Latch

Abstract

A latch, comprising: a housing assembly (200); a latch sub-assembly (100) provided on the housing assembly (200) and comprising: a frame capable of moving relative to the housing assembly (200) between a non-compressed position and a compressed position; a pawl (110) provided on the frame and capable of moving relative to the frame between a locked position and an unlocked position; a first trigger (120) provided on the frame and capable of moving relative to the frame between a retained position and a released position, wherein when the first trigger (120) is at the retained position, the first trigger (120) keeps the pawl (110) at the locked position, and when the first trigger (120) is at the released position, the first trigger (120) allows the pawl (110) to move to the unlocked position; and a second trigger (130) provided 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) provided on the housing assembly (200) and capable of driving the frame to move between the uncompressed position and the compressed position.

Description

latch Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a latch, and 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 and second objects, causing the first and second objects to be tightly compressed against each other. For example, the first object is a door and the second object is a door frame. The door needs to be tightly compressed against the door frame to achieve a seal between the door and the door frame. In other applications, the latch can ensure that the door is properly closed. For example, in a compartment for medical supplies or a luggage compartment, the user may not close the door fully when closing the door, so a latch is needed to assist in automatically closing the door.

[0003] Compression latches typically use a power device, such as a motor, to apply a compressive force to compress a first object against a second object. The latch is expected to maintain this compressive force stably, even when the motor is powered off. Furthermore, the latch is expected to have a compact and reliable mechanical structure and be capable of compression under large loads and over long travels. Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] In one embodiment, the housing 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, causing the second trigger to move relative to the frame and abut 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 the first trigger; wherein, during the movement of the frame from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the trigger portion abuts the second trigger to rotate the second trigger in the direction of driving 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 movement of the frame from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the trigger portion abuts against the second finger portion to rotate the second trigger toward the direction of driving the first trigger.

[0008] In one embodiment, when the frame reaches the uncompressed position, the second finger disengages the trigger portion 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 cause the first trigger to transition to the released 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 housing assembly includes: a housing fixed to a second object; at least one booster rod disposed in the housing and movable relative to the housing 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 housing, biasing the at least one booster rod toward abutting 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 move the frame.

[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 so 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 comprises: an adjusting member disposed on the frame and capable of triggering the second switch, wherein 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 disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] 1A to 1F are respectively a front view, a rear view, a left view, a right view, a top view, and a bottom view of a latch according to the present disclosure, and FIG. 1G and FIG. 1H are respectively perspective views of the latch at different angles;

[0024] FIG2 is an exploded perspective view of the latch;

[0025] FIG3 is an exploded perspective view of a latch subassembly of the latch;

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

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

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

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

[0030] 8A is a front view of the latch, wherein the bolt is inserted into the latch and locked by the claw, and FIG. 8B corresponds to the state of FIG. 8A , with part of the housing removed to show the internal components;

[0031] 9A is a front view of the latch with the bolt and the second object compressed toward the interior of the latch, and FIG. 9B corresponds to the state of FIG. 9A with a portion of the housing removed to illustrate internal components;

[0032] 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, and FIG10B corresponds to the state of FIG10A , with a portion of the housing removed to illustrate internal components;

[0033] FIG11A is a perspective view of the latch showing the mechanical override assembly;

[0034] FIG11B is a partially enlarged view of the framed portion of FIG11A.

[0035] Reference Signs List 1 Latch 100 Latch subassembly 110 Claw 111 First shaft hole 112 Locking portion 113 First supporting portion 114 Protrusion 115 Starting portion 120 First trigger 121 Second shaft hole 122 Recessed portion 123 Abutting portion 124 Tongue 125 Second supporting portion 126 Limiting portion 130 Second trigger 131 First pin hole 132 First finger portion 133 Second finger portion 140 First plate 141 First opening 142 Slider 143 Stop portion 150 Second plate 151 Second opening 171 First shaft 172 Second shaft 173 First pin 174 Second pin 175 First spring 176 Second spring 177 Third spring 178 Adjustment member 200 Housing assembly 210 First housing 211 Trigger portion 220 Second housing 230 Assist rod 240 Fourth spring 250 Switch bracket 260 Cable bracket 270 Mounting member 300 Power assembly 310 Motor 320 Output portion 330 Output shaft 331 Output shaft hole 332 ACME thread 340 Cable 350 First switch 360 Second switch 400 Mechanical override assembly 410 Cable seat 420 Cable 430 Pulling end 440 Operating end 500 First object 600 Lock tongue 610 End DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] While the present disclosure is illustrated and described herein with reference to particular embodiments, the disclosure is not limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made to the details within the range and scope of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the disclosure.

[0037] The descriptions of directions such as “front”, “back”, “up” and “down” in this document are only for the convenience of understanding. The present disclosure is not limited to these directions but can be adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0038] The latch 1 according to the present disclosure is described as a whole with reference to Figures 1A to 2. 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 the user from failing to close the door correctly. Moreover, the latch 1 applies a compressive force between the first object 500 and the second object to achieve purposes such as sealing. For example, with reference to Figures 7A, 8A, and 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 move closer to or away from the second object in the longitudinal direction. When the first object 500 approaches 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 against the second object. The operation of the latch 1 according to the present disclosure will be described in more detail below.

[0039] The latch 1 includes a housing assembly 200 , a latch subassembly 100 , and a power assembly 300 .

[0040] 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 that are 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 assembled from more 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.

[0041] 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 within the housing and is movable relative to the housing to abut against the first object 500, thereby separating the first object 500 from the second object. More specifically, in this embodiment, the booster rod 230 is disposed within a slide slot of the first housing 210 and extends longitudinally from the first housing 210 to slide longitudinally relative to the first housing 210. The at least one fourth spring 240 is disposed between the at least one booster rod 230 and the housing, biasing the at least one booster rod 230 toward abutment against the first object 500, i.e., longitudinally away from the first housing 210. Thus, the booster rod 230 tends to push the first object 500 away from the second object.

[0042] The housing assembly 200 may include a switch bracket 250 for disposing the first switch 350 of the power assembly 300 .

[0043] 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) between a non-compressed position and a compressed position. The latch subassembly 100 will be described in detail below.

[0044] In this embodiment, the power assembly 300 is a motor assembly, which includes a motor 310, an output portion 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 capable of generating power according to a control signal.

[0045] The motor 310 is disposed in the housing and connected to a cable 340. The cable 340 extends outside the housing to transmit power and control signals from outside the latch 1 to the motor 310.

[0046] The output portion 320 is connected to the motor 310, for example, by a reduction gear set (not shown) of the power assembly 300. Therefore, the output portion 320 can be driven by the motor 310. The output shaft 330 is engaged with the output portion 320 and driven to drive the frame to move. For example, the output portion 320 includes an internal thread around the longitudinal axis, and the output shaft 330 includes an external thread around the longitudinal axis. Like this, when the output portion 320 is driven to rotate by the motor 310, the rotational motion of the output portion 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) via the second pin 174, and thus can drive the latch subassembly 100 to move longitudinally.

[0047] In this embodiment, the output portion 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 portion 320 and the output shaft 330 is configured to only allow the output portion 320 to drive the output shaft 330, but not the output shaft 330 to drive the output portion 320. This is intended to allow the latch 1 of the present disclosure to apply a compressive force between the first object 500 and the second object by driving the latch subassembly 100 via the output shaft 330, thereby subjecting the output shaft 330 to a reaction force from the compressive force. If the output shaft 330 were allowed to drive the output portion 320, then when the motor 310 is powered off and the driving force is lost, the output shaft 330 would likely drive the output portion 320 under this reaction force, causing the output portion 320 to rotate in the reverse direction (i.e., opposite to the direction of rotation when compressing the first object 500), thereby relaxing or releasing the compression between the first object 500 and the second object.

[0048] More specifically, the output shaft 330 may be provided with a thread 332 (see FIG. 3 ), which may be, for example, a trapezoidal thread, to enhance the back-stop effect, thereby preventing the output shaft 330 from reversely driving the output portion 320. In other embodiments, the engagement between the output portion 320 and the output shaft 330 may be provided as, for example, a worm gear connection or a ratchet connection, thereby preventing the output shaft 330 from driving the output portion 320.

[0049] The first switch 350 is configured such that when the pawl 110 moves to the locked position, the pawl 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 can be configured as leaf spring trigger switches, position sensors, or the like. The first switch 350 and the second switch 360 will be described in detail below.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The first plate 140 and the second plate 150 are generally sheet-shaped and extend longitudinally and transversely, respectively. The first plate 140 and the second plate 150 are assembled along the thickness direction to form the 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 slot (not shown) of the first housing 210, so that the frame composed of the first plate 140 and the second plate 150 moves longitudinally relative to the housing. For ease of description, the position of the frame close to the first object 500 is referred to as the non-compressed position (see Figures 7A and 7B), and the position of the frame away from the first object 500 is referred to as the compressed position (see Figures 9A and 9B). That is, the frame can move between a non-compressed position and a compressed position relative to the housing assembly 200.

[0052] One longitudinal end of the first plate 140 has a stop portion 143 in a bent shape. The stop portion 143 extends in the thickness direction in a direction away from the second plate 150. The function of the stop portion 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 stop portion 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 at which the stop portion 143 triggers the second switch 360 to select the driving stroke of the motor 310. The driving stroke of the motor 310 can be considered to be the distance between the compressed position and the non-compressed position, so the adjustment member 178 can change this distance.

[0053] The first plate 140 and the second plate 150 may be respectively provided with a first opening 141 and a second opening 151 corresponding to the shape of the locking tongue 600 so that the locking tongue 600 is inserted into the frame.

[0054] 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 lock tongue 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 .

[0055] Specifically, the claw 110 can move relative to the frame between a locked position and an unlocked position. 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 configured to have other motion modes, such as linear motion or curvilinear motion.

[0056] 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. A first spring 175 is disposed between the claw 110 and the frame. More specifically, the first spring 175 is a torsion spring surrounding the first shaft 171, with its ends respectively abutting against the claw 110 and the frame to bias the claw 110 toward the unlocked position.

[0057] The first trigger 120 is movable relative to the frame between a retaining position and a releasing position. More specifically, the first trigger 120 rotates about a second axis 172 extending in the thickness direction. In other embodiments, the first trigger 120 may also be configured to have other motion modes, such as linear motion or curvilinear motion.

[0058] 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. More specifically, the second spring 176 is a torsion spring surrounding the second shaft 172, with its ends respectively abutting against the first trigger 120 and the frame to bias the first trigger 120 toward the retained position.

[0059] When the first trigger 120 is in the holding position, the first trigger 120 holds the pawl 110 in the locked position, and when the first trigger 120 is in the releasing position, the first trigger 120 allows the pawl 110 to move to the unlocked position.

[0060] The second trigger 130 is disposed on the frame, for example, and is configured to rotate about a first pin 173 extending in the thickness direction. When the frame moves from a compressed position to a non-compressed position, the second trigger 130 drives the first trigger 120 to a released position. The first pin 173 is disposed between the first plate 140 and the second plate 150, and the second trigger 130 is disposed between the first plate 140 and the second plate 150 in the thickness direction.

[0061] 4A and 4B , the detailed structure of the claw 110 is described. 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 .

[0062] 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 FIG3 ) 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 has a size that roughly corresponds to the end 610 of the lock tongue 600 so as to lock the end 610 of the lock tongue 600 (see FIG8B ).

[0063] The protrusion 114 is configured to engage with a recessed portion of the first trigger 120 (see FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B ), so that the pawl 110 is held in the locked position.

[0064] The activation portion 115 protrudes in the locking direction (i.e., the direction in which the claw 110 rotates toward the locked position, which is clockwise in FIG. 4B ). When the claw 110 rotates to the locked position, the activation portion 115 triggers the first switch 350 of the power assembly 300 to start the motor 310 (see FIG. 8B ).

[0065] The first support portion 113 is a recess formed at the periphery of the claw 110 and is used to retain the end of the first spring 175 (see FIG. 8B ).

[0066] 5A and 5B , the specific structure of the first trigger 120 is described. The first trigger 120 is generally sheet-shaped and includes a second shaft hole 121 , a recessed portion 122 , an abutting portion 123 , a tongue 124 , a second supporting portion 125 , and a limiting portion 126 .

[0067] The second shaft hole 121 is a hole that passes through the first trigger 120 in the thickness direction and is sleeved on the outside of the second shaft 172 (see FIG. 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.

[0068] The abutting portion 123 is a portion protruding from the periphery of the first trigger 120 , and can be abutted by the second trigger 130 to rotate the first trigger 120 toward the release position (counterclockwise in FIG. 5B ).

[0069] The tongue 124 is a portion extending from the periphery of the first trigger 120 in the thickness direction and extending outside the housing through the opening of the housing assembly 200 (specifically, the opening of the first housing 210) so as to be controlled by the mechanical override assembly 400. The mechanical override assembly 400 will be described in detail below.

[0070] The second supporting portion 125 is a recess formed at the periphery of the first trigger 120 and is used to retain the end of the second spring 176 (see FIG. 8B ).

[0071] 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 can be located on the same side of the second shaft hole 121.

[0072] The limiting portion 126 protrudes outwardly along the periphery of the first trigger 120. When the first trigger 120 is in the retaining position, the limiting portion 126 abuts against a corresponding structure within the housing assembly 200 to prevent the first trigger 120 from rotating beyond the retaining position. In this embodiment, the limiting portion 126 is, for example, circumferentially located between the recessed portion 122 and the abutting portion 123. However, in other embodiments, the limiting portion 126 may be provided at any circumferential position on the first trigger 120.

[0073] 6A and 6B , the detailed structure of the second trigger 130 is described. The second trigger 130 includes a first pin hole 131 , a first finger 132 , and a second finger 133 .

[0074] The first pin hole 131 is disposed outside the first pin 173 (see FIG3 ), allowing the second trigger 130 to rotate relative to the frame about an axis along the thickness direction. A first finger 132 and a second finger 133 extend substantially radially from either side of the first pin hole 131. The first finger 132 abuts against the first trigger 120, specifically the abutment portion 123 of the first trigger 120, to drive the first trigger 120 to rotate toward the released position.

[0075] The second finger 133 is spaced apart from the first finger 132, for example, spaced apart by 100°-180° in the rotational direction. The second finger 133 can abut against the trigger portion 211 of the first housing 210. Thus, when the latch subassembly 100 (i.e., the frame) moves from the compressed position to the uncompressed 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 released position.

[0076] It should be understood that the second finger 133 is not required. The second trigger 130 can be provided with other structures to facilitate being actuated 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 uncompressed position, the second trigger 130 is actuated by the trigger portion 211, thereby driving the first trigger 120 to the released position. The second trigger 130 can also be connected to a sensor that can detect the change in position 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 uncompressed position, thereby controlling a motor to drive the second trigger 130, so that the second trigger 130 drives the first trigger 120 to the released position.

[0077] Referring also to FIG3 , the third spring 177 included in the latch subassembly 100 is disposed between the second trigger 130 and the frame, biasing the second trigger 130 toward the first trigger 120. The biasing force of the third spring 177 is configured to be insufficient to force the first trigger 120 to the released position. In other words, the third spring 177 functions to force the second trigger 130 against the first trigger 120, but this force is insufficient to actuate the first trigger 120. For example, if the first trigger 120 is biased in the retaining position by the second spring 176, and the biasing force of the second spring 176 is configured to be greater than the biasing force of the third spring 177, the third spring 177 is insufficient to actuate the second trigger 130, causing the second trigger 130 to rotate the first trigger 120 to the released position, overcoming the biasing force of the second spring 176. The second trigger 130 can only actuate the first trigger 120 under the action of the trigger portion 211.

[0078] The operation of the latch 1 according to the present disclosure will now be described.

[0079] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B , the locking tongue 600 is shown before being inserted into the latch 1. In this embodiment, the locking tongue 600 is secured to a first object 500, such as a door, and has a triangular shape extending toward the latch 1. The locking tongue 600 has an end 610 facing the latch 1, which may be, for example, a column extending in the thickness direction. In other embodiments, the locking tongue 600 may have a different form, as long as it has a shape characteristic that allows it to be locked.

[0080] In the state shown in Figures 7A and 7B , the first object 500 is not in contact with the booster rod 230, and the end 610 of the lock tongue 600 is not in contact with the pawl 110. At this point, the pawl 110 is in the unlocked position under the bias of the first spring 175, so that the locking portion 112 is opened toward the outside of the latch 1. The first trigger 120 is in the retained position under the bias of the second spring 176, and the stopper 126 of the second trigger 130 abuts against a corresponding structure of the housing assembly 200 (e.g., a wall extending in the thickness direction of the interior of the second housing 220), preventing the first trigger 120 from rotating beyond the retained position.

[0081] In the state shown in Figures 7A and 7B , the first finger 132 of the second trigger 130 abuts the abutment portion 123 of the first trigger 120, and the second finger 133 of the second trigger 130 is located outside the trigger portion 211 (i.e., on the upper side in Figure 7B ). Therefore, the second finger 133 does not contact the trigger portion 211, and the second trigger 130 abuts the first trigger 120 only under the bias of the third spring 177. As previously described, the biasing force of the third spring 177 is insufficient to drive the first trigger 120 to rotate toward the released position (i.e., insufficient to rotate the first trigger 120 counterclockwise in Figure 7B ).

[0082] At this time, the first switch 350 is not triggered by the claw 110, so the motor 310 is not started.

[0083] Starting from the state shown in Figures 7A and 7B , the user moves the second object toward the latch 1, causing the latch 1 to transition to the state shown in Figures 8A and 8B . During this process, the end 610 of the locking tongue 600, which is secured to the second object, is inserted into the latch subassembly 100 and contacts the locking portion 112 of the pawl 110. The end 610 of the locking tongue 600 abuts against the sidewall of the locking portion 112 of the pawl 110, causing the pawl 110 to rotate toward the locked position (i.e., in a clockwise direction in Figures 7B and 8B ) against the biasing force of the first spring 175. When the pawl 110 reaches the locked position, the locking portion 112 of the pawl 110 locks the end 610 of the locking tongue 600.

[0084] During the process of the claw 110 rotating from the unlocked position to the locked position, the first trigger 120 is pressed by the protrusion 114 of the claw 110 and rotates slightly toward the released position (i.e., in a counterclockwise direction in Figures 7B and 8B) to avoid the protrusion 114. When the claw 110 reaches the locked position shown in Figure 8B, the first trigger 120 rebounds to the retained position under the bias of the second spring 176, so that the protrusion 114 of the claw 110 is retained in the recess 122 of the first trigger 120.

[0085] At this point, as the claw 110 tends to rotate toward the unlocked position (i.e., counterclockwise), the protrusion 114 tends to squeeze the first trigger 120, causing it to pass the retaining position (i.e., continue rotating clockwise and counterclockwise beyond the position shown in FIG8B ). However, as previously described, the stopper 126 of the first trigger 120 abuts against the housing assembly 200, preventing the first trigger 120 from passing the retaining position. Therefore, the claw 110 cannot disengage from the first trigger 120 through its own compression, but is instead stably held in the locked position by the first trigger 120. At this point, the position of the second trigger 130 remains the same as that shown in FIG7B , and still does not drive the first trigger 120 to rotate to the released position.

[0086] When the claw 110 reaches the locked position, the first stop 143 of the claw 110 triggers the first switch 350 of the power assembly 300, activating the motor 310. The motor 310 causes the output shaft 330 to move the frame toward the compressed position (i.e., the lower position in Figures 8A and 8B ), causing the latch 1 to automatically transition to the state shown in Figures 9A and 9B without user intervention, thereby achieving an automatic locking function.

[0087] During the transition from the state shown in Figures 8A and 8B to the state shown in Figures 9A and 9B, since the claw 110, first trigger 120, and second trigger 130 are all mounted on the frame, these components move along with the frame toward the compressed position. Since the end 610 of the locking tongue 600 is locked by the claw 110, the locking tongue 600 and the first object 500 are driven by the claw 110 toward the compressed position, causing the first object 500 to be compressed against the second object (not shown). Simultaneously, the booster rod 230 is abutted against the first object 500 and moves toward the compressed position, overcoming the biasing force of the fourth spring 240.

[0088] During this process, the second trigger 130 passes the trigger portion 211 of the housing assembly 200, and the second finger 133 of the second trigger 130 abuts the trigger portion 211, causing the second trigger 130 to rotate in a direction away from the first trigger 120 (i.e., counterclockwise in FIG. 9B ) against the bias of the third spring 177. As a result, 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 trigger portion 211 and, under the bias of the third spring 177, returns to a position abutting the first trigger 120, as shown in FIG. 9B .

[0089] When the frame reaches the compressed position, the stop portion 143 of the first plate 140 contacts the second switch 360 of the power assembly 300, causing the motor 310 to stop driving. The stop portion 143 may be provided with an adjustment member 178, such as a rod extending from the stop portion 143 toward the compressed position and capable of contacting the second switch 360. The adjustment member 178 can be used to adjust the distance between the compressed position and the non-compressed position as needed.

[0090] When the frame reaches the compressed position, a considerable compressive force may exist between the first object 500 and the second object. Because the output shaft 330 has threads 332 and the output portion 310 has internal threads, a threaded-nut connection is formed between the output portion 310 and the output shaft 330. Therefore, even if the motor 310 is powered off and not outputting power, the output shaft 330 will not loosen or move toward the uncompressed position. Consequently, the frame connected to the output shaft 330 and the claw 110 connected to the frame will not loosen or move toward the uncompressed position, allowing the claw 110 to securely lock the locking tongue 600, advantageously maintaining the compressive force between the first object 500 and the second object.

[0091] Starting from the state shown in Figures 9A and 9B , when the user needs to unlock the first object 500, he or she transmits an unlocking signal to the motor 310 via the cable 340. At this time, the motor 310 drives the output shaft 330 to move toward the non-compressed position (i.e., the upper position in Figures 9B and 10B ), causing the latch 1 to transition to the state shown in Figures 10A and 10B .

[0092] During this process, the frame of the latch subassembly 100 moves toward the uncompressed position, causing the claw 110, first trigger 120, and second trigger 130 to move along with the frame toward the uncompressed position. When the second trigger 130 passes the trigger portion 211 of the housing assembly 200, the second finger 133 abuts the trigger portion 211, causing the second trigger 130, pushed by the trigger portion 211, to rotate in the direction of driving the first trigger 120 (i.e., in a clockwise direction in Figure 10B). As a result, the first finger 132 of the second trigger 130 abuts the abutment portion 123 of the first trigger 120, driving the first trigger 120 to the released position shown in Figure 10B.

[0093] 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 unlocked position shown in FIG10B under the action of the first spring 175. The end 610 of the locking tongue 600 is unlocked, and the assist rod 230 pushes the first object 500 away from the second object under the bias of the fourth spring 240, thereby providing operational convenience for the user.

[0094] Starting from the state shown in Figures 10A and 10B , when the latch subassembly 100 reaches the non-compressed position, the second trigger 130 passes over the trigger portion 211 of the housing assembly 200. Therefore, the second trigger 130 no longer provides sufficient force to drive the first trigger 120, causing the first trigger 120 to return to the holding position under the bias of the second spring 176. At this time, the entire latch 1 returns to the state shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0095] The mechanical override assembly 400 of the latch 1 according to the present disclosure is described with reference to Figures 11A and 11 B. Generally, the mechanical override assembly 400 is connected to the first trigger 120 and can be operated from outside the latch 1 so that the first trigger 120 is switched to the release position.

[0096] The mechanical override assembly 400 includes a cable holder 410, a cable 420, a pulling end 430, and an operating end 440. The cable 420 extends from the exterior of the housing assembly 200 into the second housing 220. The pulling end 430 is connected to the end of the cable 420 proximal to the second housing 220 and to the tongue 124 of the first trigger 120. The operating end 440 is connected to the end of the cable 420 distal to the second housing 220. The cable holder 410 is positioned outside the outer sheath of the cable 420 and is connected to the cable bracket 260 of the housing assembly 200, thereby securing the outer sheath of the cable 420 to the housing assembly 200. To override and unlock the latch 1, the operating end 440 can be pulled away from the latch 1, causing the operating end 440 to slide the cable 420 within its outer sheath, thereby moving the pulling end 420 away from the latch 1 (i.e., to the left in 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 and unlocking the first object 500 .

[0097] In summary, the present disclosure provides a latch that is mounted to a second object and is capable of automatically locking a lock tongue mounted to a first object. The latch can apply a compressive force to the lock tongue to tightly compress the first and second objects against each other. Thanks to the power assembly of the present disclosure, the latch of the present disclosure 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 disclosure, particularly the cooperation between the claw, the first trigger, and the second trigger, the lock tongue can be automatically locked and released, allowing the latch to have a compact and reliable structure.

[0098] Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided as examples only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications, variations, and substitutions will occur without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A latch (1), wherein, The latch (1) includes: A housing assembly (200); A latch sub-assembly (100) disposed in the housing assembly (200) and including: A frame movable relative to the housing assembly (200) between a non-compressed position and a compressed position; A pawl (110) disposed on the frame and movable relative to the frame between a locked position and an unlocked position; A first trigger (120) disposed on the frame and movable relative to the frame between a holding position and a releasing position. When the first trigger (120) is in the holding position, the first trigger (120) holds the pawl (110) in the locked position. When the first trigger (120) is in the releasing position, the first trigger (120) allows the pawl (110) to move to the unlocked position; A second trigger (130) disposed on the frame. When the frame moves from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the second trigger (130) drives the first trigger (120) to the releasing position; and A power assembly (300) disposed in the housing assembly (200) capable of driving the frame to move between the non-compressed position and the compressed position.

2. The latch (1) according to claim 1, wherein: 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), causing the second trigger (130) to move relative to the frame and abut against the first trigger (120) to drive the first trigger (120) to the releasing position.

3. The latch (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The second trigger (130) rotates relative to the frame about an axis along a thickness direction and includes: A first finger portion (132) abutting against the first trigger (120); Wherein, during the process of the frame moving 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, wherein: 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 process of the frame moving from the compressed position to the non-compressed position, the trigger portion (211) abuts against the second finger portion (133) to cause the second trigger (130) to rotate in a direction of driving the first trigger (120).

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

6. The latch (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The latch sub - assembly (100) includes a first spring (175) disposed between the pawl (110) and the frame, and biasing the pawl (110) towards the unlocked position.

7. The latch (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The latch sub - assembly (100) includes a second spring (176) disposed between the first trigger (120) and the frame, and biasing the first trigger (120) towards the holding position.

8. The latch (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The latch sub - assembly (100) includes a third spring (177) disposed between the second trigger (130) and the frame, and biasing the second trigger (130) against the first trigger (120), the biasing force of the third spring (177) being set to be insufficient to drive the first trigger (120) to the release position.

9. The latch (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The first trigger (120) is configured to rotate relative to the frame and includes: A recess (122) configured to engage the pawl (110) in the locked position to hold the pawl (110); An abutment portion (123) configured to be abutted by the second trigger (130) to cause the first trigger (120) to switch to the release position.

10. The latch (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The recess (122) and the abutment portion (123) are respectively located on opposite sides of the rotation center of the first trigger (120).

11. The latch (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The housing assembly (200) includes: A housing fixed to a second object; At least one push rod (230) disposed in the housing and movable relative to the housing to abut against a first object (500) such that the first object (500) is separated from the second object; and At least one fourth spring (240) respectively disposed between the at least one push rod (230) and the housing, respectively biasing the at least one push rod (230) towards abutting against the first object (500).

12. The latch (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The power assembly (300) includes: A motor (310) disposed in the housing; An output portion (320) connected to the motor (310); and An output shaft (330) engaged with the output portion (320) and driven to drive the frame to move.

13. The latch (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The output portion (320) is configured such that it is not driven by the output shaft (330) when the motor (310) is powered off.

14. The latch (1) according to claim 13, wherein: 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, wherein: The power assembly (300) further comprises: A first switch (350) configured such that when the pawl (110) moves to the locked position, the pawl (110) triggers the first switch (350) to start the motor (310).

16. The latch (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The power assembly (300) further comprises: A second switch (360) configured such that when the latch sub-assembly (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, wherein: The latch sub-assembly (100) further comprises: An adjuster (178) disposed on the frame and capable of triggering the second switch (360), the adjuster (178) being adjustable 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, wherein: The latch (1) further comprises: A mechanical override assembly (400) connected to the first trigger (120) and operable from outside the latch (1) such that the first trigger (120) is switched to the release position.

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