Lock assembly
US9238452B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H63/3475
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lock assembly for use in automotive and industrial transmission systems comprises: an actuator (2) having an impeller (6) movable between two rest positions by energizing the actuator, wherein the impeller is retained in each of the two rest positions by passive magnetic forces generated by the actuator; a locking arrangement (10, 22; 42, 52; 62, 64; 70, 74; 80, 96) switchable between a first configuration in which rotation of a shaft is unimpeded by the locking arrangement and a second configuration in which rotation of said shaft is blocked by the locking arrangement; and a linkage (14, 16; 44, 46, 61, 88) between the impeller and the locking arrangement, wherein the assembly is arranged such that in one of the impeller rest positions, the locking arrangement is in its first configuration and said shaft is freely rotatable, and in the other of the impeller rest positions, the locking arrangement is urged towards and into its second configuration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.