CN108780623B

CN108780623B - Panel attachment latch

Info

Publication number: CN108780623B
Application number: CN201780016964.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李传军; F·维特里
Original assignee: Southco Inc
Current assignee: Southco Inc
Priority date: 2016-01-12
Filing date: 2017-01-10
Publication date: 2022-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 2037-01-10
Also published as: CN108780623A; WO2017123528A1

Abstract

A latch assembly is provided for mechanically and electrically engaging and disengaging a first component with respect to an adjacent second component. The latch assembly includes an electrical connector, a pawl, and an actuator. The electrical connector engages another electrical connector coupled to the second component. The pawl engages a retainer coupled to the second component. The actuator moves relative to the component between a first position and a second position and is coupled to the electrical connector and the pawl such that movement of the actuator relative to the component from the first position to the second position moves the electrical connector a first distance in one direction along a path and moves the pawl a second distance in an opposite direction along the path, the first distance being different from the second distance. One or more latch assemblies may be included in a component assembly or system of component assemblies.

Description

Panel attachment latch

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. provisional application No.62/277,561 entitled "PANEL ATTACHMENT LATCH (panel attachment latch)" filed on 12.1.2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of latch assemblies configured to provide mechanical and/or electrical connection between adjacent components, such as display panel systems.

Background

Panel latches (e.g., pull latches) typically include a catch and a keeper that are independently coupled to separate panels. The panels may then be secured to each other by locking the snap on the retainer.

However, electrical connections other than mechanical connections may be required in some applications, such as systems that include multiple video display panels, so that the video display panels can be combined and can communicate electronically to form a single large display. Such displays are often used as part of a concert arena, and it is often a challenge to connect and lock the panels together. When a user fastens the panels together with a tool, the panels are often heavy and difficult to hold in place, which may also present a safety hazard. Moreover, if one of the panels needs to be removed for repair or replacement, unlocking the individual panels using standard fasteners and tools can be time consuming and can therefore be inconvenient or can damage the panels.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved locking assembly that will allow locking and unlocking of an array of components, such as a video display panel, within a system that can be performed quickly and easily and preferably without the use of tools.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a latch assembly is provided that is configured to mechanically and electrically engage and disengage a component with respect to an adjacent component. The latch assembly includes an electrical connector, a pawl, and an actuator. The electrical connector may be configured to engage with an adjacent electrical connector coupled to the adjacent component, the electrical connector being movable along a path relative to the component. The pawl is movable relative to the component and configured to engage a retainer coupled to the adjacent component, the pawl being movable relative to the component along the path. The actuator is movable relative to the component between a first position and a second position, the actuator being coupled to the electrical connector and the pawl such that movement of the actuator relative to the component moves the electrical connector and the pawl along the path. Movement of the actuator relative to the member from the first position to the second position moves the electrical connector in one direction along the path and moves the pawl in an opposite direction along the path. Further, movement of the actuator relative to the member from the first position to the second position may move the electrical connector a first distance along the path and move the pawl a second distance along the path, the first distance being different than the second distance.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a latch assembly is provided that is configured to engage and disengage a component relative to an adjacent component. The latch assembly includes a pawl, an actuator, and a shaft (flush). The pawl is movable relative to the component and is configured to engage a retainer coupled to the adjacent component, the pawl being movable along a path relative to the component. The actuator is movable relative to the member between a first position and a second position, the actuator being coupled to the pawl such that movement of the actuator relative to the member moves the pawl along the path. Finally, the shaft may define an axis about which the actuator is mounted for rotation, the shaft being positioned such that the axis is parallel to the path.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a component assembly is provided that is configured to releasably engage with a second component assembly and a third component assembly. The component assembly may include a component, a first latch assembly, and a second latch assembly. The component may have a plurality of sides, wherein at least one side may be positioned adjacent to the second component assembly or the third component assembly. The first latch assembly may be mounted on one side of the component and configured to mechanically and electrically engage and disengage the component with respect to the second or third component assemblies. The first latch assembly may include an electrical connector, a pawl, and an actuator. The electrical connector may be coupled to the component and configured to engage with an adjacent electrical connector coupled to the second component assembly or a third component assembly. The electrical connector is movable relative to the component along a first path. The pawl may be coupled to the component and configured to engage a retainer coupled to the second component assembly or a third component assembly. The pawl is movable relative to the member along the first linear path. The actuator may be coupled to a component and movable relative to the component between a first position and a second position, and may be coupled to the electrical connector and the pawl such that movement of the actuator relative to the component moves the electrical connector and the pawl along the first linear path. Movement of the actuator relative to the member from the first position to the second position moves the electrical connector a first distance in one direction along the first linear path and moves the pawl a second distance in an opposite direction along the first linear path, the first distance being different than the second distance. The second latch assembly may be configured to engage and disengage the component relative to the second component assembly or the third component assembly. The latch assembly includes a pawl, an actuator, and a shaft. The pawl may be coupled to a component and configured to engage a retainer coupled to the second component assembly or the third component assembly. The pawl is movable relative to the member along a second linear path. The actuator may be coupled to the member and movable relative to the member between a first position and a second position, and may be coupled to the pawl such that movement of the actuator of the second latch relative to the member moves the pawl along the second linear path. The shaft may define an axis about which the actuator of the second latch is mounted for rotation and oriented such that the axis is transverse to the second linear path.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a component system is provided that is configured to releasably engage one another. The system can include a plurality of component assemblies, each component assembly having a component, an electrical connector coupled to the component, a pawl coupled to the component, a retainer coupled to the component, and an actuator coupled to the component and coupled to the electrical connector and the pawl. The electrical connector is movable in one direction along a linear path relative to the component, and the pawl is movable in an opposite direction along the linear path relative to the component. Movement of the actuator relative to the member from the first position to the second position moves the electrical connector a first distance in one direction along the linear path and moves the pawl a second distance in an opposite direction along the linear path, the first distance being different than the second distance.

Drawings

The above and other aspects and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a panel attachment latch according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a panel attachment latch;

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the panel attachment latch of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a left side view of the panel attachment latch of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a right side cross-sectional view of the panel attachment latch of FIG. 2A along axis 3A-3A;

FIG. 3B is a right side cross-sectional view of the panel attachment latch of FIG. 2A along axis 3B-3B;

FIG. 3C is a right side cross-sectional view of the panel attachment latch of FIG. 2A along axis 3C-3C;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a panel attachment latch according to the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a front view of a second embodiment of a panel attachment latch;

FIG. 5B is a right side view of the panel attachment latch of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a bottom cross-sectional view of the panel attachment latch of FIG. 5A along axis 6A-6A;

FIG. 6B is a top cross-sectional view of the panel attachment latch of FIG. 5A along axis 6B-6B;

FIG. 6C is a left side cross-sectional view of the panel attachment latch of FIG. 5A along axis 6C-6C;

FIG. 6D is a right side cross-sectional view of the panel attachment latch of FIG. 5A along axis 6D-6D;

FIG. 7A is a front view of a plurality of panels in combination with a latch according to the present invention in an unlocked state; and

fig. 7B is a front view of the plurality of panels and latch of fig. 7A in a locked state.

Detailed Description

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. But various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

In general, with reference to the figures, a latch assembly configured for mechanically and/or electrically engaging and disengaging a component relative to an adjacent component is provided, as well as a component assembly and a system including a plurality of component assemblies.

Component assemblies according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a component and one or more latch assemblies. In some applications, the component may include a

frame

201, 202, 203, 204 for a video display panel. Such components would require mechanical and electrical connections so that, for example, the components can be physically and electrically combined and connected into an array for a large video display. Depending on the location of the wiring and electrical components in the panel frame and the shape of the panel, various specific locations in various portions of the panel may contain a combination of mechanical latch assemblies and mechanical/electrical double latch assemblies. For example, in the embodiment of fig. 7A and 7B, the mechanical/electrical latches 212a, B, 216a, B may be located within a horizontal section (section) between adjacent rectangular panels (e.g., panels 201 and 203) arranged in a column. Where electrical connections are not required, only mechanical latch assemblies, such as latch assemblies 210a, b, 214a, b in vertical sections of adjacent panels arranged in rows (such as panels 201 and 202), may be installed.

The latch assembly includes a portion containing the keeper and a second portion containing the actuating pawl. The latch assembly may be mounted on adjacent components such that the keeper portion is mounted on one component and the actuating pawl portion is mounted on an adjacent component. The actuator may be in the form of a handle, such as

actuators

211, 213, 215, 217, which can be easily rotated with one hand to actuate the pawls and capture the respective retainers, and optionally engage the electrical connector after a single action of rotating the actuator through a relatively short arc. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide a relatively quick and easy way to connect and disconnect component assemblies within a system, thereby avoiding the use of separate fasteners and tools that may be lost or damaged and may be more difficult and time consuming to apply and remove.

The latch assembly includes an electrical connector 18,

pawls

20a, 20b, and an actuator 14, the actuator 14 may be in the form of a handle, for example. An electrical connector 18 may be coupled to the component and configured to engage an adjacent electrical connector 16 coupled to an adjacent component, the electrical connector 18 being movable relative to the component along a path. The

pawls

20a, 20b (e.g., snaps) are movable relative to the components and are configured to engage a

retainer

22a, 22b (e.g., a striker or bolt) coupled to an adjacent component, the

pawls

20a, 20b being movable along a path relative to the components. Finally, the actuator 14 is movable relative to the component between a first position and a second position, the actuator 14 being coupled to the electrical connector 18 and the

pawls

20a, 20b such that movement of the actuator 14 relative to the component moves the electrical connector 18 and the

pawls

20a, 20b along a path. Movement of the actuator 14 relative to the component from the first position to the second position moves the electrical connector 18 a first distance along the path in one direction and moves the

pawls

20a, 20b a second distance along the path in an opposite direction, the first distance being different than the second distance.

The latch assembly may also include a carriage 46, the carriage 46 being movable relative to the components along a linear path. The electrical connector 18 may be coupled to the carriage 46 for movement with the carriage 46. The latch assembly may further include: a plurality of

pawls

20a, 20b configured for engaging one or

more retainers

22a, 22b coupled to adjacent components; a plurality of electrical connectors 18 configured for engagement with one or more adjacent electrical connectors 16 coupled to an adjacent component; and gear linkages, such as

rotating gears

126a, 126b, 128a, 128b and bevel gears (bent gears) 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b that couple the actuator 14 to the

pawls

20a, 20b, or gear linkages, such as rack-and-pinion mechanisms (rack-and-pinion) 54, 50 that connect the actuator 14 to the electrical connector 18. The latch assembly may also include a shaft (draft) 24, 124 defining an axis about which the actuator 14 is mounted for rotation. The

shaft

24, 124 may be oriented such that the axis is transverse or perpendicular to the linear path, and the actuator may be mounted to rotate 90 degrees about the axis from the first position to the second position. The actuator 14 may also be selectively locked to prevent movement of the actuator 14.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a latch assembly configured for engaging and disengaging a component relative to an adjacent component may include

pawls

120a, 120b, an actuator 114, and a shaft 124. The

pawls

120a, 120b are movable relative to the components and are configured to engage

retainers

122a, 122b that may be coupled to adjacent components, the pawls 120a, 120b being movable relative to the components along a path. Actuator 114 is movable relative to the component between a first position and a second position, actuator 114 being coupled to

pawls

120a, 120b such that movement of actuator 114 relative to the component moves

pawls

120a, 120b along the path. The shaft 124 may define an axis about which the actuator 114 is mounted for rotation, wherein the axis is parallel or perpendicular to the linear path.

In yet another embodiment, a component assembly configured to releasably engage with a second component assembly and a third component assembly is provided. Multiple component assemblies may also be combined to provide a system. The component assembly includes a component 204 having a plurality of sides, wherein at least one side is positionable adjacent to the second component assembly or the third component assembly. The component assembly further includes a first latch assembly and a second latch assembly.

The first latch assembly 212a may be mounted to one side of the component and configured for mechanically and electrically engaging and disengaging the component with respect to the second component assembly or the third component assembly. The first latching assembly may include an electrical connector 18,

pawls

20a, 20b, and an actuator 14. The electrical connector 18 may be configured to engage an adjacent electrical connector 16 coupled to the second component assembly or the third component assembly, and the electrical connector 18 may move relative to the component 204 along the first path. The

pawls

20a, 20b can be configured for engaging

retainers

22a, 22b coupled to the second or third component assembly, the

pawls

20a, 20b being movable relative to the components along a first linear path. The actuator 14 is movable relative to the member 204 between a first position and a second position, and is coupleable to the electrical connector 18 and the

pawls

20a, 20b such that movement of the actuator 14 relative to the member 204 moves the electrical connector 18 and the

pawls

20a, 20b along a first linear path. Movement of the actuator 14 relative to the member 204 from the first position to the second position moves the electrical connector 14 along the first linear path a first distance in one direction and moves the

pawls

20a, 20b along the first linear path a second distance in an opposite direction, the first distance being different than the second distance.

The second latch assembly may be configured to engage and disengage the member 204 relative to the second member assembly or the third member assembly and includes the pawls 120a, 120b, the actuator 114, and the shaft 124. The

pawls

120a, 120b can be configured to engage a

retainer

122a, 122b that is coupled to the second or third component assembly and movable along a second linear path relative to the component 204. Actuator 114 is movable relative to the component between a first position and a second position and is coupled to

pawls

120a, 120b such that movement of actuator 114 of the second latch relative to component 204

moves pawls

120a, 120b along a second linear path. The shaft 124 may define an axis about which the actuator 114 of the second latch is mounted for rotation, the shaft 124 being oriented such that the axis is parallel to the second linear path.

Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the description of the drawings, an exploded view of a first embodiment of a latch assembly is provided in fig. 1. The latch assembly includes a keeper housing 12 and a main housing 10. The holder housing 12 includes one or

more holders

22a, 22b (e.g., strikers or latches), and the female electrical connector 16. The holder housing 12 may also include a cover 37 to assist in holding the female connector 16 in place. The main housing 10 includes: one or

more pawls

20a, 20b, which may be in the form of hook-shaped catches, for example, for interacting with the

retainers

22a, 22 b; and a male electrical connector 18. Similarly, the main housing 10 may include a cover plate 38 to hold the male connector 18 in place. In other embodiments of the invention, the male and female connectors may be reversed such that the male portion is located in the holder housing and the female portion is located in the main housing. The holder housing 12 and the main housing 10 may be coupled to respective panels, such as the panel assembly shown in fig. 7A and 7B, which will be described in more detail below.

To lock the

pawls

20a, 20b to the

retainers

22a, 22b and connect the male connector 18 to the female connector 16, the main housing 10 also includes an actuator, for example including an actuator 14, the actuator 14 being operatively connected to the

pawls

20a, 20b via a gear train and the male electrical connector 18 via a rack and pinion mechanism, so as to actuate the latches by rotating the actuator 14.

The actuator 14 includes a grip portion 56 on one end of the actuator 14 and a body portion 58 on the opposite end of the actuator 14. An actuator gear 54 configured to rotate with the actuator 14 is located on or adjacent an outer surface of the body 58. In one embodiment, the actuator gear may be integrally formed in the body portion 58. The shaft (axle)24 is inserted through the center of the main body portion 58 of the actuator 14 and the actuator gear 54 such that the actuator 14 is rotatably mounted within the main housing 10. The ends of the shaft 24 may include retaining means (e.g., C-

clips

40a, 40b) to prevent the shaft from sliding longitudinally within the main housing 10. The actuator gear 54 and the actuator 14 are preferably configured to rotate with the shaft 24 from a first starting position to a second ending position, preferably about 90 degrees, during actuation of the latch. For example, as best shown in fig. 3C, the pin 42b may be inserted transversely through the shaft 24 and mounted in a coplanar manner within the integral actuator gear 54.

To actuate the male electrical connector 18, the male electrical connector 18 may be coupled to a carriage 46 that is movable along a generally linear path in response to rotational movement of the actuator 14. For example, the male electrical connector 18 may be positioned between the

brackets

48a, 48b in an area adjacent the leading edge of the carriage 46. The male connector 18 may optionally be held in place using a cover plate 38. The carriage 46 may be slidably mounted to the underside of the main housing 10 and optionally include a rack portion 50 that engages the teeth of the actuator gear 54 to convert the rotational movement of the actuator gear 54 into linear movement of the carriage 46. Referring again to the embodiment of fig. 3C as an example, a downward force applied to the actuator 14 causes a counterclockwise rotation of the actuator gear 54 and, in turn, a vertical upward movement of the rack 50, carriage 46, and male connector 18 such that the male connector 18 travels a first distance to mate with a corresponding female electrical connector 16 in the holder housing 12.

According to various embodiments of the invention, actuation of the latch mechanism may simultaneously actuate the pawl with the electrical connector. For example, the opposite ends of the shaft 24 may also include

bevel gears

26a, 26b on the opposite ends of the shaft 24. Similar to the actuator gear 54, the

pins

42a, 42c may be inserted laterally into the shaft 24 and into the

bevel gears

26a, 26b in a coplanar manner such that the

bevel gears

26a, 26b rotate with the shaft 24 and the actuator 14. Each

bevel gear

26a, 26b may be coupled to a

respective nut gear

28a, 28b oriented perpendicular to the

bevel gears

26a, 26 b. Each

nut gear

28a, 28b may include internal threads to engage

screws

30a, 30 b. The threads may preferably be square in cross-section to maintain the locked condition under excessive force and prevent or inhibit wear so that the latch assembly does not loosen over time in the locked condition. The

screws

30a, 30b are each inserted through a channel in the main housing 10 and include at least one face to prevent rotation of the

screws

30a, 30b within their respective channels. For example, as best shown in fig. 1, for certain embodiments of the present invention, the

screws

30a, 30b may have a neck portion with a square cross-section to prevent rotation in the main housing 10.

During actuation, the

bevel gears

26a, 26b rotate with the actuator 14, which in turn causes rotation of the nut gears 30a, 30 b. Referring to fig. 2B and 2C, the nut gear 28B may be held in place between the bevel gear 26B and the inner surface 27 of the main housing 10 such that rotating the nut gear 28B will translate into linear movement of the screw 30B. For example, as best shown in fig. 2B, the bevel gears 26a, 26B are positioned such that the teeth of the bevel gears 26a, 26B face away from each other, and applying a downward force to the actuator 14 will cause the nut gears 28a, 28B to rotate in opposite directions. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the winding direction of the threads of the right screw 30a and the right nut gear 28a may be opposite to the winding direction of the threads of the left screw 30b and the nut gear 28b, such that the

screws

30a, 30b move linearly in a common direction.

Each

screw

30a, 30b may have a head with a hole that may be aligned with a corresponding hole in the

pawls

20a, 20 b. Each

screw

30a, 30b may then be coupled to a

pawl

20a, 20b, for example, by inserting a

32a, 32b (e.g., a tubular pin or cotter pin) into the hole. Biasing means, such as

coil springs

36a, 36b, may also be positioned on the

pins

32a, 32b such that the

pawls

20a, 20b are biased to rotate away from the

retainers

22a, 22 b. To rotate the

pawls

20a, 20b during actuation, a follower, such as a

guide pin

34a, 34b, may be provided on each

pawl

20b, 20b and configured to interact with a cam surface (e.g.,

curved surface

50a, 50b) on the

bracket

48a, 48 b.

During actuation to partially rotate the actuator 14 to the locked position, the

screws

30a, 30b are linearly retracted in a direction opposite to the movement of the carriage 46 such that the guide pins 34a, 34b travel along the respective

curved surfaces

50a, 50b, causing each

pawl

20b, 20b to rotate about the

pins

32a, 32b until the

pawls

20a, 20b contact the

retainers

22a, 22b and no longer rotate. From this position, continued rotation of the actuator 14 to the locked position will cause the guide pins 34a, 34b to travel along the generally

straight slots

52a, 52b and linearly retract the

pawls

20a, 20b by the

screws

30a, 30b such that the hook-shaped

pawls

20a, 20b will grip the

retainers

22a, 22b and pull the retainer housing 12 toward the main housing 10 until the actuator 14 reaches the end of its rotation, the locked position best seen in fig. 3A. The total distance traveled by the

screws

30a, 30b may be different than the total distance traveled by the carriage 46.

The actuator 14 may optionally include a safety feature to prevent rotation toward the unlocked position. For example, in one embodiment, the actuator 14 may have a hollow body portion 58 that receives a locking lever 62 on a fulcrum pin 63. A biasing means 70, such as a coil spring, may also be located on the fulcrum pin 63 for biasing the locking lever 62. One end of the locking lever 62 may include a button 66 that protrudes through an opening 68 near the grip portion 56 of the actuator 14, while the opposite end of the locking lever 62 includes a toothed portion 65. The hollow body portion 58 of the actuator 14 may also receive the fixed gear 60, and the locking lever 62 may be biased such that the toothed portion 65 of the locking lever 62 engages the fixed gear 60. The fixed gear 60 may be held in place by a fixed gear bracket 74 within the main housing 10 such that the fixed gear 60 is maintained in the same position as the actuator 14 rotates. The shaft 24 may be inserted through the approximate centers of the fixed gear bracket 74 and the fixed gear 60 and configured to rotate within the approximate centers of the fixed gear bracket 74 and the fixed gear 60. An actuator cover 64 attached to the actuator 14 by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws 72a, 72b, and 72c) may be used to enclose the hollow body portion 58.

The teeth on the fixed gear 60 and/or the toothed portion 65 of the locking lever 62 may be configured such that a button 68 need not be depressed to rotate the actuator 14 to the locked position, as shown in fig. 3B. However, in order for the user to rotate the actuator 14 from the locked position of fig. 3B to the unlocked position, the button 66 must be depressed to disengage the toothed portion 65 of the locking lever 62 from the fixed gear 60. This prevents the actuator from being undesirably rotated to the unlocked position.

Referring now to fig. 4-6D, a second embodiment of a latch assembly according to the present invention is provided. The latch assembly includes a keeper housing 112 and a main housing 110. The holder housing 112 includes one or

more holders

122a, 122b, such as strikers or latches. The main housing 110 includes one or

more pawls

120a, 120b to interact with

retainers

122a, 122 b. The holder housing 112 and the main housing 110 may be coupled to respective panels, such as the panel assembly shown in fig. 7A and 7B, which will be described in more detail below.

To lock the pawls 120a, 120b to the

retainers

122a, 122b, the main housing 110 also includes an actuator 114, which actuator 114 may be in the form of, for example, a handle, and is operatively connected to the

pawls

120a, 120b via a gear train.

The actuator 114 includes a grip portion 156 on one end of the actuator 114 and a body portion 158 on the opposite end of the actuator 114. The actuator gear 154, which is configured to rotate with the actuator 114, is located on an outer surface of the body 158, or adjacent to an outer surface of the body 158. In one embodiment, the actuator gear may be integrally formed in the body portion 158. The spindle 124 is inserted through the center of the main body portion 158 of the actuator 114 and the actuator gear 154 such that the actuator 114 is rotatably mounted within the main housing 110. At least one end of the shaft 124 may include a retaining device, such as a C-clip 140b, to prevent the main shaft 124 from sliding longitudinally within the main housing 110. Unlike the first embodiment, the actuator gear 154 and the actuator 114 do not have to rotate with the spindle 124 during actuation of the latch.

The gear train may also include

auxiliary gears

126a, 126b, the

auxiliary gears

126a, 126b rotating about respective

auxiliary shafts

144a, 144b, the longitudinal axes of the

auxiliary shafts

144a, 144b being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main shaft 124. The

auxiliary shafts

144a, 144b may also include a retaining device, such as a C-clip 140a, 140C, to prevent the

auxiliary shafts

144a, 144b from sliding longitudinally within the main housing 110. Each

auxiliary gear

126a, 126b has teeth that engage with the actuator gear 154 and the

respective nut gear

128a, 128b, as do the

auxiliary gears

126a, 126b, the nut gears 128a, 128b are oriented for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuator gear 154.

During actuation of the second embodiment of the latch assembly, when the actuator 114 is rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position, the nut gears 128a, 128b rotate in the same direction as the actuator gear 154, while the

auxiliary gears

144a, 144b rotate in the opposite direction. Each

nut gear

128a, 128b may include internal threads to engage

screws

130a, 130 b. Because the nut gears 128a, 128b rotate in the same direction, the threads of the

screws

130a, 130b and the nut gears 130a, 130b may be wound in the same direction. The

screws

130a, 130b are each inserted through a channel in the main housing 110 and, similar to the screws of the first embodiment, include at least one face to prevent rotation of the

screws

130a, 130b within their respective channels. Rotating the nut gears 128a, 128b will translate into linear movement of the

screws

130a, 130 b. For example, referring to fig. 5A, 5B, and 6D, applying a lateral force to the actuator 114 will cause the nut gears 28a, 28B to rotate such that each screw 130a, 130B will move linearly downward along a vertical path that is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuator 114.

Similar to the first embodiment, each

screw

130a, 130b of the second embodiment may have a head with a hole that may be aligned with a corresponding hole in the

pawl

120a, 120 b. Each

screw

130a, 130b may then be coupled to the

pawl

120a, 120b, for example, by inserting a

132a, 132b (e.g., a tubular pin or cotter pin) into the hole. Biasing means, such as

coil springs

136a, 136b, may also be positioned on the

pins

132a, 132b such that the pawls 120a, 120b are biased to rotate away from the

retainers

122a, 122 b.

Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment may utilize a push plate 137 to rotate the pawls 120a, 120b toward the

retainers

122a, 122b during actuation. The push plate 137 may be hingedly attached to the main housing 110 by a plate shaft 135. The plate shaft 135 may be inserted through the

holes

131a, 131b on either side of the push plate 137 before placing the plate shaft 137 within the hanger portion (cradle portion)138 of the bottom cover 139 and attaching the bottom cover 139 to the bottom of the main housing 110. A plurality of

fasteners

133a, 133b may be used to attach the bottom cover 139 to the main housing 110. The plate axis 135 may be substantially parallel to at least one guide pin 134, which guide pin 134 may be inserted through the pawls 120a, 120b such that the guide pin 134 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the pawls 120a, 120b about the

pins

132a, 132 b.

In the initial unlocked position, the guide pin 134 rests on the other contact surfaces (one more contact surfaces)127a, 127b of the push plate 137, so that the pawls 120a, 120b and the push plate 137 are in the raised and ready positions. The actuator cover 164 of the actuator 114 includes a peg 165 that contacts the cam surface 129 in the push plate 137. As the actuator 114 rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position, the peg 165 rides along the cam surface 129 causing the push plate 137 to rotate about the plate axis 135. Thus, the push plate 137, which is in contact with the guide pin 134, forces the pawls 120a, 120b to rotate until the pawls 120a, 120b contact the

retainers

122a, 122b and no longer rotate. Continued rotation of the actuator 114 to the locked position will linearly retract the pawls 120a, 120b by the

screws

130a, 130b such that the hook-shaped

pawls

120a, 120b will grip the

retainers

122a, 122b and pull the retainer housing 112 towards the main housing 110 until the actuator 114 reaches the end of its rotation, i.e. the locked position best seen in fig. 6D.

Similar to the first embodiment, the mechanical latch assembly of the second embodiment may include a safety feature. The teeth on the fixed gear 160 and/or the toothed portion of the locking lever 162 can be configured such that the button 166 must be depressed to rotate the actuator 114 in at least one direction, preferably from the locked position toward the unlocked position as shown in fig. 6A. Depressing the button 166 disengages the toothed portion of the locking lever 162 from the fixed gear 160, and the fixed gear 160 may be held in place by a fixed gear bracket 174, the fixed gear bracket 174 being attached to the bottom cover 139 of the main housing 110.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a system comprising one or more component assemblies is provided. Referring to fig. 7A and 7D, the mechanical latch and/or electromechanical double latch described above may be combined with a component, such as a panel or frame, to couple one or more components together.

These components may be provided in the form of

rectangular panels

201, 202, 203, 204 which need to be interlocked so that they can be vertically oriented in a safe and reliable manner. In fig. 7A, the

panels

201, 202, 203, 204 are shown in the unlocked state and ready for locking because all of the

actuators

211, 213, 215, 217 are in the raised position. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, each panel may have one or more latch assemblies, depending on whether only mechanical or both mechanical and electrical connections are required. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the electronics and wiring are configured as a vertical cross-over (span) frame, such that a mechanical/electrical dual latch assembly should be incorporated on the horizontal section of the

panels

201, 202, 203, 204, while the vertical section of the

panels

201, 202, 203, 204 only requires a mechanical latch assembly.

As shown in fig. 7A, the system includes first and second mechanical/electrical latch assemblies and first and second mechanical latch assemblies. The first mechanical/electrical latch assembly includes a retainer housing portion 216b mounted on the bottom horizontal section of panel 201 and a main housing portion 216a mounted on the top horizontal section of panel 203. The second mechanical/electrical latch assembly is similarly mounted on

adjacent panels

202, 204 with retainer housing 212b mounted on the bottom horizontal section of top panel 202 and main housing 212a mounted on the top horizontal section of panel 204. The first and second mechanical latch assemblies are also spaced between adjacent panels. The first mechanical latch assembly includes a keeper housing portion 210b mounted on the right vertical section of the panel 201 and a main housing portion 210a mounted on the left vertical section of the panel 202.

The second mechanical latch assembly includes a keeper housing portion 214b mounted in the right vertical section of the panel 203 and a main housing portion 214a mounted in the left vertical section of the panel 204. Thus, to lock the multiple panels of the system together, a user may simply place the multiple panels close to one another such that the relevant portions of the latch assemblies are close enough to allow the pawl in each latch assembly to capture its respective keeper when the actuator is rotated to its locked position, as shown in fig. 7B. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, systems according to various embodiments may include more or fewer panels and more or fewer latch assemblies. Moreover, the latch assembly is not limited to being mounted centrally on each portion of the panel, but may be incorporated in any location that allows multiple panels of the system to be secured together.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the latching system may provide a high compressive force with one action to connect or hold two or more panels (e.g., LED display panels up to or exceeding 500mm by 500mm in size) together while also driving one or more connectors, such as a plug into an adapter.

The system may include a display panel having two latches, one on the top and one on the side. The system provides, among other features, a single action generation of high compression force and connection of the plug to the adapter. For example, a single action of the user operating the actuator 90 degrees may complete the hook lock and the electrical connection.

Square section threads are optionally used to provide a strong self-locking function to avoid loosening at high forces up to or exceeding 1000kg, and a conical gear train is optionally used to provide force direction change and mechanical advantage. The system optionally includes a bi-stable motion hook that can operate for a unique cam curve. Also as noted above, the handle or actuator optionally includes a ratchet mechanism to provide a "click" sound and a self-locking function (to avoid inadvertent loosening of the latch).

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

Claims

1. A latch assembly configured to mechanically and electrically engage and disengage a component relative to an adjacent component, the latch assembly comprising:

an electrical connector coupled to the component and configured to engage with an adjacent electrical connector coupled to the adjacent component, the electrical connector being movable along a linear path relative to the component;

a pawl movable relative to the component and configured to engage a retainer coupled to the adjacent component, the pawl movable along a reverse linear path relative to the component; and

an actuator movable relative to the member between a first position and a second position, the actuator coupled to the electrical connector and the pawl such that movement of the actuator relative to the member moves the electrical connector along the linear path and the pawl moves along the reverse linear path;

a gear link coupling the actuator to the pawl, the gear link selected from the group consisting of bevel gears and rotary gears;

a screw configured to move linearly in the latch assembly;

a nut gear engaged to and perpendicular to the bevel gear or engaged to and parallel to the rotation gear, the nut gear being threadedly engaged to the screw to convert rotational motion of the bevel gear or rotation gear to linear movement of the screw;

a pin coupling the screw to the pawl by being inserted into a hole of the screw and a corresponding hole of the pawl to convert linear movement of the screw to movement of the pawl along the reverse linear path;

wherein movement of the actuator relative to the member from the first position to the second position moves the electrical connector along the linear path and moves the pawl along the reverse linear path; and

wherein movement of the actuator relative to the member from the first position to the second position moves the electrical connector a first distance along the linear path and moves the pawl a second distance along the reverse linear path, the first distance being different than the second distance.

2. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the pawl comprises a catch.

3. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the keeper comprises a striker.

4. The latch assembly of claim 3, wherein the striker comprises a bolt.

5. A latch assembly as in claim 1 further comprising a carriage movable relative to the component along the linear path, the electrical connector being coupled to the carriage for movement therewith.

6. The latch assembly of claim 1, comprising a plurality of pawls configured to engage one or more keepers coupled to the adjacent component.

7. The latch assembly of claim 1, comprising a plurality of electrical connectors configured to engage with one or more adjacent electrical connectors coupled to the adjacent component.

8. The latch assembly of claim 1, further comprising another gear link coupling the actuator to the electrical connector.

9. A latch assembly as in claim 8, the other gear link comprising a rack and pinion mechanism.

10. The latch assembly of claim 1, further comprising a shaft defining an axis about which the actuator is mounted for rotation.

11. A latch assembly as in claim 10 wherein the shaft is oriented such that the axis is transverse to the linear path.

12. A latch assembly as in claim 10, the shaft being oriented such that the shaft is perpendicular to the linear path.

13. A latch assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein the actuator is mounted for rotation about the axis 90 degrees from the first position to the second position.

14. The latch assembly of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism to selectively prevent movement of the actuator.

15. A latch assembly configured to engage and disengage a component relative to an adjacent component, the latch assembly comprising:

an actuator movable relative to the member between a first position and a second position, the actuator coupled to the pawl such that movement of the actuator relative to the member moves the pawl along the reverse linear path;

a shaft defining an axis about which the actuator is mounted for rotation;

a screw configured to move linearly in the latch assembly,

a nut gear engaged to and perpendicular to the bevel gear or engaged to and parallel to the rotation gear, the nut gear being threadedly engaged to the screw to convert rotational motion of the bevel gear or rotation gear to linear movement of the screw; and

a pin coupling the screw to the pawl by being inserted into the hole of the screw and the corresponding hole of the pawl to convert linear movement of the screw to movement of the pawl along the reverse linear path.

16. A latch assembly as in claim 15, the shaft being oriented such that the axis is parallel to the reverse linear path.

17. A latch assembly as in claim 15, the shaft being oriented such that the axis is perpendicular to the reverse linear path.

18. A component assembly configured to releasably engage a second component assembly and a third component assembly, the component assembly comprising:

a component having a plurality of sides, wherein at least one side can be positioned adjacent to the second component assembly or the third component assembly;

a first latch assembly mounted to one side of the component, the first latch assembly configured to mechanically and electrically engage and disengage the component relative to the second component assembly or the third component assembly, the first latch assembly comprising:

a first electrical connector configured to engage an adjacent electrical connector coupled to the second component assembly or the third component assembly, the first electrical connector being movable relative to the components along a first linear path;

a first pawl configured to engage a retainer coupled to the second component assembly or the third component assembly, the first pawl movable relative to the components along a first reverse linear path; and

a first actuator movable relative to the member between a first position and a second position, the first actuator coupled to the first electrical connector and the first pawl such that movement of the actuator relative to the member moves the first electrical connector along the first linear path and the first pawl moves along the first reverse linear path;

a first gear link coupling the first actuator to the first pawl, the first gear link selected from the group consisting of a first bevel gear and a first rotary gear;

a first screw configured to move linearly in the first latch assembly;

a first nut gear engaged to and perpendicular to the first bevel gear or engaged to and parallel to the first rotating gear, the first nut gear being threadedly engaged to the first screw to convert rotational motion of the first bevel gear or first rotating gear into linear movement of the first screw;

a first pin coupling the first screw to the first pawl by being inserted into a hole of the first screw and a corresponding hole of the first pawl to convert linear movement of the first screw to movement of the first pawl along the first reverse linear path;

wherein movement of the first actuator relative to the member from the first position to the second position moves the first electrical connector along the first linear path and moves the first pawl along the first reverse linear path; and

wherein movement of the first actuator relative to the member from the first position to the second position moves the first electrical connector a first distance along the first linear path and moves the first pawl a second distance along the first reverse linear path, the first distance being different than the second distance; and

a second latch assembly configured to engage and disengage the component relative to the second component assembly or the third component assembly, the second latch assembly comprising:

a second pawl configured to engage a retainer coupled to the second component assembly or the third component assembly, the second pawl movable relative to the components along a second linear path; and

a second actuator movable relative to the member between a first position and a second position, the second actuator coupled to the second pawl such that movement of the second actuator relative to the member moves the second pawl along the second linear path;

a second shaft defining an axis about which the second actuator is mounted for rotation, the second shaft being oriented such that the axis is parallel to the second linear path;

a second gear link coupling the second actuator to the second pawl, the second gear link selected from the group consisting of a second bevel gear and a second rotary gear;

a second screw configured to move linearly in the second latch assembly;

a second nut gear engaged to and perpendicular to the second bevel gear or second rotation gear, the second nut gear being threadedly engaged to the second screw to convert rotational motion of the second bevel gear or second rotation gear to linear movement of the second screw;

a second pin coupling the second screw to the second pawl by being inserted into a hole of the second screw and a corresponding hole of the second pawl to convert linear movement of the second screw to movement of the second pawl along the second linear path.

19. A system of component assemblies configured to releasably engage one another, the system comprising:

a plurality of component assemblies, each component assembly having a component, an electrical connector, a pawl, and an actuator coupled to the electrical connector and the pawl, wherein the electrical connector is movable along a linear path relative to the component and the pawl is movable along an inverse linear path relative to the component;

a screw configured to move linearly in the component assembly;

wherein movement of the actuator relative to the member from a first position to a second position moves the electrical connector along the linear path and moves the pawl along the reverse linear path; and

20. The system of claim 19, the plurality of component assemblies each further having: a second pawl movable relative to the member along a second linear path; and a second actuator movable relative to the member between a first position and a second position, the second actuator coupled to the second pawl such that movement of the second actuator relative to the member moves the second pawl along a second reverse linear path; wherein the second linear path is transverse to the linear path.