Tightening device

Abstract

We provide a fastening device for tightening automobile wheels. [Solution] The fastening device 100 includes a fastener 1 and an end cap 2. The fastener has an insertion portion 11, the insertion portion has a first connecting structure 111, the end cap has an insertion slot 21 into which the insertion portion can be inserted, and the end cap has a second connecting structure 211 connected to the first connecting structure. The first connecting structure includes an outer circumferential surface 112 and an annular engagement block 113 provided so as to project radially from the outer circumferential surface, the annular engagement block has an annular locking shoulder surface 114 connected perpendicularly to the outer circumferential surface, and the second connecting structure includes an inner circumferential surface 212, an annular engagement groove 213 provided so as to be radially recessed from the inner circumferential surface and into which the annular engagement block can engage, and an annular contact surface 214 connected perpendicularly to the inner circumferential surface and located on one side of the annular engagement groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device, particularly a clamping device for clamping a wheel.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, an automobile wheel and an axle are generally fixed by engaging a plurality of nuts with a plurality of bolts on the axle (for example, the wheel fixing device disclosed in Patent Document 1). In order for the wheel and the axle to be tightly coupled to each other so that the wheel does not come off the axle, after engaging the nut and the bolt, a good meshing force is required on the contact surface between the nut and the wheel, and it is necessary to prevent the nut from gradually loosening due to the rotational movement of the wheel.

[0003] Since applying zinc plating to the surface provides the best meshing force in actual use, generally, the surface of the nut is subjected to zinc plating treatment to achieve the aforementioned good meshing force.

[0004] However, the conventional nut after zinc plating treatment exhibits a single color close to silver, lacks color variation, and it is difficult to meet the various color demands corresponding to modern customization requirements.

[0005] On the other hand, in order to generate different colors, the nut needs to adopt a surface treatment of a metal different from zinc plating, but this reduces the meshing force and fails to meet the safety standards.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] As described above, the challenge lies in finding a way to ensure that nuts have good interlocking force during use, are difficult to dislodge, and can also be available in various colors to meet the demand for customization. The objective of this invention is to provide a clamping device that can clamp wheels and satisfy both the requirements for engagement force and the requirements for different colors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This invention includes a fastener and an end cap. The aforementioned fastening device has an insertion portion, The insertion portion has a first connecting structure, The present invention provides a fastening device having an end cap with an insertion slot into which the insertion portion can be inserted, and a second connecting structure to which the end cap is connected to the first connecting structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The effect of this invention is that the fastener is fixed by the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure of the end cap, and the fastener and the end cap are stably integrated. The fastener can be plated to maintain good engagement force during use. The end cap can be made to have different colors by applying different surface treatments, thereby achieving a customized aesthetic. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the fastening device of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment described above. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment from a different angle. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5]This is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 4, showing that the adhesive is fixed between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the fastening device of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment described above. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] To more clearly explain the purpose, technical means, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical means in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be clear that the embodiments described are some, and not all, embodiments of the present invention. Typically, the components of the embodiments of the present invention depicted and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided below in the accompanying drawings does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention, but merely illustrates selected embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] Before describing this invention in more detail, it should be noted that, where appropriate, reference numerals or the end portion of reference numerals are repeated between figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements, and these may optionally have similar characteristics.

[0013] In the description of this invention, terms indicating directions and positional relationships such as "up," "down," "inside," "outside," "left," "right," "front," and "back" are based on the directions and positional relationships shown in the drawings, or the directions and positional relationships that are habitually used when using the product of this invention, for the purpose of simpler and clearer explanation. They do not teach or suggest that the corresponding devices or apparatus have a specific direction, structure, or operation in a specific direction, and are not limitations to this invention.

[0014] Also, in the description of the present invention, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only for the purpose of distinction and do not teach or imply relative importance.

[0015] The present invention will be described in more detail by the following examples, but these examples are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the implementation of the present invention.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a first embodiment of the tightening device 100 of the present invention is shown. In this example, the tightening device 100 is a nut, but is not limited thereto. This tightening device 100 is used to correspond to a bolt (not shown) screwed onto the axle of a wheel and includes a tightening tool 1 and an end cap 2.

[0017] The tightening tool 1 has an insertion portion 11. The insertion portion 11 has a first connection structure 111. The end cap 2 is formed with an insertion slot 21 into which the insertion portion 11 can be inserted. And the end cap 2 has a second connection structure 211 connected to the first connection structure 111.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the first connection structure 111 includes an outer peripheral surface 112 and an annular engagement block 113 provided so as to protrude radially from the outer peripheral surface 112.

[0019] The annular engagement block 113 has an annular locking shoulder surface 114 vertically connected to the outer peripheral surface 112 and a first chamfered surface 115 that is inclined and connected to the outer peripheral surface 112 and is on the opposite side of the annular locking shoulder surface 114 side.

[0020] The second connecting structure 211 includes an inner circumferential surface 212, an annular engagement groove 213 provided so as to be radially recessed in the inner circumferential surface 212 and into which the annular engagement block 113 can engage, an annular contact surface 214 connected perpendicularly to the inner circumferential surface 212 and located on one side of the annular engagement groove 213, and a second chamfered surface 215 connected at an angle to the inner circumferential surface 212 and spaced apart from the annular contact surface 214.

[0021] The annular contact surface 214 contacts the annular locking shoulder surface 114. The first chamfered surface 115 contacts the second chamfered surface 215 and pushes the second connecting structure 211 outward, thereby causing the annular engagement block 113 to engage with the annular engagement groove 213.

[0022] Referring to Figure 5, in this embodiment, the fastening device 100 further includes an adhesive 3 fixed between the first connecting structure 111 and the second connecting structure 211.

[0023] The adhesive 3 may be, but is not limited to, an AB-type adhesive. The adhesive 3 is used to enhance the bonding strength and bonding stability between the fastener 1 and the end cap 2.

[0024] When assembling the end cap 2 to the fastener 1, first apply the adhesive 3 to the outer circumferential surface 112 of the first connecting structure 111, the annular engagement block 113, and the inner circumferential surface 212 of the second connecting structure 211, the annular engagement groove 213, and the second chamfered surface 215.

[0025] Next, the insertion slot 21 of the end cap 2 is moved along the assembly direction toward the insertion portion 11 of the fastener 1, and the insertion portion 11 is inserted into the insertion slot 21.

[0026] When the second chamfered surface 215 comes into contact with the first chamfered surface 115, the second chamfered surface 215 slides along the first chamfered surface 115 and is pushed apart by the first chamfered surface 115, causing the second connecting structure 211 to deform slightly and the second chamfered surface 215 to pass over the first chamfered surface 115.

[0027] When the second chamfered surface 215 crosses the annular engagement block 113 and the annular engagement groove 213 aligns with the position of the annular engagement block 113, the second connecting structure 211 returns to its original position, and the annular engagement block 113 automatically engages with the annular engagement groove 213.

[0028] As a result, the end cap 2 is connected to the fastener 1, and at this time, the annular contact surface 214 is in contact with the annular locking shoulder surface 114.

[0029] Since the annular locking shoulder surface 114 is connected perpendicularly to the outer circumferential surface 112 and the annular contact surface 214 is connected perpendicularly to the inner circumferential surface 212, when the annular contact surface 214 contacts the annular locking shoulder surface 114 and is prevented from moving in the opposite direction of assembly and coming off the fastener 1, the end cap 2 will not move in the opposite direction of assembly and come off the fastener 1.

[0030] As a result, the end cap 2 will not come off the fastener 1 even when subjected to a force in the opposite direction to the assembly direction, and will remain firmly connected to the fastener 1.

[0031] Furthermore, as the adhesive 3 hardens and adheres between the first connecting structure 111 and the 21st connecting structure 211, the end cap 2 is more firmly attached to the fastener 1 and integrated into one unit.

[0032] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, a second embodiment of the fastening device 100 of the present invention is shown. Its overall structure is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. The difference lies in the first connecting structure 111 and the second connecting structure 211.

[0033] The first connecting structure 111 includes an outer circumferential surface 112 and a plurality of first packing teeth 116 that protrude from the outer circumferential surface 112 and are arranged in an annular shape. A first tooth groove 117 is formed between two adjacent first packing teeth 116.

[0034] The second connecting structure 211 includes an inner circumferential surface 212 and a plurality of second packing teeth 216 that protrude from the inner circumferential surface 212 and are arranged in an annular shape. A second tooth groove 217 is formed between two adjacent second packing teeth 216.

[0035] Each first packing tooth 116 is housed in a corresponding second tooth groove 217 and is in close contact with two corresponding adjacent second packing teeth 216. Each second packing tooth 216 is housed in a corresponding first tooth groove 117 and is in close contact with two corresponding adjacent first packing teeth 116.

[0036] When assembling the end cap 2 to the fastener 1, first align each second packing tooth 216 of the end cap 2 with the corresponding first tooth groove 117 of the fastener 1, and then align each first packing tooth 116 of the fastener 1 with the corresponding second tooth groove 217 of the end cap 2.

[0037] Next, the insertion slot 21 of the end cap 2 is moved toward the insertion portion 11 of the fastener 1 in the assembly direction, and the insertion portion 11 is inserted into the insertion slot 21.

[0038] In this configuration, each first packing tooth 116 is housed in its corresponding second tooth groove 217 and makes tight contact with two corresponding adjacent second packing teeth 216, while each second packing tooth 216 is housed in its corresponding first tooth groove 117 and makes tight contact with two corresponding adjacent first packing teeth 116. As a result, the end cap 2 and the fastener 1 are tightly assembled to form an integrated structure.

[0039] As described above, the fastener 1 of the fastening device 100 is integrated by the fastening of the first connecting structure 111 and the second connecting structure 211 of the end cap 2.

[0040] As a result, the fastener 1 that contacts the wheel can maintain good engagement force when in use by being zinc-plated, and the surface of the end cap 2 can produce different color changes by being subjected to different surface treatments (e.g., chrome plating, but not limited to these).

[0041] Thus, the two-piece design of the fastener 1 and end cap 2 allows the fastener 1 to have excellent and good gripping force when in use, while the end cap 2 can be given different surface treatments as needed to produce different colors, thereby enhancing visual uniqueness and beauty and meeting customization needs. Therefore, the objectives of this invention can be reliably achieved.

[0042] While the present invention has been described in relation to what may be considered exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover a variety of configurations that fall within the broadest spirit and scope of interpretation to encompass all such modifications and equivalent configurations. [Industrial applicability]

[0043] The fastening device of this invention can be used to secure a wheel to an axle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 100 Tightening device 1 Fastener 11 Insertion part 111 First connecting structure 112 Outer surface 113 Annular engagement block 114 Annular locking shoulder surface 115 First chamfered surface 116 First packing teeth 117 First tooth groove 2 End caps 21 Insertion Slots 211 Second connecting structure 212 Inner surface 213 Annular engagement groove 214 Annular contact surface 215 Second chamfered surface 216 Second packing tooth 217 Second tooth groove 3. Adhesive

Claims

1. Including fasteners and end caps, The aforementioned fastening device has an insertion portion, The insertion portion has a first connecting structure, A fastening device having an end cap with an insertion slot into which the insertion portion can be inserted, and the end cap having a second connecting structure connected to the first connecting structure.

2. The first connecting structure includes an outer circumferential surface and an annular engaging block provided so as to protrude radially from the outer circumferential surface, The annular engagement block has an annular locking shoulder surface that is connected perpendicularly to the outer peripheral surface, The second connecting structure includes an inner circumferential surface, an annular engagement groove provided so as to be radially recessed in the inner circumferential surface and into which the annular engagement block can engage, and an annular contact surface connected perpendicularly to the inner circumferential surface and located on one side of the annular engagement groove. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the annular contact surface contacts the annular locking shoulder surface.

3. The annular engagement block is connected to the outer peripheral surface at an inclination and has a first chamfered surface on the opposite side of the annular locking shoulder surface, The second connecting structure has a second chamfered surface that is inclined to the inner circumferential surface and is spaced apart from the annular contact surface. The fastening device according to claim 2, wherein the first chamfered surface is used to contact the second chamfered surface and push the second connecting structure outward, so that the annular engagement block engages with the annular engagement groove.

4. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an adhesive is fixed between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure.

5. The first connecting structure includes an outer circumferential surface and a plurality of first packing teeth protruding from the outer circumferential surface and arranged in an annular manner. A first tooth groove is formed between two adjacent first packing teeth, The second connecting structure includes an inner circumferential surface and a plurality of second packing teeth that protrude from the inner circumferential surface and are arranged in an annular manner. A second tooth groove is formed between two adjacent second packing teeth. Each of the first packing teeth is housed in the corresponding second tooth groove and is in close contact with two corresponding adjacent second packing teeth. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein each of the second packing teeth is housed in a corresponding first tooth groove and is in close contact with two corresponding adjacent first packing teeth.

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