Patent Description:
A suitcase is a container which holds a traveler's articles when people go outing. In order to keep the articles inside the case safe, locks are commonly used by people on the suitcases. However, during packing up, it requires quite a force to press conventional single stage locks or single-stage interlocks to lock the suitcases, which is very inconvenient to use.

Accordingly, it is an urgent problem for those skilled in the art to provide a multi-stage interlock that can be easily locked.

<CIT> discloses a Lock for suitcases and the like. The present invention relates to a lock for suitcases and similar items, characterized by two plates that can be stacked by inserting one into the corresponding edges of the other. The first plate is provided with two spring-loaded catches that engage, during closing, with the two saw-toothed gears fixed to the second plate. Means are provided to release these catches from the gears using a single control handle, and others to lock the handle using a key that is easy to remove.

The object of the present invention is to provide a novel multi-stage interlock, solving the problem that it requires quite a force for the conventional single stage locks or single-stage interlocks to be pressed for locking.

In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a novel multi-stage interlock, including a main lock and a pair of main lock hooks matched with the main lock. The main lock includes a main lock housing, a control mechanism and a pair of main lock assemblies. The main lock assemblies and the control mechanism are both arranged in the main lock housing. A pair of main lock assemblies are located on both sides of the control mechanism. The control mechanism can control the locking and unlocking of all the main lock assemblies synchronously. The main lock hook is provided with a plurality of first protruding teeth matched with the main lock assemblies.

Further, the control mechanism includes a customs lock and a drive assembly. The customs lock is arranged on an inner side of the lock cover of the main lock housing. The drive assembly is disposed within the main lock housing.

Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a pusher, at least one reduction gear, a first rack and a second rack. The pusher is slidably arranged in the main lock housing. A push button of the pusher protrudes from a through hole of the lock cover and is slidably matched with the through hole. A bottom of the push button is provided with a rack portion. The rack portion is engaged with a bull gear of the reduction gear. The first rack and the second rack are both slidably arranged in the main lock housing. In addition, the first rack and the second rack are engaged with the pinion gear of the reduction gear. An end of the first rack is connected to a main lock assembly. An end of the second rack is connected to another main lock assembly.

In some embodiments, each of the main lock assemblies can include a first button, a first gear and a first spring. The first gear can be rotatably arranged in the main lock housing. In addition, the first gear can be engaged with the plurality of first protruding teeth on the corresponding main lock hook. The first button can be rotatably arranged in the main lock housing. A first notch can be provided on a side of one end of the first button adjacent to the first gear. The other end of the first button can be movably connected to the first rack or the second rack. One end of the first spring can be connected to the other end of the first button. Under the action of the first spring, the first notch can be snap-connected to the teeth of the first gear.

In some embodiments, the main lock also can include a ball plunger and a ball plunger spring. The ball plunger can be movably arranged in the main lock housing. The ball plunger spring can be arranged between the ball plunger and the main lock housing, and the ball plunger spring biases the ball plunger against the pusher. The pusher can be provided with a first indication hole and a second indication hole which are matched with the ball plunger.

In some embodiments, when the customs lock is locked, a pressing piece of the customs lock can be pressed down against a tail surface of the pusher.

In some embodiments, the novel multi-stage interlock can also include several side locks and side lock hooks matched with the side locks in one-to-one correspondence. The side lock hook can be provided with a plurality of second protruding teeth. The control mechanism can simultaneously control the locking and unlocking of several side locks while controlling the locking and unlocking of the main lock assembly.

In some embodiments, the side lock includes a side lock housing and a side lock assembly disposed in the side lock housing. The side lock assembly can include a second button, a second gear and a second spring. The second gear can be rotatably arranged in the side lock housing, and the second gear can be engaged with a plurality of protruding teeth on the side lock hook. The second button can be rotatably arranged in the side lock housing. One end of the second button can be provided with a second notch on one side adjacent to the second gear, and the other end of the second button can be connected to the control mechanism through a cable. The second spring can be arranged between the second button and the side lock housing. Under the action of the second spring, the second notch can be snap-connected to the teeth of the second gear.

In some embodiments, the cable can include an outer sleeve and a core rope. The outer sleeve can be fitted over the core rope. One end of the core rope extending out from the outer sleeve can be connected to the second button, and the other end of the core rope extending out from the outer sleeve can be connected to the control mechanism or another second button.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a case including an upper case body, a lower case body and the above-mentioned novel multi-stage interlock. The upper case body and the lower case body are locked by the novel multi-stage interlock.

As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following beneficial effects.

The present invention adopts multi-stage interlocking, which can be easily. The reduction gear is used for push and pull to reduce the force of the pushing the buttons, bringing a relative ease experience to the user.

There is a spring force that produces audible feedback when unlocking. Users can clearly know whether the suitcase is closed, giving users a better sense of experience.

In the structure of the present invention, appropriate number of locks can be used based on the size of the luggage to ensure the product can be tightly shut, realizing the modularization of the product, making the production and assembly more convenient. The commonality of the product is strong, and some of die sinking of the product and manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

In order to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly introduces the accompanying drawings that are used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only It is an embodiment of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained according to the provided drawings without creative efforts.

Reference characters in the drawings: main lock <NUM>; main lock hook <NUM>; first protruding teeth <NUM>; side lock <NUM>; side lock hook <NUM>; protruding teeth <NUM>; main lock housing <NUM>; lock base <NUM>; first connection base <NUM>; lock cover <NUM>; through hole <NUM>; first pressing cover <NUM>; second pressing cover <NUM>; main lock assembly <NUM>; first button <NUM>; first notch <NUM>; first counterface <NUM>; second counterface <NUM>; first gear <NUM>; first spring <NUM>; control mechanism <NUM>; pusher <NUM>; push button <NUM>; rack portion <NUM>; tail surface <NUM>; first indication hole <NUM>; second indication hole <NUM>; reduction gear <NUM>; bull gear <NUM>; pinion gear <NUM>; first rack <NUM>; second rack <NUM>; ball plunger <NUM>; ball plunger spring <NUM>; customs lock <NUM>; pressing plate <NUM>; cable <NUM>; outer sleeve <NUM>; core rope <NUM>; bowl base <NUM>; side lock housing <NUM>; first side pressing cover <NUM>; second side pressing cover <NUM>; second connection base <NUM>; side lock assembly <NUM>; second button <NUM>; second notch <NUM>; third counterface <NUM>; fourth counterface <NUM>; second gear <NUM>; second spring <NUM>.

The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention can be implemented in many different ways as defined and covered by the claims.

The present invention is further described below with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, a novel multi-stage interlock includes a main lock <NUM>, a pair of main lock hooks <NUM> matched with the main lock, a pair of side locks <NUM>, and a pair of side lock hooks <NUM> corresponding one-to-one to the side locks <NUM>. The main lock <NUM> includes a main lock housing <NUM>, a control mechanism <NUM> and a pair of main lock assemblies <NUM>. The main lock housing <NUM> includes a lock base <NUM>, and a lock cover <NUM>, a first pressing cover <NUM>, and a second pressing cover <NUM> connected to the lock base <NUM>. The first pressing cover <NUM> and the second pressing cover <NUM> are located at both sides of the lock cover <NUM>, respectively. The main lock assemblies <NUM> and the control mechanism <NUM> are both arranged in the main lock housing <NUM>. The pair of main lock assemblies <NUM> are located on both sides of the control mechanism, respectively. One of the pair of main lock assemblies <NUM> is arranged between the first pressing cover <NUM> and the lock base <NUM>, and the other one is arranged between the second pressing cover <NUM> and the lock base <NUM>. Each of the main lock hooks <NUM> is provided with a plurality of first protruding teeth <NUM> adapted for the main lock assemblies <NUM>. Each of the side lock hooks <NUM> is provided with a plurality of second protruding teeth <NUM>. The control mechanism <NUM> is capable of controlling the locking and unlocking of the pair of main lock assemblies <NUM> and the locking and unlocking of the pair of side locks <NUM>, synchronously.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the control mechanism <NUM> includes a customs lock <NUM> and a drive assembly. The customs lock <NUM> is arranged on an inner side of the lock cover <NUM> of the main lock housing <NUM>. The drive assembly is disposed within the main lock housing <NUM>. The drive assembly includes a pusher <NUM>, a pair of reduction gears <NUM>, a first rack <NUM> and a second rack <NUM>. The pusher <NUM> is slidably arranged in the main lock housing <NUM>. A push button <NUM> of the pusher <NUM> protrudes from a through hole <NUM> of the lock cover <NUM> and is slidably matched with the through hole <NUM>. A bottom of the push button <NUM> is provided with a rack portion <NUM>. The rack portion <NUM> is engaged with a bull gear <NUM> of one of the reduction gear <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> of the reduction gear <NUM> is engaged with a bull gear <NUM> of the other one of the reduction gear <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> of the other one of the reduction gear <NUM> is further engaged with the first rack <NUM> and the second rack <NUM>, and the first rack <NUM> and the second rack <NUM> are both slidably arranged within the main lock housing <NUM>. An end of the first rack <NUM> is connected to one of the main lock assemblies <NUM>. An end of the second rack <NUM> is connected to the other one of the main lock assemblies <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the main lock assembly <NUM> includes a first button <NUM>, a first gear <NUM> and a first spring <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> is rotatably arranged in the main lock housing <NUM>. In addition, the first gear <NUM> can be engaged with the plurality of first protruding teeth <NUM> on the corresponding main lock hook <NUM>. The first button <NUM> is rotatably arranged in the main lock housing <NUM>. A first notch <NUM> is provided on a side of one end of the first button <NUM> adjacent to the first gear <NUM>. The other end of the first button <NUM> is movably connected to the first rack <NUM> or the second rack <NUM>. One end of the first spring <NUM> is connected to the other end of the first button <NUM>, while the other end of the first spring <NUM> is abutted against the first rack <NUM> or the second rack <NUM>. The first spring <NUM> biases the other end of the first button <NUM> against a bowl base <NUM> of the first rack <NUM> or the second rack <NUM>. Under the action of the first spring <NUM>, the first notch <NUM> can be snap-connected to the teeth of the first gear <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the side lock <NUM> includes a side lock housing <NUM> and a side lock assembly <NUM> arranged within the side lock housing <NUM>. The side lock housing <NUM> includes a first side pressing cover <NUM>, and a second side pressing cover <NUM> connected to the first side pressing cover <NUM>. The side lock assembly <NUM> includes a second button <NUM>, a second gear, and a second spring <NUM>. The second gear <NUM> is rotatably arranged on the second side pressing cover <NUM>, and the second gear <NUM> is capable of engaging with the plurality of second protruding teeth <NUM> on the side lock hook <NUM>. The second button <NUM> is rotatably arranged on the second side pressing cover <NUM>. One end of the second button <NUM> is provided with a second notch <NUM> on one side adjacent to the second gear <NUM>, and the other end of the second button <NUM> is connected to the first rack <NUM> or the second rack <NUM> through a cable <NUM>. The second spring <NUM> is arranged between the second button <NUM> and the side lock housing <NUM>. Under the action of the second spring <NUM>, the second notch <NUM> can be snap-connected to the teeth of the second gear <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the main lock <NUM> further includes a ball plunger <NUM> and a ball plunger spring <NUM>. The ball plunger <NUM> is movably arranged in the main lock housing <NUM>. The ball plunger spring <NUM> is arranged between the ball plunger <NUM> and the main lock housing <NUM>, and the ball plunger spring <NUM> biases the ball plunger <NUM> against the pusher <NUM>. The pusher <NUM> is provided with a first indication hole <NUM> and a second indication hole <NUM> which are matched with the ball plunger <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the cable <NUM> includes an outer sleeve <NUM> and a core rope <NUM>. The outer sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the core rope <NUM>. One end of the outer sleeve <NUM> is connected to a second connection base <NUM> on the second side pressing cover <NUM>, and the other end of the outer sleeve <NUM> is connected to a first connection base <NUM> on the lock base <NUM>. One end of the core rope <NUM> extending out from the outer sleeve <NUM> is connected to the second button <NUM>, and the other end of the core rope <NUM> extending out from the outer sleeve <NUM> is connected to the first rack <NUM> or the second rack <NUM>.

The embodiments of the present invention further provides a case including a upper case body and a lower case body. The upper case body and the lower case body are locked by the novel multi-stage interlock. The main lock <NUM> is arranged on the side of the lower case body. The pair of side locks <NUM> are arranged on the side of the lower case body and at both sides adjacent to the side where the main lock <NUM> is located. The side opposite to the side where the lower case body and the main lock <NUM> located is engaged with the upper body by hinges. Two main lock hooks <NUM> and two side lock hooks <NUM> are arranged on the upper case body, respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, when the pusher <NUM> is in a locking state, closing the case, and the main lock hooks <NUM> and the side lock hook <NUM> are closed at the same time, the main lock hook <NUM> drives the corresponding first gear <NUM> to rotate. The rotation of the first gear <NUM> forces the first button <NUM> to overcome the force of the first spring <NUM>. After the main lock hook <NUM> locks to a next level, the first button <NUM> is subjected to the force of the first spring <NUM> and fasten the first gear <NUM>. At the same time, a sound will be generated to let the user know that the main locking hook <NUM> is anchored. Because the first button <NUM> is pushed by the first spring <NUM>, the first counterface <NUM> and the second counterface <NUM> of the first button <NUM> stand against the first gear <NUM>, so that the first gear <NUM><NUM> cannot be reversed, and the case is in a closed state. When the main lock hook <NUM> drives the corresponding first gear <NUM> to rotate, the side lock hooks <NUM> drive the corresponding second gear <NUM> to rotate. The rotation of the second gear <NUM> forces the second button <NUM> to overcome the force of the second spring <NUM>. When the side lock hooks <NUM> are pressed to a next level, the second button <NUM> will be subjected to the force of the second spring <NUM> and anchor the second gear <NUM>. At the same time, a crash sound will be generated to let the user know that the side lock hook <NUM> is anchored. Because the second button <NUM> is pushed by the second spring <NUM>, the third counterface <NUM> and the fourth counterface <NUM> of the second button <NUM> are against the second gear <NUM>, so that the second gear <NUM> cannot be reversed, and the case is in a closed state. At the same time, the ball plunger <NUM> is pressed against the pusher <NUM> by the force of the ball plunger spring <NUM>, so that the pusher <NUM> will not be pushed arbitrarily. When the user locks the password of the customs lock <NUM>, the pressing piece <NUM> of the customs lock <NUM> is pressed down against the tail surface <NUM> of the pusher <NUM>, so that the lock is in a closed state. When the case needs to be opened, pushing the pusher <NUM> so that the second indication hole <NUM> of the pusher <NUM> fastens the ball plunger <NUM> , and the pusher <NUM> is in an open state by the force of the ball plunger spring <NUM>. At the same time, the ball plunger <NUM> is hit by the elastic force of the ball plunger spring <NUM> and collides with the pusher <NUM> to generate a crash sound, so that the user can clearly feel the feedback of the sound, and know that the switch is in place. When the pusher <NUM> is pushed, the pusher <NUM> drives a reduction gear <NUM> to rotate, and then the reduction gear <NUM> drives the first rack <NUM> and the second rack <NUM> to move through the other reduction gear <NUM>, making the first rack <NUM> and the second rack <NUM> move. The second rack <NUM> drives the corresponding first button <NUM> to rotate, so that the first counterface <NUM> and second counterface <NUM> of the first button <NUM> are separated from the first gear <NUM>, so that the first gear <NUM> can rotate freely, and the main lock hook <NUM> can be freely disengaged with the first gear <NUM>. At the same time, the second rack <NUM> of the first rack <NUM> pulls the cable <NUM>, so that the third counterface <NUM> and the fourth counterface <NUM> of the second button <NUM> are separated from the second gear <NUM>, so that the second gear <NUM> can rotate freely, and the side lock hook <NUM> can be freely disengaged from the second gear <NUM>, allowing the case to open.

In addition, the quantity of the appropriate side locks <NUM> can be selected based on the size of the luggage, to ensure that the product is tightly closed.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, when the case is small, and requires a few of force for closing, the side lock can be removed, realizing product modularization, making production more convenient. The commonality is better and some of die sinking of the product and manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Claim 1:
A novel multi-stage interlock, comprising a main lock (<NUM>) and a pair of main lock hooks (<NUM>) adapted for the main lock (<NUM>); the main lock (<NUM>) comprises a main lock housing (<NUM>), a control mechanism (<NUM>) and a pair of main lock assemblies (<NUM>); the main lock assemblies (<NUM>) and the control mechanism (<NUM>) are both arranged in the main lock housing (<NUM>); the pair of main lock assemblies (<NUM>) are located on both sides of the control mechanism (<NUM>); the control mechanism (<NUM>) is capable of controlling the locking and unlocking of all the main lock assemblies (<NUM>) synchronously; the main lock hooks (<NUM>) are provided with a plurality of first protruding teeth (<NUM>) cooperated with the main lock assemblies (<NUM>);
the control mechanism (<NUM>) comprises a customs lock (<NUM>) and a drive assembly; the customs lock (<NUM>) is arranged on an inner side of a lock cover (<NUM>) of the main lock housing (<NUM>); the drive assembly is disposed within the main lock housing (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the drive assembly includes a pusher (<NUM>), at least one reduction gear (<NUM>), a first rack (<NUM>) and a second rack (<NUM>); the pusher (<NUM>) is slidably arranged in the main lock housing (<NUM>); a push button (<NUM>) of the pusher (<NUM>) protrudes from a through hole (<NUM>) of the lock cover (<NUM>) and is slidably matched with the through hole (<NUM>); a bottom of the push button (<NUM>) is provided with a rack portion (<NUM>); the rack portion (<NUM>) is engaged with a bull gear (<NUM>) of the reduction gear (<NUM>); the first rack (<NUM>) and the second rack (<NUM>) are both slidably arranged in the main lock housing (<NUM>); the first rack (<NUM>) and the second rack (<NUM>) are engaged with the pinion gear (<NUM>) of the reduction gear (<NUM>); an end of the first rack (<NUM>) is connected to one of the main lock assemblies (<NUM>); an end of the second rack (<NUM>) is connected to the other one of the main lock assemblies (<NUM>).