EP1562264B1 - Locking/unlocking device for interface card to a receiving system and using method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a method of using the locking and unlocking of at least one interface card in a receiver system.

It is known in the prior art PCI board type interface card holding devices in a receiver system by fastening means such as screw tightening. At each end of a printed circuit of a PCI card is fixed a holding element called bracket. This element has openings or holes for the passage of screws. The PCI card is held in the enclosure of a receiver system, for example by clamping screws inserted in the holes of the holding element juxtaposed to threaded holes housed in the receiving system. This device for holding a PCI card in a receiver system has several disadvantages. A first disadvantage relates to the mandatory use of at least one auxiliary tool such as a screwdriver to maintain or disconnect the card from the receiving system. Another disadvantage concerns the power supply of the PCI cards. To insert a PCI card into a computer, you must first turn off the computer. Indeed the insertion of a card in a running computer can strongly degrade the card as the computer. This step of powering off the receiver system lengthens the time of installation and taking into account of the interface card by the receiving system.

The present invention aims to overcome some disadvantages of the prior art by providing a locking / unlocking device of at least one interface card in a receiver system.

This object is achieved by a device for locking and unlocking at least one interface card plugged into at least one receiving housing of a receiver system connected to a computer processing system, the receiver system comprising a connection connector. bottom of basket for connecting the interface cards to the computer processing system, the device is characterized in that it comprises a housing fixed by a fixing means to the receiving system and accommodating one or more locking / unlocking means of cards. interface, each locking and unlocking means being arranged vis-à-vis each receiving housing in a blocking position by the access or removal of an interface card in a home slot, each means locking and unlocking circuit comprising means for controlling the power supply of the interface card, a visual means for signaling the activation of the interface card, a visual means of signaling the non-recognition of the the interface card by the computer processing system and means for detecting the intention of unlocking the interface card, and in that the device comprises a means of communication cation allowing the transmission of signals between the computer system connected to the receiver system and the device.

According to another particularity, each means for controlling the power supply of an interface card comprises a triggering means, which, when activated by the associated locking / unlocking means, triggers the supply system of the receiver system. feeding the associated interface card.

According to another particularity, each means for detecting the intention of unlocking an interface card comprises a triggering means, which, once activated, will control the non-power supply of the associated interface card and the cessation of sending signals from the computer processing system to the interface card.

According to another feature, each visual signaling means for the activity (640) of an interface card is activated by the computer processing system during the power supply of the associated interface card, and in that that each visual signaling means of the non-recognition of the interface card by the computer processing system is activated by the latter when activating the means for detecting the intention of unlocking the interface card which sends a signal to the system computer to allow the latter to stop sending signals to the interface card.

According to another feature, the box of shape close to a parallelepiped comprises a front face, a rear face, an upper face, a lower face and side faces, the housing comprising on its upper face, its lateral faces and its rear face. an open frame, the lower face of the housing comprising a flat-shaped base, the front face of the housing is open, the frame having one or more recesses separated from each other by subdivision means and in that the housing comprises a card a flat printed circuit board disposed between the frame and the base, a first insulation board inserted between the printed circuit board and the frame, a second insulation board inserted between the printed circuit board and the base, and a wedge arranged under the base; the frame, the base, the printed circuit board, the first insulating plate, the second insulating plate and the shim having close surface dimensions and being mounted in juxtaposition on each other by an assembly means.

According to another feature, a locking / unlocking means locks by sliding a holding member attached to one end of the interface card.

According to another feature, a locking / unlocking means comprises a sliding element moving in translation oriented by a guide means in a recess of the frame, a part of the sliding element entering and leaving through the front face of the housing, the means locking / unlocking device also comprising means for locking the sliding element in the input position or in the extended position in the recess of the frame.

According to another particularity, the sliding element is of parallelepipedal shape and comprises a front face, a rear face, an upper face, a lower face and two lateral faces, the sliding element also has a parallelepipedic recess open on its front face and on its underside, the lateral faces of the sliding element each comprising a rear side face and a front side face of equal lengths, the height of the rear side face being smaller than the height of the front side face thus forming a shoulder, the height of the rear face of the sliding member being equal to the height of the rear lateral faces, the recess of the sliding element being divided into two recesses, a front recess delimited by the front lateral faces and a rear recess delimited by the rear lateral faces and the rear face.

According to another feature, the sliding element comprises a gripping means on its upper face allowing a manual translation of the sliding element in a recess of the frame.

According to another particular feature, the system for guiding a sliding element in a recess of the frame comprises the means for subdividing the recess (s) of the frame, a pair of subdivision means forming a recess, the two subdivision means being arranged in parallel with each other. one of the other, on either side of each sliding element, a pair of subdivision means comprising either at least the two lateral faces of the frame, or a lateral face of the frame associated with a first rectangular tongue of shorter length; to the width of the frame fixed on one of its longitudinal sides perpendicular to the width of the frame inside the upper face of the frame, the tongue being contiguous to the rear face of the housing, a second and a third rectangular shaped tabs and substantially identical disposition to the first tongue, the second and third tongues being also located parallel each of a sliding element and in that the guide system also comprises, for each recess, two guide orifices of rectangular shape and of length less than the width of the frame, located on the upper face of the frame on either side of a sliding element near the subdivision elements and the rear face of the frame, these two guide holes for accommodating two protruding guide elements projecting from each rear corner of the upper surface of the sliding element, these protruding guiding elements being of surface dimensions substantially equal to the width of a guide orifice and of height greater than the height of a guide orifice, the complementarity of the protruding guiding elements of the sliding element and the guide holes of the frame for guiding the displacement in translation of the sliding element in a recess of the frame and of limit this displacement to output.

According to another feature, the means for locking a sliding element in or out of a recess of the frame comprises complementary locking elements located respectively on the sliding element and the frame, the sliding element comprises a protruding blocking element. it can be of parallelepipedal shape mounted elastically on its upper face and the frame comprises vis-à-vis each recess and between the guide holes a blocking orifice of surface dimensions substantially equal to the dimension of the protruding element of blocking, the protruding blocking element and the locking orifice being located respectively on the sliding element and the upper face of the frame so that in the extended position of the sliding element the latter is blocked by the guide system and by the protruding blocking element whose rear face is contiguous to the upper front side of the frame and that in the input position of the element sliding in the recess of the frame the protruding blocking element is inserted into the locking hole of the frame.

According to another feature, the sliding element comprises an insertion element on its upper face, disposed between the rear face of the sliding element and the protruding locking element, the insertion element for inserting the sliding element surmounted by the blocking protrusion element in the recess of the frame.

• le moyen de commande de l'alimentation de la carte d'interface associé, le moyen de commande de l'alimentation étant de type interrupteur et comportant un état ouvert et/ou fermé,
• le moyen visuel de signalisation de l'activité de la carte d'interface associée, le moyen visuel de signalisation étant de type diode électroluminescente,
• le moyen visuel de signalisation de la non-reconnaissance de la carte d'interface associée par le système de traitement informatique, le moyen visuel de signalisation étant de type diode électroluminescente indiquant,
• le moyen de détection d'intention de déverrouillage de la carte d'interface associée, ledit moyen étant de type interrupteur comportant un état ouvert et/ou fermé,

et en ce que la carte de circuit imprimé comprend une partie en saillie sur l'une de ses extrémités longitudinales permettant de recevoir le moyen de communication qui comprend un connecteur, part exemple de type HPB, soudé à la carte de circuit imprimé et relié à des liaisons électriques du circuit imprimé et relié à une liaison permettant la connexion entre la carte de circuit imprimé du dispositif et la connectique de fond de panier du système de traitement informatique, le moyen de communication permettant de transmettre au système de traitement informatique des données sortantes telles que l'état ouvert et/ou fermé du moyen de commande de l'alimentation et du moyen de détection d'intention de déverrouillage et des données entrantes telles que l'activation ou la désactivation du moyen visuel de signalisation de l'activité de la carte d'interface associée et du moyen visuel de signalisation de la non reconnaissance de la carte d'interface associée, le système de traitement informatique réalisant le traitement de ces données.According to another feature, the printed circuit board comprises a particular cutout forming one or more sections for respectively receiving the sliding element or elements, each section being an integral part of a locking / unlocking means of the device, each section being juxtaposed with a recess of the frame and comprising:

• the power control means of the associated interface card, the power control means being of the switch type and having an open and / or closed state,
• the visual means for signaling the activity of the associated interface card, the visual signaling means being of the electroluminescent diode type,
• the visual means for signaling the non-recognition of the associated interface card by the computer processing system, the visual signaling means being of the light-emitting diode type indicating,
• the unlocking intent detection means of the associated interface card, said means being of the switch type having an open and / or closed state,

and in that the printed circuit board comprises a portion projecting from one of its longitudinal ends for receiving the communication means which comprises a connector, for example of the HPB type, soldered to the printed circuit board and connected to electrical connections of the printed circuit and connected to a connection for connection between the printed circuit board of the device and the backplane connectors of the computer processing system, the communication means for transmitting to the computer processing system outgoing data such as the open and / or closed state of the power control means and the unlocking intent detecting means and incoming data such as the activation or deactivation of the visual signaling means of the activity of the associated interface card and the visual signaling means of the non-recognition of the associated interface card, the system me processing computer performing the processing of these data.

In another feature, each section of the printed circuit board is formed by a protruding front portion located on the front longitudinal side of the printed circuit board and a rear portion located on the rear longitudinal side of the printed circuit board. the projecting front portion is of rectangular shape of substantially similar dimensions the dimensions of the front recess of a sliding element, notches being formed on each side of the projecting front portion delimiting said front portion of the rear portion of the section, the width of the indentations being identical to the width of the shoulders of the sliding element, thus in the input position of the element sliding the shoulders of the sliding element are placed in abutment in the bottom of the indentations of the section, the forward part of the section being located in the recess before the sliding element, the rear recess, the rear lateral faces and the rear face of the sliding element being disposed above the rear part of the section, the means for controlling the power supply of an interface card is disposed on the front portion of the section, the triggering means of the power control means is activated in the output position of the sliding element by a feed protuberance sit in the rear recess of the sliding element, the visual signaling means of operation of the interface card is located on the rear part of the section, close to the rear face of the housing, the intention means is fixed under the printed circuit board.

According to another feature, the first insulating plate is juxtaposed above the printed circuit board and is shaped to cover the rear portion of the sections and the longitudinal ends of the printed circuit board leaving the communication means accessible.

According to another particularity, the second insulating plate, arranged under the printed circuit board, is of a shape substantially equal to the shape of the printed circuit board and comprises as many cutouts for the insertion of a detection means. intention of unlocking that there is locking / unlocking means, each cutout being arranged vis-à-vis a means of detecting an intention to unlock a printed circuit board and being of substantially areal dimensions identical to the surface dimensions of the unlocking intention detection means, each intentional cut-out making it possible to receive during the assembly of the locking / unlocking device an unlocking intention detecting means.

According to another feature, the base disposed under the second insulating plate is of rectangular shape whose length and width are identical to the length and width of the frame, and in that the base comprises as many cutouts for insertion an unlocking intention detection means that there are locking / unlocking means, the cuts being of size and position substantially equal to the cuts of the second insulating plate, each cut-out making it possible to receive during of the assembly of the locking / unlocking device means of detecting the intention to unlock.

According to another feature, the wedge disposed under the base is substantially equal in shape to the base and comprises as many cuts for the insertion of an unlocking intention detection means that there are locking / unlocking means, each cutout being disposed opposite a cutout of the base and being of dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of the cutout of the base, and in that the shim comprises the means for fixing the locking / unlocking device on the system receiver.

According to another feature, the fixing means comprises two fastening tabs arranged spaced apart from one another projecting on the rear longitudinal side of the wedge and two holes each extended by a fastening nut welded to the hold, each hole being disposed on a projecting portion of each end of the wedge avoiding obstructing the movement of the sliding elements, the fixing tabs being each inserted into a housing of the same size, located on the receiving system and the holes juxtaposed holes threaded of the receiver system to introduce a clamping means.

According to another feature, the frame and the base are fixed together by a complementary attachment system disposed between each recess of the frame.

According to another feature, a complementary attachment system may consist of a first rod perpendicularly fixed by one of its ends on the base and directed towards the frame and comprising an orifice located near the other end of the first rod and a second rod fixed perpendicularly by one of its ends on the frame towards the base and comprising a hook projecting on the other end of the second rod, the hook of the second rod being inserted into the orifice of the first rod, this attachment system disposed between each sliding element to guide the sliding element in translation.

A second objective of the present invention to overcome certain disadvantages of the prior art is to propose a method of using locking / unlocking of at least one interface card in a receiver system.

• une étape d'enclenchement du moyen de déclenchement d'au moins un moyen de détection d'intention de déverrouillage d'une carte d'interface associée, par un utilisateur,
• une étape de prise en compte de l'état fermé du moyen de détection d'intention de déverrouillage du dispositif indiquant au système de traitement informatique la cessation d'envoi de signaux vers la carte d'interface associée au moyen de détection d'intention de déverrouillage et la non-alimentation de ladite carte d'interface,
• une étape de désactivation, par le système de traitement informatique, du moyen visuel de signalisation de l'activation de la carte interface associée, indiquant la fin de l'activation de ladite carte d'interface,
• une étape d'activation, par le système de traitement informatique, du moyen visuel de signalisation de la non-reconnaissance de la carte d'interface associée indiquant que la carte d'interface n'est plus reconnue par le système de traitement informatique,
• une étape sécurisée de déverrouillage de la carte d'interface par translation manuelle de l'élément glissant dans un évidement du boîtier, la carte d'interface pouvant être retirée en toute sécurité du système récepteur,

et en ce que le verrouillage de la carte d'interface comprend les étapes suivantes :

• une étape d'insertion d'une carte d'interface dans un logement d'accueil du système récepteur, l'élément glissant étant en position entrée dans un évidement du bâti,
• une étape de verrouillage de la carte d'interface dans le dispositif de verrouillage/déverrouillage par translation manuelle de l'élément glissant entraînant automatiquement l'activation du moyen de commande de l'alimentation de la carte d'interface insérée,
• une étape de détection de l'activation du moyen de commande de l'alimentation d'une nouvelle carte d'interface et donc de détection du verrouillage d'une nouvelle carte d'interface par le système informatique,
• une étape de reconnaissance de la nouvelle carte d'interface par le système de traitement informatique et de désactivation du moyen visuel de signalisation de non-reconnaissance de la nouvelle carte d'interface,
• une étape d'activation par le système de traitement informatique du moyen visuel de signalisation de l'activation de la nouvelle carte d'interface.

This object is achieved by a method of using the locking / unlocking of an interface card in a device for locking and unlocking the interface card, the use being characterized in that the locking of the card is interface includes the following steps:

• a triggering step of the triggering means of at least one unlocking intention detection means of an associated interface card, by a user,
• a step of taking into account the closed state of the unlocking intention detection means of the device indicating to the computer processing system the cessation of sending signals to the interface card associated with the means of detecting the intention of unlocking and non-powering of said interface card,
• a step of deactivation, by the computer processing system, of the visual signaling means of the activation of the associated interface card, indicating the end of the activation of said interface card,
• a step of activation, by the computer processing system, of the visual signaling means of the non-recognition of the an associated interface card indicating that the interface card is no longer recognized by the computer processing system,
• a secure step of unlocking the interface card by manual translation of the sliding element in a recess of the housing, the interface card can be removed safely from the receiving system,

and in that the locking of the interface card comprises the following steps:

• a step of inserting an interface card into a receiving housing of the receiver system, the sliding element being in the input position in a recess of the frame,
• a step of locking the interface card in the locking / unlocking device by manual translation of the sliding element automatically causing activation of the power control means of the inserted interface card,
• a step of detecting the activation of the power control means of a new interface card and thus detecting the locking of a new interface card by the computer system,
• a step of recognition of the new interface card by the computer processing system and deactivation of the visual signaling means of non-recognition of the new interface card,
• an activation step by the computer processing system of the visual signaling means of the activation of the new interface card.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective du dispositif de verrouillage/déverrouillage de cartes d'interface, monté dans un tiroir d'un système récepteur, selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• les figures 2A et 2B représentent respectivement une vue en perspective respectivement de la face supérieure et de la face inférieure du dispositif de verrouillage/déverrouillage de cartes d'interface, selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue éclatée en perspective du dispositif de verrouillage/déverrouillage de cartes d'interface, selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• les figures 4A et 4B représentent une vue en perspective respectivement de la face supérieure et de la face inférieure du bâti du dispositif de verrouillage/déverrouillage de carte d'interface, selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• les figures 5A et 5B représentent une vue en perspective respectivement de la face supérieure et de la face inférieure d'un élément glissant du dispositif de verrouillage/déverrouillage de cartes d'interface, selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• les figures 6A et 6B représentent une vue en perspective respectivement de la face supérieure et de la face inférieure du circuit imprimé du dispositif de verrouillage/déverrouillage de cartes d'interface, selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• les figures 7A et 7B représentent une vue en perspective respectivement de la face supérieure et de la face inférieure du socle du dispositif de verrouillage/déverrouillage de carte d'interface, selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• les figures 8A et 8B représentent un schéma logique définissant le procédé d'utilisation respectivement du déverrouillage et du verrouillage d'une carte d'interface dans le dispositif de la présente invention.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the description below, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of the interface card locking / unlocking device, mounted in a drawer of a receiver system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• the Figures 2A and 2B respectively represent a perspective view respectively of the upper face and the lower face of the locking / unlocking device interface cards, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• the figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the interface card locking / unlocking device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• the Figures 4A and 4B show a perspective view respectively of the upper face and the lower face of the frame of the locking / unlocking interface card, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• the Figures 5A and 5B represent a perspective view respectively of the upper face and the lower face of a sliding element of the interface card locking / unlocking device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• the Figures 6A and 6B represent a perspective view respectively of the upper face and the lower face of the printed circuit of the locking / unlocking device of interface cards, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• the Figures 7A and 7B show a perspective view respectively of the upper face and the lower face of the base of the interface card locking / unlocking device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• the Figures 8A and 8B represent a logic diagram defining the method of use respectively of the unlocking and locking of an interface card in the device of the present invention.

The locking / unlocking device of the present invention will now be described as a function of Figures 1 to 7B . A large part of the elements of the device is described with more or less parallelepipedal shapes in the embodiment presented on the Figures 1 to 7B . Other embodiments concerning different shapes are to be envisaged.

The figure 1 represents a perspective view of the locking / unlocking device (1) of an interface card (not shown) of the standard PCI card type, the housing being housed in a drawer of a receiver system (2) such that a computer. The receiver system (2) comprises one or more receiving slots each having a plug-in element (20) for inserting an interface card therein. The receiver system also includes a backplane connector such as a printed circuit for connecting the various inserted interface cards to a computer processing system connected to the receiving system (2). The device (1) is fixed to the receiving system by a fixing means for holding the device crosswise in a determined position to block the access of the receiving slots of the interface cards. The locking / unlocking device (1) comprises a housing (3) housing at least one locking / unlocking means (4) of an interface card. As shown on Figures 2a and 2b , the housing (3) can accommodate a plurality of locking / unlocking means (4a-4n) of an interface card. Each locking / unlocking means comprises a sliding element entering and leaving a recess of the housing. Each locking / unlocking means independently locks, by sliding a sliding element (4'a-4'n) out of the housing (3), a single interface card, more particularly a holding element ( not shown) attached to one end of the interface board. After insertion of the interface board into the plug-in element (20) of the receiving system (2), the holding means is positioned in front of a locking / unlocking means (4a-4n), the element sliding (4'a-4'n) being in the input position in the housing (3). The positioning of the sliding element (4'a-4'n) above the holding element blocks the latter. Each locking / unlocking means (4a-4n) also comprises means for controlling the power supply (63a-63n) with the interface card associated with the locking / unlocking means. Activation of the control means triggers the power system located on the backplane circuit board of the receiver system to power the associated interface board. Each locking / unlocking means comprises an intention detecting means (67a-67n) for unlocking the associated interface card. Activation of the unlocking intent detecting means will control the non-power supply of the associated interface card and stopping the sending of signals from the computer processing system to the interface card. Each locking / unlocking means comprises a visual means of signaling the activity (640 Figure 6A ) of the interface card, the visual means being activated during the power supply of the interface card and a visual means of signaling the non-recognition of the interface card by the computer processing system, the visual means being activated when the computer processing system stops sending signals to the interface card. The device of the present invention also comprises a communication means (62) for transmitting signals between the device (1) and the receiver system (2). These different elements will be described in more detail in the following description.

The figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the standard interface card locking / unlocking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the housing (3) of the locking / unlocking device is of parallelepipedal shape and therefore comprises a front face (32a), a rear face (32b), an upper face (31), a lower face ( 81) and side faces (33a-33b). The upper face (31), the side faces (33a-33b) and the rear face (32b) of the housing (3) consist of a frame (30). The lower face (82) consists of a base (80) of flat shape. The front face (32a) of the housing (3) is open. The housing (3) also includes a flat-form circuit board (60) disposed between the frame (30) and the base (80), a first insulation board (50) inserted between the printed circuit board (60) ) and the frame (30), a second insulating plate (70) inserted between the printed circuit board (60) and the base (80) and a shim (90) disposed under the base. The frame (30), the first insulation board (50), the printed circuit board (60), the second insulation board (70), the base (80) and the shim (90) have surface dimensions, the width and the length, close and are mounted in juxtaposition on each other by an assembly means (9-9 '). As shown on the figure 3 the joining means may comprise, for example, at least two holes (390, 390 ', 510, 510', 610, 610 ', 710, 710', 810, 810 ', 910, 910') on each end longitudinal of the elements mentioned above. The holes at each end (390, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910 and 390 ', 510', 610 ', 710', 810 ', 910') of these elements are juxtaposed on top of one another. The housing (30) is fully assembled by a clamping means (94), a rivet or screw associated with a nut, passing through each of the holes in each end of the housing members (30).

The Figures 4A and 4B represent the frame (30) of the housing (3). The frame comprises at least one recess (34a) delimited by the side faces (33a and 33b) of the housing (3). In the embodiment presented on the Figures 3A and 3B , the frame may comprise a plurality of recesses (34a-34n) separated from each other by means of subdivision. A pair of subdivision means forms a recess (34a) in which a slidable element moves by translation. The two subdivision means of a recess being arranged parallel to each other, on either side of each sliding element. A pair of subdivision means may correspond at least to both side faces (33a-33b) of the frame (30), if the device (1) comprises a single locking / unlocking means. With reference to the Figure 4B representing a plurality of locking / unlocking means, a pair of subdivision means may correspond either to a lateral face of the frame (33a or 33b) associated with a first rectangular tongue (340a or 340n) or to a second tongue (340b) and a third tongue (340b ') disposed on either side of the sliding element. Each tongue (340a, 340b, 340b'-340n) is less than the width of the frame and is fixed on one of its longitudinal sides, perpendicular to the width of the frame, inside the upper face of the frame; the tongue being contiguous to the rear face of the housing. For each recess the frame comprises a gripping port (37a-37n) for receiving a gripping element of a sliding element when the latter is in the entrance position in the recess of the frame. The frame also comprises, for each recess, two guide orifices (35a, 35a'-35n, 35n '). These guide holes (35a, 35a'-35n, 35n '), of rectangular shape and of length less than the width of the frame (30), are located on the upper face (31) of the frame (30) of part and other of a recess, near the subdivision elements and the rear face of the frame. These two guide holes can accommodate protruding elements for guiding a sliding element. The frame also comprises, vis-à-vis each recess (34a-34n) and between the guide holes (35a, 35a'-35n, 35n '), a locking orifice (38a-38n). This blocking orifice (38a-38n) situated on the upper surface (31) of the frame (30) can be, for example, of parallelepipedal shape and makes it possible to block a sliding element (4a ', 4n') in the inlet position in the housing. recess (34a, 34n) by receiving a protruding blocking element belonging to the sliding element (4a ', 4n'). The frame comprises on these longitudinal ends (39, 39 ') protruding tabs comprising the assembly elements of the frame (390, 390').

The Figures 5A and 5B represent a sliding element belonging to a locking / unlocking means of the device of the present invention, according to one embodiment. The sliding element (4a ', 4n') may be of parallelepipedal shape and comprises a front face (41a), a rear face (41b), an upper face (40a), a lower face (40b) and two faces lateral (42a, 42b). The dimensions of the sliding element (4a ') are substantially close to the dimensions of a recess (34a) of the frame (30). The sliding element (4a ') also has a recess (43) which can be parallelepiped and open on its front face (41a) and on its lower face (40b). The lateral faces (42a, 42b) of the sliding element each comprise a rear lateral face (420a, 420b) and a front lateral face (421a, 421b) of equal lengths. The height of the rear side face (420a, 420b) being smaller than the height of the front side face (421a, 421b) thus forming a shoulder (422a, 422b). The height of the rear face (41b) of the sliding element (4a ') is equal to the height of the rear lateral faces (420a, 420b). The recess between the rear lateral faces (420a, 420b) associated with the rear face (41b) and the front lateral faces (421a, 421b) is placed, during the insertion of the sliding element (4a ') in a recess (34a) of the frame (30), above the first insulation board (50), the printed circuit board (60) and the second insulation board (70). The recess (43) of the sliding element (4a ') comprises two recesses (430, 431): a front recess (430) delimited by the front lateral faces (421a, 421b) and a rear recess (431) delimited by the rear side faces (420a, 420b) and the rear face (41b). The sliding element (4a ') comprises a gripping element (45) which can be located, for example, on the upper front face (40a) of the sliding element (4a'). In the input position of the sliding element (4a ') in a recess (34a) of the frame (30), the gripping element (45) of the sliding element (4a') is embedded in a gripping orifice (37a ) of the frame (30), the gripping element (45) and the gripping orifice (37a) having identical surface dimensions. The sliding element (4a ') also comprises two protruding guide elements (44a, 44b) projecting at each rear corner of the upper face (40a) of the sliding element (4a'). These protuberant guide elements (44a, 44b) are of surface dimensions, width and length, substantially equal to the width of a guide orifice (35a, 35a ') of the frame (30) and of height greater than the height of a guide hole (35a, 35a '). The complementarity of the protruding guide elements (44a, 44b) and the guide orifices (35a, 35a ') and the subdivision means of the frame provide the guide system for guiding the translational movement of the sliding element (4a'). ) in a recess (34) of the frame (30). The protruding guiding elements (44a, 44b) and the guiding orifices (35a, 35a ') also make it possible to limit the displacement at the outlet, preventing the sliding element (4a') from emerging entirely from the recess (34a) of the frame (30), by locking the protruding guide elements (44a, 44b) on the front end of the guide holes (35a, 35a '). The sliding element also comprises a protuberant blocking element (46) which can be of parallelepipedal shape mounted elastically on the upper face (40a) of the sliding element (4a '). The protruding blocking element (46) and the locking orifice (36a) of the frame are of equal surface dimensions. The height of the protruding blocking member (46) is slightly greater than the height of the blocking orifice (36a). The position of the protruding locking element (46) on the sliding element and the position of the locking orifice (36a) on the frame depend on the entry and exit positions of the sliding element in the recess of the frame. In the input position, the protruding blocking element (46) is housed in the locking orifice (36a) of the frame (30). In the extended position, the sliding element (4a ') is blocked by the protruding guide elements (44a, 44b) contiguous against the front ends of the guide orifices (35a, 35a') and also by the protruding blocking element ( 46) whose rear face is contiguous to the front side of the upper face (40a) of the frame (30). With reference to Figures 5A and 5B the sliding element (4a ') also comprises an insertion element (47) on its upper face making it easier to insert the sliding element (4a') surmounted by the protruding blocking element (46) in the recess (34a) of the frame (30). The insertion element (47) is disposed between the rear face of the sliding element (4a ') and the protruding blocking element (46).

A locking / unlocking means (4a, 4n) therefore comprises a sliding element (4a ', 4n') moving in translation oriented by a guide means in a recess (34a, 34n) of the frame (30). Part of the sliding element (4a ', 4n') enters and leaves the front of the housing (3). The locking / unlocking means (4a, 4n) also comprises a means for locking the sliding element (4a ', 4n') in the inlet position or in the extended position in the recess (34a, 34n) of the frame (30) .

The Figures 6A and 6B represent the circuit board (60) of the locking / unlocking device (1) of the present invention. The printed circuit board (60) comprises the various electrical elements for defining and signaling the insertion, activation or removal of an interface card. The printed circuit board (60) comprises a particular cutout forming one or more sections (Sa-Sn), according to the number of locking / unlocking means (4a, 4n) present in the device (1). Each section (Sa-Sn) is, in the embodiment presented on the Figure 6A , of rectangular shape and makes it possible to receive a sliding element (4a ', 4n'). A section (Sa) is an integral part of a locking / unlocking means (4a). The length and width of a section (Sa) are equal in size to the length and width of a recess (34a) of the frame (30). Each section (Sa-Sn) is disposed vis-à-vis each recess (34a-34n) of the frame (30). A section (Sa) of the printed circuit board (60) includes a protruding front portion (65a) on the forward longitudinal side of the printed board (60), and a rear portion (66a) on the longitudinal side back of the printed board (60). The protruding front portion (65a) is rectangular in shape, with a length and a width of dimensions substantially similar to the length and width dimensions of the front recess (340) of a sliding member (4a '). Two identical notches (68a-68a ') are formed on each side of the protruding front portion (65a) delimiting the front portion (65a) of the rear portion (66a) of the section (Sa). The width of a notch (68a) is equal to the width of a shoulder (422a) of the sliding member (4a '). Thus, when the sliding element is in the position entered in a recess (34a) of the frame (30), the shoulders (422a, 422b) of the sliding element (4a ') are respectively abutted in the bottom of the indentations ( 68a, 68a ') of the section (Sa). The front portion (65a) of the section (Sa) is located in the front recess (430) of the sliding member (4a '). The rear recess (431), the rear lateral faces (420a, 420b) and the rear face (41b) of the sliding element (4a ') are arranged above the rear part (66a) of the section ( Her). Each section (Sa-Sn) also comprises means for controlling the power supply (63a-63n) of an interface card associated with the locking / unlocking means of the section. Each means for controlling the power supply (63a-63n) of an interface card may be of the switch type and thus comprise means for triggering the activation of the power supply of the interface card. The triggering means is activated when sliding the sliding element out of the recess of the housing, by a feed protrusion (48) located in the rear recess (431) of the sliding element (4a '), the feed protuberance abutting against the trigger means of the power control means. Activation of the trip means will cause a signal to be issued indicating the closed state of the power control means (63a-63n) to the computer processing system connected to the receiver system. The computer processing system will trigger, via the backplane connector of the receiver system, the power supply of the interface card associated with the power control means. The power control means (63a-63n) of an interface card is disposed on the front portion (65a) of the section (Sa). Each section (Sa-Sn) also includes an unlocking intent detecting means (67a) of an associated interface card. The unlocking intent detecting means (67a) may be a switch and thus include triggering means (670a). The triggering means (670a) is activated by a user desiring to remove the interface card associated with the unlocking detection means. Once the triggering means is activated by a user, the intention detecting means transmits a signal to the computer processing system informing the open state of the unlocking intent detecting means and thereby controlling the non-feeding of the the associated interface card and stopping the sending of signals from the computer processing system to said interface card. The unlocking intention detecting means (67a) can be fixed under the circuit board (60). Each section (Sa-Sn) comprises a visual means for signaling the activation (640a) of an interface card making it possible to inform a user, in a visual manner, that the interface card associated with the section is powered. . Each section (Sa-Sn) also includes a visual means of signaling the non-recognition (641) of an interface card visually indicating to a user that the computer processing system does not recognize the interface card associated and that the latter is no longer powered by the receiving system backplane power system. Both visual means of signaling (640, 641) may be light-emitting diodes. The visual signaling means (640a, 641a) are located on the rear part (66a) of each section (Sa-Sn), close to the rear face (32b) of the housing (3). The printed circuit board (60) also includes a communication means (62) for transmitting the information signals between the locking / unlocking device (1) and the computer processing system. The communication means (62) may, for example, be an HPB type connector, soldered to the board (60), and connected to the electrical connections of the printed circuit board. The connector can accept a physical connection between the device and the backplane connectors of the computer processing system. The printed circuit board includes electrical connections for connecting the interface board supply control means (63a-63n), the unlocking intention detecting means (67a-67n) and the visual display means. signaling (94a-64n) to the connector (62). In the embodiment of the present invention, it is the computer processing system which carries out the processing of the information transiting between the device (1) and the receiver system (2). The relationship between the computer processing system and the device (1) is a server / slave relationship. The connector and the physical link (62) make it possible to transmit to the data processing system outgoing data such as the open and / or closed state of the power control means (63a-63n) and the detection means of the power supply. unlocking intent (67a-67n) and incoming data such as activation or non-activation of visual signaling means (640a-640n, 641a-641n). With reference to the Figure 6A the communication means (62) can be welded to a projecting portion of one of the longitudinal ends (61) of the printed circuit board (60).

The first isolation plate (50) of the device (1) is shown on the figure 3 . The first insulating plate (50) is disposed between the sliding elements (4a'-4n ') inserted in the recesses (34a-34n) of the frame (30) and the printed circuit board (60), the plate (50 ) being juxtaposed above the printed circuit board (60). The first insulating plate (50) protects the printed circuit board (60) against friction by sliding elements (4a'-4n ') in motion. This insulating plate (50) is shaped to cover the rear portions (66a-66n) of the sections (Sa, Sn) of the printed circuit board (60) and the longitudinal ends (61-61 ') of the printed circuit board (60), the communication means (62) not being taken into account. One of the longitudinal ends of the frame (39) and one of the longitudinal ends of the first insulating plate (51), arranged opposite the communication means (62), comprise a cutout allowing the communication means to be left open. (62) accessible to a user.

The second insulation plate (70) of the device is represented on the figure 3 . The second isolation plate (70) is disposed beneath the printed circuit board (60) and is shaped substantially equal to the shape of the printed circuit board (60). The second insulating plate (70) has as many sections (S1a, S1n) as there are sections (Sa, Sn) on the printed circuit board, each section (S1a, S1n) of the insulation board (70) being disposed opposite each section (Sa, Sn) of the printed board (60). Each section (S1a, S1n) of the insulating plate (70) comprises a cut-out (72a-72n) arranged opposite an intention means (64a-64n) located on the section (Sa, Sn) opposite the printed circuit board (60). Each cutout (72a-72n) has surface dimensions substantially identical to the surface dimensions of the unlocking intent detecting means (67a-67n). A cutout (72a-72n) accommodates, during assembly of the locking / unlocking device, the intention detecting means (67a-67n) for unlocking the associated interface card.

The Figures 7A and 7B represent the base (80) of the locking / unlocking device of the present invention. The base (80) disposed under the second insulating plate (70) may be rectangular in shape with a length and width equal to the length and width of the frame (30). The base (80) comprises, as the second insulating plate, as many sections (S2a, S2n) as there are sections (Sa, Sn) on the printed circuit board, each section (S2a, S2n) of the base (80) being disposed opposite each section (Sa, Sn) of the printed board (60). Each section (S2a, S2n) of the base (80) comprises a cut-out (82a-82n) arranged opposite an intention means (67a-67n) located on the opposite section (Sa, Sn) of the printed circuit board (60). Each cutout (82a-82n) has surface dimensions substantially identical to the surface dimensions of the intention means (67a-67n). A cutout (82a-82n) accommodates, during the assembly of the locking / unlocking device, the unlocking intent detecting means (67a-67n).

The wedge (90) of the locking / unlocking device (1) is represented on the figure 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shim (90) is disposed under the base (80) and has a shape substantially equal to the shape of the base (80). The shim (90) comprises, as the second insulating plate (70) and the base (80), as many sections (S3a, S3n) as there are sections (Sa, Sn) on the circuit board printed, each section (S3a, S3n) of the shim (90) being disposed opposite each section (Sa, Sn) of the printed circuit board (60). Each section (S3a, S3n) of the shim (90) comprises a cut-out (92a-92n) disposed opposite an unlocking intent detection means (67a-67n) located on the section (Sa , Sn) opposite the printed circuit board (60). Each cutout (92a-92n) is of surface dimensions substantially identical to the surface dimensions of the unlocking intention detecting means (67a-67n). A cutout (92a-92n) accommodates, during the assembly of the locking / unlocking device, the unlocking intention detecting means (67a-67n). The cuts (72a-72n, 82a-82n and 92a-92n) of the second insulating plate (50), the base (80) and the shim (90) make it possible to leave the trigger means of each means of unlocking intent detection (64a-64n) by a user when the device is assembled. With reference to the figure 3 , the wedge (90) also comprises the fixing means (94-94 ') of the housing (3) on the receiving system (2). An example of a fastening means is shown on the figure 3 . Referring to this figure, the fixing means (93, 93 ', 94, 94') may comprise two fixing lugs (93, 93 ') remote from each other, arranged projecting on the rear longitudinal side of the shim (90) and two holes (94, 94 ') each extended with a fastening nut welded to the shim (60). Each hole (94, 94 ') may be disposed on a protruding portion of each end (91, 91') of the shim (90) to avoid obstructing the movement of the sliding members (4a ', 4n'). The fixing lugs (93, 93 ') are each inserted in a same-size housing located on the receiving system (2). The holes (94, 94 ') of the fixing means are juxtaposed with threaded holes of the receiving system (2). The housing (3) and the receiving system (2) are fixed by tightening a screw (not shown) in each hole of the housing (3) and the receiving system (2). The shim (60) also makes it possible to compensate for the thickness of a shielding joint located on the interface card.

With reference to Figures 4A, 4B and to Figures 5A, 5B , a hooking system makes it possible to fix the frame (30) and the base (80) together. This attachment system comprises one or more attachment means (38a-38n, 83a-83n) each disposed between each recess (34a, 34n) of the frame (30), if the device comprises at least two recesses (34a). An attachment means may be, for example, consisting of a first rod (38a-38n) belonging to the frame (30) and a second rod (83a, 83n) belonging to the base (80). The first rod (38a-38n) is fixed perpendicularly at one end to the base (80) and is directed towards the frame (30). The first rod (38a-38n) includes an orifice (380a) located near the other end. The second rod (83a, 83n) is fixed perpendicularly by one of its ends on the frame (30) towards the base (80). The second rod (83a, 83n) comprises a hook (830a) at its other end, the hook of the second rod (83a, 83n) being inserted into the orifice of the first rod (38a-38n). This attachment system disposed between each sliding element (4a ', 4n') is a complement of the guide system of the device (1) and also makes it possible to guide the sliding element (4a ', 4n') in translation in a recess (34a-34n) of the frame (30).

The locking / unlocking method of use of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 8A and 8B .

The Figures 8A and 8B represent the method of using locking / unlocking an interface card in a locking and unlocking device (1). When a card is locked, it is plugged into a plug-in means of a receiving slot of the receiving system (2). The associated sliding element (4a ') of the device (1) is advanced on the holding element of the interface card, the power control means (63a) of the interface card being thus connected to the closed state. The intention detection means (67a) is in the open state, the first visual signaling means (640a) indicates that the interface board is active and the second visual signaling means (641a) indicates that the Computer processing recognizes the interface card. To unlock the interface card, a user must perform the first step (1000) by activating the triggering means of the unlocking intent detecting means (67a) associated with the interface card. This step (1000) will change the open state of the unlocking intent detecting means (67a) to a closed state. A signal indicating the closed state of the unlocking intent detecting means will be transmitted to the computer processing system. The computer processing system goes in the second step (1001) to take into account the signal of the unlocking intention detecting means (67a) commanding it to stop sending signals to the selected interface card, isolating this last, and stopping feeding the same interface card. The isolation of an interface card by a control means is performed at the level of the driver of the interface card and the configuration of the operating system of the control means. Once the isolated interface card, a third step (1002) is performed by the computer processing system for disabling the first visual signaling means (640a) indicating the end of the activation of the interface card. Then a fourth step (1003) is performed by the computer processing system enabling activation of the second visual signaling means (641 a) thus indicating that the interface card is no longer recognized by the computer processing system. A final step (1004) performed by the user is to unlock the interface board by manual translation of the sliding element (4a ') in a recess (34a) of the housing (30). The translation automatically causes the open state of the power control means (63a) of the associated interface card. The interface card can be safely removed from the receiver system (2).

To lock the interface card, the first step (2000) is to select, by a user, a free docking slot in the drawer of the receiving system to insert an interface card. The sliding element (4a ') is, then, in the entered position in the recess (34a) of the frame (30). The user will plug the interface card into the plug-in element of the receiver system (2), the holding element of the interface card being arranged near a locking / unlocking means. A second step (2001), performed by the user, is to manually move the sliding element (4a ') outside the recess (34a) of the frame (30) by translation. This movement automatically activates the triggering means of the power control means (63a) of the interface card, the latter going to the closed state and controlling by sending a signal to the computer processing system the power supply of the interface card via the backplane connector. A third step (2002) is performed by the computer processing system and makes it possible to detect the closed state of the power control means (63a) of an interface card by receiving the signal sent and deducing that a A new interface card is present in a receiving housing of the receiver system (2). A fourth step (2003), performed by the computer processing system, is the recognition and recognition of the new interface card and the deactivation of the second visual signaling means (641a) thus indicating that the interface card is recognized by the computer processing system. A fifth step (2004), performed by the computer processing system, is the activation of the first visual signaling means (640a) thus indicating the activation of the interface card.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration, but may be modified within the scope defined by the scope of the appended claims, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Claims (22)

1. Device for locking and unlocking at least one interface card plugged into at least one socket of a receiving system (2) linked to a data processing system, the receiving system (2) comprising a backplane connection that makes it possible to connect the interface cards to the data processing system; the device (1) is characterized in that it comprises a box (3) attached by a mounting means to the receiving system (2) and receiving one or more means for locking/unlocking (4a-4n) interface cards, each locking and unlocking means (4a-4n) being disposed opposite each socket in a position that blocks the access to or removal of an interface card in a socket, each locking and unlocking means (4a-4n) comprising a means for controlling the power supply (63) of the interface card, a visual means for indicating the activation (640) of the interface card, a visual means for indicating the non-recognition (641) of the interface card by the data processing system and a means for detecting the intention to unlock (67) the interface card, and in that the device (1) comprises a communication means (62) allowing the transmission of signals between the computer system linked to the receiving system (2) and the device (1).
2. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each means for controlling the power supply (63) of an interface card comprises a triggering means (630a) which, once activated by the associated locking/unlocking means (4a-4n), triggers the power supply system of the receiving system (2) that powers the associated interface card.
3. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each means for detecting the intention to unlock (67) an interface card comprises a triggering means (670a) which, once activated, will trigger a cutoff of the power supply of the associated interface card and an end to the sending of signals from the data processing system to the interface card.
4. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each visual means for indicating the activity (640) of an interface card is activated by the data processing system when power is supplied to the associated interface card, and in that each visual means for indicating the non-recognition (641) of the interface card by the data processing system is activated by the latter upon activation of the means for detecting the intention to unlock (67) the interface card, which sends a signal to the computer system, allowing the latter to stop sending signals to the interface card.
5. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the nearly parallelepiped-shaped box (3) comprises a front face (32a), a rear face (32b), an upper face (31), a lower face (80) and lateral faces (33a, 33b), the box (3) comprising on its upper face (31), its lateral faces (33a, 33b) and its rear face (32b) an open bracket (30), the lower face (80) of the box (3) comprising a flat base plate (80); the front face (32a) of the box (3) is open, the bracket (30) comprising one or more recesses (34a-34n) separated from one another by subdividing means, and in that the box (3) comprises a flat printed circuit card (60) disposed between the bracket (30) and the base plate (80), a first insulating plate (50) inserted between the printed circuit card (60) and the bracket (30), a second insulating plate (70) inserted between the printed circuit card (60) and the base plate (80), and a shim (90) disposed underneath the base plate (80); the bracket (30), the base plate (80), the printed circuit card (60), the first insulating plate (50), the second insulating plate (70) and the shim (90) having similar surface dimensions and being mounted in juxtaposition to each other by a mounting means (9-9').
6. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a locking/unlocking means (4a-4n) locks, by sliding onto it, a holding element attached to one of the ends of the interface card.
7. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a locking/unlocking means (4a-4n) comprises a sliding element (4a'-4n') that moves translationally, orientated by a guide means inside a recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30), a part of the sliding element (4a'-4n') entering and exiting through the front face of the box (3), the locking/unlocking means (4a-4n) also comprising a means for locking (46-36a) the sliding element (4a'-4n') in the entry position or the exit position in the recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30).
8. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sliding element (4a'-4n') is parallelepiped in shape and comprises a front face (41 a), a rear face (41 b), an upper face (40a), a lower face (40b) and two lateral faces (42a-42b); the sliding element (4a'-4n') also comprises a parallelepipedic recess (43) open on its front face (41 a) and on its lower face (40b), the lateral faces (42a, 42b) of the sliding element (4a'-4n') each comprising a rear lateral face (420a-420b) and a front lateral face (421a,421b) of equal lengths, the height of the rear lateral face (420,420b) being smaller than the height of the front lateral face (421a,421b), thus forming a shoulder (422a, 422b), the height of the rear face (41b) of the sliding element (4a'-4n') being equal to the height of the rear lateral face (420a, 420b), the recess (43) of the sliding element (4a'-4n') being divided into two recesses (430,431), a front recess (430) delimited by the front lateral faces (421 a, 421 b) and a rear recess (431) delimited by the rear lateral faces (420a, 420b) and the rear face (41 b).
9. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sliding element (4a'-4n') comprises a grasping means (45) on its upper face, allowing a manual translation of the sliding element (4a;-4n') inside a recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30).
10. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the system for guiding a sliding element (4a'-4n') in a recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30) comprises means for subdividing (33a,33b,340a-340n') the recess or recesses (34a-34n) of the bracket (30), a pair of subdividing means (33a, 33b, 340a-340n') forming a recess (34a-34n), the two subdividing means being disposed parallel to one another on either side of each sliding element (4a'-4n'), a pair of subdividing means comprising either at least the two lateral faces (33a, 33b) of the bracket (30), or one lateral face (33a or 33b) of the bracket (30) associated with a first rectangular tongue (340a or 340n ') having a length shorter than the width of the bracket (30), attached to one of its longitudinal sides perpendicular to the width of the bracket (30) on the inside of the upper face (31) of the bracket (30), the tongue (340a or 340n') resting against the rear face (32b) of the box (3), or a second and a third rectangular tongue (340a or 340b') with a shape and orientation approximately identical to the first tongue (340a or 340n'), the second and third tongues (340b or 340b') also being disposed parallel to one another, on either side of a sliding element (4a'-4n'), and in that the guide system also comprises for each recess (34a-34n) two rectangular guide orifices (35a, 35a') the length of which is shorter than the width of the bracket (30), located on the upper face (31) of the bracket (30) on either side of a sliding element (4a'-4n') in proximity to the subdividing elements (340b or 340b') and to the rear face (32b) of the bracket (30), these two guide orifices (35a, 35a') making it possible to receive two protruding guide elements (44a, 44b) disposed so as to project from each rear corner of the upper surface (40a) of the sliding element (4a'-4n'), these protruding guide elements (44a, 44b) having surface dimensions substantially equal to the width of a guide orifice (35a, 35b) and a height greater than the height of a guide orifice (35a, 35b), the complementary nature of the protruding guide elements (44a- 44b) of the sliding element (4a'-4n') and of the guide orifices (35a, 35b) of the bracket (30) making it possible to guide the translational movement of the sliding element (4a'-4n') inside a recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30) and to limit this movement on the way out.
11. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the means for locking (46-36a) a sliding element (4a'-4n') inside or outside a recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30) comprises complementary locking elements (46-36a), respectively located on the sliding element (4a'-4n') and the bracket (30); the sliding element (4a'-4n') comprises a protruding locking element (46), which can be parallelepipedic in shape, elastically mounted on its upper face (40a), and the bracket (30) comprises, opposite each recess (34a-34n) and between the guide orifices (35a, 35b), a locking orifice (36a) having surface dimensions substantially equal to the dimension of the protruding locking element (46), the protruding locking element (46) and the locking orifice (36a) respectively being located on the sliding element (4a'-4n') and the upper face of the bracket (30) so that, in the exit position of the sliding element (4a'-4n'), the latter is locked by the guide system and by the protruding locking element (46) the rear face of which rests against the upper front side (31) of the bracket (30) and which, in the entry position of the sliding element (4a'-4n') in the recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30), the protruding locking element (46) is inserted into the locking orifice (36a) of the bracket (30).
12. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sliding element (4a'-4n') comprises an insertion element (47) on its upper face (40a), disposed between the rear face (41 b) of the sliding element (4a'-4n') and the protruding locking element (46), the insertion element (47) making it possible to insert the sliding element (4a'-4n'), surmounted by the protruding locking element (46), into the recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30).
13. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the printed circuit card (60) comprises a particular cutout forming one or more sections (Sa-Sn), making it possible to receive the respective sliding element or elements (4a'-4n'), each section (Sa-Sn) forming an integral part of a locking/unlocking means (4a-4n) of the device (1), each section (Sa-Sn) being juxtaposed with a recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30) and comprising:

    - the means for controlling the power supply (63a) of the associated interface card, the means for controlling the power supply (63a) being of the switch type and comprising an open and/or closed state,

    - the visual means for indicating (640a) the activity of the associated interface card, the visual indicating means (640a) being of the light-emitting diode type,

    - the visual means for indicating (641 a) the non-recognition of the associated interface card by the data processing system, the visual indicating means (641a) being of the light-emitting diode indicator type,

    - the means for detecting the intention (67a) to unlock the associated interface card, said means being of the switch type comprising an open and/or closed state,

    and in that the printed circuit card (60) includes a projecting part on one of its longitudinal ends (61), making it possible to receive the communication means (62), which comprises a connector, for example of the HPB type, soldered to the printed circuit card (60) and connected to electrical connections of the printed circuit and connected to a link that allows the connection between the printed circuit card of the device and the backplane connection of the data processing system, the communication means (62) making it possible to transmit to the data processing system outgoing data such as the open and/or closed state of the means for controlling the power supply (63a) and the means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a), and incoming data such as the activation or deactivation of the means for visually indicating the activity (64a) of the associated interface card and of the visual means for indicating the non-recognition (64a) of the associated interface card, the data processing system handling the processing of these data.
14. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that each section (Sa-Sn) of the printed circuit card (60) is formed by a projecting front part (65a) located on the longitudinal front side of the printed circuit card (60) and a rear part (66a) located on the longitudinal rear side of the printed circuit card (60); the projecting front part (65a) has a rectangular shape and dimensions substantially similar to the dimensions of the front recess (430) of a sliding element (4a'-4n'), indentations (68a, 68a') being formed on each side of the projecting front part (65a) delimiting said front part (65a) from the rear part (66a) of the section (Sa-Sn), the width of the indentations (68a-68a') being identical to the width of the shoulders (422a, 422b) of the sliding element (4a'-4n'); thus, in the entry position of the sliding element (4a'-4n'), the shoulders (422a,422b) of the sliding element (4a'-4n') come to a stop in the bottom of the indentations (68a, 68a') of the section (Sa-Sn), the front part (65a of the section (Sa-Sn) being located in the front recess (430) of the sliding element (4a'-4n'), the rear recess (341), the rear lateral faces (420a, 420b) and the rear face (41b) of the sliding element (4a'-4n') being disposed above the rear part (66a) of the section (Sa-Sn), the means for controlling the power supply (63a) of an interface card is disposed on the front part (65a) of the section (Sa-Sn); the means for triggering (630a) the means for controlling the power supply (63a) is activated in the exit position of the sliding element (4a'-4n') by a power supply protuberance (48) located in the rear recess (431) of the sliding element (4a'-4n'); the visual means for indicating (64a) the operation of the interface card is located on the rear part (66a) of the section (Sa-Sn), near the rear face (32b) of the box (3); the intention means (67a) is mounted underneath the printed circuit card (60).
15. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the first insulating plate (50) is juxtaposed on top of the printed circuit card (60) and has a shape that makes it possible to cover the rear part (66a) of the sections (Sa-Sn) and the longitudinal ends (61, 61') of the printed circuit card (60) while leaving the communication means (62) accessible.
16. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the second insulating plate (70) disposed underneath the printed circuit card (60) has a shape substantially equal to the shape of the printed circuit card (60) and includes as many cutouts (72a-72n) for the insertion of a means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a) as there are locking/unlocking means (4a-4n), each cutout (72a-72n) being disposed opposite a means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a) a printed circuit card (60) and having surface dimensions substantially identical to the surface dimensions of the means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a), each intention cutout (72a-72n) making it possible to receive, during the mounting of the locking/unlocking device (1), a means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a).
17. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the base plate (80) disposed underneath the second insulating plate (70) has a rectangular shape the length and width of which are identical to the length and width of the bracket (30), and in that the base plate (80) includes as many cutouts (82a-82n) for the insertion of a means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a) as there are locking/unlocking means (4a-4n), the cutouts (82a-82n) having a size and a position substantially equal to the cutouts (72a-72n) of the second insulating plate (70), each cutout (82a-82n) making it possible to receive, during the mounting of the locking/unlocking device (1), a means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a).
18. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the shim (90) disposed underneath the base plate (80) has a shape substantially equal to the base plate (80) and includes as many cutouts (92a-92n) for the insertion of a means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a) as there are locking/unlocking means (4a-4n), each cutout (92a-92n) being disposed opposite a cutout (82a-82n) of the base plate (80) and having dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of the cutout (82a-82n) of the base plate (80), and in that the shim (90) includes the means for mounting (93a, 93b, 94a, 94b) the locking/unlocking device (1) into the receiving system (2).
19. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the means (93a, 93b, 94a, 94b) comprise two mounting tabs (93a, 93b) disposed at a distance from one another, projecting from the rear longitudinal side of the shim (90) and two holes (94a,94b), each extended by a mounting nut soldered to the shim (90), each hole (94a,94b) being disposed on a projecting part of each end of the shim (90) so as to avoid obstructing the movement of the sliding elements (4a'-4n'), the mounting tabs (93a, 93b) each being inserted into a seat of the same dimension located in the receiving system (2) and the holes (94a, 94b) being juxtaposed with threaded holes of the receiving system (2) so that a tightening means can be inserted there.
20. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the bracket (30) and the base plate (80) are fastened together by a complementary catch system (38a-83a) disposed between each recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30).
21. Locking/unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that a complementary catch system (38a-83a) can be constituted by a first tab (83a) attached perpendicularly by one of its ends to the base plate (80) and directed toward the bracket (30) and comprising an orifice (830a) located near the other end of the first tab (83a), and a second tab (38a) attached perpendicularly by one of its ends to the bracket (30) in the direction of the base plate (80) and comprising a hook (380a) projecting from the other end of the second tab (38a), the hook (380a) of the second tab (38a) being inserted into the orifice (830a) of the first tab (83a), this catch system disposed between each sliding element (4a'-4n') making it possible to guide the sliding element (4a'-4n') in translation.
22. Method for locking/unlocking an interface card in a device for locking and unlocking (1) an interface card according to any one of the preceding claims, the method being characterized in that the locking of the interface card comprises the following steps:

    - a step (1000) for the activation of the means for triggering (670a) at least one means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a) an associated interface card, by a user,

    - a step (1001) for detecting the closed state of the means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a) the device (1), indicating to the data processing system the end of the sending of signals to the interface card associated with the means for detecting the intention to unlock (67a) and the cutoff of the power supply of this interface card,

    - a step (1002) for the deactivation, by the data processing system, of the visual means for indicating the activation (640a) of the associated interface card, indicating the end of activation of said interface card,

    - a step (1003) for the activation, by the data processing system, of the visual means for indicating the non-recognition (641a) of the associated interface card, indicating that the interface card is no longer recognized by the data processing system,

    - a secured step (1004) for unlocking the interface card by manually translating the sliding element (4a'-4n') in a recess (34a-34n) of the box (3), the interface card being able to be removed from the receiving system (2) in complete safety,

    and in that the locking of the interface card comprises the following steps:

    - a step (2000) for inserting the interface card into a socket of the receiving system (2), the sliding element (4a'-4n') being in the entry position in a recess (34a-34n) of the bracket (30),

    - a step (2001) for locking the interface card into the locking/unlocking device (1) by manually translating the sliding element (4a'-4n'), which automatically results in the activation of the means for controlling the power supply (63a) of the interface card inserted,

    - a step (2002) for the detection of the activation of the means for controlling the power supply of a new interface card, and thus for the detection of the locking of a new interface card, by the computer system,

    - a step (2003) for the recognition of the new interface card by the data processing system and for the deactivation of the visual means for indicating (641a) the non-recognition of the new interface card,

    - a step (2004) for the activation by the data processing system of the visual means for indicating (640a) the activation of the new interface card.

Images