Mechanism to latch a cover closed

A latching apparatus includes a catch and a pin to maintain a chassis in a closed configuration. The catch is coupled to a first chassis panel and movable relative to the pin that is coupled to a second chassis panel. In response to relative movement between the catch and the pin along a first axis, a first portion of the pin is positioned within an opening of the catch to maintain the chassis closed. In response to relative movement between the catch and the pin, the catch opening is positioned around a second portion of the pin to define an unlatched position. Whereas the closed configuration inhibits relative movement between the first and second chassis portions, the unlatched position permits relative movement therebetween for separation between the first chassis panel and the second chassis panel.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a top cover of an electrical computer system, which can be attached to a base frame of the electrical computer system.

BACKGROUND

Electrical computer systems, such as computer servers, routers, switches, blade servers, or any other computing devices, are capable of being repaired or upgraded by an end user. An electrical computer system generally includes a top cover and a base frame which together define a chassis of the electrical computer system. To repair or upgrade the electrical computer system, the end user typically opens the electrical computer system by removing the top cover from the base frame in order to gain internal access to the base frame, which typically has serviceable or upgradable components. After the repair or upgrade, the end user closes the electrical computer system by reinstalling the top cover to the base frame. However, conventional chassis designs are difficult to efficiently and quickly detach and reattach the top cover to the base frame. For instance, it is common for the top cover to be attached to the base frame with screws, and thus the end user, such as a service technician, must use hand tools to remove and reinstall the screws when opening and closing the electrical computer system. With a variety of electrical computer system configurations, the service technician must be equipped with numerous hand tools required to remove the different types of fasteners in order to open and close various electrical computer system. Furthermore, the use of screws and hand tools to open and close the electrical computer system increases the risk of damage to the electrical computer system when the hand tools and screws are dropped into the electrical computer system.

Thus, it is desirable to provide an electrical computer system that has a top cover that can be efficiently and quickly detached and reattached to the base frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

In one embodiment, an apparatus can include a latching catch and a latching pin to maintain first and second chassis panels of a chassis in a closed configuration. The latching catch can be coupled to a first chassis panel, such as, e.g., a cover of an electrical computer system. The latching pin can be attached to a second chassis panel, such as, e.g., a base frame of an electrical computer system. In response to relative movement between the latching catch and the latching pin along a first axis, a first cross-sectional area portion of the latching pin is positioned within an opening of the latching catch to define a latched position. At the latched position, relative movement between the first and second chassis panels can be inhibited so that the chassis is maintained in the closed configuration. In response to relative movement between the latching catch and the latching pin along a second axis, the opening of the latching catch is positioned around a smaller second cross-sectional area portion of the latching pin to define an unlatched position. At the unlatched position, relative movement between the latching catch and the latching pin is permitted along the first axis and the first chassis panel and the second chassis panel are separable from one another.

In yet another embodiment, a method can include moving a latching catch relative to a latching pin along a first axis between a latched position and unlatched position. The latching catch can be coupled to a first chassis panel, such as, e.g., a cover. The latching pin can be coupled to a second chassis panel, such as, e.g., a base frame. In the latched position, a first cross-sectional area portion of the latching pin is positioned within an opening of the latching catch to inhibit movement between the first and second chassis panels. In the unlatched position, the opening of the latching catch is positioned around a smaller second cross-sectional area portion of the latching pin. To cause separation between the first chassis panel and the second chassis panel, the first chassis panel can be moved relative to the second chassis panel along a second axis. To couple the first chassis panel to the second chassis panel, the first chassis panel can be moved relative to the second chassis panel along the second axis such that the opening of the latching catch can receive the first cross-sectional area portion of the latching pin.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an electrical computer system100including a plurality of chassis panels, such as a cover102and a base frame104, which together define a chassis106of the electrical computer system100. The chassis106can store and support various electronic components that are typically mounted to the base frame104. The chassis106can have a closed configuration and an open configuration (shown inFIG. 1). In the closed configuration, the cover102can be placed over and coupled to the base frame104to conceal and protect the electronic components. In the open configuration, the cover102can be removed from its closed configuration on the base frame104so that access to the interior of the chassis106can be achieved, such as, e.g., to repair or upgrade electronic components. A latching apparatus110is provided to facilitate selective opening and closing of the chassis. In one example, the latching apparatus110can permit the cover102to be removed from the base frame104, i.e., to open the chassis to the open configuration, without the use of tools and/or fasteners by an end user. To aid in the orientation of the components in the figures, a coordinate system is provided having a first axis x, a second axis y, and a third axis z, each different from one another, such as perpendicular to one another.

The electrical computer system100can be computer equipment such as a computer server, a router, a switch, a blade server, or any other computing device. One exemplary electrical computer system is the UCS Series 8440 M1 blade server, which is commercially available from Cisco Systems Inc. (San Jose, Calif.). The electrical computer system100can be a rack-mounted unit for a computer server rack, which is typically sized to dimensional standards as set forth by the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). The EIA has defined the mounting equipment in terms of a rack unit (RU), where each RU is 44.45 mm (1.75 inches) in height and 480 mm (19 inches) or 580 mm (23 inches) in width.

InFIGS. 1-2, the cover102can include a cover body component120. Although the body component120is shown to be a rectangular sheet, it is recognized that other shapes are possible as appreciated by those skilled in the art. A first sidewall122and a second sidewall124can depend from the body component120in a direction along the first axis x (i.e., downward direction inFIG. 1), generally approximately perpendicular to the body component120, to form an interior126of the cover102. The first and second sidewalls122,124can be coupled to opposite ends of the body component120, and can extend approximately parallel to one another in a direction along the second axis y (i.e., left-right direction inFIG. 1). A third sidewall128and a fourth sidewall (not shown) may also depend from the body component120in a direction along the first axis x, generally approximately perpendicular to the body component120. The third sidewall128and the fourth sidewall can be coupled to opposite ends of the body component, and can extend approximately parallel to one another in a direction along the first axis x and approximately perpendicular to the first and second sidewalls122,124in a direction along the third axis z. The third sidewall128may interconnect the first and second sidewalls122,124. The end129of the body component120where the fourth sidewall may be located can remain open, i.e., without a sidewall. The body component120includes an interior surface130to face toward the base frame104and an exterior surface132to face away from the base frame, in a direction opposite to the interior surface130.

InFIG. 1, the base frame104can include a base body component140. Although the body component140is shown to be a rectangular sheet, it is recognized that other shapes are possible as appreciated by those skilled in the art. A first sidewall142and a second sidewall144can depend from the body component140in a direction along the first axis x (upward direction inFIG. 1), generally approximately perpendicular to the body component140, to form an interior146of the base frame104. The first and second sidewalls142,144can be coupled to opposite ends of the body component140, and can extend approximately parallel to one another in a direction along the second axis y. A third side148and a fourth side149, which may include sidewalls, can be disposed at opposite ends of the body component140. The third and fourth sides148,149can extend approximately parallel to one another in a direction along the first axis x and approximately perpendicular to the first and second sidewalls142,144in a direction along the third axis z. The third side148and the fourth side149may interconnect the first and second sidewalls142,144. The body component140includes an interior surface150to face toward the cover102and an exterior surface152to face away from the cover, opposite to the interior surface150.

FIG. 3illustrates one example of the latching apparatus110including a latching catch160and a latching pin162. The latching pin162can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the latching catch160. The latching catch160is movable between a first position and a second position along the first axis x. In the first position, the latching catch160is positioned to couple with the latching pin162to define a latched position that maintains the chassis in the closed configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 10. That is, at this position, relative movement between the cover102and the base frame104in a direction along the second axis y is substantially inhibited. In the second position, the latching catch160is removed from the latching pin162to define an unlatched position, as illustrated inFIG. 11. That is, at this position, relative movement between the cover102and the base frame104in a direction along the second axis y is permitted. In one example, the latching catch160is coupled to the cover102, whereas the latching pin162is coupled to the base frame104, as shown in the figures. However, one modification is contemplated where the latching catch160is coupled to the base frame104and the latching pin162is coupled to the cover102as appreciated by those skilled in the art. The latching pin and the latching catch can be positioned along any portion of the chassis as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In one example, the latching catch160is coupled to the interior surface of the cover body portion120or along any of the cover sidewalls. It is recognized that more than one latching apparatus may be provided along different sidewalls or body portions of the cover and/or the base frame.

InFIG. 4, an access opening164can be formed in the wall of the cover body portion120. The access opening164can permit external access to the latching catch160so that the end user can selectively move the latching catch160between the first and second positions. In other words, the end user can contact and apply a force directly to the latching catch160through the access opening164so that the latching catch160is moved from the first position to the second position, as described herein. In one example, the latching catch160includes an actuatable portion166sized to extend within the access opening164to facilitate contact with the latching catch. In another example, the access opening164is sized larger than the cross-section of the actuatable portion166, and a border material168, such as a flexible elastomer material or neoprene material, can extend inward from the edges of the access opening164to the outer edges of the actuatable portion166. The inner edge of the border material can be shaped like the cross-section of the actuatable portion166so that the border material168can prevent dust, dirt, debris, or other unwanted materials from entering into the chassis when the cover is in the closed configuration.

FIGS. 5-6illustrate one example of the latching catch160. The latching catch160can include a first end170and a second end172. The latching catch can be made of various rigid but flexible materials used for electrical computer systems, such as, e.g., stainless steel or other metals or plastics, which can be machined, molded, punch pressed, or otherwise formed into the desired shape. The first end170can be fixedly attached to the cover102in a secured relationship by various attachment mechanisms, such as, e.g., adhesives, welding, soldering, and/or mechanical fasteners such as screws or rivets. The second end172can be a free end, i.e., can remain unattached to the cover, so that the second end172can be selectively moved and displaced relative to the first end along the first axis x. In this configuration, the latching catch160functions like a leaf-type spring. To this end, the latching catch160has a biasing force to maintain the latching catch160in the first position and thus the latched position as shown inFIG. 10. Application of a force greater than the biasing force can move the latching catch160to the second position and thus the unlatched position as shown inFIG. 11. The latching catch160can include an opening positioned between the first and second ends of the latching catch, such as an intermediate opening, to receive a portion of the latching pin. In one example, the opening is an end opening174formed at the second end172. The end opening174may have a varied cross-section, such as, e.g., having at least a narrowed passage176leading to a relatively larger pin head receiving aperture178. It is recognized that the latching catch can have biasing or spring arrangements other than the leaf-type arrangement described herein. For instance, the latching catch can be coupled to slide along one or more pins that have coiled springs coupled between the pins and the latching catch to bias the latching catch to the first position.

FIGS. 7-8illustrate one example of the latching pin162. The latching pin162can include a shaft body180having a first end182and a second end184. The latching pin can be made of various materials used for electrical computer systems, such as, e.g., steel alloys or other metals or plastics, which can be machined, molded, or otherwise formed into the desired shape. The second end184can be fixedly attached to the base frame104in a secured relationship by various attachment mechanisms, such as, e.g., adhesives, welding, soldering, mechanical interference fit, or threaded engagement. The latching pin162can have a variable cross-section with different cross-sectional areas. The first end182can include a pin head186having a circumference sized to be received within the pin head receiving aperture178of the latching catch160when the latching catch is in the first position. The pin head186can have a disk shape. In one example, the pin head186may include an outer surface187that is tapered and/or rounded to facilitate slidable engagement between the latching pin and the latching catch. The pin head186can have a first cross-sectional area larger than a second cross-sectional area defined by an intermediate portion188of the shaft body180, which is adjacent to the pin head186. The first cross-sectional area of the pin head186can be larger than the narrowed passage176but sized to fit within the pin head receiving aperture178of the end opening174of the latching catch160. The intermediate portion188can be sized to pass through the narrowed passage176. To this end, when the latching catch160is deflected along the first axis x to a position such that the pin head receiving aperture178surrounds the intermediate portion188, such as shown inFIG. 3, the latching catch160is in the second position and can move relative to the latching pin162in a direction along the second axis y. At this position, the intermediate portion188of the latching pin can pass through the narrowed passage176of the latching catch so that the cover can be removed from the base frame. It is contemplated that the pin head can be spring loaded. For example, the pin head is movable along the axis of the pin away from the cover during engagement with the latching catch, and can spring into position within the pin head receiving aperture.

The latching pin162may include a flange segment190to limit or stop the amount of displacement of the latching catch160along the first axis x. This arrangement can reduce the amount of stress and potential deformation at the first end170caused by the latching catch160moving beyond its yield point, as well as protecting components located at the base frame from being contacted by the movable latching catch. The flange segment190can be disposed axially away from the pin head186toward the second end184. The flange segment190can have a third cross-sectional area larger than the second cross-sectional area of the intermediate portion188of the shaft body180. The third cross-sectional area of the flange segment190can be as least as large as, and preferably larger than, the first cross-sectional of the pin head186, as shown inFIG. 8. In one example, the end segment192of the shaft body180proximate the second end184may include a threaded portion for threaded engagement with the base frame as an exemplary attachment mechanism.

FIGS. 5-6illustrate other aspects of the latching catch160. For example, a first end segment200proximate the first end170of the latching catch160is configured for attachment with the cover102to form the spring portion of the latching catch160. A first intermediate segment210can interconnect the first end segment200to the actuatable portion166. A second intermediate segment220can interconnect a second end segment224with the actuatable portion166. The second end segment224is configured to maintain the relative orientation between the pin head receiving aperture178of the end opening174of the latching catch160in the first position and the pin head186of the latching pin162.

In one example, the first end segment200can include one or more fastener openings202that align with corresponding openings formed in the cover for receiving fasteners, such as, e.g., screws or rivets, therethrough. The confronting surface203of the first end segment200may lie parallel to the interior surface130of the cover102with which the first end segment200is in a confronting contact relationship. In one example, the confronting surface203of the first end segment200may be angled at a first angle204, such as, e.g., up to about 15 degrees, preferably about 7-13 degrees, and more preferably about 13 degrees, relative to the interior surface130of the cover102prior to the attachment therebetween. This angled arrangement can enhance the biasing force of the spring portion of the latching catch160when coupled to the cover102. Further, the biasing force can maintain the relative orientation between the pin head receiving aperture178of the end opening174of the latching catch160and the pin head186of the latching pin162when the latching catch160is in the first position, as shown inFIG. 10.

InFIGS. 5-6, the first intermediate segment210can lie contiguous with the first end segment200. In one example, the first intermediate segment210may be angled at a second angle212, such as, e.g., up to about 20 degrees, and preferably about 17 degrees, relative to the interior surface130of the cover102prior to the attachment therebetween. The first intermediate segment210can extend in a direction toward the actuatable portion166, where an edge of the first intermediate segment210is attached to the base214of the actuatable portion166. As shown, the base214can lie along the lowest plane relative to all of the segments200,210,220,224. The actuatable portion166can include a plurality of walls218A,218B,218C,218D. For example, the wall218C can extend generally upward from the base214, the walls218B,218D can extend downward from a protruding surface219, and the wall218A can extend downward to the adjacent segment. The protruding surface219can be coupled to the walls218A-218D of the actuatable portion166can lie along the highest plane relative to all of the segments200,210,220,224. The actuatable portion166can extend through the access opening164of the cover102to position the protruding surface219approximately coplanar with the exterior surface132of the cover102.

The second intermediate segment220can extend in a direction toward the second end172of the latching catch160, generally perpendicular to the wall218A and generally parallel to the protruding surface219. The second intermediate segment220can lie along a plane disposed between the protruding surface219and the base214. The pin head receiving aperture178can be formed in the second intermediate segment220of the latching catch160. Depending on the relative size between the latching catch160and the pin head receiving aperture178, the second intermediate segment220may be sized to extend laterally beyond the other segments, as shown inFIG. 5. This arrangement can provide a sufficient amount of material surrounding the pin head receiving aperture178to reduce the risk of deformation of the second intermediate segment220and/or the pin head receiving aperture178during normal use and operation.

The second end segment224can lie contiguous with the second intermediate segment220and is proximate the second end172of the latching catch160. The second end segment224may be angled at a third angle226, such as, e.g., up to about 16 degrees, and preferably about 14 degrees, relative to the second intermediate segment220. Besides maintaining the orientation of the latching catch160relative to the pin head186, the angled arrangement of the second end segment224can avoid potential catching or snagging between the latching catch160and the pin head186during movement of the latching catch along the second axis y toward the latching pin. To this end, when the second end segment224is angled, a smooth guiding contact surface may be provided when the second end segment224slidably engages the pin head186, especially when the pin head is tapered and/or rounded. This arrangement can permit the pin head receiving aperture178of the latching catch160to easily receive the pin head186. The biasing force of the latching catch160urges the second end172of the latching catch to move against the interior surface130of the cover102. To this end, the third angle226of the second end segment224may be selected to maintain the latching catch in a spaced relationship with the interior surface130of the cover102, as shown inFIG. 10. To this end, the second end segment224can facilitate maintaining the latching catch at a consistent and predictable position during movement of the cover.

According toFIGS. 9-11, the latching catch160can be positioned to remain in close proximity along the interior surface130of the cover102. This arrangement provides clearance for the latching catch relative to the electronic components protruding upward from the base frame104. To this end, the latching catch160is positioned relative to the cover102such that the pin head receiving aperture178of the latching catch160in the first position is spaced away from the interior surface130of the cover102by a first distance227. To latch, the pin head186of the latching pin162is elevated above the base frame104such that the pin head186is spaced away from the interior surface130of the cover102by about the first distance227. To limit the movement of the latching catch160to a pre-defined second position, the flange segment190can be positioned relative to the interior surface130of the cover102at a second distance229, which is greater than the first distance227. By fixing the first and second distances227,229relative to the cover, the same first and second distances can be used regardless of the overall height of the chassis, i.e., 1RU, 2RU, 3RU, etc. In other words, the same latching apparatus dimensions and arrangement can be used during manufacturing and assembling of the electrical computer system with various heights of chassis. It is recognized that for greater chassis heights the shaft body of the latching pin162can be longer or the standoff to which the latching pin is attached can be adjusted so that the first distance227for the pin head186is maintained for the chassis regardless of the chassis height.

AccordingFIGS. 1,2, and4, to facilitate the coupling between the cover102and the base frame104when the cover102is moving to the closed configuration, recessed portions230of the first and second sidewalls122,124of the cover102can be recessed inwardly. Such recessed portions230can be for guiding the cover sidewalls122,124within the corresponding first and second sidewalls142,144of the base frame104. When the recessed portions230of the first and second sidewalls122,124are fitted inside of the first and second sidewalls142,144of the base frame104, relative movement between the cover in the closed configuration and the base frame along the third axis z is inhibited. One or more guiding slots232can be formed in the first and second sidewalls122,124of the cover102, for receiving corresponding stand-offs or protrusions234that extend inwardly, which are located on the first and second sidewalls142,144of the base frame104. Although four guiding slots232are shown inFIG. 2, it can be appreciated that less than four or more than four guiding slots may be provided. In one example, the guiding slots232are formed in the recessed portions230of the cover sidewalls.

The guiding slots232can have various configurations. In one example, each of the guiding slots232is L-shaped with a first segment233A and a second segment233B, as shown inFIG. 4. The first segment233A can be oriented along the first axis x, such as, e.g., the vertical direction. A tapering edge can be formed along the first segment233A to guide the protrusion toward the second segment233B. The second segment233B can be oriented along the second axis y, such as, e.g., the horizontal direction. InFIG. 4, the protrusion234can include a shaft portion235A sized to fit within the guiding slot232. In one example, the shaft portion235A is sized to fit within the second segment233B of the guiding slot232to inhibit relative movement between the cover102in the closed configuration and the base frame104along the first axis x. The protrusion234may also include a head portion235B that is larger than the shaft portion235A.

The operation of the latching apparatus100when the cover102is moved between the open and the closed configuration will now be described, with reference to all of the figures. The guiding slots232, such as its first segment233A, of the cover102can be aligned with the corresponding protrusions234of the base frame104. The cover and the base frame are moved closer relative to one another along the first axis x such that the guiding slots232receive the corresponding protrusions234. The cover102can then be moved relative to the base frame104in a first direction along the second axis y, represented by arrow240, so that the protrusion234is moved farther within the guiding slot232, such as the second segment233B. As a result of such movement, the latching catch160is moved relatively closer to the latching pin162, as shown inFIG. 9. As shown, the second end172of the latching catch160can be maintained in a position against the interior surface130of the cover102. A confronting surface236, i.e., the lower surface, of the second end segment224slidably engages the outer surface187of the pin head186of the latching pin162. The end opening174of the latching catch160may receive a partial tip portion of the pin head186. Sliding engagement between the pin head and the latching catch can cause axial compression of the latching catch. As a result, the latching catch160can bow, particularly bow toward the cover along the second intermediate segment220until the pin head receiving aperture snaps onto the pin head to return to its uncompressed axial configuration. The actuatable portion166may even move outward within the opening164during such axial compression. When the pin head receiving aperture178snaps onto the pin head186, audible feedback is provided to the end user to indicate that the latching catch is in the latched position.

The cover102can then be moved relative to the base frame104along the second axis y until the latching catch160is coupled to the latching pin162in the latched position, as shown inFIG. 10. In one example, the end236of the second segment233B of the guiding slot232shown inFIG. 4can be selectively located to coordinate with the movement of the latching catch160to the latched position. To this end, as the protrusion234is moved farther within the second segment233B of the guiding slot232in close proximity to, if not in a contacting relationship with, the end236of the second segment233B, the latching catching160is moved to the latched position over the latching pin162. At this position, the pin head receiving aperture178of the latching catch160receives the circumference of the pin head186of the latching pin162. Here, until the latching catch162is moved to the second, unlatched position, the cover102can remain in the closed configuration, inhibited from movement along the first, second, and third axes x, y, z when coupled to the base frame104.

InFIG. 11, the latching catch160is removed from the latching pin162to the second, unlatched position. The end user can place his or her palms along the sidewalls122,124of the cover102in a manner to orient the thumbs along the exterior surface132of the cover. The latching apparatus110can be positioned relative to one of the sidewalls122,124such that the thumb of the end user can be placed on the actuatable portion166to cause actuation thereof. A depression241can formed relative to the other of the sidewall122,124of the cover to provide a gripping surface for the other thumb. The depression241may be frictionally enhanced with surface irregularities or with a layer of tacky substance such a neoprene. The end user can apply a force, represented by arrow242, which is greater than the biasing force of the latching catch160, such as, e.g., 2 pounds of force, directly to a portion of the latching catch160, such as, e.g., the actuatable portion166, through the opening164. Under such force, the latching catch160can be then deflected along the first axis x, such as to pivot about the first end segment200, to a position where the pin head receiving aperture178surrounds the intermediate portion188and no longer surrounds the pin head186. The degree of deflection can be limited by providing the flange segment190, which can be contacted by a contacting surface245, such as the lower surface, of the second intermediate segment220. This places the pin head receiving aperture178of the latching catch160around the intermediate portion188of the latching pin162so that the intermediate portion188can pass through the narrowed passage176of the latching catch160. While maintaining the force242, the end user can then move the combination of the cover102and the latching catch160relative to the latching pin162in a second direction along the second axis y, represented by arrow248, opposite the first direction240. After the second end172of the latching catch160has cleared the pin head186of the latching pin, the end user can remove the force242, which allows the latching catch160to return to the first position. The end user then can continue to move the cover102to the open configuration away from the base frame104to a position such as shown inFIG. 1. To this end, the latching apparatus110can permit the cover102to be removed from the base frame104, i.e., to open the chassis to the open configuration, without the use of tools and/or fasteners by an end user. However, it can be recognized by one skilled in the art that a tool can be used in place of the end user's hand to apply the force directly to a portion of the latching catch160through the opening164. For example, the opening can be sized smaller, such as having a diameter up to 15 mm, in order to receive a tool, such as a screwdriver, which is operable to move the latching catch.

Various embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another. The foregoing detailed description has described only a few of the many possible implementations of the present invention. For this reason, this detailed description is intended by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation.