Latch

Abstract

The utility model discloses a latch. The latch comprises a housing assembly; the latch sub-assembly is arranged on the shell assembly and comprises a frame capable of moving between a non-compression position and a compression position relative to the shell assembly. The clamping jaw is arranged on the frame and can move between a locking position and an unlocking position relative to the frame; the first trigger is arranged on the frame and can move between a keeping position and a releasing position relative to the frame, when the first trigger is located at the keeping position, the first trigger keeps the clamping jaw at the locking position, and when the first trigger is located at the releasing position, the first trigger allows the clamping jaw to move to the unlocking position; a second trigger disposed on the frame, the second trigger driving the first trigger to the release position when the frame moves from the compressed position to the non-compressed position; the power assembly is arranged on the shell assembly and can drive the frame to move between the non-compression position and the compression position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a latch, in particular to a compression latch. Background Art

[0002] A latch is a common mechanical device used to lock a first object to a second object or unlock it from a second object. In some applications, the latch can also apply a compressive force between the first object and the second object so that the first object and the second object are tightly compressed against each other. For example, the first object is a door and the second object is a door frame, and the door needs to be tightly compressed against the door frame to achieve a sealing effect between the door and the door frame. In other applications, the latch can ensure that the door is properly closed. For example, for a compartment for medical items or a luggage compartment, the user may not close the door in place when closing the door, so a latch is needed to assist in automatically closing the door.

[0003] Compression latches usually apply compression force to compress a first object to a second object by a power device such as a motor, and the latch is expected to stably maintain the compression force. Even when the motor is powered off, the compression force can be maintained. On the other hand, the latch is expected to have a compact and reliable mechanical structure and be able to achieve compression with large loads and long strokes. Utility Model Content

[0004] A latch comprises: a housing assembly; a latch subassembly, which is arranged on the housing assembly and comprises: a frame, which can move between a non-compressed position and a compressed position relative to the housing assembly; a claw, which is arranged on the frame and can move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the frame; a first trigger, which is arranged on the frame and can move between a holding position and a release position relative to the frame, when the first trigger is in the holding position, the first trigger holds the claw in the locked position, and when the first trigger is in the release position, the first trigger allows the claw to move to the unlocked position; a second trigger, which is arranged on the frame, when the frame moves from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the second trigger drives the first trigger to the release position; and a power assembly, which is arranged on the housing assembly and can drive the frame to move between the non-compressed position and the compressed position.

[0005] In one embodiment, the shell assembly is provided with a trigger portion; when the frame moves from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the trigger portion abuts against the second trigger, so that the second trigger moves relative to the frame and abuts against the first trigger to drive the first trigger to the release position.

[0006] In one embodiment, the second trigger rotates relative to the frame around an axis along a thickness direction and includes: a first finger portion that abuts against the first trigger; wherein, during the movement of the frame from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the trigger portion abuts against the second trigger to rotate the second trigger in a direction to drive the first trigger.

[0007] In one embodiment, the second trigger further includes: a second finger portion, which is spaced apart from the first finger portion and abuts against the trigger portion; during the process of the frame moving from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the trigger portion abuts against the second finger portion to rotate the second trigger in the direction of driving the first trigger.

[0008] In one embodiment, when the frame reaches the uncompressed position, the second finger disengages from the trigger to allow the first trigger to move to the retaining position.

[0009] In one embodiment, the latch subassembly includes a first spring disposed between the pawl and the frame and biasing the pawl toward the unlocked position.

[0010] In one embodiment, the latch subassembly includes a second spring disposed between the first trigger and the frame and biasing the first trigger toward the retaining position.

[0011] In one embodiment, the latch subassembly includes a third spring disposed between the second trigger and the frame and biasing the second trigger toward the first trigger, the biasing force of the third spring being configured to be insufficient to drive the first trigger to the release position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first trigger is configured to rotate relative to the frame and includes: a recessed portion configured to engage the claw in the locked position to retain the claw; and an abutment portion configured to be abutted by the second trigger to convert the first trigger to the release position.

[0013] In one embodiment, the recessed portion and the abutting portion are respectively located on two opposite sides of a rotation center of the first trigger.

[0014] In one embodiment, the shell assembly includes: a shell fixed to a second object; at least one booster rod disposed in the shell and movable relative to the shell to abut against a first object so that the first object is separated from the second object; and at least one fourth spring, respectively disposed between the at least one booster rod and the shell, respectively biasing the at least one booster rod to abut against the first object.

[0015] In one embodiment, the power assembly includes: a motor disposed in the housing; an output portion connected to the motor; and an output shaft coupled to the output portion and driven to drive the frame to move.

[0016] In one embodiment, the output portion is configured not to be driven by the output shaft when the motor is powered off.

[0017] In one embodiment, the output portion is configured to have an internal thread, and the output shaft is configured to have an external thread.

[0018] In one embodiment, the power assembly further includes: a first switch, which is configured such that when the claw moves to the locking position, the claw triggers the first switch to start the motor.

[0019] In one embodiment, the power assembly further comprises: a second switch, which is configured such that when the latch subassembly moves to the compressed position, the frame triggers the second switch to stop the motor.

[0020] In one embodiment, the latch subassembly further includes: an adjusting member, which is disposed on the frame and can trigger the second switch, and the adjusting member can be adjusted relative to the frame to change the distance between the non-compressed position and the compressed position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the latch further comprises: a mechanical override assembly connected to the first trigger and operable from outside the latch to cause the first trigger to transition to the release position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figures 1A to 1F They are respectively the front view, rear view, left view, right view, top view, and bottom view of the latch according to the present application, Figure 1G and Figure 1H They are three-dimensional images of the latch at different angles;

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the latch;

[0025] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a latch subassembly of the latch;

[0026] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are respectively a perspective view and a front view of the claw of the latch;

[0027] Figure 5Aand Figure 5B are respectively a perspective view and a front view of a first trigger of the latch;

[0028] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B are respectively a perspective view and a front view of a second trigger of the latch;

[0029] Fig. 7A is a front view of the latch with the bolt not inserted into the latch. Figure 7B Corresponds to Fig. 7A state, and a portion of the housing is removed to show the internal components;

[0030] Fig. 8A is a front view of the latch, with the bolt inserted into the latch and locked by the claw, Figure 8B Corresponds to Fig. 8A state, and a portion of the housing is removed to show the internal components;

[0031] Fig. 9A is a front view of the latch, wherein the bolt and the second object are compressed toward the inside of the latch, Fig. 9B Corresponds to Fig. 9A state, and a portion of the housing is removed to show the internal components;

[0032] Fig. 10A is a front view of the latch, wherein the bolt and the second object are ejected from the latch, and the bolt is unlocked by the claw, Fig. 10B Corresponds to Fig. 10A state, and a portion of the housing is removed to show the internal components;

[0033] Fig.11A is a perspective view of the latch showing the mechanical override assembly;

[0034] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A A partial enlarged view of the boxed portion.

[0035] Reference numerals list

[0036] 1 Latch

[0037] 100 Latch Sub-Assembly

[0038] 110 Claw

[0039] 111 First axis hole

[0040] 112 Locking part

[0041] 113 First support

[0042] 114 protrusion

[0043] 115 Startup Department

[0044] 120 First trigger

[0045] 121 Second axis hole

[0046] 122 Depression

[0047] 123 Abutment

[0048] 124 Tongue

[0049] 125 Second support portion

[0050] 126 Limiting part

[0051] 130 Second trigger

[0052] 131 First pin hole

[0053] 132 First finger

[0054] 133 Second finger

[0055] 140 First Board

[0056] 141 First Opening

[0057] 142 Sliders

[0058] 143 Stop

[0059] 150 Second Board

[0060] 151 Second Opening

[0061] 171 First Axis

[0062] 172 Second Axis

[0063] 173 First Pin

[0064] 174 Second Pin

[0065] 175 First Spring

[0066] 176 Second Spring

[0067] 177 Third Spring

[0068] 178 Adjustment parts

[0069] 200 Shell assembly

[0070] 210 First Shell

[0071] 211 Trigger

[0072] 220 Second shell

[0073] 230 Boost rod

[0074] 240 Fourth Spring

[0075] 250 switch bracket

[0076] 260 Cable Holder

[0077] 270 Mounting parts

[0078] 300 Power Components

[0079] 310 Motor

[0080] 320 Output

[0081] 330 Output shaft

[0082] 331 Output shaft hole

[0083] 332ACME thread

[0084] 340 Cable

[0085] 350 First Switch

[0086] 360 Second Switch

[0087] 400 Mechanical Override Components

[0088] 410 Cable Holder

[0089] 420 Cable

[0090] 430 traction end

[0091] 440 Operation Terminal

[0092] 500 First Item

[0093] 600 Lock tongue

[0094] 610 end DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0096] The descriptions of directions such as “front”, “rear”, “up” and “down” 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] Reference Figures 1A to 2The latch 1 according to the present application is generally described. The latch 1 is used to automatically lock a first object 500 such as a door to a second object such as a door frame to prevent a user from failing to properly close the door. Moreover, the latch 1 applies a compressive force between the first object 500 and the second object to achieve a purpose such as sealing. For example, in conjunction with reference Fig. 7A , Fig. 8A , Fig. 9A , the latch 1 is fixed to the second object (not shown), and a lock tongue 600 is provided on the first object 500. The first object 500 can be moved closer to or farther from the second object in the longitudinal direction. When the first object 500 is close to the second object, the lock tongue 600 is inserted into the latch 1. The latch 1 can lock the lock tongue 600 and apply a compressive force to the lock tongue 600 so that the first object 500 is firmly pressed against the second object. The operation of the latch 1 according to the present application will be described in more detail below.

[0098] The latch 1 includes a housing assembly 200 , a latch subassembly 100 and a power assembly 300 .

[0099] The housing assembly 200 at least partially accommodates other components of the latch 1. In the present embodiment, the housing assembly 200 includes a first housing 210 and a second housing 220 coupled to each other in the thickness direction. The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are respectively substantially rectangular and extend longitudinally and transversely, and the two are assembled to form a housing having an accommodating space. In other embodiments, the housing may be composed of a single component or a plurality of components. The housing is fixed to a second object (not shown), for example, by a mounting member 270. The mounting member 270 may be a screw that passes through mounting holes on the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to fix the housing to the second object. In other embodiments, the housing may be fixed to the second object by means such as form fitting, welding, or the like.

[0100] The housing assembly 200 further includes at least one booster rod 230 and at least one fourth spring 240. The booster rod 230 is disposed in the housing and can move relative to the housing to abut against the first object 500, so that the first object 500 is separated from the second object. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the booster rod 230 is disposed in a slide groove of the first housing 210 and extends longitudinally from the first housing 210 so as to slide longitudinally relative to the first housing 210. The at least one fourth spring 240 is respectively disposed between the at least one booster rod 230 and the housing, and biases the at least one booster rod 230 toward abutting against the first object 500, that is, in a direction away from the first housing 210 in the longitudinal direction. In this way, the booster rod 230 tends to push the first object 500 away from the second object.

[0101] The housing assembly 200 may include a switch bracket 250 for disposing a first switch 350 of the power assembly 300 .

[0102] The latch subassembly 100 is disposed in the housing assembly 200 and is used to lock the bolt 600. The latch subassembly 100 can move longitudinally relative to the housing assembly 200 to compress the first object 500. The power assembly 300 is disposed in the housing assembly 200 and can drive the latch subassembly 100 (specifically, the frame of the latch subassembly 100) to move between a non-compressed position and a compressed position. The latch subassembly 100 will be described in detail below.

[0103] In this embodiment, the power assembly 300 is a motor assembly, which includes a motor 310, an output part 320, an output shaft 330, a cable 340, a first switch 350, and a second switch 360. In other embodiments, the power assembly 300 can be any suitable assembly that can generate power according to a control signal.

[0104] The motor 310 is disposed in the housing and connected to the cable 340. The cable 340 extends to the outside of the housing so as to transmit power and control signals from the outside of the latch 1 to the motor 310.

[0105] The output part 320 is connected to the motor 310, for example, by a reduction gear set (not shown) of the power assembly 300. Therefore, the output part 320 can be driven by the motor 310. The output shaft 330 is engaged to the output part 320 and driven to drive the frame to move. For example, the output part 320 includes an internal thread around the longitudinal axis, and the output shaft 330 includes an external thread around the longitudinal axis. In this way, when the output part 320 is driven and rotated by the motor 310, the rotational movement of the output part 320 is converted into the longitudinal movement of the output shaft 330. The output shaft 330 is connected to the latch subassembly 100 (described in detail below) by the second pin 174, so that the latch subassembly 100 can be driven to move in the longitudinal direction.

[0106] In this embodiment, the output part 320 is configured not to be driven by the output shaft 330 when the motor 310 is powered off, that is, the engagement between the output part 320 and the output shaft 330 is configured to only allow the output part 320 to drive the output shaft 330, but not allow the output shaft 330 to drive the output part 320. The purpose is that the latch 1 of the present application drives the latch subassembly 100 through the output shaft 330 to apply a compression force between the first object 500 and the second object, so that the output shaft 330 is subjected to a reaction force of the compression force. If the output shaft 330 is allowed to drive the output part 320, when the motor 310 is powered off and loses the driving force, the output shaft 330 may drive the output part 320 under the above reaction force, so that the output part 320 rotates in the reverse direction (that is, opposite to the rotation direction when the first object 500 is compressed), so that the compression between the first object 500 and the second object is relaxed or released.

[0107] More specifically, the output shaft 330 may be provided with threads 332 (see Figure 3 ), for example, a trapezoidal thread to enhance the back-stopping effect to prevent the output shaft 330 from reversely driving the output part 320. In other embodiments, the engagement between the output part 320 and the output shaft 330 can be set to, for example, a worm-wheel connection or a ratchet connection to prevent the output shaft 330 from driving the output part 320.

[0108] The first switch 350 is configured such that when the claw 110 moves to the locking position, the claw 110 of the latch subassembly 100 triggers the first switch 350 to start the motor 310. The second switch 360 is configured such that when the latch subassembly 100 moves to the compressed position, the frame of the latch subassembly 100 triggers the second switch 360 to stop the motor 310. The first switch 350 and the second switch 360 may be configured as leaf spring type trigger switches, or may be configured as position sensors, etc. The first switch 350 and the second switch 360 will be described in detail below.

[0109] Reference Figure 3 The latch subassembly 100 is described as a whole. The latch subassembly 100 includes a claw 110, a first trigger 120, a second trigger 130, a first plate 140, a second plate 150, a first shaft 171, a second shaft 172, a first pin 173, a second pin 174, a first spring 175, a second spring 176, a third spring 177, and an adjustment member 178.

[0110] The first plate 140 and the second plate 150 are generally sheet-shaped and extend in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, respectively. The first plate 140 and the second plate 150 are assembled in the thickness direction to form a frame of the latch subassembly 100. In other embodiments, the frame can be formed by a single component. The two lateral sides of the first plate 140 are bent in a direction away from the second plate 150 and are respectively connected to a slider 142. The slider 142 slides in a longitudinal slide groove (not shown) of the first shell 210, so that the frame composed of the first plate 140 and the second plate 150 moves longitudinally relative to the shell. For ease of description, the position of the frame close to the first object 500 is referred to as a non-compressed position (see Fig. 7A , Figure 7B ), the position of the frame away from the first object 500 is called the compressed position (see Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B ). That is, the frame can move relative to the housing assembly 200 between a non-compressed position and a compressed position.

[0111] The first plate 140 has a stopper 143 in a bent shape at one longitudinal end. The stopper 143 extends in the thickness direction in a direction away from the second plate 150. The function of the stopper 143 is to trigger the second switch 360 of the power assembly 300 to stop the motor 310 when the latch subassembly 100 is in the compressed position. The stopper 143 may be provided with an adjustment member 178 extending in the longitudinal direction, such as a cylindrical pin. The adjustment member 178 can be used to adjust the position of the stopper 143 triggering the second switch 360 to select the driving stroke of the motor 310. It can be considered that the driving stroke of the motor 310 is the distance between the compressed position and the non-compressed position, so the adjustment member 178 can change the distance.

[0112] The first plate 140 and the second plate 150 may be provided with a first opening 141 and a second opening 151 , respectively, which correspond to the shape of the locking tongue 600 , so that the locking tongue 600 is inserted into the frame.

[0113] The claw 110 , the first trigger 120 , and the second trigger 130 are movably disposed on the frame. The claw 110 is used to lock the bolt 600 , the first trigger 120 is used to lock the claw 110 , and the second trigger 130 is used to drive the first trigger 120 to unlock the claw 110 .

[0114] Specifically, the claw 110 can move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the frame. More specifically, the claw 110 rotates around a first axis 171 extending in the thickness direction. In other embodiments, the claw 110 can also be set to other movement modes, such as linear movement mode or curvilinear movement mode.

[0115] The first shaft 171 is disposed between the first plate 140 and the second plate 150, and the claw 110 is disposed in the thickness direction between the first plate 140 and the second plate 150. The first spring 175 is disposed between the claw 110 and the frame, and more specifically, the first spring 175 is a torsion spring surrounding the first shaft 171, and its two ends respectively abut against the claw 110 and the frame to bias the claw 110 toward the unlocking position.

[0116] The first trigger 120 can move between a holding position and a release position relative to the frame. More specifically, the first trigger 120 rotates around a second axis 172 extending in the thickness direction. In other embodiments, the first trigger 120 can also be set to other motion modes, such as linear motion mode or curvilinear motion mode.

[0117] The second shaft 172 is disposed between the first plate 140 and the second plate 150, and the first trigger 120 is disposed in the thickness direction between the first plate 140 and the second plate 150. The second spring 176 is disposed between the first trigger 120 and the frame, and more specifically, the second spring 176 is a torsion spring surrounding the second shaft 172, and its two ends respectively abut against the first trigger 120 and the frame to bias the first trigger 120 toward the holding position.

[0118] When the first trigger 120 is in the holding position, the first trigger 120 holds the claw 110 in the locked position, and when the first trigger 120 is in the releasing position, the first trigger 120 allows the claw 110 to move to the unlocked position.

[0119] The second trigger 130 is provided on the frame, for example, to rotate around a first pin 173 extending in the thickness direction. When the frame moves from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the second trigger 130 drives the first trigger 120 to the release position. The first pin 173 is provided between the first plate 140 and the second plate 150, and the second trigger 130 is provided between the first plate 140 and the second plate 150 in the thickness direction.

[0120] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B The specific structure of the claw 110 is described below. The claw 110 is in a sheet shape and includes a first shaft hole 111 , a locking portion 112 , a first supporting portion 113 , a protrusion 114 , and an actuating portion 115 .

[0121] The first shaft hole 111 is a hole that passes through the claw 110 in the thickness direction and is sleeved on the outside of the first shaft 171 (see Figure 3 ) to allow the claw 110 to rotate. The locking portion 112 is formed by being recessed inward from the outer periphery of the claw 110, and its size roughly corresponds to the end 610 of the locking tongue 600, so as to lock the end 610 of the locking tongue 600 (see Figure 8B ).

[0122] The protrusion 114 is configured to engage with the recessed portion of the first trigger 120 (see Figure 5A , Figure 5B ), so that the claw 110 is maintained in the locked position.

[0123] The actuating portion 115 rotates in the locking direction (i.e., the direction in which the claw 110 rotates toward the locking position). Figure 4B When the claw 110 rotates to the locked position, the starter 115 triggers the first switch 350 of the power assembly 300 to start the motor 310 (see Figure 8B ).

[0124] The first support portion 113 is a recess formed at the periphery of the claw 110, which is used to lock the end of the first spring 175 (see Figure 8B ).

[0125] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The specific structure of the first trigger 120 is described below. The first trigger 120 is substantially sheet-shaped and includes a second shaft hole 121 , a recessed portion 122 , abutting portion 123 , a tongue piece 124 , a second supporting portion 125 , and a limiting portion 126 .

[0126] The second shaft hole 121 is a hole that passes through the first trigger 120 along the thickness direction, and is sleeved on the outside of the second shaft 172 (see Figure 3 ) to allow the first trigger 120 to rotate. The recessed portion 122 is formed at the periphery of the first trigger 120 and can engage with the protrusion 114 of the claw 110 when the first trigger 120 is in the holding position.

[0127] The abutment portion 123 is a portion protruding from the periphery of the first trigger 120, which can be abutted by the second trigger 130 to rotate the first trigger 120 toward the release position ( Figure 5B counterclockwise in the ).

[0128] The tongue 124 is a portion extending from the periphery of the first trigger 120 in the thickness direction, and extends through the opening of the housing assembly 200 (specifically, the opening of the first housing 210) to the outside of the housing so as to be controlled by the mechanical override assembly 400. The mechanical override assembly 400 will be described in detail below.

[0129] The second support portion 125 is a recess formed at the periphery of the first trigger 120, which is used to lock the end of the second spring 176 (see Figure 8B ).

[0130] In this embodiment, the recessed portion 122 and the abutting portion 123 are respectively located on both sides of the second shaft hole 121 to facilitate a compact structure inside the latch 1. In other embodiments, the recessed portion 122 and the abutting portion 123 may be located on the same side of the second shaft hole 121.

[0131] The limiting portion 126 protrudes outward along the periphery of the first trigger 120. When the first trigger 120 is in the holding position, the limiting portion 126 abuts against the corresponding structure inside the housing assembly 200 to prevent the first trigger 120 from continuing to rotate beyond the holding position. In this embodiment, the limiting portion 126 is, for example, circumferentially located between the recessed portion 122 and the abutting portion 123, but in other embodiments, the limiting portion 126 can be set at any circumferential position of the first trigger 120.

[0132] Reference Fig. 6A and Figure 6BThe detailed structure of the second trigger 130 is described as follows. The second trigger 130 includes a first pin hole 131 , a first finger portion 132 , and a second finger portion 133 .

[0133] The first pin hole 131 is sleeved on the outer side of the first pin 173 (see Figure 3 ), so that the second trigger 130 rotates relative to the frame around an axis in the thickness direction. The first finger 132 and the second finger 133 extend substantially radially from both sides of the first pin hole 131. The first finger 132 abuts against the first trigger 120, specifically the abutting portion 123 of the first trigger 120, to drive the first trigger 120 to rotate toward the release position.

[0134] The second finger 133 is spaced apart from the first finger 132, for example, 100°-180° apart in the rotation direction. The second finger 133 can abut against the trigger portion 211 of the first housing 210, so that during the movement of the latch subassembly 100 (i.e., the frame) from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the second trigger 130 moves along with the frame and contacts the trigger portion 211 of the first housing 210. The trigger portion 211 pushes the second finger 133 to force the second trigger 130 to rotate, thereby driving the first trigger 120 to the release position.

[0135] It should be understood that the second finger 133 is not necessary. The second trigger 130 can be provided with other structures so as to be driven by the housing assembly 200. For example, the second trigger 130 can be provided with a cam profile, so that during the process of the latch subassembly 100 moving from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the second trigger 130 is driven by the trigger portion 211, thereby driving the first trigger 120 to the release position. The second trigger 130 can also be connected to a sensor, which can detect the position change of the latch subassembly 100 relative to the trigger portion 211 of the housing assembly 200 during the process of the latch subassembly 100 moving from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, thereby controlling a motor to drive the second trigger 130, so that the second trigger 130 drives the first trigger 120 to the release position.

[0136] Also refer to Figure 3, the third spring 177 of the latch subassembly 100 is disposed between the second trigger 130 and the frame, and biases the second trigger 130 toward the first trigger 120. The biasing force of the third spring 177 is set to be insufficient to drive the first trigger 120 to the release position. That is, the function of the third spring 177 is to abut the second trigger 130 against the first trigger 120, but the abutting force is insufficient to drive the first trigger 120. For example, the first trigger 120 is biased in the holding position by the second spring 176, and the biasing force of the second spring 176 is set to be greater than the biasing force of the third spring 177, so the third spring 177 is insufficient to drive the second trigger 130, so that the second trigger 130 drives the first trigger 120 to overcome the biasing force of the second spring 176 and rotate to the release position. The second trigger 130 can only drive the first trigger 120 under the action of the trigger portion 211.

[0137] The operation of the latch 1 according to the present application will now be described.

[0138] Reference FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B , which shows a state where the lock tongue 600 has not been inserted into the latch 1. In this embodiment, the lock tongue 600 is fixed to the first object 500 such as a door, and is in a triangular shape extending toward the latch 1. The lock tongue 600 has an end 610 facing the latch 1, which is, for example, a column extending in the thickness direction. In other embodiments, the lock tongue 600 may have different forms as long as it has a shape feature that can be locked.

[0139] exist Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In the state shown, the first object 500 does not contact the booster rod 230, and the end 610 of the lock tongue 600 does not contact the claw 110. At this time, the claw 110 is in the unlocked position under the bias of the first spring 175, so the locking portion 112 is opened toward the outside of the latch 1. The first trigger 120 is in the holding position under the bias of the second spring 176, and the stopper 126 of the second trigger 130 abuts against the corresponding structure of the housing assembly 200 (for example, a wall extending in the thickness direction inside the second housing 220) to prevent the first trigger 120 from rotating beyond the holding position.

[0140] exist Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In the state shown, the first finger 132 of the second trigger 130 abuts against the abutting portion 123 of the first trigger 120, and the second finger 133 of the second trigger 130 is located outside the trigger portion 211 (ie, Figure 7BTherefore, the second finger 133 does not contact the trigger portion 211, and the second trigger 130 only abuts against the first trigger 120 under the bias of the third spring 177. As described above, the biasing force of the third spring 177 is not enough to drive the first trigger 120 to rotate toward the release position (that is, not enough to cause the first trigger 120 to rotate along the release position). Figure 7B counterclockwise in the direction of rotation).

[0141] At this time, the first switch 350 is not triggered by the claw 110, so the motor 310 is not started.

[0142] from Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Starting from the state shown, the user moves the second object toward the latch 1, causing the latch 1 to transition to Fig. 8A and Figure 8B In this process, the end 610 of the locking tongue 600 fixed to the second object is inserted into the latch subassembly 100 and contacts the locking portion 112 of the claw 110. The end 610 of the locking tongue 600 abuts against the side wall of the locking portion 112 of the claw 110, so that the claw 110 overcomes the biasing force of the first spring 175 and rotates toward the locked position (i.e., along the Figure 7B and Figure 8B When the claw 110 reaches the locked position, the locking portion 112 of the claw 110 locks the end 610 of the locking tongue 600.

[0143] During the process of the claw 110 rotating from the unlocked position to the locked position, the first trigger 120 is slightly rotated toward the released position (i.e., along the direction of the locking position) under the pressure of the protrusion 114 of the claw 110. Figure 7B and Figure 8B In the counterclockwise direction in the middle), to avoid the protrusion 114. When the claw 110 reaches Figure 8B In the locked position shown, the first trigger 120 rebounds to the retaining position under the bias of the second spring 176 , so that the protrusion 114 of the pawl 110 is retained in the recess 122 of the first trigger 120 .

[0144] At this time, when the claw 110 tends to rotate toward the unlocking position (ie, in a counterclockwise direction), the protrusion 114 tends to press the first trigger 120 to make it pass the holding position (ie, pass the locking position). Figure 8B The position shown in the figure continues to rotate in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. However, as mentioned above, the stopper 126 of the first trigger 120 abuts against the housing assembly 200 to prevent the first trigger 120 from exceeding the holding position. Therefore, the claw 110 cannot be separated from the first trigger 120 by its own compression, but is stably held in the locked position by the first trigger 120. At this time, the position of the second trigger 130 is Figure 7BThe position shown is the same and still does not drive the first trigger 120 to rotate to the release position.

[0145] When the claw 110 reaches the locked position, the first stop portion 143 of the claw 110 triggers the first switch 350 of the power assembly 300, so that the motor 310 is started. The motor 310 causes the output shaft 330 to drive the frame to move toward the compressed position (i.e. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B ), so that the latch 1 automatically transitions to the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The state shown, thus realizing the automatic locking function.

[0146] In from Fig. 8A , Figure 8B The status of Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B During the transition process of the state, since the claw 110, the first trigger 120, and the second trigger 130 are all arranged on the frame, these components move toward the compressed position together with the frame. Since the end 610 of the lock tongue 600 is locked by the claw 110, the lock tongue 600 and the first object 500 are driven by the claw 110 to move toward the compressed position, so that the first object 500 is compressed to the second object (not shown). At the same time, the booster rod 230 is pressed against by the first object 500 and moves toward the compressed position, while overcoming the biasing force of the fourth spring 240.

[0147] During this process, the second trigger 130 passes through the trigger portion 211 of the housing assembly 200, and the second finger portion 133 of the second trigger 130 abuts against the trigger portion 211, so that the second trigger 130 resists the bias of the third spring 177 and rotates in a direction away from the first trigger 120 (i.e., along the Fig. 9B Therefore, the first finger 132 of the second trigger 130 temporarily disengages from the abutment portion 123 (not shown) of the first trigger 120, which does not cause the first trigger 120 to rotate. Subsequently, the second trigger 130 passes the position of the trigger portion 211, and the second trigger 130 returns to the position abutting against the first trigger 120 under the bias of the third spring 177, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9B shown.

[0148] When the frame reaches the compressed position, the stopper 143 of the first plate 140 contacts the second switch 360 of the power assembly 300, so that the motor 310 stops driving. An adjustment member 178 may be provided at the stopper 143, which is, for example, a rod extending from the stopper 143 toward the compressed position and capable of contacting the second switch 360. Through the adjustment member 178, the distance between the compressed position and the non-compressed position can be adjusted as required.

[0149] When the frame reaches the compressed position, there may be considerable compression force between the first object 500 and the second object. Since the output shaft 330 has a thread 332 and the output portion 310 has an internal thread, a thread-nut connection is formed between the output portion 310 and the output shaft 330. Therefore, even if the motor 310 is powered off and does not output power, the output shaft 330 will not loosen or move toward the non-compressed position. Therefore, the frame connected to the output shaft 330 and the claw 110 connected to the frame will not loosen or move toward the non-compressed position, so that the claw 110 firmly locks the lock tongue 600, which is advantageous in maintaining the compression force between the first object 500 and the second object.

[0150] from Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Starting from the state shown, when the user needs to unlock the first object 500, the user transmits an unlocking signal to the motor 310 through the cable 340. At this time, the motor 310 drives the output shaft 330 to move toward the non-compressed position (i.e. Fig. 9B and Fig. 10B ), so that latch 1 transitions to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Status shown.

[0151] During this process, the frame of the latch subassembly 100 moves toward the non-compressed position, so the claw 110, the first trigger 120, and the second trigger 130 move toward the non-compressed position along with the frame. When the second trigger 130 passes the trigger portion 211 of the housing assembly 200, the second finger portion 133 abuts against the trigger portion 211, so that the second trigger 130 is pushed by the trigger portion 211 to rotate in the direction of driving the first trigger 120 (i.e., along the Fig. 10B Therefore, the first finger 132 of the second trigger 130 abuts against the abutment portion 123 of the first trigger 120 and drives the first trigger 120 to the Fig. 10B Release position shown.

[0152] At this time, the recessed portion 122 of the first trigger 120 leaves the protruding portion 114 of the claw 110, so that the claw 110 is no longer held and rotates to the position where the first spring 175 is engaged. Fig. 10B The end 610 of the locking tongue 600 is unlocked, and the booster rod 230 pushes the first object 500 away from the second object under the bias of the fourth spring 240, thereby providing operation convenience for the user.

[0153] from Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BWhen the latch subassembly 100 reaches the non-compressed position, the second trigger 130 passes over the trigger portion 211 of the housing assembly 200, so the second trigger 130 no longer provides enough force to drive the first trigger 120, so that the first trigger 120 returns to the holding position under the bias of the second spring 176. At this time, the entire latch 1 returns to the Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Status shown.

[0154] Reference Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The mechanical override assembly 400 of the latch 1 according to the present application is described. Generally, the mechanical override assembly 400 is connected to the first trigger 120 and can be operated from the outside of the latch 1 so that the first trigger 120 is switched to the release position.

[0155] The mechanical override assembly 400 includes a cable seat 410, a cable 420, a traction end 430, and an operating end 440. The cable 420 extends from the outside of the housing assembly 200 into the second housing 220. The traction end 430 is connected to an end of the cable 420 close to the second housing 220, and is connected to the tongue 124 of the first trigger 120. The operating end 440 is connected to an end of the cable 420 away from the second housing 220. The cable seat 410 is sleeved on the outside of the outer sheath of the cable 420 and is connected to the cable bracket 260 of the housing assembly 200, thereby fixing the outer sheath of the cable 420 to the housing assembly 200. When it is necessary to override and unlock the latch 1, the operating end 440 can be pulled in a direction away from the latch 1, so that the operating end 440 drives the cable 420 to slide in its outer sheath, thereby driving the traction end 420 to move in a direction away from the latch 1 (i.e., Fig. 11B At this time, the pulling end 420 drives the first trigger 120 to rotate toward the release position, thereby directly releasing the claw 110, thereby unlocking the first object 500.

[0156] In summary, the present application provides a latch that is mounted on a second object and can automatically lock a lock tongue mounted on a first object. The latch can apply a compressive force to the lock tongue so that the first object and the second object are tightly compressed against each other. Thanks to the power assembly of the present application, the latch of the present application can ensure that the lock tongue will not be released or loosened in the event of a power outage. Thanks to the latch subassembly of the present application, in particular, the cooperation between the claw, the first trigger, and the second trigger, the lock tongue can be automatically locked and released, and the latch is allowed to have a compact and reliable structure.

[0157] Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are given as examples only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations, changes and substitutions will not depart from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A latch (1), characterized in that: The latch (1) comprises: A housing assembly (200); A latch subassembly (100) is disposed on the housing assembly (200) and comprises: A frame movable relative to the housing assembly (200) between a non-compressed position and a compressed position; A claw (110) is disposed on the frame and is movable relative to the frame between a locked position and an unlocked position; a first trigger (120) disposed on the frame and capable of moving relative to the frame between a holding position and a releasing position, wherein when the first trigger (120) is in the holding position, the first trigger (120) holds the claw (110) in the locking position, and when the first trigger (120) is in the releasing position, the first trigger (120) allows the claw (110) to move to the unlocking position; a second trigger (130) disposed on the frame, wherein when the frame moves from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the second trigger (130) drives the first trigger (120) to the released position; and A power assembly (300) is arranged on the housing assembly (200) and is capable of driving the frame to move between the non-compressed position and the compressed position.

2. The latch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing assembly (200) is provided with a trigger portion (211); When the frame moves from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the trigger portion (211) abuts against the second trigger (130), so that the second trigger (130) moves relative to the frame and abuts against the first trigger (120) to drive the first trigger (120) to the release position.

3. The latch (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second trigger (130) rotates relative to the frame around an axis along a thickness direction and comprises: a first finger (132) abutting against the first trigger (120); Wherein, during the movement of the frame from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the trigger portion (211) abuts against the second trigger (130) to cause the second trigger (130) to rotate in a direction of driving the first trigger (120).

4. The latch (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second trigger further includes: a second finger portion (133) spaced apart from the first finger portion (132) and abutting against the trigger portion (211); During the movement of the frame from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the trigger portion (211) abuts against the second finger portion (133) to rotate the second trigger (130) in a direction to drive the first trigger (120).

5. The latch (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the frame reaches the non-compressed position, the second finger (133) disengages from the trigger portion (211) to allow the first trigger (120) to move to the retaining position.

6. The latch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The latch subassembly (100) includes a first spring (175) disposed between the pawl (110) and the frame and biasing the pawl (110) toward the unlocked position.

7. The latch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The latch subassembly (100) includes a second spring (176) disposed between the first trigger (120) and the frame and biasing the first trigger (120) toward the retaining position.

8. The latch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The latch subassembly (100) includes a third spring (177) disposed between the second trigger (130) and the frame and biasing the second trigger (130) toward the first trigger (120), the biasing force of the third spring (177) being configured to be insufficient to drive the first trigger (120) to the release position.

9. The latch (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first trigger (120) is configured to rotate relative to the frame and comprises: a recessed portion (122) configured to engage the claw (110) in the locked position to retain the claw (110); The abutment portion (123) is configured to be abutted by the second trigger (130) so as to switch the first trigger (120) to the release position.

10. The latch (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The recessed portion (122) and the abutting portion (123) are respectively located on two opposite sides of the rotation center of the first trigger (120).

11. The latch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing assembly (200) comprises: a housing fixed to a second object; at least one booster rod (230) disposed in the housing and capable of moving relative to the housing to abut against a first object (500) so that the first object (500) is separated from the second object; and At least one fourth spring (240) is respectively disposed between the at least one booster rod (230) and the housing, and biases the at least one booster rod (230) toward the first object (500).

12. The latch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power assembly (300) comprises: A motor (310) is arranged in the housing; an output unit (320) connected to the motor (310); and The output shaft (330) is coupled to the output portion (320) and driven to drive the frame to move.

13. The latch (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The output portion (320) is configured so as not to be driven by the output shaft (330) when the motor (310) is powered off.

14. The latch (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The output portion (320) is configured to have an internal thread, and the output shaft (330) is configured to have an external thread.

15. The latch (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The power assembly (300) further includes: A first switch (350) is configured such that when the claw (110) moves to the locking position, the claw (110) triggers the first switch (350) to start the motor (310).

16. The latch (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The power assembly (300) further comprises: A second switch (360) is configured such that when the latch subassembly (100) moves to the compressed position, the frame triggers the second switch (360) to stop the motor (310).

17. The latch (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that: The latch subassembly (100) further comprises: An adjusting member (178) is disposed on the frame and can trigger the second switch (360). The adjusting member (178) can be adjusted relative to the frame to change the distance between the non-compressed position and the compressed position.

18. The latch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The latch (1) further comprises: A mechanical override assembly (400) is connected to the first trigger (120) and can be operated from outside the latch (1) to switch the first trigger (120) to the release position.

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