MODULAR ELEMENTS EMPLOYING LATCHES SECURED BY LINKAGES

摘要

Modular elements employing latches secured by linkages are disclosed. A modular element may include a chassis body in communication with a latch, control body, and control arm of the modular element. The modular element is removable from or secured to an enclosure using the latch. The latch may remain secured to the enclosure in a locked mode by being rotated to engage a control catch of a control arm of a linkage. By connecting the control arm to the control body with a rigid member connected to the control body with first and second rotary joints, the rigid member transforms a control body movement into a rotary motion of the control arm to disengage the control arm from the latch. In this manner, the modular element may be disengaged from the enclosure to facilitate upgrades or maintenance of electronic components supported by the chassis body.

主权项

1. A method for securing a modular element in a locked mode within an enclosure and removing the modular element while in an unlocked mode from the enclosure, the method comprising:
disposing at least a portion of a chassis body of the modular element and electronic components supported by the chassis body within the enclosure, wherein the modular element includes a latch and a linkage, wherein the linkage includes a control body, a control arm, and a rigid member, wherein the control body is in linear slidable communication with the chassis body and disposed between a first position during the locked mode and a second position during the unlocked mode, the control arm is in pivotable communication with the chassis, and the rigid member is connected to the control arm with a first rotary joint and connected to the control arm with a second rotary joint; upon transitioning from the unlocked mode to the locked mode, pivoting the latch relative to the chassis body to engage the enclosure with the latch and to engage a detent of the latch with a control catch of a control arm, wherein the control arm is in pivotable communication with the chassis body; and upon transitioning from the locked mode to the unlocked mode, moving the control body in a linear sliding motion from the first position to the second position, and transforming, with the rigid member and the first and second rotary joints, the linear motion of the control body into a rotary motion of the control arm to disengage the control catch from the detent.