Half-turn fastener for adapter bracket

Abstract

The invention relates to a half-turn fastener of an adapter bracket. An adapter bracket of a computing device includes a bracket, an adapter card attached to the bracket, and a fastener attached to the bracket. The bracket is used for supporting the expansion card. The riser card is used for electrically connecting the expansion card to the computing device. The fastener is used for fixing the adapter bracket to the computing device. The fastener includes a handle, a shaft extending along a first axis, a pivot shaft connecting the handle to the shaft, and a half-turn latch coupled to the shaft. The half-turn latch is configured to engage with a socket of the computing device to selectively secure the fastener to the socket. The handle is pivotable about a pivot between an expanded configuration and a stowed configuration, and in the stowed configuration, the handle is parallel to the adapter card.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Computing devices such as servers typically have a system motherboard (e.g., a motherboard) that includes a variety of components, such as power conversion circuits, one or more CPU sockets for accommodating a processor, one or more memory sockets for accommodating a memory device, electrical and communication interconnects and buses, various controllers or chipsets (such as a baseboard management controller (BMC)), and other components. In addition, in order to allow more components to be added to the device, the system motherboard may also include electrical connectors that are configured to removably accommodate electronic modules. Adding such modules typically expands the capabilities or functionality of the computing device, and therefore, connectors and modules are referred to as expansion slots and expansion cards, respectively. Examples of such expansion slots include PCIe connectors, M.2 connectors, and the like, with different sizes and configurations (e.g., x16, x8, x1, etc.). Examples of common types of expansion cards include video cards or graphics processing units (GPUs), network interface cards (NICs), storage controllers, hardware accelerators, and the like.

[0002] However, in some computing devices, it may not be possible to connect an expansion card directly to an expansion slot (e.g., due to orientation or space constraints), and therefore, the expansion card may be coupled to an intermediate board called a riser card, which in turn connects to an expansion slot of the system's main board. A riser card is a printed circuit board assembly (PCA) that carries one electrical connector adapted to receive an expansion card and another electrical connector adapted to be removably connected to an expansion slot of the system's main board, and these connectors are arranged so that when everything is connected, the expansion card fits as desired within the spatial constraints of the system.

[0003] For example, in some devices, the expansion slots of the system motherboard are oriented to receive expansion cards that extend perpendicular to the system motherboard ("vertical orientation"), but some computing devices (e.g., 1U or 2U servers) may not have sufficient vertical clearance for expansion cards with such a vertical orientation. However, the adapter card may be much shorter than the expansion card, and therefore, the adapter card can be connected to the expansion slot in a vertical orientation, and then the expansion card can be connected to the adapter card in an orientation parallel to the system motherboard ("horizontal orientation"), thereby allowing the expansion card to be assembled in the computing device. However, the electrical connection between the expansion slot and the adapter card is usually not stable enough to physically support and fix the adapter card and the expansion card. Therefore, the adapter card and the expansion card are usually deployed with a support structure to support and fix them to the chassis and / or the system board. The support structure is called an adapter bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Alone or with Figure 1The present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more examples of the present teachings and together with the description explain certain principles and operations. In the drawings:

[0005] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary adapter bracket assembly.

[0006] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary adaptor bracket assembly with a half-turn fastener in a loosened state.

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of an exemplary adapter bracket assembly of FIG. 1 with the half-turn fastener in a fastened state.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of an exemplary adaptor bracket assembly with the half-turn fastener in a released state and the expansion card omitted.

[0009] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of an exemplary adaptor bracket assembly with the half-turn fastener in a fastened state and the expansion card omitted.

[0010] Figure 6 is in the first state during the installation process Figure 2 A side view of an exemplary adapter bracket assembly.

[0011] Figure 7 is in the second state during the installation process Figure 2 A side view of an exemplary adapter bracket assembly.

[0012] Figure 8 is in the third state during the installation process Figure 2 A side view of an exemplary adapter bracket assembly.

[0013] Fig. 9 is in the fourth state during the installation process Figure 2 A side view of an exemplary adapter bracket assembly.

[0014] Fig.10 Is alone Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of a half-turn fastener of an adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in a fastened state.

[0015] Fig.11 Is alone Figure 2A three-dimensional view of a half-turn fastener of an adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in a loosened state.

[0016] Fig.12 Is alone Figure 2 A side view of a half-turn fastener of an adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in a fastened state and the handle is retracted.

[0017] Fig.13 Is alone Figure 2 A side view of a half-turn fastener of an adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in a fastened state and the handle is unfolded.

[0018] Fig.14 Is alone Figure 2 A side view of a half-turn fastener of an adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in a loosened state.

[0019] Fig.15 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an adapter bracket assembly showing a fastener mount.

[0020] Fig.16 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an adaptor bracket assembly showing a half-turn latch of a half-turn fastener.

[0021] Fig.17 It shows the installation of Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary computing device with an adapter bracket assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The adapter bracket is attached to the chassis and / or system board of the computing device via one or more attachment features, which typically include at least one actuatable fastener. In some cases, it may be desirable that these fasteners be manually actuatable without the use of tools, as this can make installation and removal of the adapter bracket easier. However, many existing tool-free fasteners often require some free space around them to allow a user to grasp and actuate the fastener. However, in some space-constrained computing devices, there may not be enough free space to accommodate certain tool-free fasteners. Although the amount of space required to actuate such fasteners may seem small, computing devices are often very space-constrained, and even allocating a small amount of space to the adapter bracket fasteners may mean that other components of the system need to be ignored or made smaller, which may not be feasible. Therefore, it may be challenging to provide an adapter bracket fastener that is easy to install or remove but can also be assembled within a tight space constraint.

[0023] Technical solutions for the aforementioned problems may include a half-turn fastener for an adapter bracket, the half-turn fastener having a handle that can be selectively stowed when not in use or unfolded when the fastener needs to be actuated. The half-turn fastener includes a half-turn latch that engages with a socket anchored to a computing device to selectively latch to or unlock from the socket. The fastener can be switched between a fastened state and a released state by rotating the fastener (and thus the half-turn latch) 180 degrees (half turn). The handle is connected to the half-turn latch via an axis so that a user can fasten or loosen the fastener by grasping the handle and rotating the handle 180 degrees around the axis of the shaft. The handle is connected to the shaft by a pivot pin, which allows the handle to also pivot around a pivot axis perpendicular to the shaft. This pivoting around the pivot axis allows the handle to move between a stowed configuration and an unfolded configuration. In the unfolded configuration, the handle protrudes above the adapter bracket, while in the stowed configuration, the handle does not protrude above the adapter bracket. Thus, with the handle deployed above the adaptor bracket, there may be sufficient space around the handle for a user to grasp and actuate the handle. Additionally, with the handle retracted, the space above the adaptor bracket may be free of obstructions, and thus, other items (such as a cover for a housing or another adaptor bracket) may be placed in the space. In this manner, the half-turn fasteners disclosed herein may be easily actuable while still being assembled within a system with tight space constraints.

[0024] In addition, in some examples, the handle is configured such that in the stowed configuration, the handle is parallel to the riser card of the adapter bracket. For example, in some embodiments, the handle can have a proximal portion extending from the axis in a first direction and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion in a second direction transverse to the first direction, thereby making the handle have a generally "L"-shaped profile, and the handle is configured such that in the stowed configuration, the L-shape is parallel to the riser card (e.g., a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction is parallel to the riser card). In some examples, in the stowed configuration, the proximal portion extends horizontally and the distal portion extends vertically downward, and conversely, in the deployed configuration, the proximal portion extends horizontally and the distal portion extends vertically upward. In particular, in some examples, in the stowed configuration, the proximal portion extends horizontally forward (i.e., away from the rear portion of the adapter bracket bracket). The aforementioned configuration of the handle prevents the stowed handle from protruding laterally into the volume of the adapter bracket, thereby allowing other components to be positioned in the space, for example, some expansion cards can extend into the space laterally adjacent to the fastener. By avoiding the retracted handle from obstructing other components, more components can be fitted within a given space and / or the adapter bracket and computing device can be made more compact as a whole. In addition, as described above, in some examples, the retracted handle can protrude in a forward direction, which in some cases can be a more desirable direction for the fastener to extend because, in some computing devices, the space in front of the fastener is typically unoccupied, and therefore, the retracted handle does not obstruct anything by protruding into that space. In addition, because there is typically some open space in front of the fastener, a user can easily reach their fingers down through this open space to access the handle to move it to the deployed configuration. In addition, in the retracted configuration, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the adapter card, so that when the handle is pivoted from the retracted state to the deployed state, the handle remains parallel to the adapter card throughout the movement, which avoids any interference with objects (such as large expansion cards) positioned laterally adjacent to the fastener.

[0025] In contrast, in an adaptor bracket where the fastener has a retractable handle that extends parallel to the system board and laterally when retracted, it may be difficult to achieve the same compactness described above. In such a system, the retracted handle may prevent objects from being positioned laterally adjacent to the fastener, which may prevent the use of larger components (e.g., expansion cards) or may require the adaptor bracket to be made longer to accommodate those components. Furthermore, even in the case where an expansion card is not directly obstructed by the handle, the expansion card may be close enough to the fastener that it is difficult for a user to get their fingers under the handle to grasp it and move it to the deployed position.

[0026] Turning now to the drawings, various devices, systems, and methods according to aspects of the present disclosure will be described.

[0027] Figure 11 is a block diagram conceptually showing the adapter bracket 10. It should be understood that Figure 1 The specific shapes, sizes, or other structural details are not intended to be accurate or to scale, and embodiments of adaptor bracket 10 may have a different number and arrangement of the components shown and may also include other parts not shown. Figure 1 In the drawings, physical connections (attachments) are conceptually indicated by dashed lines, while electrical connections are conceptually indicated by dotted lines.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, riser bracket 10 includes bracket 20, riser card 40 connected to bracket 20, and fastener 50 connected to bracket 20. These components will be described in more detail below.

[0029] Bracket 20 may include rear portion 21, transverse portion 30, and fastener mount 35. Rear portion 21 is configured to attach to a chassis of a computing device when riser bracket 10 is installed in the computing device. Transverse portion 30 is connected to rear portion 21 and includes one or more support structures oriented transversely to rear portion 21. Rear portion 21 and transverse portion 30 define a riser bracket volume 81 in which expansion card 80 may be received. Fastener mount 35 and riser card 40 are both attached to transverse portion 30.

[0030] As described above, rear portion 21 is attached to a case of a computing device. More specifically, rear portion 21 is attached directly to the case or to other components that are directly or indirectly attached to the case. Once attached to the case, rear portion 21 can form a portion of the case. For example, when installed, rear portion 21 can form a portion of a rear panel of the case. Rear portion 21 is described as a "rear" portion because in a typical installation scenario, adapter bracket 10 can be installed at the rear of a computing device, with rear portion 21 oriented in a rearward direction, but the term is used merely for convenience and does not actually limit the orientation of adapter bracket 10 or the computing device. For example, adapter bracket 10 can be installed at the front of a computing device, with rear portion 21 facing in a forward direction and forming a portion of the front panel of the case. To enable rear portion 21 to be attached to a housing (or adjacent components), rear portion 21 may include attachment features, such as tabs, scrolls, apertures, slots, etc., that engage with complementary attachment features of the housing and / or adjacent components to secure rear portion 21 (directly or indirectly) to the housing. Rear portion 21 may have a window panel with perforations, slots, or other openings to allow airflow through rear portion 21. Rear portion 21 (specifically, its window panel) is generally parallel to a first plane that is parallel to the front and rear panels of the housing when adapter bracket 10 is installed in the housing.

[0031] Transverse portion 30 is attached to rear portion 21. Transverse portion 30 includes side portions, a top portion, or both side portions and a top portion. The side portions (when included) include a panel that is generally parallel to a second plane and connected to rear portion 21. The second plane is perpendicular to the first plane and is also parallel to the side walls of the case when adapter bracket 10 is mounted on the case. The top portion (when included) includes a panel that is generally parallel to a third plane and connected to rear portion 21. The third plane is perpendicular to both the first plane and the second plane and is also parallel to the top and bottom walls of the case when adapter bracket 10 is mounted in the case. In some examples where there are both side portions and a top portion, the top and side portions can be connected to each other and both can be connected to rear portion 21. In some examples, transverse portion 30 is integrally connected to rear portion 21, or in other words, transverse portion 30 and rear portion 21 are parts of a single body (e.g., a single sheet of metal that has been bent, stamped, or otherwise formed into the shape of bracket 20).

[0032] As described above, the fastener mount 35 is coupled to the lateral portion 30. The fastener mount 35 may be positioned near the front end of the bracket 20, which is the end opposite the rear portion 21.

[0033] Riser card 40 is disposed within riser bracket volume 81 and physically attached to lateral portion 30 of bracket 20. In some examples where lateral portion 30 includes a side portion, riser card 40 is attached to the side portion. Riser card 40 includes a PCA having two electrical connectors: a first connector configured to electrically connect to an expansion slot of a computing device, and a second connector configured to electrically connect to an expansion card 80 disposed within riser bracket volume 81 of the riser bracket. Riser card 40 is oriented parallel to lateral portion 30 (parallel to the second plane).

[0034] Fastener 50 is connected to fastener mount 35. Fastener 50 is configured to engage with a latch socket of a computing device to secure the adapter bracket (directly or indirectly) to the housing. The latch socket may be connected to a system board, a support structure supporting the system board, or to the housing. In some examples, fastener 50 is not the only mechanism for supporting and securing adapter bracket 10 to the housing. As described above, in some examples, rear portion 21 includes an attachment feature for connecting to the housing. Therefore, in such examples, the attachment feature at rear portion 21 may support the rear of adapter bracket 10 and secure it to the housing, while fastener 50 may support and secure the front side of adapter bracket 10. In addition, other attachment features (when present) may not fully secure adapter bracket 10 to the housing in all cases. For example, attachment features may be configured so that they constrain adapter bracket 10 in some directions but allow movement of adapter bracket 10 in certain other directions, and such movement of adapter bracket 10 may cause attachment features to detach from the housing. Thus, in this example, one purpose of fastener 50 is to prevent such movement of adaptor bracket 10 that would otherwise cause other attachment features to disengage. In this manner, the attachment features and fastener 50 can work together to secure adaptor bracket 10 to the chassis.

[0035] Fastener 50 includes a half-turn latch 58 at one end and a handle 52 at an opposite end, wherein shaft 56 connects the half-turn latch and the handle. Half-turn latch 58 is configured to extend into a latch receptacle of the computing device when adaptor bracket 10 is installed in the computing device and engage with a latch element in the receptacle to selectively latch to or unlatch from the receptacle. Fastener 50 is configured to be changeable between a tightened state and a loosened state by rotation and translation of fastener 50 about and along the axis of shaft 56.

[0036] When adaptor bracket 10 is positioned in a computing device but not yet attached to the computing device, converting the fastener to a secured state includes extending half-turn latch 58 into the receptacle (e.g., by moving fastener 50 downward along the axis of shaft 56), followed by rotating half-turn latch 58 within the receptacle by rotating fastener 50 in a first rotational direction until it reaches a first orientation. Half-turn latch 58 may include engagement features (e.g., grooves) that progressively engage complementary engagement features (e.g., protrusions) of the latch receptacle as fastener 50 rotates. When fastener 50 reaches the first orientation, a fully latched configuration between the engagement features is achieved, whereby half-turn latch 58 (and thus the entire fastener 50) is latched to the receptacle. This, in turn, secures adaptor bracket 10 to the computing device.

[0037] Conversely, the fastener 50 can be converted from the fastened state to the loosened state by rotating the fastener 50 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction until the fastener 50 reaches the second orientation. As the fastener 50 (and thus the half-turn latch 58) is rotated in the second rotational direction, the engagement features and the complementary engagement features move out of the latch configuration and gradually become disengaged until finally fully loosened when the fastener 50 reaches the second orientation. At this point, the half-turn latch 58 is unlocked from the socket and can be freely removed from the socket. The first orientation and the second orientation can be separated by 180 degrees, so that rotating the fastener 50 half a turn (180 degrees) will cause the fastener to change between the first orientation (fastened state) and the second orientation (loose state).

[0038] As described above, the fastener 50 includes a handle 52 that is pivotally coupled to the shaft 56 via a pivot 54. The handle 52 can be grasped by a user to facilitate the user to rotate the fastener 50 around the axis of the shaft 56. In particular, the handle 52 can have a proximal portion extending along a first direction and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion along a second direction transverse to the first direction, thereby giving the handle a generally "L" shaped profile. The first direction and the second direction (which correspond to the extension directions of the proximal and distal portions of the handle 52) together define a plane, which may be referred to herein as a handle plane. The distal portion of the handle provides leverage to the user, making it easier for them to tighten and loosen the fastener 50.

[0039] Handle 52 is coupled to the shaft by pivot 54, which allows the handle to pivot about a pivot axis perpendicular to the axis of shaft 56. This pivoting about the pivot axis allows handle 52 to move between a stowed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, handle 52 protrudes above adaptor bracket 10, while in the stowed configuration, handle 52 does not protrude above adaptor bracket 10. Typically, when the handle is deployed, there is no possibility of obstructions in the area directly above adaptor bracket 10, because any components that would normally occupy this area (such as a cover of a computing device or another adaptor bracket) have been removed from the device before attempting to install or remove adaptor bracket 10. Therefore, in the deployed state, there can be free space around handle 52, which allows a user to easily grasp and rotate handle 52. In addition, once adaptor bracket 10 is installed and fixed and it is desired to restore the computing device to its normal state, handle 52 can be stowed and thereafter the handle will stop protruding above adaptor bracket 10, thereby allowing other components that would normally occupy this area to be restored to their normal positions. In this manner, the half-turn fastener 50 may be easily actuated when deployed, but then stowed when not needed to make room for other components, thus allowing for the design of a relatively more compact (space constrained) system.

[0040] In addition, handle 52 is configured such that in the stowed state, handle 52 is parallel to a side portion of riser card 40 and / or bracket 20. Reference to handle 52 being parallel to a side portion of riser card 40 and / or bracket 20 means that a handle plane (as defined above) defined by handle 52 is parallel to riser card 40 or the side portion, or in other words, parallel to a second plane. This configuration of handle 52 allows stowed handle 52 to not protrude laterally into the volume of the riser bracket. Instead, handle 52 may protrude in a forward direction (away from rear portion 21 of riser bracket 10). Such protrusion in the forward direction is generally more desirable than protrusion in a lateral direction because the area directly in front of fastener 50 is generally not occupied, while it may be desirable to occupy the area directly laterally adjacent to fastener 50 with other objects such as expansion cards. In addition, in the stowed state, the pivot axis is perpendicular to riser card 40 so that when handle 52 is pivoted from the stowed state to the deployed state, handle 52 remains parallel to riser card 40 throughout the movement. Thus, an object (e.g., an expansion card) can be placed laterally adjacent to the fastener 50 without interfering with the pivoting of the handle 52 between the deployed and stowed configurations. Additionally, because there is generally an open space in front of the fastener 50, a user can easily reach their fingers down through this open space to access the handle 52 below to grasp and deploy the handle.

[0041] In some examples, expansion card 80 is included in riser bracket 10 (within riser bracket volume 81), wherein expansion card 80 is electrically connected to riser card 40 (such as by Figure 1 ) and physically attached to the bracket 20 (as indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 1 In other examples, the adapter bracket 10 does not include the expansion card 80; in other words, although the adapter bracket 10 may be intended for use with the expansion card 80, in some cases, the adapter bracket 10 may be provided (e.g., manufactured, sold, installed in a computing device, etc.) separately from the expansion card 80.

[0042] like Fig.17 As shown, in some examples, a computing device 100 includes an adaptor bracket 10 installed therein. The computing device 100 includes a housing 103, a system motherboard 101 attached (directly or indirectly) to and supported by the housing 103, an expansion slot 102 mounted to the system motherboard 101, and a latch receptacle 104 attached to the housing 103 and / or the system motherboard 101. In an installed state of the adaptor bracket 100 in the computing device 100, the riser card 40 is electrically connected to the expansion slot 102, and the fastener 50 is engaged with and fastened to the latch receptacle 104. The expansion card 80 is disposed in the adaptor bracket volume 81, electrically connected to the riser card 40, and attached to the bracket 20.

[0043] Now go to Figures 2 to 16 , another exemplary adapter bracket 110 will be described. Adapter bracket 10 is an exemplary configuration of adapter bracket 10. Therefore, some components of adapter bracket 110 correspond to components of the above-mentioned adapter bracket 10 (i.e., are the same as, similar to and / or are exemplary configurations of these components). Components of adapter bracket 110 and components of adapter bracket 10 that correspond to each other are given reference numerals with the same last two digits, such as 50 and 150. The above description of the components of adapter bracket 10 applies to the corresponding components of 110 (unless otherwise indicated or logically contradictory), and therefore a repeated description of some aspects already described above is omitted below. In some examples, Fig.17 The adapter bracket 10 included in the computing device 100 may include an adapter bracket 110 .

[0044] Figures 2 to 16 Adapter bracket 110 is shown at various angles and in various states, and various aspects of adapter bracket 110 may be visible in multiple figures. The following description will refer to the drawings when the drawings are relevant to the aspects being described, rather than in strict numerical order. Figures 2 to 16 Various aspects of the adapter bracket 110 are described herein with reference to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown. Additionally, reference may be made herein to the XY plane, which is the plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis. Similarly, reference may be made to the XZ plane, which is the plane defined by the X-axis and the Z-axis. Also, reference may be made to the YZ plane, which is the plane defined by the Y-axis and the Z-axis. Things parallel to the XY plane may be described herein as "horizontal," while things parallel to the XZ or YZ planes may be described as "vertical." Occasionally, a structure is referred to herein as being parallel or perpendicular to a plane (or another structure), and it should be understood that such reference refers to the orientation of the widest face (i.e., not the edge) of the structure.

[0045] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the riser bracket 110 includes a bracket 120 , a riser card 140 connected to the bracket 120 , and a fastener 150 connected to the bracket 120 .

[0046] Bracket 120 includes rear portion 121, side portions 131, top portion 139, and fastener mounts 135. Rear portion 121 is configured to be attached to a chassis of a computing device when adaptor bracket 110 is installed in the computing device. Side portions 131 and top portion 139 are both connected to rear portion 121 and to each other (side portions 131 and top portion 139 are collectively referred to as fastener mounts). Figure 11. The rear portion 121, the side portion 121, and the top portion 139 define an adapter bracket volume 181 in which an expansion card 180 can be received. The fastener mount 135 is attached to the top portion 139, and the adapter card 140 is attached to the side portion 131. These components will be described in more detail below.

[0047] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The rear portion 121 of the bracket 120 is shown. The rear portion 121 includes a window panel 122. The window panel 122 is generally parallel to a first plane. The first plane is parallel to the YZ plane. When the adapter bracket 110 is installed in the case, the first plane is also parallel to the front panel and the rear panel of the case. The window panel 122 is configured to receive a window inlay 123. The window inlay 123 is connected to the window panel 122 via attachment features 124 and 127. In the illustrated example, the attachment feature 124 includes a tab that is inserted through a slot in the window panel 122, and the attachment feature 127 is a screw that engages with an aperture in a flange 125 attached to the window panel 122. In other examples, other attachment features may be used. The window inlay 123 may have perforations, slots, or other openings (not shown) to allow airflow through the rear portion 121. As Figure 5 As shown, the window insert 123 includes an attachment feature 136 configured to attach to the expansion card 180. Thus, the expansion card 180 is secured to the window insert 123, which in turn is secured to the window panel 122.

[0048] The rear portion 121 also includes Figure 4 Attachment features 126 and 129 are best seen in FIG. In the illustrated example, attachment features 126 and 129 include a tab and a reel, respectively, that are configured to engage with complementary attachment features of a housing or adjacent components of the computing device. In other examples, any other type of attachment feature may be used.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the rear portion 121 is connected to the side portions 131 and to the top portion 139. In the illustrated example, the top portion 121 is integrally connected to the window panel 122 (e.g., they are formed from the same single body). In other examples, they can be separate parts connected together via mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesives, friction fit, or any other fastening technology. The rear portion 121 also includes a wing 128 that is attached to the window panel 122 but extends perpendicular to the window panel 122. For example, the wing 128 can be integrally connected to the window panel 122 and can be bent to Figure 4 The wing portion 128 may partially overlap the side portion 131 (at Figure 4141 ), the ends of the wings 128 (not visible) are hidden behind the side portions 131), and the overlapping portions of the wings 128 and the side portions 141 can be attached via fasteners 132. In other examples, the wings 128 can be attached to the side portions 141 by welding, adhesives, interlocking joints, or any other fastening techniques.

[0050] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the side portion 131 includes a plane that is generally parallel to the second plane, which is perpendicular to the first plane. The second plane is parallel to the XZ plane, and when the adapter bracket 110 is installed on the case, the XZ plane is parallel to the side wall of the case. The top portion 139 includes a plane that is generally parallel to the third plane, and the third plane is perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane. The third plane is parallel to the XY plane, and when the adapter bracket 110 is installed in the case, the XY plane is parallel to the top and bottom walls of the case. In the illustrated example, the top portion 139 is integrally connected to the side portion 131. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the rear portion 121, the side portion 131 and the top portion 139 of the bracket 120 are all parts of a single body (e.g., a single piece of metal plate that has been bent, stamped or otherwise formed into the shape of the bracket 120) and are all perpendicular to each other.

[0051] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, riser card 140 is connected to side portion 131 via fastener 133. Riser card 140 is parallel to the XZ plane and side portion 131. Figure 5 As shown, the riser card includes a first electrical connector 141 and a second electrical connector 142. The first connector 141 is configured to mate and electrically connect with a complementary electrical connector on a system motherboard of the computing device when the riser bracket 110 is installed in the computing device. Figures 6 to 9 The first connector 141 is schematically illustrated as being mated with the expansion slot 202, which is a complementary electrical connector connected to the system mainboard 201. In the illustrated example, the first connector 141 is an edge connector (also referred to as a PCB edge connector or a PCB gold finger connector), and the expansion slot 202 is a female socket that receives the first connector 141. In some examples, the first connector 141 is a PCIe edge connector configured to mate with a PCIe socket. The second connector 142 is configured to mate with and electrically connect to a complementary electrical connector on the expansion card 180 when the expansion card 180 is installed in the adapter bracket 110. Figure 5 As shown, in the illustrated example, the second connector 142 is a female receptacle for receiving an edge connector of the expansion card 180. In some examples, the second connector 142 is a PCIe socket.

[0052] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 10 to 14As shown, the fastener 150 includes a half-turn latch 158 at one end and a handle 152 at an opposite end, wherein a shaft 156 connects the half-turn latch and the handle. The fastener 150 also includes a housing 155 through which the shaft 156 extends (via a hole). The housing 155 connects the fastener 150 to the fastener mount 135 while allowing the fastener 150 to rotate and translate relative to the fastener mount 135, as will be described in more detail below. The half-turn latch 158 is configured to extend into the latch receptacle 204 of the computing device when the adaptor bracket 110 is installed in the computing device and to engage with the receptacle 204 (see Figure 8 ) is engaged to selectively latch to or unlock from the socket 204. The fastener 150 is configured to be changeable between a fastened state and a loosened state by 180 degree rotation of the fastener 150 about the axis 192 of the shaft 156, as will be described in more detail below.

[0053] As mentioned above and Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the fastener 150 includes a handle 152 coupled to the shaft 156. The handle 152 can be grasped by a user to facilitate the user to rotate the fastener 150 around the axis 192 (see Figure 4 ). In particular, as in Figures 10 to 14 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the handle 152 can have a proximal portion 152a extending along a first direction 193 and a distal portion 152b extending from the proximal portion 152a along a second direction 194 transverse to the first direction 193, thereby giving the handle a generally "L" shaped profile. The first direction 193 and the second direction 194 together define a plane, which may be referred to herein as a handle plane. The handle plane may change orientation when the fastener is transitioned between states, as will be described below. The distal portion 152b of the handle 152 provides leverage to the user, making it easier for them to rotate the fastener 150 to tighten and loosen the fastener 150.

[0054] The handle 152 is coupled to the shaft by a pivot 154 (e.g., a pivot pin), which allows the handle 152 to pivot about a pivot axis 191 that is perpendicular to an axis 192 of the shaft 156. This pivoting about the pivot axis 191 allows the handle 152 to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, as will be described below.

[0055] Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figures 6 to 8 , Fig.11 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 The handle 152 is shown in the deployed configuration. Figure 2As shown, in the expanded configuration, the proximal portion 152a of the handle 152 extends vertically upward (i.e., in the +z direction). In addition, in the expanded configuration, the distal portion 152b extends in any horizontal orientation (i.e., any orientation parallel to the XY plane). Figure 2 As shown, in the deployed configuration, handle 152 protrudes upward (in the +z direction) above adaptor bracket 110. Generally, when handle 152 is in the deployed configuration, there are unlikely to be obstructions in the area directly above adaptor bracket 110 because components that would normally occupy this area (e.g., a cover, another adaptor bracket, or other components) have been removed prior to attempting to install or remove adaptor bracket 110. Therefore, with handle 152 protruding above adaptor bracket 110 in the deployed state, there may be sufficient free space around handle 152 for a user to easily grasp and rotate handle 152.

[0056] Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.12 The handle 152 is shown in a stowed configuration. Figure 3 As shown, in the stowed configuration, the proximal portion 152a of the handle 152 extends horizontally forward (ie, away from the rear portion 121 or in the +x direction), while the distal portion 152b extends vertically downward (ie, in the -z direction). Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Fig. 9 As shown, in the stowed configuration, handle 152 does not protrude significantly (in some examples, not protrude at all) above adaptor bracket 110. Thus, after adaptor bracket 110 has been installed and secured, handle 152 can be stowed, and thus, handle 152 ceases to occupy the space above adaptor bracket 110, thereby allowing other components that were previously removed to return to their normal positions. Thus, the stowed state allows fastener 150 to be compressed during normal system operation so as not to obstruct other items in the computing device, while the deployed state allows fastener 150 to be uncompressed during installation / removal so as to facilitate easier actuation of fastener 150.

[0057] Additionally, handle 152 is configured such that, in the stowed state, handle 152 is parallel to adapter card 140 and side portion 131. In other words, in the stowed position, the plane of the handle is parallel to the XZ plane. Thus, the stowed handle 152 does not protrude laterally into adapter bracket volume 181 in the -y direction. Instead, handle 152 may protrude in the forward (+x) direction, as described above. Such protrusion in the forward direction is generally more desirable than protrusion in the lateral direction because the area directly in front of fastener 150 is generally not occupied, whereas it may be desirable to occupy the area directly laterally adjacent to fastener 150. For example, although in Figure 31 to allow for a better view of fastener 150, adaptor bracket 110 may also be capable of receiving a longer expansion card that extends further in the +x direction and is therefore positioned laterally adjacent to fastener 150. Additionally, because there is generally an open space in front of fastener 150, a user may easily reach their fingers down through this open space to access underneath handle 152 to grasp and deploy the handle.

[0058] In addition, in the retracted state, the pivot axis 191 is perpendicular to the adapter card 140. Figure 3 As shown, and therefore when the handle 152 is pivoted from the stowed state to the deployed state, the handle 152 remains parallel to the ZY plane throughout the movement. This allows the handle 152 to be deployed without being blocked by any object (such as the aforementioned large expansion card) located just laterally adjacent to the fastener 150.

[0059] As mentioned above, the fastener can be switched between a tightened state and a loosened state. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Fig.11 and Fig.14 The fastener 150 is shown in a loosened state. The loosened state is characterized by the fastener 150 being oriented in a first rotational orientation. More specifically, in the first rotational orientation, the distal portion 152b of the handle 152 is directed rearwardly toward the rear portion 121 (ie, in the -x direction), as shown. Figure 2 and Figure 6 In addition, in some examples, in the loosened state, the fastener 150 may be in a retracted position. Fig.14 As shown, in the retracted position, the tip of the latch 158 is positioned a distance L2 from the bottom of the housing 155, which is higher in the +z direction than the lowest possible position of the latch 158. In some examples, the retracted position is a position in which the latch 158 is not fully extended into the socket 204 and / or is retracted above the bottom of the fastener mount 135 (i.e., above the bottom plate 137), such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 A spring 152 may be disposed about an axis 156 between the housing 155 and the handle 152 to bias the fastener 150 toward the retracted position.

[0060] Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.12The fastener 150 is shown in a tightened state. The tightened state is characterized by the fastener 150 being oriented in the second rotational orientation and the extended position. More specifically, in the second rotational orientation, the distal portion 152b of the handle 152 points forward (i.e., away from the rear portion 121, in the +x direction), as shown. Figure 3 and Figure 8 The extended position of fastener 150 includes a position in which latch 158 extends further downward (in the -z direction) than in the retracted position. In particular, in some examples, the extended position is a position in which latch 158 extends far enough downward (in the -z direction) to be received in socket 204 (assuming adapter bracket 110 is in an installed position in a computing device) and / or extends beyond the bottom of fastener mount 135 (e.g., beyond shelf 137), such as Figure 3 and Figure 8 shown. Fig.13 The fastener 150 is shown in an extended position, wherein the tip of the latch 158 is positioned a distance L1 from the bottom of the housing 155. Fig.13 ) is greater than the distance L1 of the retracted position ( Fig.14 ) in the distance L2.

[0061] The following will refer to Figures 6 to 14 Describing the transitions between these states in greater detail, these figures illustrate a series of events during installation of adaptor bracket 110 in a computing device that includes system motherboard 201 . Figure 6 A first state is shown in which the riser bracket 110 is in an installed position and the fastener 150 is in a released state. In this state, the first connector 141 of the riser card 140 is aligned with the complementary connector 202 of the system board 201, and the shelf 137 of the fastener mount 135 is also aligned with the socket 204 coupled to the system board 201 (the socket 204 may be coupled to a support structure or chassis instead).

[0062] The adapter bracket 110 can then be moved along the -z direction toward the system board 201, as shown by Figure 6 As indicated by the dotted arrow in Figure 7 The status shown. Figure 7 In this state shown in FIG. 1 , the first electrical connector 141 is mated with the complementary connector 202. In addition, the fastener 150 remains in a loosened state. In addition, in some examples, the shelf 137 is adjacent to and in some examples abuts the system board 201 and / or the socket 204. Although not shown, in Figure 6 The state transitions to Figure 7 During the attached state, the other attachment features 126 and 129 of the adapter bracket can engage with the chassis or other adjacent components.

[0063] The fastener 150 can then be converted to a fastened state. This includes moving the fastener 150 downward along the axis 192 until the half-turn latch 158 is in the extended position, and then rotating the fastener 150 (via the handle 152) 180 degrees about the axis 192 of the shaft 136 until the handle 152 faces forward (+x direction), as indicated by Figure 7 This is indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 8 The state shown, wherein the half-turn latch 158 has extended into the socket 204 and engages with the latch element 205, so as to secure the half-turn latch 158 to the socket 204. In other words, the fastener 150 is in a fastened state.

[0064] More specifically, if Fig.16 As shown, the half-turn latch 158 may include a groove 171 that spirals upward (like a helix) around the latch 158. Figure 7 ) to the tightened state ( Figure 8 ), the fastener 150 moves downward toward the extended position, which causes the latch 158 to enter the socket 204 and the groove 171 of the latch 158 to receive the latch elements 205 of the socket 204. These latch elements 205 include protrusions that protrude radially inward from the socket 204 and extend into the groove 171. Then, as the fastener 150 is rotated in the first rotational direction 195, each protrusion travels along the groove 171, thereby pulling the fastener 150 further downward until eventually the protrusion reaches the catch 172 at the end of the groove 171. This occurs when the fastener 150 is in the first orientation. The catch 172 is designed to retain the protrusion at the end of the groove 171 unless a torque large enough to rotate the fastener 150 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction 195 is applied. With the protrusion located in the catch 172, the engagement between the protrusion and the groove 171 prevents the latch 158 from being withdrawn from the socket 204. Thus, in this state, the fastener 150 is locked to the socket.

[0065] return Figure 8 After achieving the secured state, the handle 152 can then be pivoted about the pivot 154 to move the handle 152 to the stowed configuration, as by Figure 8 This is shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 9 The status shown. Fig. 9 , the fastener 150 remains in the fastened state, but now the handle 152 has been retracted. This may be the state used during normal operation of the computing device. It should be noted that Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Both show the fastener 150 in a tightened state, but in Figure 8 In the embodiment, the handle 152 is unfolded, and in Fig. 9, the handle 152 is retracted. Figure 8 The state shown may also be referred to as a secured and deployed state (also in Fig.13 ), and Fig. 9 The state shown can be referred to as a secured and stowed state (also Fig.10 and Fig.12 (shown in the).

[0066] The transition from the tightened state to the loosened state can occur by reversing the above series of events. Fig. 9 Starting from the state shown, the handle 152 can be unfolded first, thereby generating Figure 8 The fastener 150 can then be rotated in the second rotational direction, which disengages the half-turn latch 158 from the latch element 205. Once the half-turn latch 158 is disengaged by the spring 153, the fastener 150 can also be moved upward (in the +z direction). This produces Figure 7 The state shown, wherein fastener 150 is no longer fastened. If desired, adaptor bracket 110 may then be removed from the computing device.

[0067] As described above, the fastener 150 is connected to the bracket 150 via the fastener mount 135. Figure 2 and Fig.15 As shown, the fastener mount 135 is connected to the top portion 139 near the front end of the bracket 120 (i.e., the end opposite the rear portion 121 or the end in the +x direction). Fig.15 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , fastener 150 is omitted to allow a better view of fastener mounting seat 135. Fig.15 As shown, the fastener mount 135 includes vertical walls 148 and 149 coupled to horizontal flanges 146 and 147, respectively. The horizontal flanges 146 and 147 overlap the top portion 139 and are attached to the top portion via fasteners 134. The fastener mount 135 also includes a shelf 137 with an aperture 138. When the fastener 150 is in the extended position, the half-turn latch 158 extends through the aperture 138, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown (see also Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 As described above, the shelf 137 may contact the system board 201 and / or the socket 204, which may provide physical support for the riser card 110. Fig.15 As shown, the fastener mount 135 also includes a fastener 143 that extends through the vertical wall 148 to engage with a housing 155 of a fastener 150 , thereby attaching the fastener 150 to the fastener mount 135 and, therefore, to the bracket 120 .

[0068] In the above description, various types of electronic circuits are described. As used herein, "electronic" is intended to be broadly understood to include all types of circuits that utilize electricity, including digital and analog circuits, direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits, and circuits for converting electricity into another form of energy, as well as circuits for performing other functions using electricity. In other words, as used herein, there is no distinction between "electronic" circuits and "electrical" circuits.

[0069] It should be understood that both the general description and the detailed description provide examples that are illustrative in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electronic and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present specification and claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring these examples. In two or more drawings, the same number represents the same or similar element.

[0070] In addition, unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. In addition, the terms "comprise", "include", "includes", etc. indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the parts described as connected may be directly electrically or mechanically connected, or may be indirectly connected via one or more intermediate parts. Unless the context of the specification indicates otherwise, mathematical and geometric terms do not have to be used according to their strict definitions, as one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, for example, substantially similar elements that function in a substantially similar manner can easily fall within the scope of a descriptive term, even if the term also has a strict definition.

[0071] And / or: Occasionally, the phrase "and / or" is used herein in conjunction with a list of enumerated items. This phrase is meant to include any combination of the items in the list - from a single item to all items, and any permutations in between. Thus, for example, "A, B, and / or C" means one of "{A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {C, B}, and {A, C, B}".

[0072] Elements and related aspects described in detail with reference to one example may be included in other examples where they are not specifically shown or described when feasible. For example, if an element is described in detail with reference to one example and is not described with reference to a second example, the element may still be claimed to be included in the second example.

[0073] In addition, unless otherwise stated herein or the context implies otherwise, when approximate terms such as "substantially," "approximately," "about," "around," "roughly," and the like are used, this should be understood to mean that mathematical precision is not required, but rather refers to a range of variation that includes but is not strictly limited to the stated value, characteristic, or relationship. In particular, in addition to any ranges (if any) explicitly recited herein, the range of variation implied by the use of such approximate terms includes at least any insignificant variations and those variations that are typical for items of the type in question due to manufacturing tolerances or other tolerances in the relevant art. In any case, unless otherwise indicated, the range of variation may at least include values ​​within the range of ±1% of the recited value, characteristic, or relationship.

[0074] In view of the disclosure herein, many modifications and variations will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the apparatus and method may include additional components or steps omitted from the diagram and description for operational clarity. Accordingly, this description is only interpreted as illustrative and is to teach those skilled in the art the general manner of performing this teaching. It should be understood that the various examples shown and described herein will be considered exemplary. Elements and materials, and the arrangement of these elements and materials may be used to replace those shown and described herein, components and processes may be reversed, and certain features of this teaching may be utilized independently, all of which will be clear to those skilled in the art after benefiting from the description herein. Without departing from the scope of this teaching and the appended claims, the elements described herein may be changed.

[0075] It is to be understood that the specific examples set forth herein are non-limiting and that modifications in structure, dimensions, materials, and methods may be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0076] Other examples from this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only, and that the following claims be given their fullest breadth, including equivalents under applicable law.

Claims

1. An adapter bracket for connecting an expansion card to a computing device, comprising: a bracket configured to support the expansion card; a riser card attached to the bracket and configured to electrically connect the expansion card to the computing device; a fastener attached to the bracket, the fastener comprising: handle; a shaft extending along a first axis; a pivot connecting the handle to the shaft; a half-turn latch coupled to the shaft and configured to engage a socket of the computing device to selectively secure the fastener to the socket; The handle is pivotable about the pivot axis between an expanded configuration and a retracted configuration, and in the retracted configuration, the handle is parallel to the riser card.

2. The adapter bracket according to claim 1, in, The shaft is rotatable about the first axis, and the fastener is switchable between a fastened state and a loosened state by rotating the shaft 180 degrees about the first axis.

3. The adapter bracket according to claim 1, in, The handle is pivotable about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

4. The adapter bracket according to claim 3, in, The handle is configured to remain parallel to the riser card throughout movement of the handle from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.

5. The adapter bracket according to claim 3, in, When the fastener is in a fastened state, the second axis is perpendicular to the riser card.

6. The adapter bracket according to claim 1, in, In the stowed configuration, the handle does not protrude above the bracket in the direction of the first axis.

7. The adapter bracket according to claim 6, in, In the deployed configuration, the handle protrudes above the bracket in the direction of the first axis.

8. The adapter bracket according to claim 1, in, The bracket includes a rear portion and a transverse portion, the fastener being coupled to the transverse portion; and Wherein, in the stowed configuration, the handle extends in a forward direction away from the rear portion.

9. The adapter bracket according to claim 1, in, The handle includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion being transverse to the proximal portion; Wherein, in the stowed configuration, the proximal portion of the handle extends horizontally and the distal portion extends vertically.

10. The adapter bracket according to claim 9, in, The bracket includes a rear portion and a transverse portion, the fastener being coupled to the transverse portion; and Wherein, in the stowed configuration, the proximal portion of the handle extends forwardly away from the rear portion.

11. The riser bracket of claim 1, comprising the expansion card being electrically connected to the riser card and attached to the bracket.

12. A computing device comprising: chassis; a system mainboard, the system mainboard comprising an expansion slot and a socket, the system mainboard being supported by the housing; An adapter bracket, the adapter bracket is connected to the housing, and the adapter bracket includes: bracket; an expansion card attached to the bracket; a riser card attached to the bracket, electrically connected to the expansion card and electrically connected to the expansion slot; a fastener attached to the bracket, the fastener comprising: handle; a shaft extending along a first axis; a pivot connecting the handle to the shaft; a half-turn latch coupled to the shaft and engaged with the socket to selectively secure the fastener to the socket; The handle is pivotable about the pivot axis between an expanded configuration and a retracted configuration, and in the retracted configuration, the handle is parallel to the riser card.

13. The computing device according to claim 12, in, The shaft is rotatable about the first axis, and the fastener is switchable between a fastened state and a loosened state by rotating the shaft 180 degrees about the first axis.

14. The computing device according to claim 12, in, The handle is pivotable about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

15. The computing device of claim 14, in, The handle is configured to remain parallel to the riser card throughout movement of the handle from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.

16. The computing device of claim 14, in, When the fastener is in a fastened state, the second axis is perpendicular to the riser card.

17. The computing device of claim 12, in, In the stowed configuration, the handle does not protrude above the bracket in the direction of the first axis.

18. The computing device of claim 12, in, the bracket comprising a rear portion and a transverse portion, the fastener being coupled to the transverse portion, the rear portion forming a portion of a rear panel of the housing; as well as Wherein, in the stowed configuration, the handle extends in a forward direction away from the rear portion.

19. A method comprising: positioning the riser bracket adjacent to the expansion slot and the socket on a system motherboard of the computing device; Connecting an electrical connector of an adapter card of the adapter bracket to the expansion slot, the adapter card being electrically connected to an expansion card, the expansion card being attached to a bracket of the adapter bracket; securing the adaptor bracket to the system motherboard by rotating a fastener, the fastener comprising a shaft, a handle pivotally connected to the shaft, and a half-turn latch connected to the shaft, wherein rotation of the fastener causes the half-turn latch to engage the socket to secure the fastener to the socket; as well as The handle is pivoted from a deployed configuration to a stowed configuration, wherein in the stowed configuration the handle is parallel to the riser card.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: When the handle is pivoted from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration, the handle remains parallel to the riser card throughout the pivoting motion.

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