Latch and panels of computing systems

A latch having an idle position, a first position, and a second position is associated with a first panel and a second panel of a computing system. The first panel is associated with the latch being positioned in the first position. The second panel is associated with the latch being positioned in the second position.

BACKGROUND

Portable devices such as notebook/laptop computers can include housing panels to access internal compartments of the portable device. For example, a notebook computer can have a service door to access a battery, and a service door to access random access memory (RAM). Latches or tool-operated fasteners to access the internal portions of the portable device can increase the visual and physical complexity of the housing, as well as the difficulty in accessing internal components.

The present examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Portable devices can include housing panels for independently accessing portions of the portable device. However, it is desirable to improve the aesthetics and efficiency of construction and operation of the access panels for the portable device. Furthermore, it is desirable that informational labels, if concealed behind a panel, are accessible without the use of tools. A latch is provided that is operable without the use of tools, and that provides multiple functions to independently and/or simultaneously release or retain panels that are installable on the portable device for accessing compartments or other portions of the portable device. The latch can include multiple positions, can be biased toward or away from a position, and can include a detent associated with a position and/or a transition. Thus, the latch can provide an efficient and visually pleasing solution to independently access multiple portions of a portable device.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a computing system100including a latch and panels according to an example. Computing system100can be a laptop or notebook computer, or other portable device such as a netbook or tablet. Computing system100includes a housing104. Access to portions of computing system100can be provided by using removable first panel106and removable second panel108. First panel106and second panel108are independently secured to housing104of computing system100by latch110. Elements of the various figures are not shown to scale, and latch(es) or panel(s) can be of any size, orientation, or configuration. In an example, housing104includes compartments for a battery, a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state disk (SSD), memory such as random access memory (RAM), and various types of expansion cards such as wireless networking or Bluetooth expansion cards.

It may be desirable to access one compartment more frequently than another. For example, it may be desirable to frequently access the battery compartment to swap out the battery, and infrequently access the memory compartment to upgrade the memory. Thus, the battery compartment can be associated with first panel106for frequent access, and the memory compartment can be associated with second panel108for infrequent access. Latch110can provide varying degrees of accessibility to the first panel106and second panel108, as set forth below. Components more likely to be upgraded can be associated with panels having a higher degree of accessibility, and components less likely to be upgraded can be associated with panels having a lower degree of accessibility.

Latch110includes an idle position112, a first position114, and a second position116. Each position can be associated with a function, such as releasing or retaining a panel. Latch110can be slidable, rotatable, pivotable, depressible, or otherwise movable from one position to another. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 1, latch110is slidable between the idle position112and first position114, and pivotable between the first position114and the second position116. Thus, three separate positions and associated functions are available using latch110.

Furthermore, associating different motions to different latch positions can be useful to prevent accidental movement from one latch position to another. The sliding motion of latch110from the idle position112is terminated upon reaching the first position114, because the latch is not further slidable to the second position116. Thus, a user is provided with intuitive feedback as to the operation of the latch, avoiding accidental operation and instilling confidence that the desired latch operation/position was achieved without accidentally opening a panel that was not intended to be opened. Other techniques can be used to avoid accidental latch movements from one latch position to another, such as increased resistance, detents, and other mechanisms to avoid movement and/or to provide feedback to avoid movement.

Latch110is disposed in second panel108, such that removal of second panel108includes removal of latch110. Latch110also can be disposed in housing104or elsewhere on computing system100. A benefit of including latch110in a panel is that the latch110can be replaced with replacement of the associated panel, if the latch110is broken, for example.

Latch110is operable by hand, without the use of tools, to remove multiple panels of computing system100. Accordingly, informational labels can be placed under the protection of first panel106and second panel108such that the labels are accessible without the use of tools. Furthermore, the multi-position, multi-function latch110reduces a need for multiple latches on computing system100, avoiding visual clutter and decreased aesthetics associated with multiple latches and/or fasteners. Thus, computing system100can retain a sleek and minimalist appearance while providing multiple independently operable access panels. A single latch also can provide benefits regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other disability requirements, because the latch110can be operated with one hand to remove a panel.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of a computing system200including a latch and panels according to another example. Housing204includes first panel206, second panel208, and latch210. Latch210includes an idle position212and a first position214.

Latch210can include a bias216, to bias the latch210toward the idle position212. Accordingly, latch210assumes the idle position212by default, and will return to the idle position212when released in the first position214. Bias216can be provided by a spring or other biasing mechanism.

First panel206includes a stop218and retention mechanism220(four retention mechanisms are illustrated). Stop218is illustrated as a finger-like extension from first panel206to a position under the first position214of latch210. Thus, stop218can interact with operation of latch210, preventing transition from one position to another. For example, stop218can prevent latch210from pivoting from the first position214to a second position (e.g., second position116illustrated inFIG. 1). Stop218can be adapted to prevent other types of transitions, e.g., transitions involving sliding, depressing, rotating, or other movements. Stop218can be associated with other positions, including idle position212and additional positions not illustrated inFIG. 2.

Stop218, illustrated as a finger-like extension of first panel206, extends into a region of second panel208and an operational area of latch210. Thus, because stop218is a part of first panel206, stop218can be removed with removal of first panel206. Accordingly, stop218can prevent latch210from transitioning from first position214to a second position, until the first panel206is removed along with stop218. In alternate embodiments, stop218can be part of housing204, second panel208, or other components of computing system200. For example, stop218can be mounted to housing204to react to the presence and absence of first panel206. Thus, removal or installation of first panel206is communicated to the stop218, and stop218can be selectively positioned to affect operation of latch210. Stop218can be positioned to selectively limit the number of available positions and functions associated with latch212. As illustrated inFIG. 2, stop218has enabled latch210to operate as a two-position latch by blocking pivoting (or depressing) of latch212from first position214to a second position (e.g., second position116illustrated inFIG. 1). Removing stop218from the operational path of latch210, such as by removing first panel206, enables latch210to operate with additional positions and functions.

Retention mechanism220can include a hook portion222and a slide portion224to slidably position and retain first panel206in housing204, although other mechanisms are possible for retaining first panel206. Retention mechanism220is compatible with operation of latch210, such that first panel206is secured when switch210is in the idle position212. First panel206is removable when the latch210is in the first position214, enabling the first panel206to be moved in a downward direction (as oriented inFIG. 2) to align hook222with slide224to disengage first panel206from housing204. Retention mechanism220also can be used to retain second panel208or additional panels, although other mechanisms are possible for retaining panels.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of a computing system300including a latch and panels according to another example. Computing system300includes housing304, first panel306, second panel308, third panel310, and latch312. Latch312includes idle position314, first position316, second position318, and third position320.

Latch312can slide between idle position314, first position316, and second position318. Latch312can pivot between second position318and third position320. As illustrated, latch312includes bias322to bias latch312from third position320toward second position318. Bias322also provides a resistance to stabilize the latch312from pivoting into the third position320when in the second position318.

Latch movement and positions can be associated with detents to provide varying resistance to movement and audible and/or tactile feedback. For example, detent324can be associated with second position318and third position320along a pivot. Detent326and detent328can be associated with idle position314, first position316, and second position318along a slidable path. Detents can indicate when the latch312is aligned with a position, or when it departs from alignment with a position. Similarly, detents can be used with other latch configurations, such as when the latch312is pivotable, rotatable, depressible, or otherwise movable.

Computing system300can include stops (not shown inFIG. 3) similar to stop218ofFIG. 2and associated with transitions of latch312from one position to another. For example, a first stop associated with first panel306can prevent the latch312from transitioning from first position316to second position318until the first panel306is removed. Similarly, a second stop associated with second panel308can prevent the latch312from transitioning from second position318to third position320until the second panel308is removed.

Latch312can provide multiple functions and positions, while using stops to selectively provide simple and intuitive initial usability. Additional positions, usability, and functionality are available as stops are removed from the operational path of latch312(e.g., when a panel associated with a stop is removed).

FIG. 4is a block diagram of a computing system400including a latch and panels according to yet another example. Computing system400includes housing404, first panel406, second panel408, third panel410, and latch412. Latch412is located on a surface of housing404, although latch412can be located in any of first panel406, second panel408, or third panel410. Latch412may also be located on a side of housing404, i.e., on a different plane than first panel406, second panel408, and third panel410. In alternate embodiments, latches and/or panels also can be positioned on a side, top, or other surface of computing system400.

Latch412includes idle position414, first position416, second position418, and third position420. In the example ofFIG. 4, first position416, second position418, and third position420are associated with a single independent movement of latch412from idle position414. Thus, each position of latch412can be reached from the idle position414without requiring operation through another position. Latch412is movable between positions such that latch412is depressible between idle position414and third position420, and latch412is slidable between idle position414, first position416, and second position418. Alternate modes of operation are possible, such as rotating, pivoting, etc.

A latch position can be associated with a function for sequential operation. For example, idle position414can retain first panel406, second panel408, and third panel410. First position416can release first panel406and retain second panel408and third panel410. Second position418can release second panel408and retain first panel406and third panel410. Third position420can release third panel410and retain first panel406and second panel408.

A latch position can be associated with multiple functions for parallel operation. For example, idle position414can retain first panel406, second panel408, and third panel410. First position416can release first panel406and retain second panel408and third panel410. Second position418can release first panel406and second panel408, and retain and third panel410. Third position420can release first panel406, second panel408, and third panel410. Additional combinations of sequential and/or parallel operations/positions are possible, and latch412can include detent(s) associated with latch positions and/or transitions.

At least one stop can be used with the panels and transitions between positions. For example, in alternate examples, a first panel stop can be positioned between the idle position414and the second position418. A second panel stop can be positioned between the idle position414and the third position420. Operation of latch412, using first and second panel stops described above, is selectively limited to the idle position414and the first position416by the first panel stop until the first panel406(and associated first panel stop) is removed. Similarly, operation of latch412, in an alternate example using first and second panel stops, is selectively limited to idle position414, first position416, and second position418by the second panel stop until removal of the second panel408.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of a latch and panels according to an example. First panel506and second panel508are associated with latch510. First panel506includes first panel retention mechanisms520, panel arm540, and first panel stop518. Second panel508includes second panel retention mechanisms530and latch510.

Latch510includes a latch cutout542, latch axle544, and latch arm548. Latch510may be slidable between idle position514and first position512. Latch510, and/or second panel508, may include a latch housing to support and guide latch510, to facilitate positioning of latch510. Latch510and/or the latch housing may include a track546associated with latch axle544. Latch arm548is to interact with an element of a computer housing (e.g., housing arm860illustrated inFIG. 8), to retain second panel508(e.g., while latch510is in idle position514and first position512).

Latch510in the idle position514retains first panel506with respect to second panel508. Latch cutout542engages panel arm540such that panel arm540is retained when latch510is in the idle position514. Latch510may be biased toward the idle position514. Latch510, and/or panel arm540, may include curved or slanted portions that cooperate with each other during installation of first panel506. First panel retention mechanisms520, second panel retention mechanisms530, and first panel stop518may include similar slanted/curved surfaces to facilitate interactions. Latch510may be displaced from the idle position514by the slanted portions of latch510and panel arm540contacting each other when first panel506is moved toward second panel508. When the first panel506is in place, the latch510can snap back into place at the idle position514, with latch cutout542accommodating and retaining a portion of panel arm540. Latch510may slide back and forth between idle position514and first position512in the presence of first panel stop518. First panel stop518may prevent latch510from being pivoted about latch axle544.

FIG. 6Ais a perspective view of a latch and panels according to an example. First panel606and second panel608are associated with latch610. First panel606includes first panel retention mechanisms620, panel arm640, and first panel stop618. Second panel608includes second panel retention mechanisms630and latch610.

Latch610includes a latch cutout642, latch axle644associated with track646, and latch arm648. Latch610may be slidable between idle position614and first position612. Latch arm648is to interact with an element of a computing system housing (e.g., housing arm860illustrated inFIG. 8), to retain second panel608with respect to the computing system housing. Latch610is shown in first position612, allowing latch cutout642to disengage panel arm640.

FIG. 6Bis a perspective view of the latch and panels ofFIG. 6Ain greater detail. Latch610is displaced from the idle position614and is shown in the first position612. Panel arm640is disengaged from latch cutout642, and first panel606is separated from second panel608such that first panel retention mechanisms620may allow removal of first panel606from a computing system. Second panel608is retained by second panel retention mechanisms630, with sliding movement of second panel608prevented by latch arm648interacting with, e.g., housing arm860(not shown inFIG. 6B, seeFIG. 8). Latch arm648is shown resting on a raised portion of a latch housing support wall, leaving a gap to accommodate, e.g., housing arm860(as shown inFIG. 9regarding housing arm960).

An extent of slidable movement of latch610may be constrained by latch axle644sliding in track646, and may also be constrained by a cutout in second panel608and/or by a latch housing raised support wall(s). Latch610may be movable such that latch cutout642can move out of the way of panel arm640, allowing removal of first panel606. Panel stop618may prevent pivoting of latch610, and may prevent pivoting regardless of a position of latch610between idle position614and first position612. Removal of first panel606(and associated panel stop618) enables the latch610to be pivoted. Latch610may be biased about the axle644to a non-pivoted position, and may be biased along the slidable path to the idle position614.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of a latch and panels according to an example. Panel arm740is disengaged and first panel706is separated from second panel708, such that first panel706and first panel retention mechanisms720may be removed from a computing system, and panel stop718is not positioned to constrain the pivoting of latch710. Latch710, including axle744within track746, is shown displaced from the idle position714to the first position712. Latch710is also shown pivoted about axle744to the second position716. Latch arm748is pivoted into a disengaged position, such that second panel708and second panel retention mechanisms730may be removed from a computing system.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of a computing system800including a latch and panels according to an example. Housing804of computing system800is shown including retention mechanism slides850, to interact with first panel retention mechanisms820and second panel retention mechanisms830. Housing804includes a housing arm860to interact with a latch arm (not visible, see latch arm748shown inFIG. 7). Housing arm860can enable the latch arm to engage and retain a portion of the housing804. Thus, the second panel808is prevented from sliding with respect to the housing804to disengage second panel retention mechanisms830from housing804, preventing removal of second panel808from housing804unless latch810is in the second position816.

Latch810is shown displaced into the first position814and pivoted into the second position816. First panel806is removed from housing804, such that panel arm840and panel stop818are not in contact with latch810. Latch810includes a latch stop812. Latch stop812may prevent the latch810from being pivoted into the second position816, even when first panel806is removed and/or when panel stop818is not in contact with latch810. When latch810is displaced from an idle position to the first position814, latch810can clear the latch stop812and be pivoted into the second position816when first panel806and panel stop818is removed. In alternate examples, panel stop818may be omitted entirely. Thus, latch stop812may prevent latch810from being pivoted from the idle position, even when first panel806is removed (and when panel stop818is omitted).

FIG. 9is a perspective view of a computing system900including a latch and panels according to an example. Housing904of the computing system900is shown including retention mechanism slides950, to interact with first panel retention mechanisms920and second panel retention mechanisms930. Second panel908is shown retained on housing904. Housing arm960is in contact with and retained by latch arm948. Thus, the second panel908is prevented from sliding with respect to the housing904, and second panel retention mechanisms930are engaged within corresponding retention mechanism slides950. First panel906is shown removed such that panel arm940and panel stop918are not in contact with latch910.

Latch910is shown displaced into the first position914to allow removal or installation of first panel906. Latch arm948is engaged with housing arm960, regardless of the displacement of latch910between the idle position912and the first position914. Latch910may be slidably displaced by the action of the slanted portion of cutout942and panel arm940. Similarly, latch910may be pivotally displaced by the action of the slanted portion of latch arm948and housing arm960. The latch910may be biased slidably and pivotally toward the idle position912. For example, a spring associated with latch track946may slidably bias the latch axle944, and a spring positioned around the latch axle944may pivotally bias the latch910. Thus, second panel908may be installed on housing904and retained by latch910without a need to manipulate latch910. Similarly, first panel906may be installed on housing904and retained by latch910without a need to manipulate latch910. As illustrated inFIG. 9, Second panel908may be installed by inserting the second panel retention mechanisms930upward into corresponding retention mechanism slides950, and then sliding second panel908toward housing arm960to allow latch arm948of latch910to engage and retain housing arm960. First panel906may be installed by inserting the first panel retention mechanisms920upward into corresponding retention mechanism slides950, and then sliding first panel906toward second panel908to allow panel arm940to engage and be retained by latch910.

In alternate examples, a location of latch arm948and housing arm960may be repositioned with respect to the latch910, and may take other forms. For example, the latch arm948and housing arm960may be repositioned on latch closer toward the first position914, on an opposite side of the latch axle944. Housing arm960may be a tab instead of an arm. Thus, instead of the latch arm948having a downward facing hook that pivots upward to disengage housing arm960, the example alternate latch arm would include an upward facing hook to engage a repositioned housing arm, such that the alternate latch arm would pivot downward with the latch910to disengage the repositioned housing arm.

FIG. 10is a flowchart1000based on operation of a latch and panels according to an example. In step1010, a plurality of removable panels are retained on a computing system in response to a latch being positioned in an idle position. In step1020, a first panel is released and a second panel is retained in response to the latch being positioned in a first position. In step1030, the second panel is released in response to the latch being positioned in a second position.

The breadth and scope of the present features should not be limited by any of the above-described examples, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.