TWI892415B - Fixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fixing device, comprising: a sleeve, comprising a cylindrical body with a channel inside the cylindrical body, a convex body formed on the top side of the cylindrical body and a stop ring and a fixing portion formed on the bottom side, a compression ring groove being recessed between the convex body and the stop ring; a locking assembly, comprising a cap and a positioning plate installed inside the cap, and a fixing member installed in the center of the positioning plate and passing through the accommodating chamber. The shaft of the fixing member, located in the channel of the sleeve, is exposed below the positioning plate. A locking portion, including a positioning block and a cut surface, extends downward from the shaft. An elastic member is mounted on the exterior of the shaft, and a cap can rotate on the sleeve. When the cap is preloaded and pressed downward, the bottom surface of the positioning plate strikes the top surface of the annular projection of the sleeve, causing the compression annular groove to deform inward and limit the upper portion of the locking portion.

Description

Fixtures

The present invention provides a fixing device, particularly one that uses a pre-stressed impact jig to impact the top surface of the fixing device's cap and positioning plate, causing the sleeve's compression groove to contract inward to form a deformable retaining structure and provide a positional fixation for the fixing member, thereby achieving rapid manufacturing of a fixing device capable of joining two sheet materials.

Typically, when panels are assembled (board-to-board), they are locked together using a set screw consisting of a knob, collar, and screw. The screw and collar are secured to the first panel, and force is applied to the knob to lock the screw into the second panel to achieve a preset position. The screw is then tightened using a hand tool, locking the first and second panels together as a single unit. This system can be used on machine tools or other board-to-board connections.

Other companies have developed a fastening system consisting of a cap, screw, and locating seat. The locating seat of the fastening system is snapped into a through-hole in a sheet material, and then screwed to another sheet material to secure it. When the user wishes to remove the sheet material, the locating seat of the fastening system is secured in the through-hole to prevent loss. However, the caps used in these fastening systems are often made of metal, and after the screw and cap are joined, a stamping jig is used to press and assemble the cap, creating a snapping point. This snapping point then engages the locating seat, securing the screw and preventing it from falling out of the seat. This secondary assembly process increases assembly time and costs, and requires research and improvement by industry professionals.

Therefore, in light of the above-mentioned problems and deficiencies, the inventor collected relevant information and, after extensive evaluation and consideration, devised the invention of this fixing device.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a fixing device, comprising: a sleeve, which includes a cylinder and a channel inside the cylinder, a ring convex body formed on the top side of the cylinder and a stop ring and a fixing portion formed on the bottom side, and a compression ring groove is formed between the ring convex body and the stop ring; a locking assembly, which includes a cap and a positioning plate installed inside the cap, and a locking plate is installed at the center of the positioning plate through the accommodating chamber. A fixing member is provided in the channel of the sleeve, the rod body of the fixing member is exposed below the positioning plate, and a locking portion including a positioning block and a cut surface is extended downward from the rod body. An elastic member is sleeved on the outside of the rod body, and the cap can rotate on the sleeve. When the cap is pre-loaded and pressed downward, the bottom surface of the positioning plate is formed to hit the top surface of the annular convex body of the sleeve, causing the compression annular groove to deform inward and limit the upper part of the locking portion. The preload created by the punching jig exerts pressure on the top surfaces of the cap and positioning plate, causing the sleeve's compression groove to contract inward, forming a deformable stopper structure and securing the fixture, thereby achieving rapid manufacturing of a fastening device capable of joining two sheet materials.

A secondary object of the present invention is that the cap includes an operating portion located at the top and a tubular body located at the bottom. A hollow accommodation chamber is formed between the operating portion and the interior of the tubular body. A retaining groove is formed on the top of the accommodation chamber to accommodate the top side of the positioning plate. A plurality of guide rails are formed on the inner wall of the accommodation chamber, and these guide rails are positioned in a plurality of sliding grooves on the outer edge of the annular protrusion, thereby forming a guide structure for the cap to slide vertically above the sleeve.

Another object of the present invention is to form a directional arrow image on the top surface of the operating portion, and to have multiple high-friction structures arranged at intervals on the side of the operating portion. The high-friction structures are composed of multiple tooth-like structures. At least one locking image and at least one unlocking image are formed between adjacent high-friction structures. The locking image is positioned at the location where the positioning block of the fixing member is formed, and the unlocking image is positioned at the location where the chamfered surface of the fixing member is formed.

Yet another object of the present invention is that the positioning plate includes a raised ring portion received in the retaining groove of the cap, and a force-bearing surface formed on the top of the raised ring portion contacts the preload force. The preload force refers to the pressure applied by the pre-set impact jig. The raised ring portion extends downward to form a plate body that engages within the receiving chamber. A through-hole is formed between the raised ring portion and the interior of the plate body, and a groove is formed on the top of the through-hole to receive the head of the fixing member. A plurality of tooth-like structures are formed on the outer edge of the plate body and engage with a latching edge in the receiving chamber of the cap. The bottom side of the plate body forms an impact surface of the annular projection that impacts the sleeve under the preload impact force.

Yet another object of the present invention is that the fixing member includes a head portion located at the top and a shaft extending downwardly therefrom. A plurality of tooth-like structures are formed on the shaft adjacent to the head portion and engage with a latching portion on the inner wall of the positioning plate. The shaft further extends downwardly therefrom to form a shaft portion having a smaller diameter, the locking portion. The positioning block and the cut surface are formed on the bottom side of the shaft portion, and an abutment surface is formed on the positioning block. The abutment surface serves as a deformation limiting structure for the compression ring groove or as an abutment for positioning against the bottom surface of a pre-set second plate.

1: Sleeve

10: Channel

11: Cylinder

111: Supporting the Ring Wall

12: Circumferential convex body

121: Chute

122: Top

13: Stop ring

14: Fixed part

141: Anti-rotation cutting edge

15: Constriction of the annular groove

151: Deformation limiting structure

2: Locking assembly

21:Cap

210: Accommodation Room

2101:Guide Rail

211: Operation Department

2111: Arrow image

2112: High friction structure

2113: Lock image

2114: Unlock image

212: Tube

213: Limiting slot

22: Positioning plate

220: Perforation

221:Protruding ring part

2211: Load-bearing surface

222: Disk

2221: Locking edge

2222: Impact surface

223: Groove

23: Fasteners

231: Head

232: Shaft

2321: Latch

233: Locking part

2331: Positioning block

2332: Cutting surface

2333:Shaft part

2334: Supporting surface

3: Elastic parts

4: First board

40: First through hole

5: Second board

50: Second through hole

6: Stamping fixture

[Figure 1] is a three-dimensional external view of the present invention.

[Figure 2] is a three-dimensional exploded view of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a 3D exploded view of the present invention from another perspective.

Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the present invention before assembly.

Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the assembled device.

Figure 6 shows the first action diagram of the fixing device of the present invention being locked between two plates.

Figure 7 shows the second action diagram of the fixing device of the present invention being locked between two plates.

Figure 8 shows the third action diagram of the fixing device of the present invention being locked between two plates.

Figure 9 shows the fourth action diagram of the fixing device of the present invention being locked between two plates.

To achieve the above-mentioned objectives and effects, the present invention employs technical means and structures. The following drawings illustrate the features and functions of the preferred embodiment of the present invention for a complete understanding.

Please refer to Figures 1-5, which respectively show a perspective exterior view, a perspective exploded view, a perspective exploded view from another angle, a side cross-sectional view before assembly, and a side cross-sectional view after assembly of the present invention. As can be clearly seen from the figures, the fixing device of the present invention comprises: a sleeve 1, a locking assembly 2, and an elastic member 3. Its main components and features are described in detail as follows: The sleeve 1 comprises a cylindrical body 11 having a passage 10 therein. An annular protrusion 12 is formed on the top side of the cylindrical body 11, and a stop ring 13 and a fixing portion 14 are formed on the bottom side. A compression groove 15 is recessed between the annular protrusion 12 and the stop ring 13.

The locking assembly 2 includes a cap 21 and a positioning plate 22 is installed inside the cap 21. A fixing member 23 is installed in the center of the positioning plate 22 and is inserted into the accommodating chamber 210. The rod 232 of the fixing member 23 located in the channel 10 of the sleeve 1 is exposed below the positioning plate 22 and extends downward from the rod 232 to include a positioning block 2331 and a The locking portion 233 with the chamfered surface 2332 is fitted with an elastic member 3 on the exterior of the shaft 232. The cap 21 is capable of rotating on the sleeve 1. When the cap 21 is preloaded and pressed downward, the bottom surface of the positioning plate 22 strikes the top surface 122 of the annular projection 12 of the sleeve 1, causing the compression groove 15 to deform inward and limit the upper portion of the locking portion 233.

The sleeve 1 further includes a supporting annular wall 111 formed on the inner wall surface where the channel 10 is located, forcing one end of the elastic member 3 to abut. The other end of the elastic member 3 abuts against the bottom surface of the positioning plate 22. The elastic member 3 is a spring. The fixing portion 14 of the sleeve 1 is inserted into the first through-hole 40 of the pre-set first plate 4 for fixation. The outer edge of the fixing portion 14 is formed with an anti-rotation cut edge 141.

The cap 21 includes an operating portion 211 located at the top and a tube 212 located at the bottom. A hollow accommodation chamber 210 is formed inside the operating portion 211 and the tube 212. A limiting groove 213 is formed on the top of the accommodation chamber 210 for receiving the top side of the positioning plate 22. A plurality of guide rails 2101 are formed on the inner wall of the accommodation chamber 210. The guide rails 2101 are positioned in the plurality of slide grooves 121 on the outer edge of the annular protrusion 12 to form a guide structure for the cap 21 to slide vertically above the sleeve 1. The operating portion 211 A directional arrow image 2111 is formed on the top surface, while the side of the operating portion 211 has a plurality of high-friction structures 2112 arranged at intervals. These high-friction structures 2112 are composed of a plurality of tooth-like structures. At least one locking image 2113 and at least one unlocking image 2114 are formed between adjacent high-friction structures 2112. The locking image 2113 is positioned to correspond to the positioning block 2331 of the fixing member 23, and the unlocking image 2114 is positioned to correspond to the cut surface 2332 of the fixing member 23.

The positioning plate 22 includes a convex ring portion 221 received in the limiting groove 213 of the cap 21 and a force-bearing surface 2211 is formed on the top of the convex ring portion 221 to contact the pre-force. The pre-force refers to the pressure force formed by the preset punching fixture 6. The convex ring portion 221 extends downward to form a disc 222 that is engaged with the accommodating chamber 210. A through-hole 220 is formed, and a groove 223 is formed on the top side of the through-hole 220 to receive the head 231 of the fixing member 23. A plurality of tooth-like structures are formed on the outer edge of the disc 222, which engage with a latching edge 2221 in the receiving chamber 210 of the cap 21. The bottom side of the disc 222 is formed with an impact surface 2222, which is impacted by the preloaded impact force against the annular projection 12 of the sleeve 1.

The fixing member 23 includes a head 231 at the top and a shaft 232 extending downward. A plurality of teeth are formed on the shaft 232 near the head 231, engaging with a latching portion 2321 on the inner wall of the positioning plate 22. Further extending downward from the shaft 232 is a smaller-diameter shaft 2333, which serves as the locking portion 233. The bottom of the shaft 2333 is formed with the positioning block 2331 and the cut surface 2332. A supporting surface 2334 is formed on the positioning block 2331. The supporting surface 2334 serves to abut and position the deformation limiting structure 151 of the compression groove 15 or the bottom surface of the pre-set second plate 5.

The cap 21 and the positioning plate 22 are formed into an integrated structure through insert molding.

Please refer to Figures 4 and 5, which are side cross-sectional views of the present invention before and after assembly, respectively. When assembling the fixing device, the locking assembly 2 must first be assembled. The order is to combine the cap 21 and the positioning plate 22 through the embedded injection molding process, and then the locking portion 233 of the fixing member 23 is inserted from top to bottom into the through hole 220 in the positioning plate 22, and the head 231 is tightly fixed in the positioning plate 22 to complete the assembly of the locking assembly 2. Next, the elastic member 3 is placed on the rod 232 of the fixing member 23, and the locking portion 233 of the fixing member 23 is inserted from top to bottom into the inner channel 10 of the annular protrusion 12 of the sleeve 1, and the fixing portion 14 on the bottom side of the sleeve 1 is inserted into the fixing fixture (not shown) to stabilize the sleeve 1. The guide rail 2101 in the cap 21 is guided along the slide groove 121 on the outer edge of the annular protrusion 12. After temporary positioning, the downward pressure generated by the impact jig 6 strikes the top surface of the cap 21, causing the bottom surface of the positioning plate 22 to strike the top surface 122 of the annular protrusion 12 of the sleeve 1. This causes the deformation limiting structure 151 of the compression annular groove 15 to engage the abutment surface 2334 of the positioning block 2331, forming a limit position and preventing the locking assembly 2 from being disengaged from the sleeve 1. This completes the assembly of the fixing device.

Please refer to Figures 6 to 9, which are the first, second, third, and fourth action diagrams of the fixing device of the present invention locked between two plates. First, the first through hole 40 (a circular hole with a missing edge) of the first plate 4 is aligned with the second through hole 50 (a thin and long elliptical hole) of the second plate 5. The fixing device then penetrates the first through hole 40 of the first plate 4 from top to bottom through the fixing portion 14 with an anti-rotation cutting edge 141 to form a tight fixation, and the bottom surface of the stop ring 13 abuts against the upper surface of the first plate 4. At this time, the fixing device will not rotate on the first plate 4, which helps to stabilize the locking process. Next, force is applied to the cap 21 to drive the positioning block 2331 and the cut surface 2332 of the fixing member 23 downward through the second through hole 50 of the second plate 5. After the positioning block 2331 and the cut surface 2332 are exposed on the bottom surface of the second plate 5, force is applied to the cap 21 to rotate it 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise so that the upper abutment surface 2334 of the positioning block 2331 contacts the bottom surface of the second plate 5 to form an abutment and positioning. The above-mentioned locking of the fixing device and the two plates (4, 5) is completed.

To unlock or remove the fastener, simply apply force to rotate the cap 21 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise. This will align the positioning block 2331 and the cut surface 2332 of the fastener 23 with the second through-hole 50 of the second plate 5. After removing the force, the elastic return force of the elastic member 3 pushes the cap 21 upward until it is in position. Then, apply force upward to the sleeve 1 to remove the fastener from the first through-hole 40 of the first plate 4, completing the unlocking and removal process.

The main feature of this invention is that the pre-stressed impact force generated by the impact jig 6 on the top surface of the cap 21 and the positioning plate 22 of the fixing device causes the compression groove 15 of the sleeve 1 to contract inward to form a deformable limiting structure 151, thereby limiting and fixing the fixing member 23, thereby achieving rapid manufacturing of a fixing device that can combine two plates (4, 5). This invention is applicable in environments where two plates need to be quickly assembled and disassembled, and has excellent practicality. Therefore, a patent application has been filed to seek patent protection.

The above is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications and equivalent structural changes made by applying the contents of the description and drawings of the present invention should be included in the patent scope of the present invention and should be declared.

In summary, the aforementioned fixing device of this invention is capable of achieving its intended purpose when in use. Therefore, this invention is truly a highly practical invention. To meet the application requirements for a patent, we have filed this application in accordance with the law. We hope that the Review Board will approve this application as soon as possible to protect the inventor's hard work. If the Review Board has any questions, please feel free to contact us. The inventor will fully cooperate and would be grateful for your assistance.

1: Sleeve

10: Channel

11: Cylinder

12: Circumferential convex body

121: Chute

122: Top

13: Stop ring

14: Fixed part

2: Locking assembly

21:Cap

210: Accommodation Room

211: Operation Department

2111: Arrow image

2112: High friction structure

2113: Lock image

2114: Unlock image

212: Tube

213: Limiting slot

22: Positioning plate

220: Perforation

221:Protruding ring part

2211: Load-bearing surface

222: Disk

2221: Locking edge

223: Groove

23: Fasteners

231: Head

232: Shaft

2321: Latch

233: Locking part

2331: Positioning block

2332: Cutting surface

2333:Shaft part

2334: Supporting surface

3: Elastic parts

Claims (8)

A fixing device comprises: a sleeve comprising a cylinder having a channel inside the cylinder, an annular convex body formed on the top side of the cylinder and a stop ring and a fixing portion formed on the bottom side, a compression groove being recessed between the annular convex body and the stop ring; and a locking assembly comprising a cap having a positioning plate installed inside the cap, a fixing member which is installed in the center of the positioning plate and is penetrated into the accommodating chamber. The shaft of the fixing member, located in the channel of the sleeve, is exposed below the positioning plate. A locking portion comprising a positioning block and a chamfered surface extends downward from the shaft. An elastic member is sleeved on the exterior of the shaft, and the cap is rotatable on the sleeve. When the cap is preloaded and pressed downward, the bottom surface of the positioning plate strikes the top surface of the annular projection of the sleeve, causing the compression annular groove to deform inward and limit the upper portion of the locking portion. The fixing device as described in claim 1, wherein the sleeve further has a supporting annular wall formed on the inner wall surface in which the channel is provided, for abutting one end of the elastic member, while the other end of the elastic member abuts against the bottom surface of the positioning plate, and the elastic member is a spring. The fixing device as described in claim 1, wherein the fixing portion of the sleeve is inserted into a first through-hole of a pre-set first plate to form a fixed portion, and an anti-rotation cut edge is formed on the outer edge of the fixing portion. The fixing device as described in claim 1, wherein the cap includes an operating portion located at the top and a tubular body located at the bottom. The operating portion and the tubular body form a hollow receiving chamber, and a retaining groove is formed on the top of the receiving chamber to receive the top side of the positioning plate. A plurality of guide rails are formed on the inner wall of the receiving chamber, and these guide rails are positioned in a plurality of sliding grooves on the outer edge of the annular protrusion, thereby forming a guide structure for the cap to slide vertically above the sleeve. The fixing device as described in claim 4, wherein a directional arrow image is formed on the top surface of the operating portion, and the side of the operating portion has a plurality of high-friction structures arranged at intervals, and the high-friction structures are composed of a plurality of tooth-shaped structures. At least one locking image and at least one unlocking image are formed between adjacent high-friction structures, and the locking image is located at a position where the positioning block of the fixing member is formed, and the unlocking image is located at a position where the cut surface of the fixing member is formed. The fixing device as described in claim 1, wherein the positioning plate includes a raised ring portion received in the retaining groove of the cap, and a force-bearing surface is formed on the top side of the raised ring portion for contacting the pre-force, wherein the pre-force refers to the pressure generated by the preset impact jig. The raised ring portion extends downward to form a plate body that engages with the receiving chamber. A through-hole is formed between the raised ring portion and the interior of the plate body, and a groove is formed on the top side of the through-hole to receive the head of the fixing member. A plurality of tooth-like structures are formed on the outer edge of the plate body and engage with a latching edge in the receiving chamber of the cap. The bottom side of the plate body is formed with an impact surface of the annular projection that impacts the sleeve under the pre-force impact. The fixing device as described in claim 1, wherein the fixing member includes a head located at the top and the shaft extending downwardly therefrom. A plurality of tooth-like structures are formed on the shaft adjacent to the head and engage with a latching portion on the inner wall of the positioning plate. The shaft further extends downwardly therefrom to form a shaft portion of the locking portion having a smaller diameter. The positioning block and the cut surface are formed on the bottom side of the shaft portion, and an abutment surface is formed on the positioning block. The abutment surface serves as a deformation limiting structure for the compression ring groove or as an abutment for positioning against the bottom surface of the pre-set second plate. The fixing device as described in claim 1, wherein the cap and the positioning plate are formed into an integral structure by insert injection molding.