CN106953184B

CN106953184B - Printed circuit board holder, computing device having printed circuit board holder, and method of forming printed circuit board holder

Info

Publication number: CN106953184B
Application number: CN201610008923.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吴奕龙
Original assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-07
Filing date: 2016-01-07
Publication date: 2020-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 2036-01-07
Also published as: CN106953184A

Abstract

A printed circuit board holder, computing device, and method of forming a printed circuit board holder are disclosed. The printed circuit board holder includes: a channel configured to guide a printed circuit board for connection with a connector; and a latch configured to be secured to the printed circuit board, wherein at least a portion of the latch is biased to extend into the channel, upon insertion of the printed circuit board, the latch is pivotable about a pivot point to engage the latch with the printed circuit board to secure the connection of the printed circuit board to the connector, and the latch is pivotable about a pivot point to disengage the latch from the printed circuit board for removal of the printed circuit board from the connector.

Description

Printed circuit board holder, computing device having printed circuit board holder, and method of forming printed circuit board holder

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to printed circuit board holders, computing devices, and methods of forming printed circuit board holders.

Background

During assembly of a printed circuit board, such as in the computing industry, a printed circuit board slot connector may be used to couple the printed circuit board to another printed circuit board (such as a motherboard).

As the number of electronic components to be mounted on a printed circuit board increases and there is a need for making the components more compact to achieve a smaller form size, smaller latch designs are often desired to secure the printed circuit board.

Thus, a significant problem that can arise is that current slot connectors can provide an inadequate mating between the slot connector and the printed circuit board. Inadequate mating often results in an unstable physical assembly of the printed circuit board, and such printed circuit boards may be easily forcibly removed from the connector. In addition, insufficient matching results in poorer signal quality because the contact between printed circuit boards coupled together via the slot connector becomes unstable.

Therefore, in view of the above, there is a need for a printed circuit board holder, a computing device, and a method of forming a printed circuit board holder that seek to address at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a printed circuit board holder including: a channel configured to guide a printed circuit board for connection with a connector; and a latch configured to be secured to the printed circuit board, wherein at least a portion of the latch is biased to extend into the channel, the latch is pivotable about a pivot point upon insertion into the printed circuit board to engage the latch with the printed circuit board to secure the connection of the printed circuit board to the connector, and the latch is pivotable about the pivot point to disengage the latch from the printed circuit board for removal of the printed circuit board from the connector.

The circuit board holder further comprises a support wall and a second wall, the channel being defined between the second wall and the support wall; and the latch may comprise an elongate engagement member coupled to the support wall at a pivot joint, the pivot joint being a pivot point of the latch, the elongate engagement member comprising an actuation end and a retention end disposed within the channel; wherein the pivot joint is disposed between the dwell end and the actuation end of the elongated engagement member; and the retention end of the elongated engagement member is biased to a rest position spaced from the support wall, the retention end being movable from the rest position toward the support wall upon contact of an external force at the retention end.

The actuating end of the elongated engagement member may be configured to receive an external force to pivot the elongated engagement member about the pivot joint for moving the retention end toward the support wall.

The retention end of the elongated engagement member may be configured to engage with a receiving window of a printed circuit board.

The actuating end may be at least as far from the pivot joint as the dwell end.

The ratio of the distance of the actuating end from the pivot joint to the distance of the dwell end from the pivot joint may be in the range of 1.0 to 1.5.

The actuating end of the elongated engagement member may be spaced from the surface of the support wall by a distance that is shorter than a distance between the detenting end and the inner surface of the support wall when the detenting end is biased to the rest position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computing device, the device comprising: a processor; at least one memory component coupled to the processor via a connector, the memory component being disposed on the printed circuit board; and one or more printed circuit board holders, each circuit board holder comprising: a channel configured to guide a printed circuit board for connection with a connector; and a latch secured to the printed circuit board, wherein at least a portion of the latch is biased to extend into the channel, the latch is pivotable about a pivot point upon insertion of the printed circuit board to engage the latch with the printed circuit board to secure the connection of the printed circuit board with the connector, and the latch is pivotable about the pivot point to disengage the latch from the printed circuit board for removal of the printed circuit board from the connector.

The circuit board holder further comprises a support wall and a second wall, the channel being defined between the second wall and the support wall; and the latch comprises an elongated engagement member coupled to the support wall at a pivot joint, the pivot joint being a pivot point of the latch, the elongated engagement member comprising an actuation end and a retention end disposed within the channel; wherein the pivot joint is disposed between the dwell end and the actuation end of the elongated engagement member; and the retention end of the elongated engagement member is biased to a rest position spaced from the support wall, the retention end being movable from the rest position toward the support wall upon contact of an external force at the retention end upon insertion of the printed circuit board.

The actuating end of the elongated engagement member may be configured to receive an external force to pivot the elongated engagement member about the pivot joint for moving the retention end toward the support wall for removing the printed circuit board from the connector.

The detaining end of the elongated engagement member may engage with the receiving window of the printed circuit board in the rest position.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of forming a printed circuit board holder, the method including: forming a channel configured to guide a printed circuit board for connection with a connector; and forming a latch configured to be secured to the printed circuit board, wherein at least a portion of the latch is biased to extend into the channel; and wherein the step of forming the locking element further comprises forming the locking element as: the latch is pivotable about a pivot point upon insertion of the printed circuit board to engage the latch with the printed circuit board and pivotable about a pivot point to disengage the latch from the printed circuit board for removal of the printed circuit board.

The step of forming the channel may comprise: forming a support wall; and forming a second wall, the channel being defined between the second wall and the support wall; and the step of forming the locking element may further comprise: forming a pivot joint at the support wall, the pivot joint being a pivot point of the locking member; forming an elongated engagement member including an actuation end and a retention end disposed within the channel, the elongated engagement member being formed to couple to the support wall at a pivot joint; wherein the pivot joint is formed between the dwell end and the actuation end of the elongated engagement member; and the step of forming the elongated engagement member may include forming a retention end of the elongated engagement member biased to a rest position spaced from the support wall, the retention end being formed to be movable from the rest position toward the support wall when external force is brought into contact therewith.

The method may further comprise forming an actuating end of the elongated engagement member to receive an external force to pivot the elongated engagement member about the pivot joint for moving the retention end toward the support wall.

The method may further include forming the retention end of the elongated engagement member to engage with a receiving window of the printed circuit board.

The method may further include forming the actuating end at a distance from the pivot joint that is at least equal to the distance of the retention end from the pivot joint.

The method may further include forming the actuation end of the elongated engagement member to be spaced from the surface of the support wall by a distance that is shorter than a distance between the retention end and the inner surface of the support wall.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be better understood and readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, by way of example only, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 1B is a side view of the printed circuit board holder of fig. 1A.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a printed circuit board holder in another exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3A, 3B, and 3C are side views for illustrating a sequence of inserting and engaging a printed circuit board using a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3D is a cross-sectional view along axis X-X' when viewed in direction a with reference to fig. 3C.

Fig. 4A, 4B, and 4C are perspective views for illustrating a sequence of inserting and engaging a printed circuit board using a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5A and 5B are side views of a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5C is a rear view of the printed circuit board holder when viewed in direction B with reference to fig. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a computing device in an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a schematic flow chart for illustrating a method of forming a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Exemplary non-limiting embodiments may provide printed circuit board holders, computing devices, and methods of forming printed circuit board holders.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 1B is a side view of the printed circuit board holder.

The printed circuit board holder 100 includes a channel 102, the channel 102 configured to guide a printed circuit board (not shown) for connection with a connector (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the connector is separate from the printed circuit board holder 100. The printed circuit board holder 100 further comprises a latch 104, the latch 104 being configured to be fastened to a printed circuit board. A portion of the latch 104 is biased to extend into the channel 102 and the latch 104 is able to pivot about a pivot point 106.

In an exemplary embodiment, a printed circuit board is inserted into the channel 102 such that the latches 104 engage the printed circuit board within the channel 102. This in turn secures the connection of the printed circuit board to the connector. To remove the printed circuit board from the connector, the latch 104 can pivot about a pivot point to disengage the latch 104 from the printed circuit board.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a printed circuit board holder in another exemplary embodiment. The printed circuit board holder 200 is essentially identical in function to the printed circuit board holder 100 described with reference to fig. 1A and 1B.

The printed circuit board holder 200 includes a channel 202, a latch 204, and a pivot point 206. The channel 202 is defined between a support wall 208 and a second wall 210. The latch 204 includes an elongated engagement member 212, the elongated engagement member 212 being coupled to the support wall 208 at a pivot joint, the pivot point 206 of the latch 204 being a pivot joint. Accordingly, reference numeral 206 is used hereinafter for the pivot joint of fig. 2.

In the exemplary embodiment, elongated engagement member 212 includes a retention end 214 and an actuation end 216. The pivot joint 206 is disposed between a detention end 214 and an actuation end 216 of the elongated engagement member 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot joint 206 may serve as a support point for pivoting the

ends

214, 216 about the pivot joint 206.

The retention end 214 is disposed within the channel 202 and is biased to a rest position spaced from the support wall 208. Due to the pivot joint 206, the retention end 214 is able to move from the rest position towards the support wall 208 when an external force is brought into contact at the retention end 214.

The actuating end 216 of the elongated engagement member 212 is configured to receive an external force to pivot the elongated engagement member 212 about the pivot joint 206.

Fig. 3A to 3C are side views for illustrating a sequence of inserting and engaging a printed circuit board using a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment. Printed circuit board holder 300 is substantially identical to printed circuit board holder 200 described with reference to fig. 2, and like reference numerals are used in fig. 3A to 3C to correspond to those of fig. 2.

In the exemplary embodiment, retention end 314 is biased to a rest position spaced from support wall 308. In the rest position, the retention end 314 is inclined at about (but not limited to) 14 ° from a vertical axis parallel to the support wall 308.

In fig. 3A, a printed circuit board 3000 is inserted into the channel 302 between the support wall 308 and the second wall 310. The latch 304 pivots about the pivot point 306 when an external force applied by the printed circuit board 3000 contacts the latch 304 along the elongated member 312. During pivoting, the retention end 314 moves from the rest position toward the support wall 308. That is, there is a counterclockwise rotation of the detention end 314. For example, the retention end 314 is tilted at this stage at about (but not limited to) 3 ° from a vertical axis parallel to the support wall 308.

In fig. 3B, as the printed circuit board 3000 is further inserted into the channel 302, the latch 304 is biased against the printed circuit board 3000. Due to the biasing, the retention end 314 is movable away from the support wall 308 and toward the rest position. For example, the retention end 314 is tilted at this stage at about (but not limited to) 7 ° from a vertical axis parallel to the support wall 308.

In fig. 3C, upon completion of insertion of the printed circuit board 3000 into the channel 302, the retention end 314 engages a receiving window (not shown) of the printed circuit board 3000. In an exemplary embodiment, the retention end 314 is configured to mate with and fit into a receiving window for engagement. Upon engagement of the retention end 314 with the receiving window, the external contact force experienced at the retention end 314 is substantially removed. Due to the biasing, the retention end 314 is biased to a rest position within the channel 302. For example, the retention end 314 is inclined at this stage at about (but not limited to) 14 ° from a vertical axis parallel to the support wall 308 in the rest position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing properties of the latch 304 are such that if the contact force is removed, the retention end 314 is biased back to a rest position spaced from the support wall 308.

Fig. 3D is a cross-sectional view along axis X-X' when viewed in direction a with reference to fig. 3C. In fig. 3D, retention end 314 engages receiving window 3002 of printed circuit board 3000 to retain printed circuit board 3000 within printed circuit board holder 300. Thus, the printed circuit board holder 300 secures the connection of the printed circuit board 3000 to the connector (not shown). For example, the connector is coupled to the printed circuit board 3000 at the area 3004.

In an exemplary embodiment, to remove the printed circuit board holder 300, an external force may be applied to the actuating end 316 by a user. Upon receiving an external force, the actuating end 316 is actuated to pivot the elongated member 312 about the pivot joint 306 to move the retention end 314 toward the support wall 308. Thus, the latch 304 may be disengaged from the printed circuit board 3000 for removal of the printed circuit board 3000 from the connector, for example at area 3004.

Fig. 4A to 4C are perspective views for illustrating a sequence of inserting and engaging a printed circuit board using a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment. The printed circuit board holder 400 is substantially the same as the printed circuit board holder 300 described with reference to fig. 3A to 3C.

In fig. 4A, a printed circuit board 4000 is inserted into a channel of a printed circuit board holder 400. In contrast to fig. 3A, the latch pivots about a pivot point when an external force applied by the printed circuit board 4000 is brought into contact with the latch along the elongated member 412 of the printed circuit board holder 400. During pivoting, the stagnation end moves from the rest position towards the support wall. That is, there is a counterclockwise rotation of the detaining end. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4A, the elongated member 412 is inclined at a small angle to the vertical. That is, the elongated member 412 is substantially vertical.

In fig. 4B, as the printed circuit board 4000 is further inserted into the channel of the printed circuit board holder 400, the latches are biased against the printed circuit board 4000. As compared to fig. 3B. Due to the biasing, the retention end can move away from the support wall and can move towards the rest position. Thus, as shown in fig. 4B, the elongated member 412 is inclined at a greater angle from vertical than the angle shown in fig. 4A.

In fig. 4C, upon completion of insertion of the printed circuit board 4000 into the channel of the printed circuit board holder 400, the retention end engages with the receiving window of the printed circuit board 4000. Upon engagement of the retention end with the receiving window, the external contact force experienced at the retention end is substantially removed. Due to the biasing, the stagnation end is biased to a rest position within the passage. Thus, as shown in fig. 4C, the elongated member 412 is inclined at the largest angle from the vertical as compared to the angle shown in fig. 4A and 4B.

Fig. 5A and 5B are side views of a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5C is a rear view of the printed circuit board holder when viewed in the direction B of fig. 5A. Fig. 5A, 5B, and 5C are provided to illustrate exemplary dimensions of a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment. This dimension is provided as an example only. These dimensions may vary depending on the desired purpose and properties of the printed circuit board holder.

The printed circuit boards of fig. 5A, 5B and 5C are essentially functionally identical to the described printed

circuit board holders

100, 200, 300. The printed circuit board holder 500 is designed to cooperate with a printed circuit board having a thickness of about 1.6mm (or about 0.160 cm).

In FIG. 5A, the dwell end 514 is about 2.71mm (or about 0.271cm) from the pivot joint 506. This distance is labeled C1. The actuating end 516 is about 3.06mm (or about 0.306cm) from the pivot joint 506. This distance is labeled C2.

In the exemplary embodiment, the ratio of C2 to C1 is approximately 1.12. It will be appreciated that this ratio may be selected according to the law of moments such that a relatively smaller force may be applied at the actuating end 516 to disengage the latch from the printed circuit board. That is, according to the moment law, C2 may be selected to be at least equal to C1. Further, the ratio may be selected according to the movement distance. At the current rate, the user may use a greater distance of movement to disengage the latch from the printed circuit board. This may prevent the user from accidentally disengaging the locking element.

In exemplary embodiments, the ratio of C2 to C1 may be in the range of 1.0 to 1.5. It is emphasized that these dimensions may vary depending on the desired purpose and properties of the printed circuit board holder. For example, it may alternatively be reversed such that the ratio of C1 to C2 is in the range of 1.0 to 1.5.

With respect to the latch in fig. 5B, the distance between the actuating end 516 and the surface of the support wall 508 is labeled C3. An axis parallel to the inner surface of the support wall 508 is shown at 518. The distance of the elongated member closer to the actuation end 516 to the axis 518 is indicated at reference 520 and labeled C4. The distance of the elongated member closer to the stagnation end 514 to the axis 518 is indicated at 522 and labeled C5. The distance from the retention end 514 to the inner surface of the second wall 510 is indicated at 524 and is labeled C6. The thickness of the elongated member is indicated at 526. In the exemplary embodiment, retentate end 514 is angled at about (but not limited to) 14 ° from axis 58.

In the exemplary embodiment, C4 is shorter than C5 to provide a slope of retention end 514. C3 is selected to be shorter than C5 so that when the latch is actuated at the actuation end 516, damage to the latch may be reduced or mitigated by limiting rotation of the latch in the clockwise direction by the top surface of the support wall 508. That is, the actuation end 516 of the elongated engagement member is selected to be spaced from the top surface of the support wall 508 by a distance that is shorter than the distance C5 between the dwell end and the inner surface of the support wall.

Furthermore, C3 is selected so that the printed circuit board when engaged within printed circuit board holder 500 may have sufficient or adequate electrical contact with the connector pins of the connector because the printed circuit board is not easily forcibly removed from printed circuit board holder 500. As compared to region 3004 of fig. 3D.

In an exemplary embodiment, when a printed circuit board having a thickness of about 1.6mm is inserted into the C6, rotation of the locking piece in the counterclockwise direction is also restricted by the printed circuit board. Thus, damage to the latch may also be reduced or mitigated by the printed circuit board.

In FIG. 5C, the length 511 of the base is about 8.0mm (or about 0.800 cm). The length 513 of the actuating end 516 is about 4.0mm (or about 0.400 cm). The length 511 of the base is selected according to the attachment choice for attaching the printed circuit board holder 500 to a printed circuit board, such as a motherboard. For example, the length 511 of the base may be selected based on the available screw size or bonding area on the motherboard.

In an exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board holder 500 is produced, formed or manufactured as a single integrated unit. It will be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limited to such, and that printed circuit board holder 500 may alternatively be a combination of two or more separate components.

In an exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board holder 500 is produced, formed, or manufactured using, but not limited to, a plastic molding process. Suitable materials are used such as, but not limited to, polymers or resins, including suitable thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers. For example, epoxy, phenolic, nylon, polyethylene, and polystyrene may be used. In addition, suitable metallization materials may also be used. For example, copper alloys, stainless steel and other flexible metals may be used. The above materials are some exemplary materials that may be used to fabricate the printed circuit board retainer.

It is emphasized that in the exemplary embodiment, the dimensions are exemplary and may be varied widely depending on the intended purpose and properties of the printed circuit board holder.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a computing device in an exemplary embodiment. The computing apparatus 600 may be, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a mobile communication device, a server apparatus, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the computing device 600 uses one or more printed circuit board holders substantially similar to the described printed

circuit board holders

100, 200, 300, 500.

The computing device 600 includes a processor or computing unit 602. Computing device 600 may also include one or

more connectors

604, 606 coupled to processor 602 and at least one memory component coupled to processor 602 by being secured with

respective connectors

604, 606. One or

more connectors

604, 606 are coupled to the processor 602 via a

bus

612, 614, such as a printed circuit board or motherboard. At least one

memory component

608, 610 is disposed on a respective printed

circuit board

608, 610.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one

memory component

608, 610 is held within or engaged with a respective printed

circuit board holder

616, 618. Each printed

circuit board holder

616, 618 is substantially similar to the printed

circuit board holders

100, 200, 300, 500 described above.

That is, each printed circuit board holder includes: a channel configured to guide a printed

circuit board

608, 610 for connection with a

connector

604, 606; and latches secured to the printed

circuit boards

608, 610. Further, at least a portion of the latch is biased to extend into the channel, the latch is pivotable about a pivot point when inserted into the printed

circuit board

608, 610 to engage the latch with the printed

circuit board

608, 610 to secure the connection of the printed

circuit board

608, 610 to the

connector

604, 606, and the latch is pivotable about a pivot point to disengage the latch from the printed

circuit board

608, 610 for removal of the printed

circuit board

608, 610 from the

connector

604, 606.

In an exemplary embodiment, the latches of the printed

circuit board holders

616, 618 engage corresponding receiving windows (not shown) of the printed

circuit boards

608, 610 in the rest position.

Fig. 7 is a schematic flow chart 700 illustrating a method of forming a printed circuit board holder in an exemplary embodiment. At step 702, a channel is formed that is configured to guide a printed circuit board for connection with a connector. At step 704, a latch is formed, the latch configured to be secured to a printed circuit board. At least a portion of the locking element is biased to extend into the channel. At step 706, the locking element is formed as: the latch is pivotable about a pivot point upon insertion of the printed circuit board to engage the latch with the printed circuit board and pivotable about a pivot point to disengage the latch from the printed circuit board for removal of the printed circuit board from the connector.

The channel may be formed to include: a support wall; and a second wall, the channel being defined between the second wall and the support wall. The locking member may be formed to further include a pivot joint formed at the support wall, the pivot joint being a pivot point of the locking member; an elongated engagement member may be formed to include an actuation end and a retention end disposed within the channel, the elongated engagement member may be formed to couple to the support wall at a pivot joint; wherein the pivot joint may be formed between the dwell end and the actuation end of the elongate engagement member; and the elongated engagement member may be formed to include a retention end portion of the elongated engagement member formed to be biased to a rest position spaced from the support wall, the retention end portion being formed to be movable from the rest position toward the support wall when an external force is brought into contact therewith.

The actuating end of the elongated engagement member may be formed to receive an external force to pivot the elongated engagement member about the pivot joint for moving the retention end toward the support wall.

The detaining end of the elongated engagement member may be formed to engage with a receiving window of the printed circuit board.

The actuating end may be formed at a distance from the pivot joint that is at least equal to the distance of the retention end from the pivot joint.

The actuating end of the elongated engagement member may be formed to be spaced from the surface of the support wall by a distance that is shorter than the thickness of the elongated engagement member.

In the described exemplary embodiments, a printed circuit board holder is provided that can hold or engage a printed circuit board such that the printed circuit board has a sufficient or secure fit with the connector. This may enhance signal quality and stabilize signal transmission. The secure mating may also ensure that the printed circuit board is not easily forcibly removed from the connector.

In the described exemplary embodiments, the printed circuit board holder may also provide better guidance of the printed circuit board for coupling to the connector. Better guidance may be provided by a channel defined by the latch and the opposing second wall and being smaller relative to the thickness of the printed circuit board.

In the described exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board holder may comprise an actuating end having a relatively small clear distance from the top surface of the support wall. For example, compare C3 of fig. 5B. The top surface of the support wall may prevent damage to the latch of the printed circuit board because the small clear distance limits further rotation or movement of the latch toward the top surface of the support wall. For example, in fig. 3C, rotation of the actuation end 316 toward the support wall 308 is limited by a small net distance. The small clear distance also prevents the printed circuit board from being accidentally dislodged or disengaged when engaged within the printed circuit board holder, for example during transport.

In the described exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board, when engaged within the printed circuit board holder, also prevents the latch from rotating or moving further toward the opposing second wall. Therefore, damage to the locking member can be prevented. For example, in fig. 3C, the presence of the printed circuit board limits the rotation of the actuating end 316 toward the second wall 310.

In the described embodiments, the printed circuit board holder may be manufactured or formed using relatively uncomplicated tooling. Sliding parts and/or pins are dispensed with. Furthermore, the printed circuit board holder may be manufactured or formed as an integrated single component.

In the described exemplary embodiments, a printed circuit board holder may be provided which has a relatively small footprint or which utilizes a relatively small space. This may be useful for increasingly crowded motherboards or motherboards of smaller form sizes.

Furthermore, the printed circuit board holder in the described exemplary embodiments may be easier for a user to insert and remove the printed circuit board. A user using the printed circuit board holder of the described exemplary embodiments may use the printed circuit board to contact the latches of the holder to rotate the latches away from the channels for secure insertion. After the printed circuit board is inserted, the latch is biased by itself back into a rest position engaging the printed circuit board and then securing the printed circuit board to the connector. Thus, the biased nature of the printed circuit board holder may be easier to actuate in small spaces or crowded conditions, for example, as compared to passive latching components that may require a user to manually unlock-insert-lock the printed circuit board with limited space.

In the described exemplary embodiments, although the printed circuit board holder has been described in various aspects as a holder that can cooperate with a printed circuit board in which the receiving window is inserted in the vertical direction, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the printed circuit board holder may be modified to cooperate in a horizontal direction.

In the description herein, the terms "coupled" or "connected," as used, are intended to cover a direct connection or a connection through one or more intermediate devices, unless otherwise specified.

In addition, when describing some embodiments, the present disclosure may have disclosed methods and/or processes as a particular sequence of steps. However, unless otherwise required, it is to be understood that the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps disclosed. Other sequences of steps are possible. The particular order of the steps disclosed herein is not to be construed as limiting. Unless otherwise required, the methods and/or processes disclosed herein are not limited to being performed in the order recited. The order of the steps may be varied and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, in the description herein, the word "substantially" is understood to include, but is not limited to, "completely" or "all" and the like, whenever used. Furthermore, terms such as "comprising," "including," and the like, when used herein, are intended as non-limiting descriptive language in which they broadly encompass the elements/components recited after such terms, in addition to other components not expressly recited. Further, terms such as "about", and the like, whenever used, generally mean a reasonable variation, such as a variation of +/-5% of the disclosed value, or a variation of +/-4% of the disclosed value, or a variation of +/-3% of the disclosed value, a variation of +/-2% of the disclosed value, or a variation of +/-1% of the disclosed value.

Further, in the description herein, certain values may be disclosed within certain ranges. The values at the endpoints of the ranges are intended to indicate preferred ranges. Whenever a range has been described, it is intended that the range cover and teach all possible subranges as well as individual values within the range. That is, the endpoints of the ranges are not to be construed as invariable limits. For example, a description of a range of 1% to 5% is intended to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges of 1% to 2%, 1% to 3%, 1% to 4%, 2% to 3%, etc., as well as values within that range, such as 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. The specific disclosure above is intended to be applicable to any depth/breadth of range.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that other variations and/or modifications may be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A printed circuit board holder comprising:

a channel configured to guide a printed circuit board for connection with a connector; and

a latch configured to be secured to the printed circuit board,

wherein at least a portion of the latch is biased to extend into the channel, the latch is pivotable about a pivot point upon insertion of the printed circuit board to engage the latch with the printed circuit board to secure the connection of the printed circuit board with the connector, and the latch is pivotable about the pivot point to disengage the latch from the printed circuit board for removal of the printed circuit board from the connector,

wherein the circuit board holder further comprises

A support wall and a second wall, the channel being defined between the second wall and the support wall; and is

The locking member includes:

an elongated engagement member coupled to the support wall at a pivot joint, the pivot joint being the pivot point of the latch, the elongated engagement member including an actuation end and a detention end disposed within the channel;

wherein the pivot joint is disposed between the detention end and the actuation end of the elongated engagement member; and is

The retention end of the elongated engagement member is biased to a rest position spaced from the support wall from which it is movable toward the support wall when an external force is brought into contact therewith.

2. A circuit board holder according to claim 1, wherein the actuating end of the elongate engagement member is configured to receive an external force to pivot the elongate engagement member about the pivot joint for moving the retaining end towards the support wall.

3. A printed circuit board holder according to claim 1, wherein the retention end of the elongate engagement member is configured to engage with a receiving window of the printed circuit board.

4. A printed circuit board holder according to claim 1, wherein the actuating end is at least equal in distance to the pivot joint as the detaining end is.

5. A printed circuit board holder according to claim 4, wherein the ratio of the distance of the actuating end from the pivot joint to the distance of the detenting end from the pivot joint is in the range of 1.0 to 1.5.

6. The printed circuit board holder according to claim 1, wherein the actuating end of the elongated engagement member is spaced from the surface of the support wall by a distance that is shorter than a distance between the detenting end and an inner surface of the support wall when the detenting end is biased to the rest position.

7. A computing device, the device comprising:

a processor;

at least one memory component coupled to the processor via a connector, the memory component disposed on a printed circuit board; and

one or more printed circuit board holders, each circuit board holder comprising:

a channel configured to guide the printed circuit board for connection with the connector; and

a latch secured to the printed circuit board,

wherein the circuit board holder further comprises

The locking member includes:

The retention end of the elongated engagement member is biased to a rest position spaced from the support wall, the retention end being movable from the rest position toward the support wall by an external force contacting the retention end upon insertion of the printed circuit board.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the actuating end of the elongated engagement member is configured to receive an external force to pivot the elongated engagement member about the pivot joint for moving the retention end toward the support wall for removing the printed circuit board from the connector.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the retention end of the elongated engagement member engages a receiving window of the printed circuit board in the rest position.

10. A method of forming a printed circuit board retainer, the method comprising:

forming a channel configured to guide a printed circuit board for connection with a connector; and

forming a latch configured to be secured to the printed circuit board, wherein at least a portion of the latch is biased to extend into the channel; and is

Wherein the step of forming the locking element further comprises forming the locking element as: being pivotable about a pivot point upon insertion of the printed circuit board to engage the latch with the printed circuit board and pivotable about the pivot point to disengage the latch from the printed circuit board for removal of the printed circuit board,

wherein the step of forming the channel comprises:

forming a support wall; and

forming a second wall, the channel being defined between the second wall and the support wall; and is

The step of forming the locking element further comprises:

forming a pivot joint at the support wall, the pivot joint being the pivot point of the locking element;

forming an elongated engagement member including an actuation end and a detention end disposed within the channel, the elongated engagement member formed to couple to the support wall at the pivot joint;

wherein the pivot joint is formed between the dwell end and the actuation end of the elongated engagement member; and is

The step of forming the elongated engagement member includes forming the retention end of the elongated engagement member biased to a rest position spaced from the support wall, the retention end being formed to be movable from the rest position toward the support wall when an external force is brought into contact therewith.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming the actuating end of the elongated engagement member to receive an external force to pivot the elongated engagement member about the pivot joint for moving the detenting end toward the support wall.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming the retention end of the elongated engagement member to engage with a receiving window of the printed circuit board.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming the actuation end at a distance from the pivot joint at least equal to a distance of the detention end from the pivot joint.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein a ratio of a distance of the actuation end from the pivot joint to a distance of the dwell end from the pivot joint is in a range of 1.0 to 1.5.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming the actuation end of the elongated engagement member to be spaced from a surface of the support wall by a distance that is shorter than a distance between the retention end and an inner surface of the support wall.