CN213240998U - Vertical plate support and computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model discloses a vertical plate support, vertical plate support include a first vertical plate support spare, a first latch, a second vertical plate support spare and a second latch. The computer card and the vertical plate are positioned on the mainboard. The first riser support member is configured to be coupled to a riser. The first latch is configured to couple the first riser bracket member to a first mounting point of the host board and move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The second riser support member is coupled to the first riser support member. The second latch is configured to couple the second riser bracket member to a second mounting point of the host board and move between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Description

Vertical plate support and computer system

[ technical field ] A method for producing a semiconductor device

The present invention relates generally to systems and devices for securing and supporting a computer card (computer card) placed on and connected to a motherboard (motherboard). More particularly, aspects of the present invention relate to a riser cradle (riser breaker) having a latch that secures a computer card to a motherboard and prevents accidental removal or removal of the computer card.

[ background of the invention ]

Computing devices (e.g., servers) typically include a housing and various electronic components located inside the housing. Such devices may be placed on and connected to a motherboard, which electrically connects the various components together. The host board is typically placed in a horizontal orientation at the bottom of the housing.

In some cases, a component may include one or more computer cards, such as a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) card, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) card, and the like. Such cards may be connected to a slot on a motherboard. However, in order to insert it into the slot, the card must be oriented vertically with respect to the motherboard. Since the height of the server chassis is typically limited, the size of the card is similarly limited. Depending on the space constraints of the housing and motherboard and the size of the computer card itself, a single computer card is often inserted into a riser bracket which in turn is inserted into a connector on the motherboard. This allows the computer card to be added to the system in a horizontal orientation (e.g., the same orientation as the motherboard). Thus, the computer card does not have to be placed in a vertical orientation and a larger card can be used.

Typically, connectors on a single edge of a computer card are inserted into the card slots of the riser bracket, which itself is also inserted into the card slots on the motherboard. As a result, computer cards are typically supported on only a single edge that is inserted into a riser (riser board). As computer cards become more complex, they typically grow larger and heavier. Because the computer card is supported by only a single edge, a heavier card may experience unwanted movement, such as wobbling, vibration, etc., when inserted into the motherboard. Therefore, new systems and devices for securing and supporting such computer cards are needed.

[ Utility model ] content

The various examples of the present invention are directed to the riser support for supporting the riser and the computer card inserted into the riser when the riser and the computer card are placed on the motherboard so that the computer card is connected to the motherboard by the riser support. In a first embodiment, a riser mount includes a first riser mount component, a first latch, a second riser mount component, and a second latch. The first riser support member is configured to be coupled to a riser. The first latch is configured to couple the first riser bracket component to a first mounting point of the host board and move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The second riser support member is coupled to the first riser support member. The second latch is configured to couple the second riser mount to a second mounting point of the host board and move between a locked position and an unlocked position.

In some cases, a connector on a first edge of the computer card is configured to be inserted into the riser such that the first riser bracket member supports the first edge of the computer card. In some cases, the second riser support component includes a cross member (cross member). The second edge of the computer card is configured to rest on the cross member such that the second riser bracket member supports the second edge of the computer card.

In some cases, the first riser support member and the second riser support member are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other.

In some cases, the first latch is configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position.

In some cases, the first latch includes a hook configured to extend through an opening in the first mounting point of the host board when the first latch is in the latched position, thereby helping to prevent removal of the riser bracket and the computer card from the host board. In some cases, the first latch is biased (bias) toward the latched position. In some cases, the riser mount further comprises a torsion spring. Movement of the first latch from the latched position to the unlatched position compresses the torsion spring, thereby biasing the first latch toward the latched position. In some cases, the first riser support member includes a vertical wall and a horizontal wall extending from the vertical wall. The first latch is coupled to the vertical wall and a top portion of the first latch extends through an opening in the horizontal wall. The top portion of the first latch is user accessible to move the first latch between the latched and unlatched positions.

In some cases, the second riser support member includes a horizontal wall and a vertical wall extending downwardly from a first end of the horizontal wall. The vertical wall is configured to be coupled to a portion of a computer card. In some cases, the vertical wall of the second riser mount includes a latch tab extending from a first surface of the vertical wall, and a catch tab extending from an opposing second surface of the vertical wall. In some cases, the catch projection of the second riser support member is sized to be insertable into a slot defined by a portion of a computer card to couple the second riser support member to the portion of the computer card. In some cases, the second latch is coupled to a second mounting point of the host board and includes a vertical wall defining a slot. The slot is dimensioned to receive therein a latch tab of a vertical wall of the second riser mount. In some cases, the latch projection is received in a slot defined by the second latch lock to secure the second riser mount when the second latch is in the locked position. The latch tab is not received in the slot when the second latch is in the unlocked position. In some cases, the second mounting point of the host board includes a tab, and the second latch includes a vertical wall defining a channel. The channel is sized to receive a tab of a second mounting point of the host board. In some cases, the tab of the second mounting point of the host board slides within the channel defined by the vertical wall lock of the second latch as the second latch moves between the latched position and the unlatched position. In some cases, the second end of the horizontal wall of the second riser support member is configured to couple to a third mounting point of the host board.

In some cases, the second riser support member is configured to be coupled to a portion of a computer card. The second latch is coupled to the second riser bracket and the second portion of the second host board when the second latch is in the locked position. The second latch disengages from the second riser bracket component when the second latch is in the unlocked position.

In some cases, the first riser bracket member is configured to support a first edge of a computer card inserted into the riser. The second riser bracket member is configured to support a second edge of the computer card. The second riser support member is configured to be coupled to: (1) a portion of a computer card; and (2) a third mounting point of the motherboard.

In a second embodiment, a computer system includes a housing, a motherboard, a riser, a computer card, and a riser bracket. The mainboard is arranged in the shell. The vertical plate is electrically connected to the main board. The computer card is inserted into the vertical plate so as to be electrically connected to the mainboard through the vertical plate. The riser bracket is configured to support a riser and a computer card. The riser support includes first riser support spare, first latch, second riser support spare and second latch. The first riser support member is configured to be coupled to a riser. The first latch is configured to couple the first riser bracket member to a first mounting point of the host board and move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The second riser support member is coupled to the first riser support member. The second latch is configured to couple the second riser mount to a second mounting point of the host board and move between a locked position and an unlocked position.

The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Rather, the foregoing summary merely provides an exemplification of some of the novel aspects and features set forth herein. The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

[ description of the drawings ]

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary riser bracket and an exemplary riser for securing a computer card to a host board in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view of a riser coupled to a riser bracket when an exemplary computer card is inserted into the riser according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 1C is a perspective view of a riser bracket supporting a computer card when the computer card is inserted into a riser according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a riser bracket and a computer card placed on a host board and a first latch configured to couple the riser bracket to the host board in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a first latch in a locked position according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the first latch in a latched position according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a first latch in an unlatched position according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the first latch in an unlatched position according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a first latch in an unlocked position when a riser bracket and a computer card are removed from a host board according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the first latch in an unlocked position when the riser bracket and computer card are removed from the motherboard in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a riser bracket and a computer card placed on a host board and a second latch configured to couple the riser bracket to the host board in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a second latch in an unlatched position according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 7B is a perspective view of a second latch in a locked position according to an aspect of the present invention.

The present invention may have various modifications and alternative forms. Some representative embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[ notation ] to show

100 vertical plate support

101A fastener

101B fastener

102 vertical plate

104 clamping groove

106 motherboard connection

108A fastener

108B fastener

109A screw hole

109B threaded hole

110 computer card

112A first edge

112B second edge

114 card connector

116 frame member

118 vertical wall

119: groove

120 first vertical plate support part

122 horizontal wall

123A first end

123B second end

124A vertical wall

124B vertical wall

125 opening of the container

126 cross member

128 opening

129A screw hole

129B threaded hole

132 latch

133 arrow head

134 pivot pin

136 hook part

138: top part

140 torsion spring

142 main body

144 coil

146 upper part

150 the second vertical plate support part

152 horizontal wall

154A vertical wall

154B vertical wall

156 cross member

158 opening

160A latch projection

160B card projection

162 convex part

172 latch

174A wall

174B wall

174C wall

176A channel

176B channel

178 handle

180: groove

200 host board

202 first mounting point

204 opening of the container

206 second mounting point

208A wall

208B wall

208C wall

210: groove

212A latch tab

212B latch projection

[ detailed description ] embodiments

The present invention may be embodied in many different forms. Representative embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. The present invention is an example or illustration of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments shown. In this regard, for example, elements and limitations that are disclosed in the abstract, novel content, and embodiments section, but not explicitly recited in the claims, should not be explicitly or collectively incorporated into the claims by implication, inference, or otherwise. For purposes of this embodiment, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, unless specifically stated otherwise; the word "including" means "including but not limited to". Moreover, approximating language, such as "about," nearly, "" substantially, "" approximately, "etc., may be used herein to mean" on, "" near, "or, for example," within 3-5%, or "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances," or any logical combination thereof.

The present invention relates to a vertical plate support for fixing and supporting a computer card when the computer card is electrically connected to a motherboard by a vertical plate. The riser support includes separate riser support pieces coupled to one another. The riser support member itself may be coupled to various mounting points on the host board. The riser bracket member is also coupled to the computer card and/or the riser to help support the computer card. The riser mount also includes one or more latches configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the latched position, the one or more latches help secure the computer card to the motherboard. One or more latches may also help prevent the computer card from swinging or other inadvertent movement.

Fig. 1A shows an example riser support 100 and riser 102 according to aspects of the invention. The riser mount 100 includes a first riser mount component 120 and a second riser mount component 150. In some embodiments, the first riser support member 120 and the second riser support member 150 are coupled together using one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, pins, clips, etc.). In other embodiments, the first riser support member 120 and the second riser support member 150 are integrally formed as a unitary structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first riser support member 120 and the second riser support member 150 are arranged perpendicular to each other, e.g., they form an interior angle of about 90 °. In other embodiments, the first riser mount 120 and the second riser mount 150 can be arranged such that they are parallel to each other. In such embodiments, the riser support 100 will generally include at least one cross-member coupling the first riser support component 120 and the second riser support component 150.

The first riser bracket part 120 includes a generally horizontal wall 122 and two generally vertical walls 124A and 124B. Vertical wall 124A extends downwardly from a first end of horizontal wall 122, and vertical wall 124B extends downwardly from a second end of horizontal wall 122. The cross member 126 engages the vertical wall 124A and the vertical wall 124B. A generally rectangular opening 128 is defined between the horizontal wall 122, the vertical wall 124A, the vertical wall 124B, and the cross member 126.

The riser 102 includes a card slot 104, the card slot 104 being electrically connected to a host board connector 106. The catch 104 extends horizontally from the riser 102. The opening 128 of the first riser support member 120 is sized to receive the snap groove 104 of the riser 102. The riser 102 can be coupled to the first riser support member 120 via fasteners 108A and 108B. In some embodiments, the fasteners 108A and 108B are screws that can be screwed into threaded holes 109A and 109B in the (screwed) riser 102 and threaded holes 129A and 129B in the first riser support member 120. In some embodiments, an opening 125 may be defined in the horizontal wall 122. For example, opening 125 can be used to access slot 104 of riser 102 from above. Opening 125 can also serve as an anchoring point for any other structure that may need to be attached to riser mount 100.

A computer card may be inserted into card slot 104. The card slot 104 electrically connects the inserted computer card to the motherboard connector 106. The motherboard connector 106 may then be inserted into an expansion card slot on the motherboard. This arrangement electrically connects the computer card to various components and devices that are electrically connected to the motherboard. The computer card may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) card, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) card, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) card, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) card, or any other suitable type of card. Computer cards may also take any format, such as full-height full-length (FHFL) cards, full-height half-length (FHHL) cards, half-height full-length (HHFL) cards, half-height half-length (HHHL) cards, half-height profile (LP) cards, or any other suitable format.

The second riser support member 150 includes a generally horizontal wall 152 and two generally vertical walls 154A and 154B spaced apart from one another. Vertical wall 154A extends downwardly from first end 123A of horizontal wall 152, and vertical wall 154B extends downwardly from second end 123B of horizontal wall 152. The cross member 156 connects the vertical wall 154A to the vertical wall 154B. A generally rectangular opening 158 is defined between the horizontal wall 152, the vertical wall 154A, the vertical wall 154B, and the cross member 156. The first riser support component 120 and the second riser support component 150 are arranged such that the horizontal wall 122 of the first riser support component 120 and the horizontal wall 152 of the second riser support component 150 are substantially coplanar and connected to one another, for example, via fasteners 101A and fasteners 101B. In some embodiments, the fasteners 101A and 101B can be screws that are inserted into corresponding threaded holes in the first riser mount 120 and the second riser mount 150.

Fig. 1A includes an enlarged inset view (zoomed-in inset view) of the vertical wall 154A of the second riser support member 150. As shown, vertical wall 154A includes a latch tab 160A and a card tab 160B. The latch tab 160A extends away from one surface of the vertical wall 154A toward the first riser bracket part 120. The card projection 160B extends away from the opposite surface of the vertical wall 154A away from the first riser bracket part 120. As discussed in more detail herein, card tab 160B can be used to couple second riser support member 150 to a computer card. In this example, the latch tab 160A and the card tab 160B are each dome-shaped.

Fig. 1B shows the riser mount 100 after the snap slots 104 of the riser 102 have been inserted into the openings 128 (fig. 1A) of the first riser mount part 120. A computer card 110 is being inserted into the card slot 104 of the riser 102. The catch slot 104 extends through the opening 128 and into an open area formed between the first riser support member 120 and the second riser support member 150.

The first edge 112A of the computer card 110 is positioned generally parallel to the first riser bracket member 120. Second edge 112B of computer card 110 is positioned substantially parallel to second riser bracket member 150. The first edge 112A includes a card connector 114, and the card connector 114 is insertable into the card slot 104 of the riser 102. The card connector 114 includes gold finger connectors (gold finger connectors) that contact corresponding contacts of the card slot 104. Second edge 112B includes frame members 116, with frame members 116 extending substantially the entire length of second edge 112B. Frame member 116 may be a separate component coupled to computer card 110 or may be integrally formed with computer card 110. FIG. 1B includes an enlarged illustration of one end of the second edge 112B of the computer card 110. At this end 112B of the second edge, frame member 116 terminates in a vertical wall 118 that includes a slot 119.

Fig. 1C shows riser bracket 100 after computer card 110 has been inserted into card slot 104 of riser 102. The first riser bracket member 120 generally supports the first edge 112A of the computer card 110 as the card connector is inserted into the card slot 104. The vertical wall of the frame member 116 is coupled to the vertical wall 154A of the second riser bracket member 154A, and thus the second riser bracket member 150 generally supports the second edge 112B of the computer card 110. In some embodiments, the frame member 116 of the computer card 110 extends through an opening 158 (fig. 1A) in the second riser bracket member 150 and rests on the cross member 156, thus helping to support the second edge 112B of the computer card. In other embodiments, frame members 116 extend through openings 158, but do not rest on cross members 156. In other embodiments, frame member 116 is positioned generally adjacent to opening 158, but does not extend through opening 158. In such embodiments, second riser support member 150 can further include a protrusion 162, and protrusion 162 can be used to couple second riser support member 150 to a mounting point on the host board, or to other components.

Fig. 1C includes an enlarged inset showing how computer card 110 is coupled to second riser support member 150. Vertical wall 154A of second riser bracket member 150 substantially abuts vertical wall 118 of frame member 116 when computer card 110 is inserted into card slot 104. Card tab 160B is aligned with slot 119 defined in vertical wall 118. Thus, when computer card 110 is inserted into card slot 104, card tab 160B may slide into slot 119. In some embodiments, card tab 160B and slot 119 are sized such that card tab 160B is retained in slot 119 via a friction fit (friction fit). In other embodiments, the bottom of the card protrusion 160B is slightly recessed (indexed) so that the portion of the vertical wall 118 forming the perimeter of the slot 119 fits into this recess so that the card protrusion 160B is retained in the slot 119. In other embodiments, the vertical wall 118 includes holes instead of the slots 119. In this plurality of embodiments, the aperture is not open at one end, as is the case with the slot 119, but is surrounded on all sides by a portion of the vertical wall 118. When computer card 110 is inserted into card slot 104, card protrusion 160B extends through the aperture. In any of the various embodiments, the interaction between the card protrusion 160B and the slot 119 (and/or aperture) may help support the computer card 110.

Fig. 2 shows the riser bracket 100 and the computer card 110, because the riser bracket 100 and the computer card 110 are placed on the motherboard 200, so that the computer card 110 can be electrically connected to the motherboard 200 via the riser. The motherboard 200 may be disposed in a housing of a computing system, such as a server system. As shown in the enlarged inset, the motherboard connector 106 in the riser can be inserted into a corresponding connector on the motherboard 200 to electrically connect the computer card 110 to various components 200 on the motherboard. The plurality of components may include processors, storage devices, mass storage devices (mass storage devices), and the like.

The enlarged inset also shows the latch 132, the latch 132 being coupled to the first riser bracket component 120. The latch 132 is configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the latch 132 couples the first riser bracket member 120 and the computer card 110 to the first mounting point 202 of the host board 200. As shown in fig. 2, the first mounting point 202 of the host board 200 is generally an arch defining an opening 204.

In the locked position, a portion of latch 132 extends through opening 204 such that latch 132 helps prevent removal of computer card 110 and riser bracket 100 from motherboard 200. In the unlocked position, a portion of latch 132 is retracted from opening 204 such that latch 132 does not prevent removal of computer card 110 and riser bracket 100 from motherboard 200. The enlarged inset of fig. 2 shows latch 132 in the unlatched position when riser 102 and computer card 110 are positioned directly above motherboard 200.

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of the latch 132 in the locked position. Figure (a). Fig. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the latch 132 in the locked position. As shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the latch 132 is coupled to the vertical wall 124A of the first riser mount 120 via a pivot pin 134. The latch 132 is rotatable about the pivot pin 134 and is thus pivotally or rotatably coupled to the first riser mount 120. The lower end of the latch 132 forms a hook 136. In the locked position, the hook 136 extends through an arcuate opening forming a first mounting point 202 of the bottom plate 200. Thus, hook 136 is disposed under the arch of first mounting point 202. When the latch 132 is in the latched position, contact between the hook 136 and the first mounting point 202 helps prevent the computer card from being removed in an upward direction away from the motherboard 200. In some embodiments, when the latch 132 is in the locked position, the bottom of the latch 132 rests on the host board 200. Thus, the latch 132 also helps support the weight of the computer card and prevents any undesired movement of the computer card.

In some embodiments, hook 136 is curved such that the arch of first mounting point 202 is positioned between the tip of hook 136 and the remainder of latch 132 when latch 132 is in the latched position. Thus, when the latch 132 is in the locked position, the latch 132 may also help prevent the computer card 110 from being removed in a lateral direction away from the motherboard 200.

The top portion 138 of the latch 132 extends upwardly through the horizontal wall 122 of the first riser bracket member 120. Thus, a user may access the top portion 138 to move the latch 132 between the latched and unlatched positions. When the latch 132 is rotated about the pivot pin 134, the top portion 138 is opposite the horizontal wall 122. Thus, a user may physically manipulate the top portion 138 to cause the top portion 138 to rotate relative to the horizontal wall 122, which in turn causes the latch 132 to rotate about the pivot pin 134 between the locked and unlocked positions.

The riser bracket 100 also includes a torsion spring 140 for biasing the latch 132 in the locked position. The torsion spring 140 includes a body 142 coupled to the vertical wall 124A, and a coil 144 coupled to the body 142. The coil 144 is generally wound around the body 142 and extends upwardly to contact the latch 132. An upper portion 146 of the coil 144 may wrap around the latch 132 to ensure that the coil 144 remains in contact with the latch 132 as the latch 132 moves. When the latch 132 is in the latched position, as shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the coil 144 is in a relaxed state (relaxed state), i.e., a state in which the coil 144 exerts minimal or no force on the latch 132.

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of the latch 132 after the latch 132 has been moved to the unlocked position. Fig. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the latch 132 in the unlatched position. As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the top portion 138 of the latch 132 has moved relative to the horizontal wall 122 of the first riser mount 120. When the top portion 138 is moved in this manner, the latch 132 rotates about the pivot pin 134 in the direction of arrow 133. This rotation of the latch 132 causes the hook portion 136 of the latch 132 to move away from the first mounting point 202 of the host board 200. Thus, when the latch 132 is in the unlatched position, the hook 136 does not extend through the opening 204 in the first mounting point 202, and the hook 136 is not positioned under the arch formed by the first mounting point 202.

As shown in fig. 4B, when the latch 132 is moved to the unlocked position, the upper half of the latch 132 moves toward the coil 144 of the torsion spring 140. Because the upper portion 146 of the coil 144 wraps around the latch 132, the coil 144 remains in contact with the latch 132. Movement of the latch 132 compresses the coil 144 in a rotational manner about the body 142. Compression of the coil 144 causes the coil 144 to transfer force to the latch 132. The force transmitted by the coil 144 to the latch 132 biases the latch 132 back to the latched position. The amount of force transmitted to the latch 132 when the latch 132 is in the unlatched position is greater than the amount of force transmitted to the latch 132 when the latch 132 is in the latched position, regardless of whether the coil 144 transmits force to the latch 132 when the latch 132 is in the latched position.

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of the latch 132 when the riser bracket and the computer card are removed from the motherboard 200. Fig. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the latch 132 when the riser bracket and the computer card are removed from the motherboard 200. Because the hook portion 136 of the latch 132 is no longer inserted through the opening 204 in the first mounting point, the latch 132 can move upward without contacting the upper portion of the arch formed by the first mounting point 202. Thus, when the latch 132 is in the unlocked position, the latch 132 does not prevent the riser and computer card from moving upward off the motherboard 200.

Although fig. 3A-5B illustrate that the latch 132 is rotatable between the locked and unlocked positions, the latch 132 may have other configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the latch 132 is coupled to the first riser mount 120 such that the latch 132 slides between the locked and unlocked positions. In these various embodiments, as shown in fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, the top portion 138 of the latch 132 can still be configured to slide relative to the horizontal wall 122 of the first riser bracket member 120. The coil 144 of the torsion spring 140 may still be configured to bias the latch 132 toward the locked position.

Fig. 6 shows the riser bracket 100 and the computer card 110 at a different angle than shown in fig. 2 when placed on the motherboard 200. Fig. 6 also shows an enlarged inset of the latch 172 coupled to the second mounting point 206 of the host board 200. The latch 172 is configured to couple the second riser mount member 150 to the second mounting point 206. Second mounting point 206 is a substantially U-shaped structure formed by walls 208A, 208B, and 208C. In some embodiments, wall 208C can define a slot 210 into which a snap projection 160B (fig. 1A) of second riser mount 150 can fit. The wall 208C also includes two latch tabs 212A and 212B for coupling the latch 172 to the second mounting point 206.

The latch 172 has a U-shape similar to the second mounting point 206. The U-shape of the latch 172 is formed by walls 174A, 174B, and 174C. Two passages 176A and 176B are included in wall 174C. The channel 176A is sized to receive the latch tab 212A of the wall 208A of the second mounting point 206. The channel 176B is sized to receive the latch tab 212B of the wall 208A of the second mounting point 206. Thus, the latch tab 212A and the latch tab 212B serve to couple the latch 172 to the second mounting point 206. The latch tabs 212A and 212B are also slidable within the channels 176A and 176B, which allows the latch 172 to slide between the locked and unlocked positions. The latch 172 may also include a grip 178, the grip 178 facilitating a user gripping the latch 172 to manually move the latch 172 between the locked and unlocked positions.

In the unlocked position shown in fig. 6, the wall 174B of the latch 172 is spaced apart from the wall 208B of the second mounting point 206. In the locked position, the wall 174B of the latch 172 is closer to the wall 208B than in the unlocked position. In some embodiments, wall 174B of latch 172 contacts wall 208B when in the unlocked position.

While fig. 6 shows latch 172 as a distinct component coupling second riser mount 150 to second mounting point 206, in other embodiments, latch 172 may be part of second riser mount 150. For example, the latch 172 can be formed as an integral part of the vertical wall 154A of the second riser mount 150. In such embodiments, the vertical wall 154A will generally not require a separate latch tab 160A (as shown in fig. 1) to couple the second riser mount 150 to the latch 172. In some embodiments, the latch 132 (fig. 2) can be formed as part of the second riser mount 150 rather than as part of the first riser mount 120. In such embodiments, the latch 132 would typically be formed at the other end of the second riser mount 150 opposite the latch 172.

Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of the latch 172 in the unlocked position after the riser and computer card have been placed on the motherboard. As shown, the vertical wall 154A of the second riser mount 150 is coupled to the vertical wall 118 of the computer card by a card protrusion 160B disposed in the slot 119 (fig. 1C) of the vertical wall 118. Vertical wall 118 and vertical wall 154A are positioned between wall 208A and wall 208C of second mounting point 206 when the computer card is placed on the motherboard.

The wall 174A of the latch 172 defines a slot 180, the slot 180 being sized to receive a latch tab 160A extending from the vertical wall 154A of the second riser bracket member 150. In the unlocked position shown in fig. 7A, the latch 172 is pulled back from the second mounting point 206 such that the wall 174B is spaced apart from the wall 208B at the latch 172. The slot 180 at the latch 172 is also spaced from the latch tab 160A and, therefore, the latch tab 160A is not positioned in the slot 180. Thus, in the unlocked position, latch 172 does not couple vertical wall 118 of the computer card and vertical wall 154A of second riser bracket member 150 to second mounting point 206 of the host board.

Fig. 7B shows a perspective view of the latch 172 in the locked position. In the locked position, the latch 172 moves toward the second mounting point 206. As the wall 174B of the latch moves toward the wall 208B, the slot 180 moves toward the latch tab 160A and receives the latch tab 160A. In some embodiments, the latch tab 160A and the slot 180 are sized such that the latch tab 160A is retained in the slot 180 via a friction fit. In other embodiments, the base of the latch tab 160A is slightly recessed such that the wall 174A forming part of the perimeter of the slot 180 fits into this recess such that the latch tab 160 is retained in the slot 180. In the locked position, latch 172 couples vertical wall 118 of the computer card and vertical wall 154A of second riser bracket member 150 to second mounting point 206 of the host board. Thus, the latch 172 secures the computer card to the motherboard and helps prevent the computer card from being accidentally removed from the motherboard. The latch 172 also helps support the weight of the computer card and prevents any undesired movement of the computer card.

Thus, when riser bracket 100 and computer card 110 are placed into motherboard 200 (as shown in fig. 2-6), first riser bracket piece 120 supports first edge 112A of computer card 110 and second riser bracket piece 150 supports second edge 112B of computer card 110 (both shown in fig. 1C). The first riser support member 120 is coupled to the riser 102, and the riser 102 in turn receives the card connector 114 of the computer card 110 in the card slot 104 (fig. 1B). Thus, the first riser bracket member 120 is coupled to the computer card 110. The first riser mount 120 is also coupled to a first mounting point 202 of the host board 200 via the latch 132 (as shown in fig. 3A and 3B). Second riser bracket member 150 is coupled to a portion of computer card 110 via latch 172 and to second mounting point 206 of motherboard 200 (as shown in fig. 7A and 7B). The latch 132 is movable between a locked position (fig. 3A and 3B) and an unlocked position (between fig. 4A and 4B). The latch 172 is movable between an unlocked position (fig. 7A) and a locked position (fig. 7B). When they are in the locked position, the latches 132 and 172 help secure the computer card 110 to the motherboard 200 and help prevent the computer card 110 from being accidentally removed from the motherboard 200. The latches 132 and 172 also help to stabilize the computer card 110 in the motherboard 200 and prevent any undesired movement of the computer card 110.

In other embodiments, the location and type of latch used with the riser bracket 100 can vary so long as the host board includes the appropriate mounting points (centering points) at the desired location. For example, in some embodiments, the latch 132 and the latch 172 may be reversed. In these embodiments, latch 132 can be used to couple second riser mount 150 to host board 200, and latch 172 can be used to couple first riser mount 120 to host board 200. In other embodiments, the latches 132 are used for both the first riser mount 120 and the second riser mount 150. In another embodiment, the latches 172 are used by both the first riser mount 120 and the second riser mount 150. In yet another embodiment, additional latches may be used.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," including, "" has, "" containing, "" has, "or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term" comprising.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be determined from the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur or are known to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims (10)

1. A vertical plate support for supporting a vertical plate and a computer card inserted into the vertical plate, the vertical plate and the computer card being positioned on a main board, the vertical plate support comprising:

a first riser support member configured to be coupled to the riser;

a first latch configured to couple the first riser bracket member to a first mounting point of the host board, the first latch configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position;

a second vertical plate support member coupled to the first vertical plate support member; and

a second latch configured to couple the second riser bracket member to a second mounting point of the host board, the second latch configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position.

2. The riser support of claim 1, wherein a connector on a first edge of the computer card is configured to be inserted into the riser such that the first riser support member supports the first edge of the computer card.

3. The riser support of claim 2, wherein the second riser support member includes a cross member, and wherein a second edge of the computer card is configured to rest on the cross member such that the second riser support member supports the second edge of the computer card.

4. The riser support of claim 1, wherein the first latch is configured to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

5. The riser support of claim 4, wherein the first latch includes a hook portion configured to extend through an opening in the first mounting point of the host plate when the first latch is in the locked position.

6. The riser support of claim 4, wherein the first riser support member includes a vertical wall and a horizontal wall extending from the vertical wall, the first latch being coupled to the vertical wall, and a top portion of the first latch extending through an opening in the horizontal wall such that the top portion of the first latch is accessible for movement of the first latch between the locked position and the unlocked position.

7. The riser support of claim 1, wherein the second riser support member includes a horizontal wall and a vertical wall extending downwardly from a first end of the horizontal wall, the vertical wall configured to couple to a portion of the computer card.

8. The riser support of claim 7, wherein the vertical wall of the second riser support member includes a latch tab extending from a first surface of the vertical wall and a catch tab extending from an opposite second surface of the vertical wall.

9. The riser support of claim 7, wherein a second end of the horizontal wall of the second riser support member is configured to couple to a third mounting point of the host board.

10. A computer system, comprising:

a housing;

a main board disposed in the housing;

a vertical plate electrically connected to the motherboard;

a computer card inserted into the vertical plate to electrically connect the computer card to the motherboard via the vertical plate; and

a riser support configured to support the riser and the computer card, the riser support comprising:

a first riser support member configured to be coupled to the riser;

a first latch configured to couple the first riser bracket member to a first mounting point of the host board, the first latch configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position;

a second vertical plate support member coupled to the first vertical plate support member; and

a second latch configured to couple the second riser bracket member to a second mounting point of the host board, the second latch configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Images