A solenoid latch uses a movable plunger connected to a coil of wire to create a magnetic field that locks or unlocks a door. It is commonly used in security doors, safes, and vehicle doors. The latch can be released remotely or automatically by energizing the solenoid coil via a control loop. When power is removed, a spring pushes the latch into the locked position.
A solenoid latch is a remote locking mechanism that uses the actuating motion provided by a solenoid to achieve its locking action. This actuating movement is generated by a movable plunger connected to the latching mechanism. A coil of static wound wire is located near the plunger and connected to an external power source via a control circuit. When the control circuit is activated, the coil is energized, creating a strong magnetic field which pulls the plunger towards itself, providing the latching action in the process. Solenoid locks are used on a wide variety of lock types, including security doors, safes, and vehicle doors.
The locking or remote locking action is used in many vehicle door and security applications and is generally facilitated by the use of a solenoid latch. Similar in many respects to manually operated detents, these devices differ only in the inclusion of an electromagnetic solenoid element. This allows the latch to be released remotely or even automatically by energizing the solenoid coil via a control loop. An operator in a remote location or in an automated system such as a security card reader or timer just needs to complete the circuit and the door will open. Most solenoid-operated locking mechanisms are night-operated, meaning they automatically re-lock when the door is closed again.
Activation of the solenoid latch occurs due to the electromagnetic power of the solenoid. The latch tab is connected to a movable plunger that sits near a spool of wire. An external electrical power source is connected to the solenoid via a control circuit which, when activated, energizes the coil. This creates a powerful magnetic field around the closing coil of the solenoid, which pulls the movable plunger towards itself. This movement is then transferred to the bolt, which pulls out of its locked position.
The bolt could be held in the unlocked position for as long as the control circuit is active or for a predetermined amount of time controlled by a timer circuit. When power is removed to the solenoid, a spring pushes the latch into the locked position. If the door is then closed, the latch bolt re-engages and the door is locked again. In some cases, a latching solenoid is used to hold the lock off until a second electrical pulse of reverse polarity is sent to the solenoid coil. This feature makes the solenoid lock ideal for remote access security doors, safes and automobile doors where access is required by push button, key card or keypad code.
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