Electronic device housing comprising hinge and retaining mechanism

Abstract

A hinge housing with a hinge retention mechanism may be used to house electronic devices, such as RF amplifiers in hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) networks that provide CATV services to user locations. The hinge housing includes a plurality of housing portions separated by uncoupled hinge members forming one or more hinge members to, for example, replace or repair an electronic device. The hinge retention mechanism prevents accidental uncoupling of the hinge member and separation of the plurality of housing portions. The hinge retention mechanism is retractable and actuated with thrust to allow the hinge member to be uncoupled while the retention mechanism remains secured to one of the plurality of housing portions. In one embodiment, the retention mechanism may be provided on a replacement cover assembly of an electronics housing, such as an RF amplifier housing, designed to replace a cover assembly located on existing housings in the art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing for an electronic device, in particular to a housing including a hinge and a retaining mechanism for an outdoor electronic device such as a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network element. Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices are often used in outdoor environments, such as in hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) networks that provide CATV services to subscriber locations. In such devices, electronic components are housed within a housing designed to protect the electronic components from environmental conditions. The housing typically includes a main housing portion and a hinged cover portion that allows access to the components within the housing. The electronic components may be located in both the main housing portion and the hinged cover portion.

[0003] For example, the cover portion is usually designed to be removed from the housing portion to allow the cover portion and / or the components located in the cover portion to be upgraded, replaced and / or repaired. The hinge assembly is designed to allow such removal, but is also designed to prevent accidental removal. Existing housings may use set screws, e-rings or r-clamps on the hinge pins to prevent the cover portion from accidentally falling off when the cover is opened to the maximum angle. However, such screws, rings and clamps must be removed and are prone to falling off and are also prone to bending or breaking. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, the housing of the electronic device includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The housing includes at least one first hinge member disposed on the first housing portion and adjacent to an edge of the first housing portion. The first housing portion further includes a retaining mechanism disposed on the first housing portion and adjacent to the edge and separated from the first hinge member. The second housing portion includes at least one second hinge member disposed on the second housing portion and adjacent to an edge of the second housing portion. The second hinge member is used to cooperate with the first hinge member when positioned in a space between the first hinge member and the retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism is retractable and is actuated by pushing to allow the second hinge member to pass over the retaining mechanism so that the retaining mechanism can releasably retain the second hinge member in the space.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a replacement cover assembly is provided for an RF amplifier housing in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network. The replacement cover assembly includes a cover body portion defining at least one first cover cavity for accommodating electronic components in the RF amplifier housing, a cover edge surrounding the cover body portion, and at least one hinge member disposed on the cover body portion and adjacent to the cover edge and for engaging with a mating hinge member located on a base of the RF amplifier housing. The replacement cover assembly also includes a retaining mechanism disposed on the cover body portion and adjacent to the cover edge so that the hinge member is separated from the retaining mechanism by a space. The retaining mechanism is retractable and is actuated by pushing to allow the mating hinge member located on the base of the RF amplifier housing to pass over the retaining mechanism so that the retaining mechanism can releasably retain the mating hinge member in the space.

[0006] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an RF amplifier housing is provided for use in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network. The RF amplifier housing includes a base and a cover hingedly coupled to the base. The base includes a base body portion defining a base cavity for accommodating electronic components, a base edge extending around the base body portion, and at least one base hinge disposed on the base body portion and adjacent to the base edge. The cover includes a cover body portion defining at least one first cover cavity for accommodating electronic components, a cover edge extending around the cover body portion, and at least one cover hinge disposed on the cover body portion and adjacent to the cover edge. The base hinge cooperates with the cover hinge to hingedly couple the base to the cover. The cover further includes a retaining mechanism disposed on the cover body portion and adjacent to the cover edge and separated from the at least one cover hinge by a space so that the base hinge is located in the space between the cover hinge and the retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism is retractable and is push-actuated to allow the base hinge to pass over the retaining mechanism so that the retaining mechanism releasably retains the base hinge in space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 4 is a perspective view of a hinge housing including a hinge holding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 1A for Figure 1 A close-up view of the hinge assembly and hinge retention mechanism.

[0010] Figure 2 For Figure 1 A perspective view of the housing portion of the hinge housing including the hinge retaining mechanism is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 for Figure 2A plan view of the housing portion is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 A close-up side view of the hinge assembly and hinge retention mechanism when the housing portions are in an uncoupled position.

[0013] Figure 4A For along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the hinge housing when it is in an uncoupled position, taken along line 4A-4A in FIG.

[0014] Figure 5 A close-up side view of the hinge assembly and hinge retention mechanism when the housing portions are in the coupled position.

[0015] Figure 5A For along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the hinge housing in the coupled position taken along line 5A-5A.

[0016] Figure 6 For along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the hinge housing when the hinge assembly and the hinge retaining mechanism are in a coupled position, taken along line 6-6 in FIG.

[0017] Fig. 6A A close-up cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly and hinge retention mechanism in the extended position.

[0018] Figure 6B A close-up cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly and hinge retention mechanism in the recessed position.

[0019] Figure 7 A close-up side view of the hinge retention mechanism.

[0020] Figure 8 Exploded side view of the hinge retaining mechanism.

[0021] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a plan view of a hinge housing including a hinge holding mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration.

[0022] Fig. 9A Taken along line 9A-9A Fig. 9 Cross-sectional view of the hinge housing in FIG.

[0023] Fig. 9B Taken along line 9A-9A Fig. 9 A close-up cross-sectional view of the retaining mechanism in the hinge housing.

[0024] Fig.10 For Fig. 9 Exploded view of the retaining mechanism in the hinge housing.

[0025] Fig. 10A for Fig.10A close-up exploded view of the retention mechanism is shown.

[0026] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0027] 100: Hinge housing

[0028] 110,120: Shell

[0029] 111,121: Ontology part

[0030] 112,122: Edge

[0031] 114,124: Cavity

[0032] 116,126: Heat transfer fins

[0033] 130: Hinge assembly

[0034] 132,134: hinge parts

[0035] 133: Hinge hole

[0036] 135: Hinge pin, cam surface

[0037] 136: Connector port

[0038] 137: Space

[0039] 139: Cam surface

[0040] 140: Maintaining the organization

[0041] 141: Space

[0042] 142: Fastener

[0043] 143: Inclined surface

[0044] 144: Installation structure

[0045] 145: Head

[0046] 146: Pillar

[0047] 148: Bias element

[0048] 149: Flange

[0049] 2,4: Arrow

[0050] 4A-4A,5A-5A,6-6,9A-9A: Line

[0051] 900: Hinge housing

[0052] 910,920: Shell

[0053] 930: Hinge assembly

[0054] 932,934: hinge parts

[0055] 940: Maintaining the institution

[0056] 942: Clip

[0057] 943: Surface

[0058] 944: Installation structure

[0059] 946a,946b: Pillar

[0060] 948: Biasing element DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] A hinge housing with a hinge retaining mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to accommodate electronic equipment, such as an RF amplifier in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network that provides CATV services to a user location. The hinge housing includes a plurality of housing parts separated by uncoupled hinge members that form one or more hinge assemblies, so as to, for example, replace, repair or upgrade electronic equipment. The hinge retaining mechanism prevents accidental uncoupling of the hinge member and separation of a plurality of housing parts. The hinge retaining mechanism is retractable and actuated with thrust to allow the hinge member to be uncoupled while the retaining mechanism is maintained fixed and fastened to one of the plurality of housing parts. In one embodiment, the retaining mechanism can be provided on a replacement cover assembly of an electronic equipment housing (such as an RF amplifier housing), which is designed to replace a cover assembly on an existing housing in the art. The replacement cover assembly is used to fit and cover the base of an existing electronic equipment housing (such as an RF amplifier housing) without disconnecting the connection of an electronic device (such as without interrupting CATV service).

[0062] As used herein, the term "coupled" or "coupled" refers to any connection, coupling, linking or similar relationship between multiple elements. Such "coupled" multiple elements need not be directly connected to each other and may be separated by intermediate elements. The term "hingedly coupled" refers to elements that are coupled so that multiple elements can rotate or move relative to each other in a hinged motion.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 1A, which illustrates and describes in more detail a hinge housing 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hinge housing 100 includes a first housing portion 110, a second housing portion 120, one or more hinge components 130, and a hinge retaining mechanism 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing portions 110, 120 are hingedly coupled by the hinge component 130 to form a clamshell configuration. The hinge housing 100 can be used to accommodate an electronic device, for example by including electronic components in one or both of the housing portions 110, 120. Although the illustrated embodiment of the hinge housing 100 includes two hinge components 130 and one hinge retaining mechanism 140, other variations are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0064] The first housing portion 110 includes a first body portion 111 defining one or more cavities 114 and a first edge 112 extending around the first body portion 111. The second housing portion 120 includes a second body portion 121 defining one or more cavities 124 and a second edge 122 extending around the second body portion 121. Gaskets may be provided in one or both of the first edge 112, the second edge 122 to seal the housing 100 when closed, for example, to allow the hinge housing 100 to be used in an external environment. The first body portion 111, the second body portion 121 of the housing 100 may also include heat transfer fins 116, 126 located on the outside of the body portions 111, 121 to transfer heat away from the electronic device contained therein. The housing portions 110, 120 may be made of aluminum (e.g., alloy 360 or 413), and the hinge members 132, 134 may be integrally formed with the housing portions 110, 120.

[0065] In some embodiments, the hinged housing 100 can house an RF amplifier in an HFC network that provides CATV service to a subscriber location. In this embodiment, the first housing portion 110 can be a cover defining a cover cavity 114 for housing electronic components and the second housing portion 120 can be a base defining a base cavity 124 for housing electronic components and covered by the cover. The base housing portion 120 can include an amplifier circuit (not shown) at least partially disposed in the cavity 124 defined by the body portion 121. The illustrated embodiment of the base housing portion 120 also includes a connector port 136 extending from the body portion 121 and for connecting to a cable (not shown) such as a coaxial cable that carries RF signals. The cover housing portion 110 can be used to replace older cover assemblies existing in the art (e.g., when upgrading the RF amplifier to 1.8 GHz) without disconnecting the electronic devices located in the base, thereby avoiding interruption of CATV service when repairing or upgrading the HFC network device.

[0066] like Figure 1AAs shown in more detail, the hinge assembly 130 may include a first hinge member 132 disposed on the first housing portion 110 and adjacent to the first edge 112 of the first housing portion 110, and a mating second hinge member 134 disposed on the second housing portion 120 and adjacent to the second edge 122 of the second housing portion 120. A hinge retention mechanism 140 prevents the second hinge member 134 from sliding out of engagement with the first hinge member 132 to an uncoupled position, which will be described in more detail later. In the illustrated embodiment, a hinge pin 135 extending from the second hinge member 134 is received in a hinge hole 133 defined by the first hinge member 132 so that the hinge pin 135 rotates freely in the hinge hole 133 to allow hinge movement. The hinge members 132, 134 have an arcuate profile to allow the hinge members 132, 134 to have sufficient clearance relative to the housing portions 110, 120 to allow hinge movement. The hinge components 132 , 134 may also have other shapes and / or configurations. For example, a hinge pin may extend from the first hinge component 132 into a hole defined by the second hinge component 134 .

[0067] Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The first housing portion 110 (eg, a cover assembly) is shown in more detail. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the hinge member 132 and the hinge holding mechanism 140 are disposed on the first housing portion 110 and adjacent to the edge 112, and the hinge holding mechanism 140 is separated from the hinge member 132 by a space 137. When engaged with the second housing portion 120, the second hinge member 134 is located in the space 137 and is held in the space 137 by the hinge holding mechanism 140 (see FIG. Figure 1A ).

[0068] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4A , Figure 5 as well as Figure 5A , which describes the coupling of the hinge assembly 130 and the operation of the hinge retention mechanism 140 in more detail. Figure 4 as well as Figure 4A The hinge assembly 130 is shown in an uncoupled position, and Figure 5 as well as Figure 5A The hinge assembly 130 is depicted in a coupled position.

[0069] In one embodiment, the hinge retaining mechanism 140 includes a catch 142 that is slidably received in a mounting structure 144 disposed on the housing portion 110 and adjacent to the edge 112. The catch 142 can be made of plastic or metal, such as the same aluminum used for the housing portion. The catch 142 is spring biased to an extended position and retracts into the mounting structure 144 when actuated to a recessed position by pushing. When the second hinge member 134 is moved along arrow 2 ( Figure 4and 4A) until the hinge pin 135 is inserted into the hinge hole 133 and the second hinge member 134 is held in the space 137 ( Figure 5 as well as Figure 5A ), the cam surface 139 on the second hinge member 134 engages with the inclined surface 143 of the latch member 142. Figure 5 as well as Figure 5A As shown, when the cam surface 139 engages with the inclined surface 143, the second hinge member 134 presses the catch member 142 downward to a recessed position along the direction of arrow 4. When the second hinge member 134 moves into the space 137, the catch member 142 moves upward to an extended position and holds the second hinge member 134. Therefore, when the housing parts 110, 120 are coupled, the inclined surface 143 of the retaining mechanism 140 allows the retaining mechanism 140 to self-actuate.

[0070] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly 130 is designed to allow uncoupling only when the housing parts 110, 120 are opened to a default disengaged position (e.g., more than 180 degrees). The cam surface 139 of the second hinge member 134 can only pass over the recessed retention mechanism 140 when opened to the disengaged position. When the housing parts 110, 120 are not opened to this disengaged position, the mounting structure 144 blocks the second hinge member 134 and prevents movement from the coupled position to the uncoupled position or from the uncoupled position to the coupled position. Figure 4 , Figure 4A , Figure 5 as well as Figure 5A The housing portions 110 , 120 are shown in a disengaged position, wherein although the retention mechanism 140 is shown in an extended position, the cam surface 139 is able to pass over the retention mechanism 140 when the retention mechanism 140 is moved to a recessed position.

[0071] Please refer to Figures 6 to 8 , which describes in more detail one embodiment of the retention mechanism 140. In this embodiment, the hinge retention mechanism 140 includes a support 146 extending from the catch 142 and a support 146 that biases the catch 142 to an extended position ( Fig. 6A ) of the first housing portion 110. Although the biasing element 148 is illustrated as a spring surrounding the support 146, other biasing elements capable of biasing the latch 142 may also be used. The latch 142, the support 146, and the biasing element 148 are received in a space 141 defined by a mounting structure 144 disposed on the first housing portion 110 and adjacent to the edge 112. The space 141 defined by the mounting structure 144 has a recessed position ( Figure 6B ) allows the latch 142 to be pushed into the depth of the space 141.

[0072] The head 145 at one end of the support 146 engages with the flange 149 inside the mounting structure 144 so that the head 145 and the support 146 hold the clip 142 fixed in the mounting structure 144 and fasten the retaining mechanism to the first housing portion 110. In one example, the support 146 is a screw or threaded bolt that passes through a hole inside the mounting structure 144 and is screwed into the clip 142.

[0073] like Fig. 6A As shown, the biasing element 148 biases the catch 142 to an extended position where the catch 142 holds the second hinge member 134 in the coupled position. Figure 6B As shown, the force of the biasing element 148 is resisted to press or push the catch 142 downward so that the catch 142 moves to the recessed position along the direction of arrow 4 and allows the cam surface 139 of the second hinge member 134 to pass over the catch 142 to the uncoupled position. In one of the positions, the retaining mechanism 140 remains fixed in the mounting structure 144 and does not need to be removed from the housing portion 110.

[0074] Fig. 9 , Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig.10 as well as Fig. 10A A hinge housing 900 is depicted in a closed configuration including a hinge retaining mechanism 940 of another embodiment according to the present invention. Similar to the above-described embodiments, the hinge housing 900 includes housing portions 910, 920 (e.g., a lid and a base), one or more hinge assemblies 930, and a hinge retaining mechanism 940. As discussed above, the hinge assembly 930 includes mating hinge members 932, 934, and the hinge retaining mechanism 940 is disposed on a first housing portion 910 (e.g., a lid) that is separated from the hinge member 932 located on the first housing portion 910 so that the hinge member 934 located on the second housing portion 920 is retained in space by the retaining mechanism 940.

[0075] like Fig. 9BAs shown, the hinge retaining mechanism 940 includes a catch 942 that is held fixed in a mounting structure 944 by struts 946a, 946b (e.g., threaded bolts or screws), and a biasing element 948 (e.g., a coil spring) is disposed between the struts 946a and 946b. The catch 942 holds the hinge member 934 in space and in a coupled position with the mating hinge member 932. Similar to the above-described embodiments, the struts 946a, 946b may be threaded bolts or screws that pass through the mounting structure 944 and are threaded into the catch 942. This embodiment of the biasing element 948 centered between the struts 946a and 946b may provide smoother operation when the retaining mechanism 940 moves between the extended position and the recessed position. In this embodiment, the catch 942 includes a flat (i.e., non-inclined) top surface 943. The latch 942 having a flat top surface 943 is generally symmetrical to prevent installation in the wrong orientation.

[0076] Thus, the hinge retention mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention retains the hinge housing portion in the hinge configuration and actuates with a push force to release the housing portion from the hinge configuration without removing the retention mechanism. For example, the hinge retention mechanism can be used on a replacement cover assembly that replaces an existing cover assembly to upgrade an existing outdoor electronic device (e.g., an RF amplifier in an HFC network) without interrupting service.

[0077] Although the principles of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the description is for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic device housing, characterized in that: Include: A first housing portion, comprising at least one first hinge member disposed on the first housing portion and adjacent to an edge of the first housing portion, the first housing portion further comprising a retaining mechanism disposed on the first housing portion and adjacent to the edge and separated from the first hinge member; and A second housing portion, comprising at least one second hinge member disposed on the second housing portion and adjacent to an edge of the second housing portion, wherein the second hinge member is used to cooperate with the first hinge member when positioned in a space between the first hinge member and the retaining mechanism, and wherein the retaining mechanism is retractable and actuated by thrust to allow the second hinge member to pass over the retaining mechanism so that the retaining mechanism can releasably retain the second hinge member in the space.

2. The electronic device housing according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing portion is a cover, and the second housing portion is a base.

3. The electronic device housing according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing portion and the second housing portion are both used to accommodate electronic components.

4. The electronic device housing according to claim 1, wherein: The first hinge member defines a hinge hole, and the second hinge member includes a hinge pin for being received in the hinge hole.

5. The electronic device housing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The first shell portion includes a third hinge member disposed on the first shell portion and adjacent to the edge of the first shell portion, and the second shell portion includes a fourth hinge member disposed on the second shell portion and adjacent to an edge of the second shell portion, wherein the fourth hinge member is used to cooperate with the third hinge member when the first shell portion and the second shell portion are hingedly coupled.

6. The electronic device housing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining mechanism is spring loaded.

7. The electronic device housing as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The retaining mechanism includes an inclined surface to allow the second hinge member to slide on the retaining mechanism from an uncoupled position to a coupled position.

8. The electronic device housing as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The retaining mechanism comprises a catch which is movable between an extended position and a recessed position and a biasing element for biasing the catch to the extended position, wherein the catch retains the second hinge member in the space.

9. The electronic device housing as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The latch comprises an inclined surface to allow the second hinge member to slide on the retaining mechanism from an uncoupled position to a coupled position.

10. The electronic device housing as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The retaining mechanism further includes at least one post extending from the latch, and wherein the biasing element is a spring.

11. The electronic device housing as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The at least one support post is held fixedly in a mounting structure.

12. A replacement cover assembly for an RF amplifier housing in a hybrid fiber coaxial network, characterized in that: The replacement cover assembly contains: a cover body portion defining at least a first cover cavity for accommodating electronic components in the RF amplifier housing; a cover edge surrounding the cover body; at least one hinge member disposed on the cover body portion adjacent to the cover edge and configured to engage with a mating hinge member on a base of the RF amplifier housing; as well as A retaining mechanism is disposed on the main body of the cover and adjacent to the edge of the cover, wherein the at least one hinge member is separated from the retaining mechanism by a space, wherein the retaining mechanism is retractable and actuated by thrust to allow the mating hinge member located on the base of the RF amplifier housing to pass over the retaining mechanism so that the retaining mechanism can releasably retain the mating hinge member in the space.

13. The replacement cap assembly of claim 12, wherein: The retaining mechanism is spring loaded.

14. The replacement cap assembly of claim 13, wherein: The retaining mechanism includes an inclined surface to allow the mating hinge member to slide on the retaining mechanism from an uncoupled position to a coupled position.

15. The replacement cap assembly of claim 13, wherein: The retaining mechanism includes a catch movable between an extended position and a recessed position and a biasing element for biasing the catch to the extended position, wherein the catch retains the mating hinge member in the space.

16. The replacement cap assembly of claim 15, wherein: The latch member includes an inclined surface to allow the mating hinge member to slide on the retaining mechanism from an uncoupled position to a coupled position.

17. The replacement cap assembly of claim 15, wherein: The retaining mechanism further includes at least one post extending from the latch, and wherein the biasing element is a spring.

18. The replacement cap assembly of claim 15, wherein: The at least one support post is held fixedly in a mounting structure.

19. An RF amplifier housing for use in a hybrid fiber coaxial network, characterized in that: The RF amplifier housing contains: A base, including: A base body portion defines a base cavity for accommodating electronic components; a base edge extending around the base body; and At least one base hinge is disposed on the base body and adjacent to the base edge; as well as A cover body is hingedly coupled to the base, and the cover body comprises: A cover body portion defining at least one first cover cavity for accommodating electronic components; a cover edge extending around the cover body; At least one cover hinge is disposed on the cover body and adjacent to the cover edge, wherein the base hinge cooperates with the cover hinge to hingedly couple the base to the cover; and A retaining mechanism is disposed on the main body of the cover, adjacent to the edge of the cover and separated from the at least one cover hinge by a space so that the base hinge is located in the space between the cover hinge and the retaining mechanism, wherein the retaining mechanism is retractable and actuated by a thrust force to allow the base hinge to pass over the retaining mechanism so that the retaining mechanism can releasably retain the base hinge in the space.

20. The RF amplifier housing of claim 19, wherein: The retaining mechanism comprises a catch movable between an extended position and a recessed position and a biasing element for biasing the catch to the extended position, wherein the catch retains the base hinge in the space.

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