Memory module holder

A memory module holder includes a base, two latching elements, and a frame. A slot is defined in the base. The two latching elements are rotatably attached to opposite ends of the base. The frame includes a beam portion and two latching portions. The two latching portions are positioned at opposite ends of the beam portion. The latching portions are retained by the latching elements. A receiving space is defined by the frame and the base to receive the memory module when the memory module holder is in a first state. The slot is covered by the beam portion when the memory module holder is in a second state.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The disclosure generally relates to holders, particularly to a memory module holder.

2. Description of Related Art

Memory modules are used for electronic devices, such as computers, notebooks, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) to store data. A reduction in the size of electronic devices coupled with an increase in higher-speed, larger-capacity memory modules are required. Accordingly, memory module holders, on which a plurality of memory devices can be installed, have been proposed. The memory module holders define a plurality of slots to allow a user to insert additional memory devices when it is desired. However, when memory modules do not occupy the slots, connectors oriented in the slots are exposed and are easily oxidized or covered by dust.

Therefore, there is room for improvement within the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references can include the meaning of “at least one” embodiment where the context permits.

FIG. 1illustrates a memory module holder100for electronic device where a memory module50to store data is desired. The memory module50may be a single inline memory module (SIMM), a dual inline memory module (DIMM), a small outline dual inline memory module (SO-DIMM), or a fully buffered dual inline memory module (FB-DIMM). The memory module holder100includes a stand30disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB)10. The stand30includes a base31and a frame33. A slot3111is defined in the base31. A number of connector pads (not shown) are secured to opposite sidewalls inside of the slot3111to electrically connect to the memory module50. The frame33may be detachably attached to the base30in two different ways. If the frame33is latched in the slot3111of the base31, the memory module holder100is in a first state, as shown inFIG. 2. If the frame33is reversely latched to the base31to define a receiving space40(seeFIG. 3) for receiving the memory module50, the memory module holder100is in a second state, as shown inFIG. 4.

The base31includes a base portion311and two arms313. The two arms313are formed at opposite ends of the base portion311and are substantially parallel to each other. A groove3131is defined in each arm313. Two latching elements315are rotatably received in the grooves3131to allow the frame33to be attached to the base31in different ways. A projection3151extends from each latching element315to latch the frame33to the memory module50.

The frame33includes a beam portion331and two latching portions333. The latching portions333are positioned at opposite ends of the beam portion331and are substantially parallel to each other. A number of striations3311are formed in the beam portion331to allow the frame33to be easily held during assembly or disassembly. An identification plate3313extends from one side of the beam portion331in a direction along the two latching portions333. The identification plate3313indentifies where the memory module50is to be loaded. An extension plate3315extends from the beam portion331in a direction opposite to the identification plate3313. A width of the extension plate3315is substantially equal to a width of the memory module50and is smaller than a width of the beam portion331.

A through hole3331and a cutout3333are defined in each lathing portion333. The width of each through hole3331is substantially equal to the width of the memory module50. The cutouts3333receive the projections3151when the frame33is secured to the base30.

The memory module50includes a first side51, a second side53opposite to the first side51, and two opposite ends55. A latching hole551is defined in each end55to receive the projection3151of the corresponding latching element315.

During assembly, opposite ends55of the memory module50are inserted into the through holes3331of the frame33so that each latching hole551aligns with the corresponding cutout3333. The frame33with the memory module50is secured to the base31. The first side51is inserted into the slot3111of the base31and is electrically connected to the connector pads in the slot3111. Each latching element315is rotated so that the projection3151is received in the corresponding cutout3333and the latching hole551. Thus, the memory module holder100is assembled, as shown inFIG. 4. Since the memory module50is held and is retained by the base31and the frame33, the rigidity is improved, and the memory module50will have less deformation when heated in use.

If the memory module50breaks down or is replaced, the latching elements315are rotated away from the memory module50, the projections3151are removed from the cutouts3333and the latching holes551so that the memory module50can be removed from the stand30.

When the holder110is unused because of replacement or repair of the memory module50, referring toFIG. 2, the frame33is secured to the base31by the latching elements315. The projections3151of the latching elements315are received in corresponding cutouts3333of the frame33. The extension plate3315is received in the slot3111. The beam portion331of the frame33covers slot3111to protect the conductor pads in the slot3111from becoming oxidized and to prevent dust or other contaminants from polluting the conductor pads. The identification plate3313identifies the specification of the memory module50that is to be loaded so a user can choose a right memory module50.

When the memory module50is to be loaded in the memory module holder100, the frame33is first removed from the base31, and the rest of the processes refer to the processes of assembly.

Referring toFIG. 5, a second embodiment of a memory module holder200is illustrated. The memory module holder200includes two stands30. In the exemplary embodiment, one stand30holds a memory module50, and the other stand30is not occupied by a memory module50.

It is to be understood that the number of the stands30can be increased or decreased as desired.

Refer toFIGS. 2 and 4, in the exemplary embodiments described above, the stand30of the memory module holder100or200includes a frame33and a base31. The frame33and the base31define a receiving space40to receive the memory module50, or the beam portion331of the frame33shields the slot3111when the frame33is inverted to be secured to the base31. In the first state, the frame33and the base31can hold the memory module50so that the rigidity of the memory module50can be improved. In the second state, the slot3111of the base31is protected by the frame33to prevent the connector pads from getting oxidized and prevent dust or the like from polluting the connector pads.