DE20304534U1 - Connecting link for chain has two parts with interlocking profiles joined by a sliding action at a slight angle - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection link for a heavy duty chain has two halves joined by interlocking profiles and secured by pins through the two joints. The tapering profiles are connected by a sliding action at an angle of 2 to 4 deg. The shape of the profiles provides a rapid release after a short sliding action while, in the closed setting, the profiles provide a secure grip.

Description

Chain lock for link chains

The invention relates to a chain lock for link chains with two lock parts which can be displaced relative to one another by limited lengths in the longitudinal direction of the lock for opening and closing the lock, in which the two lock parts each have curved ends connected to one another by a longitudinal web, with an approximately keyhole-shaped pin provided with a retaining web at one end and a pocket at the other end serving to positively receive the pin of the other lock part, and pins and

&iacgr;&ogr; Pockets have parallel sliding or contact surfaces that determine the fit of both elements.

Chain locks of this type are known, for example, from DE 101 60 767 C2 and DE 199 14 014 A1. The shape and size of the corresponding pins and pockets ensure high mechanical strength of the lock assembly and high stability when fitted correctly. In the insertion direction, the pins are relatively long, and the corresponding pockets are correspondingly deep. These chain locks are mainly used in mining and are therefore subject to high mechanical and corrosive stresses. When new, the two lock parts can be connected and dismantled relatively easily and without much effort. In practice, however, after prolonged use in a corresponding environment, it becomes apparent that the gaps have become smaller due to corrosion and dirt.

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between the sliding and contact surfaces, making necessary disassembly and subsequent assembly more difficult.

The object of the invention is to propose chain locks for link chains of the type mentioned at the beginning, in which the disadvantages indicated are completely or partially avoided.

The object of the invention is achieved with a chain lock with the features of claim 1. With these chain locks, the snug fit is only achieved when the two lock parts are pushed together completely during assembly and is therefore released immediately when the two lock parts are pulled apart. Since the parallel sliding or contact surfaces to be taken into account are arranged at a slight angle to the insertion or extraction direction, the gap between the two fitting parts changes immediately when the relative position of the two lock parts changes.

According to a preferred embodiment, according to claim 2, it is proposed to make the angle of inclination between 2° - 4°. For manufacturing reasons, a design is preferred in which only the lateral sliding surfaces on the pins and pockets are designed to be correspondingly inclined.

The inventive design of the corresponding lock parts results in a conical fit, which can also accommodate higher manufacturing tolerances. The secure press fit increases the service life of such locks, particularly because impact stresses caused by wear on the corresponding surfaces of the sliding or contact surface and the associated greater play can be avoided. The conical press fit also enables large effective lengths of the pins and pockets.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an illustrated embodiment. Shown are:

Figure 1 is a side view of an assembled block lock,

Figure 2 shows a corresponding plan view of one half of the lock and

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lock half according to Figure 2.

As can be seen from Figure 1, the block lock shown consists of the two lock halves 1 and 2, which interlock in a form-fitting manner. The assembly position is secured by bolts which are inserted into the holes 3.

As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, a keyhole-shaped pin 21 is formed at one end of each lock half 2 (and correspondingly also on a lock half 1), which corresponds in a form-fitting manner with a pocket at the other end of the other lock half. On the lock half 2, this pocket is designated with the number 22. "A" indicates the direction in which the lock parts 1 and 2 are inserted during assembly. Disassembly takes place in the opposite direction.

The positive fit, preferably in a press fit, is achieved in the final state by the contact of the mutually parallel sliding surfaces 211 and/or 212, 213 on the side of the lock half with the pin 21 on the corresponding sliding and contact surfaces 221 and/or 222, 223 of the pocket 22 or the corresponding formation on the counter-lock half 1. The mutually corresponding sliding surfaces, preferably the lateral sliding surfaces 211 on the pin 21 and the corresponding corresponding sliding surfaces of a pocket are inclined at an angle of 1° to 10° with respect to the insertion direction, preferably an inclination angle a of 2° to 4° is proposed.

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Claims (3)

1. Chain lock for link chains with two lock parts that can be moved relative to one another by limited lengths in the longitudinal direction of the lock for opening and closing the lock, in which the two lock parts each have arcuate ends connected to one another via a longitudinal web, with an approximately keyhole-shaped pin provided with a holding web at one end and a pocket at the other end serving to positively receive the pin of the other lock part, and pins and pockets having mutually parallel sliding or contact surfaces that determine the fit of both elements, characterized in that all or some of the mutually corresponding sliding surfaces ( 211 , 212 , 213 or 221 , 222 , 223 ) are inclined relative to the insertion direction (A) of the lock parts ( 1 , 2 ) by an angle (a) of 1° to 10° as seen in the insertion direction. 2. Chain lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle of inclination (a) is 2° to 4°. 3. Chain lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lateral sliding surfaces ( 211 ) formed on the pin ( 21 ) and the associated corresponding lateral sliding surfaces ( 221 ) of the pockets ( 22 ) are exclusively inclined.