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(11) | EP 4 421 271 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A LATCH STRIKER AND A PARCEL LOCKER WITH SAID LATCH STRIKER |
| (57) A latch striker (10) for slidable engagement with a T-track and for interacting with
a latch, wherein the latch striker (10) comprises - a top body (20) comprising a striker (22) configured to be engaged by a latch; - a rail body (30) comprising two flanges (32I, 32II), the two flanges (32I, 32II) defining a flange plane (34) and being configured for sliding inside and engaging a T-track, wherein the top body (20) and rail body (30) are interconnected, optionally welded together. |
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a latch striker for slidable engagement with a T-track and for interacting with a latch. The present invention relates to a parcel locker comprising a T-track with a latch strike connected to said latch strike.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Parcel lockers contain parcels and packages which can be of a significant value. The parcel lockers can be placed at various different locations, thus there is a risk for potential break-ins.
[0003] A parcel locker will have, for each compartment, a latch gripping a latch striker, wherein the latch will release the striker as a function of received instructions. However, if enough force is applied to the latch and latch striker then one of the two elements will break. In prior art parcel lockers, the latch striker is the weakest link, and the latch striker will break if a force equivalent to 400-500 kg is applied to the latch striker. A latch capable of withstanding a force equivalent to 600 kg or more such as 700 kg or 800 kg can be bought from various different suppliers. However, if the latch striker breaks at 500 kg then it does not matter if the latch can withstand force equivalent to more than 500 kg as the weakest link determines the pull strength of the compartment of the parcel locker.
[0004] Thus, there is a need for a new striker which can withstand a larger force equal to or greater than a latch striker such that it becomes more difficult to break into a parcel locker.
Object of the Invention
[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a latch striker suitable for use in a parcel locker, wherein the latch striker can be connected to a complementary T-track while maintaining a high structural strength capable of withstanding a force equivalent to 600 kg or more.
[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide parcel lockers with the latch striker, thereby obtaining a parcel locker which is more difficult to break into due to greater structural strength.
Description of the Invention
[0007] An object of the invention is achieved by a latch striker for slidable engagement with a T-track and for interacting with a latch, wherein the latch striker comprises
- a top body comprising a striker configured to be engaged by a latch;
- a rail body comprising two flanges, the two flanges defining a flange plane and being configured for sliding inside and engaging a T-track, wherein the top body and rail body are interconnected, optionally welded together.
[0008] The rail body ensures that the latch striker can be slidably connected to a T-track by use of the two flanges defining the flange plane, this is in part useful as it allows greater tolerance when installing the latch in a compartment of a parcel locker, as the T-track enables adjustment of the latch striker relative to the latch. The latch striker can be positioned at a specific position using glue, welding, magnets or attachment means such as screws or by other means as long as the latch is able to grab the latch striker.
[0009] The top body is connected to the rail body and the two bodies may be welded together or by use of 3D printing. The structural strength of the latch striker is dominated by the connection between the two bodies, thus the stronger the connection, the greater the pull force the latch striker can withstand. Tests have shown that welding the two bodies together result in an excellent structural strength.
[0010] The latch striker may be made from metal such as aluminium, iron, steel, or another suitable alloy.
[0011] In an embodiment, the top body may comprise a recess and the rail body may comprise a protrusion complementary to the recess, wherein the protrusion is adapted to be inserted into the recess. This further increases the frictional connection between the two bodies. Adhesives or welding can be used to further increase the connection strength such that the pull force needed to break the striker is increased.
[0012] In an embodiment, the top body may comprise a protrusion and the rail body comprises a recess complementary to the protrusion, wherein the protrusion is adapted to be inserted into the recess. This further increases the frictional connection between the two bodies. Adhesives or welding can be used to further increase the connection strength such that the pull force needed to break the striker is increased.
[0013] In an initial pull test, the latch broke before this particular latch striker. The latch had strength equivalent to at least 600 kg, thus this latch striker has a strength greater than 600 kg. It is expected that the latch striker has strength equal to or greater than 700 kg.
[0014] In an embodiment, the recess may be through-going. The throughgoing recess makes it significantly easier to weld and/or glue the recess and the protrusion together while increasing surface of welding.
[0015] In an embodiment, the top body may be formed by two L-parts, wherein each L-part comprises a first face complementary to a first face of the other L-part and a second face complementary to the rail body, wherein coupling of the first faces forms the striker. Thereby, the latch striker can be formed by three parts wherein two are identical or at least close to identical as this lowers production cost and complexity. The two L-parts form the striker when the two first faces interconnect. The second face of each part is then connected to the rail body.
[0016] Each first face may have a hole adapted for receiving a latch, wherein the holes are complementary. The first face may be open such that the hole is not completely surrounded by material, or the first face may be closed such that the hole is completely surrounded by material.
[0017] In an embodiment, the L-parts may be configured for defining the recess or the protrusion, when the first faces couple.
[0018] Each L-part may have recess where part of the protrusion extends through. In some embodiments the recess is formed in a bent between the first face and the second face. This enables an even greater area for providing adhesive and/or welding compared to the embodiment described earlier in the application.
[0019] In an embodiment, the top body may comprise one or two arms extending from opposite sides of the top body and substantially into the flange plane, wherein the one or two arms have a hand part inside the flange plane configured for sliding inside and engaging a T-track. Thereby, the latch striker has an even greater structural strength as a pull force would also require deforming or break the arm. Furthermore, the one or two hand parts will make it easier to lock the latch striker in place by use of an adhesive or other mechanical components.
[0020] In an embodiment, one or both of the hand parts may comprise means for engaging a screw for placement of the latch striker at a specific position of a T-track. Thereby, it becomes even easier to fixate the latch striker in the T-track by simply screwing such that a friction force becomes large enough for fixation. The screws will not provide any strength to the pull resistance of the latch striker as the screws are the weakest part of the latch striker and will break before other parts. The breaking of the screws, and thus removal of fixation, will not cause the compartment to open as the latch striker is still connected to the T-track and the latch. However, the compartment may need repairing after the compartment has been opened by correct means since the latch striker and latch may be offset relative to one another.
[0021] The means may be holes complementary to screws, optionally the holes are threaded. The means may be formed by material such as plastic, which is displaceable by a screw, such that the screw can penetrate through the hand and thereby create a biasing force.
[0023] The figures disclose two different embodiments of U-shaped hooks. The U-shaped hooks are anchored in two places on the top bodies and thus the strength is greater compared to being anchored at one place.
[0024] In an embodiment, the rail body and the top body may be slidably connected by mutually complementary sliding parts. This will further simplify the production of the latch striker due to the slidable connection. Even though the rail body and the top body are slidably connectable, then it may still be possible to use additional adhesive or welding to improve the connection further.
[0025] In some embodiments, the slide axis may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the two flanges such that the slide axis is substantially perpendicular to the T-track. Thereby, the risk of disconnection between the top body and the rail body is reduced significantly.
[0026] In an embodiment, the top body comprises an arc extending upwardly from the rail body, wherein the arc is substantially perpendicular to the flanges. The arc allows easier welding between the top body and the rail body, which will further increase the pull strength. The effect is greatest for the embodiments with the protrusion and the recess as a large surface area can be welded together.
[0027] An object of the invention is achieved by a parcel locker comprising;
- two or more compartments, wherein each of the two compartments comprise a gate with a lock unit for controlling access to the compartment;
- a parcel locker controller comprising at least one processor and at least one memory that includes program code, wherein the memory and the program code is configured to operate the lock units;
[0029] Thereby, the parcel locker comprises at least one compartment wherein the structural strength of the lock unit and the latch striker is more comparable i.e., the structural strength of the latch striker can withstand a pull force equivalent to or greater than 600 kg such as 650 kg or 700 kg or 750 kg or 800 kg.
Description of the Drawing
[0031] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the figures, whereon:
- Fig. 1
- illustrates a prior art latch striker installed in a T-track;
- Fig. 2
- illustrates a parcel locker;
- Fig. 3
- illustrates an embodiment of the latch striker;
- Fig. 4
- illustrates another embodiment of the latch striker; and
- Fig. 5
- illustrates the embodiment of the latch striker shown in figure 3 positioned in a T-track.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0032]
| Item | No |
| Latch striker | 10 |
| Top body | 20 |
| Arc | 21 |
| Striker | 22 |
| L-part | 24I, 24II |
| First face | 25, 25I, 25II |
| Second face | 26, 26I, 26II |
| Arm | 27I, 27II |
| Recess | 28 |
| Hand part | 29I, 29II |
| Rail body | 30 |
| Flange | 32I, 32II |
| Flange plane | 34 |
| Protrusion | 38 |
| Parcel locker | 100 |
| Compartments | 110 |
| Gate | 120 |
| Compartment facing side | 122 |
| Parcel locker controller | 140 |
| T-track | 150 |
[0033] Fig. 1 illustrates a prior art latch striker 10 installed in a T-track 150. The T-track 150 is part of a gate 120 controlling access to a not shown compartment 110 of a parcel locker 100. The side of the gate 120 visible in the figure is the compartment facing side 122. The prior art latch striker 10 comprises a top body 20 with a striker 22 and a not shown flat metal part inside the T-track 150. The top body 20 and the flat metal part have two complementary holes for receiving a screw as shown in the figure. The top body 20 and the flat metal part are clamped to the T-track 150 thereby fixating the latch striker 10. The entire strength of the latch striker 10 is dependent on the screws. If the screws break, then the top body 20 is not connected to the T-track 150 and the gate is then open. The shown embodiment can only withstand pull forces equivalent to 400-450 kg. In another embodiment the two screws are replaced by a single screw between legs of the striker 22, which single screw has a larger diameter and thus strength, the solution with a larger diameter has shown in some tests to withstand a pull force equivalent to 500 kg.
[0034] Fig. 2 illustrates a parcel locker 100. The parcel locker 100 comprises N compartments 110I,...,110N, wherein each of the N compartments 110I,...,110N comprise a gate 120I,...,120N with a not shown lock unit for controlling access to the compartment 110I,...,110N.
[0035] The parcel locker 100 further comprises a parcel locker controller comprising at least one processor and at least one memory that includes program code, wherein the memory and the program code are configured to operate the lock units. The parcel locker controller comprises a communication unit enabling communication with the parcel locker controller to send one or more instruction. The communication unit may include a Blue-tooth communication unit or similar wireless unit; or a screen for input of instructions or codes; or a numpad for input of instructions or codes or similar.
[0036] At least one compartment 110I,...,110N comprises a T-track 150 with a latch striker 10 connected to said T-track 150, wherein the latch striker 10 being complementary to the lock unit of the at least one compartment 110I,...,110N. Said latch striker 10 and said lock unit being positioned and configured for interlocking, wherein the latch striker 10 is according to anyone of the claims or according to the embodiment shown in figure 3 or 4.
[0037] Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the latch striker 10. The latch striker 10 is adapted for slidable engagement with a T-track 150, such as the T-track shown in figure 1. The latch striker 10 is grippable by a latch when installed correctly.
[0038] The latch striker 10 comprises a top body 20 comprising a striker 22 configured to be engaged by a latch. The latch striker 10 further comprises a rail body 30 comprising two flanges 32I, 32II. The two flanges 32I, 32II define a flange plane 34 and being configured for sliding inside and engaging a T-track, wherein the top body 20 and rail body 30 are interconnected, optionally welded together. The latch striker 10 is preferably made of a metal such as steel. The top body 20 comprises a through-going recess 28 and the rail body 30 comprises a protrusion 38 complementary to the recess 28. The protrusion 38 is inserted into the recess 28 and preferably the protrusion 38 and the recess 28 is welded together.
[0039] In this embodiment, the top body 20 comprises an arc 21 extending upwardly from the rail body 30, wherein the arc 21 is substantially perpendicular to the flanges 32I, 32II. The arc 21 allows easier welding and welding of a greater area as the protrusion 28 and the recess 38 can be welded together below the arc 21.
[0040] Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the latch striker 10. The latch striker 10 is adapted for slidable engagement with a T-track 150, such as the T-track shown in figure 1. The latch striker 10 is grippable by a latch when installed correctly. The latch striker 10 comprises a top body 20 comprising a striker 22 configured to be engaged by a latch. The latch striker 10 further comprises a rail body 30 comprising two flanges 32I, 32II. The two flanges 32I, 32II define a flange plane 34 and being configured for sliding inside and engaging a T-track.
[0041] The top body 20 is formed by two L-parts 24I, 24II, wherein each L-part 24I, 24II comprises a first face 25 complementary to a first face of the other L-part 24I, 24II and a second face 26 complementary to the rail body 30, wherein coupling of the first faces 25I, 25II forms the striker 22. The L-part 24I, 24II may be connected by an adhesive or preferably by welding.
[0042] The L-parts 24I, 24II are configured for defining a recess 28 when the first faces 25I, 25II couple. The rail body 30 comprises a protrusion 38 complementary to the recess 28. The recess 28 and the protrusion 38 may be connected using an adhesive or preferably by welding.
[0043] Each L-part 24I, 24II comprises one arm 27I,27II extending from the L-part 24I, 24II and substantially into the flange plane 34. The two arms 27I,27II have a hand part 29I,29II inside the flange plane 34 configured for sliding inside and engaging a T-track.
[0044] Fig. 5 illustrates the embodiment of the latch striker 10 shown in figure 3 positioned in a T-track 150.
[0045] Figure 5A discloses a compartment facing side 122 of a gate 120 having a T-track 150, wherein the latch striker 10 is positioned in the T-track 150 and locked in a specific position using two screws or bolts.
[0046] Figure 5B discloses a close-up of the latch striker 10, which has all the same features shown by the embodiment in figure 3. The latch striker is connected to the T-track 150 using two screws or bolts. The embodiment has in tests shown to have a pull strength greater than 600 kg and it is believed that the strength is greater than 700 kg.
[0047] Figure 5C is a cross-section along the dotted line C------C shown in figure 5B. Figure 5C shows the two flanges 32I, 32II defining a flange plane 34. The part shown below the rail body 30 is the distal end of the screw or bolt.
[0048] In this embodiment, the top body 20 comprises an arc 21 extending upwardly from the rail body 30, wherein the arc 21 is substantially perpendicular to the flanges 32I, 32II. The arc 21 allows easier welding and welding of a greater area as the protrusion 28 and the recess 38 can be welded together below the arc 21.
1. A latch striker (10) for slidable engagement with a T-track and for interacting with
a latch, wherein the latch striker (10) comprises
- a top body (20) comprising a striker (22) configured to be engaged by a latch;
- a rail body (30) comprising two flanges (32I, 32II), the two flanges (32I, 32II) defining a flange plane (34) and being configured for sliding inside and engaging a T-track, wherein the top body (20) and rail body (30) are interconnected, optionally welded together.
2. A latch striker (10) according to claim 1, wherein the top body (20) comprises a recess
(28) and the rail body (30) comprises a protrusion (38) complementary to the recess
(28), wherein the protrusion (38) is adapted to be inserted into the recess (28);
or the top body (20) comprises a protrusion (38) and the rail body (30) comprises
a recess (38) complementary to the protrusion (38), wherein the protrusion (38) is
adapted to be inserted into the recess (28).
3. A latch striker (10) according to claim 2, wherein the recess (28) is through-going.
4. A latch striker (10) according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, wherein the top body (20)
is formed by two L-parts (24I, 24II), wherein each L-part (24I, 24II) comprises a
first face (25) complementary to a first face of the other L-part (24I, 24II) and
a second face (26) complementary to the rail body (30), wherein coupling of the first
faces (25I, 25II) forms the striker (22).
5. A latch striker (10) according to claim 4, wherein the L-parts (24I, 24II) are configured
for defining the recess (28) or protrusion (38) when the first faces (25I, 25II) couple.
6. A latch striker (10) according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, wherein the top body (20)
comprises one or two arms (27I,27II) extending from opposite sides of the top body
(20) and substantially into the flange plane (34), wherein the one or two arms (27I,27II)
have a hand part (29I,29II) inside the flange plane (34) configured for sliding inside
and engaging a T-track.
7. A latch striker (10) according to claim 6, wherein one or both of the hand parts (29I,29II)
comprise means for engaging a screw for placement of the latch striker (10) at a specific
position of a T-track.
8. A latch striker (10) according to anyone of claims 1 to 7, wherein the striker (22)
is a hook, optionally a substantially U-shaped hook.
9. A latch striker (10) according to anyone of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rail body (30)
and the top body (20) are slidably connected by mutually complementary sliding parts.
10. A latch striker (10) according to anyone of claims 1 to 9, wherein the top body (20)
comprises an arc (21) extending upwardly from the rail body (30), wherein the arc
(21) is substantially perpendicular to the flanges (32I, 32II).
11. A parcel locker (100) comprising
- two or more compartments (110), wherein each of the two compartments (110) comprise a gate (120) with a lock unit (130) for controlling access to the compartment (110);
- a parcel locker controller (140) comprising at least one processor and at least one memory that includes program code, wherein the memory and the program code are configured to operate the lock units (130);
wherein at least one compartment (110) comprises a T-track (150) with a latch striker (10) connected to said T-track (150), wherein the latch striker (10) is complementary to the lock unit (130) of the at least one compartment (110); said latch striker (10) and said lock unit (130) being positioned and configured for interlocking, wherein the latch striker (10) is according to anyone of the previous claims.12. A parcel locker (100) according to claim 11, wherein the T-track (150) is positioned
on a compartment facing side (122) of the gate (120).