Fastener

Abstract

The utility model provides a fastener which is used for clamping a first piece so as to be connected with the first piece. The fastener includes a base, a pair of retaining arms, and a pair of gripping arms. A pair of retaining arms is disposed on opposite sides of the base and extends from the base, free ends of the pair of retaining arms forming a first opening for receiving a first piece. A pair of clamp arms are disposed on opposite sides of the base and extend from the base, free ends of the pair of clamp arms forming a second opening for receiving the first piece. Each of the pair of clamping arms is provided with a clamping part, and the clamping parts are configured in the mode that when the first piece is received in the first opening and the second opening, the pair of clamping arms clamp the first piece from the two opposite sides, and the abutting portions of the clamping parts and the first piece form at least one of at least two abutting lines and at least one abutting face. The fastener stably clamps the first piece in the first direction, so that the fastener is prevented from shaking relative to the first piece in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fasteners. Background Art

[0002] Existing fasteners are used to clamp a first piece. The first piece can be inserted into the fastener in a first direction so as to be connected to the first piece. Sometimes, the fastener and the first piece move relative to each other in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of this application can solve at least some of the above problems.

[0004] This application provides a fastener for clamping a first piece so as to be connected to the first piece. The fastener includes a base, a pair of retaining arms, and a pair of clamping arms. The pair of retaining arms are disposed on opposite sides of the base and extend from the base. Free ends of the pair of retaining arms form a first opening for receiving the first piece. The pair of clamping arms are disposed on opposite sides of the base and extend from the base. Free ends of the pair of clamping arms form a second opening for receiving the first piece. Each of the pair of clamping arms is provided with a clamping portion configured such that when the first piece is received in the first opening and the second opening, the pair of clamping arms clamp the first piece from opposite sides, and the portion of the clamping portion that abuts against the first piece forms at least one of at least two abutting lines and at least one abutting surface.

[0005] The area of the portion of the clamping portion of the fastener of this application that abuts against the first piece has a relatively large abutting surface area, number of abutting surfaces, or number of abutting lines, so that the fastener stably clamps the first piece in the first direction to prevent the fastener from wobbling relative to the first piece in the second direction. Description of the Drawings

[0006] The features and advantages of this application can be better understood by referring to the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same components, where:

[0007] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the fastener of an embodiment of this application as viewed from the upper right front;

[0008] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a perspective view of the fastener shown as viewed from the upper left front;

[0009] Figure 1C is Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of the fastener shown along line A-A;

[0010] Figure 1D is Figure 1CPartial enlarged view of the A-A cross-sectional view shown;

[0011] Figure 2 is as shown in Figures 1A - 1C Stereogram of the fastener, the first piece, and the second piece shown;

[0012] Figure 3 is as shown in Figure 2 A-A cross-sectional view of the fastener, the first piece, and the second piece when assembled in place;

[0013] Figures 4A - 4D Stereograms of the fasteners of another four embodiments of the present application respectively. Detailed implementation manners

[0014] The following will describe various specific implementation manners of the present application with reference to the drawings forming a part of this specification. It should be understood that in the following drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0015] The following will describe various specific implementation manners of the present application with reference to the drawings forming a part of this specification. It should be understood that although terms indicating directions, such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., are used in the present application to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the present application, these terms are used only for the convenience of description, and these terms are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in the present application can be arranged in different directions, these terms indicating directions are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations.

[0016] Figure 1A Stereogram of the fastener of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the right front. Figure 1B is Figure 1A Stereogram of the fastener shown as viewed from the left front. Figure 1C is Figure 1A A-A cross-sectional view of the fastener shown. As shown in Figures 1A - 1B , the fastener includes a base 110 and a pair of retaining arms (i.e., a first retaining arm 101 and a second retaining arm 102). The pair of retaining arms are arranged on opposite sides of the base 110 and extend from the base 110. The free ends (e.g., the lower ends) of the first retaining arm 101 and the second retaining arm 102 form a first opening 111 for receiving the first piece 201 (see Figure 2 ). Specifically, the first retaining arm 101 and the second retaining arm 102 respectively extend substantially downward from opposite sides of the base 110. Both the first retaining arm 101 and the second retaining arm 102 can be biased relative to the base 110, thereby changing the distance between the first retaining arm 101 and the second retaining arm 102.

[0017] As shown Figures 1A - 1C in the figure, the first holding arm 101 and the second holding arm 102 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the first direction (i.e., the up-and-down direction X as shown Figure 1C in the figure). Each of the first holding arm 101 and the second holding arm 102 includes a first bending portion 121, a second bending portion 122, and a limiting portion 123. The bending directions of the first bending portion 121 and the second bending portion 122 are opposite. The first bending portion 121 is disposed and connected between the base portion 110 and the second bending portion 122. Specifically, the upper portion of the first bending portion 121 is connected to the base portion 110. After the first bending portion 121 extends outward and downward from the base portion 110 for a certain distance, it is bent and extends inward and downward for a certain distance to form the lower portion of the first bending portion 121. Thus, the bending direction of the first bending portion 121 is inward. The upper portion of the second bending portion 122 is connected to the lower portion of the first bending portion 121. After the second bending portion 122 extends along the extending direction of the lower portion of the first bending portion 121 for a certain distance, it is bent and then extends downward for a certain distance to form the lower portion of the second bending portion 122. Thus, the bending direction of the second bending portion 122 is outward. The limiting portion 123 is disposed at the lower portion of the second bending portion 122 and extends outward from the second bending portion 122.

[0018] As shown Figure 1C in the figure, in the second direction (i.e., the left-right direction) perpendicular to the first direction, the maximum distance between the first bending portions 121 of the two first holding arms 101 defines the first distance D1.

[0019] As shown Figures 1A - 1C in the figure, the fastener further includes a pair of clamping arms (i.e., the first clamping arm 131 and the second clamping arm 132). The first clamping arm 131 and the second clamping arm 132 are disposed on opposite sides of the base portion 110 and extend from the base portion 110. The free ends (e.g., the lower ends) of the first clamping arm 131 and the second clamping arm 132 form a second opening 140 for receiving the insertion portion 220 of the first piece 201 (see Figure 2)Specifically, a first hollow portion 141 is provided on the first holding arm 101. The first hollow portion 141 extends downward along the first holding arm 101 from the connection of the first holding arm 101 and the base 110 until above the limiting portion 123. At the connection of the first holding arm 101 and the base 110, in a third direction (i.e., the front-back direction) substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the first hollow portion 141 is located in the middle of the first holding arm 101. Thus, the first hollow portion 141 enables the first holding arm 101 to be more easily deformed in the second direction. The upper end of the first clamping arm 131 is located in the first hollow portion 141 and is connected to the base 110. The first clamping arm 131 extends downward from the base 110 to form the free end of the first clamping arm 131. Similarly, a second hollow portion 142 is provided on the second holding arm 102. The second hollow portion 142 extends downward along the second holding arm 102 from the connection of the second holding arm 102 and the base 110 until above the limiting portion 123. At the connection of the second holding arm 102 and the base 110, in the third direction, the second hollow portion 142 is located in the middle of the second holding arm 102. Thus, the second hollow portion 142 enables the second holding arm 102 to be more easily deformed in the second direction. The upper end of the second clamping arm 132 is located in the second hollow portion 142 and is connected to the base 110. The second clamping arm 132 extends downward from the base 110 to form the free end of the second clamping arm 132.

[0020] Figure 1D is Figure 1C a partial enlarged view of the A-A cross-sectional view shown to illustrate the specific structures of the first clamping arm 131 and the second clamping arm 132. As Figure 1D shown, a first clamping portion 151 is provided on the first clamping arm 131, and a second clamping portion 152 is provided on the second clamping arm 132. The first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 face each other and are configured to clamp the first workpiece 201 (see Figure 2 ). In this embodiment, the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 are planes. The plane is arranged along the first direction. There is a second distance D2 between the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152. The second distance D2 is smaller than the first distance D1, and the second distance D2 is configured to be equal to or less than the thickness H of the insertion portion 220 of the first workpiece 201 (see Figure 3), so that when the first piece 201 is received in the second opening 140, the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 can clamp the first piece 201 from both sides. The abutting portions of the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 with the first piece 201 form an abutting surface, so that the fastener is stably connected to the first piece 201. In other words, when the first piece 201 is received in the second opening 140, the abutting surface formed by the abutting portions of the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 with the first piece 201 is shown as a line extending in the first direction in cross-section (as Figure 3 shown).

[0021] Continuing back to Figures 1A - 1B and Figure 1C , the fastener further includes a pair of insertion arms (i.e., the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162). The first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 are correspondingly arranged on the first holding arm 101 and the second holding arm 102. Specifically, as Figure 1A and Figure 1C , at the bottom of the first hollow portion 141, the first insertion arm 161 extends upward and inward from the first holding arm 101. In other words, the first insertion arm 161 is at least partially disposed in the first hollow portion 141 and is connected to the first holding arm 101. The first insertion arm 161 extends toward the first clamping arm 131 on its corresponding side. Similarly, as Figure 1B and Figure 1C , at the bottom of the second hollow portion 142, the second insertion arm 162 extends upward and inward from the second holding arm 102. In other words, the second insertion arm 162 is at least partially disposed in the second hollow portion 142 and is connected to the second holding arm 102. The second insertion arm 162 extends toward the second clamping arm 132 on its corresponding side. The first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 can both be correspondingly biased relative to the first holding arm 101 and the second holding arm 102 respectively, and are configured to: when the first piece 201 (see Figure 2 ) is received in the first opening 111 and the second opening 140, at least part of the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 can be inserted into the first through hole 203 of the first piece 201 (see Figure 2 ). In the embodiment of the present application, the ends of the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 can be inserted into the first through hole 203 of the first piece 201. A third distance D3 is defined between the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162. The third distance D3 is less than the second distance D2, and the third distance is less than the thickness H of the insertion portion 220 of the first piece 201 (see Figure 3 ).

[0022] Figure 2 is as Figures 1A - 1CPerspective view of the fastener, the first member 201, and the second member 202 shown. As Figure 2 shown, the first member 201 includes an insertion portion 220. The insertion portion 220 is generally a plate formed by extending along a first direction. The thickness of the insertion portion 220 is H (see Figure 3 ). A first through hole 203 is provided on the insertion portion 220. The first through hole 203 penetrates the insertion portion 220 along a second direction and is used to receive the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162. The insertion portion 220 can move toward the fastener along the first direction so as to be received by the fastener for connection with the fastener. A guiding portion 223 is provided at the top of the insertion portion 220 for insertion into the fastener. In this embodiment, the guiding portion 223 is two inclined surfaces arranged oppositely.

[0023] As Figure 2 shown, the first member 201 further includes a first blocking portion 221 and a second blocking portion 222. The first blocking portion 221 and the second blocking portion 222 are generally plates arranged along a second direction. The first blocking portion 221 and the second blocking portion 222 are provided on opposite sides of the insertion portion 220. Specifically, the first blocking portion 221 and the second blocking portion 222 are respectively provided and connected to the front and rear sides of the insertion portion 220, so that when the first member 201 is installed in place with the fastener, it hinders the first member 201 and the fastener from moving along a third direction.

[0024] It should be noted that although the first through hole 203 in this application penetrates the insertion portion 220 to receive the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162, in other embodiments, a first recess and a second recess located on opposite sides may be provided on the insertion portion 220 for receiving the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 respectively.

[0025] As Figure 2 shown, the second member 202 is generally a plate formed by extending along the transverse direction (i.e., along the second direction and the third direction). A second through hole 232 is provided on the second member 202. The second through hole 232 penetrates the second member 202 along the first direction and is used to receive the fastener. The second through hole 232 has a width W (see Figure 3 ). The width W is smaller than the first distance D1 between the two first bending portions 121.

[0026] Figure 3 Is the A - A cross - sectional view of the fastener, the first member 201, and the second member 202 when assembled in place. As Figure 2 shown. As Figure 3As shown, when the fastener, the first member 201, and the second member 202 are assembled in place, the fastener is located in the second through-hole 232 of the second member 202. The two first bending portions 121 are located above the second member 202. The first holding arm 101 and the second holding arm 102 are biased inwardly relative to the base 110 and abut against the side walls of the second through-hole 232. The insertion portion 220 is received in the first opening 111 and the second opening 140 of the fastener. The ends of the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 are inserted into the first through-hole 203 of the first member 201 to prevent the fastener from moving upward relative to the first member 201 in the first direction. The first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 of the fastener clamp the insertion portion 220 from the left and right sides and respectively form abutting surfaces. In a cross-section (e.g., the A-A cross-section), the abutting surface is a line extending in the first direction. The abutting surface can prevent the fastener from wobbling relative to the first member 201 in the second direction. Thus, the fastener can be firmly connected to the first member 201 and achieve connection with the second member 202.

[0027] The following will describe the process of connecting the fastener to the first member 201 and the second member 202 with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 :

[0028] As Figures 2 - 3As shown, when it is necessary to connect the fastener to the first piece 201, the operator can align the guiding portion 223 of the first piece 201 with the first opening 111 of the fastener, and move the first piece 201 upward in the first direction towards the fastener. During the process of the first piece 201 moving upward in the first direction towards the fastener, the guiding portion 223 of the first piece 201 enters between the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162. Since the thickness H of the first piece 201 is greater than the third distance D3 between the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162, the insertion of the first piece 201 causes the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 to move away from each other. After the first piece 201 passes over the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162, it continues to move upward in the first direction towards the fastener and enters the second opening 140. Since the second distance D2 between the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 is equal to or less than the first distance D1, the first piece 201 is clamped by the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152, or after the first clamping arm 131 and the second clamping arm 132 are biased outward away from each other relative to the base 110, the first piece 201 is clamped by the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152. During the process of the first piece 201 being clamped by the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 and moving upward, the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 are aligned with the first through hole 203, and the ends of the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 are inserted into the first through hole 203 of the first piece 201. Since the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 no longer abut against the first piece 201, the distance between the first insertion arm 161 and the second insertion arm 162 returns to the natural state where the distance between them is the third distance D3. Thus, the fastener is connected to the first piece 201.

[0029] When it is necessary to connect the fastener to the second member 202, the operator can align the base 110 of the fastener with the second through-hole 232 of the second member 202 and move the fastener upward in the first direction toward the second member 202. During the process of the fastener moving upward in the first direction toward the second member 202, since the first distance D1 between the two first bending portions 121 is greater than the width W of the second through-hole 232, the first holding arm 101 and the second holding arm 102 abut against the side wall of the second through-hole 232 and are biased inward relative to the base 110 until the first distance D1 is equal to the width W. When the first distance D1 is equal to the width W, the first bending portion 121 passes upward through the second through-hole 232 in the first direction until the first bending portion 121 crosses the second through-hole 232. After the bent portion of the first bending portion 121 crosses the second through-hole 232, the lower portion of the first bending portion 121 and / or the second bending portion 122 abut against the side wall of the second through-hole 232. The first bending portion 121 can prevent the fastener from being disengaged downward from the second member 202 in the first direction, and the presence of the limiting portion 123 can prevent the fastener from continuing to move upward in the first direction. Thus, the fastener is held in the second through-hole 232 and connected to the second member 202.

[0030] It should be noted that the above connection process of the fastener to the first member 201 and the second member 202 is exemplary. The operator can also first connect the fastener to the second member 202 and then insert and connect the first member 201 to the fastener.

[0031] Figures 4A - 4D are respectively perspective views of the fasteners of another four embodiments of the present application to show different structures of the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152. As Figures 4A - 4D shown, each of the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 includes several protrusions 401. The several protrusions 401 are arranged along the first direction. Each of the several protrusions 401 is configured to abut against the first member 201.

[0032] As Figures 4A - 4B shown, each of the several protrusions 401 is configured such that when the several protrusions 401 abut against the first member 201, each of the several protrusions 401 forms an abutting line with the abutting portion of the first member 201. Specifically, as in Figure 4AIn the illustrated embodiment, each of the several protrusions 401 is substantially a right triangular prism. One side edge 402 of the right triangular prism respectively provided on the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 faces each other. In other words, the cross-section of each protrusion 401 is triangular. The edge height of the right triangular prism is arranged in the front-rear direction. When the several protrusions 401 abut against the first piece 201, the side edges 402 abut against the first piece 201, and the abutting portions where each side edge 402 abuts against the first piece 201 form abutting lines. In the cross-section (for example, the A-A section), the abutting line is a point.

[0033] In the embodiment as Figure 4B illustrated, each of the several protrusions 401 is substantially a semi-cylindrical body. In other words, the cross-section of each protrusion 401 is semi-circular. The height of the semi-cylindrical body is arranged in the front-rear direction. When the several protrusions 401 abut against the first piece 201, the arc surface 403 of the semi-cylinder abuts against the first piece 201, and the abutting portions where each arc surface 403 abuts against the first piece 201 form abutting lines. In the cross-section (for example, the A-A section), the abutting line is a point.

[0034] As Figures 4C - 4D illustrated, each of the several protrusions 401 is configured such that when the several protrusions 401 abut against the first piece 201, the abutting portions of each of the several protrusions 401 and the first piece 201 form an abutting surface. The several protrusions 401 are arranged in a row in the first direction, and there are intervals between adjacent protrusions 401. In Figure 4C the illustrated embodiment, each of the several protrusions 401 is substantially a right quadrangular prism, and the cross-section of each protrusion 401 is rectangular. One side surface 404 of the right quadrangular prism respectively provided on the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 faces each other. The edge height of the right quadrangular prism is arranged in the front-rear direction. When the several protrusions 401 abut against the first piece 201, the several side surfaces 404 abut against the first piece 201, and the abutting portions where each side surface 404 abuts against the first piece 201 form abutting surfaces. In the cross-section (for example, the A-A section), the abutting line is a line extending in the first direction.

[0035] In Figure 4D the illustrated embodiment, each of the several protrusions 401 is substantially a right quadrangular prism, and the cross-section of each protrusion 401 is trapezoidal. One of the side surfaces 405 of the right quadrangular prism with a smaller area respectively provided on the first clamping portion 151 and the second clamping portion 152 faces each other. The edge height of the right quadrangular prism is arranged in the front-rear direction. When the several protrusions 401 abut against the first piece 201, the abutting portions where each side surface 405 abuts against the first piece 201 form abutting surfaces. In the cross-section (for example, the A-A section), the abutting line is a line extending in the first direction.

[0036] Although the clamping portion shown in the present application includes several protrusions, in other embodiments, the clamping portion including at least two protrusions is within the protection scope of the present application.

[0037] The area of the abutting portion of the fastener of the present application and the first piece has a relatively large abutting surface area, the number of abutting surfaces or the number of abutting lines, so that the fastener stably clamps the first piece in the first direction to prevent the fastener from wobbling relative to the first piece in the second direction.

[0038] Although the cross-section of the protrusion shown in the present application is semicircular, triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular, in other embodiments, protrusions of other shapes are also within the protection scope of the present application. In addition, although the shapes of at least two protrusions included in the clamping portion shown in the present application are the same, in other embodiments, the clamping portion may also include protrusions of different shapes.

[0039] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternative, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantially equivalent alternatives, whether known or now or soon foreseeable in the art, may be apparent to persons having at least ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in this specification are exemplary and not restrictive; so the disclosures in this specification may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or may solve other technical problems. Therefore, the examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure as stated above are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternative, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantially equivalent alternatives.

Claims

1. A fastener for clamping a first piece (201) so as to connect to the first piece (201), characterized in that, The fastener includes: a base (110); a pair of retaining arms disposed on opposite sides of the base (110) and extending from the base (110), free ends of the pair of retaining arms forming a first opening (111) for receiving the first piece (201); and a pair of clamping arms disposed on opposite sides of the base (110) and extending from the base (110), free ends of the pair of clamping arms forming a second opening (140) for receiving the first piece (201); each of the pair of clamping arms is provided with a clamping portion configured to: when the first piece (201) is received in the first opening (111) and the second opening (140), the pair of clamping arms clamp the first piece (201) from opposite sides, and the portion of the clamping portion in contact with the first piece (201) forms at least one of at least two abutting lines and at least one abutting surface.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: the pair of clamping arms is configured to be biased relative to the base (110), and a distance between the clamping portions on the pair of clamping arms is less than a thickness of an insertion portion (220) of the first piece (201).

3. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: the clamping portion is a plane, so that when the first piece (201) is received in the first opening (111), the portion of the clamping portion in contact with the first piece (201) forms an abutting surface.

4. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: the clamping portion includes at least two protrusions (401), each of the at least two protrusions (401) being configured to: when the first piece (201) is received in the second opening (140), each of the at least two protrusions (401) forms an abutting line with the portion of the first piece (201) in contact therewith.

5. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein: each of the at least two protrusions (401) has a semicircular or triangular cross-section.

6. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: the clamping portion includes at least two protrusions (401), each of the at least two protrusions (401) being configured to: when the first piece (201) is received in the second opening (140), each of the at least two protrusions (401) forms an abutting surface with the portion of the first piece (201) in contact therewith.

7. The fastener according to claim 6, wherein: each of the at least two protrusions (401) has a trapezoidal or rectangular cross-section.

8. The fastener according to claim 4 or 6, wherein: the second opening (140) is configured to receive the first piece (201) moving in a first direction; each of the at least two protrusions (401) extends substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: The first member (201) is provided with a first through hole (203). Each of the pair of holding arms is provided with an insertion arm, and the insertion arm extends from the holding arm toward the clamping arm on the corresponding side. The insertion arm is capable of being biased relative to the holding arm and is configured such that when the first member (201) is received in the first opening (111) and the second opening (140), at least a part of the insertion arm can be inserted into the first through hole (203) of the first member (201).

10. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of holding arms is capable of being biased relative to the base (110), and each of the pair of holding arms includes a first bending portion (121) and a second bending portion (122). The bending directions of the first bending portion (121) and the second bending portion (122) are opposite, and the first bending portion (121) is provided and connected between the base (110) and the second bending portion (122).

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