CN213342925U - Cover and covering system comprising same - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover and a covering system including the cover. The cover includes: a body, one or more posts extending from the body, a first locking mechanism, a second locking mechanism, and a release tab. The support movably couples the body to the housing such that the body is movable between a first position and a second position. A first locking mechanism is releasably attached to the housing to secure the body in the first position. A second locking mechanism is releasably attached to the housing to secure the body in the second position. The release tab assists in detaching the first locking mechanism from the first wall and detaching the second locking mechanism from the second wall. The body allows access to the receptacle through the opening when the body is in the first position. When the body is in the second position, the body prevents access to the receptacle through the opening.

Description

Cover and covering system comprising same

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a system for covering a receptacle of a fan wall. More particularly, aspects of the present invention relate to a cover that is securable in a first position to allow access to a receptacle of a fan wall and in a second position to prevent access to the receptacle of the fan wall.

Background

A computer device, such as a server, generally includes a housing, such as a shell, and a variety of different electronic components disposed within the housing. Such an apparatus may include a "fan wall," which is a portion of a housing that defines one or more receptacles into which fan modules may be inserted.

Sometimes, a fan wall may have more receptacles than a mounted fan module, leaving one or more receptacles vacant. For example, during a fan module repair or upgrade, the fan module may be removed for a period of time after a repair or before a new fan module is installed. To avoid down time, the computer device may need to continue to operate. However, an empty receptacle may cause undesirable backflow of air as the air passing through the empty receptacle may be inadvertently directed through an adjacently mounted fan module. To avoid such backflow of air, a cover may be installed in the empty receptacle to block airflow through the receptacle. Traditionally, the covers are made of sheet metal and may be snapped into the receptacle as separate pieces. Installation of the covers generally involves finding the appropriate cover to fit the empty receptacle, then fitting the cover over the receptacle and snapping into place. This multiple action not only takes substantial time, but must also maintain a supply of appropriately sized covers for all chassis used at a particular site. Furthermore, because of the all-metal design, the multiple covers are typically stored remotely from the chassis to avoid electromagnetic interference.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Various examples of the present invention relate to an open cover for a receptacle formed by a housing. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the cover comprises: a body, one or more posts extending from the body, a first locking mechanism, a second locking mechanism, and a release tab. One or more struts extend from the body and are configured to movably couple the body to the housing such that the body is movable between a first position and a second position. The first locking mechanism is configured to releasably attach to the first wall of the housing to secure the body in the first position. The second locking mechanism is configured to releasably attach to the second wall of the housing to secure the body in the second position. The release tab is operable to assist in causing the first locking mechanism to be detached from the first wall and the second locking mechanism to be detached from the second wall. When the body is moved to the first position, the body allows access to the receptacle through the opening. When the body is moved to the second position, the body prevents access to the receptacle through the opening.

In some cases, the body has a shape that is substantially the same as the shape of the opening of the receptacle.

In some cases, the body includes a first body portion coupled to a second body portion. The first body portion is formed of an electrically insulative material and the second body portion is formed of an electrically conductive material. In some cases, the one or more posts, the first locking mechanism, the second locking mechanism, and the release tab are all integrally formed with and extend from the first body portion. In some cases, the first body portion includes one or more protrusions extending from a surface of the first body portion, and the second body portion includes one or more holes defined through the second body portion. Each of the one or more protrusions is configured to fit in a corresponding one of the one or more holes.

In some cases, the one or more posts are configured to be inserted into one or more rails defined by the housing. In some cases, the one or more posts include a first post and a second post, the first post configured to be inserted into a first track of the housing and the second post configured to be inserted into a second track of the housing. The first track is defined by an upper wall of the housing and the second track is defined by a lower wall of the housing.

In some cases, the one or more posts are configured to move relative to the housing such that the body moves from the first position to an intermediate position. In response to moving to the intermediate position, the body is configured to rotate about the one or more posts from the intermediate position to the second position. In some cases, in the first position, the body is disposed within the receptacle; when in the middle position, the body extends out of the socket through the opening; and when the second position, the body is arranged in the socket. In some cases, the body is unable to rotate about the one or more struts between the first position and the second position when the body is in the first position.

In some cases, the first locking mechanism includes a first tab extending from the body and configured to be inserted through an aperture defined in the first wall of the housing. In some cases, the first protrusion is larger than the aperture defined in the first wall. In response to a force being applied to the first tab, the first tab is configured to deform, thereby allowing the first tab to pass through the aperture defined in the first wall. In some cases, the second locking mechanism includes a second tab extending from the body and configured to be inserted through an aperture defined in the second wall of the housing. In some cases, the second protrusion is larger than the aperture defined in the second wall. In response to a force being applied to the second protrusion, the second protrusion is configured to deform, thereby allowing the second protrusion to pass through the aperture defined in the second wall. In some cases, the release tab is configured to cause the first protrusion to detach from the first wall in response to a first force being transmitted to the release tab when the body is in the first position. The release tab is configured to cause the second tab to detach from the second wall in response to a second force being transmitted to the release tab when the body is in the second position.

In some cases, the receptacle is configured to receive a fan module. The body allows the fan module to be inserted into the socket when the body is in the first position. The fan module is removed from the receptacle and the body blocks airflow through the receptacle when the body is in the second position.

In some cases, the release tab is configured to cause the first locking mechanism to disengage from the first wall of the housing in response to a force transmitted to the release tab in a first direction when the body is in the first position. The release tab is configured to cause the second locking mechanism to disengage from the second wall of the housing in response to a force transmitted to the release tab in a second direction when the body is in the second position. The first direction is different from the second direction. In some cases, the release tab is configured to cause the first locking mechanism to attach to the first wall of the housing in response to a force transmitted to the release tab in a third direction when the body is in the first position. The release tab is configured to cause the second locking mechanism to attach to the second wall of the housing in response to a force transmitted to the release tab in a fourth direction when the body is in the second position. The third direction is parallel to and opposite the first direction. The fourth direction is parallel to and opposite the second direction.

In some cases, the body blocks airflow through the seat when the body is in the second position.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, a covering system comprises: a housing and a cover. The housing defines at least one receptacle configured to receive a fan module. The housing includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall, an upper wall coupled to a first end of the first sidewall and a first end of the second sidewall, and a lower wall coupled to a second opposite end of the first sidewall and a second opposite end of the second sidewall. The receptacle is defined by at least a first sidewall, a second sidewall, an upper wall, and a lower wall. The cover includes: a body, one or more posts extending from the body, a first locking mechanism, a second locking mechanism, and a release tab. One or more struts extend from the body and are configured to movably couple the body to the housing such that the body is movable between a first position and a second position. The first locking mechanism is configured to releasably attach to the first wall of the housing to secure the body in the first position. The second locking mechanism is configured to releasably attach to the second wall of the housing to secure the body in the second position. The release tab is operable to assist in causing the first locking mechanism to be detached from the first wall and the second locking mechanism to be detached from the second wall. When the body is moved to the first position, the body allows access to the receptacle through the opening. When the body is moved to the second position, the body prevents access to the receptacle through the opening.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Rather, the foregoing disclosure provides only one example of the novel aspects and features described herein. The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the invention as well as from the accompanying drawings and from the appended claims.

[ description of the drawings ]

The invention will be better understood from the exemplary embodiments described below and with reference to the attached drawings.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary cover for covering an opening of a receptacle of a fan wall according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B is an exploded view of the exemplary lid assembly of fig. 1A according to one aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the first locking mechanism and the release tab of the exemplary lid of fig. 1A according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the second locking mechanism and the release tab of the exemplary lid of fig. 1A according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the exemplary cover of fig. 1A coupled to a fan wall according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 3B is a front view of the exemplary cover of fig. 1A coupled to the fan wall of fig. 3A, according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 4A is a top view of the fan module partially inserted into a fan wall receptacle and the exemplary cover of fig. 1A locked in a first position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the receptacle of fig. 4A, with the fan module and the cover removed, according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a top view of the receptacle of fig. 4A, with the fan module removed and the example cover unlocked from the first position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the receptacle of fig. 4A with the fan module removed and the example cover in a neutral position, according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the receptacle of fig. 4A with the fan module removed and the example cover moved from the intermediate position to a second position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the exemplary cover strut rotating within the fan wall slot with the exemplary cover moved from the intermediate position to the second position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a top view of the receptacle of fig. 4A, with the fan module removed and the example cover locked in a second position, according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 9A is a front view of a fan wall according to one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein each receptacle includes a fan module and each receptacle has an exemplary cover coupled to the receptacle in a first position.

Fig. 9B is a front view of the fan wall of fig. 9A, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, wherein some of the receptacles are vacant and wherein each vacant receptacle has an exemplary cover coupled to the receptacle in a second position.

The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. Some representative embodiments have been presented by way of example in the drawings and described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[ notation ] to show

100: cover

102 main body

104A,114A,124A, the upper edge

104B,114B,124B the lower edge

104C,114C,124C first side edge

104D,114D,124D, second side edge

106A,106B support

107 shaft

112 first body portion

113A side surface

113B edge surface

116 convex part

118A,118B slits

120: cover plate

122 second body portion

125A,125B,125C,125D ridge

126,153,205,207 holes

130 first locking mechanism

131A,131B,151A,151B arrows

132A,132B,142 protrusions

140 second locking mechanism

150 release tablet

152A,152B,152C a sheet portion

200,300 casing

202,302 fan module

204,204A,204B socket

206A first side wall

206B second side wall

208A upper wall

208B lower wall

209A,209B wall

210 opening (C)

212A,212B track

213 neck part

[ detailed description ] embodiments

The utility model can be implemented in various forms. Representative embodiments are presented in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. The present invention is an exemplification or illustration of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated herein. To the extent that elements and limitations are disclosed in the specification, such as the abstract, the disclosure, and the claims, but not explicitly described in the claims, they are not intended to be included in the claims, either individually or collectively, by implication, inference, etc. For the purposes of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural and vice versa unless specifically excluded. The words "including" mean "including but not limited to". In addition, approximate words such as "about (about)", "almost (almost)", "substantially (substantailly)", "almost (approximate)" and the like may mean, for example: "at", "near", or "near at", or "within 3 to 5 percent", or "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances", or any reasonable combination thereof.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary cover 100. the cover 100 may be used to selectively block the openings of receptacles formed by the housing of a device (e.g., a server device). The cover includes a body 102 having a generally rectangular shape. The body 102 is bounded by opposing upper and lower edges 104A, 104B, and opposing first and second side edges 104C, 104D. The lid 100 further includes posts 106A and 106B extending from the body 102. The post 106A extends from the end of the upper edge 104A closest to the first side edge 104C, while the post 106B extends from the end of the lower edge 104B closest to the first side edge 104C.

Fig. 1B is an exploded view of the cover 100. As shown, the body 102 is formed of a first body portion 112 and a second body portion 122 coupled to one another. The edges of the body 102 are formed by corresponding edges of the first body portion 112 and the second body portion 122. An upper edge 114A of the first body portion 112 and an upper edge 124A of the second body portion 122 form an upper edge of the body 102. The lower edge 114B of the first body portion 112 and the lower edge 124B of the second body portion 122 form a lower edge of the body 102. The first side edge 114C of the first body portion 112 and the first side edge 124C of the second body portion 122 form a first side edge of the body 102. The second side edge 114D of the first body portion 112 and the second side edge 124D of the second body portion 122 form a second side edge of the body 102.

Each edge 124A-124D of the second body portion 122 is formed by a series of ridges. Edge 124A is formed by ridge 125A. Edge 124B is formed by ridge 125B. The edge 124C is formed by a ridge 125C. Edge 124D is formed by ridge 125D. As shown, the ridges 125A-125D extend outward from the edges 124A-124D and toward the first body portion 112. The ridges 125A-125D are U-shaped and hook over the edges 114A-114D of the first body portion 112 when the first and second body portions 112, 122 are coupled together.

The rectangular shape of the body 102 is formed by the rectangular shape of the first body portion 112 and the second body portion 122. The rectangular shape of the body 102 generally corresponds to the shape of the opening in the receptacle to which the cover 100 is coupled. Thus, the body 102 is sized to block airflow through the receptacle in the second position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the posts 106A and 106B are integrally formed with the first body portion 112. Thus, the strut 106A extends from the end of the upper edge 114A closest to the first side edge 114C, and the strut 106B extends from the end of the lower edge 114B closest to the first side edge 114C. In other embodiments, the struts 106A and 106B may be integrally formed with the second body portion 122 and extend from the second body portion 122, or integrally formed with the first and second body portions 112 and 122 and extend from the first and second body portions 112 and 122.

The first body portion 112 includes one or more protrusions 116, the protrusions 116 extending from the first body portion 112. The second body portion 122 includes one or more apertures 126, the apertures 126 being defined through the second body portion 122. Each protrusion 116 is configured to fit within a corresponding one of the apertures 126, thereby coupling the first body portion 112 and the second body portion 122. In some embodiments, the protrusion 116 is secured within the hole 126 by a friction fit (frictionization fit) between the protrusion 116 and an edge of the hole 126 (e.g., the portion of the second body portion 122 that forms the periphery of the hole 126). Other methods or techniques for coupling the first body portion 112 to the second body portion 122 may also be utilized.

In some embodiments, the first body portion 112 is formed of an electrically insulating material, such as: glass, porcelain, non-conductive polymer, rubber, or the like, or combinations thereof. Further, the second body portion 122 may be formed of a conductive material, such as: copper, silver, gold, conductive polymers, graphite, and the like. The two-part construction of the cover 100 prevents any inadvertent electromagnetic interference from affecting the operation of the fan module.

Fig. 2A is a first perspective view of the first locking mechanism 130 and the release tab 150 of the example cover 100. The first body portion 112 includes a cover plate (flap)120, the cover plate 120 being formed by two slots 118A and 118B, the slots 118A and 118B being defined in the first body portion 112. The first locking mechanism 130 and the release tab 150 are integrally formed with the first body portion 112, and in particular with the cover plate 120. In other embodiments, the first locking mechanism 130 and/or the release tab 150 are separate components that may be coupled to the first body portion 112 and/or the second body portion 122. In some embodiments, the first body portion 112 is formed of a flexible material such that the cover plate 120 is deflectable relative to the plane of the first body portion 112.

The release tab 150 is formed by the first side edge 114C of the first body portion 112 in the area between the two slits 118A and 118B. The release sheet 150 is formed of three sheet portions 152A,152B, 152C. The tab portion 152A extends generally perpendicular to the first and second body portions 112, 122. The tab portion 152B extends generally perpendicularly from the tab portion 152A and is generally parallel to the first and second body portions 112, 122. Finally, the tab portion 152C extends generally perpendicularly from the tab portion 152A. Sheet portion 152C is substantially parallel to sheet portion 152A. The tab portion 152C is also perpendicular to the tab portion 152B, the first body portion 112, and the second body portion 122.

The first locking mechanism 130 is formed by two projections 132A and 132B extending outwardly from the side surface 113A. The side surface 113A forms one side of the first body portion 112 and the cover plate 120. The projections 132A and 132B are elongated ridges that also extend in a direction between the upper edge 114A and the lower edge 114B of the first body portion 112. During use, a technician may exert force on the release tab 150 to detach (detach) the first locking mechanism 130 from the housing.

Fig. 2B is a second perspective view of the second locking mechanism 140 and the release tab 150 of the cover 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the second locking mechanism 140 is integrally formed with the first body portion 112. However, in other embodiments, the second locking mechanism 140 is a separate component that may be coupled to the first body portion 112 and/or the second body portion 122. The second locking mechanism 140 is formed by a projection 142 extending outwardly from the rim surface 113B of the tab portion 152A of the release tab 150. The rim surface 113B faces a side surface 113A (fig. 2A) that is generally perpendicular to the first body portion 112. The projection 142 forming the second locking mechanism 140 is an elongated ridge that also extends in a direction between the upper edge 114A of the first body portion 112 and the lower edge 114B of the first body portion 112. During use, a technician may exert force on the release tab 150 to detach the second locking mechanism 140 from the housing. In some embodiments, the tab portion 152B of the release sheet 150 may define the aperture 153. The holes 153 may assist a technician in grasping the release sheet 150.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the cover 100, the cover 100 being mounted to each receptacle of the housing 200 of the computer device. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 3A, the housing 200 is a fan wall configured to carry a plurality of fans. When installed in the receptacle of the housing 200, the fan is configured to cause air to move through the computer device. In other embodiments, the housing 200 may be configured to carry other kinds of modules.

The fan may be inserted into or removed from a receptacle defined by the housing 200. Fan module 202 has been removed from the upper left receptacle of housing 200. The cover 100 is in the second (deployed) position to block an empty receptacle. However, each of the remaining receptacles of the housing 200 (e.g., the receptacle directly below the upper left receptacle) has a fan module 202 positioned therein. Thus, the cover 100 of each of the plurality of receptacles is in the first (stowed) position to allow the fan module to be inserted into the receptacle. Thus, even if the fan module 202 is removed from the upper left socket, the cover 100 mounted to the above socket prevents air from flowing back through the empty socket.

Fig. 3B is a front view of housing 200 of fig. 3A, showing receptacle 204A and receptacle 204B. Receptacle 204A is a receptacle on the top row of housing 200, and receptacle 204B is positioned directly below receptacle 204A. In fig. 3B, the cover 100 is installed in the receptacle 204A and in the second position to block the receptacle 204A. The cover is also mounted to the receptacle 204B, although the cover is substantially hidden from view. The receptacle 204A includes sidewalls 206A and 206B, wall 208A, and wall 208B. Wall 208A is an upper wall formed by the top wall of housing 200, since receptacle 204A is located in the upper row of housing 200. Wall 208B is a lower wall of receptacle 204A and also forms an upper wall of receptacle 204B.

As shown, when the cover 100 blocks the receptacle 204A in the second position, the ridge 125B extending from the lower edge of the cover 100 contacts the top side of the wall 208B. Similarly, when the cover mounted to the receptacle 204B is in the closed position, the ridge 125A extending from the upper edge of the cover contacts the underside of the wall 208B. Similarly, ridge 125A of lid 100 contacts wall 208A, ridge 125C contacts sidewall 206A, and ridge 125D contacts sidewall 206B. The ridges 125A-125D may be resilient such that the ridges 125A-125D may act as springs and may force the walls of the receptacle 204A when the cover 100 is in the second position. Thus, when the cover 100 is in the second position, the ridges 125A-125D of the cover 100 assist in maintaining contact between the cover 100 and the walls of the receptacle 204A. The ridges 125A-125D of any lid also extend toward the ridges 125A-125D so that the electrically conductive material of adjacent lids are as close together as possible. This helps to minimize the amount of electromagnetic interference that interferes with the operation of the fan module.

Referring now to fig. 4A-8, the cover 100 may be movably coupled to a housing of a computer device such that the cover 100 is movable relative to a receptacle defined by the housing. In some embodiments, the cover 100 is slidably and rotatably coupled to the housing via posts 106A and 106B. Other techniques for coupling the cover 100 to the housing may be used.

Thus, the cover 100 is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position (as shown in fig. 4A), the cover 100 allows a component (e.g., a fan module) to be inserted into the receptacle through the opening of the receptacle. In the second position (as shown in fig. 8), the cover 100 prevents a component (e.g., a fan module) from being inserted into the receptacle through the opening of the receptacle. Thus, the cover 100 in the first position allows access to the receptacle through the opening, and the cover 100 in the second position prevents access to the receptacle through the opening.

Fig. 4A is a top view of the fan wall receptacle 204 with the fan module 202 partially inserted into the receptacle 204 and the cover 100 locked in the first position. The receptacle 204 is defined by a first sidewall 206A, a second sidewall 206B, an upper wall 208A, and a lower wall 208B. The second sidewall 206B is spaced apart from the first sidewall 206A. The upper wall 208A is coupled to a first end of the first sidewall 206A and a first end of the second sidewall 206B. The lower wall 208B is spaced apart from the upper wall 208A and is coupled to a second opposite end of the first sidewall 206A and a second opposite end of the second sidewall 206B.

The first side wall 206A, the second side wall 206B, the upper wall 208A, and the lower wall 208B are substantially all components of a housing of a computer device, such as a server device. The receptacle 204 may be part of a larger fan wall that includes a plurality of receptacles that are the same as or similar to the receptacle 204. Fan module 202 is inserted into receptacle 204 through opening 210, opening 210 being positioned at a forward end of receptacle 204. The front end of the receptacle 204 is defined by the front edges of the first and second sidewalls 206A and 206B, the upper wall 208A, and the lower wall 208B, and is adjacent to the opening 210 of the receptacle 204. The rear end of the receptacle 204 is defined by the rear edges of the first and second sidewalls 206A and 206B, the upper wall 208A, and the lower wall 208B, and is away from the opening 210 of the receptacle 204.

The cover 100 is movably coupled to the housing via posts 106A and 106B (post 106B shown in fig. 1A). The posts 106A and 106B are configured to be inserted into the tracks defined by the housing. The upper wall 208A includes a track 212A into which the post 106A may be inserted. Lower wall 208B includes a track 212B (fig. 6), and post 106B is insertable into track 212B. The posts 106A and 106B are slidable within the tracks 212A and 212B so that the cover 100 can slide relative to the receptacle 204. In the first position, the posts 106A and 106B are positioned proximate the rear end of the receptacle 204 and the first locking mechanism 130 and release tab 150 are positioned proximate the front end of the receptacle 204. When the lid 100 is in the first position, the body 102 of the lid 100 is positioned alongside the first sidewall 206A and parallel to the first sidewall 206A. Thus, in the first position, cover 100 allows fan module 202 to be inserted into receptacle 204 through opening 210 and allows fan module 202 to be removed from receptacle 204. When fan module 202 is inserted into receptacle 204, fan module 202 is positioned generally between cover 100 and second sidewall 206B.

The first locking mechanism 130 is configured to releasably attach to the housing to secure the cover 100 in the first position. Fig. 4A includes an enlarged partial view of the attachment of the first locking mechanism 130 to the first sidewall 206A. The protrusions 132A and 132B (132B shown in fig. 2A) are configured to extend through one or more apertures 205, the apertures 205 being defined in the first sidewall 206A. In some embodiments, the one or more apertures 205 comprise a single aperture 205 defined in the first sidewall 206A, and both of the protrusions 132A and 132B extend through the aperture 205. In other embodiments, the first sidewall 206A defines a plurality of separate apertures 205, and the protrusions 132A and 132B extend through the apertures 205.

In one embodiment, the protrusions 132A and 132B are slightly larger than the holes 205. Portions or the entirety of the projections 132A and 132B may thus abut the edges of the aperture 205, thereby preventing the lid 100 from being secured in the first position. To secure the lid 100 in the first position, a force is applied to the projections 132A and 132B (e.g., via the release sheet 150), the projections 132A and 132B may then flex or deform slightly so that the projections 132A and 132B may pass through the holes 205 briefly. Then, the projections 132A and 132B may return to an undeflected state. In the undeflected state, the projections 132A and 132B may again abut the edge of the aperture 205, but on the opposite side of the aperture 205, thereby preventing the cover 100 from being moved out of the first position. When the cover 100 is in the first position, the release tab 150 extends out of the opening 210 of the receptacle 204 between the first sidewall 206A and the fan module 202. Thus, with the cover 100 in the first position, the release tab 150 is accessible to a technician.

In other embodiments, the first locking mechanism 130 can have any number of different features. For example, the first locking mechanism 130 can include a different number of protrusions (e.g., one protrusion, three protrusions, etc.). The first locking mechanism 130 may include protrusions having different shapes (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, etc.). The first locking mechanism 130 may also include a clamp, a pincer, a pin, a rod, etc. For example, the first locking mechanism 130 can include a hook configured to extend through the aperture 205 such that a portion of the first sidewall 206A is disposed between a portion of the hook and the lid 100. The hooks thus secure the cover 100 in the first position.

Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the socket 204 of fig. 4A, wherein the cover 100 and the fan module 202 are removed. As shown, the upper wall 208A defines a track 212A, while the lower wall 208B defines a track 212B. When the cover 100 is installed in the receptacle 204, the post 106A is inserted into the track 212A and the post 106B is inserted into the track 212B. The posts 106A and 106B are movable within respective rails 212A and 212B to couple the cover 100 to the wall of the receptacle and to allow the cover 100 to move along the rails 212A and 212B.

Fig. 4B also shows an aperture 205 defined in the first sidewall 206A. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 206A defines two apertures 205. The upper aperture 205 receives the protrusion 132A (fig. 2A) of the lid 100, while the lower aperture 205 receives the protrusion 132B (fig. 2A) of the lid 100. Finally, the receptacle 204 may include two walls 209A and 209B extending upward along the sides of the track 212B. Wall 209A extends upwardly from lower wall 208B, adjacent the side of track 212B, closest to side wall 206A. Wall 209B extends upwardly from lower wall 208B adjacent the other side of track 212B, closest to side wall 206B. Walls 209A and 209B help ensure that post 106B remains in track 212B and that lid 100 does not inadvertently disengage from the walls of socket 204. The walls 209A and 209B also help ensure that the cover 100 remains spaced apart from the remainder of the receptacle 204 when in the first position so that the fan module does not inadvertently contact the cover 100 when inserted into the receptacle 204 or removed from the receptacle 204.

Fig. 5 is a top view of the receptacle 204 with the fan module 202 removed from the receptacle 204 and the cover 100 unlocked from the first position. Once the fan module 202 is removed from the receptacle 204, a user or technician may depress the release tab 150 to apply a force in the direction of arrow 131A and detach the first locking mechanism 130 from the first sidewall 206A. As shown in the close-up view, pressing the release tab 150 in this manner causes the tabs 132A and 132B (132B shown in FIG. 5) to be removed from the aperture 205 and detached from the first sidewall 206A. Thus, when the fan module 202 is removed, the first locking mechanism 130 ensures that the cover 100 remains in the first position until the first locking mechanism 130 is detached from the first sidewall 206A via operation of the release tab 150. To attach the first locking mechanism 130 to the first sidewall 206A, a technician may press the release tab to apply a force in the direction of arrow 131B.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the receptacle 204 after the cover 100 is moved from the first position to the intermediate position. The post 106A is inserted into a track 212A defined in the upper wall 208A, and the post 106B (as shown in fig. 1A) is inserted into a track 212B defined in the lower wall 208B. Thus, the technician may pull the body 102 out of the receptacle 204 such that the posts 106A and 106B slide within the tracks 212A and 212B and the cover 100 is moved to the neutral position. In the neutral position, shown in FIG. 6, the posts 106A and 106B are positioned adjacent to the opening 210, the opening 210 being located at the front end of the receptacle 204. The portion of the body 102 of the cover 100 that includes the posts 106A and 106B remains disposed within the receptacle 204, while the majority of the cover 100 extends out of the receptacle 204 through the opening 210. With the cover 100 in the intermediate position, the first locking mechanism 130, the second locking mechanism 140, and the release tab 150 are all positioned outside of the receptacle 204. In the intermediate position, the cover 100 allows the assembly to be inserted into the receptacle 204, similar to the first position.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the receptacle 204 with the cover 100 moved from the intermediate position of fig. 6 to a second position. The struts 106A and 106B (FIG. 1A) are also rotatable within the tracks 212A and 212B. The posts 106A and 106B thus form a pivot that allows the body 102 of the lid 100 to rotate about the posts 106A and 106B between the intermediate position and the second position. Generally, the user or technician will cause the cover 100 to rotate toward the second position, such as by grasping the release tab 150 and moving the cover 100. When the lid 100 is rotated to the second position, the second locking mechanism 140 moves away from the first sidewall 206A and approaches the second sidewall 206B. In some embodiments, the track 212A defined by the upper wall 208A and the track 212B defined by the lower wall 208B are designed such that the lid 100 can only rotate when the lid 100 is in the neutral position. In these various embodiments, the lid 100 cannot rotate when in the first position and disposed within the housing (fig. 4 and 5), regardless of whether the first locking mechanism 130 is attached to the first sidewall 206A. In other embodiments, the lid 100 may rotate about the posts 106A and 106B when in the first position as long as the first locking mechanism 130 has been detached from the first sidewall 206A.

Fig. 7B is an enlarged view of the post 106A of the cover 100, with the cover 100 moved from the intermediate position to the second position. As the lid 100 is moved to the second position, the post 106A rotates about the axis 107 within the track 212A defined in the upper wall 208A, the axis 107 being perpendicular to the top surface of the post 106A. As the post 106A rotates, the cover 100 itself rotates away from the sidewall 206A to a second position. In some embodiments, the end of the track 212A in which the post 106A rotates forms a neck 213, the neck 213 being narrower than the remaining track 212A. The neck assists in retaining the post 106A at the end of the track 212A as the lid 100 is moved from the intermediate position to the second position.

Fig. 8 is a top view of the receptacle 204 after the cover 100 is fully rotated to the second position and the cover 100 is locked in the second position. In the second position, the body 102 of the cover 100 is disposed at the front edge of the receptacle 204 and extends from the first sidewall 206A to the second sidewall 206B. Because the body 102 of the cover 100 also extends from the upper wall 208A to the lower wall 208B, the cover 100 prevents components (e.g., fan modules) from being inserted into the receptacles 204 through the openings 210. The cover 100 also blocks a substantial amount of airflow through the opening 210 of the receptacle 204. In the second position, the second locking mechanism 140 is positioned adjacent the second sidewall 206B.

To secure the lid 100 in the second position, a user or technician may apply a force to the release tab 150 in the direction of arrow 151A. As shown in the enlarged partial view of fig. 8, this force causes the protrusion 142 of the second locking mechanism 140 to extend through the aperture 207 defined in the second sidewall 206B. The tab 142 is secured to the second sidewall 206B in a similar manner as the first locking mechanism 130. The protrusion 142 may be slightly larger than the aperture 207. Part or the whole of the projection 142 may thus abut the edge of the hole 207. The force applied to the release tab 150 in the direction of arrow 151A causes the tab 142 to flex or deform slightly, allowing the tab 142 to pass through the hole 207. To disengage the second locking mechanism 140 from the second sidewall 206B, a user or technician may depress the release tab 150 to apply a force in the direction of arrow 151B. Pressing the release tab 150 in this manner may again cause the tab 142 to flex or deform slightly, allowing the tab 142 to be removed from the hole 207 and detached from the second sidewall 206B.

In other embodiments, the second locking mechanism 140 may have any number of different features. For example, the second locking mechanism 140 may include a different number of projections (e.g., two projections, three projections, etc.). The second locking mechanism 140 may include protrusions having different shapes (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, etc.). The second locking mechanism 140 may also include a clamp, a pincer, a pin, a rod, etc. For example, the second locking mechanism 140 may include a hook configured to extend through the aperture 207 such that a portion of the second sidewall 206B is disposed between a portion of the hook and the lid 100. The hooks thus secure the cover 100 in the second position.

When the cover 100 is in the second position, the release tab 150 extends out of the opening 210 of the receptacle 204 adjacent the second sidewall 206B. Thus, with the cover 100 in the second position, the release tab 150 is accessible to a technician.

Although fig. 4-8 illustrate the cover 100 coupled to the first sidewall 206A of the receptacle 204, the cover 100 may be coupled to substantially any wall of the receptacle 204. For example, the lid 100 may be coupled to the second sidewall 206B and configured to rotate toward the first sidewall 206A; coupled to the upper wall 208A and configured to rotate toward the lower wall 208B; or coupled to the lower wall 208B and configured to rotate toward the upper wall 208A.

Further, a cover may be used to cover a socket that houses components other than the fan module, such as: power supply unit, sliding module, hard disk bearing piece, additional module, etc. The cover may thus have substantially any desired shape and size, depending on the application. In some embodiments, the size and shape of the cover matches the size and shape of the component inserted into the receptacle. In other embodiments, the cover is sized and shaped to not fit the size and shape of the component inserted into the receptacle. However, in any of the above embodiments, the cover has a size and shape that substantially matches the size and shape of the receptacle itself.

Fig. 9A shows a first embodiment of a housing 300 having twelve receptacles. Each receptacle of the housing 300 includes a fan module 302 disposed therein. Fan module 302 may be the same as or similar to fan module 202 of fig. 3A and 3B. The cover 100 of each receptacle mounted to the housing 300 is thus in the first position. In the first position, cover 100 allows fan module 302 to be inserted into a receptacle.

Fig. 9B shows a second embodiment of the housing 300. In the second embodiment, only half of the receptacle of the housing 300 has the fan module 302 disposed therein. The cover 100 mounted to the receptacle containing the fan module 302 is thus in the first position. However, the cover 100 mounted in the receptacle without the fan module 302 is moved to the second position. In the second position, the cover 100 blocks the receptacle, preventing the fan module 302 from being inserted into the receptacle, and preventing air from flowing through the receptacle. The cover 100 thus allows the same enclosure 300 to be used with a different number of fan modules 302.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, to the extent that the terms "includes," including, "" includes, "" has, "" contains, "" with, "or variations thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term" comprising.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In addition, terms (e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. Instead, the scope of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Although one or more embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification (specification) and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims (10)

1. A cover for covering an opening of a receptacle of a housing, the cover comprising:

a body;

one or more struts extending from the body, the one or more struts configured to movably couple the body to the housing such that the body is movable between a first position and a second position;

a first locking mechanism configured to releasably attach to a first wall of the housing to secure the body in the first position;

a second locking mechanism configured to releasably attach to a second wall of the housing to secure the body in the second position; and

a release tab operable to assist in causing the first locking mechanism to be detached from the first wall and the second locking mechanism to be detached from the second wall,

wherein when the body is moved to the first position, the body allows access to the receptacle through the opening, and

wherein when the body is moved to the second position, the body prevents access to the receptacle through the opening.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the body includes a first body portion coupled to a second body portion, the first body portion formed of an electrically insulative material and the second body portion formed of an electrically conductive material.

3. The lid of claim 2, wherein the one or more posts, the first locking mechanism, the second locking mechanism, and the release tab are integrally formed with and extend from the first body portion.

4. The lid of claim 2, wherein the first body portion comprises one or more protrusions extending from a surface of the first body portion, and wherein the second body portion comprises one or more holes defined through the second body portion, each of the one or more protrusions configured to fit in a corresponding one of the one or more holes.

5. The lid of claim 1, wherein the one or more posts are configured to be inserted into one or more rails defined by the housing.

6. The lid of claim 1, wherein the first locking mechanism comprises a first tab extending from the body and configured to be inserted through an aperture defined in the first wall of the housing.

7. The lid of claim 6, wherein the first protrusion is larger than the aperture defined in the first wall, and wherein the first protrusion is configured to deform in response to a force exerted on the first protrusion, thereby allowing the first protrusion to pass through the aperture defined in the first wall.

8. The lid of claim 1, wherein the body in the first position is configured to cause the first locking mechanism to disengage from the first wall of the housing in response to a force transmitted to the release tab in a first direction, and wherein the body in the second position is configured to cause the second locking mechanism to disengage from the second wall of the housing in response to a force transmitted to the release tab in a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction.

9. The lid of claim 8, wherein the body in the first position is configured to cause the first locking mechanism to attach to the first wall of the housing in response to a force transmitted to the release tab in a third direction that is parallel to and opposite the first direction, and wherein the body in the second position is configured to cause the second locking mechanism to attach to the second wall of the housing in response to a force transmitted to the release tab in a fourth direction that is parallel to and opposite the second direction.

10. A covering system, comprising:

a housing defining at least one receptacle configured to receive a fan module, the housing including a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall, an upper wall coupled to a first end of the first sidewall and a first end of the second sidewall, and a lower wall spaced apart from the upper wall and coupled to a second opposite end of the first sidewall and a second opposite end of the second sidewall, the receptacle defined by at least the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the upper wall, and the lower wall; and

a cover configured to selectively permit and prevent access to the receptacle through an opening of the receptacle, the cover comprising:

one or more struts extending from a body, the one or more struts configured to movably couple the body to the housing such that the body is movable between a first position and a second position;

a first locking mechanism configured to releasably attach to a first wall of the housing to secure the body in the first position;

a second locking mechanism configured to releasably attach to a second wall of the housing to secure the body in the second position; and

a release tab operable to assist in causing the first locking mechanism to be detached from the first wall and the second locking mechanism to be detached from the second wall,

wherein when the body is moved to the first position, the body allows access to the receptacle through the opening, and

wherein when the body is moved to the second position, the body prevents access to the receptacle through the opening.

Images