Abstract:
An interface card quick plug-and-unplug device for use with a PCIe interface card is disclosed to include a shell covering a part of the PCIe interface card, and a locating member disposed at one side of the shell and/or the PCIe interface card for engagement with the PCIe slot upon insertion of the PCIe interface card into the PCIe slot. Biasing the locating member allows quick removal of the PCIe interface card from the PCIe slot without any tool. The interface card quick plug-and-unplug device enhances the flexibility of the design of computer circuit layout.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device and more particularly, to an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device for quick plugging and unplugging of a PCIe or PCI interface card. 
         [0002]    Since the invention of PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus in 1990 by Intel, PCI bus has become the most commonly used extension bus in computer systems. Further, following development of technology, PCI-X or PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) was created and designed to replace the older PCL and AGP bus standards. PCIe has the advantages of higher maximum system bus throughput, lower I/O pin count and smaller physical footprint, better performance-scaling for bus devices. 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional PCIe package. As illustrated, the PCIe package  11  includes a PCIe interface card  111  and a baffle  113 . The PCIe interface card  111  is for insertion into a PCIe slot  131 . 
         [0004]    In a computer system, the motherboard  13  comprises at least one PCIe slot  131 . When a PCIe interface card  111  is inserted into one PCIe slot  131  of the motherboard  13 , the motherboard  13  and transmits data or signal to the PCIe interface card  111  via the PCIe slot  131 . 
         [0005]    The PCIe interface card  111  has one side edge provided with a baffle  113 . After insertion of the PCIe interface card  111  into the PCIe slot  131 , the baffle  113  is forced into contact with the computer case  15 . At this time, screws  17  are used to affix the baffle  113  to the computer case  15 , locking the PCIe package  11  to the PCIe slot  131 . 
         [0006]    By means of the baffle  113  and the screws  17 , the PCIe package  11  is firmly secured to the PCIe slot  131  and the computer case  15 . However, this installation method is not convenient. For example, when the user is going to install the PCIe package  11 , the user must insert the PCIe interface card  111  into the PCIe slot  131  and micro-adjust the position of the PCIe package  11  to align the baffle  113  of the PCIe package  11  with the computer case  15 , and then affix the baffle  113  to the computer case  15  with the screws  17 . 
         [0007]    During installation, the user needs to prepare a hand tool, for example, screwdriver for fastening the screws  17 . Further, when dismounting the PCIe package  11 , the user needs also use a hand tool to remove the screws  17  from the baffle  113  and the computer case  15  for allowing removal of the PCIe package  11  from the PCIe slot  131 . This unplugging operation is complicated. 
         [0008]    Further, the baffle  113  of the PCIe package  11  is configured subject to a predetermined specification, for example, 121 mm for a standard baffle or 79.4 mm for a short baffle. Thus, the size of the baffle  113  is not adjustable subject to the height H of the PCIe interface card  111 . In consequence, the dimension of the PCIe package  11  cannot be minimized. Because the height H of the PCIe package  11  and the height of the computer case  15  are not freely adjustable to fit different circuit layout designs for computers having light, thin, short and small characteristics. 
         [0009]    Further, the aforesaid PCIe package  11  simply has one baffle  113  disposed at one lateral side thereof for fixation to the computer case  15 . If the length W of the PCIe package  11  is relatively shorter, the PCIe package  11  may be loosened upon accidental vibration of the computer system, resulting in interruption of data transmission of the PCIe interface card  111  or computer failure. 
         [0010]    Further, because the PCIe package  11  is affixed to the computer case  15  via the baffle  113 , the location of the PCIe slot  131  on the motherboard  13  is constrained. Because the location of the PCIe slot  131  must match the position of the baffle  113  in the computer case  15 , the distance L between the PCIe slot  131  and the computer case  15  shall be strictly defined, or the PCIe package  11  will not be afffixable to the computer case  15 . Thus, when the designer is designing the motherboard  13 , the designer cannot freely change the location of the PCIe slot  131 , limiting the flexibility of the design of the circuit layout and the use of the surface of the motherboard  13 . 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0011]    It is, therefore, the primary purpose of the present invention to provide an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, which eliminates the drawbacks of a conventional PCIe/PCI package, facilitating plugging and unplugging a PCIe/PCI interface card and enhancing the flexibility of the design of computer circuit layout. 
         [0012]    It is, therefore, the second purpose of the present invention to provide an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, which automatically clamps the PCIe slot upon insertion of the PCIe interface card, enhancing connection stability between the PCIe interface card and the PCIe slot. 
         [0013]    It is, therefore, the second purpose of the present invention to provide an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, which substitutes for the conventional baffle for computer and the positioning function of the computer baffle, allowing quick and convenient installation of a PCIe interface card without any tool and eliminating the drawback of the use of a conventional computer baffle. 
         [0014]    It is, therefore, the third purpose of the present invention to provide an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, which facilitates quick installation of a PCIe interface card in a PCIe slot without using a baffle, enhancing the flexibility of computer circuit layout and facilitating the fabrication of a computer system/PCIe package having light, thin, short and small characteristics. 
         [0015]    It is, therefore, the fourth purpose of the present invention to provide an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, which automatically clamps on one side of the PCI slot upon insertion of the PCI interface card, enhancing connection stability between the PCI interface card and the PCI slot and facilitating plugging and unplugging of the PCI interface card. 
         [0016]    To achieve the previous mentioned objects, the present invention to provide an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device comprising: at least one locating member, each said locating member comprising a connection means connected with a PCIe interface card and an open space defined between said locating member and said PCIe interface card above said connection means; and a contact means located on a bottom side of said locating member for engagement with a PCIe slot upon insertion of said PCIe interface card into said PCIe slot. 
         [0017]    Further, the present invention to provide an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, comprising: at least one locating member, each said locating member comprising a connection means connected with a PCI interface card and an open space defined between said locating member and said PCI interface card above said connection means; and a contact means located on a bottom side of said locating member for engagement with a PCI slot upon insertion of said PCI interface card into said PCI slot. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a PCIe package according to the prior art. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic applied view of the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a plugging/unplugging operation of the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic applied view of the second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device installed in a PCIe slot. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a schematic sectional side view of an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a schematic sectional side view of an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a schematic sectional side view of an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a schematic sectional side view of an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a schematic sectional side view of an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a schematic sectional side view of an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Please refer to  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B . The present invention provides an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  for use with a PCIe interface card  21  to form a PCIe package  20 . 
         [0030]    The interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  is mounted around a PCIe interface card  21 , comprising a locating member  251 . When inserting the PCIe interface card  21  into a PCIe slot  29 , the locating member  251  engages or is clamped on one side wall  293  of the PCIe slot  29 , enhancing the stability of the connection between the PCIe interface card  21  and the PCIe slot  29 . 
         [0031]    According to this embodiment, the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  further comprises a shell  257  adapted for surrounding the PCIe interface card  21 , allowing a part of the PCIe interface card  21  to be disposed outside the shell  257 . When in use, the exposed part of the PCIe interface card  21  is inserted into the PCIe slot  29 , allowing the PCIe interface card  21  to transmit data or signal via the PCIe slot  29 . 
         [0032]    The locating member  251  of the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  is disposed outside the shell  257  and connected thereto by a connection means  255 . The connection means  255  can be a soldering joint, a lock joint, a bonding joint, a snap-in joint, or an integral part between the locating member  251  and the shell  257 . The connection means  255  is located on a middle part of the locating member  251 . The locating member  251  comprises a press portion  252  located on the top side thereof, and contact means, for example, engagement member  253  located on the bottom side thereof. According to this embodiment, the engagement member  253  extends in direction toward the PCIe interface card  21  for contact with the side wall  293  of the PCIe slot  29 . Further, the press portion  252  and connection means  255  of the locating member  251  and the shell  257  surround an open space  254 . 
         [0033]    During application, the user can press the press portion  252  of the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  toward the open space  254  to extend the tilting angle of the locating member  251 , as indicated by the imaginary line in  FIG. 2B . After insertion of the PCIe interface card  21  into the PCIe slot  29 , release the pressure from the press portion  252  of the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25 , enabling the engagement member  253  to engage or clamp on the side wall  293  of the PCIe slot  29 . 
         [0034]    In actual practice, the user can directly insert the PCIe interface card  21  into the PCIe slot  29  without pressing the press portion  252 , moving the engagement member  253  of the locating member  251  along the periphery of the PCIe slot  29  into positive engagement with the side wall  293  of the PCIe slot  29 . 
         [0035]    Further, the PCIe slot  29  has a protruding block  291  raised from the side wall  293 . This protruding block  291  is commonly seen in regular PCIe slot designs. The invention fully utilizes this protruding block  291 . When inserting the PCIe interface card  21  into the PCIe slot  29 , the engagement member  253  of the locating member  251  will be forced into engagement with the protruding block  291  of the PCIe slot  29 , enhancing connection stability between the PCIe interface card  21  and the PCIe slot  29 . On the contrary, when going to unplug the PCIe interface card  21  from the PCIe slot  29 , press the press portion  252  to bias the locating member  251  in disengaging the engagement member  253  of the locating member  251  from the protruding block  291 , and then pull the PCIe package  20  out of the PCIe slot  29 . As the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  enables the PCIe interface card  21  to be quickly plugged into or unplugged from the PCIe slot  29  without the use of a screwdriver or any hand tool, the invention facilitates quick plugging and unplugging of the PCIe interface card  21 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, which is used with a PCIe interface card  21  to constitute a PCIe package  30 . As illustrated, the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  comprises a locating member  251  connected to one sidewall of the shell  257  thereof the shell  257  has a bottom extension  351  downwardly extended from an opposite sidewall thereof. When inserting the PCIe interface card  21  of the PCIe packet  30  into a PCIe slot  29 , the locating member  251  and the bottom extension  351  will be respectively forced into contact with the two opposing sidewalls of the PCIe slot  29 , enhancing connection stability between the PCIe package  30  and the PCIe slot  29 . 
         [0037]    According to this second embodiment, the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  further comprises a positioning member  357  detachably mountable in the open space  254 . 
         [0038]    Before insertion of the PCIe interface card  21  of the PCIe packet  30  into the PCIe slot  29 , the positioning member  357  must be detached from the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  so that the user can press the press portion  252  to bias the locating member  251  relative to the shell  257  for quick insertion of the PCIe interface card  21  into the PCIe slot  29 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         [0039]    After insertion of the PCIe interface card  21  of the PCIe packet  30  into the PCIe slot  29  and engagement between the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  25  and the PCIe slot  29 , insert the positioning member  357  into the open space  254  between the locating member  251  and the shell  257  to prohibit biasing of the locating member  251  relative to the shell  257 , enhancing connection stability between the PCIe interface card  21  and the PCIe slot  29 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0040]    Further, the shell  257  comprises a guide rail  354  vertically located on one sidewall thereof corresponding to the open space  254 . The positioning member  357  can be coupled to and moved along the guide rail  354 . After insertion of the PCIe interface card  21  of the PCIe packet  30  into the PCIe slot  29 , the user can move the positioning member  357  downwardly along the guide rail  354  into the open space  254 . On the contrary, when going to unplug the PCIe interface card  21  from the PCIe slot  29 , move the positioning member  357  upwardly along the guide rail  354 , and then press the press portion  252  to disengage the engagement member  253  from the PCIe slot  29 , allowing removal of the PCIe interface card  21  from the PCIe slot  29 . In another alternate form of the present invention, the positioning member  357  and/or guide rail  354  can be arranged at the left and right sides of the locating member  251 , enabling the positioning member  357  to lock the locating member  251 . 
         [0041]    Further, the baffle  113  used according to the conventional technique indicated in  FIG. 1  can be employed to the PCIe packet  30 , allowing connection of the PCIe packet  30  to the computer case  15  by means of the baffle  113  and enhancing connection stability between the PCIe packet  30  and the PCIe slot  29 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention. According to this third embodiment, the PCIe package, referenced by  40 , comprises a PCIe interface card  21  and an interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  45 . The interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  45  can be clamped on a PCIe slot  29  to force the engagement member  453  of the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  45  into engagement with the protruding block  291  of the PCIe slot  29 . 
         [0043]    According to this third embodiment, the locating member  451  is not formed integral with the shell  457 . As illustrated, the locating member  451  comprises a connection means  255  pivotally connected to a connection portion  458  at the shell  457  by a pivot pin  459 . 
         [0044]    Further, a spring member, for example, a torsion spring  49  is mounted on the pivot pin  459  within the open space  254  and stopped with two opposing ends thereof against the locating member  451  (or the press portion  452 ) and the shell  457  to impart a biasing force to the locating member  451 , forcing the engagement member  453  into engagement with the protruding block  291  of the PCIe slot  29 . Further, a positioning member  357  is detachably insertable into the open space  254  to lock the locating member  451  in the engaged position. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention. According to this fourth embodiment, the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, referenced by  55 , is used with a PCI interface card  51  to constitute a PCI packet  50  for allowing the PCI interface card  51  to be quickly and positively plugged into a PCI slot  59  and quickly and easily unplugged therefrom. 
         [0046]    As a PCI slot  59  does not have the design of the protruding block  291  of a PCIe slot  29 , a friction pad  556  is provided at the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, referenced by  55  for friction engagement with the side wall  593  of the PCI slot  59  to substitute for the aforesaid engagement member  253 . The friction pad  556  can be prepared by an anti-slip material, for example, rubber. Subject to the friction resistance produced between the friction pad  556  and the side wall  593  of the PCI slot  59 , connection stability between the PCI interface card  51  and the PCI slot  59  is assured. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention. According to this fourth embodiment, the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, referenced by  65 , is connected to one side of the PCIe interface card  61 , forming a PCIe packet  60  for allowing the PCIe interface card  61  to be quickly and positively plugged into a PCIe slot  29  and quickly and easily unplugged therefrom. After insertion of the PCIe interface card  61  into the PCIe slot  29 , the engagement member  653 , which is located on the bottom side of the locating member  651  is forced into engagement with the protruding block  291  of the PCIe slot  29 , enhancing connection stability between the PCIe interface card  61  and the PCIe slot  29  is assured. 
         [0048]    The interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  65  of this fifth embodiment eliminates the aforesaid shell  257 / 457 . The interface card quick plug-and-unplug device  65  of this fifth embodiment comprises a connection portion  655  extended from the middle part thereof and directly connected to the PCIe interface card  61 , leaving an open space  654  between the locating member  651  and the PCIe interface card  61  above the connection portion  655 . 
         [0049]    Further, a friction pad  656  is fixedly covered on the outer surface of the engagement member  653  for friction engagement with the sidewall  293  of the PCIe slot  29  to enhance connection stability between the PCIe interface card  61  and the PCIe slot  29 . 
         [0050]    Further, the locating member  651  comprises a press portion  652  at the top side thereof for gripping by the user. The press portion  652  can be block member separately made and then affixed to the locating member  651 . Alternatively, the press portion  652  can be a planar part formed integral with the locating member  651 . 
         [0051]    Further, the connection portion  655  can be formed integral with the PCIe interface card  61 . Alternatively, the connection portion  655  can be connected to the PCIe interface card  61  by a soldering joint or snap joint, or by means of fastening means, such as screw, or adhesive. 
         [0052]      FIG. 7  illustrates a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This sixth embodiment is substantially similar to the aforesaid third embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  with the exception that this sixth embodiment eliminates the aforesaid shell  457 . As illustrated, the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, referenced by  75 , is connected to one side of the PCIe interface card  71 , forming a PCIe packet  70 . The interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, referenced by  75  comprises a connection portion  455  extended from a middle part of the locating member  451  and pivotally connected to a connection portion  758  at one side of the PCIe interface card  71  by a pivot pin  459 , and a spring member, for example, torsion spring  49  mounted on the pivot pin  459  within the open space  254  and stopped with two opposing ends thereof against the locating member  451  (or the press portion  452 ) and the PCIe interface card  71  to impart a biasing force to the locating member  451 . The interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, referenced by  75  further comprises a positioning member  357  for locking the locating member  451  in the engaged position. 
         [0053]    The aforesaid fifth and sixth embodiments are used with a PCIe interface card for connection to a PCIe slot. However, these structural designs can also be used with a PCI interface card for connection to a PCI slot.  FIG. 8  illustrates a seventh embodiment of the present invention. This seventh embodiment is substantially similar to the aforesaid sixth embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  with the exception that the interface card quick plug-and-unplug device, referenced by  85  is connected with a PCI interface card  81 , forming a PCI packet  80  for connection to a PCI slot  59 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 9  illustrates an eighth embodiment of the present invention. This eighth embodiment is substantially similar to the aforesaid seventh embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  with the exception that this eighth embodiment comprises two interface card quick plug-and-unplug devices, referenced by  85  symmetrically connected to two opposing sides of a PCI interface card (or PCIe interface card)  91 , forming a PCI (or PCIe) packet  90  for connection to a PCI slot (or PCIe)  59 . After insertion of the PCI interface card (or PCIe interface card)  91  into the PCI slot (or PCIe)  59 , the two interface card quick plug-and-unplug devices  85  are respectively clamped on two opposite sidewalls  593  of the PCI slot (or PCIe)  59 . 
         [0055]    For easy understanding of the features of the present invention, PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) and PCI (peripheral component interconnect) interface cards are introduced for explanation. In actual practice, other interface cards, including PCIX (PCI-eXtended) interface card may be used. 
         [0056]    While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, which are apparent to persons skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to lie within the spirit and scope of the invention.