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US 2011/0215597 A1Published application
Motor mechanism
AssigneeVingCard Elsafe AS
InventorDag Trygve Weum
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one use, a motor mechanism for an electronic lock is disclosed. In one embodiment, the motor mechanism includes a split nut that travels along a threaded screw drive. When the split nut is physically limited from further travel along the screw drive, the split nut decouples and recouples with the screw drive to reduce drag on the motor and thereby reduce motor burnout. As a result, smaller, more cost effective and efficient electric motors may be utilized together with simplified electronics.
Claims14
A motor mechanism comprising:
- a threaded member rotatably interconnected to a motor;
- a split nut mounted on the threaded member, the split nut comprising at least two members, at least one of which has an inner threaded surface which complements the threads on the threaded member;
- at least one resilient member interconnected to the split nut and applying a force causing the threaded surface of the at least one member to engage the threads of the threaded member;
- a first physical stop limiting movement of the split nut along the threaded member in one direction and a second physical stop limiting movement of the split nut along the threaded member in the opposite direction;
- wherein, when movement of the split nut along the threaded member is stopped while the threaded member continues to rotate, the inner threaded surface of the at least one member will disengage and reengage the threads of the screw.
2 more elements
A method for advancing and retracting a latching or blocking member, comprising:
- providing a threaded drive member;
- connecting a carriage assembly to the threaded drive member, the carriage assembly comprising a split nut threadably engaged with the threaded drive member;
- rotating the threaded drive member to cause the carriage assembly to move along the threaded member;
- stopping the carriage assembly from further movement along the threaded drive member while maintaining rotation of the threaded drive member;
- translating the continuing rotation of the threaded drive member into radial outward movement of the split nut.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.