Joints and connections – Rod end to transverse side of member – Utilizing opposite sides of member
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-05
2001-05-22
Kim, Harry C. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Rod end to transverse side of member
Utilizing opposite sides of member
C403S206000, C403S327000, C024S458000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234706
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a locking device for a component that is displaceable in an opening of a wall, having a catch spring that engages a catch groove of the component.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Locking devices of this type are needed in many variants in mechanical engineering in general where the respective component is to be brought into at least two well-defined positions by the user. This can be desirable, for example, in order to set two different operating states of a mechanical device. This is the case, for example, in low-voltage electric switchgear.
In conventional locking devices, the catch spring, made of spring wire or spring sheet, for example, is fixedly connected to the wall, in particular by riveting or fastening via one or more screws. Therefore, other components such as rivets and screws also make up part of the locking device. Furthermore, operations, such as stamping or boring, are required in preparation for assembly prior to installing the aforementioned fastening elements.
If such an apparatus or machine is to be retrofitted with a locking device, this can be basically accomplished in principle by making the opening for the displaceable component and the openings or holes in the wall for attaching the catch spring. The catch spring can then be installed using the aforementioned fastening means. However, this mode of proceeding assumes that the area of the wall where the locking device is to be installed is easily accessible so that the required parts and the tools needed for their assembly can be manipulated. This condition is often not met, since the respective apparatuses or machines have a rather complex and cramped design.
SUMMARY
An object of the present invention is to provide a locking device that can be easily installed even in space-restricted locations.
The object is achieved according to the present invention by the following features:
the catch spring is made of spring wire and has two legs intended be in contact with opposite surfaces of the wall; the legs are positioned at an angle to one another due to the distance between them somewhat exceeding the thickness of the wall in order to achieve press fit of the catch spring on the wall; and one of the legs has two opposite parts intended for elastic contact with the component.
To install a catch spring according to the present invention, no fastening elements are required, and therefore also no fastening bore holes or openings. Only a hole should be provided for guidance of the displaceable component as a preparatory measure for retrofitting a locking device.
According to the present invention, the parts of one leg of the catch spring can be formed by bending the middle of one section of the spring in the form of a loop, with the end sections of the section forming the other leg of the catch spring.
Lastingly reliable operation of the locking device can be ensured according to one embodiment of the present invention by adapting the catch groove of the component to the catch spring so that as the component moves in the wall opening, an exclusively elastic relative bending of the catch spring leg occurs.
The present invention is now elucidated in detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawing.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1231869 (1917-07-01), Farley
patent: 1597090 (1926-08-01), Mcilreevy
patent: 2313249 (1943-03-01), Lum
patent: 2522991 (1950-09-01), Caserta
patent: 2822198 (1958-02-01), Priestman
patent: 2845291 (1958-07-01), Priestman
patent: 3984191 (1976-10-01), Doty
patent: 4883397 (1989-11-01), Dubost
patent: 5423646 (1995-06-01), Gagnon
patent: 1 143 422 (1957-10-01), None
patent: 2 170 675 (1973-09-01), None
patent: 552 167 (1943-03-01), None
Kenyon & Kenyon
Kim Harry C.
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
LandOfFree
Locking device for a rectilinearly displaceable component does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Locking device for a rectilinearly displaceable component, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Locking device for a rectilinearly displaceable component will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2551974