Fastening module

Abstract

A locking module includes a first locking member, a second locking member, a connector, and an elastic member. The first locking member includes a first body, a first through hole, and a first threaded portion. The second locking member includes a second body and a second threaded portion. The second threaded portion is located on the side of the second body closer to the first locking member. The connector is located between the first and second locking members and includes a connector body, a first side closer to the first locking member, and a second side closer to the second locking member. The first locking member is partially received in the connector body on the first side, and the second locking member passes through the connector body from the second side so that the second threaded portion aligns with the first threaded portion. The elastic member is in the connector body and located between the first and second locking members.

Description

Locking Module FASTENING MODULE Technical Field

[0001] This work relates to a locking module, specifically a locking module for use in computer servers. Prior Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, particularly regarding the assembly requirements of server modules and liquid-cooled modules, the requirements for vibration resistance and anti-mislocking are becoming increasingly stringent. For example, server modules and liquid-cooled modules may be transported to their destination before assembly. Vibrations experienced during transportation may cause screw pre-locking issues, leading to difficulties in subsequent assembly and inconsistent pre-tightening forces. Therefore, a locking module that can solve the above problems is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a locking module, comprising a first locking member, a second locking member, a connector, and an elastic member. The first locking member includes a first body, a first through-hole penetrating the first body, and a first threaded portion located within the first through-hole. The second locking member includes a second body and a second threaded portion. The second threaded portion is located on the side of the second body closer to the first locking member. The connector is located between the first and second locking members, comprising a connector body, a first side closer to the first locking member, and a second side closer to the second locking member. The first locking member is partially accommodated in the connector body on the first side, and the second locking member passes through the connector body from the second side, such that the second threaded portion aligns with the first threaded portion. The elastic member is located within the connector body and between the first and second locking members.

[0004] In some embodiments, the first locking element includes a first flange on the side near the connector. The first flange extends from the first body toward the connector. The connector body includes an annular recess on a first side. The first flange is received in the annular recess.

[0005] In some embodiments, the second locking member includes a second flange on the side near the connector. The second flange extends outward from the outer sidewall of the second locking member. The connector body includes a third flange on a second side. The third flange extends inward from the inner sidewall of the connector body. The second flange contacts the third flange within the connector body.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second locking member includes an annular groove on the side of the second body adjacent to the first locking member. The elastic element is partially accommodated in the annular groove.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first locking member includes a first annular groove on the side near the connector. The second locking member has a second annular groove. The elastic member is accommodated between the first and second annular grooves.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second locking device further includes a second through hole penetrating the second body, and a third threaded portion located in the second through hole on the side of the second body away from the first locking device.

[0009] In some implementations, the first locking element includes an end structure on the side of the first body away from the connector.

[0010] This invention also relates to a locking module, comprising a first locking member, a second locking member, and a resilient member. The first locking member includes a first body, a first through-hole penetrating the first body, a first threaded portion located in the first through-hole, and an extension extending from the first body. The second locking member includes a second body and a second threaded portion. The second threaded portion is located on the side of the second body closer to the first locking member. The second threaded portion is aligned with the first threaded portion. The extension of the first locking member partially covers the second locking member. The resilient member is located between the first and second locking members.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second locking member includes a second flange on the side near the first locking member. The second flange extends outward from the outer sidewall of the second locking member. The extension includes a fourth flange on the side near the second locking member. The fourth flange extends from the extension toward the interior of the first locking member. The second flange contacts the fourth flange in the first locking member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first locking fastener further includes at least one opening located in the extension.

[0013] In summary, the locking module of this invention, through the structural design described above, achieves staged locking, preventing thread pre-engagement, improving assembly stability, and simplifying the installation process. This locking module can be applied to scenarios involving large-scale modular assembly, and is particularly suitable for electronic module products requiring high-density, high-stability installation. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a locking module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locking module in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the locking module in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the locking state of the locking module in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for assembling a locking module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a locking module according to another embodiment of this invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locking module in Figure 6. Figure 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the locking module in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for assembling a locking module according to another embodiment of this invention. Implementation

[0015] The following disclosure provides many different implementations or embodiments for carrying out various features of the provided object. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the invention. Of course, these are merely embodiments and are not intended to be limiting.

[0016] To enable readers to clearly understand the fit and orientation of the various components, the first axis A1, the second axis A2, and the third axis A3 are marked in the diagram.

[0017] Please refer to Figures 1 through 3. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the locking module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking module 100 in Figure 1 along the section line BB. Figure 3 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the locking module 100 in Figure 1 along the section line BB.

[0018] In some embodiments, the locking module 100 includes a first locking member 110, a second locking member 120, a connector 130, and an elastic member 140. The first locking member 110 includes a first body 111, a first through-hole 112 penetrating the first body 111, and a first threaded portion 113 located in the first through-hole 112. The second locking member 120 includes a second body 121 and a second threaded portion 123. The second threaded portion 123 is located on the side of the second body 121 adjacent to the first locking member 110. The connector 130 is located between the first locking member 110 and the second locking member 120, and includes a connector body 131, a first side 1311 adjacent to the first locking member 110, and a second side 1312 adjacent to the second locking member 120. The first locking member 110 is partially received in the connector body 131 at the first side 1311, and the second locking member 120 passes through the connector body 131 from the second side 1312, such that the second threaded portion 123 aligns with the first threaded portion 113. The elastic element 140 is in the connector body 131 and is located between the first locking member 110 and the second locking member 120.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first threaded portion 113 may be an internal thread, and the second threaded portion 123 may be an external thread. The first locking member 110 and the second locking member 120 can be locked together through the first threaded portion 113 and the second threaded portion 123. In some embodiments, the elastic member 140 may be a spring.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first locking member 110 includes a first flange 114 on the side near the connector 130. The first flange 114 extends from the first body 111 toward the connector 130. The connector body 131 includes an annular recess 133 on the first side 1311. The first flange 114 is received in the annular recess 133. In other words, the first flange 114 of the first locking member 110 is received in the annular recess 133 of the connector 130, which allows the first locking member 110 to be tightly engaged with the connector 130 on the first side 1311 when pressure is applied.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second locking member 120 includes a second flange 124 on the side near the connector 130. The second flange 124 extends outward from the outer sidewall 127 of the second locking member 120. The connector body 131 includes a third flange 134 on the second side 1312. The third flange 134 extends inward from the inner sidewall 132 of the connector body 131. The second flange 124 contacts the third flange 134 in the connector body 131.

[0022] Specifically, the connector body 131 can be an annular and hollow design (e.g., a collar), and has an inner sidewall 132 inside the hollow interior. As shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 2 and 3, the annular recess 133 on the first side 1311 extends outward along the second axis A2 relative to the inner sidewall 132 to form a groove that can accommodate the first flange 114. The third flange 134 on the second side 1312 extends from the inner sidewall 132 into the connector body 131 along the second axis A2 to form a hook structure that corresponds to the second flange 124. The second flange 124 extends outward along the second axis A2 from the outer sidewall 127.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second locking member 120 includes a second annular groove 125 on the side of the second body 121 near the first locking member 110. The elastic member 140 is partially received in the second annular groove 125. Specifically, in the cross-sectional views of Figures 2 and 3, the second threaded portion 123 protrudes along a first axial direction A1 from the side of the second body 121 facing the first locking member 110, and the second annular groove 125 is recessed along the first axial direction A1 on that side to form a space for receiving the elastic member 140.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first locking element 110 includes a first annular groove 116 on the side near the connector 130. An elastic element 140 is received between the first annular groove 116 and a second annular groove 125. Specifically, the elastic element 140 is within the connector body 131 and is partially received in the first annular groove 116 and the second annular groove 125. A second threaded portion 123 passes through the elastic element 140 to align with the first threaded portion 113.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second locking fastener 120 further includes a second through hole 122 extending through the second body 121, and a third threaded portion 126 located in the second through hole 122 on the side of the second body 121 away from the first locking fastener 110. The third threaded portion 126 may be an internal thread configured to be fastened to a screw on a carrier (e.g., a plate or mounting base).

[0026] In some embodiments, the first locking member 110 includes an end structure 115 on the side of the first body 111 away from the connector 130. The end structure 115 can be any feature that engages with a screwdriver, such as a Phillips head, slotted head, internal hex head, external hex head, or star head, configured to rotate the first locking member 110 using a screwdriver.

[0027] Please refer to Figures 2 and 4 simultaneously. Figure 2 is also a schematic diagram of the ready state of the locking module 100 in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the locking state of the locking module 100 in Figure 1.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 2 first. In the ready state, the locking module 100 is not yet fully locked. The first threaded portion 113 of the first locking member 110 is aligned with the second threaded portion 123 of the second locking member 120, but they are not yet locked. The elastic member 140 provides elastic force, pushing the second locking member 120 downward along the second axis A2, so that the second flange 124 abuts against the third flange 134. Through the above structural design, even if the locking module 100 in the ready state is subjected to vibration or impact during transportation, the elastic member 140 between the first locking member 110 and the second locking member 120 can prevent the first threaded portion 113 and the second threaded portion 123 from pre-engaging before assembly because of the buffering effect.

[0029] Referring again to Figure 4, the first locking member 110 is pressed down and rotated by external force to lock the first threaded portion 113 and the second threaded portion 123 together. Since the first locking member 110 is tightly engaged with the connector 130, the connector 130 is also pressed down and rotated. The elastic member 140 is compressed between the first annular groove 116 and the second annular groove 125 due to the locking force, and the second flange 124 moves away from the third flange 134.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 5, which shows a flowchart of a method for assembling a locking module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the locking module 100 is as described in Figures 1 to 3 above. In some embodiments, the method for assembling the locking module 100 includes: step S101, passing a second locking member through a first side of the connector and extending it from a second side of the connector, such that a second flange of the second locking member contacts a third flange of the connector in the connector; step S102, disposing an elastic member in the connector and placing it in an annular groove of the second locking member; and step S103, covering the first side of the connector with a first locking member, such that a first threaded portion of the first locking member aligns with a second threaded portion of the second locking member, and such that a first flange of the first locking member is received in an annular recess of the connector, wherein the elastic member is located between the first and second locking members in the connector.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method of assembling the locking module 100 further includes: step S104, applying pressure to make the first locking member and the connector tightly engaged with the annular recess of the connector through the first flange of the first locking member.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method of assembling the locking module 100 further includes: step S105, applying force to press down and rotate the first locking fastener, so that the first threaded portion of the first locking fastener engages with the second threaded portion of the second locking fastener.

[0033] Please refer to Figures 6 through 8. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the locking module 200 according to another embodiment of this invention. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking module 200 in Figure 6 along the section line CC. Figure 8 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the locking module 200 in Figure 6 along the section line CC.

[0034] In some embodiments, the locking module 200 includes a first locking member 210, a second locking member 220, and an elastic member 240. The first locking member 210 includes a first body 211, a first through-hole 212 penetrating the first body 211, a first threaded portion 213 located in the first through-hole 212, and an extension 217 extending from the first body 211. The second locking member 220 includes a second body 221 and a second threaded portion 223. The second threaded portion 223 is located on the side of the second body 221 adjacent to the first locking member 210. The second threaded portion 223 is aligned with the first threaded portion 213. The extension 217 of the first locking member 210 partially covers the second locking member 220. The elastic member 240 is located between the first locking member 210 and the second locking member 220.

[0035] Specifically, the locking module 200 differs from the locking module 100 in that the locking module 200 replaces the connector 130 with an extension 217 of the first locking member 210. The extension 217 of the first locking member 210 extends from the first body 211 along a first axial direction A1 toward the second locking member 220. The extension 217 covers the second threaded portion 223 of the second locking member 220. The second locking member 220 includes a second annular groove 225 on the side of the second body 221 near the first locking member 210. The first locking member 210 includes a first annular groove 216 on the side near the second locking member 220. An elastic member 140 is accommodated between the first annular groove 216 and the second annular groove 225. An elastic member 240, within the area covered by the extension 217, is partially accommodated in the first annular groove 216 and the second annular groove 225. The second threaded portion 223 passes through the elastic member 240 to align with the first threaded portion 213.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second locking member 220 includes a second flange 224 on the side near the first locking member 210. The second flange 224 extends outward from the outer sidewall 227 of the second locking member 220. The extension 217 includes a fourth flange 219 on the side near the second locking member 220 (i.e., at the end of the extension 217). The fourth flange 219 extends from the extension 217 along a second axial direction A2 toward the interior of the first locking member 210. The second flange 224 contacts the fourth flange 219 in the first locking member 210.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first locking fastener 210 further includes at least one opening 218 located in the extension 217. The opening 218 extends from the end of the extension 217 toward the first body 211 and is configured such that the extension 217 can be resiliently flicked.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first locking member 210 includes an end structure 215 on the side of the first body 211 away from the second locking member 220. The end structure 215 can be any feature that engages a screwdriver, configured to rotate the first locking member 210 using a screwdriver. The second locking member 220 further includes a second through-hole 222 penetrating the second body 221, and a third threaded portion 226 located in the second through-hole 222 on the side of the second body 221 away from the first locking member 210. The third threaded portion 226 can be an internal thread, configured to engage with a screw on a carrier (e.g., a plate or mounting base). The elastic member 240 can be a spring.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 9, which shows a flowchart of a method for assembling a locking module 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the locking module 200 is as described in Figures 6 to 8 above. In some embodiments, the method for assembling the locking module 200 includes: step S201, placing an elastic member in an annular groove of a second locking member; step S202, covering one side of the second locking member with a first locking member, aligning a first threaded portion of the first locking member with a second threaded portion of the second locking member; and step S203, moving an extension of the first locking member so that a fourth flange located at the end of the extension contacts a second flange of the second locking member, wherein the elastic member is located between the first and second locking members.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method of assembling the locking module 200 further includes: step S204, applying force to press down and rotate the first locking fastener, so that the first threaded portion of the first locking fastener engages with the second threaded portion of the second locking fastener.

[0041] In summary, the locking module of this invention, through the structural design described above, achieves staged locking, preventing thread pre-engagement, improving assembly stability, and simplifying the installation process. This locking module can be applied to scenarios involving large-scale modular assembly, and is particularly suitable for electronic module products requiring high-density, high-stability installation.

[0042] The foregoing outlines the features of several embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the nature of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that they can readily use this invention as the basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to achieve the same purpose and / or attain the same advantages of the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art should also recognize that these equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention, and that they can make various changes, substitutions, and replacements herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0043] 100, 200: Locking Module 110,210: First lock firmware 111,211: the first body 112, 212: First through hole 113,213: First threaded section 114: First flange 115, 215: End structure 116,216: First annular groove 217: Extension 218: Opening 219: Fourth flange 120, 220: Second locking firmware 121,221: Second entity 122,222: Second through hole 123,223: Second threaded section 124,224: Second flange 125, 225: Second annular groove 126,226: Third threaded section 127,227: Lateral wall 130: Connector 131: Connector body 1311: First side 1312: Second side 132: Inner wall 133: Annular concave portion 134: Third flange 140, 240: Elastic components A1: First Axial Direction A2: Second Axial Direction A3: Third Axis BB, CC: Cutting lines S101, S102, S103, S104, S105, S201, S202, S203, S204: Steps

Claims

1. A locking module, comprising: a first locking member, including a first body, a first through hole through the first body, and a first threaded portion located in the first through hole; a second locking member, including a second body and a second threaded portion, the second threaded portion being located on a side of the second body near the first locking member; a connector, located between the first locking member and the second locking member, including a connector body, a first side near the first locking member, and a second side near the second locking member, wherein the first locking member is partially accommodated in the connector body on the first side, and the second locking member passes through the connector body from the second side to align the second threaded portion with the first threaded portion; and an elastic member, in the connector body and located between the first locking member and the second locking member.

2. The locking module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking element includes a first flange on the side near the connector, the first flange extending from the first body toward the connector, the connector body including an annular recess on the first side, the first flange being received in the annular recess.

3. The locking module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second locking member includes a second flange on the side near the connector, the second flange extending outward from an outer sidewall of the second locking member, the connector body includes a third flange on the second side, the third flange extending inward from an inner sidewall of the connector body, and the second flange contacts the third flange in the connector body.

4. The locking module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second locking element includes an annular groove on the side of the second body near the first locking element, and the elastic element is partially accommodated in the annular groove.

5. The locking module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first locking member includes a first annular groove on the side near the connector, the annular groove of the second locking member is a second annular groove, and the elastic member is accommodated between the first annular groove and the second annular groove.

6. The locking module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second locking element further includes a second through hole penetrating the second body and a third threaded portion located in the second through hole on the side of the second body away from the first locking element.

7. The locking module as described in claim 1, wherein the first locking element includes an end structure on the side of the first body away from the connector.

8. A locking module, comprising: a first locking member, including a first body, a first through hole through the first body, a first threaded portion located in the first through hole, and an extension extending from the first body; a second locking member, including a second body and a second threaded portion, the second threaded portion being located on the side of the second body near the first locking member, wherein the second threaded portion is aligned with the first threaded portion, and the extension of the first locking member partially covers the second locking member; and an elastic member located between the first locking member and the second locking member.

9. The locking module as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second locking member includes a second flange on a side near the first locking member, the second flange extending outward from an outer sidewall of the second locking member, the extension including a fourth flange on a side near the second locking member, the fourth flange extending from the extension toward the interior of the first locking member, the second flange contacting the fourth flange in the first locking member.

10. The locking module as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first locking element further includes at least one opening located in the extension.

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