Integrated installation assembly with self aligning connector

• US 5,128,830 A
• Filed: 07/02/1990
• Issued: 07/07/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Lewis, Jeffrey M., Deluca, Alfred E., Symmes, David T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thompson, Gregory D.
• Application Number:
  US07/547,739
• Time in Patent Office: 736 Days
• Field of Search: 361/383, 361/384, 361/390, 361/391, 361/392, 361/394, 361/395, 361/399, 361/415
• US Class Current: 361/695
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6315 allowing relative movement between coupling parts, e.g. floating connection for coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, H01R12/91 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1454 Alignment mechanisms; Drawout cases
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1461 Slidable card holders; Card stiffeners; Control or display means therefor

Abstract

An integrated installation assembly for removably supporting a hardware module within a computer cabinet. The integrated installation assembly comprises a substantially ridgid frame work having interconnected top frame member and bottom frame member which has a back portion. Also included is a cover spaced from the back portion of the bottom frame member. The frame members and the front cover define an interior support space in which a hardware module can be mounted. Shock absorbing means are connected to the framework of the assembly for minimizing the vibration of the hardware module. Ventilation is provided through the front cover and the top and bottom frame member for cooling the hardware module. The front cover also includes control elements for operating the hardware module and status information elements which give operating status information about the hardware module. A self aligning connector capable of multidirectional, planar movement within certain tolerances is included for blind mating the hardware module with the computer cabinet.

Claims

1. An assembly for mounting and electronically interconnecting a module within a computer cabinet having a connector mounted therein, said assembly comprising:

frame means for mounting a module with a computer cabinet, said frame means comprising a first and second frame member, said second frame member being substantially L-shaped having first and second angled portions, said first and second frame members being interconnected such that said first frame member is parallel to said first angled portion of said second frame member and together said first and second frame members define an interior space in which a module may be mounted;

guiding means positioned on said frame means for mounting said frame means into a computer cabinet; and

a circuit card adapted for coupling with a module mounted in said frame means, said circuit card being capable of multidirectional, planar movement for adjusting the position of said circuit card when said frame means is inserted in the computer cabinet, so that said circuit card mates with the connector mounted in the computer cabinet.

2. The assembly defined in claim 1, wherein the computer cabinet has rail channels mounted therein, and said guiding means comprises guide rails positioned on the parallel portions of said first frame member and said first angled portion of said second frame member;

said guide rails being configured and positioned such that said guide rails slide in the rail channels when said frame means is mounted in the computer cabinet.

3. The assembly defined in claim 1, wherein the computer cabinet has a prealignment fin mounted therein, and said assembly further comprises:

a prealignment finger positioned on said frame means, said prealignment finger being matingly configured and positioned to work in registration with the prealignment fin to align said frame means when said frame means is inserted in the computer cabinet;

a bracket which movably adjoins an exterior side of said second angled portion of said second frame member, said exterior side being the side of said second angled portion which is opposite from the side of said second angled portion defining said interior space, and said bracket having a bracket opening therethrough;

said second angled portion of said second frame member having a frame opening therethrough, said frame opening being generally aligned with said bracket opening; and

said circuit card being attached to said bracket and positioned such that is passes through said frame opening and said bracket opening;

said circuit card having a first and second edge, said first edge being adapted for coupling with a module and said second edge being dimensioned and configured such that said circuit card can be inserted into the connector mounted in the computer.

4. The assembly defined in claim 3, wherein said second edge of said circuit card is tappered and has a first and second tapered corner, whereby when said circuit card is moved toward the connector said tapered corners and said tapered edge center and align said circuit card with the connector so that said circuit card penetrates the connector.

5. The assembly defined in claim 3, further comprising attachment means for removably fastening said circuit card to said bracket, said attachment means comprising said bracket having at least one mounting brace and a fastening means such that said circuit card can be attached to said mounting brace by said fastening means.

6. The assembly defined in claim 3, further comprising:

a cover which is in spaced relation to and positioned opposite from said second angled portion of said second frame member;

a plurality of control elements which are mounted on said cover and which are adapted for coupling with a module mounted in said frame means, said control elements being adapted for controlling a module; and

a plurality of light emitting diodes which are mounted on said cover and which are adapted for coupling with a module and for visually conveying information about the operating status of a module.

7. The assembly defined in claim 3, further comprising a cooling means, said cooling means being disposed through said frame means for cooling a module when it is mounted and operating in the computer cabinet.

8. The assembly defined in claim 7, wherein said cooling means comprises a cover which is in spaced relation to and positioned opposite from said second angled portion of said second frame member;

said cover having a plurality of ventilation louvers, such that said louvers permit a cooling fluid to flow through said interior space.

9. The assembly defined in claim 7 or 8, wherein said cooling means comprises said frame members each having a plurality of apertures, said apertures being in spaced relation to each other and extending along each of said frame members such that they permit a cooling fluid to flow through said interior space.

10. The assembly defined in claim 3, further comprising shock absorbing means disposed between said frame means and a module when the module is mounted therein for protecting the module from shock and vibration.

11. The assembly defined in claim 10, wherein said shock absorbing means comprises:

said first and second frame members each having a plurality of grommet holes therethrough, said grommet holes being in spaced relation to each other; and

a plurality of grommets mounted in each such grommet hole, such that said grommets make physical contact with a module when the module is mounted in said frame members.

12. An assembly for mounting and electronically interconnecting a module within a computer cabinet having a connector mounted therein, said assembly comprising:

frame means for mounting a module within a computer cabinet, said frame means comprising a first and second frame member, said second frame member being substantially L-shaped having first and second angled portions, said first and second frame members being interconnected such that said first frame member is parallel to said first angled portion of said second frame member and together said first and second frame members define an interior space in which a module may be mounted;

guiding means positioned on said frame means for mounting said frame means into the computer cabinet;

a circuit card adapted for coupling with a module mounted in said frame means, said circuit card being capable of multidirectional, planar movement for adjusting the position of said circuit card when said frame means is inserted in the computer cabinet, so that said circuit card mates with the connector mounted in the computer cabinet;

cooling means disposed through said frame means for ventilating and cooling a module when the module is operated in the computer cabinet;

shock absorbing means disposed between said frame means and a module mounted therein, for protecting the module from shock and vibration during operation; and

control means for controlling the operation of a module mounted in said frame means said control means being positioned on said frame means.

13. The assembly defined in claim 12, wherein the computer cabinet has rail channels mounted therein, and said guiding means comprises guide rails positioned on the parallel portions of said first frame member and said first angled portion of said second frame member;

said guide rails being configured and positioned such that said guide rails slide in the rail channels when said frame means is inserted in the computer cabinet.

14. The assembly defined in claim 12, wherein the computer cabinet has a prealignment fin mounted therein, and said assembly further comprises:

a prealignment finger positioned on said frame means, said prealignment finger being matingly configured and positioned to work in registration with said prealignment fin to align said frame means when said frame means is inserted in the computer cabinet;

a bracket which movably adjoins an exterior side of said second angled portion of said second frame member, said exterior side being the side of said second angled portions which is opposite from the side of said second angled portion defining said interior space, and said bracket having a bracket opening therethrough;

said second angled portion of said second frame member having a frame opening therethrough, said frame opening being generally aligned with said bracket opening; and

said circuit card being attached to said bracket and positioned such that is passes through said frame opening and said bracket opening;

said circuit card having a first and second edge, said first edge being adapted for coupling with a module, and said second edge being dimensioned and configured such that said circuit card can be inserted into the connector mounted in the computer.

15. The assembly defined in claim 14, wherein said second edge of said circuit card is tappered and has a first and second tapered corner, whereby when said circuit card is removed toward the connector said tapered corners and said tapered edge center and align said circuit card with the connector so that said circuit card penetrates the connector.

16. The assembly defined in claim 14, wherein said bracket has a first and second end and at least one L-shaped leg depending from said first end, said leg being dimensioned and angled such that when said bracket is mounted against said exterior side of said second angled portion of said second frame member said leg passes through said frame opening and is disposed against the interior side of said second angled portion of said second frame member.

17. The assembly defined in claim 16, wherein said bracket has a bracket neck depending from said second end;

and said first frame member has a retention aperture, which is dimensioned and configured such that when said bracket is mounted on said exterior side of said second angled portion of said second frame member and said first and second frame members are interconnected, said bracket neck passes through said retention aperture.

18. The assembly defined in claim 17, wherein said leg has a stop edge defined by the underside of that portion of said leg which passes through said frame opening;

and said bracket has at least one limitation peg which works in registration with said frame opening, such that when said bracket is mounted against said exterior side of said second angled portion of said second frame member said limitation peg extends into said frame opening and said sliding, multidirectional, planar movement of said bracket is limited by the interception of the edge of said frame opening by said limitation peg, said stop edge, or both.

19. The assembly defined in claim 14, further comprising:

a cover which is in spaced relation to and positioned opposite from said second angled portion of said second frame member;

a plurality of control elements which are mounted on said cover and which are adapted for coupling with a module mounted in said frame means, said control elements being adapted for controlling a module; and

a plurality of light emitting diodes which are mounted on said cover and which are adapted for coupling with a module and for visually conveying information about the operating status of a module.

20. The assembly defined in claim 12, wherein said cooling means comprises a cover which is in spaced relation to and positioned opposite from said second angled portion of said second frame member;

said cover having a plurality of ventilation louvers, such that said louvers permit a cooling fluid to flow through said interior space.

21. The assembly defined in claim 12, wherein said cooling means comprises said frame members each having a plurality of apertures, said apertures being in spaced relation to each other and extending along each of said frame members such that they permit a cooling fluid to flow through said interior space.

22. The assembly defined in claim 21, wherein said cooling means further includes a means for circulating said cooling fluid.

23. The assembly defined in claim 22, wherein said means for circulating said cooling fluid includes a fan mounted within the computer cabinet.

24. The assembly defined in claim 23, wherein said cooling fluid is air.

25. The assembly defined in claim 12, wherein said shock absorbing means comprises:

said first and second frame members each having a plurality of grommet holes therethrough, said grommet holes being in spaced relation to each other; and

a plurality of grommets mounted in each such grommet hole, such that said grommets make physical contact with a module when the module is mounted in said frame members.

26. The assembly defined in claim 25, further comprising a plurality of bolts;

said grommets each having a grommet sleeve disposed through its center; and

a module having a plurality of module holes, said module holes being positioned and aligned with respect to said grommet sleeves so that when the module is mounted within said frame members said bolts can be screwed through said grommet sleeves and into the module holes to thereby secure said grommets between the module and said first and second frame members, and to further secure said first and second frame members to the module.

27. The assembly defined in claim 14, further comprising attachment means for removably fastening said circuit card to said bracket, said attachment means comprising said bracket having at least one mounting brace and a fastening means such that said circuit card can be attached to said mounting brace by said fastening means.

28. A computer cabinet, having an electrical backplane therein, for housing and electronically interconnecting a module to said cabinet through said backplane, said cabinet having a cavity, one side of said cavity being enclosed by said backplane, and said cabinet comprising:

a connector mounted on said backplane such that said connector is within said cavity;

frame means for mounting a module within said cabinet, said frame means comprising a first and second frame member, said second frame member being substantially L-shaped having first and second angled portions, said first and second frame members being interconnected such that said first frame member is parallel to said first angled portion of said second frame member and together said first and second frame members define an interior space in which a module may be mounted, and, when so mounted, said frame members and said module form a framework configured for insertion in said cavity;

guiding means positioned on said frame means and said cabinet for slidably mounting said frame means into said cavity; and

a circuit card adapted for coupling with a module mounted in said frame means, said circuit card being capable of multidirectional, planar movement for adjusting the position of said circuit card when said frame means is inserted in said cavity, so that said circuit card mates with said connector.

29. The cabinet defined in claim 28, wherein said guiding means further comprises:

guide rails positioned on the parallel portions of said first frame member and said first angled portion of said second frame member, and rail channels positioned within said cavity;

said guide rails being and said rail channels being matingly configured and positioned such that said guide rails slide in said rail channels when said frame means is inserted in said cavity.

30. The cabinet defined in claim 29, further comprising self aligning connector means, said self aligning connector means including:

at least one prealignment fin mounted in said cabinet;

at least one prealignment finger positioned on one of said frame members, said prealignment finger being matingly configured and positioned to work in registration with said prealignment fin to align said frame means when said frame means is inserted in said cabinet;

a bracket which movably adjoins an exterior side of said second angled portion of said second frame member, said exterior side being the side of said second angled portion which is opposite from the side of said second angled portion defining said interior space, and said bracket having a bracket opening therethrough;

said connector having a first and second end, said first end being mounted on said backplane, and said second end having a generally rectangular slot therein, defined by four inwardly ramped sides; and

the interior of said slot having a plurality of linearly positioned, conductive connector contacts mounted therein, said connector contacts being electrically connected to said backplane;

said second angled portion of said second frame member having a frame opening therethrough, said frame opening being generally aligned with said bracket opening; and

said circuit card being attached to said bracket and positioned such that is passes through said frame opening and said bracket opening;

said circuit card having a first and second edge, said first edge having a plurality of conductors mounted thereon through which said circuit card is adapted for coupling with a module, and said second edge having a plurality of linearly positioned, conductive card contacts which are electrically connected to said first edge conductors through said circuit card; and

said circuit card being dimensioned and configured such that said circuit card can be inserted into said slot of said connector, and, when so inserted, said card contacts matingly engage said connector contacts.

31. An assembly for mounting and electronically coupling a module to a connector for coupling with a computer system, said assembly comprising:

a frame for holding a module, said frame having a side member;

a bracket mounted on said side member for multidirectional, planar movement thereon;

a circuit card mounted on said bracket such that said multidirectional, planar movement of said bracket enables said circuit card to adjust its position during mounting to couple with the connector; and

coupling means for electronically coupling said circuit card and a module, said coupling means being connectable to said circuit card and a module.

32. The assembly of claim 31, wherein said coupling means includes a power cable having a first and second end, said first end being coupled to said circuit card and said second end being adapted for connection to a connector on a module.

33. The assembly of claim 31, wherein said coupling means includes a signal cable having a first and second end, said first end being coupled to said circuit card and said second end being adapted for connection to a connector on a module.

34. The assembly of claim 31, wherein said bracket is slidably mounted on said side member.

35. The assembly of claim 31 further comprising shock absorbing means for protecting a module from shock and vibration, said shock absorbing means being disposed between said frame and the module when the module is held in said frame.

36. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the computer system includes a cabinet, and said assembly further comprises guiding means positioned on said frame so that said frame is adapted for slidably mounting in the cabinet.

37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein the cabinet has rail channels mounted therein, and said guiding means comprises guide rails positioned on said frame, said guide rails being configured such that they slide within the rail channels when said frame is inserted in the cabinet.

38. The assembly of claim 36, wherein the cabinet has a prealignment fin positioned on the cabinet, and said guiding means further comprises a prealignment finger positioned on said frame, said prealignment finger being matingly configured and positioned to work in registration with the prealignment fin to align said frame when said frame is inserted in the

39. An assembly for mounting and electronically coupling a module to a connector for coupling with a computer system, said assembly comprising:

a frame for holding a module, said frame having a side member which defines a plane;

a bracket movably mounted on said side member such that said bracket can move in the plane formed by said side member;

a circuit card mounted on said bracket such that said circuit card extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by said side member, the movement of said bracket enabling said circuit card to adjust its position during mounting to couple with the connector; and

coupling means for electronically coupling said circuit card and a module held in said frame, said coupling means being connectable to said circuit card and a module.

40. The assembly of claim 39, wherein said side member has a side member opening therethrough, said bracket has a bracket opening therethrough which substantially aligns with said side member opening, and said circuit card is mounted on said bracket such that said circuit card extends through said bracket opening and through said side member opening and is substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by said side member.

41. The assembly of claim 39, wherein said coupling means includes a power cable having a first and second end, said first end being coupled to said circuit card and said second end being adapted for connection to a connector on a module.

42. The assembly of claim 39, wherein said coupling means includes a signal cable having a first and second end, said first end being coupled to said circuit card and said second end being adapted for connection to a connector on a module.

43. The assembly of claim 39, wherein said frame includes first and second frame members, said side member being integrally formed with said second frame member, and said first and second frame members and said side member being interconnected to form a three sided enclosure inside of which a module may be held.

44. The assembly of claim 43, further comprising shock absorbing means for protecting a module from shock and vibration, said shock absorbing means being disposed between said first and second frame members and the module when the module is held in said frame.

45. The assembly of claim 39, wherein the computer system includes a cabinet having rail channels mounted therein, and said assembly further comprises guide rails positioned on said first and second frame members, said guide rails being configured such that they slide within the rail channels when said frame is inserted in the cabinet.

47. The cabinet assembly of claim 45, further comprising shock absorbing means for protecting a module from shock and vibration, said shock absorbing means being disposed between said frame and the module when the module is held in said frame.

49. The cabinet assembly of claim 45, further comprising said cavity having rail channels positioned therein, and said frame having guide rails positioned thereon, said guide rails being configured such that they slide within said rail channels when said frame is inserted in said cavity.

50. The cabinet assembly of claim 45, further comprising said cavity having a prealignment fin positioned therein, and said frame having a prealignment finger positioned thereon, said prealignment finger being matingly configured and positioned to work in registration with said prealignment fin to align said frame when said frame is inserted in said cavity.

46. A computer cabinet assembly comprising:

an enclosure having a cavity therein;

a backplane which forms one of the sides of said enclosure;

a connector mounted on said backplane;

a frame for holding a module, said frame having a side member and being adapted for mounting in said cavity;

a bracket mounted on said side member for multidirectional, planar movement thereon;

a circuit card mounted on said bracket such that said multidirectional, planar movement of said bracket enables said circuit card to adjust its position to couple with said connector when said frame is mounted in said cavity; and

coupling means for electronically coupling said circuit card and a module held in said frame.

48. The cabinet assembly of claim 46, wherein said shock absorbing means comprises a plurality of rubber like grommets mounted on said frame to make contact with a module when a module is held in said frame.