BACKGROUND

[0001] Fasteners may be used in devices to connect structural components and electronic modules like Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) modules, Embedded Controllers, Central Processing Units (CPU), and Random Access Memory (RAM) chips. However, smaller electronic components, such as wires, cables, resistors, capacitors, etc., may be connected using other fastening means like connecting elements, such as cable connectors, or by ways of soldering. For example, cable connectors may be used to connect antenna cables to a WLAN module by clipping the cable connectors to connecting ports of the WLAN module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0002] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures are merely examples of the present subject matter and are not meant to represent the subject matter itself.

[0003] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a fastener, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0004] Figure 2 illustrates a fastener, according to another example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0005] Figure 3 illustrates a top exploded view of a fastener, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0006] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom exploded view of a fastener, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0007] Figure 5 illustrates a fastener in a closed position, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0008] Figure 6 illustrates various stages of operation of the fastener, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figure 7 illustrates a device comprising a fastener, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter [0010] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Devices, such as laptops, computer systems, printers, scanners, and servers include numerous electronic modules. Examples of the electronic modules may include Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) modules, Embedded Controllers, Central Processing Units (CPU), and Random Access Memory (RAM) chips. Further, various electronic components, such as wires and cables, may be connected to the electronic modules using connecting elements, such as cable connectors.

[0012] The electronic components and the connecting elements are often very small in size, thus demanding precision in connecting the electronic components to the electronic modules. Further, owing to the miniscule size of the connections, it may sometimes become complex to ascertain whether the connection between the electronic component and the electronic module has been securely established. For example, on a mass production line, the electronic component may not get connected with the electronic module and an operator may sometimes not be aware whether the connector has been assembled in place or not. A loose connection between the electronic component and the electronic module may affect the working of the electronic module. For instance, if a connection between an electronic component and the electronic module remains loose, the electronic component may become disconnected from the electronic module during transportation or use. This may further affect the functioning of the electronic module, and, in turn, the device.

[0013] In one example, the electronic components may be soldered to the electronic module. However, soldering at high temperatures may result in damaging the electronic module or the electronic component. Also, such connections may sometimes fail due to improper soldering of the electronic components with the electronic modules. In another example, the electronic components may be connected with the electronic modules using screws. However, in such cases, removing the electronic component from an electronic module, such as for replacing and repairing the electronic module, becomes a tedious task and specific equipment may have to be used to unscrew the screws from the electronic module. Further, such connections use additional hardware elements, such as the screws, for which additional space may have to be provided on the electronic module. Also, screws may not be useful for connecting certain electronic components such as cables.

[0014] The present subject matter relates to fasteners for keeping an electronic component, such as a wire, secured to an electronic module, such as a network module, a processing module, a memory module, and the like. In one example implementation of the present subject matter, a fastener comprises a base and a cover movable with respect to the base. The base comprises a base platform to receive the electronic component and a portion of the electronic module. The electronic module may be placed on the base platform and the electronic component may be attached to the electronic module. Thereafter, the cover may be slid over the base. The cover may at least partially enclose the electronic component and the portion of the electronic module in a hollow space between the base and the cover to keep the electronic component coupled to the electronic module. As the cover overlaps the electronic component and the electronic module, the cover may prevent the electronic component from becoming disengaged from the electronic module. Therefore, a secure connection between the electronic component and the electronic module is ensured as movement of the electronic component is prevented by the overlying cover.

[0015] The present subject matter thus provides an easy-to-use and fail-safe fastener for securing the connection between the electronic component and the electronic module. As the cover overlaps the electronic component, any movement, that may unplug the electronic component from the electronic module, especially any vertical movement due to any unwanted force, such as a jerk caused while establishing the connection, during transportation, or an accidental fall, is prevented. The connection between the electronic component and the electronic module may thus remain secure and undamaged.

[0016] Further, the fastener may also be useful in determining whether a connection between the electronic component and the electronic module has been established securely. The fastener of the present subject matter may help an operator to identify unsecured or loose connections during assembling of the electronic component on the electronic module. For instance, if the electronic component is not properly connected to the electronic module, for example, in case the cable connector of the antenna cable is in an unplugged position, the cover may face obstruction while sliding over the base. The operator sliding the cover may thus have an indication that the antenna cable has not been securely connected to the WLAN module and may thus retry to securely connect the cable connector of the antenna cable to the WLAN module.

[0017] The present subject matter is further described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a fastener 100 according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example implementation, the fastener 100 may include a base 102 and a cover 104 movable with respect to the base 102. The base 102 may receive a portion of an electronic module (not shown in the figure) and an electronic component (not shown in the figure) coupled to the electronic module. In one example, the portion of the electronic module may be placed on the base 102 and the electronic component may be attached to the electronic module. In another example, the electronic component may be coupled to the electronic module before being placed on the base 102. [0019] The cover 104 may then be slid over the base 102 to at least partially enclose the electronic component and the portion of the electronic module in a hollow space between the base 102 and the cover 104 to keep the electronic component coupled to the electronic module. As the cover 104 overlaps with the electronic component and the portion of the electronic module connected to the electronic component, the cover may prevent the electronic component from getting disengaged from the electronic module. Therefore, a secure connection between the electronic component and the electronic module is ensured as movement of the electronic component is prevented by the overlying cover 104.

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a fastener according to another example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example implementation, the fastener 100 may include the base 102. The base 102 may include a base platform 202 to receive at least a portion of an electronic module (not shown in the figure) and at least one cable (not shown in the figure) connected to the electronic module. In one example, the portion of the electronic module may be placed on the base platform 202 and the at least one cable may be connected to the portion of the electronic module.

[0021] The fastener 100 may further include the cover 104. In one example, the cover 104 may be rotatably attached to the base 102. The cover 104 may further include a main body 204 to slide over the cable and a cable connector of the cable, connecting the at least one cable and the electronic module. In one example, the main body 204 of the cover 104 may be rotated over the cable and the cable connector once the cable is connected to the electronic module placed on the base platform 202.

[0022] As the main body 204 of the cover 104 overlaps the electronic module, the cable, and the cable connector of the cable, disengagement of the cable connector from the at least one cable and the electronic module may be prevented. The cover 104 may further include an elongated arm 206 to latch the cover 104 to the base 102 when the cover 104 is rotated over the base 102. In one example, the elongated arm 206 may be integrated with the main body 204 to form a single unit of the cover 104. Latching the elongated arm 206 to the base 102 may prevent relative movement of the cover 104 and keep the cover 104 positioned over the base 102.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a top exploded view of the fastener 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. The fastener 100 may be used in a device to secure an electronic component to an electronic module of the device. Examples of the device include, but are not limited to, imaging devices, such as printers and scanners; computing devices, such as notebooks and desktop computers, network peripherals, personal digital assistants (PDA), and other electronic or mechanical goods. In one example, the fastener 100 may be attached to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) of the device. For example, the fastener 100 may be attached to a motherboard of the device. In one example, the fastener 100 may be attached to the PCB by clipping the fastener 100 with the PCB. In another example, the fastener may be attached to the PCB by using other means of attachment, such as an adhesive, screws, and adhesive tapes.

[0024] As previously described, the fastener 100 may include the base 102 and the cover 104 movable with respect to the base 102. In one example implementation, the cover 104 may be slid over the base 102 to at least partially enclose the electronic component and a portion of the electronic module. In another example implementation, the cover 104 may be rotated with respect to the base 102 to move the cover 104 over the base 102. The base 102 may further include the base platform 202 to receive the electronic component and the portion of the electronic module. In one example, the electronic module may be an electronic circuit that may be assembled on a circuit board. For example, the electronic module may be Embedded Controllers, Central Processing Units (CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM) chips, and communication modules, such as Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) modules. Further, the electronic component may be wires, cables, resistors, and capacitors that may be connected to the electronic module using connecting elements, such as cable connectors.

[0025] In one example, the base platform 202 may include a front edge 302 to receive the electronic component and the portion of the electronic module. The base platform 202 may further include a rear edge 304 to allow parts of the electronic component to exit the fastener 100. The base 102 may further include a first wall 306 on a first side of the base platform 202 and a second wall 308 on a second side of the base platform 202 opposite to the first side. In one example, the first wall 306 may be mounted on the first side of the base platform 202. In another example, the first wall 306 may be integrated with the base platform 202 on the first side of the base platform 202. In one example, the first wall 306 and the second wall 308 are to receive and support the cover 104 when the cover 104 slides over the base 102. The base 102 may further include a wall extension arm 310 that may be integrated with the first wall 306 to form a slot 312 between the wall extension arm 310 and the first wall 306. In one example, the cover 104 may slide over the base such that the slot 312 receives at least a portion of the cover 104 when the cover slides over the base 102.

[0026] The base 102 may further include a stopper 314 protruding from the base platform 202. The stopper 314 may be proximate to the front edge 302 of the base platform 202. In one example, the stopper 314 may restrict horizontal movement of the electronic module when the electronic module is placed at the base platform 202. The stopper 314 may also stop the cover 104 from further movement, beyond the front edge 302, when the cover 104 slides over the base 102. In one example, the stopper 314 may be cylindrical, rectangular, or cuboidal, in shape.

[0027] The base 102 may further include a raised platform 316 integrated with the second wall 308 and the rear edge 304. In one example, the raised platform 316 may include an opening 318 to receive a pivoting knob (not shown in this figure) of the cover 104. The pivoting knob and the raised platform 316 may thus facilitate in movably coupling the cover 104 and the base 102. In one example, the base 102 may further include snap-fit locks 320-1 and 320-2, hereinafter, collectively referred to as snap-fit locks 320 and individually as snap-fit lock 320. In one example implementation, the snap-fit locks 320 may be used to attach the base 102 to the circuit board of the device.

[0028] In one example, the cover 104 may include a main body 204 and an elongated arm 206. The elongated arm 206 may be integrated with the main body 204 of the cover 104 to form a bridge 322 and a first recess 324. In one example implementation, when the cover 104 is rotated over the base, the main body 204 is to slide over the base 102, the first recess 324 is to pass through the slot 312 to enclose a portion of the wall extension arm 310, while at least a portion of the bridge 322 is to slide inside the slot 312, between the wall extension arm 310 and the first wall 306. As previously described, the first wall 306 and the second wall 308 of the base 102 may receive the cover 104 when the cover 104 is rotated over the base 102. The cover 104 may thus rest over the first wall 306 and the second wall 308 to form a hollow space between the cover 104 and the base 102 for encapsulating the electronic component and the electronic module.

[0029] Further, as the bridge 322 abuts against the wall extension arm 310, the elongated arm 206 may latch the cover 104 to the wall extension arm 310 of the base 102. In one example, the elongated arm 206 may include a lug 326 formed at one end of the elongated arm 206. The lug 326 may latch the elongated arm 206 to the wall extension arm 310 of the base 102 to form an interlock between the cover 104 and the base 102. The interlock may prevent movement of the cover 104, thus, ensuring that the cover 104 may remain over the base 102.

[0030] In one example, the cover 104 may include a handgrip 328 integrated on a top surface of the cover 104. In one example, the handgrip 328 may be a handle or a tab protruding from the main body 204 of the cover 104. The handgrip 328 may be held by a person, such as an operator, to rotate the cover 104 over the base 102. In another example implementation, the handgrip 328 may be formed as a small recess (not shown in the figure) in which a person, such as an operator, may insert a figure to obtain a grip and rotate the cover 104 over the base 102.

[0031] The cover 104 may further include a second recess 330 in one side of the main body 204. In one example implementation, the second recess 330 may abut against the stopper 314 to stop the cover 104 from further movement when the cover 104 slides over the base platform 202. The stopper 314 may thus ensure that the cover 104 may not cross over the base platform 202 when slid over the base platform 202. The stopper 314 and the second recess 330 may further restrict side-way movement of the cover 104 due to external forces. In one example, the second recess 330 may be of curved, semi-circular, rectangular or square shape, in accordance to the shape of the stopper 314.

[0032] In one example, the fastener 100 may be made from a non conducting material, like plastic, for example, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PTE) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Further, the dimensions of the fastener 100 may vary based on the dimensions of the electronic module and the electronic component that are to be enclosed in the fastener 100. In one example, the length of the fastener 100 may be in a range of 20-40 millimeters(mm), the breadth may be in a range of 10-20 mm, and height may be in a range of 8-16 mm.

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom exploded view of the fastener 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example, the cover 104 may include a pivoting knob 402 integrated on a bottom surface of the cover 104. In another example, the pivoting knob 402 may be attached to the cover 104, for example, using adhesives or screws. As described in Figure 3, the pivoting knob 402 may be inserted in the opening 318 of the raised platform 316 to couple the cover 104 with the bases 102. In one example implementation, the pivoting knob 402 may form a pivot joint with the base 102 to enable the cover 104 to pivot along the base 102. Further, the base 102 may include a cavity 404 formed by the raised platform 316 to receive the pivoting knob 402.

[0034] In one example, the base 102 may further include the snap-fit locks 320 to attach the base 102 to a circuit board of the device.

[0035] Further, the second recess 330 of the cover 104 may include a recess wall 406 protruding on the bottom surface of the cover 104. In one example, the recess wall 406 of the second recess 330 may abut against the stopper 314 to stop the cover 104 from further movement when the cover 104 slides over the base platform 202.

[0036] Figure 5 illustrates the fastener 100 in a closed position, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example, the fastener 100 may include the base 102 and the cover 104 movable with respect to the base 102. As illustrated in the Figure 5, in a closed position, the cover 104 may rest over the first wall 306 and the second wall 308 of the base 102. The bridge 322 is slid inside the slot 312 and the lug 326 of the elongated arm 206 is latched to the wall extension arm 310 of the base 102 to latch the cover 104 to the base 102. Further, the first recess 324 may abut against the stopper 314.

[0037] In one example, when the cover 104 is latched to the base 102, a hollow space (indicated by an arrow 502) may be formed between the base 102 and the cover 104. In one example implementation, the hollow space 502 may enclose an electronic component (not shown in this figure) and a portion of an electronic module (not shown in this figure) between the base 102 and the cover 104 to keep the electronic component coupled to the electronic module.

[0038] Figure 6 illustrates various stages of operation of the fastener 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. As illustrated in step 604, the fastener 100 may be initially attached to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 602 of a device. In one example, the fastener 100 may be attached using the snap-fit locks 320-1 and 320-2. The snap-fit locks 320 may be inserted into slots 606-1 and 606-2 of the PCB 602. In another example, the fastener 100 may be attached to the PCB 602 by using other means of attachment, such as an adhesive, screws, and adhesive tapes.

[0039] In one example, the fastener 100 may be attached to the PCB 602 in a closed position such that the cover 104 is covering the base 102, with the elongated arm 206 of the cover 104 latched to the wall extension arm 310 of the base 102.

[0040] Once the fastener 100 is attached to the PCB 602, the cover 104 may be rotated to an open position such that the cover 104 is not covering the base 102, as illustrated in step 608. In one example, an operator may rotate the cover 104 using the handgrip 328 to displace the cover 104 from over the base 102. In another example, the operator may rotate the cover 104 by holding edges of the cover 104 or other recess provided in the cover 104.

[0041] When the fastener 100 is in the open position, the electronic components 610-1 and 610-2 and a portion of an electronic module 612 may be placed on the base platform 202, as illustrated in step 614. The electronic components 610-1 and 610-2 are hereinafter collectively referred to as electronic components 610 and individually as electronic component 610. In one example, the electronic component 610 may be attached to the electronic module 612 using connecting elements, like cable connectors 616-1 and 616-2 attached to the electronic components 610-1 and 610-2, respectively. The cable connectors 616-1 and 616-2 are hereinafter collectively referred to as cable connectors 616 and individually as cable connector 616. The cable connector 616 may include a push type connector that may clip the electronic component 610 to the electronic module 612. In another example, the electronic component 610 may be directly attached to the electronic module 612.

[0042] In one example implementation, the electronic module 612 may abut against the stopper 314 of the base platform 202 when placed on the base platform 202. The stopper 314 may prevent any further movement of the electronic module 612. In one example, the electronic module 612 may include a cut-out portion to receive the stopper 314.

[0043] Further, as illustrated in step 618, the cover 104 may be rotated over the base 102, after the electronic component 610 and the portion of the electronic module 612 are placed on the base platform 202. In one example, the cover 104 may be rotated until the second recess 330 and the bridge 322 of the cover 104 abut against the stopper 314 and the wall extension arm 310, respectively of the base 102. As the cover 104 overlaps the base 102, the elongated arm 206 of the cover 104 may latch the cover 104 to the wall extension arm 310 of the base 102, as illustrated in step 620. In one example, the lug 326 of the elongated arm 206 may latch the elongated arm 206 to the wall extension arm 310 of the base 102 to form an interlock between the cover 104 and the base 102. The cover 104 may thus securely overlap the electronic components 610, the cable connectors 616 of the electronic component 610, and the electronic module 612, thereby, preventing the cable connector 616 from getting disengaged. As a result, the connection between the electronic component 610 and the electronic module 612 remains secure. [0044] Further, while Figure 6 illustrates cable as the electronic components 610, other electronic components, such as resistors and sensors, may also be secured on the electronic module 612 using the fastener 100.

[0045] Figure 7 illustrates a device comprising a fastener, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example implementation, a device 702 may include the electronic module 612 and the fastener 100 to receive one end of the electronic module 612 and a component 704 connected to the electronic module 612. In one example, the component may be a mechanical component. In another example, the component may be an electric component, such as the electronic component 610.

[0046] In one example, the fastener 100 may include the base 102 and the cover 104 movable with respect to the base 102. In one example implementation, the base 102 may receive one end of the electronic module 612 and the component coupled to the electronic module 612. The cover 104 may then be slid over the base 102 to conceal the one end of the electronic component 610 and the component between the base 102 and the cover 104 to stop the movement of the component.

[0047] Although examples for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it should be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present subject matter.