초록 ▼

A latch housing defines an axial passage accessible at opposite ends thereof. Latch elements are radially displaced about the axis of the axial passage. A solenoid is mounted to an end of the latch housing and a post is inserted axially into the opposite end of the axial passage. The latch elements

A latch housing defines an axial passage accessible at opposite ends thereof. Latch elements are radially displaced about the axis of the axial passage. A solenoid is mounted to an end of the latch housing and a post is inserted axially into the opposite end of the axial passage. The latch elements are biased to constrict around and preclude withdrawal of the post from the axial passage. An armature of the solenoid extends into the axial passage and a disengagement plate is attached to that end of the armature. As the post is inserted into the axial passage, a slot in the post mates with the disengagement plate, and the terminus of the slot contacts the disengagement plate causing the disengagement plate to translate along the axial passage with the post. The biased nature of the latch elements cause the latch elements to apply force to cam edges of the disengagement plate such that the disengagement plate translates away from the latch elements and post toward a coil of the solenoid so that the solenoid becomes fully armed. The solenoid provides motive force for driving the disengagement plate between the latch elements to cause the latch elements to move away from and thereby release their constricting grip upon the post. More specifically, when the solenoid is actuated the disengagement plate passes into the slot defined in the post and the disengagement plate contacts and drives the latch elements radially away from the post to effect an unlatching.

대표청구항 ▼

A latching apparatus comprising: a post member defining a post axis; a housing member defining a passage and a passage axis, wherein said passage receives said post member to define an inserted configuration; a latch element movably connected to said housing member to engage and restrict withdrawal

A latching apparatus comprising: a post member defining a post axis; a housing member defining a passage and a passage axis, wherein said passage receives said post member to define an inserted configuration; a latch element movably connected to said housing member to engage and restrict withdrawal of said post member from said passage; a disengagement member movably connected to said housing member for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein, when said disengagement member is in said first position and said post member is in said inserted configuration, said disengagement member is interposed between said latch element and said post member, whereby said latch element is disengaged from said post member; and a solenoid for moving said disengagement member.