Torque-limiting spindle
AssigneeSchlage Lock Company LLC
InventorsDrake Lunday, Adam M. Litwinski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An exemplary torque-limiting spindle includes an input member, an output member, a clutch mechanism, and a bias mechanism. The input member extends along a longitudinal axis, is configured for connection with a handle, and includes a first engagement feature. The output member extends along the longitudinal axis, is configured for connection with a rotatable member of a lockset, and includes a second engagement feature. The clutch mechanism includes the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature. The bias mechanism is engaged with the input member and the output member and exerts a biasing force urging the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature into engagement with one another.
Claims21
A torque-limiting spindle, comprising:
- an input member extending along a longitudinal axis and configured for connection with a handle, the input member comprising a first engagement feature;
- an output member extending along the longitudinal axis and configured for connection with a rotatable member of a lockset, the output member comprising a second engagement feature;
- a clutch mechanism comprising the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature;
- a bias mechanism engaged with the input member and the output member and exerting a biasing force urging the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature into engagement with one another, wherein the bias mechanism comprises:
- a bolt comprising a first end portion coupled with one of the input member or the output member, a head received in the other of the input member or the output member, and an elongated body extending between the first end portion and the head;
- and
- a spring extending along the elongated body and captured between the head and a shoulder formed in the other of the input member or the output member such that the spring biases the input member toward the output member.
A torque-limiting spindle, comprising:
- an input member extending along a longitudinal axis and configured for connection with a handle, the input member defining a chamber having an open proximal end, wherein the chamber is defined in part by a distal shoulder;
- an output member positioned distally of the input member and configured for connection with a rotatable portion of a lockset, the output member comprising a threaded bore;
- a bias mechanism mounted at least partially in the chamber, the bias mechanism comprising:
- a bolt including a proximal head and a distal threaded portion, wherein the proximal head is received in the chamber and the distal threaded portion is threadedly engaged with the threaded bore;
- and
- a spring mounted to the bolt between the proximal head and the distal shoulder;
- wherein the bolt includes a tool-engaging feature configured to engage a tool operable to rotate the bolt to thereby adjust a preload of the spring;
- and
- a clutch mechanism operable to transmit a first torque between the input member and the output member and inoperable to transmit a second torque between the input member and the output member;
- wherein the first torque is less than a threshold torque;
- wherein the second torque is greater than a threshold torque;
- and
- wherein the threshold torque corresponds to the preload of the spring.
A torque-limiting spindle, comprising:
- a first spindle portion comprising a radial lobe;
- a second spindle portion;
- and
- a collar rotationally coupled to the second spindle portion and including a recess in which the radial lobe is received;
- wherein the collar is formed of an elastically-deformable material;
- wherein the collar is configured to retain a shape during transmission of a first torque between the first spindle portion and the second spindle portion;
- and
- wherein the collar is configured to elastically deform in response to application of a second torque greater than the first torque to thereby limit torque transmission to a threshold torque value.
-23. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.