Disk drive system with removable disk-drive units

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to an apparatus which permits quick removal of high capacity disk drive units from a receiving unit of a host computer system. The apparatus further provides quick, simple installation of the disk drive units into the computer system.

#2. Prior Art

#FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view of a computer system incorporating disk drive carrier modules which are supported in a positioning and positive latching system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the latching system shown in FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is a enlarged vertical sectional view taken generally along the line III--III of FIG. 2;

#FIG. 1 shows a disk drive module 10 providing storage for data on a magnetic storage disk in a high capacity disk drive unit 11, such as a Winchester unit or the like. The disk drive module 10 includes a disk drive carrier assembly 12 which provides a mounting hole arrangement which is capable of accepting virtually any 51/4" hard disk drive as well as some floppy disk drives. The module 10 is supported on a receiving unit which includes a base unit 13 and forms a fixed member in a host computer system 15. Preferably, the receiving unit of the computer system includes a second base unit 13a providing a receptacle for a second disk drive module 10a (shown in phantom in FIG. 2). The second fixed base unit 13a is also fixedly secured within wall enclosures of the system 15.

#Each carrier assembly such as assembly 12 of the module 10 comprises a removable carrier frame 17 having a bottom plate 18; a pair of side walls 19 and 20; an outer end wall 21 and an inner end wall 22. The inner wall extends above adjacent side walls 19 and 20 and is provided with a carrier handle opening 23, FIG. 3, whereby the inner end of the carrier frame may be grasped by the computer operator for installation or removal of the module from the receiving unit of the computer system 15.

#An access opening 25, FIG. 3, is provided in the bottom plate 18, adjacent the inner side wall 22 and having an "Eurocard" type electrical connector 26 mounted to the carrier frame 17 immediately above and aligned with the access opening. A pair of clamping fixtures 27 and 28 retain the connector 26 mounted to the carrier frame 17 immediately above and aligned with the access opening. A pair of clamping fixtures 27 and 28 retain the connector 26 in a precise rigid position relative to the carrier frame 17. The clamping fixtures 27 and 28 are provided with a retaining channel 30 to support opposed extended end portions 31 of the connector 26. As best seen in FIG. 5 the clamping fixtures are secured against the end wall 22 by bolts 32 threaded into nuts 33. The nuts 33 form a unified portion of retaining plates 34 and 35 which are adapted to retain the end portions 31 of the connector in the channels 30. Thus it will be seen that the clamping fixtures together with the retaining plates 34 and 35 and the end wall 22 fixedly position the connector 26 in a precise orientation. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 an insulating material 36 is interposed between the clamping fixtures and the end wall 22.