Patent Application
20240240661
The present invention concerns a locking connector that makes it possible to connect different elements together in a two-step way. When connecting the two elements, in the first step one element will be attached and blocked, via a part to the second element and locked in the second step. As a result, the housing elements are connected in a secure manner and can no longer be disconnected from each other without additional action by the user.
There are already many well-known techniques described in the patents and in commercial execution in which different elements, such as profiles or furniture walls, can be connected to each other, whether or not via a quick coupling.
The most well-known and still very often used connection is the screw connection, in which the different elements are connected to each other.
But other forms of coupling are also frequently used.
An example of a recent patent describing a shortcut is the patent with publication number US2003089674 A1.
This invention describes a profile-section support system, which is in particular used for industrial fair and exhibition construction, with hollow profile-section supports of polygonal cross-section, having at least one outer side with edges provided with ribs defining grooves with peripheral undercuts therebetween, comprising additional parts selected from the group consisting of further profile-section supports and other parts, and further comprising connecting elements anchored in said undercuts and connecting said additional parts, said connecting elements having corner regions with inner corner grooves, thereby allowing a spreading apart of the ribs with deformation of the at least one outer side wherein ribs are disposed on the at least one outer side adjoining the hollow profile-section supports, and wherein two ribs on an edge between adjacent outer sides of the hollow profile-section supports define an outer corner groove.
Nearly all of the well-known coupling techniques described in the patents describe techniques specific to a particular application.
In addition, no techniques have been described in the patents that combine a blocking mechanism, which performs the function of recoil mechanism, and a clamping system that can put the locking mechanism under tension, as an extra safety. The problem with the shortcuts that can be applied multidisciplinary to put different elements together is that they only have a single protection. If the clamping mechanism comes loose, the connection is not or hardly secured.
Also, nowhere are the locking mechanism and the clamping mechanism used as a two-step technique so that no two-step protection device is provided.
The present invention and versions thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the present invention relates to connectors and processes as described in the claims and further below.
In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a connector consisting of at least one first connector and a second connector, comprising a longitudinally extending assembling pin, comprising at least one pin retention means on the mantle of the assembling pin;
In a second aspect, the blocking means can also be positioned in a different place than in the housing of the connector, where the function of the blocking means still remains the same. An alternative place for the blocking means may be in the assembling pin. This can be done via, but not limited to, a version of a hinge element.
According to a preferred output form, the assembling pin is provided with retention means where it has an oblique side that has a continuously declining radius from the longitudinal axis of the assembling pin towards the distal end of the assembling pin.
In addition, the assembling pin with retention means may have different shapes depending on the shape of the pin. For example, the retention means can comprise a single protrusion but also multiple protrusions that may or may not be arranged at an even distance. In a version where the assembling pin does not have a round shape but, for example, has a flattened one such that it fits in the cavity only under a certain orientation (or a discrete number of orientations), the retention means can be a straightening protrusion. The retention means is preferably of the barb principle. This allows the assembling pin to be easily inserted into the housing but at the same time it is blocked from removal back because the retention means remains stuck behind the blocking protrusion of the blocking means. The assembling pin can be duplicated, making it possible to connect two different connectors if they are equipped with a connector where the assembling pin can be clamped.
The shape of the assembling pin can in longitudinal direction be round, flat, oval, rectangular or any other shape that is necessary according to the desired application and needs. Also, the combination of the retention means and blocking protrusion can have different forms as long as they hook together sufficiently strongly.
According to a preferred version form, the assembling pin has a semicircular cross-section, where the retention means is provided on the flat part of the assembling pin and is arranged transversely. As a result, the combination of the blocking means and the locking means can be provided in the hollow space so that the composite part that forms the connector is integrated into a tube.
The connector can also be used as an electrical connector according to an additional embodiment. The connected elements are also electrically connected, and where the electrical wires are preferably incorporated into the elements, such as a flexible tube.
According to a preferred design, the end of the assembling pin is provided with at least one electrical contact. On another protruding part of the pin, there is also at least one electrical contact. When installing the assembling pin in the housing, the electrical contacts provided on the assembling pin make contact with the electrical contacts of the connecting element that is fixed in relation to the housing. The electrical contacts are put under pressure by applying a certain tension to the retention means and therefore also to the assembling pin with the locking means. This method enables a safe electrical connection.
According to an additional embodiment, the connector can also be used as a pneumatic and/or hydraulic connector.
According to a preferred design, at least one seal is provided at the end of the assembling pin. When applying the hollow assembling pin in the housing, the end of the hollow assembling pin presses against the seal. The seal is arranged between the hollow assembling pin and the element to be connected, such as a flexible tube. This element, such as a flexible tube, is preferably arranged according to a fixed connection to the housing. By applying a certain tension to the retention means with the locking means and therefore also to the hollow assembling pin, the seal is put under pressure so that an airtight connection can be obtained between the hollow assembling pin and flexible tube.
Another possible embodiment is the connection of two profiles. By applying a connector on each profile, they can be connected on the front side by, for example, applying a double assembling pin where they are connected in a longitudinal direction but in the opposite direction. The two assembling pins can be loosely or rigidly connected. An assembling pin is blocked for each profile so that the adjacent profiles are extended against each other in a longitudinal direction. When setting up the profile in, for example, a frame arrangement, it may be important that the profiles are adjustable in length. To achieve this, one can use extension parts. This makes the use of an extended assembling pin necessary. In the case of a setup in an extended profile, the extended assembling pin can be applied to compensate for the difference in length and still apply the operation of the combination blocking means and locking means to the extended assembling pin.
The direction of the force vectors that the blocking means exerts on the assembling pin can be longitudinal, lateral, transverse, whether or not at a certain angle, or a combination of two or more of the directions indicated above. This is according to the embodiment and the desired result.
For versions where large forces have to be absorbed, it is preferable to use metal-based materials, but for lighter versions, plastics can be used. A mix of metal and plastic, as well as other materials, is possible.
The following description of the figures of some specific embodiments of the invention is more exemplary in nature and is not intended to describe current teachings, their application or use. In the drawings, corresponding reference numbers indicate similar or corresponding parts and characteristics.
The present invention is primarily a competitor for existing single quick couplings. Compared to this type of coupling, it has some specific advantages. The whole is composed of a limited number of pieces, it can be used multidisciplinary, it can be made in metal and/or plastics and it is straightforward to use. It has double protection and a recoil device combined with a clamping system in a unique way.
The intrinsic composition of the technique makes it multidisciplinary.
Possible areas of application without being limited to these areas of application:
The present invention relates to a composite connector built around four basic elements, i.e., an assembling pin, a blocking means, a locking means and a housing. The present invention also relates to connectors for said assemblies and methods for constructing a two-step locking connector.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in revealing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as generally understood by one skilled in the art for the field to which this invention belongs. Through further guidance, term definitions have been included to better appreciate the teachings of the present invention.
As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
“Over” as used herein, referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a duration and the like, is intended to allow variations of +/−20% or less, preferably +/−10% or less, rather +/−5% or less, even more preferably +/−1% or less, and with even more preference +/−0.1% or less of the specified value, to the extent that such variations are suitable to perform in the revealed invention. However, it should be clear that the value to which the modifier refers “approximately” is itself also specifically stated. “Provided and “includes” and “consisting of” as used herein are synonymous with “include”, “including”, “includes” or “contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open terms that specify the presence of what follows, for example, a component, and exclude the presence of additional, unrecited components, characteristics, connectors, members, steps, known in the technique or revealed therein.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, and the like in the description and in the claims are used to distinguish between similar connectors and are not necessary for describing a sequential or chronological order unless otherwise indicated. It is understandable that the terms thus used are interchangeable under the right circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein may be in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.
The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions housed within that range, as well as the endpoints mentioned.
While the terms ‘one or more’ or ‘at least one’, such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is necessarily clear, by further example, the term includes a reference to one of the said members, or to two or more of the said members, such as, for example, ≥3, ≥4, ≥5, ≥6 or ≥7 etc. of said members, and to all said members.
All references cited in this specification are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. In particular, the doctrine of all references specifically referred to herein is to be incorporated by reference.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in revealing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as generally understood by one skilled in the art for the field to which this invention belongs. Through further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included in the teachings of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are given solely to assist in understanding the invention. Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.
In this light, the appearances of the expressions “in one composition” or “in a composition” in different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same version, but they can. In addition, the special features, structures or characteristics can be combined in any appropriate way, as would be clear to a professional from this description, in one or more embodiments.
In addition, although some embodiments described herein include some, but not all other features included in other versions, combinations of features of different versions are intended to fall within the scope of the invention and constitute various performances, as will be understood by the craftsman.
For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
The terms “first connector” and “second connector” refer to two types of connectors, which can still be of the same type.
When using the x, y and z-axis as an indication, reference is made to an example, where the connector and therefore also the assembling pin is arranged horizontally and the blocking means and locking means are positioned above the assembling pin.
This refers to the x-direction as the longitudinal direction of the assembling pin, i.e., the direction in which the assembling pin is moved when applying the assembling pin in the housing. The y-direction represents the transverse direction in the horizontal plane relative to the x-direction and the z-axis is the transverse direction relative to the x-axis in the vertical plane.
When defining the components such as the blocking means, gradients can be used to determine the shape of the blocking protrusion according to the z-direction. This is preferably between 0 and 1°, but can also work with gradients between 1° and 3°, with possibilities up to 5° and depending on the implementation of combination recesses and protrusions of the pins the shape of the pins themselves or a combination of shapes and/or different materials of pins, the slope of the pins can be ≥5° and the gradients can even be negative.
General principle of operation.
The general principle of operation of the present invention is based on a two-step system. In the first step, the assembling pin is inserted and positioned in the housing where a blocking means blocks the assembling pin in such a way that it can no longer be removed from the housing without a deliberate, manual operation. In a second step, the assembling pin is indirectly put under tension via a locking means: the assembling pin is put under stress by the blocking means, whereby the blocking means is put under stress by the locking means.
To remove the assembling pin from the housing, the locking means must first be unlocked, after which the blocking means can be lifted and the assembling pin removed from the housing.
This results in the following modalities specific to the present invention's system. In the first step, the assembling pin is protected against the removal of the assembling pin from the housing. This can be compared to the operation of a non-return valve. In the second step, the extra security is the locking means. This must first be unlocked before the blocking means can be manipulated. This combination results in a double protection not present in other similar systems. In the event of an accidental detachment of the locking means, this does not automatically mean that the element connected to the assembling pin also automatically detaches from the element connected to the housing. After all, the assembling pin cannot come loose without the blocking means being lifted manually.
The technique described above results in an operation in which the assembling pin can be quickly and easily applied in the housing. In a second phase, the coupling of the elements to be connected can be put under the desired stress.
Below some embodiments are described, which are explained based on the figures.
The present invention describes a multidisciplinary technique and can therefore be applied in many different domains and be used for many different applications.
A possible application is the hanging of a piece of furniture.
To remove the assembling pin 7 from the housing 2, the locking means 5 must first be positioned back into the open position by turning it a quarter turn as shown in
The basic principle is that the blocking means 4 is lifted manually to remove the assembling pin 7. However, if the connector 1 is used as a hanging system for a hanging cabinet, it is not easy to remove a cabinet from the pins of the wall and at the same time manually manipulate two blocking means 4. Therefore, an extra feature has been provided to make this operation easier. As shown in
Here the blocking means 4 is placed in an extreme position according to the z-direction where the spring 6 is compressed to the maximum and the 10 of the blocking means 4 rests on the positioning recess 9 of the housing 2. To keep the blocking means 4 in this position, the locking means 5 is placed in a blocked position, whereby the locking means 5 becomes more open than the open position shown in
In this blocked position, as shown in
An additional difficulty that can occur when using connector 1 as a furniture suspension system is that the locking means 5 is not yet open when hanging the furniture. As a result, one would have to put the furniture back down and place the locking means 5 in an open position before wanting to place the furniture back over the assembling pin 7. To address such a situation, it is possible that the assembling pin 7 is applied in the 2, even if the locking means 5 is in a closed position. When moving the assembling pin 7 in x-direction where it is applied in the housing 2 and the locking means 5 is in a closed position, the oblique side of the retention means 20 of the assembling pin 7 pushes against the protrusion jamming means 25 of the 5. Since the locking means 5 is not tensioned, the locking means 5 will move to an open position when moving the assembling pin 7. This allows the assembling pin 7 to be installed in the housing 2 without first having to manually place the locking means 5 in an open position.
Another version is a version in which the housing 2 has the shape of a tube as shown in
The connector 1 can also be used to connect, for example, profiles 12 with the end sides. As illustrated in
The extended assembling pin 21 is equipped with multiple retention means 20 so that it can be clamped in different places. The user, therefore, has the possibility to use more or fewer extension parts 13, this of course within the limitations of the length of the extended assembling pin 21. In addition, the extended assembling pin 21 is also equipped with a rotational blocking means 22 that fits into a recess provided in the axial opening 16 according to the x-direction. This prevents the extended assembling pin 21 from rotating in the axial opening 16 and therefore also from turning the profiles 12 in relation to each other.
Another preferred form of execution is a connector 1 that also offers the possibility of making an electrical connection between two elements. As shown in
While it is shown in the embodiments as being connectable via two (or more) separate electrical contacts/electrical wires on both the housing and the pin, this can also be accomplished by a single, integrated contact on each end, for instance a concentric setup, to ensure that when the pin is in the housing and secured therein, there are two electrical pathways thusly created. This is particularly interesting in fixed-orientation connections, where the pin can only be secured in specific orientations relative to the housing, which guarantees proper alignment of the electrical contacts.
Another possible preferred form is a hinge element 26, as shown in
The operation is also similar to previous systems, but in this instance the blocking means 4 is not in the housing 2 but in the hinge pin 29. The blocking means 4 is equipped with teeth and presses via a spring 6 on a toothed rail 34, blocking it against the removal of the hinge pin 29. In order to remove the hinge pin 29, the blocking means 4 must be lifted manually. In
The door base 36 is the part of the hinge element 26 that is mounted on the door and the hinge base 35 on the wall of the cabinet. To be able to adjust the door of the cabinet, an adjustment wheel 28 is used that can set the distance between the functional base 46 and hinge base 35 via a threated nut 33 and threaded bolt 43. The functional base 46, therefore, changes angles compared to hinge base 35 because it is arranged rotably around the adjustment hinge 27.
Another possible preferred version is shown in
Another possible preferred version shape is shown in
Another possible preferred version form is shown in
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/057850 | 3/24/2022 | WO |
