U.S. patent application number 11/393525 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for slide bearing supporting frame.
Invention is credited to Jui-Lin Chen, Tsung-Bin Tsai.
Application Number | 20070235402 11/393525 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38574049 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070235402 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Jui-Lin ; et
al. |
October 11, 2007 |
Slide bearing supporting frame
Abstract
A slide bearing supporting frame for supporting and mounting a
slide bearing to a rack having locking holes, includes at least one
locking part penetrating at least one of the locking holes and for
being locked to the at least one of the locking holes of the rack
via a fixer, for allowing the slide bearing frame to be fixed on a
rack with locking holes of different sizes.
Inventors: |
Chen; Jui-Lin; (Taipei,
TW) ; Tsai; Tsung-Bin; (Taipei, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULBRIGHT AND JAWORSKI LLP
555 S. FLOWER STREET, 41ST FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071
US
|
Family ID: |
38574049 |
Appl. No.: |
11/393525 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/192 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/1489
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/192 |
International
Class: |
A47B 43/00 20060101
A47B043/00 |
Claims
1. A slide bearing supporting frame for supporting and mounting a
slide bearing on a rack having locking holes, the slide bearing
supporting frame comprising: at least one locking part for
penetrating at least one of the locking holes; and a fixer for
fixing the at least one locking part to the at least one of the
locking holes, so as to allow the slide bearing supporting frame to
be fixed to the rack with the locking holes thereof having variable
sizes via the at least one locking part and the fixer.
2. The slide bearing supporting frame of claim 1, wherein the
locking part is a solenoid.
3. The slide bearing supporting frame of claim 1, further
comprising first locking portions formed on two opposing sides of
the locking part.
4. The slide bearing supporting frame of claim 3, wherein the first
locking portions are openings.
5. The slide bearing supporting frame of claim 3, further
comprising a locking plate having second locking portions for being
locked to the first locking portions via the fixer.
6. The slide bearing supporting frame of claim 5, wherein the
second locking portions are openings.
7. The slide bearing supporting frame of claim 5, wherein the
second locking portions are screw holes.
8. The slide bearing supporting frame of claim 1, wherein the
locking part is integrally formed with the slide bearing supporting
frame.
9. The slide bearing supporting frame of claim 1, wherein the
locking holes are one of circular holes and squared holes.
10. The slide bearing supporting frame of claim 1, wherein the
locking holes are screw holes.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to slide bearing locking
techniques, and more particularly to a slide bearing supporting
frame with a rack having locking holes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The usage of electronic devices has been widely diffused to
different age groups. In order to keep up competitiveness in the
electronic market, the design, fabricating, and assembly of the
electronic device must be advanced unceasingly. Thus, any
improvement in any area of the electronic device which simplify the
structure, increase the convenience of assembly or reduce
fabricating cost all have high commercial values which are in
accord with the spirit of patent low to promote, protect and
utilize invention. Based on this, the inventor is devoted to the
development of an improved locking technique of slide bearing.
[0003] In regards to servers, in many enterprises prefer individual
servers are integrated to decrease cost and complicated management
of individual servers. Up to date, typically the integration is
achieved through 1U or 2U rack to replace the upright typed server
so as to reduce the occupied space, thereby allowing the user to
manage the data more efficiently.
[0004] Since every server has standalone equipment such as a power
supply cable, Ethernet, system management, power supply,
keyboard/monitor/mouse interface and optic switch, a server rack
must be used to integrate multiple servers in parallel.
[0005] As shown in FIG. 1, typically a server slide bearing 10 is
mounted on a longitudinal post 30 via a slid bearing supporting
frame 20. The slide bearing supporting frame 20 uprightly mounted
on the longitudinal post 30 has a plurality of locking holes 20
corresponding with a plurality of locking holes 301 on the
longitudinal post 30 for locking the slide bearing supporting frame
20 on the server rack. Such that after the serves (not shown) are
locked to the slide bearing 10, the servers are then mounted one by
one into the server cabinet (not shown).
[0006] However, this convention technique for locking the server on
the rack via square holes, the slide bearing supporting frame 20
must be mounted on the outer surface of the longitudinal post 30 of
the rack and can only used in the rack having square holes and
screw holes, therefore not applicable to racks of different models.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, this type of locking method in the
prior art requires square-like screw nut 40 to cap on the square
hole, which not only increases cost, but also is time consuming to
use tools to assemble and dissemble, and in addition this type of
locking technique also restrict the use of types of longitudinal
post 30 and slide bearing supporting frame 20.
[0007] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, forming a screw hole 203 on
the longitudinal post 30 of the rack is also proposed to lock the
slide bearing supporting frame (not shown) to the screw hole 203
using screws. However this type of design requires providing
additionally a base to support the longitudinal post 30 of the rack
thereby is only applicable when the slide bearing supporting frame
is mounted on the outside surface of the longitudinal post 30, but
not applicable for inside installation.
[0008] Besides, T.W. Patent No. M259213 proposes a slide bearing
locking technique using a U-shaped clamp and a magnetic plate
whereby is used in locking slide bearing supporting frame onto the
rack having square or circular locking hole. This invention came
with a server rack, and at least at least one server slide bearing.
The server rack comprises a plurality of longitudinal post, which
are formed with a plurality of transverse through hole. The
U-shaped clamp is mounted on one end of the server slide bearing
and a locking element is mounted transversely on one side of the
U-shaped clamp while a transverse locking post is extendingly
formed on the opposing side of the U-shaped clamp. The magnetic
locking plate is formed transversely with a opening, and a locking
hole. Extending outwardly from the edge of the opening, a
protruding part is formed thereon. The magnetic locking plate is
attached onto one of the transverse post via magnetic and the
opening and locking hole of the magnetic locking plate are formed
corresponding to the two transverse through holes of the transverse
post. The bump of the opening is inserted into the corresponding
transverse through hole while the U-shaped clamp is formed opposing
to the opening and the transverse through hole opposing to the
opening. The transverse locking post is inserted into the opposing
locking hole of the magnetic locking plate.
[0009] However, many components are involved in the foregoing
patents and each component is structurally complex which is
difficult to fabricate and the fabricating cost is respectively
higher. Moreover, since this conventional technology requires a
large number of components, assembly requires the use tools which
is time and energy consuming, not only negatively affecting the
efficiency in assembly, but also increase the cost in assembly,
making it less than ideal in commercial use.
[0010] Thus, there is an urgent need for developing a simple
structure, which can be used in different models of server racks,
so as to effectively elevate commercial values in the industry and
solve the foregoing drawbacks in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In the view of prior art drawbacks, a primary objective of
the present invention is to provide a simple structured slide
bearing supporting frame for used in different models of server
racks.
[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide a slide
bearing supporting frame with less components.
[0013] Still another objectives of the invention is to provide a
slide bearing supporting frame for convenient assembly.
[0014] A further objective of the invention is to provide a slide
bearing supporting frame, which is cost effective.
[0015] In order to achieve the foregoing and other objectives, the
present invention proposes a slide bearing supporting frame
comprising at least one locking parts penetrating through the
locking holes for supporting and mounting the slide bearing on a
rack having locking holes and through a fixer, the slide bearing
supporting frame is fixed on the locking holes of a rack of
different models via the locking part of the slide bearing
supporting frame.
[0016] Preferably the locking part is a solenoid. In one preferred
embodiment, the slide bearing supporting frame further comprises
first locking portions on two sides of the locking part, and the
fist locking part can be an opening. Moreover, the slide bearing
supporting frame further comprises a locking plate having second
locking portions that are locked to the first locking portions and
the second locking portions are screw holes. The locking part is
formed as one piece with the slide bearing supporting frame. In a
preferred embodiment, the locking holes can be either circular or
squared holes which are used in a rack having circular or squared
locking holes accordingly. In another preferred embodiment, the
locking holes are screw holes, used in a rack having screw
holes.
[0017] The slide bearing supporting frame proposed by the present
invention has a locking part penetrating through the locking holes
of a rack and through a fixer, the slide bearing supporting frame
can be fixed on the locking holes of a rack of different models via
its locking part. Accordingly, the overall structure is simplified
and the numbers of elements used are reduced compared to the prior
art, and moreover through the locking part on the slide bearing
supporting frame, tools are not required to assembly the slide
bearing supporting frame thereby reducing the time for assembly, as
well as production cost. As a result the slide bearing supporting
frame provided by the present invention has a higher commercial
value compared to the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention can be more fully understood by
reading the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, with reference made to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) is a schematic diagram showing a
conventional slide bearing supporting frame and a rack having
squared locking holes;
[0020] FIG. 2 (PRIOR ART) is a schematic diagram showing a
conventional technique of coupling a slide bearing supporting frame
to a longitudinal post of a rack;
[0021] FIG. 3 (PRIOR ART) is a schematic diagram showing a
conventional coupling of a slide bearing supporting frame to a
longitudinal post of a rack in another prior art, wherein the rack
comes with screws thereon;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a dissected schematic diagram showing a slide
bearing supporting frame of a first preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a slide bearing
supporting frame applied in a rack having circular locking holes in
accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
and
[0024] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a slide bearing
supporting frame being mounted on the outside surface of the rack
in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The present invention is described in the following with
specific embodiments, so that one skilled in the pertinent art can
easily understand other advantages and effects of the present
invention from the disclosure of the invention. The present
invention may also be implemented and applied according to other
embodiments, and the details may be modified based on different
views and applications without departing from the spirit of the
invention. In addition, the drawing and the components shown herein
are not to scale and are made in simplicity with provision of only
associated components related to the invention; in practical usage,
the component should be more complexly structured and the number,
size, shape and arrangement of each component can be varied
accordingly.
FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a slide bearing supporting frame
of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.
As shown in FIG. 4 the slide bearing supporting frame 1 comprises a
main body 11 and a locking part 13. Referring to FIG. 5, a 5, a
schematic diagram of a rack (shown as a longitudinal post 30
herein) having locking holes 301 used in supporting the slide
bearing 10 is shown. The rack can be a server rack but is not
limited to this type. It should be noted that both structure and
principals of operation for the slide bearing, rack or server are
well know in the art, therefore detailed descriptions of these are
not given herein. Moreover, although the locking holes 201 are
shown as circular holes in the diagram of the present embodiment,
they can be other shaped openings such as squared holes.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a locking part 13 is mounted on
one side of the slide bearing supporting frame 1 provided by the
invention. The locking part 13 is inserted and fixed in the locking
hole 301 via a fixer (not shown) so as to allow the slide bearing
supporting frame 1 to be fixed on a rack of different models via
its locking part 13.
[0028] In the present embodiment, the locking part 13 is formed as
one piece on one side of the main body 11 of the slide bearing
supporting frame 1 and can be in a form of solenoid. The slide
bearing supporting frame 1 further comprises first locking portions
14 on the two opposing side of the locking part 13 and the first
locking portions 15 can be openings. Although the locking part 13
is formed as one piece on one side of the main body 11 of the slide
bearing supporting frame 1, it can be formed as a separated object,
in which this kind of modification are well understood in this art,
therefore are not described in detailed in here.
[0029] Moreover, the slide bearing supporting frame 1 further
comprises a locking plate 17 which can be made of iron or other
material. The locking plate 17 has a second locking portion 171,
which is coupled to the first locking portion 15 via a fixer. In
this embodiment, the second locking portion can be for example
screw holes. It should be noted that the disposing number,
position, and arrangement are not limited to what described in the
present embodiment and can be modified according to practical
needs.
[0030] When the slide bearing supporting frame 1 provides a support
to the slide bearing 10 and aids fixation on the rack having
locking holes, the locking part 13 penetrates through the locking
hole 301 while the locking plate 171 is disposed on the side of the
locking part 13 at the position fart away from the locking hole
301, then the first locking portion 15 is locked to the second
locking portion 171 using a screw, allowing the slide bearing
supporting frame 1 to be fixed on any racks of different models via
its locking part 13.
[0031] It should be noted although in the present embodiment the
locking plate 17 is coupled to one side of the locking part 13 at
the position far away from the locking hole 301 via a fixer
according to the direction from the longitudinal post of the rack
towards the locking plate 17, alternatively, in other embodiments
the fixer is used to fasten the locking plate 17 vertically on one
side of the longitudinal plate in a way that the longitudinal post
of the rack is clamped between the locking plate 17 and the locking
part 13 according to the direction from the side of the locking
part 13 far away from the locking hole 301 towards the longitudinal
post of the rack. In other words, the disposing position of the
locking part 17 is flexible and can be modified according to
practical needs so as to mount the slide bearing supporting frame 1
on the outer or inner surface of the rack accordingly. Moreover,
since the locking part 13 can be solenoid and the second locking
portion 171 of the locking plate 17 can be a screw hole, therefore
regardless of whether the locking hole 301 is circular or squared,
they can all be fastened. That is, racks with either squared and
circular shaped locking holes can be used in this embodiment.
[0032] Accordingly, the locking part 13 is inserted through the
locking hole 301 of the rack and using the locking plate to
selectively mount slide bearing supporting frame 1 to the inner or
outer d=side of the rack, so as to accommodate racks of different
models. Moreover, in comparison with the prior art, the structures
of the locking part 13 and locking plate 17 are simple and the use
of squared shaped screw nut is not required, which further benefits
the reduction in numbers of components that are used, thereby
reducing the production cost. Besides, since it is easy to lock the
slide bearing supporting frame 1 to the second locking portion 171
of the locking plate 17 using a fixer such as a screw, thereby
permitting the convenience in assembly o the slide bearing
supporting frame. Moreover, as the assembly is easier, production
cost can be reduced therefore the slide bearing supporting frame
proposed by the invention is highly economical.
SECOND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a slide bearing
supporting frame being mounted on the outside surface of the rack
in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention,
wherein same or similar elements to the first embodiment are
numbered using the same or similar numbers and will not be
described in detail, so as to give descriptions with more
clarity.
[0034] The major difference of the second embodiment than the first
embodiment is that whereas in the first embodiment the slide
bearing supporting frame adopts the design of using locking part 13
and the locking plate 17, the slide bearing supporting frame 1 in
the second embodiment neglects the design of the locking plate
17.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the locking part 13
is disposed on the other side of the longitudinal post 30 and the
locking hole 301 is a circular hole, such that when the slide
bearing supporting frame 1 supporting the slide bearing 10 is
mounted on the rack having locking holes 301, fixers such screws
(not shown) are used to lock following the direction from the side
far away from the locking part 13 towards the locking holes 301 and
the locking part 13, without the locking plate 17 so as to fix the
slide bearing supporting frame 1 to the rack via its locking part
13.
[0036] In other words, the slide bearing supporting frame 1 of the
first embodiment is used when it is to be mounted inside the rack
and the locking holes can be circular, squared or screw holes.
Since the locking plate is left out in this embodiment, the overall
structure is further simplified as well as reducing the number of
elements used compared to the prior art, thereby reducing the time
for assembly, as well as material cost and maintenance cost. As a
result the slide bearing supporting frame provided by the present
invention has a higher commercial value and solves the problems in
the prior art.
[0037] The invention has been described using exemplary preferred
embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the scope of the
invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar
arrangements. The scope of the claims, therefore, should be
accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such
modifications and similar arrangements.
* * * * *