Electronic apparatus with fastening element

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device (100) comprising: - a box-shaped body (1) comprising, in turn, a first portion (10) having a first hole (11) and a second portion (20) operatively associated with the first portion (10); - at least one electronic board (3) housed within the box-shaped body (1); - a fastening element (4) comprising a head (41), a stem (42) extending from the head (41), and a plurality of appendages (43) extending from the stem (42). The second portion (20) of the box-shaped body (1) or the electronic board (3) comprises a second hole (21) aligned with the first hole (11). The appendages of the plurality of appendages (43) are configured to: - allow the insertion of the stem (42) in an insertion direction (I) into the first hole (11) and the second hole (21); - prevent the extraction of the stem (42) relative to the first hole (11) and the second hole (21) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (I).

Description

[0001] ELECTRONIC APPARATUS WITH FASTENING ELEMENT

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to an electronic apparatus. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus having a box-shaped body, at least one electronic board housed in the box-shaped body, and a fastening element for preventing the box-shaped body from being opened, and thus preventing access to the electronic board, and / or for preventing the electronic board from being separated from the box-shaped body.

[0004] Nowadays, electronic apparatuses are increasingly used to control and, more generally, enable the operation of machinery in industrial plants. It is therefore understandable how the malfunctioning of electronic apparatuses has a direct negative impact on the productivity of the industrial plant of which they are part.

[0005] The proper functioning of an electronic apparatus depends, first and foremost, on its structural or physical integrity. For these reasons, there is a particularly strong need to be able to quickly and unequivocally identify any tampering, i.e. deliberate physical attacks or damage, even if unintentional, to the electronic apparatus of an industrial plant.

[0006] To protect the electronic equipment from tampering or accidental damage, a well- known solution is to enclose such electronic equipment in special lockable cabinets equipped with a key-operated lock.

[0007] This solution is particularly complex during the installation stage of the system of which the electronic device is a part. Furthermore, as is well known, the lock could still be broken into or tampered with in order to access the electronic device stored inside.

[0008] Alternatively, to identify tampering or accidental damage to an electronic device, adhesive labels are commonly used on the electronic device itself, as illustrated below.

[0009] As is well known, an electronic apparatus comprises a box-like body or casing inside which at least one electronic board is housed. The box-like body in turn comprises at least two portions coupled together, for example by means of male-female coupling means.

[0010] To recognise tampering or damage to an electronic apparatus, one or more adhesive labels can be affixed across the two parts of the box-shaped body, particularly at or near the coupling means. Each adhesive label is generally applied to a point on the casing of the electronic apparatus where it is very visible. In other words, each label is applied to the casing of the electronic apparatus in such a way that it is clearly visible during use.

[0011] These adhesive labels are configured to tear into several parts or pieces, or in any case to break if an attempt is made to remove them from the box-shaped body or casing of the electronic apparatus, or if an attempt is made to separate one portion of the box-shaped body from the other, or in general if one portion of the box-shaped body is moved relative to the other. In other words, the adhesive labels essentially act as a tamper-evident seal and make it clear if there has been an attempt to tamper with the box.

[0012] However, the Author of the present disclosure has noted that it is often necessary to affix a large number of adhesive labels to the container of the electronic apparatus in order to make it particularly evident to the operator of the industrial plant whether the electronic apparatus has been tampered with, attempted to be tampered with, or accidentally damaged.

[0013] Furthermore, the Author of the present disclosure has found that during the production stage or following the repair of an electronic apparatus, it is particularly complex for operators to correctly position the various adhesive labels.

[0014] In addition, the Author of the present disclosure has observed that, over time, the adhesive label tends to deteriorate. As it deteriorates, the label may detach itself from one or both portions of the electronic container, no longer being able to guarantee its function of highlighting any tampering or damage to the electronic device.

[0015] Even the incorrect application of an adhesive label, for example during the production of the electronic apparatus or following its maintenance, can lead the operator of an industrial plant to mistakenly believe that the electronic apparatus on which it has been affixed has been tampered with or damaged in some way. As a result, the industrial plant could be shut down for further checks without any real need.

[0016] In other cases, an industrial plant operator who has become “accustomed” to the unreliability of adhesive labels may not readily identify whether one or more of them have actually been damaged during tampering with the electronic apparatus. Therefore, the industrial plant may not be shut down for further checks when there is a real need to do so.

[0017] The present disclosure aims to provide an electronic apparatus that allows overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks with reference to the known prior art and / or achieving further advantages.

[0018] This is achieved by means of an electronic apparatus comprising a fastening element as defined in claim 1 , attached hereto. Secondary features and particular embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0019] In particular, the electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises:

[0020] - a box-shaped body comprising, in turn, a first portion having a first hole and a second portion operatively associated with the first portion;

[0021] - at least one electronic card housed within the box-shaped body;

[0022] - a fastening element comprising a head, a stem extending from the head, and a plurality of appendages extending from the stem.

[0023] The second portion or the electronic board includes a second hole aligned with the first hole.

[0024] The appendages of the plurality of appendages are configured to allow insertion of the stem in an insertion direction within the first hole and the second hole. Furthermore, the appendages of the plurality of appendages are configured to prevent extraction of the stem relative to the first hole and the second hole in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0025] The fastening element is therefore a mechanical element apt to engage irreversibly with the box -shaped body and / or the electronic board, depending on the positioning of the second hole. The fastening element is therefore of the irreversible type. It follows that in order to separate the first portion from the second portion and / or from the electronic board, that is to gain access to the inner compartment defined by the box-shaped body, it is necessary to break a portion of the box-shaped body and / or break the fastening element. In this way, tampering with the electronic apparatus is particularly evident. Therefore, the fastening element is a tamper-evident seal or acts as a tamper-evident seal; that is, it is designed to allow rapid detection of tampering with an electronic device in which it is inserted.

[0026] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, in use, the fastening element is in a fastening position in which the stem of the fastening element is inserted at least into the first hole and into the second hole. In the fastening position, at least a first appendage of the plurality of appendages is apt to engage or is engaged against the second portion around the second hole, if the second hole is made in the second portion, or against the electronic board around the second hole if the second hole is made in the electronic board. In other words, in the fastening position, the stem of the fastening element is apt to engage, i.e. to rest or abut, with a perimetral area of the electronic board, if the second hole is made in the electronic board, or of the second portion, if the second hole is made in the second portion. Perimetral area means an area surrounding or encircling the second hole. According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, in the fastening position, at least one of the plurality of appendages forms a snap fit with the second portion, if the second hole is formed in the second portion, or with the electronic board, if the second hole is formed in the electronic board.

[0027] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, in the fastening position, the head abuts or rests against the first portion. Advantageously, the head functions or acts as a stop during insertion of the fastening element in the insertion direction. More preferably, in the fastening position, the head is received or inserted, at least partially, within the first hole. Alternatively, in the fastening position, the head rests or abuts against an outer surface of the first portion. Outer surface means a surface that faces away from a housing, compartment or cavity defined between the first portion and the second portion and in which the electronic board is housed.

[0028] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the second hole is formed in the second portion, and the electronic board comprises a third hole aligned with the first hole and the second hole. According to this preferred aspect, the appendages of the plurality of appendages are configured to allow insertion of the stem in an insertion direction within the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole. Furthermore, the appendages of the plurality of appendages are configured to prevent extraction of the stem relative to the first hole, the second hole and the third hole in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. It follows that the fastening element is apt to engage irreversibly with both portions of the box-shaped body and the electronic board. In this way, it is possible to ensure an increased retention effect between these components.

[0029] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the stem extends predominantly along a main development axis. This main development direction is therefore a predominant direction of development or extension of the stem.

[0030] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the stem comprises at least one main zone and one weakening zone in which the area of a section orthogonal to the main development direction of the main zone is greater than the area of a section orthogonal to the main development axis of the weakening zone. Preferably, the stem comprises a plurality of main zones alternating with a plurality of weakening zones. Since the at least one weakening zone has a section with a reduced area compared to a section of the at least one main zone, it is easier to break or cut the stem at the weakening zone. For example, if a part of the stem protrudes from the second portion of the box-shaped body through the second hole, that part can be removed, at least partially, by cutting the part at a weakening zone. According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of appendages comprises first appendages arranged in series with each other along the main development direction and second appendages arranged in series with each other along the main development axis. In other words, the fastening element is provided with at least a first series of appendages arranged along the main development axis and a second series of appendages also arranged along the main development axis. Preferably, the appendages of the first series of appendages are aligned with each other and, similarly, the appendages of the second series of appendages are aligned with each other, i.e. they are arranged along a respective substantially linear trajectory. Preferably, the appendages of the first series of appendages and the appendages of the second series of appendages are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other with regard to the main development axis.

[0031] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, each appendage of the plurality of appendages has a fin-like shape. In other words, the plurality of appendages is a plurality of fins.

[0032] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, each appendage of the plurality of appendages has, i.e., presents, an upper surface facing the head. According to this preferred aspect, the upper surface forms an acute angle with the main development direction.

[0033] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the fastening element is made of optically transparent material. In this way, if the electronic device is equipped with a light source or lighting element positioned near the fastening element, the latter can act as a ‘light guide’.

[0034] In addition, the manufacturing process of the electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure may include the following steps:

[0035] - provide at least one electronic board,

[0036] - provide the first portion and the second portion of the box-shaped body,

[0037] - operatively couple the at least one electronic board to the first portion or the second portion of the box-shaped body,

[0038] - operatively couple the first portion and the second portion of the box-shaped body.

[0039] Subsequently, the fastening element can be inserted into the first hole and the second hole.

[0040] The fastening element can then be associated with the box -shaped body and, if necessary, with the electronic board at the end of the production and / or testing process.

[0041] Therefore, the fastening element can also be used as evidence that the apparatus test has been successful, or as a final quality control.

[0042] Advantageously, the fastening element is designed to be inserted into the first hole and the second hole manually, without requiring special tools for its application.

[0043] Further advantages, features and methods of use of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of its embodiments, presented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0044] It is clear, however, that each embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure may have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case, it is not required that each embodiment have all of the listed advantages simultaneously. Reference will be made to the figures in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0045] - Figure 1 illustrates a sectional view of an electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0046] - Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0047] - Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a perspective view of a fastening element of an electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0048] - Figure 5 illustrates a front view of a fastening element of an electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0049] - Figure 6 illustrates detail A of Figure 5;

[0050] - Figure 7 illustrates a detail of an electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0051] - Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a fastening element of an electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0052] With reference to the accompanying figures, an embodiment of an electronic apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure is indicated by the reference number 10. In particular, the electronic apparatus 100 may be a control unit. For example, the electronic apparatus 100 may be configured to control components such as actuators, compressors, valves, fans and the like, for example within a refrigeration system. The electronic apparatus may also be, for example, a power supply unit or an input-output unit (I / O modules) and the like.

[0053] The electronic device 100, in accordance with the present disclosure, comprises a box-shaped body 1 , i.e. a casing or shell. The box-shaped body 1 comprises, in turn, a first portion 10 and a second portion 20, operatively coupled to each other. In particular, the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 define therebetween a housing, compartment or containment cavity. The first portion 10 comprises a first hole 11 , i.e. a first through opening. The first hole 11 is formed in the first portion 10.

[0054] The electronic apparatus 100 also comprises at least one electronic board 3 housed within the box-shaped body 1. The at least one board 3 is therefore housed within the housing, compartment or cavity defined by the box-shaped body 1.

[0055] The second portion 20 of the box-shaped body 1 or the electronic board 3 comprises a second hole 21 aligned with the first hole 11. The second hole 21 is made in the second portion 20 or in the electronic board 3.

[0056] The electronic device 100 also comprises a fastening element 4. In turn, the fastening element 4 comprises a head 41 and a stem or stem 42 that extends, preferably cantilevered, from the head 41.

[0057] The fastening element 4 additionally comprises a plurality of appendages 43 extending, preferably cantilevered, from the stem 42.

[0058] The appendages of the plurality of appendages 43 are configured to allow insertion of the stem 42 in an insertion direction I into the first hole 11 and the second hole 21.

[0059] The appendages of the plurality of appendages 43 are further configured to prevent extraction of the stem 42 relative to the first hole 11 and the second hole 21, i.e., removal of the stem through the first hole 11 and from the second hole 21 , in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I. In this way, once the fastening element 4 has been inserted through the first hole 11 and the second hole 21, the fastening element 4 secures or locks the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 or the electronic board 3 to each other, depending on where the second hole 21 is made. In other words, in use, i.e. with the fastening element 4 in an insertion position, the fastening element 4 operates or acts as an irreversible fastening element between the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 or the electronic board 3, depending on where the second hole 21 is made.

[0060] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the insertion direction I is a linear direction or trajectory from the first hole 11 to the second hole 21 , i.e., from the first hole 21 towards the second hole 21.

[0061] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the appendages of the plurality of appendages 43 are elastically deformable.

[0062] In particular, the appendages of the plurality of appendages 43 are configured to assume an undeformed, or rest, configuration and a deformed configuration. In the deformed configuration, they allow passage through the first hole 11 and the second hole 21 (and the third hole 31, if present, or further holes, as explained below) along the insertion direction I. Furthermore, the appendages of the plurality of appendages 43 are configured to assume a rest configuration, i.e., an undeformed configuration, in which they prevent extraction or passage through the first hole 11 and the second hole 21 (and the third hole 31 , if present, or additional holes, as explained below) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I.

[0063] During insertion of the fastening element 4, the appendages of the plurality of appendages 43 progressively, i.e. one after the other, come into contact with a free edge of the first portion 10 around the first hole 11. By exerting a force on the fastening element in the direction of insertion I, the appendages pass from the undeformed or rest configuration to the deformed configuration. In this way, passage through the first hole 11 is permitted. Continuing with the insertion of the fastening element 4, i.e. continuing to exert a force action along the insertion direction I, the appendages of the plurality of appendages 43 progressively encounter a free edge of the second portion 20 around the second hole 21, if the second hole 21 is made in the second portion 20, or against a free edge of the electronic board 3 around the second hole 21 , if the second hole 21 is made in the electronic board 3. By continuing to exert this stress in the insertion direction I, the plurality of appendages 43 progressively pass from the undeformed or rest configuration to the deformed configuration. In this way, passage through the second hole 21 is also allowed. Following their passage through the first hole 11 and their passage through the second hole 21, the appendages of the plurality of appendages 43 are configured to return to the undeformed or rest configuration, thus ensuring that it is impossible to remove or extract the fastening element 4 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I. In the fastening position, therefore, at least one appendage of the plurality of appendages 43 is in the undeformed or rest configuration.

[0064] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, in use, the fastening element 4 is in a fastening position in which the stem 42 is inserted into the first hole 11 and the second hole 42 in a fastening position. In other words, in the fastening position, the stem 42 of the fastening element 4 is inserted, i.e. received, into the first hole 11 and the second hole 21. In other words, the stem 42 passes through the first hole 11 and the second hole 21.

[0065] According to this preferred aspect, in the fastening position, the fastening element 4 forms a snap fit with the second portion 20, if the second hole 21 is made at the second portion 20, or with the electronic board 3, if the second hole 21 is made at the electronic board 3.

[0066] In the fastening position, at least a first appendage 431 of the plurality of appendages 43 is apt to engage or rest against the second portion 20 or the electronic board 3 around the second hole 21. If the second hole 21 is made in the second portion 20, in the fastening position, at least one first appendage 431 of the plurality of appendages 43 is apt to engage against or rest against or engage the second portion 20 around the second hole 21 ; whereas, if the second hole 21 is made in the electronic board 3, in the fastening position, at least one first appendage 431 of the plurality of appendages 43 is apt to engage against or rest against or engage the electronic board 3 around the second hole 21. In particular, at least one first appendage 431 of the plurality of appendages 43 is configured to engage against or rest against or engage the second portion 20 or the electronic board 3 around the second hole 21 if stressed or pushed in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I.

[0067] Alternatively, in the fastening position, at least one first appendage 431 of the plurality of appendages 43 is engaged against or engaged with the second portion 20 or the electronic board 3 around the second hole 21.

[0068] Preferably, if the second hole 21 is made in the second portion 20, the at least one first appendage 433 is engaged or is apt to engage against a perimetral area extending around the free edge or surrounding the free edge of the second portion 20 around the second hole 21. Alternatively, if the second hole 21 is made in the electronic board 3, the at least one first appendage is engaged or is apt to engage against a perimetral zone extending around or surrounding the free edge of the electronic board 3 around the second hole 21.

[0069] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the second hole 21 is made in the second portion 20. It follows that in order to separate the first portion 10 and the second portion 20, respectively, and to gain access to the compartment or housing defined by the box-shaped body 1 , it is necessary to break at least one of the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 of the box-shaped body 1. In this way, any attempt or actual tampering with the electronic device 1 is made particularly evident.

[0070] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 1, the electronic board 3 comprises a third hole 31. In other words, the third hole 31 is formed in the electronic board 3. The third hole 31 is aligned with the first hole 11 and the second hole 21.

[0071] According to this preferred aspect, the appendages 43 are configured to allow the insertion of the stem 42 in an insertion direction I into the first hole 11 , the second hole 21 and the third hole 31 and to prevent the extraction or removal of the stem 42 through the first hole 11, the second hole 21 and the third hole 31 , in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I. According to this preferred aspect, even more preferably, in the fastening position, the fastening element 4 also forms a snap-fit with the electronic board 3.

[0072] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, in the fastening position, the stem 42 of the fastening element 4 is also inserted into the third hole 31, i.e., it also passes through the third hole 31.

[0073] In the fastening position, at least one second appendage 434 of the plurality of appendages 43 is apt to engage against or abut against or engage the electronic board 3 around the third hole 31. In particular, at least one second appendage 434 of the plurality of appendages 43 is configured to engage or rest against or engage the electronic card 3 around the third hole 31 when stressed or pushed in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I. In the fastening position, the electronic board 3 rests on the at least one second appendage 434 or is supported by the at least one second appendage 434.

[0074] Alternatively, in the fastening position, the at least one second appendage 432 of the plurality of appendages 43 engages against or engages the electronic board 3 around the third hole 21.

[0075] Preferably, in the fastening position, the at least one second appendage 432 is engaged or is apt to engage against or engage a perimetral area extending around the free edge around the third hole 31 of the electronic board 3. In this way, the at least one second appendage 432 contributes to supporting the electronic board 3.

[0076] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, electronic board 3 is a first electronic board of electronic boards of electronic apparatus 100. In other words, electronic apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of electronic boards, and electronic board 3 is a first electronic board of said plurality of electronic boards. One or more of the additional electronic boards (not shown) is provided with a respective hole aligned with the other holes 11 , 21 , and 31. What has been said with reference to the first electronic board 3 and the third hole 31 applies equally to one or more of the additional electronic boards and their respective holes. What has been said with reference to at least one second appendage applies equally to at least one further appendage of the plurality of appendages 43.

[0077] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the stem 42 extends predominantly along a main development axis D. That is, the stem 42 has an elongated shape along the main development axis D. For example, the stem 42 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. Preferably, the main development axis D is an axis of symmetry of the stem 42 and, more preferably, also of the head 41. Preferably, the stem 42 extends between a first end 421, coupled to the head 41 , and a second end 422 opposite the first end 421. The second end 422 is a free end. According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, as illustrated in Figure 7, for example, the stem 42 comprises at least a main area 42a and a weakening area 42b. The weakening area 42b is intended to act as a breaking area, to allow the removal or separation of a portion of the stem 42. Preferably, the area of a section, orthogonal to the main development axis D, of the main area 42a is greater than the area of a section, orthogonal to the main development axis D, of the weakening area 42b.

[0078] Preferably, along the main development axis D, the stem 42 has a plurality of main zones 42a alternated with a plurality of weakening zones 42b. In other words, along the main development axis D, each of the main zones 42a is interposed between two weakening zones 42b.

[0079] Preferably, the length of at least one main zone along the main development axis D is greater than the length along the main development axis D of at least one weakened zone.

[0080] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, in the fastening position, the head 41 abuts against or rests on the first portion 10. The head 41 therefore acts as a stop for the fastening element 4 in the insertion direction I. In fact, when the head 41 abuts against or rests on the first portion 10, it is not possible to continue inserting the fastening element 4 into the first hole 11 and the second hole 22 in the insertion direction I.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment of the electronic device 1 according to the present disclosure, as illustrated in Figure 1 , in the fastening position, the head 41 is inserted at least partially into the first hole 11. More preferably, in the fastening position, the head 41 is flush with an outer surface 13, i.e., a surface facing outwardly with respect to the housing, compartment, or cavity of the first portion 10. Preferably, the head 41 has a tapered shape, for example a truncated conical shape, towards the second end 422. Preferably, the first portion 10 comprises a mating surface that defines or delimits the first hole 11. The mating surface therefore faces the first hole 11. The mating surface of the first portion 10 is counter-shaped with respect to the head 41. The mating surface is configured, that is, in such a way that in the fastening position of the fastening element 4, the head 41 abuts against or rests on the surface of the free edge of the first portion 10 around the first hole Alternatively, according to a different preferred embodiment of the electronic device 1 according to the present disclosure, in the fastening position, the head 41 rests or abuts against the outer surface 13 of the first portion 10.

[0082] According to this preferred aspect, the head 41 may have a substantially plate-like shape, as shown, for example, in Figure 8.

[0083] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of appendages 43 comprises first appendages 431 arranged in series with each other, i.e. aligned or in a row, along the main development axis D, and second appendages 432 arranged in series, i.e. aligned or in a row, along the main development axis D. Preferably, the first appendages 431 and the second appendages 432 are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the main development axis D.

[0084] Preferably, the first appendages 431 of the plurality of appendages 43 extend parallel to each other and the second appendages 432 extend parallel to each other. According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, each appendage of the plurality of appendages 43 has a fin or tooth shape. That is, each appendage of the plurality of appendages 43 extends along a preferred development axis transverse to the main development axis D. Preferably, each fin comprises a base portion, associated with the stem 42, and an engagement portion. Preferably, this engagement portion of the at least one first appendage 433 is apt to engage or engages the perimetral zone of the second portion 12, around the second hole 21, if this is made in the second portion, or the perimetral zone of the electronic board, around the second hole 21, if this is made in the electronic board 3. Furthermore, if a third hole 31 is also provided, this engagement portion of the at least one second appendage 434 is apt to engage or engages the perimetral zone of the electronic board 3 around the third hole 31.

[0085] Preferably, the length of the engagement portion of each fin along the preferred development axis is between approximately 3.00 mm and 5.00 mm.

[0086] Preferably, the thickness of the base portion of each fin gradually or progressively decreases along the preferred development axis towards the engagement portion.

[0087] Preferably, the thickness of the engagement portion of each fin along said preferred development axis is about 0.50 mm.

[0088] The first appendages 431 and the second appendages 432 are preferably arranged with a pitch between them of between 2.00 and 4.00 millimetres, and more preferably with a pitch of about 3.00 millimetres. Pitch means the distance measured parallel to the development axis D between each of the first appendages 431 and between each of the second appendages 432. In other words, pitch means the distance measured parallel to axis D between two of the first appendages 431a, 431b that are contiguous or adjacent or side-by-side or closest to each other. Similarly, pitch means the distance measured parallel to axis D between two of the first appendages 432a, 432b that are contiguous or adjacent or side by side or closest to each other.

[0089] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, each appendage of the plurality of appendages 43 has an upper surface 4311 facing the head 41. Preferably, the upper surface 4311 forms an acute angle a with the main development axis D. More preferably, this angle a is between 45° and 75°, and even more preferably it is approximately 60°.

[0090] According to a preferred aspect, the fastening element 4 is a monolithic body. For example, the fastening element can be produced by moulding, in particular by injection moulding.

[0091] Preferably, the fastening element 4 is made of polymeric material.

[0092] Preferably, the fastening element 4 is made of optically transparent material.

[0093] As illustrated, for example, in Figure 8, the electronic apparatus 100 preferably comprises at least a first lighting element 61, such as an electroluminescent diode (LED for short), i.e. configured to emit a light beam. The lighting element 61 is associated with the second portion 20 and is arranged in proximity to the fastening element 4. Preferably, the first lighting element 61 is arranged to emit a beam of light in a first direction towards the first portion 10. Preferably, this first direction substantially coincides with the main development axis D of the stem 42. Preferably, the electronic apparatus 1 also comprises a second lighting element 62 associated with the second portion 20, near the fastening element 4, and arranged to emit a beam of light in a second direction transverse to the first direction. It follows that, advantageously, the fastening element 4, if made of optically transparent material, is traversed by the light beam emitted by the first lighting element 61 and, if present, by the second lighting element 62, and allows it to be emitted outside the boxshaped body 10. In this way, the fastening element 4 can act as a “light guide”.

[0094] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic apparatus 100 is apt to be installed on a wall or on a rail, such as a DIN rail.

[0095] According to this preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the second portion 20 of the box body 1 is the portion intended to be associated with the wall or rail. In other words, the second portion 20 comprises or defines a bottom wall or mounting wall of the box body 1. The second portion 20 may include a seat 22, particularly a groove or slot, configured to accommodate the rail. Preferably, as mentioned above, the second hole 21 is made in correspondence with the second portion 20. Preferably, the second hole 21 is made in the second portion 20 in correspondence with the seat 22. In other words, preferably the second hole 21 is made so as to directly connect the housing, compartment or containment cavity with the seat 22. Alternatively, the second hole is a through-opening between the housing, compartment or cavity and the seat 22.

[0096] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the first portion 10 is substantially facing or opposite the second portion 20. The first portion 10 can therefore act as a cover wall or lid for the box-shaped body 1. Even once the electronic device 10 has been assembled, the head 41 of the fastening element 4, which abuts or rests against the first portion 10, is therefore clearly visible.

[0097] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one electronic board 3 is, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). Preferably, the electronic board 3 is a control board containing a microprocessor configured and / or programmed to control a unit or system to which the electronic apparatus 100 is intended to be connected.

[0098] The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to its embodiments. It is understood that other embodiments may exist that relate to the same inventive core, all falling within the scope of protection of the claims set forth below.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Electronic apparatus (100) comprising:- a box-shaped body (1) comprising, in turn, a first portion (10) having a first hole (11) and a second portion (20) operatively associated with the first portion (10);- at least one electronic board (3) housed within the box-shaped body (1);- a fastening element (4) comprising a head (41), a stem (42) extending from the head (41), and a plurality of appendages (43) extending from the stem (42); wherein the second portion (20) or the electronic board (3) comprises a second hole (21) aligned with the first hole (11); and wherein the appendages of the plurality of appendages (43) are configured to allow insertion of the stem (42) in an insertion direction (I) into the first hole (11) and the second hole (21); and wherein the appendages of the plurality of appendages (43) are configured to prevent extraction of the stem (42) relative to the first hole (11) and the second hole (21) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (I).

2. Electronic apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening element (4) is of the irreversible type and is a tamper-evident seal or acts as a tamper- evident seal.

3. Electronic apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in use, the fastening element (4) is in a fastening position in which the stem (42) is inserted within the first hole (11) and the second hole (21) and wherein, in said fastening position, at least a first appendage (431) of the plurality of appendages (43) is apt to engage or is engaged against the second portion (20) around the second hole (21), if the second hole (21) is made in the second portion (20), or against the electronic board (3) around the second hole (21) if the second hole (21) is made in the electronic board (3).

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the fastening position the fastening element forms a snap-fit with the second portion (20) if the second hole (21) is made in the second portion (20), or with the electronic board (3) if the second hole (21) is made in the electronic board (3).

5. Electronic apparatus (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein in the fastening position the head (41) abuts or rests against the first portion (10).

6. Electronic apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein, in the fastening position, the head (41) is received or inserted, at least partially, within the first hole7. Electronic apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein the first portion (10) comprises an outer surface (13), and wherein, in the fastening position, the head (41) rests or abuts against the outer surface (13).

8. Electronic apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the appendages of the plurality of appendages (43) are elastically deformable; and wherein the appendages of the plurality of appendages (43) are configured to assume a deformed configuration, wherein they allow passage through the first hole (11) and the second hole (21) along the insertion direction (I), and an undeformed configuration, wherein they prevent extraction or passage through the first hole (11) and the second hole (21) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (I).

9. Electronic apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second hole (21) is formed in the second portion (20) and wherein the electronic board (3) comprises a third hole (31) aligned with the first hole (11) and the second hole (21); and wherein the appendages of the plurality of appendages (43) are configured to allow insertion of the stem (42) in the insertion direction (I) into the first hole (11), the second hole (21) and the third hole (31); and wherein the appendages of the plurality of appendages (43) are configured to prevent extraction of the stem (42) relative to the first hole (11), the second hole (21) and the third hole (31) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (I).

10. Electronic apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stem (42) extends predominantly along a main development axis (D).

11. Electronic apparatus (100) according to claim 10, wherein the stem (42) comprises at least a main area (42a) and a weakening area (42b) wherein the area of a section orthogonal to the main development direction (D) of the main zone (42a) is greater than the area of a section orthogonal to the main development axis (D) of the weakening zone (42b).

12. Electronic apparatus (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the plurality of appendages (43) comprises first appendages (431) arranged in series with each other along the main development direction (D) and second appendages (432) arranged in series with each other along the main development axis (D).

13. Electronic apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each appendage of the plurality of appendages (431) is fin-shaped.

14. Electronic apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein each appendage of the plurality of appendages (43) has an upper surface (4311) facing the head (41) and wherein said upper surface (4311) forms an acute angle with the main development direction (D).

15. Electronic apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening member (4) is made of optically transparent material.

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