Grounding clamp with anti-twist protection

Abstract

The present invention relates to a grounding clamp with anti-twist protection, which is used to fix and electrically contact at least two cables on separated surfaces. The grounding clamp comprises a plate, a first cable fixing area, a second cable fixing area, an opening arranged between the first cable fixing area and the second cable fixing area for introducing a fixing member, a first tab and a second tab. The plate has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge. The two longitudinal edges extend in a first direction of the plate, and the two transverse edges extend in a second direction of the plate. The first tab extends between the first cable fixing area and the second cable fixing area in parallel with the first transverse edge in the direction of the bottom side of the plate. The second tab extends between the first cable fixing area and the second cable fixing area in parallel with the second transverse edge in the direction of the bottom side of the plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a grounding clamp for securing and electrically contacting two cables at separate surfaces. Background Art

[0002] Grounding clamps are used in the automotive industry to secure electrical conductors or cables at a specific location in a vehicle and connect the cable's ground wire to the vehicle body, i.e., to ground it. The cable installed in the vehicle, for example, is an antenna cable for an antenna radio and can be a coaxial cable. The cable is fixed in place along a predetermined path through the vehicle. The connection of the cable's ground wire to the electrically conductive, or necessarily electrically conductive, vehicle body brings the potential of the ground wire to the vehicle body's ground potential, thereby grounding the conductor.

[0003] In previous applications, two, in particular parallel-running cables were each secured using a separate grounding clamp, wherein the two grounding clamps were inserted into each other during installation in the vehicle. However, the use of two separate grounding clamps increases the complexity of installing the wiring harness in the vehicle.

[0004] Document DE 10 2006 008 056 B4 describes a grounding clamp for securing and grounding coaxial cables. The grounding clamp has at least one flat plate that can accommodate the ends of two coaxial cables. The plate has threaded holes spaced apart from the receiving area for the coaxial cables, through which screws are inserted to secure the grounding clamp. If a torque occurs on the grounding plate, for example due to tension on the cable, the screw connection can undesirably loosen or come undone at the threaded holes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a grounding clamp for at least two cables, which is easy to install and prevents undesired loosening or detachment of the grounding clamp.

[0006] This object is achieved, in particular, by a grounding clamp for securing and electrically contacting at least two cables at separate surfaces. The grounding clamp comprises a plate having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge, wherein the two longitudinal edges extend in a first direction of the plate. Furthermore, the plate comprises a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge opposite the first transverse edge, wherein the two transverse edges extend perpendicularly to the first and second longitudinal edges in a second direction of the plate. The grounding clamp further comprises a first cable securing region for securing and electrically contacting the first cable at the plate, wherein the first cable securing region extends along the first transverse edge. Furthermore, the grounding clamp comprises a second cable securing region for securing and electrically contacting a separate second cable at the plate, wherein the second cable securing region extends along the second transverse edge. The grounding clamp further comprises an opening for receiving a securing member, arranged between the first and second cable securing regions, a first tab extending between the first and second cable securing regions parallel to the first transverse edge and perpendicular to the plane of the plate, along the bottom side of the plate, and a second tab extending between the first and second cable securing regions parallel to the second transverse edge and perpendicular to the plane of the plate, along the bottom side of the plate.

[0007] The grounding clamp is manufactured as a one-piece component. Therefore, two separate cables can be secured and electrically contacted with just one grounding clamp. This saves time during installation and reduces the number of components compared to, for example, an arrangement consisting of two separate grounding clamps for each cable. In the area of ​​the grounding clamp, at least two cables preferably extend parallel to one another. The two cables are also held in the grounding clamp at a distance corresponding to the side length of the grounding clamp. This distance prevents unwanted entanglement of the two cables. The two cables are also accommodated in the cable securing area. To simplify cable accommodation, the cable securing areas each have a cable guide and at least two U-shaped or V-shaped accommodating areas, each consisting of at least two crimping tabs. The accommodating area and the at least two crimping tabs each also serve as a crimping area for securing the cables to the grounding clamp.

[0008] The opening in the grounding clamp's plate allows for the insertion of a fixing member, such as a screw or bolt. This allows the grounding clamp to be easily, quickly, and securely fixed to separate surfaces using the fixing member. Preferably, the opening is positioned midway between the first and second cable fixing areas. Because the opening is positioned midway between the two cable fixing areas, the grounding clamp is space-saving and compact.

[0009] The first and second tabs protrude toward the bottom side of the plate, in particular perpendicularly thereto. The grounding clamp can be prevented from rotating by the two tabs' flat surfaces colliding with each other, preferably lying flush with other surfaces or recesses, thereby preventing rotational movement. The two tabs provide anti-twist protection for the grounding clamp in the installed state. Furthermore, the arrangement of the tabs between the first and second cable securing areas reduces or eliminates any potential leverage during attempts to rotate the grounding clamp. Movements or forces on the cable secured to the grounding clamp can cause undesirable torques on the grounding clamp, which can result in leverage.

[0010] Optionally, the first tab extends along the first transverse edge and the second tab extends along the second transverse edge. In this embodiment, the spacing of the tabs from the plate can be achieved such that both tabs can be inserted into corresponding recesses in the separating surface on which the grounding clamp is to be arranged. The corresponding recesses in the separating surface are arranged so that they each accommodate a tab in a rotationally secure manner. The tabs of the grounding clamp, which engage in the corresponding recesses on the separating surface during installation, prevent the overall grounding clamp from rotating relative to the separating surface, but the tabs themselves cannot rotate.

[0011] Optionally, the first tab extends a first distance from the opening between the opening and the first transverse edge, and the second tab extends a first distance from the opening between the opening and the second transverse edge, so that the grounding clamp can be arranged with the first and second tabs in a rotationally fixed manner on a portion of a fixing component, wherein the fixing component can be arranged in the opening. Preferably, in one embodiment, the fixing component is a bolt with a nut. Preferably, the nut, which can be mounted on the bolt, is conveniently arranged between the first tab and the second tab. This embodiment enables the grounding clamp to be mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on the bolt with the nut. The angular outer shape of the nut (e.g., an octagon) fits precisely between the first and second tabs of the grounding clamp with two opposing sides, preventing or blocking rotational movement of the tab and, therefore, the grounding clamp. Furthermore, the rotationally fixed grounding of the grounding clamp on the nut eliminates the need for cutouts in the separate surfaces for the tab to provide rotational protection.

[0012] Optionally, the opening is circular. A radially symmetrical circular shape offers the following advantages during installation of the grounding clamp: the grounding clamp can initially be inserted into a vertically aligned mounting component, independent of its horizontal orientation. After insertion into the mounting component, the grounding clamp can be aligned into its final installed position with a simple rotational movement. This simplifies installation of the grounding clamp.

[0013] Optionally, the grounding clamp comprises a conductive material, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the at least one cable that can be secured and a securing member that can be introduced into the opening. Preferably, the securing member also comprises a conductive material. Due to the electrical conductivity of the grounding clamp, a grounding wire of the at least one cable secured to the grounding clamp can be connected to a separate surface (e.g., a vehicle body) via the securing member.

[0014] Optionally, the grounding clamp is designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a mirror axis, with the mirror axis extending through the center point of the opening parallel to the first and second transverse edges. Due to the mirror-symmetrical design, the grounding clamp has at least two installation possibilities in its respective end positions. This increases installation flexibility. Furthermore, the mirror-symmetrical design allows compressive and / or tensile movements on the cable to balance the forces occurring, so that effectively no or only a small amount of torque occurs on the grounding clamp. This prevents undesirable loads on the grounding clamp, thereby increasing its service life.

[0015] Optionally, the first and second cable securing areas each include a cable guide and at least one first crimping area and one second crimping area at opposite ends of the respective cable guide. The cable guides simplify the placement of the respective cables in the cable securing areas. The placement of the two crimping areas at opposite ends of the cable securing areas increases securing security through redundancy and simultaneously ensures parallel alignment of the two cables in the grounding clamp area. This parallel alignment prevents unintended contact or twisting of the two cables.

[0016] Optionally, the plate is an elongated plate and the first direction is the longitudinal direction of the plate. The elongated plate shape gives the grounding clamp a well-identifiable direction, thereby simplifying the fixing of the grounding clamp by properly aligning the two tabs with respect to the corresponding openings in the separating surface or edge of the nut. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Furthermore, further advantages and features of the present invention are apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described there and above can be implemented individually or in combination, as long as the features are not self-contradictory. The following description of preferred embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0018] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 shows a top view of a first embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 shows a side view of the first embodiment along a first direction;

[0021] Figure 4shows a side view of the first embodiment along a second direction;

[0022] Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6 shows a top view of a second embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 showing a side view of the second embodiment in the first orientation; and

[0025] Figure 8 A side view of the second embodiment is shown along a second direction.

[0026] The explanations made with reference to the accompanying drawings are to be regarded as purely illustrative and not restrictive. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a grounding clamp 1 is shown. The grounding clamp has a rectangular plate 10 having first and second longitudinal edges 12, 14 in a longitudinal direction X and first and second transverse edges 16, 18 in a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The edges 12, 14, 16, 18 of the plate 10 are not considered to include the cable securing areas 30, 32. In other embodiments, the plate 10 can also have a square shape.

[0028] Each grounding clamp 1 is provided with a cable, preferably a coaxial cable, which is received in a cable fixing area 30, 32. The first or second cable fixing area 30, 32 extends along the first or second transverse edge 16, 18 of the plate 10, respectively. The curled area 38a, 38b, 38c or 38d (see Figure 2) are arranged in the transverse direction Y at each end of the cable securing areas 30, 32. To secure a cable to the grounding clamp 1, the cable is aligned in the first or second cable securing area 30, 32. The first or second cable guide 34, 36 simplifies cable arrangement. The crimping areas 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d also have a U-shaped or V-shaped taper for the cable guide 34, 36 of the respective first or second cable securing area 30, 32. The taper is formed in each crimping area 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d by at least two opposing crimping tabs 37. The length of the crimping tabs 37 is preferably adapted to the cable thickness. The thicker the at least one cable to be secured, the longer the corresponding crimping tab 37 is. To secure the cable, the crimping tabs of the two crimping areas 38a, 38b or 38c, 38d are bent toward the center of the cable and crimped together. Preferably, the crimped areas 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d have a structured surface to achieve a better, and in particular, more permanent, fixation during crimping. The cable is securely connected to the grounding clamp 1 by crimping. The crimped crimp tab 37 can also make direct contact with the grounding conductor of the cable. Preferably, the insulation of the grounding conductor of the cable is removed in the crimped areas 38a, 38b or 38c, 38d to achieve this direct contact. This direct contact results in an electrical connection between the grounding conductor of the cable and the grounding clamp 1.

[0029] The grounding clamp 1 can also be secured to a separate housing or surface using securing members, such as screws or bolts, guided through openings 20 in the plate 10. The securing member, such as the grounding clamp 1, is preferably electrically conductive and, in particular, made of metal. The electrical conductivity of the member can establish an electrical connection between a cable secured to the grounding clamp 1, in particular a grounding wire of the cable, and the surface to which the grounding clamp 1 is secured.

[0030] Figure 2 A top view of a first embodiment of a grounding clamp 1 is shown. The grounding clamp 1 is symmetrical about a mirror axis S. The mirror axis S passes through the center of the opening 20 and extends parallel to the two transverse edges 16 , 18 . Due to the symmetrical design, the two cable securing areas 30 , 32 are parallel to one another at a distance corresponding to the length of the first or second longitudinal edge 12 , 14 . The distance between the cable securing areas 30 , 32 is the maximum possible distance relative to the plate 10 . The opening 20 also extends exactly in the middle of the plate 10 , thereby achieving the compact dimensions of the grounding clamp 1 .

[0031] The symmetrical design of the grounding clamp 1 also compensates or prevents torques that may occur if tensile forces acting on the cables and / or the distances between each cable and the opening 20 are different.

[0032] Figure 2Also shown is the offset of the opposing crimping lugs 37. This offset improves the result during crimping and strengthens the fixation of the cable to the grounding clamp 1. The cutouts 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d particularly improve the crimping result in the respective crimping regions 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d, since they allow material to flow during the crimping process.

[0033] The opening 20 has a diameter D2. Diameter D2 matches the intended fixation component and preferably radially accommodates the fixation component. The diameter D2 of the first embodiment and the diameter D2 of the second embodiment can be different. Preferably, the diameter D2 of the second embodiment is larger than the diameter D2 of the first embodiment. A larger diameter enables the insertion of thicker fixation components, which are more stable under the same conditions.

[0034] Figure 3 A side view of a first embodiment of the grounding clamp 1 is shown, showing a portion of the bottom side U of the grounding clamp 1. The plate 10 has a thickness D1. This thickness D1 also corresponds to the thickness of the tabs 22 and 24. Preferably, the tabs 22 and 24 are formed by bending a portion of the plate 10. The first and second tabs 22, 24 are identical. Both tabs protrude from the plate 10 by a depth T1, meaning that the length of the tabs 22, 24 in the direction Z on the bottom side U of the plate 10 corresponds to the depth T1. Together, the two tabs form a rectangular, flat shape with a first width B1 in the first embodiment and a second width B2 in the second embodiment. The first and second widths B1, B2 can be identical. Preferably, the tabs 22, 24 protrude perpendicularly from the plate 10. In another embodiment, the tabs 22, 24 can be tilted up to 10 degrees in both directions normal to the plate.

[0035] In the first embodiment, when installing or securing the grounding clamp 1 on a separate surface, the first and second tabs 22, 24 are inserted into corresponding recesses in the separate surface. The recess is essentially closed by a tab, so that the tabs cannot move or can only move slightly within the recess. Consequently, the grounding clamp 1 rests on the separate surface in a rotationally fixed manner. In particular, when tightening the fastening screws serving as the securing means, the grounding clamp is held in a rotationally fixed position.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the two tabs 22 and 24 are also bent directly at the respective transverse edges 16 and 18 in the direction of the bottom side U of the plate 10. The distance between the first cable fixing area 30 and the first tab 22 in the first direction, or longitudinal direction X, is as small as possible. The same applies to the distance between the second cable fixing area 32 and the second tab 24. Due to the small distance between the tabs 22 and 24 and the cable fixing areas 30 and 32, any lever arm in the opening 20 between the cable fixing areas 30 and 32 and the fixing element, where the lever arm is mounted at the cable fixing areas 30 and 32, is significantly shortened or prevented. As a result, torques on the cable caused by tensile forces at the grounding clamp 1 can be prevented. Furthermore, the horizontal tensile forces that occur are effectively distributed at the clamp at at least three points: the fixing element in the opening 20 and the two tabs 22 and 24 in the corresponding cutouts in the wire. This results in reduced stress on the grounding clamp 1 and a longer service life.

[0037] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the first and second cable fixing areas 30, 32 have a U-shaped or V-shaped cross section. The sides of the U-shape or V-shape are formed by at least two adjacent curling tabs 37 in the curling areas 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d. The connecting pieces between the adjacent curling tabs 37 form cable guides 34, 36 in the form of grooves at the height of the flat plate 10. The grooves simplify the arrangement of the cables. The cable guides 34, 36 connect the two curling areas 38a, 38b or 38c, 38d (see FIG. 1 ) to each other in the form of grooves in each cable fixing area 30, 32. Figure 4 ).

[0038] Figure 5 A second embodiment of the grounding clamp 1 is shown. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment at least in that the first and second webs 22, 24 are not formed directly on the first or second transverse edge 16, 18, but rather in the center of the plate 10. The two webs 22, 24 extend parallel to respective imaginary tangents at opposite sides of the opening 20 at a small first distance A1 in a direction Z toward the bottom side U of the plate 10. The two webs 22, 24 are preferably formed by bending respective parts of the plate 10.

[0039] In a second embodiment, the first distance A1 between the tabs 22, 24 and the respective imaginary tangents to the opening 20 is selected such that the second distance A2 between the first and second tabs 22, 24 substantially corresponds to the edge diameter of the nut. During installation, the grounding clamp 1 is positioned and secured to the nut. The nut is preferably an octagonal nut, in which the distance between two opposing edges substantially corresponds to the second distance A2 between the first and second tabs 22, 24. The flush arrangement of the two tabs 22, 24 on the nut ensures that the grounding clamp serves as a rotationally fixed fastening element to the nut or bolt. The bolt is again secured to the separating surface, resulting in a secure arrangement of the grounding clamp on the separating surface.

[0040] In both embodiments, the lengths of the first and second longitudinal edges 12, 14 are preferably in the range of 15-25 mm, more preferably in the range of 19-21 mm. The lengths of the first and second transverse edges 16, 18 are preferably in the range of 10-15 mm, more preferably in the range of 12-14 mm.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the second distance A2 between the first and second tabs 22, 24 is in the range of 16-22 mm, and preferably in the range of 18-20 mm. In the second embodiment, the second distance A2 between the first and second tabs 22, 24 is preferably in the range of 8-16 mm, and preferably in the range of 11-13 mm.

[0042] Preferably, the grounding clamp 1 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment is made of an electrically conductive material, in particular of metal. In both embodiments, the grounding clamp 1 is in particular made in one piece.

Claims

1. A grounding clamp (1) for fixing and electrically contacting at least two cables at separate surfaces, the grounding clamp having: A flat plate (10) having a first longitudinal edge (12) and a second longitudinal edge (14) opposite the first longitudinal edge (12), and a first transverse edge (16) and a second transverse edge (18) opposite the first transverse edge (16), wherein: The first longitudinal edge (12) and the second longitudinal edge (14) extend along a first direction (X) of the plate (10), wherein the first transverse edge (16) and the second transverse edge (18) extend perpendicularly to the first longitudinal edge (12) and the second longitudinal edge (14) along a second direction (Y) of the plate (10); a first cable fixing area (30) for fixing and electrically contacting a first cable at the flat plate (10), wherein the first cable fixing area (30) extends along the first transverse edge (16); a second cable fixing area (32) for fixing and electrically contacting a second cable at the flat plate (10), wherein the second cable fixing area (32) extends along the second transverse edge (18); an opening (20) arranged between the first cable fixing area (30) and the second cable fixing area (32) for introducing a fixing member; a first tab (22) extending parallel to the first transverse edge (16) and perpendicular to the plane of the plate in a direction (Z) along the bottom side (U) of the plate (10) between the first cable fixing area (30) and the second cable fixing area (32); and A second tab (24) extends between the first cable fixing area (30) and the second cable fixing area (32) parallel to the second transverse edge (18) and perpendicular to the plane of the plate in a direction (Z) along the bottom side (U) of the plate (10).

2. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first tab (22) extends along the first transverse edge (16), and the second tab (24) extends along the second transverse edge (18).

3. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first tab (22) extends between the opening (20) and the first transverse edge (16) at a first distance (A1) from the opening (20), and the second tab (24) extends between the opening (20) and the second transverse edge (18) at a first distance (A1) from the opening (20), so that the grounding clamp (1) can be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on a part of the fixing component using the first tab (22) and the second tab (24), and the fixing component can be arranged in the opening (20).

4. The grounding clamp (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The opening (20) is circular.

5. The grounding clamp (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The grounding clamp (1) comprises an electrically conductive material, so that an electrical connection exists between at least one fixable cable and the fixing component that can be introduced into the opening (20).

6. The grounding clamp (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The grounding clamp (1) is constructed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a mirror axis (S), and the mirror axis (S) passes through a center point of the opening (20) and extends parallel to the first lateral edge (16) and the second lateral edge (18).

7. The grounding clamp (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first cable fixing area (30) and the second cable fixing area (32) each have a cable guide portion (34, 36), and at least one first curling area (38a, 38b) and a second curling area (38c, 38d) at opposite ends of the respective cable guide portions (34, 36).

8. The grounding clamp (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The plate (10) is an elongated plate (10), and the first direction (X) is the longitudinal direction of the plate (10).

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