Latch for communication module

Abstract

A latch configured to secure a module to a panel. The latch includes an outer latch and an inner latch configured to move independently of the outer latch. The outer latch and the inner latch are configured to provide at least two locking points between the latch and the panel.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 866,116, filed on June 25, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present subject matter relates generally to communications modules and, more particularly, to latches for use with communications modules. Background Art

[0004] Communications systems typically employ a rack-mounted enclosure that provides interconnection points for various cables (e.g., copper, fiber, coaxial, etc.). The enclosure may support one or more modules, each of which supports multiple communications connectors (e.g., sockets, adapters, etc.). Existing enclosures may employ a rail system for mounting the modules. The rail system is overly complex and expensive. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to an embodiment, a latch configured to secure a module to a panel includes an outer latch; and an inner latch configured to move independently of the outer latch; wherein the outer latch and the inner latch are configured to provide at least two locking points between the latch and the panel.

[0006] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include where the outer latch and the inner latch are configured to provide at least three locking points between the latch and the panel.

[0007] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include where the outer latch is configured to provide two locking points between the latch and the panel and the inner latch is configured to provide one locking point between the latch and the panel.

[0008] In addition to or in lieu of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include where the outer latch is configured to bias in a direction toward and away from the module.

[0009] In addition to or in lieu of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the inner latch is configured to bias in a direction toward and away from the module.

[0010] In addition to or instead of one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include where the outer latch includes an outer press region at a distal end of the outer latch and the inner latch includes an inner press region at a distal end of the inner latch.

[0011] In addition to, or in lieu of, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include where an inner compression region is located within an outer compression region.

[0012] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the outer latch includes a base, the outer latch includes an outer latch arm extending from the base to a distal end of the outer latch, the outer latch arm including a notch to provide one of at least two locking points between the latch and the panel.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the outer latch arm has a first tapered surface from the base to the recess such that the thickness of the outer latch increases from the base to the recess.

[0014] In addition to or instead of one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the outer latch arm has a second tapered surface from the notch to the outer latch distal end such that the thickness of the first outer latch arm decreases from the notch to the outer latch distal end.

[0015] In addition to or instead of one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the inner latch is connected to the module at the base, the inner latch including an inner latch arm extending from the base to a distal end of the inner latch arm.

[0016] In addition to or instead of one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the inner latch arm has a third tapered surface from the base to the distal end of the inner latch arm such that the thickness of the inner latch arm increases from the base to the distal end of the inner latch arm.

[0017] In addition or in lieu of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the inner latch includes a central arm including a second notch to provide one of at least two locking points between the latch and the panel.

[0018] In addition to or instead of one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the central arm includes a fourth tapered surface on a first side of the second recess and a fifth tapered surface on a second side of the second recess.

[0019] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include a tether including a head positioned to travel over the outer latch biasing surface and the inner latch biasing surface.

[0020] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include where the outer latch biasing surface and the inner latch biasing surface are configured such that the head biases the inner latch and the outer latch toward the module.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the module includes: a mounting location configured to receive one or more communication connectors; and a latch configured to secure the module to a panel, the latch including an outer latch and an inner latch configured to move independently of the outer latch; wherein the outer latch and the inner latch are configured to provide at least two locking points between the latch and the panel.

[0022] Technical effects of embodiments of the present invention include providing a latch suitable for mounting a module to a panel from the front or rear and removing the panel from the module from the front or rear.

[0023] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the aforementioned parts and elements may be combined in various combinations in a non-exclusive manner. These parts and elements and their operation will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and accompanying drawings are illustrative and explanatory in nature and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like elements are numbered likewise throughout the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a housing in an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of a housing in an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a module having a communication connector installed therein in an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 depicts a latch of a module secured to a panel in an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 depicts a latch for securing a module to a panel in an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 depicts a latch for securing a module to a panel in an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 7 depicts a latch for securing a module to a panel in an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 Depicted is a module including a latch for securing the module to a panel in an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the housing 10 in an exemplary embodiment. The housing 10 is generally rectangular and has four side walls, a bottom, a rear door that can be opened and closed, and a front door. A top (not shown) may also be part of the housing 10. As is known in the art, the housing 10 is designed to be mounted to a rack via mounting lugs 12. The housing 10 is sized to occupy a 1U space rack, but can be sized to occupy more rack space. One or more modules 20 are installed in the housing 10. As further described herein, each module 20 provides a mounting position configured to receive one or more communication connectors.

[0034] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of a portion of the housing 10 in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the module 20 is mounted in a panel 22 within the housing 10 . Figure 2 The panel 22 in the embodiment is parallel to the front door of the housing 10. In other embodiments, the panel 22 may not be parallel to the front door of the housing 10 or may include multiple portions at different angles relative to the front door of the housing 10. The panel 22 includes one or more openings 24 that are sized to receive the module 20. A latch 100 is provided at each end of the module 20 to secure the module 20 to the panel 22.

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a module 20 with a communication connector 30 installed therein in an exemplary embodiment. The communication connector 30 can have a variety of forms, such as a socket, an adapter, a coupler, a joint, etc. The communication connector 30 mates with a corresponding communication connector (e.g., a plug). The cable connected at the communication connector 30 can include one or more of optical fiber, copper cable, coaxial cable, etc. The latch 100 includes a tether 400 that allows the latch 100 to be disengaged from the rear of the housing 10, as described in further detail herein.

[0036] Figure 4 The latch 100 of the module 20 is depicted secured to the panel 22 in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the latch 100 provides three locking points 102, 104, and 106 to secure the module 20 to the panel 22. The latch 100 can be configured to provide at least two locking points.

[0037] Figure 5A latch 100 for securing a module 20 to a panel 22 in an exemplary embodiment is depicted. The latch 100 includes an inner latch 200 and an outer latch 300. The inner latch 200 and the outer latch 300 can move relative to each other to enable the module 20 to be inserted into or removed from the panel 22. Both the inner latch 200 and the outer latch 300 can be deflected in a direction toward and away from the module 20. The outer latch 300 is secured to the module 20 at a base 302. A first outer latch arm 304 includes a first notch 306 that provides a first locking point 102. The first notch 306 receives an edge of the panel 22. A second outer latch arm 308 includes a second notch 310 that provides a second locking point 104. The second notch 310 receives an edge of the panel 22. A distal end 312 of the outer latch 300 includes an outer press area 314. The outer press area 314 applies pressure to deflect the outer latch 300 toward the module 20.

[0038] The first outer latch arm 304 has a tapered surface from the base 302 to the first recess 306, such that the thickness of the first outer latch arm 304 increases from the base 302 to the first recess 306. The first outer latch arm 304 has a tapered surface 316 from the base 302 to the first recess 306, such that the thickness of the first outer latch arm 304 increases from the base 302 to the first recess 306; the tapered surface 316 extends away from the module 20. The first outer latch arm 304 has a tapered surface 318 from the first recess 306 to the distal end 312, such that the thickness of the first outer latch arm 304 decreases from the first recess 306 to the distal end 312; the tapered surface 318 extends toward the module 20. The second outer latch arm 308 has a tapered surface 322 from the base 302 to the second recess 310, such that the thickness of the second outer latch arm 308 increases from the base 302 to the second recess 310; the tapered surface 322 extends away from the module 20. The second outer latch arm 308 has a tapered surface 324 from the second recess 310 to the distal end 312, such that the thickness of the second outer latch arm 308 decreases from the second recess 310 to the distal end 312; the tapered surface 324 extends toward the module 20.

[0039] Figure 6A latch 100 is depicted in an exemplary embodiment for securing a module 20 to a panel 22. The inner latch 200 has a first end connected to a base 302 of an outer latch 300. In effect, the base 302 serves as an anchor point for the cantilevered inner and outer latches 200, 300. The inner latch 200 includes a first inner latch arm 204 and a second inner latch arm 206. The first inner latch arm 204 has a tapered surface 208 from the base 302 to the distal end of the first inner latch arm 204, such that the thickness of the first inner latch arm 204 increases from the base 302 to the distal end of the first inner latch arm 204; the tapered surface 208 extends away from the module 20. The second inner latch arm 206 has a tapered surface 210 from the base 302 to the distal end of the second inner latch arm 206 such that the thickness of the second inner latch arm 206 increases from the base 302 to the distal end of the second inner latch arm 206 ; the tapered surface 210 extends away from the module 20 .

[0040] The inner latch also includes a central arm 220 connected to the first inner latch arm 204 and the second inner latch arm 206. The central arm 220 includes a third notch 222 that serves as the third locking point 106. The third notch 222 receives the edge of the panel 22. The central arm 220 includes tapered surfaces 224 and 226 on both sides of the notch 222. The tapered surfaces 224 and 226 extend away from the module as they approach the third notch 222. The distal end 230 of the inner latch 200 includes an inner pressing area 232. Applying pressure to the inner pressing area 232 biases the inner latch 200 toward the module 20.

[0041] Figure 7 A latch 100 is depicted in an exemplary embodiment for securing the module 20 to the panel 22. Figure 7 As shown, the tether 400 includes a drawstring 402. A pair of arms 404 extend from the drawstring 402 and pass through either side of the center arm 220 on the inner latch 200. The arms 404 terminate at at least one head 406 located on either side of the center arm 220 and inside the outer latch 300.

[0042] When the pull strap 402 is pulled back, the head 406 of the tether 400 travels over the biasing surfaces of the inner latch 200 and the outer latch 300, so that the head 406 travels toward the base 302. The outer latch 300 includes at least one outer latch biasing surface 340. The inner latch 200 includes at least one inner latch biasing surface 240. When the tether 400 is pulled back, the tether head 406 travels over the outer latch biasing surface 340 and the inner latch biasing surface 240. This causes the outer latch 300 and the inner latch 200 to bias toward the module 20, releasing the latch 100 from the panel at the locking points 102, 104 and 106.

[0043] Figure 8The module 20 in an exemplary embodiment is depicted including a latch 100 for securing the module to the panel 22. The latches 100 are disposed on each end of the module 20. In use, the module 20 can be installed into the panel 22 from the front or rear of the panel 22. To install the module 20 from the front of the panel, a user can grasp the outer pressing area 314 of the outer latch 300 and push the module 20 into the opening 24 in the panel 22. The panel edge rides on the tapered surfaces 208 and 210 to deflect the inner latch 200 until the panel edge is received in the third notch 222. Once the outer pressing area 314 is released, the panel edge engages the first notch 306 and the second notch 310.

[0044] To install the module 20 from the rear of the panel, the user can grasp the rear of the module and push the module 20 into the opening 24 in the panel 22. The panel edge rides on the tapered surfaces 318 and 324 of the outer latch 300 and the tapered surface 226 of the center arm 220 of the inner latch 200. This deflects the inner latch 200 and the outer latch 300 until the panel edge is received in the first notch 306, the second notch 310, and the third notch 222.

[0045] To remove the module 20 from the front of the panel 22, the user presses both the outer pressing area 314 of the outer latch 300 and the inner pressing area 232 of the inner latch 200 and pulls the module 20 forward. To remove the module 20 from the rear of the panel 22, the user pulls the tether 400 associated with each latch 100 of the module 20. This moves both the inner latch 200 and the outer latch 300 toward the module 20 to release the panel edge from the first notch 306, the second notch 310, and the third notch 222 and allow the module 20 to be removed from the rear of the panel 22.

[0046] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the description of the present invention is proposed for the purpose of illustration and description, it is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the forms disclosed in the present invention. Without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, many modifications, changes, variations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not described herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A latch configured to secure a module to a panel, the latch comprising: External latch; and an inner latch configured to move independently of the outer latch; wherein the outer latch and the inner latch are configured to provide at least two locking points between the latch and the panel; wherein the outer latch comprises a base, the outer latch comprises a first outer latch arm extending from the base to a distal end of the outer latch, the first outer latch arm comprising a first notch to provide one of the at least two locking points between the latch and the panel; wherein the first outer latch arm has a first tapered surface from the base to the first recess such that a thickness of the first outer latch arm increases from the base to the first recess; wherein the first outer latch arm has a second tapered surface from the first recess to the distal end of the outer latch such that a thickness of the first outer latch arm decreases from the first recess to the distal end of the outer latch; the outer latch comprising a second outer latch arm extending from the base to a distal end of the outer latch, the second outer latch arm comprising a second notch to provide one of the at least two locking points between the latch and the panel; wherein the second outer latch arm has a third tapered surface from the base to the second recess such that a thickness of the second outer latch arm increases from the base to the second recess; Wherein, the second outer latch arm has a fourth tapered surface from the second recess to the distal end of the outer latch, so that the thickness of the second outer latch arm decreases from the second recess to the distal end of the outer latch.

2. The latch according to claim 1, wherein: The outer latch and the inner latch are configured to provide at least three locking points between the latch and the panel.

3. The latch according to claim 1, wherein: The outer latch is configured to provide two locking points between the latch and the panel and the inner latch is configured to provide one locking point between the latch and the panel.

4. The latch according to claim 1, wherein: The outer latch is configured to deflect in a direction toward and away from the module.

5. The latch according to claim 1, wherein: The inner latch is configured to deflect in a direction toward and away from the module.

6. The latch according to claim 1, wherein: The outer latch includes an outer press region at a distal end of the outer latch and the inner latch includes an inner press region at a distal end of the inner latch, the outer press region being configured to offset the first outer latch arm and the second outer latch arm.

7. The latch according to claim 6, wherein: The inner pressing area is located within the outer pressing area.

8. The latch according to claim 1, wherein: The inner latch is connected to the module at the base, the inner latch including an inner latch arm extending from the base to a distal end of the inner latch arm.

9. The latch according to claim 8, wherein: The inner latch arm has a fifth tapered surface from the base to the inner latch arm distal end such that a thickness of the inner latch arm increases from the base to the inner latch arm distal end.

10. The latch according to claim 9, wherein: The inner latch includes a central arm including a third notch to provide one of the at least two locking points between the latch and the panel.

11. The latch according to claim 10, wherein: The central arm includes a sixth tapered surface on a first side of the second recess and a seventh tapered surface on a second side of the third recess.

12. A latch configured to secure a module to a panel, the latch comprising: External latch; and an inner latch configured to move independently of the outer latch; wherein the outer latch and the inner latch are configured to provide at least two locking points between the latch and the panel; The outer latch includes a base, a first outer latch arm extending from the base to a distal end of the outer latch, and a second outer latch arm extending from the base to the distal end of the outer latch, the first outer latch arm including a first notch to provide one of the at least two locking points between the latch and the panel, wherein the first outer latch arm has a first tapered surface from the base to the first notch such that a thickness of the first outer latch arm increases from the base to the first notch; and the first outer latch arm has a second tapered surface from the first notch to a distal end of the outer latch such that a thickness of the first outer latch arm decreases from the first notch to the distal end of the outer latch; the second outer latch arm including a second notch to provide one of the at least two locking points between the latch and the panel, wherein the second outer latch arm has a third tapered surface from the base to the second notch such that a thickness of the second outer latch arm increases from the base to the second notch, and the second outer latch arm has a fourth tapered surface from the second notch to a distal end of the outer latch such that a thickness of the second outer latch arm decreases from the second notch to the distal end of the outer latch; The first outer latch arm includes a first outer latch biasing surface; the second outer latch arm includes a second outer latch biasing surface; the inner latch comprising an inner latch arm positioned between the first outer latch arm and the second outer latch arm, the inner latch arm comprising a first inner latch biasing surface and a second inner latch biasing surface; Also included is a tether including a first head, a second head, a first arm connected to the first head, and a second arm connected to the second head, wherein the first head is positioned to travel above the first outer latch bias surface and the first inner latch bias surface, and the second head is positioned to travel above the second outer latch bias surface and the second inner latch bias surface.

13. The latch according to claim 12, wherein: The first outer latch biasing surface, the second outer latch biasing surface, the first inner latch biasing surface, and the second inner latch biasing surface are configured such that the first arm and the second arm of the tether bias the inner latch and the outer latch toward the module.

14. A module comprising: a mounting location configured to receive one or more communication connectors; as well as The latch of claim 1.

15. A latch configured to secure a module to a panel, the latch comprising: External latch; and an inner latch configured to move independently of the outer latch; wherein the outer latch and the inner latch are configured to provide at least two locking points between the latch and the panel; wherein the outer latch comprises a base, the outer latch comprises a first outer latch arm extending from the base to a distal end of the outer latch, the first outer latch arm comprising a first notch to provide one of the at least two locking points between the latch and the panel; wherein the first outer latch arm has a first tapered surface from the base to the first recess such that a thickness of the first outer latch arm increases from the base to the first recess; wherein the first outer latch arm has a second tapered surface from the first recess to the distal end of the outer latch such that a thickness of the first outer latch arm decreases from the first recess to the distal end of the outer latch; wherein the outer latch includes a second outer latch arm extending from the base to a distal end of the outer latch, the second outer latch arm including a second notch to provide one of the at least two locking points between the latch and the panel; wherein the second outer latch arm has a third tapered surface from the base to the second recess such that a thickness of the second outer latch arm increases from the base to the second recess; wherein the second outer latch arm has a fourth tapered surface from the second recess to the distal end of the outer latch such that a thickness of the second outer latch arm decreases from the second recess to the distal end of the outer latch; wherein the inner latch is connected to the module at the base, the inner latch comprising an inner latch arm extending from the base to a distal end of the inner latch arm, the inner latch arm being positioned between the first outer latch arm and the second outer latch arm; Wherein, the first outer latch arm, the second outer latch arm and the inner latch arm extend away from the base in the same direction.

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