Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-20
2001-10-16
Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S727000, C361S725000, C312S223100, C312S223200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06304437
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a new and improved power supply attachment for a tower-type computer housing. More particularly the invention relates to the mounting of a power supply module by means of tracks to interengaging tracks on the underside of the top of a computer chassis. When the power supply is slid outwardly through the back of the chassis to a retracted position, the power supply cables may be inserted in/or removed from sockets in the motherboard of the computer. Further, in the retracted position some of the sockets for memory cards, such as dynamic single inline memory module (DSIMM), are exposed for insertion and removal of cards.
2. Description of Related Art
Industry standards for tower-type computers require that the power supply be mounted in the top of the tower. Heretofore such power supplies have obscured a part of the computer motherboard. By mounting the power supply on rails, the power supply may be slid partially out of the back of the chassis, exposing sockets for the power supply cables and also exposing some of the sockets for cards such as DSIMMs. This accomplishes more effective space utilization.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A chassis for a tower-type computer is provided with an open left side which is normally closed by a cover. There is a hole provided in the back of the chassis large enough for the power supply to be inserted therethrough or slid outwardly therefrom. The power supply has rails on its upper surface and there are corresponding rails on the underside of the top of the chassis. When the power supply is slid outwardly so that it is almost entirely removed from the chassis, the motherboard is exposed. Cables of the power supply have plugs which are inserted in sockets in the motherboard so that the plugs may be unplugged or installed. Further, when the power supply is slid to its outward position some sockets for memory cards, such as DSIMMs, are exposed. Thus memory cards may be inserted and removed from such sockets.
When the power supply is slid back into the housing, the flexible, soft cables are tucked between the power supply and the motherboard where they do not interfere with other components in the enclosure. When required, the power supply may be totally removed by disconnecting the cable connectors from the motherboard. Unless these connectors are unplugged, the length of the cable limits the outward movement of the power supply on its tracks.
The power supply is locked in place by four captive screws. In the event of service or other access to the motherboard, the power supply needs to be removed. The power supply may be slid outwardly of the chassis once its cables have been unplugged.
The slides by which the power supply is supported are simple channel rails which are self-lubricating and are weighted by the power supply.
Air intake into the power supply must be efficient so as to ensure the high power components remain cool and operating. Accordingly the cables branching out from the power supply are bundled and looped so that the ventilation holes are not obstructed.
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Foo Khim
Furuta Steven
Conley Rose & Tayon PC
Kivlin B. Noäl
Lea-Edmonds Lisa
Picard Leo P.
Sun Microsystems Inc.
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