Switching unit and electronic device comprising the same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a switching unit and electronic device containing it, including a support column and a fixed plate, wherein, the support column sets on a circuit board, and between an expansion card support column and an expansion card slot. And, the fixed plate sets on the support column, is used to support a first M.2 expansion card with first length, makes the first M.2 expansion card its gold finger interface inserts the expansion card slot. And, a first M.2 expansion card with second length can replace the first M.2 expansion card to be set on the fixed plate, and its gold finger interface inserts the expansion card slot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of electronic devices including M.2 expansion cards, and more particularly to an adapter unit that allows various M.2 expansion cards of different lengths to be mounted on a motherboard within an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that a computer system includes: servers, network switches, gateways, wireless network routers, NB-IoT gateways, network backup devices using 4G / 5G networks, embedded computers, single-board computers, industrial computers, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, vehicle-mounted computers, security monitoring hosts, gaming hosts, game consoles, etc., and mainly includes: a casing, a main circuit board, at least one electronic chip, at least one electronic component, and at least one adapter card slot.

[0003] In recent years, M.2 expansion cards with different functions have been introduced and widely used in various electronic devices based on computer system architectures, such as Wi-Fi expansion cards and SSD expansion cards. Therefore, manufacturers will include an expansion card slot on the main circuit board of the electronic device for the M.2 expansion card's gold finger interface to be inserted. For example, Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an expansion card slot and a first M.2 expansion card. The expansion card 10a is mounted on a main circuit board, and the first M.2 expansion card 11a is inserted into the expansion card slot 10a via a gold-finger interface, thereby electrically connecting to the electronic circuitry laid on the main circuit board. For more detailed explanation... Figure 1 The first M.2 expansion card 11a shown has a length of 40mm, and a first support post 12a with screw holes is also provided on the main circuit board to support and fix the first M.2 expansion card 11a.

[0004] on the other hand, Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an expansion card slot and a second M.2 expansion card. Figure 2 As shown, the second M.2 expansion card 13a is inserted into an expansion card slot 10a mounted on a main circuit board via its gold finger interface, thereby electrically connecting to the electronic circuitry mounted on the main circuit board. For a more detailed explanation, Figure 2 The second M.2 expansion card 13a shown is 50mm long, and a second support post 14a with screw holes is also provided on the main circuit board to support and fix the second M.2 expansion card 13a.

[0005] and, Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an expansion card slot and a third M.2 expansion card. Figure 3As shown, the third M.2 expansion card 15a is inserted into an expansion card slot 10a mounted on a main circuit board via its gold finger interface, thereby electrically connecting to the electronic circuitry mounted on the main circuit board. For a more detailed explanation, Figure 3 The third M.2 expansion card 15a shown is 52mm long, and a third support post 16a with screw holes is also provided on the main circuit board to support and fix the third M.2 expansion card 15a.

[0006] It is easy to imagine that by simply providing an M.2 slot 10a, a first support post 12a with a screw hole, a second support post 14a with a screw hole, and a third support post 16a with a screw hole on the main circuit board of a specific electronic device, the user / engineer can selectively add a first M.2 expansion card 11a, a second M.2 expansion card 13a, or a third M.2 expansion card 15a to that specific electronic device. However, practical experience shows that because the third M.2 expansion card 15a is 52mm long and the second M.2 expansion card 13a is 50mm long, it is not possible to simultaneously provide a second support post 14a for supporting the second M.2 expansion card 13a and a third support post 16a for supporting the third M.2 expansion card 15a on the main circuit board.

[0007] In summary, the existing technology's configuration of the main circuit board in electronic devices does not allow users / engineers to selectively add M.2 expansion cards of various lengths to the main circuit board, thus leaving room for improvement. In view of this, the creator of this utility model has diligently researched and invented, and has finally completed the development of an adapter unit and an electronic device containing it. Utility Model Content

[0008] This utility model is an adapter unit for integration into an electronic device, allowing users / engineers to selectively mount a first M.2 expansion card with a first length, a second M.2 expansion card with a second length, or a third M.2 expansion card with a third length onto the main circuit board of the electronic device.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, a first embodiment of the adapter unit of this utility model is proposed, which is used to be disposed on a circuit board in an electronic device, wherein the circuit board is provided with an expansion card slot and an expansion card support post, and the adapter unit includes:

[0010] A support post, for mounting on the circuit board and positioned between the expansion card support post and the expansion card slot; and

[0011] A fixing plate is disposed on the support column and the expansion card support column, and includes a first section, a second section and a bent section connecting the first section and the second section;

[0012] The first segment is connected to the expansion card support column, the second segment is connected to the support column, and a first M.2 expansion card with a first length can be set on the fixing plate and inserted into the expansion card slot through a first gold finger interface.

[0013] When the first M.2 expansion card is mounted on the fixing plate, the second section supports the bottom of the first M.2 expansion card.

[0014] In one embodiment, the expansion card support post has a screw hole, the first M.2 expansion card has a first notch, and the support post has a first screw hole.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fixing plate has multiple structures, and the multiple structures include:

[0016] A first through hole is formed on the first section and corresponds to the screw hole of the expansion card support post;

[0017] A second screw hole is formed on the second segment and corresponds to the first notch of the first M.2 expansion card; and

[0018] A second through hole is formed on the second section and corresponds to the first screw hole of the support column;

[0019] In this process, after a first screwing component is passed through the first notch and further screwed into the second screw hole, the first M.2 expansion clip can be further secured to the fixing plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, a second M.2 expansion card having a second length may replace the first M.2 expansion card and be mounted on the mounting plate, and inserted into the expansion card slot via a second gold finger interface.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second M.2 expansion card has a second notch, and when the second M.2 expansion card is disposed on the fixing plate, the second segment supports the bottom of the second M.2 expansion card.

[0022] In one embodiment, after a second screwing component is passed through the second notch and the second through hole and further screwed into the first screw hole, the second M.2 expansion clip can be fixed to the fixing plate.

[0023] To achieve the above objectives, a first embodiment of the adapter unit of this utility model is further proposed, which is used to be disposed on a circuit board in an electronic device, wherein the circuit board is provided with an expansion card slot and an expansion card support post, and the adapter unit includes:

[0024] A support post, for mounting on the circuit board and positioned between the expansion card support post and the expansion card slot; and

[0025] A fixing plate is disposed on the support column and the expansion card support column, and includes a first section, a second section, a third section, a first bent section connecting the first section and the second section, and a second bent section connecting the second section and the third section;

[0026] The first segment is connected to the expansion card support column, the third segment is connected to the support column, and a first M.2 expansion card with a first length can be set on the fixing plate and inserted into the expansion card slot through a first gold finger interface.

[0027] When the first M.2 expansion card is mounted on the fixing plate, the second section supports the bottom of the first M.2 expansion card.

[0028] In one embodiment, the expansion card support post has a screw hole, the first M.2 expansion card has a first notch, and the support post has a first screw hole.

[0029] In one embodiment, the fixing plate has multiple structures, and the multiple structures include:

[0030] A first through hole is formed on the first section and corresponds to the screw hole of the expansion card support post;

[0031] A second screw hole is formed on the second segment and corresponds to the first notch of the first M.2 expansion card; and

[0032] A second through hole is formed on the third section and corresponds to the first screw hole of the support column;

[0033] In this process, after a first screwing component is passed through the first notch and further screwed into the second screw hole, the first M.2 expansion clip can be further secured to the fixing plate.

[0034] In one embodiment, a second M.2 expansion card having a second length may replace the first M.2 expansion card and be mounted on the mounting plate, and inserted into the expansion card slot via a second gold finger interface.

[0035] In one embodiment, the second M.2 expansion card has a second notch, and when the second M.2 expansion card is disposed on the fixing plate, the third segment supports the bottom of the second M.2 expansion card.

[0036] In one embodiment, after a second screwing component is passed through the second notch and the second through hole and further screwed into the first screw hole, the second M.2 expansion clip can be fixed to the fixing plate.

[0037] Furthermore, in this invention, an electronic device is also proposed, comprising a housing and at least one electronic chip disposed within the housing, the housing housing having the first or second embodiment of the adapter unit of this invention as described above.

[0038] In one embodiment, the electronic device is selected from any of the group consisting of servers, network switches, gateways, wireless network routers, NB-IoT gateways, network backup devices using 4G networks, embedded computers, single-board computers, industrial computers, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, in-vehicle computers, security monitoring hosts, gaming hosts, and game consoles. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of an expansion card slot and a first M.2 expansion card;

[0040] Figure 2 A perspective view of an expansion card slot and a second M.2 expansion card;

[0041] Figure 3 A perspective view of an expansion card slot and a third M.2 expansion card;

[0042] Figure 4 A perspective view of an electronic device including a switching unit according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An exploded three-dimensional view of the electronic device shown.

[0044] Figure 6 A first perspective view of an expansion card slot and the adapter unit of this utility model;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a first exploded perspective view of the adapter unit of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 8 A second perspective view of the expansion card slot and the adapter unit of this utility model;

[0047] Figure 9 A third perspective view of the expansion card slot and the adapter unit of this utility model;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a second exploded perspective view of the adapter unit of this utility model; and

[0049] Figure 11 The fourth perspective view of the expansion card slot and the adapter unit of this utility model.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0051] 10a: Expansion Card Slot

[0052] 11a: First M.2 Expansion Card

[0053] 12a: First support column

[0054] 13a: Second M.2 Expansion Card

[0055] 14a: Second support column

[0056] 15a: Third M.2 Expansion Card

[0057] 16a: Third support column

[0058] 1: Adapter Unit

[0059] 11: Support column

[0060] 12: Fixing plate

[0061] 121: First paragraph

[0062] 122: Second paragraph

[0063] 123: Third paragraph

[0064] 12T1: First perforation

[0065] 12T2: Second perforation

[0066] 11S1: First screw hole

[0067] 12S2: Second screw hole

[0068] 12B1: First bend

[0069] 12B2: Second bend

[0070] 2: Electronic devices

[0071] 21: Circuit Board

[0072] 22: Expansion Card Slot

[0073] 23: Expansion Card Support Column

[0074] 231: Screw hole

[0075] 24: First M.2 Expansion Card

[0076] 241: First Gap

[0077] 25: Second M.2 Expansion Card

[0078] 251: Second Gap

[0079] 26: Third M.2 Expansion Card

[0080] 261: The Third Gap Detailed Implementation

[0081] To enable your review committee to further understand the structure, features, purpose, and advantages of this utility model, detailed description of the preferred embodiments and drawings is attached below.

[0082] First Embodiment

[0083] Please see Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an electronic device including a switching unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 5 for Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the adapter unit 1 of this utility model is used to be mounted on a circuit board 21 within an electronic device 2. The circuit board 21 has an expansion card slot 22 and an expansion card support post 23. In feasible embodiments, the electronic device 2 may be, but is not limited to, a server, network switch, gateway, wireless network router, NB-IoT gateway, network backup device using a 4G network, embedded computer, single-board computer, industrial computer, desktop computer, all-in-one computer, vehicle computer, security monitoring host, gaming host, or game console.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a first perspective view of an expansion card slot and the adapter unit of this utility model. Figure 7 This is a first exploded perspective view of the adapter unit of this utility model. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the adapter unit 1 of this utility model mainly includes a support column 11 and a fixing plate 12. The support column 11 is used to be mounted on the circuit board 21 and is located between the expansion card support column 23 and the expansion card slot 22. On the other hand, the fixing plate 12 is mounted on the support column 11 and the expansion card support column 23, and includes a first segment 121, a second segment 122, and a bent segment 12B1 connecting the first segment 121 and the second segment 122. With this design, the first segment 121 connects to the expansion card support column 23, the second segment 122 connects to the support column 11, and a first M.2 expansion card 24 with a first length can be mounted on the fixing plate 12 and inserted into the expansion card slot 22 through a first gold finger interface. Furthermore, when the first M.2 expansion card 24 is mounted on the fixing plate 12, the second segment 122 supports the bottom of the first M.2 expansion card 24.

[0085] More specifically, the expansion card support post 23 has a screw hole 231, the first M.2 expansion card 24 has a first notch 241, and the support post 11 has a first screw hole 11S1. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the fixing plate 12 has multiple structures, including a first through hole 12T1, a second screw hole 12S2, and a second through hole 12T2. Specifically, the first through hole 12T1 is formed on the first segment 121 and corresponds to the screw hole 231 of the expansion card support post 23. On the other hand, the second screw hole 12S2 is formed on the second segment 122 and corresponds to the first notch 241 of the first M.2 expansion card 24. With this design, the first M.2 expansion card 24 can be further fixed to the fixing plate 12 by passing a first fastening component through the first notch 241 and further screwing it into the second screw hole 12S2.

[0086] Figure 8 A second perspective view of the expanded card slot and the adapter unit of this utility model. (See figure) Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in the case of the adapter unit 1 of this utility model, a second M.2 expansion card 25 having a second length can replace the first M.2 expansion card 24 and is thus mounted on the fixing plate 12, and is inserted into the expansion card slot 22 via a second gold finger interface. Specifically, the second length is 42mm, and the first length is 52mm. Furthermore, the second M.2 expansion card 25 has a second notch 251, and when the second M.2 expansion card 25 is mounted on the fixing plate 12, the second segment 122 supports the bottom of the second M.2 expansion card 25. It is worth noting that in the fixing plate 12, the second through hole 12T2 is formed on the second segment 122 and corresponds to the first screw hole 11S1 of the support post 11. With this design, the second M.2 expansion card 25 can be fixed to the fixing plate 12 by simply passing a second screw component through the second notch 251 and the second through hole 12T2 and further screwing it into the first screw hole 11S1.

[0087] Second Embodiment

[0088] Please see Figure 9 This is a third perspective view of the expansion card slot and the adapter unit of this utility model. Furthermore, Figure 10 This is a second exploded perspective view of the adapter unit of this utility model. (See diagram below.) Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in the second embodiment, the adapter unit 1 of this utility model mainly includes a support column 11 and a fixing plate 12. The support column 11 is used to be mounted on the circuit board 21 and is located between the expansion card support column 23 and the expansion card slot 22. On the other hand, the fixing plate 12 is mounted on the support column 11 and the expansion card support column 23, and includes a first segment 121, a second segment 122, a third segment 123, a first bent segment 12B1 connecting the first segment 121 and the second segment 122, and a second bent segment 12B2 connecting the second segment 122 and the third segment 122. With this design, the first segment 121 is connected to the expansion card support column 23, the third segment 123 is connected to the support column 11, and a third M.2 expansion card 26 with a third length can be mounted on the fixing plate 12 and inserted into the expansion card slot 22 through a third gold finger interface. Furthermore, when the third M.2 expansion card 26 is mounted on the fixing plate 12, the second segment 122 supports the bottom of the third M.2 expansion card 26.

[0089] More specifically, the expansion card support post 23 has a screw hole 231, the third M.2 expansion card 26 has a third notch 261, and the support post 11 has a first screw hole 11S1. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the fixing plate 12 has multiple structures, including a first through hole 12T1, a second screw hole 12S2, and a second through hole 12T2. Specifically, the first through hole 12T1 is formed on the first segment 121 and corresponds to the screw hole 231 of the expansion card support post 23. On the other hand, the second screw hole 12S2 is formed on the second segment 122 and corresponds to the third notch 261 of the third M.2 expansion card 26. With this design, the third M.2 expansion card 26 can be further fixed to the fixing plate 12 by passing a first fastening component through the third notch 261 and further screwing it into the second screw hole 12S2.

[0090] Figure 11 A fourth perspective view showing the expansion of the card slot and the adapter unit of this utility model. (See figure) Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in the case of the adapter unit 1 of this utility model, a second M.2 expansion card 25 having a second length can replace the third M.2 expansion card 26 and is thus mounted on the fixing plate 12, and inserted into the expansion card slot 22 via a second gold finger interface. Specifically, the second length is 42mm and the third length is 50mm. Furthermore, the second M.2 expansion card 25 has a second notch 251, and when the second M.2 expansion card 25 is mounted on the fixing plate 12, the third segment 123 supports the bottom of the second M.2 expansion card 25. It is worth noting that in the fixing plate 12, the second through hole 12T2 is formed on the third segment 123 and corresponds to the first screw hole 11S1 of the support post 11. With this design, the second M.2 expansion card 25 can be fixed to the fixing plate 12 by simply passing a second screw component through the second notch 251 and the second through hole 12T2 and further screwing it into the first screw hole 11S1.

[0091] In summary, the adapter unit and the electronic device comprising it have been fully and clearly described. However, it must be emphasized that the embodiments disclosed above are preferred embodiments, and any partial changes or modifications derived from the technical concept of this invention and easily deduced by those skilled in the art are not outside the scope of the patent rights of this invention.

Claims

1. A switching unit for mounting on a circuit board within an electronic device, characterized in that, The circuit board has an expansion card slot and an expansion card support post, and the adapter unit includes: A support post, for mounting on the circuit board and positioned between the expansion card support post and the expansion card slot; and A fixing plate is disposed on the support column and the expansion card support column, and includes a first section, a second section and a bent section connecting the first section and the second section; The first segment is connected to the expansion card support column, the second segment is connected to the support column, and a first M.2 expansion card with a first length can be set on the fixing plate and inserted into the expansion card slot through a first gold finger interface. When the first M.2 expansion card is mounted on the fixing plate, the second section supports the bottom of the first M.2 expansion card.

2. The adapter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion card support post has a screw hole, the first M.2 expansion card has a first notch, and the support post has a first screw hole.

3. The adapter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing plate has multiple structures, and the multiple structures include: A first through hole is formed on the first section and corresponds to the screw hole of the expansion card support post; A second screw hole is formed on the second segment and corresponds to the first notch of the first M.2 expansion card; and A second through hole is formed on the second section and corresponds to the first screw hole of the support column; In this process, after a first screwing component is passed through the first notch and further screwed into the second screw hole, the first M.2 expansion clip can be further secured to the fixing plate.

4. The adapter unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, A second M.2 expansion card of a second length can replace the first M.2 expansion card and is thus mounted on the mounting plate and inserted into the expansion card slot via a second gold finger interface.

5. The adapter unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second M.2 expansion card has a second notch, and when the second M.2 expansion card is mounted on the mounting plate, the second segment supports the bottom of the second M.2 expansion card.

6. The adapter unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, After a second screwing component is passed through the second notch and the second through hole and further screwed into the first screw hole, the second M.2 expansion clip can be fixed to the fixing plate.

7. A switching unit for mounting on a circuit board within an electronic device, characterized in that, The circuit board has an expansion card slot and an expansion card support post, and the adapter unit includes: A support post, for mounting on the circuit board and positioned between the expansion card support post and the expansion card slot; and A fixing plate is disposed on the support column and the expansion card support column, and includes a first section, a second section, a third section, a first bent section connecting the first section and the second section, and a second bent section connecting the second section and the third section; The first segment is connected to the expansion card support column, the third segment is connected to the support column, and a first M.2 expansion card with a first length can be set on the fixing plate and inserted into the expansion card slot through a first gold finger interface. When the first M.2 expansion card is mounted on the fixing plate, the second section supports the bottom of the first M.2 expansion card.

8. The adapter unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The expansion card support post has a screw hole, the first M.2 expansion card has a first notch, and the support post has a first screw hole.

9. The adapter unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixing plate has multiple structures, and the multiple structures include: A first through hole is formed on the first section and corresponds to the screw hole of the expansion card support post; A second screw hole is formed on the second segment and corresponds to the first notch of the first M.2 expansion card; and A second through hole is formed on the third section and corresponds to the first screw hole of the support column; In this process, after a first screwing component is passed through the first notch and further screwed into the second screw hole, the first M.2 expansion clip can be further secured to the fixing plate.

10. The adapter unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, A second M.2 expansion card of a second length can replace the first M.2 expansion card and is thus mounted on the mounting plate and inserted into the expansion card slot via a second gold finger interface.

11. The adapter unit according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second M.2 expansion card has a second notch, and when the second M.2 expansion card is mounted on the mounting plate, the third segment supports the bottom of the second M.2 expansion card.

12. The adapter unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, After a second screwing component is passed through the second notch and the second through hole and further screwed into the first screw hole, the second M.2 expansion clip can be fixed to the fixing plate.

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