Patent Publication Number: US-10330118-B2

Title: Fan unit, and assembling and removing method thereof

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a fan unit adapt for an electronic device and assembling and removing method thereof. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     In general, the electronic device, such as a server, is usually configured with a fan module for heat dissipation, and then the heat generated from the internal circuit components of the electronic device in actual operation is dissipated through airflow produced by the fan module. Through this means, it is able to prevent the internal circuit elements of the electronic device from damage caused by overheating. However, the current fan module is designed with the function of Hot-Plug to avoid interrupting operation of the electronic device when replacing the fan module. 
     Currently, the fan module generally includes a fan bracket, and at least one fan unit with hot-plug function is disposed in the interior of the fan bracket. The fan unit is latched in the fan bracket through the upper and lower elastic members disposed in side of fan unit. However, the above design of the fan unit can&#39;t be assembled, removed, and maintained quickly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the invention is to provide a fan unit adapted for an electronic device, and assembling and removing method thereof to solve the problems described above. 
     In order to solve the problems of prior art, the present invention provides a fan unit adapted for an electronic device, the electronic device has a first connector. The fan unit includes a fixture, a fan, and a second connector. The fan is fixed in the fixture, the second connector is electrically connected to the fan; and the handle is pivotally connected to fixture. The handle is operable to be pivotally moved between a first position and a second position opposite to the fixture. When the handle is operated to move to the first position, the fixture is pushed to approach to the first connector by the handle, so as to make the second connector connect to the first connector in mechanical and electrical. When the handle is operated to move to the second position, the fixture is pulled out by the handle, so as to make the second connector disconnect to the first connector in mechanical and electrical. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a through hole is formed on the fixture, a flexible bolt is configured in the handle, when the handle is operated to move to the first position, the flexible bolt is inserted into the through hole and fixed with the electronic device. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a restriction structure is formed on the fixture, the handle is restricted in the second position when moves to the restriction structure pivotally. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the restriction structure is a cutout, and the cutout is configured on a bending line of the fixture. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fan unit further includes a connector bracket connected to the fixture for fixing the second connector detachably. A first avoidance space is formed in the connector bracket for accommodating a first wire coupled between the second connector and the fan. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fan unit further comprising: a fan indicator light, disposed in front of the fan unit and electrically connected to the fan; wherein, a second avoidance space is formed in a front portion of the fixture for accommodating a second wire coupled between the fan indicator light and the fan. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fixture is configured with a guiding structure formed in a horn shape groove for making the fan unit move along a guiding direction. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the handle comprising: a operating portion; and a pivoting portion, bent from two ends of the operating portion; wherein, the operating portion is forced to drive the pivoting portion move opposite the fixture pivotally. 
     In addition, the present invention further provides a method for assembling a fan unit, adapted for assembling the foregoing fan unit into a electronic device, the electronic device includes a first connector and a accommodating space. The accommodating space is applied to accommodate the fan unit. The method for assembling the fan unit includes steps of: (a) disposing the fan unit into the accommodating space, and make the handle dispose in the second position; (b) pushing the fan unit through the handle to make the second connector connect to the first connector; and (c) moving the handle to the first position pivotally, so as to make the second connector connect to the first connector in mechanical and electrical. 
     Furthermore, the present invention further provides a method for removing a fan unit assembled into electronic device by the foregoing assembling method, wherein the method for removing the fan unit includes steps of: (d) moving the handle from the first position to the second position pivotally; (e) pulling the fan unit through the handle, so as to make the second connector disconnect to the first connector in mechanical and electrical; and (f) taking out the fan unit from the accommodating space. 
     Compared to the prior art, according to the technique related to the structure, the assembling method and the removing method of the fan unit disclosed in the present invention, it can be known that the technique of the present invention can perform the following beneficial effects. The fan unit of the present invention can assemble the fan unit in the electronic device quickly through the handle connected to the fixture. Thus, the fan assembling process becomes easy, convenience, and quick. Simultaneously, when the fan unit of the present invention needs to be removed, the handle can be operated to move pivotally to remove the fan unit form the electronic device quickly, and the removing process is simple, and can be operated conveniently. 
     The fan unit of the present invention can achieve the pivotal position of the handle to be operated conveniently through the engaging connection between the through hole of the fixture and the flexible bolt of the handle. When the handle is located in the first position, the flexible bolt is fixed with the electronic device directly, thus the fan unit can be assembled into the electronic device independently without assembling the fan bracket. Therefore, when the fan needs to be replaced, it is unnecessary to remove the fan bracket, so as to make the removing process of the fan become easier. Simultaneously, the manufacturing cost of the electronic device can be reduced. 
     An cutout restricted the handle in the second position is formed on the bending line of the fixture in the present invention. Compare to the means of applying a protruding structure for stopping in prior art, the structure of the present invention is more simple, and the manufacturing cost is less. The fixture of the present invention is configured with the guiding structure which is applied to guide the fan unit move along the guiding direction. The design of the guiding structure makes the fan unit be assembled fast and accurately. The second avoidance space accommodated the second wire coupled between the fan indicator light and the fan is formed in a front portion of the fixture of the present invention. This design can expand the assembling space of the second wire to make the fan indicator light be assembled smoothly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view illustrating the fan unit according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view illustrating the fan unit being assembled and located in a first position depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a front view illustrating the fan unit being assembled and located in a first position depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a side view illustrating the fan unit being assembled and located in a second position depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view illustrating the fixture of the fan unit according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view illustrating the fixture depicted in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a enlarged view of region A illustrating the fan unit depicted in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2A , and  FIG. 2C ; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view illustrating the fixture depicted in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating the method of assembling a fan unit according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating the method for removing a fan unit according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The invention disclosed herein is directed to a historical work parameter. In the following description, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that variations of these specific details are possible while still achieving the results of the present invention. In other instance, well-known components are not described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view illustrating the fan unit according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a side view illustrating the fan unit being assembled and located in a first position depicted in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2B  is a front view illustrating the fan unit being assembled and located in a first position depicted in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2C  is a side view illustrating the fan unit being assembled and located in a second position depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B , and  FIG. 2C , a fan unit  100  is adapted for an electronic device  10 , such as a server. The electronic device  10  includes a circuit board  11  and a first connector  12  disposed on the circuit board  11 . The fan unit  100  includes a fixture  110 , a fan  120 , a second connector  130 , and a handle  140 . The fan  120  is pivoted to the fixture  110 , and the second connector  130  is electrically connected to fan  120 . 
     The handle  140  is pivoted to the fixture  110 , and the handle  140  is operable to be pivotally moved between a first position (as shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B ) and a second position (as shown in  FIG. 2C ) opposite to the fixture  110 . Specifically, when the first connector  12  and the second connector  130  are connected by a user, a handle  140  can be pivotally moved to the position as shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  opposite to fixture  110 . At this moment, the second connector  130  can be pushed toward the first connector  12  through the fixture  110  by the handle  140  until the second connector  130  is completely plugged to the first connector  12  and electrically connected to the first connector  12 . When the handle  140  is pivotally moved to the position as shown in  FIG. 2B  by the user, the fixture  110  is pulled outwardly by the handle  140  to make the fixture  110  gradually away from the first connector  12 . This operation also makes the second connector  130  disconnect to first connector  12  and interrupt electrical connection. Therefore, the user can remove the connection between the first connector  12  and the second connector  130  conveniently and quickly. 
     When the handle  140  is located in the first position, the handle  140  can reinforce the restriction between the first connector  12  and the second connector  130 , and prevents the disconnection between the first connector  12  and the second connector  130  caused by the vibration of fan  120  or other external forces. Thus, it is able to ensure that the fan unit  100  can be operated normally. In addition, when the handle  140  is located in second position, the second connector  130  can be pulled out from the first connector  12  by the user through handle  140 . 
     In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fan unit  100  can be connected with the electronic device  10  in a hot-plug way by pivotally moving the handle  140 . Therefore, the fan assembling process can become easy, convenience, and quick. 
     Continuously referring to  FIG. 1  the fan unit  100  further includes a connector bracket  150  for fixing the second connector  130  to make the second connector  130  connect to the first connector  12  smoothly. The connector bracket  150  can connect to the fixture  110  detachably, and has function of easy removing and replacing. The connector bracket  150  can be formed in an L-type structure having a horizontal section  151  and a vertical section  152 . The horizontal section  151  is fixed to the fixture  110 , and the vertical section  152  is used for fixing to the second connector  130 . In particular, a slot  153  is configured in the vertical section  152  to make the second connector  130  fit in the slot  153  tightly. Preferably, a first avoidance space  154  is formed in the connector bracket  150  for accommodating the first wire (not shown in figure) coupled between the second connector  130  and the fan  120 . This can restrict the traces space of the first wire, and promotes the comfortability of operation and the esthetics of integral structure. For example, the first avoidance space  154  is a notch. The notch is configured in the horizontal section  151  to make the first wire trace to the vertical section  152  from the horizontal section  151 . 
     In addition, the fan unit  100  usually has a front end and a back end. The front end is close to the user, and the back end is away from the user. Preferably, the second connector  130  is located in the back end of the fan unit  100 . 
     Furthermore, the fan unit  100  further includes a fan indicator light  160  and a indicator light bracket  170 . The fan indicator light  160  and the fan  120  are electrically connected with each other, and the indicator light bracket  170  is applied for fixing the fan indicator light  160 . The indicator light bracket  170  is formed in a L-type structure having a horizontal section  171  and a vertical section  172 . The horizontal section  171  is fixed to the fixture  110 , and the vertical section  172  is used for fixing the fan indicator light  160 . For example, the fan indicator light  160  is a LED light. A body of the LED light is a cylindrical structure. Correspondingly, the vertical section  172  of the indicator light bracket  170  has a hollow cylinder applied for accommodating the cylindrical structure. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fan indicator light  160  is disposed in the front end of the fan unit  100  for the user to observe the operating status directly. 
       FIG. 3  is a front view illustrating the fixture of the fan unit according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 3 , when the fan indicator light  160  is disposed in the front end of the fan unit  100 , a second avoidance space  112  can be formed in a front portion  111  of the fixture  110  (the front end of the fan unit  100 ) for accommodating a second wire coupled between the fan indicator light  160  and the fan  120 . This can simplify wiring means and shorten the trace length, and further ensure the second wire having enough traces space. The second avoidance space  112  is preferably an opening with smooth inner surface, wherein the opening design with smooth inner surface to prevent the second wire from scratching. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  continuously, the handle  140  includes two pivoting portions  141 ,  142  and a operating portion  143 . The two pivoting portions  141 ,  142  are bent from two ends of the operating portion  143 . The operating portion  143  is forced to drive the two pivoting portions  141 ,  142  rotate opposite to fixture  110 . This is, the operating portion  143  can be forced by the user for driving the handle  140  pivotally moved to the first position or the second position. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operating portion  143  and two pivoting portions  141 ,  142  are formed in a U-type structure. The two pivoting portions  141 ,  142  are pivoted to different sides of the handle  140  respectively. The handle formed in the U-type structure can make the operation of handle become comfortable and easy. 
     Preferably, when handle  140  is located in the first position (as shown in  FIG. 2A ), the handle  140  can latch with the fixture  110  automatically to have advantages with positioning accurately, operating conveniently and quickly. The handle  140  is latched with the fixture  110  through engaging connection. 
       FIG. 4  is a top view illustrating the fixture depicted in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2C , and  FIG. 4 , the fixture  110  has an engaging portion  113 . Correspondingly, the handle  140  has another engaging portion  144  fit for the engaging portion  113 . When the handle  140  is pivotally moved to the first position ( FIG. 2A ) opposite to fixture  110 , the engaging portion  144  is engaged with the engaging portion  113  exactly. Compared to the latching type of plugging connection or screwing connection, the engaging connection of the present invention can achieve the positioning latch of the handle  140 , and brings more convenience in operation. 
     Preferably, the engaging portion  113  is a through hole, and the engaging portion  144  is a flexible bolt. When the handle  140  moves to the first position (as shown in  FIG. 2A ) pivotally, the flexible bolt is inserted into the through hole exactly to achieve the positioning latch. Due to the flexible bolt be with the function of axial stretching, the flexible bolt can engage into the through hole automatically by the elastic restoring force itself when the handle  140  moves to the first position pivotally. Therefore, the operation is more convenient and quick. 
     When the flexible bolt and the through hole are engaged with each other, preferably, the fan unit  100  and the electronic device  10  is further fixed directly through the flexible bolt. For example, the fan unit  100  is connected to the electronic device  10  directly through thread structure without the assembling requirement of the fan bracket (the structure for fixing the fan unit  100  on the electronic device  10 ). This means makes the assemblage of the fan become more simpler, convenient, and reduce the configuration components and costs. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the engaging portion  113  is configured in the top of the fixture  110 . When the handle  140  pivotally moves upward to the first position, the engaging portion  144  and the engaging portion  113  are engaged in the top of the fixture  110 . An extending portion  114  is formed on the top of the fixture  110 . The extending portion  114  is formed by the process of punching and bending the top of the fixture  110 , which have the advantage of convenient tooling and low manufacturing cost. Correspondingly, the engaging portion  113  is configured in extending portion  114 . For example, a through hole is formed on the extending portion  114  directly to form the engaging portion  113 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  continuously, a guiding structure  115  is configured on the fixture  110  to make the fan unit  100  move along a guiding direction, and the position of the fan unit  100  can be positioned. People skilled in the art can understand that the guiding direction is the groove direction of the guiding structure  115 .The guiding structure  115  is a groove formed in a horn shape. The outer of the groove is configured to be a guiding lead angle (inclination). In particular, the groove is formed on the top of the fixture  110 , and the opening of the horn-shaped notch is toward to the back end of the fan unit  100 . 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of region A illustrating the fan unit depicted in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2A , and  FIG. 2C . Referring to  FIG. 5 , and also referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2C  simultaneously, a restriction structure  116  is also formed in the fixture  110 . When the handle  140  pivotally moves to the restriction structure  116 , the handle  140  is stopped to restrict in the second position (as shown in  FIG. 2C ). Preferably, the restriction structure  116  is an cutout, and the cutout is formed in the bending line of the fixture  110 . For example, when the handle  140  pivotally moves downward to the cutout, the ends of the two pivoting portion  141 ,  142  withstand the cutout to make the handle  140  stop. Compared to the protruding structure of prior art, taking the cutout formed on the bending line as a stopping structure has advantages of simple structure, convenient tooling, low manufacturing cost. 
       FIG. 6  is a bottom view illustrating the fixture depicted in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the bottom of the fixture  110  is formed with a protruding structure  117  which is an outward protrusion. The amount of the protruding structure  117  can be one or more. The configuration of the protruding structure  117  can reduce the friction, and the fan unit  100  can be pushed more easily. 
     Based on the foregoing fan unit  100 , one preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method for assembling a fan unit  100  in a electronic device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , which is a flow chart illustrating the method of assembling a fan unit according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Except for having the first connector  12 , the electronic device  10  further has an accommodating space for accommodating the fan unit  100 . The method for assembling a fan unit includes the following steps. 
     Step S 1 : disposing the fan unit  100  into the accommodating space, and make the handle  140  dispose in the second position; 
     Step S 2 : pushing the fan unit  100  through the handle  140  to make the second connector  130  connect to the first connector  12 ; and 
     Step S 3 : pivotally moving the handle  140  to the first position, so as to make the second connector  130  plug to the first connector  12  in mechanical and electrical. 
     It is necessary to be emphasized that when the handle  140  is located in the first position, it is necessary to make an engaging connection between the handle  140  and the fixture  110  act for restricting the handle  140  in the first position. In addition, when the handle  140  is engaged with the fixture  110 , preferably, the handle  140  and the electronic device  10  can be fixed with each other for preventing the disconnection caused by the vibration of fan in operation, and have a influence to the normal operation of the fan. 
     The accommodating space of the electronic device  10  can accommodate one or more fan units  100  for providing better performance in heat dissipating. 
     Based on the foregoing method for assembling a fan unit, the present invention further provides a method for removing a fan unit as shown in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating the method for removing a fan unit according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the method for removing a fan unit includes the following steps. 
     Step S 11 : pivotally moving the handle  140  from the first position to the second position; 
     Step S 12 : pulling the fan unit  100  through the handle  140 , so as to make the second connector  130  disconnect to the first connector  12  in mechanical and electrical; and 
     Step S 13 : Taking out the fan unit  100  from the accommodating space. 
     Thus, the removing process is simple, and the operation is convenient. Compare to the prior art, the fan unit of the present invention  100  can assemble the fan unit  100  in the electronic device  10  quickly through the handle  140  pivotally connected to fixture  110 . Therefore, the assembling process of the fan  120  becomes easy, convenient, and quick. Simultaneously, when the fan unit of the present invention  100  is removed, the fan unit  100  can be removed from the electronic device  10  quickly by pivotally moving the handle  140 . Therefore, the removing process is simple, and the operation is convenient. 
     In addition, in the fan unit  100  of the present invention, pivotal position can be achieved to operate conveniently through the engaging connection between the through hole of the fixture  110  and the flexible bolt of the handle  140 . Furthermore, when the handle  140  is located in the first position, the flexible bolt is fixed to the electronic device  10  directly to make the fan unit  100  be assembled into the electronic device  10  independently without assembling the fan bracket. Therefore, when the fan  120  needs to be replaced, it is unnecessary to remove the fan bracket, and make the removing process of the fan  120  become easier. Simultaneously, the manufacturing cost of the electronic device  10  can be reduced. 
     Furthermore, in the fixture  110  of the present invention, the cutout (restriction structure  116 ) restricted the handle in the second position is configured in the bending line of the fixture  110 . Compare to means of applying a protruding structure for stopping in prior art, the structure of the present invention is more simple, and the manufacturing cost is less. 
     Furthermore, in the fixture  110  of the present invention, the guiding structure  115  is formed on the fixture  110  to guide the fan unit  100  to move along the guiding direction. The design of the guiding structure makes the assemblage of the fan unit  100  fast and accurately. 
     Furthermore, in the fixture of the present invention, the second avoidance space accommodated the second wire coupled between the fan indicator light  160  and the fan  120  is configured in front  111  of the fixture  110 . This design can expand the assembling space of the second wire to make the assemblage of the fan indicator light  160  become smooth. 
     While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.