U.S. patent application number 16/383800 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-07 for easily assembled and disassembled latching structure.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sercomm Corporation. Invention is credited to Cheng-Chung CHANG, Li-Li HO, Yi-Fei YU.
Application Number | 20190343012 16/383800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64114040 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190343012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HO; Li-Li ; et al. |
November 7, 2019 |
EASILY ASSEMBLED AND DISASSEMBLED LATCHING STRUCTURE
Abstract
A latching structure includes a first plate, a second plate and
a sliding plate disposed on a surface of the first plate and
movable in a first direction. The first plate includes first arches
each having an alignment hole in the first direction. The second
plate includes second arches each having a latching hole in the
first direction. The sliding plate includes pins corresponding to
the latching holes. When the alignment hole accommodates the second
arch and the sliding plate is located at a latching position, the
pin is located in a corresponding latching hole to block separation
of the first plate from the second plate in a second direction.
When the sliding plate is located at a retracted position, the pin
separates from the corresponding latching hole to allow separation
of the first plate from the second plate in the second
direction.
Inventors: |
HO; Li-Li; (Taipei City,
TW) ; CHANG; Cheng-Chung; (Taipei City, TW) ;
YU; Yi-Fei; (Taipei City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sercomm Corporation |
Taipei City |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
64114040 |
Appl. No.: |
16/383800 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/0256 20130101;
H04B 1/38 20130101; H05K 7/023 20130101; H05K 5/0221 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/02 20060101
H05K005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 3, 2018 |
CN |
201820651302.9 |
Claims
1. A latching structure comprising: a first plate comprising a
plurality of first arches projecting from a first surface of the
first plate and recessed from a second surface of the first plate,
the first arches each having an alignment hole passing underneath
each of the first arches in a first axial direction, wherein the
first surface is opposite to the second surface; a second plate
comprising a plurality of second arches each having a latching
hole, wherein each of the second arches is adapted to be
accommodated by a corresponding one of the alignment holes, and
each of the latching holes passes underneath each of the second
arches in the first axial direction; and a sliding plate comprising
a plurality of pins respectively corresponding to the latching
holes, the sliding plate disposed on the first surface of the first
plate and movable between a latching position and a retracted
position in the first axial direction; wherein when each of the
alignment holes accommodates a corresponding one of the second
arches and the sliding plate is located at the latching position,
the pins are each located in a corresponding one of the latching
holes to block separation of the first plate from the second plate
in a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial
direction; when the sliding plate is located at the retracted
position, the pins each separates from the corresponding one of the
latching holes to allow separation of the first plate from the
second plate in the second axial direction.
2. The latching structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the
pins are longer than each of the latching holes.
3. The latching structure according to claim 1, wherein the first
plate is a side plate of a communication device, the sliding plate
comprises a pinch portion disposed adjacent to a bottom portion of
the communication device, and when the sliding plate is located at
the retracted position, the pinch portion projects out from the
bottom portion of the communication device.
4. The latching structure according to claim 3, wherein the second
plate has a pinch space disposed corresponding to the pinch
portion.
5. The latching structure according to claim 1, wherein the first
arches are disposed on four corners of the first plate.
6. The latching structure according to claim 1, wherein the first
plate has a first recess portion and a second recess portion, the
sliding plate further comprises an elastic positioning portion;
when the sliding plate is located at the retracted position, the
elastic positioning portion is fit into the first recess portion;
when the sliding plate is located at the latching position, the
elastic positioning portion is fit into the second recess
portion.
7. The latching structure according to claim 1, wherein the first
plate and the sliding plate respectively comprise a positioning rib
and a positioning groove; when the sliding plate moves between the
latching position and the retracted position in the first axial
direction, the positioning rib abuts against the positioning
groove.
8. The latching structure according to claim 7, wherein the
positioning rib and the positioning groove are configured to block
separation of the sliding plate from the first plate in the second
axial direction when the sliding plate moves between the latching
position and the retracted position in the first axial
direction.
9. The latching structure according to claim 1, wherein the first
plate further comprises a plurality of restraining portions
disposed on two opposite sides of the first plate and projecting
from the first surface, and the restraining portions are configured
to restrict the sliding plate to moving in the first axial
direction and blocking separation of the sliding plate from the
first plate in the second axial direction when the sliding plate is
located at the retracted position.
10. The latching structure according to claim 9, wherein the
sliding plate further comprises a plurality of elastic arms
disposed on two opposite sides of the sliding plate and
corresponding to parts of the restraining portions, the elastic
arms each comprises a hook, and when the sliding plate is located
at the latching position, the hook is coupled with a corresponding
one of the restraining portions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of People's Republic of
China application Serial No. 201820651302.9, filed on May 3, 2018,
the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates in general to a latching structure,
and more particularly to an easily assembled and disassembled
latching structure.
BACKGROUND
[0003] To provide consumers with a variety of choices, there are
some modular products available for consumers to purchase, and
these modular products can be assembled with each other to meet the
needs of consumers.
[0004] However, such modular products which are inconvenient to be
assembled or disassembled may give users a bad experience.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention relates to an easily assembled and
disassembled latching structure. The sliding plate is disposed on
the first plate and movable between a latching position and a
retracted position in a first axial direction on the first surface
of the first plate. Thus, it is quite easy to assemble and
disassemble the first plate and the second plate.
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an easily
assembled and disassembled latching structure is provided. The
latching structure includes a first plate, a second plate and a
sliding plate. The first plate includes a plurality of first arches
recessed from a second surface of the first plate and projecting
from a first surface of the first plate. The first arches each has
an alignment hole passing underneath each of the first arches in a
first axial direction. The first surface is opposite to the second
surface. The second plate includes a plurality of second arches.
Each of the second arches is adapted to be accommodated by a
corresponding one of the alignment holes. Each of the second arches
has a latching hole passing underneath each of the second arches in
the first axial direction. The sliding plate includes a plurality
of pins respectively corresponding to the latching holes. The
sliding plate is disposed on the first surface of the first plate
and movable between a latching position and a retracted position in
the first axial direction. When each of the alignment holes
accommodates a corresponding one of the second arches and the
sliding plate is located at the latching position, the pins are
each located in a corresponding one of the latching holes to block
separation of the first plate from the second plate in a second
axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction. When
the sliding plate is located at the retracted position, the pins
each separates from the corresponding one of the latching holes to
allow separation of the first plate from the second plate in the
second axial direction.
[0007] According to the above, the present invention provides an
easily assembled and disassembled latching structure. The first
plate and the sliding plate disposed on the first plate, and the
second plate may be respectively disposed on the two modular
products, which can be assembled with each other, at the time of
shipment, and the combination of the two modular products is very
simple, convenient and reliable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1A is an exploded view showing an application of an
easily assembled and disassembled latching structure according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 1B is a three-dimensional diagram of the application
according to FIG. 1A.
[0010] FIG. 2A is a three-dimensional diagram of the first plate
viewed from top angle according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2B is a three-dimensional diagram of the first plate
viewed from bottom angle according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 3A is a three-dimensional diagram of the second plate
viewed from top angle according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3B is a three-dimensional diagram of the second plate
viewed from bottom angle according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of the sliding plate
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing that the sliding plate
is assembled to the first plate.
[0016] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A along line
5B-5B'.
[0017] FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of a region R in FIG. 5A.
[0018] FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing that the sliding plate
is located at the retracted position.
[0019] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A along line
6B-6B'.
[0020] FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing that the second plate is
assembled to the first plate of FIG. 6A.
[0021] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A along line
7B-7B'.
[0022] FIG. 8A is a schematic view showing that the sliding plate
is located at the latching position.
[0023] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A along line
8B-8B'.
[0024] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A along line
8C-8C'.
[0025] In the following detailed description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It
will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order
to simplify the drawing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Detailed descriptions of the present invention are disclosed
below with a number of embodiments. Although the present invention
does not illustrate all possible embodiments, other embodiments not
disclosed in the present invention are still applicable. Moreover,
the dimension scales used in the accompanying drawings are not
based on actual proportion of the product. Therefore, the
specification and drawings are for explaining and describing the
embodiment only, not for limiting the scope of protection of the
present invention. Furthermore, in the drawings of the embodiments,
some elements are omitted so that technical features of the present
invention can be clearly illustrated. Designations common to the
accompanying drawings and embodiments are used to indicate
identical or similar elements.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1A, an exploded view showing an
application of an easily assembled and disassembled latching
structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention
is illustrated. The latching structure 10 includes a first plate 1,
a second plate 2 and a sliding plate 3. The sliding plate 3 is
assembled to the first plate 1. The latching structure 10 may be
applied to the assembly of two modular products, wherein the two
modular products may be provided with respective functions and
applications. The latching structure 10 may also be applied to the
assembly of one modular product and one modular cover.
[0028] For example, in one embodiment, the first plate 1 and the
sliding plate 3 are disposed on a first communication device 101,
and the second plate 2 is disposed on a second communication device
102. In this example, the first communication device 101 and the
second communication device 102 may respectively be one of the
communication devices, such as an Internet of Things communication
device, a base station, a small cell, a Wi-Fi access hotspot, a
router, and the like. The first plate 1 may be used as a side plate
of the first communication device 101. For example, the first plate
1 may be disposed on a first side 101S1 of the first communication
device 101, and the sliding plate 3 may be disposed on a surface of
the first plate 1 facing the interior of the first communication
device 101. The second plate 2 may be used as a side plate of the
second communication device 102. For example, the second plate 2
may be disposed on a second side 102S2 of the second communication
device 102.
[0029] FIG. 1B is a three-dimensional diagram of the application
according to FIG. 1A. Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the first
communication device 101 and the second communication device 102
may be assembled together by facing the second side 102S2 of the
second communication device 102 to the first side 101S1 of the
first communication device 101. Here, both of the first plate 1 and
the second plate 2 may have respective openings 1H and 2H to allow
passage of the electrical connectors between the first
communication device 101 and the second communication device 102.
By the latching structure 10, the assembly/disassembly of the first
communication device 101 and the second communication 102 may be
more simple and convenient. In addition, the latching structure 10
may respectively be disposed on two modular products, which can be
assembled with each other, at the time of shipment. Therefore,
there is no need to have additional joining element to facilitate
the combination of the two modular products.
[0030] Furthermore, the first communication device 101 may further
be assembled to a third communication device (not depicted). In
this condition, another second plate 2 may be disposed on the
second side 101S2 of the first communication device 101, another
first plate 1 and sliding plate 3 may be disposed on the first side
of the third communication device in the same way, and the first
communication device 101 and the third communication device are
assembled together by facing the second side 101S2 of the first
communication device 101 to the first side of the third
communication device. Similarly, the second communication device
102 may also be assembled to a fourth communication device. In this
condition, still another first plate 1 and sliding plate 3 may be
disposed on the first side 102S1 of the second communication device
102, still another second plate 2 may be disposed on the second
side of the fourth communication device in the same way, and the
fourth communication device and the second communication device 102
are assembled together by facing the second side of the fourth
communication device to the first side 102S1 of the second
communication device 102. Thus, the user may be free to choose at
least two modular products to combine together. For convenience of
explanation, the first side of each device mentioned above refers
to the side facing negative X axis in the drawing, and the second
side refers to the side facing positive X axis in the drawing.
[0031] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are three-dimensional diagrams of the
first plate 1 respectively viewed from two different angles
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The first
plate 1 includes the first surface 11 and the second surface 12
opposite to each other, wherein the first surface 11 faces the
positive X axis, and the second surface 12 faces the negative X
axis. The first plate 1 includes a plurality of first arches 13
projecting from the first surface 11 of the first plate 1 and
recessed from the second surface 12 of the first plate 1. In some
embodiment, the first arches 13 may be disposed on four corners of
the first plate 1.
[0032] Each of the first arches 13 has an alignment hole 131.
Referring to FIG. 2A, the alignment hole 131 passes beneath each
first arch 13 in an axial direction parallel to Z axis. In
addition, referring to FIG. 2B, the alignment hole 131 is further
recessed from the second surface 12 of the first plate 1 in a
direction towards the positive X axis, but does not pass through
each first arch 13 in a direction towards the positive X axis.
[0033] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are three-dimensional diagrams of the
second plate 2 respectively viewed from two different angles
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The second
plate 2 includes the first surface 21 and the second surface 22
opposite to each other, wherein the first surface 21 faces the
positive X axis, and the second surface 22 faces the negative X
axis. The second plate 2 includes a plurality of second arches 23
projecting from the first surface 21 of the second plate 2. The
second arches 23 correspond to the first arches 13 of the first
plate 1. For example, the positions and quantity of the second
arches 23 correspond to those of the first arches 13 of the first
plate 1.
[0034] Each of the second arches 23 has a latching hole 231.
Referring to FIG. 3A, the latching hole 231 passes beneath each
second arch 23 in an axial direction parallel to Z axis. In
addition, referring to FIG. 3B, in one embodiment, the latching
hole 231 is further recessed from the second surface 22 of the
second plate 2 in a direction towards the positive X axis, but does
not pass through each second arch 23 in a direction towards the
positive X axis.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 3A, when the first
surface 21 of the second plate 2 is attached to the second surface
12 of the first plate 1, the alignment holes 131 of the first
arches 13 of the first plate 1 accommodate the second arches 23 of
the second plate 2, respectively. In other words, the top portions
of the second arches 23 partially occupy the space of the alignment
holes 131, respectively.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of the sliding plate 3
according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to
FIG. 4, the sliding plate 3 includes a plurality of pins 31, and
each pin 31 extends in Z axis. The pins 31 correspond to the
alignment holes 131 of the first arches 13 of the first plate 1 and
the latching holes 231 of the second arches 23 of the second plate
2. For example, the positions and quantity of the pins 31
correspond to those of the alignment holes 131 of the first arches
13 of the first plate 1 and those of the latching holes 231 of the
second arches 23 of the second plate 2.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 4,
the sliding plate 3 is firstly disposed on the first surface 11 of
the first plate 1, and on the first surface 11, the sliding plate 3
is movable between a latching position and a retracted position in
Z axis. When the sliding plate 3 is located at the latching
position, the pins 31 are each located in a corresponding one of
the alignment holes 131 of the first arches 13 of the first plate
1. When the sliding plate 3 is located at the retracted position,
the pins 31 each separates from the corresponding one of the
alignment holes 131. In a condition when the sliding plate 3 is
located at the retracted position, the second arches 23 are allowed
to enter the alignment holes 131 in a direction towards the
positive X axis, or separate from the alignment holes 131 in a
direction towards the negative X axis. When the alignment hole 131
of each first arch 13 of the first plate 1 accommodates each of the
second arches 23 of the second plate 2, the sliding plate 3 may
move in the positive Z axis to the latching position, such that the
pins 31 are each located in a corresponding one of the latching
holes 231 of the second arches 23 of the second plate 2.
Accordingly, the pins 31 may block separation of the first plate 1
from the second plate 2 in X axis.
[0038] In one embodiment, the first plate 1 may has a recessed
positioning portion 14 recessed form the first surface 11 of the
first plate 1 in the negative X axis. The recessed positioning
portion 14 includes a first recess portion 141 and a second recess
portion 142. In addition, the sliding plate 3 may include an
elastic positioning portion 35. When the sliding plate 3 is located
at the retracted position, the elastic positioning portion 35 may
be fit into the first recess portion 141. Thus, the sliding plate 3
cannot easily have relative motion with respect to the first plate
1 in the Z axis. While the sliding plate 3 moves from the retracted
position to the latching portion in the positive Z axis, the
elastic positioning portion 35 may be detached from the first
recess portion 141. When the sliding plate 3 is located at the
latching position, the elastic positioning portion 35 may be fit
into the second recess portion 142. Thus, the sliding plate 3
cannot easily have relative motion with respect to the first plate
1 in the Z axis.
[0039] Furthermore, the engagement of the first recess portion 141
and the elastic positioning portion 35 or the engagement of the
second recess portion 142 and the elastic positioning portion 35
may further enhance user's hand feelings during operation. In other
words, when the elastic positioning portion 35 is fit into the
first recess portion 141, the user may be aware that the sliding
plate 3 is at the retracted position. When the elastic positioning
portion 35 is fit into the second recess portion 142, the user may
be aware that the sliding plate 3 is at the latching position.
[0040] FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing that the sliding plate 3
is assembled to the first plate 1. Referring to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B,
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first plate 1 may further include a
plurality of restraining portions 16 disposed on two opposite sides
of the first plate 1 and projecting from the first surface 11. The
restraining portions 16 are configured to restrict the sliding
plate 3 to moving in Z axis and blocking separation of the sliding
plate 3 from the first plate 1 in X axis. In one embodiment, the
restraining portion 16 may be formed of L shape. Correspondingly,
the sliding plate 3 may have a plurality of concave portions 36
recessed inwardly from two opposite side portions 37 of the sliding
plate 3 and corresponding to the restraining portions 16 of the
first plate 1. For example, the positions and quantity of the
concave portions 36 correspond to those of the restraining portions
16 of the first plate 1. By the design of the corresponding
restraining portions 16 and the concave portions 36, when the
sliding plate 3 moves close to the first surface 11 of the first
plate 1 in the negative X axis, the restraining portion 16 may pass
through a corresponding one of the concave portions 36, such that
the sliding plate 3 may disposed on the first surface 11 of the
first plate 1 with no interference.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 5B, a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A
along line 5B-5B' is illustrated. The restraining portion 16 of the
first plate 1 passes through the corresponding concave portion 36.
At this moment, the elastic positioning portion 35 abuts against
the first surface 11 of the first plate 1, and is not fit into the
first recess portion 141 yet.
[0042] Next, the sliding plate 3 is moved to the retracted position
in the positive Z axis. FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing that
the sliding plate 3 is located at the retracted position. FIG. 6B
is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A along line 6B-6B'. Referring
to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, when the sliding plate 3 is located at the
retracted position, the elastic positioning portion 35 is fit into
the first recess portion 141. In this condition, the sliding plate
3 would not move in Z axis if there is no sufficient force applied
to the sliding plate 3 to detach the elastic positioning portion 35
from the first recess portion 141. In addition, the restraining
portion 16 of the first plate 1 deviated from the corresponding
concave portion 36 of the sliding plate 3, such that the side
portion 37 of the sliding plate 3 enters a space formed by the
L-shaped region of the restraining portion 16, preventing the
sliding plate 3 from separating form the first plate 1 in the
positive X axis. Hence, the step of disposing the sliding plate 3
on the first surface 11 of the first plate 1 is completed.
[0043] FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing that the second plate 2
is assembled to the first plate 1 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7B is a
cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A along line 7B-7B'. Referring to
FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, next, in a condition that the sliding plate 3
is located at the retracted position, the second plate 2 is moved
close to the first plate 1 by facing the first surface 21 of the
second plate 2 to the second surface 12 of the first platel, and
each of the alignment holes 131 of the first arches 13 of the first
plate 1 accommodates each of the second arches 23 of the second
plate 2. Since each of the pins 31 has not entered the
corresponding one of the latching holes 231 of the second arches
23, the first plate 1 may separate from the second plate 2 in X
axis.
[0044] Next, the sliding plate 3 is moved to the latching position
in the positive Z axis. FIG. 8A is a schematic view showing that
the sliding plate 3 is located at the latching position. FIG. 8B is
a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A along line 8B-8B'. FIG. 8C is a
cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A along line 8C-8C'. Referring to
FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, when the sliding plate 3 is located at the
latching position, the elastic positioning portion 35 is fit into
the second recess portion 142. In addition, while the sliding plate
3 is moving to the latching position from the retracted position in
the positive Z axis, each of the side portions 37 of the sliding
plate 3 remains in the space formed by the L-shaped region of the
restraining portion 16. Thus, during the time that the sliding
plate 3 moves between the retracted position and the latching
position, the sliding plate 3 cannot easily separate from the first
plate 1 in the positive X axis.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8C, when the sliding plate 3
is located at the latching position, the pins 31 are each located
in a corresponding one of the latching holes 231 of the second
arches 23. Thus, the pins 31 may block separation of the first
plate 1 from the second plate 2 in X axis.
[0046] In one embodiment, when the sliding plate 3 is located at
the latching position, each pin 31 further extends through and is
projected from each latching hole 231 in Z axis. In other words,
each of the pins 31 are longer than each of the latching holes 231
in Z axis. Thus, the pins 31 may securely block separation of the
first plate 1 from the second plate 2 in X axis, preventing the
pins 31 from being detached from the latching holes 231 due to
deformation.
[0047] In one embodiment, the sliding plate 3 may further include a
plurality of elastic arms 33 disposed on two opposite sides of the
sliding plate 3 and corresponding to some of the restraining
portions 16 of the first plate 1. Each of the elastic arms 33
comprises a hook 331. As shown in FIG. 8A, when the sliding plate 3
is located at the latching position, the hook 331 is coupled with a
corresponding one of the restraining portions 16, such that the
sliding plate 3 is securely located at the latching position. Thus,
the sliding plate 3 would not move in the negative Z axis if there
is no sufficient force applied to the sliding plate 3 in the
negative Z axis to detach the hook 331 from the restraining portion
16.
[0048] On the other hand, to enhance user's hand feelings during
operation, and further assist in restricting the sliding plate 3 to
moving in Z axis, the first plate 1 and the sliding plate 3 may
respectively include a positioning rib 15 and a positioning groove
32. Referring to FIG. 5C, the positioning rib 15 may be formed of T
shape, and include a vertical portion 151 disposed perpendicular to
the first surface 11 and a horizontal portion 152 disposed parallel
to the first surface 11. The positioning groove 32 extends in Z
axis. The vertical portion 151 has a width W1, and the positioning
groove 32 has a width W2. The width W2 may be approximately equal
to the width W1, and therefore the vertical portion 151 of the
positioning rib 15 may move inside of the positioning groove 32. As
shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 8A, when the sliding plate 3 moves
between the latching position and the retracted position in Z axis,
the positioning rib 15 abuts against the positioning groove 32.
More specifically, both of the vertical portion 151 and the
horizontal portion 152 of the positioning rib 15 abut against the
positioning groove 32. The frictional force resulting from the
contact of the positioning rib 15 and the positioning groove 32 may
enhance user's hand feelings during operation. Furthermore, when
the sliding plate 3 moves between the latching position and the
retracted position in Z axis, the vertical portion 151 is
restricted to moving inside of the positioning groove 32. The
horizontal portion 152 may prevent the sliding plate 3 from
separating from the first plate 1 in the positive X axis, and the
sliding plate 3 is therefore restricted to moving in Z axis. The
positioning rib 15 and the positioning groove 32 of the present
invention are not limited to the above configurations.
[0049] Through the above configurations, the first plate 1 and the
sliding plate 3 are assembled first, as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG.
6A, such that on the first surface 11 of the first plate 1, the
sliding plate 3 is movable between the latching position and the
retracted position in Z axis. Next, as shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A
and FIG. 2B, the first plate 1 may have a plurality of screw holes
1S for a plurality of screwing members passing through to fasten
the first plate 1 on the first communication device 101. Thus, the
second surface 12 of the first plate 1 is used as an appearance
surface of the first communication device 101, and the sliding
plate 3 is disposed on the first surface 11 used as the inner
surface. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the
second plate 2 may have a plurality of screw holes 2S for a
plurality of screwing members passing through to fasten the second
plate 2 on the second communication device 102. Thus, the first
surface 21 of the second plate 2 is used as an appearance surface
of the second communication device 102. Hence, at the time of
shipment, the latching structure 10 may be respectively disposed on
two modular products, which can be assembled with each other. After
the steps described with reference to FIG. 7A and FIG. 8A, the
combination of the first communication device 101 and the second
communication device 102 is very simple, convenient and
reliable.
[0050] Moreover, referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 4, the sliding plate
3 may include a pinch portion 34 for the user to move sliding plate
3 with fingers. The pinch portion 34 is disposed adjacent to a
bottom portion 101b of the first communication device 101. The
bottom portion 101b of the communication device 101 may, for
example, be a base, a bottom plate or any structure that can be a
stand for supporting the first communication device 101 on a plane.
When the sliding plate 3 is located at the latching position, the
pinch portion 34 does not project from the bottom portion 101b of
the first communication device 101. When the sliding plate 3 is
located at the retracted position, the pinch portion 34 may project
out from the bottom portion 101b of the first communication device
101. In this condition, the first communication device 101 cannot
firmly stand on the plane, such that the user may be aware that the
sliding plate 3 is not located at the exact position. The user may
then move the sliding plate 2 to the latching position, so that the
first communication device 101 may stand on the plane.
[0051] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 3A, the second
plate 2 may have a pinch space 24 disposed corresponding to the
pinch portion 34. That is, the pinch space 24 is disposed adjacent
to a bottom portion 102b of the second communication device 102.
The bottom portion 102b of the second communication device 102 may,
for example, be a base, a bottom plate or any structure that can be
a stand for supporting the second communication device 102 on a
plane. In a condition that the first communication device 101 and
the second communication device 102 are combined with each other,
the pinch space 24 may allow the user to pinch the pinch portion 34
with fingers.
[0052] At the time of shipment, the easily assembled and
disassembled latching structure provided above may be respectively
disposed on the two modular products, which can be assembled with
each other, and the combination of the two modular products is very
simple, convenient and reliable.
[0053] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed
embodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples be
considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the invention
being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *