Patent Grant
10676962
Exemplary embodiments relate to a latching mechanism for holding an item in a relatively fixed position and selectively releasing the item from engagement with the latching mechanism when desired.
Latches and particularly rotary type latches are useful for holding doors or other items in a fixed position. For example, the rotary latch may hold a door in a closed position closing a compartment. Latches may be selectively released when desired. Some latches may be opened or released manually through movement of one or more release levers in response to manual movement of an item such as a handle. Other latches may include an electrical actuator that is used to selectively release the latch. Such an electrical actuator may operate to release the latch in response to electrical signals. Some latches may include structures that enable the latch to be released either in response to manual movement or in response to an electrical actuator. Such latches and actuators may benefit from improvements.
The following is a brief summary of the subject matter that is described in greater detail herein. This summary is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the claims.
In one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an actuator is provided that is configured for causing a latch assembly to be changed from a closed condition in which an item is held in latched engagement with the latch, to an open condition in which the item is unlatched and disengageable from the latch. The latch assembly includes a catch jaw. The catch jaw is movably configured to be in a first position to engage a member connected to the item when the latch assembly is in the closed condition. The catch jaw is configured to be movable to a second position in which the member may disengage from the catch jaw when the latch assembly is in the open condition.
The exemplary actuator assembly includes a drive and a gear system. The gear system is operatively connected to the drive. The gear system is configured to move a release member. The release member is operative to move in a first direction in response to operation of the drive. The release member is configured to be operatively associated with the catch jaw such that the movement of the release member a distance in a first direction enables the catch jaw to be movable to the second position. The exemplary actuator is a separate unit that may be releasably engaged with the latch assembly.
In another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a latch assembly. The latch assembly is operative to be placed in a closed condition for latching an item and an open condition for unlatching an item. The exemplary latch assembly comprises a moveable catch jaw. The catch jaw is operative in a first position to engage a member connected to the item when the latch assembly is in the closed condition. The catch jaw is configured to be selectively movable to a second position to allow the member to disengage from the catch jaw when the latch assembly is in the open condition. The exemplary apparatus further includes an actuator. The actuator includes a drive and a release member. The drive is in operative connection with the release member. The release member is in operative connection with the catch jaw. The release member is operative to linearly move a distance in a first direction in response to operation of the drive, wherein the linear movement of the release member in the first direction enables the catch jaw to move to the second position.
In another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a latch assembly. The latch assembly is configured to be selectively placed in a closed condition for latching engagement with an item and an open condition for unlatching an item. The exemplary latch assembly includes a moveable catch jaw. The catch jaw is operative in a first position to engage a member operatively connected to the item when the latch assembly is in the closed condition. The catch jaw is operative in a second position to allow the member to disengage from the catch jaw when the latch assembly is in the open condition. The exemplary apparatus further includes an actuator. The actuator includes a drive and a gear system. The drive is operatively connected to the gear system. The exemplary gear system moves a release member. The release member is operative to move a distance in a first direction in response to operation of the drive. The release member is configured to be operatively associated with the catch jaw such that the movement of the release member in the first direction enables the catch jaw to be moved to the second position. The exemplary actuator is a unit that is separable from the latch assembly.
Other aspects of exemplary embodiments will be explained with reference to the following detailed description and drawing figures.
Various features and relationships pertaining to exemplary embodiments of a latch apparatus and actuator will now be described with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. In the following description of the exemplary embodiments, the terms “clockwise”, “counterclockwise”, “front”, “rear”, “right”, “rightwardly”, “left”, “leftwardly” “top”, “bottom”, “forwardly”, “rearwardly”, “upper”, “upwardly”, “lower”, and “downwardly” are used with reference to the views of the Figures unless indicated otherwise. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that these terms are used descriptively of the Figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the claimed embodiments, as defined by the claims hereof.
With reference to
The exemplary actuator is used to selectively change the latch apparatus from a latched (closed) condition to an unlatched (open) condition. Of course this arrangement is exemplary and in other embodiments other arrangements may be used. As shown in
The exemplary release lever 32 is formed from one piece of metal or other suitable rigid material. The release lever 32 includes a projection 56 located near the left side of the lever 32. The release lever 32 includes a pivot aperture 58 for receiving a shoulder rivet 60 and an aperture 62 for operative connection to a cable, rod or other member that can be moved in response to manual or other movement of an operatively connected handle or similar movable structure. The release lever 32 is rotatably mounted in connection with the tab 50 via the shoulder rivet 60 and rotates relative to the tab 50 about an axis 63. In particular, the shoulder rivet 60 extends through the aligned apertures 58, 52 of the release lever 32 and tab 50, with an enlarged head 64 of the rivet positioned adjacent the upper surface of the release lever 26 as also shown in
As represented in
The exemplary second spacer 38 is similar in construction to the first spacer 36. In particular, the second spacer 38 is generally cylindrical in shape and formed as one piece. The second spacer 38 includes a rear annular flange 80 integrally formed around the rear end of the second spacer 38. The rear flange 80 is beveled (as also seen in
The double torsion spring 34 of the exemplary arrangement serves as a unitary biasing device and includes first and second coils or spring portions 94, 96 that are connected together by an intermediate wire portion 98. The first and second coils 94, 96 include hooked ends 100, 102, respectively. Each coil provides rotatable biasing force relative to the center of each coil to allow both ends of the spring 34 to cause biased operation of latch components in the manner described. The exemplary double torsion spring 34 may be made of steel or other suitable material. Alternatively, the biasing device may have two separate torsion springs instead of the unitary double torsion spring. Other types of suitable biasing devices may also be used as well such as a linear-type (compression or tension) spring.
The exemplary catch jaw 30 is formed as one piece of a generally flat piece of rigid material and includes a recess 104 formed in a left end of the catch jaw 30 for receiving a member such as a post 106 (
The exemplary release pawl 28 is formed as one generally flat piece of rigid material and includes an aperture 114 for receiving the front portion 86 of the second spacer 38. The release pawl 28 includes a first projection 116 extending radially outward (with respect to axis of rotation 118) from the upper left portion of the release pawl 28 as shown in
The exemplary cover plate 40 is formed as one piece and includes a main body 130. A race track shaped recess 132 is formed in the front surface 134 of the main body 130. The recess 132 slopes upwardly in the left direction as shown in
When assembled, the first spacer 36 extends through the first aperture 44 of the latch plate 26 such that the latch plate 26 securely engages the groove 68. The rear flange 66 of the spacer engages a rear side 142 of the latch plate 26 to prevent disengagement of the first spacer 36 and the latch plate 26. The end portions of the latch plate 26 bounding the first aperture 44 are engaged with and help prevent rotation of the first spacer 36 relative to the latch plate 26. Alternatively other types of spacers and fastening methods may be used, such as the castle style fastening spacers 642 shown in the latch embodiment 644 of
Also in the exemplary arrangement, when assembled, the second spacer 38 extends through the second aperture 46 of the latch plate 26 such that the latch plate 26 securely engages the groove 82. The rear flange 80 of the spacer engages the rear side 142 of the latch plate 26 to prevent disengagement of the second spacer 38 and the latch plate. The end portions of the latch plate 26 bounding of the second aperture 46 are engaged with and help to prevent rotation of the second spacer 38 relative to the latch plate 26. Alternatively, other types of spacer configurations may be used. The second coil 96 of the torsion spring 34 extends around the central portion 84 of the second spacer 38. The release pawl 28 is movably supported on front portion 86 of the second spacer 38 such that the release pawl 28 may rotate relative to the second spacer 38 about the axis 118. The hooked end 102 of the torsion spring 34 operatively engages the lower step surface 124 of the second projection 120 as shown in
In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second spacers 36, 38 extend through their respective apertures 76, 90 of the cover plate 40 such that the cover plate 40 securely engages the respective spacer grooves 78, 92. The front flanges 74, 88 extend through respective apertures in the cover plate and engage the front surface 134 of the cover plate 40 at the recess to prevent disengagement of the cover plate 40 and the spacers 36, 38, as represented in
As shown in
The exemplary latch assembly 22 may be placed in the released or open condition for unlatching an item as represented in
In the exemplary arrangement disengagement of the first projection 116 and the detent 108 releases the holding force of the first projection 116 of the release pawl 28 acting against the detent 108 of the catch jaw 30. The biasing force of the first coil 94 of the spring 34 acting on the catch jaw 30 rotates the catch jaw 30 in the clockwise direction as shown in
In exemplary embodiments, the latch can be changed from the release condition to the latched condition by moving the post 106 toward the catch jaw 30 and the cut out 42. As the post moves toward the latch, it engages the recess in the catch jaw which causes the catch jaw to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as shown about the axis 144 of spacer 36. The catch jaw rotates until the first projection 116 of the release pawl, which is biased to rotate counterclockwise by the spring, engages the step surface 108 on the catch jaw. This returns the latch to the latch door closed position. In other exemplary embodiments, other types of latching mechanisms may be utilized. Such mechanisms may include a two-stage latch for example. For example, a two-stage latch may include a catch jaw and release pawl arrangement that engages a post, such as post 106, in a position in which the post is held by the catch jaw, but which is disposed somewhat away from the condition in which the latch is fully latched. Such a two-stage latching arrangement is sometimes desirable when a door or other closure member might be moved towards the latch position but is not moved all the way to cause the catch jaw to move to the latched position. A two-stage latch enables the post to be held engaged with the latch, even though the latch is not fully latched. Latches of this type may be useful in many applications where a user does not want a door or other closure member to come open once it has been moved towards the closed position, even though it has not been moved sufficiently to be fully latched. Of course, these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.
In addition or alternatively, the exemplary latch assembly 22 may be changed to the open condition from the closed condition through operation of the actuator 24. In particular, as depicted in
Referring to
As shown in
The exemplary release member 174 has a main body 227 (
Referring to
The exemplary actuator 24 is a separable unit from the latch assembly 22 as best illustrated in
In other arrangements, other types of fastening arrangements may be used. For example, one or more bolts or screws may extend through the apertures with a nut threadably fastened thereto to secure the actuator and the latch plate in engaged relation. The fasteners may be constructed so that the actuator 24 may be removably mounted to the latch plate 26 of the latch assembly 22. This feature may readily enable the latch assembly 22 (without the actuator 24 attached thereto), to operate solely manually using the release lever 32. The separate actuator 24 being attached to the latch assembly 22 enables the same configuration of the latch assembly 22 to be released either electrically or manually. Alternatively the exemplary latch assembly configuration may also be operated without the manual release lever, so that the latch assembly can be released solely by the electrical actuator assembly 24. Of course these configurations are exemplary.
Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus 20 also enable the actuator 24 to be installed in operative engagement with the latch assembly 22 either in the factory or in the field. This configuration may enable a user to change latch assemblies to add or remove an actuator assembly as desired in the particular environment where the latch assembly is used. The separate actuator configuration also makes it easier to replace a broken actuator, since there is no need to disassemble other parts of the latch assembly. The separate actuator assembly may also provide a more economical construction. The removable actuator assembly may also enable the use of different types of actuators with the same components of the mechanical latch assembly. This may include, for example, actuators with motors that run at different voltages. This may be desirable depending on the applications in which the latch assembly is used. For example, latch assemblies on vehicles may use a 12 volt DC motors. Actuators used in stationary applications may use 110 volt AC motors or motors that operate at other suitable voltages.
An alternative approach to the attachment of an actuator assembly and a latch assembly is shown in an alternative embodiment in
In the exemplary embodiment, the latch plate further includes a projection 656, the back of which is shown in
In the exemplary arrangement, the inter-engaging projection and recess are operative to prevent relative movement of the latch plate and the housing of the actuator. The inter-engaging projection and recess resist any force that might be applied that would tend to rotate the housing 646 about the fastener that extends through the apertures 652 and 650. Further, it should be understood that in exemplary arrangements, the configuration of the inter-engaging projections and recesses may be reversed. In such arrangements, the projection may extend from the housing of the actuator and a recess may extend in the latch plate. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the recess 658 on the housing 646 may be utilized to position the housing relative to a latch when the direction of movement with regard to the latch is the reverse of that shown in
Further, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the latch plate 648 includes at least one wire tie opening 660. The exemplary wire tie opening 660 is configured to accept therein a wire tie such as a flexible band type wire tie 662 shown in
Disengagement of the first projection 116 and the detent 108 releases the holding force of the first projection 116 of the release pawl 28 acting against catch jaw 30. The biasing force of the first coil 94 of the spring 34 acting on the catch jaw 30 rotates the catch jaw 30 in the clockwise direction from the first position shown in
The relatively large sized ring gear 162 and rack drive gear 166 of the exemplary arrangement function as reduction gears to reduce the force required by the motor 152 to overcome the biasing force of the second spring coil 96 and move the release member 174 to in turn rotate the release pawl 28 until the first projection 116 disengages from the detent 108. Thus, the two pairs of reduction gears of the gear system 157 of the exemplary actuator assembly 24 provides sufficient force to cause the release member 174 to move the release pawl 28 and reliably release or open the latch assembly 22 without the need for a high torque driving motor. Also, the straight linear movement of the release member 174 during movement of the release member 174 causes a generally constant uniform force to be applied by the finger 178 generally perpendicular to the step surface 128 as the release pawl 28 rotates from the first position to the second position. This in turn enables the use of a driving motor with lower torque, as a suitable amount of force is uniformly applied in a suitable direction by the release member 174 to the step surface 128 to rotate the release pawl 28 from the first position to the second position and place the latch assembly 22 in the open condition.
In the exemplary embodiment when it is desirable to enable the latch to be returned to the closed condition, the motor 152 is driven in a direction opposite to that in which it operates when the latch is being changed from the latched to the unlatched condition. The motor is driven responsive to a suitable control circuit so as to cause the release member 174 to be moved from the release position shown in
As shown in
An indicator (not shown) may be electrically coupled to the switch 260 to indicate whether the latch assembly 22 is in the closed or open condition. For example, for a plunger switch 260 that is a normally closed circuit type switch, the indicator may be a light that is illuminated to indicate that the latch assembly 22 is in the open condition and the catch jaw 30 is in the second position. The light may be off when the latch assembly 22 is in the closed condition and the catch jaw 30 is in the first position. Alternatively, the switch and circuit may cause the light to be on when the latch is in the latched position and off when the latch is open. In an exemplary arrangement in the closed condition, the left portion 268 of the catch jaw 30 engages the plunger 262 and pushes the plunger 262 down toward the switch body 264 to break the circuit and cut the power to the light. The light being turned off may also indicate to the user that the door or other item operatively connected to the post 106 is fully closed. Other types of indicators may be used such as display screens or audible indicators. As previously mentioned, in the exemplary arrangement, the plunger switch 260 may be positioned inside the left compartment 198 of the rear casing 182. Alternatively, when the latch assembly 22 is used without the actuator 24, or in other exemplary arrangements the plunger switch 260 may be operatively attached separately to the latch plate 26.
The exemplary actuator 24 may be used with other types of latch assemblies. For example,
In this exemplary latch assembly 322, the latch plate 26, catch jaw 30, and release pawl 28 are flipped 180 degrees relative to a vertical axis (as compared to
As in the previously described embodiment, in this exemplary apparatus 320, the tab 50 of the latch plate 26 extends rearwardly from the latch plate 26. The release lever 32 is flipped 180 degrees about a horizontal axis compared to the prior arrangement. The guide slot 136 and shield 140 of the cover plate 40 are located on the right side instead of the left side, and the recess 132 of the main body slopes upwardly to the right as shown. The actuator 24 is generally the same as in the previously described apparatus 20 and in this arrangement is engaged with the latch plate 26 such that the front casing 180 rather than the rear casing 182 is positioned adjacent the latch plate 26. In particular, the rear casing 182 includes a recess 352. As shown in
In this exemplary alternative apparatus 320, the finger is located leftwardly adjacent the third projection 126 of the release pawl 28, when the latch assembly 322 is in the closed condition. To change the latch assembly 22 from the closed condition to the open condition via the actuator 24, the motor 152 is energized by, for example, a user pushing a push button or changing the condition of a switch (not shown) of a control circuit. Energization of the motor rotates the motor shaft and the pinion thereon. Rotation of the pinion in turn rotates the ring gear 162 and the central pinion 164. The central pinion 164 rotates the gear portion 168 and hence, the pinion 172. Rotation of the pinion 172 in turn moves the release member 174 linearly to the right (as viewed in
Disengagement of the first projection 116 and the detent 108 releases the holding force of the first projection 116 of the release pawl 28 acting on the catch jaw 30 such that the biasing force of the second coil 96 of the spring 34 against the catch jaw 30 rotates the catch jaw 30 from the first position to the second position. Rotation of the catch jaw 30 to the second position by the spring 34 urges the post 106 to move outwardly along the guide slot until the post 106 disengages the recess 104. The post 106 disengages recess 104 and disengages from the latch assembly 22. This enables the door or other item operatively connected to the post 106 to be moved relative to the latch.
To manually place the exemplary latch apparatus 20 in the open condition, a user grasps a handle attached to a cable, rod or other member, which is attached to the release lever via the aperture, and applies a manual force to move the member, which in turn rotates the release lever about its axis. Rotation of the release lever 32 causes the first projection 116 to engage the upper step surface 122 and rotate the release pawl 28 clockwise (as viewed from the back or rear side of the latch in
In an exemplary arrangement when a user pulls the handle to cause the ear 432 to move downwardly in the configuration shown with sufficient force to overcome the biasing force of the spring 34, the release pawl 428 rotates clockwise (as viewed from the back or rear side of the latch in
Apparatus 524 includes a latch assembly 526 and an actuator 528. The actuator is releasably engageable with the latch assembly. The latch assembly 526 includes a catch jaw 530 which has a configuration generally similar to catch jaw 30. The latch assembly also includes a release pawl 532. The release pawl 532 is generally similar in configuration to release pawl 28 with the exception that it has a different configuration. Release pawl 532 includes a projection 534 which is similar to projection 116 of the previous embodiment. Projection 534 is configured to engage a recess or detent on the catch jaw 530 so as to hold the latch assembly in the closed condition. As represented in
The release pawl 532 further includes a release projection 536. The release projection has a configuration similar to projection 126 of the prior embodiment. The release projection 536 is configured to be movably engaged by a release member 538 of the actuator 528 in a manner similar to the prior embodiment.
The release pawl 532 of this arrangement further includes a lever engaging projection 540. The lever engaging projection 540 extends on the release pawl in a direction generally perpendicular to that of the release projection 536. The lever engaging projection is bounded at its upper side by a step surface 542.
The actuator 528 includes a release lever 544. The release lever 544 includes an aperture 546 therethrough. The aperture 546 is configured to accept the lever engaging projection 540 therein. The release lever 544 further includes at an end generally opposed of the aperture, a pair of engaging projections 548. The engaging projections 548 of the exemplary embodiment are configured to have a wire or cable extend intermediate of the projections. The wire or cable may have a cylindrical end piece or other enlarged end piece that is engaged by the arcuate recesses of the projections. This enables the wire or cable to pull the release lever in a downward direction as shown in
The actuator 528 of this embodiment is configured to enable the release lever to move in supported operative connection with the body of the housing. In the exemplary arrangement the actuator has a housing that includes a first casing portion 550 and a second casing portion 552. The first casing portion 550 includes a forwardly directed flange projection 554. The casing portion 552 includes a rearwardly directly flange projection 556. In the operative position of the actuator 528, flange projections 554 and 556 are configured to provide a guide slot on the exterior of the housing. The release lever is configured to be movable in supported connection with the housing and is constrained by the guide slot to move only in a generally vertical direction relative to the housing body as shown. In addition, the first casing portion includes an outward extending step portion 558. The step portion 558 underlies the guide slot and further helps to constrain the movement of the release lever along the vertical direction as shown. A recess portion 560 extends on the exterior of the casing portion 550 generally below the step portion 558. The recess portion 560 provides access for the inward extending lower portion of the release lever 544 which includes the engaging projections 548. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and in other embodiments other arrangements may be used.
As shown in
The exemplary apparatus 524 is also configured to be unlatched through movement of the release member 538. This is done by moving the release projection 536 of the release pawl in a manner similar to that of the previously described embodiment. Actuator 528 includes a drive 562 which in this case includes an electric motor. The drive is operative to change the condition of the latch through a gear system 563. The electric motor includes a motor shaft 564 to which a pinion 566 is attached. Pinion 566 engages a ring gear portion 568 of a first reduction gear 570. Reduction gear 570 is operatively connected to a pinion 572 that in the exemplary arrangement is integrally formed therein. The reduction gear 570 rotates about a first axis of rotation 574.
The pinion 572 engages an arcuate gear portion 576 of a second reduction gear 578. A pinion 580 is operatively connected with reduction gear 578. Pinion 580 rotates about an axis of rotation 582. The pinion 580 engages a gear rack 584 of the release member 538 and is operative to move the release member in a linearly straight direction in a manner like that described in connection with the prior embodiment responsive to operation of the motor.
In the exemplary configuration of actuator 528 the motor 562 is positioned to provide room within the housing of the actuator for other components. Specifically in this exemplary arrangement the motor shaft 564 rotates about an axis (labeled M in
In the exemplary arrangement the actuator 528 includes a switch 586. Switch 586 is an electrical switch that is operative to provide electrical signals corresponding to the position of the catch jaw 530. The exemplary switch 586 includes an electrical switch body 588. Switch body 588 includes a spring loaded actuator button 590 that extends biasingly outward from the switch body 588 (see
In the exemplary arrangement switch 586 further includes a plunger member 592. Plunger member 592 includes a body portion that is movably guided vertically on guide projections that extend within casing portion 550. The plunger member 592 further includes a finger portion 594 that is sized to extend outwardly through an opening 596 in the casing portion 550. The plunger member 592 is biased by a spring (not separately shown) that urges the finger portion 594 to extend outwardly from the opening 596. In the exemplary arrangement the side of the plunger member that is in facing relation to the actuator button 590 includes a ramp surface 598. The ramp surface is configured so that when the plunger member is disposed inwardly of the housing due to engagement of the finger portion and the lower face of the catch jaw, the ramp portion disposes the actuator button 590 inwardly so that the switch body 588 is in a first electrical condition. This position of the plunger member and the electrical condition of the switch correspond to the latch assembly being in the closed condition.
When the catch jaw 530 moves to the open condition of the latch assembly, the lower surface of the catch jaw is disposed away from the actuator housing so that the finger portion 594 is disposed outwardly in response to the biasing force of the spring. The movement of the ramp portion 598 relative to the actuator button 590 causes the button to extend further outward from the switch body. This causes the switch body to be in a second electrical condition. The second electrical condition is indicative that the latch assembly is in the open condition. In some alternative arrangements in which the latch may be hold be the release pawl in a partially closed position in which the catch jaw engages the post or other member, a switch may be used which provides an electrical indication that the latch is in this partially latched condition. Suitable wiring 600 is operatively connected to the switch body 588 and extends outward from the actuator housing. Suitable electrical circuitry of the type previously discussed is operatively connected to the wiring so as to provide an indication of when the switch is in the open and/or closed (or partially closed) conditions. Similarly in the exemplary embodiment the wiring 600 may include the wires necessary to power the motor 562.
As can be appreciated, in the exemplary arrangement suitable circuitry is provided to cause the motor 562 to rotate in a first rotational direction for purposes of changing the condition of the latch assembly from the closed condition to the open condition. In the exemplary arrangement this results from the straight linear movement of the release member 538 to a release position. Once the latch has been opened, the circuitry is operative to cause the motor 562 to rotate in an opposed direction so as to cause the release member to be returned to its original return position which is fully disposed to the right as shown in
In exemplary arrangements, suitable control circuitry 585 may be utilized to control the condition of the release member and the latch assembly responsive to the condition of the latch as sensed through operation of the switch 586. For example in some arrangements circuitry 585 may operate in response to the switch indicating that the catch jaw is positioned such that the latch is in the closed condition to make a determination that the release member 538 is positioned to the retracted position shown in
In some exemplary arrangements the control circuitry is enabled to operate the motor 562 so as to rotate in a first direction so as to cause the latch assembly to change from the closed condition to the open condition. The change in condition of the latch assembly is sensed through operation of the switch 586. In response to sensing the change in condition of the latch, the exemplary control circuitry may reverse the direction of operation of the motor so as to return the release member 538 to its original retracted return position. This may be done in some exemplary circuitry through the use of a timing function that causes the motor to operate in an opposite rotational direction that corresponds to the time that the motor rotated in a first rotational direction to cause the latch assembly to change conditions. In other arrangements the control circuitry may operate a stepper motor or other motor that measures the rotational displacement of the motor so as to provide reverse movement of the same displacement. Alternatively in other arrangements, a sensing switch may be provided in operative connection with the release member 538 to determine that the release member has been moved to the retracted or other position. In still other exemplary arrangements, the control circuitry 585 may operate to sense the change in electrical draw by the motor which would indicate that the motor has stopped moving because the release member 538 has reached the end of its travel. In response to sensing an electrical condition corresponding to the bound and stopped condition of the motor, the circuitry may cease supplying electrical power to the motor. Of course it should be understood that these are but examples of approaches that may be used.
In still other exemplary arrangements, control circuitry used in connection with the actuator may detect the catch jaw in the open position and not include control logic which determines whether the open condition was caused through operation of the motor or manual operation of the associated manual release lever such as release lever 32 or 544. In such exemplary arrangements the control circuitry may operate in response to the switch 586 detecting that the latch is in the open condition to detect the position of the release member 538 in one of the ways previously discussed. The control circuitry may then operate the motor as appropriate to assure that the release member is in its retracted position so that the latch assembly may again be returned to the closed condition. Of course it should be understood that these approaches are exemplary and numerous other types of control circuitry and control logic may be used in connection with latch apparatus arrangements.
The exemplary actuator 606 includes a drive 608. The latch further includes a gear system 610 which includes a pair of reduction gears that are operative to move a release member 612 in response to operation of the drive 608 in a manner like that which has been previously described.
Actuator 606 further includes a switch 614. Switch 614 includes a switch body 616 and a biased plunger member 618 which includes a finger portion that is biased to extend outwardly from the actuator housing.
Actuator 606 further includes a trip release member 620. The trip release member 620 is movably mounted in operative supported connection with the housing of the actuator 606. The exemplary trip release member 620 includes a linear gear rack 622. Gear rack 622 extends within the housing 624 of the actuator 606. The trip release member 620 and the housing 624 are configured to enable the trip release member to move relative to the housing along a generally vertical direction as shown in
The exemplary trip release member 620 further includes a pair of engaging projections generally indicated 626. The pair of the engaging projections is generally similar to engaging projections 548 of the previously described embodiment. The pair of engaging projections is configured to enable a cable or wire to extend therebetween and each projection includes an arcuate surface suitable for engaging a cylindrical head at the end of the cable or wire, such as head 628 shown in
In the exemplary arrangement of actuator 606, the gear system 610 includes a reduction gear 632 that is similar to reduction gear 570 of the previous embodiment. Reduction gear 632 is in operative connection with a further reduction gear 634 which is generally similar to reduction gear 578. Reduction gear 634 includes a pinion 636 which is in engagement with the gear rack of the release member 612 in a manner similar to that of the previously described embodiment.
Actuator 606 further includes a freewheeling gear 638. Freewheeling gear 638 is rotatable about the same axis of rotation as reduction gear 632. However, freewheeling gear 638 is configured through suitable bushings or other arrangements, to be movable independently of reduction gear 632. Freewheeling gear 638 includes an arcuate gear segment 640. Arcuate gear segment 640 is engaged with both gear rack 622 of the trip release member as well as pinion 636.
In the operation of actuator 606, the latch assembly 604 may be changed between the closed condition and the open condition through movement of the release member 612 through operation of the motor drive 608. This may be done in the manner previously described which includes operating the motor to move the release member so as to cause the release pawl to allow the catch jaw to move from the closed condition to the open condition. Likewise the motor drive may return the release member to its retracted position so that the latch assembly may again be placed in the closed condition.
Actuator 606 further enables the actuator to be changed from the closed condition to the open position through movement of the trip release member 620 without operation of the drive. This is done by moving the trip release member through displacement of the cable 630 so as to cause the gear rack 622 on the trip release member to move downward as shown in FIG. 14. This movement of the trip release member causes the freewheeling gear 638 to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown. Clockwise rotation of the freewheeling gear 638 causes the pinion 636 that is engaged therewith to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Counterclockwise rotation of the pinion 636 causes the gear rack associated with the release member 612 to move the release member linearly to the left as shown in
As can be appreciated, in the exemplary arrangement of the apparatus shown in
The housing 672 includes a guide slot 674. The guide slot 674 is bounded in cross section by a pair of in-turned fingers or tracks 676. Similar tracks are shown in the top and bottom views of the actuator 646 shown in
In the exemplary configuration of housing 672, a release lever 678 is movable in the guide slot. In the configuration shown, the release lever 678 is constrained to move in a generally vertical direction between the tracks 676. The exemplary release lever 678 includes at a first end, engaging projections 680. The engaging projections 680 are configured to engage a lever, cable or other mechanism that is moved to cause corresponding movement of the release lever 678.
The end of release lever 678 generally opposite the engaging projections 680 includes an aperture 682. Aperture 682 is configured to receive therein an engaging projection 684. The engaging projection 684 is part of a release pawl similar to those previously described.
Further, the release pawl of latch assembly 668 further includes an ear 686. Ear 686 includes an aperture 688 therein. The aperture 688 is sized for accepting a lever, linkage or cable therein, which is suitable for manually moving the release pawl.
As represented in
Alternatively or in addition, if a lever is connected to ear 686, movement of the ear by the lever downward, which is counterclockwise as shown from the position in
In the exemplary arrangement, the pinion 720 is in operative connection with a release member 722. Like the prior embodiments, the release member 722 includes a gear rack 724, which is in engagement with pinion 720. The exemplary release member 722, similar to other release members that have been described herein, is configured to engage a release pawl to change the condition of a latch assembly from the latched condition to the unlatched condition. Of course, it should be understood that the described actuator configuration is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.
Also included in the housing interior area 726 of housing 704 is a switch 728. A plunger member 730 is movably mounted in a vertical direction as shown in
The exemplary plunger member includes a cam surface 736. The cam surface 736 is operative to engage and move a push button 738 on the switch 728. In the exemplary arrangement, similar to the plunger member 592 previously described, the catch jaw of a latch assembly in the latched position is operative to engage and press the finger portion 732 inward. This causes the cam portion 736 to depress the outwardly biased push button 734 on the switch. When the catch jaw is in the release position, the finger portion 732 extends outwardly from the housing 704 and the cam portion 736 is disposed away from the push button 734. As a result, the switch 728 has different electrical conditions that correspond to the position of the plunger member and the condition of the catch jaw, similar to the embodiments previously described.
The exemplary embodiment further includes a plurality of switch wires 740 that extend inside the interior area 726 of the housing and extend outside the housing through an opening 742. A plurality of motor wires 744 extend from the motor 706 through the opening 742. The switch wires and the motor wires are engaged together in a wiring harness 746 that terminates in a modular connector 748. Of course, it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.
Also in the exemplary embodiment of the actuator housing 704, the housing includes tracks 750 similar to tracks 676, which provide a guide slot for movably holding a release member in actuator configurations when one is to be used.
In the operation of actuator 702, a control circuit like that previously described is operative to supply electrical power to the motor 706, which causes the release member 722 to be moved from the return position shown in
In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit or the wiring harness includes at least one voltage or current limiter 752. In the exemplary arrangement, the voltage or current limiter operates to deliver electricity to cause the motor to apply greater driving force to the release member when moving in one direction than when moving in the opposed direction. In the exemplary arrangement, the voltage or current limiter is operative to cause the motor to apply a greater movement force when the release member moves from the return position toward the release position, and a lesser force when moving from the release position back toward the return position. This is done in an exemplary arrangement to enable the motor to deliver sufficient force to move the release member quickly and apply sufficient force to move the release pawl and change the condition of the latch. In the exemplary arrangement, when the release member moves from the release position back to the return position, it is not engaging components of the latch and therefore the need for driving force is less. Further, in this exemplary arrangement the wear and tear and shock that the release member experiences at the end of its travel to the return position are reduced. In the exemplary arrangement, the limiter is positioned in the wiring harness 746 and comprises a Zener diode. Of course, it should be understood that in other arrangements other approaches may be used, including providing in the control circuit for the motor, circuitry which provides voltage or current limiting for movement of the motor in one or both directions.
The exemplary actuator 702 may further achieve more efficient operation and longer life by providing cushioning of the release member when it reaches its extremes of travel to the release position and in the return position. This is accomplished in the exemplary embodiment in the manner described in
In the exemplary embodiment, a linear compression spring 760 is disposed in a pocket 762. The pocket 762 is configured so that a substantial portion of a diameter of the spring extends outside the pocket and into the guide trough 758.
In the exemplary arrangement, the spring 760 is positioned between the first bumper portion and the second bumper portion. The spring is positioned so as to biasingly oppose movement of the release member with increasing opposing force as the release member moves beyond the release and return positions in the release direction and return direction respectively.
For example, as represented in
Likewise, as shown in
As can be appreciated, this exemplary arrangement reduces the shock and potentially damaging impacts that might otherwise occur when the motor moves the release member 722 to the extremes of travel in the first direction to the release position and in the second direction to the return position. The exemplary arrangement of spring 760 serves to cushion the stopping action for the release member in each of these positions and reduces the potential for damage and premature failure of the actuator. In some exemplary arrangements the linear spring may begin to apply biasingly opposing force as the release member approaches or at the release and/or return position or positions, and also apply increasing opposing force with movement beyond the release and/or return positions to assure that movement of the release member is stopped in a desired location. Of course, it should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary and other arrangements of springs or other resilient or impact absorbing structures and arrangements may be utilized in other embodiments to provide the functions of limiting travel and reducing potential damage to the release member and the gear train at the extremes of travel.
In this exemplary arrangement, the release member 764 includes a first bumper portion 766 and a second bumper portion 768, as in the previous embodiment. The bumper portions are configured to ride in a linear guide trough 770 as the release member moves between the release and return positions. A linear compression spring 772 is positioned in a pocket 774 in the housing.
In the exemplary arrangement, the motor of the actuator causes the release member to move from the return position shown in
In this exemplary arrangement when the actuator 702 is to have the release member move from the release position to the return position, the control circuit is operative to change the condition of the relay contacts 776 and 778 to the condition shown in the lower portion of
In other exemplary embodiments, the control circuitry may be configured to brake the motor to resist motor movement due to forces imparted thereto. For example, in some arrangements it may be desirable to hold the release member in a particular position and assure that the release member is not moved by external forces from a desired position. In such arrangements, the control circuitry may be operative to apply voltage to the motor of the actuator to hold the motor shaft and associated gear train and release member in a fixed position. This may be done, for example, by using a stepper motor or other motor configuration where applied voltage potentials will provide a strong force that is operative to hold the motor shaft fixed and resist forces that would otherwise tend to cause rotation thereof. Thus, for example, in some exemplary embodiments where the release member includes a spring return, the exemplary control circuitry may be operative to hold the position of the motor and gear train fixed once the release member has moved to the release position for a desired period of time before allowing the release member to move to the return position. The control circuitry of such exemplary embodiments may operate to brake and hold the motor shaft and thus the release member for as long as desired before permitting such return. Of course, this exemplary approach is only one of many that may be utilized in connection with a control circuit that is selectively operative to brake the motor to resist motor movement due to external forces that may be applied thereto.
As shown in greater detail in
As represented in
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been described to describe example embodiments for purposes of brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and the embodiment is not limited to the features shown or described.
Further, in the following claims any feature described as a means for performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means known to those skilled in the art as being capable of carrying out the recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular means shown or described for performing the recited function in the foregoing description, or mere equivalents thereof.
Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the exemplary arrangements, the manner in which they are constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.
This Application claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C § 119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/352,751 filed Jun. 21, 2016. This Application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/541,332 filed Nov. 14, 2014, which claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/908,415 filed Nov. 25, 2013. The disclosures of these prior applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5076625 | Oxley | Dec 1991 | A |
| 6102453 | Cetnar | Aug 2000 | A |
| 6386599 | Chevalier | May 2002 | B1 |
| 8047585 | Peabody | Nov 2011 | B1 |
| 8096594 | Uyeda | Jan 2012 | B2 |
| 8757677 | Wintersteiger | Jun 2014 | B2 |
| 20050067840 | Koveal | Mar 2005 | A1 |
| 20080169657 | Horton | Jul 2008 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62352751 | Jun 2016 | US | |
| 61908415 | Nov 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14541332 | Nov 2014 | US |
| Child | 15615208 | US |
