Adapter bracket half-turn fastener

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an adapter bracket half-turn fastener. An adapter bracket of a computing device includes a cradle, an adapter card attached to the cradle, and a fastener attached to the cradle. The cradle is to support an expansion card. The adapter card is to electrically connect the expansion card to the computing device. The fastener is to secure the adapter bracket to the computing device. The fastener includes a handle, a shaft extending along a first axis, a pivot 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 receptacle of the computing device to selectively secure the fastener to the receptacle. The handle is pivotable about the pivot between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration, and in the stowed configuration, the handle is parallel to the adapter card.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Computing devices such as servers typically have a system motherboard (e.g., a motherboard), which includes various components such as power conversion circuitry, one or more CPU sockets for accommodating processors, one or more memory sockets for accommodating memory devices, electrical and communication interconnects and buses, various controllers or chipsets (such as a baseboard management controller (BMC)), and other components. Additionally, to allow for the addition of more components to the device, the system motherboard may include electrical connectors 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 expansion slots include PCIe connectors of different sizes and configurations (e.g., x16, x8, x1, etc.), M.2 connectors, and so on. Examples of common types of expansion cards include video cards or graphics processing units (GPUs), network interface cards (NICs), storage controllers, hardware accelerators, and so on.

[0002] However, in some computing devices (e.g., due to orientation or space constraints), it may not be possible to connect expansion cards directly to expansion slots. Therefore, expansion cards can be connected to an intermediate board called an adapter card, which in turn connects to the expansion slot of the system motherboard. An adapter card is a printed circuit board assembly (PCA) that carries one electrical connector adapted to receive the expansion card and another electrical connector adapted for detachable connection to the expansion slot of the system motherboard. These connectors are arranged such that, when everything is connected, the expansion card can be assembled as needed within the system's space constraints.

[0003] For example, in some devices, the expansion slots of the system motherboard are oriented to receive expansion cards that extend perpendicularly to the system motherboard (“vertical orientation”). However, some computing devices (e.g., 1U or 2U servers) may not have sufficient vertical clearance for expansion cards with this vertical orientation. Adapter cards, however, can be much shorter than expansion cards, and therefore, adapter cards can be connected to the expansion slot in a vertical orientation, and subsequently, expansion cards can be connected to the adapter card in an orientation parallel to the system motherboard (“horizontal orientation”), thus allowing expansion cards to be mounted within the computing device. However, the electrical connections between the expansion slots and adapter cards are often not robust enough to physically support and secure the adapter cards and expansion cards. Therefore, adapter cards and expansion cards are typically deployed with support structures to support and secure them to the chassis and / or system board. This support structure is called an adapter bracket. Attached Figure Description

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

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

[0006] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an exemplary adapter bracket assembly, in which the half-turn fastener is in a loose state.

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of an exemplary adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in a tightened state.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of an exemplary adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in the loose state and the expansion card is omitted.

[0009] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of an exemplary adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in a secured state and the expansion card is omitted.

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

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

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

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

[0014] Figure 10 It is separate Figure 2 A perspective view of the half-turn fastener of the adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in a tightened state.

[0015] Figure 11 It is separate Figure 2A perspective view of the half-turn fastener of the adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in the loosened state.

[0016] Figure 12 It is separate Figure 2 A side view of the half-turn fastener of the adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in the tightened state and the handle is retracted.

[0017] Figure 13 It is separate Figure 2 A side view of the half-turn fastener of the adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in the tightened state and the handle is extended.

[0018] Figure 14 It is separate Figure 2 A side view of the half-turn fastener of the adapter bracket assembly, wherein the half-turn fastener is in the loosened state.

[0019] Figure 15 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the adapter bracket assembly, showing the fastener mounting base.

[0020] Figure 16 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the adapter bracket assembly, showing the half-turn latch of the half-turn fastener.

[0021] Figure 17 It shows that it is equipped with Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary computing device with an adapter bracket assembly. Detailed Implementation

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

[0023] A technical solution to the aforementioned problem may include a half-turn fastener for an adapter bracket, the half-turn fastener having a handle that can be selectively retracted when not in use or extended 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 onto or unlock from the socket. The fastener can be switched between a tightened and loosened state by rotating the fastener (and therefore the half-turn latch) 180 degrees (half-turn). The handle is coupled to the half-turn latch via a shaft, allowing a user to tighten or loosen the fastener by gripping the handle and rotating it 180 degrees about the axis of the shaft. The handle is coupled to the shaft via a pivot pin, which allows the handle to also pivot about a pivot axis perpendicular to the shaft. This pivoting about the pivot axis allows the handle to move between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the handle protrudes above the adapter bracket, while in the retracted configuration, the handle does not protrude above the adapter bracket. Therefore, with the handle extended above the adapter bracket, there may be sufficient space around the handle for the user to grip and actuate it. Furthermore, with the handle retracted, the space above the adapter bracket may be unobstructed, and thus, other items (such as a housing cover or another adapter bracket) can be placed in that space. In this way, the semi-rotating fastener disclosed herein can be easily actuated even when mounted within a system with strict space constraints.

[0024] Furthermore, in some examples, the handle is configured such that, in the retracted configuration, the handle is parallel to the adapter card of the adapter bracket. For example, in some embodiments, the handle may 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, thus giving the handle a generally "L"-shaped profile, and the handle is configured such that, in the retracted configuration, this L-shape is parallel to the adapter card (e.g., the plane defined by the first and second directions is parallel to the adapter card). In some examples, in the retracted configuration, the proximal portion extends horizontally while the distal portion extends vertically downward, and conversely, in the unfolded configuration, the proximal portion extends horizontally while the distal portion extends vertically upward. In particular, in some examples, in the retracted configuration, the proximal portion extends horizontally forward (i.e., away from the rear portion of the adapter bracket). The aforementioned configuration of the handle prevents the retracted handle from protruding laterally into the adapter bracket volume, thus allowing other components to be positioned in this space, for example, some expansion cards may extend laterally into this space adjacent to the fasteners. By preventing 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 overall. Furthermore, as mentioned above, in some examples the retracted handle may protrude forward, which in some cases may be the more desirable direction for the fastener extension, since 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. Additionally, because there is usually some open space in front of the fastener, the user can easily reach their fingers down through this open space to access the handle below and move it to the unfolded configuration. Moreover, in the retracted configuration, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the adapter card, such that the handle remains parallel to the adapter card throughout the movement when pivoting from the retracted to the unfolded state, avoiding any interference with objects laterally positioned adjacent to the fastener (such as large expansion cards).

[0025] Conversely, achieving the same compactness may be difficult in adapter brackets where the fasteners have retractable handles that are parallel to the system plate and extend laterally when retracted. In such systems, the retractable handle may obstruct the lateral positioning of objects adjacent to the fasteners, potentially preventing the use of larger components (e.g., expansion cards) or requiring the adapter brackets to be longer to accommodate them. Furthermore, even when expansion cards are not directly obstructed by the handle, they may be close enough to the fasteners that it is difficult for the user to bring their fingers close to the bottom of the handle to grip it and move it to the extended position.

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

[0027] Figure 1This is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the adapter bracket 10. It should be understood that... Figure 1 It is not intended to accurately or to scale show specific shapes, sizes, or other structural details, and embodiments of the adapter bracket 10 may have different numbers and arrangements of display components and may also include other parts not shown. Figure 1 In Chinese, physical connections (attachments) are conceptually indicated by dashed lines, while electrical connections are conceptually indicated by dashed lines.

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

[0029] The bracket 20 may include a rear portion 21, a lateral portion 30, and a fastener mounting base 35. The rear portion 21 is configured to attach to the housing of the computing device when the adapter bracket 10 is mounted in the computing device. The lateral portion 30 is connected to the rear portion 21 and includes one or more support structures oriented transversely to the rear portion 21. The rear portion 21 and the lateral portion 30 define an adapter bracket volume 81 in which an expansion card 80 can be received. Both the fastener mounting base 35 and the adapter card 40 are attached to the lateral portion 30.

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

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

[0032] As described above, the fastener mounting base 35 is connected to the transverse portion 30. The fastener mounting base 35 can be positioned near the front end of the bracket 20, which is the end opposite to the rear portion 21.

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

[0034] Fastener 50 is connected to fastener mounting base 35. Fastener 50 is configured to engage with a latching receptacle of the computing device to secure the adapter bracket (directly or indirectly) to the housing. The latching receptacle 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 supporting and securing the adapter bracket 10 to the housing. As described above, in some examples, the rear portion 21 includes attachment features for attachment to the housing. Thus, in such examples, the attachment features at the rear portion 21 may support and secure the rear of the adapter bracket 10 to the housing, while fastener 50 may support and secure the front side of the adapter bracket 10. Additionally, other attachment features (when present) may not fully secure the adapter bracket 10 to the housing in all cases. For example, attachment features may be configured such that they constrain the adapter bracket 10 in some directions but allow movement of the adapter bracket 10 in some other directions, and such movement of the adapter bracket 10 may cause the attachment features to detach from the housing. Therefore, in this example, one purpose of the fastener 50 is to prevent the adapter bracket 10 from moving in a way that would otherwise cause other attachment features to detach. In this way, the attachment features and the fastener 50 can work together to secure the adapter bracket 10 to the housing.

[0035] The fastener 50 includes a semi-rotating latch 58 at one end and a handle 52 at the opposite end, wherein the shaft 56 connects the semi-rotating latch and the handle. The semi-rotating latch 58 is configured to extend into a latching socket of the computing device when the adapter bracket 10 is mounted in the computing device and engage with a latching element in the socket to selectively latch onto or unlock from the socket. The fastener 50 is configured to change between a tightened and loosened state by rotation and translation of the fastener 50 about and along the axis of the shaft 56.

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

[0037] Conversely, by rotating the fastener 50 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction until the fastener 50 reaches the second orientation, the fastener 50 can be transitioned from a tightened state to a loosened state. As the fastener 50 (and therefore the half-turn latch 58) rotates in the second rotational direction, the engagement features and complementary engagement features move out of the latch configuration and gradually disengage until finally fully released when the fastener 50 reaches the second orientation. At this point, the half-turn latch 58 unlocks from the socket and can be freely removed from it. The first and second orientations can be separated by 180 degrees, such that rotating the fastener 50 half a turn (180 degrees) will change the fastener between the first orientation (tightened state) and the second orientation (loosened state).

[0038] As described above, the fastener 50 includes a handle 52 pivotally coupled to the shaft 56 via a pivot 54. The handle 52 can be gripped by a user to facilitate rotation of the fastener 50 about the axis of the shaft 56. Specifically, the handle 52 may 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, thus giving the handle a generally "L"-shaped profile. The first and second directions (which correspond to the directions of extension of the proximal and distal portions of the handle 52) together define a plane, which may be referred to herein as the 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 connected to the shaft via pivot 54, allowing the handle to pivot about a pivot axis perpendicular to the shaft 56. This pivoting about the pivot axis allows handle 52 to move between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration, handle 52 protrudes above the adapter bracket 10, while in the retracted configuration, handle 52 does not protrude above the adapter bracket 10. Typically, when the handle is extended, there is no obstruction in the area directly above the adapter bracket 10 because any components that would normally occupy this area (such as the computing device's cover or another adapter bracket) have been removed from the device before attempting to install or remove the adapter bracket 10. Therefore, in the extended state, there is free space around handle 52, allowing the user to easily grip and rotate handle 52. Furthermore, once the adapter bracket 10 is installed and secured, and it is desired to return the computing device to its normal position, handle 52 can be retracted, and thereafter the handle will stop protruding above the adapter bracket 10, thus allowing other components that would normally occupy this area to return to their normal positions. In this way, the semi-rotating fastener 50 can be easily actuated when unfolded, but can then be retracted when not needed to make room for other components, thus allowing for the design of a relatively more compact (space-constrained) system.

[0040] Additionally, the handle 52 is configured such that, in the retracted state, the handle 52 is parallel to the side portion of the adapter 40 and / or the bracket 20. The reference to "handle 52 parallel to the side portion of the adapter 40 and / or the bracket 20" means that the handle plane defined by the handle 52 (as defined above) is parallel to the adapter 40 or the side portion, or in other words, parallel to a second plane. This configuration of the handle 52 allows the retracted handle 52 not to protrude laterally into the adapter bracket volume. Instead, the handle 52 can protrude in the forward direction (away from the rear portion 21 of the adapter bracket 10). This forward protrusion is generally more desirable than a lateral protrusion because the area directly in front of the fastener 50 is typically unoccupied, while it may be desirable to occupy the area directly laterally adjacent to the fastener 50 with other objects such as expansion cards. Furthermore, in the retracted state, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the adapter 40, such that when the handle 52 is pivoted from the retracted state to the extended state, the handle 52 remains parallel to the adapter 40 throughout the movement. Therefore, an object (e.g., an expansion card) can be positioned laterally adjacent to the fastener 5 without interfering with the pivoting of the handle 52 between the extended and retracted configurations. Additionally, because there is typically an open space in front of the fastener 50, users can easily reach their fingers down through this open space to access the handle 52 from below to grip and extend it.

[0041] In some examples, expansion card 80 is included in adapter bracket 10 (within adapter bracket volume 81), wherein expansion card 80 is electrically connected to adapter card 40 (as per...). Figure 1 (As indicated by the dashed arrow in the image) and physically attached to bracket 20 (as by...) Figure 1 (As indicated by the dashed arrow in the diagram). In other examples, the adapter bracket 10 does not include the expansion card 80; in other words, although the adapter bracket 10 may be designed for use with the expansion card 80, in some cases the adapter bracket 10 may be supplied separately from the expansion card 80 (e.g., in manufacturing, selling, or installing in a computing device, etc.).

[0042] like Figure 17 As shown, in some examples, computing device 100 includes an adapter bracket 10 mounted therein. Computing device 100 includes a housing 103, a system motherboard 101 (directly or indirectly) attached to and supported by the housing 103, an expansion slot 102 mounted to the system motherboard 101, and a latching socket 104 attached to the housing 103 and / or the system motherboard 101. With the adapter bracket 10 installed in the computing device 100, an adapter card 40 is electrically connected to the expansion slot 102, and a fastener 50 engages with and secures to the latching socket 104. An expansion card 80 is disposed in the adapter bracket volume 81, electrically connected to the adapter card 40, and attached to the bracket 20.

[0043] Now go to Figures 2 to 16 Another exemplary adapter bracket 110 will be described below. Adapter bracket 10 is an exemplary configuration of adapter bracket 10. Therefore, some components of adapter bracket 110 correspond to the components of adapter bracket 10 described above (i.e., the same, similar, and / or 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 description of the components of adapter bracket 10 above applies to the corresponding components of 110 (unless otherwise indicated or logically contradictory), and therefore, repetition of some aspects already described above is omitted below. In some examples, Figure 17 The adapter bracket 10 included in the computing device 100 may include an adapter bracket 110.

[0044] Figures 2 to 16 The adapter bracket 110 is shown in various angles and positions, and various aspects of the adapter bracket 110 are visible in several figures. The following description will refer to the accompanying drawings as they relate to the described aspects, rather than in strict numerical order. This document pertains to... Figures 2 to 16 The X, Y, and Z axes are shown to describe various aspects of the adapter bracket 110. Additionally, in this document, the XY plane, defined by the X and Y axes, may be referenced. Similarly, the XZ plane, defined by the X and Z axes, may be referenced. Furthermore, the YZ plane, defined by the Y and Z axes, may be referenced. Things parallel to the XY plane may be described as “horizontal” in this document, while things parallel to the XZ or YZ plane may be described as “vertical.” Occasionally, a structure may be referred to herein as parallel or perpendicular to a plane (or another structure), and it should be understood that this reference refers to the orientation of the widest face of that structure (i.e., not the edge).

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

[0046] The bracket 120 includes a rear portion 121, a side portion 131, a top portion 139, and a fastener mounting base 135. The rear portion 121 is configured to attach to the housing of the computing device when the adapter bracket 110 is mounted in the computing device. Both the side portion 131 and the top portion 139 are connected to the rear portion 121 and are connected to each other (the side portion 131 and the top portion 139 together are...). Figure 1(An embodiment example of the transverse portion 30). The rear portion 121, side portion 121, and top portion 139 define an adapter bracket volume 181 in which an expansion card 180 can be received. A fastener mounting base 135 is attached to the top portion 139, and an 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. This first plane is parallel to the YZ plane. When the adapter bracket 110 is mounted in the housing, the first plane is also parallel to the front and rear panels of the housing. The window panel 122 is configured to receive a window insert 123. The window insert 123 is attached to the window panel 122 via attachment features 124 and 127. In the illustrated example, attachment feature 124 includes a tab that inserts through a slot in the window panel 122, and attachment feature 127 is a screw that engages with an orifice in a flange 125 attached to the window panel 122. In other examples, other attachment features may be used. The window insert 123 may have perforations, slots, or other openings (not shown) to allow airflow through the rear portion 121. Figure 5 As shown, the window insert 123 includes an attachment feature 136 configured to attach to the expansion card 180. Therefore, 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 shown in the illustration. In the example shown, attachment features 126 and 129 respectively include a tab and a reel, which are configured to engage with a complementary attachment feature of the housing or adjacent component 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 connects to the side portion 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 may be separate portions joined together via mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesives, friction fits, or any other fastening technique. The rear portion 121 also includes a wing 128 that is attached to the window panel 122 but extends perpendicular to it. For example, the wing 128 may be integrally connected to the window panel 122 and may be bent to... Figure 4 The position shown. Wing 128 can partially overlap with side portion 131 (in...) Figure 4In this configuration, the end of wing 128 (not visible) is concealed behind side portion 131, and the overlapping portion of wing 128 and side portion 141 can be attached via fastener 132. In other examples, wing 128 can be attached to side portion 141 by welding, adhesive, interlocking, or any other fastening technique.

[0050] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, side portion 131 includes a plane generally parallel to a second plane, which is perpendicular to the first plane. This second plane is parallel to the XZ plane, which is parallel to the side wall of the housing when the adapter bracket 110 is mounted on the housing. Top portion 139 includes a plane generally parallel to a third plane, which is perpendicular to the first and second planes. This third plane is parallel to the XY plane, which is parallel to the top and bottom walls of the housing when the adapter bracket 110 is mounted in the housing. In the illustrated example, top portion 139 is integrally connected to side portion 131. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the rear portion 121, side portion 131, and top portion 139 of bracket 120 are all 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 120) and are all perpendicular to each other.

[0051] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the adapter card 140 is connected to the side portion 131 via fastener 133. The adapter card 140 is parallel to the XZ plane and the side portion 131. Figure 5 As shown, the adapter 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 the system motherboard of the computing device when the adapter bracket 110 is mounted in the computing device. For example, as described in more detail below... Figures 6 to 9 A first connector 141 is schematically shown that mates with expansion slot 202, which is a complementary electrical connector connected to system motherboard 201. In the illustrated example, the first connector 141 is an edge connector (also referred to as a PCB edge connector or PCB gold finger connector), and 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 slot. A second connector 142 is configured to mate with and electrically connect to the complementary electrical connector on expansion card 180 when expansion card 180 is mounted in adapter bracket 110. Figure 5 As shown in the illustrated example, the second connector 142 is a female socket for receiving the 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, fastener 150 includes a half-turn latch 158 at one end and a handle 152 at the opposite end, wherein shaft 156 connects the half-turn latch and the handle. Fastener 150 also includes a housing 155 through which shaft 156 extends (via a hole). Housing 155 connects fastener 150 to fastener mounting base 135 while allowing fastener 150 to rotate and translate relative to fastener mounting base 135, as will be described in more detail below. Half-turn latch 158 is configured to extend into latch socket 204 of computing device when adapter bracket 110 is mounted in computing device and to connect with socket 204 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 8 The latching element 205 in the fastener engages to selectively latch onto or unlock from the socket 204. The fastener 150 is configured to change between a tightened and loosened state by rotating the fastener 150 about the axis 192 of the shaft 156 by 180 degrees, as will be described in more detail below.

[0053] As mentioned above and as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the fastener 150 includes a handle 152 coupled to the shaft 156. The handle 152 can be gripped by a user to facilitate rotation of the fastener 150 about the axis 192 (see Figure 152). Figure 4 In particular, as in Figures 10 to 14 As best seen in the diagram, the handle 152 may 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, thus 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 the handle plane. The handle plane may change orientation as the fastener transitions 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 connected to the shaft via a pivot 154 (e.g., a pivot pin), which allows the handle 152 to pivot about a pivot axis 191 perpendicular to the axis 192 of the shaft 156. This pivoting about the pivot axis 191 allows the handle 152 to move between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, as will be described below.

[0055] Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figures 6 to 8 , Figure 11 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 The handle 152 is shown in its unfolded configuration. (Example) Figure 2As shown, in the unfolded configuration, the proximal portion 152a of the handle 152 extends vertically upward (i.e., in the +z direction). Additionally, in the unfolded 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 unfolded configuration, the handle 152 protrudes upwards (in the +z direction) above the adapter bracket 110. Normally, when the handle 152 is in the unfolded configuration, there are no obstructions in the area directly above the adapter bracket 110 because components that would normally occupy this area (such as a cover, another adapter bracket, or other components) have been removed before attempting to install or remove the adapter bracket 110. Therefore, with the handle 152 protruding above the adapter bracket 110 in the unfolded state, there is likely sufficient free space around the handle 152 for the user to easily grip and rotate it.

[0056] Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 The handle 152 is shown in its retracted configuration. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, in the folded configuration, the proximal portion 152a of the handle 152 extends horizontally forward (i.e., away from the rear portion 121 or in the +x direction), while the distal portion 152b extends vertically downward (i.e., in the -z direction). Additionally, as... Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, in the retracted configuration, the handle 152 does not protrude significantly above the adapter bracket 110 (in some examples, it does not protrude at all). Therefore, after the adapter bracket 110 has been installed and secured, the handle 152 can be retracted, and thus, the handle 152 stops occupying the space above the adapter bracket 110, allowing other previously removed components to return to their normal positions. Therefore, the retracted state allows the fastener 150 to be tightened during normal system operation so as not to obstruct other items in the computing device, while the extended state allows the fastener 150 to be untightened during installation / removal for easier actuation of the fastener 150.

[0057] Additionally, the handle 152 is configured such that, in the retracted state, the handle 152 is parallel to the adapter card 140 and the side portion 131. In other words, in the retracted position, the handle plane is parallel to the XZ plane. Therefore, the retracted handle 152 does not protrude laterally into the adapter bracket volume 181 in the -y direction. Instead, the handle 152 may protrude in the forward (+x) direction, as described above. This protrusion in the forward direction is generally more desirable than protrusion in the lateral direction because the area directly in front of the fastener 150 is typically not occupied, while it may be desirable to occupy the area directly laterally adjacent to the fastener 150. For example, although in Figure 3The shorter expansion card 180 is shown to allow better visibility of the fastener 150, but the adapter bracket 110 can also accommodate a longer expansion card that extends further in the +x direction and is therefore positioned laterally adjacent to the fastener 150. Additionally, because there is typically an open space in front of the fastener 150, users can easily reach their fingers down through this open space to access and grip the handle 152 from below.

[0058] Furthermore, in the retracted state, the pivot axis 191 is perpendicular to the adapter card 140, as... Figure 3 As shown, and therefore when the handle 152 is pivoted from the retracted state to the extended state, the handle 152 remains parallel to the ZY plane throughout the movement. This allows the extension of the handle 152 to be unobstructed by any object (such as the large expansion card mentioned above) positioned just laterally adjacent to the fastener 150.

[0059] As mentioned above, the fastener can switch between a tightened state and a loosened state. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 11 and Figure 14 The fastener 150 in a released state is shown. The released state is characterized by the orientation of the fastener 150 in a first rotational orientation. More specifically, in the first rotational orientation, the distal portion 152b of the handle 152 points rearward toward the rear portion 121 (i.e., in the -x direction), as... Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown. Additionally, in some examples, the fastener 150 can be in the retracted position when released. For example... Figure 14 As shown, in this retracted position, the tip of the latch 158 is positioned at 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 where the latch 158 is not fully extended into the socket 204 and / or retracted above the bottom of the fastener mount 135 (i.e., above the base plate 137), such as... Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown. Spring 152 can be disposed about shaft 156 between housing 155 and handle 152 to bias fastener 150 toward the retracted position.

[0060] Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 12A fastener 150 in a tightened state is shown. The tightened state is characterized by the orientation of the fastener 150 in a second rotational orientation and an 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 As shown. The extended position of fastener 150 includes a location where latch 158 extends further downward (in the -z direction) than in the retracted position. Specifically, in some examples, the extended position is a location where latch 158 extends downward (in the -z direction) far enough to be received in socket 204 (assuming adapter bracket 110 is in its mounting 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 As shown. Figure 13 The fastener 150 is shown in its extended position, wherein the tip of the latch 158 is positioned at a distance L1 from the bottom of the housing 155. In the extended position ( Figure 13 The distance L1 from the retracted position is greater than the distance L1 from the retracted position. Figure 14 The distance L2 in )

[0061] The following will refer to Figures 6 to 14 The transitions between these states are described in more detail in these figures, which illustrate a series of events during the installation of the adapter bracket 110 in a computing device including the system motherboard 201. Figure 6 The first state is shown, in which the adapter bracket 110 is in the installed position and the fastener 150 is in the loose state. In this state, the first connector 141 of the adapter card 140 is aligned with the complementary connector 202 of the system board 201, and the shelf 137 of the fastener mounting base 135 is also aligned with the socket 204 connected to the system board 201 (the socket 204 can be alternatively connected to a support structure or housing).

[0062] The adapter bracket 110 can then be moved along the -z direction toward the system board 201, as by Figure 6 As indicated by the dashed arrow in the image, thus producing Figure 7 The state shown. In Figure 7 In the configuration shown, the first electrical connector 141 mates with the complementary connector 202. Additionally, the fastener 150 remains in the released state. Furthermore, 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, from... Figure 6 State transition to Figure 7 During the state of service, the other attachment features 126 and 129 of the adapter bracket can engage with the housing or other adjacent components.

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

[0064] More specifically, such as Figure 16 As shown, the half-turn latch 158 may include a groove 171 surrounding the latch 158 and spiraling upwards (like a helix). In the released state ( Figure 7 Switch to the tightened state. Figure 8 During this period, the fastener 150 moves downward toward the extended position, causing the latch 158 to enter the socket 204 and the recess 171 of the latch 158 to receive the latching elements 205 of the socket 204. These latching elements 205 include protrusions that project radially inward from the socket 204 and extend into the recess 171. Then, as the fastener 150 rotates in the first rotational direction 195, each protrusion travels along the recess 171, thereby pulling the fastener 150 downward further until the final protrusion reaches the fastener 172 at the end of the recess 171. This occurs when the fastener 150 is in the first orientation. The fastener 172 is designed to hold the protrusion at the end of the recess 171 unless a sufficiently large torque is applied to rotate the fastener 150 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction 195. With the protrusion in the fastener 172, the engagement between the protrusion and the recess 171 prevents the latch 158 from being pulled out of the socket 204. Therefore, in this state, the fastener 150 is locked to the socket.

[0065] return Figure 8 After achieving the locked position, the handle 152 can then be pivoted about the pivot 154 to move the handle 152 to the retracted configuration, as by Figure 8 As shown by the dashed arrow in the image. This produces... Figure 9 The state shown. In Figure 9 In the current configuration, fastener 150 remains secured, but handle 152 is now retracted. This is the configuration used during normal operation of the computing device. It should be noted that... Figure 8 and Figure 9 Both showed fastener 150 in a tightened state, but... Figure 8 In the middle, handle 152 was unfolded, and... Figure 9In the middle, handle 152 was retracted. Therefore, Figure 8 The state shown can also be described as a tightened and unfolded state (also in...) Figure 13 (as shown in the text), and Figure 9 The state shown can be described as a tightened and collapsed state (also in...) Figure 10 and Figure 12 (as shown in the image).

[0066] The transition from a tightened state to a loosened state can occur by reversing the aforementioned series of events. In other words, with... Figure 9 Starting from the state shown, handle 152 can be unfolded first, thereby generating Figure 8 The state shown. The fastener 150 can then be rotated in the second rotational direction, causing the half-rotation latch 158 to disengage from the latch element 205. Once the half-rotation latch 158 is disengaged by the spring 153, the fastener 150 can also move upwards (in the +z direction). This produces... Figure 7 The state shown indicates that fastener 150 is no longer tightened. If desired, adapter bracket 110 can then be removed from the computing device.

[0067] As described above, fastener 150 is connected to bracket 150 via fastener mounting base 135. Figure 2 and Figure 15 As shown, the fastener mounting base 135 is connected to the top portion 139 near the front end of the bracket 120 (i.e., the end opposite to the rear portion 121 or the end in the +x direction). It should be noted that... Figure 15 In this design, fastener 150 is omitted to allow for better visibility of fastener mounting bracket 135. (See image below.) Figure 15 As shown, the fastener mounting base 135 includes vertical walls 148 and 149 respectively connected to horizontal flanges 146 and 147. Horizontal flanges 146 and 147 overlap with and are attached to a top portion 139 via a fastener 134. The fastener mounting base 135 also includes a shelf 137 with an orifice 138. When the fastener 150 is in the extended position, a half-turn latch 158 extends through the orifice 138, as... Figure 16 As shown (see also) Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 As described above, shelf 137 can contact system board 201 and / or socket 204, which can provide physical support for adapter card 110. Figure 15 As shown, the fastener mounting base 135 also includes a fastener 143 that extends through the vertical wall 148 to engage with the housing 155 of the fastener 150, thereby attaching the fastener 150 to the fastener mounting base 135 and thus to the bracket 120.

[0068] The above description describes various types of electronic circuits. As used herein, "electronic" is intended to be understood broadly to include all types of circuits that utilize electricity, including digital and analog circuits, direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits, circuits for converting electricity into another form of energy, and circuits for using electricity to perform other functions. 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 illustrative examples of an inherent nature and are intended to provide an understanding of this disclosure without limiting its scope. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electronic, and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of this specification and the claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring these examples. In two or more figures, the same numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0070] Furthermore, unless the context otherwise requires, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Additionally, terms such as “comprising,” “including,” and “including” indicate the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, components described as connected may be directly electrically or mechanically connected, or may be indirectly connected via one or more intermediate components. Unless the context otherwise requires, mathematical and geometric terms are not necessarily used according to their strict definitions, as those skilled in the art will understand that, for example, substantially similar elements acting in substantially similar ways may readily fall within the scope of descriptive terms, even if those terms have strict definitions.

[0071] And / or: Occasionally, the phrase “and / or” is used in conjunction with a list of enumerated items in this text. This phrase means that any combination of items in the list can be included—from a single item to all items, and any permutation 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] An element and its related aspects described in detail with reference to an example may, where feasible, be included in other examples that do not specifically show or describe them. For example, if an element is described in detail with reference to an example and not with reference to a second example, that element may still be claimed as being included in the second example.

[0073] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated herein or implied by the context, the use of approximate terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” “about,” “around,” “probably,” etc., 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, apart from any range explicitly stated herein (if any), 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 discussed due to manufacturing tolerances or other tolerances in the relevant field. In any case, unless otherwise indicated, the range of variation may include values ​​within ±1% of the stated value, characteristic, or relationship.

[0074] Given the disclosure herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, apparatus and methods may include additional components or steps omitted from the figures and descriptions for clarity of operation. Accordingly, this description is to be interpreted only as illustrative and intended 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 are to be considered exemplary. Those shown and described herein may be replaced by elements and materials, and arrangements of such elements and materials, components and processes may be reversed, and certain features of this teaching may be utilized independently, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon benefiting from the description herein. Changes may be made to the elements described herein without departing from the scope of this teaching and the appended claims.

[0075] It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are non-limiting, and modifications can be made to the structure, dimensions, materials, and methods without departing from the scope of this teaching.

[0076] Considering the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein, other examples based on this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specification and examples are intended to be illustrative only, and the following claims will have their broadest scope, 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; An adapter card, which is attached to the bracket and configured to electrically connect the expansion card to the computing device; Fasteners, the fasteners being attached to the bracket, the fasteners comprising: handle; A shaft that extends along a first axis; A pivot that connects the handle to the shaft; A semi-rotating latch, which is coupled to the shaft and configured to engage with a socket of the computing device to selectively secure the fastener to the socket; The handle is pivotable about the pivot between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and in the retracted configuration, the handle is parallel to the adapter.

2. The adapter bracket according to claim 1, in, The shaft is rotatable about the first axis, and the fastener is able to switch between a tightened 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 capable of pivoting about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

4. The adapter bracket according to claim 3, in, The handle is configured to remain parallel to the adapter card throughout the entire movement of the handle from the retracted configuration to the unfolded configuration.

5. The adapter bracket according to claim 3, in, With the fastener in its tightened state, the second axis is perpendicular to the adapter card.

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

7. The adapter bracket according to claim 6, in, In the unfolded configuration, the handle protrudes above the bracket along 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, and the fastener is connected to the transverse portion; and In the retracted configuration, the handle extends forward 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; In the retracted 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, and the fastener is connected to the transverse portion; and In the retracted configuration, the proximal portion of the handle extends forward away from the rear portion.

11. The adapter bracket of claim 1, wherein the expansion card is electrically connected to the adapter card and attached to the bracket.

12. A computing device, comprising: chassis; A system motherboard, the system motherboard including expansion slots and sockets, the system motherboard being supported by the chassis; Adapter bracket, the adapter bracket being connected to the housing, the adapter bracket comprising: bracket; An expansion card is attached to the bracket; An adapter card is attached to the bracket, electrically connected to the expansion card, and electrically connected to the expansion slot; Fasteners, the fasteners being attached to the bracket, the fasteners comprising: handle; A shaft that extends along a first axis; A pivot that connects the handle to the shaft; A semi-rotating latch, which is coupled to the shaft and engages with the socket to selectively secure the fastener to the socket; The handle is pivotable about the pivot between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and in the retracted configuration, the handle is parallel to the adapter.

13. The computing device according to claim 12, in, The shaft is rotatable about the first axis, and the fastener is able to switch between a tightened 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 capable of pivoting about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

15. The computing device according to claim 14, in, The handle is configured to remain parallel to the adapter card throughout the entire movement of the handle from the retracted configuration to the unfolded configuration.

16. The computing device according to claim 14, in, With the fastener in its tightened state, the second axis is perpendicular to the adapter card.

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

18. The computing device according to claim 12, in, The bracket includes a rear portion and a transverse portion, the fastener is connected to the transverse portion, and the rear portion forms part of the rear panel of the housing; as well as In the retracted configuration, the handle extends forward away from the rear portion.

19. A method comprising: Position the adapter bracket on the system motherboard of the computing device near the expansion slots and sockets; The adapter card of the adapter bracket is connected to the expansion slot via an electrical connector, the adapter card is electrically connected to the expansion card, and the expansion card is attached to the bracket of the adapter bracket. The adapter bracket is secured to the system motherboard by rotating a fastener, the fastener including a shaft, a handle pivotally connected to the shaft, and a half-rotation latch connected to the shaft, the rotation of the fastener causing the half-rotation latch to engage with the socket to secure the fastener to the socket; as well as The handle is pivoted from the unfolded configuration to the retracted configuration, wherein, in the retracted configuration, the handle is parallel to the adapter.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, When the handle is pivoted from the unfolded configuration to the retracted configuration, the handle remains parallel to the adapter throughout the pivoting motion.

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