Latch

Abstract

A latch is configured to fix a first object to a second object, the latch comprising: a housing assembly having a housing hole extending axially; a shaft assembly at least partially inserted in the housing hole; and a cam assembly at least partially inserted in an annular gap between the housing assembly and the shaft assembly. The inner wall of the housing assembly has a first groove, the cam assembly has a second groove, and the protrusion of the shaft assembly slides in the first groove and the second groove at the same time. The first groove is approximately L-shaped, having a circumferential section extending along the circumference of the housing assembly, an axial section extending along the first axial direction of the housing assembly, and a curved section with a circular arc transition between the circumferential section of the first groove and the axial section of the first groove; the second groove is approximately arc-shaped, having a circumferential section extending along the circumference of the housing assembly, and an inclined section extending from the circumferential section of the second groove along a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction, wherein the circumferential section extends in a circumferential direction of at least 15°.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a latch, and in particular to a latch capable of operating in a high load environment and being self-locking. Background Art

[0002] A latch is a common mechanical device used to lock or unlock one object to another object. A latch can be designed to be accessible only to specific users, that is, users with corresponding unlocking tools can access and unlock or lock the latch, so as to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the latch.

[0003] In some application environments, latches work under high loads or in vibration environments. For example, the moving parts of the latch may be highly loaded and produce high friction resistance relative to each other, so they may get stuck and be difficult to lock and unlock normally. Due to the vibration environment, the moving parts of the latch may move relative to each other, causing the latch to accidentally unlock when it is in the locked state.

[0004] In such a situation, a specially designed latch is needed, which is not prone to high friction resistance between its moving parts, so that it can work properly under high load conditions. A specially designed latch is also needed, which has a self-locking function, so that it can remain locked under vibration conditions. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application proposes a latch, which can at least partially solve the above problems.

[0006] According to the present application, a latch is constructed to fix a first object to a second object, the latch comprising: a shell assembly fixedly mounted on the first object, and constructed in a cylindrical shape to define axial and radial directions, and having a shell hole extending axially therethrough, wherein the shell hole has a first end and a second end axially opposite to each other; a shaft assembly at least partially inserted in the shell hole of the shell assembly and extending from the first end, an annular gap being formed between the shaft assembly and the shell assembly, and the shaft assembly being able to rotate axially and move axially within the shell assembly, thereby placing the latch in a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position, the shaft assembly abuts against the second object to lock the first object to the second object, and in the unlocked position, the shaft assembly disengages from the second object to release the lock between the first object and the second object; a cam assembly at least partially inserted in the annular gap between the shell assembly and the shaft assembly, and being able to rotate axially within the annular gap. The inner wall of the housing assembly has a first groove, and the part of the cam assembly inserted between the housing assembly and the shaft assembly has a second groove, and the shaft assembly has a protrusion extending radially thereof, and the protrusion is slidably received in the first groove and the second groove so that when the shaft assembly and the cam assembly respectively rotate and move relative to the housing assembly, the protrusion can slide in the first groove and the second groove at the same time; wherein the first groove is approximately L-shaped, having a circumferential section extending along the circumference of the housing assembly, an axial section extending along the first axial direction of the housing assembly, and a curved section with a circular arc transition between the circumferential section of the first groove and the axial section of the first groove; the second groove is approximately arc-shaped, having a circumferential section extending along the circumference of the housing assembly, and an inclined section extending from the circumferential section of the second groove along a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction, wherein the circumferential section extends in the circumferential direction by at least 15°.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first groove includes a first end defined by the end of its axial section and a second end defined by the end of its circumferential section, and the second groove includes a first end defined by the end of its inclined section and a second end defined by the end of its circumferential section; when the shaft assembly is in the unlocked position, the protrusion of the shaft assembly is located at the second end of the first groove and the first end of the second groove; when the shaft assembly is in the locked position, the protrusion of the shaft assembly is located at the first end of the first groove and the second end of the second groove.

[0008] In one embodiment, the axial length of the first slot is approximately equal to the axial length of the second slot.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inclined section of the second groove includes an axial section extending along a second axial direction of the housing assembly at an end away from the circumferential section of the second groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the axial length of the curved section of the first slot is greater than or equal to the axial length of the axial section of the second slot.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the shaft assembly is located at a transition position between the unlocked position and the locked position, the protrusion of the shaft assembly is located at a curved section of the first groove and an axial section of the second groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the housing assembly is provided with two first grooves which are centrally symmetrical with respect to the axial direction; the cam assembly is provided with two second grooves which are centrally symmetrical with respect to the axial direction; the shaft assembly has two protrusions extending along opposite sides of its radial direction; and one of the two protrusions slides in one of the two first grooves and one of the two second grooves, and the other of the two protrusions slides in the other of the two first grooves and the other of the two second grooves.

[0013] In one embodiment, an elastic member is provided between the shaft assembly and the cam assembly to bias the shaft assembly toward a direction of extending from the first end of the housing assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second groove includes a reverse inclined section extending from an end of the circumferential section of the second groove in the circumferential direction and in the second axial direction to prevent the back movement of the protrusion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the cam assembly has an oriented hole to allow an unlocking tool to access and leave the unlocking feature inside the cam assembly through the oriented hole in a specific direction so as to drive the rotation of the cam assembly; wherein when the unlocking tool leaves the cam assembly in a specific direction and the latch is in its locked position, the protrusion of the shaft assembly is located in a circumferential section of the second groove.

[0016] In one embodiment, a visible marking portion is formed on the upper surface of the cam assembly to indicate the locked position or the unlocked position of the latch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] 1A-1C are respectively a front view, a top view, and a perspective view of a latch according to the present application;

[0019] 2A is a perspective view of an unlocking tool for a latch according to the present application, and FIGS. 2B-2C are perspective views and top views of an unlocking operating portion of the unlocking tool;

[0020] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a latch according to the present application;

[0021] 4A-4C are respectively a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of a claw of a latch according to the present application;

[0022] 5A-5C are respectively a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of a housing of a latch according to the present application;

[0023] 6A-6C are respectively a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of a shaft of a latch according to the present application;

[0024] 7A-7D are respectively a front view, a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of a sleeve of a latch according to the present application;

[0025] 8A-8D are respectively a front view, a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of a cam of a latch according to the present application;

[0026] 9A-9D are respectively a front view, a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of a cap of a latch according to the present application;

[0027] 10A-10D are respectively a front view, a top view, and a bottom view of a bushing of a latch according to the present application;

[0028] 11A-11B are respectively a main side view and a top view of a washer of a latch according to the present application;

[0029] Figures 12A-12B 1 and 2 are respectively a top view and a side view showing a latch, a first object, and a second object according to the present application, wherein the latch is in a locked state, Fig. 12C Corresponds to Fig. 12B The housing, the first object, and the second object are removed to clearly show the interior of the latch, FIG. 12D is a diagram of a latch along the Fig. 12A FIG. 12E is a specific enlarged view of FIG. 12D , Fig.12F is corresponding to Fig. 12C Stereoscopic image of

[0030] Figures 13A-13B 1 and 2 are respectively a top view and a side view showing a latch, a first object, and a second object according to the present application, wherein the latch is in an intermediate state, Fig. 13C Corresponds to Fig. 13B The housing, the first object, and the second object are removed to clearly show the interior of the latch, FIG. 13D is a diagram of a latch along the Fig.13A FIG. 13E is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 13D , and FIG. 13E is a specific enlarged view of FIG. 13D . Fig.13F is corresponding to Fig. 13C Stereoscopic image of

[0031] Figures 14A-14B 1 and 2 are respectively a top view and a side view showing a latch, a first object, and a second object according to the present application, wherein the latch is in an unlocked state, Fig. 14C Corresponds to Fig. 14B The housing, the first object, and the second object are removed to clearly show the interior of the latch, FIG. 14D is a diagram of a latch having a housing, a first object, and a second object. Fig.14A FIG. 14E is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 14D , and FIG. 14D is a specific enlarged view thereof. Fig.14F is corresponding to Fig. 14C Stereoscopic image of

[0032] Fig.15 is a development diagram showing the shape of the cam groove;

[0033] Fig.16 is a development diagram showing the shape of the sleeve groove;

[0034] Figures 17A-17E They are schematic diagrams showing the relative positional relationship between the sleeve groove, the cam groove and the pin during the unlocking and locking processes of the latch.

[0035] List of reference numerals:

[0036] 100 Latch

[0037] 101 Shaft assembly

[0038] 110 Claw

[0039] 111 Shaft positioning hole

[0040] 112 Rivet holes

[0041] 120 Axis

[0042] 121 Shaft thread

[0043] 122 Axial section

[0044] 123 Pin hole

[0045] 124 Pins

[0046] 102 Shell assembly

[0047] 130 Shell

[0048] 131 Flange

[0049] 132 Housing thread

[0050] 133 Shell cut surface

[0051] 134 Flange notch

[0052] 135 Shell hole

[0053] 136 Shell gap

[0054] 140 Sleeve

[0055] 141 sleeve groove (first groove)

[0056] 141a Axial section

[0057] 141b Bend section

[0058] 141c Circumferential section

[0059] 141d First End

[0060] 141e Second End

[0061] 142 Sleeve key

[0062] 170 Bushing

[0063] 171 Bushing key

[0064] 172 Bushing groove

[0065] 173 Directional hole

[0066] 103 Cam assembly

[0067] 150 Cam

[0068] 151 Cam groove (second groove)

[0069] 151a Axial section

[0070] 151b Inclined section

[0071] 151c Circumferential section

[0072] 151d First end

[0073] 151e Second End

[0074] 152 Cam key

[0075] 160 Cap

[0076] 161 Unlock feature

[0077] 162 Cap gap

[0078] 163 Cap seal groove

[0079] 164 Logo Department

[0080] 181 First shaft positioning nut

[0081] 182 Second shaft positioning nut

[0082] 183 Rivet

[0083] 184 Housing locating nut

[0084] 185 Washer

[0085] 186 O-ring

[0086] 187 Seals

[0087] 189 Spring

[0088] 191 O-ring

[0089] 192 retaining ring

[0090] 200 Unlock Tool

[0091] 210 Leverage

[0092] 230 Unlocking operation unit

[0093] 300 First Item

[0094] 400 Second Object DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] While the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to particular embodiments, the invention should not be limited to the details shown, rather various modifications may be made to the details within the range and scope of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

[0096] The descriptions of directions such as “front”, “back”, “up” and “down” involved in this article are only for the convenience of understanding. The present invention is not limited to these directions but can be adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0097] Now referring to the drawings, Fig. 1A-1C shows an exemplary latch 100 according to the solution of the present invention, and Fig. 2A-2C shows an exemplary unlocking tool 200 according to the solution of the present invention. The latch 100 is configured to fix the first object 300 relative to the second object 400, and the unlocking tool 200 is used to operate the latch 100 to make it in a locked position or an unlocked position.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , the unlocking tool 200 includes a lever 210 and an unlocking operating portion 230. The unlocking operating portion 230 has a specific shape corresponding to the unlocking feature 161 of the latch 100 to facilitate access and operation of the unlocking feature, which will be described in detail below. The lever 210 is used to provide a greater torque so that the user can operate the latch 100 under a high load environment.

[0099] Now refer to Figure 3 As a general overview, the latch 100 includes: a claw 110, a shaft 120, a pin 124, a housing 130, a sleeve 140, a cam 150, a cap 160, a bushing 170, a first shaft retaining nut 181, a second shaft retaining nut 182, a rivet 183, a housing retaining nut 184, a washer 185, an O-ring 186, a seal 187, a spring 189, an O-ring 191, and a retaining ring 192.

[0100] According to the assembly relationship between the components of the latch 100, the latch 100 may include: a shaft assembly 101, which includes a claw 110, a shaft 120, and a pin 124; a housing assembly 102, which includes a housing 130, a sleeve 140, and a bushing 170; and a cam assembly 103, which includes a cam 150 and a cap 160. Other details of the latch 100 are described below.

[0101] Shaft components

[0102] First, the shaft assembly 101 is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which includes a claw 110 and a shaft 120. Figures 4A-4C are respectively a side view, a top view, and a stereoscopic view of the claw 110 of the latch according to the present application. Figures 6A-6C are respectively a side view, a top view, and a stereoscopic view of the shaft 120 of the latch according to the present application.

[0103] The specific structure of the shaft 120 is now described with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C . The shaft 120 is at least partially mounted in the housing 130. The shaft 120 extends along the longitudinal axis of the housing 130. The shaft 120 is mounted to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing 130. As shown, the shaft 120 may be circular so that the shaft 120 can rotate unhindered in the housing 130.

[0104] The shaft 120 is mounted for axial movement relative to the housing 130. The shaft 120 includes a pin hole 123 extending radially through the body of the shaft 120. The pin hole 123 is shaped to receive a pin 124 passing through the shaft 120, as described in further detail below.

[0105] The shaft 120 has a shaft thread 121 on the outer circumference of one end thereof so as to be fixed to the claw 110 by a first shaft positioning nut 181 and a second shaft positioning nut 182. When the shaft 120 is fixed to the claw 110, the two are substantially at a right angle. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shaft 120 and the claw 110 may be at other angles to suit a specific application environment without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0106] 4A-4C , the specific structure of the claw 110 is described. The claw 110 is a component for abutting the latch 100 against the second object 400. As shown in the figure, the claw 110 is a block-shaped component with a flat surface, and a plurality of through holes are opened therein, including a shaft positioning hole 111 and a rivet hole 112.

[0107] The shaft positioning hole has a shape corresponding to the shaft key portion 121 of the shaft 120. When the shaft 120 is inserted into the shaft positioning hole 111 of the jaw 110, the jaw 110 is torque-proofly engaged with the shaft 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the jaw 110 is fixedly coupled to one end of the shaft 120 by a first shaft positioning nut 181 and a second shaft positioning nut 182. A washer may be added between the nut 182 and the jaw 110 to produce a suitable fixation of the jaw 110 to the shaft 120.

[0108] The rivet hole 112 is used to receive the rivet 183. According to the actual application, for example, according to the thickness of the second object 400, the rivet 183 can be positioned at different positions, so that when the latch 100 is in the locked position, the rivet 183 abuts against the second object 400 to generate the desired pressure between the latch 100 and the second object 400.

[0109] The claw 110 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The claw 110 moves between the locked position and the unlocked position by the rotation and axial movement of the shaft 120. In the locked position, the claw 110 engages with the second object 400 and fixes the first object 300 relative to the second object 400. In the unlocked position, the claw 110 is separated from the second object 400 and allows the relative movement of the first object 300 relative to the second object 400.

[0110] The pin 124 extends radially outward from the shaft 120 relative to the longitudinal or axial direction of the housing 130. The pin 124 is inserted into a pin hole 123 formed in the shaft 120 and is received by the first groove 141 and the second groove 151. As a result, the shaft 120 is restricted to rotation or axial movement within a path defined by the engagement of the pin 124 with the first groove 141 and the second groove 151, which will be described in detail below.

[0111] In the exemplary embodiment, the pin 124 is a post that extends diametrically through the pin hole 123 of the shaft 120. The length of the post is sufficient to form diametrically opposed pins on either side of the shaft 120.

[0112] Although in the above embodiments, the components of the shaft assembly 101 are described as being assembled together by threads and nuts, insert assembly, etc., the components of the shaft assembly 101 may also be assembled together by, for example, welding, etc., or formed as an integral part.

[0113] Housing components

[0114] The housing assembly 102 is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and includes a housing 130, a sleeve 140, and a bushing 170. Figures 5A-5C are respectively a side view, a top view, and a stereoscopic view of a housing of a latch according to the present application. Figures 7A-7D are respectively a front view, a side view, a top view, and a stereoscopic view of a sleeve of a latch according to the present application.

[0115] The housing 130 houses the components of the latch 100. The housing 130 is configured to engage with the first object 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 130 has a main body portion that is sized to fit within the through hole of the first object 300. The housing 130 also includes a flange 131 that extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the main body portion. The flange 131 is sized to contact the inner or outer surface of the first object 300 when the main body portion of the housing 130 is received within the through hole of the first object 300.

[0116] In one embodiment, the housing 130 is engaged with the first article 300 by a housing retaining nut 184. The housing retaining nut 184 is adapted to be screwed onto the housing threads 132 formed on the outer surface of the body portion so that the first article 300 is clamped between the flange 131 and the housing retaining nut 184. A washer 185 may be added between the first article 300 and the housing retaining nut 184 to form a proper fixation of the latch 100 to the first article 300. In addition, a seal 187 may be added between the first article 300 and the flange 131 of the housing 130 to protect the interior of the compartment from external elements such as liquids or dust. The housing retaining nut 184 is used within the compartment to secure the latch 100 to the first article 300 so as to advantageously prevent unauthorized removal of the latch 100 from the first article 300.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, the housing 130 may be coupled to the first object 300 by any other means, including, for example, friction or threaded fitting of the body portion within a through hole of the first object 300, or bonding the flange 131 to a surface of the first object 300. For example, fasteners such as screws and brackets may be used for certain mounting configurations. Furthermore, a portion or all of the housing 130 may form an integral component with the first object 300.

[0118] The main body of the housing 130 extends along a longitudinal axis, thereby defining an axial direction of the housing 130. As shown in the figure, the longitudinal axis generally extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first object 300. However, it can be understood from the description herein that the longitudinal axis can extend at an oblique angle relative to the first object 300, and the direction of the longitudinal axis is not limited thereto.

[0119] The main body portion of the housing 130 further defines a housing bore 135 therein, the housing bore 135 extending along the longitudinal axis. The housing bore 135 is sized to receive components of the latch 100, as described below. The housing bore 135 also includes a housing notch 136, as shown in FIG5C. The housing notch 136 is disposed in the inner side wall of the housing. The housing notch 136 is configured to receive the bushing key 171. By the engagement between the housing notch 136 and the receiving bushing key 171, the housing 130 blocks clockwise rotation of the bushing 170, i.e., the housing 130 is non-torsionally engaged with the bushing 170, as will be described in more detail below.

[0120] The sleeve 140 is positioned within the housing bore 135 between the housing 130 and the shaft 120. Thus, the sleeve 140 defines a bore in which the shaft 120 is positioned.

[0121] The sleeve 140 is mounted within the housing 130 in a manner that prevents the sleeve 140 from rotating relative to the housing 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 140 includes one or more sleeve keys 142 that are positioned to mate with housing notches 136 in the housing 130. The sleeve keys 142 and housing notches 136 may be detents, protrusions, grooves, or any other anti-rotation structure known to those of ordinary skill in the art described herein.

[0122] The sleeve 140 defines a pair of first grooves 141. The first grooves 141 are sized to receive the pin 124 therein and allow the pin 124 to move axially and / or circumferentially along each first groove 141. In an exemplary embodiment, the first groove 141 is approximately L-shaped, having an axial section 141a extending in the axial direction of the housing assembly 101, a circumferential section 141c extending in the circumferential direction of the housing, and a curved section 141b transitioning in a circular arc shape between the axial section 141a and the circumferential section 141c. The end of the axial section 141a of the first groove 141 defines a first end 141d of the first groove 141, and the end of the circumferential section 141c of the first groove 141 defines a second end 141e of the first groove 141. In an exemplary embodiment, the first end 141d and the second end 141e of the first slot 141 are circumferentially spaced apart by approximately 90°, and the first end 141d is closer to the location where the unlocking tool 200 accesses the latch 100, and the second end 141e is closer to the location where the shaft 120 extends from the housing 130. During the opening or closing operation of the latch 100, the first slot 141 is adapted to guide the movement of the shaft 120 within the housing, as will be described in more detail below.

[0123] The bushing 170 is mounted within the housing bore 135 of the housing 130. The bushing 170 is fixedly fitted to the housing 130. The bushing 170 includes an upper surface and a cylindrical sidewall extending downwardly from the upper surface. As best shown in FIG. 10D , the bushing 170 includes an orientation hole 173 in its upper surface. The orientation hole 173 overlaps the unlocking feature 161 of the cap 160. Thus, the orientation hole 173 provides access to the unlocking feature 161 and the drive surface 123 so that the latch 100 can be opened or closed.

[0124] In one embodiment, the shaped hole 173 may form two openings opposite to each other in the axial direction to allow the unlocking tool 200 to access and leave the latch 100 at two specific angles. For example, the unlocking tool may enter the latch 100 through one opening of the shaped hole 173 to access the unlocking feature of the cap 160, and after the cap 160 is rotated 180° in the circumferential direction, leave the latch 100 through the other opening of the shaped hole 173. As a result, when the cap 160 needs to be rotated 180° to lock or unlock the latch 100, the unlocking tool 200 can leave the latch 100 only after the latch 100 is completely locked or unlocked, thereby avoiding the accidental removal of the access tool 200 when the latch 100 can be completely locked or unlocked.

[0125] The bushing 170 may further include a bushing key 171. The bushing key 171 is formed by a portion of the upper surface of the bushing facing the housing 130. The bushing key 171 is fitted into the flange notch 134 of the housing 130 to block the relative rotation of the bushing 170 and the housing 130.

[0126] The bushing 170 can be prevented from axially moving relative to the housing 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner wall of the housing 130 includes an annular groove, and the bushing 170 includes a bushing groove 172. The retaining ring 192 is positioned within the groove of the inner wall of the housing 130 and the bushing groove 172 to prevent the bushing 170 from axially moving out of the housing hole 135. The retaining ring 192 can be formed as a full ring or a split ring.

[0127] Although in the above embodiments, the components of the housing assembly 102 are described as being assembled together by keys and notches, the components of the housing assembly 102 may also be assembled together by, for example, welding, or formed into an integral piece.

[0128] Cam assembly

[0129] The cam assembly 103 is now described with reference to the drawings, and includes a cam 150, a cap 160, and a bushing 170. Figs. 8A-8D are respectively the front view, side view, top view, and stereoscopic view of the cam of the latch according to the present application; Figs. 9A-9D are respectively the front view, side view, top view, and stereoscopic view of the cap of the latch according to the present application; Figs. 10A-10D are respectively the front view, top view, and bottom view stereoscopic view of the bushing of the latch according to the present application.

[0130] The cam 150 is positioned within the sleeve 140 between the sleeve 140 and the shaft 120. The cam 150 is mounted within the sleeve 140 to rotate relative to the sleeve 140 about the longitudinal axis. In particular, the cam 150 is mounted to rotate with the cap 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the cam 150 includes one or more cam keys 151 that are positioned to cooperate with cap notches 162 in the lower surface of the cap 160. The cam keys 151 and the cap notches 162 may be detents, protrusions, grooves, or any other anti-rotation structure known to those of ordinary skill in the art described herein.

[0131] The cam 150 defines a pair of second slots 151. The size of the second slots 151 is suitable for receiving the pin 124 therein and allowing the pin 124 to move axially and / or circumferentially along each second slot 151. The second slot 151 is approximately arc-shaped, having an axial section 151a extending in the axial direction of the housing assembly 101, a circumferential section 151c extending in the circumferential direction of the housing assembly, and an inclined section 151b with an inclined transition between the axial section 151a and the circumferential section 151c. The end of the axial section 151a of the second slot 151 defines a first end 151d of the second slot 151, and the end of the circumferential section 151c of the second slot 151 defines a second end 151e of the second slot 151. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential spacing between the first end 151d and the second end 151e of the second slot 151 is approximately 180°, and the first end 151d is closer to the position where the shaft 120 extends from the housing 130, and the second end 151e is closer to the position where the unlocking tool 200 accesses the latch 100. During the opening or closing operation of the latch 100, the first slot 141 and the second slot 151 are used to guide the movement of the shaft 120 in the housing 130, which will be described in more detail below.

[0132] Although the cam 150 is described as a separate component from the cap 160, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, all or a portion of the cam 150 may be integrally formed or formed as a unitary piece with the cap 160. This structure may be desirable in order to further minimize the overall protrusion of the latch 100.

[0133] In addition, although the cam 150 is described as being positioned within the sleeve 140, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cam 150 may be positioned outside the sleeve 140 such that the sleeve 140 is interposed between the cam 150 and the shaft 120 without departing from the scope of the present invention. In such an embodiment, the sleeve 140 may be keyed to or integrally formed with the cap 160, and the cam 150 may be keyed to or integrally formed with the housing 130 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0134] In this embodiment, each sleeve 140 and cam 150 may include a pair of diametrically opposed first and second grooves 141, 151 on either side thereof. Thus, while the operation of the latch 100 is described herein with reference to a pair of first and second grooves 141, 151, and pins 124, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one, two, or more corresponding grooves and pins may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0135] The cap 160 is mounted in the housing hole 135 of the housing 130. The cap 160 is not fixed to the housing 130, so it can rotate relative to the housing 130 about the longitudinal axis. The cap 160 includes at least one unlocking feature 161 at its upper end, as best shown in FIG. 9D. The unlocking feature 161 extends along the longitudinal axis and forms a drive surface for rotating the cap 160. When the cap 160 is installed in the housing 130, the drive surface of the unlocking feature 161 is accessible so that a user can drive or rotate the cap 160, for example, using an unlocking tool 200. The unlocking feature 161 can be formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the unlocking tool 200. In this form, the cap 160 will not easily rotate relative to the housing 130 without a corresponding key for engaging with the drive surface of the unlocking feature 161.

[0136] In one embodiment, a cap sealing groove 163 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cap 160 and a seal such as an O-ring 191 may be added between the housing 130 and the cap 160 to protect the interior of the body portion from external components such as liquid or dust.

[0137] In one embodiment, a marking portion 164 may be formed on the upper surface of the cap 160. The figure shows that the marking portion 164 is formed at the center of the unlocking feature 161, but it should be understood that the marking portion 164 may also be formed at other positions, such as formed on one side of the unlocking feature. The marking portion 164 is used to provide a visual prompt to the user so that the user can easily understand that the latch 100 is in the locked position or the unlocked position. In one embodiment, the marking portion 164 may have a color, such as different colors are painted at both ends of the marking portion 164, so as to be more conducive to providing a visual prompt.

[0138] In addition, the spring 189 biases the shaft 120 downward so that the pin 124 positioned in the shaft 120 is pressed against the lower edge of the cam slot 151 of the cam 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring 189 is a compression spring positioned between the underside of the cap 160 and the shaft 120. The spring may include one or more elements, such as a compression spring, a wave spring, a Belleville washer, an elastomeric spring, and / or a conical spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper end of the spring 189 is disposed in a groove on the underside of the cap 160, and the lower end of the spring 189 is disposed in a groove within the shaft 120 to reduce or further reduce the overall height of the cap 160.

[0139] Operation of the latch 100

[0140] refer to Figures 12A-14F , an exemplary operation of the latch 100 will be described below. In some of the drawings, the first object 300, the second object 400, and the housing 130 are not shown to better illustrate the functions of the components of the latch 100. Although the exemplary operation depicts a counterclockwise rotation of the cap, it should be understood that the operation described herein may alternatively be performed as a clockwise rotation of the cap.

[0141] Figures 12A-12F The latch 100 is shown in the locked position. As shown in the figure, the user has not yet selected the cap 160 by the unlocking tool 200, and the pin 124 is located at the first end 141d of the first slot 141 and the second end 151e of the second slot 151.

[0142] The orientation hole 173 of the bushing 170 is aligned with the unlocking feature 161 of the cap 160 to allow the unlocking tool 200 to be inserted into the unlocking feature 161 .

[0143] At this stage, to open the latch 100, the user inserts the unlocking tool 200 through the directional hole 173 and into the unlocking feature 161, and begins to rotate the unlocking tool 200. The cap 160 is rotated to allow the cap 160 to move relative to the bushing 170 and the housing 130 without causing the bushing 170 to move. Rotating the cap 160 also causes a corresponding rotation of the cam 150, for example, due to the cam key 151 and the cap notch 162 causing a corresponding rotation of the cam 150. When the cam 150 rotates, the arc-shaped second groove 151 of the cam 150 applies force to the pin 124 in the axial and circumferential directions. The axial section 141a of the L-shaped first groove 141 allows the pin 124 to move in the axial direction and prevents the pin 124 from moving in the circumferential direction. As a result, the rotation of the cap 160 and the cam 150 from the locked position causes the pin 124 and the corresponding shaft 120 to move away from the cap 160 only in the axial direction (under the bias of the spring 189). The axial movement of the shaft 120 causes the jaws 110 to move axially downward and away from the second object 400. The axial movement of the pin 124 continues until the pin 124 reaches the curved section 141b of the L-shaped first slot 141.

[0144] Figures 13A-13F The latch 100 is shown in an intermediate position between the unlocked position and the locked position. In this position, the cap 160 has been rotated about 80° from the locked position. At this time, further rotation of the cap 160 causes the pin 124 to travel along the curved section 141b of the first slot 141, so that the shaft 120 rotates circumferentially and extends axially from the housing 130 at the same time, so the claw 110 continues to move away from the second object 400 and is about to start rotating. At this time, the unlocking tool 200 is retained in the latch 100 to prevent the removal of the unlocking tool 200 until the latch 100 reaches the unlocked position.

[0145] Figure 14A-14F The latch 100 is shown in an unlocked position. In this position, the cap 160 has been rotated approximately 180° from the locked position, the pin 124 has reached the second end 141e of the first slot 141 and the first end 151d of the second slot 151, and the pin 124 or shaft 120 has been rotated approximately 90° and cannot be rotated further. In this position, the claw 110 has been fully rotated and will not engage the second object 400. It should be understood that the rotation distance between the fully unlocked position and the fully locked position can be any desired distance.

[0146] As can be understood from the above sequence, the closing operation of the latch 100 will operate in a similar reverse manner. From the unlocked position of the latch 100, the unlocking tool 200 can be rotated to rotate the cap 160. As the cap 160 rotates, the corresponding circumferential rotation and axial movement of the shaft 120, the pin 124, and the claw 110 (i.e., the shaft assembly 101) are caused, and finally the latch 100 reaches the locked position.

[0147] Shapes of the first and second grooves

[0148] Now refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 The specific shapes of the first groove 141 and the second groove 151 are described. Fig.15 is a development diagram showing the shape of the second groove 151; Fig.16 14 is a development view showing the shape of the first groove 141 .

[0149] like Fig.16 As shown, the axial section 141a, the curved section 141b and the circumferential section 141c of the first groove 141 form a substantially L-shaped profile of the first groove 141. The curved section 141b is formed with a larger radius of curvature to facilitate smooth sliding of the pin 124 in the first groove 141.

[0150] In one embodiment, the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved section 141 b of the first groove 141 to the length of the axial section 141 a of the first groove 141 is not less than 1:3, or preferably not less than 1:2.5, or preferably not less than 1:2.

[0151] In one embodiment, the curved section 141 b of the first groove 141 extends in the circumferential direction by not less than 20°, or preferably not less than 30°, or preferably not less than 35°, or preferably not less than 40°.

[0152] In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the curved section 141 b of the first groove 141 is greater than or equal to the groove width of the axial section 141 a of the first groove 141 and the inclined section 151 b of the second groove 151 .

[0153] like Fig.15 As shown, the axial section 151a, the inclined section 151b and the circumferential section 151c of the second groove 151 form a substantially arc-shaped profile of the second groove 151. In one embodiment, the circumferential extension range of the inclined section 151b of the second groove 151 is at least 60°, or preferably at least 65°, or preferably at least 70°, or preferably at least 75°, or preferably at least 80°. As a result, the pin 124 can slide more smoothly in the second groove 151 due to the larger extension range occupied by the inclined section 151b extending obliquely.

[0154] In one embodiment, the circumferential section 151c of the second slot 151 occupies an extension range of about 24° in the circumferential direction. As a result, when the latch 100 is in the locked position, the pin 124 is located at the second end 151e of the second slot 151. Due to the extension range of the circumferential section 151c in the circumferential direction, the pin 124 is more likely to be disengaged from the circumferential section 151c when subjected to external disturbances such as vibration, thereby advantageously avoiding accidental unlocking of the latch 100. In one embodiment, the circumferential section 151c extends in the circumferential direction for at least 15°, or preferably at least 20°, or preferably at least 25°.

[0155] In one embodiment, the second groove 151 further includes a reversely inclined section, which extends in the circumferential direction of the circumferential section 151c of the second groove 151 (eg Fig.15 in the right direction) and at the same time in the direction opposite to the axial extension direction of the inclined section 151b of the second groove 151 (for example Fig.15 The pin 124 extends from the circumferential section 151c of the second groove 151 in the downward direction in the middle, thereby providing a certain self-locking function and preventing the pin 124 from accidentally moving back to a certain extent.

[0156] Reference Figures 17A-17E, which shows the positional relationship between the pin 124, the first slot 141, and the second slot 151 during the unlocking and locking process of the latch 100. Fig.17A Corresponding to the locked position, Figures 17B-17D Corresponding to the intermediate position between the locked position and the unlocked position, Fig.17E Corresponds to the unlocked position.

[0157] exist Fig.17A In the locked state shown, the pin 124 is located between the second end 151e of the second slot 151 and the first end 141d of the first slot 141 ( Fig.17A ). During the unlocking process, the user rotates the cam 150 by the unlocking tool 200, so that the second groove (cam groove) 151 moves to the right as shown in the figure, and the driving pin 124 moves in the second groove 151 and the first groove 141. The specific process is: first, from Fig.17A Starting from the position shown, the pin 124 moves in the circumferential section 151c of the second groove 151 while staying at the first end 141d of the first groove 141; then, the pin 124 moves in the inclined section 151b of the second groove 151 while moving in the axial section 141a of the first groove 140 ( Figures 17B-17C ); then, the pin 124 moves in the circumferential section 151c of the second groove 151, while moving in the curved section 141b of the first groove 141 ( Figures 17C-17D ); then, the pin 124 stays at the second end 151e of the second slot 151 while moving in the circumferential section 141c of the first slot 141; finally, the pin 124 reaches the first end 151d of the second slot 151 and the second end 141e of the first slot 141 ( Fig.17E ).

[0158] It is easy to understand that the process of the latch 100 from the unlocked state to the locked state is opposite to the above process, that is, the pin 124 moves from the unlocked state to the locked state. FIG. 17E to FIG. 17A Move in order.

[0159] As can be seen from the figure, due to the special curve design of the first groove 141 and the second groove 151, there is no stuck point for the pin 124 to get stuck during the entire sliding process. As a result, even if the latch 100 is operated under a large load and the pin 124 is subjected to a large pressure, the pin 124 can slide smoothly in the first groove 141 and the second groove 151.

[0160] In particular, during the process of the latch 100 changing from the unlocked state to the locked state, that is, from FIG. 17E to FIG. 17A During the process, when the user drives the pin 124 through the second groove 151 of the cam 150 to reach the curved section 141b of the first groove 141 of the sleeve 140 ( Fig.17D and Fig. 17C), due to the guiding effect of the bent section 141b, the pin 124 can smoothly rise in the axial section (vertical section) of the second groove 152 without being clamped by the opposite side walls of the first groove 141 and the second groove 151 and having difficulty in continuing to move.

[0161] In addition, in the case where the latch 100 has certain manufacturing tolerances, the structure of the latch 100 of the present application is conducive to ensuring that it is locked in place. For example, the unlocking tool 200 is limited to a predetermined angle that must be rotated between accessing and leaving the latch 100, such as the directional hole 173 of the bushing 170 shown in Figures 10B-10D. It is limited to a predetermined angle that must be rotated 180°. However, in the case where the components of the latch 100 have certain manufacturing tolerances (for example, there is a manufacturing tolerance of up to 10°), after the unlocking tool 200 is rotated by a predetermined angle, the pin 124 may not reach the end of the first groove 141 and the second groove 151. In particular, during the locking process, after the unlocking tool 200 is rotated by a predetermined angle, the pin 124 may not reach the second end 151e of the second groove 151.

[0162] Through the special design of the present application, during the locking process, even if the pin 124 fails to reach the second end 151e of the second slot 151, the latch 100 can be locked in place normally. The reason is that, as mentioned above, the circumferential section 151c of the second slot 151 extends in the circumferential direction by at least 15°, or preferably at least 20°, or preferably at least 25°, so even if the pin 124 fails to reach the second end 151e of the second slot 151, it can be stopped by the circumferential section 151c of the second slot 151, and is not easy to slide along the inclined section 151b of the second slot 151 to the unlocking direction.

[0163] In summary, the present application proposes a latch that can be operated by a user through a manual tool under a large load and has the advantage of not being easily stuck. Moreover, the latch according to the present application has a self-locking function, which can prevent the latch from being accidentally unlocked in a vibration environment, allowing the latch to work in a high-intensity vibration environment. In addition, when the latch according to the present application is in a state of not being completely locked or not being completely unlocked, it can prevent the unlocking tool from accidentally leaving.

[0164] Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided as examples only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications, changes and substitutions will not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A latch configured to secure a first object to a second object, the latch comprising: A housing assembly, fixedly mounted on the first object, and configured in a cylindrical shape to define an axial direction and a radial direction, and having a housing hole penetrating along the axial direction, wherein the housing hole has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the axial direction; a shaft component, at least partially inserted into the housing hole of the housing component and extending from the first end, an annular gap being formed between the shaft component and the housing component, and the shaft component being able to rotate around the axial direction and move along the axial direction in the housing component, so that the latch is in a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the shaft component abuts against the second object to lock the first object to the second object, and in which the shaft component is disengaged from the second object to release the lock between the first object and the second object; a cam assembly, at least partially inserted in the annular gap between the housing assembly and the shaft assembly, and rotatable around the axial direction in the annular gap; Features: The inner wall of the housing assembly has a first groove, and the cam assembly has a second groove on a portion inserted between the housing assembly and the shaft assembly, and the shaft assembly has a protrusion extending in a radial direction thereof, and the protrusion is slidably received in the first groove and the second groove, so that when the shaft assembly and the cam assembly are respectively rotated and moved relative to the housing assembly, the protrusion can slide in the first groove and the second groove at the same time; The first groove is approximately L-shaped, having a circumferential section extending along the circumference of the housing component, an axial section extending along the first axial direction of the housing component, and a curved section with an arc-shaped transition between the circumferential section of the first groove and the axial section of the first groove; The second groove is approximately arc-shaped, having a circumferential section extending along the circumference of the housing assembly, and an inclined section extending from the circumferential section of the second groove along a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction, wherein the circumferential section extends in the circumferential direction by at least 15°.

2. The latch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first groove includes a first end defined by an end of an axial section thereof and a second end defined by an end of a circumferential section thereof, and the second groove includes a first end defined by an end of an inclined section thereof and a second end defined by an end of a circumferential section thereof; When the shaft assembly is located at the unlocked position, the protrusion of the shaft assembly is located at the second end of the first slot and the first end of the second slot; When the shaft assembly is located at the locking position, the protrusion of the shaft assembly is located at the first end of the first slot and the second end of the second slot.

3. The latch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The axial length of the first groove is approximately equal to the axial length of the second groove.

4. The latch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inclined section of the second groove includes an axial section extending along a second axial direction of the housing assembly at an end away from a circumferential section of the second groove.

5. The latch according to claim 4, characterized in that: An axial length of the curved section of the first groove is greater than or equal to an axial length of the axial section of the second groove.

6. The latch according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the shaft assembly is located at a transition position between the unlocking position and the locking position, the protrusion of the shaft assembly is located at a curved section of the first groove and an axial section of the second groove.

7. The latch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing assembly is provided with two first grooves which are centrally symmetrical with respect to the axial direction; The cam assembly is provided with two second grooves which are centrally symmetrical with respect to the axial direction; The shaft component has two protrusions extending from opposite sides of the shaft component in a radial direction; and One of the two protrusions slides in one of the two first grooves and one of the two second grooves, and the other of the two protrusions slides in the other of the two first grooves and the other of the two second grooves.

8. The latch according to claim 1, wherein: An elastic member is provided between the shaft assembly and the cam assembly to bias the shaft assembly toward a direction of extending from the first end of the housing assembly.

9. The latch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second groove includes a reverse inclined section extending from an end of a circumferential section of the second groove in the circumferential direction and simultaneously in the second axial direction to prevent a return movement of the protrusion.

10. The latch according to claim 1, wherein: The outer surface of the cam assembly has a directional hole to allow an unlocking tool to access and leave the unlocking feature inside the cam assembly in a specific direction through the directional hole so as to drive the rotation of the cam assembly; When the unlocking tool leaves the cam assembly along the specific direction and the latch is in its locked position, the protrusion of the shaft assembly is located in a circumferential section of the second groove.

11. The latch according to claim 1, wherein: A visible marking portion is formed on the upper surface of the cam assembly to indicate a locked position or an unlocked position of the latch.

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