阅读说明：本技术 闩锁接合件 (Latch engagement ) 是由 P·W·奥斯汀 J·E·格雷罗 M·J·佩西托 于 2017-06-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：示例的实施方式涉及一种闩锁系统。示例的闩锁系统可以包括计算单元和安装装置,所述计算单元包括第一闩锁接合件,所述安装装置包括用于接纳第一闩锁接合件的第二闩锁接合件。所述计算单元能够经由第一闩锁接合件和第二闩锁接合件可恢复地电连接且机械连接至安装装置。(Example embodiments relate to a latching system. An example latching system may include a computing unit including a first latch engagement member and a mounting device including a second latch engagement member for receiving the first latch engagement member. The computing unit is reversibly electrically and mechanically connectable to the mounting device via the first and second latch engagers.)

1. A system, the system comprising:

an integrated retail point of sale computing unit comprising a first latch engagement comprising a fixed latch plate; and

a mounting device including a second latch engagement member for receiving the first latch engagement member, the second latch engagement member including a spring return latch plate,

Wherein the computing unit is recoverably electrically connected and recoverably mechanically connected to the mounting device via engagement of the fixed latch plate of the first latch engagement with the spring return latch plate of the second latch engagement.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting device comprises a bracket for the computing unit.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting device comprises a flat panel display mounting interface mounting device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting device comprises a video electronics standards association mounting device.

5. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a first latch engagement received on the computing unit and being recoverably mechanically connected and recoverably electrically connected to a second latch engagement, the first latch engagement having an opening for receiving a latch pin; and

the second latch engagement received on the mounting device and including a spring-return sliding latch plate that receives the latch pin received at the first latch engagement.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second latch engagement member includes a socket for receiving the first latch engagement member, wherein the socket is shaped the same as the first latch engagement member.

7. the apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first latch engagement includes a first electrical connector for connecting with a second electrical connector on the second latch engagement.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the latch is a notched latch.

9. the apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second latch engagement includes an opening for receiving a screw for preventing access to the spring-return sliding latch plate.

10. A system, the system comprising:

A computing unit that is restorable mechanically and restorable electrically connected to a mounting device via a latching system; and

the latching system, the latching system comprising:

A first latch engagement on the computing unit, the first latch engagement comprising:

A plurality of holes for receiving a plurality of latch pins of a second latch engagement on the mounting device; and

A fixed latch plate; and

A second latch engagement for receiving the first latch engagement, and the second latch engagement comprises:

A plurality of latches;

A spring return latch plate for engagement with the fixed latch plate; and

A connection portion for receiving an external cable.

11. the system of claim 10, wherein,

The mounting device is a flat panel display mounting interface wall mounting device; and is

Wherein the second latch engagement further comprises an opening for routing a cable from the computing unit, through the second latch engagement, and into a wall.

12. the system of claim 10, wherein the second latch engager further comprises a cable channel for routing a cable from the computing unit through the second latch engager.

13. the system of claim 10, the second latch engagement member to toollessly receive the first latch engagement member.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the spring return latch plate includes an angled edge for engaging a lip of the fixed latch plate.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the computing unit is an all-in-one retail point-of-sale computing unit.

Background

a point of sale (POS) is the time and place at which a retail transaction is completed. A retail point of sale (RPOS) device is a device for completing a transaction. An all-in-one (AiO) retail point-of-sale device may include a computing device built into a monitor chassis.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a latching system including a first latch engagement member and a second latch engagement member;

FIG. 2 illustrates another view of the latch system including the first latch engagement member and the second latch engagement member;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a mounting device including a latch engagement;

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a computing unit including a latch engagement;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of a cross-section of the latch engagement member;

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a portion of the latch engagement member;

FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the latch system;

FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the latch system;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the latch system;

FIG. 10 illustrates a view of the latched latching system;

FIG. 11 illustrates another view of the latched latching system;

Fig. 12 illustrates a view of a cross section of a wall mountable latch system;

FIG. 13 illustrates a rear view of a wall mountable latch system;

FIG. 14 illustrates a view of the bottom of a wall mountable latch system; and

Fig. 15 illustrates a view of the back of a wall mountable latching system including an opening for a cable.

Detailed Description

the integrated retail point-of-sale device may reduce the space required for components of the retail point-of-sale system (e.g., computing devices, monitors, mice, and/or keyboards, etc.) among other components. The computing unit of the integrated retail point of sale device may be a display monitor that may not have a battery such that the display monitor does not house its own power source. For example, the computing unit may be powered by direct current supplied by an electrical cable and may be capable of connecting to a network, peripheral devices, and/or devices via other cable connections. The computing unit may be a touch screen display monitor so that a user may interact with the computing unit without a mouse or control panel. The computing unit may be used, among other things, to perform tasks including customer checkout and product searching.

some computing units can be physically connected to a counter, wall, etc. via a mounting device (e.g., a bracket or post, etc.). For example, the computing unit can be connected to the mounting device via bolts or screws inside or on top of the mounting device. For example, the mounting device can be physically connected to a counter top in a retail environment. To detach the computing unit from the mounting device, a portion of the mounting device or the computing unit is removed and a tool is used to perform the detachment. The electrical and data cable connections are attached and detached separately. This may result in a multi-step process for connecting and disconnecting the computing unit to the mounting device. In some approaches, the time consuming removal process may result in the integrated retail point of sale device, particularly the computing device portion, remaining unsecured or in an open state, leaving the integrated retail point of sale device, particularly the computing device portion, vulnerable to theft.

Examples of the present disclosure may include a latch system that allows a computing unit of an integrated retail point of sale device to be both electrically and mechanically connected with a mounting device. The electrical and mechanical connections may be recoverable such that the connections are releasable, removable, detachable, etc. For example, the connection may be non-permanent.

In some examples, the latch system may include a first latch engagement on the computing unit and a second latch engagement on the mounting device. The two latch engagers can be latched together and an alignment aid can be used to simplify latching (e.g., engaging an alignment aid receptacle with an alignment aid disk).

the latching system may allow tool-less latching of the computing unit with the mounting device and may reduce cable clutter, for example, in some examples, by routing cables through the mounting device. In some examples of the present disclosure, latching of the computing unit to the mounting device may occur in a single, tool-less action of pressing the computing unit onto the mounting device at a latch interface located on the computing unit and on the mounting device. In some examples, removal may be performed using, for example, a screwdriver or lever, and may allow the computing unit to be unlatched from the mounting device for secure storage. The latching system may allow for a recoverable connection between the computing unit and the mounting device. For example, when the computing unit is not in use (e.g., store off time, lunch time, etc.), the computing unit may be unlatched and locked in the secure chest while the mounting device remains in place. This may reduce the amount of secure storage space required, as the computing unit is smaller than the combination of the computing unit plus the mounting means.

fig. 1 illustrates a view of a latching system 100 including a first latch engagement member and a second latch engagement member. Fig. 1 illustrates the latching system 100 in a latched position. The latching system 100 may include a mounting device 104 having a second latch engagement that connects to a first latch engagement received on the computing unit 102. In some examples, the computing unit 102 may be an all-in-one retail point-of-sale computing unit. In some examples, the computing unit 102 does not house a battery. In some examples, the computing unit 102 does house a battery and may be used, for example, as a tablet. In some examples, the mounting device 104 may be a bracket for physically connecting to a counter or other desired location. For example, the bracket may be directly connected to a counter, or the mounting device 104 may be connected to a plate 106, which may connect the mounting device 104 to a counter or other desired location.

The latching system 100 may comprise an integrated retail point of sale device. The integrated retail point of sale device may include a computing unit 102 that is communicatively connectable to other components (not shown) of the integrated retail point of sale device. As used herein, communicatively connecting may include connecting via various wired and/or wireless connections such that data may be passed in various directions between the computing unit and other components. For example, the computing unit 102 may be electronically and mechanically coupled to the mounting device 104, and connections connecting the computing unit 102 to other components of the integrated retail point of sale device may be housed within the mounting device 104.

fig. 2 illustrates another view of the latching system 200 including a first latch engagement member and a second latch engagement member. Fig. 2 illustrates the latching system 200 in an unlatched position. For example, the computing unit 202, which houses the first latch engagement 208, is unlatched from the mounting device 204 and the plate 206. The cables are not visible in fig. 2 because the cables can be housed within the mounting device 204, which reduces cable clutter.

Fig. 3 illustrates a view of the mounting device 304 including the second latch engagement 330. Fig. 4 illustrates a view of a computing unit including a first latch engagement 408. For convenience of description, fig. 3 and 4 are described together.

the mounting device 304 may be connected to a plate 306 that may connect the mounting device 304 to a counter or other surface where it is desired to receive an integrated retail point of sale device. For example, the plate 306 may be used to connect the mounting device 304 to a checkout lane counter in a retail store. The mounting device 304 may receive a second latch engagement 330 for connecting to a first latch engagement received on an associated computing unit 402. The second latch engagement may include a plurality of features for mechanically and electrically connecting the mounting device 304 to the computing unit 402. The connection may be recoverable. For example, the mechanical connection may include a latch that uses a hook and a latch pin, as will be discussed further herein. The electrical connection may include a connection via the female electrical connector 310 and the male electrical connector 412. As used herein, an electrical connector includes an electromechanical device for joining electrical terminals and creating an electrical circuit. Examples include plug and socket connectors and component and device connectors, among others. The electrical connectors may include Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, electrical connectors, Direct Current (DC) connectors, and/or hybrid connectors, among others.

the second latch engagement may include an alignment aid receptacle 314. The alignment aid socket 314 may accommodate the shape of the first latch engagement 408, which may be referred to as an alignment aid disk. The tray may help guide the latching of the computing unit 402 with the mounting device 304 by acting as a guide. For example, as illustrated in fig. 3 and 4, the alignment aid receptacle 314 may be substantially the same circular shape as the circular shape of the first latch engagement 408 or the alignment aid disc. Because alignment aid receptacle 314 is a recessed portion, it is capable of receiving a protruding alignment aid disk. In other words, the alignment aid socket 314 is capable of receiving the first latch engagement 408 via the alignment aid disk. Although a circular shape is illustrated in fig. 3 and 4, other shapes may be used for alignment aid socket 314 and alignment aid disk 408.

the second latch engagement may include a female electrical connector 310 that is communicatively connectable to a male electrical connector 412 on the first latch engagement 408 when the computing unit 402 is latched to the mounting device 304 via the first and second latch engagers. For example, power and data can be fed via the communicatively coupled male and female electrical connectors 412, 310 and cables extending through the center of the mounting device 304. In some examples, this may reduce cable clutter at the retail point-of-sale device and/or system such that the cables no longer protrude from the integrated retail point-of-sale device computing unit 402 to be visible. For example, the plate 306 may be connected to a desk and the cables may exit the mounting device 304 under the desk, such that the cables are hidden from view.

Fig. 5 illustrates a view of a cross-section of the second latch engagement 530. In the illustrated example, the cross-section extends through the center of the mounting device on which the second latch engagement member 530 is received, through the center of the female electrical connector 510. In some examples, the second latch engagement 530 may be received on a mounting device, as illustrated in fig. 3 (e.g., latch engagement 330).

the second latch engagement 530 may include latch pins 516-1 and 516-2. The latch 516 may be mounted on a spring return latch plate 518 that can be spring loaded via a spring 520. In some examples, the latch 516 may be notched such that the tip of each latch may be beveled to engage and secure with a keyhole, as will be discussed further herein. Although two latch pins 516 are illustrated in fig. 5 (the first latch engagement forms a total of four pins), more or fewer latch pins 516 may be used.

in some examples, the second latch engagement 530 may include a screw 522. Screw 522 may be a tamper resistant screw and may be a security feature. For example, screw 522 may be a tamper-resistant torque screw (screw-torque screw) that may be removed when a particular screwdriver (e.g., a tamper-resistant screwdriver) is used. To remove the computing unit from the mounting device (e.g., unlatching the first and second latch engagers), a special screwdriver may be used to remove the bolt 522, an object (e.g., screwdriver, lever, etc.) may be used to press the spring return latch plate onto the compression spring 520, and the computing unit may be removed. The computing unit may hold the latch without the screw 522; however, because a special screwdriver is required to remove the screw 522, the use of the screw 522 may prevent an unauthorized user from removing the computing unit. In other words, the second latch engagement 530 may include an opening for receiving the screw 522 (for preventing access to the spring return sliding latch plate) which would allow removal of the computing unit.

The second latch engagement 530 may include a female electrical connector 510 that may receive the male electrical connector of the first latch engagement received on the computing unit. When connected, data and power may be fed from the computing unit to an input/output (I/O) hub, which may provide input/output functionality for the computing unit and other devices connected to the I/O hub. In some examples, the connections to and/or from the input/output hub may be Universal Serial Bus (USB) C-type connections and/or other connections that may facilitate hot-plug (hot-docking) actions, including replacing or adding components without stopping or shutting down the associated integrated retail point of sale device.

Fig. 6 illustrates a view of a portion of the first latch engagement 608. The first latch engagement 608 may be housed on a computing unit and may include keyholes 617-1 and 617-2, which may be openings for receiving latch pins located on the second latch engagement. For example, the keyhole 617 may receive the latch 516 shown in FIG. 5. The latch-keyhole connection may be part of a recoverable mechanical connection between the computing device and the mounting device. The keyhole 617 may be aligned with a latch pin such that when the first latch engagement is latched with the second latch engagement, the latch pin may align with the keyhole 617 and fit within the keyhole 617. The number of keyholes 617 may be the same as the number of latch pins on the associated latch engagement; however, in some cases, there may be more keyholes 617 than latch pins. In some examples, the latch pin may engage the keyhole 617 and the first and second latch engagers may latch together in response to a spring return latch plate (e.g., spring return latch plate 518 in fig. 5) returning to an unactuated position, as will be discussed further herein.

Fig. 7 illustrates a view of the latching system. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of the latching process, including the use of latch pins 716-3 and 716-4 received on a spring-return latch plate 718 to strengthen the latching connection between the computing unit 702 and the mounting device 704. Fig. 8 illustrates another view of the latch system. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the latching process, including engaging a lip-containing hook received on a fixed latch plate 822 with a hook 824 received on a spring return latch plate 818. In some examples, portions of the latching process illustrated in fig. 7 and 8 may occur simultaneously. Fig. 9 illustrates a partial enlarged view of the latch system. For example, fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the circle shown in fig. 8. Fig. 7, 8, and 9 are described together for convenience of description. Fig. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate the recoverable mechanical connection of the first and second latch engagers during the latching process. For example, the latching process may include pressing the computing unit 702, 802 onto the mounting device 704, 804 to electrically and mechanically connect the computing unit 702, 802 and the mounting device 704, 804 via the first and second latch engagements. The electrical and mechanical connections can be made tool-free.

The computing units 702, 802 may have fixed latch plates 722, 822, 922 that include hooks with lip portions for engaging the hooks 824, 924 with angled edges when the computing units 702, 802 are pressed against the mounting device for latching. For example, the latching systems of fig. 7, 8, and 9 may allow for a recoverable connection between the computing unit and the mounting device via engagement of the fixed latch plates 722, 822, 922 with the spring return latch plates 718, 818. Although one hook 824, 924 is illustrated in each of fig. 8 and 9, more than one hook may be received on the fixed latch plates 722, 822, 922.

In some examples, when the computing unit 702, 802 is pressed against the mounting device 704, 804, the hooks 824, 924 at the ends of the spring-return latch plates 718, 818 may contact the hooks at the ends of the fixed latch plates 722, 822, 922, causing the hooks 824, 924 to move in the direction of arrow 928 and forcing the lip portions of the hooks of the fixed latch plates 722, 822, 922 into engagement with the hooks 824, 924. In response to this engagement, the spring return latch plates 718, 818 may be reversed sufficiently while the computing units 702, 802 are pressed to insert the latch pin into the larger end of the keyhole (e.g., latch pin 516 and keyhole 617 as described in fig. 5 and 6). In response to the hooks engaging each other and pressure being released from the computing units 702, 802, the spring 820 may return to a relaxed position, thereby causing the latch pin to slide to the smaller end of the keyhole. In some examples, latch pins 716-3 and 716-4 may be located on spring-return latch plates 718, 818 to strengthen the latching connection between the computing unit 702 and the mounting device 704, as will be discussed further herein with respect to fig. 10. Although two latches 716 are illustrated in fig. 7, more or fewer latches may be present.

Fig. 10 illustrates a view of the latched latching system. The latching system may mechanically and recoverably connect the computing unit 1002 to the mounting device 1004 and may include latch pins 1016-3 and 1016-4 that engage with a fixed latch plate 1022 and provide latching points in addition to two other latch pin/keyhole attachment points and the engagement of two hook lips to the hooks 824, 924. In such an example, the computing unit 1002 may have a tight fit to the mounting device 1004 such that the movement of the computing unit 1002 with the latch to the mounting device 1004 is below a desired movement threshold. Although a total of six latching points are described herein, more or fewer latching points in different combinations may be used.

Fig. 11 illustrates another view of the latched latching system. A lip of the hook of the fixed latch plate 1122 may engage with the hook 1124 of the spring-return latch plate such that when pressure is applied to the computing unit 1102 and subsequently released from the computing unit 1102, the spring-return latch plate and spring 1120 may return to a relaxed position (e.g., following the direction of arrow 1126), thereby causing latching of the computing unit 1102 with the mounting device 1104 via the first and second latch engagers. The latching connection of fig. 11 may be recoverable such that the computing unit 1102 may be removed from the mounting device 1104 when a lever, screwdriver, or other object is pressed against the spring return latch plate.

Fig. 12 illustrates a view of a cross section of a wall mountable latching system. While described as a wall-mounted latching system, examples are not limited to mounting to a wall. Examples may include mounting to a post, table, or other desired surface, for example. In some examples, a wall-mounted latching system may include the same components as the mounting device latching system described above, but may be mounted to a wall, column, table, or other desired surface (e.g., a vertical surface). For example, a wall mountable latch system may include a second latch engagement 1208, the same or similar to that illustrated in fig. 2 and 4, coupled to a wall mountable latch engagement 1230. For example, the latching system of FIG. 12 may include a female electrical connector 1210, latch pins 1216-1 and 1216-2, spring 1220, and hook 1224. Although two latches are illustrated in fig. 12, there may be more latches (e.g., a total of four latches). In the view illustrated in fig. 12, the second latch engagement is coupled to a wall-mounted latch engagement 1230. Although not illustrated in fig. 12, the second engagement member latching engagement member may be connected to the computing unit in the same or similar manner as illustrated in fig. 2 and 4. The wall mountable latching system may include a recoverable electrical connection via the female connector 1210 and a mating male connector, as well as a recoverable mechanical connection that is the same as or similar to the connections described with respect to fig. 7-11. The electrical and mechanical connections can be made tool-free.

In some examples, the wall-mounted latch engagement 1230 may be mountable to a wall, a post, or the like. For example, a retailer may desire to mount a computing unit to a wall, a free standing post, a post bolted to a desk, etc., for display or easy access. The wall mounted latch engager may meet the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) mount engager standard (MIS) for mounting a flat panel display to, for example, a pole or wall hanging. For example, wall mounted latch engager 1230 may include an aperture 1246 in accordance with the video electronics standards association mount engager standard such that the wall mounted latch engager may be mounted to a video electronics standards association engager (including a wall, a post, or other mounting device that may receive a video electronics standards association mount engager standard mount).

In the example illustrated in fig. 12, a cable 1236 connecting the computing unit to power and/or data received at the female electrical connector 1210 can be fed to the wall-hung latch engager 1230 and routed in a channel around the rear of the wall-hung latch engager, as will be discussed further herein.

Fig. 13 illustrates a rear view of a wall mountable latch system. For example, a wall-mounted latching system may include a wall-mounted latch engagement 1330 that may latch to a latch engagement housed on a computing unit. The wall mounted latch engager 1330 may include apertures 1346-1, 1346-2, 1346-3, 1346-4 to attach the wall mounted latch engager 1330 to a wall, a column, a flat panel display mounted engager mounting device, a video electronics standards association mounting device, or other mounting device. The connectors 1358-1 and 1358-2 may include screws that hold the female electrical connection 1312 to the latch engagement 1330, and cables 1336 from the female-to-male electrical connection may be routed through a channel 1354 around the circumference of the wall mounted latch engagement 1330 into a protective sleeve 1338 that may protect the connections (not shown). An external connection (e.g., a USB-C connection, etc.) may be made at the connection to transfer data and/or electricity from/to the computing unit.

fig. 14 illustrates a view of the bottom of a wall mounted latching system. For example, a wall-mounted latching system may include a wall-mounted latch engagement 1430 that may latch to a latch engagement housed on a computing unit. The wall mounted latch engagement 1430 may include a connection 1440 to receive an external connection for transferring data and/or electricity to/from a computing unit. For example, the connection 1440 may receive a power supply, a data cable, or other external connections that may connect to a hub (e.g., an input/output hub elsewhere). The computing unit may be powered, for example, via connection 1440.

Fig. 15 illustrates a schematic back view of a wall-mounted latch system including an opening 1552 for a cable. The wall-mounted latch interface 1530 may include an opening 1552 for allowing a cable 1536 to be threaded into a wall, column, or the like. For example, the cable 1536 may be removed from the channel 1554 and routed directly into a wall, column, or the like, or routed to a connection device in a wall, column, or the like. In some examples, this reduces cable clutter by moving the cables into the wall or down the column, thereby hiding the cables from view.

in the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific examples in which the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. For example, "102" in fig. 1 may identify element "06," and similar elements may be identified as 102 in fig. 2. A number of similar elements in a figure may be labeled with a reference numeral followed by a succeeding character and another number or letter. For example, 516-1 in FIG. 5 may mark element 16-1, and 516-2 may mark element 16-2, which may be similar to element 16-1. Such similar elements may be generally labeled without hyphens and additional numbers or letters. For example, elements 516-1 and 516-2 may be generally designated 516.

Elements shown in the various figures herein may be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional examples of the present disclosure. Additionally, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate examples of the present disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.