Interface card fastener

A computer case with a function for fastening an interface card having an extension piece is provided. The computer case includes a positioning portion protruding from a surface of the computer case and having a connecting surface, and an interface card fastener mounted on the surface of the computer case and having a pressing surface pressing the extension piece of the interface card against the connecting surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computer case, and more particularly to a computer case with a function for fastening an interface card.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to improve the efficiency and efficacy of computers, or for other reasons, a common way is to configure some additional components or equipments in computers. A usual alternative is to configure interface cards to connect external equipments such as monitors, scanners, or other producing devices. These interface cards are electrically connected to a motherboard through gold fingers. There is a positioning plate at one end of an interface card for fastening the interface card with a computer case therethrough, and it presents the sockets provided for interface cards on the motherboard from baring too much weight of the interface cards. It also ensures the tight connections between the electronic contacts of the interface cards and the sockets, so that bad contacts therebetween will not happen due to external impacts.

A most common way to fasten an interface card is to lock the positioning plate thereof on the computer case through screws. Although the screws can fasten the interface card stably, a screwdriver is always necessary whenever the screws are to be locked or released. It often happens that a user drops the screws on the ground, and the dropped screws may cause accidents. For examples, the dropped screws may damage other components nearby, or cause a short circuit; the dropped screws often get lost, too. These problems bother the users a lot. In addition, it is time-consuming to screw the screws for several turns to lock the screws.

Moreover, another problem is that the fee for technical workers in some areas to lock screws is counted in a cost-per-screw basis. When using such a huge number of screws for producing a huge number of computers, the number of screws takes a big part in the cost per unit. In such a competitive market of computer industry, it is also an important goal to save costs in many aspects. Hence, reducing the number of screws is an important part in reducing the cost.

Therefore, because it is inconvenient and costly when using screws as fastening components, the present invention provides an inventive device to fasten the interface card on the computer case, or release it therefrom rapidly. A structure is provided for pressing the extension plate of the interface card against a positioning portion of the computer case, so as to avoid a relative motion therebetween. Besides the advantage of overcoming the problem of using screws, the present invention further reduces the cost, and provides a convenient use for general users and consumers without worrying about the screws.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an interface card fastener is provided. The interface card fastener is used to fasten an interface card with a computer case, so that the interface card would not be moved easily. Furthermore, through a mechanism design, a user can fasten the interface card with the computer case manually without any other tools like screwdrivers or wrenches. Accordingly, the operations for installing and changing the interface card will be very simple, and can be achieved rapidly and accurately.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a computer case with a function for fastening an interface card is provided, wherein the interface card has an extension piece. The computer case includes a positioning portion protruding from a surface of the computer case and having a connecting surface, and an interface card fastener mounted on the surface of the computer case and having a pressing surface pressing the extension piece of the interface card against the connecting surface, wherein the interface card fastener is movable.

Preferably, the extension piece is an extension plate, and the pressing surface, the extension plate and the pressing surface are parallel to one another when the interface card is fastened.

Preferably, the computer case further includes a pivot for mounting the interface card fastener on the surface therethrough.

Preferably, the pivot has an axis perpendicular or parallel to the surface of the computer.

Preferably, the computer case further includes a sliding device mounted between the surface of the computer case and the interface card fastener, wherein the sliding device comprises a guiding groove and a guiding bump sliding in the guiding groove.

Preferably, the guiding groove is located on the surface of the computer case when the guiding bump is mounted on the interface card fastener, and the guiding groove is located on the interface card fastener when the guiding bump is mounted on the surface of the computer case.

Preferably, the computer case further includes a side plate connected to the surface of the computer case for pressing the interface card fastener against the connecting surface so that the pressing surface presses the extension piece against the connecting surface.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, an interface card fastener mounted on a computer case is provided. The interface card fastener includes a body pivotally connected to a surface of the computer case, and a pressing plate extending from the body for pressing an extension plate of an interface card against a connecting surface protruded from the surface of the computer case.

Preferably, the computer case includes a positioning portion which the connecting surface is formed on.

Preferably, the interface card fastener is mounted on an exterior of the computer case.

Preferably, the interface card fastener further includes a locking element for locking the interface card fastener on the surface of the computer case.

Preferably, the pressing plate presses a plurality of extension plates of a plurality of interface cards against the connecting surface of the computer case simultaneously.

Preferably, the body is connected to the surface of the computer case through a pivot, and an axis of which is perpendicular to the surface of the computer case.

Preferably, the body is connected to the surface of the computer case through a pivot, and an axis of which is parallel to the surface of the computer case.

Preferably, the interface card fastener further includes an elastic element mounted on the pressing plate for further pressing the extension plate against the connecting surface.

Preferably, the interface card fastener further includes a blocking plate extending from the pressing plate for preventing the extension plate from sliding.

In accordance with another further aspect of the present invention, an interface card fastener is provided. The interface card fastener includes a body mounted on a surface of a computer case and slidable thereon, and a pressing plate extending from the body for pressing an extension plate of an interface card against a connecting surface protruding from the surface of the computer case.

Preferably, the interface card fastener further includes a guiding bump mounted on the body, wherein the surface of the computer case has a guiding groove for the guiding bump sliding therein.

Preferably, the surface of the computer case has a guiding bump, and the body has a guiding groove for the guiding bump sliding therein.

Preferably, the interface card fastener further includes a locking element for locking the interface card fastener on the surface of the computer case.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following descriptions with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Please refer toFIG. 1, which is a partial cross-sectional diagram showing the using status of the interface card fastener in the present invention. A motherboard2is mounted in a computer case1, and an interface card3(an expansion card or a PCI card) is electrically connected to a central processing unit (CPU)2through a socket20. The interface card3has a positioning plate30facing a backside11of the computer case, and an extension plate30aextends from the positioning plate30and is adjacent to a positioning portion10protruding from a surface of the backside11of the computer case1. Practically, the positioning portion10is a plane structure approaching to the extension plate30a, and a connecting surface10aof the positioning portion10stays close to the extension plate30aso as to be clipped with the extension plate30a. The interface card fastener4in the present invention uses a pressing surface40to push the extension plate30aso that the extension plate30acan stay close to the connection surface10a. Accordingly, the present invention provides three plane-shape objects clipped to one another to fasten the interface card3, and thus as long as the pressing surface40keeps pushing the extension plate30a, the interface card3will not be moved easily. Please further refer to the following descriptions and drawings showing how to fasten the interface card fastener4of the present invention. In addition, in order to facilitate the fastening, the interface card fastener4further includes a first blocking plate40aand a second blocking plate40bextending from the pressing surface40and respectively located in front and at the back of the extension plate30a, so as to prevent the extension plate30afrom moving back and forth.

Please refer toFIG. 2, which shows a schematic diagram of the interface card fastener according to a preferred embodiment in the present invention, wherein the backside11of the computer case1has a plurality of openings13for exposing a plurality of interface cards. In order to make the use of the interface card fastener4of the present invention more convenient, there is a first rotating body4A mounted between the interface card fastener4and the computer case1. The first rotating body4A is pivotally mounted on the backside11of the computer case1through a first pivot4A0, and the interface card fastener4can approach or get away from the extension plate30aby using the first rotating body4A. That is, when the first rotating body4A rotates (in the clockwise direction as shown inFIG. 2), and approaches and pushes the extension plate30a, the extension plate30awill press against the connecting surface10aof the positioning portion10because of the pressing of the interface card fastener4, so that the interface card3is fastened (please also refer toFIG. 1). On the other hand, the interface card3will not contact the connecting surface10awhen rotating the first rotating body4A (in the counterclockwise direction as shown inFIG. 2) to get the interface card fastener4away from the extension plate30a. Therefore, the use of the interface card fastener4of the present invention is more efficient by employing the first rotating body4A. Moreover, in order to prevent the interface card fastener4from being pushed back by a counterforce after it presses the extension plate30a, the first rotating body4A further includes a locking element5mounted thereon. After the interface card fastener4presses the extension plate30a, the locking element5is screwed and locked into a screw hole12of the backside11of the computer case1to fasten the interface card fastener4. The locking element5can be designed as a tool-free screw, and the users and operators can lock or release the locking element5manually, so that the assembly can be implemented more efficiently. Certainly, the locking element5can be any type of elements such as a pin, which can fasten the interface card fastener4with the backside11of the computer case1to prevent a relative movement therebetween. Furthermore, the interface card fastener4shown inFIG. 2further has a first blocking plate40a, where the function thereof is described in the descriptions regardingFIG. 1.

Please refer toFIG. 3, which is a schematic diagram showing the interface card fastener according to another preferred embodiment in the present invention. The backside11of the computer case1has a plurality of openings13for exposing a plurality of interface cards, and also has a positioning portion10with a connecting surface10a. In order to make the use of the interface card fastener4of the present invention more convenient, there is a sliding body4B mounted between the interface card fastener4and the computer case1, and the sliding body4B can approach or get away from the extension plate30aby linearly sliding back and forth. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 3, when the sliding body4B shifts to the left, the interface card fastener4approaches and pushes the extension plate30ato fasten the interface card3(please also refer toFIG. 1). On the other hand, the interface card3can be released when the sliding body4B shifts to the right, so that the extension plate30awill not contact the connecting surface10a. Please refer toFIG. 3(a), which is a schematic diagram showing the guiding grooves and guiding bumps ofFIG. 3.FIG. 3(a) shows a view looking from the inside of the backside11of the computer case1, wherein guiding grooves14and guiding bumps41, which are covered by the sliding body4B inFIG. 3, are shown therein. The guiding grooves14are located at the backside11of the computer case1, and the guiding bumps41are mounted on the sliding body4B and sliding in the guiding grooves14, so that the sliding body4B can slide linearly and steadily. In addition, in order to prevent the sliding body4B from sliding when it presses the extension plate30aagainst the connecting surface10a, the sliding body4B further includes a locking element5, where the function thereof is described in the descriptions regardingFIG. 2. Moreover, in order to facilitate the positioning of the sliding body4B, a blocking elastic element43having a blocking bump43ais mounted thereon. When the sliding body4B presses the extension plate30a, the blocking bump43ais pushed into a hole16by the bounce of the blocking elastic element43, so that the blocking bump43ais blocked by the hole16and the sliding body4B will not be sprung by the counterforce of the extension plate30a. More blocking elastic elements43, blocking bumps43aand holes16can be configured for improving the blocking function.

Please refer toFIG. 4, which is a schematic diagram showing the interface card fastener according to a further preferred embodiment in the present invention. The backside11of the computer case1has a plurality of openings13for exposing a plurality of interface cards, and a positioning portion10with a connecting surface10a. The interface card fastener4further includes a second rotating body4C connected to the backside11of the computer case1through a second pivot4C0, so that the second rotating body4C can rotate on the computer case1. The second pivot4C0is different from the first pivot4A0shown inFIG. 2, wherein the axis of the first pivot4A0is perpendicular to the surface of the backside11of the computer case1, and the axis of the second pivot4C0is parallel to the surface of the backside11of the computer case1. Hence, the second rotating body4C can be open and closed like a door. As shown in the upper part ofFIG. 4, when the second rotating body4C rotates to the left and presses the pressing surface40against the extension plate30a, the extension plate30awill be pressed against the connecting surface10ato fasten the interface card3(please also refer to the relative positions thereof shown inFIG. 1). On the contrary, as shown in the lower part ofFIG. 4, if the second rotating body4C rotates to the right, the pressing surface40gets away from the extension plate30a, and the interface card3is unfastened. In addition, the pressing surface40further has an elastic element42for improving the pressing function of the pressing surface40. Usually, the elastic element42may protrude from the pressing surface40, or has a pressing bump42ato combine with a breach30a′ of the extension plate30of the interface card3. Please refer toFIG. 4(a), which shows a cross-sectional diagram when the pressing surface40, the extension plate30a, and the positioning portion10are fastened to one another, wherein the pressing bump42apenetrates the positioning portion10, and the interface card3are fastened more tightly through the combination of the pressing bump42a, the extension plate30aand the positioning portion10. Furthermore, the interface card fastener4as shown inFIG. 4further includes a first blocking plate40a, where the function thereof is described in the descriptions regardingFIG. 1. Besides, a buckling piece42′ can be selectively mounted on the first blocking plate40a, and a buckling bump42′acan be formed on the buckling piece42′. As shown inFIG. 4(a), the buckling bump42′abuckles with the positioning portion10, so that the second rotating body4C will not be released easily. The design of the buckling piece42′ provides an extra elastic ability for the buckling bump42′a, so that the user can bend the buckling piece42′ to release the second rotating body4C from the buckled status.

Please refer toFIG. 5, which is a schematic diagram showing the interface card fastener according to another further preferred embodiment in the present invention. The backside11of the computer case1has a plurality of openings13for exposing a plurality of interface cards, and a positioning portion10with a connecting surface10a. The interface card fastener4further includes a third rotating body4D connected to the backside11of the computer case1through a third pivot4D0, so that the third rotating body4D can rotate on the computer case1. The third pivot4D0shown inFIG. 5is different from the first pivot4A0shown inFIG. 2, where an axis of the first pivot4A0is perpendicular to the surface of the backside11of the computer case1, while an axis of the third pivot4D0is parallel to the surface of the backside11of the computer case1and the ground, and thus the third rotating body4D can swing upward and downward like a bascule bridge. When the third rotating body4D swings upward toward the surface of the backside11, the pressing surface40(referring toFIG. 1) of the interface card fastener4presses against the extension plate30a, and the extension plate30ais pressed against the connecting surface10a, so that the interface card3is fastened (please further refer to the relative positions of the connecting surface10a, the extension plate30aand the pressing surface40as shown inFIG. 1). On the contrary, if the third rotating body4D swings downward, the pressing surface40will be released from the extension plate30a, and the third rotating body4D no longer stays close to the surface of the backside11of the computer case1, so that the interface card3is unfastened. Further, a locking element5can be selectively mounted on the third rotating body4D of the present embodiment as shown inFIG. 5. The locking element5is locked in a screw hole12located at the backside11of the computer case1to maintain the fastened status of the third rotating body4D. Please refer toFIG. 5(a), which is a partial cross-sectional diagram showing a buckling hole and a buckling hook.FIG. 5(a) discloses that the third rotating body4D has a buckling hole4D1buckled to a buckling hook4D1′ mounted on the computer case1, so that the third rotating body4D can be fastened on the computer case1without the locking element5. When the third rotating body swings upward such that the pressing surface40is pressed against the extension plate30a, the buckling hole4D1is buckled by the buckling hook4D1′. When the buckling hook4D1′ is pressed into the computer case1so as to depart from the buckling hole4D1, the third rotating body4D can swing downward and be released, so that the pressing surface40no longer presses against the extension plate30a. Accordingly, using the cooperation of the buckling hole4D1and the buckling hook4D1′ is more convenient and efficient than using that of the locking element5and the screw hole12. However, both of the combinations can be applied. In addition, the interface card fastener4further has a first blocking plate40a, where the function thereof is described in the descriptions regardingFIG. 1.

Please refer toFIG. 6, which is a partial cross-sectional diagram showing the using status of the interface card fastener shown inFIGS. 4 and 5in the present invention. As described in the descriptions regardingFIG. 1, an interface card3(expansion card) is mounted in the computer case1and has a positioning plate30facing a backside11of the computer case1. An extension plate30aextends from the positioning plate30and is adjacent to a positioning portion10protruding from a surface of the backside11of the computer case, where the positioning portion10is usually a plane structure having a connecting surface10afor staying close and being clipped to the extension plate30a. Because the second rotating body4C shown inFIG. 4and the third rotating body4D shown inFIG. 5approach the connecting surface10nearly along the connecting surface10to press the extension plate30a, the second blocking plate40bshown inFIG. 5will block the approaching path of the second and third rotating bodies4C and4D. Therefore, the interface card fastener4shown inFIG. 6only has the first blocking plate40awithout the second blocking plate40b. The function of the first blocking plate40ais described in the descriptions regardingFIG. 1.

Please refer toFIG. 7, which is a schematic diagram showing the interface card fastener accommodating to a computer case according to a preferred embodiment in the present invention. The first rotating body4A shown inFIG. 2is provided herein for explanations, where a side plate15is mounted at a lateral of the computer case1when the first rotating body4A is pressing against the positioning portion10. As shown inFIG. 7, the side plate15is used to hold the first rotating body4A; that is, the width of the first rotating body4A is exactly aligned to the surface of the side plate15. Thus, the side plate15must be dismantled from the computer case1when a user wants to remove or change the interface card3, and then the first rotating body4A can be released form the side plate15. As a result, the locking element5will be unnecessary if the side plate15is used to fasten the first rotating body4A. Another option is to configure a blocking elastic element43on the first rotating body4A, where the function of the blocking elastic element43is the same as that shown inFIG. 3. Further, the blocking elastic element43has a blocking bump43amounted thereon and pushed into a hole16by the bounce of the blocking elastic element43, so that the blocking bump43ais blocked by the hole16, and the first rotating body4A will not be sprung by the counterforce of the extension plate30a. Certainly, the blocking elastic element43and the locking element5can be mounted on the first rotating body4A simultaneously or separately.

Please refer toFIG. 8, which is a partial schematic diagram showing the interface card fastener when it is open according to the preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 2in the present invention, wherein a positioning portion10having a connecting surface10ais formed on the surface of the backside11of the computer case1.FIG. 8further discloses that the first rotating body4A can be blocked by a bump element17slightly protruding from the surface of the backside11of the computer case1when it swing over the bump element17and is in an open status, so that the first rotating body4A will not fall due to the gravity thereof. The bump element17can be pressed into the computer case1so as not to block the rotating path of the first rotating body4A, and the first rotating body4A will fall consequently. The bump element17can be designed to use the original material (i.e. the piece structure) of the backside11of the computer case1, and is shaped during punching processes. The bump element17can be an additional component mounted on the backside11of the computer case1for blocking the first rotating body4A from falling due to the gravity thereof. Therefore, the design of the bump element17make the present invention more convenient for use, and the material thereof can be metal, polymer or composite material.

Please refer toFIG. 9, which is a schematic diagram showing the interface card fastener accommodating to a computer case according to the preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 3in the present invention. The sliding body4B shown inFIG. 3is provided herein for explanations, where the interface card fastener4is mounted on the sliding body4B. A side plate15is mounted at a lateral of the computer case1when the sliding body4B is pressing against the positioning portion10(referring to the lower part ofFIG. 9). As shown inFIG. 9, the side plate15is used to hold the sliding body4B; that is, the width of the first rotating body4A is exactly aligned to the surface of the side plate15. Thus, the side plate15must be dismantled from the computer case1when a user wants to remove or change the interface card3, and then the sliding body4B can be released from the side plate15and slide away as shown in the lower part ofFIG. 9, so that the connecting surface10aof the positioning portion10is exposed. As a result, the locking element5will be unnecessary if the side plate15is used to fasten the sliding body4B (please further refer toFIG. 3).

Please refer toFIG. 10, which is another schematic diagram showing the interface card fastener accommodating to a computer case according to the preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 3in the present invention, wherein the sliding body4B slides on the backside11of the computer case1through two guiding grooves14, and an assisting blocking element4B0is mounted on the backside11of the computer case1. If a user wants to release the sliding body4B from the pressing status (as shown inFIG. 1), firstly he needs to press the assisting blocking element4B0into the backside11of the computer case1, and move the sliding body4B0to the right as shown inFIG. 10. When the sliding body4B passes through the assisting blocking body4B0without pressing it, the assisting blocking body4B0springs itself because of its own bounce. Thus, the assisting blocking body4B0blocks the sliding path of the sliding body4B, so that the sliding body4B will not move toward the positioning portion10accidentally and interfere the assembling and disassembling processes of the interface card3(please further refer toFIG. 1). The assisting blocking body4B0can be designed to be made of the original material (i.e. the piece structure) of the backside11of the computer case1, and is shaped during punching processes. The assisting blocking body4B0can also be an additional component mounted on the backside11of the computer case1for blocking the sliding path of the sliding body4B. Equivalent elements of the assisting blocking body4B0can be made of metal, polymer or composite material.

In conclusion, the present invention provides an interface card fastener4, which uses a single structure to press the interface card3against the connecting surface10aof the positioning portion10protruding from the surface of the backside11of the computer case1. In other words, the interface card fastener4, the extension plate30aand the positioning portion10are plane-shape structures and stay close to one another as shown inFIG. 1. As shown inFIGS. 2,4and5, the present invention further provides the interface card fastener4able to rotate for fastening the interface card3, where the interface card fastener4can rotate to approach or get away from the positioning portion10, so as to fasten or release the extension plate30aof the interface card3. In another aspect, the first rotating body4A shown inFIG. 2, the sliding body4B shown inFIG. 3, the second rotating body4C shown inFIG. 4, and the third rotating body shown inFIG. 5can be regarded as the body of the interface card fastener4of the present invention. A pressing surface40is formed on the body; that is, the pressing surface40is connected to the computer case1through the body (4A,4B,4C, and4D), where the body can be pivotally connected to the computer case1(as shown inFIGS. 2,4, and5), or can be slidably connected thereto (as shown inFIG. 3). Moreover, all of the embodiments provided in the present invention have a feature in common that the interface card fastener4is still connected to the computer case1when in an open status, wherein the interface card fastener4is connected to the computer case1through the pivot as shown inFIGS. 2,4, and5, or is connected to the computer case1through the guiding grooves14and guiding bumps41as shown inFIG. 3. Therefore, a user will not lose the interface card fastener4or drop it on the ground just like when using screws, and thus the present invention provides a high convenience. Another advantage of the present invention is that the interface card fastener4is mounted at the exterior of the computer case1, i.e. the exterior of the backside11of the computer case1. Accordingly, the interface card fastener4does not need to occupy a space in the computer case1. Because current PCI cards are different in their circuit boards and have different sizes, but the positioning plates (extension plate)30thereof are in the same size, the interface card fastener4mounted at the exterior of the backside11of the computer case1will not interfere, and has nothing to do with the configurations of the PCI cards inside the computer case1, and thus the present invention can highly collocate the PCI cards. Furthermore, because the present invention is mounted at the exterior of the computer case1, it will not be affected by the space of the computer case1. Namely, the present invention will not interfere the assembly and disassembly of the PCI cards. As shown inFIGS. 2-5, when the interface card fastener4is released from the extension plate30a, the whole working area is empty, which makes the assembly and disassembly of the PCI cards very convenient. Therefore, the interface card fastener of the present invention provides a convenient and low-cost assembling process of the interface card.