Module fixing device and information processing system
By using the retaining and elastic components in the module fixing device, the problem of fixing PCIe cards in a narrow space is solved, achieving a compact retaining structure and efficient space utilization.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FULIAN PRESION ELECTRONICS (TIANJIN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images
Figure CN116867210B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of functional module bracket technology, and in particular to a module fixing device and an information processing system. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, after a PCIe card is inserted into the slot, a fixing structure is usually required to secure it and prevent it from becoming loose. Existing technology typically uses screws for this purpose, but this is inconvenient due to limited space within the computer case. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of the above situation, it is necessary to provide a module fixing device to facilitate fixing PCIe cards in confined spaces.
[0004] This application provides a module fixing device connected to a circuit board for fixing a functional module when it is inserted into the circuit board. The module fixing device includes a retaining member and an elastic member. The retaining member is movably connected to the circuit board along a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The retaining member includes a first retaining portion for retaining the functional module. The elastic member is connected to the retaining member and has a restoring force along the first direction, capable of driving the retaining member to move along the first direction so that the first retaining portion retains the functional module. This module fixing device, by driving the retaining member to move along the first direction via the elastic member, thereby retaining the functional module, has a compact structure and is suitable for scenarios with limited space.
[0005] In some embodiments of this application, the module fixing device further includes a connector that connects the circuit board and the retaining member. The retaining member is movable relative to the connector along the first direction and the second direction. One end of the elastic member abuts against the connector, and the other end of the elastic member abuts against the retaining member, thereby driving the retaining member to move relative to the connector along the first direction.
[0006] In some embodiments of this application, the holding member includes a plurality of first holding portions, which are arranged at intervals along the first direction. The plurality of first holding portions can hold a plurality of the functional modules, thereby improving space utilization.
[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the first retaining portion includes a first surface, a first protrusion, and a first transition surface. The first surface faces the first direction. The first protrusion is disposed on the first surface and protrudes from the first surface along the first direction. The first transition surface is located at the end of the first retaining portion and connects to the first protrusion. When the functional module and the retaining member approach each other, the first transition surface abuts against the functional module to guide the functional module and the retaining member to approach each other.
[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the retaining member further includes a handle portion. By applying a force along the second direction to the handle portion, the retaining member can drive the first retaining portion to move along the second direction, thereby releasing the first retaining portion from the retaining state of the functional module.
[0009] In some embodiments of this application, there are two connectors, which are connected to each other and respectively disposed on both sides of the circuit board; each connector includes a second holding part and a second stop part, and the second holding part of one connector is connected to the second stop part of the other connector.
[0010] In some embodiments of this application, there are two retaining members. At least a portion of one retaining member is disposed between one of the connectors and the circuit board, and at least a portion of the other retaining member is disposed between another connector and the circuit board. Providing two retaining members increases the number of functional modules that the module fixing device can simultaneously hold, thereby improving space utilization.
[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the retaining member further includes a first substrate, with the first retaining portion disposed on the first substrate; the connecting member further includes a second substrate, with the second retaining portion and the second stop portion disposed on the second substrate; the first substrate of one retaining member is disposed between the second substrate of one connecting member and the circuit board, and the first substrate of another retaining member is disposed between the second substrate of another connecting member and the circuit board. The two retaining members are clamped and fixed by the second substrates of the two connecting members, resulting in a compact structure and improved space utilization.
[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion are oriented in opposite directions.
[0013] Embodiments of this application also provide an information processing system, including a housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a functional module, and a module fixing device as described in any of the above embodiments. The functional module is inserted into the circuit board, and the module fixing device connects the functional module and the circuit board. The module fixing device drives a retaining member to move along a first direction via an elastic element, so that the first retaining part retains and fixes the functional module. The system has a compact structure and is suitable for scenarios with limited space. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of an information processing system in one embodiment of this application.
[0015] Figure 2 This is a partial structural decomposition diagram of an information processing system in one embodiment of this application.
[0016] Figure 3 This is a first view of a module fixing device in one embodiment of this application.
[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first exploded state of the module fixing device in one embodiment of this application.
[0018] Figure 5 This is a second view of the module fixing device in one embodiment of this application.
[0019] Figure 6 This is a third view of a module fixing device in one embodiment of this application.
[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second exploded state of the module fixing device in one embodiment of this application.
[0021] Explanation of main component symbols
[0022] Information Processing System 100
[0023] Casing 1
[0024] Circuit Board 2
[0025] Socket 21
[0026] Functional Module 3
[0027] First stop section 31
[0028] Connector 32
[0029] Module fixing device 4
[0030] Card holder 41
[0031] First substrate 411
[0032] First Cardholder Section 412
[0033] First page 4121
[0034] First protrusion 4122
[0035] First transition surface 4123
[0036] Third protrusion 4124
[0037] Handle 413
[0038] Third stop section 414
[0039] Connector 42
[0040] Second substrate 421
[0041] Through hole 4211
[0042] Second Card Holder 422
[0043] Second page 4221
[0044] Second protrusion 4222
[0045] Second transition surface 4223
[0046] Second stop section 423
[0047] Elastic element 43
[0048] First direction X1
[0049] Second direction X2
[0050] Third direction Y
[0051] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation
[0052] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.
[0053] It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may also have a component that is centrally located. When a component is considered to be "set" on another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may also have a component that is centrally located.
[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.
[0055] This application provides a module fixing device connected to a circuit board for fixing a functional module when it is inserted into the circuit board. The module fixing device includes a retaining member and an elastic member. The retaining member is movably connected to the circuit board along a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The retaining member includes a first retaining portion for retaining the functional module. The elastic member is connected to the retaining member and has a restoring force along the first direction, capable of driving the retaining member to move along the first direction so that the first retaining portion retains the functional module. This module fixing device, by driving the retaining member to move along the first direction via the elastic member, thereby retaining the functional module, has a compact structure and is suitable for scenarios with limited space.
[0056] The embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides an information processing system 100. The information processing system 100 includes a housing 1, a circuit board 2 disposed in the housing 1, a functional module 3 and a module fixing device 4. The circuit board 2 is connected to the housing 1, the module fixing device 4 is connected to the circuit board 2, and the functional module 3 is detachably plugged into the circuit board 2.
[0058] In one embodiment, the information processing system 100 includes, but is not limited to, computers, servers, workstations, and data centers.
[0059] The module fixing device 4 is connected to the functional module 3 and is used to limit the displacement of the functional module 3 relative to the circuit board 2. By disconnecting the module fixing device 4 from the functional module 3, the functional module 3 can be pulled out of the circuit board 2.
[0060] In one embodiment, the functional module 3 includes, but is not limited to, PCIe cards, PCI cards, graphics cards, expansion cards, and memory modules.
[0061] In one embodiment, there are multiple functional modules 3. Along the thickness direction of the circuit board 2, some functional modules 3 are located on one side of the circuit board 2, and others are located on the other side of the circuit board 2. The multiple functional modules 3 located on the same side of the circuit board 2 are stacked along the first direction X1, which can improve the space utilization of the information processing system 100.
[0062] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the module fixing device 4 includes a retaining member 41, an elastic member 43, and a connecting member 42. The connecting member 42 is connected to the circuit board 2. The retaining member 41 is movably connected to the connecting member 42 along a first direction X1 and a second direction X2 opposite to the first direction X1. Moving the retaining member 41 along the first direction X1 can retain the functional module 3 inserted into the circuit board 2. Moving the retaining member 41 along the second direction X2 can release the retaining state of the functional module 3, allowing the functional module 3 to be pulled out from the circuit board 2. The elastic member 43 connects the retaining member 41 and the connecting member 42. The elastic member 43 has a restoring force along the first direction X1. The restoring force of the elastic member 43 can drive the retaining member 41 to move along the first direction X1, so that the retaining member 41 retains and fixes the functional module 3 inserted into the circuit board 2.
[0063] In other embodiments, the connector 42 may be omitted, and the retaining member 41 may be directly connected to the circuit board 2 or the housing 1 (not shown). The elastic member 43 connects the retaining member 41 and the circuit board 2 or connects the retaining member 41 and the housing 1. The restoring force of the elastic member 43 can drive the retaining member 41 to move relative to the circuit board 2 along the first direction X1, so that the retaining member 41 retains and fixes the functional module 3 inserted into the circuit board 2.
[0064] Optionally, the elastic element 43 is a compression spring, with its front end abutting against the retaining element 41 and its rear end abutting against the connecting element 42 along the first direction X1. Optionally, the elastic element 43 is a tension spring, with its front end abutting against the connecting element 42 and its rear end abutting against the connecting element 42 along the first direction X1.
[0065] In this embodiment, the retaining member 41 includes a first substrate 411 and a first retaining portion 412. The first substrate 411 is connected to the connector 42, and the first retaining portion 412 extends along a third direction Y and is disposed on the first substrate 411. The first substrate 411 can be driven to move relative to the connector 42 along a first direction X1 and a second direction X2. In one embodiment, the third direction Y is set at an angle to the first direction X1; optionally, the angle between the third direction Y and the first direction X1 is 90°.
[0066] In one embodiment, the first holding portion 412 is provided with a first surface 4121, a first protrusion 4122 and a first transition surface 4123. The first surface 4121 faces the first direction X1. The first protrusion 4122 is provided on the first surface 4121 and protrudes from the first surface 4121 along the first direction X1. The first transition surface 4123 is provided at the end of the first holding portion 412 away from the first substrate 411 and is connected to the first protrusion 4122.
[0067] The functional module 3 is provided with a first stop 31 and a plug-in part 32, which are located on the same side. The circuit board 2 is provided with a plug-in seat 21, which corresponds to the plug-in part 32 and can be used to mate the plug-in part 32 so that the functional module 3 is electrically connected to the circuit board 2. When the holding member 41 and the functional module 3 approach each other along the third direction Y, the first transition surface 4123 is used to abut against the first stop 31 to guide the functional module 3 and the first holding member 412 to approach each other until the first protrusion 4122 connects to the first stop 31. At this time, the plug-in part 32 is plugged into the plug-in seat 21. The first holding member 41 connects to the first stop 31 through the first protrusion 4122 to hold and fix the functional module 3, which can limit the displacement of the functional module 3 away from the circuit board 2 along the third direction Y. Moreover, no additional fasteners and operating space are required, which can improve the space utilization of the information processing system 100 and is suitable for application scenarios with limited space.
[0068] In one embodiment, the holding member 41 includes a plurality of first holding portions 412, which are arranged at intervals along a first direction X1, so that the holding member 41 can simultaneously hold multiple functional modules 3, thereby improving the space utilization of the information processing system 100. Optionally, the holding member 41 includes two first holding portions 412.
[0069] In one embodiment, the first holding part 412 further includes a handle part 413, which is disposed on the first substrate 411. By applying a force along the second direction X2 to the handle part 413, the handle part 413 can drive the first substrate 411 and the first holding part 412 to move along the second direction X2, causing the first protrusion 4122 to separate from the first stop part 31, thereby releasing the holding state of the holding member 41 on the functional module 3. At this time, the functional module 3 can be pulled out and separated from the circuit board 2. Optionally, the handle part 413 is disposed on the first substrate 411 extending along the third direction Y. In one embodiment, when it is necessary to release the holding state of the holding member 41 on the functional module 3, the operator can pull the handle part 413 with their fingers. The operation is simple and convenient, requiring no operating space in the third direction Y, which can improve the space utilization of the information processing system 100 and is suitable for application scenarios with limited space.
[0070] In one embodiment, the connector 42 includes a second substrate 421 and a second retaining portion 422, the second retaining portion 422 being disposed on the second substrate 421. A first substrate 411 is connected to the second substrate 421, and the first substrate 411 and the second substrate 421 are movable relative to each other along a first direction X1 and a second direction X2. The second retaining portion 422 is connected to the circuit board 2, such that the connector 42 is connected to the circuit board 2.
[0071] In one embodiment, the connector 42 includes two second holding portions 422, which are disposed opposite to each other on the second substrate 421 along the first direction X1, and the two second holding portions 422 respectively abut against the two ends of the circuit board 2 along the first direction X1.
[0072] In one embodiment, the second substrate 421 is provided with a through hole 4211, a first retaining portion 412 passes through the through hole 4211, and a first protrusion 4122 and a first transition surface 4123 extend out of the second substrate 421 in a third direction Y. Optionally, the number of through holes 4211 on the second substrate 421 corresponds to the number of first retaining portions 412 on the retaining member 41.
[0073] In one embodiment, the first retaining portion 412 is provided with a third protrusion 4124, which is disposed on and extends out of the first surface 4121, and is located between the first protrusion 4122 and the first substrate 411. When the first retaining portion 412 passes through the through hole 4211, the third protrusion 4124 and the first protrusion 4122 are located on the same side of the second substrate 421, and the third protrusion 4124 abuts against the second substrate 421, so that the retaining member 41 is stably connected to the connecting member 42. Optionally, the third protrusion 4124 has a slope on the side facing the first protrusion 4122, so that when the third protrusion 4124 moves against the second substrate 421, the slope can guide the third protrusion 4124 to move to the side of the second substrate 421 away from the second retaining portion 422.
[0074] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the connector 42 further includes a second stop portion 423, which is disposed on the second substrate 421. The module fixing device 4 includes two retaining members 41 and two connectors 42. The first substrate 411 of one retaining member 41 is disposed between the second substrate 421 of one connector 42 and the circuit board 2, and the first substrate 411 of the other retaining member 41 is disposed between the second substrate 421 of the other connector 42 and the circuit board 2. The second retaining portion 422 of one connector 42 is connected to the second stop portion 423 of the other connector 42, so that the two connectors 42 clamp and fix the two retaining members 41 to the circuit board 2.
[0075] Furthermore, the first holding portions 412 of the two holding members 41 are oriented in opposite directions.
[0076] Optionally, the connector 42 includes two second holding portions 422 and two second stopping portions 423. The two second holding portions 422 are respectively disposed at both ends of the second substrate 421 along the first direction X1, and the two second stopping portions 423 are respectively disposed at both ends of the second substrate 421 along the first direction X1. Furthermore, the second holding portions 422 and the second stopping portions 423 located on the same side of the second substrate 421 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the third direction Y.
[0077] Two connectors 42 are connected in reverse order, allowing the second holding portion 422 of one connector 42 to engage with the second stop portion 423 of the other connector 42. Correspondingly, two holding members 41 are arranged in reverse order, with the first protrusion 4122 of one holding member 41 facing a first direction X1, and the first protrusion 4122 of the other holding member 41 facing a second direction X2. When it is necessary to release the two holding members 41 from the functional module 3, a handle portion 413 on the holding member 41 with the first protrusion 4122 facing the first direction X1 must be applied along the second direction X2, and the handle portion 413 on the holding member 41 with the first protrusion 4122 facing the second direction X2 must be applied along the first direction X1.
[0078] In one embodiment, the second holding portion 422 is provided with a second surface 4221, a second protrusion 4222, and a second transition surface 4223. The second surface 4221 faces the inner side of the connector 42, the second protrusion 4222 is provided on the second surface 4221 and extends out of the second surface 4221, and the second transition surface 4223 is provided at the end of the second holding portion 422 away from the second substrate 421. The second transition surface 4223 connects to the second protrusion 4222. When the two connectors 42 approach each other along the third direction Y, the second transition surface 4223 abuts against the second stop 423 to guide the two connectors 42 to approach each other until the second protrusion 4222 connects to the second stop 423. At this time, the two connectors 42 are fixedly connected to each other through the second protrusion 4222 and the second stop 423, which can limit the displacement of the two connectors 42 along the third direction Y. Furthermore, no additional fasteners or operating space are required, which can improve the space utilization of the information processing system 100 and is suitable for application scenarios with limited space.
[0079] When the two connectors 42 are connected in reverse order, the two second surfaces 4221 on the two connectors 42 respectively abut against the two ends of the circuit board 2 along the first direction X1, and the two first substrates 411 on the two retaining members 41 respectively abut against the two ends of the circuit board 2 along the third direction Y, so that the module fixing device 4 is stably connected to the circuit board 2.
[0080] In one embodiment, the retaining member 41 further includes a third stop 414, which is disposed on the first substrate 411 on a side opposite to the first retaining member 412, with the first surface 4121 facing the third stop 414 along the first direction X1. When the connector 42 connects the retaining member 41 to the circuit board 2, the third stop 414 is located on the outer side of the circuit board 2 along the first direction X1. When the retaining member 41 retains and fixes the functional module 3, there is a gap between the third stop 414 and the circuit board 2. When the handle 413 moves the retaining member 41 along the second direction X2, the third stop 414 can abut against the circuit board 2 to limit the displacement of the retaining member 41 along the second direction X2 and prevent excessive movement of the retaining member 41.
[0081] In this application, the installation steps for functional module 3 are as follows:
[0082] Two connectors 42 are connected to connect two retaining pieces 41 to the circuit board 2;
[0083] The functional module 3 moves closer to the circuit board 2 until it is inserted into the circuit board 2, and the first holding part 412 is connected to the first stop part 31 on the functional module 3.
[0084] In this application, the disassembly steps for functional module 3 are as follows:
[0085] The handle portion 413 and the first holding portion 412 on the lifting clamp 41 are separated from the first stop portion 31;
[0086] Functional module 3 moves away from circuit board 2.
[0087] In summary, the module fixing device 4 drives the holding member 41 to move along the first direction X1 through the elastic member 43, so that the first holding part 412 holds the functional module 3, resulting in a compact structure. The holding member 41 releases the holding state of the functional module 3 by pulling the handle part 413, making the operation simple and convenient. It does not require any operating space in the third direction Y, which can improve the space utilization of the information processing system 100 and is suitable for application scenarios with limited space.
[0088] In addition, those skilled in the art may make other changes within the spirit of this application. Of course, all such changes made in accordance with the spirit of this application should be included within the scope disclosed in this application.
Claims
1. A module fixing device for fixing a functional module when it is inserted into a circuit board, characterized in that, include: A retaining member is movably connected to the circuit board along a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The retaining member includes a first retaining portion for retaining the functional module. An elastic element is connected to the retaining element. The elastic element has a restoring force along the first direction and can drive the retaining element to move along the first direction so that the first retaining part retains the functional module. The module fixing device further includes a connector, which connects the circuit board and the retaining member, and the retaining member is movable relative to the connector along the first direction and the second direction; One end of the elastic element abuts against the connector, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against the retaining element, thereby driving the retaining element to move relative to the connector along the first direction.
2. The module fixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The holding member includes a plurality of first holding portions, which are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the plurality of first holding portions can hold a plurality of the functional modules.
3. The module fixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first card holder is provided with: The first side faces the first direction; A first protrusion is provided on the first surface and protrudes from the first surface along the first direction; A first transition surface is located at the end of the first holding portion. The first transition surface is connected to the first protrusion. When the functional module and the holding member approach each other, the first transition surface is used to abut against the functional module to guide the functional module and the holding member to approach each other.
4. The module fixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping member also includes a handle portion. By applying a force along the second direction to the handle portion, the clamping member can drive the first clamping portion to move along the second direction, thereby releasing the clamping state of the first clamping portion on the functional module.
5. The module fixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, There are two connectors, which are connected to each other and are respectively located on both sides of the circuit board; Each of the connectors includes a second retaining portion and a second stop portion, wherein the second retaining portion of one connector is connected to the second stop portion of the other connector.
6. The module fixing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, There are two retaining members, with at least a portion of one retaining member disposed between one of the connectors and the circuit board, and at least a portion of the other retaining member disposed between the other connector and the circuit board.
7. The module fixing device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The retaining member further includes a first substrate, and the first retaining portion is disposed on the first substrate; The connector further includes a second base plate, and the second holding portion and the second stop portion are disposed on the second base plate; The first substrate of one of the retaining members is disposed between the second substrate of one of the connectors and the circuit board, and the first substrate of another retaining member is disposed between the second substrate of another connector and the circuit board.
8. The module fixing device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first and second clamping parts are oriented in opposite directions.
9. An information processing system, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a functional module, and a module fixing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the functional module is inserted into the circuit board, and the module fixing device connects the functional module and the circuit board.