FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to a quick interchange mechanism. Particularly it relates to a quick release and connecting device that enables convenient and repeated assembling and separation of an interchangeable part or assembly such as a circuit board, a drawer, a window, a seat, a steering wheel, a headlight depending on a choice of styling options defined by the owner or user that is accomplished by constructing it two parts designated as Left Hand Side (LHS) and Right Hand Side (RHS) assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

In the recent era, people are busy with their routine schedule. They face many difficulties if their busy schedules disturbed. Also, due to the fast changes in trends of use of products in all the areas they have to upgrade with that trend. Also there is class of people who has wide interest in employing different styles in the appliances on regular intervals. In these kind of situation, that is difficult to visit workshops or repair shop for repairing or upgrading the parts of the assembly or call the technical person to come up and change the parts according to the latest trend. Even for minor change or repair work it’s difficult for normal person to handle due to lack of technical or industrial toolkit.

For example, vehicles are currently available in the market having a single engine and frame which can be embodied with any one of a number of optional body structures as determined by a user's order. A given make and model of automobile, for example, is offered with any of various body parts that can be selected according to the user's option. Among the options are a hatchback or sedan back, white head light or yellow headlight, square handle or curved handle and the like. Some styles are available in which the seller adds design elements tending to make the automobile more recognizable for a given style or character, e.g., a racier version of a basic car, or a heavier duty version, etc. Although such vehicles give the user a wide initial choice of vehicle product, and allow the manufacturer a certain standardization by employing some of the same underlying vehicle structures for all the models, these vehicles are not adapted to allow the owner to readily change body styles, functional modules or the like once the automobile has been built.

The optional design or functional parts of automobiles, home appliances, electrical appliances, industrial appliances on sale are so intimately and permanently attached to the core frame that any attempt to change options after the fact amounts to remanufacturing the appliance. Typically such changes require cutting and welding, replacement of incidental parts of the basic appliance and the like. Also it takes more days to dissemble and assemble.

In connection with cars, the car manufacturing company manufacture the car with yellow headlight. For example, the user wants to use the white headlight. For that the user have to visit the workshop where the mechanic with his tools and assembly, replace the headlight. This may take upto 1-2 days or more. Now, the user wants to change the headlight again. So for that he has to repeat all the schedule performed earlier. The same is applicable to any other products or appliances.

To enable convenient assembling and fastening of an interchangeable part or assembly to a core frame, and to enable easy disassembling of an interchangeable part or assembly from the frame when necessary, a quick release mechanism is usually provided on the interchangeable part or assembly or the frame. Various types of quick release mechanisms are known, and each type of interchangeable part or assembly has a corresponding quick release mechanism designed for it.

US20200080578A1 discloses a quick release connecting device includes an actuating retainer and a fixing member movably assembled to the actuating retainer. The fixing member includes a pivot portion and a pivot member movably mounted to the pivot portion; and the pivot member is coupled with a second object. The fixing member includes a limiting section and the pivot member includes a corresponding limiting section, such that the limiting section and the corresponding limiting section limit or stop each other at a specific location when the fixing member is moved or rotated. With these arrangements, the quick release connecting device can be applied to conveniently and repeatedly connect and separate a circuit board, a drawer, or a window to and from a corresponding rack, chassis, cabinet or window frame.

US4880084A discloses a linear friction lock mechanism of the type having a rod axially translatable through a lock housing, at least one locking coil spring axially fixed to the housing and having an inner coil diameter such that the coil spring normally grips the rod against such axial movement, and a lock release mechanism actuatable for unwinding the locking coil spring thereby to free the rod for movement through the housing. This linear lock is improved by providing a backup latch element mounted to the housing and spring loaded towards interlocking engagement with the rod redundantly holds the rod against axial movement through the lock housing independently of the locking coil spring to eliminate creeping of the rod through the spring. Manual and remote cable release mechanisms are optional.

US4842326A discloses a modular motor vehicles are provided with a plurality of independently operable functionally different automobile and truck type core vehicles and a plurality of interchangeable functionally different body and chassis modules attachable to the core vehicles. The core vehicles utilize standardized first engagement means including frames and adapter plate elements connected to or "unitized" into the core vehicles. Said first engagement means of the cores have positioning elements and alternating connecting elements at standardized predetermined spacing and location defining a structurally rigid bed for the modules. The modules incorporate a second engagement means, located and spaced to compliment said first engagement means, making it possible to easily align, connect and disconnect the modules with respect to the core vehicles

The problems associated with available quick release mechanism is to mating the object properly and then lock securely together. Also, the conventional quick release mechanisms are not free from using the tools. To enable two mating objects, such as the interchangeable part or assembly and the frame, to be repeatedly assembled to and separated from each other in a quick and convenient manner, it is desirable to develop an improved quick interchange mechanism that includes means to first assist in assembling the two mating parts or assemblies easily , then locking them securely during operation, and finally pushing away a first one of the two mating objects, so that the second object can be easily pulled out of the first object for interchange with another type of the second object to replace its erstwhile counterpart or assembly in the mated position.

So, it is desperately needed to develop a quick interchange mechanism which will help to interchange part or assembly such as a circuit board, a drawer, a window, a seat, a steering wheel, a handle, a tank, a headlight from a core frame depending on a choice of styling options defined by the owner or user of the appliance.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:

The principle object of the present invention is to overcome all the mentioned and existed drawbacks of the prior arts by providing a quick interchange mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a quick interchange mechanism that includes left hand side assembly and right hand side assembly limitedly movably and completely detachably assembled to each other, so that a second part or assembly of appliance, detachably connected to a core frame or part or assembly of the appliance. Another object of the present invention is to provide secure multiple and redundant locking to the two assemblies in the mated condition so that they can be used safely in automobiles or other applications involving motion or transportation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a quick interchange mechanism which allow the user to interchange or detach the part from the core frame without the use of any tools or visiting the workshop.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a quick interchange mechanism which having cross pin locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the assemblies.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a quick interchange mechanism having redundant lock to allow for safe fastening in the mated condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

In view that the prior art quick interchange mechanisms are not perfect for use, it is tried by the inventor to develop an improved quick release connecting device to enable convenient and repeated assembling and separation of an interchangeable part or assembly to and from a vehicle or automotive frame and other core portions of any product on which interchangeable parts or assemblies are required to be interchanged.

The present invention is all about a quick interchange mechanism.

The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a quick release and connecting device that enables convenient and repeated assembling and separation of an interchangeable part or assembly such as a circuit board, a drawer, a window, a seat, a steering wheel, a handle, a tank, a headlight from a core frame depending on a choice of styling options defined by the owner or user of the appliance.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a quick interchange mechanism to quick assemble and dissemble appliance parts comprising at least two assemblies, a left hand side assembly accommodated onto a core frame and a right hand side assembly accommodated onto a part to be interchange; a main holder incorporated on the right hand side assembly; a male spline with an extension which coupled onto a spline holder of the right hand side assembly through its outer diameter; a female spline that fitted on the main holder of the left hand side assembly through its outer diameter; a spring, at least one circlip and a washers accommodated on left hand side assembly provides a push back to the right hand side assembly; a locking sleeve provided to lock the two assemblies; a cross pin locking mechanism mounted on the left hand side assembly having a body, a cross pin plunger, a restraining pin, a spring, and lift-lock pin; characterized in that, said cross pin locking mechanism which consists of a lift-lock pin that linked crosswise on the cross-pin plunger to enable to lift it to its limit positions so as to allow the cross-pin plunger to fit in the male spline for locking mated assemblies or allow the interchange between the parts that are fitted the left hand side assembly and the right hand side assembly.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a quick interchange mechanism that includes left hand side and right hand side assemblies limitedly movably and completely detachably assembled to each other, so that a second part of the appliance, such as a circuit board, a drawer, a window, a seat, a steering wheel, a handle, a tank, a headlight, detachably connected to a core frame or part or assembly , such as a rack, chassis, cabinet or vehicle frame, or an automotive frame via the right hand side assembly and the left hand side assembly can be conveniently and repeatedly assembled to and separated from each other while providing for a safe conduit to allow passage of wires, water, air and any other medium that need to pass through the two assemblies to retain useful function of the two jointly and severally.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a cross pin locking mechanism which consists of a body or housing, which has a special slot which enables the restraining pin to rest in the ‘unlocked’ position of the two left hand side and right hand side assemblies while they are still mated through the male and female splines. Its outer shape is matched with the radially displaced holes provided for it in the main holder which is attached to the core frame as part of the left hand side assembly. It has a through hole to hold the plunging pin. The housing has an inner hollow space that is accessed by openings on two opposite sides of its diameter to house a spring and to assemble the restraining pin as well as the cross pin.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide multiple redundant lock provided to the assembly in the mated condition through - a. a mechanical engagement of the cross-pin plunger into one of the radially displaced holes in the male spline. b. An electro-mechanical engagement of the cross-pin plunger into one of the radially displaced holes in the male spline. c. Engagement of the outer thread form of the main holder and inner thread form of the locking sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a partially sectioned assembled perspective view of a quick interchange mechanism according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned view of left hand side assembly and right hand side assemblies placed next to one another. FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned view of left hand side assembly.

FIG. 4 is a partially sectioned view of right hand side assembly.

FIG. 5 is a representation of the spring used in the Main Holder.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of the Cross-pin plunger body or housing.

FIG. 7 is a drawing of the Cross-pin plunger with lift-lock pin. FIG. 8 is a drawing of Female Spline.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of locking sleeve.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of Main Holder of left hand side assembly.

FIG. 11 is a drawing of Male Spline Holder.

FIG. 12 is a drawing of Male Spline. FIG. 13 is a representation of the spring used in the Cross-pin assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

The present invention overcomes the aforesaid drawbacks of conventional mechanism. The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will now be described in greater detail. Also, the following description includes various specific details and is to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that: without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure and its various embodiments there may be any number of changes and modifications described herein.

It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred, systems are now described.

Throughout the invention, the “core frame” used is the main frame of any appliance in which parts can be interchange like machinery, cabinet, window, home appliances, industrial appliances or automobile vehicles.

The appliances can be selected from machinery, cabinet, window, industrial gadgets, electrical appliance, automobile vehicles, etc.

The main embodiment of the present invention is to provide a quick interchange mechanism, and more particularly, to a quick release and connecting device that enables convenient and repeated assembling and separation of an interchangeable part or assembly such as a circuit board, a drawer, a window, a seat, a steering wheel, a handle, a tank, a headlight from a core frame depending on a choice of styling options defined by the owner or user of the appliances.

As per detail embodiments of the present invention, a quick interchange mechanism (100) to quick assemble and dissemble parts comprising:- a. at least two assemblies, a left hand side assembly (3) accommodated onto a core frame and a right hand side assembly (4) accommodated onto a part to be interchange; b. a main holder (10) incorporated on the right hand side assembly (4); c. a male spline (12) with an extension which coupled onto a spline holder (11) of the right hand side assembly (4) through its outer diameter; d. a female spline (8) that fitted on the main holder (10) of the left hand side assembly (3) through its outer diameter; e. a spring (5), at least one circlip (3A) and a washers accommodated on left hand side assembly (3) provides a push back to the right hand side assembly

(4); f. a locking sleeve (9) provided to lock the two assemblies (3, 4); g. a cross pin locking mechanism ( 1 A) mounted on the left hand side assembly (3) having a body, a cross pin plunger (7), a restraining pin (lAa), a spring (13), and lift-lock pin (7B); characterized in that, said cross pin locking mechanism (1A) which consists of a lift-lock pin (7B) that linked crosswise on the cross-pin plunger (7) to enable to lift it to its limit positions so as to allow the cross-pin plunger to fit in the male spline for locking mated assemblies (3, 4) or allow the interchange between the parts that are fitted the left hand side assembly (3) and the right hand side assembly (4).

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, two assemblies (3, 4) that are independently welded or fixed onto a core frame that remains fixed and which is welded with left hand side assembly (3). While fixing one of the assemblies (3, 4) into the core frame by means of a main holder (10), cross pin locking mechanism (1A) has to insert which could be manual or electromechanical or both to provide a redundant cross pin lock to the final mated assembly. Furthermore, a spline holder which fixed to the core frame by means of a hollow pipe (1C) so that in the mated condition, the hollow annular space formed running through the entire assembly in the mated condition. Said spline holder (11) fixed with a female spline (8) to ensure that it mates with its male counterpart (12) on the right hand side assembly (4) so that it moves in a linear manner without any relative rotation between the left hand side assembly (3) and right hand side assembly (4).

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, said left hand side assembly (3) has a spring (5) and at least one circlips (3A) and washers which provide a push back to the right hand side assembly (4) at the time of disengagement for the purposes of quick interchange. The left hand side assembly (3) can be fitted onto the core frame by means of a hollow pipe (1C) or directly welding or fixing it by any other means onto the body of the core frame at a desired location.

As per the detailed embodiment of the present invention, two assemblies (3, 4) independently welded or fixed onto a core frame that remains constant and interchangeable part or assembly which is welded into the other (right hand side) of the two assemblies (3, 4). While fixing one of the assemblies (3, 4) into the interchangeable assembly, a locking sleeve (9) has inserted so that the locking sleeve (9) is retained loosely on the interchangeable side and can be brought into action to lock the two assemblies (3, 4) in the mated condition. Said spline holder (11) which is fixed to the interchangeable part by means of a hollow pipe (ID) so that the in the mated condition, there is hollow annular space running through the entire assembly in the mated condition. Furthermore, said spline holder is fixed with a male spline (12) to ensure that it mates with its female counterpart (8) on the left hand side assembly (3) ensuring that it moves in a linear manner without any relative rotation between the left hand side assembly (3) and the right hand side assembly (4). Said right hand side assembly (4) fitted onto the core frame by means of directly welding or fixing it by any other means with a hollow pipe (ID) at a desired location onto the body of the core frame at the surface of a male spline holder (11) after inserting the locking sleeve (9).

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, said main holder (10) which has hollow passage structure to receive the female spline (8) as an insert, radially displaced one or more holes (12A) to receive the cross-pin locking mechanism (1A), that is either mechanical or electromechanical, a space to hold a spring (5), circlips (3A), and washers. On the other surface of said holder (10), a threaded mating provision provided which matches with the locking sleeve (9) included in the right hand side assembly (4) and which maybe single or multiple start type and square or any other form.

As per detail embodiment of the present invention, a cross pin locking mechanism (1A) provided which consists of a body, a cross pin plunger (7), a restraining pin (lAa), a spring (13), and lift-lock pin (7B). Said cross-pin locking mechanism (1A) can also be electromechanical and used to same effect redundantly and concurrently when fixed through the other of the many similarly holes provide on the main holder (10) of the left hand side assembly (3) that are radially displaced from each other.

As per one embodiment of the present invention, a cross pin locking mechanism (1A) which consists of a body or housing, which has a special slot which enables the restraining pin (lAa) to rest in the ‘unlocked’ position of the two left hand side assembly (3) and right hand side assembly (4) while the assemblies (3, 4) still mated through the male spline (12) and female spline (8). Its outer shape is matched with the radially displaced holes (12A) provided for it in the main holder (10) which attached to the core frame as part of the left hand side assembly (3). It has a through hole to hold the plunging pin (7). The housing has an inner hollow space that is accessed by openings on two opposite sides of its diameter to house a spring and to assemble the restraining pin (lAa) as well as the cross-pin (1A). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said cross pin plunger (7) sited in the housing, and can be lifted by the lift-lock pin (7B) that is fitted on it against the spring (13) in the housing and locked in the housing through the restraining pin (lAa) or allowed to extend as a plunger into the hole made for it in the male spline

(12) of the right hand side assembly (4) in the mated condition of the left hand side assembly (3) and right hand side assembly (4).

As per one embodiment of the present invention, a cross-pin locking mechanism (1A) which consists of a restraining pin (lAa) which fits into the cross-pin plunger (7) and in its limiting positions sits on the inner base of the housing of the cross-pin locking mechanism (1 A) or the slot provided on the surface of the cross-pin locking mechanism (1A). Said cross pin locking mechanism (1A) which consists of a spring

(13) of diameter that fits inside of the inner hollow of the housing. Also, said cross pin locking mechanism (1A) which consists of a lift-lock pin (7B) that fitted crosswise on the cross-pin plunger (7) to enable to lift it to its limit positions so as to allow the cross-pin plunger to fit in the male spline (12) for locking mated assemblies (3, 4) or allow the interchange between the parts that are fitted the assemblies (3, 4).

As per another embodiment of the present invention, said locking sleeve (9) which has an internal threaded mating provision which matches with the main holder (10) included in the left hand side assembly (3) and which maybe single or multiple start type and square or any other form. Furthermore, the locking sleeve (9) has a rough knurled surface on the outer diameter to enable a good grip even when a small sector of the outer diameter is exposed for execution of locking operation.

As per one embodiment of the present invention, said male spline (12) with an extension that is welded or fits onto another embodiment called the spline holder (11) of the right hand side assembly (4) through its outer diameter and has an external spline on its outer diameter such that it mates with a male spline (12) of appropriate dimension to allow linear motion without rotation. The male spline (12) has also into radially displaced through holes (12A) and is hollow throughout.

As per one embodiment of the present invention, said spline holder (11) that is welded or fits onto another embodiment called the male spline (12) of the right hand side assembly (4) through its inner diameter. It is hollow throughout and has provision such that it may be fitted onto an interchangeable part or assembly by means of a hollow pipe (ID) or directly welding or fixing it by any other means onto the body of an interchangeable part or assembly at a desired location (11A).

As per another embodiment, the appliance can be selected from machinery, cabinet, window, industrial gadgets, electrical appliance, automobile vehicles, etc. in which the parts are interchangeable.

Referring to figures 1 to 4 of the present invention, the sectional views show all the parts in various states of assembly. Figure 1 shows the primary embodiment consisting of the left hand side assembly (3) and the right hand side assembly (4) in a mated and locked condition. In this condition the male spline (12) has slid into the female spline (8) and while being in contact throughout the mating surface, its radially displaced hole (12A), has accepted the first lock which is the plunger-pin (7) that is activated mechanically or electromechanically through the cross pin locking mechanism (1A). The locking sleeve (9) is also in the mated condition with its corresponding counterpart thread (10A) on the main holder (10) of the LHS Assembly (3) and forms the second or third (if both mechanical and electromechanical plungers are used in two locations of the same assembly) redundant lock to provide safe fastening in the mated condition. Said left hand side assembly (3) maybe fitted onto the core frame by means of a hollow pipe (1C) or directly welding or fixing it by any other means at a desired location onto the body of the core frame at the surface of the main holder (10) marked (1C). Said, right hand side assembly (4) maybe fitted onto the core frame by means of directly welding or fixing it by any other means with a hollow pipe at a desired location onto the body of the core frame at the surface of the male spline holder (11) marked (11A) after inserting the locking sleeve (9) . In addition, the male spline (12) has pushed against the circlip (3A) so as to compress the spring (5) such that a push- force is available to enable a ‘quick-release’ during the next interchange.

Referring to figure 2 of the present invention, the unmated position of the assemblies is shown to highlight the unlock process and explain the working of the cross pin locking mechanism (1A), which is assembled on main holder (10) of the left hand side assembly (3). At the time of interchange of an existing part or assembly arises, all the locks need to be unlocked before the male spline (12) can be removed by sliding it out of the female spline (8) to separate the left hand side assembly (3) and the right hand side assembly (4). For this the lift-lock pin (7B) is lifted and allows the restraining pin (lAa) to be brought to rest in a temporary limit position in the cutout (6A) of the housing (6) of the cross pin locking mechanism (1A). The cross-pin plunger (7) is now lifted from its lock position in the male spline (12) and it becomes free to slide out of the female spline (8). This action is possible both mechanically through the lift-lock pin (7B) and by electromechanical means. The locking sleeve (9) maybe unmated before releasing the cross pin locking mechanism (1A) or after releasing its lock as required for facilitating the interchange.

Referring to figure 3 of the present invention, another preferred embodiment - the left hand side assembly (3) is shown in a sectioned view. It is assembled by inserting the spring (5) and circlip (3A) in the location shown the circlip (3A) function to allow the spring (5) to be compressed and expanded in a limited region provided for it in the main holder (10). The female spline (8) is fitted into the main holder (10) at shown location and maybe held in position without rotation by welding to the main holder (10) or glued in place. Said cross-pin locking mechanism (1A) is also pressed into the main holder (10) at shown location and maybe held in position by welding to the main holder (10) or glued in place. Continuously referring to figure 3, another preferred embodiment - the cross-pin locking mechanism (1A) is assembled from the cross-pin plunger (7) which is first inserted into the housing (6) so that the restraining pin (lAa) and the lift-lock pin (7B) can pushed into it with both of them being inside and outside the housing(6) respectively. Before assembling the restraining pin (lAa) and the lift-lock pin (7B), the spring (13) is inserted between the hole (7 A) and the top inner surface of the housing (6) through the rectangular slot (6B).

Referring to figure 4 of the present invention, another preferred embodiment - the RHS Assembly (4) is shown in a sectioned view. It is assembled by first inserting the locking sleeve (9) into a hollow pipe (ID) which is welded or is integral or is fixed by any other means to a part or assembly that is to be interchanged and then welding or fixing by any other means the male spline holder (5) at the depicted location (11A). The male spline (12) is welded or is integral or is fixed by any other means to the male spline holder (5) at the location shown at (4A).

Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the illustrative examples, make and utilize the present invention and practice the claimed methods. It should be understood that the foregoing discussion and examples merely present a detailed description of certain preferred embodiments. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalents can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS:

Quick interchange mechanism (100)

Cross pin locking mechanism (1A)

Restraining pin (lAa)

Hollow pipe (1C)

LHS Assembly (3) Circlip (3A)

RHS Assembly (4) Spring (5)

Plunger- pin (7) Housing (6)

Cutout (6A)

Rectangular slot (6B) Lift-lock pin (7B) Female spline (8) Locking sleeve (9)

Main holder (10)

Thread (10A)

Male spline holder (11) Depicted location (11 A) Male spline (12)

Spring (13)

Hole (12A)