Clamp for maintaining pressure

Abstract

A clamp for maintaining pressure on a component includes: a top cover; a carrier hinged to the top cover; a first pressing stroke control post disposed on the top cover and / or the carrier; and a second pressing stroke control post disposed on the top cover and / or the carrier; wherein the first pressing stroke control post and the second pressing stroke control post have different heights.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a clamp, and more particularly to a clamp for maintaining pressure. Prior Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of electronic devices, it is often necessary to assemble different parts of components together. This assembly may require various methods such as adhesives and ultrasonic welding to join the different parts. However, the available joining methods are limited by factors such as the materials, specifications, and structure of the components themselves. For example, in the structural design of some laptops, tablets, or other electronic devices, some components may not be able to withstand high temperatures and are unsuitable for ultrasonic welding, so adhesives are used instead. Adhesives require a curing time, during which pressure needs to be maintained on the components to prevent poor adhesion and non-compliance with specifications. Traditional methods of maintaining pressure include pressure-holding devices or spring clips, but each has its drawbacks. For example, pressure-holding devices are expensive and inefficient for production, while spring clips cannot control the clamping force or the distribution of force points, and the complex surface curvature of the components may make the spring clips prone to detachment. Furthermore, a single component may require multiple spring clips, and in the case of mass production, a large number of spring clips are needed, making management difficult and making it hard to determine or control whether each spring clip needs to be replaced.

[0003] Today's electronic products have increasingly stringent specifications and smaller tolerances for error. Improper component assembly can lead to dimensional inconsistencies, air leaks, and sound leaks. As component shapes become more complex, traditional clamping methods struggle to apply uniform pressure to these intricate forms. Furthermore, different areas of the same component may require varying pressures to ensure proper adhesive adhesion. For example, due to factors such as material and structure, some parts of a component may be prone to warping or have larger gaps, requiring stronger clamping force to hold them in place while the adhesive cures. Traditional clamping methods cannot efficiently adjust pressure across different parts of the same component.

[0004] Another problem with traditional fixtures is that not all areas need pressure during the adhesive bonding process of components. In some cases, delicate or fragile components may be mounted on the component, so some areas of the component need pressure while others are not suitable for pressure. Traditional fixtures struggle to effectively distinguish between pressure-sensitive and non-pressure-sensitive areas.

[0005] To address the above issues, a fixture is needed that can apply appropriate pressure to components with complex shapes, apply different levels of pressure to different parts of the same component, avoid areas unsuitable for pressure application, be cost-effective, and be mass-producible. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a clamp for maintaining pressure, which can improve the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0007] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a clamp for maintaining pressure on a component, the clamp comprising: a top cover; a carrier hinged to the top cover; a first pressing stroke control post disposed on the top cover and / or the carrier; and a second pressing stroke control post disposed on the top cover and / or the carrier; wherein the first pressing stroke control post and the second pressing stroke control post have different heights.

[0008] To further understand the features and technical content of this disclosure, please refer to the following detailed description and figures related to this disclosure. However, the figures provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the content of this disclosure. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0009] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a component placed in a fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the hinge of the clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a fixture clamping a component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D show the configurations of different pressing stroke control columns according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Implementation

[0010] Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this disclosure from the content disclosed in this specification. This disclosure can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this disclosure. In addition, the drawings in this disclosure are only simple illustrations and are not depictions based on actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this disclosure in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are mainly used to distinguish one element from another.

[0011] This disclosure provides a fixture capable of applying appropriate pressure to components with complex shapes, and capable of applying different levels of pressure or avoidance to different areas of the same component. The fixture can be manufactured using injection molding or 3D printing, enabling rapid, mass production and reduced manufacturing costs. The fixture can be made of any material suitable for injection molding or 3D printing. Furthermore, the fixture offers considerable design flexibility. For example, if it is found that the fixture applies too much or too little pressure to the component in certain areas, modifications can be made in structural design software and the fixture can be remade to adjust the pressure applied to the component in each area. Alternatively, various fixture shapes can be designed using software to clamp different types of components, providing appropriate clamping for different types of components.

[0012] Please refer to Figures 1 through 5. The clamp 100 includes a top cover 102 and a carrier 104, wherein the carrier 104 and the top cover 102 are hinged via a hinge 114. The hinge 114 includes a pivot 115 and a pivot hook 117, the pivot hook 117 engaging the pivot 115, thereby hinged the carrier 104 and the top cover 102 (as shown in Figure 4). In the embodiment of Figure 4, the pivot 115 is disposed on the carrier 104, and the pivot hook 117 is disposed on the top cover 102; in a variant embodiment, the pivot may be disposed on the top cover, and the pivot hook may be disposed on the carrier. The clamp 100 is capable of clamping the component 200 via the top cover 102 and the carrier 104. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the component 200, wherein the component 200 includes a first portion 202 and a second portion 204. It should be noted that, for simplification, the first part 202 and the second part 204 of component 200 can actually be fitted with or have other components such as antennas or horns installed. However, for clarity, only the first part 202 and the second part 204 are shown, and other mounting components are omitted. In an assembly example, adhesive is first applied to the first part 202 and / or the second part 204, as well as any required mounting components (not shown), and the first part 202 and the second part 204 are assembled together. Next, component 200 is placed on clamp 100 (as shown in Figure 3), and the top cover 102 of clamp 100 and carrier 104 are closed (as shown in states 500, 502, and 504 in Figure 5) to apply pressure to component 200. During the pressure application process, the hooks 110 of the clamp 100 engage with the engaging structure 112, allowing the clamp 100 to continuously apply pressure to the component 200 while the adhesive on the component 200 is curing. After a period of time for the adhesive to cure, the component 200 can be removed from the clamp 100. The component 200 can then be reinstalled into a product (e.g., a laptop, tablet, etc.). The component 200 shown in Figure 2 is merely an example; in reality, the component 200 can have various shapes. To allow the component 200 to accommodate various components, its shape may be complex and varied. The clamp 100 can be adjusted to accommodate the shape of the component 200. In summary, the shapes of the clamp 100 and the component 200 shown in the figures can vary depending on the actual situation, and this disclosure includes such variations.

[0013] The structure of the clamp 100 is further described below. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the clamp 100 includes a positioning post 106 and a receiving groove 120 to fix the position of the component 200 (as shown in FIG. 2). The shape of the receiving groove 120 can mate with the component 200 so that the component 200 can be properly placed in the receiving groove 120. The positioning post 106 is a post used to assist in the positioning of the component 200; in some embodiments, the component 200 is provided with several holes, and the position of the positioning post 106 can match the holes of the component 200. When the component 200 is placed on the carrier 104, the positioning post 106 can pass through the holes of the component 200 to fix its position; or, the positioning post 106 can be arranged around the component 200 so that the outer shell of the component 200 abuts against the positioning post 106 for positioning. In some variations, the receiving groove can be omitted, and only the positioning post is used for positioning; or the positioning post can be omitted, and only the receiving groove is used for positioning. The latch 110 of the clamp 100 can engage with the engagement structure 112 to maintain pressure on the component 200 when the clamp 100 is closed. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the latch 110 is located on the upper cover 102, and the engagement structure 112 is located on the carrier 104; however, in some variations, the latch may be located on the carrier, and the engagement structure may be located on the upper cover. Furthermore, the number and position of the latches 110 and engagement structures 112 can be adjusted as needed. In other variations, other methods can be used to secure the upper cover and the carrier; for example, the latches and engagement structures can be replaced with screws, nuts, or other types of fasteners.

[0014] The upper cover 102 and / or carrier 104 of the clamp 100 may be provided with a clearance structure 118, wherein the clearance structure 118 is configured to avoid contact with the component 200. In other words, when the component 200 is clamped in the clamp 100, although the clamp 100 applies pressure to the component 200, the clearance structure 118 of the clamp 100 can prevent pressure from being applied to certain parts of the component 200. As previously mentioned, the component 200 may have more delicate or fragile components, so some areas are not suitable for pressure application, and the clamp 100 can provide a clearance structure 118 in such areas to prevent pressure on the component 200 when the clamp 100 is closed. The clearance structure 118 can have various forms; in the embodiment shown in FIG1, the clearance structure 118 is a perforated hole; while in some variations, the clearance structure can be a protrusion or a recess to avoid contact with the component.

[0015] The following describes how the clamp 100 controls the pressure applied to the component 200. The clamp 100 can control the applied pressure through the component-mimicking structure 116 and / or the pressing stroke control post 108. The shape and / or height of the component-mimicking structure 116 are configured to match the component 200. For example, if a portion of the component 200 has an arc-shaped protrusion, the corresponding portion of the component-mimicking structure 116 can be configured as an arc-shaped recess; if a portion of the component 200 has a sloped shape, the corresponding portion of the component-mimicking structure 116 can be configured as a corresponding slope. Because the shape of the component-mimicking structure 116 matches the shape of the component 200, the clamp 100 can apply pressure evenly to the complex shape of the component 200. Furthermore, the pressure applied to component 200 can be influenced by adjusting the height of the simulated component structure 116; if the simulated component structure 116 is higher, the pressure applied to component 200 by the simulated component structure 116 is greater when the clamp 100 is closed; if the simulated component structure 116 is lower, the pressure applied to component 200 by the simulated component structure 116 is less when the clamp 100 is closed. Simulated component structures 116 of different shapes and / or heights can be provided in different areas of the clamp 100 to apply different degrees of pressure to different areas of component 200. The clamp 100 can also control the degree of pressure applied to component 200 by means of the pressing stroke control column 108. The pressing stroke control column 108 itself does not directly apply pressure to the component 200. Instead, when the clamp 100 is closed, the pressing stroke control column 108 can support the gap between the upper cover 102 and the carrier 104. If the pressing stroke control column 108 is longer, the gap between the upper cover 102 and the carrier 104 is larger, thus the pressure applied to the component 200 is smaller; if the pressing stroke control column 108 is shorter, the gap between the upper cover 102 and the carrier 104 is smaller, thus the pressure applied to the component 200 is larger. This allows for the setting of pressing stroke control columns 108 of different heights to control the maximum pressure that the clamp 100 can apply to the component 200 in different areas. The pressing stroke control post 108 is disposed on the upper cover 102 and / or the carrier 104; although Figure 1 only shows the pressing stroke control post 108 disposed on the upper cover 102, it may be disposed on the carrier 104 as appropriate. Further details of the pressing stroke control post 108 controlling the applied pressure will be further described in Figures 6A to 6D below.

[0016] In the embodiments shown in Figures 6A to 6D, the upper cover 102 is provided with three pressing stroke control posts 108A, 108B, and 108C. It should be noted that the embodiments in Figures 6A to 6D are merely examples, and fewer or more pressing stroke control posts 108 may be provided. The pressing stroke control posts 108A, 108B, and 108C may have the same or different heights and may be respectively located in different areas of the fixture 100. The areas where the pressing stroke control posts 108A, 108B, and 108C are located can each be considered a pressure zone, that is, the pressing stroke control posts 108A, 108B, and 108C are respectively located in the first pressure zone, the second pressure zone, and the third pressure zone of the fixture 100. There is a maximum gap D between the upper cover 102 and the carrier 104. The lengths of the pressing stroke control posts 108A, 108B, and 108C may be the same as or different from the maximum gap D, in order to control the maximum pressure that the first, second, and third pressing zones can apply to the component 200. For example, as shown in Figures 6B to 6D, the pressing stroke control posts 108A, 108B, and 108C have a control post surface 109A, 109B, and 109C at their ends, respectively. Each control post surface 109A, 109B, and 109C has the same or different gaps with the carrier surface 105 of the carrier 104, wherein in some examples the gaps may be from 0 mm to 2.0 mm, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the gaps between the control post surfaces 109A, 109B, and 109C and the carrier surface 105 are 0.4 mm, 0.2 mm, and 0.2 mm, respectively; these gaps correspond to the space available for pressing in each pressing zone. When the clamp 100 is closed, in the first pressure zone where the pressing stroke control post 108A is located, there can be more travel space between the upper cover 102 and the carrier 104 for pressing; while in the second and third pressure zones where the pressing stroke control posts 108B and 108C are located, there is less travel space between the upper cover 102 and the carrier 104 for pressing. Therefore, a greater pressure can be applied to the component 200 in the first pressure zone compared to the second and third pressure zones. In some embodiments, the height of any one or more of the pressing stroke control posts 108A, 108B, and 108C may be equal to or less than the maximum gap D between the upper cover 102 and the carrier 104.

[0017] Based on the above, if some parts of component 200 are prone to warping or have large gaps due to factors such as materials and structure, the height of the pressing stroke control column 108 in the corresponding area of ​​the clamp 100 can be shortened to allow the clamp 100 to have more stroke space to apply pressure, thereby increasing the pressure on component 200.

[0018] The scope of the patent application disclosed herein is not limited to the above content. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of this disclosure specification and drawings are included within the scope of the patent application.

[0019] 100: Fixture 102: Top Cover 104: Vehicles 105: Vehicle Surface 106: Positioning Post 108: Pressing stroke control column 108A, 108B, 108C: Pressing stroke control column 109A, 109B, 109C: Control column surfaces 110: Hook 112: Snap-fit ​​structure 114: Hinges 115: Shaft 116: Imitation of component structure 117: Hook of the pivot 118: Avoidance Structure 120: Receiving slot 200: Components 202: Part One 204: Part Two 500, 502, 504: Status D: Maximum clearance

Claims

1. A clamp for maintaining pressure on a component, the clamp comprising: A top cover includes a component-like structure configured to fit the component in a shape and / or in height, and configured to apply pressure to the component; a carrier hinged to the top cover; a hook and a locking structure configured to engage with the hook, wherein the hook is disposed on one of the top cover and the carrier, and the locking structure is disposed on the other of the top cover and the carrier; a first pressing stroke control post; and a second pressing stroke control post; wherein: the clamp is at least divided into a first pressing area and a second pressing area; the first pressing stroke control post is located in the first pressing area and disposed on one of the top cover and the carrier, and the first pressing stroke control post is configured to support between the top cover and the carrier such that in the first pressing area, a first gap between the top cover and the carrier is not less than the height of the first pressing stroke control post; The second pressing stroke control post is located in the second pressure zone and is disposed on one of the top cover and the carrier. The second pressing stroke control post is configured to support between the top cover and the carrier such that a second gap between the top cover and the carrier in the second pressure zone is not less than a height of the second pressing stroke control post; and the height of the first pressing stroke control post is different from the height of the second pressing stroke control post.

2. The clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is a maximum gap between the top cover and the carrier, the height of the first pressing stroke control post is less than or equal to the maximum gap, and the height of the second pressing stroke control post is less than or equal to the maximum gap.

3. The clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pressing stroke control post and the second pressing stroke control post are configured such that the clamp can apply different maximum pressures to the component in the first pressing area and the second pressing area.

4. The fixture as described in claim 1, wherein the first pressing stroke control post and the second pressing stroke control post do not directly apply pressure to the component.

5. The clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier further includes a pivot, and the cover further includes a pivot hook that hooks the pivot, such that the carrier is hinged to the cover.

6. The clamp as claimed in claim 1 further includes a clearance structure disposed on the top cover and / or the carrier, the clearance structure being configured to avoid applying pressure to the component.

7. The fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier further includes a component receiving slot configured to receive the component.

8. The clamp as claimed in claim 1 further includes a positioning post disposed on the carrier and configured to fix the position of the component.

9. The fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixture is made by injection molding or 3D printing.

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