Patent ID: 9335056
Filing Date: 2016-05-10
CPC Classification: E05B,F24C

Claim Text:
1. A latching apparatus having a proximal end and a distal end and movable between a non-latching state and a latching state, the latching apparatus comprising: a door, a first electrical switch, a second electrical switch, an electrical motor driving an eccentric cam, a push rod having a proximal end and a distal end, a hook, a spring, and a first actuator rod and a second actuator rod having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein when the latching apparatus is in the non-latching state: the first actuator rod is in a proximal position wherein: a. the proximal end of the first actuator rod is engaged with the spring, the spring being in a relaxed state, thereby making contact with the first electrical switch to form a first closed electrical circuit with the first electrical switch, and b. the distal end of the first actuator rod is engaged with the proximal end of the push rod by a pivoting link member, the push rod being in a distal position; and the second actuator rod is in a proximal position wherein: c. the proximal end of the second actuator rod is engaged with the eccentric cam, the eccentric cam being in contact with but not activated by the second switch, and d. the distal end of the second actuator rod is engaged with the hook, the hook being in a non-latching state; and wherein when the latching apparatus is in the latching state: the first actuator rod is in a distal position wherein: a. the door of the apparatus will engage the push rod, so as to move the push rod toward a proximal position and wherein movement of the push rod actuates the first actuator rod to move to a distal position causing the proximal end of the first actuator rod, engaged with the spring, to break contact with the first electrical switch to form an electrical open and b. the distal end of the first actuator rod is engaged with the proximal end of the push rod by a pivoting link member in a manner which allows the push rod to be in a proximal position; and the second actuator rod is in a distal position wherein: c. the proximal end of the second actuator rod, engaged with the eccentric cam, is in contact with and is activated by the second switch to axially translate the second actuator rod to the distal position, and d. the distal end of the second actuator rod, engaged with the hook, moves the hook to a latching position wherein, when the pushrod is moved towards the proximal end of the latching apparatus, the first electrical circuit formed by the first switch is broken thereby causing rotation of the electric motor and thereby forming a second electrical circuit with the second switch, causing the eccentric cam to rotate and causing a latching action by the hook wherein the first electrical switch, the second electrical switch, and the electrical motor are electrically connected to each other through a printed circuit board which receives electrical power through a connector port via a plug on a wire harness wherein power is transmitted through electrical connector pins on the connector port, further wherein the electrical connector pins of the connector port extend into and penetrate through the printed circuit board.