KR20130014658A - Connector and assembly device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A connector and an assembling device with the same are provided to obtain the assembling device and the connector with coupling devices which are easily assembled or separated. CONSTITUTION: A connector comprises a first coupling device(100) and a second coupling device(200). The first coupling device comprises a first body(110) and a plurality of elastic bodies(120) respectively extending from one surface of the first body. The second coupling device comprises a second body(210) and a supporting column fixed to the second body. The supporting column comprises a first portion and a second portion arranged in between the first portion and the second body. The width of the second portion is smaller than the first portion. The plurality of elastic bodies comprises a plurality of hooks for being coupled to a recessed portion formed by the first and second portions.

Description

CONNECTOR AND ASSEMBLY DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to an assembly apparatus, and more particularly to a connector for connecting the assembly apparatus.

Do It Yourself (DIY) products are products that are delivered by consumers purchasing semi-finished materials and assembling the finished product by hand. Demand for DIY products is increasing because of lower shipping costs, lower inventory costs, and part of a consumer's hobby. DIY products can be applied to manufacturing related products such as bonding sheets, paints, adult toys and furniture.

When a consumer buys a DIY product, he or she will purchase multiple structures to make the DIY product. And, by assembling a plurality of structures purchased by the consumer directly, the finished DIY product will be made.

To make a DIY product, a connector for connecting a plurality of structures is further required. For example, a plurality of structures for making a DIY product may be connected using nail or screw or bolts and nuts. However, using such a conventional connector, there is a problem that it is difficult to assemble a plurality of structures. This problem causes a decrease in the sales of DIY products.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector comprising fastening mechanisms which are easily assembled and detached, and an assembly apparatus comprising the same.

The connector according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises a first fastening mechanism having a first body and a plurality of elastic bodies (elastomers) respectively extending from one surface of the first body; And a second fastening mechanism having a second body and a support column fixed to the second body. The support pillar includes a first portion and a second portion disposed between the first portion and the second body, wherein the width of the second portion is smaller than the width of the first portion. The plurality of elastomers include a plurality of hooks for fastening to the recess defined by the first and second portions.

In an embodiment, the plurality of hooks will pass through the first portion and engage the recess.

In an embodiment, when the plurality of hooks pass through the first portion, the shapes of each of the plurality of elastic bodies are deformed, thereby increasing the distances between the plurality of hooks.

In an embodiment, when the plurality of hooks are fastened to the recess, the shape of each of the plurality of elastic bodies will be restored.

In example embodiments, the plurality of elastic bodies may extend in a first direction perpendicular to the one surface of the first body, and each of the plurality of hooks may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

In an embodiment, the plurality of hooks will move in the first direction, passing through the first portion and engaging the recess.

In an embodiment, the support pillar may include a third portion extending from the second body and connected to the second portion.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to first and second structures comprising first and second fastening mechanisms, respectively. An assembly apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first structure including a first fasten mechanism; And a second structure comprising a second fastening mechanism, the second structure being fixed to the first structure when the first and second fastening mechanisms are fastened to each other. The first fastening mechanism includes a first body and a plurality of elastic bodies respectively extending from one surface of the first body, and the second fastening mechanism includes a second body and a support column fixed to the second body. do. The support pillar includes a first portion and a second portion disposed between the first portion and the second body and having a width smaller than the width of the first portion, wherein the plurality of elastic bodies include the first and the first portions. A plurality of hooks for engaging the recess defined by the two parts.

In an embodiment, the plurality of hooks will pass through the first portion and engage the recess.

In an embodiment, when the plurality of hooks pass through the first portion, the shapes of each of the plurality of elastic bodies are deformed, thereby increasing the distances between the plurality of hooks.

In an embodiment, when the plurality of hooks are fastened to the recess, the shape of each of the plurality of elastic bodies will be restored.

In an embodiment, the first fastening mechanism further includes a support unit disposed between the plurality of elastic bodies, the support unit extending from a third portion and the third portion and having a width greater than the third portion. It will include a fourth part.

In an embodiment, the plurality of elastic bodies may further include a plurality of protrusions surrounding the fourth portion.

In some embodiments, the plurality of elastic bodies and the support unit extend in a direction perpendicular to the one surface of the first body, and when the support unit is moved in the direction perpendicular to the one surface of the first body. As pressure is applied to the fourth portion, the distances between the plurality of hooks will increase by deforming the shape of each of the plurality of elastic bodies.

In an embodiment, the plurality of protrusions may be located between the plurality of hooks and the first body.

In an embodiment, when the plurality of hooks are fastened to the recesses, the first portion will be fastened to the second recesses defined by the respective protrusions and the hooks.

In an embodiment, the first fastening mechanism may further include an elastic spring fixed to the first body and positioned around the plurality of elastic bodies.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector including fastening mechanisms which are easily assembled and detached, and an assembly apparatus including the same, will be provided.

1 is a perspective view showing an assembly apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II ′ of the first structure of FIG. 1.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II ′ of the second structure of FIG. 1.
4 is a view for explaining a state before the first and second fastening mechanisms of FIG. 1 are fastened.
FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a process of inserting the first fastening mechanism of FIG. 4 into the second fastening mechanism.
6 is a view for explaining a state in which the first fastening mechanism of FIG. 5 is fastened to the second fastening mechanism.
7 is a view for explaining a process of separating the first fastening mechanism of FIG. 5 from the second fastening mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention, and how to accomplish it, will be described with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but may be embodied in other forms. The embodiments are provided so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the technical idea of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

Throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, it includes not only "directly connected" but also "indirectly connected" . Throughout the specification, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, it means that it can further include other components, without excluding other components unless specifically stated otherwise.

1 is a perspective view showing an assembly device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II ′ of the first structure 11 of FIG. 1. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II 'of the second structure 21 of FIG.

1 to 3, the assembly apparatus 10 includes first and second constructions 11 and 21. By way of example, the first and second structures 11, 21 may be components provided for assembling with each other. For example, the first and second structures 11, 21 may be part of a DIY product.

The first structure 11 includes a first assembly 12 and a first fastening mechanism 100. The first assembly 12 may, for example, be composed of various materials (eg, wood, metal, etc.) depending on the purpose. Inside the first assembly 12, an empty space 15 will be formed. The first fastening mechanism 100 will be disposed in the void 15 of the first assembly 12.

The first fastening mechanism 100 includes a first body 110, a plurality of elastomers 120, a support unit 130, and an elastic spring 140. The plurality of elastic bodies 120 may be connected to one surface of the first body 110.

The first body 110 fixes the elastic spring 140. The first body 110 includes a plurality of fixing units 111. The elastic spring 140 is fixed to the first body 110 by a plurality of fixing units 111.

The first body 110 is connected to the plurality of elastic bodies 120. 1 and 2, the plurality of elastic bodies 120 is shown extending from the first body 110.

The plurality of elastic bodies 120 are respectively connected to one surface of the first body 110. The plurality of elastic bodies 120 may extend in a first direction from one surface of the first body 110. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, four plurality of elastic bodies 120 are provided. However, it will be understood that an exemplary embodiment is shown.

In FIG. 2, only the first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122 of the plurality of elastic bodies 120 are shown for convenience of recognition. However, it will be understood that other elastic bodies other than the first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122 are configured similarly to the first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122. In FIG. 2, each elastic body and the body 110 are divided by a dotted line.

The plurality of elastic bodies 120 includes a plurality of fixing units in contact with the inner wall of the first assembly 12. The first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122 include first and second fixing units 121a and 122a, respectively. The first and second fixing units 121a and 122a abut the inner wall of the first assembly 12. By the first and second fixing units 121a and 122a, the first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122 will not shake in the second direction or in the opposite direction to the second direction.

The plurality of elastic bodies 120 further include a plurality of protrusions surrounding the support unit 130. For example, the first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122 include first and second protrusions 121b and 122b, respectively. The first and second protrusions 121b and 122b are formed to surround the fourth portion 132 of the support unit 130. That is, the support unit 130 is surrounded by a plurality of protrusions included in the plurality of elastic bodies 120.

The plurality of elastic bodies 120 each include a plurality of hooks extending in a first direction and a vertical direction. For example, the first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122 include first and second hooks 121c and 122c. Each of the first and second hooks 121c and 122c may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (eg, in a second direction or a direction opposite to the second direction).

The elastic spring 140 is fixed to the second body 110. The elastic spring 140 will abut the second body 110 and the bend 15a formed on the inner wall of the first assembly 12. The length along the first direction of the elastic spring 140 will decrease as the first fastening mechanism 100 is moved in the first direction within the first assembly 12.

The second structure 21 includes a second assembly 22 and a second fastening mechanism 200. The second assembly 22 may be made of various materials (eg, wood, metal, etc.), depending on the application. Inside the second assembly 22, an empty space 25 will be formed. The second fastening mechanism 200 will be disposed in the empty space 25 of the second assembly 22.

The second fastening mechanism 200 includes a second body 210 and a support column 220. The second body 210 is connected to the support pillar 220.

The support pillar 220 extends in the first direction. The support pillar 220 is fixed to the second body 210. In exemplary embodiments, the support pillar 220 may penetrate the second body 210. The support pillar 220 may include a support 220a extending in the first direction from the second body 210. Support 220a will be formed in a spiral irregular shape. Due to the spiral irregularities, the support 220a will be fixed to the second body 210.

The support pillar 220 includes a first portion 221, a second portion 222 connected to the first portion 221, a third portion 223 connected to the second portion 222, and a second body 210. More). In exemplary embodiments, the first to third portions 221 to 223 extend in the first direction, respectively.

The width of the first portion 221 and the width of the second portion 222 will be different. The width of the second portion 222 and the width of the third portion 223 will be different. Accordingly, the recess 225 may be defined by the first to third portions 221 to 223.

In the first portion 221, a groove 226 may be formed to allow the user to easily rotate the second fastening mechanism 200. For example, the shape of the groove 226 may be formed in a + shape as shown in FIG. As another example, the shape of the groove 226 may be formed in a shape-different from that shown in FIG. The user can separate the second fastening mechanism 200 and the second assembly 22 by inserting a screwdriver into the groove 226 and rotating the second fastening mechanism 200.

4 is a view for explaining a state before the first and second fastening mechanisms 100 and 200 of FIG. 1 are fastened. The first fastening mechanism 100 will travel in the first direction to be fastened to the second fastening mechanism 200.

Referring to FIG. 4, the width W2 of the second portion 222 (eg, the radius of the circular column) will be smaller than the maximum width W1 of the first portion 221. In exemplary embodiments, the maximum width W1 of the first portion 221 and the width of the third portion 223 may be the same.

The maximum width W1 of the first portion 221 will be greater than the distance W3 between the first and second hooks 121c and 122c. In addition, the distance W3 between the width W2 of the second portion 222 and the first and second hooks 121c and 122c may be the same.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a process of inserting the first fastening mechanism of FIG. 4 into the second fastening mechanism. Referring to FIG. 5, as the first fastening mechanism 100 proceeds in the first direction, the first and second hooks 121c and 122c will pass through the first portion 221. When the first and second hooks 121c 122c pass through the first portion 221, the shape of each of the first and second elastic bodies 121, 122 will be deformed. As the shape of each of the first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122 is deformed, the distance between the first and second hooks 121c 122c will increase.

As the first fastening mechanism 100 proceeds in the first direction, the length along the first direction of the elastic spring 140 will decrease. At this time, the elastic spring 140 will provide an elastic force for pushing the first body 110 in a direction opposite to the first direction.

6 is a view for explaining a state in which the first fastening mechanism 100 of FIG. 5 is fastened to the second fastening mechanism 200. Referring to FIG. 6, the first and second hooks 121c and 122c will be inserted into and fastened to the recess 225 after passing through the first portion 221. After the first and second hooks 121c and 122c pass through the first portion 221, the shape of the first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122 will be restored. When the shapes of the first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122 are restored, the first and second hooks 121c and 122c may be fastened to the recess 225.

Since the first and second hooks 121c and 122c are fastened to the recess 225, the first fastening mechanism 100 will not move in the first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction.

When the first and second hooks 121c and 122c are fastened to the recess 225, the first and second assemblies 12 and 22 will abut each other. Thus, the first fastening mechanism 100, or the first structure, will no longer move in the first direction.

When the first and second hooks 121c and 122c are fastened to the recess 225, the elastic spring 140 will provide an elastic force to push the first body 110 in the opposite direction to the first direction. . However, since the first and second hooks 121c and 122c and the first portion 221 are in contact with each other, the first fastening mechanism 100 will not move in the direction opposite to the first direction. As a result, due to the elastic force provided from the elastic spring 140, the first and second hooks 121c and 122c will be strongly fastened to the recess 225.

7 is a view for explaining a process of separating the first fastening mechanism of FIG. 5 from the second fastening mechanism. Referring to FIG. 7, when the support unit 130 moves in the first direction, the shapes of the first and second elastic bodies 121 and 122 are deformed.

When the supporting unit 130 moves in the first direction while the fourth portion 132 of the supporting unit 130 is in contact with the first and second protrusions 121b and 122b, the first and second elastic bodies ( 121, 122) will be modified. At this time, the distance between the first and second hooks 121c and 122c will increase. When the distance between the first and second hooks 121c and 122c is greater than the width of the first portion 221, the first fastening mechanism 100 may be separated from the second fastening mechanism 200.

For example, when the distance between the first and second hooks 121c and 122c is greater than the width of the first portion 221, the first fastening mechanism 100 may be due to the elastic force provided from the elastic spring 140. Will move in the opposite direction to the first direction. That is, by providing the elastic spring 140, the first fastening mechanism 100 can be easily moved in the direction opposite to the first direction.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of hooks included in the plurality of elastic bodies 120 and a recess 225 formed in the support pillar 120 are provided. By fastening the plurality of hooks and the recess 225, the first and second fastening mechanisms 100 and 200 will be easily fastened.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a support unit disposed between the plurality of elastic bodies 120 is provided. As the support unit moves, the first and second fastening mechanisms 100, 200 will be easily separated.

In the detailed description of the present invention, specific embodiments have been described, but various changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, but should be determined by the claims equivalent to the claims of the present invention as well as the claims of the following.

10: assembly device
11, 21: first and second structures
100: first fastening device
110: first body
120: a plurality of elastic bodies
130: support unit
140: elastic spring
200: second fastening device
210: second body
220: support pillar

Claims (17)

A first fastening mechanism having a first body and a plurality of elastomers each extending from one surface of the first body; And
A second fastening mechanism having a second body and a support column fixed to the second body,
The support pillar comprises a first portion and a second portion disposed between the first portion and the second body,
The width of the second portion is less than the width of the first portion,
And the plurality of elastics includes a plurality of hooks for fastening to a recess defined by the first and second portions. The method of claim 1,
And the plurality of hooks pass through the first portion to engage the recess. The method of claim 2,
And when the plurality of hooks pass through the first portion, the shape of each of the plurality of elastic bodies is deformed, thereby increasing the distances between the plurality of hooks. The method of claim 3, wherein
And when the plurality of hooks are fastened to the recess, the shape of each of the plurality of elastic bodies is restored. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of elastic bodies extend in a first direction perpendicular to the one surface of the first body,
Each of the plurality of hooks protrude in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The method of claim 5, wherein
And the plurality of hooks move in the first direction, passing through the first portion and fastened to the recess. The method of claim 1,
And the support pillar includes a third portion extending from the second body and connected with the second portion. A first structure comprising a first fasten mechanism; And a second fastening mechanism, the second structure being fixed to the first structure when the first and second fastening mechanisms are fastened to each other,
The first fastening mechanism includes a first body and a plurality of elastic bodies respectively extending from one surface of the first body,
The second fastening mechanism includes a second body and a support column fixed to the second body,
The support pillar includes a first portion and a second portion disposed between the first portion and the second body and having a width less than the width of the first portion,
And the plurality of elastic bodies comprises a plurality of hooks for engaging the recess defined by the first and second portions. The method of claim 8,
And said plurality of hooks pass through said first portion to engage said recess. The method of claim 9,
And as the plurality of hooks pass through the first portion, the shape of each of the plurality of elastic bodies is deformed, thereby increasing the distances between the plurality of hooks. 11. The method of claim 10,
And when the plurality of hooks are fastened to the recess, the shape of each of the plurality of elastic bodies is restored. The method of claim 8,
The first fastening mechanism further includes a support unit disposed between the plurality of elastic bodies,
And the support unit includes a third portion and a fourth portion extending from the third portion and having a width greater than the third portion. 13. The method of claim 12,
And the plurality of elastic bodies further comprise a plurality of protrusions surrounding the fourth portion. The method of claim 13,
The plurality of elastic bodies and the support unit extend in a direction perpendicular to the one surface of the first body,
When the support unit is moved in the direction perpendicular to the one surface of the first body, the pressure is applied to the fourth portion, so that the shape of each of the plurality of elastic bodies is deformed, so that the plurality of hooks Assembly device with increasing distances. The method of claim 13,
And the plurality of protrusions are positioned between the plurality of hooks and the first body. The method of claim 15,
And when the plurality of hooks are fastened to the recess, the first portion is fastened to the second recesses defined by the respective protrusions and the hooks. The method of claim 8,
And the first fastening mechanism further comprises an elastic spring fixed to the first body and positioned around the plurality of elastic bodies.

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