Device for inserting, extracting and locking a module in a bay

{
  "publication_number": "US6695520B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Device for inserting, extracting and locking a module in a bay",
  "abstract": "A device for inserting, extracting, and locking a module into, from, and in a rack. The device includes two arms which can pivot with respect to the module and which are articulated together by a common articulation, each of them including, on the one hand, at one end, an anchor for anchoring it into the rack and, on the other hand, a non-common articulation with the module. A device immobilizes one of the arms with respect to the other when the arms are anchored in the rack. Further, associated with at least one of the arms, an elastic device works in compression between the module and the arm when its end is anchored into the rack. Such a device may find particular application in electronics modules for avionics.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A device for inserting, extracting and locking a module into, from and in a rack, said device comprising: two arms adapted to pivot with respect to the module and which are articulated together by a common articulation, each of the two arms comprising means for anchoring an end thereof into the rack and a non-common articulation adapted to connect with the module; means for immobilizing the two arms with respect to each other when the two arms are anchored in the rack; and elastic means adapted to be in compression between the module and at least one arm of the two arms when the end of the at least one arm is anchored into the rack.",
    "2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic means comprise at least one element selected from a group consisting of springs and conical washers.",
    "3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic means comprise at least one packet, the at least one packet comprising at least one first conical washer mounted in a first direction, and at least one second conical washer mounted in a second direction, the first direction being opposite the second direction.",
    "4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the non-common articulation specific to a first arm of the two arms comprises a clevis adapted to be secured to the module, the clevis having two branches which support a pivot passing through a slot in the first arm.",
    "5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the slot is oblong to leave the first arm free to move.",
    "6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the non-common articulation specific to a first arm of the two arms comprises a pivot which is adapted to project from the module through a slot in the first arm, the first arm being held on the pivot by a pin which is prevented from translational movement.",
    "7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the slot is oblong to leave the first arm free to move.",
    "8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic means are located in a region of the non-common articulation.",
    "9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the elastic means are slipped onto a pivot.",
    "10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic means are offset with respect to the non-common articulation specific to a first arm of the two arms.",
    "11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the elastic means associated with the first arm is adapted to be slidable along a pivot having a base secured to one element of the module, and a free end which projects toward the first arm, the free end being capped with a cap capable of moving in translation, and the cap compressing the elastic means when the cap comes into abutment against the first arm.",
    "12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring means are a two-pronged fork, the prongs being adapted to straddle a boss borne by the rack upon anchoring.",
    "13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the prongs have different lengths, a shorter prong being adapted to be received between the boss and the module.",
    "14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the common articulation is a hinge.",
    "15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the common articulation leaves a clearance between the two arms.",
    "16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the means for immobilizing the two arms with respect to each other comprise a notch borne by one of the arms and a hook integral with the other arm, the hook being inserted in the notch.",
    "17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the hook is kept inserted in the notch by an elastic element.",
    "18. The device according to claim 10, wherein the elastic means associated with the first arm is adapted to be slidable along a pivot having a base secured to the first arm, and a free end which projects toward the module, the free end being capped with a cap capable of moving in translation, and the cap compressing the elastic means when the cap comes into abutment against the module."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention relates to a device for inserting, extracting and locking a module into, from and in a rack, this module having to be connected to one or more connection elements when it is inserted into the rack. Connection may, in particular, be of the electrical type, and it is possible to envision for the connection to be of one or more other types, for example optical, mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, etc.\n\nThe description which will be given will apply to an electrical connection, but it could just as easily relate to a connection of some other type.\n\nA module bearing one or more printed circuit boards is intended to fit into a rack in the manner of a drawer. The module has connection elements which plug together with other connection elements secured to the rack.\n\nDuring insertion, the insertion, extraction and locking device has to overcome forces that are due to the connection elements. It has also to keep to a sequence of steps preceding connection proper, such as the pre-guiding of the module into the rack and decoding of the module to be sure that the module fitted is the right one and that its orientation is correct.\n\nWhen the module is fully fitted into the rack, its printed circuit boards are connected to an electrical installation via the connection elements and the insertion, extraction and locking device, in its locked position, has to prevent accidental disconnection and provide a good connection even under severe conditions of use, for example in the face of significant vibrations, knocks, sharp accelerations, in a damp and/or saline environment, etc.",
  "cpc": [
    "H05K 7/1409",
    "Y10T 292/0887",
    "Y10T 292/089",
    "Y10T 403/16"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "H05K 7/14"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Thales Avionics SAS"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Claude Sarno",
    "Henri Bouteille"
  ],
  "filing_date": "1999-06-04",
  "publication_date": "2004-02-24",
  "grant_date": "2004-02-24",
  "priority_date": "1998-06-12",
  "application_number": "US-71915900-A",
  "family_id": "9527335",
  "cited_by_count": 37,
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}