / or clipping movement.The closure means (54) comprises a fixed fixing part and a slightly flexible part preferably having a 2-pronged fork shape.

[0037] Preferably, the projecting V-shape (41) has sufficient height to cooperate with the key (52) while remaining below the level of the upper edge of the frame.

[0038] Preferably, the semi-open hinge (42) has a sufficient angular opening typically of the height of the key (52), to cooperate with the key (52) by having the necessary mechanical clearance for this purpose.

[0039] Figure 2 represents a device for unclipping an opening by rotation against a fixed frame integrated into its container environment.

[0040] Referring to Figure 2, the release mechanism is shown unclipped between the two main parts, the frame (4) and the insertion mechanism (5). The frame (4) has a portion designed to be fixed to the fixed panel (3) in recesses shown in part, for example, by screws or rivets (not shown), depending on the integration requirements on the fixed panel. Similarly, the insertion mechanism (5) has a portion designed to be fixed to the sash (2) in recesses shown in part, for example, by screws or rivets (not shown), depending on the integration requirements on the sash.

[0041] Figure 3 represents in 3D view a device for unclipping an opening by rotation against a frame.

[0042] Referring to Figure 3, the release mechanism is shown assembled between the two main parts. The frame (4) includes a plate-type portion intended to be fixed to the fixed frame (3) in mounting recesses (431, 432, 433), designed to accommodate, for example, screws or rivets or any other equivalent technical fasteners not shown, depending on the integration requirements on the fixed frame. The insertion mechanism (5) includes a portion intended to be fixed to the sash (2) in mounting recesses (551, 552, 553), some of which are shown, for example, by screws or rivets or any other equivalent technical fasteners not shown, depending on the integration requirements on the sash.Furthermore, said frame (4) includes a part (41) substantially in the shape of an inverted V allowing it to cooperate with the frame; said frame (4) includes a part (42) at its end, typically along the external edge of the frame, substantially cylindrical in shape allowing it to cooperate by insertion with the key (52).

[0043] Figure 4 shows a 3D cutaway view with a detail of the unclipping device of an opening by rotation against a frame.

[0044] With reference to Figure 4, the release mechanism is shown assembled between the two main parts. The frame (4) has a portion (42) at its end, typically along the outer edge of the fixed part, substantially cylindrical in shape, allowing it to engage with the key (52) at its end, which is slightly shaped for this purpose. The insertion mechanism (5), also known as the leaf (or female hinge) portion of a hinge, has a return mechanism (53) of the spring type or any other technical equivalent, fixed to one end of the key (52) on one side and to the housing (51) on its opposite side. Furthermore, the return mechanism (53) is advantageously guided by reinforcements and shapes integrated into the housing (51).

[0045] Figure 5 represents in 3D view of the frame part (4) or also the so-called hinge part (or male hinge) of a hinge, of the unclipping device of an opening by rotation against a frame integrated into its container environment.

[0046] With reference to Figure 5, the frame (4) has a portion (42) at its end, typically along the outer edge of the fixed part, substantially cylindrical in shape, allowing the key (52) to be inserted into its end, which is slightly shaped for this purpose. The frame (4) has at least one lug (441) and advantageously two lugs (441, 442) arranged on the sides of a central, inverted V-shaped portion that is projecting and hollowed out, into which the key (52) is inserted during the opening and closing movement. The frame (4) has at least one flat surface and an oblong opening advantageously located in the center of the cylindrical shape, directly above the central hollowed-out portion.

[0047] Figure 6 represents a 3D view of the key (52), also acting as a hinge pin or pivot, of the unclipping device of an opening by rotation against a frame.

[0048] With reference to Figure 6, said key (52) has three zones or parts, typically along its main dimension, having three different purposes. The key (52) has, at one of its ends, at least one rim with an opening (521) (or cavity) intended to allow the connection of the return means (53), and then from this end, a flat leading to the S-shape (525) of which a flattened curve or ramp has at least one lug (522) and advantageously two lugs (522, 523) arranged on the sides of the edge of the key (52), and intended, during the closing movement, in particular to cooperate with the lugs (441, 442) of the frame (4). Finally, the key (52) has at least one flat (524) slightly formed at its end opposite said rim; said plate is advantageously arranged and intended to cooperate with said central part hollowed out in the center of the cylindrical shape of the frame (4).Figure 7 represents a 3D view of the closing means (54) of the unclipping device of an opening by rotation against a frame integrated into its container environment.

[0049] With reference to Figure 7, the locking means (54) comprises two zones or parts, typically along its main dimension, having two different purposes. The locking means (54), generally in the form of a two-pronged claw, has at one end at least one fastening portion (541) provided with at least one passage for typically screwing said locking means to the insertion mechanism (5) onto supports integrated for this purpose into the insertion mechanism (5). Extending from this fastening portion (541) are at least one thin extension (542) or teeth (542, 543), typically two in number in Figure 7, intended to retain the key (52) in its housing during the assembly of the mechanism.Furthermore, said teeth (542, 543) are made of a material and have a design with a dimensionality allowing flexibility when opening the opening (2) and possible support of the lugs (441, 442) of the frame (4) on said teeth (542, 543).

[0050] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0051] How the device works

[0052] The operation of the maneuvering device or rope and its method of use will now be described.

[0053] Starting from a container, equipped with the invention as a hinge, when the user wishes to use this container to open it, he proceeds to open said container by lifting the opening (2) upwards.

[0054] The opening (2) drives the insertion mechanism (5) which is integral with the opening (2). When the opening (2) or cover is rotated, the flattened curve, or ramp, connected to the key (52) and the lugs (522, 523) pass freely under the projecting V-shaped central portion and the lugs (441, 442) (or the ramp) of the frame (4) or the box. The flexible part of the closing means (54) deforms (reversibly) to allow the lugs (441, 442) of the frame (4) to pass through, in the case of a fully open position selected by the user.

[0055] By stopping its rotational movement before the deformation of the closing means (54), the user has the possibility of leaving the opening (2) in connection with the fixed part (3).

[0056] Starting from a container, equipped with the invention as a hinge, when the user wishes to use this container to close it, he proceeds to close said container by placing the opening (2) on the top of said rim of the frame by matching the flat (524) of the key with the housing provided at the level of said central part hollowed out in the center of the cylindrical shape of the frame (4) and / or preferably the user places the opening (2) on the frame (3) by matching these two elements on their advantageously external contours, which allows the centering elements such as rim, groove, rebate and / or other geometric arrangements advantageously integrated into the two main elements of the container to match.

[0057] Then, the user closes the opening sash (2) onto the frame (3) by rotating it on this hinge axis and / or, preferably, by sliding the opening sash (2) vertically from top to bottom onto the frame (3), applying sufficient force to the opening sash (2) while it is resting on the frame (3). This opening sash (2) engages the insertion mechanism (5) which is integral with the opening sash (2). During the rotation and / or translation of the cover and therefore of the opening (2), the flattened curvature, or ramp, linked to the key (52) as well as the lugs (522, 523) pass over the central part in the shape of a protruding V as well as the lugs (441, 442) (or the ramp) of the frame (4) or of the box, and pushes, along the axis of the key (52), said key (52) so as to disengage the lugs (441, 442) of the frame (4) to allow them to pass over the lugs (522, 523) of the key (52).The ramp and the inverted V-shape are advantageously designed to cooperate and convert the vertical pressure force into a perpendicular force that opposes that of the return mechanism. The force or pressure exerted on the opening (2) is sufficient to overcome primarily the force exerted by the return mechanism (53) on the key (52), or bolt, and secondarily the friction resulting from the various contacts between the parts, the lugs.

[0058] At the end of the rotation and / or translation of the opening (2), the return means (53) brings the key (52) back into its housing against the central recess in the center of the cylindrical shape of the frame (4) or pivot. Thus, the end of the flat (524) is engaged in this central recess in the center of the cylindrical shape of the frame (4).

[0059] Thus the container (not shown) is closed with the opening (2) which now remains attached to the frame (3).

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Device for unclipping an opening (2) by rotating the opening against a frame (3), comprising: a frame (4) intended to be attached to the frame (3), an insertion mechanism (5) intended to be attached to the opening (2), and comprising at least one keyway (51) and at least one key (52) movable in translation relative to the keyway (51), characterized in that the frame comprises a semi-open hinge (42) comprising an opening whose longitudinal axis of the opening is orthogonal to the axis of translation of the movable key, and in that said insertion mechanism (5), according to a rotational and / or translational movement between a first position corresponding to an open position of the opening (2), and a second position corresponding to a closed position of the opening (2), cooperates with the frame (4).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the housing (51) of the key (52) includes a return means (53) disposed within the housing (51) of the key (52) and intended to return the key (52) to an extended position.

3. Device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the housing (51) of the key (52) includes a flexible means (54) disposed at the housing (51) of the key (52) and intended to allow unclipping of the opening (2).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the key (52) comprises an S-shaped form (525) intended to cooperate with the elements forming the housing (51) of the key (52) and the frame (4).

5. Container comprising at least one unclipping device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A method for using a release device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - to place said device so that it can be maneuvered and held in place; - manipulating the opening (2) upwards by a rotational and / or translational movement around a hinge axis so that said key (52) moves in the housing (51) during said rotational and / or translational movement, freeing the key (52) from any contact with its frame; - remove said opening (2) by extracting the assembly by effortless manipulation of said assembly and vice versa.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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