IP Library Granted Patent US 7,938,460
Granted Patent B2
US 7,938,460 · App. 11/432,504 · Granted May 10, 2011

Latch release operating apparatus

Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,938,460
App. No.
11/432,504
Granted
May 10, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

A latch release operating apparatus release a latch state of a door, for example, a vehicle door. The apparatus includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a case having a hollow portion; a base plate arranged in the hollow portion, the base plate having an electrically conducting portion; a member made of electrically non-conducting material arranged at the electrically conducting portion of the base plate; and a cover for closing the hollow portion. At least one of the case and the cover is provided with a breathing hole so that an interior of the enclosure communicates with an exterior of the enclosure.

Claims (36)

1. A latch release operating apparatus for releasing a latch state of a door, comprising:

a switching unit having a pressable portion; and

an enclosure including:

a case having a hollow portion;

a base plate arranged in the hollow portion, the base plate having an electrically conducting portion;

a member made of electrically non-conducting material arranged at the electrically conducting portion of the base plate; and

a cover for closing the hollow portion,

wherein at least one of the case and the cover is provided with a breathing hole such that an interior of the enclosure communicates with an exterior of the enclosure,

wherein a trap is provided at a middle of the breathing hole to reduce an area of the breathing hole,

wherein the cover includes a back plate having a pressing portion,

wherein the back plate of the cover includes a first engaging claw and a second engaging claw,

wherein a protruding length of the first engaging claw is configured to be shorter than a protruding length of the second engaging claw,

wherein the case includes a first engagement recess and a second engagement recess,

wherein a depth of the first engagement recess is configured to be more shallow than a depth of the second engagement recess,

wherein the first engaging claw is engaged to the first engagement recess before the second engaging claw is engaged to the second engagement recess, and

wherein, when the cover is pressed, the back plate is configured to move toward and push the pressable portion of the switching unit in order to send a signal for releasing the latch state of the door.

2. The latch release operating apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the breathing hole is positioned at a portion that is towards ground when the enclosure is arranged at its appropriate position.

3. The latch release operating apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a position determining arrangement arranged between the cover and a mounting member for mounting the latch release operating apparatus in the appropriate position, wherein the position determining arrangement includes matching screw holes and through holes.

4. A latch release operating apparatus for releasing a latch state of a door, comprising:

a switching unit having a pressable portion; and

an enclosure including:

a case having a hollow portion;

a base plate arranged in the hollow portion, the base plate having an electrically conducting portion;

a member made of electrically non-conducting material arranged at the electrically conducting portion of the base plate; and

a cover for closing the hollow portion,

wherein both of the case and cover are provided with a breathing hole such that an interior of the enclosure communicates with an exterior of the enclosure,

wherein a breathing groove is provided on a collar of the case,

wherein a through hole is provided on the cover,

wherein the breathing groove and the through hole are arranged such that the breathing groove coincides with the through hole to form the breathing hole,

wherein the cover includes a back plate having a pressing portion,

wherein the back plate of the cover includes a first engaging claw and a second engaging claw,

wherein a protruding length of the first engaging claw is configured to be shorter than a protruding length of the second engaging claw,

wherein the case includes a first engagement recess and a second engagement recess,

wherein a depth of the first engagement recess is configured to be more shallow than a depth of the second engagement recess,

wherein the first engaging claw is engaged to the first engagement recess before the second engaging claw is engaged to the second engagement recess, and

wherein, when the cover is pressed, the back plate is configured to move toward and push the pressable portion of the switching unit in order to send a signal for releasing the latch state of the door.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 25, 2011
From: MITSUI MINING & SMELTING CO., LTD.
To: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 026336/0406 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 12, 2006
From: ISHIGURO, KATSUYUKI
To: MITSUI MINING & SMELTING CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 017864/0866 →
Priority Claims (1)
JP 2005-166744 · Jun 7, 2005 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20060279095A1 · Dec 14, 2006