1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to mechanical fasteners, and in particular, to a mechanism for positioning an electronic assembly within a housing, such as, for example, a printed circuit board within an electronic chassis.
2. Background
Printed circuit boards (PCB) are used in many electronic devices, such as telecommunications equipment. In these devices, PCBs are often electrically connected to a back-plane using connectors that extend from the printed circuit card and that mate with connectors located on the backplane.
Generally, mechanical systems used for insertion and extraction of PCBs comprise a handle secured to the front end of the PCB or a pair of cam levers that cooperate with the front end of the chassis and slotted rail guides dedicated to each PCB mounted in an electronic chassis assembly.
Insertion and extraction handles present the advantage of being very simple. However, the disadvantage of these systems is that they are not usable with connectors requiring a high insertion and retention force to overcome mechanical resistance to properly mate the connector.
For this type of connector, a cam lever based mechanism is better suited. Some cam lever systems further comprise a snap latch system that cooperate with a mechanical part secured to the PCB to insure an automatic latching of the PCB in the chassis. The two following patents illustrate some prior art solutions.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,646 from Leung discloses an improved latching lever for use with a PCB. The latching mechanism comprises a hooked portion flexibly connected to the body portion of the latching lever, an actuating member solidly connected to the hooked portion for moving the hooked portion relative to the body portion, and a stop portion, solidly connected to the body portion for limiting the movement of the actuating member. A stud carried by the PCB is engaged by the hooked portion of the lever to enable the lever to latch. Moving the actuating member to contact the stop portion disengages the hooked portion from the stud, thereby unlatching the lever, and leaving the lever free to pivot about its pivot point.
In commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,579, a snap latch insertion and removal lever is described. The snap latch device has a handle with a pair of cam members extending from a lower end. The device also has a flexible snap which protrudes from the handle. The front end of the snap has a barbed lip. The device is designed to interlock a shuttle assembly to a stationary chassis. The device is pivotally mounted to the shuttle which carries a board with connectors. The device is movable between an engaged position and a retracted position. In the engaged position, the cam members engage an end wall on the chassis and the snap inserts through and engages a hole in the shuttle. The mechanical interlock between the cam members and the end wall rigidly secures the shuttle in the chassis. The device is moved to the retracted position by pulling back on the snap to dislodge the barbed lip. This release allows the device to rotate so that the cam members disengage the end wall. After the snap and cam members are clear of the hole and end wall, respectively, the shuttle may be completely removed from the chassis. The shuttle may be inserted and locked into the chassis by reversing these steps. The snap provides visual and audible feedback to the installer to insure a proper connection between the mating connectors on the shuttle and chassis.
One drawback of prior art designs is that the force required to mate the PCB is applied on the front end of the card while connectors are located on the back end. This results in undesired flexing of the PCB during insertion, thereby decreasing its reliability and utility by creating a heightened risk of micro cracks within the internal signal layers of the PCB.
The present invention relates to an apparatus for easy insertion, latching and removal of a PCB into a chassis.
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus for positioning an electronic PCB assembly within a chassis housing comprises a lever and a rod. The electronic PCB assembly includes at least one connector and the chassis backplane includes at least one connector adapted for electrically connecting to the PCB connector when the PCB is latched within the housing. The lever includes a mechanical pivot joint that is rotated about the edge of the chassis housing. The lever is movable between a first position and a second position to allow the connector mounted on the PCB to engage the backplane connector by actuating the lever downward, or to disengage the PCB connector from the backplane connector by actuating the lever upward. The rod is coupled to the PCB by a rod pivot and coupled to the lever by a lever pivot that enables movement of the rod along the same plane in which the lever is actuated.
The arrangement of the mechanical pivot joint, the rod pivot and the lever pivot is such that the electronic assembly is latched within the housing when the lever is set in the second position.
The lever preferably comprises a handle and the mechanical pivot joint comprises an upper cam lever and a lower cam lever that contact the housing when the handle is moved from the first position to the second position.
FIG. 1. Illustrates a front view of the printed circuit board, the chassis, the backplane and the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2. Shows an enlarged front view of the right side of the printed circuit board, the chassis, the backplane and the apparatus according to the invention in the engaged position.
FIG. 3. Illustrates an enlarged front view of the right side of the printed circuit board, the chassis, the backplane and the apparatus according to the invention in the released position.
FIG. 4. Shows a profile view of a rod and a cut view of a lever.
Referring to
One mechanism 100 for inserting, extracting and latching the PCB into the chassis is shown mounted on the right and the left sides, respectively, of the PCB 130. As shown in
When operated, mechanism 100 moves from an engaged or locked position (shown on
Referring to
In the described embodiment, the PCB 130 is guided perpendicularly to backplane 110 with pin guides 220 that are secured either to the backplane 110 or to the chassis 120. The pin guides 220 may be cylindrical metal parts having a cone-shaped upper end to engage facing pin holes 221 located on the bottom part of the PCB.
The holder 106 is secured to the PCB 130 with screws (as illustrated on
To insert the PCB 130 within the chassis 120, mechanism 100 is moved in engaged position by pushing on handle 250. The description herein is made in reference to one mechanism located on one side of the PCB but the principles described are identical for a second mechanism located on the opposite side of the PCB 130.
Referring to
As rod 104 rotates also around holder 106 with rod pivot 202 and as pin hole 221 contacts pin guide 220, holder 106 and PCB 130 move downward vertically. The mechanical force required to mate PCB connector 113 with backplane connector 111 is applied at a point much closer to the PCB connector then prior art solutions, thereby reducing the risk of damage coincident with PCB insertion and extraction.
If the operator continues pushing on handle 250, PCB 130 is moved further downward until lower contact zone 261, pivot 201 and pivot 202 are aligned. The mechanism 100 then reaches a static position where lever 102 and handle 250 are substantially horizontal.
If counterclockwise pressure on handle 250 is exerted after PCB 130 is fully seated in the chassis, lower cam lever 281 continues to rotate around lower contact zone 261, actuating lever pivot 201 and causing rod 104 to move upward. As a consequence, rod pivot 202, holder 106 and PCB 130 are moved upward slightly, thereby avoiding damage to PCB 130. Movement of handle 250 is stopped when it contacts the upper boundary 272 of holder 106. The physical tolerance between the handle 250 and upper boundary 272 of holder 106 is very small since a larger dimension would cause the PCB to disengage PCB connector 113 from backplane connector 111. The angle formed between rod pivot 202 and lower contact zone 261 is less than 180° when mechanism 100 is in the engaged position and PCB 130 is latched into chassis 120. An upward vertical force applied to the PCB 130 will tend to move lever 102 counterclockwise. As it contacts upper boundary 272, mechanism 100 is in the locked position. The only way to extract the PCB 130 is to pull handle 250, which provides the assurance that PCB connector 113 will not unintentionally disengage from backplane connector 111 and eliminates the need for a screw or other supplemental fastening device.
Rod 104 preferably bends a little during the insertion operation for two reasons. First, it will accommodate the physical clearances and tolerances associated with a particular installation and second, rod 104 will act as a spring reinforcing the latching effect of mechanism 100.
Another advantage of the invention is that when lever 102 is actuated counterclockwise, the operator applies a certain force to mate PCB connector 113 with the backplane connector 111 but once pivot 201 passes beyond the position where pivot 201, contact zone 261 and pivot 202 are aligned, the applied force is significantly reduced. This is due to the spring effect of lever 102, until handle 250 comes in contact with an upper boundary 272. This provides the installer, who cannot see the back end of the PCB a positive feedback indicating that the card is fully seated in the backplane connector.
Another main advantage of the present invention already mentioned is that the force required to mate PCB and backplane connectors is applied at a point near the back end side of the PCB. This approach reduces the bending of the PCB when inserting it into the chassis. Consequently, the risk of damage to an electrical component, trace, solder joint or the connectors is lessened considerably. Neither is a heavy holder required or in some implementations no holder at all may be required. Similarly, a heavy guiding system designed to reduce flexing and deformation of the PCB may be eliminated. However, depending on the system operating environment, a light weight rail guide may be provided. For example, in the case where the system environment subjects the chassis assembly to pronounced accelerative forces or thermal stress.
Accordingly, the invention is directed toward a mechanism that allows a PCB to be firmly secured into the chassis and provides positive feedback to the user indicating the circuit board is fully seated in the chassis and the connectors are securely coupled.
Referring now to
Referring to
Holder 106 may further comprise a pin 271 to guide the rotation of lever 102 within the open circular slot 251. The circular slot 251 and pin 271 are not required elements for insertion, extraction or latching of the PCB 130, but serve to reduce mechanical stress during insertion and extraction of the PCB. As lever 102 rotates either around upper contact zone 260 or lower contact zone 261 a large clearance is present between open circular slot 251 and pin 271.
a illustrates a profile view (B—B) of a rod 104 utilized in the embodiment described above. The first end of the rod 104 is coupled to the lever 102 at the lever pivot 201 and the second end of the rod 104 is coupled through the holder 106 at the rod pivot 202.
An advantage of the invention is to apply the force necessary to mate the PCB connectors with the backplane connectors at the most optimal location. The invention also provides a positive feedback to the installer that the printed circuit card is fully seated and the connectors are coupled securely. In addition, the invention provides a method for easy securing of the PCB whatever the retention force of the connectors.
The present invention has been described in preferred embodiments that present various advantages, such as smooth latching of the PCB in a chassis and positive feedback for a complete fit. While the invention has been described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is understood that numerous other modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
03368042 | Apr 2003 | EP | regional |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
4197572 | Aimar | Apr 1980 | A |
4597173 | Chino et al. | Jul 1986 | A |
4778401 | Boudreau et al. | Oct 1988 | A |
4914552 | Kecmer | Apr 1990 | A |
4917618 | Behrens et al. | Apr 1990 | A |
4996631 | Freehauf | Feb 1991 | A |
5003431 | Imsdahl | Mar 1991 | A |
5030108 | Babow et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
5139430 | Lewis et al. | Aug 1992 | A |
5140501 | Takahashi et al. | Aug 1992 | A |
5151041 | Kaiser et al. | Sep 1992 | A |
5162979 | Anzelone et al. | Nov 1992 | A |
5191970 | Brockway et al. | Mar 1993 | A |
5208942 | Simon | May 1993 | A |
5222897 | Collins et al. | Jun 1993 | A |
5293303 | Fletcher et al. | Mar 1994 | A |
5309325 | Dreher et al. | May 1994 | A |
5317480 | Chandraiah et al. | May 1994 | A |
5317482 | Bujtas | May 1994 | A |
5340340 | Hastings et al. | Aug 1994 | A |
5373419 | Wright | Dec 1994 | A |
5386346 | Gleadall | Jan 1995 | A |
5398164 | Goodman et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
5414594 | Hristake | May 1995 | A |
5434752 | Huth et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
5502622 | Cromwell | Mar 1996 | A |
5587888 | Joist | Dec 1996 | A |
5629836 | Wright | May 1997 | A |
5669512 | Joslin | Sep 1997 | A |
5675475 | Mazura et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5793614 | Tollbom | Aug 1998 | A |
5940276 | Kurrer et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5989043 | Han et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
6147872 | Roy | Nov 2000 | A |
6148506 | Vermette | Nov 2000 | A |
6160717 | Desousa et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
6220879 | Ulrich | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6266253 | Kurrer et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6267614 | Good et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6361335 | Calanni et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6381146 | Sevier | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6413122 | Fujioka | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6475016 | Heidenreich et al. | Nov 2002 | B1 |
6515866 | Ulrich | Feb 2003 | B1 |
6561826 | Puri et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
6582241 | Lutz, Jr. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6648667 | Heidenreich et al. | Nov 2003 | B1 |
6752641 | Puri et al. | Jun 2004 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20040219811 A1 | Nov 2004 | US |