• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to a holder for electronic equipment, comprising' a first clamp member and. a second clamp member that together define a clamp opening for receiving the electronic equipment, wherein the first clamp member is movable towards the second. clamp member in a clamp direction. to clamp 'the electronic equipment in 'the clamp opening and away from the second clamp member in a release direction opposite to the clamp direction to release the electronic equipment from the holder, wherein the holder further comprises a fastener and a release cam that moves together with the fastener in the clamp direction. and. the release direction, wherein. the release canl is located. on the fastener‘ between. the second. clamp member and the first clamp member to abut the first clamp member in the release direction when the fastener is moved in the release direction.
    公开号:NL2027294A
    申请号:NL2027294
    申请日:2021-01-08
    公开日:2021-08-30
    发明作者:Jacobus Kaagman Mattheus；Matthijs Bergmans Quinten
    申请人:Vmi Holland Bv；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    P139427NL00 Holder for electronic equipment
    BACKGROUND The invention relates to a holder for electronic equipment, in particular a sensor or a laser. Figures 1A and 1B show a known holder for a sensor that comprises two clamp members which are movable towards each other with the use of a threaded fastener.
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One disadvantage of the known holder is that too much torque is applied to the fastener, thereby forcing the clamp members too tightly around the sensor. This potentially causes damage to the sensor, in particular where the sharp edges of the respective clamp members are pushed into the housing of the sensor, as shown in figure 1B. Another disadvantage of the known holder is that when loosening the fastener, misalignments between the fastener and the clamp members may hinder the clamp members from returning to their original position prior to clamping. As a result, the operator may have trouble removing the sensor from the holder and will attempt to pry the sensor loose. This may cause further damage to sensitive electronic equipment, such as the sensor. It is an object of the present invention to provide a holder for electronic equipment that reduces the risk of damage to the electronic equipment when clamping and/or loosening.
    The invention provides a holder for electronic equipment, wherein the holder comprises a first clamp member and a second clamp member that together define a clamp opening for receiving the electronic equipment, wherein the first clamp member is movable towards the second clamp member in a clamp direction to clamp the electronic equipment in the clamp opening and away from the second clamp member in a release direction opposite to the clamp direction to release the electronic equipment from the holder, wherein the first clamp member has a first side facing away from the second clamp member and a second side facing towards the second clamp member, wherein the second clamp member is provided with a threaded bore, wherein the holder further comprises a fastener with a head and a threaded end, wherein the head is located at the first side of the first clamp member and wherein the threaded end is arranged to engage with the threaded bore of the second clamp member so that the fastener moves relative to the second clamp member in the clamp direction and the release direction when rotating the fastener in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, respectively, wherein the holder further comprises a release cam arranged to move together with the fastener in the clamp direction and the release direction, wherein the release cam is located on the fastener between the second clamp member and the second side of the first clamp member to abut the second side of the first clamp member in the release direction when the fastener is moved in the release direction. The release cam can urge the first clamp member to move away from the second clamp member when the fastener is loosened, thereby overcoming any potential friction as a result of misalignment between the fastener and the first clamp member. Hence, when the fastener is loosened, the electronic equipment is effectively released from the clamping action of the holder and can be taken out relatively easily, i.e. without prying and/or exerting excessive force on the electronic equipment. In this way, damage to the sensitive electronic equipment can be prevented.
    In a preferred embodiment the first clamp member is provided with an unthreaded bore, wherein the fastener comprises a shank extending through the unthreaded bore from the head towards the threaded end. The shank can be inserted through the unthreaded bore of the first clamp member when assembling the holder. The unthreaded bore prevents that the fastener moves out of engagement with the first clamp member in a direction perpendicular to the clamp direction. The shank itself may be threaded, like the threaded end, or unthreaded.
    In another embodiment the fastener comprises a shank, wherein the release cam comprises an annular element that is arranged to be fitted around said shank in a release cam position. The annular element can effectively abut the second side of the first clamp member in the release direction. In particular, the annular element has a greater diameter than or protrudes from the shank. More specifically, the annular element does not fit through the unthreaded bore in the first clamp member, while the shank does. The annularity of the annular element ensures that its effectiveness to contact the second side of the first clamp member is constant around its circumference, regardless of the rotational position of the fastener.
    Preferably, the release cam position is adjustable. When the release cam position is located close to the second side of the first clamp member, the release cam will contact said second side relatively early upon loosening of the fastener. In contrast, when the release cam position is located further away from the second side of the first clamp member, the release cam will contact said second side relatively late after loosening of the fastener. Alternatively, the variable position of the release cam can be used to determine or define an extreme clamping position and/or limit the clamping range of the holder, i.e. the position where the release cam abuts the second clamp member when the first clamp member and the second clamp member approach each other during clamping. Hence, the force on the electronic component can be limited, and damage thereto can be avoided.
    In another embodiment the head comprises a hexagonal bolt head. Such a bolt head can be easily rotated with manual tools like a wrench.
    Preferably, the fastener comprises a shank, wherein the head comprises a slip coupling that couples the bolt head to the shank and that is arranged to transmit rotation of the bolt head to the shank up to a predefined torque threshold, wherein above said predefined threshold value, the slip coupling allows for the bolt head to rotate freely with respect to the shank. The slip coupling can prevent damage to the sensitive electronic equipment as a result of excessive torque being applied to the fastener during fastening.
    In another embodiment the clamp opening is circular. Hence, the holder can be used to clamp circular or cylindrical electronic equipment, such as a sensor or a laser. With the circular clamp opening a very precise fit, or even ‘negative’ or clamping’' fit, can be obtained between the holder and the cylindrical electronic equipment such that, even when the clamp members are allowed to return to their initial unflexed position, some clamping force remains, and unintentional release of the electronic equipment from the holder can be prevented. It is only when the release cam forces the first clamp member apart from the second clamp member in the release direction that the electronic equipment can be easily removed from the holder.
    In another embodiment the clamp opening has an unstressed diameter when the head of the fastener is spaced apart from the first side of the first clamp member, wherein the first clamp member and the second clamp member have mutually facing limit surfaces that are arranged to 5 come into abutment with each other when the clamp opening has a minimum diameter that is within a range of zero to five percent of the unstressed diameter. The limit surfaces can be used to determine or define an extreme clamping position and/or limit the clamping range of the holder, i.e. the position where the limit surfaces abut each other when the first clamp member and the second clamp member approach each other during clamping. Hence, the force on the electronic component can be limited, and damage thereto can be avoided.
    Alternatively, the clamp opening has an unstressed diameter when the head of the fastener is spaced apart from the first side of the first clamp member, wherein the release cam is arranged to abut the second clamp member in the clamp direction when the clamp opening has a minimum diameter that is within a range of zero to five percent of the unstressed diameter. The release cam can thus be used to determine or define an extreme clamping position and/or limit the clamping range of the holder, i.e. the position where the release cam abuts the second clamp member when the first clamp member and the second clamp member approach each other during clamping. Hence, the {force on the electronic component can be limited, and damage thereto can be avoided.
    In another embodiment the first clamp member is rotatable with respect to the second clamp member about a clamp axis at a side of the clamp opening opposite to the fastener. Hence, only one fastener is necessary to clamp the electronic equipment.
    Preferably, the holder comprises a flexible bridge member that connects the first clamp member to the second clamp member at the clamp axis. Hence, the first clamp member, the second clamp member and the bridge member can be integral, i.e. made from a single piece of material.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which: figure 1A shows a side view of a holder for electronic eguipment according to the prior art in a release position; figure 1B shows a side view of the holder according to figure 1A in a clamping position; figure 2 shows a side view of a holder for electronic equipment according to the first embodiment of the invention in an extreme clamping position; figure 3 shows a side view of the holder according to figure 2 in a release position; figure 4 shows a side view of an alternative holder for electronic equipment according to a second embodiment of the invention; and figure 5 shows a side view of a further alternative holder for electronic equipment according to a third embodiment of the invention.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 2 and 3 show a holder 1 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the invention, for holding, clamping and/or fixating electronic equipment 9, in particular sensitive equipment such as sensors or lasers. Said sensors and laser are for example used in the field of tire building.
    The holder 1 comprises a first clamp member 2 and a second clamp member 3 that together define a clamp opening A for receiving the electronic equipment 9. In this exemplary embodiment, the first clamp member 2 and the second clamp member 3 are provided with semi-circular recesses that together form a circular or substantially circular cross section or contour of the clamp opening A. The electronic equipment 9 is arranged to be inserted in a direction normal to the plane of the drawing of figures. In particular, the electronic equipment is circular or cylindrical and is inserted concentrically in the circular clamp opening A.
    The first clamp member 2 and the second clamp member 3 are connected via a bridge member 6. The bridge member 6 is flexible to allow for movement or rotation of the first clamp member 2 relative to the second clamp member 3 about a clamp axis B. The clamp axis B is parallel or substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the electronic equipment. Preferably, the first clamp member 2, the second clamp member 3 and the bridge 6 are integral, i.e. manufactured out of a single piece of material.
    Alternatively, the bridge 6 may be of a different material or may be formed as a mechanical hinge.
    The first clamp member 2 is movable towards the second clamp member 3 in a clamp direction C to clamp the electronic equipment 9 in the clamp opening A, as shown in figure 2. The first clamp member 2 is movable away from the second clamp member 3 in a release direction D opposite to the clamp direction C to release the electronic equipment 9 from the holder 1, as shown in figure 3. Although the actual movement of the first clamp member 2 may be a rotation about the clamp axis B, it is noted that the movement is so small that it can be approximated by a linear movement. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the movement of the first clamp member 2 towards the second clamp member 3 may be a relative movement, i.e. when viewed from the first clamp member 2, the second clamp member 3 moves towards and away from the first clamp member 2. In practice, both clamp members 2, 3 will move towards and away from the other as a result of the operation of the holder 1 that will be discussed in more detail hereafter.
    The first clamp member 2 has a first side S1 facing away from the second clamp member 3 and a second side S2 facing towards the second clamp member 3. The second clamp member 3 is provided with a threaded bore 30, i.e. a hole provided with an internal threading.
    The holder 1 further comprises a fastener 4 that is arranged to engage with the internal threading of the threaded bore 30. The fastener 4 is located at a side of the clamp opening A opposite to the clamp axis B.
    The fastener 4 has a head 41 and a threaded end 42. The fastener 4 further comprises a shank 40 extending from the head 41 towards the threaded end 42. In this particular example, the first clamp member 2 is also provided with a bore, preferably an unthreaded bore 20. The head 41 is located or positioned at the first side S1 of the first clamp member 2, while the shank 40 extends through the unthreaded bore 20 and out of the second side S2 of the first clamp member 2 towards the second clamp member 3. The head 41 has a dimension that prevents the fastener 4 from being pulled through the bore 20 in the first clamp member 2 in the clamp direction C.
    In particular, the head 41 is arranged to engage with and/or come into abutment with the first side S1 of the first clamp member 2 when the fastener 4 is moved in the clamp direction C.
    The head 41 of the fastener 4 may be a normal hexagonal bolt head 43. However, as shown in figure 2, the head 41 of the fastener 4 according to the present invention not only comprises a hexagonal bolt head 43, but optionally also includes a slip coupling 44 that couples the bolt head 43 to the shank 40. The slip coupling 44 is arranged or configured to transmit rotation of the bolt head 43 to the shank 40 up to a predefined torque threshold.
    Above said predefined threshold value, the slip coupling 44 allows for the bolt head 43 to rotate freely with respect to the shank 40. Hence, transmission of excessive torque to the shank 40 can be prevented. Slip couplings are known per se, but not in this application. Possible slip coupling mechanism that can be integrated at or in the fastener 4 are friction slip clutches, a ball/spring/pawl detent torque limiter or any other type of suitable torque limiter. The threaded end 42 is arranged to engage with the threaded bore 30 of the second clamp member 3. Hence, when the fastener 4 is rotated within the threaded bore 30, the fastener 4 moves relative to the second clamp member 3 in the clamp direction C and the release direction D depending on whether the fastener 4 is rotated in a first rotation direction Rl or a second rotation direction RZ opposite to the first rotation direction Rl, respectively. The holder 1 further comprises a release cam 5 that is arranged to move together with the fastener 4 in the clamp direction C and the release direction D. In particular, the release cam 5 is located on, mounted to or fixed to the fastener 4 between the second clamp member 3 and the second side S2 of the first clamp member 2. In this particular embodiment, the release cam 5 is an annular element 50 that is arranged to be fitted around the shank 40 in a release cam position P. Alternatively, the release cam 5 may be an integral part of the fastener 4, i.e. like a protrusion or bulge that protrudes from the diameter of the shank 40. The release cam 5 acts as a contact element that engages with and/or abuts the second side S2 of the first clamp member 2 in the release direction D when the fastener 4 is moved in the release direction D, as shown in figure
    3. The release cam 5 may therefore urge the first clamp member 2 to move away from the second clamp member 3 in the release direction D, even when misalignments and/or friction between the fastener 4 and the first clamp member 2 may initially prevents such a movement. Note that the freedom of movement of the fastener
    4 in the clamp direction C and the release direction D is essentially limited to the spacing between the head 41 and the release cam 5. Preferably, the release cam position P is adjustable. In particular, the release cam 5 may be fixated on the fastener 4 by a fixation element 51, i.e. a screw or a fixation pin. By loosening the fixation element 51, the release cam 5 may be shifted in the clamp direction C or the release direction D over the shank 40.
    As shown in figure 2, the first clamp member 2 and the second clamp member 3 have mutually facing limit surfaces 21, 31 that are arranged to come into abutment with each other in an extreme position or maximum clamp position of the holder 1. In said extreme position, the first clamp member 2 can not be moved any further in the clamp direction C because of physical contact with the second clamp member 3. The release cam 5 is in a release cam position P on the fastener 4 in which the release cam 5 is or remains spaced apart from the second clamp member 3 when the first clamp member 2 is in the extreme position. Hence, the release cam 5 does not interfere with the ability of the first clamp member 2 to reach the extreme position defined by the contact between the limit surfaces 21, 31.
    Alternatively, the release cam 5 may be placed in a position where the release cam 5 is arranged to contact the second clamp member 3 when the extreme position has been reached. Hence, the release cam 5 can also limit the clamping range of the holder 1 in addition to the limit surfaces 21, 31 or as an alternative to said limit surfaces 21, 31.
    Preferably, the maximum clamping position corresponds to a situation in which the clamp opening A is circular or substantially circular, or has a minimum diameter D2 that is within 0-5% of the normal or unstressed diameter Dl, as shown in figure 3. Hence, a very precise, negative or clamping fit can be obtained between the holder
    1 and the electronic equipment 9, without causing damage to said electronic equipment 9.
    Figure 4 shows an alternative holder 101 for electronic equipment 9 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the invention, that differs from the previously discussed holder 1 in that the first holder 102 does not have an unthreaded bore for receiving the fastener
    4. Instead, the first holder 102 has an open channel 120 for at least partially recessing the shank 40 of the fastener 4 into the first clamp member 2. In a further alternative embodiment (not shown), the first holder 102 may not even have the open channel 120 and the shank 40 of the fastener 4 may simply extent alongside the first holder
    102. However, for the operation of the holder 101 according to the invention, at least the head 41 of the fastener 4 should have a diameter sufficient to securely clamp onto the first side S1 of the first clamp member 102 and the release cam 5 should protrude outwards from the shank 40 over a sufficient distance to securely engage with and/or abut the second side 82 of the first clamp member 102. Other than that, the operation of the alternative holder 101 is the same as the previously described holder 1. Figure 5 shows an alternative holder 201 for electronic equipment 9 according to an exemplary third embodiment of the invention, that differs from the previously discussed holders 1, 101 in that the first clamp member 202 and the second clamp member 203 do not have mutually facing limit surfaces that contact each other in the extreme position of the holder 201. Instead, the release cam 205 is positioned and/or dimensioned so as to contact or abut the second clamp member 203 in the clamp direction C when the holder 201 reaches its maximum or extreme clamping position. For example, the annular body 250 of the release cam 205 may be extended and/or longer in the clamp direction C compared to the annular body 50 of the previous embodiments. In particular, the release cam 205 has a limit surface 252 at the end of the annular body
    250 facing towards the second clamp member 203.
    Preferably, the maximum clamping position corresponds to a situation in which the clamp opening A is circular or substantially circular, or has a minimum diameter DZ that is within zero to five percent of the normal or unstressed diameter Dl, as shown in figure 3. Hence, a very precise, negative or clamping fit can be obtained between the holder 201 and the electronic equipment 9, without causing damage to said electronic equipment 9.
    It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.
    In summary the invention relates to a holder 1, 101 for electronic equipment 9, comprising a first clamp member 2, 102 and a second clamp member 3 that together define a clamp opening A for receiving the electronic equipment 9, wherein the first clamp member 2, 102 is movable towards the second clamp member 3 in a clamp direction C to clamp the electronic equipment 9 in the clamp opening A and away from the second clamp member 3 in a release direction D opposite to the clamp direction C to release the electronic equipment 9 from the holder 1, 101, wherein the holder 1, 101 further comprises a fastener 4 and a release cam 5 that moves together with the fastener 4 in the clamp direction C and the release direction D, wherein the release cam 5 is located on the fastener 4 between the second clamp member 3 and the first clamp member 2, 102 to abut the first clamp member 2, 102 in the release direction D when the fastener 4 is moved in the release direction D.
    LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1 holder 2 first clamp member 20 unthreaded bore 21 limit surface 3 second clamp member 30 threaded bore 31 limit surface 4 fastener 40 shank 41 head 42 threaded end 43 bolt head 44 slip coupling 5 release cam 50 annular element 51 fixation element 6 bridge member 9 electronic equipment 101 alternative holder 102 alternative first clamp member 120 channel 201 further alternative holder 202 alternative first clamp member 203 alternative second clamp member 205 alternative release cam 250 annular element 252 limit surface A clamp opening B clamp axis C clamp direction D release direction D1 unstressed diameter D2 minimum diameter P release cam position R1 first rotation direction
    R2 second rotation direction S1 first side S2 second side
    权利要求:
    Claims (11)
    [1]
    A holder for electronic equipment, the holder comprising a first clamping member and a second clamping member which jointly define a clamping opening for receiving the electronic equipment, the first clamping member being movable toward the second clamping member in a clamping direction so as to clamping equipment in the clamp opening and away from the second clamping member for releasing the electronic equipment from the holder, the first clamping member having a threaded bore, the holder further comprising a fastener having a head and a threaded rod wherein the head is located on the first side of the first clamping member and wherein the threaded rod is adapted to engage the threaded bore of the second clamping member such that the fastener moves relative to the second clamping member in the clamping direction and the release direction when the fastener is rotated in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction, respectively, the holder further comprising a release cam arranged to move jointly with the fastener in the clamping direction and the releasing direction, the release cam being located on the fastener between the second clamping member and the second side of the first clamping member so as to abut the second side of the first clamping member in the release direction when the fastener is moved in the release direction.
    [2]
    The container of claim 1, wherein the first clamping member includes an unthreaded bore, the fastener comprising a shaft extending through the unthreaded bore from the head toward the threaded rod.
    [3]
    The container of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a shaft, the release cam comprising an annular element arranged to be positioned about the shaft in a release cam position.
    [4]
    The container of claim 3, wherein the release cam position is adjustable.
    [5]
    The container of claim 1, wherein the head is a hexagonal bolt head.
    [6]
    The container of claim 5, wherein the fastener comprises a shaft, the head comprising a slip clutch which couples the bolt head to the shaft and which is adapted to transfer rotation of the bolt head to the shaft up to a predetermined torque threshold, wherein the slip clutch above the predetermined torque threshold allows the bolt head to rotate freely relative to the shaft.
    [7]
    A container according to claim 1, wherein the clamping opening is circular.
    [8]
    The container of claim 1, wherein the clamp opening has an unloaded diameter when the head of the fastener is spaced from the first side of the first clamp member, the first clamp member and the second clamp member having mutually facing boundary surfaces arranged come into contact with each other when the clamp opening has a minimum diameter within a range of zero to five percent of the unloaded diameter.
    [9]
    The container of claim 1, wherein the clamp opening has an unloaded diameter when the head of the fastener is spaced from the first side of the first clamp member, wherein the release cam is arranged to abut the second clamp member in the clamping direction when the clamp opening has a minimum diameter within a range of zero to five percent of the unloaded diameter.
    [10]
    The container of claim 1, wherein the first clamping member is rotatable relative to the second clamping member about a clamping axis on a side of the clamping opening opposite the fastener.
    [11]
    The container of claim 10, wherein the container comprises a flexible bridge portion connecting the first clamping portion to the second clamping portion at the clamping axis. -0-70-0-0-0-0-0-0-
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    RS20210862A1|2021-11-30|
    HRUM20210002U2|2021-12-24|
    GR2003195Y|2021-05-24|
    CN211901182U|2020-11-10|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    CN202020062131.3U|CN211901182U|2020-01-13|2020-01-13|Holder for electronic device|
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