Abstract:
A computer system having a hard drive securing system. The hard drive securing system is operable to secure one or more hard drives to a chassis with a single operator. The hard drive securing system uses a plurality of hard drive guides, a hard drive carrier, and a securing lever to secure a plurality of hard drives to a chassis without the use of tools.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a computer system having a computer hard drive, and particularly to a system for securing one or more computer hard drives to a computer chassis with a single actuator and without the use of tools. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A computer system is typically comprised of a variety of different devices, such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, connected to a central unit, commonly referred to as the computer. Typically, the computer houses a variety of components within a protective enclosure. For example, a typical computer has one or more hard drives for permanently storing data, such as computer programs. A typical computer also has a central processing unit, or CPU, that controls the operation of the computer in accordance with the computer programming stored in the hard drive. The computer uses temporary memory, or RAM, to transfer data between the hard drive and CPU. The computer also has a power supply to supply power to the hard drive, CPU and RAM. 
     Securing mechanisms that do not require the use of a tool have been used to secure a hard drive to a computer. Typically, these mechanisms secure the hard drive with guides and an actuator drive, such as a flexible strip with a hole. During the installation process, the hard drive is inserted into the guides. The flexible strip is flexed out of its normal position by the hard drive during installation. When installed, the flexible strip returns to its normal position such that the hole in the flexible strip fits over a screw head on the hard drive, preventing the removal of the hard drive from the guides. To remove the hard drive, a force must be applied to bend the flexible strip so that it does not obstruct the movement of the hard drive and the hard drive can be removed from the guides. 
     Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a system that would allow a computer hard drive to be installed and removed, without the use of tools, with no loose parts produced, and without the need for a bending force to be applied during the removal of the hard drive. 
     It also would be advantageous to have a system that could allow more than one computer hard drive to be installed and removed with a single actuator, without the use of tools, and with no loose parts produced. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer system having a chassis, a processor, a hard drive securing mechanism, and at least one hard drive is featured. The hard drive securing mechanism is operable to secure one or more hard drives to the chassis with a single actuator. The hard drive is coupled to the processor and secured to the chassis by the hard drive securing mechanism. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer hard drive securing system having a chassis, a plurality of guides secured to the chassis, a hard drive carrier and a securing lever is featured. The securing lever is operable to secure one or two hard drives to the chassis in cooperation with the plurality of guides and the hard drive carrier. The carrier is configured to support a computer hard drive. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of securing a plurality of hard drives to a computer chassis is featured. The method includes disposing a first hard drive between a first restraint and the securing lever. The method further includes the act of disposing a second hard drive between a second restraint and the carrier. Additionally, the method includes rotating the securing lever to secure the first hard drive and the second hard drive. The first hard drive is secured by the first restraint and the lever, and the second hard drive is secured by the carrier and the second restraint. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a rotatable lever for securing a hard drive to a chassis is featured. The rotatable lever has a plurality of guides. The guides are configured to receive a protruding member when the securing lever is in a first position and to restrict the protruding member when the securing lever is in a second position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a computer system; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a computer chassis having a hard drive latching mechanism securing two hard drives to the chassis with a single actuator, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a computer hard drive; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the computer chassis of  FIG. 2  with the two hard drives removed; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the hard drive latching system of  FIG. 4 , illustrating the installation of a first hard drive into the hard drive latching mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the hard drive latching system of  FIG. 5 , illustrating the installation of a second hard drive into the hard drive latching mechanism; 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of the computer chassis of  FIG. 6 , illustrating two hard drives positioned within the hard drive latching system with the securing lever in an upright position; 
         FIG. 7A  is an expanded view of the cam of the lever and a curved end of a carrier, taken generally along line  7 A— 7 A of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of the computer chassis of  FIG. 6 , illustrating two hard drives positioned within the hard drive latching system with the securing lever in a horizontal, or secured, position; 
         FIG. 8A  is an expanded view of the cam of the lever and a curved end of a carrier, taken along line  8 A— 8 A of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a securing lever, carrier, and a tab, taken along line  8 B— 8 B of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 8C  is an expanded view of a curved end of a carrier and a hard drive head, taken along line  8 C— 8 C of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of a computer chassis illustrating a shelf disposed over a hard drive, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of an actuator end of a securing lever, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevational view of an actuator end of a securing lever, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of a computer illustrating a single hard drive secured in a hard drive latching mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of a computer chassis having a hard drive latching mechanism for securing a single hard drive, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram depicting an exemplary computer system, generally designated by the reference numeral  20 , is featured. 
     Computer  20  may be any of a variety of different types, such as a server, desktop computer, or workstation. In the illustrated embodiment, a processor  22  controls the functions of computer system  20 . Computer  20  also includes a power supply  24  to supply power to various components within the system  20 . 
     Various other devices may be coupled to processor  22 , depending upon the desired functions of computer  20 . For example, a user interface  26  may be coupled to processor  22 . Examples of user interfaces  26  include buttons, switches, a keyboard, a light pen, a mouse, and/or a voice recognition system. A display  28  may also be coupled to processor  22 . Examples of displays  28  include: a television screen, a computer monitor, LEDs, or even an audio display. Additionally, a communications port  32  may be coupled to processor  22 . Communications port  32  may be adapted to be coupled to a peripheral device  34 , such as a printer, a computer or an external modem. 
     Typically, processor  22  utilizes programming to control the operation of computer  20 . Memory is coupled to processor  22  to store and facilitate execution of the programming. In the illustrated embodiment, processor  22  is coupled to a volatile memory  36  and two hard drives utilized as non-volatile memory. The present hard drive latching system, discussed below, is particularly amenable to securing two hard drives. Non-volatile memory  38  also may include a high capacity memory such as a disk or tape drive memory. Non-volatile memory  38  may include a read only memory (ROM), such as an EPROM, to be used in conjunction with volatile memory  36 . A variety of memory modules, such as DIMMs, DRAMs, SDRAMs, SRAMs, etc. also may be utilized as volatile memory  36  for a given device. 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary embodiment of a hard drive latching system or securing mechanism  40  is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, hard drive latching system  40  can secure one or two hard drives. As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each hard drive  42  has a plurality, e.g. four, support members  44 , such as screws threaded into the body  46  of the hard drive. Each screw  44  has an extending head  48 . Each hard drive  42  also has a power connector  50  for coupling power to the hard drive and a data connector  52  for transferring data to and from hard drive  42 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the illustrated embodiment of hard drive latching system  40  can be operated to secure one or two hard drives. Hard drive latching system  40  includes a plurality of tabs formed in chassis  56 , a carrier  58 , and a securing lever system or securing lever  60 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, chassis  56  is formed of sheet metal. The tabs are formed by cutting patterns in sheet metal portions of chassis  56  and performing a series of bending operations to shape the tabs. The tabs are used to restrict and guide the movement of the hard drives, carrier  58  and securing lever  60 . Rather than forming a plurality of tabs, a separate guide assembly may be constructed and secured to chassis  56  to perform the same function as the plurality of tabs. Additionally, a single device may be used where multiple tabs are used in consort. 
     Two first tabs  64  are used to secure a first hard drive  66 . Each first tab  64  has a securing notch  68 . Securing notch  68  is shaped to restrict motion of heads  48  on a first hard drive  66 . Each first tab  64  also has an inclined leading edge  70  to direct a head  48  into proper position in notch  68 . 
     Two second tabs  72  are used to secure carrier  58  and lever  60  to chassis  56 . Each second tab  72  has a hole  74  therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, securing lever  60  has a pin  76  at each end. Securing lever  60  is secured by inserting each pin  76  into a corresponding hole  74  in each second tab  72 . The holes  74  and pins  76  allow securing lever  60  to rotate smoothly from an upright to a horizontal position. Each second tab  72  also has a notch  78 . Each notch  78  guides a first pin  80  on carrier  58  A third tab  82  is used to secure lever  60 . Third tab  82  is shaped to form a catch  84 . Lever  60  includes a pin  86  disposed at the end of a flexible member  88 . When lever  60  is in the horizontal, or secured position, catch  84  restricts the movement of pin  86 . 
     Two fourth tabs  90  and two fifth tabs  92  are used with second tabs  72  to slidingly secure carrier  58  to chassis  56 . Each fourth tab  90  has a notch  94  that directs the movement of a second carrier pin  96  on carrier  58 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , carrier  58  also includes two guide rods  98  secured to mounts  100  on carrier  58 . Each of the fifth tabs  92  has a notch  102  to direct guide rods  98  as carrier  58  is moved. A spring  104  is inserted over each guide rod  98  between each fifth tab  92  and mount  100 . Springs  104  bias carrier  58  towards securing lever  60 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , two sixth tabs  106  are used with carrier  58  to secure a second hard drive  108 . Each sixth tab  106  has a notch  110  to restrict motion of a head  48  on second hard drive  108 . Each sixth tab  106  also has an inclined edge  112  to direct second hard drive  108  into proper securing position. 
     Carrier  58  has two guide rails  114  along sides  116  of carrier  58 . Each guide rail  114  supports a head  48  on second hard drive  108 . Each guide rail  114  includes a curved end  118  configured to restrict a head  48  on second hard drive  108  when the latch mechanism is operated. Carrier  58  also has a curved end  120  configured for engagement with lever  60 . Curved end  120  also has a flat portion  121 . 
     Securing lever  60  has an actuator end  122  and a distal end  124  connected by a rod  126 . Actuator end  122  and distal end  124  have a cam  128  configured for sliding engagement with curved end  120  of carrier  58  and a flat portion  129  configured to engage flat portion  121  of curved end  120  when lever  60  is in a vertical position, thus acting to stop further movement of lever  60  past vertical. Cam surface  128  forces curved end  120  towards fifth tabs  92  as lever  60  is rotated counterclockwise from an upright to a horizontal position. 
     Actuator end  122  and distal end  124  each include a tapered notch  130 . Each tapered notch  130  is designed to guide a head  48  of first drive  66  into a proper position in securing lever  60 . Each tapered notch  130  is configured so that heads  48 , hole  74 , and pin  76  are aligned along an axis  131 . Lever  60  also includes a tab  132  to facilitate manual rotation of lever  60 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 5 through 9 , the process of securing hard drives  66  and  108  in chassis  56  is illustrated. Referring generally to  FIG. 5 , first hard drive  66  is initially positioned with first heads  134  of heads  48  inserted into notches  68  of first tabs  64  to install first hard drive  66  in latching system  40 . First hard drive  66  is then pivoted towards securing lever  60 , as referenced by arrow  135 , such that second heads  136  of heads  48  are inserted into tapered notch  130 . The taper of each notch  130  guides each heads  136  into position. 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 6 , to install second hard drive  108  into hard drive latching system  40 , second hard drive  108  is initially positioned with leading heads  138  of heads  48  inserted into notches  110  of sixth tabs  106 . Second hard drive  108  is then pivoted towards carrier  58 , as referenced by arrow  139 , such that trailing screw heads  140  of heads  48  are placed on rail  114 . 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 7 , to secure hard drives  66  and  108 , lever  60  is rotated from the upright position to a horizontal position, as referenced by arrow  141 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 7A , second heads  136  are unsecured by lever  60  when lever  60  is in the upright position. At this stage, hard drive  66  may be lifted and removed from hard drive latching system  40 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 8 and 8A , hard drives  66  and  108  are secured in hard drive latching system  40  when lever  60  is in the horizontal position. As best illustrated in  FIG. 8A , each tapered notch  130  of lever  60  is rotated about a respective second head  136  as lever  60  is rotated from the upright position to the horizontal position. Thus, first and second heads  134  and  136  are secured between notches  68  on first tabs  64  and tapered notches  130  on lever  60 . Pin  86  on flexible member  88  is captured by catch  84  on third tab  82  when lever  60  rotated to the horizontal position. Tab  132  is provided for an operator to easily manipulate lever  60 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8A , cam  128  of lever  60  slidingly engages curved end  118  of carrier  58  as lever  60  is rotated counterclockwise. The shape of cam  128  causes carrier  58  to be driven linearly to the right, in this view, as illustrated by arrow  142 . A top view of the orientation of carrier  58 , lever  60 , and second tabs  72  at the point of engagement is illustrated in  FIG. 8B . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the rotating motion of cam  128  is translated into linear motion of carrier  90  as lever  60  is rotated counterclockwise. The linear motion of carrier  58  to the right compresses springs  104 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 8C , curved ends  118  of carrier  58  move against trailing heads  140  of second hard drive  108  as carrier  58  is moved to the right by lever  60 . Leading and trailing heads  138  and  140  are secured between notches  110  on sixth tabs  106  and curved ends  118  of carrier  58  with lever  60  in the horizontal position. 
     To remove a hard drive, lever  60  is rotated in a clockwise direction. When lever  60  is in an upright, or unsecured position, heads  136  are no longer restrained by tapered notch  130 . Thus, first hard drive  66  can be removed from hard drive latching system  40 . Additionally, cam  128  is moved towards the left as lever  60  is rotated clockwise. Compressed springs  104  drive carrier  58  to the left, against cam  128 , as lever  60  is rotated clockwise. As carrier  58  moves to the left, curved ends  118  also move to the left. Curved ends  118  do not restrain heads  140  when lever  60  is in a fully upright position. At this stage, second hard drive  108  may be removed from system  40 . 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 9 , a moveable shelf  143  may be used as a part of chassis  56 . Shelf  143  may be used to secure a printed circuit board or some other component. In the illustrated embodiment, shelf  143  is hinged such that it may be lowered over first hard drive  66 . Shelf  143  is disposed over tab  132  of lever  60  such that lever  60  can not be rotated clockwise to the upright, or unsecured, position. Thus, assisting hard drive latching system  40  secure the hard drives to chassis  56 . Additionally, shelf  143  may not be lowered over hard drive  66  unless rotatable lever  60  is in the horizontal, or secured, position. Thus, shelf  143  acts as a second check to ensure that rotatable lever  60  is in the secured position, securing the hard drives to the chassis, before a assembly of the enclosure cover is completed. 
     In  FIGS. 10 and 11 , front and rear views of actuator end  122  of securing lever  60  are illustrated. In  FIG. 12 , hard drive latching system  40  is illustrated as securing a single hard drive  42  to the chassis. An additional hard drive may be added at a later time. 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 13 , an exemplary embodiment of a hard drive latching mechanism  144  for securing a single hard drive to the chassis is featured. The operation of hard drive latching mechanism  144  is similar to the operation of hard drive latching mechanism  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, a securing lever  146  and a plurality of tabs are used to secure a hard drive  42  to chassis  56 . Alternatively, a securing lever  146  and a carrier can be used to secure a single hard drive  42 . 
     It will be understood that the foregoing description is of preferred exemplary embodiments of this invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific forms shown. For example, devices other than tabs formed in the chassis may be used to restrict the movement of the screw heads of the hard drives, or guide the hard drives. Additionally, a single device secured to the chassis may serve the same purpose as a plurality of tabs. Furthermore, the tabs may be used to restrict the movement of screw heads attached to the hard drive or to fixed portions of the hard drive. These and other modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.