Latch assembly

USRE36652E · kind E · reissue

Assignee

• Eaton Corporation · US

Inventor

• William Wang · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 9, 1996
• Grant date: Apr 11, 2000
• Expiry date: Aug 9, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

A latch assembly includes a permanent magnet which is fixedly connected with a housing. A pair of pole pieces are connected with opposite poles of the permanent magnet. A coil extends around a portion one of the pole pieces. A keeper is mounted for pivotal movement between an initial position in which the keeper engages both of the pole pieces and a release position in which the keeper is spaced from the pole pieces. The coil is energizable to oppose the permanent magnet and release the keeper for pivotal movement from the initial position to the release position. A retainer surface is connected with the keeper and retains a striker and door against movement relative to the housing when the latch assembly is in an engaged condition. The retainer surface and striker cooperate to transmit force along a path which extends through an axis about which the keeper pivots. The retainer surface has an arcuate surface area with a center of curvature disposed on the axis about which the keeper pivots.