CN216210844U - Inner support bracket - Google Patents

Abstract

An internal support bracket for a power switch includes a bottom support and a top cover. The top cover is secured to the bottom support. The combined bottom support and top cover define an opening for securing a power switch. The bottom support includes a bottom surface having a ridge protruding from the bottom surface.

Description

inner support bracket

【Technical field】

The present invention generally relates to an inner support bracket, and more particularly, to an inner support bracket for securing a power switch to an internal chassis of a computing device.

【Background technique】

In current computing devices, the power switch for the power supply is generally installed from the outside of the computer case and passes through the side wall of the case into the interior of the case. A wire extending from the power switch extends from the switch to the inside of the computer case. The wire is then connected via a butt connector to another wire for connection to a power supply located within the computer case. During assembly or maintenance of a computing device, servicing of the power switch can be cumbersome and can also result in an inefficient use of space within the computer chassis.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved power switch mechanism and configuration that uses less space and provides increased efficiency in the construction and maintenance of computing devices.

【Content of utility model】

The phraseology of example and similar phraseology (eg, implementations, configurations, features, examples, and options) is intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of the present invention and the scope of the following claims. Several statements containing such plural terms should be understood not to limit the meaning or scope of the subject matter described herein or to limit the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered herein are defined by the following claims, not the content of this invention. This disclosure is a high-level overview of the various features of the disclosure, and introduces some of the concepts more described in the implementation paragraphs below. The contents of this utility model are not intended to identify the key or essential components of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used independently to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. This subject matter should be understood by reference to the full specification of the present invention, including all drawings in appropriate scale, and the scope of each application.

According to certain features of the present invention, an inner support bracket for a power switch includes a bottom support and a top cover secured to the bottom support. The combined bottom support and top cover define an opening for securing the power switch. The bottom support includes a bottom surface having ridges protruding from the bottom surface.

In further features, the inner support bracket further includes a base support, the base support including a groove configured to receive the ridge to connect the bottom support to the base support. In a further feature of the inner support bracket, the base support includes one or more through holes configured to secure the base support to the sidewall structure of the computer chassis. In another further feature of the inner support bracket, the top cover is secured to the bottom support with one or more fasteners. In a further feature of the inner support bracket, the top cover is secured to the bottom support with a friction fit. In another feature of the inner support bracket, the top cover includes one or more protrusions projecting from an interior surface, the interior surface defining a portion of the boundary of the opening, the one or more protrusions cooperating with the power switch. In a further feature of the inner support bracket, the bottom support includes one or more protrusions projecting from an interior surface, the interior surface defining a portion of the boundary of the opening, the one or more protrusions cooperating with the power switch.

In another feature of the inner support bracket, the top cover and the bottom support include one or more protrusions projecting from an interior surface that defines a boundary of the opening, the one or more protrusions cooperating with the power switch. In a further feature of the inner support bracket, the ridge has a trapezoidal cross-section. In a further feature of the inner support stent, the spine includes one or more blind holes.

In another further feature of the inner support stent, the groove includes one or more sidewalls having one or more nodules, the one or more nodules extending from the sidewalls into the groove. The one or more nodules are configured to engage corresponding blind holes in the spine to secure the bottom support to the base support in the locked position. In a further feature of the inner support bracket, the bottom support is configured to be slidably mounted to and removed from the base support.

According to certain features of the present invention, a method of securing a power switch to the interior of a computer case includes attaching a base support to an interior wall of the computer case, the base support including a channel. Locate the power switch between the top cover of the inner support bracket and the separate bottom support. The divided bottom support includes a bottom surface having ridges protruding from the bottom surface. Secure the top cover to the separate bottom supports of the inner support bracket. The ridges of the split bottom supports are slid into the channels so that the inner support bracket, which includes the power switch, is secured in the locked position.

In a further feature of the method for securing the power switch, the positioning includes first placing the power switch into a separate bottom support of the inner support bracket and then sliding the top cover over the power switch. In a further feature of the method for securing a power switch, the securing is performed using one or more fasteners. In a further feature of the method for securing a power switch, the connection of the base support to the sidewall structure is performed using one or more thumbscrews.

Among further features the method of securing the power switch includes sliding the ridges of the split bottom support out of the channel. In further features of the method of securing a power switch, the channel includes one or more nodules configured to engage one or more openings in the spine when the inner support bracket is moved to the locked position. In further features of the method of securing a power switch, the channel includes one or more nodules configured to de-engage with the one or more openings in the spine when the inner support bracket is moved to the unlocked position.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment or every feature of the present invention. Rather, the foregoing summary provides only examples of some of the novel features and characteristics set forth herein. The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the present invention, will be apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Additional features of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of the various embodiments with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

【Description of drawings】

The advantages of the present invention and the accompanying drawings will be better understood from the description of the following embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The various drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope of the various embodiments or the scope of the claims.

1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary interior portion of a computer case for a computing device, an inner support bracket, and a power switch in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

2A is a top interior perspective view of an inner support bracket and a power switch secured to the sidewall structure of the computer case of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

2B is a top exterior perspective view of a power switch secured to the sidewall structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

3A and 3B are assembled and exploded top perspective views of the inner support bracket and power switch of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

3C and 3D are bottom perspective views of the top cover and bottom support of the inner support bracket of FIGS. 3A and 3B, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

4A is a top perspective view of an inner support bracket slidably connected to a base support secured to a computer chassis and a power switch in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

4B is a top perspective view of the inner support bracket, power switch, and base support of FIG. 4A with the inner support bracket disconnected from the base support, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

4C is a top perspective view of the bottom support of the inner support bracket slidingly connected to the groove of the base support in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

4D is a partial top view of a groove of a base support according to some embodiments of the present invention.

【Symbol Description】

100: Internal

105: External

110: Sidewall Structure

115: Switch receiving opening

116: Lower bracket

117, 118: Holes / Fastening holes

120: Internal support bracket

122: Bottom support

123, 129: Screws

124: top cover

125: Receiving opening

126: Base support

127, 128: Through hole

130: Power switch

132: External Section

140: Wire

150: Electrical connector

162: Ridge

164: Bottom Surface

166: Opening

167: Nodules

168: Groove

169: Sidewall

172, 174: Internal Boundaries

182, 184: Lateral screws

191, 192, 193, 194, 196, 197, 198, 199: Protrusions

【Detailed ways】

The various embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters are used to designate similar or equivalent elements throughout. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are provided only to illustrate the present invention. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships and methods are set forth to provide a thorough understanding. However, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details or in other ways. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are shown in detail in order to avoid obscuring certain features of the various embodiments. The various embodiments are not limited to the illustrated order of actions or events, eg, some actions may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other actions or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement methods in accordance with the present invention.

For the purposes of this embodiment, unless expressly stated otherwise, the singular includes the plural and vice versa. The noun "including" means "including but not limited to". In addition, approximate words such as "about, almost, substantially, approximately" and the like may be used herein to mean, for example, "at", "near, near at", "at 3%" "within 3-5% of", "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances", or any logical combination thereof. Similarly, the terms "vertical" or "horizontal" are intended to additionally include "within 3-5%" of the vertical or horizontal direction, respectively. Additionally, directional words such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "above," and "below" are intended to be relative to the equivalent directions described in the figures with reference to the referenced object or element. is understood in the context of an object or element, such as from the common location of an object or element, or as otherwise described herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term "computing device" refers to any electronically powered or battery powered device having hardware, software and/or firmware components that can be configured to operate the Features.

In some implementations, the inner support bracket secures the power switch in the interior space of the computer case of the computing device. The inner support bracket includes a bottom support and a top cover. The top cover is secured to the bottom support. The bottom support includes a bottom surface having ridges protruding from the bottom surface. The combined top cover and bottom support define an opening in which the power switch is secured.

In some features, a method for securing a power switch in the interior space of a computer chassis is envisioned. The method includes attaching a base support including a channel or groove to the interior of a sidewall structure of a computer chassis. A power switch is positioned between the top cover of the inner support bracket and the separate bottom support. The divided bottom support includes a bottom surface from which a ridge protrudes. The top cover is secured to the separate bottom supports of the inner support bracket. When secured together, the top cover and the separate bottom support form a receiving opening for securing the power switch. The ridges of the split bottom supports can be slid into the channels so that the inner support bracket including the power switch is secured in the locked position.

The utility model provides an improved power switch configuration, which comprises an inner bracket for fixing the power switch in the inner space of a computer case. With the power switch secured within the interior space of the computer case, a single wire can extend from the power switch for connection to the power supply of the computing device. In contrast, power switch configurations typically require a docking connector or similar connection device to connect two wires, one extending from the switch secured to the exterior of the computer case to the interior, and the other extending from the docking connector. to the power supply. Since the configuration of the present invention provides the inner support bracket to fix the power switch on the inner side of the side wall structure of the computer case, the internal space of the computer case can be used more efficiently, and the computing device can be assembled and maintained more efficiently. , so the configuration of the present invention is particularly desirable.

Referring to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of an exemplary partial interior space 100 of a computer case is depicted, the exemplary partial interior space 100 is defined in a side. Although in the assembled position, the inner support bracket 120 is depicted as being separated from the sidewall structure 110 , the inner support bracket 120 would otherwise be secured to the sidewall structure 110 . The sidewall structure 110 includes a switch receiving opening 115 that aligns with the power switch 130 when the power switch 130 is secured to the sidewall structure 110 using the inner support bracket 120 . The power switch 130 passes from the interior 100 of the computer case through the switch receiving opening 115 to allow user access to operate the power switch 130, although the power switch 130 itself is substantially within the interior 100 of the computer case.

The sidewall structure 110 includes a lower bracket 116 having one or more holes 117 , 118 for securing a base support 126 for the inner support bracket 120 to the lower bracket 116 . The inner support bracket 120 includes a bottom support member 122 for supporting the power switch 130 and a top cover 124 . The top cover 124 is secured to the bottom support 122, and the bottom support 122 is secured to the base support 126, which is secured in turn to the bottom support 126 when the power switch 130 is fully installed in the computing device Bracket 116 . In some embodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 1 , bottom support 122 and base support 126 are separate units. In some embodiments, bottom support 122 and base support 126 are integrally formed, unitary structures. Wire 140 extends from power switch 130 and connects to electrical connector 150 configured to connect to a power supply (not shown), or to another connector connected to the power supply and /or wire (not shown). In some embodiments, base support 126 includes one or more through holes 127 , 128 that align with corresponding holes, such as fastening holes 117 , 118 in sidewall structure 110 . The through holes 127 , 128 are configured to allow the base support to be fastened to the sidewall structure 110 , eg, at the lower bracket 116 of the sidewall structure 110 .

A desirable feature of the present invention is the installation of the power switch 130 from the interior 100 of the computer case. Specifically, the power switch 130 partially extends from the interior 100 to the exterior 105 of the sidewall structure 110 for the user to access and operate the power switch 130 from the exterior 105 of the computer case.

2A, a top interior perspective view depicts the inner support bracket 120 and the power switch 130 secured to the sidewall structure 110 in the interior 100 (see FIG. 1) of the computer case of FIG. The top cover 124 and the bottom support 122 define the boundary of the opening 125 , and the power switch 130 is disposed in the inner support bracket 120 and fixed in the inner support bracket 120 . Bottom support 122 is connected to base support 126 . The base support 126 is secured to the sidewall structure 110 at the lower bracket 116 using one or more mechanical fasteners (eg, screws 123, 129). In some embodiments, the screws 123, 129 may be thumbscrews. Other fastening mechanisms that provide a fixed connection between the inner support bracket 120 and computer chassis components (eg, sidewall structures 110) are also contemplated.

Referring to FIG. 2B , a top external perspective view depicts the power switch 130 in FIG. 2A secured to the sidewall structure 110 . The outer portion 132 from the power switch 130 in FIG. 2A extends out to the interior space 100 of the computer case (see FIG. 1 ), to the exterior 105 of the sidewall structure 110 (see FIG. 1 ). As depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the power switch 130 is substantially disposed on the inner side of the sidewall structure 110 and the outer portion 132 of the power switch 130 extends minimally to the outside of the sidewall structure 110 to The computing device user is allowed to operate the power switch 130 .

3A and 3B , assembled and exploded top perspective views depict the inner support bracket 120 and the power switch 130 of FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 3B, a structure for two or more components of the inner support bracket 120 is required, such as a top cover 124 and bottom support 122 configuration. It is contemplated that the inner support bracket 120 is made of a plastic material that can deform more easily than metal, thereby allowing the power switch 130 to be more easily positioned and secured within the receiving opening 125 formed by the bottom support 122 and the top cover 124 The inner boundaries 172, 174 of the .

The top cover 124 may be secured to the bottom support 122 using one or more mechanical fasteners, such as transverse screws 182, 184 or similar fastening devices. In some embodiments, the lateral screws 182 , 184 may make contact with the power switch 130 disposed within the receiving opening 125 , such as by making surface contact or penetration of the power switch 130 . Contact between the lateral screws 182 , 184 and the power switch 130 may help secure the power switch 130 within the inner support bracket 120 . In some embodiments, the power switch 130 is secured using a friction fit with the inner support bracket 120 . In some embodiments, the bottom support 122 may include one or more protrusions 191 , 192 , 193 , 194 protruding from the inner boundary 172 to secure the power switch 130 such that when the top cover 124 is secured to the bottom support 122 , the power switch 130 will not move within the receiving opening 125 .

In some embodiments, the bottom support 122 may further include a ridge 162 extending downwardly from the bottom support 122 . The spine 162 may be used to interface the inner support bracket 120 with another structure for securing the inner support bracket 120 and the power switch 130 to the computer case.

3C and 3D, a bottom perspective view depicts the top cover 124 and the bottom support 122 of the inner support bracket 120 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The top cover 124 may also include one or more protrusions 196 , 197 , 198 , 199 protruding from the inner boundary 174 to secure the power switch 130 ( FIG. 3A ) such that when the top cover 124 is secured to the bottom support 122 , the power The switch 130 does not move within the receiving opening 125 . In some embodiments, both the top cover 124 and the bottom support 122 include such protrusions. For example, top cover 124 and bottom support 122 may include one or more protrusions, such as protrusions 191 , 192 , 193 , 194 ( FIG. 3B ) extending from interior surfaces 172 , 174 and/or protrusions 196 , 197 , 198, 199, the inner surfaces 172, 174 define the boundaries of the receiving opening 125 (FIG. 3B). The one or more protrusions can then cooperate with the power switch 130 to secure the power switch within the receiving opening 125 .

FIG. 3D depicts an enlarged perspective view of the ridge 162 extending from the bottom surface 164 of the bottom support 122 . In some embodiments, the ridges 162 may have a trapezoidal cross-section, as depicted in Figure 3D. Other cross-sectional shapes corresponding to grooves or channels are also contemplated, as discussed further below. Ridges 162 may include one or more openings 166, such as blind holes or through holes.

Referring to FIG. 4A , a top perspective view depicts the inner support bracket 120 and the power switch 130 connected to the base support 126 via a sliding connection between the base support 126 and the bottom support 122 . The inner support bracket 120 is depicted in FIG. 4A in a locked position with the base support 126 , characterized in that the inner support bracket 120 is in a fully installed position to secure the power switch 130 .

Referring to FIG. 4B , a top perspective view depicts the inner support bracket 120 , the power switch 130 , and the base support 126 of FIG. 4A with the inner support bracket 120 disconnected from the base support 130 . The base support 126 includes grooves 168 that correspond to the ridges 162 and are configured to receive the ridges 162 , such as by a sliding connection connecting the bottom support 122 to the base support 126 . Similarly, the sliding connection may also allow the bottom support 122 to be disconnected from the base support 126 by sliding the ridges 162 of the inner support bracket 120 out of the grooves 168 .

Referring to FIG. 4C , a top perspective view depicts the bottom support 122 of the inner support bracket 120 as the bottom support 122 is slidingly connected along the groove 168 of the base support 126 . The grooves 168 may include sidewalls 169 that form channels for guiding the ridges 162 . Sidewall 169 may include one or more nodules 167 protruding or extending from sidewall 169 . The nodules 167 are positioned to engage corresponding holes or openings in the spine 162 (eg, opening 166 in FIG. 3D ) to secure the bottom support 122 in the locked position when the nodules 167 pass through the corresponding holes or openings . In some embodiments, the holes may be through holes or blind holes. Referring to FIG. 4D , a partial top view depicts the grooves 168 of the base support 126 , including the nodules 167 and the side walls 169 .

The embodiments described in Figures 1-4D are also contemplated as embodiments for a method of securing a power switch to the interior of a computer case. Using the reference numerals of FIGS. 1-4D herein, the method includes attaching a base support 126 including a channel or groove 168 to the sidewall structure 110 of the computer chassis. A power switch 130 is located between the top cover 124 of the inner support bracket 120 and the separate bottom support 122 . The divided bottom support 122 includes a bottom surface 164 having ridges 162 protruding from the bottom surface 164 . The top cover 124 is secured to the separate bottom supports 122 of the inner support bracket 120 . The ridges 162 of the split bottom supports 122 can slide into the channels or grooves 168 so that the inner support bracket 120, which includes the power switch 130, is secured in the locked position.

In some embodiments, the positioning step includes first placing the power switch 130 into the separate bottom supports 122 of the inner support bracket 120 and then sliding the top cover 124 over the power switch 130 . In further features, the securing step is performed using one or more fasteners (eg, transverse fasteners 182, 184). In a further feature, the use of one or more thumbscrews to connect the base support 126 to the sidewall structure 110 is implemented. Further features include sliding the ridges 162 of the split bottom supports 122 out of the channels or grooves 168 . In further features, groove 168 includes one or more nodules 167 configured to engage one or more openings 166 in spine 162 when inner support bracket 120 is moved to the locked position. In further features, groove 168 includes one or more nodules 167 configured to disengage from one or more openings 166 in spine 162 when inner support bracket 120 is moved to the unlocked position .

The embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4D are primarily the content of an inner support bracket for a power switch of a computing device, or a method of securing a power switch to the interior of a computer case. However, the described inner support brackets and methods are applicable to other types of applications for supporting electronic components on the interior of a computer case. The described inner support bracket for a power switch is presented by way of example only, not limitation, and may include different combinations of the described elements.

While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalents and modifications will come to mind to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. Additionally, although a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of the several embodiments, for any given or particular application, such feature may be combined with one or more of the other embodiments, as may be required and advantageous. Multiple other feature combinations.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Various changes may be made in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. Instead, the scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (10)

1. An inner support bracket for a power switch, wherein the inner support bracket comprises: a bottom support; and a top cover secured to the bottom support, the combined bottom support and the top cover define an opening for securing the power switch, the bottom support including a bottom surface with a ridge protruding from the bottom surface department. 2 . The inner support bracket of claim 1 , further comprising a base support member, the base support member including a groove configured to receive the ridge for the base portion. 3 . A support is connected to the base support. 3. The inner support bracket of claim 2, wherein the base support member includes one or more through holes configured to fasten the base support member to a sidewall structure of a computer case. 4. The inner support bracket of claim 1, wherein the top cover is secured to the bottom support with one or more fasteners. 5. The inner support bracket of claim 1, wherein the top cover is further secured to the bottom support member with a friction fit. 6. The inner support bracket of claim 1, wherein the top cover and the bottom support include one or more protrusions projecting from an interior surface that defines A boundary of the opening, the one or more protrusions cooperate with the power switch. 7. The inner support bracket of claim 1, wherein the ridge has a trapezoidal cross-section. 8. The inner support bracket of claim 1, wherein the ridge includes one or more blind holes. 9. The inner support stent of claim 2, wherein the groove includes one or more sidewalls having one or more nodules extending from the sidewall to the In the groove, the one or more nodules are configured to engage corresponding blind holes in the ridge to secure the bottom support to the base support in a locked position. 10. The inner support bracket of claim 2, wherein the bottom support is configured to be slidably mounted to and removed from the base support.

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