Jaw assembly, driver, latch, multi-point latch system

Abstract

A compression latch for a door includes a driver rotatable relative to the door between an unlocked position and a locked position. The driver is configured to be mounted to one side of the door. A driver shaft is non-rotatably connected to the driver such that the driver shaft rotates with the driver. In the unlocked position of the driver, the jaw is positioned to allow the door to open, and in the locked position of the driver, the jaw is positioned to prevent the door from opening. The compression latch is configured to translate the jaw closer toward the door upon rotation of the driver from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202180011855.2, titled "Modular Latch System", filed on January 26, 2021. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical latches. Background Art

[0003] As described in U.S. Patent No. 7,441,812 to Southco, Inc., compression latches for mounting on a door or panel are known. Compression latches are used in applications where it is desired to lock a door or panel to the frame to which it is mounted and to seal the edge of the panel to the frame when closed. For example, when an opening in which a panel is installed is provided with a gasket and the gasket must be compressed to form a seal, a compression latch is desirable. For example, compression latches can be used on doors for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units. HVAC unit doors are typically thick and filled with insulation and may have large thickness tolerances. It is desirable to provide a modular compression latch that compensates for thickness tolerances. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compression latch for a door. The latch includes a driver that is rotatable relative to the door between an unlocked position and a locked position. The driver is configured to be mounted to one side of the door. A driver shaft is non-rotatably connected to the driver such that the driver shaft rotates with the driver. The pawl assembly includes: (i) a housing configured to be fixedly mounted to the door, and (ii) a pawl movably connected to the housing and configured to both rotate and translate relative to the housing in response to rotation of the driver shaft. In the unlocked position of the driver, the pawl is positioned to allow the door to open, and in the locked position of the driver, the pawl is positioned to prevent the door from opening. The compression latch is configured to translate the pawl closer to the door once the driver rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pawl assembly for locking a door. The pawl assembly includes a housing configured to be fixedly mounted to the door and a pawl movably connected to the housing and configured to both rotate and translate relative to the housing. In the unlocked position of the pawl assembly, the pawl is positioned to allow the door to open, and in the locked position of the driver, the pawl is positioned to prevent the door from opening. The pawl is configured to move closer to the door once the pawl assembly moves from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, the driver is configured to be rotatably mounted to the door. The driver defines a handle that can be grasped by a user. An opening is formed in the driver. A fastener is positioned within the opening for mounting the driver to the door. A cover is removably mounted to the driver and positioned above the opening to obscure the head of the fastener, and the cover defines a relief in the form of an undercut on its surface. A lock plug is rotatably mounted to the driver between an unlocked state and a locked state, wherein in the unlocked state of the lock plug, the driver can rotate relative to the door, and in the locked state of the lock plug, the driver is prevented from rotating relative to the door. A protrusion extends from the lock plug and is non-rotatable relative to the lock plug. In the locked state of the lock plug, the protrusion is positioned within the relief to prevent the cover from being removed from the driver and to prevent subsequent access to the fastener, and in the unlocked state of the lock plug, the protrusion is not positioned within the relief to allow removal of the cover from the driver and to allow subsequent access to the fastener. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The above and other aspects and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by referring to the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figures 1A - 1C An isometric view, a top view, and a cross-sectional view of a compression latch assembly (hereinafter referred to as a latch) mounted to a door are shown, respectively, wherein the latch is shown rotated to the unlocked state.

[0009] Figures 2A - 2C Shown respectively are Figure 1A An isometric view, a top view, and a cross-sectional view of the latch mounted to the door in, wherein the latch is shown rotated to a partially locked state.

[0010] Figures 3A - 3C Shown respectively are Figure 1A An isometric view, a top view, and a cross-sectional view of the latch mounted to the door in, wherein the latch is shown rotated to the locked and compressed state.

[0011] Figure 4 is Figure 1A An exploded view of the latch in.

[0012] Figure 5 is Figure 1A An exploded view of the pawl sub-assembly of the latch in.

[0013] Figures 6A - 6H Respectively are Figure 1A An isometric view, a rear view, a right side view, a front view, a left side view, a bottom view, a top view, and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the driver of the latch in.

[0014] Figures 7A - 7E Respectively areFigure 5 Isometric view, bottom view, side view, top view, and front view of the housing of the medium claw assembly.

[0015] Figures 8A - 8D Respectively Figure 5 Isometric view, side view, bottom view, and sectional view of the sleeve of the medium claw assembly.

[0016] Figures 9A - 9E Respectively Figure 5 Isometric view, front view, side view, top view, and sectional view of the threaded shaft of the medium claw assembly.

[0017] Figures 10A - 10E Respectively Figure 1A Isometric view, right view, left view, front view, and rear view of the drive shaft of the latch.

[0018] Figures 11A - 11E Respectively Figure 1A Isometric view, front view, side view, rear view, and sectional view of the baffle of the latch.

[0019] Figure 12A And Figure 12B Shows an isometric view of a multi-point latch system for securing a door.

[0020] Figure 13A And Figure 13B Shows Figure 12A Exploded view and assembled view of the link of the multi-point latch system in the medium.

[0021] Figure 14A Is Figure 1A Exploded view of the drive of the latch in the medium.

[0022] Figures 14B - 14F Shows Figure 1A View of the drive of the latch in the unlocked state in the medium, while Figures 14G - 14K Shows the view of the drive in the locked state.

[0023] More specifically, Figure 14B And Figure 14C Is Figure 14A Partial side view of the drive shown in the unlocked state. Figure 14D And Figure 14E Are respectively sectional views of the drive in the medium taken along line 14D-14D and line 14E-14E Figure 14B And Figure 14C In the medium. Figure 14F Is Figure 14E Detailed view of.

[0024] Figure 14G And Figure 14H Is Figure 14APartial side view of the drive shown in the locked state. Figure 14I and Figure 14J are cross-sectional views of the drive taken along lines 14I-14I and 14J-14J, respectively. Figure 14G and Figure 14H in Figure 14K is Figure 14J a detailed view of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Instead, various modifications may be made to the details within the scope and extent of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the present invention.

[0026] Throughout the disclosure, various terms are used to describe the physical shape or arrangement of features. Many of these terms are used to describe features having a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical geometry, featuring a radius and a central axis perpendicular to the radius. Unless otherwise specified, the terms are given the following meanings: The terms "longitudinal", "longitudinally", "axial", and "axially" refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation parallel to the central axis. The terms "radial" and "radially" refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation perpendicular to the central axis. The terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation extending in the radial direction toward the central axis. The terms "outward" and "outwardly" refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation extending in the radial direction away from the central axis.

[0027] In the description, relative terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "downward", "top", and "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be interpreted to refer to the directions shown in the accompanying drawings described or discussed subsequently. These relative terms are for ease of description and generally do not intend to require a specific orientation.

[0028] Terms related to attachment, coupling, etc., such as "mounted", "connected", and "interconnected", unless otherwise clearly stated, refer to the relationship in which the respective structures are directly or indirectly fixed or connected to each other through an intermediate structure, and a movable or rigid attachment or relationship.

[0029] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used as relative terms throughout the present disclosure. In the context of describing a latch, the term "proximal" (e.g., in the phrase "proximal end") is intended herein to mean toward or near the drive 14 of the latch, while the term "distal" (e.g., in the phrase "distal end") is intended herein to mean away from or far from the drive 14 of the latch.

[0030] Figures 1A - 4A compression latch assembly 10 (hereinafter latch 10 ) is shown mounted to a door 12 . Figures 1A - 1C The latch 10 is shown in an unlocked state, Figures 2A - 2C The latch 10 is shown in a partially locked state, while Figures 3A - 3C The latch 10 is shown in a locked and compressed state.

[0031] The latch 10 generally includes an actuator subassembly 11 connected to a claw subassembly 33 to maintain the door 12 in a locked or unlocked state relative to a frame to which the door 12 is movably mounted. The door 12 includes a front side 12a, a rear side 12b, and a hollow area between the front and rear sides, which can be filled with foam, for example. The door 12 can be different than that shown and described.

[0032] Referring now to the features of the driver subassembly 11 , the driver subassembly 11 generally includes a driver 14 that is: (i) rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis A to a cylindrical baffle 16 , and (ii) non-rotatably connected to a driver shaft 20 .

[0033] Drive 14 in Figures 6A - 6H . The driver 14 is an L-shaped member including an elongated portion having a gripping surface 13 for gripping by an end user. The driver 14 is rotatably mounted to the baffle 16 about a longitudinal axis A, however, it should be understood that the driver 14 is prevented from translating along the axis. The driver 14 may be provided in the form of a handle, a knob, a lever, a "T" piece, or a tool driver, for example.

[0034] The lock plug 40 is mounted in an opening on the front face of the driver 14. The lock plug 40 has a recess for receiving a key or other tool, as is known in the art, and is configured to selectively allow the driver 14 to rotate. The lock plug 40 is an optional component of the driver 14.

[0035] In the locked configuration of the lock plug 40, the rotation of the driver 14 is not possible. In the unlocked configuration of the lock plug 40, the rotation of the driver 14 is possible. More specifically, as Figure 6H and Figure 4 As shown, when the appropriate key is inserted into the lock plug 40, the user can rotate the lock plug 40. The cam or ramp 42 on the underside of the lock plug 40 rotates therewith and interacts with the post 44 loaded by the spring 46. The post 44 is positioned translationally by means of a recess 48 formed on the underside of the driver 14.

[0036] In the locked position of the locking plug 40 (see Figure 6H As shown), the support surface of the ramp 42 is supported on the proximal end 44a of the column 44, and along Figure 6HThe post 44 is moved against the biasing force of the spring 46 in the direction indicated by the arrow. Further, the distal end 44b of the post 44 is positioned within the opening 27 of the stationary baffle 16 ( Figure 4 ). When the distal end 44b of the post 44 is within the opening 27 of the stationary baffle 16, the driver cannot be rotated relative to the baffle 16.

[0037] In the unlocked position of the lock plug 40 (not shown), the opening in the ramp 42 is rotationally aligned with the post 44 such that the ramp 42 does not bear on the proximal end 44a of the post 44. Accordingly, the spring 46 is permitted to move the post 44 in the upward direction such that the distal end 44b of the post 44 does not project from the lower side of the driver 14. Correspondingly, the post 44 is not positioned within the opening 27 of the stationary baffle 16. When the distal end 44b of the post 44 is not positioned within the opening 27 of the stationary baffle 16, the driver can be rotated relative to the baffle 16 (and the door 12).

[0038] The cover 54 is mounted to the front of the driver 14 to obscure the head of the fastener 34 and prevent unauthorized removal of the fastener 34. The cover 54 includes an opening 56 to provide access to the front of the lock plug 40. As will be referenced Figures 14A - 14K as described, the lock plug 40 and the cover 54 are specifically configured to prevent removal of the cover 54 and the underlying fastener 34 in the locked state of the lock plug 40. In the unlocked state of the lock plug 40, the cover 54 and the underlying fastener 34 can be removed / detached from the driver 14.

[0039] Now turning to Figures 14A - 14K , the cover 54 includes a protrusion 55 on its inner surface that is positioned to extend through the opening 36 in the driver 14. A clearance 57 is formed on the bottom side of the protrusion 55. The clearance 57 may also be referred to herein as a notch, gap, slot, opening, surface, or recess.

[0040] The cam lock 41 is non-rotatably mounted to the body of the lock plug 40 such that the cam lock 41 rotates with the lock plug 40. The cam lock 41 is positioned behind a shoulder formed on the front of the lock plug 40 such that in the assembled configuration of the driver 14, the cam lock 41 is not visible to the end user. The cam lock 41 is (optionally) a metal member having a uniform thickness (as Figure 14E seen), a teardrop-shaped perimeter (more generally, a non-circular perimeter), and an opening formed at the center of the teardrop through which the lock plug 40 is mounted. The circular perimeter portion of the teardrop-shaped perimeter extends further from the axis of rotation of the cam lock 41 than the flat perimeter portion 41a of the teardrop-shaped perimeter.

[0041] In the operation of the lock plug 40, the cam lock 41 is positioned to selectively enter the clearance 57 of the cover 54. More specifically, in Figures 14G - 14KThe locked state of the plug 40 shown, the plug 40 is rotated to a position where the cam lock 41 is positioned within the clearance 57. In particular, in the locked state, the circular perimeter of the teardrop-shaped perimeter is positioned within the clearance 57. Also in Figures 14B - 14F The unlocked state of the plug 40 shown, the plug 40 is rotated to a position where the cam lock 41 is not positioned within the clearance 57. In particular, in the unlocked state, the flat perimeter portion 41a of the teardrop-shaped perimeter is rotationally aligned with but radially spaced from and separated from the clearance 57.

[0042] In the locked state of the plug 40, since the cover 54 is captivated by the cam lock 41 on the actuator 14, the cover 54 cannot be removed (and the fastener 34 cannot be accessed). And in the unlocked state of the plug 40, since the cover 54 is not captivated by the cam lock 41 on the actuator 14, the cover 54 can be removed (and the fastener 34 can be accessed).

[0043] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the cam lock 41 is not limited to that shown in the figures. For example, the cam lock 41 can be a protrusion that radially protrudes from the plug 40 and is configured to selectively interact with the clearance 57. The cam lock 41 may be referred to herein as a protrusion. The protrusion may be integral with or separate from the plug 40.

[0044] The baffle 16 is shown in Figures 11A - 11E . The baffle 16 is fixedly mounted to the front side 12a of the door 12 by two self-tapping fasteners 18 that can penetrate the door 12. Each fastener 18 is positioned through a corresponding hole 17 formed in the baffle 16. It should be understood that the fasteners 18 and any holes for receiving the fasteners 18 can vary as known in the art. The alignment protrusions 25 ( Figure 11E and Figure 11D ) on the lower side of the baffle 16 engage with the holes 15 in the door 12 to key the baffle 16 in a rotational position on the door 12 and also prevent the baffle 16 from rotating as the actuator 14 moves between the locked and unlocked states. An opening 27 is formed in the front face of the baffle 16 and is configured to interact with the actuator locking feature (as described above).

[0045] The actuator shaft 20 is rotatably mounted to the baffle 16 and non-rotatably mounted to the actuator 14. The actuator shaft 20 is also shown in Figures 10A - 10E . The term "non-rotatable" means that, for example, the actuator shaft 20 cannot rotate relative to the actuator 14. However, the actuator 14 and the actuator shaft 20 can rotate simultaneously in the same direction. A non-circular head 22 (i.e., having opposing flat portions 31) is provided at the proximal end of the actuator shaft 20. The head 22 is non-rotatably positioned within a non-circular recess 24 formed in the rear side of the actuator 14 ( Figure 6B)。The cylindrical shaft portion 26 of the drive shaft 20 is rotatably positioned within the central hole 23 of the baffle 16 ( Figure 11B ), such that the drive shaft 20 can rotate within the baffle 16. The non-circular connector 28 located at the distal end of the drive shaft 20 is configured to pass through the opening 30 in the door 12 and engage with the pawl assembly 33, which will be described in more detail below with respect to the pawl assembly 33. The non-circular connector 28 of the drive shaft 20 is cylindrical and has two flat portions 29 when viewed in cross-section to key the drive shaft 20 to the pawl assembly 33. The threaded fastener 34 is positioned through the opening 36 in the front face of the driver 14 and is configured to be mounted to the threaded opening 38 formed within the head 22 of the drive shaft 20. The fastener 34 fixedly mounts the driver 14 to the shaft 20; and, the driver 14 and the drive shaft 20 are held non-rotatable due to the keying interface between the non-circular head 22 and the non-circular recess 24.

[0046] Referring now to the pawl assembly 33 of the latch 10, which is shown on Figure 4 and Figure 5 the right hand side of the door 12 in, the pawl assembly 33 includes a hollow cylindrical housing 60, which is fixedly and non-rotatably mounted to the rear side 12b of the door 12 by a fastener 62. The housing 60 is shown in Figures 7A - 7E . The housing 60 remains stationary during the operation of the latch 10. Specifically, the housing 60 has a shoulder or flange 64 at its proximal end (i.e., the door mounting end), and the shoulder or flange 64 includes a hole 61 through which the fastener 62 is positioned. Similar to the fastener 18, the fastener 62 can be a self-tapping screw that can pass through a hole in the door 12. The fastener 62 can vary. A central hole 65 oriented along axis A is defined in the proximal end. In the assembled form of the latch 10, the connector 28 of the drive shaft 20 is positioned through the hole 65 of the housing 60.

[0047] Two opposing ramps 66a and 66b (individually or collectively referred to as the ramp 66) are located on opposite sides of the circumferential sidewall of the housing 60. The ramps 66 are symmetric (and mirror images) and are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees apart. Each ramp 66 extends circumferentially around the axis A. Each ramp 66 includes a proximal portion 67a, a distal portion 67b, and an intermediate portion 67c defined between the portions 67a and 67b. When viewed axially, the proximal portion 67a extends in the proximal direction (compared to the portions 67b and 67c). The portion 67c is a detent provided for decompression purposes, as will be described in more detail below.

[0048] Each ramp 66 may pass through all or part of the wall thickness of the housing 60. Optionally, each ramp 66 may be configured in the form of a protrusion. The ramp 66 may also be referred to as a groove, a guide, or a cam. The ramp 66 is sized to receive the pins 70a and 70b (collectively or individually referred to as pin 70) by form fit, as will be described in more detail below.

[0049] A sleeve 72 in the form of a hollow cylinder is positioned within the hollow interior of the housing 60. The sleeve 72 is shown in Figures 8A - 8D . A non-circular hole 74 is defined in the proximal face of the sleeve 72. The hole 74 is sized to receive the connector 28 of the drive shaft 20. The hole 74 and the connector 28 are keyed to each other such that the drive shaft 20 is non-rotatable relative to the sleeve 72. In other words, the sleeve 72 rotates with the drive shaft 20. A large-diameter circular hole 76 is defined in the distal face of the sleeve 72. The circular head 82 of the threaded shaft 80A is configured to be located within the hole 76. The holes 74 and 76 are co-aligned with the axis A. Holes 78a and 78b (collectively or individually referred to as hole 78) are defined to pass laterally through the sleeve 72 and intersect the hole 76. The holes 78 are provided to be spaced 180 degrees about the axis A. The pins 70a and 70b are respectively friction fit or press fit into the holes 78a and 78b.

[0050] The threaded shaft 80 includes an elongated body having a circular and hollow head 82 at its proximal end, and a non-circular threaded distal end 84. The shaft 80 is also shown in Figures 9A - 9E . The non-circular threaded distal end 84 includes opposing flat portions 85. A circular blind hole 86 is formed in the head 82 and is sized to receive the connector end 28 of the drive shaft 20, as shown in Figure 3C . Holes 88a and 88b (collectively or individually referred to as hole 88) are defined to pass laterally through the head 82 and intersect the hole 86. The holes 88 are provided to be spaced 180 degrees about the axis A. The pins 70a and 70b are respectively friction fit or press fit into the holes 88a and 88b, thereby fixing the shaft 80 to the sleeve 72. The shaft 80 and the sleeve 72 may be integrated into a single unitary component. For this purpose, the shaft 80 and the sleeve 72 may be more generally referred to as a shaft herein.

[0051] In summary, as best shown in Figure 3C , the pins 70a and 70b are respectively positioned through the holes 78a and 78b of the sleeve 72 and the holes 88a and 88b of the shaft 80, thereby non-rotatably connecting the shaft 80 and the sleeve 72. Additionally, as described above, the sleeve 72 is non-rotatably connected to the drive shaft 20, and the drive shaft 20 is non-rotatably connected to the drive 14. Accordingly, rotation of the drive 14 causes the threaded shaft 80 to rotate relative to the stationary housing 60. The radially outward portions of the pins 70a and 70b are respectively positioned and move within the ramps 66a and 66b of the stationary housing 60.

[0052] It is conceivable that the pin 70 can be mounted to the inner surface of the housing 60, and the ramps 66a and 66b can be provided on the sleeve 72 (assuming that the shaft 80 and the sleeve 72 are fixed together).

[0053] Now referring Figure 2C , the door 12 can be the door for the HVAC unit as described above. The HVAC unit door, which is typically thick and filled with insulation, will have a large thickness tolerance. To accommodate the thickness tolerance of the width D2 of the door 12, a longitudinal clearance of dimension D1 is provided between the distal end 28a of the drive shaft 20 and the distal surface 86a of the blind hole 86 (i.e., in the latch 10 in the assembled form). As long as the drive shaft 20 remains rotationally keyed (i.e., non-rotatable) to the sleeve 72, the dimension D1 can vary without affecting the operation of the latch 10. For example, if the door 12 is slightly wider than shown, the dimension D1 will be greater than Figure 2C the dimension shown. However, the drive shaft 20 will be rotationally keyed to the sleeve 72 and operate as expected. Conversely, if the door 12 is slightly narrower than shown, the dimension D1 will be smaller. However, the drive shaft 20 will be rotationally keyed to the sleeve 72 and the latch 10 will operate as expected. Therefore, the latch 10 can be considered modular because it compensates for the thickness tolerance of the door 12. In addition, the length of the drive shaft 20 can be different from the length shown to accommodate the above thickness tolerance in addition to the door thickness.

[0054] Now referring Figure 1C and Figure 5 , the pawl 90 is mounted to the threaded distal end 84 of the shaft 80 by two nuts 92. The pawl 90 includes an L-shaped bracket 91 and a roller cam 94 mounted to the bracket 91 by a fastener 96. As is known in the art, the roller cam 94 is configured to interact with a frame (not shown) to which the door 12 is movably attached. In Figures 3A - 3C the closed and locked state of the latch 10 shown, the roller cam 94 and the door 12 are pressed against the frame. And, in Figures 1A - 1C the unlocked state of the latch 10 shown, the roller cam 94 is disengaged from the frame.

[0055] Together, the pawl 90, the sleeve 72, the shaft 80, the pin 70, and the roller cam 94 can be considered a pawl assembly, or more generally a pawl.

[0056] According to a method of operating the latch 10, for example, from Figures 1A - 1CAt the start, the latch 10 is initially positioned in the unlocked state. The lock plug 40 is in the unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the driver 14 rotates to a position where the pawl 90 and its roller cam 94 are not aligned with or interfere with a frame (not shown), such that the door 12 can be moved relative to the frame to the open position. In the unlocked state, the pin 70 is positioned within the distal portion 67b of the respective ramp 66. When the pin 70 is positioned within the distal portion 67b of the respective ramp 66, the pawl 90 and its roller cam 94 are positioned away from the rear side 12b of the door 12, such that a gap or distance C1 ( Figure 1C ) is defined therebetween. In other words, at the distance C1, the pawl 90 is not pressed against the frame to which the door 12 is attached.

[0057] The user then moves the latch 10 from the unlocked state to the Figures 2A - 2C partially unlocked / locked state shown. In the partially unlocked / locked state, the driver 14 rotates towards the locked state to a position where the pawl 90 and its roller cam 94 are aligned with or interfere with a frame (not shown), such that the door 12 cannot be moved to the fully open position. However, the door 12 can be moved towards the open position by a distance C1 until the proximal side of the roller cam 94 contacts the frame.

[0058] Once the driver 14 is rotated from the unlocked state to the Figures 2A - 2C partially unlocked / locked state shown, the driver shaft 20, the pin 70, the sleeve 72 and the pawl 90 rotate simultaneously with the driver 14 (due to the non-rotatable connections described above) relative to the stationary housing 60. As the driver 14 rotates, the pin 70 slides within its respective ramp 66. Specifically, the pin 70 slides from the distal portion 67b to the intermediate portion 67c. At this stage, the rotation of the driver has not caused the pawl 90 to translate along the axis A and towards the rear side 12b of the door 12. Thus, in the Figures 2A - 2C partially unlocked / locked state shown, a distance C1 is defined between the proximal side of the roller cam 94 and the rear side 12b of the door 12, and the pawl 90 is not pressed against the frame to which the door 12 is attached.

[0059] The user continues to rotate the driver 14 in the same rotational direction to the Figures 3A - 3CThe locked state shown. Specifically, as the driver 14 rotates further, the pin 70 slides from the middle portion 67c of its corresponding ramp 66 to the proximal portion 67a. The pin 70 moves through the proximal portion 67a, causing the pawl 90 to rotate simultaneously and translate towards the rear side 12b of the door 12. Specifically, the geometry of the proximal portion 67a (which extends along the axis A in the proximal direction), and the pinned interfaces between the housing 60, the sleeve 72 and the shaft 80, force the sleeve 72 and the shaft 80 to move in the proximal direction towards the rear side 12b of the door 12. Once the pin 70 reaches the terminal of the proximal portion 67a, the latch 10 remains in the fully compressed and locked state. At this stage, the roller cam 94 is aligned with the door frame to prevent the door 12 from being opened. In addition, the distance C2 between the proximal side of the roller cam 94 and the rear side 12b of the door 12 can be zero, or (more generally) less than the distance C1. In other words, at the distance C2, the pawl 90 is pressed against the frame. In the fully compressed state of the latch 10, any seals at the interface between the door 12 and its frame (not shown) are also fully compressed.

[0060] If the user then rotates the driver 14 from Figures 3A - 3C the locked state shown in the opposite rotational direction (the unlocking direction) to Figures 2A - 2C the partially unlocked / locked state shown, the pin 70 moves from the proximal portion 67a of the ramp 66 to the middle portion 67c. Accordingly, the pawl 90 rotates towards the unlocked state (but does not over-rotate), and the pawl 90 also translates in the distal direction (due to the geometry of the proximal portion 67a). At this stage, a distance C1 is defined between the proximal side of the roller cam 94 and the rear side 12b of the door 12.

[0061] A stop or stopping feature is defined at the middle portion 67c, which signals (via touch) to the user that the door 12 is partially unlocked at this stage, and the compartment to which the door 12 is attached can be depressurized. The user can stop rotating the driver 14 at this time. More specifically, if the compartment to which the door 12 is attached is pressurized, moving the driver 14 to Figures 2A - 2C the partially unlocked / locked state shown will depressurize the compartment while preventing the door 12 from suddenly moving to the fully open position due to depressurization. Specifically, the pawl 90 will contact the door frame of the compartment and prevent the door from fully opening, while allowing the door 12 to open a limited distance (i.e., the distance C1) for depressurization purposes. In the absence of the middle portion 67c, unlocking the latch 10 would cause the door 12 to open quickly and unexpectedly due to the depressurization of the compartment.

[0062] The user then continues to rotate the driver 14 in the rotational direction opposite to Figures 2A - 2C the partially unlocked / locked state shown (i.e., the unlocking direction) to Figures 1A - 1CThe unlocked state shown. Continuing to rotate the drive 14 in the opposite rotational direction causes the pin 70 to move from the intermediate portion 67c of the ramp 66 to the distal portion 67b. As a result, the pawl 90 rotates to Figure 1B the unlocked state shown, but the pawl 90 does not translate further along the axis A from its Figure 2B shown position. Accordingly, the distance C1 is defined between the proximal side of the roller cam 94 and the rear side 12b of the door 12. The latch 10 is again in the unlocked state.

[0063] Figure 12A and Figure 12B illustrates a multi-point latch 100 for securing the door 12. The multi-point latch 100 includes the latch 10 (the same latch as described above) and two separate pawl sub-assemblies 33a and 33b. The pawl sub-assemblies 33a and 33b are connected to the latch 10 by a link 102. The link 102 interconnects the latch 10 to the pawl sub-assemblies 33a and 33b such that the pawl sub-assemblies 33a and 33b move synchronously with the pawl sub-assembly 33 of the latch 10. Correspondingly, rotating the latch 10 to the locked state causes the pawl sub-assemblies 33a and 33b to also move to the locked state. Also, rotating the latch 10 to the unlocked state causes the pawl sub-assemblies 33a and 33b to move to the unlocked state.

[0064] It should be understood that the pawl sub-assemblies 33a and 33b are mounted to the door 12 in the same manner as the pawl sub-assembly 33 of the latch 10. The pawl sub-assemblies 33a and 33b are not directly connected to the drive sub-assembly 11. Instead, the pawl sub-assemblies 33a and 33b are indirectly connected to the drive sub-assembly 11 of the latch 10 via the link 102. It is understood that the pawl sub-assembly 33 can be used independently without the drive sub-assembly 11 directly mounted thereto.

[0065] The pawl sub-assemblies 33a and 33b are structurally and functionally equivalent to the pawl sub-assembly 33 of the latch 10, and thus, the pawl sub-assembly 33 is a modular feature of the latch 10 that can be used together to perform the latching operation.

[0066] Figure 13A and Figure 13BShows a mounting point on top of the link 102 of the multi-point latch 100. The link 102 includes: a rod 104 having a groove 106 formed therein; and a series of holes defined through the thickness of the rod 104 and intersecting the groove 106. A hole 120 and an elongated slot 121 are formed through the rod 104. An L-shaped clamp 108 is positioned at the top end of the groove 106. The clamp 108 includes: a first hole 110 for receiving a pin 112 extending from a cam 114a; and a second hole or slot 116 through which a fastener 118 passes to be mounted to a threaded hole 120 in the rod 104. The groove 106 and the fastener 118 together prevent the clamp 108 from rotating or translating relative to the rod 104.

[0067] The cam 114a includes the pin 112 as described above, and a non-circular hole 122 having two opposing flat portions 124. The axis of rotation B of the cam 144a passes through the hole 122. The hole 122 is configured to receive the non-circular threaded distal end 84 of the shaft 80 in a form-fit manner. One or more fasteners 115 (such as hex nuts) are used to fixedly connect the cam 114a to the threaded distal end 84. Due to the non-circular connection between the cam 114a and the shaft 80, these components cannot rotate relative to each other (i.e., they rotate together). The pin 112 is positioned through the slot 121 and the hole 110 and connected to a clamp 126. The clamp 126 connects the free end of the pin 112 to the L-shaped clamp 108 and prevents the free end of the pin 112 from disengaging from the clamp 108. The cam 114a is rotatable relative to the rod 104.

[0068] The cam 114a is mounted on a shaft 80 associated with the pawl sub-assembly 33a. A second cam 114b is mounted to the bottom end of the rod 104 in the same manner as the cam 114a, using the clamp 108. The cam 114b is mounted on a shaft 80 associated with the pawl sub-assembly 33b. A third cam 114c is mounted to the longitudinal center of the rod 104 in the same manner as the cams 114a and 114b. The cam 114c is mounted on a shaft 80 associated with the pawl sub-assembly 33 of the latch 10. The cams 114a - 114c are structurally and functionally identical and operate in the same manner.

[0069] The holes 120 and the elongated slots 121 are associated with the cam 114a, and although not shown, it should be understood that another hole 120 and slot 121 are associated with the cam 114b, and yet another hole 120 and slot 121 are associated with the cam 114c. The elongated slots 121, together with 116, accommodate variations in the vertical length and position of the respective components of the link 102 and the pawl assembly 33 to which the link 102 is connected. Although possible, vertical adjustment at the cam 114c (which is the drive position) is not contemplated because there is a tight diametrical fit between the rod 104 and the pin 112 at the cam 114c. Adjustment may be required only at the remote latches of the pawl assemblies 33a and 33b due to tolerance issues.

[0070] In operation, rotation of the driver 14 of the latch 10 causes the pawls 90 of the pawl assembly 33 to move between the locked and unlocked states, as described in detail above. The shaft 80 moves with the pawl 90, as described above. The rotation and translation of the shaft 80 of the latch 10 (as described above) also causes the cam 114c to rotate simultaneously about the axis A and the cam 114c to translate finally along the axis A. The rotation and translation of the cam 114c causes the rod 104 to rotate simultaneously about the axis A and the rod 104 to translate finally along the axis A. The rotation and translation of the rod 104 causes the cams 114a and 114b to rotate simultaneously about their respective axes B and the cams 114a and 114b to translate finally along their axes B. The rotation and translation of the cams 114a and 114b causes the shafts 80 and the pawls 90 of the pawl assemblies 33a and 33b to rotate simultaneously about their respective axes B and the shafts 80 and the pawls 90 of the pawl assemblies 33a and 33b to translate finally along the respective axes B. Accordingly, in summary: the rotation and translation of the shaft 80 of the latch 10 causes the simultaneous rotation and translation of three separate pawls 90 (i.e., the pawls 90 of the pawl assemblies 33, 33a, and 33b). Each pawl 90 provides a separate contact point for latching the door 12 in the closed and locked state.

[0071] The handle 130 is connected to or projects from the cam 114c. Optionally, the handle 130 projects from the pawl 90 of the latch 10. The handle 130 is non-rotatably connected to the shaft 80. The multi-point latch 100 can be operated using the handle 130 in the same manner as described above for the driver 14. In other words, rotation of the handle 130 causes the three pawls 90 to rotate and translate between the locked and unlocked states. The handle 130 is disposed on the rear side 12b of the door 12 to prevent the user from being inadvertently locked inside a compartment such as a freezer or a refrigerator.

[0072] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pawl assembly for locking a door, the pawl assembly comprising: a housing configured to be fixedly mounted to the door, and a pawl movably connected to the housing and configured to rotate and translate relative to the housing, wherein, in the unlocked position of the pawl assembly, the pawl is positioned to allow the door to open, and in the locked position of the actuator, the pawl is positioned to prevent the door from opening, and wherein the pawl is configured to move closer to the door once the pawl assembly moves from the unlocked position to the locked position.

2. The jaw assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The pawl is fixedly connected to the shaft of the pawl assembly.

3. The jaw assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The shaft of the pawl assembly includes a threaded shaft configured to be connected to the pawl and a sleeve non-rotatably connected to the threaded shaft.

4. The jaw assembly according to claim 2, wherein, A pin associated with one of the shaft of the pawl assembly and the housing engages a ramp provided on the other of the shaft and the housing such that movement of the pin along the ramp causes rotation and translation of the shaft and the pawl connected to the shaft.

5. The jaw assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The ramp is defined on the housing and the pin extends from the shaft.

6. The jaw assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The ramp includes a stop defined between two terminals of the ramp, wherein the stop defines an intermediate fixed position for the pin between the two terminals of the ramp, and wherein when the pin is positioned in the stop, the door is allowed to open a limited distance.

7. The jaw assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The ramp extends in a direction along the housing, the housing having a circumferential portion and an axial portion.

8. The jaw assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The pawl is configured to rotate about an axis and translate along the axis.

9. A drive configured to be rotatably mounted to a door, the drive comprising: a handle that can be grasped by a user, an opening formed in the drive, a fastener positioned within the opening for mounting the drive to the door, a cover removably mounted to the drive and positioned above the opening to obscure the head of the fastener, the cover defining a clearance in the form of an undercut on its surface, a lock plug rotatably mounted to the drive between an unlocked state and a locked state, wherein in the unlocked state of the lock plug, the drive is able to rotate relative to the door, and in the locked state of the lock plug, the drive is prevented from rotating relative to the door, and a protrusion extending from the lock plug, the protrusion being non-rotatable relative to the lock plug, wherein in the locked state of the lock plug, the protrusion is positioned within the clearance to prevent the cover from being removed from the drive and to prevent subsequent access to the fastener, and in the unlocked state of the lock plug, the protrusion is not positioned within the clearance to allow removal of the cover from the drive and to allow subsequent access to the fastener.

10. The driver according to claim 9, wherein, The protrusion has a non-circular perimeter and extends around the entire lock plug.

11. The driver according to claim 9, wherein, The clearance is formed on a protrusion of the cover that can be positioned within the opening formed in the drive.

12. The driver according to claim 11, wherein, The protrusion is axially aligned with the fastener.

13. The driver according to claim 9, wherein, The cover includes an opening through which the lock plug is mounted.

14. The driver according to claim 9, wherein, The lock plug is configured to rotate relative to the cover and the drive.

15. The drive according to claim 9, further comprising: a drive shaft non-rotatably connected to the drive such that the drive shaft rotates with the drive.

16. A latch comprising the actuator according to claim 15 and a pawl assembly configured to be mounted to an opposite side of a door, the pawl assembly comprising: (i) a housing configured to be fixedly mounted to the door, and (ii) a pawl movably connected to the housing and configured to rotate and translate relative to the housing in response to rotation of the drive shaft, wherein, in the unlocked position of the drive, the pawl is positioned to allow the door to open, and in the locked position of the drive, the pawl is positioned to prevent the door from opening, and wherein the latch is configured to translate the pawl closer to the door once the drive rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position.

17. A multi-point latch system comprising the latch according to claim 16 and a plurality of said pawl assemblies.

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