The Basic Structure and Principle of Cam Locks

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The cam lock is common in both daily life and industrial settings.

The cam type door lock is a simple and cost-effective door lock type that can be widely used by engineers in various applications. This type of door lock includes a main body that is usually fixed to a moving panel or door panel. A locking lever that can be rotated to engage non-moving or fixed panels. Once the door panel is closed, the locking tab will rotate behind the fixed panel to secure the moving panel or door panel.

The locking rod can be driven by performing simple twisting or rotating movements with hands or tools. To enhance safety, a locking mechanism can be incorporated into the head shape. The latch bar is usually used to close and secure storage cabinet doors and various other cabinet doors.

Rotary cam locks can usually be manufactured by using various materials, including stainless steel and zinc.

The structure of a cam turning lock generally consists of a lock cylinder, cam turning, lock case, and key. The lock cylinder is the core component of the cam lock and the key to controlling the movement of the cam. The rotating cam is a metal strip, with one end connected to the lock cylinder and the other end inserted into the lock hole in the lock housing. When the lock cylinder is correctly rotated, the cam will follow the rotation of the lock cylinder and move up and down, aligning the lock hole with the lock hole on the door frame, achieving unlocking or locking of the lock.

The basic structure of the cam lock is as follows.

The rotating cam lock commonly seen in daily life consists of a lock cam, lock body, nut, screw, and key.

The principle of a cam lock can be summarized as the following steps.

Key insertion into the lock cylinder: when the key is inserted into the lock cylinder, the slot of the key will correspond to the spring of the lock cylinder. Spring pieces are some metal pieces on the lock cylinder. When the key is inserted, the spring pieces are pushed by the teeth of the key, allowing the lock cylinder to rotate.

Lock cylinder rotation: when the key is inserted and rotated, the lock cylinder will rotate accordingly. The gears and teeth on the lock cylinder correspond to the groove of the key. It can be rotated to engage the gears on the lock cylinder and the lock housing.

Moving the cam up and down: When the lock cylinder rotates, the cam will follow its movement up and down. One end of the cam is connected to the lock cylinder, and the other end is inserted into the lock hole in the lock housing. When the cam is lifted, the lock hole on the door frame aligns with the lock hole, and the door can be opened. When the cam is turned down, the lock hole is not aligned with the lock hole on the door frame. The door cannot be opened.

Locking and unlocking: When the hinge is lifted, the door can be opened and the lock is in the unlocked state. When the cam rotates downwards, the door cannot be opened and the lock is in a locked state. The process of locking and unlocking completely depends on the rotation of the lock cylinder and the up and down movement of the rotating cam.
The principle of the cam lock is simple and reliable. Through reasonable design and manufacturing, the cam lock can provide high safety. The shape and groove of the key can be designed as needed to increase the complexity and security of the lock. At the same time, the cam lock can be combined with other safety devices, such as anti-prying lock cylinders, anti-dismantling lock shells, etc., to provide higher protection capabilities.

Rotating a cam lock is a widely used mechanical lock, which is based on the rotation of the lock cylinder and the up and down movement of the rotating cam. By inserting and rotating the key, the lock cylinder can control the movement of the cam. Thereby it will achieve the unlocking and locking of the lock. The cam lock is simple and reliable, which is widely used in various fields.