Latching mechanism

A radial latching mechanism for engaging a safety switch is described. The radial latching mechanism includes an actuator holder, and an actuator for engaging the safety switch, attached to the actuator holder in a predetermined orientation relative to the holder. The mechanism has a body for supporting the actuator holder, and a first radial member extending between and pivotally connected by respective pivot points to both the body and the actuator holder. The radial latching mechanism further includes a second radial member extending between and pivotally connected by respective pivot points to both the body and the actuator holder. Each pivot point has a pivot axis, all of the pivot axes being substantially parallel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to latching mechanisms, and in particular but not exclusively, latching mechanisms for safety switch assemblies used in machinery guards enclosing kinetic machinery.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

Known safety switch assemblies comprise a safety switch adapted to be fitted to an enclosure, and an actuator attached to a latching mechanism adapted to be fitted to a door, gate or protective cover of the enclosure. The actuator is insertable into the safety switch to turn on the electrical power supply when the enclosure is closed by the door, gate or protective cover.

Radial latching mechanisms for engaging safety switches are well known in the art. Such latching mechanisms include an actuator mounted on a pivotal member, thus allowing the actuator to be rotated in a plane defined by the pivot axis of the member. This rotational movement moves the actuator into and out of the safety switch.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,286 describes an improved radial latching mechanism, in which the actuator is pivotally mounted upon the pivotal member such that the actuator may be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the pivoting circle of the latching mechanism as the pivotal member is moved to an open or a closed position. This arrangement allows not only pivoting of the actuator about the pivot access, but also tilting relative to the pivot plane. As a result, tolerances arising in various parts during assembly of the safety switch and its latching mechanism can be compensated for.

However, the design is complex. Further, adjustment of the latching mechanism via setscrews within the mechanism are required to arrange for the actuator to be in the appropriate insertion position and insertion angle for the actuator to be received by the safety switch. Due to the limited range of movement provided by the design, problems can arise if, for instance, during the lifetime of the safety switch assembly, the door to which the latching mechanism is attached is moved relative to the enclosure to which the safety switch is attached e.g. if the door drops.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved radial latching mechanism that substantially addresses one or more of the problems of the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a radial latching mechanism for engaging a safety switch, the radial latching mechanism comprising an actuator holder, an actuator for engaging the safety switch, attached to the actuator holder in a predetermined orientation relative to said holder, a body for supporting the actuator holder, a first radial member extending between and pivotally connected by respective pivot points to both the body and the actuator holder and wherein the radial latching mechanism further comprises a second radial member extending between and pivotally connected by respective pivot points to both the body and the actuator holder and each pivot point has a pivot axis, all of said pivot axes being substantially parallel.

By providing two such radial members, the orientation of the actuator holder (and hence the actuator) can be controlled as the radial latching mechanism is moved between an open and a closed position. Thus, the latching mechanism can be arranged such that the actuator will still be correctly orientated to engage the safety switch, even if a door on which the latching mechanism is mounted drops. Further, this control of the orientation of the actuator is provided by a mechanically simple device.

The distance between the pivot points of the first radial member may be substantially equal to the distance between the pivot points of the second radial member.

The distance between the pivot point connecting the first radial member to the body and the pivot point connecting the second radial member to the body may be substantially equal to the distance between the pivot point connecting the first radial member to the actuator holder and the pivot point connecting the second radial member to the actuator holder.

Both said first radial member and said second radial member may be substantially planar, and extend in a common plane substantially perpendicular to said pivot axes.

The actuator may be resiliently biased so as to maintain said predetermined orientation.

The actuator may extend from said actuator holder along a first axis, and is arranged to tilt away from said first axis.

The first axis may extend in an actuator plane substantially perpendicular to said pivot axes, said actuator may be arranged to tilt in at least one of said actuator plane and a plane substantially perpendicular to said actuator plane.

The latching mechanism may further comprise a guide unit fixedly located on said actuator holder, extending in a substantially parallel direction to said predetermined orientation of the actuator, and arranged to mate with a corresponding guide unit on a safety switch.

The guide unit may be a wedge-shaped member.

The latching mechanism may further comprise a safety switch, said safety switch being arranged to be actuated upon being engaged by said actuator.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an enclosure comprising a frame and a door, one of the door and the frame having a safety switch attached thereto, and the other of the door and the frame having a radial latching mechanism attached thereto for engaging said safety switch, the radial latching mechanism comprising an actuator holder, an actuator for engaging the safety switch, attached to the actuator holder in a predetermined orientation relative to said holder; a body for supporting the actuator holder, a first radial member extending between and pivotally connected by respective pivot points to both the body and the actuator holder and wherein the radial latching mechanism further comprises a second radial member extending between and pivotally connected by respective pivot points to both the body and the actuator holder and each pivot point has a pivot axis, all of said pivot axes being substantially parallel.

The latching mechanism may comprise a first release handle extending outside of the enclosure, and a second release handle extending inside of said enclosure, the release handles being operable to disengage the actuator from the safety switch.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a radial latching mechanism for engaging a safety switch, the method comprising providing an actuator holder attaching to the actuator holder, in a predetermined orientation relative to said holder, an actuator for engaging the safety switch, providing a body, pivotally connecting a first end of a first radial member to the body by a respective pivotal point, and pivotally connecting a second end of the first radial member to the actuator holder by a respective pivot point, pivotally connecting a first end of a second radial member to the body by a respective pivotal point, and pivotally connecting a second end of the second radial member to the actuator holder by a respective pivot point, each pivot point having a respective pivot axis, with the first and second radial members being arranged such that all of the pivot axes are substantially parallel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 and 2show a side view of a safety latch assembly10connected to an enclosure20in respectively a closed and an open position. The enclosure20comprises a frame22, which at least in part defines an aperture. The frame22may, for instance, be a section of a wall of a cage. A door24is arranged to fit into the aperture when in the closed position.

The enclosure20acts to enclose a kinetic machine e.g. a lathe. The safety latch assembly10is provided to ensure that the lathe will only operate when the door is in the closed position.

The safety latch assembly comprises a safety switch15and a radial latching mechanism30. The latching mechanism30comprises an actuator32.

An electrical power supply is connected to the safety switch15. The radial latching mechanism is arranged to allow the actuator32to be inserted into, and removed from cooperation with the safety switch15. Typically, the latching mechanism30is located on the door, whilst the safety switch15is located on an adjacent portion of the enclosure, such that the actuator32may only engage the safety switch15when the door24is closed. The actuator32operationally cooperates with the safety switch, so as to turn on the electrical power supply when the enclosure is closed by the door24.

The latching mechanism30comprises a body34pivotally coupled to an actuator holder36. The actuator32is arranged to extend in a predetermined orientation relative to the actuator holder36. The preferred actuator is resiliently biased to maintain this orientation and is conveniently referred to as fully flexible. The construction thereof is well known in the art and is not described further hereinafter. However, in the alternative a safety switch that allows the actuator to move inside its actuated position, e.g. sideways and radially would also suffice.

The actuator holder36is coupled to the body34by two members40,42. The members40,42are herein referred to as radial members, as they define an arc in a plane through which the actuator holder36moves relative to the body34. At a first end, each of the members40,42is pivotally connected to the body34by a respective pivot point40A,42A e.g. by an axle. The other end of each member40,42is pivotally connected at a pivot point40B,42B to the actuator holder36. The radial members40,42are substantially planar, and extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to the pivotal axes of the pivot points40A,40B,42A,42B.

In this particular embodiment, the members40,42are of equal length, with the distance between the pivot points along each member being substantially the same. Further, the members are substantially parallel, with the spacing between the pivot point40A connecting the first radial member40to the body and the pivot point42A connecting the second radial member42to the body being substantially the same as the spacing between the other two pivot points40B,42B.

The relative distance between the pivot points on each member, and the spacing between the corresponding pivot point on the adjacent member defines the movement path of the actuator holder36relative to the body34, as well as the orientation of the actuator holder36as the radial members40,42are moved.

In this particular instance, due to the spacing and distances between the pivot points, although the actuator holder36will follow the path of an arc relative to the body34, the actuator holder will maintain a predetermined orientation relative to this body. As the actuator32is attached to the actuator holder36in a predetermined orientation, then equally the actuator32will maintain a predetermined orientation relative to the body34. The orientation of the actuator referred to herein is the direction along the actuator in which the actuator body can engage the safety switch15.

In this particular instance, in the sense shown in the Figures, the actuator is arranged to extend along a vertical axis. The actuator will maintain this orientation along a vertical axis as the actuator holder follows the path of an arc relative to the body. This orientation is the orientation in which the actuator32of this embodiment can engage the safety switch15(when the actuator32is at the correct height). This control of the orientation of the actuator is an advantage over the prior art radial latch mechanism, in which the actuator normally maintains a predetermined orientation relative to the radial member (also termed the pivotal member) i.e. the orientation of the actuator will vary relative to that of the body34.

The particular advantage of this will be apparent from studyingFIG. 3, which shows the same apparatus illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. InFIG. 3, the door24has dropped, relative to the frame22, in the direction illustrated by arrow A. Typically, such a movement would prevent a prior art actuator from engaging the safety switch15, due to the actuator being maintained in an incorrect alignment.

FIG. 4shows the geometrical arrangement of the radial latching mechanism30. If point O is taken as the mid point position between the two pivot points40A42A, then it will be appreciated that the actuator32will follow the path32PO i.e. an arc of radius R. The point E shows the position at which the actuator32would normally engage the safety switch15.

When the door drops, the latching mechanism, which is fixed to the door will also drop with point O moving to new position D. The actuator32will now follow path32PD. The safety switch15, which is fixed to the frame22will not move, such that the position E (i.e. the desired engagement point) remain fixed. However, due to the predetermined orientation of the actuator32, the actuator32will still engage the safety switch15as it travels along path32PD past position E. This engagement is facilitated by the actuator being arranged to move transversely (in the direction shown by arrow T inFIG. 5) i.e. slide along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis along which the actuator extends. If the actuator is regarded as moving within a rotational plane (the “pivot plane”) as the latching mechanism operates, then this transverse axis is also within the pivot plane. The actuator32is resiliently biased however to maintain the central position within the transverse movement range. Preferably, the movement range is at least 5 mm.

Preferably, the actuator32is also arranged to move (e.g. pivot) in a direction perpendicular to the pivot plane, as illustrated by the arrows M. Preferably, this range of movements is at least 5 mm. Preferably, the actuator32is again resiliently biased, to maintain the central position.

Consequently, by providing two members with pivot points as described above, the radial latch mechanism30is able to compensate for misalignment of the door.

It will be appreciated that the above embodiments are provided by way of example only, and that various alternatives will be apparent to the skilled person as falling within the scope of the present invention. For instance,FIG. 6shows an embodiment of the present invention fitted with optional movement features. A handle44is fixedly connected to the actuator holder36. The handle44may extend into, or out of the enclosure20. By moving (lifting) the handle44, the actuator32will disengage from the safety switch15. The handle44may be ball-shaped, to allow it to be easily grasped by a human hand.

The latching mechanism may also be operated by handle50, formed as a lever. The lever50pivots about pivot point52, connected to body34. One of the radial members40,42has a member extending perpendicular to the plane of the member. When the lever50is pushed in the direction indicated by the arrow50A, the distant end of the lever50will engage the member54, thus causing the radial member40to move upwards, with the actuator32disengaging from the safety switch15.

Preferably, at least one of the aforesaid handles44,50is located within the enclosure20, to act as an emergency release.

Although the above embodiments have been described with reference to a right hand door, it will be appreciated that the embodiments can also be used for left hand doors, sliding doors and double doors. Misalignment within the tolerances provided by the sideways movement of the actuator and the rotational movement of the radial members does not affect the emergency release function.

Embodiments may additionally utilise a guiding means. Typically, it is envisaged that a male guiding means will be located on the radial latching mechanism, whilst a corresponding female guiding means will be located on the safety switch15. The guiding means is provided so that, as the actuator holder is moved through the arcuate path defined by the radial members40,42, and prior to the actuator engaging the safety switch, the guide means on the actuator holder will first engage the corresponding guide means on the safety switch. Subsequently the movement will then act such that the guide means act to pull the actuator and the corresponding insertion slot for the actuator on the safety switch into the correct alignment.

Additionally, stops45are mounted on the body34, to limit the arcuate range of movement of the actuator holder to a predetermined angle of arc e.g. 90° (±45° from the nominal horizontal shown in the FIGS.).

FIG. 7shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment is generally similar to that shown inFIG. 6i.e. it has two handles44,50. The handle50can be used for opening the latch mechanism, whilst the handle44can be used both for opening and closing the latch mechanism. In this particular embodiment, the radial latching mechanism30is provided with a cover56, to protect the radial members and respective pivot points from interference.

This embodiment utilises a guiding means in the form of guide unit60, fixedly located on the actuator holder36. Preferably, the guide unit60is wedge shaped (with the narrowest point of the wedge being at a distance from the actuator holder), arranged to engage a suitable aperture or slot62within the safety switch15. The guide unit extends in a direction substantially parallel to the orientation of the actuator32. However, the guide unit is arranged to engage a corresponding guide means in the form of slot62on the safety switch15, prior to the actuator32engaging the safety switch15. Consequently, the guide unit60will act to pull into position the actuator32so as to correctly engage the safety switch15, even if the actuator is slightly misaligned.

It will be understood that the radial latching mechanism is usually secured to a door of an enclosure and the safety switch to the frame of the enclosure. Exceptionally they may be the other way round. In the case of an enclosure comprising double doors, be they sliding or hinged, the radial latching mechanism is usually connected to one of the doors and the safety switch is usually connected to the other of the doors. In such a case the latching mechanism may be provided with two guides for co-operating engagement with a respective guide reception member, one of which is attached to the same door as the latching mechanism and the other is attached to the same door as the safety switch. An example of this is described and illustrated with reference toFIG. 8in relation to a pair of sliding doors. The radial latching mechanism30is constructed substantially as previously described and corresponding reference numerals have been used to denote corresponding parts. It is provided with a cover in the manner of the embodiment ofFIG. 7and has an actuating handle44. The actuator holder36comprises and extended arm which carries the actuator32and two spaced guide units60′,60″. The guide units60′,60″ are arranged to engage respective guide members62′,62″ and may comprise cooperating male and female members or vice versa. The radial latching mechanism30is attached to one80of a pair of sliding doors80,82. The doors slide relative to one another as represented by the arrows84,86. The guide62′ is attached to the same door80as the latching mechanism30. The guide62″ is attached to the other82of the two doors. Safety switch15is attached to the same door82as the guide62″.FIG. 8shows the doors84,86in a partially open position. When the doors are brought together the latching mechanism30can be moved into position with the guide units60′,60″ engaging with the guide members62′,62″ and with the actuator32engaging with the safety switch15to allow any machine contained within the enclosure provided with the doors to be started. It follows that to open the doors the latching mechanism has to be raised disengaging the actuator32from the safety switch and closing down the machine.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), it is envisaged that the distance between the pivot points on each radial member differ and/or the spacing between corresponding pivot points on the radial members is not equal. By varying the different distances and spacings between the pivot points, it is possible for the actuator holder (and hence the actuator) to be arranged to follow any predetermined arc, and also for the actuator holder/actuator orientation to vary as desired along the path of the arc. Thus, the actuator holder can be arranged to be orientated as desired, to correctly engage the safety switch even if the position of the latching mechanism relative to the safety switch is incorrect.