Latch mechanism

Abstract

A latch mechanism is applied in a notebook PC or similar apparatus with a base and foldable cover. The latch mechanism includes a first fastener installed in a foldable cover and a second fastener installed in a base. A bump is formed in the coupling surface of the first fastener and a corresponding recess is formed in the coupling surface of the second fastener. When coupling, the bump is wedged in the corresponding recess.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is based on, and claims priority from, Taiwan Application Serial Number 94102531, filed Jan. 27, 2005, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a latch mechanism, and more particularly to a portable computer latch mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A portable computer includes a base and a foldable cover that connects with the base through a shaft mechanism. A screen is embedded in the foldable cover. While in use, the foldable cover is lifted to separate from the base for exposing the embedded screen. While in movement, the foldable cover is closed to the base. A latch mechanism is used to fix the foldable cover and the base while closing to prevent the screen from damage.

[0004] Typically, a latch mechanism includes a hook and a ring respectively installed in the base and the foldable cover. A spring is connected with the hook to modify the hook position. When the base and the foldable cover are folded, the hook grapples with the ring to fix the base and the cover. When the foldable cover is lifted, the hook is moved from its original position by deforming the spring to separate the cover and the base. However, when the cover and base are separated, the hook usually protrudes from the surface. A careless user often breaks the protruding hook. Moreover, a spring is used to define the hook orientation. Once the spring has been permanently deformed because of fatigue, the spring may not bring the hook to the latch position again, which affects the fixed stability. Further, when a computer is used as a writing tablet, the protruding hook impedes the user from writing on the screen.

[0005] For resolving the foregoing problems, a magnetic latch has been developed. However, the magnetic field must be limited within a special range to avoid damaging the electrical device inside the base. In other words, the clasping strength of the magnetic latch has an inherent limitation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a latch mechanism used in the portable computer to improve the fixing efficiency.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an interference type latch mechanism for rigidly fixing the cover and the base.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides an interference type latch mechanism. This latch mechanism can be used in a portable computer or the like apparatus with a base and foldable cover.

[0009] This interference type latch mechanism includes a first fastener and a second fastener. The first fastener is installed in the cover. The second fastener is installed in the base. In a preferred embodiment, a bump is formed in the coupling surface of the first fastener. A corresponding recess is formed in the coupling surface of the second fastener. In the other embodiment, a bump is formed in the coupling surface of the second fastener. A corresponding recess is formed in the coupling surface of the first fastener.

[0010] When the cover is closed to the base, the first fastener coupling with the second fastener. The bump is wedged into the recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated and better understood by referencing the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a latch mechanism installed in a portable computer according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged diagram of the region 150 in FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of using the latch mechanism to fix the cover and the base according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged diagram of the region 160 in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] The latch mechanism of the present invention may improve the fixing stability when the cover is closed. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a latch mechanism installed in a portable computer according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. This portable computer includes a cover 110 and a base 120. A latch mechanism of the present inveniotn is installed in the portable computer. This latch mechanism includes a first fastener 130 and a second fastener 140. The first fastener 130 is installed in the rim of the cover 110. The second fastener 140 is installed in the rim of the base 120. in a preferred embodiment, the first fastener 130 and the second fastener 140 are made by a metal material.

[0017] The first fastener 130 is composed of three parts including a holding part 130a, an extending part 132 and a coupling part 130b. The holding part is joined to the rim of the cover 110 and through the extending part 132 to connect with the coupling part 130b. The extending part 132 extends from the cover 110 so as to make the coupling part 130b located lower than the holding part 130a. In other words, the first fastener 130 has a zigzag shape that is from the holding part 130a through the extending part 132 bent smoothly down to the coupling part 130b. The second fastener 140 has a strip shape and is joined to the rim of the base 120.

[0018] In othe embodiment, the first fastener can be installed in the rim of the base 120. The second fastener can be installed in the rim of the cover 110. In this embodiment, the first fastener 130 has a zigzag shape that is from the holding part 130a through the extending part 132 bent smoothly up to the coupling part 130b.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged diagram of the region 150 in FIG. 1. The coupling part 130b protrudes from the cover 110. The protruding coupling part 130b may couple with the second fastener 140 when the cover 110 is closed against the base 120. Moreover, a bump 135 is formed in the coupling surface of the first fastener 130. A corresponding recess (not shown in this figure) is formed in the coupling surface of the second fastener 140. When the cover 110 is closed, the bump 135 is wedged into the corresponding recess to improve the clasping strength between the cover 110 and the base 120.

[0020] In another embodiment, the bump 135 can also be formed in the coupling surface of the second fastener 140. A corresponding recess (not shown in this figure) is formed in the coupling surface of the first fastener 130. The height of the bump 130, the depth of the recess and the area of the coupling surface are related to the clasping strength. In other words, when requiring a higher clasping strength, a higher bump and a larger coupling surface are required. According to the preferred embodiment, the bump has a hemispherical shape.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of using the latch mechanism to fix the cover and the base according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. When the cover 110 is closed, the coupling surfaces of the first fastener 130 and the second fastener 140 are connected to each other. A tight clasp can be reached by the bump wedging into the corresponding recess. It is noticed that the positions of the first fastener 130 and the second fastener 140 respectively located in the cover 110 and the base 120 can be changed as long as the two fasteners 130 and 140 can be coupled together when the cover 110 is closed. In other words, the user can freely modify the latch mechanism position in the portable computer based on the usage condition. For example, the latch mechanisms can be designed to locate in different positions for different persons.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged diagram of the region 160 in FIG. 3. The first fastener 130 and the second fastener 140 are coupled together. According to the present invention, when a user wants to lift the cover 110, he can apply force in different directions, indicated by the arrow 162a and the arrow 162b, to the first fastener 130 and the second fastener 140 respectively.

[0023] Accordingly, the first fastener and the second fastener of the present invention are exposed from the shell. Therefore, the two fasteners can prevent the damage of directly hitting the shell. Moreover, when changing the position of the two fasteners, it is not necessary to open the shell, which can avoid breaking the device inside the shell. Moreover, no spring is used in the latch mechanism of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention may eliminate the situation of the clasping strength being reduced due to fatigue.

[0024] As is understood by a person skilled in the art, the foregoing descriptions of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are an illustration of the present invention rather than a limitation thereof. Various modifications and similar arrangements are included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the claims should be accorded to the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A latch mechanism installed in a base and a foldable cover for latching said foldable cover and said base, said latch mechanism comprising: a first fastener having a holding part and a coupling part, wherein said holding pard is installed in the rim of said foldable cover, said coupling part is coupled with said holding part and protrudes out of said foldable cover; and a second fastener installed in the rim of said base, wherein said first fastener and said second fastener are coupled together when said foldable cover and said base are closed together.

2. The latch mechanism of claim 1, wherein said coupling part further comprises a bump and said second fastener further comprises a recess.

3. The latch mechanism of claim 2, wherein said bump has a partial spherical shape.

4. The latch mechanism of claim 2, wherein said bump is wedged into said recess when said first fastener and said second fastener are coupled together.

5. The latch mechanism of claim 1, wherein said coupling part further comprises a recess and said second fastener further comprises a bump.

6. The latch mechanism of claim 5, wherein said bump has a partial spherical shape.

7. The latch mechanism of claim 5, wherein said bump is wedged into said recess when said first fastener and said second fastener are coupled together.

8. A latch mechanism installed in a base and a foldable cover for latching said foldable cover and said base, said latch mechanism comprising: a first fastener having a holding part and a coupling part, wherein said holding pard is installed in the rim of said base, said coupling part is coupled with said holding part and protrudes out from said base; and a second fastener installed in the rim of said foldable cover, wherein said first fastener and said second fastener are coupled together when said foldable cover and said base are closed together.

9. The latch mechanism of claim 8, wherein said coupling part further comprises a bump and said second fastener further comprises a recess.

10. The latch mechanism of claim 9, wherein said bump has a partial spherical shape.

11. The latch mechanism of claim 9, wherein said bump is wedged into said recess when said first fastener and said second fastener are coupled together.

12. The latch mechanism of claim 8, wherein said coupling part further comprises a recess and said second fastener further comprises a bump.

13. The latch mechanism of claim 12, wherein said bump has a partial spherical shape.

14. The latch mechanism of claim 12, wherein said bump is wedged into said recess when said first fastener and said second fastener are coupled together.

15. A latch mechanism installed in a portable computer with a base and a foldable cover, wherein said latch mechanism is used to latch said foldable cover and said base, said latch mechanism comprising: a first fastener having a holding part and a coupling part, wherein said holding pard is installed in the rim of said base, said coupling part is coupled with said holding part and protrudes out from said base, and said coupling part comprises a first connecting point; and a second fastener installed in the rim of said foldable cover, wherein said second fastener comprises a second connecting point, and said first connecting point and said second connecting point are wedged together when said foldable cover and said base are closed together.

16. The latch mechanism of claim 15, wherein said first connecting point is a bump and said second connecting point is a recess.

17. The latch mechanism of claim 16, wherein said bump has a partial spherical shape.

18. The latch mechanism of claim 15, wherein said first connecting point is a recess and said second connecting point is a bump.

19. The latch mechanism of claim 16, wherein said bump has a partial spherical shape.