Patent Publication Number: US-6661654-B2

Title: Computer having option card module latching and drive bay pivot structures

Description:
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/060,065 filed on Apr. 14, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to electronic apparatus and, in a preferred embodiment thereof, more particularly relates to a computer system having enhanced serviceability. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Recent improvements have been made in computer serviceability. For example, in patent application Ser. No. 08/681,060, filed Jul. 22, 1996 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, a modular desktop computer is disclosed in which an option card module is installed in a chassis of the computer in a manner enhancing the structural properties of the chassis while enhancing access to a system board or motherboard of the computer. The disclosure of that application is incorporated herein by this reference. In one aspect disclosed in the application, the option card module may be relatively easily removed from the chassis to permit convenient access to the system board. 
     However, it would be even more advantageous to permit convenient access to the system board without requiring removal of the option card module from the chassis. This would make servicing the system board less time-consuming, aid in preventing damage to the option card module or components thereof, and generally decrease the costs involved with assembling, disassembling and maintaining the computer. It would also be advantageous to be able to perform these operations without the need of removing fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc. 
     Additionally, due at least in part to the rapid increase in capacity of storage media devices, such as bard disk drives, CD ROM&#39;s, tape drives, etc., it is becoming quite common for a computer end customer to change storage media devices, for example, to increase the hard disk drive storage capacity or to increase the CD ROM speed capacity, etc. Alternatively, such installation and/or removal of storage media devices may be performed by a computer vendor in order to customize the computer for the customer. It would, thus, be advantageous to provide a computer system in which it is convenient for the customer, vendor, etc. to exchange storage media devices or otherwise install or remove storage media devices therein or therefrom. 
     In the above-referenced patent application, a drive bay module is slidingly received in the computer&#39;s chassis, thereby permitting convenient access to side mountings of storage media devices and connectors at rear portions of the devices. Fasteners were utilized to secure the drive bay module within the remainder of the chassis. It would be advantageous to provide increased convenience in mounting and removing storage media devices in a drive bay module, and to do so without requiring fasteners to be installed or removed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In carrying out principles of the present invention, in accordance with a described embodiment thereof, a computer system is provided which includes a uniquely configured chassis. The chassis includes several features which enhance serviceability of the computer. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, the chassis includes an option card module that is positionable relative to the remainder of the chassis through the use of novel latch structures. The latch structures both displace the option card module relative to a wall of the chassis, and permit the option card module to be retained in a position that allows removal of a system board from the chassis, without removing the option card module from the chassis, and without requiring removal of any fasteners. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, the option card module is selectively positionable in first and second positions relative to the remainder of the chassis. In the first position, a connector of the option card module is interconnected to a connector on the system board and the option card module prevents the system board from displacing relative to the chassis. In the second position, the option card module is displaced away from the system board, thereby disconnecting the connectors and permitting the system board to displace relative to the remainder of the chassis. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the latch structures are uniquely configured to displace the option card module between the first and second positions. Additionally, when the latch structures have displaced the option card module to the second position, the latch structures may be locked in place, thereby preventing the option card module from inadvertently displacing back to the first position, which could cause damage to the option card module or the system board. 
     In still another aspect of the present invention, a drive bay module is pivotably mounted relative to a wall of the chassis. By pivoting the drive bay module outward from the remainder of the chassis, access is provided to electrical connectors and retainers for securing storage media devices within the module. A friction clutch permits the drive bay module to be pivoted a selected amount relative to the remainder of the chassis and remain in that position while the drive bay module is being serviced. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a simplified view of a computer system embodying principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a CPU unit chassis of the computer system of FIG. 1, the chassis incorporating a pivoting drive bay structure and embodying principles of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 3A&amp;B are elevational and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a pivot structure of the drive bay structure of FIG. 2; 
     FIGS. 4A&amp;B are elevational views of a latch structure embodying principles of the present invention, the latch structure being shown in a latched position in FIG. 4A, and in an unlatched and supporting position in FIG. 4B; 
     FIGS. 5A&amp;B are elevational views taken from within the chassis of FIG. 2, showing two of the latch structure of FIGS. 4A&amp;B operatively mounted to the chassis and an option card module within the chassis, the latch structures being shown in a latched position in FIG. 5A, and in an unlatched and supporting position in FIG. 5B; 
     FIGS. 6A&amp;B are elevational views taken from within the chassis of FIG. 2, on an opposite side of the option card module as compared to that shown in FIGS. 5A&amp;B, showing the latch structure of FIGS. 4A&amp;B operatively mounted to the chassis and the option card module within the chassis, the latch structures being shown in a latched position in FIG. 6A, and in an unlatched and supporting position in FIG. 6B; 
     FIGS. 7A&amp;B are rear elevational views of the chassis of FIG. 2, showing an interconnection between the option card module, a tray and a system board or motherboard mounted to the tray, the latch structures being shown in a latched position in FIG. 7A, and in an unlatched and supporting position in FIG. 7B; and 
     FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the chassis of FIG. 2, showing the motherboard and tray being removed from the chassis, with the latch structures in an unlatched and supporting position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a computer system  10  embodying principles of the present invention. The computer system  10  is depicted as a desktop-type computer including a CPU unit  12 , a monitor  14 , a keyboard  16  and a graphic input device or mouse  18 . However, it is to be clearly understood that principles of the present invention may be incorporated into other types of computers and other electronic devices. For example, the computer system  10  could be a notebook or laptop computer, a tower computer, an electronic device other than a computer, etc., without departing from the principles of the present invention. 
     The CPU unit  12  includes a chassis  20  (not visible in FIG. 1, see FIG. 2) and a cover  22  installed on the chassis. A floppy disk drive  24 , a CD ROM drive  26  and a hard disk drive  28  (not visible in FIG. 1, see FIG. 2) are operatively installed in the chassis  20 , with only the floppy disk and CD ROM drives being visible through a front bezel  30  of the cover  22  when it is operatively installed. Of course, other storage media devices, other types of storage media devices, other combinations of storage media devices, fewer or greater numbers of storage media devices, etc. may be used in place of, or in addition to, the drives  24 ,  26 ,  28  described herein, without departing from the principles of the present invention. 
     Referring additionally now to FIG. 2, the computer  10  is representatively illustrated in somewhat greater detail with the cover  22  removed therefrom. Additionally, the computer  10  is shown with a drive bay module or structure  32  pivoted upwardly and forwardly relative to the remainder of the chassis  20 . The drive bay module  32  is prevented from pivoting relative to the remainder of the chassis  20  by the cover  22  when it is operatively attached to the chassis. 
     With the cover  22  removed, the drive bay module  32  may be pivoted relative to a lower wall  34  of the chassis  20 , as indicated by the arrow labeled “1”, in order to permit enhanced access to the drives  24 ,  26 ,  28  installed thereon and therein. Note that access to retaining structures or retainers  38  securing the floppy disk and CD ROM drives  24 ,  26  within the drive bay module  32  is blocked by an upstanding wall  36  (not visible in FIG. 2, see FIG. 8) of the chassis  20  when the drive bay module is downwardly pivoted, but access to the retainers is permitted when the drive bay module is pivoted upward as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     Another retainer  40  secures the hard disk drive  28  to a side of the drive bay module  32 . The retainer  40  is in close proximity to the cover  22  when it is installed on the chassis  20 , and this relationship between the retainer and the cover prevents the retainer from being inadvertently actuated to release the hard disk drive  28  when the cover is installed. 
     Thus, by removing the cover  22 , access is provided to the retainers  38 ,  40 . The retainers  38 ,  40  may then be lifted in the direction indicated by the arrows labeled “2” to release the hard disk drive  28  for displacement in the direction indicated by the arrow labeled “3”, and to release the floppy disk and CD ROM drives  24 ,  26  for displacement in the direction indicated by the arrow labeled “4”. Of course, the drive bay module  32  must be pivoted forward to gain access to the retainers  38  as described above. Forward pivoting of the drive bay module  32  also permits enhanced access to electrical connectors (not shown) at the rear of each of the drives  24 ,  26 ,  28 . 
     The drive bay module  32  is pivotably attached to the remainder of the chassis  20  by means of a pivot structure  42 . An enlarged view of the pivot structure  42  apart from the remainder of the chassis  20  may be seen in FIG.  3 A. The pivot structure  42  includes a rod  44 , a mounting plate  46  and a friction clutch  48 . The mounting plate  46  is provided with openings  50  for attaching the pivot structure  42  to the drive bay module  32 . The rod  44  is flattened at each of its ends, and openings  52  are formed through each of the ends for attaching the pivot structure to the remainder of the chassis  20 . A cross-sectional view of the pivot structure  42  is shown in FIG. 3B, taken along line  3 B— 3 B of FIG.  3 A. 
     The friction clutch  48  is formed by inserting the rod  44  through a rolled portion of the mounting plate  46 . The mounting plate  46  grips the rod  44 , thereby preventing rotation of the mounting plate about the rod  44  until a sufficient force is applied to the mounting plate to overcome the friction between the mounting plate and rod. In this manner, the drive bay module  32  may be pivoted to a desired position relative to the remainder of the chassis  20  during service, without danger of the drive bay module inadvertently falling forward or backward. That is, the friction clutch  48  permits the drive bay module  32  to be pivoted a desired amount and remain there, until a sufficient force is applied thereto to pivot the drive bay module to another desired position. It is to be clearly understood, however, that other pivot structures, whether or not including friction clutches, may be utilized without departing from the principles of the present invention. 
     Note that in FIG. 2, an option card module  56 , with option cards  58  operatively connected therein, is shown installed in the chassis  20 . The option card module  56  is interconnected to a system board module  60  in the chassis  20  in a manner described more fully below. 
     Referring additionally now to FIGS. 4A&amp;B, a latch structure  54  embodying principles of the present invention is representatively illustrated apart from the remainder of the chassis  20  at an enlarged scale. The latch structure  54  is utilized in general to control positioning of the option card module  56  relative to the remainder of the chassis  20 , and specifically to control displacement of the option card module relative to the system board module  60 . 
     The latch structure  54  includes a pivot portion  62 , a lever  64 , and two guides  66 ,  68 . When operatively installed in the chassis  20 , the guide  68  is attached to the option card module  56  by means of openings  70  formed therethrough, and the guide  66  is attached to the upstanding wall  36  of the chassis by means of openings  72  formed therethrough. The guides  66 ,  68  have complementarily shaped elongated profiles  74  formed thereon, which permit smooth linear displacement of one guide relative to the other. 
     The lever  64  includes a handle  76  and an engagement portion  78 . The engagement portion  78  is received within a recess  80  formed on the guide  66  as shown in FIG.  4 A. As will be described more fully below, the lever  64  is pivotably attached at its pivot portion  62  to the option card module  56 . The lever  64  is in close proximity to the cover  22  when it is operatively installed on the chassis  20 , the cover preventing the handle  76  from pivoting upwardly about the pivot portion  62 . Therefore, with the engagement portion  78  engaged within the recess  80  as shown in FIG. 4A, and the cover  22  operatively installed on the chassis  20 , it will be readily appreciated that the option card module  56  is prevented from displacing relative to the wall  36  to which the guide  66  is attached. 
     Referring additionally now to FIG. 4B, the latch structure  54  is representatively illustrated with the handle  76  pivoted upward about the pivot portion  62 . Such upward pivoting of the handle  76  has caused the engagement portion  78  to push downwardly on the recess  80 , thereby displacing the lever  64  upward relative to the guide  66 . Since both the lever  64  and the guide  68  are attached to the option card module  56 , the guide  68  and option card module are displaced upward relative to the wall  36  along with the lever  64 . 
     At this point, the option card module  56  is suspended by the lever  64 . With the weight of the option card module  56  bearing downwardly on the lever  64 , the engagement portion is engaged with another recess  82  formed on the guide  66 . Note that the recess  82  is inclined laterally at the point where the engagement portion  78  is engaged therewith. The inclined portion of the recess  82  biases the engagement portion  78  to the right as viewed in FIG. 4B, that is, in a direction opposite to that in which the engagement portion must be displaced to again downwardly displace the option card module  56  relative to the wall  36 . Thus, the option card module  56  is not permitted to displace downwardly relative to the wall  36  until the lever  64  is rotated clockwise as viewed in FIG. 4B with sufficient force to overcome the biasing force exerted by the recess  82  on the engagement portion  78  due to the weight of the option card module. In this manner, the option card module  56  is prevented from inadvertently displacing downwardly relative to the remainder of the chassis  20 . However, it is to be clearly understood that other types of latch structures and other methods of displacing and positioning the option card module  56  relative to the system board module  60  may be utilized without departing from the principles of the present invention. 
     Referring additionally now to FIG. 5A, two of the latch structures  54  are representatively illustrated installed in the chassis  20 , only the option card module  56  and system board module  60  portions of the chassis being shown for illustrative clarity. As described above, the guides  68  are attached to the option card module  56  and the guides  66  are attached to the wall  36  (not shown in FIG.  5 A). The levers  64  are also attached to the option card module  56  at the pivot portions  62 . The pivot portions  62  pivot about pivot pins  84  installed therethrough and through the option card module  56 . Note that, with the cover  22  installed, the handles  76  are prevented from pivoting upwardly. 
     The system board module  60  includes a tray  86  and a motherboard or system board  88  attached to an upper side surface of the tray. The system board module  60  is laterally slidably received in the chassis  20  in a manner that is more fully described below. 
     With the option card module  56  in its downwardly disposed position as shown in FIG. 5A, a riser card  90  of the option card module is interconnected to the system board  88  by means of card edge connectors  92 ,  94 . As representatively illustrated, the male connector  92  is on the riser card  90  and the female connector  94  is on the system board  88 , but these connectors could be oppositely mounted and other types of connectors could be utilized without departing from the principles of the present invention. Additionally, the option card module  56  prevents displacement of the system board module  60  relative to the remainder of the chassis  20  when the option card module is in its downwardly disposed position, in a manner that is more fully described below. 
     Referring additionally now to FIG. 5B, the option card module  56  is shown in its upwardly disposed position, the handles  76  of the latching structures  54  having been rotated upwardly. The connector  92  is now disconnected from the connector  94 . Additionally, the system board  60  is now free to displace laterally relative to the option card module  56  and the remainder of the chassis  20 . The recesses  82  prevent inadvertent rotation of the handles  76  by cooperative engagement with the engagement portions  78 . Thus, the weight of the option card module  56  is used to prevent its being dropped, which could cause damage to the option card module, the system board module  60 , or other portions of the chassis  20 . 
     Referring additionally now to FIG. 6A, the option card module  56  is shown in its downwardly disposed position from an opposite side as compared to that shown in FIGS. 5A&amp;B. The handles  76  are in their downwardly pivoted positions, maintaining the interconnection between the connectors  92 ,  94  and preventing displacement of the system board module  60  relative to the remainder of the chassis  20 . 
     In this view it may be seen that a generally C-shaped lock portion  96  is formed on each of the levers  64  opposite the engagement portion  78 . The lock portion  96  is shaped to complementarily engage a lock structure or pin  98  attached to or formed on the option card module  56  when the handle  76  is rotated upward to raise the option card module to its upwardly disposed position. 
     Referring additionally now to FIG. 6B, the option card module  56  is shown in its upwardly disposed position. The handles  76  have been rotated upwardly about the pivot pins  84 , thereby engaging the lock portions  96  with the pins  98 . Each of the lock portions  96  grippingly engages its respective pin  98  and prevents its respective handle  76  from being rotated downwardly until a predetermined force is applied to the handle to overcome the gripping force of the lock portion on the pin. Thus, the engagement between the lock portions  96  and the pins  98  provides additional assurance that the option card module  56  will not be downwardly displaced relative to the remainder of the chassis  20  until it is desired to do so. 
     Referring additionally now to FIG. 7A, the option card module  56  is shown in its downwardly disposed position, from a rear view thereof. In this view, the manner in which the option card module  56  selectively permits and prevents displacement of the system board module  60  relative to the remainder of the chassis  20  may be clearly seen. A rear upstanding wall portion  100  of the option card module  56  is disposed inwardly adjacent a laterally inclined upstanding rear wall portion  102  of the tray  86 . Thus, the tray  86  is prevented from displacing forwardly relative to the remainder of the chassis  20 . 
     Referring additionally now to FIG. 7B, the option card module  56  is shown in its upwardly disposed position. It may now be clearly seen that an upstanding wall portion  104  of the system board module  60 , which was disposed inwardly adjacent a vertical wall portion  106  of the option card module  56  as shown in FIG. 7A, is now spaced apart from the wall portion  106 . With the connectors  92 ,  94  now disconnected as well, the system board module  60  may now be slid rearwardly and out of the chassis  20 . Thus, to remove the system board module  60  from the chassis  20 , a user must merely remove the cover  22 , rotate the handles  76  upward, and slide the tray  86  out of the chassis. It will be readily appreciated that this procedure for removing the system board module  60  may be performed quickly and conveniently, and may be performed without the need of removing any fasteners. Additionally, due to the unique latching structures  54 , the option card module  56  is safely suspended relative to the remainder of the chassis  20 , and may be readily reconnected with the system board module  60  when it is reinstalled in the chassis. 
     Referring additionally now to FIG. 8, the procedure for removing the system board module  60  is representatively illustrated. With the cover  22  removed from the chassis  20 , the handles  76  of the latch structures  54  are pivoted upward as indicated by the arrows labeled “1”. The option card module  56  is thereby displaced upward relative to the remainder of the chassis  20 , the connectors  92 ,  94  are disconnected, and the option card module is disengaged from the system board module  60 . The system board module  60  is thus permitted to displace laterally out of the remainder of the chassis  20  as indicated by the arrow labeled “2”. 
     In this manner, the system board  60  may be conveniently removed from the chassis  20  for service, upgrading, etc. For example, components on the system board  88 , such as a microprocessor  108 , or a data storage device  110 , such as RAM, operative to store data that may be retrieved by the microprocessor, may be replaced, upgraded, added, etc. 
     Note that a front vertical wall  112  of the option card module  56  has a fan  114  attached to a rear side surface thereof. Thus, when the option card module  56  is displaced between its upwardly and downwardly disposed positions, the fan  114  is displaced therewith. A housing  116  of the fan  114  has generally horizontally disposed linear card edge guides  118  formed thereon, so that when the cards  58  are installed in the option card module  56 , the card edge guides provide support for the cards. Of course, the cards  58  must be of sufficient length to extend forward to the card edge guides  118 . 
     The foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood is as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited solely by the appended claims.