TWI890160B - Fixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A fixing device is adapted for being disposed on a board to fix an object detachably disposed on the board. The fixing device includes a base and a buckle assembly. The base includes a main body and a fixing member extending from a bottom surface of the main body. The main body includes a bearing surface, and the fixing member is adapted for being fixed to the board. The buckle assembly is movably disposed on the base and includes a moving member and a blocking member, the blocking member is located above the bearing surface. The object is adapted to be sandwiched between the bearing surface and the blocking member. When the moving member is moved, the buckle assembly moves so that the blocking member moves away from the bearing surface and the object is released. When the moving member is released, the buckle assembly returns to an original position.

Description

Fixing device

The present invention relates to a fixing device, and in particular to a fixing device that can be used to fix an object that is detachably mounted on a plate.

Currently, after the connector of an M.2 expansion card is inserted into the motherboard slot, the other end of the card must be secured to the motherboard. One method is to use a locking mechanism to hold the card in place. However, this method requires tools to remove and lock the locking mechanism when removing and installing the card into the motherboard, making it quite inconvenient.

This invention provides a fixing device that can quickly remove and install objects mounted on a panel without the need for tools.

This invention relates to a fixing device suitable for installation on a panel to secure an object that is removably mounted on the panel. The fixing device comprises a base and a snap assembly. The base comprises a main body and a fixing portion extending from the bottom surface of the main body, wherein the main body comprises a support surface, and the fixing portion is adapted to be fixed to the panel. The snap assembly is movably mounted on the base and comprises a movable portion and a latching portion, wherein the latching portion is positioned above the support surface. The object is adapted to be clamped between the support surface and the latching portion. When the movable portion is moved, the snap assembly moves, causing the latching portion to move away from the support surface, thereby releasing the object. When the movable portion is released, the snap assembly returns to its original position.

In this embodiment, the aforementioned fixing device further includes a stopper disposed on the main body to form a track together with the main body, and the snap assembly slides within the track.

In this embodiment, the fixing device further includes a screw. The stopper includes a through hole, and the main body includes a first screw hole. The screw passes through the through hole of the stopper and is screwed into the first screw hole of the main body. The nut of the screw presses against the stopper to secure the stopper to the main body.

In this embodiment, the fixing device further includes an elastic member disposed between the main body and the snap assembly. When the movable portion is moved, the elastic member compresses, and when the movable portion is released, the elastic member resets the snap assembly. Alternatively, the snap assembly is elastic, and when the movable portion is moved, the snap assembly deforms, and when the movable portion is released, the snap assembly returns to its original position.

In this embodiment, the main body includes a stopper portion, and the movable portion and the engaging portion are integrally formed. The buckle assembly includes a slot located between the movable portion and the engaging portion. The stopper portion is located within the slot and adjacent to the movable portion. The elastic member abuts between the stopper portion and the wall of the slot adjacent to the engaging portion.

In the embodiment of the present case, the main body includes a groove recessed in the upper surface, the bearing surface is located on the upper surface, the blocking portion is located in the groove and protrudes from the upper surface, and the elastic member is partially located in the groove.

In this embodiment, the aforementioned fixing device further includes a stopper disposed on the main body. The stopper and the main body together define a space. The stopper is formed with a track extending along the first axis. The movable portion and the abutting portion are separate components. The abutting portion is movably disposed in the space, and the movable portion is located within the track and is adapted to slide along the first axis.

In this embodiment, the aforementioned fixing device further includes an elastic member disposed between the main body and the buckle assembly. The engaging portion includes a receiving groove and an inclined groove connected to each other. The movable portion is located within the receiving groove and includes a slider slidably disposed within the inclined groove. The elastic member is located within the receiving groove and between the main body and the movable portion. When the movable portion is pressed downward and slides along a first axis, the slider of the movable portion pushes against the wall of the inclined groove, driving the engaging portion to move along a second axis, thereby moving the engaging portion away from the supporting surface.

In this embodiment, the nut seat includes a second screw hole and a positioning groove. The base includes a positioning portion extending from the bottom surface of the main body. When the fixing portion is screwed into the second screw hole, the positioning portion is located in the positioning groove. The positioning portion includes a stop surface perpendicular to the bottom surface and a first inclined surface inclined relative to the bottom surface. The positioning groove includes a second inclined surface corresponding to the first inclined surface. When the positioning portion is located in the positioning groove, the first inclined surface faces the second inclined surface.

In this embodiment, the main body comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a hollowed-out area between the first and second portions. The fixing portion protrudes from the first portion, the positioning portion protrudes from the second portion, and the thickness of the second portion is less than that of the first portion.

In the embodiment of the present case, the height of the positioning portion protruding from the bottom surface is less than or equal to the pitch of the fixing portion.

Based on the above, the base of the fixing device of this invention comprises a main body including a supporting surface, and a fixing portion of the base adapted to be fixed to a panel. A snap assembly is movably mounted on the base and comprises a movable portion and a latching portion. The latching portion is located above the supporting surface. An object is adapted to be clamped between the supporting surface and the latching portion. When the movable portion is moved, the snap assembly moves, causing the latching portion to move away from the supporting surface, releasing the object. When the movable portion is released, the snap assembly returns to its original position. Thus, the fixing device of this invention allows for quick installation and removal of objects mounted on a panel, without the need for tools, and by hand.

A1: First Axis

A2: Second Axis

H1: Height

H2: Pitch

10: Panels

14: Nut seat

15: Second screw hole

16: Positioning groove

17:Second slope

18: Slots

20:Object

100, 100a: Fixing device

105: Base

110: Subject

111: Loading surface

112: Bottom surface

114: Part 1

115: Part 2

116: Hollowed Area

117: First screw hole

118: Stopper

119: Groove

120: Fixed part

130: Positioning unit

131: Stop surface

132: First Incline

140, 140a: Snap assembly

141, 141a: Moving part

142: Slider

144: Card support

145: Hole Slot

146: Storage Tank

147: Chute

150: Elastic parts

160, 160a: Limiting parts

162: Through hole

164: Track

166: Third screw hole

170: Screws

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an object on a plate being secured by a securing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2A is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of Figure 1.

Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing another angle of view of the stopper in Figure 2A.

Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of the moving portion of the fixing device in Figure 1 after movement.

Figure 3B is a schematic diagram showing another angle of view of the stopper in Figure 3A.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the fixing device of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an exploded diagram of Figure 4.

Figure 6A is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of an object on a plate being secured by a securing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showing the plate and object shown in Figure 6A hidden.

Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the moving portion of the fixing device of Figure 6A after movement.

Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the plate and object shown in Figure 7A hidden.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the limiting member of the fixing device of Figure 6A.

Figures 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of the fixing device in Figure 6A from different viewing angles after the limiting member is hidden.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an object on a panel being secured by a securing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of Figure 1. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing another angle of view of the retaining member in Figure 2A hidden. Figure 3A is a schematic diagram showing the movable portion of the securing device in Figure 1 after movement. Figure 3B is a schematic diagram showing another angle of view of the retaining member in Figure 3A hidden. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the securing device in Figure 1. Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of Figure 4.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 , the fixing device 100 of this embodiment is suitable for being mounted on a panel 10 to secure an object 20 that is detachably mounted on the panel 10. In this embodiment, the panel 10 includes a nut mount 14 ( Figure 5 ) mounted thereon. The fixing device 100 is detachably mounted on the nut mount 14 of the panel 10.

Specifically, board 10 is, for example, a circuit board, and object 20 is, for example, an M.2 expansion card. Board 10 also includes a slot 18 (Figure 1) disposed thereon. Slot 18 is, for example, an M.2 slot, but the types of board 10, object 20, and slot 18 are not limited thereto. One end of object 20 (for example, an M.2 expansion card) is inserted into slot 18, and the other end of object 20 (for example, an M.2 expansion card) is secured by a securing device 100, thereby securely fixing object 20 (for example, an M.2 expansion card) to board 10 (for example, a circuit board).

The fixing device 100 of this embodiment can be easily and conveniently fastened to the nut seat 14 (Figure 4) on the panel 10, and can be quickly fastened or released by hand. The fixing device 100 and its related components are described below.

As shown in Figure 5, the fixing device 100 includes a base 105, a snap assembly 140, and an elastic member 150. The base 105 includes a main body 110 and a fixing portion 120 extending from a bottom surface 112 of the main body 110. The main body 110 includes a supporting surface 111 on its upper surface.

The latch assembly 140 is movably mounted on the base 105 and includes a movable portion 141 and a retaining portion 144. In this embodiment, the movable portion 141 and the retaining portion 144 are integral, but this is not limiting. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 144 is positioned above the support surface 111, and the object 20 can be positioned in the space between the retaining portion 144 and the support surface 111.

The fixing device 100 further includes a stopper 160 disposed on the main body 110. The fixing device 100 also includes a screw 170. The stopper 160 includes a through hole 162, and the main body 110 includes a first screw hole 117. The screw 170 passes through the through hole 162 of the stopper 160 and is screwed into the first screw hole 117 of the main body 110. The nut 117 of the screw 170 presses against the stopper 160, thereby securing the stopper 160 to the main body 110.

The retaining member 160 and the main body 110 together form a track, and the latch assembly 140 slides within the track. In other words, the latch assembly 140 can be moved between the retaining member 160 and the main body 110.

The elastic member 150 is disposed between the main body 110 and the latch assembly 140. Specifically, the main body 110 includes a recessed groove 119 and a stopper 118 in its upper surface. The latch assembly 140 includes a slot 145 between a movable portion 141 and a latching portion 144. The stopper 118 is located within the slot 145, protruding from the supporting surface 111 and proximal to the movable portion 141.

The elastic member 150 abuts between the stopper 118 and the wall of the slot 145 near the abutment 144, and is partially positioned within the recess 119. Therefore, as shown in FIG3B , when the buckle assembly 140 moves rightward relative to the main body 110, the elastic member 150 is compressed.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B , object 20 is positioned between support surface 111 and latching portion 144. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B , when movable portion 141 is moved, latch assembly 140 moves away from support surface 111, releasing object 20. At this point, elastic member 150 compresses. When movable portion 141 is released, elastic member 150 returns latch assembly 140 to its original position. Therefore, the fastening device 100 of this embodiment can be operated manually to quickly secure or release object 20.

It is worth noting that, in one embodiment, the fixing device 100 may not include the elastic member 150 in addition to the snap assembly 140. Alternatively, the snap assembly 140 may be elastic. When the movable portion 141 is moved, the snap assembly 140 deforms. When the movable portion 141 is released, the snap assembly 140 returns to its original position.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5 , in this embodiment, the fixing portion 120 of the fixing device 100 is adapted to be fixed to the nut seat 14 on the panel 10 ( Figure 1 ). The nut seat 14 includes a second screw hole 15 and a positioning groove 16 . The base 105 includes a fixing portion 120 extending from the bottom surface 112 of the main body 110 . The fixing portion 120 may be, for example, a stud that is threadably connected to the second screw hole 15 of the nut seat 14 . However, the method of fixing the fixing portion 120 to the panel 10 is not limited to this.

The positioning portion 130 includes a stop surface 131 perpendicular to the bottom surface 112 and a first inclined surface 132 inclined relative to the bottom surface 112. The positioning groove 16 includes a second inclined surface 17 corresponding to the first inclined surface 132. In this embodiment, when the fixing portion 120 is threaded into the screw hole 15, the main body 110 gradually approaches the nut seat 14.

In this embodiment, the nut seat 14 is positioned in a specific orientation relative to the panel 10. The screw hole 15 of the nut seat 14 has a predetermined starting point for the internal thread, and the fixing portion 120 also has a predetermined number of external thread turns. Therefore, when the fixing portion 120 is fully threaded into the screw hole 15 of the nut seat 14, the positioning portion 130 is located in the positioning groove 16. In this embodiment, the height H1 (Figure 6B) of the positioning portion 130 protruding from the bottom surface 112 is less than or equal to the thread pitch H2 (Figure 6B) of the fixing portion 120 to prevent interference between the positioning portion 130 and the panel 10.

When the positioning portion 130 is positioned within the positioning groove 16 , the first inclined surface 132 of the positioning portion 130 faces the second inclined surface 17 of the positioning groove 16 . The stop surface 131 of the positioning portion 130 is restrained by the vertical wall of the positioning groove 16 , preventing the fixing portion 120 from further downward rotation. This allows the main body 110 to be accurately positioned so that it faces a specific direction when fixed to the panel 10 . This design allows the fixing device 100 to be subsequently oriented toward the object 20, effectively securing the object 20.

Furthermore, when the fixing portion 120 is to be disengaged from the nut seat 14, since the first inclined surface 132 faces the second inclined surface 17, simply by turning the base 105 over, the first inclined surface 132 will follow the second inclined surface 17, allowing the fixing portion 120 to rotate upward smoothly.

The main body 110 also includes a first portion 114, a second portion 115, and a hollowed-out area 116 located between the first and second portions 114, 115. The fixing portion 120 protrudes from the first portion 114, while the positioning portion 130 protrudes from the second portion 115. The thickness of the second portion 115 is smaller than that of the first portion 114. The hollowed-out area 116 provides space for the first portion 114 to retract, allowing it to deform more easily. Furthermore, the positioning portion 130 located on the first portion 114 can move more flexibly when entering or exiting the positioning groove 16. Consequently, the fixing device 100 can be easily attached to and detached from the nut housing 14 of the panel 10.

The following describes the main differences between the fixing device 100a of another embodiment and the fixing device 100 of the previous embodiment. The remaining identical or similar components are not described in detail.

Figure 6A is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of an object on a panel being secured by a securing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the panel and object with Figure 6A hidden. Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the securing device in Figure 6A after the movable portion has moved. Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the panel and object with Figure 7A hidden. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the retaining member of the securing device in Figure 6A. Figures 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of the securing device in Figure 6A from different angles after the retaining member has been hidden.

Referring to Figures 6A to 9B , the retaining member 160a of the fixing device 100a of this embodiment is disposed on the main body 110, and the retaining member 160a and the main body 110 together form a space. As shown in Figure 8 , the retaining member 160a is formed with a track 164 extending along the first axis A1. The movable portion 141a passes through the track 164 and protrudes above the retaining member 160a.

As shown in Figures 9A and 9B , in this embodiment, the movable portion 141a and the abutting portion 144 of the latch assembly 140a are separate components. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B , in this embodiment, when the movable portion 141a is pressed downward, causing it to move relative to the stopper 160a along the first axis A1, the abutting portion 144 moves along the second axis A2. In other words, the abutting portion 144 is movably disposed along the second axis A2 in the space between the stopper 160a and the main body 110, and the movable portion 141a is located within the track 164 and is adapted to slide along the first axis A1. The movement direction of the movable portion 141a of the fixing device 100a of this embodiment is different from the movement direction of the abutting portion 144.

Specifically, the engaging portion 144 includes a connected receiving groove 146 and an inclined groove 147. The movable portion 141a is located within the receiving groove 146 and includes a slider 142 slidably disposed within the inclined groove 147. The elastic member 150 is located within the receiving groove 146 and is located between the main body 110 and the movable portion 141.

Because the movable portion 141a is restricted by the track 164 and can only move along the first axial direction A1, when the movable portion 141a is pressed downward and slides along the first axial direction A1, the slider 142 of the movable portion 141a pushes against the wall of the inclined slot 147, driving the abutting portion 144 to move along the second axial direction A2, moving the abutting portion 144 away from the supporting surface 111 and releasing the object 20. At this time, the elastic member 150 compresses. When the movable portion 141a is released, the elastic member 150 resets the movable portion 141a, which in turn resets the abutting portion 144. Therefore, the fixing device 100a of this embodiment can be operated manually to quickly secure or release the object 20.

In summary, the base of the present fixing device comprises a main body including a supporting surface, and a fixing portion adapted to be fixed to a panel. A snap assembly is movably mounted on the base and comprises a movable portion and a latching portion. The latching portion is positioned above the supporting surface. An elastic member is disposed between the main body and the snap assembly. An object is adapted to be clamped between the supporting surface and the latching portion. When the movable portion is moved, the snap assembly moves, causing the latching portion to move away from the supporting surface, releasing the object and compressing the elastic member. When the movable portion is released, the elastic member returns the snap assembly to its original position. This allows for quick, tool-free, manual installation and removal of objects mounted on a panel.

10: Panels

14: Nut seat

20:Object

105: Base

110: Subject

140: Buckle assembly

141:Mobile Department

144: Card support

160: Limiter

170: Screws

Claims (11)

A fixing device, adapted to be mounted on a panel to secure an object removably mounted on the panel, comprises: a base including a main body and a fixing portion extending from a bottom surface of the main body, wherein the main body includes a supporting surface, and the fixing portion is adapted to be fixed to the panel; and a snap assembly movably mounted on the base and including a movable portion and a latching portion, wherein the latching portion is located above the supporting surface, wherein the object is adapted to be sandwiched between the supporting surface and the latching portion. When the movable portion is moved, the snap assembly moves, causing the latching portion to move away from the supporting surface, thereby releasing the object. When the movable portion is released, the snap assembly returns to its original position. The fixing device according to claim 1 further includes a stopper disposed on the main body to form a track together with the main body, and the buckle assembly slides within the track. The fixing device according to claim 2 further includes a screw, the limiting member includes a through hole, the main body includes a first screw hole, the screw passes through the through hole of the limiting member and is screwed into the first screw hole of the main body, and the nut of the screw presses against the limiting member to secure the limiting member to the main body. The fastening device of claim 1 further includes an elastic member disposed between the main body and the snap assembly. When the movable portion is moved, the elastic member compresses, and when the movable portion is released, the elastic member returns the snap assembly to its original position. Alternatively, the snap assembly is elastic, and when the movable portion is moved, the snap assembly deforms, and when the movable portion is released, the snap assembly returns to its original position. The fixing device according to claim 4, wherein the main body includes a stopper portion, the movable portion and the abutting portion are integrally formed, the buckle assembly includes a slot located between the movable portion and the abutting portion, the stopper portion is located within the slot and adjacent to the movable portion, and the elastic member abuts between the stopper portion and a wall of the slot adjacent to the abutting portion. The fixing device according to claim 5, wherein the main body includes a groove recessed in the upper surface, the bearing surface is located on the upper surface, the blocking portion is located in the groove and protrudes from the upper surface, and the elastic member is partially located in the groove. The fixing device according to claim 1 further comprises a stopper disposed on the main body, the stopper and the main body together forming a space, the stopper forming a track extending along a first axial direction, the movable portion and the abutting portion being two separate components, the abutting portion being movably disposed in the space, and the movable portion being within the track and adapted to slide along the first axial direction. The fixing device according to claim 7 further includes an elastic member disposed between the main body and the buckle assembly. The engaging portion includes a receiving groove and an inclined groove connected to each other. The movable portion is located within the receiving groove and includes a slider slidably disposed within the inclined groove. The elastic member is located within the receiving groove and between the main body and the movable portion. When the movable portion is pressed downward and slides along the first axis, the slider of the movable portion pushes against the wall of the inclined groove, causing the engaging portion to move along the second axis, thereby moving the engaging portion away from the bearing surface. The fixing device of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises a plate body and a nut seat fixed to the plate body, the nut seat comprising a second screw hole and a positioning groove, the base comprising a positioning portion extending from the bottom surface of the main body, the positioning portion being located in the positioning groove when the fixing portion is screwed into the second screw hole, the positioning portion comprising a stop surface perpendicular to the bottom surface and a first inclined surface inclined relative to the bottom surface, the positioning groove comprising a second inclined surface corresponding to the first inclined surface, and the first inclined surface facing the second inclined surface when the positioning portion is located in the positioning groove. The fixing device of claim 9, wherein the main body comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a hollowed-out area between the first portion and the second portion, the fixing portion protrudes from the first portion, the positioning portion protrudes from the second portion, and the thickness of the second portion is less than that of the first portion. The fixing device according to claim 9, wherein the height of the positioning portion protruding from the bottom surface is less than or equal to the pitch of the fixing portion.