TWI380935B - Disc holding device - Google Patents

Description

Disc holding device

The present invention generally relates to a disc holding device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a locking mechanism for a disc holding device.

Hard drive discs and semiconductor wafers are typically fabricated at one location and packaged in a disc holding device that is placed in a container for transport to another location. These disc holding devices are finally removed from the container and are used to store hard drive discs during the dispensing period of the process. Hard drive discs must be protected at all stages of the normal process.

A variety of disc holding devices have been developed for packaging, transporting and dispensing discs. A typical disc holding device includes a latch portion, a cover, a base portion, and a latch for locking the closed device. As is conventional, the hard drive disc is housed in a plurality of slots in the interior of the latch. An example is shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,902,059. Other disc holding devices are also known.

During this process, it is often necessary to remove the cover from the cassette portion of the disc holding device and to obtain the hard drive disc stored therein. Automatic machines are often used to unfasten and remove the cover of the disc holding device. In order to achieve this result, and based on the locking design of the latch arm of the conventional disc holding device, the automatic machine must be unwound by applying an outward pulling force to the latch arm in a direction facing away from the inside of the disc holding device. And remove the cover of the disc holding device and operate the latch arm. The operation performed by the automatic machine may not solve the latch arm in most cases. Disadvantageously, this may result in reduced manufacturing efficiency and increased manufacturing dissatisfaction with respect to the disc holding device.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved configuration for locking the disc holding device to achieve an enhanced interaction with the automated machine used in the dispensing process.

An exemplary disc holding device includes a latch arm for locking the disc holding device. The latch arm has a locking lug extending toward one end of the latch holder toward a direction of the interior of the disc retaining device. The orientation of the locking lug is the opposite of the conventional standard scheme.

An example of a disc holding device includes a latch portion having a side wall, a base portion on one side of the latch portion, and a cover on an opposite side of the latch portion.

In one example, the latch arm extends from the cover toward the base portion and selectively engages at least one locking surface of the base portion. In one example, one of the latching arms of the latching arm selectively engages the locking surface on the base portion. With this configuration, the force applied to the latch arm inside the cassette can unlock the disc holding device.

An example of a latch arm includes a lift ledge that extends substantially in the same direction as the locking lug.

A disclosed example includes a disc holding device having a cover that includes a latch arm near one end of the cover. The latch arm of this example includes a first surface that faces generally opposite one of the covers and a second surface that faces the first surface. The locking lug projects from the second surface toward the back to the cover.

The various features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the <RTIgt; The following is a brief description of the drawings.

Figure 1 shows schematically a disc holding device 10 for accommodating a plurality of discs 12. The illustrated disc holding device 10 includes a latch portion 14, a base portion 16, and a cover 18. The latch portion 14 includes two side walls 20, 22 and two end walls 24, 26 that define a interior 28 for securely encapsulating the plurality of discs 12. The side walls 20, 22 are generally aligned parallel to each other and are designed to minimize contact therebetween, providing support for the plurality of discs 12, keeping them spaced apart from each other, in a substantially stable position within the disc holding device 10. The disc 12 is housed in a plurality of slots 30 formed in the side walls 20, 22 of the latch portion 14.

At least one end wall of the opposing end walls 24, 26 includes a channel 34. In one example, the two end walls 24 and 26 include a channel 34. In the illustrated example, the channel 34 is generally U-shaped. The channel 34 is provided on at least one of the end walls 24, 26 as an access passage for the hard drive disc 12 when it is sealed to the latch portion 14.

In the illustrated example, the base portion 16 is fixed to one side of the latch portion 14 using, for example, an interference fit. In another example, the base portion 16 is formed as a single component that is integral with the latch portion 14 and is integral with the latch portion 14. The lid 18 is received from the base portion 16 against the opposite side of one of the latch portions 14. The cover 18 includes a latch arm 32 for locking the disc holding device 10 that extends toward the base portion 16 and is selectively secured to one of the locking surfaces 36 of the base portion 16. In one example, the cover 18 includes two latch arms 32, and each end of the cover 18 has a latch arm 32.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in one disclosed example, the latch arm 32A is located adjacent one end 38 of the cover 18. The latch arm 32A extends laterally from the cover 18 (ie, toward the base portion 16). One of the first surfaces 40 of the latch arms 32 generally faces one end 42 of the cover 18 that faces the end 38. The latch arm 32A includes a second surface 44 that faces the first surface 40. In other words, the second surface 44 faces away from one end 42 of the cover 18.

The illustrated latch arm 32 includes a locking tab 46 that projects from the second surface 44 away from the cover 18. In one example, the locking lug 46 is located at a distal end of the latch arm 32. The latch arm also includes a lifting ledge 48 and at least one finger portion 50. The lifting ledge 48 is automatically removed as described below. In the disclosed example, a two-finger tap 50 is included on the latch arm 32. The finger grip 50 assists the user in manually operating the lid 18 relative to the disc holding device 10.

In one example, the lifting ledge 48 and the at least one finger portion 50 extend in substantially the same direction as the locking lug 46. The illustrated lifting ledge 48 is located between the finger portion 50 and the locking lug 46 on the second surface 44 of the latch arm 32. Each of the locking lugs 46, the lifting ledge 48, and the finger portion 50 project laterally away from the second surface 44 of the latch arm 32. This lateral direction, for example, faces away from the interior 28 of the disc holding device 10. Contrary to previous designs, there is a latch arm 32 that is characterized in that the locking lug 46 faces away from the interior 28 of the disc holding device 10. The illustrated embodiment helps to improve the interaction between the disc holding device 10 and the automated machine used to operate the latch arm 32 during the process.

An example of the base portion 16 includes a locking surface 36 proximate the end wall 53. In one example, the end wall 53 contains an arm portion 58 near the locking surface 36 to provide support and rigidity. The locking surface 36 extends between the two arms 58. A groove 60 is present between the end wall 53 and the locking surface 36. When the cover 18, the latch portion 14, and the base portion 1 are assembled, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, at least a portion of the latch arm 32 is received via the groove 60.

A groove 52 is formed in the latch arm 32 between the two fingers. The groove 52 on the surface 44 partially defines a projection 54 extending from the first surface 40 of the latch arm toward the interior of the device 10. The projection 54 selectively engages the channel 34 of the end walls 24, 26 and seals the disc holding device 10 when the cover 18 is received and locked to the latch portion 14 (see, for example, Figure 3).

Figure 3 illustrates an assembled disc holding device 10. In this example, the cover 18 is secured to the disc holding device 10 in a locked position. The latch arm 32 extends at least partially through the groove 60 of the base portion 16. The locking lug 46 at least partially abuts the locking surface 36. As the latch arm 32 partially passes through the groove 60, the locking lug 46 is received against the locking surface 36 of the base portion 16. As best shown in FIG. 2, the locking lug 46 has a surface 62 that facilitates insertion of the lug through the groove 60. The locking lug 46 also has a locking surface 64 that contacts the locking surface 36 on the base portion 16.

4A schematically illustrates a machine 70 that operates the latch arm 32 of the cover 18 by applying a force F to the latch arm in a direction toward the interior 28 of the disc holding device 10. In the illustrated example, a force F is applied to the surface 44 below the lifting ledge 48. The illustrated machine 70 has a contact surface 44 to apply an arm 72 of force F. The arm 72 is moved a sufficient distance to completely push the locking surface 64 away from the locking surface 36, and the locking tab 46 is aligned with the groove. The resiliency of the latch arm 32 causes the locking lug 46 to be offset from the interior 28 of the latch portion 14, and the latching surfaces 36 and 64 cooperate to retain the device 10. Strength F is enough to overcome this deviation.

As shown in Fig. 4B, the force F is maintained on the latch arm 32, and the arm 72 is moved toward the opening direction D2 to remove the cover 18 from the disc holding device 10. In the illustrated example, the second direction D2 crosses the direction of the force F. The lifting ledge 48 can assist the arm 72 in lifting the cover away from the cover 18 and the latch portion 14.

In another example, the latch arm 32 and the cover 18 are manually operated to remove the cover 18. For example, an individual can press against the surface 44 and use the finger pad 50 as desired to operate the lid.

The illustrated example includes various features that provide an improved interaction between the manufacturing machine and a disc holding device to achieve a simpler method of unlocking the latch arms. The illustrated example includes a combination of improved latch arm and base features. For example, the position of the latch arms 32 within the grooves 60 provides greater security than conventional arrangements in which a latch arm engages a base from the outer edge of the base. Those skilled in the art having the benefit of this description will have access to a latching arm having a locking tab, a base portion having a locking surface, a lifting ledge or fingering or any of these features. Combine to meet the needs of their particular situation.

The above description is illustrative in nature and not limiting. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples that do not necessarily depart from the spirit of the invention are apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of legal protection given to the present invention can be determined only by studying the scope of the following patent application.

10. . . Disc holding device

12. . . Disc

14. . . Card department

16. . . Base part

18. . . cover

20, 22. . . Side wall

24, 26. . . End wall

28. . . internal

30. . . Slot

32, 32A. . . Latch arm

34. . . Channel

36. . . Locking surface

38. . . One end of the cover 18

40. . . First surface

42. . . One end of the cover 18

44. . . Second surface

46. . . Locking lug

48. . . Lifting ledge

50. . . Finger press

52. . . Trench

53. . . End wall

54. . . Convex

58. . . Arm

60. . . Trench

62. . . Angled surface

64. . . Locking surface

70. . . Illustrated machine

72. . . arm

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a disc holding device including a latch arm designed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the cover of the disc holding device of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows the disc holding device of Fig. 1 in an assembled state.

4A and 4B are diagrams showing a procedure for an example of unlocking the disk holding device.

10. . . Disc holding device

12. . . Disc

14. . . Card department

16. . . Base part

18. . . cover

20, 22. . . Side wall

24, 26. . . End wall

28. . . internal

30. . . Slot

32, 32A. . . Latch arm

34. . . Channel

36. . . Locking surface

38. . . One end of the cover 18

40. . . First surface

42. . . One end of the cover 18

44. . . Second surface

46. . . Locking lug

48. . . Lifting ledge

50. . . Finger press

52. . . Trench

53. . . End wall

54. . . Convex

58. . . Arm

60. . . Trench

Claims (15)

A disc holding device comprising: a latching arm for locking the disc holding device, having a locking mechanism extending toward a direction of the inside of the disc holding device near one end of the latching arm a lug, wherein the latch arm includes a lifting ledge that extends substantially in the same direction as the locking lug. The disc holding device of claim 1, comprising: a latching portion having opposite side walls and opposite end walls for forming an inner space of the disc holding device, wherein at least one of the opposite ends The wall includes a channel and the latch arm includes a projection that selectively engages the channel when the disk retaining device is locked. The disc holding device of claim 2, comprising a base portion and a cover, the base portion being on a side of the latch portion, the cover being on an opposite side of the latch portion, wherein the A latch arm extends from the cover toward the base portion and selectively engages at least one locking surface of the base portion. The disc holding device of claim 3, wherein the base portion includes a groove, and the latch arm extends at least partially through the groove, the locking lug at least partially abutting at least one lock Tight surface. The disc holding device of claim 1, wherein the latch arm includes at least one finger portion that extends across the latch arm in substantially the same direction as the locking lug. A disc holding device comprising: a latching portion, comprising a base portion, the base portion having at least one locking surface, and an opposite sidewall and an opposite end wall, the opposite sidewall and the opposite end The wall defines an interior space that houses at least one disc; a cover that includes a latch arm adjacent one end of the cover, the latch arm having a first surface that faces generally opposite one of the covers, and a facing a second surface of the first surface and having a locking lug projecting from the second surface toward the back of the cover; and a lifting ledge disposed on the latch arm The cover and the locking lug project toward substantially the same direction as the locking lug, wherein the latching arm biases the locking lug away from the interior of the latching portion. The disc holding device of claim 6, wherein the base portion includes an element different from the latch portion. The disc holding device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the opposite end walls includes a channel, and the latch arm includes a convex portion from the first surface toward the opposite end of the cover Transversely extending, the weir selectively engages the channel of at least one of the opposing end walls. The disc holding device of claim 6, wherein the latch arm includes at least one finger portion that extends transversely to the latch arm in substantially the same direction as the locking lug. A method for opening a disc holding device, the disc holding device comprising a latching portion, comprising a base portion having at least one locking surface, and an opposite sidewall and an opposite end wall, the pair The side wall and the opposite end wall form an inner space for accommodating at least one disc; a cover is attached to the One end of the cover includes a latch arm having a first surface facing generally opposite the one of the covers, and a second surface facing the first surface and having a second surface facing away from the second surface a locking lug protruding from the direction of the cover; and a lifting ledge disposed on the latching arm between the cover and the locking lug and substantially colliding with the locking collar The ears project in the same direction, wherein the latching arm biases the locking lug away from the interior of the latching portion, the method comprising the steps of: operating the latching arm toward the interior of the device in a first direction to unlock the latching arm Latch arm. A method of claim 10, comprising the step of operating the latch arm from a second laterally facing interior of the device, the step of removing the cover from the latch portion. The method of claim 10, comprising the step of automatically operating the latch arm. The method of claim 10, comprising the step of manually operating the latch arm. A method of claim 11, comprising the step of applying a force in a first direction to disengage the latch arm and maintaining the force in the first direction when the latch arm is operated in a second lateral direction. The method of claim 11, comprising engaging the first surface of the latch arm in the first direction to disengage the latch arm and engaging the second lateral surface with the second lateral surface The step of removing the cover from the cassette portion.