This description relates generally to mechanical latching systems and more specifically to mechanical latching systems used in aircraft storage compartments.
Overhead storage/luggage bins are typically used in passenger aircrafts to store passenger baggage and various other items. The bins are mounted on the ceiling above the passenger seats with a latched door cover to prevent items with the bins from falling out. It is necessary that the bin latch is easy to open/close and also robust enough to remain closed even under some mechanical stress. For example, when an aircraft meets distributing air during flight, the luggage may slide inside the bin and exert significant mechanical impact to the door cover. It is very desirable that the door cover could remain closed to prevent any passenger injury caused by falling luggage.
Aircraft bin latch systems are typically made up of multiple parts that are installed with the bin, and take up assembly time on the main aircraft production line. Accordingly a bin latch system that may be installed as a single part would be desirable.
The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The present disclosure provides a bin latch mechanism that has been configured with weight, number of components, simplicity of operation and installation.
The disclosed latch system utilizes spring loaded rods that are ‘pulled’ to release the locking sub-assemblies. The rods lock two sets of interlocking housings in place. Due to the nature of the rod actuator, the design is binary in nature and needs both sets of interlocking housings to be secured before the interface handle can go to ‘full close’ position.
The bin latch actuator transfers rotation of the human interface (or actuator interface, a handle) into push/pull action in the actuating mechanism, and utilizes the connecting members as push/pull rods. Consequently, the connecting members have a reduced size and weight, and are not subject to mechanical properties variations if/when their length increase. In some embodiments, the remote latches are a combination of a few components that interlock with each other utilizing this push/pull motion. A safety device may be included on each remote latch to prevent losing of the system when the remote latches are disengaged. Additionally, an emergency release mechanism may be incorporated in the remote latches to override the overall mechanism in case of sub-structure damage for example.
Additionally, there is no rigging necessary at install. Once the assembly is in secured in place, it is ready to be operated.
Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawing.
The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.
The examples below describe a bin latch system. Although the present examples are described and illustrated herein as being implemented in an aircraft system, the system described is provided as an example and not a limitation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present examples are suitable for application in a variety of different types of bin system.
Conventional commercial aircraft stowage bin latch assemblies and mechanisms of the like. These Bin Latch Systems are normally comprised of a stowage bin centrally located actuating mechanism (human interface) connected to remote latching devices located in each one of the stowage bin end panels via tubular connecting members. As aircrafts main cabins grow, these stowage bins grow as well. As the primary technology used to connect the actuating mechanism with the remote latches is based on the rotation of the connecting member (tube/rod/link), a significant amount of assembly time is needed to “clock” the remote latch to the connecting member to the actuating mechanism. To reduce this “clocking” the connecting members have the tendency to grow in diameter to reduce their torsional flexibility.
The invention is directed to multiple contact point latch actuators; latch assemblies comprising said latch actuators in addition to latch strikes and latch units, the latter of which are preferably interlocking to create a constrained mechanical fit between the components thereof, said actuators and latch assemblies being particularly adapted for hinged structures such as stowage bins; and methods for operating latch actuators and latch assemblies, as well as for securing and un-securing hinged structures comprising latch assemblies.
Embodiments of the invention directed to latch actuators comprise actuator housings rotationally securing, either directly or through an associated structure, cylindrical sleeves. Each such sleeve, in turn, defines a pair of mirror image slots, which are preferably helical or pseudo-helical, the sleeve being rotationally retained by the actuator housing, either directly or through an associated structure. An actuator interface, preferably in the form of a lever arm, is pivotally mounted to the actuator housing, adjacent to the sleeve, and is operatively linked to the sleeve to cause bi-directional rotation of the same during reciprocation of the actuator interface. Alternatively, the actuator interface is directly mounted to or extends from the sleeve.
Linked to the sleeve are a pair of latch rods, each having a proximal portion terminating at a proximal end and a distal portion terminating at a distal end, wherein each latch rod end and at least part of each latch rod proximal portion is disposed within the sleeve, and a protrusion, sized to fit within a helical slot, extends from each latch rod proximal portion and into a corresponding helical slot of the sleeve. Preferably a biasing member is located axially between the proximal ends of the latch rods to create a distally directed vectored force in each latch rod (i.e., the latch rods are biased to extend from the latch housing towards their respective distal ends). The distal ends of the latch rods include a strike member (or, as will be described below, a connection interface).
In many embodiments, the distal ends of the latch rods include a connection interface as opposed to a latch interface to enable linkage of extension rods thereto. In this manner, a common latch assembly can be used for a variety of specific application environments wherein the length of the rods can be modified by using differing length extension rods.
Latch assembly embodiments, as mentioned above, comprise a latch actuator and a pair of latch assemblies, each of which includes a strike housing and a receiver. The strike housing defines an orifice through which the distal end of a latch rod may pass, which itself comprises a strike member. Additionally, the strike housing has at least one restraint means that functions, in combination with complementary restraint means on the receiver, to arrest relative motion (whether in a single axis or multiple axes) between the two parts when the same are in a mated arrangement.
With respect to the axes of relative motion and restraint, the following convention is used herein: the direction of preferred mating between the strike housing and the receiver occurs in the Y axis and the latch rod reciprocation occurs in the Z axis. As such, the latch interface of a latch rod functions to prevent movement of the receiver relative to the latch housing in at least the positive Y direction (“+Y”) when the two are in a mated arrangement. This is true in both conventional latch-strike arrangements and the various invention embodiments. However, in preferred latch assembly embodiments, at least one landing portion extends from the strike housing face (obverse side) in the positive Z (“+Z”) direction. A seat portion of the receiver presenting to the negative Y side (“−Y”) thereof is sized to contact each landing portion, thereby obviating the need for the strike member to prevent relative movement between the strike housing and the receiver in both Y directions (the landing-seat interference prevents movement of the receiver in the −Y direction).
To address relative movement between the two latch unit components in strike housing (movement in the −z direction is prevented by contact between the strike housing obverse side and the receiver obverse side), at least one return, displaced from the strike housing obverse side, extends in the +Y direction into a slot defined by the receiver or a groove formed in the receiver reverse side, wherein the slot or groove has a major axis congruent with the Y axis and at least one surface presenting to the +Z side. When this return occupies a complementary slot or groove of the receiver when the two components are in a mated arrangement, movement of the receiver in the +Z direction is thereby prevented.
In many embodiments, at least one return extends from at least one landing wherein the at least one return is received by a complimentary slot formed in the reverse side of the receiver.
As a consequence of these complimentary restraints means, a non-strike dependent interlock is established in all directions except for the +Y direction, which is modulated by the extension or retraction of the strike interface.
For purposes of this patent, the terms “area”, “boundary”, “part”, “portion”, “surface”, “zone”, and their synonyms, equivalents and plural forms, as may be used herein and by way of example, are intended to provide descriptive references or landmarks with respect to the article and/or process being described. These and similar or equivalent terms are not intended, nor should be inferred, to delimit or define per se elements of the referenced article and/or process, unless specifically stated as such or facially clear from the several drawings and/or the context in which the term(s) is/are used.
Current technology utilizes torsion tubes to connect the actuating mechanism with the remote latches; consequently, the current technology remote latches include some sort of complex over-center mechanism that transforms this rotating movement to secure the remote latches to the mounting sub-structure. These remote latches are consequently loud when operated. Additionally, these torsion tubes have a reduced efficiency if and when the distance between the actuating mechanism and the remote latches increase. This increases the time needed to assemble and set up the system during the installation of it.
It is desirable to have a bin latch mechanism with simplicity of operation and installation.
The described invention transfers rotation into push/pull action in the actuating mechanism, and utilizes the connecting members as push/pull rods. Consequently, the connecting members have a reduced size and weight, and are not subject to mechanical properties variations if/when their length increase. Additionally, the remote latches are a combination of a few components that interlock with each other utilizing this push/pull motion. A safety device is included on each remote latch to prevent losing of the system when the remote latches are disengaged. Additionally, an emergency release mechanism is included in the remote latches to override the overall mechanism in case of sub-structure damage for example.
As shown in the above figures, the latch actuator 210 comprises an actuator housing 212 rotationally securing, either directly or through an associated structure, a cylindrical sleeve (or a helix spindle) 218. The cylindrical sleeve 218 has a pair of mirror image slots 219, which are preferably helical slots or pseudo-helical slots. The sleeve 218 is rotationally retained by the actuator housing, either directly or through an associated structure. An actuator interface 214, preferably in the form of a lever arm, is pivotally mounted to the actuator housing 212, adjacent to the sleeve, and is operatively linked to the sleeve 218 to cause bi-directional rotation of the sleeve 218 during reciprocation of the actuator interface 214. Alternatively, the actuator interface may be directly mounted to or extends from the sleeve.
Linked to the sleeve are a pair of latch rods 220, each having a proximal portion terminating at a proximal end and a distal portion terminating at a distal end, wherein each latch rod end and at least part of each latch rod proximal portion is disposed within the sleeve. Each latch rod 220 also has a protrusion (or a control pin) 222 sized to fit within the helical slot 219. The protrusion 222 extends from each latch rod proximal portion and into a corresponding helical slot of the sleeve. The protrusion 222 is also slidably confined within a groove 217 of a cover control plate 216 attached to the actuator housing 212. Preferably a biasing member 215 is located axially between the proximal ends of the latch rods to create a distally directed vectored force in each latch rod (i.e., the latch rods are biased to extend from the latch housing towards their respective distal ends). The biasing member 215 may be a compression spring (as shown in
The remote latch shown in
The remote latch 240 has a latch housing 250 and a rotatable spindle 241 installed within the latch housing 250. The spindle 241 has a connecting tab 242 connected to the latch rod 220 and a remote latch engaging tab 244 functioning as a striking member to engage a substructure 510.
The latch rod 220 connects to a rod connecting tab 242. When the latch rod 220 retracts, it drags the rod connecting tab 242 to rotate the spindle 241 from a closed position to an open position, wherein the remote latch engaging tab 244 extends out of the latch housing 250 in the closed position and withdraws within the latch housing 250 in the open position. In some embodiments, the spindle 241 couples to a torsion spring 243, which biases the spindle 241 toward the closed position.
The substructure 510 has a substructure housing 512 and an engagement bar 514 disposed within the housing. The engagement bar 514 extrudes out of the substructure housing 512 by default. When the substructure 510 engages with the remote latch 240, the remote latch engaging tab 244 extends out of the latch housing 250 and prevents the engagement bar 514 from any disengagement movement.
In some embodiments, the substructure housing 512 further integrates an extended arm 518 and a latch interlock release pin 519 protruded from the extended arm 518. When the substructure 510 engages with the remote latch 240, the latch interlock release pin 519 resides within an aperture 252 of the latch housing 250. Such arrangement ensures that when the substructure 510 engages with the remote latch 240, they are also interlocked with each other to provide enhanced engagement robustness.
In some embodiments, the extended arm 518 has a protruded distal end 517, which also interlocks to the latch housing 250 when the substructure 510 engages with the remote latch 240. The protruded distal end 517 or the latch interlock release pin 519 may operate individually or in combination to implement the interlock function for enhanced engagement robustness.
In some embodiments, the remote latch 240 further comprises a remote latch lock bar 245 disposed within the aperture 252 of the latch housing 250. The remote latch lock bar 245 has an indent 246 aligned with the rod connecting tab 242 when the spindle 241 is in the closed position. The remote latch lock bar 245 further comprises a bar groove 249 and a remote latch lock spring 247 disposed within the bar groove 249. When the spindle 241 is in the closed position, the remote latch lock spring 247 is compressed against a remote latch lock pin 248, which is securely attached to the latch housing 250.
In some embodiments, the substructure 510 further comprises a latch safety level 516 pivotably attached to the substructure housing 512 and coupled to the engagement bar 514. The latch safety level 516 is biased by a compressed spring 515, to set the engagement bar 514 projected out from the substructure housing 512. The latch safety level 516 may be pivotably moved under emergency situation (such as when the latch actuator does not operate, etc.) to slide the engagement bar 514 back into the substructure housing 512 such that the substructure 510 may be disengaged from the remote latch 240 even without the retraction movement of the latch rod 220. The details of the operation of the latch safety level 516 will be disclosed later with respect to
In some embodiments, the remote latch 240 further incorporates a roller 254 attached to the latch housing 250. The roller 254 may be disposed on the same side as the remote latch engaging tab 244 to provide additional structure support for the alignment between the remote latch 240 and the substructure 510. The roller 254 also smooths the engagement and disengagement movement between the remote latch 240 and the substructure 510.
Once the remote latch lock bar 245 slides upward, the indent 246 is not aligned to the rod connecting tab 242. Consequently, the spindle 241 is locked in the open position unless the substructure 510 re-engages to the remote latch 240 to push the remote latch lock bar 245 downward by the latch interlock release pin 519. Such a configuration is advantageous to keep the remote latch 240 staying in the disengaged state once the substructure 510 detaches from the remote latch 240. Furthermore, during the engaging process, the remote latch lock spring 247 also provide a “soft-close” mechanism to prevent abrupt mechanic stresses.
The second embodiment of a bin latch system is directed to multiple contact point latch actuators; latch assemblies comprising said latch actuators in addition to latch strikes and latch units, the latter of which are preferably interlocking to create a constrained mechanical fit between the components thereof, said actuators and latch assemblies being particularly adapted for hinged structures such as stowage bins; and methods for operating latch actuators and latch assemblies, as well as for securing and un-securing hinged structures comprising latch assemblies.
Those skilled in the art will realize that the bin latch can be constructed with various configurations. For example a latch actuator or a remote latch may comprise different combination of components other than disclosed in the aforementioned embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also realize that the bin latch can be constructed with various modifications. For example, the bin latch system may be configured with a latch actuator controlling only one remote latch using one latch rod with minor modification of the latch actuator.
Those skilled in the art will also realize that a bin latch may further incorporate different components. The foregoing description of the invention has been described for purposes of clarity and understanding. Various modifications may be implemented within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.
The application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/286,261, entitled “Bin Latch System” filed on Jan. 22, 2016, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/286,311, entitled “Bin Latch System” filed on Jan. 22, 2016, and Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/378,199, entitled “Improved Bin Latch System With Interchangeable End Pieces” filed on Aug. 22, 2016, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62286261 | Jan 2016 | US | |
62286311 | Jan 2016 | US | |
62378199 | Aug 2016 | US |