TW201721021A - Method for assembling a fan unit into an electronic device and removing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for assembling a fan unit into an electronic device and removing therefrom. The electronics device has a first connector. The fan unit includes a fixture, a fan, a second connector and a handle. The fan is assembled into the fixture and electrically connected to the second connector. The handle is pivotally connected to the fixture and operable to be pivotally moved between a first position and a second position of the fixture. When the handle is operated to move to the first position, the fixture is pushed to approach to the first connector, so as to make the second connector mechanically and electrically connected to the first connector. When the handle is operated to move to the second position, the fixture is pulled out by the handle, so as to make the second connector disconnected to the first connector.

Description

Fan unit and installation method and disassembly method thereof

The present invention relates to a fan unit suitable for an electronic device, a mounting method thereof, and a disassembling method.

A general electronic device (for example, a server) is generally provided with a fan module for dissipating heat for blowing heat generated by circuit components inside the electronic device (for example, a central processing unit chip) in actual operation. Thereby, the circuit components inside the electronic device are protected from damage due to overheating. However, in order to avoid the problem of stopping the electronic device when replacing the fan module, the current fan module is mostly designed for hot-plug function.

In the prior art, the fan module generally includes a fan frame that houses at least one hot-swappable fan unit therein, wherein the fan unit is latched on the fan through upper and lower elastic pieces disposed on a side thereof. On the frame. The inventors have found that the existing fan unit is locked to the fan frame through the upper and lower elastic pieces, so that the fan unit is inconvenient to be quickly installed, disassembled and maintained.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fan unit suitable for an electronic device, a mounting method thereof, and a disassembling method, to solve the problem that the fan unit cannot be quickly installed, disassembled, and maintained in the prior art.

In order to solve the above technical problem, the present invention provides a fan unit, which is suitable for an electronic device. The electronic device has a first connector, wherein the fan unit includes: a fixed frame; a fan is fixed in the fixed frame; a second connector electrically connected to the fan; and a handle pivotally mounted on the fixing frame; wherein the handle is pivoted relative to the fixing frame in a first position and a second position, when the handle is in the first position, the handle Pushing the fixing frame toward the first connector to insert and electrically connect the second connector to the first connector, and when the handle is in the second position, the handle pulls the fixing frame outward to make the second connector Separating and disconnecting the electrical connection to the first connector.

An auxiliary technical means derived from the above-mentioned necessary technical means is that in the fan unit, the fixing frame has a through hole, and the handle has an elastic stud. When the handle is in the first position, the elastic stud is inserted into the through hole and The electronic device is fixed.

An auxiliary technical means derived from the above-mentioned necessary technical means is that, in the fan unit, a fixing structure is arranged on the fixing frame, and the handle is pivoted to the limiting structure to stop, so as to be limited to the second position.

An auxiliary technical means derived from the above-mentioned necessary technical means is that, in the fan unit, the limiting structure is a port, and the slit is disposed on the bending line of the fixing frame.

An auxiliary technical means derived from the above-mentioned necessary technical means is that the fan unit further comprises: a connector bracket detachably fixed to the fixing frame for fixing the second connector; Wherein, the connector bracket is provided with a first avoidance space for accommodating a first wire between the second connector and the fan.

An auxiliary technical means derived from the above-mentioned technical means is that the fan unit further includes: a fan indicator light, which is located at the front end of the fan unit and electrically connected to the fan; wherein the front side of the fixing frame defines a second avoidance space for A second wire is disposed between the fan indicator and the fan.

An auxiliary technical means derived from the above-mentioned necessary technical means is that, in the fan unit, a fixing groove is provided with a horn-like groove guiding structure for moving the fan unit in the guiding direction.

An auxiliary technical means derived from the above-mentioned necessary technical means is that, in the fan unit, the handle comprises: an operating portion; and a pivoting portion which is formed by bending both ends of the operating portion; wherein the operating portion is used for receiving The force drives the pivoting portion to pivot relative to the fixed frame.

In addition, the present invention further provides a fan unit mounting method for mounting a fan unit according to any of the above items on an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a first connector and an accommodating space, the accommodating space for accommodating the fan The unit, wherein the fan unit mounting method comprises: (a) placing the fan unit in the accommodating space and placing the handle in the second position; (b) pushing the fan unit through the handle to make the second connector and the first connector The connector is coupled; and (c) pivoting the handle until the handle is in the first position to plug the second connector and electrically connect to the first connector.

In addition, the present invention further provides a fan unit detaching method for detaching a fan unit mounted on an electronic device by using the fan unit mounting method as described above, wherein the fan unit detaching method includes: Pivoting the handle from the first position to the second position; (b) pulling the fan unit by hand to separate and disconnect the second connector electrically connected to the first connector; and (c) accommodating the fan unit Take it out of the space.

Compared with the prior art, the fan unit of the present invention, the mounting method and the dismounting method thereof have the following beneficial effects: First, the fan unit of the present invention can quickly install the fan unit to the electronic unit through a handle pivoted on the fixing frame. Therefore, the installation process of the fan becomes simple, convenient and fast. At the same time, when the fan unit of the present invention is disassembled, the fan unit can be quickly removed from the electronic device by simply pivoting the handle, and the disassembly process is simple and operation. Convenience.

Secondly, the fan unit of the present invention realizes the pivotal positioning of the handle through the through hole on the fixing frame and the elastic stud on the handle, and the operation is convenient; and when the handle is in the first position, the elastic stud The fan unit can be directly fixed to the electronic device, so that the fan unit can be independently installed in the electronic device, so that the fan frame can be eliminated. Therefore, when the fan is replaced, the fan frame does not need to be disassembled, which makes the fan disassembly process simple and reduces The manufacturing cost of the electronic device.

Thirdly, the bending line of the fixing frame of the invention is provided with a slit defining the handle at the second position, which is simpler in structure and lower in manufacturing cost than the prior art using the convex structure to stop; The fixing frame of the invention is provided with a guiding structure for moving the fan unit in the guiding direction, so as to facilitate the quick and accurate installation of the fan unit. Fifthly, the front surface of the fixing frame of the invention is provided with a second between the fan indicator lamp and the fan. The second avoidance space of the wire can increase the assembly space of the second wire, and facilitate the smooth installation of the fan indicator.

100‧‧‧Fan unit

10‧‧‧Electronic devices

11‧‧‧ boards

110‧‧‧Retaining frame

111‧‧‧Front of the fixed frame

112‧‧‧Second avoidance space

113‧‧‧Care Department

114‧‧‧Extension

115‧‧‧Guide structure

116‧‧‧Limited structure

117‧‧‧ convex structure

12‧‧‧First connector

120‧‧‧fan

130‧‧‧Second connector

140‧‧‧Handle

141, 142‧‧‧ pivotal

143‧‧‧Operation Department

144‧‧‧Clamping and Matching Department

150‧‧‧Connector bracket

151‧‧‧ Horizontal section of the connector bracket

152‧‧‧The vertical part of the connector bracket

153‧‧‧ card slot

154‧‧‧First avoidance space

160‧‧‧Fan indicator

170‧‧‧ indicator bracket

171‧‧‧ horizontal part of the indicator bracket

172‧‧‧ vertical part of the indicator bracket

1 is an exploded view of a fan unit of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2A is a side view of the fan unit shown in the first figure in a first position after assembly; A front view of the fan unit shown in the first position after assembly; a second side view of the fan unit shown in the first figure in a second position after assembly; the third figure is a preferred embodiment of the present invention Front view of the mounting bracket of the fan unit of the example; The fourth drawing is a plan view of the fixing frame shown in the third figure; the fifth drawing is an enlarged view of the A area of the fan unit shown in the first figure, the second A picture, and the second C picture; FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the fixing unit of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the fan unit removing method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. .

In order to make the objects, advantages and features of the present invention more clear, the fan unit, the mounting method and the disassembling method thereof according to the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the first to eighth drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and are all in a non-precise scale, and are merely for convenience and clarity of the purpose of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

The first figure is an exploded view of a fan unit of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The second A is a side view of the fan unit shown in the first figure in the first position after assembly. The second B is a front view of the fan unit shown in the first figure in the first position after assembly. The second C is a side view of the fan unit shown in the first figure in the second position after assembly.

Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C , a fan unit 100 is applicable to an electronic device 10 , for example, a server, wherein the electronic device 10 includes a circuit. The board 11 and a first connector 12 disposed on the circuit board 11. The fan unit 100 includes a mounting bracket 110, a fan 120, a second connector 130, and a handle 140. The fan 120 is correspondingly fixed in the fixing frame 110 , and the second connector 130 is electrically connected to the fan 120 .

As described above, the handle 140 is correspondingly pivotally mounted on the mounting bracket 110, and the handle 140 is adapted to pivot relative to the mounting bracket 110 in a first position (shown in Figures 2A and 2B) and a second position ( Show In the second C picture). Specifically, after the user engages the first connector 12 and the second connector 130 in advance, the user can pivot the handle 140 relative to the holder 110 to the positions of the second A and second B views. At this time, the handle 140 pushes the second connector 130 toward the first connector 12 through the fixing frame 110 until the second connector 130 is completely inserted and electrically connected to the first connector 12 . When the user pivots the handle 140 relative to the fixed frame 110 to the position of the second B-picture, the handle 140 pulls the fixed frame 110 outward, causing the fixed frame 110 to gradually move away from the first connector 12 and make the second connection The device 130 is detached and disconnected from the first connector 12 so that the user can easily and quickly release the engagement of the first connector 12 and the second connector 130.

Here, when the handle 140 is in the first position, in fact, the handle 140 can strengthen the limit relationship of the first connector 12 and the second connector 130 to avoid the first connector 12 due to vibration of the fan 120 or other external force. The looseness of the second connector 130 ensures the normal operation of the fan unit 100. In addition, when the handle 140 is in the second position, the user can facilitate the removal of the second connector 130 from the first connector 12 through the handle 140.

In the fan unit 100 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fan unit 100 is hot-swapped and connected to the electronic device 10 by means of the pivoting handle 140. Thus, the installation process of the fan is simple, convenient and fast.

Referring to the first figure, the fan unit 100 further includes a connector bracket 150 for fixing the second connector 130 to facilitate the smooth engagement of the second connector 130 with the first connector 12. The connector bracket 150 and the fixing frame 110 are detachably fixed for easy disassembly and replacement. The connector bracket 150 is, for example, an L-shaped structure having a horizontal portion 151 fixed to the mounting bracket 110 and a vertical portion 152 for fixing the second connector 130. Specifically, the vertical portion 152 has a card slot 153 for the second connector 130 to fit within the card slot 153. Preferably, the connector bracket 150 is provided with a first avoidance space 154 for receiving a first wire (not shown) between the second connector 130 and the fan 120 to limit the routing of the first wire. Space, enhance the comfort of operation and the beauty of the structure Observatory. For example, the first avoidance space 154 is a notch that is opened on the horizontal portion 151 such that the first wire can be routed from the horizontal portion 151 to the vertical portion 152.

Further, the fan unit 100 generally has a front end and a rear end. The front end is an end adjacent to the user, the rear end being an end remote from the user. Here, the second connector 130 is located at the rear end of the fan unit 100.

In addition, the fan unit 100 further includes a fan indicator light 160 and an indicator light bracket 170. The fan indicator light 160 is electrically connected to the fan 120, and the indicator light bracket 170 is used to fix the fan indicator light 160. The indicator bracket 170 is an L-shaped structure, and the horizontal portion 171 is fixed to the fixing bracket 110, and the vertical portion 172 is used for fixing the fan indicator lamp 160. For example, the fan indicator light 160 is an LED light. The body of the LED lamp has a cylindrical structure. Accordingly, the vertical portion 172 of the indicator bracket 170 has a hollow cylinder that houses the cylindrical structure.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fan indicator light 160 is located at the front end of the fan unit 100, so that the user can directly observe the operating state of the fan.

The third drawing is a front view of the fixing frame of the fan unit of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the third figure, if the fan indicator light 160 is located at the front end of the fan unit 100, in order to simplify the wiring, the wire length of the wire is saved, and a second avoidance is disposed on the front surface 111 of the fixed frame 110 (ie, the front end of the fan unit 100). The space 112 is configured to receive a second wire between the fan indicator lamp 160 and the fan 120 to ensure that the second wire has sufficient wiring space. The second avoidance space 112 is preferably an opening having a smooth inner surface to prevent scratching of the second wire.

Referring to the first figure, the handle 140 includes two pivoting portions 141, 142 and an operating portion 143. The two pivoting portions 141 and 142 are bent by both ends of the operating portion 143. The operating portion 143 is configured to force the two pivoting portions 141, 142 to pivot relative to the fixed frame 110, so that the user can apply the force to the operating portion 143, thereby driving the handle 140 to pivot to the first position or the first Two locations.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operating portion 143 and the two pivoting portions 141, 142 form a U-shaped structure. The two pivoting portions 141 and 142 are respectively pivotally connected to different sides of the handle 140. The U-shaped handle can improve the comfort of the handle and saves effort.

Preferably, when the handle 140 is in the first position (shown in FIG. 2A), the handle 140 is automatically locked with the fixing frame 110, so that the positioning is accurate and the operation is more convenient and quick. The handle 140 is locked to the fixing frame 110 by a snapping manner.

The fourth figure is a top view of the holder shown in the third figure. As shown in the first figure, the second A figure, the second C figure, and the fourth figure, the fixing frame 110 has a locking portion 113. Correspondingly, the handle 140 has a locking engagement portion 144. When the handle 140 is opposite to the fixing frame 110 When pivoting to the first position (second A picture), the engagement engagement portion 144 is just engaged with the engagement portion 113. Compared with the method of using a latch or a locking screw, the positioning and locking of the handle 140 is realized by the snapping manner, and the operation is convenient.

Preferably, the engaging portion 113 is a through hole, and the engaging portion 144 is an elastic stud. When the handle 140 is pivoted in the first position (second A), the elastic stud is just inserted into the through hole. Inside the hole to achieve positioning lock. Since the elastic stud has an axial telescopic function, the elastic stud can be automatically inserted into the through hole when the handle 140 is pivoted to the first position by its own elastic restoring force, so that the operation is more Convenient.

If the elastic stud is engaged with the through hole, the fan unit 100 and the electronic device 10 are directly fixed to the electronic device 10 through the elastic stud, for example, directly connected to the electronic device 10 through a threaded structure. This can eliminate the fan frame (that is, the structure in which the fan unit 100 is fixed to the electronic device 10), thereby making the installation of the fan simpler and more convenient, and also reducing the configuration of parts and reducing the cost.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the engaging portion 113 is disposed on the top of the fixing frame 110. When the handle 140 is pivoted upward to the first position, the engaging portion 144 is engaged with the engaging portion 113 at the top. Therein, an extension portion 114 is formed on the top of the fixing frame 110. The extension portion 114 is fixed by the bracket 110 The top surface is formed by punching and bending, which is convenient to process and has low manufacturing cost. Correspondingly, the engaging portion 113 is disposed on the extending portion 114 , for example, a through hole is formed directly in the extending portion 114 to form the engaging portion 113 .

Referring to the fourth figure, the mounting frame 110 is provided with a guiding structure 115 for moving the fan unit 100 in a guiding direction to position the fan unit 100. Here, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the guiding direction refers to movement in the groove direction of the guiding structure 115. The guiding structure 115 is a trumpet-shaped groove. The outer side of the flared groove is provided with a guide angle (ie, an inclination angle). Specifically, the flared groove is opened on the top surface of the fixing frame 110 and its opening faces the rear end of the fan unit 100.

The fifth drawing is an enlarged view of the A area of the fan unit shown in the first diagram, the second A diagram, and the second C diagram. Referring to the fifth figure, and referring to the first figure, the second A figure and the second C figure, the fixing frame 110 is further provided with a limiting structure 116, and when the handle 140 is pivoted to the limiting structure 116, the pivoting can be stopped, thereby The handle 140 is limited to the second position (shown in Figure 2C). Preferably, the limiting structure 116 is an opening, and the slit is disposed on the bending line of the fixing frame 110. For example, when the handle 140 is pivoted downward to the slit, the ends of the two pivoting portions 141, 142 just abut against the slit, thereby stopping. The slit formed on the bending line is used as the stop structure, and the structure is simple, the processing is convenient, and the manufacturing cost is low compared to the use of the convex structure.

The sixth drawing is a bottom view of the holder shown in the third figure. As shown in the sixth figure, the bottom of the holder 110 is provided with an outwardly convex projection structure 117. The number of the raised structures 117 may be one or more. Providing the convex structure 117 at the bottom of the fixing frame 110 can reduce the friction and make the pushing of the fan unit 100 more labor-saving.

Based on the above fan unit 100, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a fan unit mounting method for mounting the fan unit 100 on the electronic device 10, as shown in the seventh figure. Figure 7 is a flow chart showing a method of installing a fan unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Wherein, the electronic device In addition to the first connector 12, 10 has an accommodating space for accommodating the fan unit 100. In the application, the fan unit installation method includes: Step S1: placing the fan unit 100 in the accommodating space, and placing the handle 140 in the second position; Step S2: pushing the fan unit 100 through the handle 140, thereby enabling The second connector 130 is coupled to the first connector 12; Step S3: pivoting the handle 140 until the handle 140 is in the first position, so that the second connector 130 is plugged and electrically connected to the first connector 12.

It is worth mentioning that after the handle 140 is in the first position, the handle 140 needs to be engaged with the fixing frame 110 to limit the handle 140 in the first position. In addition, after the handle 140 is engaged with the fixing frame 110, the handle 140 is preferably fixed to the electronic device 10 to prevent the vibration generated during the operation of the fan from causing loose structure and affecting the normal operation of the fan.

One or more fan units 100 can be accommodated in the accommodating space of the electronic device 10 to meet the heat dissipation requirement. The specific content of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Based on the above fan unit mounting method, the present invention also provides a fan unit detaching method, as shown in the eighth figure. The eighth embodiment is a flowchart of a method for disassembling a fan unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the method for disassembling the fan unit includes: step S11: pivoting the handle 140 from the first position to the second position; Step S12: Pulling the fan unit 100 through the handle 140, so that the second connector 130 is separated and disconnected from the first connector 12; and step S13: removing the fan unit 100 from the accommodating space. In this way, the disassembly process is simple and easy to operate.

Compared with the prior art, the fan unit 100 of the present invention can quickly mount the fan unit 100 on the electronic device 10 through the handle 140 pivoted on the fixing frame 110. Therefore, the fan unit The installation process of 120 is simple, convenient and fast. At the same time, when the fan unit 100 of the present invention is disassembled, the fan unit 100 can be quickly removed from the electronic device 10 by simply pivoting the handle 140, and the disassembly process is simple and convenient to operate.

In addition, the fan unit 100 of the present invention realizes the pivotal positioning of the handle 140 through the through hole on the fixing frame 110 and the elastic stud on the handle 140, and the operation is convenient; and the handle 140 is located at the first In one position, the elastic stud can be directly fixed to the electronic device 10, so that the fan unit 100 can be independently installed in the electronic device 10, so that the fan frame can be eliminated, so that the fan frame need not be disassembled when the fan 120 is replaced. The disassembly process of the fan 120 is made simple, and the manufacturing cost of the electronic device 10 is also reduced.

In addition, the bending line of the fixing frame 110 of the present invention is provided with the slit (ie, the limiting structure 116) for defining the handle 140 in the second position. Compared with the prior art, the structure is simpled and the structure is simpler. Lower manufacturing costs.

Further, the fixing frame 110 of the present invention is provided with a guiding structure 115 for moving the fan unit 100 in the guiding direction, so that the fan unit 100 can be quickly and accurately installed.

Moreover, the front side 111 of the fixing frame of the present invention is provided with the second avoiding space for accommodating the second wire between the fan indicator lamp 160 and the fan 120, so that the assembly space of the second wire can be increased, and the fan indication is facilitated. The smooth installation of the lamp 160.

The above description is only for the description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above disclosure are all within the scope of the present invention.

100‧‧‧Fan unit

110‧‧‧Retaining frame

112‧‧‧Second avoidance space

113‧‧‧Care Department

114‧‧‧Extension

115‧‧‧Guide structure

116‧‧‧Limited structure

120‧‧‧fan

130‧‧‧Second connector

140‧‧‧Handle

141, 142‧‧‧ pivotal

143‧‧‧Operation Department

144‧‧‧Clamping and Matching Department

150‧‧‧Connector bracket

151‧‧‧ Horizontal section of the connector bracket

152‧‧‧The vertical part of the connector bracket

153‧‧‧ card slot

154‧‧‧First avoidance space

160‧‧‧Fan indicator

170‧‧‧ indicator bracket

171‧‧‧ horizontal part of the indicator bracket

172‧‧‧ vertical part of the indicator bracket

Claims (10)

A fan unit is used for an electronic device, the electronic device has a first connector, the fan unit includes: a fixing frame; a fan is fixed in the fixing frame; and a second connector is electrically connected And the first handle is pivotally mounted on the fixed frame; wherein the handle is pivoted relative to the fixed frame in a first position and a second position, when the handle is in the first position, The handle is pushed against the first connector, so that the second connector is plugged and electrically connected to the first connector, and when the handle is in the second position, the handle is the holder Pulling outwardly, thereby separating and disconnecting the second connector electrically connected to the first connector. The fan unit of claim 1, wherein the fixing frame has a through hole, and the handle has an elastic stud. When the handle is in the first position, the elastic stud is inserted into the through hole. And fixed to the electronic device. The fan unit of claim 1, wherein the fixing frame is provided with a limiting structure, and the handle is pivoted to the limiting structure to be stopped, so as to be limited to the second position. The fan unit of claim 3, wherein the limiting structure is a port, and the slit is disposed on a bending line of the fixing frame. The fan unit of claim 1, wherein the fan unit further comprises: a connector bracket is detachably fastened for fixing the second connector; wherein the connector bracket is provided with a first avoidance space for accommodating the second connector and the a first wire between the fans. The fan unit of claim 1, wherein the fan unit further comprises: a fan indicator light, which is located at a front end of the fan unit and electrically connected to the fan; wherein the front side of the holder has a first The second avoidance space is configured to receive a second wire between the fan indicator and the fan. The fan unit of claim 1, wherein the holder is provided with a horn-like groove guiding structure for moving the fan unit in a guiding direction. The fan unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the handle comprises: an operation portion; and a pivot portion formed by bending both ends of the operation portion; wherein the operation The portion is used to force the pivoting portion to pivot relative to the fixing frame. A fan unit mounting method for mounting a fan unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8 on an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a first connector and an accommodating space, The accommodating space is for accommodating the fan unit, and the fan unit mounting method comprises the following steps: (a) placing the fan unit in the accommodating space, and placing the handle in the second position; (b) pushing the fan unit through the handle to couple the second connector with the first connector; and (c) pivoting the handle until the handle is in the first position, thereby causing the second connection The device is plugged and electrically connected to the first connector. A fan unit disassembling method for removing a fan unit according to claim 9 from the electronic device, wherein the fan unit disassembling method comprises the following steps: (a) the handle is provided by the first Pivoting a position to the second position; (b) pulling the fan unit through the handle, thereby disengaging and disconnecting the second connector electrically connected to the first connector; and (c) the fan unit Take it out of the accommodating space.