Bin latch

A latch or connector system having a latch housing, a first latching component, a second latching component, and a handle. The first and second latching components are movably mounted to the latch housing, and movable respective latched and unlatched positions. The handle is movably mounted to the latch housing and operatively associated with the first latching component and the second latching component. The handle is movable from a closed handle position to an open handle position to cause the first latching component and the second latching component to move from their respective latched positions to their respective unlatched positions, and the handle is movable from the open handle position to the closed handle position only when the first latching component and the second latching component are in their respective latched positions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of latches or connector systems configured to provide a mechanical connection between adjacent components, and particularly to latch systems for securing aircraft storage bin doors in the closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Door connector systems, such as aircraft bin door connectors, typically include a latch and a striker that are coupled to a bin door and a bin housing. The bin door is secured in the closed position by engaging the latch to the striker.

There is therefore a need for improved connector systems that will allow the locking and unlocking of aircraft bin doors and other closures in which redundant connections, and independent indicators if not latched, are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a latch having: a latch housing; a first latching component movably mounted to the latch housing, the first latching component being movable between a respective latched position and a respective unlatched position; a second latching component movably mounted to the latch housing, the second latching component being movable independent of the first latching component between a respective latched position and a respective unlatched position; a handle movably mounted to the latch housing to be movable between an open handle position and a closed handle position; a first trigger movably mounted to the latch housing, the first trigger being movable between a respective engaged position in which the first trigger is positioned to prevent the first latching component from moving from its respective latched position to its respective unlatched position, and a respective disengaged position in which the first trigger is positioned to prevent the handle from moving from the open position to the closed position; and a second trigger movably mounted to the latch housing, the second trigger being movable between a respective engaged position in which the second trigger is positioned to prevent the second latching component from moving from its respective latched position to its respective unlatched position, and a respective disengaged position in which the second trigger is positioned to prevent the handle from moving from the open position to the closed position.

The handle may be pivotally connected to the latch housing. The first and second latching components may comprise pawls rotatably mounted to the latch housing. The handle may be operatively associated with the first and second latching components to prevent them from moving from their respective latched positions to their respective unlatched positions when the handle is in the closed handle position, and allow them to move from their respective latched positions to their respective unlatched positions when the handle is in the open handle position. The handle may be configured to hold the first and second triggers in their engaged positions when the handle is in the closed position, to thereby prevent the first and second latching components from moving to their respective unlatched position. The handle may have first and second retractor surfaces positioned to move the first and second triggers from their engaged positions to their disengaged positions.

The first and second latching components may include springs configured to bias them towards their unlatched positions. The first and second triggers may be located at respective first and second locking points on their movement paths when they are in their engaged positions, to thereby hold the latching components in their latched positions, and not located at the first and second locking points when the triggers are in their respective disengaged positions, to allow the springs to move the latching components to their respective unlatched positions. The first and second latching components may occupy the first and second points when they are in their unlatched positions, to prevent the triggers from moving to their engaged positions. The handle may include first and second contact surfaces to contact the first or second trigger to prevent movement of the handle to the closed handle position.

The first and second triggers may be a respective cams rotatably mounted to the latch housing. The handle may include first and second contact surfaces configured to abut a respective one of the first and second cam when the triggers are in the disengaged position, and not abut the respective cam when the triggers are in the engaged position

The latch may include a striker having first and second striker pins configured to engage the first and second pawls when the latching components are in their respective latched positions, and not engage the pawls when the latching component are in their respective unlatched positions. The latch housing is maintained in engagement with the striker while at least one of the first striker pin engages the first pawl or the second striker pin engages the second pawl, and the latch housing is displaceable from the striker when the first latching component and the second latching component are both in their respective unlatched positions.

The handle and latch housing may be configured such that a predetermined surface of the handle is concealed when the handle is in the closed position, and exposed when the handle is not in the closed position.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a latch having: a first means for engaging a corresponding first striker component in a latched position; a second means for engaging a corresponding second striker component in a latched position; and means movable between a closed position for resisting disengagement of the first engaging means from the first striker component and disengagement of the second engaging means from the second striker component and an open position for permitting disengagement of the first engaging means from the first striker component and disengagement of the second engaging means from the second striker component, the resisting and permitting means being movable from the open position to the closed position only when the first engaging means is engaged with the first striker component and the second engaging means is engaged with the second striker component, thereby preventing the resisting and permitting means from moving to the closed position when the first engaging means and/or the second engaging means is not in its respective latched position.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a latch system having a striker including a first striking portion and a second striking portion, and a latch. The latch includes: a latch housing; a first latching component movably mounted to the latch housing, the first latching component being movable between a respective latched position engaging the first striking portion and a respective unlatched position; a first trigger operatively associated with the first latching component; a second latching component movably mounted to the latch housing, the second latching component being movable independent of the first latching component between a respective latched position engaging the second striking portion and a respective unlatched position; a second trigger operatively associated with the first latching component; and a handle movably mounted to the latch housing and operatively associated with the first latching component via the first trigger and operatively associated with the second latching component via the second trigger, the handle being movable from a closed handle position to an open handle position to permit the first latching component and the second latching component to move together from their respective latched positions to their respective unlatched positions, and the handle being movable from the open handle position to the closed handle position only when the first latching component and the second latching component are both in their respective latched positions and the first trigger and the second trigger are in respective engaged positions, thereby preventing the handle from moving to the closed handle position when the first latching component and/or the second latching component are in their respective unlatched positions.

According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a storage system having a frame supporting a striker including a first striking portion and a second striking portion, and a door mounted for movement with respect to the frame between closed and opened conditions. The door supports a latch including: a latch housing; a first latching component movably mounted to the latch housing, the first latching component being movable between a respective latched position engaging the first striking portion and a respective unlatched position; a first trigger operatively associated with the first latching component; a second latching component movably mounted to the latch housing, the second latching component being movable independent of the first latching component between a respective latched position engaging the second striking portion and a respective unlatched position; a second trigger operatively associated with the first latching component; a handle movably mounted to the latch housing and operatively associated with the first latching component via the first trigger and operatively associated with the second latching component via the second trigger, the handle being movable from a closed handle position to an open handle position to permit the first latching component and the second latching component to move together from their respective latched positions to their respective unlatched positions, and the handle being movable from the open handle position to the closed handle position only when the first latching component and the second latching component are both in their respective latched positions and the first trigger and the second trigger are in respective engaged positions, thereby preventing the handle from moving to the closed handle position when the first latching component and/or the second latching component are in their respective unlatched positions. The handle is positioned relative to the door such that the handle extends outwardly farther relative to the door when the handle is not in the closed handle position as compared to when the handle is in the closed position, thereby providing an indicator when the handle is not in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In some cases, it is desirable to provide a redundant latching mechanism that secures the latch to the striker by multiple connectors. This helps assure closure even if one connector fails. However, in such devices, it may not be readily apparent to the operator when one of the multiple connectors has failed to engage upon securing the keeper to the striker (a “partial latching event”). If a partial latching event is not detected, the redundancy feature of the connector system will be compromised, as the connector system will operate with less than all of the connectors in operation from the outset. In the context of aircraft bin door connector systems, which typically have two connectors, this can lead to luggage stored above passengers' heads being released from the bins prematurely if the lone secured connector fails.

It has also been found that bin latches can be difficult to operate when the bin is deformed under heavy luggage loads, because the relative positions of the latch and the striker can change by a significant distance. This can exacerbate the incidence of partial latching events by making it more difficult to manipulate the latch and the striker into proper alignment to make the connection. Crew acting quickly secure the bins for flight, and passengers unfamiliar with the mechanism, may not detect a partial latching event after struggling to align and secure the latch with the striker.

Referring to the figures generally, a connector system configured for retaining a door in the closed position is provided. The embodiments herein describe the connector system as being used in the context of aircraft bins, but other uses are envisioned and possible.

FIG.1illustrates a latch or connector system100comprising a latch102and a striker104. The latch102is connected to an aircraft bin door106, and the striker104is connected to an aircraft bin frame or housing108. The parts are positioned such that the latch102coincides with the striker104when the door106is moved to close the housing108. In other embodiments, the positions of the latch102and the striker104may be transposed. Also, multiple latches102and strikers104are optionally included in the connector system100.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, the latch102is described in detail. The latch102includes a latch housing200, a paddle or handle202, and two or more latching components in the form of connectors204. In general terms, the handle202is operated to disengage the connectors204to release the latch102from the striker104.

The handle202is movably attached to the latch housing200via a handle pivot pin206. In this embodiment, the pivot pin206is a separate steel pin that fits within corresponding bosses on the handle202and the latch housing200, but other embodiments may use a pivot pin that is integrally formed with one of the parts, or other pivot configurations, as known in the art. In other embodiments, other movable connectors may be used to movably connect the handle202, such as rails or guide pins to provide a linear or arcuate sliding connection, multi-bar linkages to provide complex movement paths, and so on.

The handle202is movable relative to the housing200through a predetermined range of movement that includes a fully closed position and a fully open position. As explained in more detail below, the handle202also may have one or more discrete partial latching event positions located between the fully open position and the fully closed position, or the fully open position may serve as the partial latching event position. One or more handle return springs208may be provided to bias the handle202towards the fully closed position. In this embodiment, the handle return spring208is a torsion spring mounted around the handle pivot pin206, but other resilient devices may be used in other embodiments.

The handle202is shaped to receive a user's fingers or hand, and may include a functional or cosmetic cover210or other features. Handle202and cover210may also be integrated together as shown inFIG.10. The handle202also may be operatively connected (e.g., by cable or linkage) to a remote actuator to allow operation of the latch102from a remote location. Other alternatives will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.

Each connector204preferably comprises a pawl212that is pivotally connected to the latch housing200by a connector pivot pin214or the like. Referring also toFIGS.4A and4B, each connector204is movable between a latched position (FIG.4A) and an unlatched position (FIG.4B). The exemplary pawls212are formed as channels having a retaining surface216configured to hold corresponding striker pins502(seeFIG.5) when the pawls212are in the latched position. This engagement prevents the striker104from moving away from the latch102. The retaining surfaces216may cooperate with respective notches218in the latch housing200to form an enclosed space to retain each striker pin502against movement in two directions. In the unlatched position, such as shown inFIG.48, the pawls212are rotated such that the retaining surfaces216no longer capture the striker pins502, to allow the striker104to move away from latch102.

Each pawl212also may have an activation surface220facing the respective retaining surface216, and a connector return spring222that biases the pawl212to the unlatched position. The connector return springs222ensure that the pawls212remain in the unlatched position after the latch102is disconnected from the striker104. The activation surface220is positioned to contact the striker pin502as the latch102is moved towards the striker104. Upon continued movement of the latch102towards the striker104, the striker pins502rotate the connectors204against the bias of the connector return springs222to place the pawls212in the latched connector position.

Once the connectors204are in the latched position, such as shown inFIG.4A, they may be latched into place so that the connector return springs222do not open the latch102when the operator releases the handle202or stops pressing the latch102towards the striker104. To this end, each connector204includes a lock surface224that is engaged by a mechanism to prevent the connector204from rotating from the latched position to the unlatched position. More specifically, when the handle202is in the closed position, the mechanism is positioned at a locking point along which the lock surface224must travel when the connector204moves to the unlatched position. The mechanism may comprise one or more protrusions extending from the handle202, which protrusion(s) occupies this locking point for each connector204when the handle202is in the closed position. More preferably, however, the mechanism comprises a respective separate trigger226for each connector204.

Each trigger226includes a first lock portion228and a second lock portion230. The first and second lock portions228,230are connected to rotate together about a common trigger pivot pin232. As best shown inFIGS.7A and7B, the triggers226are movable between an engaged position (FIG.7A) in which the first lock portion228occupies the locking point for its respective connector204, and a disengaged position in which the first lock portion228does not occupy the locking point. The triggers226are moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position by contact between the respective second lock portion230and a respective corresponding retraction surface700provided on the handle202. More specifically, as the handle202is moved relative to the latch housing200, the retraction surfaces700contact the second lock portions230, and further movement of the handle202forces the triggers226to rotate about the trigger pivot pins232. When the triggers226reach their disengaged positions, the connectors204are free to move from their latched positions to their unlatched positions under the biasing force provided by the connector springs222.

Once the connectors204rotate out of their latched positions, a portion of each connector204occupies the connector's respective locking point. Thus, the first lock portions228are prevented from returning to the connector's locking points by interference with the connectors204, and the triggers226are unable to return from their disengaged positions to their engaged positions. While each trigger226is in its disengaged position, it forms a separate obstruction that prevents the handle202from returning to the closed handle position. The triggers226operate independently, so the handle202will remain in the partial latching position even if one of the connectors204returns to the latched position, such as shown inFIGS.7C and8. This provides a visual indication that one or both of the connectors204are in the unlatched position, as explained in more detail below. The handle202will return to the closed position only when both connectors204return to their latched positions and both triggers226return to their engaged positions.

The activation properties of the triggers226can be adjusted by modifying the locations and shapes of the first and second lock portions228,230. For example, each first lock portion228may be formed with a cam surface234that abuts a corresponding contact surface800(FIG.8) on a portion of the handle202when the trigger226is in the disengaged position. The shape and size of the cam surface234can dictate the exact position of the handle's partial latching position. Thus, while it may require only a small movement to displace the trigger226from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the handle202may require a significantly large movement to return from the partial latching position to the closed position. This helps provide a more pronounced indication that the latch102is not fully engaged with the striker104.

As another example, a gap702may be provided between the second lock portion230and the handle's retraction surface700when the handle202is in the closed position and the triggers226are in the engaged position, such as shown inFIG.7A. This gap702provides some degree of free movement of the handle202before it begins disengaging the connectors204, to help prevent inadvertent release. This configuration also may provide an open space for the second lock surface230to enter to allow one trigger226to return to the engaged position to secure one of the connectors204, even if the handle202remains in the partial locking position, as best shown inFIG.7C.

The triggers226are returned to their engaged positions by the process of engaging the latch102to the striker104. As noted above, the striker pins502drive the connectors204from their unlatched positions back to their latched positions, at which point the connectors204no longer occupy their respective locking points. Thus positioned, the first lock portions228are free to rotate back to occupy the locking points for their respective connectors204, to thus place the triggers226in the engaged position. The triggers226may be moved to the engaged position by interaction with the handle202, but more preferably one or more trigger return springs236are provided to bias the triggers226towards their engaged positions. In this case, the trigger return springs236are helical springs surrounding the trigger pivot pins232.

It will be appreciated that other embodiments may use triggers having different structures and movement paths. For example, the triggers226may be sliders, or the trigger return springs236may be leaf springs, living hinges, or the like. As another example, briefly noted above, the triggers may simply be protrusions formed on the handle202. During a partial latching event with this embodiment, one protrusion may be prevented from returning to the engaged position by an unlatched connector to thereby hold the handle in the partial latching position. When this happens, the handle may be too rigid to allow the other protrusion to engage the other connector, even if it is in the latched position. Thus, in this embodiment the handle may be formed with some flexibility or slack in the handle pivot pin to allow the other protrusion to move to the engaged position to secure the connector that has managed to obtain the latched position. Other alternatives will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.

Referring back toFIG.3, the various parts of the latch102may be secured in a cavity238of the latch housing200by one or more covers240. For example, the cavity238and the covers240may include corresponding mounting bosses that hold the handle pivot pin206, connector pivot pins214and trigger pivot pins232. The various parts may be made of any suitable materials, but lightweight metals, plastics and composites are preferred for aircraft applications. The latch may be secured to the bin door106by any suitable arrangement of connectors, adhesives, or the like. Other alternatives will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.

An exemplary striker104is illustrated in detail inFIGS.5and6. The striker104includes two striker portions or pins502, which are oriented parallel to one another and spaced apart by a suitable distance to engage the connectors204. It has been found that the bin housing108can move vertically depending on the weight of the luggage stored in the bin and loads experienced during aircraft travel. The striker pins502preferably are elongated in the vertical direction so that a portion of each striker pin502will be properly located to engage with the connectors204regardless of the bin housing's movement. Each striker pin502may be provided in a respective latch cavity504. The striker104also may include a cavity506to receive a user's fingers or hand to access the handle202. The back of the striker104may include a sloping surface508to integrate smoothly with the bin's interior and thereby help prevent the possibility that luggage or the like will be caught on the striker104. The striker104may be made of any suitable material, and joined to the bin housing108in any suitable way, but lightweight materials are generally preferred for use in aircraft.

FIGS.9A-9Cillustrate the operation of the handle202. InFIG.9A, the latch is properly secured to the striker, and the handle202is in the closed position. InFIG.9B, the handle202is moved to the open position to release the latch from the striker. InFIG.9C, the handle is in the partial latching position, indicating that one or both of the connectors204has failed to move to the latched position. The precise location of the partial latching position may be modified by adjusting the interacting structures of the handle202, connectors204and triggers226, or by making other modifications as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure.

The appearance of the partial locking position also may be accentuated by providing the portion900of the handle that is exposed while in the partial locking position with a distinctive color, such as red, “blaze orange,” yellow and so on. By providing an indicator, such as portion900, or an indicator light, such as an LED, on portion900, a user of the latch or connector system100can determine whether or not the connector system100is in the closed condition. For example, when the latch102is connected to an aircraft bin door106, and the striker104is connected to an aircraft bin frame or housing108, a flight attendant or passenger can identify any bin doors that are not fully closed. More specifically, an individual visualizing the bin door in a direction generally along the surface of the bin door (such as by looking down an isle of an aircraft) or from a direction that is not normal to the bin door would see the portion900of the handle when the bin door106is not fully closed.

FIG.10illustrates another embodiment of a connector latch1000. This embodiment provides various exemplary variations of the embodiment discussed above. The latch1000includes a latch housing1002, a paddle or handle1004, and two or more latching components, in the form of connectors1006, that are configured to engage striker pins on a striker (not shown), as explained with reference to the previous embodiment. As with the embodiment discussed above, the connectors1006are pivotally mounted to the latch housing1002by connector pivot pins1012or the like.

The handle1004is movably attached to the latch housing1002via a handle pivot pin1008, to move between a closed position and an open position. The handle1008also may have one or more discrete partial latching event positions located between the open position and the closed position. A handle return spring1010biases the handle1008towards the closed position.

A trigger1016is provided for each connector1006. The triggers are similar to the previous embodiment, but in this example, each trigger1016is mounted between a pair of respective mounting bosses1018by a respective trigger pivot pin1020in a double-shear configuration that is expected to enhance the stability of the parts. Each trigger1016moves between a respective engaged position and a respective disengaged position, as described above. A trigger return spring1022is provided to bias each trigger1016towards the engaged position.

The various parts of the latch1000may be retained in place by one or more covers1024, and secured by one or more screws1026or other fasteners. The latch1000also may include bumpers1028to provide a more gentle return of the handle1004to the closed position, a key lock to prevent the latch1000from being opened, and other features common to latch mechanisms.

The embodiment ofFIG.10operates in essentially the same manner as the previous embodiment, and may include the same array of features and modifications. Thus, it is not necessary to describe all of the features and operations of the various parts in more detail here.

FIG.11illustrates a variation on the embodiment ofFIG.10. This embodiment is generally the same as the embodiment orFIG.10, except with respect to the manner in which the connectors1006are attached to the latch housing1002. In this exemplary embodiment, the connectors1006are pivotally connected to the latch housing1002by mounting brackets1100. Each mounting bracket1100has arms1102that surround each connector1006, and each arm1102has a hole1104that aligns with a corresponding hole1106through the connector1006. The connector pivot pins1012pass through the arms holes1104and the connector hole1106to pivotally connect the connectors1006to the mounting brackets1100in a double-shear arrangement. The mounting brackets1100may be secured to the latch housing1002by screws1026(which also may pass through the cover1024) or otherwise clamped or held in place. The mounting brackets1102can provide increased load bearing capacity by relieving concentrated forces that might exist between the latch housing1002and the connector pivot pins1012under high loading conditions. To this end, the brackets may comprise a relatively high-strength material as compared to the latch housing1002, such as steel as compared to plastic or aluminum. In this embodiment, the connector pivot pins1012also may pass through the latch housing1002, but the latch housing holes1108may be oblong or oversized to prevent or reduce the generation of high contact forces between the connector pivot pins1012and the latch housing1002. Alternatively, the latch housing holes1108may be eliminated, such as by increasing the size of the notch1110that receives the functional surfaces of the connectors1006to encompass the region surrounding the ends of the connector pivot pins1012.