An interlocking snap-fit assembly for vertical connection of panels
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOSHAN JINTANYA TECHNOLOGY IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images

Figure CN122106978A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of sheet metal connection components, and in particular to an interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal. Background Technology
[0002] When using aluminum alloy honeycomb panels to construct cabinets, they are extremely lightweight while ensuring overall rigidity and load-bearing capacity. This makes installation very convenient and minimizes the load on the wall. Therefore, aluminum alloy honeycomb panel cabinets are particularly suitable for making wall-mounted cabinets and other cabinet types where weight and ease of installation are critical. Furthermore, because the honeycomb core firmly supports the upper and lower panels into a continuous whole, effectively distributing localized pressure, aluminum alloy honeycomb panel cabinets possess exceptional bending and dent resistance, maintaining excellent structural stability over long-term use.
[0003] However, compared to solid wood panels, aluminum alloy honeycomb panels exhibit significant differences in internal and external structure after being cut open. Furthermore, due to their unique honeycomb structure, assembly typically requires concealed connectors or specialized aluminum profiles. This places higher demands on design and installation precision. Currently, components used to connect aluminum alloy honeycomb panels on the market generally suffer from complex structures. Especially at the vertical connection points of two aluminum alloy honeycomb panels, multiple components with different structures often need to be used in conjunction to complete the connection. This not only increases production difficulty and costs but also requires operators to spend a significant amount of time identifying and familiarizing themselves with each component during installation, leading to low installation efficiency and a waste of considerable human and time resources.
[0004] The technical content disclosed in the Chinese patent document (publication number: CN222797843U, patent name: A sliding plug-in connection structure for aluminum alloy furniture) is as follows: It includes a plug-in component and a locking component. The plug-in component and the locking component are engaged. The plug-in component is provided with a plug connector. The locking component includes a locking member. A limiting plate is provided on the upper end surface of the locking member. A groove is provided below the limiting plate. The limiting plate surrounds and forms a narrowing groove. The gap of the narrowing groove is smaller than the diameter of the plug connector. The plug connector of the plug-in component is vertically inserted into the groove, and the plug-in component and the locking component move relative to each other, causing the plug connector to slide along the groove to the bottom of the limiting plate, thereby preventing the plug-in component and the locking component from separating in the vertical direction.
[0005] As can be seen from the aforementioned patent documents, this connecting structure requires multiple components to work together to connect the plates. This not only complicates the manufacturing process, increasing production difficulty and cost, but also requires operators to carefully identify and correctly use each component during installation. This undoubtedly brings great inconvenience to production and installation, reducing work efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0006] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and provides an interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal. It uses two interlocking fastening components with the same structure and arranged in a mirror symmetrical manner to achieve vertical connection, which replaces the complex combination of multiple irregular parts in the traditional solution, simplifies the production and processing process, reduces the cost of parts management, and eliminates the need for installers to identify and match multiple parts, thereby improving production and assembly efficiency.
[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: An interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal includes two interlocking fastening parts with identical structures and arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner. Each of the interlocking fastening components includes a snap-fit plate, and a first base and a second base extending vertically from the bottom of the snap-fit plate; The first base is a boss whose cross-sectional shape matches the long groove on the first plate to be connected, and its length direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the snap-fit plate. The second base platform is a cylinder, and its outer diameter is equal to the width of the long groove; The two interlocking fastening components have complementary fastening structures at their opposite ends. When the two first base plates are inserted into the long slots and rotate relative to each other, the fastening structures can fasten each other, so that the two fastening plates are aligned and locked.
[0008] Furthermore, the fastening structure includes a fastening groove and a fastening post disposed at the mating end of the fastening plate; The fastening groove includes a fastening complementary hollow groove, a fastening cylindrical groove, and a mating end arc groove; The fastening post includes a fastening end arc platform, a fastening convex round platform, and a fastening complementary post; When two snap-fit plates are fastened together, the arc-shaped platform at the fastening end of one snap-fit plate coincides with the arc-shaped groove at the mating end of the other snap-fit plate and they are fastened together. The snap-fitting convex dome of one of the snap-fitting plates coincides with the snap-fitting cylindrical groove of the other snap-fitting plate and is snapped together. One of the snap-fit plates has a complementary snap-fit post that overlaps with the complementary snap-fit slot of another snap-fit plate and is snapped together.
[0009] Furthermore, within the same snap-fit plate, the complementary slot and the snap-fit complementary post are located adjacent to each other, with the other end of the snap-fit complementary post being a snap-fit cylindrical slot and the other end of the complementary slot being a snap-fit convex frustum. The end of the snap-fit cylindrical groove away from the snap-fit complementary post is the butt end arc groove; The other end of the snap-fit convex dome away from the complementary slot is the snap-fit end arc dome.
[0010] Furthermore, the interlocking fastening component is connected to the second plate to be connected via an internal connecting part; The second plate includes a second plate body, and an opening slot is provided at the lower end of the second plate body for inserting the inner connecting part; The inner insertion connection part is provided with an inner insertion opening groove on the side away from the second plate, and the inner insertion opening groove is used to insert with the interlocking fastening component.
[0011] Furthermore, the outer side of the inner insertion connector is provided with outer concave and convex textures, and the inner insertion opening groove is provided with inner concave and convex textures. The outer side of the buckle plate is provided with locking grooves.
[0012] Furthermore, an inner oblique opening is provided on the inner side of the opening of the inner insertion slot.
[0013] Furthermore, a first edge sealing strip is provided around the perimeter of the first plate.
[0014] Furthermore, a second edge banding strip is provided around the perimeter of the second board.
[0015] Furthermore, the first and second plates are honeycomb panels with the same layered structure, both including a middle honeycomb core and panels covering both sides of the honeycomb core; The depth of the long groove is the sum of the thickness of the middle honeycomb core and the panel on one side of it.
[0016] Furthermore, the width of the inner insertion slot matches the thickness of the snap-fit plate, allowing the snap-fit plate to be inserted and locked along its length.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. Vertical connection is achieved using two identical, mirror-symmetrically arranged interlocking components, replacing the complex combination of multiple irregularly shaped parts in traditional solutions. This significantly simplifies the production process, reduces parts management costs, and eliminates the need for installers to identify and match multiple components, thereby improving production and assembly efficiency.
[0018] 2. Through the coordinated design of the first and second base platforms, dual mechanical limiting of the connector is achieved. The first base platform provides reliable vertical limiting after the interlocking fasteners are rotated and locked; the second base platform, through its tight fit with the width of the long slot, constrains horizontal movement. Together, they form a complete constraint on the connector's multiple degrees of freedom, ensuring the stability of the connection. Simultaneously, during rotation, the first base platform pushes against the honeycomb core, generating fragments and filling gaps, creating a self-locking, anti-loosening effect that tightens with pressure, resulting in strong vibration resistance.
[0019] 3. The snap-fit plates employ a precise interlocking multi-interlocking structure, achieving synchronous constraint in three directions: axial, lateral, and end face. This design creates a comprehensive, high-rigidity mechanical interlock, giving the connection nodes excellent tensile, shear, and torsional resistance, resulting in high overall connection strength. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and, together with the embodiments thereof, are used to explain the invention. They do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the clamping mold opening connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the clamping mold opening connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal connecting part and the interlocking fastening component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interlocking fastening component structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is an installation perspective view of the insert connecting part and the interlocking fastening component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fastening structure of the two internal connecting parts and the interlocking fastening component in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the second plate material according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the first plate material according to an embodiment of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. First sheet material; 101. First plate body; 1011. Long groove; 102. First edge banding strip; 2. Second sheet material; 201. Second plate body; 2011. Opening slot; 202. Second edge banding strip; 3. Inner insertion connection part; 301. Inner concave-convex texture; 302. Outer concave-convex texture; 303. Inner bevel; 4. Interlocking fastening part; 400. Snap-on plate; 401. Snap-on concave-convex texture; 402. First base platform; 403. Second base platform; 404. Snap-on end arc platform; 405. Snap-on convex cylinder; 406. Snap-on complementary slot; 407. Snap-on complementary column; 408. Snap-on cylindrical groove; 409. Butt joint end arc groove. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the invention.
[0022] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, an interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of plates is used to connect a first plate 1 and a second plate 2 that are set perpendicular to each other. The two plates are connected quickly and stably through interlocking fastening components 4 with symmetrical structure.
[0023] The first panel 1 and the second panel 2 adopt the same composite layered structure, both consisting of a lightweight honeycomb core in the middle and high-strength aluminum alloy panels covering both sides, ensuring overall lightweight while also possessing excellent bending rigidity and surface flatness.
[0024] The interlocking fastening component 4 includes an integrally formed snap-fit plate 400 and a second base 403 and a first base 402 that are perpendicularly fixed to it.
[0025] The first plate 1 includes a first plate body 101, on which at least two long grooves 1011 are spaced apart along the same straight line; the interlocking fastening component 4 includes a snap-fit plate 400, on which a second base platform 403 and a first base platform 402 are fixedly connected downwards; the second base platform 403 is cylindrical, and its outer diameter is equal to the width of the long groove 1011; the first base platform 402 is a long cylinder with semi-circular ends, and its cross-sectional shape and size match the long groove 1011, and the longitudinal direction of the first base platform 402 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the snap-fit plate 400; the mating end of the snap-fit plate 400 is provided with a snap-fit groove and a snap-fit post; During the initial installation phase, the first base platform 402 can be smoothly inserted along the length of the long slot 1011. During the subsequent rotation and locking process, its high-hardness material compacts any remaining honeycomb core material within the slot, filling the assembly gaps with the generated debris, thus achieving a tight fit and self-locking mechanism with the honeycomb panel. Once rotated into position, the first base platform 402 will rotate 90 degrees longitudinally, its two ends firmly secured between the two side panels of the honeycomb panel, thereby reliably limiting the vertical movement of the connector.
[0026] After the first base 402 completes its rotation and achieves its upper and lower limits, the second base 403, through its close cooperation with the width direction of the long groove 1011, effectively constrains the horizontal movement of the connector. Together with the first base 402, it forms a complete constraint on both the horizontal and vertical degrees of freedom, ensuring a stable and secure connection.
[0027] During installation, the first base 402 of the two interlocking fastening components 4 are inserted into the corresponding long slots 1011, and their mating ends are set facing each other. By rotating the snap-fit plate 400 relative to each other, the snap-fit post of one of them slides into the snap-fit slot of the other and locks it until the two snap-fit plates 400 are aligned in a straight line. This process not only realizes the rapid interlocking of the two connecting components themselves, but also completes the preparation for the vertical connection between the first plate 1 and the second plate 2. Unlike the traditional method of vertically connecting two honeycomb panels, which requires multiple different components, this method uses two interlocking fastening components 4 of the same shape and size to connect the two honeycomb panels. This not only simplifies the process during processing, but also eliminates the need for operators to identify multiple components during installation. Therefore, it not only improves production efficiency, but also installation efficiency and reduces processing costs.
[0028] The second plate 2 is inserted into two aligned snap-fit plates 400. These aligned snap-fit plates 400 serve primarily as the connecting end of the first plate 1, and secondly, provide a flat, continuous, and uniformly wide insertion guide surface for the second plate 2. This design integrates two independent components into a stable, rigid connector, simplifying the docking operation of the second plate 2 and avoiding the tedious process of aligning multiple points separately. It forms the basis for achieving rapid positioning and integrated insertion.
[0029] The mating ends of the snap-fit plates 400 employ a precise multi-interlocking structure to ensure a stable, precise, and visually continuous connection between the two plates after locking. The interlocking grooves include a complementary interlocking slot 406, an interlocking cylindrical slot 408, and a mating end arc groove 409; the interlocking posts include an interlocking end arc platform 404, an interlocking convex frustum 405, and an interlocking complementary post 407. When two snap-fit plates 400 are fastened together, the interlocking end arc platform 404 of one snap-fit plate 400 overlaps with the mating end arc groove 409 of the other snap-fit plate 400; the interlocking convex frustum 405 of one snap-fit plate 400 overlaps with the interlocking cylindrical slot 408 of the other snap-fit plate 400; and the interlocking complementary post 407 of one snap-fit plate 400 overlaps with the interlocking complementary slot 406 of the other snap-fit plate 400. In the same snap-fit plate 400, the complementary slot 406 and the snap-fit complementary post 407 are in adjacent positions. The other end of the snap-fit complementary post 407 is the snap-fit cylindrical slot 408, and the other end of the complementary slot 406 is the snap-fit convex frustum 405. The end of the snap-fit cylindrical slot 408 away from the snap-fit complementary post 407 is the mating end arc groove 409. The other end of the snap-fit convex frustum 405 away from the complementary slot 406 is the snap-fit end arc frustum 404.
[0030] On the same snap-fit plate 400, these structures are arranged adjacently in a specific order, forming a mirror relationship of interlocking concave and convex shapes. The snap-fit complementary post 407 is adjacent to the snap-fit complementary slot 406; the other end of the complementary post 407 extends into the snap-fit cylindrical groove 408, while the other end of the complementary slot 406 is connected to the snap-fit convex frustum 405. The outer end of the snap-fit cylindrical groove 408 is the mating end arc groove 409, while the outer end of the snap-fit convex frustum 405 is the snap-fit end arc frustum 404.
[0031] When the two snap-fit plates 400 are snapped together, each structural element is fitted into the other. The snap-fit end arc platform 404 of one plate is embedded into the mating end arc groove 409 of the other plate, realizing the closure and alignment of the end contours. The snap-fit convex round platform 405 of one plate is screwed into and fixed in the snap-fit cylindrical groove 408 of the other plate, establishing a stable rotation axis connection.
[0032] The interlocking complementary post 407 of one plate is horizontally inserted into and locked into the interlocking complementary slot 406 of another plate, achieving a rigid interlocking in the lateral direction. This design, through multiple locking mechanisms, ensures a stable and reliable structure after interlocking, achieving all-round, high-rigidity mechanical interlocking with high connection strength and excellent tensile, shear, and torsional resistance.
[0033] The fastening mechanism is clearly guided, making installation simple. Each structure is naturally guided during the fastening process, providing a clear assembly path and a clear tactile feel, thus simplifying the difficulty of installation and alignment.
[0034] The fit between the end arc platform 404 and the end arc groove 409 ensures a smooth transition at the joint, effectively controls and hides the joint gap, and improves the visual quality and overall appearance of the final product.
[0035] The interlocking fastening component 4 is connected to the second plate 2 through the inner insertion connecting part 3; the second plate 2 includes a second plate body 201, and the lower end of the second plate body 201 is provided with an opening slot 2011, which is used to insert the inner insertion connecting part 3; the advantage of this design is that it separates the connecting functional component from the main plate, which is convenient for independent processing and replacement, and can effectively protect the main structure of the second plate 2 from damage during repeated disassembly and assembly.
[0036] An inner insertion opening groove is provided on the side of the inner insertion connecting part 3 away from the second plate 201. The inner insertion opening groove is used to insert with the interlocking fastening part 4. The inner insertion opening groove evenly transmits the force from the buckle plate 400 to the second plate 2.
[0037] The outer side of the inner connector 3 is provided with an outer groove 302, which serves to form a tight frictional engagement or mechanical interlock with the inner wall of the opening slot 2011, preventing the inner connector 3 from accidentally dislodging from the second plate 2. The inner opening slot is provided with an inner groove 301; the outer side of the snap-fit plate 400 is provided with a snap-fit groove 401. The inner groove 301 and the snap-fit groove 401 cooperate with each other. After the snap-fit plate 400 is inserted into the inner opening slot, a frictional self-locking effect is generated, which can resist the vertical pull-out force and the horizontal shear force, ensuring that the connection node does not loosen under stress, and improving the static holding force and dynamic vibration resistance of the connection.
[0038] The inner side of the opening of the inner insertion slot is also provided with an inner bevel 303. The inner bevel 303 provides a guiding function when the snap-fit plate 400 is inserted. Even if there is a slight misalignment, it can guide it smoothly into the slot, reducing the assembly difficulty and improving the installation efficiency. It is a humanized error prevention design.
[0039] The first board 1 has a first edge banding strip 102 around its perimeter, and the second board 2 has a second edge banding strip 202 around its perimeter. The first edge banding strip 102 and the second edge banding strip 202 can protect the honeycomb core structure, prevent moisture and dust from entering, and enhance the durability and stability of the board; they can also provide a smooth edge feel and can be matched with different colors and materials according to design needs to improve the overall texture of the product.
[0040] The depth of the long groove 1011 is the sum of the thickness of the middle honeycomb core and the panel on one side. This design ensures that after the first base 402 is rotated and locked, its two ends can be firmly restricted between the two side panels. At the same time, its rotational pushing action is fully applied to the honeycomb core layer to achieve effective self-locking without damaging or penetrating the panel on the other side, thus ensuring the integrity of the structure and the reliability of the locking.
[0041] The width of the inner slot matches the thickness of the snap-fit plate 400, allowing the snap-fit plate 400 to be inserted and locked along its length. This ensures smooth insertion of the snap-fit plate 400 along its length and a tight surface contact fit after positioning, eliminating unnecessary wobble and gaps. Therefore, this design not only enables convenient insertion and removal operations but also creates a high-precision, non-loosening rigid connection in the final state, guaranteeing the overall strength and stability of the entire vertical connection node.
[0042] The interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal in this invention achieves vertical connection using two structurally symmetrical interlocking fastening components, replacing the complex combination of multiple irregularly shaped parts in traditional solutions. This significantly simplifies the production and processing flow, reduces component management costs, and eliminates the need for installers to identify and match multiple components, thereby improving production and assembly efficiency.
[0043] Through the coordinated design of the first and second base platforms, dual mechanical restraints on the connector are achieved. The first base platform provides reliable vertical restraint after the interlocking components are rotated and locked; the second base platform, through its tight fit with the width of the long slot, constrains horizontal movement. Together, they form a complete constraint on the connector's multiple degrees of freedom, ensuring the stability of the connection. Simultaneously, during rotation, the first base platform pushes against the honeycomb core, generating fragments that fill the gaps, creating a self-locking, anti-loosening effect that tightens with pressure, resulting in strong vibration resistance.
[0044] The snap-fit plates employ a precise interlocking multi-interlocking structure, achieving synchronous constraint in three directions: axial, lateral, and end face. This design creates a comprehensive, high-rigidity mechanical interlock, giving the connection nodes excellent tensile, shear, and torsional resistance, resulting in high overall connection strength.
[0045] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the scope of protection of the invention.
Claims
1. An interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal, characterized in that, It includes two interlocking fastening components (4) with identical structures and mirror-symmetrical arrangement; Each of the interlocking fastening components (4) includes a snap-fit plate (400), and a first base (402) and a second base (403) extending vertically from the bottom of the snap-fit plate (400). The first base (402) is a boss whose cross-sectional shape matches the long groove (1011) on the first plate (1) to be connected, and its length direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the snap-fit plate (400); The second base (403) is a cylinder, and its outer diameter is equal to the width of the long groove (1011); The two interlocking fastening components (4) have complementary fastening structures at their opposite ends of the latching plates (400). When the two first bases (402) are inserted into the long slot (1011) and rotate relative to each other, the fastening structures can fasten each other, so that the two latching plates (400) are aligned and locked.
2. The interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening structure includes a fastening groove and a fastening post disposed at the mating end of the fastening plate (400); The fastening groove includes a fastening complementary hollow groove (406), a fastening cylindrical groove (408), and a mating end arc groove (409). The fastening post includes a fastening end arc platform (404), a fastening convex round platform (405), and a fastening complementary post (407). When the two snap-fit plates (400) are snapped together, the snap-fit end arc platform (404) of one snap-fit plate (400) coincides with the mating end arc groove (409) of the other snap-fit plate (400) and snaps together. The snap-fitting convex frustum (405) of one snap-fitting plate (400) overlaps with the snap-fitting cylindrical groove (408) of the other snap-fitting plate (400) and snaps together; The interlocking complementary post (407) of one of the snap-fit plates (400) is interlocked with the interlocking complementary slot (406) of the other snap-fit plate (400).
3. The interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the same snap-fit plate (400), the complementary slot (406) and the snap-fit complementary post (407) are in adjacent positions. The other end of the snap-fit complementary post (407) is a snap-fit cylindrical slot (408), and the other end of the complementary slot (406) is a snap-fit convex frustum (405). The end of the snap-fit cylindrical groove (408) away from the snap-fit complementary post (407) is the mating end arc groove (409). The other end of the snap-fit convex dome (405) away from the complementary slot (406) is the snap-fit end arc dome (404).
4. The interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interlocking fastening component (4) is connected to the second plate (2) to be connected through the inner connecting part (3); The second plate (2) includes a second plate body (201), and an opening slot (2011) is provided at the lower end of the second plate body (201). The opening slot (2011) is used to insert the inner connecting part (3). The inner insertion connection part (3) is provided with an inner insertion opening groove on the side away from the second plate (201), and the inner insertion opening groove is used to insert with the interlocking fastening part (4).
5. An interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer side of the inner insertion connecting part (3) is provided with outer concave and convex textures (302), and the inner side concave and convex textures (301) are provided inside the inner insertion opening groove. The outer side of the buckle plate (400) is provided with locking grooves (401).
6. An interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal according to claim 5, characterized in that, An inner oblique opening (303) is also provided on the inner side of the opening of the inner insertion slot.
7. An interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The first plate (1) is provided with a first edge sealing strip (102) around its perimeter.
8. An interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second board (2) is provided with a second edge sealing strip (202) around its perimeter.
9. An interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first plate (1) and the second plate (2) are honeycomb panels with the same layered structure, both including a middle honeycomb core and a panel covering both sides of the honeycomb core; The depth of the long groove (1011) is the sum of the thickness of the middle honeycomb core and the panel on one side of it.
10. An interlocking fastening assembly for vertical connection of sheet metal according to claim 4, characterized in that, The width of the inner insertion slot matches the thickness of the snap-fit plate (400), so that the snap-fit plate (400) can be inserted and locked along its length.