Patent ID: 9587761
Date: 2017-03-07
CPC Classifications: F16K

Claim:
1. A multi-position actuator comprising: an actuator housing defining an enclosure; a solenoid assembly arranged within the enclosure and having a solenoid and a solenoid rod configured to selectively extend when the solenoid is energized; a push-lever arranged within the enclosure and pivotably mounted to the solenoid rod and configured to extend with the solenoid rod when the solenoid is energized; a crank-arm arranged within the enclosure and rotatably mounted on a first axis, the crank-arm having a plurality of engagement elements arranged on a pitch circle diameter that is centered relative to the first axis, wherein one of the plurality of engagement elements is engaged by the push-lever to thereby rotate the crank-arm about the first axis in a first direction each time the solenoid is energized, and having a crank-arm projection; a locking-lever pivotably mounted to the push-lever and configured to block rotation of the crank-arm in the first direction when the solenoid is de-energized; a one-way-clutch (OWC) arranged within the enclosure and configured to block rotation of the crank-arm in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction when the solenoid is de-energized; and a slider-box lever arranged within the enclosure and configured to swing back and forth through a predetermined angle about a second axis, and having a first slot and a second slot, wherein the crank-arm projection is slidably engaged with the first slot, and the second slot is configured to slidably engage an actuating projection of an external device, and wherein the rotation of the crank-arm is configured to swing the slider-box lever for operating the external device.