Mechanically energized mechanical power coupling system

• US 8,430,221 B2
• Filed: 12/21/2009
• Issued: 04/30/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: Kuehl, Steven J., McCoy, Richard A.
• Primary Examiner(s): BONCK, RODNEY H
• Application Number:
  US12/643,200
• Publication Number:
  US 20110147161A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,226 Days
• Field of Search: 192/66.1
• US Class Current: 192/66.1
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 11/10 with clutching members movable only axially

Abstract

A system for communicating a mechanical power service between mechanical power service communicating devices. A service switch is provided for selectively transferring the mechanical power service from a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a host or other mechanical power service provider or source, to a second mechanical power service communicating device, such as an accessory device or other mechanical power service consumer. The service switch is activated to communicate the mechanical power service between the first mechanical power service communicating device and the second mechanical power service communicating device in response to movement of a component associated with one of the mechanical power service communicating devices.

Claims

1. A mechanical power coupling system comprising:

a first service connector component;

a service switch operably connected to a mechanical power service source, the service switch operable for selectively transferring a mechanical power service from the mechanical power service source to the first service connector component, the service switch including a first link moveably associated with the service switch; and

a second service connector component operably connectable to the first service connector component, the second service connector component including a second link associated with the second service connector component and engageable with the first link of the service switch;

wherein the service switch is selectively activated to transfer a mechanical power service from the first service connector component to the second service connector component in response to movement of the first link when engaged with the second link; and

wherein the second link is moveable relative to the second service connector component between an extended position and a refracted position by movement of the first link when the first link is engaged with the second link, wherein the service switch is activated to transfer the mechanical power service from the mechanical power service source to the second service connector component when the second link is in the retracted position.

2. The system according to claim 1 and further comprising a mechanical power service communication service pathway for selectively transferring the mechanical power service from the mechanical power service source to the first service connector component, the mechanical power service communication service pathway movable between a first position in which the mechanical power service communication service pathway is operably coupled to the first service connector component and a second position in which the mechanical power service communication service pathway is operably decoupled from the first service connector component, wherein the mechanical power service communication service pathway is arranged in the second position when the second service connector component is decoupled from the first service connector component.

3. The system according to claim 2 and further comprising a biasing member connected to the mechanical power service communication service pathway, the biasing member operable for urging the mechanical power service communication service pathway toward the second position.

4. The system according to claim 1 and further comprising a mechanical power service communication service pathway for selectively transferring the mechanical power service from the mechanical power service source to the first service connector component, the mechanical power service communication service pathway connected to the first link for concurrent movement therewith, wherein the mechanical power service communication service pathway is operably coupled to the first service connector component when the second link is in the retracted position.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the mechanical power service communication service pathway is operably decoupled from the first service connector component when the second link is in the extended position.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the first service connector component includes a first end enclosed within a housing and operably engageable with the mechanical power service communication service pathway, and a second end accessible from outside of the housing.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the service switch is deactivated to substantially prevent communication of the mechanical power service from the mechanical power service source to the first service connector component when the first link is detached from the second link.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the service switch is deactivated to substantially prevent communication of the mechanical power service from the mechanical power service source to the first service connector component when the second service connector component is decoupled from the first service connector component.

9. The system according to claim 1 and further comprising a host configured to communicate the mechanical power service to the first service connector component.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the host comprises at least one of a refrigerator, a freezer, a conventional oven, a microwave oven, a dishwashing machine, a stove, a range, an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, a clothes washing machine, a clothes dryer, a clothes refreshing machine, a non-aqueous washing apparatus, a water softener, a water heater, a furnace, pool water treatment equipment, an HVAC system, a thermostat, a blender, a mixer, a toaster, a coffee maker, a trash compactor, an air purifier, an iron, a vacuum cleaner, a robot, and a structural feature of a building.

11. The system according to claim 9 and further comprising a mechanical power service consumer configured to communicate at least one mechanical power service with the host.

12. A mechanical power coupling system comprising:

a first service connector component;

a service switch operably connected to a mechanical power service source, the service switch operable for selectively transferring a mechanical power service from the mechanical power service source to the first service connector component, the service switch including a first link moveably associated with the service switch; and

a second service connector component operably connectable to the first service connector component, the second service connector component including a second link associated with the second service connector component and engageable with the first link of the service switch;

wherein the service switch is selectively activated to transfer a mechanical power service from the first service connector component to the second service connector component in response to movement of the first link when engaged with the second link;

wherein the second link is fixed relative to the second service connector component, and wherein the service switch is activated to transfer the mechanical power service from the mechanical power service source to the second service connector component when the second link is engaged with the first link and the first link is moved; and

wherein the movement of the first link draws the first service connector component and second service connector component into engagement.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the service switch comprises a proximity switch activated when the first service connector component and second service connector component are drawn into engagement by the first link.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the second service connector component and first service connector component has a proximity target and the other of the second service connector component and first service connector component has a proximity sensor responsive to the proximity sensor when the first service connector component and second service connector component are drawn into engagement by the first link.

15. A system for coupling with a mechanical power service communicating device, the system comprising:

a first service connector component operably engageable with a separate second service connector component for transferring a mechanical power service from a mechanical power service source to the second service connector component; and

a service switch for selectively connecting the first service connector component to the mechanical power service source, the service switch including a first link engageable with a second link associated with the second service connector component;

wherein the service switch is activated to transfer a mechanical power service from the mechanical power service source to the first service connector component in response to movement of the first link;

wherein the movement of the first link draws the first service connector component and second service connector component into engagement.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the service switch comprises a proximity switch activated when the first service connector component and second service connector component are drawn into engagement by the first link.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the second service connector component and first service connector component has a proximity target and the other of the second service connector component and first service connector component has a proximity sensor responsive to the proximity sensor when the first service connector component and second service connector component are drawn into engagement by the first link.

18. A system for receiving a mechanical power service from a host comprising a mechanical power coupling system, the system comprising:

a second service connector component operably engageable with a separate first service connector component for selectively receiving a mechanical power service from a mechanical power service source; and

an actuator operably associated with the second service connector component, the actuator moveable along a path generally parallel to an axis of insertion of the second service connector component with the first service connector component, between a first position and a second position, wherein the actuator comprises;

at least one link engageable with a corresponding link associated with the first service connector component, the at least one link moveable between an extended position and a retracted position; and

a switch operably connected to the at least one link, the switch selectively moveable between a latched position, in which the switch positions the at least one link in the retracted position, and an open position, in which the switch positions the at least one link in the extended position;

wherein the mechanical power service is delivered to the second service connector component when the actuator is in the first position.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the at least one link includes a hook-shaped portion engageable with the first service connector component.

20. The system according to claim 18, wherein the at least one link includes a hook-shaped portion engageable with the corresponding link of the first service connector component.

21. The system according to claim 18, wherein a longitudinal axis of the at least one link is aligned substantially parallel to the axis of insertion.

22. The system according to claim 18, wherein the at least one link is moveable substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the at least one link.

23. The system according to claim 18, wherein the at least one link comprises at least two links and the second service connector component is disposed between the at least two links.

24. The system according to claim 18 and further comprising a mechanical power service consumer in communication with the second service connector component.

25. The system according to claim 18, wherein the movement of the at least one link draws the first service connector component and second service connector component into engagement.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the switch comprises a proximity switch activated when the first service connector component and second service connector component are drawn into engagement by the at least one link.

27. The system according to claim 25, wherein at least one of the second service connector component and first service connector component has a proximity target and the other of the second service connector component and first service connector component has a proximity sensor responsive to the proximity sensor when the first service connector component and second service connector component are drawn into engagement by the at least one link.

28. The system according to claim 18 and further comprising a mechanical power service consumer configured to communicate at least one mechanical power service with the host.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the mechanical power service consumer is at least one of a consumer electronic device, a client software device, a remote user interface, a source of consumer of information, a reader, a sensor device, a smart utensil, an appliance, an additional smart coupling device, a remote controller, a network binder, a cycle accessory, a resource controller, a communicator, an access system, a payment system, a sales demonstration device, a consumable holder, a dispenser, a filter, a water filter, an air filter, a detergent dispenser, a drink dispenser, a detergent cartridge, a media content holder, and a mechanical power service device.