Locking device

Abstract

Locking devices for locking two components that move relative to one another such as a housing and a cover are disclosed. The locking devices have two catches disposed on one component and opposite to one another and symmetrically with respect to a stop disposed on the second component and arranged in a plane of symmetry between the opposing catches. The catches have hook ends facing the plane of symmetry and the two catches are connected to a common shaft at the ends of the catches facing away from the hook ends. The common shaft is disposed in the plane of symmetry and is movable within the plane of symmetry toward and away from the stop. The shaft is arranged on a spindle disposed in the plane of symmetry or parallel to the plane of symmetry and engaged with a motor-driven gear to effect movement of the shaft. The catches have longitudinally-extending guide elements whose longitudinal axis does not run parallel to the plane of symmetry. The guide elements engage stationary guide pins disposed parallel and symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry. This arrangement provides the guidance of the catches when the shaft is moved toward and away from the stop. When the shaft is at rest in a position nearest to the stop, the hook ends of the catches are opposed across the plane of symmetry. When the shaft is moved downwardly away from the stop, the hook ends of the catches move into the plane of symmetry, without lateral forces, to close around the stop from two opposing sides. This ensures equal stress on the closed lock from all sides, even under high stress and, particularly, high lateral stresses placed upon the locked-together components.