U.S. patent application number 16/665414 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-29 for door operator armature connections.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schlage Lock Company LLC. Invention is credited to Chad Eagin, Brian C. Eickhoff, Benaka Gireesha, Subashchandra G. Rai, David V. Toloday, Nagesh Varadaraju.
Application Number | 20210123280 16/665414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004471646 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210123280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eickhoff; Brian C. ; et
al. |
April 29, 2021 |
DOOR OPERATOR ARMATURE CONNECTIONS
Abstract
An exemplary door control assembly includes a door control and
an armature assembly. The door control includes a body and a pinion
rotatably mounted to the body for rotation about a rotational axis.
The pinion has a radially-outer periphery and a recess is formed in
the radially-outer periphery. The armature assembly comprises an
armature and a coupler. The armature is rotationally coupled with
the pinion, and includes an opening in which the pinion is
received. The coupler is movably mounted to the armature for
movement between a coupling position and a decoupling position.
With the coupler in the coupling position, the coupler projects
into the recess and axially couples the armature and the pinion to
prevent removal of the armature from the pinion. With the coupler
in the decoupling position, the coupler axially decouples the
armature and the pinion to permit removal of the armature from the
pinion.
Inventors: |
Eickhoff; Brian C.;
(Danville, IN) ; Varadaraju; Nagesh; (Bangalore,
IN) ; Toloday; David V.; (Martinsville, IN) ;
Rai; Subashchandra G.; (Bangalore, IN) ; Eagin;
Chad; (Carmel, IN) ; Gireesha; Benaka; (Udupi,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlage Lock Company LLC |
Carmel |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004471646 |
Appl. No.: |
16/665414 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 7/04 20130101; E05Y
2900/132 20130101; E05F 1/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E05F 1/00 20060101
E05F001/00; F16B 7/04 20060101 F16B007/04 |
Claims
1. A door control assembly, comprising: a door control, comprising:
a body; and a pinion rotatably mounted to the body for rotation
about a rotational axis, the pinion having a radially-outer
periphery and a recess formed in the radially-outer periphery; and
an armature assembly, comprising: an armature rotationally coupled
with the pinion, the armature including an opening in which the
pinion is received; and a coupler movably mounted to the armature
for movement between a coupling position and a decoupling position;
wherein, with the coupler in the coupling position, the coupler
projects into the recess and axially couples the armature and the
pinion to prevent removal of the armature from the pinion; and
wherein, with the coupler in the decoupling position, the coupler
axially decouples the armature and the pinion to permit removal of
the armature from the pinion.
2. The door control assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupler is
biased toward the coupling position.
3. The door control assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
clamping collar including the coupler and a collar portion, the
collar portion including a pair of arms operable to elastically
deform the clamping collar to thereby move the coupler between the
coupling position and the decoupling position.
4. The door control assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupler
comprises a lever arm configured to facilitate manual movement of
the coupler between the coupling position and the decoupling
position.
5. The door control assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupler
comprises an annular canted coil spring; wherein the recess
comprises a retaining groove; wherein the pinion further comprises
a removal groove positioned between the retaining groove and the
body; wherein with the annular canted coil spring engaged with the
retaining groove, movement of the armature in a first direction
away from the body is prevented; and wherein with the annular
canted coil spring engaged with the removal groove, movement of the
armature in the first direction away from the body is
permitted.
6. The door control assembly of claim 5, further comprising a
removable spacer seated positioned between the armature and the
body and configured to prevent movement of the armature in a second
direction opposite the first direction; and wherein removal of the
spacer enables the annular canted coil spring to travel out of
engagement with the retaining groove and into engagement with the
removal groove.
7. The door control assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupler is
operable to be manually moved from the coupling position to the
decoupling position without requiring the use of a tool.
8. An armature assembly configured for use with a door control
comprising a pinion having an outer cross-section, the armature
assembly comprising: an armature including a first end portion and
an opposite second end portion; an opening defined in the first end
portion of the armature, the opening having an inner cross-section
corresponding to the outer cross-section such that the opening is
operable to receive the pinion to rotationally couple the armature
with the pinion; and a coupler movably mounted to the first end
portion of the armature for movement between a coupling position
and a decoupling position; wherein with the coupler in the coupling
position, the coupler projects into the opening and is operable to
axially couple the armature with the pinion; and wherein with the
coupler in the decoupling position, the coupler is inoperable to
axially couple the armature with the pinion.
9. The armature assembly of claim 8, wherein the coupler comprises
a pin comprising an enlarged-diameter portion and a
reduced-diameter portion; wherein with the coupler in the coupling
position, the enlarged-diameter portion projects into the opening;
and wherein with the coupler in the decoupling position, the
reduced-diameter portion is aligned with the opening.
10. The armature assembly of claim 9, wherein the coupler comprises
a horseshoe member comprising a first leg and a second leg; wherein
the first leg comprises the pin; wherein the second leg comprises a
second pin; wherein the second pin comprises a second
enlarged-diameter portion and a second reduced-diameter portion;
wherein with the coupler in the coupling position, the second
enlarged-diameter portion projects into the opening; and wherein
with the coupler in the decoupling position, the second
reduced-diameter portion is aligned with the opening.
11. The armature assembly of claim 8, wherein the coupler comprises
an annular canted coil spring.
12. The armature assembly of claim 8, further comprising a blocking
ring rotatably mounted to the armature and a locking mechanism
mounted to the armature; wherein the blocking ring has a blocking
position in which the blocking ring retains the coupler in the
coupling position; wherein the blocking ring has an unblocking
position in which the coupler is operable to move to the decoupling
position in response to rotation of the pinion; and wherein the
lock mechanism is operable to move the blocking ring between the
blocking position and the unblocking position.
13. The armature assembly of claim 12, wherein the lock mechanism
comprises: an adapter including an adapter recess sized and shaped
for mating engagement with a projection of a magnetic key; a gear
component engaged with a toothed portion of the blocking ring; and
a magnetic coupler selectively coupling the adapter and the gear
component, the magnetic coupler having a first position in which
the adapter and the gear component are rotationally decoupled, and
the magnetic coupler having a second position in which the magnetic
coupler rotationally couples the adapter and the gear component;
and wherein the magnetic coupler is biased toward the first
position and is configured to move to the second position in
response to insertion of the projection into the adapter
recess.
14. The armature assembly of claim 8, wherein the coupler is biased
toward the coupling position.
15. A system including the armature assembly of claim 14, wherein
the coupler is formed of a ferromagnetic material; wherein the
system further comprises a removal tool comprising a magnet; and
wherein when the removal tool is placed adjacent the first end
portion of the armature, the magnet drives the coupler to the
decoupling position against the urging of the biasing
mechanism.
16. A door control assembly comprising the armature assembly of
claim 8, and further comprising the door control; and wherein the
armature is selectively axially coupled with the pinion by the
coupler.
17. A door control configured for use with an armature assembly
including an armature and a coupler movably mounted to the
armature, the door control comprising: a body portion; and a pinion
rotatably mounted to the body portion for rotation about a
rotational axis, the pinion comprising a radially-outer periphery
including at least one recess operable to receive the coupler to
axially couple the pinion with the armature.
18. The door control of claim 17, wherein the pinion has a
polygonal outer cross-section, and wherein each recess is aligned
with a corresponding and respective vertex of the polygonal outer
cross-section.
19. The door control of claim 17, wherein the at least one recess
comprises a plurality of recesses that are evenly spaced about the
outer periphery.
20. A door control assembly comprising the door control of claim
17, and further comprising the armature assembly, wherein the
armature is selectively axially coupled with the pinion by the
coupler.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to door operators,
and more particularly but not exclusively relates to systems and
methods for attaching armatures to door operators.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Door operators (e.g., door closers and door openers)
typically include a body, a pinion rotatably mounted to the body,
an armature rotationally coupled with the pinion, and one or more
mechanisms that bias the pinion and armature in a door-closing
direction and/or selectively drive the pinion and armature in a
selected direction. In many conventional door operators, the pinion
is provided with a hexagonal head that is received in a
hexagonally-shaped opening formed in the armature. A screw
extending along the rotational axis of the pinion is used to
axially secure the pinion and the armature. However, it has been
found that this conventional method of securing a pinion to an
armature can suffer from certain drawbacks, such as those related
to ease of installation. For these reasons among others, there
remains a need for further improvements in this technological
field.
SUMMARY
[0003] An exemplary door control assembly includes a door control
and an armature assembly. The door control includes a body and a
pinion rotatably mounted to the body for rotation about a
rotational axis. The pinion has a radially-outer periphery and a
recess is formed in the radially-outer periphery. The armature
assembly comprises an armature and a coupler. The armature is
rotationally coupled with the pinion, and includes an opening in
which the pinion is received. The coupler is movably mounted to the
armature for movement between a coupling position and a decoupling
position. With the coupler in the coupling position, the coupler
projects into the recess and axially couples the armature and the
pinion to prevent removal of the armature from the pinion. With the
coupler in the decoupling position, the coupler axially decouples
the armature and the pinion to permit removal of the armature from
the pinion. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of
the present application shall become apparent from the description
and figures provided herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a closure assembly
including a door operator assembly according to certain
embodiments.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the door
operator assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, with a coupling member in
a decoupling position.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 2,
with the coupling member in a coupling position.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling mechanism
according to certain embodiments in a coupling state.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 4 while in a decoupling state.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of a coupling mechanism
according to certain embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a
coupling mechanism according to certain embodiments in an exploded
state.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the
coupling mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 in a coupling state.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the
coupling mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 in a decoupling state.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the
coupling mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 in a decoupled state.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a coupling mechanism
according to certain embodiments in a coupling state.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of the coupling mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 11 while in a decoupling state.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a perspective illustration of a coupling
mechanism according to certain embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a perspective illustration of the coupling
mechanism illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0018] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the coupling mechanism illustrated
in FIG. 13 in a coupling state.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism
according to certain embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 17 is a cutaway view of the coupling mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 16 while in a coupling state.
[0021] FIG. 18 is a cutaway view of the coupling mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 16 while in a decoupling state.
[0022] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a coupling mechanism according to
certain embodiments while in a decoupling state.
[0023] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the coupling mechanism illustrated
in FIG. 19 while in a coupling state.
[0024] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 19 with a magnetic lock mechanism in a
disengaged state.
[0025] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 19 with the magnetic lock mechanism in an
engaged state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Although the concepts of the present disclosure are
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be
understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts
of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present
disclosure and the appended claims.
[0027] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "an illustrative embodiment," etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily
include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic.
Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same
embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although
reference to a "preferred" component or feature may indicate the
desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to
an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to
other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature.
Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0028] Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included
in a list in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean
(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C).
Similarly, items listed in the form of "at least one of A, B, or C"
can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B,
and C). Items listed in the form of "A, B, and/or C" can also mean
(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C).
Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases
such as "a," "an," "at least one," and/or "at least one portion"
should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such
element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of
phrases such as "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" should be
interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a
portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of
such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.
[0029] In the drawings, some structural or method features may be
shown in certain specific arrangements and/or orderings. However,
it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or
orderings may not necessarily be required. Rather, in some
embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner
and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless
indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a
structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to
imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some
embodiments, may be omitted or may be combined with other
features.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 80 according to certain embodiments. The closure assembly
80 generally includes a doorframe 82, a swinging door 84 pivotally
mounted to the doorframe 82, and a door control assembly 100
connected between the doorframe 82 and the door 84. The door
control assembly 100 generally includes a door control 110 mounted
to the door 84 and an armature assembly 120 connected between the
door control 110 and the doorframe 82. The door control 110
generally includes a body 112 and a pinion 114 rotatably mounted to
the body 112 for rotation about a longitudinal rotational axis 101.
The armature assembly 120 generally includes a shoe 122 mounted to
the doorframe 82, an armature 130 having a first end portion 131
coupled with the pinion 114 and an opposite second end portion 132
pivotably coupled with the shoe 122.
[0031] With additional reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the door control
assembly 100 further includes an axial coupling mechanism 102
operable to selectively axially couple the armature assembly 120
with the pinion 114. More particularly, the pinion 114 includes at
least one recess 115 defined in the radially-outer periphery
thereof, and the axial coupling mechanism 102 comprises a coupler
140 that is movably coupled to the first end portion 131 and
operable to engage the recess 115. The coupler 140 is movable
between a decoupling position (FIG. 2) in which the coupler 140 is
engaged with the recess 115, and a coupling position (FIG. 3) in
which the coupler 140 is disengaged from the recess 115. As
described herein, the axial coupling mechanism 102 permits axial
separation of the pinion 114 and the armature 130 when the coupler
140 is in the decoupling position, and axially couples the pinion
114 and the armature 130 when the coupler 140 is in the coupling
position. In certain embodiments, the coupling mechanism 102 may
further be configured to selectively rotationally couple the pinion
114 and the armature first end portion 131.
[0032] The door 84 is movable relative to the doorframe 82 between
an open position and a closed position, and the door control
assembly 100 aids in the movement of the door 84 toward at least
one of the open position or the closed position by exerting forces
on the pinion 114. In certain embodiments, the door control 110 may
be configured to urge the door from the open position toward the
closed position by urging the pinion 114 in a door-closing
direction. Additionally or alternatively, the door control 110 may
be operable to selectively urge the door 84 from its closed
position toward its open position by urging the pinion 114 in a
door-opening direction. Those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that rotation of the pinion 114 in the door-opening
direction and the door-closing direction are respectively
correlated with opening and closing of the door 84. The door
control 110 may, for example, include a hydraulic system, a
mechanical system, and/or an electromechanical system that provides
the door control 110 with the ability to exert the appropriate
forces on the pinion 114. The door control 110 may be provided as
any of several conventional types of door control (e.g., a door
opener or door closer) that controls movement of a door by exerting
forces on a rotatable pinion. The internal mechanisms that provide
for the forces exerted on the pinion in door controls of this type
are known in the art, and need not be described in further detail
herein.
[0033] As noted above, the armature assembly 120 generally includes
a shoe 122, an armature 130 connected between the pinion 114 and
the shoe 122, and coupler 140 that selectively axially couples the
pinion 114 with the armature 130. In the illustrated form, the door
control 110 is mounted to the door 84, and the shoe 122 is mounted
to the doorframe 82 such that the door control 110 is engaged with
the doorframe 82 via the armature assembly 120. In other
embodiments, however, the door control 110 is mounted to the
doorframe 82 and the shoe 122 is mounted to the door 84 such that
the door control 110 is engaged with the door 84 via the armature
assembly 120.
[0034] The armature 130 includes a first end portion 131 coupled
with the pinion 114 and an opposite second end portion 132
pivotably coupled with the shoe 122. In the illustrated form, the
armature 130 includes a first arm 133 defining the first end
portion 131, a second arm 134 defining the second end portion 132,
and a pivot joint 139 pivotably coupling the first arm 133 and the
second arm 134. While the illustrated armature 130 is provided in a
standard configuration in which the arms 133, 134 extend away from
the door 84 when the door 84 is in the closed position, it is also
contemplated that the armature 130 may be provided in a "parallel
arm" configuration, in which the arms 133, 134 extend substantially
parallel to the door 84 when the door 84 is in the closed
position.
[0035] In the illustrated form, the shoe 122 provides a fixed pivot
point for the second end portion 132 of the armature 130, which
includes first and second arms 133, 134 that are pivotably
connected at a pivot joint 139. In other embodiments, the armature
130 may include a single rigid arm defining both the first end
portion 131 and the second end portion 132. In such forms, the shoe
122 may provide a traveling pivot point for the second armature end
132. For example, the shoe 122 may include a slide track along
which the second end portion 132 slides as the door 84 moves
between its open and closed positions.
[0036] The first end portion 131 of the armature 130 defines an
opening 135 sized and shaped to receive the pinion 114. In certain
embodiments, the opening 135 is sized and shaped for rotational
coupling with the pinion 114, and has an inner cross-section
corresponding to the outer cross-section of the pinion 114. While
these cross-sections are generally hexagonal in the illustrated
form, it is also contemplated that other geometries may be
utilized, including other generally polygonal geometries. The first
end portion 131 further includes at least one cavity 136 connected
with the opening 135 and aligned with the recess 115, and the
coupler 140 is movably seated in the cavity 136. Certain exemplary
forms of the coupling mechanism 102 will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 4-22.
[0037] With additional reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrated
therein is a coupling mechanism 200 according to certain
embodiments. The coupling mechanism 200 is an embodiment of the
above-described coupling mechanism 102, and is illustrated along
with a pinion 202 corresponding to the pinion 114 and an armature
first end portion 206 corresponding to the first end portion 131 of
the armature 130. The pinion 202 includes a pair of grooves 203
that correspond to the at least one recess 115. Additionally, the
first end portion 206 includes an opening 207 corresponding to the
opening 135 and a cavity 208 corresponding to the cavity 136.
[0038] The coupling mechanism 200 includes a coupler in the form of
a horseshoe member 210 including a first leg 212, a second leg 214
generally parallel to the first leg 212, and a connecting portion
216 connecting the first leg 212 with the second leg 214. Each leg
212, 214 defines a corresponding and respective pin 220, each of
which has an enlarged-diameter portion 222 and a reduced-diameter
portion 224. The horseshoe member 210 may further include a
projection 218 that facilitates manual manipulation of the coupling
mechanism 200 to facilitate movement of the horseshoe member 210
between a coupling position (FIG. 4) and a decoupling position
(FIG. 5). The horseshoe member 210 is biased toward the coupling
position by a biasing mechanism 230, which in the illustrated form
includes a pair of compression springs 232. In the illustrated
embodiment, each of the springs 232 is engaged with a corresponding
one of the pins 220. In other forms, the biasing mechanism 230 may
include a single biasing member, such as a spring 232 engaged with
the connecting portion 216. Additionally, while the illustrated
biasing mechanism 230 includes biasing members in the form of
compression springs 232, it is also contemplated that the biasing
mechanism 230 may include other forms of biasing members, such as
one or more extension springs, torsion springs, leaf springs,
elastic members, and/or magnets.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates the coupling mechanism 200 in its
coupling state, in which the horseshoe member 210 is in the
coupling position to which it is biased by the biasing mechanism
230. In this state, each enlarged portion 222 is received in the
corresponding groove 203 such that the pinion 202 is axially
coupled with the armature first end portion 206. As a result,
relative axial movement of the pinion 202 and the first end portion
206 is prevented, and the armature 130 is secured to the door
control 110. In order to facilitate removal of the armature 130,
the horseshoe member 210 may be moved to its decoupling state, for
example by a user exerting a pushing force on the projection
218.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates the coupling mechanism 200 in its
decoupling state, to which it may be moved against the force of the
biasing mechanism 230 by a user manually exerting a pushing force
on the projection 218. In this state, the enlarged-diameter
portions 222 are removed from the grooves 203 and the
reduced-diameter portions 224 are aligned with the grooves 203. As
a result, the pinion 202 and the first end portion 206 are axially
decoupled, and the armature 130 is operable to be removed from the
door control 110. Thus, the coupling mechanism 200 is one example
of a coupling mechanism operable to be manually moved between its
coupling state and its decoupling state without requiring the use
of a tool.
[0041] With additional reference to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is
a coupling mechanism 300 according to certain embodiments. The
coupling mechanism 300 is an embodiment of the above-described
coupling mechanism 102, and is illustrated along with a pinion 302
corresponding to the pinion 114 and an armature first end portion
310 corresponding to the first end portion 131 of the armature 130.
The pinion 302 includes a groove 303 that corresponds to the at
least one recess 115, and is mounted for rotation about a
rotational axis 301. Additionally, the armature first end portion
310 includes an opening 312 corresponding to the opening 135 and a
cavity 314 corresponding to the cavity 136. The cavity 314 includes
an enlarged portion 315 that terminates at a first shoulder 316 and
a reduced-diameter portion 317 extending from the first shoulder
316 to a second shoulder 318.
[0042] The coupling mechanism 300 includes a coupler in the form of
a pin 320 seated in the cavity 314 and a biasing mechanism 330
urging the pin 320 toward a coupling position. The pin 320 includes
an enlarged-diameter portion 322, a reduced-diameter portion 324,
and a head 326, which are arranged such that the enlarged-diameter
portion 322 and the head 326 are positioned on opposite sides of
the reduced-diameter portion 324. In certain forms, the
enlarged-diameter portion 322 and the reduced-diameter portion 324
may collectively be referred to as the shaft 321 of the pin
320.
[0043] The shaft 321 of the pin 320 extends through the cavity 314
such that a distal end 323 of the enlarged-diameter portion 322
extends beyond the second shoulder 318. A retainer such as a
circlip 329 is engaged with the distal end 323 and the second
shoulder 318 to restrict longitudinal movement of the pin 320. The
head 326 is sized and shaped to be received in the enlarged portion
315, and the biasing mechanism 330 includes a biasing member in the
form of a compression spring 332 that is captured between the head
326 and the first shoulder 316 such that the biasing mechanism 330
urges the pin 320 toward its coupling position. It is also
contemplated that the biasing mechanism 330 may include other forms
of biasing members, such as one or more extension springs, torsion
springs, leaf springs, elastic members, and/or magnets.
[0044] Operation of the coupling mechanism 300 is substantially
similar to the operation of the above-described coupling mechanism
200. As noted above, the biasing mechanism 330 biases the pin 320
toward its coupling position, thereby biasing the coupling
mechanism 300 toward its coupling state. In this state, the
enlarged-diameter portion 322 of the pin 320 is seated in the
groove 303 and axially couples the armature first end portion 310
with the pinion 302. The coupling mechanism 300 can be moved to its
decoupling state by exerting on the head 326 a manual force
sufficient to overcome the force of the biasing mechanism 330. Such
a manually-exerted force moves the pin 320 to its uncoupling
position, in which the reduced-diameter portion 324 is aligned with
the groove 303 such that the armature first end portion 310 and the
pinion 302 are axially decoupled. Thus, the coupling mechanism 300
is another example of a coupling mechanism operable to be manually
moved between its coupling state and its decoupling state without
requiring the use of a tool.
[0045] With additional reference to FIG. 7, illustrated therein is
a coupling mechanism 400 according to certain embodiments. The
coupling mechanism 400 is an embodiment of the above-described
coupling mechanism 102, and is illustrated along with a pinion 402
corresponding to the pinion 114, an armature first end portion 406
corresponding to the first end portion 131 of the armature 130, and
a C-shaped spacer 410 operable to be seated on the pinion 402
between the armature first end portion 406 and the body of the door
control. The pinion 402 is rotatable about a rotational axis 401,
and includes a retaining groove 403 and a removal groove 404. Each
of the grooves 403, 404 is substantially annular, and one of the
grooves 403, 404 may be deeper than the other of the grooves 403,
404. The first end portion 406 includes an opening 407
corresponding to the opening 135 and an annular groove 408
corresponding to the cavity 136.
[0046] The coupling mechanism 400 includes a coupler in the form of
a generally annular canted coil spring 420, which is seated in the
annular groove 409 such that a radially-inward portion 422 of the
canted coil spring 420 projects into the opening 407. The
radially-inward portion 422 is operable to be received in each of
the grooves 403, 404, each of which is sized and shaped to provide
a particular function when engaged with the radially-inward portion
422 of the canted coil spring 420. More particularly, the retaining
groove 403 is sized and shaped such that when the radially-inward
portion 422 is received therein, movement of the first end portion
406 in a first direction (upward in FIG. 7) is prevented, while
movement of the first end portion 406 in an opposite second
direction (downward in FIG. 7) is permitted. Conversely, the
removal groove 404 is sized and shaped such that when the
radially-inward portion 422 is received therein, movement of the
first end portion 406 in the second direction is permitted.
[0047] With additional reference to FIGS. 8-10, the coupling
mechanism 400 is configured to selectively axially couple the
pinion 402 and the armature first end portion 406. During
installation, the spacer 410 is seated on the pinion 402 such that
the spacer 410 prevents the armature end portion 406 from moving to
a position in which the radially-inward portion 422 of the canted
coil spring 420 engages the removal groove 404. The pinion 402 is
then inserted into the opening 407 such that the radially-inward
portion 422 of the canted coil spring 420 enters the retaining
groove 403. In this state (FIG. 8), movement of the first end
portion 406 in the first direction (upward in FIG. 8) is prevented
by the engagement of the canted coil spring 420 with the retaining
groove 403, and movement of the first end portion 406 in the second
direction (downward in FIG. 8) is prevented by the spacer 410. As a
result, the pinion 402 and the first end portion 406 are axially
coupled.
[0048] To facilitate removal of the first end portion 406 from the
pinion 402, the spacer 410 may be removed. With the spacer 410
removed (FIG. 9), the first end portion 406 can be slid in the
second direction (downward in FIG. 9) until the canted coil spring
420 engages with the removal groove 404. With the radially-inward
portion 422 received in the removal groove 404, movement of the
armature end portion 406 in the first direction (upward in FIG. 9)
is enabled, and the pinion 402 and end portion 406 are axially
decoupled. As a result, the armature end portion 406 can be slid in
the first direction to remove the armature end portion 406 from the
pinion (FIG. 10). Thus, the coupling mechanism 400 is another
example of a coupling mechanism operable to be manually moved
between its coupling state and its decoupling state without
requiring the use of a tool.
[0049] With additional reference to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is
a coupling mechanism 500 according to certain embodiments. The
coupling mechanism 500 is an embodiment of the above-described
coupling mechanism 102, and is illustrated along with a pinion 502
corresponding to the pinion 114, and an armature first end portion
506 corresponding to the first end portion 131 of the armature 130.
The pinion 502 includes one or more recesses 504 corresponding to
the at least one recess 115, and the armature end portion 506
includes an opening 507 corresponding to the opening 135 and a
plurality of cavities 508 corresponding to the cavity 136.
[0050] The coupling mechanism 500 generally includes a plurality of
magnetic or magnetizable couplers 520 and a biasing mechanism 530
biasing the coupling mechanism 500 to a coupling state in which the
couplers 520 project into the opening 507. The biasing mechanism
530 includes a plurality of biasing members 532, each of which is
seated in a corresponding and respective cavity 508 and is engaged
with a corresponding and respective coupler 520 to urge the coupler
520 to its radially-inward coupling position. While the illustrated
coupling mechanism 500 employs three couplers 520, it is to be
appreciated that more or fewer couplers 520 may be utilized in
other embodiments. Additionally, while each of the illustrated
biasing members 532 is provided in the form of a compression
spring, it is also contemplated that one or more of the biasing
members 532 may be provided in another form, such as that of an
extension spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, an elastic
members, and/or magnets.
[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates the coupling mechanism 500 in its
coupling state, in which each coupler 520 is in its radially-inward
coupling position and projects into an aligned recess 504 of the
pinion 502. As a result, the pinion 502 and the armature end
portion 506 are axially coupled with one another.
[0052] With additional reference to FIG. 12, the coupling mechanism
500 is configured for use with a removal tool 550 including one or
more magnets 552. The magnets 552 are seated in a housing 554 sized
and shaped to receive the armature end portion 506. The magnets 552
are of sufficient strength that when the removal tool 550 is placed
in its removal position (FIG. 12), the force of the magnets 552
overcomes the force of the biasing members 532 and moves the
couplers 520 to their radially-outward decoupling positions. In
this state, the couplers 520 are removed from the recesses 504 such
that the pinion 502 and the armature end portion 506 are axially
decoupled from one another, thereby facilitating removal of the
armature from the pinion.
[0053] With additional reference to FIG. 13, illustrated therein is
a coupling mechanism 600 according to certain embodiments. The
coupling mechanism 600 is an embodiment of the above-described
coupling mechanism 102, and is illustrated along with a pinion 602
corresponding to the pinion 114, and an armature first end portion
606 corresponding to the first end portion 131 of the armature 130.
The pinion 602 is rotatable about a rotational axis 601, and
includes one or more recesses 604 corresponding to the at least one
recess 115. Additionally, the armature end portion 606 includes an
opening 607 corresponding to the opening 135. In the illustrated
form, the pinion 602 and the opening 607 have hexagonal
cross-sections, and the recesses 604 are aligned with vertices of
the hexagonal cross-section of the pinion 602. It is also
contemplated that the pinion 602 may have a different non-circular
cross-sectional geometry and/or that the recesses 604 may be
provided along the flat faces of the non-circular geometry.
[0054] With additional reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the coupling
mechanism 600 is provided as a clamping collar 600. The clamping
collar 600 generally includes a collar portion 610 and a coupler in
the form of at least one engagement tab 620, and may further
include a retention tab 630 opposite the at least one engagement
tab 620. The collar portion 610 includes a first arm 612 and a
second arm 614, which are arranged such that pressing the arms 612,
614 toward one another expands the clamping collar 600 from a
coupling state to a decoupling state, thereby moving the engagement
tabs 620 between a radially-inward coupling position and a
radially-outward decoupling position. The clamping collar 600 is
self-biased toward the coupling state and may, for example, be
formed of stamped sheet metal.
[0055] When the clamping collar 600 is assembled to the armature,
the armature end portion 606 is circumferentially surrounded by the
collar portion 610 and is captured between the engagement tabs 620
and the retention tab 630, which cooperate to prevent relative
axial movement of the clamping collar 600 and the armature end
portion 606. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention tab 630
abuts the upper surface of the end portion 606 to facilitate such
axial retention. In other forms, the end portion 606 may be
provided with a circumferential groove in which the retention tab
630 is seated.
[0056] In the self-biased coupling state (FIG. 15), the engagement
tabs 620 project into the recesses 604 of the pinion 602 and
axially couple the armature end portion 606 with the pinion 602. To
facilitate removal of the armature from the pinion 602, the arms
612, 614 may be pressed toward one another to elastically deform
the clamping collar 600 to its decoupling state. This deformation
causes the engagement tabs 620 to exit the recesses 604, thereby
axially decoupling the armature end portion 606 from the pinion 602
and enabling removal of the armature from the pinion 602. Thus, the
coupling mechanism 600 is yet another example of a coupling
mechanism operable to be manually moved between its coupling state
and its decoupling state without requiring the use of a tool.
[0057] With additional reference to FIG. 16, illustrated therein is
a coupling mechanism 700 according to certain embodiments. The
coupling mechanism 700 is an embodiment of the above-described
coupling mechanism 102, and is illustrated along with a pinion 702
corresponding to the pinion 114, and an armature first end portion
706 corresponding to the first end portion 131 of the armature 130.
The pinion 702 is rotatable about a rotational axis 701, and
includes a recess 704 corresponding to the at least one recess 115.
Additionally, the armature end portion 706 includes an opening 707
corresponding to the opening 135 and a cavity 708 corresponding to
the cavity 136.
[0058] With additional reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the coupling
mechanism 700 generally includes a coupler in the form of a camlock
arm 720 pivotably mounted in the cavity 708 and a biasing mechanism
730 in the form of a torsion spring 732 biasing the camlock arm 720
toward a coupling position in which the camlock arm 720 extends
into the opening 707 (FIG. 17). While the illustrated biasing
member is provided in the form of a torsion spring 732, it is also
contemplated that other forms of biasing members may be utilized,
such as compression springs, extension springs, leaf springs,
elastic members, and/or magnets. The camlock arm 720 generally
includes a body portion 722 pivotably mounted to the end portion
706 via a pivot pin 721, a lobe 724 extending from one side of the
body portion 722, and a lever arm 726 extending from the body
portion 722 at an angle relative to the lobe 724. The lever arm 726
facilitates manual manipulation of the camlock arm 720 toward the
decoupling state against the force of the biasing mechanism
730.
[0059] The camlock arm 720 is biased toward the coupling position
(FIG. 17), in which the lobe 724 projects into the recess 704,
thereby axially coupling the armature end portion 706 with the
pinion 702. In order to facilitate removal of the armature, the
camlock arm 720 may be urged against the force of the biasing
mechanism 730 to its decoupling position (FIG. 18), in which the
lobe 724 is removed from the recess 704. In this state, the pinion
702 and the end portion 706 are axially decoupled from one another,
and the armature can be removed from the pinion 702. Thus, the
coupling mechanism 700 is yet another example of a coupling
mechanism operable to be manually moved between its coupling state
and its decoupling state without requiring the use of a tool. In
the illustrated form, the lobe 724 projects into the recess 704
when the camlock arm 720 is in its coupling position. It is also
contemplated that the recess 704 may be omitted, and that the lobe
724 may engage the outer periphery of the pinion 702 with a
frictional fit.
[0060] In the embodiments described hereinabove, the illustrative
coupling mechanisms are configured to selectively axially couple
the armature with to the pinion. Additionally or alternatively, a
coupling mechanism may be configured to selectively rotationally
couple the armature with the pinion. A coupling mechanism along
these lines is illustrated in FIGS. 19-22.
[0061] With additional reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, illustrated
therein is a coupling mechanism 800 according to certain
embodiments. The coupling mechanism 800 is an embodiment of the
coupling mechanism 102, and is configured to selectively
rotationally couple a pinion 802 with an armature first end portion
806. The coupling mechanism 800 generally includes at least one
coupler in the form of a spherical roller 810 movably seated in a
cavity 807 of the armature end portion 806, a blocking ring 820
rotatably mounted in the cavity 807, a magnetic lock mechanism 830
operable to rotate the blocking ring 820 between an unblocking
position (FIG. 19) and a blocking position (FIG. 20), and a
retaining ring 850 configured to restrict radially-outward movement
of the rollers 810.
[0062] The rollers 810 are seated in the cavity 807 and are engaged
with the pinion 802, which in the illustrated embodiment, has a
generally square-shaped cross-section and a pair of recesses 803
formed in the radially-outer periphery thereof. As will be
appreciated, however, the pinion 802 may have another
cross-section, such as a hexagonal cross-section. As described
herein, rotation of the pinion 802 urges the rollers 810 radially
outward, and the blocking ring 820 selectively prevents such
radially-outward movement of the rollers 810 to rotationally and
axially couple the armature end portion 806 with the pinion 802.
While the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of rollers 810, it
is also contemplated that more or fewer rollers 810 may be
utilized.
[0063] The blocking ring 820 is rotatable between a blocking
position and an unblocking position. When in the unblocking
position (FIG. 19), blocking portions 822 of the blocking ring are
misaligned with the rollers 810 such that each roller 810 is free
to move from a radially-inward coupling position to a
radially-outward decoupling position as the pinion 802 rotates. As
such, the armature end portion 806 is rotationally and axially
decoupled from the pinion 802. When in the blocking position (FIG.
20), the blocking portions 822 are aligned with the rollers 810
such that each roller 810 is retained in its radially-inward
coupling position. As a result, the armature end portion 806 is
rotationally and axially coupled with the pinion 802. The blocking
ring 820 also includes a toothed extension 824 by which the
blocking ring 820 can be rotated via the magnetic lock mechanism
830.
[0064] With additional reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the magnetic
lock mechanism 830 generally includes a rotatable adapter 832, a
rotatable gear component 834, and a magnetic coupler 836
selectively coupling the adapter 832 and the gear component 834.
The adapter 832 includes an adapter recess 833 sized and shaped to
matingly engage a projection 842 of a magnetic key 840 such that
the key 840 is operable to rotate the adapter 832 when the
projection 842 is seated in the adapter recess 833. The gear
component 834 includes teeth that mesh with teeth of the toothed
extension 824 such that rotation of the gear component 834 causes a
corresponding rotation of the blocking ring 820 between its
blocking position and its unblocking position. The magnetic coupler
836 is biased toward a disengaged position (FIG. 21) in which the
adapter 832 and the gear component 834 are rotationally decoupled
from one another, and is movable to an engaged position (FIG. 22)
in which the coupler 836 rotationally couples the adapter 832 and
the gear component 834.
[0065] The magnetic key 840 includes a projection 842 sized and
shaped for mating engagement with the recess 833, and a magnet 844
is mounted in the projection 842. When the projection 842 is
matingly engaged with the recess 833, magnetic interaction between
the magnet 844 and the magnetic coupler 836 drives the coupler 836
from its disengaged position (FIG. 21) to its engaged position
(FIG. 22). As a result, the key 840 is operable to rotate the gear
component 834 to drive the blocking ring 820 between its blocking
position and its unblocking position.
[0066] The retaining ring 850 includes a pair of resilient arms 852
that restrict radially-outward movement of the rollers 810. More
particularly, the arms 852 prevent movement of each roller 810
beyond its radially-outward decoupling position. When the blocking
ring 820 is in its unblocking position and the rollers 810 are
driven toward their radially-outward decoupling positions by
rotation of the pinion 802, the arms 852 flex radially outward.
When the blocking ring 820 is in its blocking position, however,
the blocking portions 822 prevent such radially-outward flexing of
the arms 852, thereby retaining the rollers 810 in their
radially-inward coupling positions.
[0067] In certain embodiments, the pinion 802 may have formed
therein recesses 803 operable to receive the rollers 810. In such
forms, the coupling mechanism 800 may provide for selective axial
coupling of the pinion 802 and the armature end portion 806 in
addition to rotational coupling. More particularly, when the
blocking ring 820 is in its blocking position, the rollers 810 are
seated in the recesses 803, and provide for both rotational and
axial coupling of the pinion 802 and the armature end portion
806.
[0068] As should be evident from the foregoing, the subject
application generally relates to coupling mechanisms operable to
selectively axially and/or rotationally couple the pinion 114 of a
door control 110 with the end portion 131 of an armature 130. In
addition to providing for selective axial and/or rotational
coupling, the coupling mechanisms described herein may aid in
preventing the use of an armature 130 with a door control 110 in
which the pinion is not specifically configured for use with the
coupling mechanism. In certain embodiments, for example, the pinion
114 must include a recess 115 sized and shaped to receive the
coupler 140 in order for the pinion 114 to be axially coupled with
the armature 130. In such embodiments, the lack of such a recess
115 will preclude axial coupling of the pinion 114 with the
armature first end portion 131; the armature 130 therefore will not
be able to be used with door controls manufactured by other
manufacturers. This can be particularly advantageous when the
armature assembly 130 includes proprietary features and it is
desired to prevent such proprietary features from being used in
combination with a door control manufactured by a competitor.
[0069] Additionally, the embodiments described hereinabove may
facilitate the installation process. More particularly, each of the
embodiments described obviates the need to turn a screw about the
rotational axis of the pinion, which can be particularly
troublesome in cases where the pinion is in close proximity to the
ceiling. Certain embodiments eliminate the need for installation
tools altogether, thereby further facilitating the installation
process.
[0070] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been
shown and described and that all changes and modifications that
come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be
protected.
[0071] It should be understood that while the use of words such as
preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the
description above indicate that the feature so described may be
more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments
lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the
invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In
reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a,"
"an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are used there is
no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless
specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language
"at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item can
include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated
to the contrary.
* * * * *