Title: Mechanism for fastening an electronic device in computer by snapping
Abstract: The present invention is to provide a snapping mechanism mounted in a compartment of a case of a PC comprising a second hook of a pivotal member installed within the compartment for being pushed by a second protrusion of an electronic device, while mounting the electronic device into the compartment, the pivotal member moves along a trough provided thereon from one position to another position and enables an elastic member of the snapping mechanism to pivot the pivotal member like a lever to urge a first hook thereof against a first protrusion of the electronic device with the elastic member compressed and generate a strong snapping force to fasten the electronic device within the compartment.
Patent Number: 6,944,016 Issued on 09/13/2005 to Chen, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Chen; Chang-Sheng (Taipei, TW);
Li; Chun-Nan (Taipei, TW)
|
| Assignee:
|
First International Computer, Inc. (Taipei, TW)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
638384 |
| Filed:
|
August 12, 2003 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
361/685; 292/163; 361/683; 361/724; 429/97 |
| Intern'l Class: |
G06F 001/16 |
| Field of Search: |
361/683,684,685,724-727,748,732,759,747,753
312/333,331.1,319.1,332.1
292/19,87,91,97,163
429/97
403/53,57,59,60,322.4,374.1,326,327
108/109,110
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 5251105 | Oct., 1993 | Kobayashi et al.
| |
| 5392192 | Feb., 1995 | Dunn et al.
| |
| 5515237 | May., 1996 | Ogami et al.
| |
| 5861873 | Jan., 1999 | Kikinis.
| |
| 5991983 | Nov., 1999 | Kohler et al.
| |
| 6025987 | Feb., 2000 | Allirot et al.
| |
| 6122163 | Sep., 2000 | Stone et al.
| |
| 6122173 | Sep., 2000 | Felcman et al.
| |
| 6606241 | Aug., 2003 | Moore.
| |
| 6672787 | Jan., 2004 | Tucker.
| |
| 2001/0024355 | Sep., 2001 | Lai et al.
| |
Primary Examiner: Datskovskiy; Michael
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Bacon & Thomas PLLC
Claims
1. A mechanism for fastening an electronic device in a case of a computer, the
case having a compartment for receiving the electronic device, the electronic device
having a first protrusion and a spaced second protrusion on a side wall thereof,
and the mechanism being disposed corresponding to the first and the second protrusions
when mounted in a side of the compartment, and the mechanism comprising:
an elongate seat having a section of U, the seat comprising a bottom plate, two
vertical side plates, a bottom opening on the bottom, a post on the bottom, the
post being spaced apart from the bottom opening by a predetermined distance, and
a first indentation and a spaced second indentation at either side plate, the first
and the second indentations being disposed corresponding to the first and the second
protrusion respectively;
a moveable body fitted on the bottom plate, the moveable body comprising a plate
member including a lengthwise groove, a rectangular recess at one end, and an annular
flange between the groove and the recess, and a pivotal member including a first
hook at one end, a second hook at the other end, an annular tunnel between the
first and the second hooks, and an elongate trough between the second hook and
the tunnel, the trough having a bent portion at one end wherein the tunnel is put
on the flange for engaging the pivotal member with the plate member for causing
the trough to be disposed above and partially aligned with the groove, causing
the first and the second hooks to be disposed corresponding to the first and the
second indentations respectively, and inserting the post through the groove and
the trough;
a sliding member inserted through the bottom opening to be disposed in the recess;
and
an elastic member disposed in the recess at one end of the plate member, the
elastic member having has one end urged against one end of the seat and the other
end urged against the sliding member at the recess,
whereby pushing the sliding member will compress the elastic member for sliding
the plate member, move the post along lengthwise directions of the groove and the
trough, and cause the first and the second hooks to operate as a lever due to the
bent portion at one end of the trough.
2. The mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a latch on either side of the
recess, and wherein the sliding member comprises two upward latch arms each having
a bent, tapered end so that the latch arms are adapted to insert through the bottom
opening into the recess for securing to the latches.
3. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein a screw is driven into the tunnel to fasten
the pivotal member and the plate member together for forming the moveable body.
4. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the seat further comprises an opening at
either end so that two screws are driven through the openings to fasten the seat
at one side of the compartment.
5. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the plate member further comprises an arc
roof on the recess with the elastic member disposed under the roof.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fastening mechanisms and more particularly to
a mechanism for quickly fastening or unfastening an electronic device in a computer
case by snapping.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently, there are many kinds of mini personal computers (PCs) commercially
available. The mini PC has advantages of being compact and as powerful as a conventional
desktop computer. Thus, more and more people like to buy mini PCs. In general,
a mini PC comprises a plurality of electronic devices such as a CD, a hard disk
drive, a battery, etc.
It is very important to suitably customize narrow space inside the mini PC since
the above electronic devices are mounted therein. Also, both assembly lines in
the computer manufacturing factory and future component replacement and maintenance
will be greatly beneficially or adversely affected by the well or poor arrangement
of the electronic devices in the computer case. Typically, a plurality of screws
are employed to fasten the electronic devices in respective frames in the case
in installation.
However, the prior art of driving a plurality of screws to fasten the electronic
devices in respective frames suffered from a number of disadvantages. For example,
a replacement of one of the electronic devices is required if it is malfunctioned
or an upgrade is performed. This replacement requires a user to disassemble the
case and panels. Next, the user uses a screw driver to unfasten the screws secured
to the frame and the electronic device. Finally, remove the electronic device.
In another case of mounting a new electronic device in the frame, a user has to
insert the electronic device into the frame. Next, drive a plurality of screws
to fasten the electronic device in the frame. Finally, assemble the case and the
panels together. This completes the installation of the new electronic device.
This is very tedious and inconvenient in light of the narrow interior space of
the case. Moreover, it is possible of damaging other electronic devices in the
disassembly process if sufficient care is not taken.
In addition, speed will be decreased in the assembly lines in the computer manufacturing
factory since the interior space of the case is narrow, resulting in an increase
in the manufacturing cost. As such, the threaded fastening of the electronic devices
in the frames not only prohibits the possibility of quickly fastening or unfastening
an electronic device in the case of a mini PC, but also greatly increases the manufacturing cost.
In view of the above, assembly lines in the computer manufacturing factory and
future component replacement, maintenance and upgrade are adversely affected by
the threaded fastening of the electronic devices in the frames since it is tedious
and inconvenient as well as it prohibits the possibility of quickly fastening or
unfastening an electronic device in the case of a mini PC. Also, a sufficient care
should be taken. Otherwise, it can damage other electronic devices in the disassembly
process. This is very tedious to users. Thus, it is desirable to provide a novel
mechanism for quickly fastening or unfastening an electronic device in computer
case in order to overcome the above drawbacks of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for fastening
or unfastening an electronic device in the case of a PC (e.g., mini PC) by snapping.
By utilizing the present invention, the above drawbacks of the prior art can be
overcome. These drawbacks are that installation of an electronic device in a computer
case or removal the same from the computer case is a tedious and inconvenient process
since the interior space of the case in a mini PC is narrow and the threaded fastening
of the electronic devices in frames of the computer case takes a lot of time. Moreover,
a sufficient care should be taken in the disassembly process. Otherwise, it is
susceptible of damaging other electronic devices.
One object of the present invention is to provide a simple and modular snapping
mechanism in a computer case for greatly increasing computer production and thus
reducing the manufacturing cost. The snapping mechanism is mounted in a compartment
of the case. When a user mounts an electronic device in the compartment, a second
protrusion of the electronic device pushes a second hook of a pivotal member for
expanding an elastic member of the snapping mechanism. Next, a post moves from
the other end of a trough to the other end at the bent portion thereof along a
groove. At this time, the pivotal member will pivot similar to a lever enabling
a first hook of the pivotal member to urge against a first protrusion of the electronic
device with the elastic member compressed. This generates a strong snapping force
to fasten the electronic device. The present invention not only makes the fastening
or unfastening of the electronic device quick and simple but also substantially
eliminates the prior drawback which involves a tedious, time consuming process
in mounting the electronic device in the compartment or removing it from the compartment.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of snapping mechanism mounted
in a computer according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mechanism;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view in part section of the mechanism in a fastened state; and
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 where the mechanism is unfastened for permitting
an electronic device to remove from the case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1,
2,
3 and
4, there is shown a
mechanism for fastening (or unfastening) an electronic device in the case of a
computer (e.g., mini PC) by snapping in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the invention. The snapping mechanism
2 is mounted in a compartment
1
in the case (see FIG.
2). In detail, the mechanism
2 is mounted in
a side of the compartment
1. An electronic device
11 (e.g., CD, hard
disk drive, battery, etc.) is fitted in the compartment
1. Spaced first
protrusion
111 and second protrusion
112 are formed on a side wall
of the electronic device
11. The first and the second protrusions
111,
112 are disposed corresponding to the mechanism
2.
In the embodiment, the mechanism
2 comprises an elongate seat
21
including a bottom
22 and two vertical side plates
23 to cause the
seat
21 to have a section of U (see FIG.
1). An opening
211
is formed at either end of the seat
21. Two screws
101 can be driven
through the openings
211 to fasten the seat
21 at one side of the
compartment
1 (see FIGS.
1 and
2). Moreover, a rectangular
bottom opening
221 is formed on the bottom
22. A post
222
is also formed on the bottom
22. The post
222 is spaced apart from
the bottom opening
221 by a predetermined distance. A first indentation
231 and a spaced second indentation
232 are formed at either side
plate
23 of the seat
21. The first and the second indentations
231,
232 are disposed corresponding to the first and the second protrusion
111,
112 respectively.
In the embodiment, the mechanism
2 further comprises a moveable body
3
fitted on the bottom
22 of the seat
21. The moveable body
3
comprises a plate member
31 and a pivotal member
36 (see FIG.
1).
The plate member
31 comprises a lengthwise groove
311, a rectangular
recess
312 at one end, an annular flange
314 between the groove
311
and the recess
312, a latch
313 on either side of the recess
312,
and an arc roof
315 on the recess
312. The pivotal member
36
comprises a first hook
37 at one end, a second hook
38 at the other
end, an annular tunnel
360 between the first and the second hooks
37
and
38, and an elongate trough
39 between the second hook
38
and the tunnel
360. The trough
39 has a bent portion at one end.
The tunnel
360 is put on the flange
314 for engaging the pivotal
member
36 with the plate member
31. Further, a screw
101 is
driven into the tunnel
360 to fasten the pivotal member
36 and the
plate member
31 together for forming the moveable body
3. At this
time, the trough
39 is above and partially aligned with the groove
311.
In the embodiment, in a case of the moveable body
3 mounted on the bottom
22 of the seat
21, the post
222 on the bottom
22 is
inserted through the groove
311 and the trough
39 (see FIGS.
3
and
4). Also, the first and the second hooks
37,
38 of the
pivotal member
36 are disposed corresponding to the first and the second
indentations
231,
232 of the seat
21 respectively.
In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 the mechanism
2 further comprises
a plate-like sliding member
4 corresponding to the bottom opening
221
of the seat
21. The sliding member
4 comprises two upward latch arms
41 each having a bent, tapered end. The latch arms
41 can be inserted
through the bottom opening
221 of the seat
21 into the recess
312
of the plate member
31 for securing to the side latches
313.
Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1 to
4, an elastic member (e.g., spring)
42 is provided under the roof
315 and has one end put on a projected
shaft opposite the opening
211 at one end of the seat
21 and the
other end urged against the sides of the latch arms
41 of the sliding member
4 secured to the latches
313 at the sides of the recess
312
of the plate member
31. As such, a simple push of the sliding member
4
will compress the elastic member
42 for sliding the plate member
31.
At the same time, the post
222 moves along lengthwise directions of the
groove
311 and the trough
39 and thus causes the first and the second
hooks
37,
38 of the pivotal member
36 to operate as a lever
due to the bent portion at one end of the trough
39.
By configuring as above, in a case of mounting the electronic device
11
in the compartment
1 by a user, the second protrusion
112 of the
electronic device
11 will push the second hook
38 first for expanding
the elastic member
42. Next, the post
222 moves from the other end
of the trough
39 to the other end at the bent portion thereof along the
groove
311. At this time, the pivotal member
36 will pivot similar
to the above lever. As such, the first hook
37 urges against the first protrusion
111 of the electronic device
11 with the elastic member
42
compressed (see FIG.
3). This generates a strong snapping force to fasten
the electronic device
11. In a contrary operation, simply push the sliding
member
4 to expand the elastic member
42 for causing the plate member
31 to move the post
222 from the other end at the bent portion of
the trough
39 to the other end thereof along the groove
311. At this
time, the elastic member
42 is compressed to generate a strong snapping
force to urge the second hook
38 against the second protrusion
112.
As a result, the electronic device
1 is unfastened to permit an automatic,
partial removal of the electronic device
11 from the compartment
1
(see FIG.
4).
In brief, the snapping mechanism
2 of the invention is simple in construction
and is modular for greatly increasing computer production and thus reducing the
manufacturing cost. Moreover, the fastening or unfastening of the electronic device
11 is quick and simple, thereby substantially eliminating the prior drawback
which involves a tedious, time consuming process in mounting the electronic device
11 in the compartment
1 or removing it from the compartment
1.
While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous
modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.
*
