U.S. patent application number 10/876830 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-20 for locking bolt for mounting a tool on a hydraulic press.
Invention is credited to Frenken, Egbert, Wilsdorf, Frank.
Application Number | 20050011236 10/876830 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33395017 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050011236 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frenken, Egbert ; et
al. |
January 20, 2005 |
Locking bolt for mounting a tool on a hydraulic press
Abstract
A locking bolt for mounting a tool in a hydraulic press, it
being possible for the locking bolt to move in a bolt receptacle
between a locking position and a release position, with a securing
element, which is located in the bolt receptacle and secures the
locking position by positive engagement in the locking bolt, the
locking bolt also having a securing portion, and the locking bolt
being secured against movement into the release position when the
securing element is located in the securing portion, characterized
in that the locking bolt has a longitudinal groove, in that the
securing portion is formed with a securing depth in any event
corresponding to a groove depth of the longitudinal groove and in
that the securing portion is formed such that it is adjacent to the
longitudinal groove in the circumferential direction, with a direct
transition from a groove base into the securing position.
Inventors: |
Frenken, Egbert; (Heinsberg,
DE) ; Wilsdorf, Frank; (Wermelskirchen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TREXLER, BUSHNELL, GIANGIORGI,
BLACKSTONE & MARR, LTD.
105 WEST ADAMS STREET
SUITE 3600
CHICAGO
IL
60603
US
|
Family ID: |
33395017 |
Appl. No.: |
10/876830 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25F 5/005 20130101;
F16B 21/04 20130101; F16B 21/125 20130101; Y10T 70/10 20150401;
Y10T 83/8853 20150401; B25B 27/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
070/001 |
International
Class: |
E05B 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 27, 2003 |
DE |
10329007.9 |
Claims
1. Locking bolt (5) for mounting a tool in a hydraulic press, it
being possible for the locking bolt (5) to move in a bolt
receptacle (4) between a locking position and a release position,
with a securing element (7), which is located in the bolt
receptacle (4) and secures the locking position by positive
engagement in the locking bolt (5), the locking bolt (5) also
having a securing portion (10), and the locking bolt (5) being
secured against movement into the release position when the
securing element (7) is located in the securing portion (10),
characterized in that the locking bolt (5) has a longitudinal
groove (11), in that the securing portion (10) is formed with a
securing depth in any event corresponding to a groove depth of the
longitudinal groove (11) and in that the securing portion (10) is
formed such that it is adjacent to the longitudinal groove (11) in
the circumferential direction, with a direct transition from a
groove base (16) into the securing portion (10).
2. Locking bolt according to the precharacterizing clause of claim
1 or according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking bolt
(5) has a longitudinal groove (11) and in that the securing portion
(10) is formed such that it is offset in a step-like manner in
relation to a groove base (16).
3. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims or
in particular according thereto, characterized in that the securing
element (7) can be displaced against spring force.
4. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims or
in particular according thereto, characterized in that the securing
portion (10) is formed with a run-up slope (22) for the movement of
the securing element (7) into a securing element release
position.
5. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims or
in particular according thereto, characterized in that the run-up
slope (22) is formed in the circumferential direction and/or axial
direction of the locking bolt (5).
6. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims or
in particular according thereto, characterized in that the run-up
slope (22) goes over in the circumferential direction into a
returning portion (21).
7. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims or
in particular according thereto, characterized in that the
returning portion (21) is disposed oppositely in the
circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal groove
(11) than the securing portion (10).
8. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims or
in particular according thereto, characterized in that the
returning portion (21) is formed such that it partly overlaps in
the longitudinal direction of the groove with the associated end
region of the longitudinal groove.
9. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims or
in particular according thereto, characterized in that the locking
bolt (5) is spring-biased into its opening position.
10. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims
or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the
locking bolt (5) is biased in a rotating manner, with a rotating
force in the direction of the securing portion (10).
11. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims
or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, for
movement of the locking bolt (5) out of the locking position into
the release position, first a movement (arrow a) in the direction
of the locking position is required.
12. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims
or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, in the
locking position, the securing element (7) is circumferentially
separated from the longitudinal groove (11) by a locking nose
(19).
13. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims
or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the
securing portion (10) has a detent depression (24), which is formed
in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal groove (11) and
goes over in the circumferential direction into the securing
portion (10), which is disposed ahead of the detent depression (24)
in the locking direction (arrow a) of the locking bolt (5).
14. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims
or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the
run-up slope (22), optionally together with the returning portion
(21), surrounds the detent depression (24).
15. Locking bolt according to one or more of the preceding claims
or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the
returning portion (21) is in any event further elevated in a
step-like manner in the transitional region to the longitudinal
groove (11).
Description
[0001] The invention relates in the first instance to a locking
bolt for mounting a tool in a hydraulic press, it being possible
for the locking bolt to move in a bolt receptacle between a locking
position and a release position, with a securing element, which is
located in the bolt receptacle and secures the locking position by
positive engagement in the locking bolt, the locking bolt also
having a securing portion, and the locking bolt being secured
against movement into the release position when the securing
element is located in the securing portion.
[0002] Locking bolts of the type in question are known and serve
for example for fixing pressing, cutting or similar tools in a
hydraulic press, it being possible for the latter to be formed in
such a way that it can be actuated electrically or else by means of
a hand lever. For quickly changing the tool to be put in position,
a locking bolt of this type is formed as an push-in bolt. Reference
is made to DE 101 10 882 A1. This discloses a locking bolt of this
type which has a securing portion similar to an annular groove,
formed coaxially in relation to the longitudinal axis of the bolt.
In the operating position, a spring-supported securing element
disposed in the receiving neck of the press enters into this
securing portion. By pulling in the axial direction of the locking
bolt, the securing element is displaced back against the spring
force over a run-up slope of the groove-like securing portion,
whereby the locking bolt can be brought out of the operating
position into a release position for changing the tool. This tool
release position of the locking bolt is likewise secured by a
further annular groove, which is disposed at the end, i.e. in the
region of the end of the locking bolt that is opposite from the
handle, and into which the securing element can enter. As a result
of this known configuration, the locking bolt is captively secured
on the press, in particular in the region of its receiving neck,
both in the tool securing position and in the tool release
position.
[0003] With regard to the prior art described above, it can be
regarded as a technical problem for the invention to improve
further a locking bolt of the type in question, while providing
simple handling with regard to the securing of the locking
position.
[0004] This problem is solved in the first instance and
substantially by the subject-matter of claim 1, it being provided
that the locking bolt has a longitudinal groove, that the securing
portion is formed with a securing depth in any event corresponding
to a groove depth of the longitudinal groove and that the securing
portion is formed such that it is adjacent to the longitudinal
groove in the circumferential direction, with a direct transition
from a groove base into the securing portion. As a result of this
configuration according to the invention, a locking bolt which is
distinguished by increased locking security is provided. For
instance, the locking position can be achieved by sliding
displacement of the locking bolt along its longitudinal axis and
final rotation of the locking bolt. Accordingly, for unlocking the
locking bolt, it is absolutely necessary for the locking bolt first
to be rotated in the circumferential direction, in order to
re-establish the relationship of the securing element with the
longitudinal groove of the locking bolt. In the course of the
longitudinal displacement of the locking bolt into the locking
position or into the release position, the locking bolt is guided
in the longitudinal groove by engagement of the securing element
and thereby secured against rotation. In an advantageous manner,
the end region of the longitudinal groove associated with the
securing portion may be provided with a deflecting portion for the
securing element, which urges the securing element that is guided
by the longitudinal groove into the securing portion that is
adjacent to the longitudinal groove with respect to the
circumferential direction when the locking bolt is pressed into the
locking position. As a result of this, the securing position is
automatically achieved by pressing in the locking bolt. However, in
the simplest way, the longitudinal groove may be formed in an
L-shaped manner in outline in the region of the securing portion.
To accomplish the securing position, a deliberate rotation of the
locking bolt in the circumferential direction is required, whereby
the securing portion is brought into a relationship with the
securing element. In the case of this configuration according to
the invention, the groove base of the longitudinal groove goes over
steplessly into the base of the securing portion, it also being
possible for the securing element to be formed as a rigid element,
i.e. in particular not movable along its longitudinal axis, for
example in the form of a grub screw or the like. This securing
element is, moreover, preferably disposed in the region of a fork
leg of a fork-shaped receiving neck of the press and thereby
protrudes into a bore guiding the locking bolt. It is further
preferred for the longitudinal groove of the locking bolt to be
closed at the end, i.e. in the region of the end that is opposite
from the securing portion, consequently for it to end at a distance
from the free end region of the locking bolt. As a result of this
configuration, the locking bolt is captively held on the press by
constant engagement of the securing element in the longitudinal
groove or in the securing portion. It is further preferred for the
longitudinal groove to be formed on the underside of the locking
bolt only compressive stresses occur here during operation. The
securing element is accordingly likewise placed underneath the
locking bolt.
[0005] The invention also relates to a locking bolt according to
the precharacterizing clause of claim 1 or according to claim 1, it
being proposed for further improvement of the locking position that
the locking bolt has a longitudinal groove and that the securing
portion is formed such that it is offset in a step-like manner in
relation to a groove base. As a result of this configuration, a
locking bolt which is distinguished by increased security of the
locking position along with simple handling is provided. The
locking bolt is thereby always guided by engagement of the securing
element in the longitudinal groove of the locking bolt, and
rotationally secured at least in the path of displacement. The
securing position is achieved when the securing element guided by
the longitudinal groove reaches the securing portion of the locking
bolt, the securing element being made to drop into the securing
portion by the greater depth of the base of the securing portion
than the base of the groove, it being preferred for an audible
clicking to be perceptible. After reaching the securing portion,
the securing element can only be displaced into the longitudinal
groove again by deliberate raising of the same to the level of the
base of the groove, after which the locking bolt is again released
for being displaced. The securing portion that is formed offset in
a step-like manner in relation to the base of the groove may in
this case be formed as a direct transition to the longitudinal
groove. Alternatively, the securing portion that is offset in a
step-like manner may also be formed such that it is adjacent to the
longitudinal groove in the circumferential direction.
[0006] The further features are pertinent both in themselves and in
combination with the subject-matter of claim 1 as well as in
combination with the subject-matter of claim 2. So, it is also
proposed that the securing element can be displaced against spring
force. This configuration proves to be advantageous in particular
in the case where the securing portion is disposed such that it is
offset in a step-like manner with respect to the groove base. A
construction in which the securing portion is formed with a run-up
slope, for the movement of the securing element into a securing
element release position from which the displacement of the locking
bolt into a tool-removing/changing position can take place, proves
to be advantageous, in particular in terms of handling technology.
The run-up slope is in this case formed in the circumferential
direction and/or axial direction of the locking bolt, a rotation of
the locking bolt in the circumferential direction being
additionally required for directing the securing element onto the
run-up slope, in order thereby to displace the securing element out
of the deeper base of the securing portion onto the higher groove
base of the longitudinal groove, offset in a step-like manner. It
is also possible in this case for the securing portion to be
disposed as an extension of the longitudinal groove and for the
run-up slope to be formed in a region of the securing portion that
is adjacent thereto. It is consequently further proposed for the
run-up slope to go over in the circumferential direction into a
returning portion, which is disposed with further preference
oppositely in the circumferential direction with respect to the
longitudinal groove than the securing portion. It may also be
provided that the returning portion is formed such that it partly
overlaps in the longitudinal direction of the groove with the
associated end region of the longitudinal groove. For handling to
be simplified further, it is proposed that the locking bolt is
spring-biased into its opening position. Accordingly, in the
securing position of the locking bolt, the securing element is
supported in the blocking portion of the securing portion as a
result of the spring-loaded way in which the locking bolt is acted
upon in the direction of the opening position, which blocking
portion may be the step between the longitudinal groove and the
securing portion or else a wall region of the securing portion that
is adjacent to the longitudinal groove. This spring loading has the
effect that the locking position is further secured against
unwanted unlocking. With the longitudinal groove and the securing
portion disposed adjacent to each other, enforced rotation of the
locking bolt can also be achieved for pivoting the securing portion
into the region of the securing element by provision of a torsion
spring or the like which acts on the securing bolt, so that the
locking bolt is rotationally biased, with a rotating force in the
direction of the securing portion. For movement of the locking bolt
out of the locking position into the release position, it is
preferred for a movement in the direction of the locking position
to be required, in order hereafter to guide the securing element
via the returning portion back into the longitudinal groove by
means of a rotating movement of the locking bolt in the
circumferential direction. A further increase in the security of
the locking position is obtained by the securing element being
circumferentially separated in the locking position from the
longitudinal groove by a locking nose. This measure has the effect
that, in the locking position, the locking bolt is rotationally
secured, at least in one direction, by the chosen rear engagement,
which rotational securement can only be discontinued by a movement
of the locking bolt in the direction of the locking position and
subsequent rotation in the circumferential direction. It is
preferred for the securing portion to have a detent depression,
which is formed in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal
groove and goes over in the circumferential direction into the
securing portion, which is disposed ahead of the detent depression
in the locking direction of the locking bolt. It may also be
provided that the run-up slope, optionally together with the
returning portion, surrounds the detent depression, for example to
form a spiral ramp for returning the securing element into the
longitudinal groove. Finally, it is proposed that the returning
portion is in any event further elevated in a step-like manner in
the transitional region to the groove. In this way it is ensured
that, in the course of the locking, the securing element finds the
securing portion and snaps in there. Unintentional lateral
deflection of the securing element onto the returning portion by
inadvertent turning when the locking bolt is being pushed in is
avoided as a result.
[0007] The invention is explained in more detail below with
reference to the accompanying drawings, which merely represent a
number of exemplary embodiments and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a partially sectioned side view of a press
receiving neck with a locking bolt in the secured locking
position;
[0009] FIG. 2 shows the plan view of the representation in FIG. 1,
a partial section being taken through the securing region of the
locking bolt;
[0010] FIG. 3 shows the locking bolt in a first embodiment in
perspective representation, for an intermediate position in the
course of the locking of the same;
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a side view representation of the locking bolt,
seen in the direction of a longitudinal groove and a securing
portion and also a securing element guided in the longitudinal
groove, for the intermediate position according to FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a representation turned through 90.degree.
about the longitudinal axis of the locking bolt in comparison with
the representation in FIG. 4, partly in the region of the
engagement of the securing element in the securing portion, in a
sectioned representation;
[0013] FIG. 6 shows the section along the line VI-VI in FIG. 5,
[0014] FIG. 7 shows a further perspective representation of the
locking bolt, for the secured detent position of the same;
[0015] FIG. 8 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 4, but
for the position of the locking bolt according to FIG. 7;
[0016] FIG. 9 shows a sectional representation corresponding to
FIG. 6, but for the position according to FIGS. 7 and 8;
[0017] FIG. 10 shows the locking bolt in perspective
representation, for an intermediate position in the course of the
locking process;
[0018] FIG. 11 shows a side view for this;
[0019] FIG. 12 shows a sectional representation corresponding to
FIG. 9, but for the intermediate position according to FIGS. 10 and
11;
[0020] FIG. 13 shows a further sectional representation according
to FIG. 9, but for the unlocking position;
[0021] FIG. 14 shows a perspective representation of the locking
bolt in a second embodiment, for the locking position;
[0022] FIG. 15 shows the side view representation for this;
[0023] FIG. 16 shows a partially sectioned representation, turned
through 900 about the longitudinal axis of the locking bolt;
[0024] FIG. 17 shows the locking bolt in perspective
representation, for an intermediate position in the course of the
unlocking;
[0025] FIG. 18 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 15, but
for the intermediate position according to FIG. 17;
[0026] FIG. 19 shows a follow-up representation of FIG. 17;
[0027] FIG. 20 shows the side view representation for FIG. 19;
[0028] FIG. 21 shows a follow-up representation of FIG. 19;
[0029] FIG. 22 shows the corresponding side view representation for
this;
[0030] FIG. 23 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 16, but
for the intermediate position according to FIGS. 21 and 22;
[0031] FIG. 24 shows a perspective representation of a locking bolt
in a third embodiment, for the locking position;
[0032] FIG. 25 shows the side view representation for FIG. 24;
[0033] FIG. 26 shows a partially sectioned side view representation
according to FIG. 23, but for the embodiment according to FIGS. 24
and 25;
[0034] FIG. 27 shows the section along the line XXVII-XXVII in FIG.
26;
[0035] FIG. 28 shows a perspective representation of the locking
bolt according to FIG. 24, but in an intermediate position in the
course of the unlocking process;
[0036] FIG. 29 shows the side view representation for this;
[0037] FIG. 30 shows a follow-up representation of FIG. 28;
[0038] FIG. 31 shows the side view representation for FIG. 30;
[0039] FIG. 32 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 26, but
for the intermediate position according to FIG. 30;
[0040] FIG. 33 shows the section along the line XXXIII-XXXIII in
FIG. 32;
[0041] FIG. 34 shows a follow-up representation of FIG. 30;
[0042] FIG. 35 shows the side view representation for this;
[0043] FIG. 36 shows a cross-sectional representation according to
FIG. 33, but for the position according to FIGS. 34 and 35;
[0044] FIG. 37 shows a perspective representation of a locking bolt
in the locking position, for a further embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 38 shows the side view representation for FIG. 37, seen
in the direction of the longitudinal groove;
[0046] FIG. 39 shows a partially sectioned side view representation
according to FIG. 32, but for the embodiment according to FIG.
35;
[0047] FIG. 40 shows the section along the line XL-XL in FIG.
39;
[0048] FIG. 41 shows a perspective representation according to FIG.
37, but for an intermediate position in the course of the unlocking
process;
[0049] FIG. 42 shows the side view representation for this;
[0050] FIG. 43 shows a cross-sectional representation according to
FIG. 40, but for the intermediate position according to FIGS. 41
and 42;
[0051] FIG. 44 shows a follow-up representation of FIG. 41;
[0052] FIG. 45 shows the side view representation for this;
[0053] FIG. 46 shows a cross-sectional representation corresponding
to FIG. 43, but for the intermediate position according to FIGS. 44
and 45;
[0054] FIG. 47 shows a follow-up representation of FIG. 44;
[0055] FIG. 48 shows the side view representation for this;
[0056] FIG. 49 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 39, but
corresponding to the intermediate position according to for FIGS.
47 and 48;
[0057] FIG. 50 shows the cross-section along the line L-L in FIG.
49;
[0058] FIG. 51 shows a locking bolt in a further embodiment, in
perspective representation;
[0059] FIG. 52 shows an enlargement of the region LII in FIG.
51.
[0060] FIGS. 1 and 2 shows a receiving neck 1 of a hydraulic press
(not represented), which can be electrically actuated. The
receiving neck 1 is configured in the customary fork-shaped manner,
with a bolt receptacle 4 in the form of a through-bore, passing
through the fork legs 2, 3 transversely in relation to the extent
of the neck. A locking bolt 5 is secured in this bolt receptacle
4.
[0061] The receiving neck 1 serves for fixing a tool to be mounted
on the press, for example for pressing. The tool is not represented
in the drawings.
[0062] The tool can be exchangeably fixed on the press or on its
receiving neck 1, so that other tools, such as cutting tools for
example, can also be put in position.
[0063] As the partial sectional representation in FIG. 1 reveals in
particular, in the locking position, the locking bolt 5 passes
through the bolt receptacle 4 of the fork leg 2 on the actuation
side and bores 6 formed in the tool and, at the end, enters the
bolt receptacle 4 of the other fork leg 3 for locking the tool.
[0064] The locking bolt 5 can be displaced along its locking bolt
axis y, running transversely in relation to the receiving neck axis
x, from a locking position according to FIGS. 1 and 2 into a
release position, and vice versa, both the release position and the
locking position being secured by means of a securing element
7.
[0065] The securing element 7 is displaceably accommodated in a
bore 8 in the region of the one fork leg 2, aligned transversely in
relation to the locking bolt axis y and crossing through the bolt
receptacle 4. The disposition is further chosen here in such a way
that the securing element 7 lies in the portion of the bore 8 that
is remote from the free end of the receiving neck 1 such that it is
rearwardly supported by means of a compression spring 9, and
consequently acts by means of the compression spring 9 in the
direction of the locking bolt 5.
[0066] For locking the locking bolt, the pin-like securing element
7 is located in a securing portion 10 which is formed in the
circumferential surface of the locking bolt 5 and, for displacing
the locking bolt 5 into a tool release position, goes over into a
longitudinal groove 11 which is open on the side representing the
wall of the circumferential surface. In the course of the opening
displacement of the locking bolt 5, the fixed securing element 7 is
guided by the longitudinal groove 11, which at the end ends at a
distance from the free end 12 of the locking bolt 5, and
consequently forms in cooperation with the securing element 7 a
stop in the unlocking position. As a result of this, the locking
bolt 5 is captively secured on the receiving neck 1.
[0067] The locking bolt 5 is spring-biased in the opening
direction, i.e. in the direction of the tool release position, for
which purpose the locking bolt 5 is acted upon in the region of an
externally accessible handling head 13, from the underside, by a
compression spring 15, which is located in an associated depression
14 which is coaxial in relation to the locking bolt 5.
[0068] FIGS. 3 to 13 show a first embodiment of the locking bolt 5.
For better illustration, in the drawings of this embodiment and
also in those of the further exemplary embodiments, only the
interacting locking bolts 5 and securing elements 7 are shown. The
respective local disposition of these two elements can be gathered
from FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0069] In the first embodiment, the securing portion 10 is formed
such that it is located adjacent to the longitudinal groove 11 in
the circumferential direction of the locking bolt 5, with a direct
transition from a groove base 16 into the securing portion 10. The
securing depth of the securing portion 10 corresponds to the groove
depth of the longitudinal groove 11.
[0070] Accordingly, in the end region opposite from the bolt end
12, the longitudinal groove 11 goes over directly into the securing
portion 10. The end face 17 of the longitudinal groove 11 that is
facing the handling head 13 extends at an obtuse angle in relation
to the longitudinal marginal edges of the longitudinal groove 11 to
form a control surface. When there is longitudinal displacement of
the locking bolt 5 in the direction of the locking position (arrow
a indicates the pushing-in locking direction), this control end
face 17 of the longitudinal groove 11 comes up against the fixed,
pin-like securing element 7, which, when there is further
pushing-in movement of the locking bolt 5, causes a rotation of the
same, so that the securing portion 10 is turned into the effective
region of the securing element 7. In this position, the end 12 of
the locking bolt 5 already lies in the bolt receptacle 4 of the
opposite fork leg 3.
[0071] After letting go the locking bolt 5, it is displaced back
again, counter to the pushing-in locking direction a, on account of
the compression spring 15 acting upon it from the underside, until
a blocking surface 18 of the securing portion 10 that is adjacent
to the longitudinal groove 11 comes up against the securing element
7. The locking bolt 5 is then secured in the locking position. This
securing position is further supported by the fact that the
securing element 7 is circumferentially separated from the
longitudinal groove 11 by a locking nose 19, which points in the
direction in which the compression spring acts, i.e. in the
direction of the handling head 13, and consequently provides the
rear engagement with respect to the longitudinal groove 11. As a
result of the formation of the locking nose 19, the secured locking
cannot be discontinued by simple, in particular unintentional,
turning back of the locking bolt 5, which would have the result
that the longitudinal groove 11 is found again by the securing
element.
[0072] Rather, as FIGS. 10 to 13 show, a deliberate turning of the
locking bolt 5 in the circumferential direction, deliberate since
it overcomes the force of the compression spring 15, is necessary
to bring the locking nose 19 past the securing element 7 and,
finally, to bring the longitudinal groove 11 back into a
relationship with the securing element 7. After this, to release
the tool, the locking bolt 5 can be drawn back until it is in a
stop position predefined by the end of the groove.
[0073] In the case of this first embodiment, the securing element 7
may be formed as a fixed pin, i.e. without rear spring biasing.
[0074] FIGS. 14 to 23 show a second embodiment of the locking bolt
5 according to the invention. A major difference in comparison with
the exemplary embodiment previously described is that here the
securing portion 10 is formed such that it is offset in a step-like
manner in relation to the groove base 16, so that in the course of
the locking process, i.e. when there is displacement of the locking
bolt 5 in the pushing-in locking direction a, the securing element
7 guided by the longitudinal groove 11 is made to drop at the end
into the securing portion 10 by being acted upon from the rear by
means of the compression spring 9- and thereby comes to lie in a
locking manner in front of a blocking surface 18 formed in the
region of the step.
[0075] In the exemplary embodiment represented, the base 20 of the
securing portion corresponds approximately to twice the depth of
the groove base.
[0076] Furthermore, in the second exemplary embodiment represented,
the securing portion 10 is disposed as an extension of the
longitudinal groove 11. A further portion, formed adjacent to the
securing portion 10, serves for returning the securing element 7 to
the level of the groove base 16. This returning portion 21 is
formed such that it partly overlaps in the longitudinal direction
of the groove with the associated end region of the longitudinal
groove, which goes over into the securing portion 10.
[0077] Extending from the base 20 of the securing portion, there
extends in the circumferential direction a run-up slope 22, which
opens out into the returning portion 21.
[0078] For secured locking of the locking bolt 5, the latter is
moved in the customary way in the pushing-in locking direction a,
until the securing element 7 drops behind the blocking surface 18
into the securing portion 10. After letting go the locking bolt 5,
the latter is supported with its blocking surface 18 against the
securing element 7, an outline configuration of the blocking
surface 18 in the form of a segment of a circle having the effect
of forming a locking nose 19, which prevents unintentional turning
of the locking bolt 5.
[0079] Unlocking is only possible deliberately, by the locking bolt
5 being turned in the circumferential direction, the support of the
locking nose 19 against the securing element 7 having the effect
that a linear displacement of the locking bolt 5 counter to the
opening direction, i.e. in the pushing-in locking direction a, is
first carried out, after which the run-up slope 22 is brought into
a relationship with the securing element 7. The deliberate turning
of the locking bolt 5 has the effect that the securing element 7 is
displaced against the force of the compression spring 9 acting upon
the rear of the latter, over the run-up slope 22 up to the level of
the returning portion 21.
[0080] From this no longer detent-secured position, the compression
spring 15 acting upon the locking bolt 5 first brings about a
linear displacement in the opening direction until a returning
slope 23 of the returning portion 21, supporting itself on the
securing element 7, brings about a turning back of the locking bolt
5, after which finally the longitudinal groove 11 engages the
securing element 7 again. After that, the locking bolt 5 is
linearly displaced under the action of the compression spring into
the release position.
[0081] As a result of this configuration, the locking element 7 is
brought from the lower-level securing portion 10 via the run-up
slope 22 and the returning portion 21 back to the higher-level
longitudinal groove 11 by deliberate turning of the locking bolt 5
in the figurative sense.
[0082] FIGS. 24 to 36 show a third embodiment of the locking bolt
5. In this variant, too, a step is provided at the transition from
the longitudinal groove 11 to the securing portion 10, so that the
base 20 of the securing portion has a lower level than the groove
base 16. By contrast with the exemplary embodiment previously
described, this lower-level portion is formed merely as a detent
depression 24, to which the actual securing portion 10 is adjacent.
As a result of this configuration, the securing portion 10 is
disposed such that it is adjacent to the longitudinal groove 11 in
the circumferential direction or to an imaginary extension of the
same.
[0083] The securing element 7 dropping into the detent depression
24 under spring bias in the course of the locking is deflected in
the region of the detent depression 24 over a run-down slope 25
into the securing portion 10, which, by virtue of the fixed
mounting of the securing element 7, has the consequence of an
automatic turning of the locking bolt 5 after capture of the
securing element 7 in the securing portion 10. As a result of this,
the locking bolt 5 automatically finds the secured locking
position. In this position, the locking bolt 5 is supported by
means of the blocking surface 18 of the securing portion 10 on the
securing element 7.
[0084] For unlocking, pressing in of the locking bolt 5 in the
pushing-in locking direction a and subsequent turning of the
locking bolt 5 in the circumferential direction of the same is
necessary, in order in this way to bring the securing element 7
back on the higher-level groove base 16. The step-like detent
depression 24 has the effect that an attempt merely to turn the
locking bolt 5 out of the locking position does not lead to
discontinuation of the secured locking position.
[0085] Pressing in of the locking bolt 5 in the pushing-in locking
direction a has the effect that a run-up slope 22 is brought into
the effective region of the securing element 7, by means of which
run-up slope 22 the securing element 7 is brought onto the
returning portion 21, by means of which the feeding to the
longitudinal groove 11 takes place.
[0086] As the representations reveal, the run-up slope 22 and the
returning portion 21 thereby surround the detent depression 24
spirally, the run-up slope 22 continuing to be associated with the
region of the securing portion 10 that is facing the handling head
13 and the returning portion 21 continuing to be disposed
oppositely in the circumferential direction with respect to the
longitudinal groove 11 than the securing portion 10.
[0087] With respect to the side view representations in FIGS. 25,
29, 31 and 35, the securing element 7 completes a relative spiral
path of movement around the detent depression 24 from the locking
position according to FIG. 25. As a result of this configuration,
the securing portion 10, run-up slope 22 and returning portion 21
act in the manner of a sliding link.
[0088] Shown in FIGS. 37 to 48 is a further embodiment, in which
the securing portion 10 is disposed such that it is offset in a
step-like manner as an extension of the longitudinal groove 11.
Pressing in of the locking bolt 5 has the effect that the secured
locking position is automatically assumed, by the blocking surface
18, forming the step between the longitudinal groove 11 and the
securing portion 10, supporting itself against the securing element
7.
[0089] The discontinuation of this locking position takes place by
pressing the locking bolt in the pushing-in locking direction a and
subsequent turning of the locking bolt 5 in the circumferential
direction, so that the higher-lying level of the groove base 16 can
be reached by means of a run-up slope 22, extending in the
circumferential direction, and a returning portion 21, adjoining
said run-up slope and disposed such that it is adjacent to the
securing portion 10, the securing element 7 resiliently entering
the bore 8, as also in the case of the exemplary embodiments
previously described. In the case of this embodiment, too, the
returning portion 21 is formed such that it partly overlaps in the
longitudinal direction of the groove with the associated end region
of the longitudinal groove.
[0090] After pressing in the locking bolt 5 and turning the same,
the secured locking is already discontinued, so that the
compression spring 15, supporting the locking bolt 5, causes the
displacement of the locking bolt 5 into the release position, this
occurring, as a consequence of the returning slope 23 of the
returning portion 21 that is pointing in the direction of the
longitudinal groove 11, with simultaneous turning back of the
locking bolt 5 into the neutral pivoted position, in which the
securing element 7 is accommodated in the longitudinal groove
11.
[0091] Finally, FIGS. 51 and 52 show a further version, which
corresponds in substantial parts to the embodiment previously
described according to FIGS. 24 to 36. As the enlarged
representation in FIG. 52 reveals in particular, in this
embodiment, only the returning portion 21 is however further
elevated in a step-like manner in the transitional region to the
longitudinal groove 11, so that, after running over the returning
portion 21, the securing element 7 reliably drops into the
longitudinal groove 11 with spring assistance. In addition,
unintentional lateral deflection of the securing element 7 onto the
returning portion 21 by inadvertent turning when the locking bolt 5
is being pushed in to fix a tool is avoided as a result of this
configuration. Rather, no turning of the locking bolt 5 about its
longitudinal axis is possible before reaching the securing
position, in which the securing element 7, leaving the longitudinal
groove 11, engages in the securing portion 10.
[0092] All features disclosed are (in themselves) pertinent to the
invention. The disclosure content of the associated/attached
priority documents (copy of the prior patent application) is also
hereby incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application,
including for the purpose of incorporating features of these
documents in claims of the present application.
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