Automatic fixer and case
By using an automatic retainer design and the cooperation of limiting and elastic components, the PCIe card can be automatically locked and removed, solving the problem of inconvenience in manual operation in the existing technology and improving the installation stability and ease of operation of the expansion card.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410638472.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-25
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the PCIe card fixing method requires manual locking and unlocking, which is easy to forget to lock and is inconvenient for removing expansion cards.
An automatic retainer is used, including a retaining base, a first limiting member, a second limiting member, and an elastic member. The expansion card is automatically locked and removed by the movement of the limiting member and the driving of the elastic member.
It improves the ease of locking and removing expansion cards, ensures stable installation and connection of expansion cards, and simplifies the operation process.
Smart Images
Figure CN121008660A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of server technology, and in particular to an automatic mounting device and chassis. Background Technology
[0002] In servers, expansion cards such as PCIe cards are installed in various modules. In related technologies, expansion cards are secured using connectors and mounting frames. However, this method requires manual locking and unlocking by the operator, which can easily lead to situations where the operator forgets to lock the card, leaving it unsecured. Furthermore, it is inconvenient to remove the expansion card. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of this, this application provides an automatic retainer and chassis that can improve the convenience of locking and removing expansion cards.
[0004] This application provides an automatic retainer for securing an expansion card, comprising: a fixing base, a first limiting member, a second limiting member, and a first elastic member. The fixing base supports the expansion card. The first limiting member is disposed on the fixing base and has a first position, a second position, and a third position, and is capable of moving sequentially from the third position to the second position and then to the first position along a first direction. In the first position, the first limiting member applies a force towards the expansion card in the first direction to lock the expansion card; in the second and third positions, the first limiting member releases the lock on the expansion card. The first elastic member connects the fixing base and the first limiting member, and is used to drive the first limiting member to reset to the first position. The second limiting member is movably disposed on the fixing base, and the first limiting member can drive the second limiting member to move by moving to the third position, thereby locking the first limiting member with the second limiting member.
[0005] The aforementioned automatic retainer allows the expansion card to be installed in the mounting base by moving the first limiting member to the second position. Then, under the action of the first elastic member, the first limiting member automatically moves in a first direction to the first position, thereby locking the expansion card. The first limiting member can also move in a third direction and lock with the second limiting member, allowing it to overcome the force of the first elastic member and remain in the third position, i.e., keeping the first limiting member unlocked to facilitate removal of the expansion card from the mounting base. The cooperation of the first limiting member, the second limiting member, and the first elastic member facilitates automatic installation and locking of the expansion card, as well as easy removal of the expansion card.
[0006] In at least one embodiment, the second limiting member has a fourth position and a fifth position, and is capable of moving from the fifth position to the fourth position along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; when the second limiting member is in the fourth position, it can support the expansion card and form a lock with the first limiting member; when the second limiting member is in the fifth position, it can unlock from the first limiting member.
[0007] In the above embodiments, when the second limiting member is in the fourth position, it can support the expansion card together with the fixing base, thereby improving the installation stability of the expansion card; it can also lock with the first limiting member, allowing the first limiting member to remain in the third position, so that the expansion card is in an unlocked state, thus facilitating the removal of the expansion card. The second limiting member can also move in the opposite direction of the second direction to the fifth position, thereby unlocking the first limiting member and the second limiting member, and allowing the first limiting member to reset to the first position under the action of the first elastic member.
[0008] In at least one embodiment, the first limiting member includes a first locking part, the second limiting member includes a second locking part, and when the first limiting member is in a third position, the first locking part can lock with the second locking part, and the second locking part is configured to unlock with the first locking part by moving in the opposite direction of the second direction.
[0009] In the above embodiments, when the first limiting member is in the third position and the second limiting member is in the fourth position, the second locking member can restrict the first locking member from moving in the first direction, that is, restrict the first limiting member from moving in the direction of the first position; and can release the second locking member from the first locking member by moving the second limiting member in the opposite direction of the second direction, that is, by moving the second limiting member from the fourth position to the fifth position.
[0010] In at least one embodiment, the first locking part has a first pushing surface and a limiting groove. The first pushing surface pushes the second locking part by moving in the opposite direction of the first direction, and the second locking part is inserted into the limiting groove along the second direction. The second locking part disengages from the limiting groove by moving in the opposite direction of the second direction.
[0011] In the above embodiments, when the first pushing surface moves in the opposite direction to the first direction, the first pushing surface pushes the second locking part into the limiting groove. By restricting the second locking part in the limiting groove, the first locking part is locked. To release the lock between the first locking part and the second locking part, it is only necessary to move the second limiting member in the opposite direction to the second direction to disengage the second locking part from the limiting groove, thereby releasing the lock between the first locking part and the second locking part.
[0012] In at least one embodiment, the second limiting member is configured to be in the fourth position under the pressure of the expansion card; the automatic retainer further includes a second elastic member connected to the fixing seat of the second limiting member, the second elastic member being used to drive the second limiting member to reset to the fifth position.
[0013] In the above embodiments, when the expansion card is installed in the mounting base, the second limiting member is in the fourth position due to the pressure of the expansion card; when the expansion card is removed from the mounting base, the second limiting member is no longer under the pressure of the expansion card and resets to the fifth position under the elastic action of the second elastic member. That is, the second elastic member can drive the second limiting member to reset from the fourth position to the fifth position in the opposite direction of the second direction. By setting the second elastic member, the second limiting member can be automatically reset at the same time as the expansion card is removed, improving the convenience of operation.
[0014] In at least one embodiment, the second locking part has a second pushing surface, which is parallel to the first pushing surface. When the first pushing surface pushes against the second pushing surface, the first pushing surface and the second pushing surface slide relative to each other.
[0015] In the above embodiments, the arrangement of the first pushing surface and the second pushing surface sliding relative to each other increases the area on which the first locking part applies force to the second locking part, increases the force-bearing area of the second locking part, and facilitates the improvement of the stability of the movement of the second limiting member in the second direction.
[0016] In at least one embodiment, the first limiting member includes a first abutting part and a second abutting part. When the first limiting member is in the first position, the first abutting part abuts against the expansion card in the first direction, and the second abutting part is used to restrict the expansion card from disengaging from the fixing seat in the opposite direction of the second direction. The second abutting part can cause the first limiting member to move from the first position to the second position under the force of the expansion card.
[0017] In the above embodiments, when the expansion card is installed in the mounting base, the first abutting part abuts against the expansion card in a first direction, and the second abutting part restricts the expansion card from detaching from the mounting base, thereby making the expansion card difficult to move. Furthermore, the expansion card applies a force to the second abutting part, allowing the first limiting member to move from the first position to the second position; the expansion card releases the force applied to the second abutting part, allowing the first limiting member to return to the first position under the action of the first elastic member, thus fixing the expansion card in place with the first and second abutting parts.
[0018] In at least one embodiment, the fixing base has a first guide portion, the first limiting member has a second guide portion, and the first guide portion and the second guide portion slide in a first direction.
[0019] In the above embodiments, the sliding engagement between the first guide portion and the second guide portion facilitates the guidance of the first limiting member to move along the first direction on the fixed base, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first limiting member. When the first elastic member drives the first limiting member to move, the first limiting member is also less likely to deviate from the first direction.
[0020] In at least one embodiment, the first limiting member has a first mounting groove extending along a first direction and having an opening facing the opposite direction to the first direction, the first mounting groove being used to accommodate a first elastic member.
[0021] In the above embodiments, the extension direction of the first mounting groove is beneficial for guiding the deformation of the first elastic member in the first direction, making it less likely for the first elastic member to deform in other directions, thereby making it easier to improve the accuracy of the first elastic member in driving the first limiting member in the first direction.
[0022] Embodiments of this application also provide a chassis, the chassis including a connector and an automatic retainer as described in any of the above embodiments, the connector being used to connect to the side of an expansion card away from the automatic retainer.
[0023] In the aforementioned chassis, the automatic retainer can automatically lock the expansion card, which easily improves the connection stability between the expansion card and the connector. Unlocking the automatic retainer also makes it easy to disconnect the expansion card from the connector. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the chassis in one embodiment of this application.
[0025] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an automatic retainer in one embodiment of this application.
[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an automatic retainer in one embodiment of this application.
[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of an automatic retainer in one embodiment of this application.
[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic retainer in its initial position according to one embodiment of this application.
[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic retainer in one embodiment of the present application when the first limiting member is in the second position and the second limiting member is in the fifth position.
[0030] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic retainer in one embodiment of this application when the first limiting member is in the first position and the second limiting member is in the fourth position.
[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic retainer in one embodiment of the present application when the first limiting member is in the third position and the second limiting member is in the fourth position.
[0032] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the automatic retainer in one embodiment of the present application, showing the first locking part and the second locking part.
[0033] Explanation of main component symbols
[0034] Chassis 1000
[0035] Automatic Fixture 100
[0036] Fixture 10
[0037] Bearing surface 11
[0038] 12 Container
[0039] First fixing part 13
[0040] first fixing protrusion 131
[0041] Second fixing part 14
[0042] First guide hole 141
[0043] Second fixing protrusion 142
[0044] First Guiding Section 15
[0045] Third Guiding Section 16
[0046] First limiting component 20
[0047] First defensive section 21
[0048] Second blocking section 22
[0049] Guide slope 221
[0050] Second guide section 23
[0051] First mounting slot 24
[0052] First Locking Section 25
[0053] First jacking surface 251
[0054] Limiting groove 252
[0055] Limiting surface 2521
[0056] End face 241
[0057] Second limiting component 30
[0058] Support part 31
[0059] Second locking part 32
[0060] Second jacking surface 321
[0061] Second mounting slot 33
[0062] Fourth guide section 34
[0063] First elastic element 40
[0064] Second elastic element 50
[0065] Connector 200
[0066] Expansion Card 300
[0067] First direction X
[0068] Second direction Y
[0069] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation
[0070] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.
[0071] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.
[0072] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first", "second", etc. are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features.
[0073] This application provides an automatic retainer for securing an expansion card, comprising: a fixing base, a first limiting member, a second limiting member, and a first elastic member. The fixing base supports the expansion card. The first limiting member is disposed on the fixing base and has a first position, a second position, and a third position, and is capable of moving sequentially from the third position to the second position and then to the first position along a first direction. In the first position, the first limiting member applies a force towards the expansion card in the first direction to lock the expansion card; in the second and third positions, the first limiting member releases the lock on the expansion card. The first elastic member connects the fixing base and the first limiting member, and is used to drive the first limiting member to reset to the first position. The second limiting member is movably disposed on the fixing base, and the first limiting member can drive the second limiting member to move by moving to the third position, thereby locking the first limiting member with the second limiting member.
[0074] The aforementioned automatic retainer allows the expansion card to be installed in the mounting base by moving the first limiting member to the second position. Then, under the action of the first elastic member, the first limiting member automatically moves in a first direction to the first position, thereby locking the expansion card. The first limiting member can also move in a third direction and lock with the second limiting member, allowing it to overcome the force of the first elastic member and remain in the third position, i.e., keeping the first limiting member unlocked to facilitate removal of the expansion card from the mounting base. The cooperation of the first limiting member, the second limiting member, and the first elastic member facilitates automatic installation and locking of the expansion card, as well as easy removal of the expansion card.
[0075] The embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0076] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a chassis 1000, which includes an automatic retainer 100 and a connector 200. The automatic retainer 100 is used to fix one side of an expansion card 300, and the connector 200 is used to connect to the side of the expansion card 300 away from the automatic retainer 100, so that the expansion card 300 is installed inside the chassis 1000.
[0077] In some embodiments, the expansion card 300 is a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) card. One side of the expansion card 300 is plugged into the connector 200, and the other side is fixed by the automatic retainer 100 to improve the connection stability between the expansion card 300 and the connector 200.
[0078] Please see Figures 2 to 4In some embodiments, the automatic retainer 100 includes a retaining base 10, a first limiting member 20, a second limiting member 30, and a first elastic member 40. The retaining base 10 has a bearing surface 11 for supporting the expansion card 300.
[0079] Please see Figures 4 to 8 A first limiting member 20 is disposed on the fixing base 10. The first limiting member 20 has a first position, a second position, and a third position, and is capable of moving sequentially from the third position to the second position and the first position along a first direction X. In the first position, the first limiting member 20 applies a force toward the expansion card 300 in the first direction X to lock the expansion card 300; in the second position and the third position, the first limiting member 20 releases the lock on the expansion card 300. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first limiting member 20 is located in the first position, and Figure 5 and Figure 7 The first limiting component 20 is also located in the first position. Figure 6 The first limiting member 20 is located in the second position. Figure 8 The first limiting member 20 is located in the third position.
[0080] The first elastic member 40 connects the fixed base 10 and the first limiting member 20, and is used to drive the first limiting member 20 to reset to the first position. The second limiting member 30 is movably disposed on the fixed base 10, and the first limiting member 20 can drive the second limiting member 30 to move by moving to the third position, so as to form a lock with the second limiting member 30.
[0081] By moving the first limiting member 20 to the second position, such as Figure 6 As shown, this allows the expansion card 300 to be installed in the mounting base 10, after which the first limiting member 20 can automatically move in the first direction X to the first position under the action of the first elastic member 40, as shown. Figure 7 As shown, this achieves the locking of the expansion card 300. (As illustrated...) Figure 8 As shown, the first limiting member 20 can also move towards the third position and lock with the second limiting member 30 through this movement, allowing the first limiting member 20 to overcome the force of the first elastic member 40 and remain in the third position. In other words, the first limiting member 20 remains unlocked, facilitating the removal of the expansion card 300 from the mounting base 10. The cooperation of the first limiting member 20, the second limiting member 30, and the first elastic member 40 facilitates the automatic installation and locking of the expansion card 300, and also facilitates its removal.
[0082] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the mounting base 10 has a receiving cavity 12, and at least a portion of the first limiting member 20 and the second limiting member 30 are located in the receiving cavity 12. The first limiting member 20 includes a first abutting portion 21 and a second abutting portion 22. When the first limiting member 20 is in a first position, the first abutting portion 21 extends out of the receiving cavity 12 and abuts against the expansion card 300 in a first direction X; the second abutting portion 22 extends out of the receiving cavity 12 and is used to restrict the expansion card 300 from disengaging from the mounting base 10 in the opposite direction of a second direction Y, where the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X and is the direction in which the second abutting portion 22 faces the bearing surface 11. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 and Figure 8 When the first limiting member 20 is in the second and third positions, the first blocking part 21 is located inside the receiving cavity 12, and the second blocking part 22 is located outside the receiving cavity 12 and does not contact the expansion card 300. In other embodiments, when the first limiting member 20 is in the second and third positions, the second blocking part 22 may also be located inside the receiving cavity 12.
[0083] When the expansion card 300 is installed in the mounting base 10, the first abutting part 21 abuts against the expansion card 300 in the first direction X, and the second abutting part 22 restricts the expansion card 300 from leaving the mounting base 10, thereby making the expansion card 300 difficult to move.
[0084] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the second abutment 22 can cause the first limiting member 20 to move from the first position to the second position under the force of the expansion card 300. For example, the second abutment 22 has a guide ramp 221. During the installation of the expansion card 300 along the second direction Y onto the fixing base 10, the side of the expansion card 300 away from the connector 200 first contacts the guide ramp 221, and through relative sliding with the guide ramp 221, pushes the first limiting member 20 to move in the opposite direction of the first direction X to the second position. The first elastic member 40 is gradually compressed, such as... Figure 6 As shown, this allows the second abutment 22 to avoid the expansion card 300, facilitating the installation of the expansion card 300 onto the mounting base 10. Figure 7As shown, after the expansion card 300 is installed in place, the expansion card 300 releases the force applied to the second abutment 22 in the opposite direction of the first direction X, so that the first limiting member 20 is reset to the first position under the elastic recovery action of the first elastic member 40; the second abutment 22, which is reset to the first position, is located on the side opposite to the second direction Y of the expansion card 300, restricting the expansion card 300 from disengaging from the fixing seat 10 in the opposite direction of the second direction Y, so that the expansion card 300 is stably installed on the bearing surface 11 in the second direction Y, while the first abutment 21 applies a force to the expansion card 300 in the first direction X, so that the expansion card 300 can be stably connected to the connector 200 in the first direction X.
[0085] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the fixing base 10 includes a first fixing part 13 and a second fixing part 14, which are fixedly connected or detachably connected. For example, the first fixing part 13 and the second fixing part 14 are integrally formed or connected by screws. The second fixing part 14 has a bearing surface 11. The first fixing part 13 is slidably engaged with the first limiting member 20, and the second fixing part 14 is slidably engaged with the second limiting member 30.
[0086] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the fixing base 10 has a first guide portion 15, and the first limiting member 20 has a second guide portion 23. The first guide portion 15 and the second guide portion 23 slide in cooperation along the first direction X.
[0087] The sliding engagement between the first guide portion 15 and the second guide portion 23 facilitates the guidance of the first limiting member 20 to move along the first direction X on the fixed base 10, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first limiting member 20. When the first elastic member 40 drives the first limiting member 20 to move, the first limiting member 20 is also less likely to deviate from the first direction X.
[0088] In some embodiments, the first guide portion 15 is a guide rail on the second fixing portion 14, and the second guide portion 23 is a guide groove. Both the guide rail and the guide groove extend along the first direction X to guide the movement direction of the first limiting member 20. In other embodiments, the first guide portion 15 is a guide groove on the first fixing portion 13, and the second guide portion 23 is a guide rail.
[0089] Please see Figure 3In some embodiments, the second fixing part 14 is further provided with a first guide hole 141, which extends along the first direction X and slides in cooperation with the first abutment part 21. The first abutment part 21 can extend out of the receiving cavity 12 or enter the receiving cavity 12 through the first guide hole 141. The sliding cooperation between the first abutment part 21 and the first guide hole 141 can also guide the movement direction of the first limiting member 20 and improve the stability of the movement of the first limiting member 20.
[0090] In some embodiments, the elongation direction of the first elastic member 40 is the first direction X, and the compression direction of the first elastic member 40 is the opposite direction of the first direction X. One end of the first elastic member 40 is connected to the first fixing part 13, and the other end is connected to the first limiting member 20. When the first limiting member 20 is in the second position and the third position, the first elastic member 40 is compressed between the first limiting member 20 and the first fixing part 13; when the first elastic member 40 elongates, it can drive the first limiting member 20 to move in the first direction X.
[0091] In some embodiments, the first elastic element 40 is a helical spring. In other embodiments, the first elastic element 40 may also be a serpentine spring, a sheet spring, or other elastic component.
[0092] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the first limiting member 20 has a first mounting groove 24 extending along a first direction X and having an opening facing the opposite direction of the first direction X. The first mounting groove 24 is used to accommodate the first elastic member 40.
[0093] The extension direction of the first mounting groove 24 is conducive to guiding the deformation of the first elastic member 40 in the first direction X, making the first elastic member 40 less likely to deform in other directions, thereby making it easier to improve the accuracy of the driving direction of the first elastic member 40 to the first limiting member 20.
[0094] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, when the first limiting member 20 is in the third position, the end face 241 where the opening of the first mounting groove 24 is located abuts against the fixing part to restrict the first limiting member 20 in the third position from moving in the opposite direction of the first direction X, thereby limiting the movement of the first limiting member 20 in the opposite direction of the first direction X.
[0095] In embodiments where the first elastic element 40 is a helical spring, the first fixing part 13 is provided with a first fixing protrusion 131, which extends along the first direction X. One end of the helical spring, which is connected to the first fixing part 13, is sleeved on the first fixing protrusion 131 to restrict the movement of the helical spring in the second direction Y and to facilitate guiding the first elastic element 40 to stretch and deform in the first direction X.
[0096] Please see Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the second limiting member 30 has a fourth position and a fifth position, and can move from the fifth position to the fourth position along the second direction Y; when the second limiting member 30 is in the fourth position, it can support the expansion card 300 and can lock with the first limiting member 20; when the second limiting member 30 is in the fifth position, it can unlock with the first limiting member 20. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second limiting component 30 is in the fifth position. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second limiting component 30 is in the fourth position.
[0097] like Figure 7 As shown, when the second limiting member 30 is in the fourth position, it can support the expansion card 300 together with the fixing base 10, thereby improving the installation stability of the expansion card 300; as Figure 8 As shown, the second limiting member 30 can also lock with the first limiting member 20, allowing the first limiting member 20 to remain in the third position, thus facilitating the unlocking of the expansion card 300 and making it easier to remove the expansion card 300. The second limiting member 30 can also move in the opposite direction of the second direction Y to the fifth position, thereby unlocking the first limiting member 20 from the second limiting member 30 and allowing the first limiting member 20 to reset to the first position under the action of the first elastic member 40.
[0098] Please see Figure 3 as well as Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the second limiting member 30 has a support portion 31. When the second limiting member 30 is in the fourth position, the support portion 31 is flush with the bearing surface 11, so as to jointly support the expansion card 300 with the bearing surface 11. When the second limiting member 30 moves from the fourth position to the fifth position, it can be unlocked. When the second limiting member 30 is in the fifth position, the support portion 31 extends out of the receiving cavity 12.
[0099] Please see Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 9 In some embodiments, the first limiting member 20 includes a first locking part 25, and the second limiting member 30 includes a second locking part 32. When the first limiting member 20 is in the third position, the first locking part 25 can lock with the second locking part 32, that is, the first locking part 25 and the second locking part 32 are locked together. Figure 7 The state change shown is Figure 8 The state shown. The second locking part 32 is configured to unlock with the first locking part 25 by moving in the opposite direction of the second direction Y, that is: the first locking part 25 and the second locking part 32 move from... Figure 8 The states shown change sequentially as follows: Figure 9 The state shown Figure 6 The state shown and Figure 5 The state shown.
[0100] When the first limiting member 20 is in the third position and the second limiting member 30 is in the fourth position, the second locking part 32 can restrict the first locking part 25 from moving in the first direction X, that is, restrict the first limiting member 20 from moving in the direction of the first position; it can release the second locking part 32 from the first locking part 25 by moving the second limiting member 30 in the opposite direction of the second direction Y, that is, by moving the second limiting member 30 from the fourth position to the fifth position.
[0101] Please see Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 9 In some embodiments, the first locking part 25 has a first pushing surface 251 and a limiting groove 252. The first pushing surface 251 pushes the second locking part 32 by moving in the opposite direction of the first direction X, and the second locking part 32 is inserted into the limiting groove 252 along the second direction Y. The second locking part 32 disengages from the limiting groove 252 by moving in the opposite direction of the second direction Y.
[0102] When the first limiting member 20 moves in the opposite direction of the first direction X, the first pushing surface 251 moves in the opposite direction of the first direction X and pushes the second locking part 32 into the limiting groove 252. By restricting the second locking part 32 in the limiting groove 252, the first locking part 25 is locked. To release the lock between the first locking part 25 and the second locking part 32, it is only necessary to move the second limiting member 30 in the opposite direction of the second direction Y to disengage the second locking part 32 from the limiting groove 252, thereby releasing the lock between the first locking part 25 and the second locking part 32.
[0103] For example, during the movement of the first limiting member 20 to the third position in the opposite direction of the first direction X, under the pushing action of the first pushing surface 251, the second locking part 32 first moves in the opposite direction of the second direction Y to avoid the first locking part 25, such as... Figures 7 to 9 The process of change; when the first limiting member 20 moves to the third position, the first pushing surface 251 does not contact the second locking part 32, such as Figure 8 As shown, the second locking part 32 can be moved again to the fourth position in the second direction Y to lock with the first locking part 25.
[0104] Please refer to 7 to Figure 9In some embodiments, the first pushing surface 251 is an inclined surface that extends along the first direction X and gradually slopes in the opposite direction of the second direction Y. The limiting groove 252 has a limiting surface 2521 that extends along the second direction Y. When the second limiting member 30 is in the fourth position and the first limiting member 20 is in the third position, that is, when the second locking part 32 is located in the limiting groove 252, the limiting surface 2521 abuts against the second locking part 32, thereby restricting the first limiting member 20 from moving in the first direction X.
[0105] Please refer to 7 to Figure 9 In some embodiments, the second locking part 32 has a second pushing surface 321, which is parallel to the first pushing surface 251. When the first pushing surface 251 pushes against the second pushing surface 321, the first pushing surface 251 and the second pushing surface 321 slide relative to each other.
[0106] The arrangement of the first pushing surface 251 and the second pushing surface sliding relative to each other increases the area on which the first locking part 25 applies force to the second locking part 32, and increases the force-bearing area of the second locking part 32, which facilitates the improvement of the stability of the movement of the second limiting member 30 in the second direction Y.
[0107] In some embodiments, the second limiting member 30 is configured to be located in a fourth position under the pressure of the expansion card 300. Exemplarily, the first direction X is horizontal, and the second direction Y is vertical. When the expansion card 300 is mounted on the mounting base 10, the support portion 31 of the second limiting member 30 is located in the fourth position under the weight of the expansion card 300.
[0108] Please see Figure 3 as well as Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the automatic retainer 100 further includes a second elastic element 50, which is connected to the retaining base 10 and the second limiting member 30. The second elastic element 50 is used to drive the second limiting member 30 to reset to the fifth position.
[0109] When the expansion card 300 is removed from the mounting base 10, the second limiting member 30 is not subjected to pressure from the expansion card 300 and, under the elastic action of the second elastic member 50, resets to the fifth position. That is, the second elastic member 50 can drive the second limiting member 30 to reset from the fourth position to the fifth position along the opposite direction of the second direction Y. The design of the second elastic member 50 enables the automatic reset of the second limiting member 30 while the expansion card 300 is being removed, improving operational convenience.
[0110] Please see Figure 3 as well as Figures 5 to 8In some embodiments, when it is necessary to release the lock between the first locking part 25 and the second locking part 32, it is only necessary to remove the expansion card 300 from the fixing base 10 and the support part 31. After the support part 31 of the second limiting member 30 is no longer under the pressure of the expansion card 300, it moves in the opposite direction of the second direction Y under the drive of the second elastic member 50, so that the second locking part 32 disengages from the limiting groove 252, thereby releasing the lock between the first locking part 25 and the second locking part 32. Afterwards, the first limiting member 20, no longer restricted by the second limiting member 30, can also be reset to the first position in the first direction X under the force of the first elastic member 40.
[0111] In some embodiments, the second elastic element 50 is a helical spring. In other embodiments, the second elastic element 50 may also be a serpentine spring, a sheet spring, or other elastic component.
[0112] Please see Figure 3 as well as Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the second limiting member 30 is provided with a second mounting groove 33, which extends along the second direction Y and has an opening facing the second direction Y. One end of the second elastic member 50 is disposed in the second mounting groove 33, and the other end is connected to the second fixing part 14. The second mounting groove 33 can guide the deformation direction of the second elastic member 50, making the second elastic member 50 less prone to tilting and improving the movement stability of the second limiting member 30.
[0113] Please see Figure 3 In the embodiment where the second elastic element 50 is a helical spring, the second fixing part 14 is provided with a second fixing protrusion 142, and one end of the helical spring connected to the second fixing part 14 is sleeved on the second fixing protrusion 142 to restrict the movement of the helical spring in the first direction X.
[0114] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the fixed base 10 has a third guide portion 16 and the second limiting member 30 has a fourth guide portion 34. The third guide portion 16 and the fourth guide portion 34 slide in a second direction Y, thereby guiding the movement direction of the second limiting member 30 and improving the stability of the movement of the second limiting member 30.
[0115] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the third guide portion 16 is a guide rod located in the receiving cavity 12; the guide rod is fixed to the second fixing portion 14. The fourth guide portion 34 is a second guide hole extending along the second direction Y. The guide rod passes through the second guide hole and can move relative to the second guide hole in the second direction Y, thereby guiding the second limiting member 30 to move in the second direction Y.
[0116] Please see Figure 1 as well as Figures 5 to 9 In some embodiments, the automatic retainer 100 has an initial state and a locked state. Figure 5 The automatic retainer 100 is in the initial state. In the initial state, the expansion card 300 is not installed in the chassis 1000, the first limit member 20 is in the first position, and the second limit member 30 is in the fifth position. Figure 1 and Figure 7 The automatic retainer 100 is in a locked state. When locked, the expansion card 300 is installed inside the chassis 1000. One end of the expansion card 300 is plugged into the connector 200, and the other end is locked by the automatic retainer 100.
[0117] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 During the change process, when the expansion card 300 is installed, the expansion card 300 is moved in the second direction Y. When the expansion card 300 moves to contact the guide slope 221 of the second abutment 22, the second limiting member 30 moves to the second position. When the expansion card 300 moves to contact the limiting surface 2521 located in the fifth position, the second limiting member 30 is driven to move in the second direction Y until the expansion card 300 contacts the bearing surface 11. The first limiting member 20 is reset to the first position under the action of the first elastic member 40, the first abutment 21 abuts against the expansion card 300 in the first direction X, and the second abutment 22 restricts the expansion card 300 from disengaging from the fixing seat 10 in the opposite direction of the second direction Y. At this time, the second limiting member 30 is in the fourth position, and the automatic fixing device 100 is in the locked state.
[0118] In some embodiments, the second abutment portion 22 of the first limiting member 20 located in the first position can abut against the expansion card 300 in the second direction Y.
[0119] In the first direction X, the expansion card 300 is subjected to the force of the connector 200 and the first abutment 21; in the second direction Y, the expansion card 300 is subjected to the force of the second abutment 22 and the bearing surface 11, thereby enabling the expansion card 300 to be stably installed in the chassis 1000.
[0120] like Figure 7 sequentially to Figure 9 and Figure 8During the change process, when the expansion card 300 is removed, the first limiting member 20 is moved in the opposite direction of the first direction X until it reaches the third position. During the movement of the first limiting member 20, the first locking part 25 drives the second limiting member 30 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction Y through the first pushing surface 251. When the first limiting member 20 moves to the third position, the second locking part 32 moves along the second direction Y and is inserted into the limiting groove 252, thereby locking the first locking part 25 and the second locking part 32. The first limiting member 20 is locked in the third position, that is, the first blocking part 21 and the second blocking part 22 release the lock on the expansion card 300.
[0121] like Figure 8 sequentially to Figure 6 and Figure 5 The process of change is followed by moving the expansion card 300 in the opposite direction of the second direction Y. During this movement, the support portion 31 of the second limiting member 30 is not subjected to pressure from the expansion card 300, and under the action of the second elastic member 50, the second limiting member 30 moves in the opposite direction of the second direction Y until it reaches the fifth position. During the movement of the second limiting member 30 in the opposite direction of the second direction Y, the second locking portion 32 is unlocked from the first locking portion 25, and the first limiting member 20 moves to the second position under the action of the first elastic member 40. When the first limiting member 20 moves to the second position, the second abutment portion 22 is stopped in the second position by the force of the expansion card 300 in the opposite direction of the first direction X until the expansion card 300 is completely detached from the automatic retainer 100. Then, the first limiting member 20 returns to the first position, that is, the automatic retainer 100 returns to the initial position to facilitate the next installation of the expansion card 300.
[0122] The automatic retainer 100 in this embodiment can automatically lock the expansion card 300, which easily improves the connection stability between the expansion card 300 and the connector 200. Unlocking the automatic retainer 100 also facilitates the disconnection of the expansion card 300 from the connector 200. No tools are required during operation, which improves the convenience of operation.
[0123] In addition, those skilled in the art may make other changes within this application. Of course, all such changes made in accordance with this application should be included within the scope disclosed in this application.
Claims
1. An automatic retainer for securing expansion cards, characterized in that, include: Mounting bracket, used to support expansion cards; A first limiting member is disposed on the fixed base. The first limiting member has a first position, a second position, and a third position, and can move sequentially from the third position to the second position and the first position along a first direction. When in the first position, the first limiting member applies a force toward the expansion card in the first direction to lock the expansion card. When in the second position and the third position, the first limiting member releases the lock on the expansion card; A first elastic element connects the fixed base and the first limiting element, and the first elastic element is used to drive the first limiting element to reset to the first position; The second limiting member is movably disposed on the fixed base, and the first limiting member can drive the second limiting member to move by moving to the third position, so as to lock with the second limiting member.
2. The automatic fastener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second limiting member has a fourth position and a fifth position, and can move from the fifth position to the fourth position along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; when the second limiting member is in the fourth position, it can support the expansion card and can lock with the first limiting member; when the second limiting member is in the fifth position, it can unlock with the first limiting member.
3. The automatic fastener as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first limiting member includes a first locking part, and the second limiting member includes a second locking part. When the first limiting member is in a third position, the first locking part can lock with the second locking part. The second locking part is configured to unlock from the first locking part by moving in the opposite direction of the second direction.
4. The automatic fastener as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first locking part has a first pushing surface and a limiting groove. The first pushing surface pushes the second locking part by moving in the opposite direction of the first direction, and the second locking part is inserted into the limiting groove along the second direction. The second locking part disengages from the limiting groove by moving in the opposite direction of the second direction.
5. The automatic fastener as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The second limiting member is configured to be located in the fourth position under the pressure of the expansion card; the automatic retainer further includes a second elastic member, which is connected to the fixing base to the second limiting member, and the second elastic member is used to drive the second limiting member to reset to the fifth position.
6. The automatic fixator as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second locking part has a second pushing surface, which is parallel to the first pushing surface. When the first pushing surface pushes against the second pushing surface, the first pushing surface and the second pushing surface slide relative to each other.
7. The automatic fastener as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first limiting member includes a first abutting part and a second abutting part. When the first limiting member is in the first position, the first abutting part abuts against the expansion card in the first direction, and the second abutting part is used to restrict the expansion card from disengaging from the fixing seat in the opposite direction of the second direction. The second abutting part can cause the first limiting member to move from the first position to the second position under the force of the expansion card.
8. The automatic fastener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed base has a first guide portion, and the first limiting member has a second guide portion. The first guide portion and the second guide portion slide in a first direction.
9. The automatic fastener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting member has a first mounting groove that extends along the first direction and has an opening facing the opposite direction to the first direction. The first mounting groove is used to accommodate the first elastic member.
10. A chassis, characterized in that, Includes a connector and an automatic retainer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, the connector being used to connect to the side of the expansion card away from the automatic retainer.