Circuit board module and release assembly

Abstract

A circuit board module includes a circuit board body, a connector and a release assembly. The connector is disposed on the circuit board body and includes a housing and a knob rotatably disposed on the housing. The release assembly is disposed on the circuit board body and includes a link movably disposed adjacent to the knob and not in contact with the knob in a normal state. When an external force triggers the release assembly, the link is driven to contact the knob so as to rotate the knob relative to the housing. In addition, a release assembly is also mentioned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit board module and a release component, and more particularly to a release component of a remote control connector and a circuit board module comprising the release component. Background Technology

[0002] The toggle switch of a PCI-E connector is located at the rear of the connector. Pressing the switch elevates the expansion card inserted inside the PCI-E connector. To address the issue of increasingly larger electronic components making it difficult for users to press the switch, modern PCI-E connector switches are opened via a remote control unit. For example, pressing a button on the remote control unit moves the switch, elevating the expansion card inside the PCI-E connector. However, the remote control unit is prone to accidental vibrations during transportation or accidental activation, which can cause the switch to move, resulting in electronic components being accidentally elevated from the PCI-E connector and affecting the operation of the circuit board. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a release component and a circuit board module having the release component, which can prevent the connector from being accidentally opened.

[0004] The circuit board module of the present invention includes a circuit board body, a connector, and a release assembly. The connector is disposed on the circuit board body and includes a base and a knob rotatably disposed on the base. The release assembly is disposed on the circuit board body and includes a linkage member movably disposed next to the knob and normally does not contact the knob. When an external force triggers the release assembly, the linkage member is driven to contact the knob, causing the knob to rotate relative to the base.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned linkage includes a first segment and a second segment that are linked to each other. The first segment is disposed next to the toggle switch, and normally does not contact the toggle switch but contacts it when subjected to external force. The second segment is located away from the connector, and the first segment and the second segment extend in different directions.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the release component further includes a button disposed on the circuit board body and away from the connector. The button is linked to the second segment, and the direction of movement of the button is different from the direction of movement of the linkage.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned toggle button includes a protrusion, and the first section includes an elongated hole, with the protrusion located within the elongated hole.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated hole is a closed hole located inside the first segment.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated hole is an open hole recessed at the edge of the first segment, with the open hole facing the circuit board body.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated hole is an open hole recessed at the edge of the first segment, with the open hole facing away from the circuit board body.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment includes a wall surrounding the elongated hole. The wall includes a first portion away from the second segment and a second portion close to the second segment, and the distance between the first portion of the wall and the protrusion is smaller than the distance between the second portion of the wall and the protrusion.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first part of the wall surface does not contact the protruding post under normal conditions, but contacts and pulls the protruding post when subjected to external force, while the second part of the wall surface does not contact the protruding post.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned toggle includes a toggle body and a protrusion protruding from the toggle body, with a first section extending to the side of the toggle body but not in contact with the toggle body.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board module further includes a bracket disposed on the circuit board body. A linkage is movably disposed between the bracket and the circuit board body. The release assembly further includes an elastic member disposed between the bracket and the linkage to reset the linkage when the external force is released.

[0015] The release assembly of the present invention is adapted to be disposed next to a connector to allow the connector's dial to rotate relative to the base. The release assembly includes a linkage, a button, and a resilient element. The linkage is movably disposed next to the dial and normally does not contact the dial. The button is linked to the linkage and is located away from the connector; the button's direction of movement is different from the linkage's direction of movement. The resilient element abuts against the linkage. When an external force triggers the button, the linkage is driven to contact the dial, causing the dial to rotate relative to the base, and the resilient element is compressed. When the external force is released, the resilient element returns to its original position, thus resetting the linkage.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned linkage includes a first segment and a second segment that are linked to each other. The first segment is disposed next to the toggle switch, and normally does not contact the toggle switch but contacts it when subjected to external force. The second segment is located away from the connector, and the first segment and the second segment extend in different directions.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned toggle button includes a protrusion, and the first section includes an elongated hole, with the protrusion located within the elongated hole.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated hole is a closed hole located inside the first segment.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated hole is an open hole recessed at the edge of the first segment.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the first segment includes a wall surrounding the elongated hole. The wall includes a first portion away from the second segment and a second portion close to the second segment, wherein the distance between the first portion of the wall and the protrusion is less than the distance between the second portion of the wall and the protrusion.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first part of the wall surface does not contact the protruding post under normal conditions, but contacts and pulls the protruding post when subjected to external force, while the second part of the wall surface does not contact the protruding post.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned toggle includes a toggle body and a protruding post protruding from the toggle body, with a first section extending to the side of the toggle body but not in contact with the toggle body.

[0023] Based on the above, the circuit board module of the present invention includes a circuit board body and a release component and a connector disposed on the circuit board body. The release component is linked to the connector, and the user can open the connector remotely through the release component. The linkage of the release component normally does not contact the toggle switch of the connector. When the user triggers the release component, the linkage must first move a certain distance to contact the toggle switch, and then the linkage can pull the toggle switch and open the connector. When the release component experiences unexpected vibration due to transportation or accidental activation, the displacement caused by the vibration is insufficient for the linkage to contact the toggle switch, and the linkage cannot pull the toggle switch, thus keeping the connector in a closed state. This ensures that the connector will not open due to accidental vibration or unintentional operation, thereby improving the stability of the circuit board module.

[0024] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit board module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the bracket, release assembly, and partial connector when the button has not been pressed.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A bottom view of the bracket, release assembly, and partial connectors.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Side view of the toggle switch and its linkage.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the bracket, release assembly, and partial connector when the button is pressed.

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A bottom view of the bracket, release assembly, and partial connectors.

[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Side view of the toggle switch and its linkage.

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the bracket, release assembly, and local connectors when the external force is removed.

[0033] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Side view of the toggle switch and its linkage.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a side view of a toggle and linkage according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a side view of a toggle and linkage according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0037] B1: First Pushing Zone

[0038] B2: Second Push-off Zone

[0039] C1: First limiting part

[0040] C2: Second limiting part

[0041] D1: Distance

[0042] P1: Part 1

[0043] P2: Part Two

[0044] XYZ: Rectangular coordinates

[0045] 100: Circuit Board Module

[0046] 110: Circuit board body

[0047] 112: Edge

[0048] 120: Connector

[0049] 122: base body

[0050] 124: Toggle switch

[0051] 125: button body

[0052] 126: Convex column

[0053] 140: Bracket

[0054] 150: Release component

[0055] 150a: Button

[0056] 150b: Linkage component

[0057] 150c: Elastic element

[0058] 152: First Section

[0059] 154: Second Section

[0060] 156:Wall

[0061] 157, 157a, 157b: Elongated holes

[0062] 160: Spring Detailed Implementation

[0063] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0064] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit board module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cartesian coordinates XYZ are provided herein for component description. Please refer to... Figure 1 The circuit board module 100 of this embodiment includes a circuit board body 110, a connector 120, a release component 150, and a bracket 140. The connector 120, the release component 150, and the bracket 140 are disposed on the circuit board body 110. The connector 120 includes a base 122 and a knob 124 rotatably disposed on the base 122.

[0065] Here, connector 120 is, for example, a PCI-E connector, but is not limited thereto. Connector 120 is suitable for inserting a graphics card (not shown). Since modern graphics cards are usually equipped with large heatsinks and fans, the switch 124 is easily covered, making it difficult for users to directly flip the switch 124 to remove the graphics card.

[0066] To facilitate the removal of the display card by toggling the toggle switch 124, the release assembly 150 includes a linkage 150b and a button 150a. The button 150a is linked to the toggle switch 124 via the linkage 150b. When an external force triggers the button 150a of the release assembly 150, the linkage 150b is driven to contact and pull the toggle switch 124, causing the toggle switch 124 to rotate relative to the base 122, thereby opening the connector 120. The button 150a is located on the circuit board body 110 and away from the connector 120. Since there are no large components on the edge 112 of the circuit board body 110, placing the button 150a on the edge 112 of the circuit board body 110 prevents the button 150a from being obscured by other components.

[0067] Furthermore, the linkage 150b is movably disposed between the bracket 140 and the circuit board body 110. The bracket 140 is sleeved on the release assembly 150. Figure 2 The direction of movement of the release component 150 is restricted. The bracket 140 and the release component 150 are generally L-shaped, and the toggle switch 124 and the button 150a are offset in the X-axis direction, but are not limited thereto. The user can change the arrangement of the bracket 140 and the release component 150 according to the component layout on the circuit board body 110, so that the button 150a is located in a convenient pressing position.

[0068] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the bracket, release assembly, and partial connector when the button has not been pressed. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A bottom view of the bracket, release assembly, and partial connectors. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Side view of the toggle switch and its linkage.

[0069] Please also refer to Figures 2 to 4 The linkage 150b is movably disposed next to the dial 124, and normally does not contact the dial 124. Figure 4 The linkage 150b includes a first segment 152 and a second segment 154 that are linked to each other. The first segment 152 is located next to the toggle switch 124, and the second segment 154 is located away from the connector 120. The first segment 152 and the second segment 154 extend in different directions.

[0070] Here, the first segment 152 extends along the X-axis, and the second segment 154 extends along the Y-axis. The first segment 152 and the second segment 154 are integrally formed, but are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the first segment 152 may be screwed to the second segment 154.

[0071] Button 150a is located next to and connected to the second section 154. The direction of movement of button 150a is different from the direction of movement of link 150b. For example, in this embodiment, button 150a can move along the Z-axis, and link 150b can move along the X-axis. The first section 152 is normally not in contact with the toggle switch 124. Figure 4 And when subjected to external force, it contacts and pulls the lever 124.

[0072] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the toggle switch 124 includes a toggle switch body 125 and a protrusion 126 protruding from the toggle switch body 125. The first segment 152 of the linkage 150b extends to the side of the toggle switch body 125 and never contacts the toggle switch body 125. Figure 3 The first section 152 includes a wall 156. Figure 2 The wall 156 surrounds an elongated hole 157, and the protruding post 126 is located inside the elongated hole 157.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, the wall surface 156 includes a first portion P1 away from the second section 154 and a second portion P2 close to the second section 154. The distance between the first portion P1 of the wall surface 156 and the protrusion 126 is smaller than the distance between the second portion P2 of the wall surface 156 and the protrusion 126. The protrusion 126 is eccentrically disposed through the elongated hole 157. Here, the elongated hole 157 is a closed hole located inside the first section 152, but is not limited to this.

[0074] On button 150a ( Figure 2 When not pressed, the first part P1 and the second part P2 of the wall surface 156 do not normally contact the protrusion 126. Figure 4 As shown, a distance D1 is spaced between the first portion P1 of the wall surface 156 and the protrusion 126. When the release assembly 150 vibrates due to transportation or accidental contact, the slight displacement caused by the vibration is insufficient for the wall surface 156 to contact the protrusion 126 (i.e., the displacement of the wall surface 156 is less than the distance D1). Therefore, the linkage 150b cannot pull the toggle 124 to keep the connector 120 in the closed state. In other words, the connector 120 will not open due to accidental vibration or unintentional operation, thus improving the stability of the circuit board module 100.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the release assembly 150 further includes an elastic element 150c, which is disposed between the bracket 140 and the first segment 152 of the linkage 150b. When the button 150a has not been pressed, the elastic element 150c does not deform.

[0076] Figure 2The left side shows a portion of the second section 154 of button 150a and linkage 150b. Button 150a includes a first abutting area B1, which is an inclined surface. The second section 154 includes a corresponding second abutting area B2, which is also an inclined surface, but not limited thereto. The inclined first abutting area B1 is adapted to change the direction of movement.

[0077] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the bracket, release assembly, and partial connector when the button is pressed. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A bottom view of the bracket, release assembly, and partial connectors. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Side view of the toggle switch and its linkage.

[0078] Please also refer to Figures 5 to 7 When button 150a is pressed down along the -Z axis, the inclined first abutment area B1 pushes against the second abutment area B2, causing the second abutment area B2 (second segment 154) to move in the +X axis direction. Since the first segment 152 is linked to the second segment 154, the first segment 152 moves along the +X axis and pulls the toggle knob 124 to rotate, thus opening connector 120.

[0079] Specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the first part P1 of the wall 156 of the first segment 152 moves a distance D1. Figure 4 When the protrusion 126 is contacted and pulled, the protrusion 126 will cause the dial body 125 to rotate counterclockwise relative to the base 122 (i.e., towards). Figure 1 The circuit board body 110 rotates. At this time, the toggle body 125 is in the open position, thus putting the connector 120 in the open state. The second part P2 of the wall surface 156 still does not contact the protrusion 126. Figure 7 ).

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, when button 150a is pressed, the movement of the first segment 152 of the linkage 150b drives the elastic member 150c to deform and accumulate elastic potential energy. To prevent the linkage 150b from rotating when moving along the +X axis, the bracket 140 of this embodiment includes a first limiting portion C1. The linkage 150b includes a second limiting portion C2 corresponding to the first limiting portion C1.

[0081] The first limiting part C1 is, for example, a protrusion, and the second limiting part C2 is, for example, an opening extending along the X-axis direction, with the first limiting part C1 passing through the second limiting part C2. When the linkage 150b moves along the +X-axis direction, the first limiting part C1 and the second limiting part C2 cooperate with each other, so that the linkage 150b can only move along the X-axis direction without rotating. In this way, the linkage 150b can drive the dial 124 more stably.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, regardless of whether button 150a is pressed, the first segment 152 of linkage 150b never contacts the toggle body 125, therefore there is no friction between linkage 150b and toggle body 125. When button 150a is pressed, the movement of the first segment 152 is not affected by toggle body 125, thus achieving a labor-saving effect.

[0083] The circuit board module 100 in this embodiment further includes a spring 160, such as Figure 5 As shown on the left, spring 160 is disposed between button 150a and bracket 140. When button 150a is pressed ( Figure 5 The spring 160 deforms and stores elastic potential energy. When the external force is released, the spring 160 is adapted to lift the button 150a back to its original position. Figure 2 (and Figure 8 The location shown is shown in the image.

[0084] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the bracket, release assembly, and local connectors when the external force is removed. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Side view of the toggle switch and its linkage. Please also refer to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 ,exist Figure 5 When the external force on button 150a is released, button 150a returns to its original position due to the elastic potential energy of spring 160. Figure 8 The position shown is shown in the diagram. The bottom view of the release assembly 150 and the bracket 140 at this time is as follows. Figure 3 As shown, it will not be elaborated further here.

[0085] The first abutting part B1 of button 150a moves away from the second abutting part B2 of linkage 150b. Linkage 150b is then reset to its original position by the elasticity of elastic member 150c. Figure 8 The location shown.

[0086] like Figure 9 As shown, when the linkage 150b is reset, the first part P1 of the wall surface 156 moves away from the protrusion 126, and the second part P2 moves closer to the protrusion 126 but does not contact the protrusion 126. The toggle switch 124 ( Figure 8 It remains in the open position. Therefore, it can be seen that no matter how the linkage 150b moves, the second part P2 of the wall 156 never contacts the protrusion 126.

[0087] In this embodiment, since the second part P2 never contacts the protrusion 126, the connector 120 remains open and can be used by the user to insert or remove the graphics card even if the external force on the button 150a is removed. In other words, the user does not need to continuously press the button 150a when inserting or removing the graphics card, which improves the ease of use of the circuit board module 100.

[0088] Furthermore, when the user inserts the graphics card, the graphics card will cause the toggle switch 124 to return to its original position. Toggle switch 124 from... Figure 8 Rotate back to the opening position shown. Figure 2 The connector 120 is in the closed position shown, which securely holds the graphics card in place.

[0089] Figure 10 This is a side view of a toggle switch and linkage according to another embodiment of the present invention. Please also refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 10 The elongated hole 157a in this embodiment is similar to that in the above embodiment, except that the elongated hole 157a in this embodiment is an open hole recessed into the edge of the first segment 152, and the open hole faces... Figure 1 The circuit board body 110 shown (meaning the C-shaped opening of the open hole is located on the lower side). Here, the elongated hole 157a is approximately C-shaped. The elongated hole 157a in this embodiment has the same function as in the above embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0090] It is worth mentioning that the protrusion 126 can enter the elongated hole 157a through the C-shaped opening of the elongated hole 157a, thereby improving the ease of assembly between the linkage 150b and the connector 120. When the first section 152 of the linkage 150b is in such a position... Figure 4 and Figure 7 When moving between the positions shown, the protrusion 126 will not move out of the elongated hole 157a from the C-shaped opening.

[0091] Figure 11 This is a side view of a toggle switch and linkage according to another embodiment of the present invention. Please also refer to... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The elongated hole 157b in this embodiment is similar to that in the above embodiment, except that the elongated hole 157b in this embodiment is an open hole, and the open hole faces away from the viewpoint. Figure 1The circuit board body 110 shown is located on the upper side (meaning the C-shaped opening of the open hole is on the upper side). The elongated hole 157b in this embodiment has the same function as the above embodiment, and will not be described again here. Users can set the elongated holes 157, 157a, and 157b according to their needs.

[0092] In summary, the circuit board module of the present invention includes a circuit board body and a connector and a release assembly disposed on the circuit board body. The release assembly is linked to the connector, allowing the user to remotely open the connector via the release assembly. Normally, the linkage of the release assembly does not contact the protrusion of the connector's toggle switch. When the button of the release assembly is triggered by an external force, the linkage must first move a certain distance to contact the protrusion before it can pull the protrusion and open the connector. Therefore, when the release assembly experiences unexpected vibration due to transportation or accidental activation, the displacement caused by the vibration is insufficient to allow the linkage to contact the protrusion, preventing the linkage from pulling the protrusion and keeping the connector closed. This ensures that the connector will not open due to accidental vibration or unintentional operation, thereby improving the stability of the circuit board module.

[0093] Furthermore, the linkage never contacts the toggle body, thus eliminating friction between them. Therefore, when the linkage moves relative to the toggle, its movement is unaffected by the toggle body, achieving a labor-saving effect.

[0094] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A circuit board module, characterized by The release assembly includes: a circuit board body; a connector disposed on the circuit board body and including a base and a knob rotatably disposed on the base; and a release assembly disposed on the circuit board body and including a link member movably disposed beside the knob and not contacting the knob in a normal state, when an external force triggers the release assembly, the link member is driven to contact the knob to rotate the knob relative to the base; further including a bracket disposed on the circuit board body, wherein the link member is movably disposed between the bracket and the circuit board body, and the release assembly further includes a resilient member disposed between the bracket and the link member to reset the link member when the external force is removed. The link member includes a first segment and a second segment linked to each other, the first segment is disposed beside the knob, the first segment does not contact the knob in a normal state and contacts the knob when subjected to the external force, and the second segment is away from the connector, the first segment and the second segment extend in different directions.

2. The circuit board module of claim 1, wherein, The release assembly further includes a button disposed on the circuit board body and away from the connector, the button is linked to the second segment, and the movement direction of the button is different from the movement direction of the link member.

3. The circuit board module of claim 2, wherein, The knob includes a protruding column, and the first segment includes an elongated hole, the protruding column is located in the elongated hole.

4. The circuit board module of claim 2, wherein, The elongated hole is a closed hole inside the first segment.

5. The circuit board module of claim 4, wherein, The elongated hole is an open hole recessed in the edge of the first segment, and the open hole faces the circuit board body.

6. The circuit board module of claim 4, wherein, The elongated hole is an open hole recessed in the edge of the first segment, and the open hole faces away from the circuit board body.

7. The circuit board module of claim 4, wherein, The first segment includes a wall surface surrounding the elongated hole, the wall surface includes a first part away from the second segment and a second part close to the second segment, the distance between the first part of the wall surface and the protruding column is less than the distance between the second part of the wall surface and the protruding column.

8. The circuit board module of claim 4, wherein, The first part of the wall surface does not contact the protruding column in a normal state and contacts and pulls the protruding column when subjected to the external force, and the second part of the wall surface does not contact the protruding column.

9. The circuit board module of claim 8, wherein, The knob includes a knob body and a protruding column protruding from the knob body, the first segment extends beside the knob body and does not contact the knob body.

10. The circuit board module of claim 2, wherein, The release assembly is suitable for being disposed beside a connector to rotate a knob of the connector relative to a base, and the release assembly includes:

11. A release assembly characterized by, a link member movably disposed beside the knob and not contacting the knob in a normal state; a button linked to the link member and away from the connector, the movement direction of the button is different from the movement direction of the link member; and a resilient member abutting the link member, when an external force triggers the button, the link member is driven to contact the knob to rotate the knob relative to the base, and the resilient member is compressed, when the external force is removed, the resilient member recovers to reset the link member. The link member includes a first segment and a second segment linked to each other, the first segment is disposed beside the knob, the first segment does not contact the knob in a normal state and contacts the knob when subjected to the external force, and the second segment is away from the connector, the first segment and the second segment extend in different directions.

12. The release assembly of claim 11, wherein, ​ 13. The release assembly of claim 12, wherein, The toggle includes a protrusion, and the first section includes an elongated hole in which the protrusion is located.

14. The release assembly of claim 13, wherein, The elongated hole is a closed hole located inside the first section.

15. The release assembly of claim 13, wherein, The elongated hole is an open hole recessed at the edge of the first segment.

16. The release assembly of claim 13, wherein, The first section includes a wall surrounding the elongated hole. The wall includes a first portion away from the second section and a second portion close to the second section. The distance between the first portion of the wall and the protrusion is less than the distance between the second portion of the wall and the protrusion.

17. The release assembly of claim 16, wherein, The first part of the wall surface does not contact the protruding post under normal conditions, but contacts and pulls the protruding post when subjected to the external force, while the second part of the wall surface does not contact the protruding post.

18. The release assembly of claim 12, wherein, The toggle includes a toggle body and a protrusion extending from the toggle body. The first segment extends to the side of the toggle body but does not contact the toggle body.

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