GB2447089A - Hard disc enclosure with releasable controller - Google Patents

Hard disc enclosure with releasable controller Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2447089A
GB2447089A GB0704091A GB0704091A GB2447089A GB 2447089 A GB2447089 A GB 2447089A GB 0704091 A GB0704091 A GB 0704091A GB 0704091 A GB0704091 A GB 0704091A GB 2447089 A GB2447089 A GB 2447089A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
hard disc
controller
enclosure
storage unit
socket
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0704091A
Other versions
GB0704091D0 (en
Inventor
Pak Shing Leung
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SPEED DRAGON MULTIMEDIA Ltd
Original Assignee
SPEED DRAGON MULTIMEDIA Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SPEED DRAGON MULTIMEDIA Ltd filed Critical SPEED DRAGON MULTIMEDIA Ltd
Priority to GB0704091A priority Critical patent/GB2447089A/en
Publication of GB0704091D0 publication Critical patent/GB0704091D0/en
Priority to GB0803658A priority patent/GB2447142B/en
Publication of GB2447089A publication Critical patent/GB2447089A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B25/00—Apparatus characterised by the shape of record carrier employed but not specific to the method of recording or reproducing, e.g. dictating apparatus; Combinations of such apparatus
    • G11B25/04—Apparatus characterised by the shape of record carrier employed but not specific to the method of recording or reproducing, e.g. dictating apparatus; Combinations of such apparatus using flat record carriers, e.g. disc, card
    • G11B25/043—Apparatus characterised by the shape of record carrier employed but not specific to the method of recording or reproducing, e.g. dictating apparatus; Combinations of such apparatus using flat record carriers, e.g. disc, card using rotating discs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
    • G11B33/022—Cases
    • G11B33/025—Portable cases
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/12—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/12—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules
    • G11B33/121—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules the apparatus comprising a single recording/reproducing device
    • G11B33/123—Mounting arrangements of constructional parts onto a chassis
    • G11B33/124—Mounting arrangements of constructional parts onto a chassis of the single recording/reproducing device, e.g. disk drive, onto a chassis

Landscapes

  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

A hard disc enclosure comprising: a sleeve 3 having front and rear openings; First 9 and second 10 carrier plates adapted to engage sides of a hard disc storage unit 2; front 1 and rear 4 end members adapted to engage and cover the front and rear openings, one of the front and rear members including a socket 8; a controller unit 5 releasably engageable with the socket; the controller unit including a connector adapted to connect to a hard disc storage unit received within the casing, a controller circuit and external connectors for connection to an external computer. The controller unit can be detached for replacement without the need to dismantle the casing or to replace the entire enclosure. The socket 8 can include an aperture that receives a connector plug of the controller and allows the plug to pass through the end member to engage the hard disc storage unit.

Description

HARD DISC ENCLOSURE
This invention relates to an enclosure for a portable hard disc storage unit and a method of assembly of such an enclosure.
US-B2-7120014 discloses a portable hard disc casing comprising a hollow body with front and rear covers and an elongate plate having tivo coupling ribs for attachment to the hollow body. The rear cover carries a circuit board, electrical connectors and a switch to provide an interface for an Integrated Drive Electronic (IDE) hard disc storage unit contained within the casing for connection to a computer mainframe.
This casing assembly has the disadvantage that part or all of the casing, particularly the rear cover, circuit board and connectors may need to be replaced when the hard disc storage unit is repaired or replaced with a different model. Also, the connector sockets cannot be changed without replacing the entire unit. a...
*...s' According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hard disc enclosure comprises: a sleeve having front and rear openings; one or more carrier plates adapted to engage one or more sides of a hard disc storage unit; :,::.. front and rear end members adapted to engage and cover the front and rear openings.
one of the front and rear members including a socket; a controller unit releasably engageable with the socket; the controller unit including a connector adapted to connect to a hard disc storage unit received within the casing, a controller circuit and external connectors for connection to an external computer.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of assembly of a hard disc enclosure comprises the steps of: (a) engaging one or more carrier plates to one or more sides of a hard disc storage unit; (1,) locating the one or more carrier plates and hard disc storage unit in a sleeve, the sleeve having front and rear openings; (c) engaging front and rear members to cover the front and rear openings, one of the front and rear members including a socket; and (d) subsequently releasably engaging a controller unit with the socket; (e) the controller unit including a controller adapted to connect a hard disc storage unit received within the casing, a controller circuit and external connectors for connection to an external computer.
A single carrier plate may be used. Alternatively, two or less preferably more carrier plates may be employed. A single carrier plate may be located in an upper part of the sleeve.
In a preferred embodiment, the socket includes an aperture dimensioned to receive a connector plug of the controller unit, the aperture allowing the plug to pass through the end member to engage a hard disc storage unit.
Preferably, the member includes a threaded bore adapted to receive a fixing screw to secure the controller unit to the member. An alternative releasable catch or spring locking arrangement may be provided. I...
* The controller unit preferably includes sockets for connection to an external computer and for connection to a power supply. The controller unit may also include an on-off switch.
In a preferred embodiment, the controller unit further includes a visual display, for example.
a lamp to indicate status of the device. cc. WV..
The hard disc. enclosure may include a support unit adapted to hold the enclosure so that it can stand on an edge thereof, on a table, floor or other underlying surface.
The display lamp is preferably located on an upper part of the controller unit when the enclosure is in an edgewise orientation.
The present invention confers numerous advantages. The controller unit can be detached for replacement without the need to dismantle the casing or to replace the entire enclosure. The controller unit is easy to replace if the hard storage unit is changed. For example, the controller unit may be replaced if a different kind of socket is required to change from a USB port to a different port. Since the controller unit is located on the exterior of the device, the sleeve can have a shorter construction, making the device lighter and more economical to manufacture. Also. the display lamp can be conveniently located above the edge of the sleeve to improve visibility.
A single button back up actuator button may be provided on the controller unit.
The invention is further described, by way of example but not in any limitative sense.
with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: I. Figure 1 is an exploded view of the enclosure; 2. Figure 2 illustrates a first stage of assembly of the enclosure; 3. Figure 3 illustrates a second stage of assembly of the enclosure; 4. Figure 4 illustrates a third stage of assembly of the enclosure; aeI 5. Figure 5 illustrates a fourth stage of assembly of the enclosure; * 185P.
* ** * * * 6. Figure 6 illustrates a fifth stage of assembly of the enclosure; S....
:.::.. 7. Figure 7 illustrates a sixth stage of assembly of the enclosure; and * S 0*** 8. Figure 8 comprises four end views of alternative sleeve configurations.
The hard disc enclosure shown in the drawings comprises a front end member 1, a hard disc storage unit 2 and a generally tubular sleeve 3. A rear end member 4 has a socket 8 adapted to receive a controller unit 5 and power supply plug 6 connected to the controller unit. A threaded screw 7 passes through an aperture 11 in the controller unit 5 and is engaged in a threaded bore 17 to secure the controller unit into the socket.
Upper and lower carrier plates 9 and 10 have hooked or otherwise shaped abutments (not shown) to engage complementary shaped abutments or other formations (not shown) within the front end member 1, to secure the carrier plates within the end member. A hard disc storage unit is received between the carrier plates and abuts the inner surface of the end portion to securely locate the storage unit as shown in Figure 2. Projections on the inwardly facing surfaces of the carrier plates may be received in screw fixing or other holes in the exterior of the storage unit to prevent sliding movement of the storage unit in use.
The next stage of assembly of the device is show-n in Figure 3. The sleeve 3 may slide over the carrier plates 9 and 10 with the storage unit located between the carrier plates to engage the rear surface of the front end member. Upper and lower channels or slots formed by pairs of longitudinally extending ribs 13 or projections on the internal surface of the sleeve receive longitudinal edges of the carrier members 9 and 10. Alternative configurations of the channels or slots are shown in Figure 8 as described in more detail below.
During the next stage of assembly, as shown in Figure 4, the rear end member 4 is inserted onto the end of the sleeve. Hooked, stepped or otherwise shaped abutments or engaging formations of the upper and lower carriers engage the end portion of the carrier :::: plates. In preferred embodiments, the end portions form a snap fitting arrangement with the carrier plates to facilitate assembly by a user. S. *S * a *
The controller module shown in Figure 5 comprises a casing containing a circuit board and components (not shown), an inlet socket for connection to a power supply, an outlet lead coniecting to a comiector or plug 6 for the power supply to the storage device. A male S..
* *.*. connector or plug 14 extends towards the rear plate, passing through an aperture in the rear plate for reception in a socket in the storage device.
A lamp unit 15 located on the top of the controller serves to provide a visual display of the status of the device. The lamp preferably extends above the edge of the sleeve to improve visibility from all directions. The lamp has a curved housing dimensioned to be securely received and engaged in a correspondingly curved socket formed in the rear end.
The controller module may incorporate a button or switch to actuate a back up procedure.
Preferred embodiments include a one button back up facility.
Figure 6 shows insertion of a retaining screw 7 through an aperture in the controller unit for reception into a threaded bore in the end unit 4 to secure the controller unit to the casing. The controller unit is releasably secured to the casing permitting easy removal for replacement of the unit without the need for dismantling the casing.
Figure 7 illustrates insertion of the assembled enclosure edgewise into a supporting foot 7 so that the assembly can stand edgewise upon a table, floor or other supporting surface.
Figure 8 comprises four end elevations of sleeves for use in accordance with this invention. In Figure 8(1) a pair of lower projections 18 co-operate with shoulders 19 to form a slot to receive the carrier plate (not shown). Pairs of upper ribs 20 and 21 also extending longitudinally of the sleeve to provide a second slot for retention of the upper carrier plate.
Figure 8(2) shows an alternative configuration in which a single pair of longitudinally extending ribs 22 is provided, the lower carrier plate (not shown) resting against shoulders 23 adjacent the lower wall 24 of the sleeve.
Figure 8(3) and Figure 8(4) show two further arrangements wherein the carrier plates may extend vertically within the sleeve between pairs of ribs 25 or 26 and 27 extending vertically within the hollow sleeve. "S.. * S * S... * S S...

Claims (12)

  1. I. A hard disc enclosure comprising: a sleeve having front and rear openings; one or more carrier plates adapted to engage sides of a hard disc storage unit; front and rear end members adapted to engage and cover the front and rear openings, one of the front and rear members including a socket; a controller unit releasably engageable with the socket: the controller unit including a connector adapted to connect to a hard disc storage unit received within the casing, a controller circuit and external connectors for connection to an external computer.
  2. 2. A hard disc enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the socket includes an aperture dimensioned to receive a connector plug of the controller, the aperture allowing the plug to pass through the end member to engage a hard disc storage unit.
  3. 3. A hard disc enclosure as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein the controller unit includes sockets for connection to an external computer and for connection to a power supply.
    S **.*.
  4. 4. A hard disc enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller unit :,::.. includes a visual display.
  5. 5. A hard disc enclosure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the visual display comprises a display lamp located on an upper part of the controller unit when the controller is in an edgewise orientation.
  6. 6. A method of assembly of a hard disc enclosure comprising the steps of: (a) engaging one or more carrier plates to one or more sides of a hard disc storage unit; (b) locating the one or more carrier plates and hard disc storage unit in a sleeve, the sleeve having front and rear openings; (c) engaging front and rear members to cover the front and rear openings, one of the front and rear members including a socket; and (d) subsequently releasably engaging a controller unit with the socket; (e) the controller unit including a controller adapted to connect a hard disc storage unit received within the casing. a controller circuit and external connectors for connection to 205 an external computer.
    A single carrier plate may be used. Alternatively, two or less preferably more carrier plates may be employed. A single carrier plate may be located in an upper part of the sleeve.
  7. 7. A method of assembling a hard disc enclosure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the socket 210 includes an aperture dimensioned to receive a connector plug of the controller, the aperture allowing the plug to pass through the end member to engage a hard disc storage unit.
  8. 8. A method of assembling a hard disc enclosure as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the controller unit includes sockets for connection to an external computer and for connection to 215 a power supply.
    :.
  9. 9. A method of assembling a hard disc enclosure as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, * wherein the controller unit includes a visual display. e*. * I
    2( :*
  10. 10. A method of assembling a hard disc enclosure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the visual * * display comprises a display lamp located on an upper part of the controller unit when the controller is in an edgewise orientation. * I * * I
  11. 11. A hard disc enclosure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the 225 accompanying drawings.
  12. 12. A method of assembling a hard disc enclosure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB0704091A 2007-03-02 2007-03-02 Hard disc enclosure with releasable controller Withdrawn GB2447089A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0704091A GB2447089A (en) 2007-03-02 2007-03-02 Hard disc enclosure with releasable controller
GB0803658A GB2447142B (en) 2007-03-02 2008-02-28 Hard disc enclosure

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0704091A GB2447089A (en) 2007-03-02 2007-03-02 Hard disc enclosure with releasable controller

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0704091D0 GB0704091D0 (en) 2007-04-11
GB2447089A true GB2447089A (en) 2008-09-03

Family

ID=37965827

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0704091A Withdrawn GB2447089A (en) 2007-03-02 2007-03-02 Hard disc enclosure with releasable controller
GB0803658A Expired - Fee Related GB2447142B (en) 2007-03-02 2008-02-28 Hard disc enclosure

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0803658A Expired - Fee Related GB2447142B (en) 2007-03-02 2008-02-28 Hard disc enclosure

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (2) GB2447089A (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2486206B (en) 2010-12-06 2013-10-09 Syba Tech Ltd Hard disc enclosure

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2332975A (en) * 1997-12-30 1999-07-07 Chang Cheng Chun Interfacing kit for hard disk drives allowing several drives to be stacked.
US6724621B1 (en) * 2002-12-09 2004-04-20 T-Win Sheet Metal Co., Ltd. Portable hard disk drive cartridge having adaptable interface
US20040141253A1 (en) * 2003-01-08 2004-07-22 Sony Corporation Hard disk system, hard disk unit and conversion unit
KR20040080887A (en) * 2003-03-14 2004-09-20 주식회사 삼보컴퓨터 Modular desktop computer
US20040190192A1 (en) * 2003-03-31 2004-09-30 Huang Cheng Yu Portable hard disk drive
EP1594138A2 (en) * 2004-05-03 2005-11-09 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Removable information storage device enclosure
US7120014B2 (en) * 2004-10-22 2006-10-10 Dynamic System Electronics Corp. Portable hard disk casing

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TW566593U (en) * 2002-07-10 2003-12-11 Cheng-Chun Chang Dual-interface external computer connection box
DE202006011502U1 (en) * 2006-07-24 2006-10-19 Chom Shi Tech Co., Ltd., Zhongli External hard disk housing for use with computer, has internal housing with preset drill-holes that are arranged corresponding to connectors, where information between connectors and computer are exchanged through drill-holes

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2332975A (en) * 1997-12-30 1999-07-07 Chang Cheng Chun Interfacing kit for hard disk drives allowing several drives to be stacked.
US6724621B1 (en) * 2002-12-09 2004-04-20 T-Win Sheet Metal Co., Ltd. Portable hard disk drive cartridge having adaptable interface
US20040141253A1 (en) * 2003-01-08 2004-07-22 Sony Corporation Hard disk system, hard disk unit and conversion unit
KR20040080887A (en) * 2003-03-14 2004-09-20 주식회사 삼보컴퓨터 Modular desktop computer
US20040190192A1 (en) * 2003-03-31 2004-09-30 Huang Cheng Yu Portable hard disk drive
EP1594138A2 (en) * 2004-05-03 2005-11-09 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Removable information storage device enclosure
US7120014B2 (en) * 2004-10-22 2006-10-10 Dynamic System Electronics Corp. Portable hard disk casing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2447142B (en) 2009-10-07
GB0803658D0 (en) 2008-04-09
GB0704091D0 (en) 2007-04-11
GB2447142A (en) 2008-09-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6310768B1 (en) Portable computer with detachable display
TWI458186B (en) Modularize wall socket
JP3130882U (en) Card device
US6560094B2 (en) Mounting device for a monitor, a flat monitor with such a mounting device, and an assembly of a flat monitor, a drawer and a computer
US7300297B1 (en) Power supply with a changeable plug
AU2006241303B2 (en) Cable management device for use in connection with a power center, and cable management system comprising same
US7628621B2 (en) Electric device with rotatable and receivable plug
US8360809B2 (en) Thumb drive chassis structure
JP2011101400A (en) Camera system and power supply for optical recording device
CN105831811A (en) Atomization device and electronic cigarette with atomization device
US20110057614A1 (en) Power Supply Adapter
US20050280984A1 (en) Tablet PC and base member coupling arrangement
US7311549B2 (en) Narrow base socket meter for use in switchboard applications
GB2447089A (en) Hard disc enclosure with releasable controller
CN210779107U (en) Plug protective sleeve, plug structure and electrical equipment
EP2278669A2 (en) Power supply adapter
GB2475467A (en) Power supply adapter for supplying multiple devices
US5198627A (en) Electronic module switch and power and interlock system
CN209516121U (en) Insert row equipment
CN213513293U (en) Artificial candle holder
CN109659754A (en) Insert row equipment
CN109659753A (en) Insert row equipment
CN213025396U (en) Solid-state hard disk cartridge
CN219389450U (en) Strip-shaped underground lamp
JP2006237487A (en) Unit positioning device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)