Self-aligning latching interface for a latching actuator

Abstract

Locking arrangement (10), comprising: a hinge (14) defining a slot (60), the slot (60) having a slot length (64) and a slot width (66), wherein the slot length (64) is greater than the slot width (66); and a detent actuator (12) having a housing (28) and a plunger (30) partially disposed within the housing (28), the plunger (30) being configured to translate and rotate with respect to the housing (28), the plunger (30) having a distal end with a plunger end length (44) and a plunger end width (46), the plunger end length (44) being greater than the plunger end width (46), the plunger (30) being configured to be insertable into the slot (60); and wherein the plunger end length (44) is greater than the slot width (66) and the plunger end length (44) is less than the slot length (64) by a clearance; wherein the plunger end length (44) is defined by a first arm (40) and a second arm (42), each disposed at the distal end and extending out of a body of the plunger (30); wherein the first arm (40) includes a first hemispherical surface (40A) and a first front angled surface (40B) and the second arm (42) includes a second hemispherical surface (42A) and a second front angled surface (42B).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a latching assembly with a latching actuator and a fuel / charging port assembly.

[0002] Motor vehicles include many features that benefit from a lockable door that protects or covers the feature from environmental elements. Examples of these features include compartments such as glove boxes, trunks, storage consoles, etc., mechanisms, controls, and ports such as electrical charging ports and fuel ports. In these examples, a door is mounted on a hinge that pivots with respect to the feature. The hinge includes a detent receptacle for receiving a portion of a detent actuator. The detent actuator engages the detent receptacle to lock the hinge in a closed position. The detent actuator can also be configured to lock the hinge in the closed position. Currently, these detent actuators and detent receptacles do not allow for correction of position changes during loading of the detent actuator upon engagement with the detent receptacle.In addition, these locking actuators and locking receptacles may require adjustment due to manufacturing variations, special tool movements, or unique component orientation and may be susceptible to wear and damage.

[0003] Although current latching actuators and latching interfaces serve their purpose, a new and improved system and method for a latching assembly is needed to address these problems.

[0004] EP 3 093 177 A1 describes a push-up device comprising a rod which is retained inside the housing and projects from the inside of the housing to assume an advanced position, an elastically compressed rod biasing element inside the housing which urges the rod in a projecting direction and pushes the rod out of the housing from the inside, a locking mechanism which comprises a sliding cam which moves together with the rod in the direction of projection, and a rotating cam which is rotatable with the sliding cam relative to the axis of the rod. SUMMARY

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an improved system for solving the above-mentioned problems. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further developments can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] According to the invention, a detent assembly is provided that includes a hinge defining a slot, the slot having a slot length and a slot width, the slot length being greater than the slot width, and a detent actuator having a housing and a plunger partially disposed within the housing, the plunger configured to translate and rotate with respect to the housing, the plunger having a distal end with a plunger end length and a plunger end width, the plunger end length being greater than the plunger end width, the plunger being configured to be insertable into the slot. The plunger end length is greater than the slot width and the plunger end length is less than the slot length by a clearance.

[0007] According to the invention, the plunger end length is defined by the first and second arms which are arranged at the distal end and extend out of a body of the plunger.

[0008] According to the invention, the first arm includes a first hemispherical surface and a first front angled surface and the second arm includes a second hemispherical surface and a second front angled surface.

[0009] In another aspect, the hinge includes a rod extending across the slot on one side of the hinge away from the detent actuator, wherein the distal end of the plunger contacts the rod when disposed through the slot.

[0010] In another aspect, the rod has a curved surface facing the slot.

[0011] In another aspect, the distal end of the plunger is hemispherical.

[0012] In another aspect, an apex of the hemispherical distal end is coaxial with the body of the plunger.

[0013] In another aspect, the plunger is movable between a locked and an unlocked position, and the arms are aligned with the slot length in the unlocked position, the arms being perpendicular to the slot length in the locked position.

[0014] In another aspect, the hinge includes an angled surface surrounding the slot.

[0015] In another aspect, the hinge includes an inner surface facing the locking actuator, wherein the angled surface is disposed on the inner surface.

[0016] In another aspect, the hinge includes an outer surface facing away from the detent actuator, and the outer surface has a crown surrounding the slot.

[0017] In another aspect, a door is coupled to the hinge.

[0018] According to several aspects, an assembly for a fuel / charge port includes a hinge defining a slot, the slot having a slot length and a slot width, wherein the slot length is greater than the slot width, the hinge including a rod disposed over the slot to define a detent receptacle, and a detent actuator including a housing and a plunger partially disposed within the housing, the plunger configured to translate and rotate with respect to the housing, the plunger having first and second arms disposed at a distal end, the first and second arms defining a plunger end length, wherein the plunger is movable between a locked position in which the first and second arms are disposed within the detent receptacle and are perpendicular to the slot length, and an unlocked position,in which the first and second arms are aligned with the slot length. The plunger end length is greater than the slot width, and the plunger end length is less than the slot length by a clearance.

[0019] In one aspect, the hinge includes a front and a back, the back having an angled surface around the slot.

[0020] In another aspect, the front includes a crown surrounding the slot.

[0021] In another aspect, a door is attached to the front of the hinge.

[0022] In another aspect, the first arm includes a first hemispherical surface configured to engage the crown of the hinge and a first front angled surface configured to engage the angled surface of the hinge, and the second arm includes a second hemispherical surface configured to engage the crown of the hinge and a second front angled surface configured to engage the angled surface of the hinge.

[0023] In another aspect, the rod has a curved surface facing the slot, and the distal end of the plunger contacts the curved surface of the rod when it is disposed through the slot and moves to the locked position.

[0024] In another aspect, the distance dimension is approximately 2 mm.

[0025] According to several aspects, a fuel / charge port assembly includes a hinge having a front face, a back face, and a slot, the slot having a slot length and a slot width, wherein the slot length is greater than the slot width, the hinge including a rod disposed at the front face over the slot to define a detent receptacle, wherein the back face has an angled surface surrounding the slot and the front face has a crown surrounding the slot, a door coupled to the front face of the hinge, and a detent actuator having a housing and a plunger partially disposed within the housing, the plunger being configured to be translated and rotated with respect to the housing, the plunger having first and second arms disposed at a distal end, the first and second arms defining a plunger end length,wherein the plunger is movable between a locked position in which the first and second arms are disposed in the detent receptacle and are perpendicular to the slot length, and an unlocked position in which the first and second arms are aligned with the slot length, wherein the first arm includes a first hemispherical surface and a first front angled surface, and the second arm includes a second hemispherical surface and a second front angled surface, wherein the first and second hemispherical surfaces are configured to engage the crown of the hinge surface when in the locked position, and the first and second angled front surfaces are configured to engage the angled side of the hinge when the plunger is inserted into the lock. The rod has a curved surface facing the slot,and the distal end of the plunger contacts the curved surface of the rod when it is positioned through the slot and moves into the locked position. The plunger end length is greater than the slot width, and the plunger end length is less than the slot length by a clearance.

[0026] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Fig. 1 is a front exploded view of a latch assembly and a fuel / charge port assembly; Fig. 2 is a front view of a locking actuator; Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of the locking actuator in an unlocked position; Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of the locking actuator in a locked position; Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of the locking actuator in an unlocked position engaging a hinge; Fig. Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the locking actuator and hinge, viewed in the direction of arrows 6-6 in Fig. 5; Fig. Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the locking actuator and hinge, viewed in the direction of arrows 7-7 in Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the locking actuator in a locked position engaging the hinge; and Fig. 9 is a perspective side cross-sectional view of the locking actuator and hinge, viewed in the direction of arrows 9-9 in Fig. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0029] Referring to Fig. 1, a latching assembly is illustrated and generally designated by the number 10. The latching assembly 10 includes a latching actuator 12 and a hinge 14. As described in more detail below, the latching actuator 12 is configured to lock the hinge in a closed position and unlock the hinge 14 to allow the hinge 14 to move to an open position. The latching assembly 10 may be used in a variety of environments, including, but not limited to, compartments such as glove boxes, trunks, storage consoles, etc., mechanisms, controls, and ports such as electrical charging and fuel ports. In addition, the latching assembly 10 may be used in a motor vehicle or other product requiring a latching door.In the present example, the latch assembly 10 is shown being used with a fuel / charging port assembly 16 of a motor vehicle that particularly benefits from the latch assembly 10. The fuel / charging port assembly 16 includes a port housing 18 and a door 20. The port housing 18 is mounted to a vehicle frame (not shown) and defines a port 22 for receiving a fuel pump nozzle or an electrical charging plug. The port housing 18 defines an opening 24 for receiving and supporting the latch actuator 12. The hinge 14 is pivotally connected to the port housing 18 at a pivot point 26. The door 20 is mounted to the hinge 14 and covers the port 22 when closed and exposes the port 22 when opened.

[0030] With reference to the Fig. 2-4, the locking actuator 12 includes a housing 28 and a plunger 30 partially disposed within the housing 28. The plunger 30 is spring-assisted and translates along an axis 32 between a retracted, locked position, as shown in Fig. 3, and an extended, unlocked position, as shown in Fig. 4. Between the locked position and the unlocked position, the plunger 30 rotates 90 degrees about the axis 32. In the present example, the detent actuator 12 is configured to latch the plunger 30 in the locked position and thus includes an electrical connector input 34. However, it should be noted that the detent actuator 12 can be configured only for latching and not for locking without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] The plunger 30 includes a cylindrical body 36 with a distal end 38 extending outwardly and away from the housing 28. Near the distal end 38, a first arm 40 extends from a neck 36A of the body 36 perpendicular to the axis 32. On a side of the body 36 opposite the first arm 40, a second arm 42 extends from the neck 36A of the body 36 perpendicular to the axis 32. The first arm 40 and the second arm 42 define a plunger end length 44, while the neck 36A defines a plunger end width 46. The plunger end length 44 is greater than the plunger end width 46.

[0032] The first arm 40, the second arm 42, and the distal end 38 are each designed to minimize wear and friction when engaging the hinge 14 by utilizing single points of contact, thus providing advantages over the prior art. The first arm 40 includes a first hemispherical surface 40A and a first front angled surface 40B. The first hemispherical surface 40A extends between the neck 36A and the first front angled surface 40B. The first front angled surface 40B merges into the distal end 38. The first angled surface 40B is angled with respect to the axis 32, i.e., not perpendicular or parallel. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first front angled surface 40B is curved, i.e., not planar, and thus includes an apex.Likewise, the second arm 42 includes a second hemispherical surface 42A and a second front angled surface 42B. The second hemispherical surface 42A extends between the neck 36A and the second front angled surface 42B. The second front angled surface 42B merges into the distal end 38. The second angled surface 42B is angled, i.e., not perpendicular or parallel, with respect to the axis 32. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second front angled surface 42B is curved, i.e., not planar, and thus includes an apex. The distal end 38 is preferably hemispherical and includes an endpoint or end apex 38A coaxial with the axis 32.

[0033] In return to Fig. 1, the hinge 14 includes a gooseneck portion 50 connected to a rocker 52. One end of the gooseneck portion 50 is pivotally connected to the connector housing 18 at the pivot point 26. The rocker 52 includes an inner surface, or rear surface, 54 and an outer surface, or front surface, 56. The inner surface 54 faces the connector housing 18 and thus the detent actuator 12 when the hinge 14 is pivoted to the closed position. The outer surface 56 is disposed opposite the inner surface 54. The door 20 is connected to and covers the outer surface 56 of the hinge 14.

[0034] The hinge 14 includes a detent interface or locking receptacle 58 disposed within the rocker 52. When the hinge 14 is in the closed position, the locking receptacle 58 is aligned with the detent actuator 12. The locking receptacle 58 is configured to connect to the plunger 30 of the detent actuator 12, as described in more detail below. The locking receptacle 58 includes a slot 60 and a rod 62. The slot 60 is defined by the rocker 52 of the hinge 14 and extends through the rocker 52 from the inner surface 54 to the outer surface 56. The slot 60 defines a slot length 64 and a slot width 66. The slot length 64 is greater than the slot width 66. The slot length 64 is perpendicular to the slot width 66.

[0035] With regard to the Fig. 5-7, the inner surface 54 of the hinge 14 includes an angled surface 68 surrounding the slot 60. The angled surface 68 is angled with respect to the axis 32, i.e., not perpendicular or parallel. The angled surface 68 merges into the walls 69 of the slot 60. The outer surface 56 of the hinge 14 includes a crown 70 surrounding the slot 60. The crown 70 is a raised surface relative to the surrounding surface to create a line of contact or apex on the outer surface 56 adjacent the slot 60 with the plunger 30 of the detent actuator 12.

[0036] Rod 62 is connected to outer surface 56 of hinge 14 and extends longitudinally across slot 60. Rod 62 is spaced from slot 60 along axis 32, creating a gap between slot 60 and rod 62. Rod 62 includes an inner surface 72 facing slot 60. Inner surface 72 is curved, i.e., not planar, with a linear apex 74 aligned with axis 32 or distal end 38 of plunger 30.

[0037] In the Fig. 5-7, the detent actuator 12 is shown engaged with the hinge 14 in the unlocked position. In this configuration, the door 20 has been closed and the plunger 30, extended from the housing 28, is pivotally aligned so that the first and second arms 40, 42 are aligned with the slot length 64 of the slot 60. As the plunger 30 enters the slot 60, the first and second front angled surfaces 40B, 42B can contact the angled surface 68 around the slot 60 if misalignment exists. These angled surfaces 40B, 42B, and 68 minimize friction and allow the plunger 30 to slide into the slot 60 even when misaligned, thereby preventing catastrophic failure of the detent assembly 10.

[0038] In addition, to allow for lateral deflection and variation due to excessive force during use that can distort parts, manufacturing variations, etc., the plunger end width 46 is less than the slot width 66 and the plunger end length 44 is less than the slot length 64 by a clearance amount 76. The clearance amount 76 provides a clearance between the arms 40, 42 of the plunger 30 and the walls 69 of the slot 60 at the hinge 14. In a preferred example, the clearance 76 is 2 mm. When the door 20 and hinge 14 rotate closed, the distal end 38 of the plunger 30 enters the locking receptacle 58.

[0039] As the door 20 and hinge 14 continue to be closed, the distal end 38 contacts the inner surface 72 of the rod 62. The hemispherical shape of the distal end 38 and the curved shape of the inner surface 72 provide point contact between the plunger 30 and the hinge 14, minimizing friction and wear.

[0040] Taking into account the Fig.8-9, the plunger 30 is depressed by the continued closing of the door 20 and hinge 14, causing it to move and rotate. At full pressure, the plunger 30 is locked in the locked position and the arms 40, 42 have rotated 90 degrees with respect to the hinge 14. Thus, the arms 40, 42 are perpendicular to the slot length 64. The plunger end length 44 is greater than the slot width 66, and thus the hinge 14 is secured against unscrewing and remains locked. In this configuration, the crown 70 surrounding the slot 60 contacts the hemispherical surfaces 40A, 42A of the arms 40, 42 to establish point contact between the plunger 30 and the hinge 14, thereby minimizing friction and wear. To release the locking arrangement 10, a user continues to press on the door 20 or an electrical signal is sent to release the plunger 30.

[0041] The features of the plunger 30 and locking receiver 58 benefit the user by preventing functional degradation caused by hanging parts or manufacturing variations. Furthermore, by minimizing wear and friction between the moving parts, the longevity of the parts is improved.

[0042] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the general spirit of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

[1] Locking arrangement (10), comprising: a hinge (14) defining a slot (60), the slot (60) having a slot length (64) and a slot width (66), wherein the slot length (64) is greater than the slot width (66); and a detent actuator (12) having a housing (28) and a plunger (30) partially disposed within the housing (28), the plunger (30) being configured to translate and rotate with respect to the housing (28), the plunger (30) having a distal end with a plunger end length (44) and a plunger end width (46), the plunger end length (44) being greater than the plunger end width (46), the plunger (30) being configured to be insertable into the slot (60); and wherein the plunger end length (44) is greater than the slot width (66) and the plunger end length (44) is less than the slot length (64) by a clearance; wherein the plunger end length (44) is defined by a first arm (40) and a second arm (42), each disposed at the distal end and extending out of a body of the plunger (30); wherein the first arm (40) includes a first hemispherical surface (40A) and a first front angled surface (40B) and the second arm (42) includes a second hemispherical surface (42A) and a second front angled surface (42B). [2] The latch assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the hinge (14) includes a rod (62) extending across the slot (60) on one side of the hinge (14) away from the latch actuator (12), wherein the distal end of the plunger (30) contacts the rod (62) when disposed through the slot (60). [3] The latch assembly (10) of claim 2, wherein the rod (62) has a curved surface facing the slot (60). [4] A locking assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein the distal end of the plunger is hemispherical. [5] The locking assembly (10) of claim 4, wherein an apex of the hemispherical distal end is coaxial with the body of the plunger (30). [6] The latch assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the plunger (30) is movable between a latched position and a released position, and the first and second arms are aligned with the slot length (64) when in the open position, and the first and second arms are perpendicular to the slot length (64) when in the latched position. [7] The latch assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the hinge (14) has an angled surface surrounding the slot (60). [8] Arrangement for a fuel / charging connection, comprising: a hinge (14) having a front surface, a back surface and defining a slot, the slot (60) having a slot length (64) and a slot width (66), wherein the slot length (64) is greater than the slot width (66), the hinge (14) including a bar (62) disposed on the front surface above the slot (60) to define a locking receptacle (58), wherein the back surface includes an angled surface surrounding the slot (60) and the front surface includes a crown surrounding the slot (60); a door coupled to the front of the hinge (14); and a detent actuator (12) having a housing (28) and a plunger (30) partially disposed within the housing (28), the plunger (30) being configured to translate and rotate with respect to the housing (28), the plunger (30) having first (40) and second (42) arms disposed at a distal end, the first and second arms defining a plunger end length (44), wherein the plunger (30) is movable between a detented position in which the first and second arms are disposed within the locking receptacle (58) and are perpendicular to the slot length (64), and an undetented position in which the first and second arms are aligned with the slot length (64), wherein the first arm includes a first hemispherical surface (40A) and a first front angled surface (40B), and the second arm includes a second hemispherical surface (42A) and a second front angled surface (42B),wherein the first and second hemispherical surfaces (42A) are configured to engage the crown of the hinge (14) when in the latched position and the first and second angled front surfaces are configured to engage the angled surface of the hinge (14) when the plunger (30) is inserted into the locking receptacle (58), wherein the rod (62) has a curved surface facing the slot (60), and the distal end of the plunger (30) contacts the curved surface of the rod (62) when it is disposed through the slot (60) and moves into the locked position, and wherein the plunger end length (44) is greater than the slot width (66) and the plunger end length (44) is smaller than the slot length (64) by a distance amount.

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