Abstract:
A solenoid locking mechanism connects a solenoid body to a male coupling member. The male coupling member surrounds a housing at the end of the solenoid. A pair of ball bearings is retained in the housing and extends into the coupling member. Movement of the ball bearings by the plunger control locking or releasing the coupling member. In an alternate embodiment the solenoid locking mechanism secures the coupling mechanism to a lockable rod that has a ball nose at one end. The locking mechanism has a locking chamber or socket with a ball bearing mounted in the chamber wall. The ball bearing is moveable between a position in which it extends into the locking chamber or can be moved out from the locking chamber. The movement of the ball bearing is controlled by a plunger in the solenoid body. The ball nose is selectively locked in the locking chamber or released from the locking chamber depending on the position of the plunger which controls the position and movement of the ball bearing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based on and claims priority of provisional patent application 61/942,882 filed Feb. 21, 2014. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to mechanical couplings generally used to connect one apparatus or device to another. In particular it is directed to a quick release ball detent mechanical coupling that uses an electric solenoid to release the locked coupling. 
     In specific applications, it is desirable to connect a piece of equipment to a stationary object with a releasable coupling. In the past, mechanical couplings used to connect a device in place, such as a grill top, relied on strictly manually operated mechanical locking mechanisms to lock and unlock the device to the coupling. These worked fairly well hut have several shortcomings. First, to unlock the coupling the user has to physically unlatch the locking mechanism. This may be difficult for the user, especially if the user suffers from some form of disability that makes it difficult to manipulate or operate the release mechanism. Furthermore, the location of the coupling may be difficult to reach. Also, the coupling cannot be remotely unlatched by means of a wired or wireless switch. Latch assemblies or blocking device as illustrated in the prior art create more mounting or space constraint issues due to their profile or package size configurations. An electromagnet in a similar small package size may not have enough holding power to be effective in the given application, in addition, it is more difficult to design an enclosure or protective cover around a latch type assembly, blocking device or electromagnet which would be required to prevent contamination from entering the latch assembly. 
     Applicant&#39;s invention overcomes the problems associated with the mechanical couplings of the prior art. An electrically operated solenoid operates a plunger that keeps the latching mechanism either in the locked position of allows the latching mechanism to move to the unlocked position to allow the coupling to release the device. 
     The invention has a ball detent mechanism that provides a locking and unlocking feature when coupled with the mating receptacle. A solenoid electrically actuates the latch/unlatch ball detent mechanism. Depending on the design, by energizing or de-energizing the solenoid, the ball detent mechanism either locks or unlocks the coupling from the mating receptacle. A mechanical override feature is provided to operate the ball detent mechanism in the event of a solenoid failure. 
     In an alternate embodiment the solenoid locking mechanism secures a lockable rod to the solenoid locking mechanism. A plunger operated by the solenoid locks or releases several ball bearings from a passageway through which the lockable rod must pass to a locking chamber or socket. Depending on the configuration of locking flats and recesses on the plunger, the ball bearings can be oriented to allow the lockable rod to enter the locking chamber or socket or be restricted from entering. The configuration also allows the ball bearings to lock the lockable rod in the locking chamber or socket when desired. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the inventive solenoid coupling removed from the mating receptacle. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view taken longitudinally along the solenoid coupling and mating receptacle. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view taken longitudinally across the solenoid coupling and mating receptacle in the energized or locked position. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view taken longitudinally across the solenoid coupling and mating receptacle in the de-energized or unlocked position. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view taken longitudinally across the solenoid coupling and mating receptacle in the de-energized to override position. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment taken longitudinally across the solenoid coupling and mating lockable rod in the unlocked position with the lockable rod removed from the solenoid coupling mechanism. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment taken longitudinally across the solenoid coupling and mating lockable rod in the unlocked position with the lockable rod partially inserted into the solenoid coupling mechanism. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment taken longitudinally across the solenoid coupling and mating lockable rod in the unlocked position with the lockable rod fully inserted into the solenoid coupling mechanism. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment taken longitudinally across the solenoid coupling and mating lockable rod in the energized and locked position with the lockable rod fully inserted into the solenoid coupling mechanism. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of a second alternate embodiment taken longitudinally across the coupling and mating lockable rod in the de-energized locked position with the lockable rod removed from the solenoid coupling mechanism. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of the second alternate embodiment in the energized to unlock position with the lockable rod tally inserted into the solenoid coupling mechanism. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the second alternate embodiment in the de-energized to lock position with the lockable rod fully inserted into the solenoid coupling mechanism. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of the second alternate embodiment in the energized to unlock position with the lockable rod removed from the solenoid coupling mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Turning first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is illustrated a first embodiment of a solenoid latching mechanism  10  of the present invention. There is an electrically operated solenoid  12  operating a ball detent mechanism  14 . The ball detent mechanism  14  fits into a mating receptacle  16  that is connected to a tube or conduit or similar apparatus. The threaded front end  18  of the solenoid  12  is used for mounting the solenoid latching mechanism  10  by means of a hex nut  19  and lock washer  21 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the mechanism  10  in the locked position. The solenoid  12  comprises a solenoid body or housing  20 , a coil  22 , and a plunger or operating arm  24 . With power applied to the solenoid  12 , the plunger moves in the direction of arrow “A” against the force exerted by spring  26 . A housing  28  is screwed onto the threaded front end  18  and secured by the hex nut  19  and lock washer  21 . The housing  28  is in axial alignment with the solenoid body  20 . The plunger  24  has a plunger tip  30 . In this embodiment the plunger  24  and plunger tip  30  are illustrated as a singular piece. However, this can be configures as two pieces with one end of the plunger  24  screwed into the end of the plunger tip  30 . When two pieces are used and attached to each other, the plunger  24  and plunger tip  30  can move axially as one piece within the solenoid body  20  and housing  28 . The plunger  24  has o-rings  32  disposed around its circumference to seal out contaminants. The plunger tip  30  has a tapered shoulder  34  that drops to a depression  36  and then rises to a head  38  with a plateau top  40 . The housing  28  retains at least a pair of ball bearings  42 , but more than two can be used. 
     The mating receptacle  16  has a threaded end  44  and a coupling end  46 . At the internal portion of the coupling end  46  is an internal collar  48 . In the position illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the coupling is illustrated in the energized and locked position. This is due to the plunger being pulled by the solenoid in the direction of arrow “A”, which draws the plunger tip  30  in this same direction “A”. The head  30  and the plateau top  40  force the ball bearings  42  outward from the longitudinal axis of the plunger tip  30  where they will remain until power to the solenoid is removed. With the ball bearings  42  in this position, the coupling end  46  and internal collar  48  cannot move in the direction of arrow “B” and the housing  28  is locked to the mating receptacle  16 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the coupling mechanism  10  when in the de-energized or unlocked position. With no power being supplied to the solenoid coil  22 , the plunger  24  is free to move in the direction of arrow “A”. However, the spring  26  pushes the plunger  26  in the direction, of arrow “B”. This initially causes the ball bearings  42  to move inward toward, the depression  36  and then ride up the tapered shoulder  34  to push the ball bearings  42  outward, from the longitudinal axis of the plunger tip  30 . The ball bearings  42  apply a force against the internal collar  48  proportional to the force applied by the spring  26 . By manually pulling on the mating receptacle  16  in the direction of arrow “B”, the collar  48  will, force the ball bearings  42  down, along the tapered shoulder  34  and into the depression  36 . This releases the collar  48  from the ball bearings  42  and allows the mating receptacle  16  to be removed from the housing  28 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the coupling mechanism  10  in the de-energized to override position, in this position the solenoid  12  is not energized and the plunger  24  is not attracted to the pole piece in the direction of arrow “A”. The plunger  24  and plunger tip  30  stay in the extended position due to the force exerted by the spring  26  as seen in  FIG. 5 . In this override position, the profile of the tapered shoulder  34  will cause the ball bearings  42  to move outward, but will not block the internal collar  48  from releasing the mating receptacle  16 . In this position, the ball bearings  42  remain in the outward position and provide a sealing feature to keep contaminants away from the interior of the housing  28 . If the solenoid should jam or become inoperative, the Manual override pin  50  can be pushed in to unlock the mating receptacle  16 . 
     An alternate embodiment of a solenoid latching mechanism  54  is illustrated in  FIGS. 6-9 . The solenoid latching mechanism  54  has a solenoid body  56  with a solenoid coil  58  that is energized through an electrical wire  59 . The coil  58  is separated from the solenoid body  56  by a coil winding gap  60 . Centrally disposed within the body  56  is a sleeve  62 , preferably made from stainless steel. The sleeve  62  has a tapered or cone shaped opening  64  at one end of the sleeve. The tapered opening  64  channels down into a cylindrical locking chamber or socket  66 . The latching mechanism  54  can be mounted by means of a hex nut and washer such as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  but not illustrated for clarity in  FIG. 6 . 
     Opposite the tapered opening  64 , the sleeve  62  has a groove  68  cut around its circumference. Disposed around the groove  68  is a compression spring  70 . Mounted around the sleeve  62  is a plunger  72  which is held captive within the solenoid body  56 . The plunger  72  is cylindrical and is mounted in the solenoid body  56  so that the central opening of the plunger encompasses the sleeve  62  and opening  64 . As seen in  FIG. 6 , the plunger has a leading edge  73 , a foot  74  and an extending finger  76 . The finger  76  aids in retaining the spring  70  in a captive position around the sleeve  62 . The plunger  72  is securely mounted in the solenoid body  56  by means of a stationary stepped portion  78  on the sleeve  62  which engages a tapered portion  80  on the plunder  72 . The plunger  72  is free to slide longitudinally along the groove  68  between the stepped portion  78  to the point where the leading edge of the plunger  73  engages the wall of the sleeve  62 . 
     In the first alternative embodiment there are steel washers  82  surrounding the plunger  72 . The washers  82  are securely mounted in the solenoid body  56 . In a second alternative embodiment the steel washers are replaced with radially magnetized magnets. The difference in operation of the latching mechanism will be described below. 
     Mounted within the sleeve  62  and surrounding the locking chamber or socket  66  is a plurality of hardened stainless steel ball bearings  84 . Preferably there should be at least three bearings  84  but more may be used. There is a recess  86  on the inner wall of the plunger  72  which receives the ball bearings  84  at certain times during the latching or releasing process. 
     The latching mechanism  54  is adapted to receive a hardened steel lockable rod  88  in locking engagement so that the lockable rod is locked to the solenoid body  56  or selectively released therefrom. The steel lockable rod can be part of any one of numerous devices that are to be coupled to another device by means of the latching mechanism  54 . The lockable rod  88  has a leading ball nose  90  which is the portion that is received. In locking engagement with the locking mechanism  54  as will be described below. 
     The operation of the latching mechanism  54  will now be described.  FIG. 6  illustrates the unlocked position with the steel lockable rod  88  out of the latching mechanism  54 . In the first alternate embodiment wherein there are steel washers  82 , the lockable rod  88  is pushed into the tapered opening  64 . The tapered walls of the opening  64  assist in guiding the ball nose  90  into the opening  64  and allows for some misalignment. As seen in  FIG. 7 , the ball nose  90  pushes the ball bearings  84  into the recess  86  in the plunger  72 . The depth of the recess  86  is sufficient to receive the ball bearings so that the ball nose  90  can travel past the ball bearings  84  and be fully received in the locking chamber or socket  66  as seen in  FIG. 8 . At this point the ball nose  90  is fully inserted into the locking chamber or socket  66  but is not locked therein and can be pulled back out of the latching mechanism  54 . Power is then applied to the solenoid coil  58  which pulls the plunger  72  in the direction of arrow “C” as seen in  FIG. 9 . A locking flat  92  on plunger  72  pushes the ball bearing  84  down against a trailing edge  94  of the ball nose  90  which locks the ball nose  90  within the locking chamber or socket  66 . As long as the solenoid coil  58  remains energized, the ball nose  90  remains locked in the locking chamber or socket  66 . When power is removed from the solenoid coil  58 , the lockable rod  88  can be removed. This provides a coupling that has a fail safe mode in the unlock position. 
     In  FIGS. 10-13  there is illustrated a second alternate embodiment of the solenoid latching mechanism that operate essentially the same as the first alternate embodiment except utilizes a reconfigured plunger  72 . In the second alternate embodiment the leading edge  73 , foot  74 , extending finger  76 , and tapered portion  80  are the same as the first alternate embodiment. However the recess  86  and the locking flat  92  have been reconfigured as will be described below. 
     In  FIG. 10  one can see that the plunger  72  has the locking flat  92  moved toward the leading edge  73  with the recess  86  located near the end of the plunger opposite the leading edge  73  and adjacent to the end of the coupling having the tapered opening  64 . In  FIG. 10  the solenoid  58  is de-energized and the spring  70  pushes the plunger  72  toward the opening  64 . The locking flat  92  pushes the ball bearings  84  into the locking chamber or socket  66 . This prevents the ball nose  90  from entering into the locking chamber or socket and it is in effect “locked out”. 
     When the solenoid coil  58  is energized, the plunger  72  moves in the direction of arrow and the recess  86  in the plunger allows the ball bearings  84  to be pushed outward from the locking chamber or socket  66 . This allows the ball nose  90  to go past the ball bearings  90  and fully enter the locking chamber or socket  66 . By de-energizing the solenoid coil  58 , the spring  70  pushes the plunger  72  so that it moves in the direction opposite of arrow “C” and the ball nose  90  will be locked in the locking chamber or socket  66  such as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     In  FIG. 13  the solenoid coil  58  is again energized which pulls the plunger  72  in the direction of arrow “C” which allows the ball bearings  84  to be pushed into the recess  86  when the lockable rod  88  is pulled backward in the direction of arrow “D”. The ball nose  90  is thus allowed to be withdrawn from the locking chamber or socket  66  and withdrawn, from the locking mechanism. 
     The second alternate embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10-13  has the solenoid coil  58  configured to energize the coil to unlock the lockable rod  88  and de-energize the coil to lock the lockable rod  88 . However, it should be noted that the solenoid  56  and plunger  72  can be designed with multiple internal configurations to provide different means for operating the solenoid and plunger mechanically and electrically. For example the solenoid coil  58  can be energized to either lock or unlock the solenoid can be de-energized to either lock or unlock. The solenoid can be configured for fail-safe operation in which a latching solenoid is used with the latching solenoid will remain unlocked when no power is applied to the solenoid, or fail-secure operation in which the latching solenoid will remain locked when no power is applied to the latching solenoid. This can be configured by either using a pull or push type solenoid and a latching solenoid as is known to those skilled in the art. 
     Any number of combinations can be built by properly configuring the recess in the plunger to coordinate and operate in conjunction with energizing or de-energizing the solenoid coil  58  or, as stated above, using a latching solenoid. Also, the steel washers  82  can be replaced with radially magnetized magnets. This allows other variations of operation, of the solenoid latching mechanism. For example when the steel washer  82  is replaced with a permanent magnet which is radially magnetized, the solenoid  56  will hold the plunger  72  in place without the need to continuously supply electrical energy to the coil  58 . This embodiment that embeds a permanent, magnet will produce a desired fail-safe holding force and also provide an additional energy savings benefit. The design requires that only a short pulse of electrical energy be applied to the coil  58  to affect pull-in or the release function of the plunger  72 . 
     To attract and then hold the plunger  72  toward the solenoid  56 , the polarity of the actuation pulse to the coil must be in synchronization with the permanent magnet. Once the plunger  72  is seated with the solenoid  56 , the permanent magnet will securely hold the plunger  72  in place. To release the plunger  72  from the solenoid  56 , an even shorter electrical pulse of opposite polarity to the permanent magnet is all that is required to nullify the magnet&#39;s hold and will release the plunger  72  away from the solenoid  56  with the aid of the spring  70 . In either the pulled-in or the released state, the permanent magnet and spring combination requires “zero” continuous energy to remain in that state. 
     The inventive coupling with solenoid release locking mechanism is a great advantage over prior art ball detent locking mechanisms that relied on strictly manual mechanical means to release the coupling. By increasing the number of ball bearings in the housing, the force necessary to lock and unlock the housing from the mating lockable rod can be adjusted and varied. 
     Thus there has been provided a solenoid coupling that fully satisfies the objects set forth above. While the invention, has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within, the spirit and scope of the appended claims.