Compression latch

A compression latch assembly configured for latching a panel separating an interior region from an exterior region, the compression latch assembly comprising:

• a housing assembly defining an exterior well open to the exterior region, a first compartment, and a second compartment, the first and second compartments extending into the interior region;
• a lockplug assembly within the first compartment, the lockplug assembly including a lockplug having a circumferential guide surface, wherein the lockplug is biased towards a locking position;
• a handle actuator assembly having a handle exposed within the exterior well of the housing assembly, a locking pin extending from a surface of the handle, a crank coupled to the handle, and a drive shaft coupled to the crank, wherein the handle and the crank rotate about a pivot point within the second compartment of the housing assembly to move the drive shaft, and wherein the handle is selectively captured and ejected by interaction between the circumferential guide surface of the lockplug and the locking pin extending from the surface of the handle;
• and
• a rotating pawl assembly having a hook defining a slot positioned to receive the drive shaft of the handle actuator assembly, wherein pivotal movement of the handle of the handle actuator assembly with respect to the pivot point actuates the hook by movement of the drive shaft of the handle actuator relative to the slot from a first position within the slot to a second, different position within the slot defined by the hook.

A compression latch assembly configured for latching a panel to a strike plate, the panel separating an interior region from an exterior region, the compression latch assembly comprising:

• a housing assembly defining an exterior well open to the exterior region and a compartment extending into the interior region;
• a handle actuator assembly having a handle exposed within the exterior well of the housing assembly, a crank coupled to the handle, and a drive shaft coupled to the crank, wherein the handle and the crank rotate about a pivot point within the compartment of the housing assembly to move the drive shaft;
• and
• a rotating pawl assembly including a pawl having a hook and an extension, the hook defining a slot positioned to receive the drive shaft of the handle actuator assembly, wherein pivotal movement of the handle of the handle actuator assembly with respect to the pivot point actuates the hook by movement of the drive shaft of the handle actuator assembly relative to the slot from a first position within the slot to a second, different position within the slot defined in the hook, and wherein the extension contacts the strike plate when the panel is swung toward the interior region and urges the hook towards the strike plate.