Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-21
2002-04-09
Thompson, Gregory (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C024S458000, C165S080200, C165S185000, C174S016300, C257S719000, C361S710000, C361S715000, C361S690000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06370024
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a clip for attaching a heat sink to an electronic device.
2. The Related Art
During operation of an electronic device in a computer system, a large amount of heat may be produced. Such heat must be quickly removed from the electronic device to prevent the computer system from being damaged or becoming unstable. Consequently, a heat sink is frequently attached to the electronic device to remove heat therefrom, and a clip is used to secure the heat sink to the electronic device.
FIGS. 4 and 5
show a conventional clip
1
for attaching a heat sink
9
to an electronic device
8
mounted on a socket
12
. The clip
1
comprises a spring portion
2
and two arms
4
extending from opposite ends of the spring portion
2
. Each arm
4
defines an aperture
5
for engaging with a tab (not labeled) formed on the socket
12
, and is stamped outwardly to form a handle tab
7
. The handle tab
7
is operated on by a tool to detach the clip
1
from the socket
12
. However, it is inconvenient to assemble/disassemble a heat sink using a tool, especially within the limited confines inside a computer case. This lowers the efficiency of attaching/detaching the heat sink. Furthermore, while using a tool, an operator can easily skid the tool off the handle tab
7
, causing damage to other components in the computer system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a clip for readily attaching/detaching a heat sink to/from an electronic device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a clip for securely attaching a heat sink to an electronic device.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, a heat sink clip comprises a spring portion, and two arms extending from respective opposite ends of the spring portion. The spring portion has a central horizontal portion which forms a tab extending horizontally and then downwardly from one side edge of the horizontal portion. The tab defines a positioning hole therein, for engaging with a catch on a side wall of a retention module. Each arm defines an aperture for engaging with a corresponding beam formed on each end of the retention module. The end of each arm extends outward to form a T-shaped handle. The handle includes an L-shaped connecting portion and an L-shaped operation portion.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5396402 (1995-03-01), Peruginin et al.
patent: 5570271 (1996-10-01), Lavochkin
patent: 6108207 (2000-08-01), Lee
patent: 6181559 (2001-01-01), Soe
patent: 6205026 (2001-03-01), Wong et al.
patent: 6219238 (2001-04-01), Andros et al.
Chung Wei Te
Foxconn Precision - Components Co., Ltd.
Thompson Gregory
LandOfFree
Heat sink clip does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Heat sink clip, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Heat sink clip will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2881592