Electronic rotary lock set

Abstract

Invention details;

Description

ELECTRONIC ROTARY LATCH PACKAGECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 503,750 (filed May 23, 2023) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 594,618 (filed October 31. 2023), both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention relates to a latching mechanism, such as a slam capable rotary latch, for holding an item, such as a door, in a fixed position. There is a need for a mechanical rotary latch that has the facility for the latch to be changed from a closed or locked condition to an open condition either by an electric signal or manually by means of a lever or cable remotely associated with a knob or button that may be keyed. It is desirable to have such lockable latch package in a contiguous housing for ease of manufacture and reduction of space, for use, as an example, as a replacement or retrofit for an existing mechanical rotary latch that does not have electrical capability.

[0003] One application for such a lockable latch is in conjunction with vehicle accessories such as doors or openings such as windows, for pick-up truck bed caps, for utility bodies associated with trucks, for emergency vehicles, or for tonneau covers. Vehicle accessories of various types provide vehicle users convenient ways to extend the usefulness of their vehicles. In many such accessories employed by users on their vehicles, the vehicle accessories include latches and locks for securing the accessory to the vehicle and / or securing contents being stored in or on the accessories. For example, an after-market pick-up truck cap may have a rear door that is hinged horizontally to swing upward when opened. The door may have a pair of rotary' latches at the lower outside comers of the door between the door and the frame of the cap or the top of the tailgate of the associated truck when closed to hold the door closed. Heretofore, these latches have been operated manually, and if lockable, required a manual key at the latch to lock and unlock.

[0004] Attempts to provide a facility' for electronic unlocking and locking of the door to a truck cap or tonneau cover is shown in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 6,354,650 and U.S. Patent No. 8,474,290. In both of these patents a manually rotating handle is mounted in the middle of the cap door for moving elongated rods into and out of position for maintain thedoor closed against the side of the cap. They do not incorporate a slam capable latch for ease in closing the door. Commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 9,809.999 discloses a rotary’ latch with a large, bulky motor and associated drive release mechanism mounted on a depending mounting plate that has its own mounting aperture for independent mounting on the substrate. The size, position and requirement of additional mounting of the motorized release mechanism makes it difficult to incorporate into small spaces such as those in or around vehicle accessories like truck cap doors and tonneau covers.

[0005] A need exists in the field of vehicle accessory latches, especially mechanical rotary’ latches and slam capable rotary’ latches, for devices, systems, and methods for opening such latches that are compact, do not require mounting plates, provide users more convenience, are less expensive and less time-consuming to install, are easier to operate and maintain, require fewer modifications to vehicles to which they are attached and / or to the vehicle accessories themselves, and make attaching the vehicle accessories to vehicles less likely to violate vehicle warranty' conditions.

[0006] Mechanical rotary latches have been around for a long time. The sizes, activation, spring rates and mounting have become universal among several competitors. The Eberhard line of mechanical rotary’ latches consist of the 200, 300, 400 and LNL series. Up until the present invention, to provide these rotary’ latches with an electronic release, customers would have to mount a linear actuator connected to the actuator / release lever. This resulted in using additional mounting plates, holes, fasteners and linkages to allow for the alignment of this assembly. An example of this construction is found in U.S. Patent No. 6,354,650. This complete assembly would grow in overall length, taking up valuable space in the customers’ application. Other electronic rotary' latches on the market are built on a very' different footprint and mounting, such as box pancake rotary latches that require costly modifications for use in a vehicle accessory.SUMMARY

[0007] In one embodiment, the invention provides a mechanically or electronically actuated rotary’ latch package for latching a first object having a striker pin to a second object comprising a latch mechanism having at least one side wall with a cutout sized to accept the striker pin and first and second apertures defining first and second axes, with the latch mechanism secured to the second object. A pivoting U-shaped pawl pivots about the first axis in a first direction from an open condition to a locked condition against a first rotational bias by the force of the striker pin pivoting the paw l, w ith the pawl capturing the striker pin in thecutout in a locked condition. A pivotable catch plate or release lever that pivots about the second axis is rotationally biased for releasable engagement with the pawl for maintaining the pawl in the closed condition when the pawl has been pivoted into the closed condition. A catch release or bracket is associated with the catch plate or release lever for pivoting the catch plate or release lever in a second direction against the second rotational bias and disengagement from the pawl, with the catch release or bracket movable both manually and by an electrical actuator such as a linear mover mounted on the at least one side wall. Disengagement of the catch plate or release lever from the pawl allows the first rotational bias to pivot the pawl in a second direction, freeing the striker pin and allowing the latch to open.

[0008] In another embodiment, the invention provides a mechanically or electronically actuated rotary latch package for releasably latching a first object having a striker to a second object, which comprises a latch mechanism having a side wall and a pivoting U-shaped pawl that pivots in a first direction from an open condition to a locked condition against a first rotational bias caused by the force of the striker pivoting the pawl. A pivoting release lever maintains the pawl in the locked condition, with the release lever biased by a second rotational bias to be engaged with the pawl. A catch release or bracket associated with the release lever pivots the release lever against the second rotational bias to disengage the release lever from the pawl, releasing the pawl to allow the first rotational bias to pivot the pawl in a second direction to allow the latch to open, freeing the striker. The catch release or bracket is actuated either mechanically or by an electronic actuator that is mounted solely on the latch mechanism.

[0009] The devices, systems, and methods for both manually and remotely releasing mechanical rotary latches for vehicle accessories such as doors for pick-up truck caps or tonneau covers disclosed herein provide users a number of beneficial technical effects and a more desirable manufacturer and user experience as compared to known rotating knob type latches and mechanical rotary7latches. Such benefits include, without limitation, compact design, greater convenience, being less expensive and less time-consuming to install, being easier to operate and maintain, requiring fewer modifications to vehicles to which they are attached and / or to the vehicle accessories themselves, and making attaching the vehicle accessories to vehicles less likely to violate vehicle warranty7conditions.

[0010] Electronic opening rotary latches offer greater convenience for operation, especially remote operation, by the operator. For example, the operator may have a key fob,or remote handle or button with a switch nearby to operate a remote latch. However, especially in a vehicle setting, if the latch is incorporated into a door or window to allow ingress and egress to the vehicle, a mechanical opening means should also be incorporated into the latch to enhance safety. This will allow an operator inside a space in the vehicle to escape the vehicle in a situation of no electric power to the vehicle.

[0011] Further and alternative aspects and features of the disclosed principles will be appreciated from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. As will be appreciated, the principles related to devices, systems, and methods for remotely locking and unlocking vehicle accessory' locks are capable of being carried out in other and different embodiments, and are capable of being modified in various respects. Accordingly, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory’ only and do not restrict the scope of the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 A is an exploded perspective view of a first side of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in a closed condition.

[0013] FIG. IB is an exploded perspective view of a second side of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in a closed condition.

[0014] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of a first side of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in an open condition.

[0015] FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view- of a second side of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in an open condition.

[0016] FIG. 3A is a perspective view' of a first side of another embodiment of the inventive latch package in the closed condition.

[0017] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a second side of another embodiment of the inventive latch package in the closed condition.

[0018] FIG. 3C is a top view of another embodiment of the inventive latch package in the closed condition.

[0019] FIG. 4A is a view similar to FIG. 3A in an open condition.

[0020] FIG. 4B is a view' similar to FIG. 3B in an open condition.

[0021] FIG. 4C is a view' similar to FIG. 3C in an open condition.

[0022] FIG. 4D is a view similar to FIG. 3D in an open condition.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a partial cut away perspective view of a first side of another embodiment of the inventive latch package in the closed condition.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a partial cut away perspective view of a first side of another embodiment of the inventive latch package in the open condition.

[0025] FIG. 7A is a partially exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0026] FIG. 7B is a partially exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A-1B.

[0027] FIG. 7C is a partially exploded perspective view of the embodiment show n inFIGS. 1A-1B.

[0028] FIG. 7D is a partially exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A-1B.

[0029] FIG. 8A is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0030] FIG. 8B is a front view' of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0031] FIG. 8C is a side view' of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0032] FIG. 8D is rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A-3C.

[0033] FIG. 8E is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0034] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.

[0035] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.

[0036] FIG. 9C is a perspective view' of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.

[0037] FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.

[0038] FIG. 9E is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4D.

[0039] FIG. 10A is a perspective view' of the inventive latch package incorporated into a rear door for a cap for a pick-up truck in a closed condition.

[0040] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the inventive latch package incorporated into a rear door for a cap for a pick-up truck in an open condition.

[0041] FIGS. 11A-11G are various cutaw ay view s of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in an unlocked condition that was attained mechanically.

[0042] FIGS. 12A-12G are various cutaway views of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in an unlocked condition that was attained electronically.

[0043] FIGS. 13A-13G are various cutaway views of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in a closed condition.

[0044] FIGS. 14A-14G are various view s of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in a closed condition.

[0045] FIG. 15A is a stylized side view of a cutaway of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in an open condition highlighting wiring to the latch and switch.

[0046] FIG. 15B is a side view' of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in an open condition.

[0047] FIG. 15C is a partial cut aw ay view' of FIG. 15B along line A- A.

[0048] FIG. 15D is a side view of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in a closed condition.

[0049] FIG. 15E id a partial cut away view of FIG. 15D along line A- A.

[0050] FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic of an indicator light and thermal cutoff.

[0051] FIG. 17A is a partial cut away perspective view of the inventive latch package showing the location of a thermal cutoff switch.

[0052] FIG. 17B is a perspective view' of a thermal cutoff switch and associated wires.

[0053] FIG. 18A is a cut aw ay view' of FIG. 18B along line B-B.

[0054] FIG. 18B is a side view' of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in the open condition.

[0055] FIG. 18C is a bottom view of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in the open condition.

[0056] FIG. 18D is a partial cut aw ay side view of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in the open condition.

[0057] FIG. 19A is a cut away view of FIG. 19B along line B-B.

[0058] FIG. 19B is a side view' of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in the closed condition.

[0059] FIG. 19C is a bottom view of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in the closed condition.

[0060] FIG. 19D is a partial cut away side view of one embodiment of the inventive latch package in the closed condition.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Reference will now' be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that anyreference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice- versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

[0062] FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 show one embodiment of a rotary latch 10 package incorporating features of the invention. These FIGS reflect some of the structure of an Eberhard 200 series rotaiy latch body 12 with an electronic actuator 14 mounted integrally on a second or backside 16 of the rotary latch body and fixed to and seamlessly incorporated into the latch body 12 to create a latch package 10 using the same or similar footprint as the original Eberhard 200 series rotaiy7latch body. The rotaiy7latch package 10 is used to releasably attach two substrates together, with one substrate fixed to the rotary latch package 10, possibly by threaded fasteners or rivets through apertures 24 and 26, and the other substrate generally having a striker pin or post (see FIG. 10) often cylindrically shaped and sized to releasably fit into the rotating U-shaped jaw or pawl 18 of the latch mechanism 12. The latch package 10 can be changed from an open condition, see FIGS. 2A-2B, to a closed condition, see FIGS. 1A-1B and 7A-7D, by the striker pin being manually forced into the cutout 38 and into the U-shaped pawl 18 and rotating the pawl around axis 3 in a first direction 20 against a first bias caused by spring 22 (see FIG. 1A, 7A and 7B).

[0063] Once rotated into the closed position, the U-shaped pawl 18 and captured striker pin are held in this position by a release lever or catch plate 28 pivoting about axis 2. parallel to axis 3. in a first direction by a second bias caused by spring 34 and having a first arm 30 contacting a flat or arm 36 on the backside of the pawl 18. The striker pin is now locked in the cutout 38 of the first or front sidewall 40 and the second or back sidewall 1 of the rotary7latch body 12 by the now non-pivoting U-shaped pawl 18. In order for the pawl 18 to release the striker pin, the release lever or catch plate 28 must be rotated in a second direction against the second bias caused by second spring 34 about axis 2.

[0064] The rotation of the release lever or catch plate 28 in the second direction can be achieved either manually or electronically. To manually rotate the release lever 28 in the second direction and disengage it from the pawl 18, the lower depending catch arm 32 can be contacted by a lever, bracket or cable to rotate the release lever 28 in the second direction. The release lever or catch plate 28 can also be rotated in the second direction upon an electrical signal to an electrically actuated rotating motor with attendant gearing or linear mover 42, such as a solenoid, fixed to the latch mechanism 12 preferably on the back sidewall 16 and integrally incorporated into the rotary latch body 12. Various linear movers42, or solenoids can be used. For example a spring return pull solenoid having a piston arm 44 that is magnetically pulled into the solenoid body when activated and returns to an extended rest position by a spring is contemplated in one embodiment. However, a push solenoid in which the arm 44 is pushed out of the solenoid body is also contemplated. In either embodiment, the spring may be included or deleted.

[0065] In one embodiment, the solenoid piston is an arm 44 that is L-shaped and contacts one arm of a pivoting catch release or bracket 48 that pivots about axis 1. which in this embodiment is normal to the second and third axes. Upon movement by activation of the solenoid 42, a second arm of the catch release or bracket 48 contacts and moves a third arm 46 of the release lever 28 to rotate the release lever 28 about the second axis against the second spring 34 bias. With the rotation of the release lever or catch plate 28 in the second direction, the release lever 28 first arm 30 disengages from the flat 36 on the back side of the U-shaped pawl 18 and the first spring 22 rotates the pawl 18 in a second direction to expel the striker pin from the cutout 38. Additional cams, sliders or levers may be incorporated into the assembly to provide rotation and / or linear movement in the proper direction for the catch release 48. As the striker pin is forced away from the rotary latch package 10 by rotation of the pawl 18 caused by the first spring 22 bias, the substrates are separated and the operator may be made visually aware that the latch is open if the operator is nearby. When the latch package 10 is used in conjunction with a hinged window or door being held shut against a frame, the window or door will be open or slightly ajar in the open condition. In one embodiment, the inventive latch package 10 also includes an electrical signal to a light or audible generator to alert the operator remotely that the latch is in the open or closed condition.

[0066] The latch package 10 is now in the open condition and ready to accept the striker pin being reinserted into the pawl 18 and locked in place as described above. As can be appreciated by the attached drawings and description above, the inventive latch provides a compact integral assembly for incorporation into small spaces in which only manually- actuated rotary latches have heretofore been used.

[0067] FIGS. 3, 4. 8 and 9 disclose another, but similar embodiment of the inventive latch package 10. A Load ‘N’ Lock (LNL) 1700 series rotary latch body 50 is incorporated into the package 10. Similar numbers will designate structure similar to all embodiments. Again, a U- shaped paw l 18 pivots about a third axis, see FIG. 4C, to releasably capture a striker pin, not shown. A catch plate or release lever 28 that pivots about a second axis parallel to the thirdaxis releasably holds the pawl 18 in a closed or locked condition by an arm 30 on the release lever 28 contacting a flat or arm 36 on the back side of the pawl 18. In one embodiment, a catch release 48 rotates the release lever 28 to disengage the release lever 28 from the pawl 18 to release the pawl 18 to open the latch package 10. In another embodiment, the release lever or catch plate 28 is moved directly by the arm 44 of the electronic actuator, such as a solenoid or linear mover 42. The catch release 48. or release lever 28 directly, can also be rotated manually by connecting a mechanical cable or lever to one of the bosses 50 and 52. The second boss 52 is connected directly to an end 66 of the release lever 28. A cable can be connected to boss 52 and pulled in a direction normal to the second and third axes to open the latch package 10. Boss 50 is connected to catch release 48 which is adapted for rotation about an axis normal to the second and third axes. A cable connected to boss 50 can be pulled along a line parallel to axes 2 and 3 to open the latch package 10. Accordingly, the latch package has mechanical utility depending on the environment and orientation in which the latch package 10 is located.

[0068] As noted above, the catch release 48 can also be moved electronically by the arm 44 of the solenoid 42, which contacts a cam so this pivot axis is normal to axes 2 and 3. Again, the electronic motive force, preferably a solenoid or other linear electrical mover 42, is compact and integral with the rotary' latch body 12 to enhance the usability' of the package or assembly in locations in which footprint, space and volumes are limited. The electronic actuator requires no additional mounting apparatus over that required to mount the latch mechanism 12 to the substrate.

[0069] In a third embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a LNL 1700 series rotary latch is also incorporated into the inventive assembly. In this embodiment only the manual boss 52 that pivots the release lever 28 about the second axis that is parallel to third axis is used in the inventive latch for mechanical opening of the latch. An electronic actuator 14 including a solenoid 42 has an a piston 44 with an L-shaped arm that moves from an extended position in a closed condition (FIG. 5) to a retracted position in an open condition (FIG.6) and directly acts on the release lever 28 to provide movement for affecting rotation of the release lever 28 against its spring bias caused by spring 34. This disengages the first arm 30 of the release lever 28 from the flat or arm 36 on the back side of the pawl 18 to allow the spring 22 to open the pawl and expel the striker pin. The arm 44 contacts the release lever 28 in a slot 53 that provides lost motion and allows for the release lever 28 to pivot when the boss 52 is mechanically moved, for example by a cable, even though the arm 44 is not moved. Theelectronic assembly, including the solenoid, is fixed to the back side of the rotary latch body 12 to create the package 10 in this embodiment, and again, no additional mounting hardware is needed to include the electronic actuator.

[0070] FIGS. 11-15 show other embodiments of an electronic rotary latch package 10 incorporating features of the invention. These FIGS depict portions of a modified LNL series 1700 rotary latch mechanism body 12 incorporating an electronic actuator 14 and associated levers and sliding brackets mounted integrally on the rotary latch and seamlessly incorporating the electronic and mechanical release mechanisms into the latch package 10 for easy mounting in the same location as an original mechanical rotary latch body 12. The rotary latch package 10 is used to releasably attach two substrates together, with one substrate fixed to the rotary latch package 10. In one embodiment, the latch package is preferably fixed to one substrate by threaded fasteners or rivets extending through apertures 24 and 26. In a further embodiment, each aperture 24 and 26 has a hollow cylindrical wall with internal threads. Threaded fasteners extending from the second substrate can be screwed into the internally threaded walls to fix the latch package to the substrate. In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 14, at least one side wall of the latch package 10 has a foot 94 with an elongated slot 95 so the latch package 10 can be mounted on a substrate with a surface parallel to the second and third axes.

[0071] As with the other embodiments, the first substrate has a striker pin that can be forced into the cutout 38 in the latch body 12 and releasably held by pawl 18 in the cutout. The latch mechanism 12 goes from an open to a closed condition by the striker pin (see FIG. 10) being manually forced into the U-shaped pawl 18 and rotating the pawl in a first direction against a spring bias by spring 22 about axis 3, see FIG. 11.

[0072] Once rotated into the closed position, the U-shaped pawl 18 is held in this position by an arm or flat 30 on the release lever 28 which pivots about axis 2 in a first direction by a second bias caused by either spring 22 or spring 54 or both and contacting a complementary flat or arm 36 on the backside of the pawl. The striker pin is accordingly locked in the cutout of the sidewalls of the rotary latch by the now non-pivoting U-shaped pawl. In order for the pawl 18 to release the striker pin, the release lever 28 must be rotated in a second direction against second spring 34 bias about axis 2 to disengage the arm 30 on the release lever from the complementary' arm or flat 36 on the backside of the pawl 18.

[0073] The rotation of the catch plate or release lever 28 about axis 2 in the second direction can be achieved either manually or electronically. To manually or mechanicallyrotate the catch plate or release lever 28 in the second direction, an L bracket 56 having a first leg 96 and a perpendicular second leg 98 is moved against the bias of spring 54 in a second direction toward the solenoid 42. As seen in FIG. HE, a mechanical cable 58, remotely attached to a handle or knob at its other end (see FIG. 10), terminates in the latch package 10 in a fist 60. When the solenoid 42 is activated to move the L bracket 56, the fist can slide in a straight space or raceway 100 in the second leg 98 of the L bracket 56 to act as a lost motion device. However, upon a pull by the cable 58 to move the L bracket 56 mechanically, a first end 62 of the fist contacts a back end wall 64 of the second leg 98 of L bracket 56 with the cable 58 extending through an opening such as a slot or an aperture in the end wall 64. The opening is sized so that the cable 58 can extend through it, but the fist 60 cannot. Further pulling of the cable 58 causes the L bracket to move linearly or translationally in a track from a closed condition as seen in FIG. 13E to the open position in FIG. 1 IE. This also moves the L bracket in the second direction compacting the spring 54. The cable is generally pulled by a remote lever or knob associated with the turning of a key or handle. As seen in FIG. 11C, a second end 66 of the release lever 28 opposite if s pivot about axis 2 and remote from arm or flat 30 is connected to the L bracket 56 through another lost motion connection 68 to allow for translational movement of the L bracket and cable and arcuate movement of the end 66 of the release lever 28.

[0074] As noted above, the release lever 28 can also be rotated in the second direction upon an electrical signal to an electronic actuator 14, preferably a linear mover 42. such as a solenoid or rotating motor and associate gearing, attached to and integrally incorporated into the rotary latch mechanism 12 without the need of any additional mounting hardware of the latch package to the second substrate. The solenoid piston arm 44 is attached to the first arm 96 of the L bracket 56. When the solenoid 42 is activated by receiving an electrical signal, magnetic force in the solenoid retracts the piston arm 44 and the L bracket 56 in the second direction against the bias of spring 54 as best seen in comparing FIG. 12E with FIG. 13E. As can also be seen in FIGS. 12E and 13E, the L bracket moves when the solenoid is activated, but the fist 60 is able to slide along space 100 in the second arm of the L bracket so the fist 60 and cable 58 remain stationary. As best seen in FIGS. 13A and 13C, spring 54 is preferably conical so that its longitudinal length is minimized when it is compressed thus reducing the package size.

[0075] When the flat 30 on the release lever 28 is moved away and disengages from the flat 36 on the back side of the pawl 18, the first bias of the pawl caused by spring 22 rotatesthe pawl in a second direction expelling the striker pin from the cutout 38. As can be appreciated by the attached drawings and description above, the inventive latch package provides a compact integral assembly for incorporation into small spaces in which only manually actuated rotary latches have heretofore been used.

[0076] FIGS. 10A and 10B depict two inventive latch packages in use in releasably securing a rear window of a pickup truck cap to a rear portion of the cap. FIG. 10A shows the latch packages in a closed condition with the striker pins captured in the cutouts by the pawls. Mechanical cables 58 extend from a center handle to allow manual mechanical operation to open the latch packages 10 as described above and open the window as shown in FIG. 10B. Rotation of the center handle or rotation of a key associated with the center handle pulls the respective mechanical wires 58 to open the latches 10. Alternatively, each latch is connected to an electrical power source 102 through wires 70 and 72. An electrical signal sent through the wires activates the electronic actuator 14 as an alternative way to open the window. The electrical signal can be initiated through a fob or a button on the side of the cap or in the cab of the vehicle. The latch packages 10 require no more additional mounting structure than strictly mechanically operated latch mechanisms 12.

[0077] FIGS. 15 and 16 highlight wiring and safety and operator notice features associated with the invention. In FIG. 15 A, electrical power wires 70 and 72 carry an electrical signal to the electronic actuator 14, often a solenoid 42 of the latch package to activate the solenoid 42 to pull the piston arm 44 and L bracket 56 in the second direction against the spring 54 bias to allow for opening of the pawd 18 electronically. Additionally, three wires are connected to a micro switch 80 to provide indication of whether the pawd 18 is in the open or closed condition. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15C, the switch may be a micro switch 80 with a small outwardly biased contact lever 82 into an open condition that is pivoted against its bias by a plunger 84 having a tapered end. The plunger is moved axially against the bias of the contact lever 82 into a switch closed condition. As shown in FIG. 15C, when the pawl 18 is in the open condition, the plunger is free to move axially in the other direction and is pushed by the contact lever 82 into the space adjacent the second 16 wall of the latch body 12 below the cutout 38, and the switch is rendered into an open condition. As shown in FIG. 15E, when the latch package 10 is in the closed condition, the paw l 18 pushes the plunger 84 axially against the bias of the contact lever 82 closing the switch to indicate presence of the pawl 18 in the cutout 38 in the closed condition.

[0078] Alternatively, the switch 80 may be one of, but not limited to, a proximity switch, an optical switch or a Hall Effect switch to indicate the position of the pawl. The switch can also be connected to a logic circuit to provide indication of the status of the latch to other assemblies and modalities, as well as a light or sound generator. FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram of the electrical signals for the micro switch. As can be appreciated, the logic of the switch can be tuned to the desires of the customer to be normally open or normally closed and have an indicator light or sound generator activated upon changing from the default state upon opening or closing.

[0079] FIG. 17 shows the location and features of an optional thermal cutoff switch 104. If, for any reason, the solenoid is energized many times in short succession or other issues occur that would cause overheating or over-work of the system, the thermal override will cut off power either for a select period of time, other parameter, or until operator action is taken. The thermal cutoff switch 104 is connected to an electrical power source 102 and preferably located abutting and contacting one end of the solenoid or in any preferable location to sense heat or other malfunction.

[0080] FIGS 18 A-D and 19 A-D depict an embodiment in which the mechanical cable 58 is routed to exit the latch package 10 from near the bottom of the front wall 40 of the latch package 10. In contrast to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11-14, where the mechanical cable extends from one end of the latch package 10 normal to the second and third axes, in this embodiment, the mechanical cable extends from the front wall 40 of the latch package 10 and can be pulled along an axis parallel to the second and third axes. This may be advantageous in certain mounting environments depending on the orientation of the latch package 10 to the key way or handle operating the other end of the mechanical cable.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 18A and 19A, the mechanical cable 58 terminates in a transvers fist 86 which is located in an aperture or slot in a cam 88. The cam 88 can slide along the interior wall of a cam follower 90. Translational movement of the fist in a direction away from the latch package 10 is translated into translational sliding movement of a head of a rivet 92 attached to the second end 66 of release lever 28 in a direction normal to the movement of the fist as can be seen when going from FIG. 19A to 18 A. The spring bias of spring 22 moves the head 92 of the rivet in the opposite direction when no tension is on the mechanical cable and the latch is changed from an open to a closed condition by the striker pin pivoting the pawl 18 against its bias.

[0082] The latches in FIGS. 3-6. 8, 9, 11-13, 15 and 17-19 have similar mounting apertures along axes 2 and 3 as the LNL 1700 latch and can be used in similar applications with the advantage of optional electronic operation. As noted above, the latch package depicted in FIG. 14, has a foot 94 and elongates slot 95 for mounting on a base substrate in a different orientation with fasteners extending through the slot.

[0083] Other mechanically operated latches can be modified with other types of electronic actuators 14, such as a double acting solenoid or motor with appropriate gearing, and incorporated into the system and latch package 10. The electronic actuator 14 can be mounted on the right side, left side, off the back, on the bottom, on the top or otherwise located proximate to the latch mechanism to provide a functional and aesthetic package. Preferably, no additional mounting holes or hardware are needed for the inclusion of the electronic actuator 14 and any associated levers, cams or gears. Latches that have electronic and manual releases at various locations and angles are also contemplated. The electronic release could operate at 90 degrees on the right or left of the unit, or optionally in line and out of the back of the latch. The electronic release could also be tuned to have a single stage or dual stage depending on the levels of closure needed for the situation in use. The electronic release may also use a double detent in lieu of a spring return actuation.

Claims

DEPCT691. A mechanically or electronically activated rotary locking assembly for locking a first object with a receiver pin to a second object, consisting of: a. A locking mechanism with at least one side wall with a cutout sized to accommodate the receiver and the first and second slots that define the first and second axes, with the locking mechanism securely fastened to the second object; b. A U-shaped, axially rotating spring latch that rotates around the first axis in one direction from the open to the locked position, resisting the first rotational tilt force by the force of the receiver pin rotating the spring latch around the axis, with the spring latch engaging the receiver pin in the cutout in the closed position; c. A axially rotating release lever that rotates around the second axis in the rotational tilt for the release assembly of the spring latch, maintaining the spring latch in the closed position when the spring latch has been rotated around the axis to the closed position; d.A fastener connected to the release lever for rotating the release lever around its axis in a second direction against the first rotational inclination force and separating from the spring latch, with a movable fastener both manually and by an electrically operated linear motion device mounted on at least one side wall.e., where the separation of the release lever from the spring latch allows the first rotational inclination force to rotate the spring latch around its axis in a second direction, which frees the bolt receiver pin and allows the bolt to open.

2. The rotating bolt assembly of claim 1 where the fastener slides linearly.

3. The rotating bolt assembly of claim 2 where the fastener is L-shaped and slides linearly along an axis parallel to one leg in the groove manually by pulling a cable or electrically by activating an electrically operated linear motion device.

4. The rotating bolt assembly of claim 1 where the locking mechanism has two side walls and slots one and two, and an extension cross-section through both side walls and the outside of the second side wall of the bolt assembly contacts the second object, and the bolt assembly is secured to the second object only by a cylindrical fastener that extends through the slot.5.

6. The rotary lock set of claim 1 which has cylindrical walls with internal threads and cylindrical fasteners with external threads to secure the lock set to a second object by fasteners with threads that act only with the internal threads.

7. The rotary lock set of claim 1 which also has a thermal cut-off switch linked to an electrically operated linear motion device to stop the operation of the electrically operated linear motion device when it overheats.

8. The rotary lock set of claim 1 which also has an electrical switch linked to a spring latch which the switch provides an electrical signal that the spring latch is in the open or closed state.

9. The rotary lock set of claim 7 where the electrical switch can be wired and programmed to provide an implicit electrical signal that the spring latch is in the open or closed state.

10. The rotary lock set of claim 3 where the fastener is tilted to the closed state which pushes the release lever to engage the spring latch.The rotary lock assembly of claim 9, in which the fastener has a first and a second leg, with the second leg in a groove, and the inclination force of the release lever is exerted by a conical spring whose longitudinal axis is parallel to the sliding axis of the fastener along its second leg and between the first leg of the fastener and one end of the electrical motion device.

11. The rotary lock assembly of claim 10, in which the electrical motion device includes a solenoid with a longitudinally extended piston, the first end of the piston attached to the first leg of the fastener, and a conical spring surrounding the piston, such that when the piston is retracted into the solenoid when the solenoid is electrically activated, the fastener slides linearly along an axis parallel to its second leg, resisting the inclination of the conical spring.12.The rotating bolt assembly of claim 11, which is further incorporated with a manually movable cable whose end terminates at the fist, and where the second leg of the fastener has a longitudinal gap between the first leg and the end wall, with an opening in the end wall, where the fist is in the gap and the cable extends through the opening to a position far from the bolt assembly to allow manual movement of the cable to separate the release lever from the spring latch.

13. The rotating bolt assembly of claim 12, where the fist is free to slide in the gap of the second leg of the fastener when the fastener slides linearly when the solenoid is electrically activated.

14. A mechanically or electronically activated rotating bolt assembly for locking the first object with a bolt receiver pin to the second object, which is incorporated with: a. A locking mechanism with at least one side wall with a cutout sized to receive the bolt receiver and the first and second slots that define the first and second axes, where the locking mechanism is securely fastened to the second object by the first and second cylindrical fasteners that pass through the first and second slots; b.a. A U-shaped, axially rotating spring-loaded locking mechanism that rotates around its axis in one direction from the open to the locked state, resisting the initial rotational inclination by the force of the lock receiver pin. The spring-loaded lock engages the lock receiver at its cut-out section in the locked state. c. A axially rotating release lever that is rotated to engage the spring-loaded locking mechanism, maintaining the locking mechanism in the closed state once it has been rotated to the closed position. d. A cable connected to the release lever rotates the release lever around its axis in a second direction, resisting the second rotational inclination away from the spring-loaded locking mechanism when the cable is pulled away from the lock assembly. e. An electrically driven linear motion device mounted on at least one side wall, and also connected to the release lever, rotates the release lever around its axis in a second direction, resisting the second rotational inclination away from the spring-loaded locking mechanism when electrically activated.Where the separation of the release lever from the spring latch allows the first rotational inclination force to rotate the spring latch around its axis in a second direction, which frees the bolt receiver pin and allows the bolt to open.

15. A rotating bolt assembly of claim 14 with a first and second hub connected to the release lever and a cable connected to one of the first or second hubs depending on whether the cable is pulled by the operator in a direction parallel to or perpendicular to the second and third axes to separate the bolt receiver from the spring latch.

16. A rotating bolt assembly of claim 14 that also has a fastener and where the first hub is mounted on the release lever for connection to the cable when pulled in a direction perpendicular to the axis and the second hub is mounted on the fastener for connection to the cable when pulled in a direction parallel to the axis.

17. A mechanically or electronically actuated rotating bolt assembly for locking the first object with the bolt receiver pin to the second object with release, which is incorporated with a bolt mechanism with a side wall.a. A U-shaped, axially rotating spring-loaded lock that rotates around its axis in the first direction from the open to the locked state, resisting the first rotational inclination by the force of the bolt receiver pin rotating the spring-loaded lock around its axis. b. An axially rotating release lever for maintaining the spring-loaded lock in the locked state, where the release lever is tilted by a second rotational inclination to fit into the spring-loaded lock. c. A fastener connected to the release lever for rotating the release lever around its axis against the second rotational inclination and separating from the spring-loaded lock, which releases the spring-loaded lock to allow the first rotational inclination to rotate the spring-loaded lock around its axis in a second direction to allow the lock to open, which frees the bolt receiver pin, where the fastener is activated mechanically or by an electronic actuator mounted on the side wall.

18. A rotating lock assembly of claim 17 where the electronic actuator occupies the same mounting space as the lock mechanism and has no means of separate attachment to a second object.

19. A rotating lock assembly of claim 18 where the bolt receiver is forced away from the rotating lock when the spring-loaded lock rotates around its axis in the second direction. 20.The rotary locking system of claim 18, in which an electronic actuator is one of the electrical linear actuators or a rotary motor with associated gears;

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