Expansion card fixing device and circuit board module

Abstract

The expansion card fixing device comprises a heat dissipation plate and a clamping assembly. The heat dissipation plate comprises a plurality of fixing grooves, each fixing groove comprises a first part and a second part, and the width of the first part is larger than that of the second part. The clamping assembly is selectively arranged in one of the fixing grooves and comprises a fixing piece and a clamping piece, the clamping piece comprises a first clamping hook, the fixing piece comprises a seat body, an extending part extending from the seat body and a second clamping hook connected to the extending part, and the width of the second clamping hook is smaller than that of the first part and larger than that of the second part. The extending part and the second clamping hook are suitable for extending into the first part of the selected fixing groove, so that the second clamping hook is located between the heat dissipation plate and the circuit board, and the extending part is suitable for moving to the second part, so that the second clamping hook is limited to move upwards. The tail end of the expansion card is suitable for being fixed between the bearing surface of the seat body and the first clamping hook. The expansion card fixing device provided by the utility model can be used for simply and conveniently limiting and releasing the limiting of the expansion card.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a fixing device and a module including the fixing device, and more particularly to an expansion card fixing device and a circuit board module including the expansion card fixing device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, expansion cards can be installed or removed from circuit boards using specific devices. Research in this field focuses on how to adapt to expansion cards of different sizes and make the installation and removal process more convenient. Furthermore, improving heat dissipation is also a research direction, as expansion cards generate heat during operation. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides an expansion card fixing device, which is suitable for expansion cards of different sizes, can limit and release the expansion card in a very simple and convenient way, and can improve the heat dissipation effect.

[0004] This utility model provides a circuit board module, which includes the expansion card fixing device described above.

[0005] This utility model discloses an expansion card fixing device, suitable for fixing to a circuit board to secure the end of an expansion card disposed on the circuit board. The expansion card fixing device includes a heat sink and a locking assembly. The heat sink includes a plurality of fixing slots arranged along an axis, each fixing slot including a first part and a second part arranged along the axis, the width of the first part being greater than the width of the second part. The locking assembly is selectively disposed in one of the plurality of fixing slots and includes a fixing member and a locking member movably disposed on the fixing member along the axis. The locking member includes a first hook, the fixing member includes a base, an extension extending from the base, and a second hook connected to the extension, the width of the second hook being less than the width of the first part and greater than the width of the second part. The extension and the second hook are adapted to extend into the first part of the selected fixing slot, so that the second hook is located between the heat sink and the circuit board, and the extension is adapted to move to the second part, so that the second hook is restricted from moving upward. The base includes a bearing surface, the first hook is movably disposed above the bearing surface, and the end of the expansion card is adapted to be fixed between the bearing surface and the first hook.

[0006] In an embodiment of this utility model, one of the second part and the extension includes an arc-shaped protrusion, and the other includes a concave hole corresponding to the arc-shaped protrusion. When the extension moves to the second part, the arc-shaped protrusion extends into the concave hole, thereby fixing the extension to the second part.

[0007] In an embodiment of this utility model, the above-mentioned engaging component further includes an elastic element disposed between the engaging component and the fixing component.

[0008] In an embodiment of this utility model, the aforementioned engaging member includes a stop portion facing the seat body to limit the range of movement of the engaging member pushed by the elastic member.

[0009] In an embodiment of this utility model, the aforementioned engaging component includes an inclined surface facing away from the heat sink, and the end of the expansion card is adapted to press down on the inclined surface to cause the engaging component to retract along the axis.

[0010] In an embodiment of this utility model, the heat sink includes a bent support member, and the support member includes a welded leg at the end.

[0011] In an embodiment of this utility model, the heat sink includes a shim column, and the shim column includes a screw hole.

[0012] In an embodiment of this utility model, the expansion card fixing device further includes a heat dissipation colloid disposed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation plate for thermal coupling of the expansion card.

[0013] In an embodiment of this utility model, the heat sink includes structural reinforcing ribs.

[0014] This utility model discloses a circuit board module suitable for expansion card insertion, comprising a circuit board and the aforementioned expansion card fixing device. The circuit board includes a connector. A heat sink is fixed to the circuit board at a position corresponding to the connector, and the distance between a plurality of fixing slots and the connector includes at least a number of 60 mm, 80 mm, and 110 mm.

[0015] Based on the above, the fixing slots of the heat sink plate of the expansion card fixing device of this utility model are arranged along an axis. Each fixing slot includes a first part and a second part arranged along the axis, the width of the first part being greater than the width of the second part. A locking assembly is selectively disposed in one of these fixing slots and includes a fixing member and a locking member movably disposed on the fixing member along the axis. The fixing member includes a base, an extension extending from the base, and a second hook connected to the extension. The width of the second hook is less than the width of the first part but greater than the width of the second part. The extension and the second hook are adapted to extend into the first part of the selected fixing slot, so that the second hook is located between the heat sink and the circuit board. The extension is adapted to move to the second part, so that the second hook is restricted from upward movement. Therefore, the locking assembly is detachably disposed in a suitable fixing slot to accommodate the length of the expansion card, thus enabling the fixing of expansion cards of different lengths. Furthermore, since the first hook of the locking component is movably disposed above the bearing surface of the fixing component's base, the end of the expansion card is adapted to be fixed between the bearing surface and the first hook, and is limited by the first hook of the locking component. To release the limitation on the end of the expansion card, the user only needs to pull the locking component to move the first hook of the locking component away from above the bearing surface. Moreover, the heat sink of the expansion card fixing device of this invention is disposed between the circuit board and the expansion card, which can be used to improve the heat dissipation effect of the expansion card.

[0016] To make the above-mentioned features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below, and detailed descriptions are provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an expansion card fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is mounted on a circuit board and fixes the expansion card.

[0018] Figures 2 to 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the process by which the locking assembly of the expansion card fixing device is fixed to the heat sink;

[0019] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of the card engagement components from different perspectives;

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Diagrams from different perspectives;

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the card assembly;

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cover of the locking assembly moving upwards;

[0023] Figure 9 It is hidden Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the cover and the elastic element moving upwards;

[0024] Figures 10 to 12 A schematic diagram illustrating the process of the expansion card being engaged by the engaging component as its end moves downwards;

[0025] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the heat sink and circuit board of the expansion card fixing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0027] A: Axis;

[0028] W1, W2, W3: Width;

[0029] 10: Circuit board;

[0030] 12: Connector;

[0031] 20: Expansion Card;

[0032] 22: End;

[0033] 100: Expansion card fixing device;

[0034] 110: Heat sink;

[0035] 111: Fixing groove;

[0036] 112: Part One;

[0037] 113: Part Two;

[0038] 114: Support component;

[0039] 115: Weld leg;

[0040] 116: Elevating column;

[0041] 117: Structural stiffeners;

[0042] 118: Screw hole;

[0043] 119: Screw;

[0044] 120: Card assembly;

[0045] 121: Fastener;

[0046] 122: base body;

[0047] 123: Bearing surface;

[0048] 124: Extension;

[0049] 125: Second hook;

[0050] 126: Convex column;

[0051] 127: Cover;

[0052] 128: Locking fastener;

[0053] 130: Card assembly;

[0054] 132: First hook;

[0055] 134: Stop section;

[0056] 136: Bevel;

[0057] 140: Arc-shaped convex part;

[0058] 142: Concave hole;

[0059] 150: Elastic element;

[0060] 160: Thermal colloid. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an expansion card fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is mounted on a circuit board and fixes the expansion card. Figures 2 to 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the process by which the expansion card fixing device's locking assembly is fixed to the heat sink.

[0062] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The circuit board module of this embodiment is adapted for insertion of the expansion card 20. The circuit board module includes a circuit board 10 and an expansion card fixing device 100. The expansion card fixing device 100 is fixed to the circuit board 10, and the circuit board 10 includes a connector 12. The circuit board 10 may be, for example, a motherboard, and the connector 12 may be, for example, an M.2 connector, but this is not a limitation. Figure 1 As shown, the expansion card 20 is inserted into the connector 12, and the expansion card fixing device 100 is fixedly disposed at the end 22 of the expansion card 20.

[0063] The expansion card fixing device 100 includes a heat sink 110 and a snap-fit ​​assembly 120. The heat sink 110 is fixed to the circuit board 10 at a position corresponding to the connector 12. In this embodiment, the heat sink 110 includes a plurality of fixing slots 111 arranged along axis A, and the snap-fit ​​assembly 120 is selectively disposed in one of these fixing slots 111. In this embodiment, the distance between these fixing slots 111 and the connector 12 includes at least a few of 60 mm, 80 mm, and 110 mm, thereby enabling the fixing of expansion cards 20 of different lengths.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the expansion card fixing device 100 also includes a thermal colloid 160 disposed on the upper surface of the heat sink 110 for thermal coupling of the expansion card 20. Therefore, the heat generated by the expansion card 20 during operation can be conducted to the heat sink 110 through the thermal colloid 160, thereby dissipating heat from the expansion card 20. The heat sink 110 may be made of metal, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The heat sink 110 of the expansion card fixing device 100 is disposed between the circuit board 10 and the expansion card 20, which can be used to improve the heat dissipation effect of the expansion card 20. In other embodiments, the heat sink 110 may also protrude partially toward the expansion card 20 and be directly thermally coupled to the expansion card 20, and the heat dissipation colloid 160 may be selectively omitted.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the heat sink 110 includes structural reinforcing ribs 117 to enhance its structural strength. In this embodiment, the structural reinforcing ribs 117 extend along axis A, and the number of structural reinforcing ribs 117 is, for example, two, but this is not a limitation. Furthermore, in Figure 2 As can be seen, the heat sink 110 and the connector 12 are separated by a distance, which allows space for the components on the circuit board 10 to be configured.

[0067] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of the engagement components from different perspectives. Please refer to... Figure 5A and Figure 5B The engaging assembly 120 includes a fixing member 121 and an engaging member 130 movably disposed on the fixing member 121 along axis A. The engaging member 130 includes a first hook 132, and the fixing member 121 includes a base 122, an extension 124 extending from the base 122, and a second hook 125 connected to the extension 124.

[0068] The base 122 includes a bearing surface 123, a first hook 132 is movably disposed above the bearing surface 123, and the end 22 of the expansion card 20 is adapted to be fixed between the bearing surface 123 and the first hook 132.

[0069] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, each of these fixing slots 111 includes a first portion 112 and a second portion 113 arranged along axis A, wherein the width W1 of the first portion 112 is greater than the width W2 of the second portion 113. The width W3 of the second hook 125 is... Figure 5B The width W1 of the first part 112 is less than the width of the first part 112. Figure 2 ), and is greater than the width W2 of the second part 113 ( Figure 2 ).

[0070] Therefore, as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the extension 124 and the second hook 125 are adapted to extend into the first portion 112 of the selected fixing slot 111, such that the second hook 125 is located between the heat sink 110 and the circuit board 10. The extension 124 is adapted to move to the second portion 113, such that the second hook 125 is restricted from moving upward.

[0071] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Diagrams from different perspectives. Please refer to... Figure 6 One of the second part 113 and the extension 124 includes an arcuate protrusion 140. Figure 5A The other includes a recess 142 corresponding to the arcuate protrusion 140. Figure 6 Specifically, in this embodiment, the second part 113 of the fixing groove 111 includes a recess 142, and the extension 124 of the engaging member 130 includes an arcuate protrusion 140.

[0072] When the extension 124 moves to the second portion 113, the arcuate protrusion 140 extends into the recess 142, thus fixing the extension 124 to the second portion 113. Therefore, the engaging member 130 can be temporarily fixed in position relative to the fixing groove 111 along the axis. If the position of the engaging member 130 needs to be changed subsequently, the user only needs to apply force to disengage the arcuate protrusion 140 from the recess 142.

[0073] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the card assembly. Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the upward movement of the cover of the locking assembly. Figure 9 It is hidden Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the cover body and the elastic element moving upwards. Please refer to [the diagram]. Figures 7 to 9 In this embodiment, the engaging assembly 120 further includes an elastic element 150 disposed between the engaging member 130 and the fixing member 121. Specifically, as Figure 9 As shown, the base includes a protrusion 126, one end of an elastic member 150 is sleeved on the protrusion 126, and the other end of the elastic member 150 abuts against the engaging member 130.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the engaging member 130 includes a stop 134 facing the base 122 to limit the range of movement of the engaging member 130 when pushed by the elastic member 150. The engaging member 130 includes a cover 127 that closes the base, and the cover 127 is fixed to the base 122 by a locking fastener 128.

[0075] Figures 10 to 12 This is a diagram illustrating the process of the expansion card's end moving downwards and being engaged by the engaging component. Please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 10 The latching component 130 includes a slope 136 facing away from the heat sink 110. When the end 22 of the expansion card 20 presses down on the slope 136 of the latching component 130, the latching component 130 can... Figure 11 As shown, it moves backward along axis A, while moving towards... Figure 11 Move to the left.

[0076] During this process, the elastic element 150 accumulates elastic potential energy until the inclined surface 136 of the engaging element 130 moves to the left until the end 22 of the expansion card 20 can rest against the bearing surface 123 of the base. At this point, the engaging element 130 is no longer pushed by the end 22 of the expansion card 20.

[0077] At this time, the elastic element 150 releases the stored elastic potential energy, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first hook 132 of the latching member 130 is positioned to the right and above the end 22 of the expansion card 20, and moves to the latching position to restrict the upward movement of the end 22 of the expansion card 20.

[0078] Subsequently, to remove the restriction on the end 22 of the expansion card 20, simply move the card assembly 130 to the left, causing the card assembly 130 to be pushed by the expansion card 20 towards... Figure 12 When the card moves back to the left and is positioned above the end 22 of the expansion card 20 and the bearing surface 123 of the base, the first hook 132 releases its restriction on the end 22 of the expansion card 20. At this time, the elastic element 150 accumulates elastic potential energy.

[0079] After the end 22 of the expansion card 20 moves upward, as long as the user releases the card holder 130, the elastic member 150 releases the stored elastic potential energy, and the card holder 130 can return to the top of the bearing surface 123 of the base.

[0080] In addition, Figure 12 As can be seen in this embodiment, the heat sink 110 includes a bent support member 114 to create a distance between the body of the heat sink 110 and the circuit board 10, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect. In this embodiment, the support member 114 of the heat sink 110 includes a solder foot 115 located at its end 22. The solder foot 115 can be fixed to the circuit board 10 by soldering; however, the method by which the heat sink 110 is fixed to the circuit board 10 is not limited to this.

[0081] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the heat sink and circuit board of the expansion card fixing device according to another embodiment of this utility model. Please refer to... Figure 13 In this embodiment, the heat sink 110 includes a shim post 116, which includes a screw hole 118. A screw 119 can pass through a through hole on the circuit board 10 and be fixed in the screw hole 118 of the shim post 116 to fix the heat sink 110 to the circuit board 10.

[0082] In summary, the mounting slots of the heat sink of the expansion card fixing device of this utility model are arranged along an axis. Each mounting slot includes a first portion and a second portion arranged along the axis, with the width of the first portion being greater than the width of the second portion. A locking assembly is selectively disposed in one of these mounting slots and includes a fixing member and a locking member movably disposed on the fixing member along the axis. The fixing member includes a base, an extension extending from the base, and a second hook connected to the extension. The width of the second hook is less than the width of the first portion but greater than the width of the second portion. The extension and the second hook are adapted to extend into the first portion of the selected mounting slot, so that the second hook is located between the heat sink and the circuit board. The extension is adapted to move to the second portion, thereby restricting the upward movement of the second hook. Therefore, the locking assembly is detachably disposed in a suitable mounting slot to accommodate the length of the expansion card, enabling the fixing of expansion cards of different lengths. Furthermore, since the first hook of the locking component is movably disposed above the bearing surface of the fixing component's base, the end of the expansion card is adapted to be fixed between the bearing surface and the first hook, and is limited by the first hook of the locking component. To release the limitation on the end of the expansion card, the user only needs to pull the locking component to move the first hook of the locking component away from above the bearing surface. Moreover, the heat sink of the expansion card fixing device of this invention is disposed between the circuit board and the expansion card, which can be used to improve the heat dissipation effect of the expansion card.

[0083] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An expansion card fixing device adapted to be fixed to a circuit board to fix an end of an expansion card disposed on the circuit board, characterized by, The expansion card fixing device comprises: a heat sink comprising a plurality of fixing slots arranged along an axis, each of the plurality of fixing slots comprising a first portion and a second portion arranged along the axis, the first portion having a width greater than that of the second portion; and a clamping assembly selectively disposed in one of the plurality of fixing slots and comprising a fixing member and a clamping member movably disposed in the fixing member along the axis, the clamping member comprising a first hook, the fixing member comprising a seat, an extension extending from the seat, and a second hook connected to the extension, the second hook having a width smaller than that of the first portion and greater than that of the second portion, wherein the extension and the second hook are adapted to extend into the first portion of the selected fixing slot, such that the second hook is located between the heat sink and the circuit board, the extension is adapted to move to the second portion, such that the second hook is restricted from moving upward, the seat comprises a bearing surface, the first hook is movably disposed above the bearing surface, and the end of the expansion card is adapted to be fixed between the bearing surface and the first hook.

2. The expansion card retaining device of claim 1, wherein, one of the second portion and the extension comprises an arc-shaped protrusion, and the other comprises a corresponding concave hole, when the extension moves to the second portion, the arc-shaped protrusion extends into the concave hole, such that the extension is fixed to the second portion.

3. The expansion card retaining device of claim 1, wherein, The clamping assembly further comprises a resilient member disposed between the clamping member and the fixing member.

4. The expansion card retaining device of claim 3, wherein, The clamping member comprises a stop portion facing the seat, to restrict the movement range of the clamping member pushed by the resilient member.

5. The expansion card retaining device of claim 1, wherein, The clamping member comprises an inclined surface facing away from the heat sink, the end of the expansion card is adapted to press the inclined surface downward, such that the clamping member retreats along the axis.

6. The expansion card retaining device of claim 1, wherein, The heat sink comprises a bent support, the support comprises a soldering leg at the end.

7. The expansion card retaining device of claim 1, wherein, The heat sink comprises a spacer column, the spacer column comprises a threaded hole.

8. The expansion card retaining device of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a heat-conducting gel disposed on the upper surface of the heat sink, to thermally couple the expansion card.

9. The expansion card retaining device of claim 1, wherein, The heat sink comprises a structural reinforcing rib.

10. A circuit board module characterized by comprising: adapted for expansion card insertion, and comprising: a circuit board comprising a connector; The expansion card fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the heat sink is fixed to the circuit board at a position corresponding to the connector, and the distance between the plurality of fixing slots and the connector comprises at least one of 60 mm, 80 mm, and 110 mm.

Images