NL2014691B1 - Folding lock. - Google Patents

Abstract

Folding lock, for example for securing harnesses, in particular two-wheelers, against unauthorized use, wherein the folding lock comprises a series of arms pivotally coupled to each other about parallel pivot axes, wherein two end arms of the series are provided with proximal coupling parts which can be releasably coupled to each other by a locking mechanism, wherein said coupling parts are pivotable relative to one another, about a pivot axis parallel to said pivot axes, at a coupled position, wherein the series of arms can be unfolded by operation via said end arms.

Description

Title: Folding lock

The invention relates to a folding lock, for example for securing harnesses, in particular two-wheelers, against unauthorized use.

A known folding lock comprises a series of arms pivotally coupled to each other about parallel pivot axes. After unlocking, the series of arms can be unfolded by operation via said arms.

Folding locks are known from the prior art, as appears from, for example, DE 10215532A1, US5913906 A or DE 102005063514 B4. They are relatively thick ditches when folded. The known locks consist of a relatively large number of components, and are complex, which means that it takes a relatively long time to fold and unfold the folding lock correctly. It is important here that the arms of such locks remain relatively difficult to handle, both when unfolded and folded. Furthermore, they are relatively unwieldy, bulky and heavy items and therefore unfavorable for efficient transport and storage, both for end users and suppliers.

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or reduce said disadvantages. In particular, the invention has for its object to realize a folding lock that is relatively compact, so that it is for instance easier to transport than known folding locks. A further object of the invention is to provide a folding lock that is particularly user-friendly, for example a lock that is easy to handle and can be folded in and out relatively easily - thus quickly.

To this end, a folding lock according to the present invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

According to an aspect of the invention, the folding lock comprises a series of arms pivotally coupled to each other about parallel pivot axes, wherein two end arms of the series are provided with proximal coupling parts which can be releasably coupled to each other by a locking mechanism, said coupling parts being pivotable to one another, about a pivot axis parallel to said pivot axes, at a coupled position, wherein the series of arms is foldable by operation via said end arms, said end arms being at the same level, viewed in axial direction of said pivot axes, or in a maximum of two arm thicknesses axial level.

In this way a particularly user-friendly folding lock is obtained, with which, for example, two-wheelers can be fixed in an efficient manner to an environment (for example a pole or rack).

Moreover, a relatively thin folding lock is achieved in this way when folded, which can be made relatively compact and lightweight. Furthermore, it appears that the lock according to the invention can be folded in and out quickly and easily.

In an advantageous elaboration, the series of arms are arranged at a maximum of three, preferably only two, axial levels. This measure provides a very compactly shaped folding lock. Preferably, a thickness of said arm is 12 mm or less, being the thickness measured in the axial direction, for example a thickness in the range of 6-9 mm.

In order to achieve this arrangement in a maximum of three, and preferably only two, levels, each arm, apart from the two end arms, can preferably be coupled to two adjacent arms along the same side. For example, an arm along an underside (ie a first longitudinal side), viewed in the axial direction, is attached to two adjacent arms, or an arm is along an upper side (ie a second longitudinal side remote from the first longitudinal side), viewed in the axial direction. , attached to two adjacent arms. In this way an alternation of upper and lower arms is created, in contrast to folding locks known from the prior art, which comprise an accumulation of arms.

Thus, a folding method advantageous for this folding lock can also be achieved: in the folded state of the folding lock, a first arm lies parallel to a second arm, the first and the second arm having a common adjacent arm, each having said common adjacent arm form a V in said folded state. Thus, not only a compact folding lock is achieved in the thickness, viewed in the axial direction, as described earlier, but also in the width of the folding lock.

The folding lock preferably comprises an even number of arms, for example 4 or 6. In order to preserve the compactness, in particular in the width when folded, the series of arms is provided with a maximum of 6 arms. Said pivot axes are preferably perpendicular to longitudinal directions of the arms, which also contributes to the compactness of the folding lock.

According to an additional advantageous embodiment, the folding lock comprises two long arms, for instance said end arms, and at least two short arms that are shorter than said long arms. The longer end arms are in particular coupled to the aforementioned locking mechanism.

Said proximal coupling parts of the end arms can be designed in different ways, and each comprises, for example, an annular element. A center point of said annular element is in particular eccentric with respect to a center line of a respective end arm. The proximal coupling members may each be fixed to a respective lock member of said locking mechanism.

According to a further elaboration, said lock parts comprise disc-shaped lock parts, wherein said ring-shaped elements enclose the disc-shaped lock parts. This construction is aimed at providing a locking mechanism that fits as closely as possible to the arms of the folding lock to preserve the compactness. The annular elements and the disc-shaped lock parts, in turn, ensure a smooth use, wherein the arms can preferably pivot around the locking mechanism.

According to a first, extra advantageous further elaboration, the annular elements can be fixed to the respective disc-shaped lock parts, wherein said disc-shaped lock parts are preferably rotatable relative to each other in a position coupled via the locking mechanism. In this way a durable and powerful lock can be obtained, which is user-friendly and well protected against unwanted manipulation. According to an alternative embodiment, at least one (for example each) of the annular elements can be pivotably coupled per se to the associated disc-shaped lock part.

According to an additional advantageous elaboration, a coupling between two of the arms mentioned centrally situated opposite the locking mechanism is arranged such that an angle of inclusion between these arms is limited to a range of 0 to 180 degrees.

In this way folding of arms during operation can be prevented, in order to avoid confusion for an end user.

In an extra advantageous elaboration of the folding lock, each end arm is provided with a cap part, wherein the cap parts receive the series of arms at a folded-in lock position. These cover parts form a good protection for the arms of the lock against, for example, rain, dirt or damage when the lock is not in use. Preferably, said cap is preferably made from a shape-retaining material, for example from hard plastic.

Preferably, at least one of the cap parts, and preferably each cap part, moves with one of the arms of said fold lock when folding and unfolding said folding lock. To this end, the cap part can be fixed to the associated end arm. For example, one does not have to store or carry the cover parts separately when using the folding lock, and they are available at all times to store the folding lock. Furthermore, an important advantage is that an end arm can be rotated via a respective cap part, which leads to an easy operation of the lock for the end user.

In an advantageous elaboration, said cap parts enclose an end arm along three sides in both the folded and unfolded condition of the folding lock. To that end, the cap parts preferably each have a U-shaped cross section. Said cap parts are preferably provided with open longitudinal sides facing each other, to allow pivotable arms of the folding lock to pass, wherein the cap parts touch each other with longitudinal edges facing each other in a folded condition. These advantageous elaborations allow the folding lock to be of a very compact design, whereby the cap (formed by the cap parts) can offer good protection to the arms of the lock on the one hand, and contact between an environment (for example, clothing of a user) and prevent the arms (when the lock position is folded).

The operation of the folding lock is also simple and, according to an aspect of the invention, requires only a minimum of handles. In an additional advantageous elaboration of the folding lock, each end arm is provided with a cap part, the series of arms being unfoldable by operation via the cap parts of said end arms, in particular by pivoting the cap parts apart for unfolding the lock, and by pivoting the hood parts towards each other for folding the lock.

According to a further elaboration, the cap parts, together with a locked lock housing of the locking mechanism, can take a V-shape when the folding lock is unfolded.

The invention is further elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of images of a few exemplary embodiments. It shows:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a part of the exemplary embodiment of the folding lock according to the invention, in the folded state;

Figure 2 is a side view of the device shown in Figs. 1 front view;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device shown in Figs. 1, in an exploded state;

Figure 4 shows a perspective front view of the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 1, with cap parts, in the folded state;

Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figs. 4, with a first unfolded position;

Figure 6a shows such a view as Figs. 4, with a second unfolded position;

Figure 6b shows a cross-section over line Y-Y of Figs. 6a;

Figure 7 shows such a view as Figs. 6, in an unlocked state;

Figure 8 shows such a view as Figs. 6a, of a second exemplary embodiment;

Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, with a folded position;

Figure 10 is a perspective drawing of a detail of the second exemplary embodiment; and

Figure 11 shows a cross section along the line X-X of Figs. 1.

Equal or corresponding measures are indicated in this application with the same or corresponding reference characters.

Figures 1-7, 11 show a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 in particular shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the folding lock according to the present invention in the folded state. The lock comprises a series of arms 1 which are pivotally coupled to each other about parallel pivot axes, wherein two end arms 2 of the series are provided with proximal coupling parts 3 which can be releasably coupled to each other by a locking mechanism 4. Said coupling parts 3 are pivotable relative to one another said pivot axes parallel pivot axis, with a coupled position. The series of arms 1 is unfoldable by operation via said end arms 2, which operation can preferably be effected via optional cap parts connected to said end arms 2 (see below).

In the folded state of the folding lock, in a favorable embodiment, a first arm, for example end arm 2a in Figure 1, parallel to a second arm, for example arm 1 in Figure 1, wherein the first 2a and the second arm 1 have a common abutting arm 1 (not visible in Figure 1) wherein the first-mentioned first arm 2a and second arm 1 each with said common adjacent arm 1 form a V in said folded state. In Figure 1, an end arm 2b lies parallel to an arm 1 on a rear side of the folding lock (not shown in Fig. 1), and that arm 1 forms the common adjoining arm, with which arm 2b forms a V in the folded state.

As can be seen in the side view in Figure 2 of the elaboration of Figure 1, said end arms 2, viewed in the axial direction 7 of said pivot axes, are located in an axial level different by a maximum of two arm thicknesses, preferably as in this example, in an axial level different over one arm thickness. A thickness W of an arm 1 or 2, measured in the axial direction 7, is preferably 12 mm or less, for example a thickness in the range of 6-9 mm. The series of arms 1 and 2 are preferably arranged at a maximum of 3, preferably at only two axial levels. A slender lock can be obtained in this way. As follows further from the drawing, said pivot axes are preferably perpendicular to longitudinal directions of the arms 1 and 2. Furthermore, the arms 1, 2 can each consist of relatively flat elongated bars, for example with substantially rectangular cross-sections (such as in this example), or otherwise.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the part shown in Figure 1, here in an exploded state. It can clearly be seen therein that the folding lock according to this embodiment comprises two long arms, for example said end arms 2, and at least two short arms (in this example two) that are shorter than said long arms. In this elaboration, said proximal coupling parts 3 of the end arms 2 each comprise an (in this case) annular coupling element 11, wherein a center point of said annular element 11 is in particular eccentric with respect to a center line of a respective end arm 2. The coupling elements 11 in this example are manufactured in one piece with the arms 2. Furthermore, the coupling elements 11 of the example each surround a respective circular inner space (to closely fit a lock part 6a, 6b with a circular contour). Said proximal coupling parts 3 are each fixed to a respective lock part 6 of said locking mechanism 4. Said lock parts 6 comprise in particular disc-shaped lock parts, said annular elements 11 enclosing the disc-shaped lock parts 6. This offers a powerful and robust, compact configuration.

Figure 4 shows a perspective front view of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, with cap parts, in the folded state. In the present example, each end arm 2 is provided with a cap part 5, wherein the cap parts receive the series of arms at a folded-in lock position. A cap formed by the cap parts 5 is produced in an advantageous design from a form-retaining material, for example from hard plastic. At least one of the cap parts 5 can move with one of the arms of said folding lock when folding and unfolding said folding lock. In an advantageous elaboration, both cap parts 5 move with one of the end arms 2 in each case. Alternatively, the cap can also consist of asymmetrical cap parts.

Figures 5 and 6, both perspective views of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 4, in a first (Fig. 5) and second (Fig. 6) unfolded position, show that the cap parts 5 together with a lock housing 6 of the locking mechanism 4 form a V take shape with an unfolded but locked condition of the folding lock. In this example, said cap parts 5 enclose an end arm 3 on 3 sides in both the folded and unfolded condition of the folding lock. As shown diagrammatically in Figure 6b, a cross-section along line Y-Y of Figure 6a, the cap parts 5 are provided with open longitudinal sides 8 facing each other, to allow pivotable arms 1 of the folding lock to pass. The cap parts 5 of this design each have a U-shaped cross section. In an advantageous embodiment, in a folded state, the cap parts touch each other with longitudinal edges facing each other 9. It will be clear to the skilled person that other cap shapes are also possible.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment as in Figure 6, in the unlocked state. As in the previously described exemplary embodiment of Figure 3, said proximal coupling parts 3 of the end arms 2 of the example shown here each comprise an annular element 11, wherein a center point of said annular element 11 lies in particular eccentric with respect to a center line of a respective end arm 2. Said proximal coupling parts 3 are preferably each fixed to a respective lock part 6 of said locking mechanism 4. In this advantageous embodiment, said lock parts 6 comprise disk-shaped lock parts 6a, 6b, said annular elements 11 surrounding the disk-shaped lock parts 6a, 6b Close.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention. The lock from this example comprises an even number of arms 1, 2, wherein the series of arms is provided with six arms. In this embodiment, each arm 1, apart from the two end arms 2, is attached to two adjacent arms along the same longitudinal side.

Figure 9 shows a cut-away perspective drawing of the second exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 8 in the folded position, without locking mechanism 4 or cover parts 5, Figure 10 showing a detail of the example in an unfolded state. When the folding lock comprises six arms 1, as in Figures 8 and 9, a coupling between two of the arms 1 centrally situated opposite the locking mechanism 4 is preferably arranged such that an angle of enclosure between said arms 1 is limited to a range of 0 to 180 degrees. Figure 10 shows an example of how this can be achieved, namely by providing an additional element 10 which limits the pivots of both mounting arms 1 to a specified angular range.

Figure 11 shows a more detailed elaboration of the lock housing of the lock in more detail. The lock housing is of compact and powerful design and adapted to accommodate said locking mechanism 4, and for this purpose has the two disc-shaped lock parts 6, namely a first housing part 6a with a lock cylinder 30 and a second disc-shaped housing part 6b when locked. The housing parts 6a, 6b are preferably made of robust material, for example hardened steel, and are preferably provided with relatively smooth surfaces facing each other. A key 31 for operating the cylinder 30, which is known per se, is also shown. In this example, the cylinder 30 is arranged centrally in the first housing part 6a via a cylinder cavity located in that housing part 6a.

The two housing parts 6a, 6b are preferably rotatable with respect to each other about a central axis 40 which is in particular parallel to the pivot axes of the folding-lock pivot arms 1, 2. The parts facing each other in the position shown, touch each other The surfaces of both housing parts 6a, 6b may serve as a rotation guide, and may, for example, be smooth and / or be provided with a friction-reducing coating.

Further in FIG. 11, coupling elements 11 of the end arms are visible, which can for instance be fixed rotationally to the respective housing parts 6a, 6b. This fixation can include fixation by clamping, form-locked coupling and / or power-locked coupling, an adhesive agent, and / or a weld connection, fixation by being manufactured in one piece with each other, or another method of fixation. Alternatively, the coupling elements 11 of the end arms can for instance each individually rotatably coupled to the housing parts 6a, 6b.

As shown in FIG. 11, the two lock housing parts 6a, 6b can, for example via a rotationally symmetrical rebound, for example annular circumferential projections 27a and opposite matching circumferential grooves or recesses 27a, connect relatively closely to each other at an axially moved position. In this way mutual lateral displacement (normally relative to the central axis 40) of the housing parts 6a, 6b can be avoided

In particular, the second housing part 6b encloses an inner space 34 (in this case a substantially circle-cylindrical inner space) for receiving an end part of the holder 31 and pawl / bolt 32 associated therewith. engaging catch 32 to be operated from the first housing part 6a or hooking behind an (in this example annular) inner wall 33 of the second housing part 6b. A strong lock can be obtained in this way. With a mutually rotatable configuration of the housing parts 6a, 6b, the pawl 33 can slide along said inner wall 33, so that rotation is not prevented by the pawl. By operating the key 31, the pawl 32 can be brought from the blocking position shown to a release position (for example, moved radially inwards), whereby the pawl 32 no longer hooks behind the inner wall 33. The housing parts 6a, 6b can then be moved apart in the axial direction. The lock mechanism may, for example, be provided with a spring (not shown) to counteract the movement of the pawl 32 from the locking position to the release position with spring force. Locking of the lock can be carried out by carrying out said steps in reverse order. Preferably, the pawl 32 can automatically slide radially inwards under the influence of an oblique shear surface 32a, in order to subsequently automatically jump behind the inner wall of the second housing part 33 to the position shown in FIG. 11, for example under the influence of said spring force.

As further follows from the drawing, surfaces of the disc-shaped housing parts 6a, 6b facing away from each other can for instance be convex, for example with a curvature. As further follows from figures 3 and 10, the lock housing can per se be provided with housing cap parts 36a, 36b, which cover the coupling elements 11, for example.

It is self-evident that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Various changes are possible within the framework as set forth in the following claims, which will be clear to the skilled person.

The lock can for instance be provided with end arms with coupling parts 11 which have a circular outside and a circular inside, but this is not necessary. Such coupling parts (for example the inside and / or outside thereof) can also be shaped differently, for example oval, angular or the like.

Furthermore, lock parts 6a, 6b can each be formed in different ways, for example disc-shaped, round, oval, angular or otherwise. As follows from the above, it is at least advantageous if said two lock parts 6a, b are rotatable relative to each other.

Claims (23)

A folding lock, for example for securing harnesses, in particular two-wheelers, against unauthorized use, wherein the folding lock comprises a series of arms pivotally coupled to each other about parallel pivot axes, wherein two end arms of the series are provided with proximal coupling parts detachably connected to each other be connectable by a locking mechanism, said coupling parts pivotable relative to each other, about a pivot axis parallel to said pivot axes, at a coupled position, the series of arms being unfoldable by operation via said end arms, said end arms being at the same axial level as viewed in axial direction of said pivot axes, or in an axial level different by a maximum of two arm thicknesses. A folding lock according to claim 1, wherein the series of arms are arranged at a maximum of three, preferably only two, axial levels. 3. A folding lock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the series of arms is provided with a maximum of 6 arms. 4. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thickness of said arm, measured in the axial direction, is 12 mm or less, for example a thickness in the range of 6-9 mm. 5. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arm, apart from the two end arms, is fastened to two adjacent arms along the same side. 6. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding lock comprises an even number of arms, for example four arms. 7. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pivot axes are perpendicular to longitudinal directions of the arms. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding lock comprises two long arms, for example said end arms, and at least two short arms that are shorter than said long arms. 9. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said proximal coupling parts of the end arms each comprise an annular element, wherein a center point of said annular element lies in particular eccentric with respect to a center line of a respective end arm. The folding lock of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said proximal coupling members are each fixed to a respective lock member of said locking mechanism. The folding lock of claim 10, wherein said lock members comprise disc-shaped lock members. 12. A folding lock according to claims 9 and 10, wherein said ring-shaped elements enclose the disc-shaped lock parts. 13. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the folded state of the folding lock a first arm is parallel to a second arm, the first and the second arm having a common abutting arm, each having a V with said common abutting arm at said folded state. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding lock comprises 6 arms, wherein a coupling between two of the arms centrally located opposite the locking mechanism is arranged such that an angle of enclosure between said arms is limited to a range of 0 to 180 degrees. 15. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each end arm is provided with a cap part, wherein the cap parts receive the series of arms at a folded-in lock position. A folding lock according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the cap parts moves with one of the arms of said folding lock when folding and unfolding said folding lock. 17. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims 15-16, wherein said cap part encloses an end arm along 3 sides in both the folded and unfolded condition of the folding lock. 18. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims 15-17, wherein said cap parts are provided with open longitudinal sides facing each other, to allow pivotable arms of the folding lock to pass. 19. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims 15-18, wherein the cap parts each have a U-shaped cross section. 20. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims 15-19, wherein the cap parts touch each other with longitudinal edges facing each other in a folded state A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims 15-20, wherein the cap parts together with a lock housing of the locking mechanism take on a V-shape when the folding lock is unfolded. 22. A folding lock according to any one of the preceding claims 15-21, wherein said cap is made of a shape-retaining material, for example of hard plastic. 23. A folding lock, for example for securing harnesses, in particular two-wheelers, against unauthorized use, for example a lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding lock comprises a series of arms pivotally coupled to each other about parallel pivot axes, wherein two end arms of the series are provided with proximal coupling parts detachably connectable to each other by a locking mechanism, said coupling parts being pivotable relative to each other, about a pivot axis parallel to said pivot axes, at a coupled position, wherein each end arm is provided with a cap part, the series of arms being foldable is by operation via the cap parts of said end arms, in particular by pivoting the cap parts apart for unfolding the lock, and by pivoting the cap parts towards each other for folding the lock.