Latch assemblies and latch sliders

Abstract

A latch assembly (10) comprising a housing (12) including a primary section (30) and a base (28); a latch slider (14a; 14b) slidable relative to the housing (12) along a latch axis (16) between a free position (42) and a latching position (18); a nut (110) secured to an inside of the primary section (30) facing the base (28); and a base bolt (114) passing through a base hole (102) in the base (28) and threadingly engaging the nut (110) for securing the primary section (30) to the base (28); wherein the base (28) is positioned between the primary section (30) and the latch slider (14a; 14b).

Description

[0001] LATCH SLIDERS, LATCH ASSEMBLIES AND ACCESS MEMBER SYSTEMS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to latch assemblies. In particular, various latch sliders for latch assemblies, various latch assemblies comprising a latch slider, and various access member systems comprising a latch assembly, are provided.

[0004] Background

[0005] Latch assemblies are often used for keeping different types of doors locked. A latch assembly may comprise a housing and a latch slider that can be extended from the housing in a sliding movement. Normally, a grip portion is used for manually sliding the latch slider between a free (unlatching) position and a latching position. A latch assembly may further comprise an electronic lock device for locking the latch slider in the latching position.

[0006] US 11512498 B2, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a latch assembly comprising a main latch, an elongated latch slider including a protruding lug, a motor and a head. The latch slider is provided with a protruding lug that will engage the head in a locked position of the head. By rotating the head to an unlocked position, the protruding lug of the latch slider can pass by the head such that the latch slider can slide to a position where the latch slider is no longer received in an aperture in a door frame.

[0007] Summary

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide an improved latch slider.

[0009] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved latch assembly. A still further object of the invention is to provided an improved access member system comprising a latch assembly.

[0010] These objects are achieved by the latch sliders, the latch assemblies and the access member system according to the appended claims.

[0011] A first aspect of the invention is based on the realization that by providing a latch slider comprising a grip portion connected to a latch plate via a forcelimiting coupling, any excessive force applied to the grip portion in an attempt to break open the latch slider from a latching position will cause separation of the grip portion from the latch plate instead of movement of the latch plate to a free position. Moreover, the force-limiting coupling enables coupling of the grip portion to the latch plate again after separation without having to detach an entire latch assembly comprising the latch slider from a door leaf or other access member.

[0012] According to a first aspect, there is provided a latch slider for a latch assembly, the latch slider comprising a latch plate elongated along a latch axis and including a first end for engaging an engageable structure and a second end, opposite to the first end along the latch axis. The latch slider according to the first aspect comprises a force-limiting coupling; and a grip portion coupled to the second end by the force-limiting coupling; wherein the force-limiting coupling is arranged to limit transfer of a force, applied on the grip portion along the latch axis away from the latch plate, from the grip portion to the latch plate by separation of the grip portion from the latch plate; and wherein the force-limiting coupling is arranged to couple the grip portion to the latch plate again after the separation.

[0013] In order to break into a locked space behind an access member locked by a latch assembly, a thief may for example use a crowbar to apply an excessive force on a grip portion of a latch slider. Although a latch slider may comprise a weakened section causing the grip portion to separate from the remainder of the latch slider by breakage of the weakened section, such separation is permanent and the latch slider or the entire latch assembly has to be replaced. Such replacement typically requires an operator to get access to a space behind an access member locked by the latch assembly. Moreover, such replacement is expensive and takes a long time. In addition, legal barriers against accessing the space may exist in some jurisdictions.

[0014] Due to the force-limiting coupling, an excessive force applied to the grip portion in an attempt to open the latch slider will cause separation of the grip portion. This force will thereby not be transmitted to the latch plate. Once the grip portion has separated from the latch plate, the grip portion can again be connected to the latch plate by the force-limiting coupling. Thus, the forcelimiting coupling is configured to provide a temporary disconnection of the grip portion from the latch plate. The ability to reconnect the grip portion to the latch plate enables the latch assembly to become operative again without having to replace any parts thereof. Should the grip portion in any case be damaged or lost, a new grip portion of the same design may be connected to the latch plate.

[0015] The force-limiting coupling may comprise a snap-fit connection or a press fit connection. A force-limiting coupling comprising a snap-fit or a press fit connection can be cost-efficiently produced. Alternative types of the forcelimiting coupling, including for example magnetic cooperation, are however conceivable.

[0016] In the latch slider according to the first aspect, the grip portion may include a sloped section sloped towards the second end and substantially in, or in, a direction from the second end to the first end. The sloped section may be a curved section curved with respect to a curved section axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the latch axis.

[0017] A second aspect of the invention is based on the realization that by providing a latch slider comprising a grip portion including a sloped section, it becomes more difficult to manipulate the latch slider using, for example, a crowbar. At the same time, the sloped section provides a convenient grip and a clear indication to the user that the grip portion should be gripped to manually operate the latch slider.

[0018] According to a second aspect, there is provided a latch slider for a latch assembly, the latch slider comprising a latch plate elongated along a latch axis and including a first end for engaging an engageable structure and a second end, opposite to the first end along the latch axis; a grip portion arranged at the second end. In the latch slider according to the second aspect, the grip portion includes a sloped section sloped towards the second end and substantially in, or in, a direction from the second end to the first end. The provision of the sloped section and the orientation of the sloped section in relation to the latch plate enable an increased resistance against tampering, for example using a crowbar.

[0019] The sloped section may be a curved section curved with respect to a curved section axis oriented substantially perpendicular to, or perpendicular to, the latch axis. A radius of the curved section may be 5 % to 30 %, such as 10 % to 20 %, such as approximately 15 %, of a length of the grip portion along the latch axis.

[0020] The grip portion according to any of the first and second aspects may be made of plastic. Alternatively, or in addition, the latch plate may be made of metal.

[0021] The latch slider according to the second aspect may or may not be a latch slider according to the first aspect, and vice versa. For example, the latch slider according to the first aspect does not necessarily comprise the sloped section. Correspondingly, the latch slider according to the second aspect does not necessarily comprise the force-limiting coupling.

[0022] According to a third aspect, there is provided a latch assembly comprising a latch slider according to any of the first and second aspects; and a housing; wherein the latch slider is slidable relative to the housing along the latch axis between a free position and a latching position. The housing according to the third aspect may for example be of any type as described herein. The housing may or may not be a housing according to any of the remaining aspects. According to one example, the housing according to the third aspect is structurally integral.

[0023] According to one variant, there is provided an access member system comprising the latch assembly according to the third aspect and an access member, wherein the housing is secured to the access member. The access member system according to this variant may or may not be an access member system according to the seventh aspect, and vice versa. Throughout the present disclosure, the access member may for example be a door leaf or a window sash.

[0024] A fourth aspect of the invention is based on the realization that by providing a housing for a latch assembly, where the housing comprises a primary section made of metal and a secondary section made of plastic and where a communication unit is positioned inside of the secondary section but outside of the primary section, the communication performance of the communication unit can be improved without deteriorating security.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a latch assembly comprising a housing including a primary section made of metal and a secondary section made of plastic; and a latch slider slidable relative to the housing along a latch axis between a free position and a latching position. The latch assembly according to the fourth aspect further comprises a communication unit configured to communicate wirelessly with an external device; wherein the communication unit is positioned outside of the primary section and inside of the secondary section. Since the communication unit is positioned outside of the primary section made of metal and since the secondary section, inside which the communication unit is positioned, is made of plastic, the latch assembly provides both high security and an improved wireless communication. The communication unit may for example be configured to perform near field communication, NFC, or Bluetooth ® communication, with the external device. The external device may for example be a mobile phone. The primary section may for example be made of steel.

[0026] The latch slider in the fourth aspect may be a latch slider according to any of the first and second aspects. Thus, the latch assembly according to the fourth aspect may or may not be a latch assembly according to the third aspect, and vice versa.

[0027] The housing in the fourth aspect may or may not be a housing as described in connection with any of the remaining aspects. According to one example, the housing does not comprise a base in addition to the primary and secondary sections.

[0028] The latch slider in the fourth aspect may or may not be a latch slider according to the first and / or second aspects.

[0029] The latch assembly may further comprise a lock device including an electromechanical actuator and a lock element movable by the actuator between an unlocked position where the lock element allows movement of the latch slider between the free position and the latching position, and a locked position for engaging the latch slider to prevent movement of the latch slider from the latching position to the free position; wherein the actuator and the lock element are positioned inside of the primary section.

[0030] The lock device may further comprise an electronic control system. Also the control system may be positioned inside of the primary section. The control system may be configured to control the actuator. The control system may be in signal communication with the communication unit, such as via a signal line. The actuator may for example be an electric motor or a piezoelectric actuator. In either case, the actuator may be a linear actuator or a rotary actuator. According to one variant, there is provided an access member system comprising the latch assembly according to the fourth aspect and an access member, wherein the housing is secured to the access member. The access member system according to this variant may or may not be an access member system according to the seventh aspect, and vice versa.

[0031] A fifth aspect of the invention is based on the realization that by providing a nut secured to an underside of a primary section of a housing of a latch assembly, and securing a base of the housing to the primary section using a base bolt engaging the nut from below, the primary section can be made relatively thin and a head of the base bolt will be well hidden inside of the latch assembly.

[0032] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a latch assembly comprising a housing including a primary section and a base; and a latch slider slidable relative to the housing along a latch axis between a free position and a latching position. The latch assembly according to the fifth aspect further comprises a nut secured to an inside of the primary section facing the base; and a base bolt passing through a base hole in the base and threadingly engaging the nut for securing the primary section to the base; wherein the base is positioned between the primary section and the latch slider.

[0033] Due to the base bolt engaging the nut which in turn is fixed to the primary section, the primary section can be made thin and the assembly will be less sensitive to tolerance variations. Moreover, since the base bolt passes through the base hole towards the nut from the inside of the primary section and since the base bolt becomes positioned between the latch slider and the primary section, the base bolt will be well hidden inside the latch assembly. Security is thereby improved. The nut may be referred to as a primary nut.

[0034] The nut may for example be secured to the primary section by welding or gluing. The primary section may for example be made of sheet metal, such as steel. The base hole may be countersunk. In these cases, the nut may comprise a flat head seated in the base hole.

[0035] The housing may include a secondary section. In these cases, the nut and / or the base bolt may pass through a secondary hole in the secondary section, and the secondary hole may be positioned between the primary section and the base along the base bolt.

[0036] The latch assembly according to the fifth aspect may or may not be constituted by a latch assembly according to any of the third and fourth aspects, and vice versa. For example, the latch assembly according to the fifth aspect may further comprise a communication unit configured to communicate wirelessly with an external device; wherein the communication unit is positioned outside of the primary section and inside of the secondary section.

[0037] The housing in the fifth aspect may or may not be a housing as described in connection with any of the remaining aspects, and vice versa. According to one example, the housing in the fifth aspect does not comprise a secondary section in addition to the primary section. According to a further example, the housing in the fifth aspect comprises a secondary section integrally formed with the primary section, i.e., of the same material.

[0038] The latch slider in the fifth aspect may or may not be a latch slider according to any of the first and second aspects, and vice versa. For example, the latch slider may or may not comprise the force-limiting coupling and / or may or may not comprise the sloped section. According to one example, the latch slider in the fifth aspect comprises a latch plate and a grip portion structurally integral with the latch plate.

[0039] According to one variant, there is provided an access member system comprising the latch assembly according to the fifth aspect and an access member, wherein the housing is secured to the access member. The access member system according to this variant may or may not be an access member system according to the seventh aspect, and vice versa. A sixth aspect of the invention is based on the realization that a bolt passing through a latch slider of a latch assembly can also be used to mount the latch assembly to an access member.

[0040] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a latch assembly comprising a housing; and a latch slider slidable relative to the housing along a latch axis between a free position and a latching position, the latch slider including a slot. The latch assembly according to the sixth aspect further comprises a slot bolt fixed to the housing and passing through the slot; wherein the slot bolt, when being fixed to the housing, is configured to pass through an access member such that the access member is positioned between the latch slider and a head of the slot bolt.

[0041] By utilizing the slot bolt passing through the latch slider to also mount the latch assembly to the access member, the design of the latch assembly can be made more compact and with fewer component. Thus, one or more bolts dedicated to mounting the housing to the access member can be eliminated. The slot bolt may have a length corresponding at least to a sum of a thickness of the latch slider, a thickness of the access member (e.g., at least 1 mm), and a length for fixation to the housing (e.g., a thread of at least 3 mm).

[0042] The latch slider may be guided by the slot bolt passing through the slot. According to one variant, the latch assembly comprises a nut fixed to the housing where the nut is threadingly engaged by the slot bolt. In this case, the nut may pass through the slot and the latch slider may be guided by the nut. The nut may be referred to as a slot bolt nut.

[0043] The latch assembly according to the sixth aspect may or may not be constituted by a latch assembly according to any of the third, fourth or fifth aspects, and vice versa.

[0044] The housing in the sixth aspect may be of any type as described herein. The housing may or may not be a housing as described in connection with any of the remaining aspects. The latch slider in the sixth aspect may be of any type as described herein.

[0045] The latch slider may or may not be a latch slider according to any of the first and second aspects.

[0046] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided an access member system comprising the latch assembly according to the sixth aspect and the access member, wherein the housing is secured to the access member by the slot bolt.

[0047] An eighth aspect of the invention is based on the realization that by providing a latch assembly comprising a flat latch slider and a lock element configured to engage a slider opening in the latch slider, the latch assembly can be made more compact and becomes easier to seal.

[0048] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a latch assembly comprising a housing including a base, the base including a base opening; a latch slider slidable relative to the housing along a latch axis between a free position and a latching position, the latch slider including a latch plate elongated along the latch axis and a slider opening in the latch plate; and a lock device including an electromechanical actuator and a lock element movable by the actuator between an unlocked position where the lock element allows movement of the latch slider between the free position and the latching position, and a locked position where the lock element passes through the base opening and into the slider opening to thereby engage the latch slider to prevent movement of the latch slider from the latching position to the free position; wherein the latch plate is flat.

[0049] When the latch slider is in the free position and the lock element is controlled to move from the unlocked position towards the locked position, the lock element will be brought into contact with the latch plate outside of the slider opening at an intermediate position of the lock element. Since the latch plate is flat, the intermediate position of the lock element will be the same regardless of in which position between the latching position and the free position the latch slider is positioned in. In case the latch plate comprises a slot in addition to the slider opening, the length and positioning of the slot may be configured such that the lock element will never enter the slot.

[0050] If for example the actuator is an electric motor, an increased current of the motor may be indicative of when the lock element is driven against a stop, such as either the latch plate in the intermediate position or the base opening in the locked position. Since positioning of the latch slider in a position other than the latching position will cause the lock element to contact the latch plate outside of the slider opening instead of contacting the base opening, a first distance moved by the lock element from the unlocked position into contact with the latch plate will be shorter than a second distance moved by the lock element from the unlocked position to the locked position in the base opening. A first time and a second time for the lock element to move through the first distance and the second distance, respectively, can be determined, e.g., by tests. In case a movement time of the lock element corresponds to the first time, it can be concluded, without a dedicated sensor, that the lock element has been stopped by the latch plate in a position other than the latching position despite the actuator has been commanded to move the lock element to the locked position. In this case, there is a risk that a human user can push the latch slider from the free position to the latching position. A warning may then be issued by the lock device. On the other hand, in case a movement time of the lock element corresponds to the second time, it can be concluded that the lock element has successfully reached the locked position without requiring a dedicated sensor. Since the latch plate is flat, the intermediate position of the lock element can more easily be distinguished from the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0051] The lock element may be rotatable or linearly movable between the unlocked position and the locked position. The lock element may be L-shaped. In case the lock element is rotatable about an actuation axis, the actuation axis may be positioned at one end of the L-shape and the opposite end of the L-shape may be configured to be seated in the base opening. The lock element may be rotatable around an actuator axis between the free position and the locked position. In these cases, the lock element may be configured to adopt an intermediate position where the lock element contacts the latch slider outside of the slider opening when the latch slider is in the free position. The intermediate position may be positioned at between 20 % and 80 %, such as between 40 % and 60 %, such as at approximately 50 %, of an angular distance between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0052] The actuator axis may be substantially parallel with, or parallel with, the latch axis.

[0053] The latch assembly according to the eighth aspect may or may not be constituted by a latch assembly according to any of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, and vice versa.

[0054] The housing in the eighth aspect may be of any type as described herein. The housing may or may not be a housing as described in connection with any of the remaining aspects. The housing may or may not comprise a primary section and a secondary section in addition to the base.

[0055] The latch slider in the eighth aspect may be of any type as described herein. The latch slider may or may not be a latch slider according to any of the first and second aspects or a latch slider as described in connection with any of the remaining aspects.

[0056] According to one variant, there is provided an access member system comprising the latch assembly according to the eighth aspect and an access member, wherein the housing is secured to the access member. The access member system according to this variant may or may not be an access member system according to the seventh aspects.

[0057] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0058] Further details, advantages and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: Fig. 1: schematically represents a perspective view of a latch assembly when a latch slider is in a latching position;

[0059] Fig. 2: schematically represents a perspective view of the latch assembly when the latch slider is in a free position;

[0060] Fig. 3: schematically represents a front view of an access member system comprising the latch assembly and an access member;

[0061] Fig. 4: schematically represents a block diagram including some components of the latch assembly;

[0062] Fig. 5: schematically represents a perspective view of the latch slider;

[0063] Fig. 6: schematically represents a perspective partial view of the latch slider when a grip portion is detached from a latch plate;

[0064] Fig. 7: schematically represents a further perspective view of the latch slider when the grip portion is detached from the latch plate;

[0065] Fig. 8: schematically represents a partial side view of the latch slider;

[0066] Fig. 9: schematically represents a partial top view of a latch slider according to a further example;

[0067] Fig. 10: schematically represents a perspective view of a primary section of a housing of the latch assembly;

[0068] Fig. 11: schematically represents a perspective view of a secondary section of the housing;

[0069] Fig. 12: schematically represents a perspective view of a base of the housing;

[0070] Fig. 13: schematically represents a partial and cross-sectional perspective view of the base;

[0071] Fig. 14: schematically represents a partial cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly;

[0072] Fig. 15: schematically represents a further partial cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly including one type of slot bolt;

[0073] Fig. 16: schematically represents a further partial cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly including a further type of slot bolt;

[0074] Fig. 17: schematically represents a partially cross-sectional and partial perspective view of the latch assembly when a lock element of the latch assembly is in a locked position; Fig. 18: schematically represents a partially cross-sectional and partial perspective view of the latch assembly when the lock element is in an unlocked position; and

[0075] Fig. 19: schematically represents a partially cross-sectional and partial perspective view of the latch assembly when the lock element is in an intermediate position.

[0076] Detailed Description

[0077] In the following, various latch sliders for latch assemblies, various latch assemblies comprising a latch slider, and various access member systems comprising a latch assembly, will be described. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

[0078] Fig. 1 schematically represents a perspective view of a latch assembly 10 according to one example. The latch assembly 10 comprises a housing 12 and an elongated latch slider 14a. The latch slider 14a is movable relative to the housing 12 along a latch axis 16. In Fig. 1, the latch slider 14a is in a latching position 18. The latch slider 14a of this example comprises an elongated latch plate 20a and a grip portion 22. As can be gathered from Fig. 1, the latch plate 20a of this example defines a longitudinal axis concentric with the latch axis 16. Fig. 1 shows a first end 24 of the latch plate 20a. In the latching position 18, the first end 24 protrudes from the housing 12, e.g., for engaging a strike of a frame.

[0079] The grip portion 22 of this example comprises a curved section 26. The grip portion 22 is configured to be gripped by fingers of a human user.

[0080] The housing 12 of this specific and non-limiting example comprises a base 28, a primary section 30 and a secondary section 32. The base 28 of this example comprises two flanges 34. The latch assembly 10 can be secured to an access member by access member bolts 36 passing through the flanges 34. The housing 12 of this example, here the primary section 30 thereof, further comprises a lid 38. The latch assembly io further comprises a lock device 40. In this example, the lock device 40 is contained inside the housing 12, here inside the primary section 30 thereof.

[0081] Fig. 2 schematically represents a perspective view of the latch assembly 10 when the latch slider 14a is in a free position 42. The latch slider 14a is movable along the latch axis 16 relative to the housing 12 between the free position 42 and the latching position 18. In Fig. 2, a second end 44 of the latch plate 20a can be seen.

[0082] The latch slider 14a of this example comprises a force-limiting coupling 46a. The grip portion 22 is detachably connected to the latch plate 20a via the force-limiting coupling 46a.

[0083] Fig. 3 schematically represents a front view of an access member system 48 according to one example. The access member system 48 comprises the latch assembly 10. Fig. 3 further shows an external device 50, such as a mobile phone.

[0084] The access member system 48 comprises a frame 52 and a door leaf 54 movable relative to the frame 52. The door leaf 54 is one example of an access member. The frame 52 is here provided in a wall 56. The door leaf 54 of this example is a corrugated door leaf and is rotatable relative to the frame 52 via hinges 58. The latch assembly 10 is secured to the door leaf 54, e.g., by threadingly engaging the access member bolts 36 passing through the flanges 34 with respective nuts at an inside of the door leaf 54. When the latch assembly 10 is secured to the door leaf 54, the housing 12 is fixed to the door leaf 54. In Fig. 3, the latch slider 14a is in the latching position 18 where the first end 24 thereof engages the strike 60 in the frame 52. Moreover, the latch slider 14a is locked in the latching position 18 by the lock device 40. The door leaf 54 is thereby locked. The strike 60 is one example of an engageable structure.

[0085] Fig. 4 schematically represents a block diagram including some components of the latch assembly 10. The lock device 40 of this example comprises an electric direct current, DC, motor 62, a lock element 64 and an electronic control system 66, such as a printed circuit board, PCB. The motor 62 is one example of an electromechanical actuator. The control system 66 is configured to control the drive of the motor 62.

[0086] The lock element 64 is driven by the motor 62. The lock element 64 is here rotatable around an actuator axis 68. In this example, the lock device 40 further comprises an optional transmission 70, such as a gearbox. An actuator shaft 72 of the motor 62 drives the transmission 70 which in turn drives the lock element 64 via a transmission shaft 74.

[0087] The lock device 40 of this example further comprises an optional battery 76. The battery 76 is one example of an energy source for electrically powering the motor 62 and the control system 66.

[0088] The latch assembly 10 of this example further comprises a communication unit 78. The communication unit 78 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the external device 50. The communication unit 78 is in signal communication with the control system 66 via a signal line (not denoted). Based on an authorization signal wirelessly received by the communication unit 78 from the external device 50, the control system 66 may command operation of the motor 62 to unlock the lock element 64. As schematically indicated in Fig. 4, the lock device 40 is positioned inside of the primary section 30 and the communication unit 78 is positioned inside of the secondary section 32.

[0089] Fig. 5 schematically represents a perspective view of the latch slider 14a comprising the force-limiting coupling 46a. As an alternative to the forcelimiting coupling 46a, the grip portion 22 may be permanently connected to the latch plate 20a or integrally formed with the latch plate 20a. The grip portion 22 of this example is made of plastic and the latch plate 20a of this example is made of steel. The latch plate 20a of this example comprises two slots 8o. The latch plate 20a may however alternatively comprise only one slot 8o or more than two slots 8o. Each slot 8o is longitudinal and extends along the latch axis 16.

[0090] The latch plate 20a of this example further comprises a slider opening 82. When the latch slider 14a is in the latching position 18, the lock element 64 can be received in the slider opening 82.

[0091] The latch plate 20a of this example further comprises a drainage aperture 84. The drainage aperture 84 is here positioned at a side of the latch plate 20a adjacent to the slider opening 82.

[0092] Fig. 6 schematically represents a perspective partial view of the latch slider 14a when the grip portion 22 is detached from the latch plate 20a. As shown in Fig. 6, the force-limiting coupling 46a of this example is a snap-fit connection. The force-limiting coupling 46a of this example comprises a flexible tab 86 and a snap-hole 88 for being engaged by the flexible tab 86. In this example, the flexible tab 86 is provided in the grip portion 22 and the snap-hole 88 is provided at the second end 44 of the latch plate 20a.

[0093] Fig. 7 schematically represents a further perspective view of the latch slider 14a when the grip portion 22 is detached from the latch plate 20a. Fig. 7 shows a force 90 applied on the grip portion 22 along the latch axis 16 away from the first end 24. The force 90 is an excessive force applied to the grip portion 22, for example using a crowbar. The force 90 may for example be at least ten times as large as a minimum force required to move the latch slider 14a from the latching position 18 to the free position 42 when lock device 40 is unlocked, i.e., when the lock element 64 does not block the latch plate 20a. Due to the force-limiting coupling 46a, the force 90 will cause the grip portion 22 to snap off the latch plate 20a when the lock device 40 is locked. In this example, the flexible tab 86 resiliently deforms to disengage from the snap-hole 88. The force-limiting coupling 46a will thereby limit the transfer of the force 90 from the grip portion 22 to the latch plate 20a. After separation of the grip portion 22 from the latch plate 20a, the grip portion 22 can be clicked onto the latch plate 20a again.

[0094] Fig. 7 further shows that the latch plate 20a of this example is flat. The latch plate 20a is flat in a direction parallel with the latch axis 16.

[0095] Fig. 8 schematically represents a partial side view of the latch slider 14a. Fig. 8 shows a curved section axis 92 perpendicular to the latch axis 16. The curved section 26 is curved with respect to the curved section axis 92. A radius 94 of the curved section 26 with respect to the curved section axis 92 is in this specific and non-limiting example approximately 17 % of a length 96 of the grip portion 22 along the latch axis 16. As shown, the curved section 26 slopes towards the second end 44. Moreover, as can be gathered from Fig. 8, the curved section 26 slopes generally in a direction from the second end 44 to the first end 24.

[0096] The curved section 26 makes it more difficult to tamper with the latch slider 14a using a crowbar. At the same time, the shape of the curved section 26 invites a user to manually grip the grip portion 22.

[0097] The curved section 26 in Fig. 8 is one example of a sloped section according to the present disclosure. Alternative examples of sloped sections may comprise one or more planar surfaces and / or one or more surfaces in the shape of an elliptic arc inclined towards the second end 44.

[0098] Fig. 9 schematically represents a partial top view of a latch slider 14b according to a further example. The latch slider 14b differs from the latch slider 14a in that instead of the force-limiting coupling 46a, the latch slider 14b comprises a force-limiting coupling 46b. The force-limiting coupling 46b of this example is a press fit connection. The latch assembly 10 as described herein may alternatively comprise the latch slider 14b.

[0099] Fig. 10 schematically represents a perspective view of the primary section 30. The primary section 30 of this example has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The primary section 30 of this example is made of sheet metal, such as steel. Fig. n schematically represents a perspective view of the secondary section 32. The secondary section 32 of this example has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The secondary section 32 of this example is made of plastic.

[0100] Fig. 12 schematically represents a perspective view of the base 28. The base 28 comprises a base opening 98. The lock element 64 is arranged to pass through the base opening 98, e.g., for entering the slider opening 82 when the latch slider 14a is in the latching position 18.

[0101] The base 28 of this example further comprises four flange holes 100, here two on each flange 34, each for receiving one of the access member bolts 36.

[0102] The base 28 of this specific and non-limiting example further comprises three relatively small base holes 102, two relatively large base holes 104 and a drainage hole 106. Note that the base holes 102 are noncollinear with respect to the latch axis 16 in this example. When the latch slider 14a is in the latching position 18, the drainage aperture 84 is aligned with the drainage hole 106 along the latch axis 16. In the event of water entering the housing 12, the water will be drained through the drainage hole 106 and the drainage aperture 84.

[0103] Fig. 13 schematically represents a partial and cross-sectional perspective view of the base 28. As can be gathered from Fig. 13, each base hole 102 is countersunk. The base holes 104 are not countersunk in this example.

[0104] Fig. 14 schematically represents a partial cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly 10. In Fig. 14, the latch slider 14a is in the latching position 18 and the lock element 64 is in a locked position 108. In the locked position 108, the lock element 64 passes through the base opening 98 and is seated in the slider opening 82. The lock element 64 thereby prevents movement of the latch slider 14a from the latching position 18 to the free position 42. As can be gathered from Fig. 14, the latch assembly 10 can be made very compact due to the latch plate 20a being flat. As shown in Fig. 14, the communication unit 78 is positioned inside of the secondary section 32 made of plastic but outside of the primary section 30 made of steel. Moreover, each of the control system 66, the motor 62 and the lock element 64 are well protected inside of the primary section 30. Security of the latch assembly 10 is therefore high while at the same time, wireless communication signals to and from the communication unit 78 are significantly less affected. The communication performance of the communication unit 78 is thereby improved.

[0105] The battery 76 can be exchanged by opening the lid 38. The secondary section 32 is however configured such that access is not provided to any of the control system 66, the motor 62 and the lock element 64 by opening the lid 38.

[0106] In this example, the base 28 is positioned between the primary section 30 and the latch plate 20a (vertically therebetween in Fig. 14). Moreover, as can be gathered from Fig. 14, the latch assembly 10 of this example comprises three primary nuts 110. Each primary nut 110 is aligned with one of the base holes 102. Each primary nut 110 is fixed to an inside of the primary section 30, here by welding. In this example, the secondary section 32 comprises one secondary hole 112 associated with each primary nut 110. Each secondary hole 112 is here provided in a respective downwardly extending pillar (not denoted) of the primary section 30.

[0107] The latch assembly 10 of this example further comprises three base bolts 114. The latch assembly 10 may alternatively comprise only one base bolt 114, two base bolts 114 or more than three base bolts 114. Each base bolt 114 passes through the associated base hole 102, through the associated secondary hole 112 and threadingly engages the associated primary nut 110 (from below in Fig. 14). Due to the base bolts 114 threadingly engaging the primary nuts 110 instead of the primary section 30, the primary section 30 can be made of thin sheet metal and the assembly becomes less sensitive to tolerance variations. Each secondary hole 112 is here positioned between the primary section 30 and the base 28 along the base bolt 114. The base bolts 114 are used for mounting the housing 12. When the base bolts 114 are tightened, the primary section 30 may force the secondary section 32 against the base 28 and a seal 116 extending around an entire circumference of the secondary section 32 may be compressed against the base 28.

[0108] Moreover, the latch assembly 10 of this example further comprises two slot bolt nuts 118. Each slot bolt nut 118 is fixed to the base 28 and passes through one of the base holes 104 and through an associated slot 80. In the illustrated latching position 18 of the latch slider 14a, each slot bolt nut 118 is positioned at a first slot end (to the left in Fig. 14) of the associated slot 80. When the latch slider 14a adopts the free position 42, each slot bolt nut 118 is positioned at a second slot end (to the right in Fig. 14), opposite to the first slot end, of the associated slot 80.

[0109] The latch assembly 10 of this example further comprises two slot bolts 120a. Each slot bolt 120a threadingly engages an associated slot bolt nut 118 (from below in Fig. 14). Each slot bolt 120a is thereby fixed to the housing 12, here to the base 28 thereof. The slot bolt nuts 118 and the slot bolts 120a are used for guiding the sliding of the latch slider 14a.

[0110] Fig. 15 schematically represents a further partial cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly 10. Each slot bolt 120a comprises a head 122. In this example, the head 122 is positioned between the latch plate 20a and the door leaf 54 when the latch assembly 10 is mounted to the door leaf 54.

[0111] Fig. 15 further shows a clearance 124. The clearance 124 is the sum of the gaps on each side of the latch slider 14a, i.e., between the latch slider 14a and the base 28 and between the latch slider 14a and the head 122. The clearance 124 is thus defined as a maximum distance between adjacent surfaces of mating parts. The clearance 124 may for example be at least 0.2 mm and / or less than 1 mm, such as 0.2 mm. The clearance 124 thus enables the latch slider 14a to slide between the latching position 18 and the free position 42. The clearance 124 is oriented transverse to the latch axis 16. Moreover, each base bolt 114 comprises a head 126. The head 126 is flat and seated in the associated base hole 102. Since the base hole 102 is countersunk, the latch assembly 10 provides a very compact design and interference between the head 126 and the latch plate 20a is avoided.

[0112] Fig. 16 schematically represents a further partial cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly 10 including another type of slot bolt 120b. Thus, instead of the one or more slot bolts 120a, the latch assembly 10 may comprise the one or more slot bolts 120b. Each slot bolts 120b is somewhat longer than the slot bolts 120a. As shown in Fig. 16, the slot bolt 120b passes through the door leaf 54 and engages the slot bolt nut 118. The door leaf 54 is now positioned between the slot bolt nut 118 and the head 122. In this way, the slot bolt nuts 118 can be used both to guide the latch slider 14a and to mount the latch assembly 10 to the door leaf 54. This enables the flanges 34 to be omitted from the base 28 and fewer components are needed to mount the latch assembly 10.

[0113] Fig. 17 schematically represents a partially cross-sectional and partial perspective view of the latch assembly 10. In Fig. 17, the lock element 64 is in the locked position 108. The actuator axis 68 is arranged in parallel with the latch axis 16 in this example. Alternative orientations of the actuator axis 68 are however conceivable. In the locked position 108, the lock element 64 engages the slider opening 82 and thereby prevents movement of the latch slider 14a from the latching position 18 to the free position 42. The lock element 64 also passes through the base opening 98 when engaging the slider opening 82 in the locked position 108. As shown in Fig. 17, the lock element 64 of this example is L-shaped. The actuator axis 68 is provided at one end of the L-shape and an opposite end of the L-shape engages the slider opening 82. The lock element 64 maybe made of metal, such as steel, or reinforced plastics.

[0114] Fig. 18 schematically represents a partially cross-sectional and partial perspective view of the latch assembly 10. In Fig. 18, the lock element 64 is in an unlocked position 128. The unlocked position 128 may for example be defined by the lock element 64 contacting the housing 12, such as the secondary section 32 thereof, and / or by a home position of the motor 62. In the unlocked position 128, the lock element 64 does not engage the slider opening 82 and thereby allows movement of the latch slider 14a from the latching position 18 to the free position 42, e.g., by a human user manually pulling the grip portion 22. In the unlocked position 128, the lock element 64 does also not pass through the base opening 98.

[0115] Fig. 19 schematically represents a partially cross-sectional and partial perspective view of the latch assembly 10. In Fig. 19, the lock element 64 is in an intermediate position 130. The intermediate position 130 is here centered rotationally between the unlocked position 128 and the locked position 108 with respect to the actuator axis 68, i.e., at 50 % of an angular distance between the unlocked position 128 and the locked position 108. This makes the intermediate position 130 easy to distinguish from the locked position 108 based on a difference in a first time of travel from the unlocked position 128 to the intermediate position 130 and second time of travel from the unlocked position 128 to the locked position 108, e.g., as determined by the control system 66. Moreover, for any position of the latch slider 14a except for the latching position 18, the lock element 64 will be stopped at a same rotational position with respect to the actuator axis 68 due to the latch plate 20a being flat.

[0116] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the parts may be varied as needed. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention may be limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A latch assembly (io) comprising:- a housing (12) including a primary section (30) and a base (28);- a latch slider (14a; 14b) slidable relative to the housing (12) along a latch axis (16) between a free position (42) and a latching position (18);- a nut (110) secured to an inside of the primary section (30) facing the base (28); and- a base bolt (114) passing through a base hole (102) in the base (28) and threadingly engaging the nut (110) for securing the primary section (30) to the base (28); wherein the base (28) is positioned between the primary section (30) and the latch slider (14a; 14b).

2. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the base hole (102) is countersunk, and wherein the nut (110) comprises a flat head (126) seated in the base hole (102).

3. The latch assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (12) includes a secondary section (32), wherein the nut (110) and / or the base bolt (114) passes through a secondary hole (112) in the secondary section (32), and wherein the secondary hole (112) is positioned between the primary section (30) and the base (28) along the base bolt (114).

4. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 3, further comprising a communication unit (78) configured to communicate wirelessly with an external device (50); wherein the communication unit (78) is positioned outside of the primary section (30) and inside of the secondary section (32).

5. A latch assembly (10) comprising:- a housing (12);- a latch slider (14a; 14b) slidable relative to the housing (12) along a latch axis (16) between a free position (42) and a latching position (18),the latch slider (14a; 14b) including a slot (80);- a slot bolt (120b) fixed to the housing (12) and passing through the slot (80); wherein the slot bolt (120b), when being fixed to the housing (12), is configured to pass through an access member (54) such that the access member (54) is positioned between the latch slider (14a; 14b) and a head (122) of the slot bolt (120b).

6. An access member system (48) comprising the latch assembly (10) according to claim 5 and the access member (54), wherein the housing (12) is secured to the access member (54) by the slot bolt (120b).

7. A latch assembly (10) comprising:- a housing (12) including a base (28), the base (28) including a base opening (98);- a latch slider (14a; 14b) slidable relative to the housing (12) along a latch axis (16) between a free position (42) and a latching position (18), the latch slider (14a; 14b) including a latch plate (20a; 20b) elongated along the latch axis (16) and a slider opening (82) in the latch plate (20a; 20b); and- a lock device (40) including an electromechanical actuator (62) and a lock element (64) movable by the actuator (62) between an unlocked position (128) where the lock element (64) allows movement of the latch slider (14a; 14b) between the free position (42) and the latching position (18), and a locked position (108) where the lock element (64) passes through the base opening (98) and into the slider opening (82) to thereby engage the latch slider (14a; 14b) to prevent movement of the latch slider (14a; 14b) from the latching position (18) to the free position (42); wherein the latch plate (20a; 20b) is flat.

8. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the lock element (64) is rotatable around an actuator axis (68) between the free position (42) and the locked position (108), wherein the lock element (64) isconfigured to adopt an intermediate position (130) where the lock element (64) contacts the latch slider (14a; 14b) outside of the slider opening (82) when the latch slider (14a; 14b) is in the free position (42), and wherein the intermediate position (130) is positioned at between 20 % and 80 %, such as between 40 % and 60 %, of an angular distance between the unlocked position (128) and the locked position (108).

9. A latch slider (14a; 14b) for a latch assembly (10), the latch slider (14a;14b) comprising:- a latch plate (20a; 20b) elongated along a latch axis (16) and including a first end (24) for engaging an engageable structure (60) and a second end (44), opposite to the first end (24) along the latch axis (16);- a force-limiting coupling (46a; 46b); and- a grip portion (22) coupled to the second end (44) by the force-limiting coupling (46a; 46b); wherein the force-limiting coupling (46a; 46b) is arranged to limit transfer of a force (90), applied on the grip portion (22) along the latch axis (16) away from the latch plate (20a; 20b), from the grip portion (22) to the latch plate (20a; 20b) by separation of the grip portion (22) from the latch plate (20a; 20b); and wherein the force-limiting coupling (46a; 46b) is arranged to couple the grip portion (22) to the latch plate (20a; 20b) again after the separation.

10. The latch slider (14a; 14b) according to claim 9, wherein the forcelimiting coupling comprises a snap-fit connection (46a) or a press fit connection (46b).

11. The latch slider (14a; 14b) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the grip portion (22) includes a sloped section (26) sloped towards the second end (44) and substantially in a direction from the second end (44) to the first end (24).

12. A latch slider (14a; 14b) for a latch assembly (10), the latch slider (14a;14b) comprising:- a latch plate (20a; 20b) elongated along a latch axis (16) and including a first end (24) for engaging an engageable structure (60) and a second end (44), opposite to the first end (24) along the latch axis (16);- a grip portion (22) arranged at the second end (44), the grip portion (22) including a sloped section (26) sloped towards the second end (44) and substantially in a direction from the second end (44) to the first end (24).

13. The latch slider (14a; 14b) according to claim 12, wherein the sloped section (26) is a curved section curved with respect to a curved section axis (92) oriented substantially perpendicular to the latch axis (16).

14. The latch slider (14a; 14b) according to claim 13, wherein a radius (94) of the curved section is 5 % to 30 % of a length (96) of the grip portion (22) along the latch axis (16).

15. The latch slider (14a; 14b) according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the grip portion (22) is made of plastic.

16. A latch assembly (10) comprising:- a latch slider (14a; 14b) according to any of claims 9 to 15; and a housing (12); wherein the latch slider (14a; 14b) is slidable relative to the housing (12) along the latch axis (16) between a free position (42) and a latching position (18).

17. A latch assembly (10) comprising:- a housing (12) including a primary section (30) made of metal and a secondary section (32) made of plastic;- a latch slider (14a; 14b) slidable relative to the housing (12) along a latch axis (16) between a free position (42) and a latching position (18); and- a communication unit (78) configured to communicate wirelessly with an external device (50);wherein the communication unit (78) is positioned outside of the primary section (30) and inside of the secondary section (32).

18. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 17, further comprising:- a lock device (40) including an electromechanical actuator (62) and a lock element (64) movable by the actuator (62) between an unlocked position (128) where the lock element (64) allows movement of the latch slider (14a; 14b) between the free position (42) and the latching position (18), and a locked position (108) for engaging the latch slider (14a; 14b) to prevent movement of the latch slider (14a; 14b) from the latching position (18) to the free position (42); wherein the actuator (62) and the lock element (64) are positioned inside of the primary section (30).

19. The latch assembly (10) according to any of claims 1 to 5, 7, 8, 17 or 18, wherein the latch slider (14a; 14b) is a latch slider (14a; 14b) according to any of claims 9 to 15.

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