# US 9,049,776 B2 · Latching module for housing of portable electronic device

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- Number: US 9,049,776 B2
- Document ID: US9049776B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/873,225
- Filed: 2013-04-30
- Published: 2013-12-05
- Granted: 2015-06-02
- Earliest claimed: 2012-05-29
- Assignees: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
- Applicants: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
- Inventors: Chang-Wei Tsao
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9049776B2

## CPC

- H05K 5/15: assembled by resilient members
- H04M 1/0249: {Details of the mechanical connection between the housing parts or relating to the method of assembly}
- G06F 1/16: Constructional details or arrangements
- H04M 1/0283: {for providing a decorative aspect, e.g. customization of casings, exchangeable faceplate}
- H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H04M: TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (circuits for controlling other apparatus via a telephone cable and not involving telephone switching apparatus G08)
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

## Abstract

A latching module for latching two housings together includes a rotary member, a compression spring, an elastic sheet, and a magnetic member. The rotary member is attached to one housing, and includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a peripheral surface. The first surface defines a first receiving hole and a curved groove. The second surface defines a second receiving hole communicating with the first receiving hole. A latching projection extends from the peripheral surface. The compression spring is received in the second receiving hole. The elastic sheet is attached to the peripheral surface. The magnetic member is received in the curved groove. The magnetic member is attracted by another magnet to rotate the latching projection into a latch in another housing.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A latching module comprising:
a rotary member comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a peripheral surface; the first surface defining a first receiving hole and a curved groove, and the second surface defining a second receiving hole communicating with the first receiving hole; and a latching projection extending from the peripheral surface;
a compression spring received in the second receiving hole;
an elastic sheet attached to the peripheral surface; and
a magnetic member received in the curved groove;
wherein the magnetic member is attracted by another magnet to rotate the rotary member for selectively locking the latching projection to a housing.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The latching module of claim 1, wherein at least one pin is located on the peripheral surface, the elastic sheet comprises a mounting portion and a bend portion, the mounting portion defines at least one pin hole for receiving the at least one pin, and the bend portion is angled from the mounting portion.

### Claim 3

A portable electronic device, comprising:
a first housing;
a rotary member rotatably engaged with the first housing, the rotary member comprising a latching projection, a first receiving hole, a second receiving hole, and a curved groove; wherein the second receiving hole communicates with the first receiving hole;
a compression spring received in the second receiving hole;
an elastic sheet attached to the rotary member;
a magnetic member received in the curved groove; and
a second housing defining a latching space;
wherein when the magnetic member is attracted by another magnet to rotate the rotary member relative to the first housing, the latching projection is selectively locked into the latching space of the second housing.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The portable electronic device of claim 3, wherein the elastic sheet comprises a mounting portion and a bend portion, the mounting portion is secured to the rotary member, and the bend portion is angled from the mounting portion.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3)

The portable electronic device of claim 3, further comprising a fastener, wherein the first housing has a post, the post defines a threaded hole, the rotary member is rotatably fitted around the post, and the fastener is secured to the threaded hole.

### Claim 6 (depends on 3)

The portable electronic device of claim 3, wherein the second housing comprises a first clasp and a second clasp, and the latching space is defined between the first clasp and the second clasp.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The portable electronic device of claim 6, wherein a tilted plate is located on the second housing adjacent to the first clasp, and a distal end of the elastic sheet abuts the tilted plate.