Dual rotating mechanical lock

Abstract

A mechanical lock of the type in which axial translational movement of a rod is prevented by a coil spring which encircles the rod and grips it and being readily released by application of a relatively small force through a relatively short stroke, thereby permitting the mechanical lock to be controlled by a pushbutton control. Rotating bushings adjacent the ends of the springs have beveled faces which cause the locking turns at the ends of the spring to become cocked on the rod to provide a true locking action. The device is unlocked by rotation of the rotating bushings, which unwind the locking turns of the spring, thereby releasing the grip of the spring on the rod. The rotating bushings are rotated in opposite directions by actuating levers which extend outside of the housing of the device. The actuating levers are provided with rollers and are located at the same station along the axis of the rod. A symmetrical wedge-shaped cam is mounted so that it can be drawn axially between the rollers, forcing them apart circumferentially and thereby rotating the actuating lever about the axis of the rod. The wedge-shaped cam is drawn in an axial direction by a cable which is connected to the pushbutton control. The structure of the device simplifies its assembly, thereby reducing the production cost.