Connection assembly

Abstract

A connecting assembly that includes an insert. The insert has a main body with two arms attached on opposite sides. Each arm has two sections: an expansion section that extends outward and downward from the main body, and a contraction section that angles back inward and downward toward the main body. These two sections meet at a bend. Each arm also has a protruding portion located on both the expansion and contraction sections. The protrusions extend outward from the arm's surface. When the insert is placed into the part it connects to, the protrusions press against that part. This design helps reduce wear on the edges of the arms during connection.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)CONNECTION ASSEMBLYRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application Nos. 202411242679.5, filed September s, 2024, and 202511151131.4, filed August 15, 2025, each titled “Connection Assembly,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present application relates to the field of connecting assemblies. In the prior art, a connecting assembly is used to connect with a member to be connected. However, the abutment portion of the connecting assembly that abuts against the member to be connected is subject to significant wear.SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a connecting assembly, substantially as illustrated by and described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will be apparent from the following description of particular examples thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, where like or similar reference numbers refer to like or similar structures. The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connecting assembly of the present application.

[0006] FIG. 2A is a front view of the insert of the connecting assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the insert of the connecting assembly shown in FIG.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)

[0008] FIG. 2C is a top view of the insert of the connecting assembly of the present application.

[0009] FIG. 3 A is a front view of the base of the connecting assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the base of the connecting assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4A is a front view of the base and the insert of the connecting assembly of the present application in a non-pre-installed state.

[0012] FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the base and the insert of the connecting assembly of the present application along one direction of the base central axis when pre-installed in place.

[0013] FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the base and the insert of the connecting assembly of the present application along another direction of the base central axis when pre-installed in place.

[0014] FIG. 5A is a front view of the connecting assembly of the present application and the member to be connected in a non-installed state.

[0015] FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the connecting assembly of the present application and the member to be connected when installed in place.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within and / or including the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “back,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. For example, while in some examples a first side is located adjacent or near a second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any specific order in which the sides are ordered.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)

[0017] The terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and / or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed examples, and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The terms “e.g.,” and “for example” set off lists of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0018] The term “and / or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and / or.” As an example, “x and / or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and / or y” means “one or both of x and y.” As another example, “x, y, and / or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y, and / or z” means “one or more of x, y, and z.”

[0019] The present application provides a connecting assembly, which comprises an insert. The insert includes a main body portion and a pair of arms, the pair of arms being connected to the main body portion and disposed on opposite sides of the main body portion. Each of the pair of arms comprises an expansion portion and a contraction portion, the expansion portion being connected to the main body portion and extending obliquely outward and downward from the main body portion for a distance, the contraction portion being connected to the expansion portion and extending obliquely inward and downward toward the main body portion for a distance, a bent portion is formed at the junction between the expansion portion and the contraction portion. Wherein each of the pair of arms further comprises a protruding portion, the protruding portion being disposed on the expansion portion and the contraction portion and protruding outwardly from an outer surface of the arm.

[0020] According to certain specific embodiments, the protruding portion is continuously disposed on the expansion portion and the contraction portion.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)

[0021] According to certain specific embodiments, in the width direction of the insert, the width of the protruding portion gradually increases along the extending direction of the expansion portion.

[0022] According to certain specific embodiments, in a cross-section perpendicular to the width direction of the expansion portion, the height of the protruding portion gradually increases along the extending direction of the expansion portion.

[0023] According to certain specific embodiments, the insert has a main body central axis, and in a cross-section perpendicular to the main body central axis, the protruding portion is arc-shaped.

[0024] According to certain specific embodiments, the insert has a main body central axis, and the distance from the protruding portion located at the bent portion to the main body central axis is greater than the distance from an outer edge of the bent portion to the main body central axis.

[0025] According to certain specific embodiments, the connecting assembly is configured to be connected with a member to be connected with a hole. During insertion of the insert into the hole, the protruding portion abuts against the wall of the hole.

[0026] According to certain specific embodiments, each of the pair of arms further comprises a retaining portion, the retaining portion being connected to the contraction portion and extending downward for a distance to form a free end. The protruding portion is disposed on the retaining portion and protrudes outwardly from an outer surface of the arm.

[0027] According to certain specific embodiments, the connecting assembly further comprises a base, the base includes an abutment portion. The base is connected to the insert, and the abutment portion surrounds at least a part of the main body portion. The connecting assembly is configured to be connected with a member to be connected with a hole, and when the connecting assembly is installed in place with the member to be connected, the abutment portion abuts against the member to be connected.

[0028] According to certain specific embodiments, the base further comprises a bridge portion, the bridge portion being connected to the abutment portion. When the base is pre-installed in place with the insert, the bridge portion abuts against the bottom of the main body portion.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)

[0029] According to certain specific embodiments, the bridge portion is bent toward the insert.

[0030] According to certain specific embodiments, the base further comprises a first support portion and a second support portion, the first support portion and the second support portion being respectively connected to the abutment portion and respectively provided with a first insertion receiving portion and a second insertion receiving portion. The insert further comprises a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion, the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion being connected to the main body portion and disposed on opposite sides of the main body portion. Wherein, when the base is pre-installed in place with the insert, the first insertion portion is received in the first insertion receiving portion, and the second insertion portion is received in the second insertion receiving portion.

[0031] According to certain specific embodiments, the base has a base central axis, and the first support portion and the second support portion are spaced apart laterally relative to the base central axis to form a main body receiving portion configured to receive the main body portion. The first insertion receiving portion and the second insertion receiving portion are formed recessed inwardly from the inner walls of the first support portion and the second support portion, respectively. The bridge portion is disposed within the main body receiving portion.

[0032] According to certain specific embodiments, the first support portion and the second support portion are configured such that: during insertion of the main body portion into the main body receiving portion, the first support portion and the second support portion are pushed apart by the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion, thereby allowing the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion to respectively enter the first insertion receiving portion and the second insertion receiving portion.

[0033] According to certain specific embodiments, the insert is made of metal. The connecting assembly of the present application is capable of reducing wear when connected to a member to be connected. Specifically, each of the pair of arms of the connecting assembly is provided with a protruding portion, and the protruding portion projects outwardly from an outer surface of the arm, so that when the insert is inserted into the member to be connected, the protruding portion abuts against the member to be connected to reduce wear on the outer edge of the arm.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connecting assembly of the present application. The connecting assembly is configured to be connected with a member to be connected 502 with a hole 504 (as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B). As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting assembly comprises an insert 102 and a base 104. The insert 102 is connected to the base 104. Specifically, the insert 102 includes a main body portion 112 and a pair of arms. The pair of arms is connected to the main body portion 112 and disposed on opposite sides of the main body portion 112. The pair of arms comprises a first arm 121 and a second arm 122. The first arm 121 and the second arm 122 are movable toward and away from the main body portion 112. The base 104 has a base central axis X extending in the vertical direction. The base 104 includes an abutment portion 131 surrounding the base central axis X. The insert 102 can be inserted along the base central axis X into the hole 504 of the member to be connected 502 and is clamped by the abutment portion 131 and the pair of arms, thereby connecting the connecting assembly to the member to be connected 502.

[0035] FIG. 2A is a front view of the insert 102 of the connecting assembly of the present application, FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the insert 102, and FIG. 2C is a top view of the insert 102. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the main body portion 112 of the insert 102 has a main body central axis M extending in the vertical direction. Each of the first arm 121 and the second arm 122 of the insert 102 comprises an expansion portion 202, a contraction portion 204, and a retaining portion 206. The expansion portion 202 is connected to the main body portion 112 and extends obliquely outward and downward from the top of the main body portion 1 12 for a distance. The contraction portion 204 is connected to the expansion portion 202 and extends obliquely inward and downward toward the main body portion 112 for a distance. A bent portion is formed at the junction between the contraction portion 204 and the expansion portion 202. The bent portion has a first distance LI in a first direction (e g., the longitudinal direction) perpendicular to the main body central axis M. The first arm 121 and the second arm 122 are movable in the first direction toward and away from the main body portion 112. When the first arm 121 and the second arm 122 move toward the main body portion 112, the distance of the bent portion in the first direction decreases, allowing the bent portion to pass through the hole 504 of the member to be connected 502 (as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B). In the present application, the expansion portion 202, the contraction portion 204, and the retaining portion 206 are substantially plate-shaped.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, each of the first arm 121 and the second arm 122 further comprises a protruding portion 212. The protruding portion 212 is disposed on the expansion portion 202, the contraction portion 204, and the retaining portion 206, projecting outwardly from the outer surfaces of the first arm 121 and the second arm 122 and distributed continuously. The protruding portion 212 is configured such that: when the insert 102 is inserted into the hole 504 of the member to be connected 502, the protruding portion 212 contacts the member to be connected 502, thereby preventing the expansion portion 202, contraction portion 204, and retaining portion 206 from directly contacting the member to be connected 502. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2C, in any cross-section perpendicular to the main body central axis M, the distance R1 from the protruding portion 212 to the main body central axis M (i.e., the farthest distance of the protruding portion 212 from the main body central axis M) is greater than the distance R2 from the outer edge 231 of the bent portion (i.e., the outer edges of the expansion portion 202 and contraction portion 204) to the main body central axis M. In a second direction perpendicular to the main body central axis M (e.g., the width direction), the width of the protruding portion 212 on the expansion portion 202 gradually increases along the extending direction of the expansion portion 202 (i.e., obliquely downward). For example, width KI is smaller than width K2. The width of the protruding portion 212 on the contraction portion 204 remains substantially unchanged. That is, the width of the protruding portion 212 on the contraction portion 204 is the same as the maximum width of the protruding portion 212 on the expansion portion 202. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, in a crosssection perpendicular to the width direction of the expansion portion 202, the height of the protruding portion 212 gradually increases along the extending direction of the expansion portion 202. For example, height Hl is smaller than height H2. The height of the protruding portion 212 on the contraction portion 204 remains substantially unchanged. That is, the height of the protruding portion 212 on the contraction portion 204 is the same as the maximum height of the protruding portion 212 on the expansion portion 202.

[0037] It should be noted that, although in the embodiments of the present application the protruding portion 212 is shown as being disposed on the expansion portion 202, the contraction portion 204, and the retaining portion 206, the protruding portion 212 disposed on the expansion portion 202 and the contraction portion 204 is also within the scope of the present application.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)

[0038] In the embodiments of the present application, in a cross-section perpendicular to the main body central axis M, the protruding portion 212 is arc-shaped.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the main body portion 112 is provided with a first insertion portion 221 and a second insertion portion 222. The first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 are configured to be connected with the base 104. Specifically, the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 are connected to the main body portion 112 and disposed on opposite sides of the main body portion 112. The first insertion portion 221 is located between the first arm 121 and the main body portion 112, and the second insertion portion 222 is located between the second arm 122 and the main body portion 112. The first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 extend upwardly and outwardly away from the main body portion 112 for a distance.

[0040] In the embodiments of the present application, the main body portion 112 is formed by a substantially U-shaped plate. The expansion portions 202 of the first arm 121 and the second arm 122 are connected to the top of the U-shaped plate. The first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 are disposed on the two sides of the U-shaped plate. The insert 102 is made of metal and is integrally formed by stamping and bending.

[0041] FIG. 3 A is a front view of the base 104 of the connecting assembly of the present application, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the base 104. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the base 104 comprises a first support portion 301, a second support portion 302, and an abutment portion 304. The first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 are configured to cooperate with the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222, thereby connecting the insert 102 to the base 104. The abutment portion 304 is connected to the first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302. The abutment portion 304 is configured to cooperate with the first arm 121 and the second arm 122, thereby clamping the member to be connected 502. Specifically, the abutment portion 304 is substantially bowl-shaped and has an outwardly and upwardly inclined wall. The abutment portion 304 surrounds at least a portion of the retaining portion 206. When the connecting assembly is connected to the member to be connected 502, the top of the abutment portion 304 is capable of abutting against the member to be connected 502.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3 A-3B, the first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 extend upward from the abutment portion 304. The first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 are spaced apart in a direction transverse to the first direction, thereby forming a main body receiving portion 309 for receiving the main body portion 112. The first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 are further provided with a first insertion receiving portion 311 and a second insertion receiving portion 312, respectively. The first insertion receiving portion 311 is formed recessed inward from the inner surface of the first support portion 301 to receive the first insertion portion 221. The second insertion receiving portion 312 is formed recessed inward from the inner surface of the second support portion 302 to receive the second insertion portion 222. The inner walls of the first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 are arranged substantially parallel and are configured such that: when the insert 102 moves toward the abutment portion 304 along the base central axis X, the first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 are pushed away from each other by the insert 102, allowing the first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 to be received in the first insertion receiving portion 311 and the second insertion receiving portion 312, respectively. In the embodiments of the present application, the base 104 is made of a first material. The first material is a flexible material, for example, rubber. When the insert 102 is pre-installed in the base 104, the tops of the first insertion receiving portion 311 and the second insertion receiving portion 312 are capable of preventing the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 from disengaging upward along the base central axis X.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the base 104 further comprises a neck portion 306, a first clamping portion 308, and a second clamping portion 310. The neck portion 306 is cylindrical. The first clamping portion 308 and the second clamping portion 310 are both disk-shaped. The first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 are disposed on the first clamping portion 308, and are connected to the first clamping portion 308. The neck portion 306 is disposed between the first clamping portion 308 and the second clamping portion 310 and connects the first clamping portion 308 and the second clamping portion 310, such that the first clamping portion 308 and the second clamping portion 310 are arranged spaced apart along the base central axis X by a distance.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the base 104 further comprises a bridge portion 314. The bridge portion 314 is substantially curved away from the first clamping portion 308. In other words, the bridge portion 314 is substantially curved toward the insert 102. The bridge portion 314 is disposed within the main body receiving portion 309 between the first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302. The bridge portion 314 is configured such that: when the insert 102 is pre-installed in the base 104, the bridge portion 314 abuts the bottom end of the main body portion 112, thereby applying an upward force to the main body portion 112.

[0045] FIG. 4A is a front view of the base 104 and the insert 102 of the connection assembly of the present application in a non-pre-installed state. FIG. 4B is a sectional view along one direction of the central axis X of the base 104 and the insert 102 of the connection assembly of the present application in a pre-installed state. FIG. 4C is a sectional view along another direction of the central axis X of the base 104 and the insert 102 of the connection assembly of the present application in a pre-installed state. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, when the insert 102 is inserted into the base 104, the main body portion 112 extends along the central axis X of the base into the main body receiving portion 309. During the process in which the main body portion 112 extends downward into the main body receiving portion 309 along the central axis X of the base, the outer walls of the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 located on both sides of the main body portion 112 abut against the inner walls of the first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 of the base 104, causing the first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 to move away from each other until the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 enter the first insertion receiving portion 311 and the second insertion receiving portion 312 (see FIG. 3B). After the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 enter the first insertion receiving portion 311 and the second insertion receiving portion 312, the first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302, which have moved away from each other, return to their initial positions. The top walls of the first insertion receiving portion 311 and the second insertion receiving portion 312 are located above the tops of the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222, thereby preventing the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 from disengaging upward from the base 104 along the central axis X of the base. In addition, since the first support portion 301 and the second support portion 302 are located on opposite sides of the main body portion 112, and since the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 are respectively positioned within theAttorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO) first insertion receiving portion 311 and the second insertion receiving portion 312, the main body portion 112 is prevented from moving laterally relative to the base 104. Thus, the insert 102 and the base 104 are pre-installed in position.

[0046] It should be noted that, during the process in which the insert 102 is inserted into the base 104 for pre-installation, the base 104 undergoes deformation, while the insert 102 undergoes no deformation or substantially no deformation.

[0047] In addition, when the insert 102 and the base 104 are in the pre-installed position, the bridge portion 314 abuts against the bottom end of the main body portion 112, thereby applying an upward force to the main body portion 112 so that the top ends of the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 abut against the top walls of the first insertion receiving portion 311 and the second insertion receiving portion 312, respectively, thereby enhancing the stability of the connection between the insert 102 and the base 104.

[0048] FIG. 5A is a front view of the connection assembly of the present application and the member to be connected 502 in a non-installed state, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the connection assembly and the member to be connected 502 in an installed state. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the connection assembly of the present application can be connected to the member to be connected 502. Specifically, the member to be connected 502 is generally in the form of a plate and is provided with a hole 504 extending through the member to be connected 502 in the thickness direction. Hole 504 is a circular hole with a diameter defined as a second distance L2. The second distance L2 is smaller than the first distance LI of the bent portion in a first direction (e.g., the width direction).

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the connection assembly is aligned with the hole 504 of the member to be connected 502 along the base central axis X, and the connection assembly moves toward the member to be connected 502 along the base central axis X. Since the second distance L2 is smaller than the first distance LI, when the connection assembly abuts against the wall of the hole 504 of the member to be connected 502, the protruding portion 212 of the insert 102 of the connection assembly abuts against the wall of the abutting hole 504. During the movement of the connection assembly toward the member to be connected 502 along the base central axis X, the protruding portion 212 continuously abuts against the wall of the abutting hole 504.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)Specifically, the protruding portion 212 on the expansion portion 202 first abuts against the wall of the abutting hole 504. Since the second distance L2 is smaller than the first distance LI, the wall of the hole 504 exerts a force on the first arm 121 and the second arm 122, causing the first arm 121 and the second arm 122 to deflect toward the base central axis X. After abutting against the protruding portion 212 of the expansion portion 202, the hole wall of the abutting hole 504 continues to abut against the protruding portion 212 of the expansion portion 202 until the distance between the first arm 121 and the second arm 122 in the first direction equals the second distance L2, allowing the bent portion of the first arm 121 and the second arm 122 to pass over the member to be connected 502. At this point, the member to be connected 502 is positioned between the bent portion and the abutment portion 304. The lower surface of the member to be connected 502 abuts against the abutment portion 304, and the upper edge of the hole 504 of the member to be connected 502 abuts against the protruding portion 212 on the contraction portion 204 or the retaining portion 206 of the first arm 121 and the second arm 122, thereby securing the connection assembly in place with the member to be connected 502.

[0050] It should be noted that although the connection assembly in the embodiments of the present application includes a pair of arms, any number of arms is also within the scope of the present application.

[0051] The inventors of the present application have found that in the prior art, during the process of connecting the connection assembly to the member to be connected 502, because the member to be connected 502 is relatively thin, it can cut the outer edges of the pair of arms, thereby causing wear to the connection assembly.

[0052] The connecting assembly of the present application is capable of reducing wear when connected to a member to be connected. Specifically, each of the pair of arms of the connecting assembly is provided with a protruding portion, and the protruding portion projects outwardly from an outer surface of the arm, so that when the insert is inserted into the member to be connected, the protruding portion abuts against the member to be connected to reduce wear on the outer edge of the arm. Moreover, since the insert is made of metal, it is better suited for a metal member to be connected, thereby avoiding being cut.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)

[0053] Furthermore, the connection assembly of the present application can prevent the insert from wobbling relative to the base along the base central axis X. Specifically, the base of the present application includes a bridge. The bridge is configured to abut the insert and exert an upward force on it, such that the tops of the first insertion portion 221 and the second insertion portion 222 of the insert abut the top walls of the first insertion receiving portion 311 and the second insertion receiving portion 312, thereby limiting wobbling along the base central axis X.

[0054] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the examples described above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents, whether known or foreseeable now or in the near future, may be apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in the present Specification are exemplary and not limiting; therefore, the disclosure in the present 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 present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to include all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantial equivalents.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)Reference NumeralsInsert 102Base 104Main body portion 112First arm 121Second arm 122Abutting portion 131Expansion portion 202Contraction portion 204Retaining portion 206Protruding portion 212First insertion portion 221Second insertion portion 222Outer edge 231First support portion 301Second support portion 302Abutting portion 304Neck portion 306First clamping portion 308Second clamping portion 310First insertion receiving portion 311Second insertion receiving portion 312Bridge portion 314Mating member 502Hole 504

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A connecting assembly comprising: an insert (102), the insert (102) comprising a main body portion (112) and a pair of arms (121, 122), the pair of arms (121, 122) being connected to the main body portion (112) and disposed on opposite sides of the main body portion (112); and each of the pair of arms (121, 122) comprises an expansion portion (202) and a contraction portion (204). The expansion portion (202) is connected to the main body portion (112) and extends obliquely outward and downward from the main body portion (112) for a distance. The contraction portion (204) is connected to the expansion portion (202) and extends obliquely inward and downward toward the main body portion (112) for a distance. A bent portion is formed at the junction between the expansion portion (202) and the contraction portion (204); wherein each of the pair of arms (121, 122) further comprises a protruding portion (212), the protruding portion (212) being provided on the expansion portion (202) and the contraction portion (204), and protruding outwardly from an outer surface of the arm (121, 122).

2. The connecting assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the protruding portion (212) is continuously disposed on the expansion portion (202) and the contraction portion (204).

3. The connecting assembly according to Claim 1, wherein in the width direction of the insert (102), the width of the protruding portion (212) gradually increases along the extending direction of the expansion portion (202).

4. The connecting assembly according to Claim 1, wherein in a cross-section perpendicular to the width direction of the expansion portion (202), the height of the protruding portion (212) gradually increases along the extending direction of the expansion portion (202).

5. The connecting assembly according to Claim 1, wherein The insert (102) has a main body central axis, and, in a cross-section perpendicular to the main body central axis, the protruding portion (212) is arc-shaped.Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)6. The connecting assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the insert (102) has a main body central axis, and the distance from the protruding portion (212) located at the bent portion to the main body central axis is greater than the distance from an outer edge (231) of the bent portion to the main body central axis.

7. The connecting assembly according to Claim 1, wherein each of the pair of arms (121, 122) further comprises a retaining portion (206), the retaining portion (206) being connected to the contraction portion (204) and extending downward for a distance to form a free end; and wherein the protruding portion (212) is disposed on the retaining portion (206) and protrudes outwardly from an outer surface of the arm (121, 122).

8. The connecting assembly according to Claim 1, further comprising: a base (104), the base (104) including an abutment portion (304); wherein the base (104) is connected to the insert (102), and the abutment portion(304) surrounds at least a part of the main body portion (112); wherein the connecting assembly is configured to be connected with a member to be connected (502) with a hole (504), and when the connecting assembly is mounted in place with the member to be connected (502), the abutment portion (304) abuts against the member to be connected (502).

9. The connecting assembly according to Claim 8, wherein the base (104) further comprises a bridge portion (314), the bridge portion (314) being connected to the abutment portion (304); and wherein when the base (104) is pre-installed in place with the insert (102), the bridge portion (314) abuts against the bottom of the main body portion (112).

10. The connecting assembly according to Claim 9, wherein the bridge portion (314) is bent toward the insert (102).

11. The connecting assembly according to Claim 9,Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO) wherein the base (104) further comprises a first support portion (301 ) and a second support portion (302), the first support portion (301) and the second support portion (302) being respectively connected to the abutment portion (304) and respectively provided with a first insertion receiving portion (311) and a second insertion receiving portion (312); wherein the insert (102) further comprises a first insertion portion (221) and a second insertion portion (222), the first insertion portion (221) and the second insertion portion (222) being connected to the main body portion (112) and disposed on opposite sides of the main body portion (112); and wherein, when the base (104) is pre-installed in place with the insert (102), the first insertion portion (221) is received in the first insertion receiving portion (311), and the second insertion portion (222) is received in the second insertion receiving portion (312).

12. The connecting assembly according to Claim 11, wherein the base (104) has a base central axis, and the first support portion (301) and the second support portion (302) are spaced apart laterally relative to the base central axis to form a main body receiving portion (309) configured to receive the main body portion (112); wherein the first insertion receiving portion (311) and the second insertion receiving portion (312) are formed recessed inwardly from the inner walls of the first support portion (301) and the second support portion (302), respectively; and wherein the bridge portion (314) is disposed within the main body receiving portion (309).

13. The connecting assembly according to Claim 12, wherein the first support portion (301) and the second support portion (302) are configured such that: during insertion of the main body portion (112) into the main body receiving portion (309), the first support portion (301) and the second support portion (302) are pushed apart by the first insertion portion (221) and the second insertion portion (222), thereby allowing the first insertion portion (221) and the second insertion portion (222) to respectively enter the first insertion receiving portion (311) and the second insertion receiving portion (312).Attorney Docket No. 69452WO01 (71837-WO)14. The connecting assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the insert (102) is made of metal.

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