GB2619710A

GB2619710A - Press fit internally threaded plastic fastener insert nut for plastic enclosure screw mounting - modular section

Info

Publication number: GB2619710A
Application number: GB2208568.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hee Abel Lim Kok; Leong Terence Wong Kwang; Heng Chia Kah
Original assignee: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Current assignee: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Priority date: 2022-06-13
Filing date: 2022-06-13
Publication date: 2023-12-20
Also published as: WO2023241834A1; GB202208568D0

Abstract

A fastener 100 for securing a housing includes an insert nut 102 comprising an inner threaded wall. The insert nut 102 is operable to receive and retain a shank 126 within. An insert holder 112 is operable to receive and hold the insert nut 102 within, to form an insert nut and insert holder assembly. The insert nut and insert holder assembly further comprises a co-rotation prevention mechanism. The co-rotation prevention mechanism operable to prevent co-rotating the shank 126 during a mounting process. The co-rotation prevention mechanism may be at least one asymmetric groove 104 on at least one side of an exterior wall 108 of the insert nut 102 and or at least one asymmetric rib 106 on at least one side of an interior wall of the insert holder 112.

Description

PRESS FIT INTERNALLY THREADED PLASTIC FASTENER INSERT NUT FOR PLASTIC ENCLOSURE SCREW MOUNTING -MODULAR SECTION

Technical Field

This disclosure relates to a fastener for mounting electronic components at a fixed position. In particular, the fastener disclosed herein is suitable for use in consumer electronics industry and more in particular automotive industry.

Cross Reference To Related Application

This application claims the benefit of GB 2202847.6 filed on 2 March 2022 entitled AN ASSEMBLY SUITABLE FOR FACILITATING MOUNTING, AND AN 15 APPARATUS IN ASSOCIATION THERETO (Applicant's Ref: 202104805), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Background

Electronic components are commonly used in motor vehicles, to control vehicular subsystems. Various types of vehicular systems include passive safety, passenger comfort, infotainment systems and driver assistance systems, to name a few. Electronic components for each subsystem are commonly housed in a housing. To reduce cost of material, plastic housing is commonly used, and the control unit modules are mounted to various parts of the motor vehicle using convention mounting techniques.

Commonly known screw mounting techniques include: 1) use of a self-tapping type of screw into a boss of the plastic enclosure 2) brass insert nut which is ultrasonic inserted into the boss hole of the plastic enclosure 3) brass insert nut which is injection molded into the boss hole of the plastic enclosure However, none of the known mounting techniques described above facilitates mounting in an optimal manner. For example, self-tapping screw technique is prone to damage a boss due to repeated screwing and unscrewing (i.e., "wear and tear"). Other techniques such as use of a brass nut often result in inconsistencies in torque and/or process during mounting.

There is therefore a need to provide a modular fastener for mounting or securing electronic components at a desired position that overcomes, or at least ameliorates, the problems described above. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taking in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and

this background of the disclosure.

Summary

A purpose of this disclosure is to ameliorate the problem of over-tightening a fastener for mounting electronic components, thereby by providing the subject-matter of the independent claims.

Further purposes of this disclosure are set out in the accompanying dependent claims.

The objective of this disclosure is solved by a fastener for securing a housing, the fastener comprising: an insert nut comprising an inner threaded wall, the insert nut operable to receive and retain a screw within; and an insert holder operable to receive and hold the insert nut within to form an insert nut and insert holder assembly, wherein the insert nut and insert holder assembly further comprises a co-rotation prevention mechanism, the co-rotation prevention mechanism operable to prevent over-rotating the shank during a mounting process.

An advantage of the above-described aspect of this disclosure yields an insert nut and an insert holder assembly having a co-rotation prevention mechanism. In particular, the co-rotation prevention mechanism enables holding and retaining the insert nut and insert holder assembly in a secure position such that during a mounting process the inner threaded wall of the insert nut receives and hold a shank of a screw within the insert nut, while preventing damage caused by over-tightening of the screw. Further, the side walls of the insert holder are solid, full wall structures to strengthen against damage due to over-tightening of screw during mounting process. The insert nut and the insert holder assembly provide a buffer or spacing between an end of the shank of the screw, and an edge of the insert nut and insert holder assembly, thereby preventing co rotation during mounting process. Consequently, the shank may be held and retained within the insert nut without co-rotating the insert nut during mounting process.

Preferred is a fastener for securing a housing as described above or as described above as being preferred, in which: the co-rotation prevention mechanism comprises at least one asymmetric groove on at least one side of an exterior wall of the insert nut.

The advantage of the above aspect of this disclosure is to provide a co-rotation prevention mechanism with at least one groove on at least one side of an exterior wall of the insert nut. Consequently, a female mechanical part of the co-rotation prevention mechanism is provided.

Preferred is a fastener for securing a housing as described above or as described above as being preferred, in which: the co-rotation prevention mechanism comprises at least one asymmetric rib on at least one side of an interior wall of the insert holder.

The advantage of the above aspect of this disclosure is to provide a co-rotation prevention mechanism with at least one asymmetric rib on at least one side of an interior wall of the insert holder. Consequently, a male mechanical part of the co-rotation prevention mechanism is provided.

Preferred is a fastener for securing a housing as described above or as described above as being preferred, in which: the co-rotation prevention mechanism is operable to hold and retain the insert nut within the insert holder when the at least one asymmetric groove on the at least one side of the exterior wall of the insert nut is in contact with the at least one asymmetric rib on the at least one side of the interior wall of the insert holder.

The advantage of the above aspect of this disclosure is to provide a co-rotation prevention mechanism which forms an anti-over rotation safety mechanism when the at least one asymmetric groove on at least one side of an exterior wall of the insert nut, i.e., the female mechanical part and the at least one asymmetric rib on at least one side of an interior wall of the insert holder, i.e. the male mechanical part are in contact, such that the at least one asymmetric rib. This anti co rotation feature or co-rotation prevention mechanism achieves the objective of preventing co rotation of a screw during a mounting process, to avoid fastening issue as discussed herein.

Preferred is a fastener for securing a housing as described above or as described above as being preferred, in which: the insert nut and insert holder assembly further comprises at least one securing part on an edge of the insert nut and insert holder assembly.

The advantage of the above aspect of this disclosure is to provide at least one 30 securing part on an end or an edge of the insert nut and insert holder assembly such that the at least one securing part may be secured to a wall of a housing or casing, for mounting purposes.

Preferred is a fastener for securing a housing as described above or as described above as being preferred, in which: the insert nut and insert holder assembly is formed by press-fitting the insert nut into the insert holder, such that the insert nut is held within the insert holder.

The advantage of the above aspect of this disclosure is to provide an insert nut and insert holder assembly that can be easily assembled through a press-fit process. Preferably, injection molding process may be used to mass produce the fasteners using plastic materials. In this manner, the fasteners may be mass produced in a cost-efficient manner, with reduction of material costs.

Preferred is a fastener for securing a housing as described above or as described above as being preferred, in which: the at least one side of the interior wall of the insert holder is a solid wall structure.

The advantage of the above aspect of this disclosure is to provide a solid, full side wall structure on each side of the insert holder, to prevent damage to the fastener, caused by over-tightening of a screw during a mounting process.

The objective of this disclosure is solved by a mounting assembly for a housing, the mounting assembly comprising: at least one insert nut comprising an inner threaded wall, the insert nut operable to receive and retain a shank within; and at least one insert holder operable to receive and hold the insert nut within to form at least one insert nut and insert holder assembly; and a housing comprising at least one opening, each of the at least one opening operable to receive at least one securing part of each of the insert nut and insert holder assembly, wherein each of the insert nut and insert holder assembly further comprises a co-rotation prevention mechanism, the co-rotation prevention mechanism operable to prevent co rotating the insert nut during a mounting process.

An advantage of the above-described aspect of this disclosure yields a mounting assembly for mounting a housing to a fixed position using at least one of the insert nut and insert holder assembly as disclosed herein. More advantageous, the insert nut and insert holder assembly includes a co-rotation prevention mechanism to achieve the objective of preventing co-rotation of a screw during mounting process.

Consequently, avoiding fastening issue as discussed herein. Even more advantageously, the insert nut and insert holder assembly may be modularly fitted on a side of the housing, thus making the proposed solution scalable. Further thereto, the side walls of the insert holder are solid, full wall structures to keep both sides of the insert nut and the insert holder assembly intact when fastening a shank of the screw within the insert nut. Consequently, the side walls of the insert holder prevent over-tightening of the screw.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other objects and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a fastener in accordance with a preferred

embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a fastener in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section view of a fastener in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a mounting assembly for a housing using at least one fastener in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a mounting assembly for a housing using at least one fastener in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this disclosure.

In various embodiments described by reference to the above figures, like reference signs refer to like components in several perspective views and/or configurations.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the disclosure. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the disclosure or the following detailed description. It is the intent of this disclosure to present a fastener for securing a housing at a fixed position which prevents co-rotation of an insert nut during mounting process.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings which shows an exploded view of a fastener 100 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the fastener 100 comprises an insert nut 102 and an insert holder 112. The insert nut 102 includes an opening to receive and retain a screw within the insert nut 102, and the insert nut 102 includes an inner threaded wall 110, which is designed to mate with a shank 126 of a screw 124, of which the shank 126 is typically a helical ridge which is at least partially threaded. The insert nut 102 is operable to press-fit into the insert holder 112, in a direction as indicated by the dotted line arrow, B, as shown on FIG. 1. The insert nut 102 has an outer or exterior wall 108. In a preferred embodiment, the exterior wall 108 has at least one asymmetric groove 104. In a preferred embodiment, the exterior wall 108 includes at least three asymmetrical grooves, 104, 104' and 104" (not shown in FIG. 1), which is positioned such that one exterior wall 108 includes at least two asymmetrical grooves, 104 and 104', while the other side of the exterior wall 108 includes at least one asymmetric groove 104" (not shown in FIG. 1). The at least one asymmetrical grooves, 104, 104' and 104" provides at least one female mechanical part, operable to receive and hold a male mechanical counterpart in place.

The insert holder 112 includes two side walls, 128, 128' each of the two side walls 128, 128' having at least one asymmetric rib 106, the at least one asymmetric rib 106 functions as at least one male mechanical part. Therefore, the at least one asymmetric rib 106 is operable to slot into the at least one asymmetrical grooves 104 and retain in place. In a preferred embodiment, an inner side of the side wall 128 has at least one asymmetric rib 106 on one of the side wall 128, as shown in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, the side wall 128 includes at least three asymmetric ribs 106, 106', 106" which is positioned such that one side wall includes two asymmetric ribs 106 and 106' located at an inner side of the insert nut 122, while the other side of the side wall 128' include the at least two asymmetric rib 106', 106" (not shown in FIG. 1).

The aforesaid configuration facilitates receiving and retaining the at least one asymmetric rib 106 located at an inner side of a side wall 128 of the insert holder 112 in a fixed position, held within the at least one asymmetric groove 104 located at an exterior wall 108 of the insert nut 102, when the insert nut 102 is press-fitted into the insert holder 112. Therefore, a co-rotation prevention mechanism is formed. A main advantage of this co-rotation prevention mechanism enables fastening a shank of a screw to an insert nut and an insert holder assembly as disclosed herein, for mounting a housing to a fixed position.

Additionally, the insert nut 102 includes an alignment rib 116 and an overlapping feature 118. In response to the insert nut 102 being press-fitted into the insert holder 112, the alignment rib 116 engages with the overlapping feature 118, to provide at least one securing part, to secure connection between the insert nut 102 and the insert holder 112. As shown in FIG. 1, the alignment rib 116 and overlapping feature 118 engagement feature may be positioned on at least one edge of the insert nut 102 and insert holder 112 assembly. In an embodiment, the alignment rib 116 and overlapping feature 118 engagement feature may be positioned on both edges of the insert nut 102 and insert holder 112 assembly.

For clarity and brevity, during a mounting process, a bracket 120 is placed forward of the insert nut 102 and insert holder 112 assembly. Using a fastener, for example screw 124, the screw 124 is inserted through a bracket opening 122 and at least one opening or insert holder opening 114 of the insert holder 112, into the inner threaded wall 110 of the insert nut 102 in a direction indicated as 'A' on FIG. 1. Since the shank 126 of the screw 124 is at least partially threaded, the shank 126 of the screw 124 is received and retained within the insert nut 102 during mounting process. As the co-rotation prevention mechanism prevents co-rotating the screw 124 during the mounting process, the screw 124 is to securely hold the insert nut 102 within the insert holder 112 during mounting process, thereby preventing occurrence of unable to tighten the fastener 100 caused by co-rotation of different hardware elements.

Preferably, the side walls 128, 128' are solid, full wall structures as shown in FIG. 1, to prevent damage caused by over-tightening of the screw during a mounting process. An advantage of the solid, full side wall 128, 128' structures assist to keep the co-rotation prevention mechanism intact.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a fastener 200 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, of which the insert nut 102 is shown in two different side perspectives, for example perspective 2A and perspective 2B. As shown in perspective 2A of FIG. 2, the insert nut 102 includes a side wall 108 having at least one asymmetric groove 104. An edge of the insert nut 102 shows an alignment rib 116 and an inner threaded wall 110 of the insert nut 102 is at least partially seen.

From perspective 2B of FIG. 2, the insert nut 102' includes a side wall 108' having at least two asymmetrical grooves 104' and 104". An edge of the insert nut 102 shows an alignment rib 116 and an inner threaded wall 110 of the insert nut 102 is at least partially seen.

As shown in FIG. 2, the insert holder 112 includes at least one asymmetric rib 106 and more in preferably, at least three asymmetric ribs 106, 106' and 106" located on an inner side of each of the side walls 128, 128' of the insert holder 112. An edge of the insert holder 112 includes an alignment rib 116 which contacts and engages with an overlapping feature 118 when the insert nut 102 is press-fitted into the insert holder 112. A main advantage of the alignment rib 116 and overlapping feature 118 engagement mechanism is ensure the insert nut 102 and the insert holder 112 are securely held together after the press-fitting step, such that the insert nut 102 and the insert holder 112 may be fitted to a housing, for mounting purposes.

In this exemplary embodiment, the co-rotation prevention mechanism is formed when the at least one asymmetric groove 104, 104' and 104" located on each exterior wall 108, 108' of the insert nut 102 receives and retain the at least one asymmetric rib 106, 106' and 106" located on the inner wall of side walls 128, 128" of the insert holder 112.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section view of a fastener 300 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this disclosure. As explained above, the insert nut 102 and insert holder 112 assembly is formed by press-fitting the insert nut 102 into the insert holder 112. From the cross-section view of fastener 300, it can be seen a co-rotation prevention mechanism 302 is formed by retaining the at least one asymmetric rib 106 within the at least one asymmetric groove 104. Therefore, the objective of preventing co-rotating of a screw during mounting process is achieved, thereby preventing fastening issue as discussed herein, to the fastener 100, 200 and 300.

The fastener 100, 200, 300 may be modularly fitted with an electronic housing to mount the electronic housing within a consumer electronic device or an automotive as illustrated in FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of a mounting assembly 400 for a housing 402 using at least one fastener 100, 200, 300 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this disclosure. As shown on FIG. 4, by applying press-fitting technique in a direction B as indicated by dotted lines on FIG. 4, an insert nut 102 with insert holder 112 may be combined to yield an insert nut 102 and insert holder 112 assembly C. In this embodiment, the mounting assembly 400 is scalable, in the sense that the assembly C is reproduced such to modularly fit along a length L of the housing 402, such that the housing 402 may be mounted within a larger system.

Turning now to FIG. 5 which shows a perspective view of a fully assembled mounting assembly 500 for a housing using at least one fastener in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, it can be seen the housing 402 has a length L, of which at least two insert nut and insert holder assembly C, C' are fastened to a fixed position along the length L, for mounting purposes.

In the various embodiments discussed above, the fastener 100, 200, 300 may be produced using injection molding method, to mass produce the fasteners in a cost-efficient manner.

Thus, a fastener for securing or mounting an electronic housing to a fixed position having a anti co-rotation prevention mechanism operable to prevent co-rotating a screw for fastening the electronic housing to a fixed position has been provided. Further thereto, the fastener includes an alignment rib and overlapping feature on at least an edge of the fastener, to securely hold the fastener at a fixed position along a length of the electronic housing for mounting, thus providing a modularly fit fastening solution. While exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variation exist.

It should further be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, operation, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements and method of operation described in the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

List of Reference Signs Fastener Insert nut 104, 104', 104" At least one asymmetric groove 106, 106', 106" At least one asymmetric rib 108, 108' Exterior wall of insert nut Inner threaded wall of insert nut 112 Insert holder 114 At least one opening 116 118 120 122 124 126 Alignment rib 128, 128' A 2A 2B Overlapping feature bracket At least one bracket opening Screw Shank Side walls Direction of receiving screw Direction of press-fit Fastener Perspective view 1 of insert nut Perspective view 2 of insert nut Fastener Co-rotation prevention mechanism Mounting assembly Housing Length of housing Mounting assembly (fully assembled)

Claims

Patent claims 1. A fastener (100, 200, 300) for securing a housing (402), the fastener (100, 200, 300) comprising: an insert nut (102) comprising an inner threaded wall (110), the insert nut (102) operable to receive and retain a shank (126) within; and an insert holder (112) operable to receive and hold the insert nut (102) within to form an insert nut (102) and insert holder (112) assembly (C), wherein the insert nut (102) and insert holder (112) assembly (C) further comprises a co-rotation prevention mechanism (302), the co-rotation prevention mechanism (302) operable to prevent co-rotating the shank (126) during a mounting process.
2. The fastener (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein the co-rotation prevention mechanism (302) comprises at least one asymmetric groove (104, 104', 104") on at least one side of an exterior wall (108) of the insert nut (102).
3. The fastener (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the co-rotation prevention mechanism (302) comprises at least one asymmetric rib (106, 106', 106") on at least one side of an interior wall (128, 128') of the insert holder (112).
4. The fastener according (100, 200, 300) to claims 1-3, wherein the co-rotation prevention mechanism (302) is operable to hold and retain the insert nut (102) within the insert holder (112) when the at least one asymmetric groove (104, 104', 104") on the at least one side of the exterior wall (108, 108') of the insert nut (102) is in contact with the at least one asymmetric rib (106, 106', 106") on the at least one side of the interior wall (128, 128') of the insert holder (112).
5. The fastener (100, 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert nut (102) and insert holder (112) assembly (C) further comprises at least one securing part on an edge of the insert nut (102) and insert holder (112) assembly (C).
6. The fastener (100, 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, 5 wherein the at least one securing part comprises: at least one alignment rib feature (116), and at least one overlapping feature (118).
7. The fastener (100, 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one securing part is positioned at an edge of the insert nut (102) and insert holder (112) assembly (C).
8. The fastener (100, 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert nut (102) and insert holder (112) assembly (C) is formed by press-fitting the insert nut (102) into the insert holder (112), such that the insert nut (102) is held within the insert holder (112).
9. The fastener (100, 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one side of the interior wall (128, 128') of the insert holder (112) is a solid wall structure.
10. A mounting assembly (400, 500) for a housing (402) comprising: at least one insert nut (102) comprising an inner threaded wall (110), the insert nut (102) operable to receive and retain a shank (126) within; and at least one insert holder (112) operable to receive and hold the insert nut (102) within to form at least one insert nut (102) and insert holder (112) assembly (C); and a housing (402) comprising at least one opening (114), each of the at least one opening (114) operable to receive at least one securing part of each of the insert nut (102) and insert holder (112) assembly (C), wherein each of the insert nut (102) and insert holder (112) assembly (C) further comprises a co-rotation prevention mechanism (302), the co-rotation prevention mechanism prevention mechanism (302) operable to prevent co-rotating the insert nut (102) during a mounting process.