Movable frame for retaining a component in a computer enclosure

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a frame for retaining a component of a computer, and in particular to a movable frame for retaining a computer component in a computer enclosure.

[0004] 2. The Prior Art

[0005] Computers are widely used and are becoming increasingly smaller. The small size of computers complicates maintenance and repair since the limited internal space of the computer prevents easy access to and removal of components thereof. To overcome the problem, movable frames are mounted in a computer enclosure for retaining a component, such as a power supply. The mobility of the frame allows the computer component to be selectively positioned outside the enclosure. Thus, the component is not only easily removed from the computer, but a free space is exposed within the enclosure for allowing maintenance or repair to be performed on other components fixed inside the computer.

[0006] Examples of movable frames for computer components are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,951 and Taiwan Patent Application No. 84213528. U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,951 discloses a pivotal frame for supporting a power supply. The pivotal frame requires non-standard bolts to secure the frame to the computer enclosure. Furthermore, the pivotal frame has to be carefully operated otherwise the power supply may be damaged after impacting the casing. Taiwan Patent Application No. 84213528 discloses a slidable frame which has a complicated structure thereby increasing costs.

[0007] Thus, it is desired to provide a movable frame for retaining a computer component that does not have the deficiencies discussed above.

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a movable frame for retaining a computer component, which facilitates maintenance and repair of the computer.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a movable frame for a computer having a simple structure which can be manufactured at a low cost.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a movable frame for securely retaining a component inside a computer enclosure.

[0011] To achieve the above objects, in accordance with the present invention, a movable frame is mounted in a computer enclosure for retaining a computer component, such as a power supply, in the computer enclosure. The frame comprises a tray for supporting the power supply thereon and an elongate arm extending from the tray. A first end of the arm is pivotally attached to the computer enclosure by a vertically extending pivot pin whereby the frame is horizontally movable between a retracted position and an extended position for selectively positioning the power supply out of the computer enclosure. Openings may be defined on a second end of the arm for engaging with projections formed on the computer enclosure for securing the second end of the arm to the computer enclosure.

[0012] The present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a computer in which a movable frame in accordance with the present invention is mounted;

[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the movable frame of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled computer of FIG. 1 with an outer casing removed therefrom;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the movable frame partially moved out of an enclosure of the computer; and

[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the movable frame completely moved out of the computer enclosure.

[0018] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, a movable frame 1 constructed in accordance with the present invention is adapted to retain a computer component, such as a power supply 3 in the embodiment illustrated, in a computer enclosure 2. The movable frame 1 comprises a carrier 10 for supporting the power supply 3 and a pivot pin 98 for pivotally mounting the carrier 10 to the computer enclosure 2 whereby the carrier 10 and the power supply 3 are movable between a retracted position shown in FIG. 3 and an extended position shown in FIG. 5.

[0019] The carrier 10 comprises a tray 14 forming a bottom plate 42, a rear wall 46, and a side wall 44. An arm 12 extends from the tray 14 opposite the side wall 44. Holes 43 are defined in the rear wall 46 for receiving bolts 70 which engage with screw holes 91 of the power supply 3 thereby securing the power supply 3 to the tray 14. A raised portion 48 is formed on the bottom plate 42 for mechanical reinforcement purposes.

[0020] The arm 12 forms two opposite lugs 16 proximate a rear end thereof. The lugs 16 define vertically aligned holes 18 for receiving the pivot pin 98. The pivot pin 98 is retained in holes 96 defined in a rear panel 92 of the computer enclosure 2 thereby pivotally attaching the movable frame 1 to the computer enclosure 2 and allowing the frame 1 to move horizontally. The arm 12 has a front end in which openings 34 are defined for releasably engaging with projections 62 formed on a plate 60 of the computer enclosure 2 when the frame 1 is at the retracted position thereby securing the front end of the arm 12 to the computer enclosure 2.

[0021] The arm 12 has bent flanges 22, 24 formed on opposite edges thereof. The flanges 22, 24 are partially co-extensive with the arm 12 for mechanical reinforcement purposes. A raised web 26 is formed on the arm 12 between the flanges 22, 24 also for reinforcement purposes. An offset tab 28 is formed on the web 26 and a slit (not labeled) is defined therebetween for receiving an extension 90 of the power supply 3 thereby retaining the power supply 3 on the carrier 10. A hole 29 is defined in the offset tab 28 for receiving a bolt 71 adapted to engage with a screw hole 95 defined in the extension 90 for more securely retaining the power supply 3 on the carrier 10.

[0022] Also referring to FIG. 3, when the movable frame 1 is moved to the retracted position, the openings 34 of the front end of the arm 12 engage with the corresponding projections 62 of the computer enclosure 2, and the power supply 3 and the frame 1 are completely located inside the computer enclosure 2. The enclosure 2 comprises an outer casing 82 (FIG. 1) for shielding components inside the computer.

[0023] A knob 72 has a threaded rod 73 extending through a hole 36 defined in the front end of the arm 12 and engaging with a screw hole 74 for securing the front end of the arm 12 to the computer enclosure 2. Furthermore, at the retracted position, a bolt 75 may extend through a hole 97 defined in the rear panel 92 of the computer enclosure 2 to threadedly engage with a screw hole 99 defined in the power supply 3 for securing the power supply 3 to the computer enclosure 2. An offset tab 45 is formed on the bottom plate 42 of the carrier 14 defining a gap therebetween for receiving a flange 93 of the computer enclosure 2.

[0024] The arm 12 has a hand holding tab 32 formed on the front end thereof. A user may remove the knob 72 and grasp the hand holding tab 32 for moving the frame 1 from the retracted position to a partially extended position as shown in FIG. 4 whereby the power supply 3 is partially exposed. If desired, the user may further move the frame 1 to the fully extended position as shown in FIG. 5 thereby completely exposing the power supply 3 and a space inside the computer enclosure 2. Maintenance and repair operations may then be easily carried out.

[0025] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention which is intended to be defined by the appended claims.