Retaining clip for retaining a vehicle component in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding clamp (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a base body (12) which has a main through-hole (18) for receiving a fastening bolt (58), wherein fastening means (16) for fastening to the fastening bolt (58) are arranged in a bolt-adjacent portion (22) of the main through-hole (18). According to the invention, at least one latching unit (40) is provided which is arranged in a freely movable manner along the region of the main through-hole (18) and which has a form-fitting element (46). Furthermore, a separate locking element (48) is provided which is connected form-fittingly to the form-fitting element (46) when the latching unit (40) is in a predetermined desired position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a retaining clamp comprising a base for use in a motor vehicle, the base having a main through hole for receiving a fastening bolt, wherein fastening means for fastening to the fastening bolt are arranged on a portion of the bolt adjacent to the main through hole. Background Technology

[0002] Retaining clamps made of plastic materials are known in the field of motor vehicle technology, for example, for holding motor vehicle chassis (e.g., on the vehicle frame) during the movement of lines such as fuel or brake lines. In this case, the retaining clamp has, on the one hand, a fastening element for holding the lines, and on the other hand, an additional fastening element for attaching to the motor vehicle chassis. For example, to attach such a retaining clamp to the motor vehicle chassis, fastening bolts are provided at predetermined fastening points on the chassis. The fastening bolts can be attached to the motor vehicle chassis by physical bonding (e.g., welding), integrally formed thereon, or by adhesive. Alternatively, the fastening bolts can be fixedly attached to the vehicle body by form-fit or force-fit (e.g., by screwing).

[0003] Many embodiments of retaining clamps are known from the prior art.

[0004] As an example, reference is made here to US 6,036,145A, which describes an integrated system for protecting and securing pipes to a load-bearing structure (particularly the vehicle body) via threaded pins welded to the vehicle body. In this system, the system includes at least one support element constructed as a single-piece body or clamp, which in turn includes a central portion with a through-hole housing. In use, the system has a sleeve fastened to the threaded pin; additionally, at least one support for the pipe and a flat, circular support area surround the through-hole on the side ultimately facing the vehicle body. The system includes a protective element integrated with the clamp and defined by a channel protecting the pipe, and is laterally connected to the clamp by a thin, flexible strip that allows 180° rotation onto the clamp so that the channel can be applied to the clamp. The clamp and channel are co-molded from the same material (e.g., a copolymer of acrylic resin with suitable filler). During assembly, the clamp supporting the pipe is first fastened to the vehicle body and temporarily held on the threaded pin by radial tabs within the through-hole. Once the channel is assembled onto the fixture, the sleeve is inserted into the through hole and pressed axially against the threaded pin to secure the channel and the fixture located below it via the flared head on the sleeve.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 1 607 666 A2 discloses a mounting clip for securing lines such as brake lines, fuel lines, etc., to the floor of a motor vehicle (particularly an automobile). The mounting clip has a recess for receiving the lines and a through hole for tightening the mounting clip to a fastening device on the chassis of the motor vehicle. In this case, a nut is additionally rotatably retained in the mounting clip in a non-removable manner. Furthermore, at least one threaded bolt is fastened to the chassis of the motor vehicle, such that the mounting clip with the through hole can be fitted onto the bolt and can be fully automatically tightened to the chassis, wherein the nut is rotatably retained in the mounting clip in a non-removable manner. In this case, the bolt can be welded to the chassis of the motor vehicle, integrally molded thereon, screwed into the chassis, or adhered to the chassis.

[0006] Maintaining proper attachment of the clamp to the vehicle chassis is crucial for ensuring the expected holding force of the laid lines (e.g., fuel and / or brake lines) during vehicle operation and therefore for operational safety and compliance with existing NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) requirements.

[0007] Various solutions have been proposed in the prior art to provide a simple and reliable way to confirm that the retaining clamp is correctly attached to the vehicle chassis.

[0008] Therefore, for example, EP 0 666 428 A1 describes a bolt fastening element for installing pipes, particularly fuel or brake lines in vehicles, wherein a bolt is provided for a fixed engagement with the bolt fastening element, the bolt engagement portion of the bolt fastening element being fully pressed against the bolt. The bolt engagement portion is fitted with a bolt receiving hole for receiving the bolt, such that the end of the bolt extends out of the hole. A longitudinally elongated resilient portion of the bolt fastening element extends in such a way that the bolt receiving hole closes at the bolt exit portion of the bolt receiving hole. The resilient portion is pressed out by the bolt end protruding from the exit of the hole, such that the resilient portion protrudes from the closed position of the bolt receiving hole. By observing the raised position of the resilient portion, the correct position of the bolt in the bolt receiving hole can be checked.

[0009] Additionally, JPH 08 303647 A describes a pipe retaining element configured such that a pipe fixing element is arranged on a base on the underside of the insertion opening, opposite to a pipe insertion opening and a pipe receiving seat. In the insertion opening, retaining claws are arranged on one or both sides, which can engage with vehicle bolts. A movable element is arranged on the lower part of the insertion opening and extends from the lower wall to the lower center. The position of the movable element indicates that the pipe retaining element has been correctly installed.

[0010] A similar solution is described in JPH 07 174127 A, which has a retaining component base configured to be fastened to the bottom region of a vehicle. A clamping element and a bolt receiving element are constructed on the retaining component base and further form engaging claws that can engage with bolts of the vehicle. Additionally, a movable cover is disposed within the bolt receiving element. This movable cover is initially in a downward-facing position. When the bolt is correctly inserted in the intended manner, the movable cover is pressed upward and elastically deformed to an upward-oriented position. Therefore, a technician can confirm that the bolt has been inserted to the correct insertion depth based on the change in the state of the movable cover.

[0011] JP 2006 046508 A describes another visual device for confirming that a retaining clamp accessory has been correctly manufactured. A retaining clamp is provided for fastening bolts, for example, to a vehicle, the bolt having a threaded or circular external groove on its outer surface. The retaining clamp includes a bolt locking portion and an inspection opening. The bolt locking portion forms a bolt receiving hole for inserting the bolt, and the inspection opening is constructed in the side of the bolt locking portion for visual inspection of the bolt inserted into the bolt receiving hole. The inspection opening is arranged in such a way that it allows visual inspection of the front end of the bolt when it is fully inserted into the bolt receiving hole.

[0012] While existing retaining clamps provide a possible method for confirming proper attachment to a vehicle chassis, there is still room for improvement in the reliable retention of lines (such as fuel or brake lines) and wiring via retaining clamps on the vehicle chassis or vehicle body. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem addressed by this invention is to provide a retaining clamp with improved means to confirm that attachment to a motor vehicle chassis has been correctly achieved.

[0014] It should be noted that the features and measures individually specified in the following description can be combined with each other in any technically feasible manner, and other embodiments of the invention are disclosed. This description characterizes and specifies the invention, and is particularly relevant to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] The retaining clamp for motor vehicles according to the invention has a base having a main through hole for receiving a fastening bolt, wherein a fastening device for fastening to the fastening bolt is arranged on a portion of the bolt adjacent to the main through hole. According to the invention, at least one latching unit is provided arranged in a freely movable manner along a region of the main through hole, the latching unit having a form-fitting element. A separate locking element is provided to form-fit with the form-fitting element when the latching unit is in a predetermined desired position.

[0016] The term "motor vehicle" in the context of this invention should be understood in particular as automobiles, trucks, articulated trucks, or long-distance buses. Within the meaning of this invention, the term "provided" should be understood as specifically designed or arranged for this purpose.

[0017] When the retaining clamp according to the invention is installed, the fastening bolt is received by the main through-hole, and during this time, it forces a freely movable latching unit into a portion of the main through-hole away from the bolt. In a suitable embodiment, the form-fitting element of the latching unit can be arranged such that the form-fitting connection between the form-fitting element of the latching unit and the individual locking element is only possible when the latching unit reaches a predetermined required position within the main through-hole, caused by the fastening bolt passing through the main through-hole until the desired position of the fastening bolt.

[0018] In this way, the retainer can be equipped with improved devices to confirm that it has been correctly attached to the vehicle chassis in a simple manner.

[0019] The form-fit connection is preferably designed to be gapless or have a negligible amount of clearance, thereby precisely defining the predetermined required position of the latching unit. In designing the form-fit connection, a clear trade-off can be achieved between the precise definition of the predetermined required position of the latching unit and the maneuverability of the individual locking element when forming the form-fit connection with the latching unit, thus preventing the installation and retention clamp from becoming unnecessarily overly complex.

[0020] The main through-hole may have a varying cross-section along its extension within the substrate. For example, in certain portions of the extension of the main through-hole, one or more contractions in the cross-sectional area are provided, defining the movement space of the latching unit arranged in a freely movable manner.

[0021] If the latching unit has a latching element, when the latching unit is in a predetermined desired position within the main through-hole, the latching element is configured to form a latching connection with a corresponding latching element of the base. The form-fit connection between the form-fitting element of the latching unit and the individual locking element can be achieved by one-handed installation. Furthermore, in suitable embodiments of the latching element of the latching unit and the latching element of the base, latching noise or latching movement can be generated when the latching connection is formed. This latching noise or latching movement can serve as a first confirmation signal and can be detected acoustically and / or by touch by a technician.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining clamp includes at least one retaining device for retaining at least one pipe or at least one cable.

[0023] At least one conduit may be configured as a fuel line or a brake line. The at least one cable may be a single cable or part of a cable tree consisting of multiple cables bundled together.

[0024] Preferably, at least one retaining device is fixedly connected to the base of the retaining clamp.

[0025] If the base and at least one retaining device are integrally formed, a compact retaining clamp design can be achieved.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the retaining clamp, the base, at least one retaining device, latching unit, and separate locking element are primarily made of thermoplastic material.

[0027] Within the meaning of this invention, the term "major" should be specifically understood to mean a proportion greater than 50% of the volume, preferably greater than 70% of the volume, and particularly preferably greater than 90% of the volume. In particular, the term should include the possibility that the aforementioned object is entirely (i.e., 100% of its volume) formed of thermoplastic material.

[0028] In this case, the retaining clamp can be manufactured using methods with excellent dimensional stability (such as injection molding), thus allowing for particularly precise definition of the predetermined required positions of the latching units to form a shape-fitting connection with the individual locking elements. Furthermore, retaining clamps constructed in this manner can be manufactured particularly economically.

[0029] In particular, the special mechanical properties of thermoplastic materials mean that latching elements can be provided on the latching unit, which advantageously have special elasticity.

[0030] Thermoplastic materials that have been tested and proven successful in vehicle technology (such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyamide group (PA)) are preferred for the production of retaining clamps.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the retaining clamp, a guide element is arranged on the inner wall of the main through-hole, the guide element being configured to guide and retain the latching unit during movement of the latching unit within the main through-hole.

[0032] In this way, the latching unit can be moved from its original position within the main through hole to a predetermined position in a particularly reliable manner during assembly with the aid of fastening bolts.

[0033] The substrate preferably has a lateral through-hole that, when the latching unit is in a predetermined desired position, leads to the main through-hole in the region of the form-fitting element of the latching unit. During the form-fitting connection to the form-fitting element of the latching unit, a separate locking element is configured to pass through the lateral through-hole perpendicular to the main extension direction of the main through-hole.

[0034] In this way, good accessibility to the form-fitting elements of the latching unit can be ensured to form a form-fitting connection with the individual locking elements, so as to confirm that the clamp is properly attached to the vehicle chassis.

[0035] The main extension direction of the main through hole can be formed, for example, by the longest centerline of the main through hole.

[0036] If the size of the lateral through-hole corresponds to or slightly exceeds the size of the individual locking element in the direction parallel to the centerline of the main through-hole, the predetermined required position of the latching unit can be defined with particular precision, in which a shape-fitting connection with the individual locking element can be formed.

[0037] The term “slightly more than” should be understood, within the meaning of this invention, to mean that the difference between two dimensions is less than 20% of one of the two dimensions, preferably less than 15%, and particularly preferably less than 10%.

[0038] When selecting the size, a reasonable compromise can be achieved between precise definition of the predetermined required position of the latching unit and the operability of the individual locking element when the lateral through-hole is penetrated to form a shape-fitting connection with the latching unit, thus keeping the installation of the clamp from becoming unnecessarily complicated.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the retaining clamp, the individual locking element has a latching element configured to form an additional latching connection with the corresponding latching element of the latching unit when forming a form-fitting connection with the latching unit.

[0040] On the one hand, the flexibility of the latching connection means that it is easier to form a shape-fitting connection with the latching unit. Furthermore, latching noise or latching movement can be generated during latching, which can serve as a second confirmation signal and be detected acoustically and / or by touch by a technician. Additionally, the additional latching connection means that the individual locking element can be retained in a non-removable manner, allowing for confirmation at a later point in time that the retaining clamp is correctly attached to the vehicle chassis.

[0041] The fastening device for securing the substrate to the fastening bolt preferably includes a plurality of form-fitting elements, which are configured to form a form-fitting connection with at least one form-fitting element of the fastening bolt. In this way, reliable retention of the clamp on the fastening bolt can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0042] At least one form-fitting element of a fastening bolt may be formed, for example, by one or more peripheral grooves or protrusions or threaded portions. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following description of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the retaining clamp according to the invention is shown in an elevated perspective view;

[0045] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the retaining clamp in a ready-to-use state in an elevated perspective view;

[0046] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the central cross-section of the retaining clamp;

[0047] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 2 The retaining clamp in Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a partial installation in the same view;

[0048] Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 2 The retaining clamp in Figure 3 A diagram showing the installation process in the same view;

[0049] Figure 6 It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the retaining clamp in its installed state from the perspective view below; and

[0050] Figure 7 It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the retaining clamp in the installed state in an elevated perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In different drawings, the same parts always have the same reference numerals, which is why they are usually described only once.

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a possible embodiment of the retaining clamp 10 for a motor vehicle according to the present invention is shown in an elevated perspective view.

[0053] The retaining clamp 10 has a base 12, which is substantially block-shaped. The retaining clamp 10 is positioned such that, in the installed state, the base region of the block formed by the longest and shortest sides faces the chassis of the motor vehicle.

[0054] The base 12 of the retainer 10 is fitted with a main through hole 18. The main extension direction 20 of the main through hole 18 is defined by the center line of the main through hole 18 arranged perpendicular to the base region.

[0055] In addition, the retaining clamp 10 has two retaining devices 32 for receiving pipes (not shown), which may be, for example, fuel lines, brake lines, or electrical wires. The base 12 and the two retaining devices 32 are made entirely of thermoplastic material, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and are integrally formed by injection molding.

[0056] Two retaining devices 32 in the base 12 are formed as cylindrical recesses with slotted openings 34 facing the base region, each of the two openings 34 being defined by two plate-shaped crossbars 36 integrally formed with the base 12 and extending into the corresponding cylindrical recess. The central axis of the cylindrical recess is positioned perpendicular to the side surface 14 of the base, the edges of which are formed by the two longest sides of the block. The connection between each plate-shaped crossbar 36 and the base 12 serves as an integral hinge, allowing each plate-shaped crossbar 36 to pivot elastically about an axis arranged parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical recess. The spacing between the diameter of the cylindrical recess and the plate-shaped crossbars 36 is adapted to the diameter of a conduit, allowing the conduit to pass through the slotted openings 36 and enter the corresponding cylindrical recess against the elastic spring force of the plate-shaped crossbars 36. Upon retraction, the plate-shaped crossbars 36 prevent the conduit from exiting the cylindrical recess.

[0057] A support bearing 38 with radially arranged ribs made of elastomer is injected into the inner wall of a cylindrical recess. When the retainer 10 is in the installed state, the support bearing 38 serves for sound insulation.

[0058] Furthermore, the retaining clamp 10 includes a latching unit 40. The latching unit 40 is constructed as an injection-molded part made entirely of a thermoplastic material (e.g., ABS) and has a generally U-shaped profile. Upper latching elements 42, with curvatures projecting outwards towards the U-shaped profile, are formed on the two longitudinal edges of the U-shaped profile opening. A further lower latching element 44 is formed parallel to the upper latching element 42 on the outer side of the curvature of the U-shaped profile, projecting outwards and thus oriented toward the upper latching element 42 in a direction opposite to that of the latching element 42.

[0059] The latching unit 40 has a form-fitting element 46, which is configured as a rectangular through-hole in a leg with a U-shaped profile. The function of the form-fitting element 46 will be described later. The form-fitting element 46 can be arranged in both legs. If the form-fitting element 46 is arranged in one leg, a predetermined mounting position is advantageously specified.

[0060] from Figures 3 to 5As can be most clearly seen, the main through-hole 18 has a varying cross-section within the base 12 along its main extension direction 20. The lower portion 22 of the main through-hole 18, adjacent to the base region, is configured to receive a fastening bolt 58 of a motor vehicle, extending to the upper half of the extension of the main through-hole 18. The fastening bolt 58 is attached to a bracket 56 of the motor vehicle chassis, for example, by welding material and is provided with external threads.

[0061] A fastening device 16 for fastening to the fastening bolt 58 is arranged on the base 12 in the lower portion 22 of the main through hole 18 near the bolt. The fastening device 16 includes a plurality of form-fitting elements configured as elastically deformable profile crossbars with a basic triangular profile, integrally formed on the base 12. The externally threaded profile crossbars form a form-fitting connection as corresponding form-fitting elements through the receiving device of the fastening bolt 58 in the portion 22 of the main through hole 18 adjacent to the base region, which ensures that the fixed connection between the clamp 10 and the fastening bolt 58 is maintained, provided that the clamp 10 is properly attached to the fastening bolt 58.

[0062] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the retaining clamp 10 in a ready-to-use state in an elevated perspective view. Figure 3 The retaining clamp 10 in its ready-to-use state is shown in the central portion in the lateral direction. (As shown) Figure 3 As can be seen, the latching unit 40 is arranged in a freely movable manner in the area along the main through hole 18.

[0063] Guide element 24 is arranged in main through hole 18 ( Figure 4 On the inner wall of the main through-hole 18, the guide element 24 is configured to guide the latch unit 40 or retain the latch unit 40 in the main through-hole 18 during movement of the latch unit 40 within the main through-hole 18.

[0064] A pair of opposing steps, configured to simultaneously protrude into the main through-hole 18, define the lower portion 22 of the main through-hole 18 near the upper limit of the bolt. The latching unit 40 is freely movable in one direction within the bolt-proximity portion 22 of the main through-hole 18 until the upper latching element 42 of the latching unit 40 mechanically abuts the guide element 24. Furthermore, the latching unit 40 is freely movable in one direction from the bolt-proximity portion 22 of the main through-hole 18 until the lower latching element 44 of the latching unit 40 mechanically abuts the guide element 24. The area of ​​the main through-hole 18 (arranged in a freely movable manner along its latching unit 40) is defined by the position of the guide element 24 and the space between the upper latching element 42 and the lower latching element 44 of the latching unit 40.

[0065] In a direction away from the bolt and spaced apart from the guide element 24, the notches 26 are arranged opposite to each other on the inner wall of the main through hole 18 and are constructed as inclined planes on the lower side facing the guide element 24, the inclination angle of which is substantially parallel to the direction of the upper latching element 42 of the latching unit 40. The upper side of the notches 26 facing away from the guide element 24 is constructed as a flat surface. The flat surface forms the latching element of the base, which corresponds to the upper latching element 42 of the latching unit 40.

[0066] In addition, the retaining clamp 10 includes a separate locking element 48. Figure 1 The individual locking element 48 is formed entirely of a thermoplastic material (e.g., ABS) as an injection-molded part. The individual locking element 48 has a base plate 50 from which two crossbars 52 are arranged, spaced apart and parallel to and perpendicular to the base plate 50. At the ends of the two crossbars 52 opposite to the base plate 50, the individual locking element has a hook-shaped locking element 54.

[0067] As described below, when the latching unit 40 is in the predetermined required position, a separate locking element 48 is provided to form a form-fit connection with the form-fitting element 46 of the latching unit 40. For this purpose, the base 12 has a lateral through-hole 28 that opens into the main through-hole 18 in the region of the form-fitting element 46 of the latching unit 40 when the latching unit 40 is in the predetermined required position. The separate locking element 48 is configured to pass through the lateral through-hole 28 in a main extension direction 20 perpendicular to the main through-hole 18 when forming a form-fitting connection with the form-fitting element 46 of the latching unit 40. This through-hole 28 is advantageously provided only on one side of the retaining clamp 10. If the latching unit 40 also has the form-fitting element 46 in only one crossbar, the predetermined mounting position of the latching unit 40 and / or the retaining clamp 10 is specified, which further increases the reliability of correct assembly.

[0068] The installation of clamp 10 on fastening bolt 58 is carried out while keeping clamp 10 in a ready-to-use state, such as Figure 2 As shown, the latching unit 40 is introduced through the opening 30 of the main through-hole 18 away from the pin and the closed portion of the U-shape; in other words, its front base crossbar enters the main through-hole 18. To overcome the notch 26, the upper latching element 42 of the latching unit 40 must be bent toward the legs of the U-shape for this purpose, so that the latching unit 40 is then arranged non-removably within the main through-hole 18. Figure 3 The latching unit 40 is oriented such that the shape of the latching unit 40 mates with the lateral through-hole 28 of the base 12 facing the element 46.

[0069] from Figure 3As can be seen, when the clamp 10 is in the ready-to-install state, it is not possible to form a form-fitting connection between the individual locking element 48 and the form-fitting element 46 of the latch unit 40.

[0070] In order to mount the retaining clamp 10 onto the fastening bolt 58, the base 12, which has a base surface at the front, is fitted onto the fastening bolt 58, so that it passes through the main through hole 18. Figure 4 The lower portion 22 of the main through hole 18 receives a fastening bolt 58, which mechanically abuts the closed portion of the U-shaped profile of the latching unit 40 during passage movement; in other words, it mechanically abuts the base crossbar and pushes the latching unit 40 forward along the main extension direction 20 of the main through hole 18.

[0071] If the clamp 10 is pushed onto the fastening bolt 58 in the intended manner, the latching unit 40 is in the predetermined required position within the main through hole 18. The predetermined required position of the latching unit 40 is... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. The elastically deformable profile crossbar 16 is formed with the fastening bolt 58 (…). Figure 6 The external thread of the clamp 10 and the fastening bolt 58 are in a form-fit connection that ensures a secure connection between the clamp 10 and the fastening bolt 58.

[0072] On the path of the latching unit 40 from the ready-to-install position to the predetermined required position, the upper latching element 42 of the latching unit 40 passes through the inclined plane of the recess 26 in the main through hole 18 and forms a latching connection with the upper side of the recess 26. Figure 4 The formation of the latch connection produces latch noise, which can be acoustically detected by a technician as a first confirmation signal. Furthermore, the latch unit 40 appears in the opening 30 in the main through-hole 18 away from the bolt, and can be perceived there by a technician for further confirmation. Figure 7 ).

[0073] Keep clamp 10 in Figure 4 The image is shown in a partially installed state, with the latching unit 40 positioned in a predetermined location. It can be seen that the form-fitting element 46 of the latching unit 40 is located at the same distance from the base surface as the lateral through-hole 28.

[0074] The dimension of the lateral through-hole 28 in the direction parallel to the main extension direction 20 of the main through-hole 18 is slightly larger than the dimension of the substrate 50 of the individual locking element 48 in that direction, and is substantially larger than the dimension of the crossbar 52 of the individual locking element 48 in that direction.

[0075] The shape-fitting element 46 of the latch unit 40 has a dimension in the direction parallel to the main extension direction 20 of the main through hole 18 that slightly exceeds the dimension of the crossbar 52 of the individual locking element 48 in that direction.

[0076] Only Figure 4 With the retaining clamp 10 partially installed as shown, a technician can insert the individual locking element 48 into the form-fitting element 46 of the latch unit 40 to form a form-fitting connection. During insertion, the locking element 54 ( Figure 1 The latch element 54 of the individual locking element 48 slides on the sidewall of the form-fitting element 46 to the end of the crossbar 52 of the individual locking element 48, where they elastically deform. The latch element 54 of the individual locking element 48 is designed such that when the individual locking element 48 ( Figure 4 When fully inserted into the lateral through-hole 28, they move past the sidewall of the form-fitting element 46. In this way, the latching element 54 of the individual locking element 48 forms a latching connection with the sidewall of the form-fitting element 46, which serves as the corresponding latching element of the latching unit 40.

[0077] The creation of these latching connections produces latching noise or latching movement, which a technician can detect acoustically and tactilely as a second confirmation signal. Additionally, the length of the crossbar 52 of the individual locking element 48, the thickness of the base 50 of the individual locking element 48, and the recess in the base 12 surrounding the lateral through-hole 28 are dimensional such that when the individual locking element 48 is fully inserted, the base 50 of the individual locking element 48 and the base 12 ( Figure 7 The point is level with the ground, which can be further confirmed by a technician through touch.

[0078] In summary, this ensures that the fixture 10 is properly assembled.

[0079] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0080] 10 Holding clamps

[0081] 12 matrix

[0082] 14 side surfaces

[0083] 16 Fastening devices

[0084] 18 main through holes

[0085] 20 main extension directions

[0086] 22 lower part

[0087] 24 guiding elements

[0088] 26 notches

[0089] 28 lateral through holes

[0090] 30 away from the bolt opening

[0091] 32 Holding device

[0092] 34 narrow slot openings

[0093] 36 horizontal bars

[0094] 38 support bearings

[0095] 40 latching units

[0096] 42 Upper latching element

[0097] 44 Lower latch element

[0098] 46 Shape-Matching Components

[0099] 48 individual locking elements

[0100] 50 substrates

[0101] 52 horizontal bars

[0102] 54 latching elements

[0103] 56 brackets

[0104] 58 Fastening Bolts

Claims

1. A retaining clamp (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - A base (12) having a main through hole (18) for receiving a fastening bolt (58), wherein a fastening device (16) for fastening to the fastening bolt (58) is arranged in a portion (22) of the main through hole (18) near the bolt. Its features are, - At least one latching unit (40) is provided in a freely movable manner along a region of the main through hole (18), the latching unit (40) having a form-fitting element (46), and - A separate locking element (48) is provided to be form-fitted to the form-fitting element (46) when the latch unit (40) is in a predetermined required position.

2. The retaining clamp (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The latching unit (40) has a latching element (42) configured to form a latching connection with a corresponding latching element (26) of the base (12) when the latching unit (40) is in the predetermined required position within the main through hole (18).

3. The retaining clamp (10) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, Provide at least one holding device (32) for holding at least one pipe or at least one cable.

4. The retaining clamp (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The substrate (12) and the at least one retaining device (32) are integrally formed.

5. The retaining clamp (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The substrate (12), the at least one retaining device (32), the latch unit (40), and the individual locking element (48) are primarily made of thermoplastic material.

6. The retaining clamp (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, A guide element (24) is disposed on the inner wall of the main through hole (18), the guide element (24) being configured to guide and retain the latch unit (40) during movement of the latch unit (40) within the main through hole (18).

7. The retaining clamp (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The base (12) has a lateral through-hole (28) which, when the latching unit (40) is in the predetermined required position, leads to the main through-hole (18) in the region of the form-fitting element (46) of the latching unit (40), and the individual locking element (48) is configured to pass through the lateral through-hole (28) perpendicular to the main extension direction (20) of the main through-hole (18) during the form-fitting connection with the form-fitting element (46) of the latching unit (40).

8. The retaining clamp (10) according to claim 7. Its features are, The size of the lateral through-hole (28) at least in the direction parallel to the main extension direction (20) of the main through-hole (18) corresponds to or slightly exceeds the size of the individual locking element (48) in that direction.

9. The retaining clamp (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The individual locking element (48) has a latching element (54) configured to form an additional latching connection with the corresponding latching element of the latching unit (40) when it is in a form-fitting connection with the latching unit (40).

10. The retaining clamp (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The fastening device (16) for fastening the base (12) to the fastening bolt (58) includes a plurality of form-fitting elements configured to form a form-fitting connection with at least one form-fitting element of the fastening bolt (58).

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