Patent Publication Number: US-11027947-B2

Title: Load-force-independent triggering device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/DE2018/101001, filed on Dec. 7, 2018, and claims benefit to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2017 130 067.8, filed on Dec. 15, 2017. The International Application was published in German on Jun. 20, 2019 as WO 2019/114876 under PCT Article 21(2). 
     FIELD 
     The invention relates to a load-force-independent triggering device for a load exerting a force on it that is held in a CLOSED position of the triggering device and released in an OPEN position of the triggering device, comprising a housing and a triggering lever, which is connected to a triggering gear via a steering lever, wherein the triggering lever is swivel-mounted on a first housing axis, the triggering gear is swivel-mounted on a second housing axis, and the steering lever is swivel-mounted on the triggering lever on a first steering-lever axis and swivel-mounted on the trigger gear on a second steering-lever axis, as well as comprising a spring device acting on the triggering lever, and a locking device, by means of which the triggering device is fixed in the CLOSED position. 
     A triggering device is used to separate a load from a device, such as a crane or a gantry for example. A load-force-independent triggering device separates the load from the device regardless of the force that the load exerts on the triggering device prior to separating. In many devices, it is known for a heavy load to block the triggering device because the moveable parts for opening no longer move under the load force. Only an elimination of the load force then allows for the triggering device to open. However, particularly in the case of very heavy loads, this is not possible, or is only possible with a very substantial amount of effort. In the case of load-force-independent triggering devices, the load force is not exerted onto the opening components so that they can reliably open even under the influence of the load force on the triggering device itself. Such load-force-independent triggering devices are known, for example, for gliders (so-called “towing couplings”). Also, in underwater areas, load-force-independent triggering devices are of a great advantage because large loads must often be sunken in water subject to their downforce or have to be hauled up being subject to their buoyancy force in the water. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The prior art closest to the invention is disclosed in DE 1 297 998 A (cf  FIG. 2  in particular). It describes a tow coupling for aircraft that performs triggering irrespective of the force exerted on the coupling by a towed aircraft, usually a glider. In a CLOSED position of the triggering device, the aircraft is held in the air via a towing cable, in an “OPEN position” of the triggering device, the towing cable and thus the aircraft is released. The well-known load-force-independent triggering device comprises a housing on which a rotatable segment and a lever are arranged on a first housing axis. Segment and lever form a triggering lever. The first housing axis is fixed in the housing in a stationary manner. Furthermore, a triggering gear is swivel-mounted on a second housing axis. The second housing axis is also fixed in the housing in a stationary manner. The triggering lever and the triggering gear are articulately jointed to each other by means of a steering lever. For this purpose, the steering lever is swivel-mounted on a first steering-lever axis on the triggering lever and swivel-mounted on the triggering gear on a second steering-lever axis. The steering lever is designed in the form of a straight lug; the first and second steering-lever axes are each arranged at one end of the steering lever. They are not fixed in the housing and move together with the steering lever. The steering lever is only guided by the triggering lever and triggering gear, which can lead to undefined and indissoluble positions of the steering lever in the housing under extreme conditions. 
     The triggering lever (or the rotatable segment) and the steering lever together form an interlocking system. They are in their dead-center position so that they block each other and a self-locking is provided. Due to the interlocking system, the force acting by the load is redirected in the triggering device and no longer directly affects the locking. For triggering, a relatively low, load-force-independent force must now be applied, which releases interlocking system. For this purpose, a spring device is provided in the known triggering device, which acts on the triggering lever (or on the rotatable segment). By adjusting the spring force, the degree of interlocking or self-locking can be adjusted. This determines the triggering force. When disengaging the interlocking system or retracting the triggering lever and the straight steering lever, the triggering gear is simultaneously actuated. The load is then released by rotating around the second housing axis. Furthermore, the known triggering device has a locking device in the form of a manually actuated eccentric lever, by means of which the triggering device is fixed in the CLOSED position. The triggering of the known triggering device is carried out either manually by actuating the triggering lever or automatically by force-induced shearing of a plastic release pin, which locks the triggering device in the CLOSED position. For this purpose, the plastic pin blocks a spring-loaded mating gear. However, both triggering mechanisms are not suitable for also reliably triggering the triggering device remotely and under the disturbing influence of external irregular and partially very strong force effects. 
     Force-independent triggering devices for underwater use are known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 3,504,407 A and DE 10 2010 010 161 B4. However, these work without an interlocking system and guide the load forces around the trigger elements across massive structural components. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, the present invention provides a load-force-independent triggering device for a load exerting a force on it that is held in a CLOSED position of the triggering device and released in an OPEN position of the triggering device, comprising: a housing; a triggering lever, which is connected to a triggering gear via a steering lever, the triggering lever being swivel-mounted on a first housing axis, the triggering gear being swivel-mounted on a second housing axis and the steering lever being swivel-mounted on a steering-lever axis on the triggering lever and on a second steering-lever axis on the triggering gear; a spring device configured to act on the triggering lever; and a locking device, by which the triggering device is fixed in the CLOSED position, wherein the steering lever has an angular design, and, in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, is configured to contact a first contact surface in the housing and, in the OPEN position of the triggering device, is configured to contact a second contact surface in the housing, wherein the two steering-lever axes are positioned at the first contact surface of the steering lever immediately before a self-locking dead-center position towards the first housing axis and on the second contact surface of the steering lever outside of dead-center position, and wherein the spring device comprises a tension spring, which is arranged between the triggering lever and the triggering gear and is configured to exert a force on the triggering lever in a direction of the OPEN position of the triggering device in the CLOSED position of the triggering device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following: 
         FIG. 1  shows the triggering device in the CLOSED position, 
         FIG. 2  shows the triggering device in the OPEN position, and 
         FIG. 3  shows the triggering device from behind with the locking device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In an embodiment, the present invention further develops the generic load-force-independent triggering device in such a way that the triggering device can also be reliably triggered remotely and under the irregular influence of external force effects, but without additional external force application, wherein undefined positions of the steering lever in the housing are absolutely to be avoided. Thereby, all the advantages of a load-force-independent triggering device should be retained. 
     According to the invention, in the load-force-independent triggering device, the steering lever has an angular design and, in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, contacts a first contact surface in the housing and, in the OPEN position of the triggering device, contacts a second contact surface in the housing, wherein the two steering-lever axes are positioned on the first surface of the steering lever immediately before a self-locking dead-center point in relation to the first housing axis and at the second contact surface of the steering lever outside the dead-center position, and that the spring device is designed as a tension spring, which is arranged between the triggering lever and the triggering gear and, in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, exerts a force on the triggering lever in the direction of the OPEN position of the triggering device. 
     In the triggering device according to the invention, the steering lever has an angular design and is guided between two contact surfaces, wherein the steering lever contacts the first contact surface in the CLOSED position and contacts the second contact surface in the OPEN position. The steering lever, which does not occupy a fixed axis in the housing but is only articulately joined to the triggering lever and the triggering gear thus occupies only firmly defined positions in the triggering device. This increases triggering reliability. The defined position is still supported by the angularity of the steering lever, which is advantageously attached to a correspondingly angular contact surface at least in the CLOSED position. Vertical displacements are reliably avoided. Furthermore, the angularity of the steering lever is of an advantage for bringing the two steering-lever axes on the steering lever in the CLOSED position of the triggering device with the first housing axis into a position immediately before their dead-center position. Due to the angularity, the two steering-lever axes can be positioned above and below the first housing axis. Thereby, the steering lever is deliberately placed very close to the dead-center position so that it always strives to get out of this position into the direction of the OPEN position. Nevertheless, by positioning the steering lever in relation to the housing in approximately dead-center position, it is achieved that attacking load forces do not act on the steering lever and, if necessary, this. around it into the housing. The trigger movement of the steering lever is still supported by the provided tension spring between the triggering lever and the triggering gear, which is arranged slightly obliquely. However, premature or unintentional triggering is prevented by the locking device, by means of which the triggering device is reliably fixed in the CLOSED position. When the locking device is then unlocked for opening, the triggering device immediately opens automatically and without any further force input from the outside since the energy stored in the tension spring flips over the steering lever in an accelerated manner, which is located just before the dead-center position and has the tendency to flip over. Due to the tendency of the steering lever to open automatically, in conjunction with the tension spring, any obstructions of the triggering device, such as rust, dirt, deposits (especially in underwater applications) and friction, can be safely overcome. These measures therefore provide a simple but particularly reliable load-force-independent trigger with the triggering device according to the invention, which also reliably triggers the release of heavy loads under adverse environmental conditions and does not undefined positions. 
     The reliability of the triggering by the defined position of the steering lever is further improved in the invention if, being preferred and favourable, the two contact surfaces for the steering lever are formed by a closed contour in the housing. This also gives the contact surfaces a precisely defined position and stability. Furthermore, such a contour can be produced in a housing wall relatively easily by means of milling. For a simple attachment of the tension spring to the triggering lever, it is still preferred and favourable if the triggering lever has an A (trapezoidal) shape. The tension spring can then be attached to the preferably flattened tip of the triggering lever without bending the triggering lever. The locking device can then engage directly next to the triggering lever. 
     The triggering gear can have a hook in its lower area, into which, for example, a cable for the load can be hung. The securing of the cable on the hook can be done, for example, via the housing as a counter bearing. However, it is favourable and preferred for the invention if a mating gear is provided, which is swivel-mounted on a third housing axis and forms a closed eyelet, in which the load can be held, in the CLOSED position of the triggering device along with the triggering gear and the housing. Then, the suspended load must not slip off a hook. Instead, the holding surface is completely dissolved when opened, ensuring that the load is reliably released. This is particularly advantageous if it is a heavy load, in which the cable would long hang on an opening hook due to the generated stiction of the adhesive. For the triggering device with the invention, a heavy-duty version with a load capacity of up to 3 t can be preferably and favourably provided. Furthermore, it is preferred and favourable if, in the case of an openable construction consisting of a triggering gear and mating gear with the housing as a counter bearing, the housing has a receptacle for a load cable. It is therefore preferred and favourable if the housing has a one-sided open elongated hole to form the eyelet. The cable can then be inserted into this elongated hole and is reliably guided there without a great level of lateral play. In order for the mating gear to take a defined position in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, it is preferred and favourable if the mating gear has a nib, which is mounted at an end stop in the housing in the CLOSED position of the triggering device. Furthermore, preferably and favourably, the triggering gear and the mating gear can have sections that are attached to each other in the CLOSED position of the triggering device. All these measures are used to reliably secure the load cable in the CLOSED position of the triggering device. 
     In the load-force-independent triggering device with the invention, the CLOSED position is held exclusively by the action of the locking device. Therefore, this is of particular importance. It is therefore preferred and favourable in the case of the invention if the locking device comprises an electromagnetic trigger with an axially moveable release pin, by means of which the triggering lever is fixed in the housing in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, wherein the axially moveable release pin is arranged orthogonally to the triggering lever. An electromagnetic trigger (solenoid actuator) is a standard commercial component. The release pin is held by the anchor of the electromagnet in the CLOSED position and locked there by a spring. The release pin engages through a hole into the triggering lever. When triggered, the electromagnet is electrically actuated and causes the release pin to be retracted into the inside of the trigger so that the triggering lever is released. Under the attacking spring force of the tension spring (especially in the formation of a spiral spring, i.e. coil spring), the triggering lever is pulled downwards and takes the steering lever with it. Being preferred and favourable, the electromagnetic trigger or the axially moveable release pin is arranged orthogonally to the triggering lever. This prevents accidental external force effects on the triggering device from inadvertently actuating the trigger. Inadvertent forces in the direction of the axially moveable release pin can still occur because the release pin is quite light and is held in position by a small spring. The release pin is reliably and consciously shifted axially only by actuating the electromagnet, wherein the triggering force is then greater than the resuming spring force. In order to achieve an increased level of reliability, particular in transport operations in which a triggering is to be avoided in any case, it is preferred and favourable in the case of the invention if the locking device comprises an additional safeguard, by means of which the triggering lever is fixed in the housing in the CLOSED position of the triggering device. Thereby, the additional safeguard can preferably and favourably be designed as a cotter pin. This is a transport safeguard that must be removed manually. Remote triggering is not provided. 
     In the case of the triggering device according to the invention, it can furthermore be provided as preferred and favourable modifications can be provided that a grip lug is arranged on the triggering lever for manual positioning of the triggering lever in the OPEN position of the triggering device. This improves the manual handleability of the triggering device. No tools are needed to transfer the system to the CLOSED position. Furthermore, it is preferred and favourable for the easy handling of the force-independent triggering device according to the invention if a suspension is arranged at the upper end. This can be, for example, a rod connected to a gantry, or a shackle connected to a cable. 
     It was already mentioned at the beginning that the triggering device with the invention is particularly resistant to incidental load surges from the outside. Such effects can occur when the triggering device is used in underwater areas. Here, it may be exposed to strong waves or currents or ship movements. The triggering device can be used, in particular, on a research vessel and can be used to output a measuring apparatus. Self-driving underwater vessels (landers) weighing more than 2 t can also be used. It is mandatory to ensure that no triggering takes place above the water level in order to prevent damage to the measuring apparatus when hitting the water surface. The release can only take place in the water body (the measuring apparatus then sinks further) or only after the measuring apparatus has been set up on the water floor. Particularly in deep-sea operations, it is therefore preferred and favourable if a seawater-resistant material version is provided for the load-force-independent triggering device. In particular, stainless steels and plastics are used. 
     Such underwater operations can cause the triggering device to be lowered several hundred or thousand metres deep in the water. At such depths, therefore, the increase in hydrostatic pressure must be taken into account. In particular, components with airspaces must be protected. The invention relates to the locking device. The electromagnetic trigger must be protected. For this purpose, it can be integrated into a pressure-resistant housing. However, it is preferred and favourable to form the electromagnetic trigger pressure-neutral. For this purpose, this is filled into a transparent plastic cylinder that can be closed with two covers and filled completely with a pressure fluid, mostly pressure oil. For volume compensation, a flexible pressure equalization element associated with the ambient pressure (i.e. also with the ambient medium water) is inserted into the plastic cylinder. This can be preferably and favourably be a pressure-resistant tubular bag made of PVC, as it is used in the medical sector for fluid collection. The hose bag has an integrated supply hose that allows the seawater to penetrate its interior and is easily adaptable to any volume. Further details on the use of such bags and their advantages can be found in the older German applications 102017119115.1 (pressure-neutral battery) and 102017119158.5 (pressure-neutral electric motor). Further details about the invention and its embodiments can be found in the exemplary embodiments described below. 
     A load-force-independent triggering device  01  for underwater application is shown in  FIG. 1 . The materials used are therefore seawater-resistant. The triggering device  01  is in the CLOSED position, in which a load, for example an OFOS (Ocean Floor Observation System) in a lowering frame, is held, for example on a crane on a research vessel. OFOS and lowering frames have a weight of several hundred kilograms, which act on the triggering device  01  as a whole but not on the immediate triggering area. Rather, the force is guided along it by the triggering device  01 . Thus, the triggering device  01  can be triggered independently of the acting load force by applying only a low level of triggering force. 
     The triggering device  01  comprises a housing  02 , which is screwed together in the shown exemplary embodiment consisting of two structured steel sheets  03 ,  04  (cf.  FIG. 3 ). This has the advantage that the further, in particular, moveable components can be arranged between the two steel sheets  03 ,  04  and are thus protected from external influences. The triggering device  01  further comprises a triggering lever  05 , which is swivel-mounted on a stationary first housing axis  06 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the triggering lever  05  is in the shape of an A, wherein it has a flattened top edge  07 . Furthermore, the triggering device  01  comprises a triggering gear  08 , which is swivel-mounted on a stationary second housing axis  09 . 
     Triggering lever  05  and triggering gear  08  are articulately joined to each other via a steering lever  10 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the housing  02  consists essentially of the two steel sheets  03 ,  04  arranged in parallel to each other. The triggering lever  05  and the triggering gear  08  work between the two steel sheets  03 ,  04 . In order to prevent obstruction with the steering lever  10 , it consists of two parallel parts, one part of which is in the steel sheet  03  and the other part in the steel sheet  04  in contour  21  (see below). If the ‘steering lever  10 ’ is referred to below, it is the steering lever shown  10  consisting of two parts. However, a single-piece design is also possible without further ado. 
     The steering lever  10  is rotatably connected to the triggering lever  05  via a variable first steering-lever axis  11  and to the triggering gear  08  via a variable second steering-lever axis  12 . In the CLOSED position, the two steering-lever axes  11 ,  12  and the first housing axis  06  are arranged immediately before their dead-center position  41  to each other (dashed line in  FIG. 1 , which shows that the second steering-lever axis  12  somewhat deviates from the linear connection between housing axis  06  and the first steering-lever axis  11 ). By this arrangement, a far-reaching interlocking system, consisting of triggering lever  05  and steering lever  10 , is achieved, which ensures that a load force occurring at the triggering gear  08  is not transferred to the triggering lever  05 . Nevertheless, the steering lever  10  is not fixed at the dead-center point but has the tendency to move in the direction of the OPEN position. This is supported by a spring device  13  in the form of a tension spring  14 , which is arranged between the top edge  07  of the triggering lever  05  and the triggering gear  08 . In this case, the tension spring  14  is positioned somewhat obliquely, meaning that an upper attachment point  15  of the tension spring  14  is offset vertically to a lower attachment point  16 . The tension spring  14  (in the exemplary embodiment shown is a simple standardized, commercially available coil spring) is clamped in the CLOSED position and has the tendency to pull the triggering lever  05  downwards. This is prevented by a locking device  17  with an axially moveable release pin  18 , which engages from behind through an opening into the triggering lever  05  (cf.  FIG. 3 ) and fixes it in the CLOSED position. If the fixation is eliminated, the tension spring  14  pulls the steering lever  11  directly into the OPEN position, which leads to an immediate opening of the triggering gear  08 . 
     The steering lever  10  is designed to be angular. In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is bent in its center at an obtuse angle of approx. 120°. In the CLOSED position, it contacts a first contact surface  19  in housing  02 . Its position is thus precisely defined. Thereby, the first contact surface  19  is also shaped as an obtuse angle. In the OPEN position, on the other hand, the steering lever  10  is mounted on a second contact surface  20  in the housing  02  (cf.  FIG. 2 ). This position is also clearly defined. The second contact surface  20  is also shaped as an obtuse angle. By means the defined system of the steering lever  10  in the CLOSED position on the first contact surface  19 , the above-mentioned positioning of the steering lever  10  immediately before the dead-center position  41  is precisely achieved and adhered to. By means of the defined system of the steering lever  10  in the OPEN position on the second contact surface  20 , the steering lever  10  is reliably positioned outside the dead-center position  41 , whereby a re-transfer to the CLOSED position is accordingly facilitated. 
     In the  FIG. 1 , it can still easily be recognized that the two contact surfaces  19 ,  20  are formed by a contour  21  in the housing  02 . This is inserted into both steel sheets  03 ,  04  (cf.  FIG. 3 ) and has the closed shape of a boomerang. In the CLOSED position of the triggering device  01 , the first steering-lever axis  11  contacts the first contact surface  19  in the upper area of contour  21 . In the CLOSED position of the triggering device  01 , the second steering-lever axis  12  contacts the second contact surface  20  in the lower area of contour  21  (cf.  FIG. 2 ). 
     Furthermore, in the  FIG. 1  in the lower area of the triggering device  01  a mating gear  22  shown, which is swivel-mounted on a stationary third housing axis  23 . In the CLOSED position, the mating gear  22  forms a closed eyelet  24 , in which a load can be held (for example via a cable), along with the triggering gear  08  and the housing  01 . For the formation of the eyelet  24  and for the guided insertion of the cable, the housing  02  or the two steel sheets  03 ,  04  has a one-sided open elongated hole  25 . For a defined position of the mating gear  22  in the CLOSED position, this has a nib  26  which presses against an end stop  27  in the housing  02 . Since the mating gear  22 —as well as triggering lever  05 , steering lever  10  and triggering gear  08 —is arranged in the middle of the housing  02  between the two steel sheets  03 ,  04 , the end stop  27  can be formed in the form of a small shaft  28  between the two steel sheets  03 ,  04 . For the secure locking and holding of the cable of the load in the CLOSED position, the triggering gear  08  and the mating gear  22  also have sections  29 , by means of which they securely contact each other. 
     In the  FIG. 1 , the locking device  17  can only be recognized in the area of the release pin  18 ;  FIG. 3  shows further details with insertion. Here it is shown that the locking device  17  is arranged on the back side of the triggering device  01  and does so orthogonally to this (the release pin  18  is arranged orthogonal to the triggering lever  05 ). Due to this right-angled arrangement to each other, false triggering due to undesirable force effects, which can occur especially when immersed in the water surface, are reliably avoided. The locking device  17  comprises an electromagnetic trigger  30  (e.g. solenoid actuator Intertec® ITS-LS-4035-D-12 VDC), in which an actuator (anchor with or only release pin  18 ) is moved back and forth via a magnetic field within a magnetic coil linearly, i.e. in the direction of the axis. In the CLOSED position, the release pin  18  engages through the housing  02  or the rear steel sheet  04  into a hole in the triggering lever  05  and fixes it in position. A spring on the trigger  30  keeps the anchor locked in the CLOSED position. In the OPEN position, the release pin  18  is retracted and the triggering lever  05  is released. 
     For underwater use, it is of great advantage if the locking device  17  is designed to be pressure-neutral. For this purpose, in the shown exemplary embodiment, the electromagnetic trigger  30  is arranged in a transparent plastic cylinder  31  (polycarbonate), which is sealed by two covers  32  in a pressure-tight manner. The plastic cylinder  31  and trigger (to the extent it has openings) are filled with a pressure oil (e.g. white oil or silicone). Due to the transparency of the plastic cylinder  31 , inside of it can be more easily inspected. In the plastic cylinder  31 , a pressure equalization element  33  is still arranged, the volume of which can be changed depending on the pressure. In the chosen exemplary embodiment, this is a simple tubular bag  34  (PVC), as it is known from the medical sector (infusion bags, urine bags, secretion bags). Via an integrated supply hose  35 , the interior of the hose bag  34  is filled with the ambient medium, for example, with water from the hydrostatic pressure column when used underwater that a pressure equalization takes place between inside and outside and pressure neutrality prevails. The anchor of the trigger  30  protrudes from behind out of the cover  32  so that the pressure oil volume remains constant during actuation and around the trigger  30 , if necessary, it can be pre-tensioned by hand (insert the anchor) or checked that locking takes place properly (no anchor is in front). Furthermore, an electrical supply line  36  for actuating the trigger  30  is shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Another part of the locking device is shown in the  FIG. 1 . This is an additional safeguard  37 , in the shown exemplary embodiment in the form of a cotter pin  38 , by which the triggering lever  05  is securely fixed in the CLOSED position of the triggering device  01  in the housing  02 . In the  FIG. 1  is also shown a grip lug  39  at the triggering lever  05 , which is used to transfer the triggering lever from the OPEN position (cf.  FIG. 2 ) to the CLOSED position again. 
     The OPEN position of the triggering device  01  is shown in  FIG. 2 . Most of the components have already been associated with the  FIG. 1  explained. The strongly changed positions of the triggering lever  05  and the steering lever  10  as well as the tension spring  14  are clearly apparent. The triggering gear  08  has moved only a little but released the mating gear  22 . The triggering device  01  is open; the cable could slide out of the elongated hole  25 . The mating gear  22  is again at the end stop  27  and does not block the elongated hole  25 . 
     Furthermore, in  FIG. 2  at the upper end of the triggering device  01 , a suspension  40  is shown, at which a coupling rod or a hook (not shown further) for fastening/suspension of the triggering device on a gantry or a crane can be arranged. 
     Overall, with the triggering device  01  according to the invention, a simple but particularly reliable and easy-to-use device is provided, using which very large loads up to 3 t can be reliably held and reliably released even under particularly difficult environmental conditions, especially in underwater areas. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments. 
     The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C. 
     REFERENCE LIST 
     
         
           01  load-force-independent triggering device 
           02  housing 
           03  first steel sheet from  02   
           04  second steel sheet from  02   
           05  triggering lever 
           06  first housing axis (stationary) 
           07  top edge of  05   
           08  triggering gear 
           09  second housing axis (stationary) 
           10  steering lever 
           11  first steering-lever axis (variable location) 
           12  second steering-lever axis (variable location) 
           13  spring device 
           14  tension spring as  13   
           15  upper strike point of  14   
           16  lower strike point of  14   
           17  locking device 
           18  release pin 
           19  first contact surface for  10  in  02   
           20  second contact surface for  10  in  02   
           21  contour with  19 ,  20   
           22  mating gear 
           23  third housing axis (stationary) 
           24  eyelet 
           25  elongated hole in  02   
           26  nib at  22   
           27  end stop for  22   
           28  shaft as  27   
           29  section at  08 ,  22   
           30  trigger for  18   
           31  plastic cylinder for  30   
           32  cover from  31   
           33  pressure equalization element 
           34  tubular bags as  33   
           35  supply hose from  34   
           36  electric supply line for  30   
           37  additional safeguard 
           38  cotter pin as  37   
           39  grip lug 
           40  suspension 
           41  dead-center position