CN212061071U - Integrated snap device - Google Patents

Abstract

An integrated latch device for securing and releasing a computer device in a housing includes a support bracket, a rotation axis, a sliding plate with a latch extension, and a handle with a rotation end. The rotation end of the handle is fixed to the rotation axis of the support bracket. The rotation end of the handle has a push extension. A torsion spring is disposed on the rotation axis, and the torsion spring biases the support bracket to abut the handle. When the torsion spring is in a balanced state, the handle is in an open position; when the torsion spring is in a fully compressed state, the handle is in a closed position. When the handle rotates between the open and closed positions, the push extension engages and moves the sliding plate laterally.

Description

Integrated snap device

【Technical field】

The utility model relates to a new model for fixing rack-type equipment in a casing. More specifically, the present invention relates to an integrated latch mechanism for fixing and releasing rack-mounted equipment in a casing.

【Background technique】

Rack-mounted computing devices, such as rack-mounted servers, are employed in a large number of high-networking applications, such as network-based systems and data centers. A rack-mounted device includes a number of hardware elements that are swapped out. For example, when upgrading a hardware element (storage or memory device) of a server, the plurality of elements can be removed and replaced with higher capacity or higher speed elements. The various cards of the server are replaceable.

Like rack-mounted computing equipment common in server systems, it supports the exchange of components. In order to easily switch components in a rack, there is a need for a computing system that is suitable for the installation and removal of rack-mounted equipment, especially in data centers where hardware upgrades are required. The process of removing and reinstalling rack-mounted equipment is time-consuming for technicians. Therefore, the present invention aims to reduce the time for removing and installing rack-mounted equipment.

【Content of utility model】

According to one embodiment, an integrated latching device for securing and releasing a computer device in a housing, the support bracket in the device includes a first transverse structure and a rotation axis. The device also has a sliding plate with a hitch extension and a handle with a second transverse structure on the axis of rotation. The rotating end of the handle is fixed on the rotating shaft on the support bracket. The rotating end of the handle has more than one push extension. A torsion spring is disposed on the rotating shaft, and the torsion spring biases the first transverse structure of the support bracket against the second transverse structure of the handle. When the torsion spring is in a balanced state, the handle is in an open position; when the torsion spring is in a fully compressed state, the handle is in a closed position. One or more push extensions on the handle engage and laterally move the slide plate, and upon rotation of the handle from the open to the closed position, move the latch extension away from the support bracket to engage the enclosure.

The above-mentioned novel contents do not represent the contents of each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. The foregoing has merely provided some of the novel aspects of the invention and features set forth herein. The above-disclosed features and advantages of the invention, as well as other features and advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and illustrating the manner in which the invention may be carried out, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the scope of the patent.

【Description of drawings】

The present invention will be better understood from the description of the following embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an integrated latch mechanism that is a latch to secure a rack-mounted device in a cabinet, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

2 is an exploded perspective view of an integrated latch mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 2 integrating the latch mechanism in a closed and fixed position.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 2 integrated with the latch mechanism in the unlocked position.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 2 integrated with the latch mechanism in an open position from another perspective.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 2 integrated with the latch mechanism in a closed position from another perspective.

5A is a side view of the integrated hitch mechanism of FIG. 2 showing the handle in a closed position, wherein the support bracket of the integrated hitch mechanism is shown in hidden lines.

FIG. 5B is a side view showing a state in which the handle of FIG. 5A is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

FIG. 5C shows a side view of the handle of FIG. 5A with the integrated latch mechanism fully rotated to the open position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the integrated latch mechanism in the disengaged open state to remove the rack-mounted equipment from the cabinet.

FIG. 7 is a close-up of the front view of FIG. 6 , showing one of the latch mechanisms in the open position of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a close-up of the front view of FIG. 6 showing another latch mechanism in the open position of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the integrated latch mechanism in the closed position to secure the rack-type device in the housing.

FIG. 10 is a close-up of the front view of FIG. 9 showing one of the latch mechanisms in FIG. 9 .

【Symbol Description】

100: Integrated hitch mechanism

120: handle

165: Toggle Extension

180: Computer Equipment

185: Ventilation cover

190: Chassis

200: Integrated hitch mechanism

210: handle

210': handle

210a: Handle

210b: Handle

210c: handle

211: Slender side

212: Second Transverse Structure

213: Slender side

214: Hole

215: Hole

217: Push extension

218: Rotary end

219: Push extension

220: Support bracket

221: Back Wall

222: First Transverse Structure

224: First Wing Structure

226: Second Wing Structure

227: Torsion Spring

230: Rotary axis

234: First End

236: Second End

240: Spring shaft

251: Compression spring

251a: Compression spring

251b: Compression spring

251c: Compression Spring

252: Compression spring

260: Sliding Board

260a: Sliding Plate

260b: Sliding Board

260c: Sliding Plate

265: Toggle Extension

265a: Toggle Extension

265b: Toggle Extension

265c: Toggle Extension

267: slotted hole

269: slotted hole

270: Mounting bracket

600a: Integrated hitch mechanism

600b: Integrated hitch mechanism

610a: handle

610a': handle

610b: handle

610b': handle

612: Lateral support

617a: Push extension

617b: Push extension

619a: Push extension

619b: Push extension

620: Support bracket

620a: Support bracket

620b: Support bracket

627a: Torsion spring

627b: Torsion spring

630a: Rotary axis

630b: Rotary axis

665a: Toggle Extension

665a’: hitch extension

665b: Toggle Extension

680: Computer Equipment

685: Front cover

690: Chassis

【Detailed ways】

Various embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are only used to illustrate the invention. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships and methods set forth herein provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will readily recognize, however, that various embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details or by other means. In other instances, well-known structures or operations have not been shown in detail in order to avoid obscuring certain aspects of the various embodiments. The various embodiments are not limited by the illustrated order of acts or events, as some acts can also occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all implementations of actions or events illustrated in accordance with the present disclosure are required.

Elements and limitations of the present invention, such as those in the Abstract, Summary of the Invention, and Examples section, and other claims not expressly set forth in the scope of the patent, whether individually, collectively, by implication, or by inference, should not be combined within the scope of the patent. For the purpose of detailed description of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the singular includes the plural and vice versa. The word "including" means "including but not limited to". In addition, some approximations, such as "about", "almost", "about", etc., may be used herein to mean "around", "within 3-5%", "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances" within", or any logical combination thereof.

With respect to the present invention, the terms "computing device", "computing system" or "computer system" refer to any electronic or battery powered device comprising hardware, software and/or firmware elements, wherein the software and/or Firmware elements may be configured as operational functions on the device. "Running Environment" means any system operating system or operational environment that enables the Software to run on a computer system.

When replacing components of rack-mount computing equipment, it is desirable to increase efficiency and simplify the installation process. Efficiency can be enhanced by an integrated latch and handle mechanism that attaches to the computer equipment, allowing technicians to attach or remove rack-mounted equipment with just one motion.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an integrated latch mechanism 100 is depicted that secures a computer device 180 , such as a rack-mounted device, to a chassis 190 . The integrated latch mechanism 100 is fixed to the computer device 180 , for example, directly mounted on the ventilation upper cover 185 of the computer device 180 . The handle 120 of the integrated latch mechanism 100 is shown in a closed state. The computer device 180 is fixed in the casing 190 through the latch extension portion 165 of the integrated latch mechanism. The latch extension portion 165 is also directly connected to the casing 190 . engage.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is depicted an exploded perspective view of an integrated latch mechanism 200 used to secure and release computer equipment in a housing. In some embodiments, a support bracket 220 includes a first transverse structure 222 and a rotation shaft 230 fixed to the support bracket 220 . In some embodiments, a sliding plate 260 is disposed between the support bracket 220 and the mounting bracket 270 . The sliding plate 260 has a latch extension portion 265 , and the latch extension portion 265 can be engaged or disengaged from the casing 190 when the integrated latch mechanism 200 operates. Sliding plate 260 has one or more slots, such as slots 267 and 269 .

The handle 210 includes a rotating end 218 and a second transverse structure 212 , wherein the second transverse structure 212 is disposed on the rotating end 218 . The rotating end 218 of the handle 210 is secured to the support bracket 220 about the rotating shaft 230 through a hole 215 in the handle 210 and a similar hole (not shown) on the other side. The rotating end 218 also includes one or more nudging extensions 217 and 219 . In addition, a torsion spring 227 is arranged on the periphery of the rotating shaft 230 . In the assembled state, the torsion spring 227 can bias the first lateral structure 222 of the support bracket 220 relative to the second lateral structure 212 of the handle 210 to rotate or actuate the handle 210 toward the open position. Pushing the extensions 217 and 219 causes the slots 267 and 269 to move the sliding plate 260 laterally. In some embodiments, the torsion spring may be a double torsion spring.

In some embodiments, the support bracket 220 has one or more wing structures. For example, in some aspects, the first transverse structure 222 of the support bracket 220 extends between the first wing structure 224 and the second wing structure 226 . Both the first wing structure 224 and the second wing structure 226 are perpendicular to the first transverse structure 222 . In some embodiments, the rotating shaft 230 has a first end 234 and a second end 236 fixed to the first wing structure 224 and the second wing structure 226, respectively.

In some embodiments, the handle 210 has two elongated sides 211 and 213 and the second transverse structure 212 extends between the two elongated sides 211 and 213 . The elongated sides 211 and 213 include a hole 214 for receiving a spring-loaded shaft 240 on the support bracket 220 . The spring shaft 240 includes a plunger function that can manually drive the shaft.

In some embodiments, the integrated latch mechanism 200 has one or more compression springs, such as 251 and 252 , to laterally bias the slide plate 260 and the latch extension 265 away from the support bracket 220 .

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4B, various views of the integrated latch mechanism 200 are shown, depicting the handle in a closed position (the integrated latch mechanism 200 is secured to the housing) and the handle in an open position (the integrated latch The buckle mechanism 200 is not fixed to the casing). Figures 3A and 4B depict the handle in a closed (fixed) position with the handle 210 in the integrated latch mechanism 200 parallel to the slide plate 260. Additionally, when the handle is rotated from the open to the closed position, the latch extension 265 translates in a direction parallel to the handle 210 and away from the support bracket 220 and engages the housing. The latch extension 265 is generally perpendicular to the slide plate 260, although sometimes at a different angle, such as parallel to the slide plate 260 or an angle between perpendicular and parallel. Figures 3B and 4A depict the handle in the open (unsecured) position with the handle 210' in a vertical or near vertical sliding plate position, (eg, 60 to 120 degrees; 70 to 110 degrees; 80 to 100 degrees) with the latch extended The portion 265 translates toward the support bracket 220 and is disengaged from the enclosure.

In some embodiments, when the handle 210' is in the open position, the torsion spring 227 extends to an equilibrium state (see FIG. 3B). In the closed position, the torsion spring 227 is in a fully compressed state (see Figure 3A).

The handle 210 includes one or more push extensions 217 and 219 . During rotation of handle 210 from the open to the closed position or from the closed to open position, push extensions 217 and 219 may engage slots 267 and 269 and move sliding plate 260 laterally, or cause sliding plate 260 to move. For example, when the handle 210 is rotated from the open to the closed position, the push extension facilitates or moves the latch extension 265 in a direction away from the support bracket 220 to engage the cabinet.

In some embodiments, the spring shaft 240 is secured to the support bracket 220, and when the handle 210 is in the closed position, the spring shaft 240 engages the hole 214 of the handle 210 to lock the handle 210 in the closed position. The spring shaft 240 can be pulled out of the support bracket 220 or pulled away from the support bracket, eg, using a plunger mechanism at the end of the shaft, thereby allowing the spring shaft to exit the hole 214 and disengage it from the handle 210 . The above actions can unlock the handle 210 and rotate it to the open position.

In the example of FIG. 3B, the integrated latch mechanism of FIG. 2 is depicted in an open, unsecured position. When the handle 210' is in the open position, the torsion spring 227 extends to the equilibrium position. When the handle 210 is in the closed position, the torsion spring 227 is fully compressed. The handle has one or more push extensions 217 and 219 that can engage the slots 267 and 269 and move the slide plate 260 laterally when the handle is rotated from the open to the closed position. When the handle is rotated to the closed position, the latch extension 265 moves or is caused to move (eg, by a spring) away from the support bracket 220 into engagement with the housing.

In the example of FIG. 4A , a view from another angle of the integrated latch mechanism 200 of FIG. 2 is shown, which depicts the handle in the open (unsecured) position and omits the mounting bracket 270 (see FIG. 3B ). In FIG. 4B, a view from another angle of the integrated latch mechanism 200 of FIG. 2 is shown, this view depicting the handle in the closed (fixed) position and the mounting bracket 270 omitted.

Referring to Figure 5A, which depicts a side view of the handle 210 in the closed position in the integrated latch mechanism 200 of Figure 2, the support bracket 220 is shown in hidden lines in this figure. In the closed position, handle 210a is parallel to support bracket 220 and mounting bracket 270 . In addition, the handle 210a is passed through and locked to the hole on the elongated side 211 by the spring shaft 240 . By pulling up or out of the plunger of the spring shaft, portions of the shaft leave the hole, thereby allowing the handle 210a to rotate the shaft 230 (see Figure 2). When the integrated hitch mechanism 200 is in the closed position, the hitch extension 265a is located at the farthest end from the support bracket 220, where the hitch mechanism engages the chassis. When the compression spring 251a is in the extended position, the push extension 217 is also engaged with the mounting bracket 270, and the spring biases the latch extension 265a away from the support bracket 220 via the slide plate 260a. One end of the compression spring 251a is connected to the rear wall 221 of the support bracket 220, and the other end is connected to the sliding plate 260a.

Referring to Figure 5B, a side view of the handle 210b of the integrated latch mechanism 200 is shown in a position between rotating from a closed (handle 210a) to an open (handle 210c) position. When the handle 210b reaches the middle position, by pushing the extension part 217, the latch extension part 265b will be displaced to the right or closer to the center of the support bracket 220 along with the sliding plate 260b. At the same time, the compression spring 251b biases the sliding plate 260b in the opposite direction, and this bias cancels the force applied to the sliding plate 260b via the handle 210b.

Referring to FIG. 5C , a side view of the handle of the integrated latch mechanism 200 rotated to the fully open position is shown. The handle 210c is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the sliding plate 260c, which is displaced further to the right and closer to the center of the support bracket. Additionally, the hitch extension 265c is now closer to the support bracket because the hitch extension 265c is completely free of the enclosure. In addition, the compression spring 251c is further compressed between the slide plate 260c and the rear wall 221 of the support bracket 220 (in FIG. 5A).

6, the integrated latch mechanism 600a and 600b are fixed on the computer device 680, the figure depicts the integrated latch mechanism 600a and 600b in the open position, that is not fixed to the case 690 state, to allow the computer device 680 to move. When the computer device 680 is in an intermediate stage of sliding into the housing 690 or sliding out of the housing 690 , the computer device 680 is partially assembled to the housing 690 . The integrated latch mechanisms 600a and 600b allow the technician to easily push or pull the computer device 680 partially assembled to the housing 690, and to quickly secure and release the integrated latch mechanism. The handles are also depicted perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the front cover 685 and support brackets 620a and 620b of the computer device 680 when the handles 610a and 610b are in the open position.

7, a close-up front view of the handle 610a of the integrated latch mechanism 600a of FIG. 6 in an open position is depicted. The handle 610a is fixed to the support bracket 620a by a rotating shaft 630a. The torsion spring 627a is fitted on the rotation shaft 630a. The latch extension 665a does not engage the chassis 690, but rather allows the computer device to move.

8, another close-up perspective view of the integrated latch mechanism of FIG. 6 depicts the handle 610b of the integrated latch mechanism 600b in an open position. Similar to the integrated latch mechanism 600a, the handle 610b is secured to the support bracket 620b by a rotating shaft 630b. The torsion spring 627b is fitted around the rotation shaft 630b. The latch extension 665b does not engage the chassis 690, but rather allows the computer device to move. When the handle 610b is in the open state, the push extensions 617b and 619b are in the expected exemplary position.

Referring to Figure 9, the integrated latch mechanisms 600a and 600b of Figures 6-8 are depicted in the closed state as 600a' and 600b' corresponding to the handles in the closed state as 610a' and 610b'. Computer equipment 680 is fully assembled within enclosure 690, wherein computer equipment 680 has effectively been slid fully into enclosure 690. The integrated latch mechanisms 600a and 600b allow the technician to easily push the computer device 680 into the housing 690 and quickly secure the integrated release latch mechanisms 600a and 600b to the housing 690 . When the handles 610a' and 610b' are in the closed position, the handles are also depicted parallel or approximately parallel to the front cover 685 and support brackets 620a and 620b of the computer device 680.

Referring to Fig. 10, a close-up front view of the integrated latch mechanism 600a of Fig. 9 is shown, with handle 610a' depicted in a closed position. The handle 610a' is fixed to the support bracket 620a by a rotating shaft hidden behind the lateral support 612 of the handle. When handle 610a' is in the closed position, push extensions 617a and 619a are in the expected exemplary position. When the handle 610a' is in the closed position, the push extensions 617a and 619a engage the slide plate fitted below the support bracket 620 to move the latch extension 665a' in a direction away from the support bracket, which is generally parallel to the handle 610a' and the front cover of the computer device 680. In Figure 10, the latch extension 665a' is shown engaged with the cabinet.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that the various embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes may be made to the embodiments of the present invention in light of the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined in light of the following claims and their equivalents.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described herein with respect to one or more embodiments, equivalent changes or modifications may occur and others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. Learn about the changes. Additionally, although features of the present invention are disclosed herein with respect to only a few embodiments, such features can be combined with one or more features of other implementations as desired and advantageous for any given or particular application .

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, terms used in the embodiments and/or claims, such as "comprising", "having" or variations thereof, are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term "comprising".

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical or scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It is further understood that, unless expressly defined herein, such terms, as defined in a dictionary of common usage, should be construed as having the same meanings as they are in the context of the relevant technical field, rather than being construed as Ideal or too formal.

Claims (10)

1. An integrated latching apparatus for securing and releasing a computer device in a chassis, the integrated latching apparatus comprising:

a support bracket including a first lateral structure;

a rotating shaft fixed to the support bracket;

a sliding plate including a latch extension;

a handle including a second lateral structure at a rotating end of the handle, the rotating end of the handle being connected to the support bracket about the rotating shaft, the rotating end of the handle including at least one pushing extension; and

a torsion spring disposed on the pivot shaft, the torsion spring biasing the first transverse structure of the support bracket relative to the second transverse structure of the handle such that the handle is in an open position when the torsion spring is in a state of equilibrium and the handle is in a closed position when the torsion spring is in a fully compressed state,

wherein when the handle is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the push extension on the handle engages and moves the slide plate laterally, thereby moving the latch extension away from the support bracket and engaging the latch extension with the housing.

2. The integrated latching device of claim 1 wherein when said handle is rotated from said closed position to said open position, said push extension engages said slide plate and moves said slide plate laterally toward said support bracket, disengaging said latching extension from said housing.

3. The integrated latching device of claim 1, wherein said handle is configured to load and unload said computer device into and out of said housing when said handle is in said open position.

4. The integrated toggle device of claim 1, wherein the first transverse structure extends between a first wing structure and a second wing structure mounted on the support bracket.

5. The integrated toggle device of claim 1, wherein the handle has two elongate sides, the second transverse structure extending between the two elongate sides.

6. The integrated toggle device of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more compression springs for biasing the slide plate and the latch extension laterally away from the support bracket.

7. The integrated toggle device of claim 1, further comprising:

a spring shaft secured to the support bracket, the spring shaft engaging an aperture in the handle when the handle is in the closed position to lock the handle in the closed position.

8. The integrated toggle device of claim 7, wherein when the spring in the spring shaft is compressed, the spring shaft disengages the aperture in the handle, allowing the handle to rotate to the open position.

9. The integrated latching device of claim 1 wherein said handle is parallel to said sliding plate when in said closed position.

10. The integrated latching device of claim 1 wherein said handle is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to said sliding plate when in said open position.

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