Multipoint latch actuated by single handle pull

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 20, 2001

Southco's new Door Edge Multipoint Compression System offers installation, size and flexibility advantages for indoor enclosures in telecommunications, computer, and industrial machinery

Southco's new Door Edge Multipoint Compression System offers installation, size and flexibility advantages for indoor enclosures in the networking/telecommunications, computer, and industrial machinery industries.

Choosing the right system for an application is fast and easy.

Using Southco's on-line product selection guide, customers can configure a complete multiple point compression system in minutes using actual application criteria in the drop-down menus and selection screens.

Downloadable CAD drawings and on-line ordering further speed the specification process.

Installing a complete system is just as easy.

"With only three main assembly components, it is possible to install a complete system in under two minutes," says David Fusina, Southco product manager.

"We designed it for today's high-speed production lines.

The system can accommodate modular assembly where the enclosure frames and its doors are manufactured in different locations." Its symmetrical design also allows for fast conversions to right or left-hand operation.

The lift-handle actuator, which is available in key-locking or non-locking versions, was engineered to meet rigorous and constantly changing industrial design requirements.

"We made it flexible enough to accommodate the marketplace's future enclosure latching requirements," says Fusina.

"Its handle cover and the bezel can be customised to provide a unique look to differentiate an enclosure in the marketplace.

The actuator mechanism can accommodate various shapes and sizes of handle and bezel, while still providing the same mechanical action." The system's size is also an advantage for enclosure designers.

When installed, its 15mm x 18mm (minimum) inside envelope enables the system to be positioned close to the door edge outside the enclosure's seal.

This saves valuable space inside the enclosure and on the door.

The system accommodates 600mm to 2200mm tall cabinets.

Five different keeper grips allow for varying spaces between door and frame.

A variety of possible rod lengths and latch point locations allow the same system to be used on related items for a consistent look throughout a product line.

Operation is intuitive.

To open, simply lift the handle.

As the handle is lifted, the latching mechanism drives open the remote latches.

To close, simply push the door closed and the handle down.

The latches will engage the keepers when the door is up to 15mm away from the closed position, using they system's mechanical advantage to pull the door closed and apply consistent compression to the frame along the door edge.

The system allows the operator to close the door and apply the compressive force of the latches in one smooth motion.

The upper and lower rods engage the keepers in opposite directions to keep the door square in its frame, and to keep a thin-paneled door sturdy and stable.

No turning of the handle is required to operate the system, allowing cabinets to be positioned tightly together without having to allow side clearance to operate the system.

Southco is a global designer and manufacturer of engineered access solutions, offering industry's broadest line of latches and access hardware.

Southco products include compression latches, pawl/cam action latches, push to close latches, multipoint latching systems, draw latches, captive fasteners, quarter-turn fasteners, hinges, handles and pulls, drive (blind) rivets and other accessories.

The privately-held company is a pioneer in customer interaction, product design, innovative manufacturing and system integration for many industries, including the networking, computer, industrial machinery, and automotive industries.

The company's 100 years of manufacturing excellence has built a record of providing state-of-the-art access product solutions, outstanding customer service and full-service engineering support.