Grounding clip with lateral torsion protection

Abstract

The invention relates to a grounding clamp with lateral torsion protection for fixing and electrically contacting at least two cables at a single surface, the grounding clamp having a plate, a first cable fixing region, a second cable fixing region, an opening arranged between the first cable fixing region and the second cable fixing region for introducing a fixing member, a web and a clamping web, the plate having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the two longitudinal edges extending in a first direction of the plate, the two lateral edges extending in a second direction of the plate, the first cable fixing region for fixing and electrically contacting a first cable at the plate, the second cable fixing region for fixing and electrically contacting a second cable at the plate, the web extending in the second direction such that the web stretches parallel to the first cable fixing region and / or the second cable fixing region, the clamping web extending at a free end of the web 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 Technology

[0002] Grounding clamps are used in the automotive industry to secure electrical wires or cables at a designated location within a vehicle and to connect the cable's grounding wire to the vehicle body, i.e., grounding. Cables installed in the vehicle, such as antenna wires for an antenna radio, can be coaxial cables. The cables are fixed along a predetermined path through the vehicle. The connection of the cable's grounding wire to the conductive, or must be conductive, vehicle body sets the grounding wire's potential to the vehicle body's ground potential, thus grounding the wire.

[0003] In current applications, two cables, especially those extending in parallel, are secured using a separate grounding clamp, with the two clamps interlocked when installed in a vehicle. However, using two separate grounding clamps increases the complexity of installing wiring harnesses in vehicles.

[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 plate at which the ends of two coaxial cables can be received. The plate has threaded holes spaced apart from the receiving area of ​​the coaxial cables, through which screws are inserted to secure the grounding clamp. If, for example, a torque occurs at the grounding plate due to tension at the cables, the screw connection can undesirably loosen or come undone at the threaded holes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a grounding clamp that prevents unwanted rotation in the installed state and has a clearly visible orientation.

[0006] This objective is achieved, in particular, by a grounding clamp for securing and electrically contacting at least two cables at separate surfaces. Here, the grounding clamp has a plate having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge opposite to the first longitudinal edge, wherein both longitudinal edges extend along a first direction of the plate. The plate also has a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge opposite to the first transverse edge, wherein both transverse edges extend perpendicularly to the first and second longitudinal edges along a second direction of the plate. The grounding clamp further has a first cable securing region for securing and electrically contacting a first cable at the plate, wherein the first cable securing region extends along the first transverse edge. The grounding clamp also has a second cable securing region for securing and electrically contacting a second cable at the plate, wherein the second cable securing region extends along the second transverse edge. The grounding clamp further has: an opening disposed between the first and second cable securing regions for introducing a securing member; a connecting piece extending from the first or second longitudinal edge in a second direction such that the connecting piece extends parallel to the first and / or second cable securing regions; and a clamping piece extending at the free end of the connecting piece parallel to the first and / or second longitudinal edges and perpendicular to the plane of the plate in a direction toward the bottom side of the plate.

[0007] The grounding clamp is manufactured as a one-piece component. Therefore, two individual cables can be secured and electrically contacted using only one grounding clamp. This saves time during installation and reduces the number of components compared to an arrangement consisting of two grounding clamps for each cable, such as pinning. The two cables are also maintained at a distance within the grounding clamp, which substantially corresponds to the side length of the grounding clamp. This distance prevents undesirable tangling of the two cables. The two cables are also housed in cable holding areas. To simplify cable holding, the cable holding areas preferably each have a cable guide and at least two U-shaped or V-shaped receiving areas each consisting of at least two coiled clips. The receiving areas and the at least two coiled clips also serve as coiled areas for securing the cables at the grounding clamp.

[0008] The opening in the flat plate of the grounding clamp allows for the penetration of fixing components, such as screws or bolts. The grounding clamp can be easily, quickly, and safely secured to a single surface using these fixing components. Because the opening is located in the middle between two cable fixing areas, any unwanted torque (e.g., due to tension at the cable) has only a short lever arm and therefore has a smaller effect compared to openings located further away from the cable fixing areas.

[0009] The connecting tab extends visibly away from the flat plate and provides a clearly visible orientation for the grounding clamp. This clearly visible orientation simplifies the alignment of the grounding clamp during installation. Here, the connecting tab extends in the direction of the cable fixing area, i.e., also in the direction of the cable to be fixed. In particular, the connecting tab is parallel to the cable fixing area and the cable to be fixed. If the cable fixed at the grounding clamp is subjected to tension or compression in its longitudinal direction, these undesired forces will not create torque on the connecting tab due to the parallel alignment of the cable with the connecting tab. This improves the fixation of the grounding clamp at a single surface. The connecting tab is located particularly below or between the cables to be fixed, which creates a space-saving arrangement.

[0010] The clip protrudes, particularly vertically, in the direction of the bottom side of the plate. During installation, the clip engages with a corresponding recess or opening in a separate surface, on which the grounding clamp should be secured. The depth of the clip is configured such that it is stably engaged in the recess or opening and does not protrude further, for example, by twisting or slight movement of the grounding clamp. After installation, the clip is torsionally and preferably locked in the recess, such that the clip provides torsion protection for the grounding clamp in the installed state.

[0011] Optionally, the connecting piece has at least one groove. The groove improves the stability of the connecting piece. Therefore, the connecting piece can be manufactured thinner while maintaining the same stability, which saves at least material and weight. In particular, when tightening the fixing member (such as a nut) at the grounding clamp, undesirable deformation of the connecting piece is avoided by the torque on the grounding clamp through the groove.

[0012] Optionally, the groove extends along the second direction over at least half the length of the connecting piece, preferably at least 3 / 4 and more preferably at least 7 / 8 of the length of the connecting piece. The longer the groove extends along the connecting piece, the higher the stability formed by the groove. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting piece has a plurality of smaller or shorter grooves along its length.

[0013] Optionally, the connecting piece has a rectangular shape. A rectangular shape along the entire length of the connecting piece improves stability regarding shape, where, for example, the width of the connecting piece varies, or decreases towards the free end as the length of the connecting piece decreases.

[0014] Optionally, the clip extends across the total width of the connecting piece. This provides a wide connection between the clip and the connecting piece, resulting in a stable connection. Furthermore, the clip includes the longest possible first side via the wide connection, leading to a larger support surface. This larger support surface simplifies installation and results in improved force distribution, which enhances the durability of the grounding clamp.

[0015] Optionally, the depth of the clip is greater than 1 / 8 of the length of the connecting piece, preferably greater than 1 / 4 of the length of the connecting piece, and more preferably greater than 1 / 2 of the length of the connecting piece. The depth of the clip is particularly greater than the maximum depth of the groove on the connecting piece, so that the clip can be firmly engaged in the gap or opening on the individual surface. The larger the support surface of the clip, the better the force distribution and the longer the durability of the grounding clamp.

[0016] Optionally, the opening is circular. This circular opening allows the grounding clamp to be secured to a separate surface. In the first installation step, the grounding clamp can be placed on a fixing member (such as a bolt) and thus (pre-)secured at a point. In subsequent installation steps, the grounding clamp can be rotated on the bolt until the clips engage with the corresponding openings on the separate surface. This initial securing of the grounding clamp simplifies the final installation.

[0017] Optionally, the diameter of the opening corresponds to 6 / 10, preferably 7 / 10, and more preferably 8 / 10 of the width of the connecting piece. A larger opening for the fixing member allows for the selection of a larger fixing member. A larger fixing member results in a more stable and / or more durable fixation of the grounding clamp. Thus, the opening for the fixing member is located in the area between the two cable fixing areas and is not located on the connecting piece; a relatively large diameter of the opening relative to the width of the connecting piece is feasible. The stability of the connecting piece is not affected by the diameter of the opening. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Furthermore, other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described herein and above can be used alone or in combination, provided that these features do not contradict each other. Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0019] Figure 1 An isometric view showing a first embodiment of the grounding clamp;

[0020] Figure 2 A top view showing a first embodiment of the grounding clamp;

[0021] Figure 3 A side view along a first direction is shown of a first embodiment of the grounding clamp;

[0022] Figure 4 A side view along the second direction is shown for a first embodiment of the grounding clamp; and

[0023] Figure 5 The illustration shows a first embodiment of the grounding clamp in the installed state. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1A first embodiment of the grounding clamp 1 is shown. The grounding clamp 1 has a rectangular plate 10, which has a first longitudinal edge 12 and a second longitudinal edge 14 in a first direction, i.e., longitudinal direction X, and a first transverse edge 16 and a second transverse edge 18 in a second direction, i.e., transverse direction Y perpendicular to longitudinal direction X. The edges 12, 14, 16, and 18 of the plate 10 are considered as areas without cable fixing 30 and 32. In another embodiment, the plate 10 can also have a square shape.

[0025] Grounding clamp 1 is provided to accommodate each cable, preferably a coaxial cable, in cable fixing areas 30 and 32, respectively. The first or second cable fixing areas 30 and 32 extend along the first or second lateral edges 16 and 18 of the plate 10, respectively. Curling areas 38a, 38b, 38c, or 38d (see...) Figure 2 The cable guides 34 and 36 are arranged in the transverse Y direction at each end of the cable fixing areas 30 and 32. To secure the cable at the grounding clamp 1, the cable is aligned in the first cable fixing area 30 or the second cable fixing area 32. Here, the first or second cable guides 34 and 36 simplify the cable arrangement. The coiled areas 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d also have cable guides 34 and 36 for the corresponding first or second cable fixing areas 30 and 32 (see...). Figure 3 The cable has a U-shaped or V-shaped tapered portion. The tapered portion is formed in each curled region 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d by at least two opposing curled clips 37. The length of the curled clips 37 is preferably matched to the cable thickness. The thicker the cable to be secured, the longer the corresponding curled clip 37 is constructed. To secure the cable, the curled clips 37 in the two curled regions 38a, 38b or 38c, 38d are bent towards the center of the cable, and the cable is crimped using the curled clips 37. Preferably, the curled regions 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d have structured surfaces to achieve better, and especially more durable, securing during crimping. The cable is securely connected to the grounding clip 1 by crimping. The crimped curled clips 37 can also have direct contact with the grounding wire of the cable. Preferably, for direct contact, the insulation of the grounding wire of the cable is removed in the curled regions 38a, 38b or 38c, 38d. Direct contact results in an electrical connection between the cable's connecting wire and grounding clamp 1.

[0026] Furthermore, the grounding clamp 1 can be secured to a separate object or surface 100 via a fixing member 110 (such as a screw or bolt, which can be guided through the opening 20 on the plate 10) (see [link]). Figure 5 Here, the fixing member 110 (such as grounding clamp 1) is preferably conductive and, in particular, made of metal. The electrical connection between the cable fixed at the grounding clamp 1, especially the grounding wire of the cable, and the surface 100 fixed on the grounding clamp 1 can be established by the conductivity of the member.

[0027] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment of the grounding clamp 1, a connecting piece 40 is provided at the second longitudinal edge 14, extending outward from the plate 10 in the transverse Y direction. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting piece 40 can extend outward from the first longitudinal edge 12. The connecting piece 40 and the plate 10 are constructed as a single piece. The connecting piece 40 has a groove 42 extending along the connecting piece 40 in the transverse Y direction.

[0028] Preferably, the groove 42 is introduced into the connecting piece 40 by mechanical methods (such as stamping and / or embossing). Such or similar methods enable simple and inexpensive manufacturing of the grounding clamp 1. The groove 42 is, in particular, a deformed rather than material-filled opening. This is because material-filled openings, especially, lead to reduced stability through erosion and / or openings.

[0029] In one embodiment, the groove 42 has a depth T1 equal to or less than 1.4 mm in the direction Z toward the bottom side U of the plate 10 (see [reference]). Figure 4 Preferably, the groove 42 has an elliptical, bowl-shaped shape to avoid sharp edges. Sharp edges pose a risk of damage during installation. In another embodiment, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, instead of a groove 42 having a length L2, a plurality of smaller grooves can be arranged along the connecting piece 40, preferably along the length L2, to improve the stability of the connecting piece 40. In an alternative embodiment, the groove 42 can be shorter than the length L2, as long as the connecting piece 40 remains stable to prevent torsion and / or deformation.

[0030] The connecting piece 40 has a free end 43 on its side facing away from the plate 10. The free end 43 forms the edge of the connecting piece 40, and the clip 44 is attached to this edge. The clip 44 extends in the direction Z toward the bottom side U of the plate 10 to a depth T2, preferably vertically (see [reference]). Figure 4 Preferably, a clip 44 is formed at the free end 43 of the connecting piece 40 by bending the connecting piece 40. The clip 44 is particularly configured to be integral with the connecting piece 40 and the plate 10.

[0031] Furthermore, as is known from the present invention, the rigidity of the connecting piece 40 is increased when the groove 42 has a larger length L2 and / or a larger depth T1. In an alternative embodiment, the groove 42 continues to extend around the free end 43 onto the clamping piece 44. In this alternative embodiment, in addition to the connecting piece 40, the clamping piece 44 also has a groove 42. The groove 42 on the clamping piece 44 improves the stability of the clamping piece 44, especially preventing torsion and / or deformation.

[0032] Figure 2A top view of a first embodiment of the grounding clamp 1 is shown. The grounding clamp 1 is constructed to be symmetrical about a mirror axis S. The mirror axis S passes through the center point of the opening 20 and extends parallel to the two lateral edges 16, 18. Through this symmetrical construction, the two cable fixing areas 30, 32 extend parallel to each other at a distance corresponding to the length of the first or second longitudinal edge 12, 14. If the tension acting on the cable and / or the distance between each cable and the opening 20 is different, the symmetrical construction of the grounding clamp 1 balances or prevents any potential torque.

[0033] Figure 2 The offset of the oppositely positioned coiled clip 37 is also shown. This offset improves the crimping results and strengthens the cable's fixation at the grounding clip 1. The gaps 39a, 39b, 39c, and 39d particularly improve the crimping results in the corresponding coiled regions 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d because material flow is enabled during the crimping process.

[0034] The opening 20 has a diameter D. Diameter D matches the fixing member 110 to be used, and preferably radially accommodates the fixing member 110 last. A larger diameter D allows for the insertion of a thicker fixing member 110, which is more stable under the same conditions. Diameter D also has 6 / 10, preferably 7 / 10, and more preferably 8 / 10 of the width B of the connecting piece 40. In a preferred embodiment, diameter D is 7.2 mm and the width B of the connecting piece is 9 mm. If the opening 20 is symmetrically arranged on the connecting piece 40 with the dimensions just described, the connecting piece 40 is reduced to 0.9 mm in each of the two opposite regions of the opening. In particular, in this region, the stability of the connecting piece 40 is severely reduced, and deformation and / or damage to the connecting piece 40 is likely to occur when force or torque is applied.

[0035] The connecting piece 40 also has a length L1, which protrudes from the second longitudinal edge 14 in the transverse Y direction. Preferably, the length L1 of the connecting piece is equal to or greater than the length L3 of the first and / or second transverse edges 16, 18. Due to the dimension of the length L1 of the connecting piece, the grounding clip 1 can be well gripped at the connecting piece 40, which simplifies installation. Furthermore, the length L1 of the connecting piece is greater than the length L2 of the groove 42 on the connecting piece.

[0036] Figure 3 A side view of a first embodiment of the grounding clamp 1 is shown, in which the clamp piece 44 is clearly visible. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp piece 44 has a rectangular, and particularly square, shape. The clamp piece 44 is easily identifiable visually and tactilely, which is advantageous when installing the grounding clamp 1.

[0037] exist Figure 3In the first cable fixing region 30 and the second cable fixing region 32, a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section is formed. The sides of the U-shape or V-shape are formed by at least two adjacent curling clips 37 in the curling regions 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d, respectively. Connectors between adjacent curling clips 37 form cable guides 34 and 36 in the form of grooves at the height of the plate 10. The grooves simplify cable arrangement. The cable guides 34 and 36 connect to each other in the form of grooves in each cable fixing region 30 and 32 between the two curling regions 38a, 38b or 38c, 38d (see [reference]). Figure 4 ).

[0038] Figure 5 A first embodiment of the grounding clamp 1 in the installed state is shown. Here, the grounding clamp 1 is arranged on a bolt or threaded bolt 110 and secured to the threaded bolt 110 by a nut 112. The threaded bolt 110 is fixedly connected to a separate surface 100 (such as a car body). In the separate surface 100, a recess 102 spaced apart from the threaded bolt is arranged. In one embodiment, the recess 102 is an opening. In another embodiment, the recess 102 can be a groove to engage the clamp 44 in a torsion-resistant manner. In the installed state, the clamp 44 engages the recess 102 in a torsion-resistant manner. In particular, the clamp 44 engages the recess at a depth T2 of more than 1 / 8, preferably more than 1 / 4, more preferably more than 1 / 2, to achieve stable retention. Preferably, the recess 102 surrounds the clamp 44. In one embodiment, a gap can be formed between the clamp 44 and the recess 102; in an alternative embodiment, the recess 102 surrounds the clamp 44 flush.

[0039] Preferably, the grounding clamp 1 is made of a lightweight material, especially a lightweight metal.

[0040] Reference tag list

[0041] 1 Grounding clamp

[0042] 10 tablets

[0043] 12 First longitudinal edge

[0044] 14 Second longitudinal edge

[0045] 16 First lateral edge

[0046] 18 Second lateral edge

[0047] 20 Opening

[0048] 30 First cable fixing area

[0049] 32 Second cable fixing area

[0050] 34 First cable guide section

[0051] 36 Second cable guide section

[0052] 37 Curled clips

[0053] 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d: First curl area, Second curl area, Third curl area, Fourth curl area

[0054] 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d First blank area, Second blank area, Third blank area, Fourth blank area

[0055] 40 connecting piece

[0056] 42 Grooves

[0057] 43. The free end

[0058] 44 clips

[0059] 100 individual surfaces

[0060] 102. Empty section

[0061] 110 bolts

[0062] 112 Nuts

[0063] B width

[0064] D diameter

[0065] L1 Connecting piece length

[0066] Length of L2 groove

[0067] L3 Length of the first and / or second transverse edges

[0068] O upper side

[0069] S-axis of symmetry

[0070] T1 Depth of the groove

[0071] T2 clip depth

[0072] U bottom side

[0073] X is the first direction, longitudinal.

[0074] Y is the second direction, horizontal.

[0075] Z represents the direction of the bottom side of the plate.

Claims

1. A grounding clamp (1) for securing and electrically contacting at least two cables at a separate surface (100), the grounding clamp being manufactured as a one-piece component, the grounding clamp having: A flat plate (10) having a first longitudinal edge (12) and a second longitudinal edge (14) opposite to the first longitudinal edge (12), and a first transverse edge (16) and a second transverse edge (18) opposite to the first transverse edge (16), wherein, The first longitudinal edge (12) and the second longitudinal edge (14) extend along a first direction 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 of the plate (10); A first cable fixing area (30) is used to fix and electrically contact a first cable at the plate (10), wherein the first cable fixing area (30) extends along the first lateral edge (16); The second cable fixing area (32) is used to fix and electrically contact the second cable at the plate (10), wherein the second cable fixing area (32) extends along the second lateral edge (18); An opening (20) for introducing the fixing member (110) is arranged between the first cable fixing area (30) and the second cable fixing area (32). A connecting piece (40) extending from the first longitudinal edge (12) or the second longitudinal edge (14) along the second direction, such that the connecting piece (40) extends parallel to the first cable fixing area (30) and / or the second cable fixing area (32); and A clip (44) extends at the free end (43) of the connecting piece (40) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (12) and / or the second longitudinal edge (14) and perpendicular to the plane of the plate along the direction (Z) of the bottom side (U) of the plate (10), wherein the grounding clip is configured to be symmetrical about a mirror axis that extends through the center point of the opening (20) and is parallel to the first lateral edge (16) and the second lateral edge (18).

2. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting piece (40) has at least one groove (42).

3. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The groove (42) extends along the second direction over at least half of the length (L1) of the connecting piece.

4. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The groove (42) extends along the second direction over at least 3 / 4 of the length (L1) of the connecting piece.

5. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The groove (42) extends along the second direction over at least 7 / 8 of the length (L1) of the connecting piece.

6. The grounding clamp (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The connecting piece (40) has a rectangular shape.

7. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The clip (44) extends over the total width of the connecting piece (40).

8. The grounding clamp (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The depth (T2) of the clip (44) exceeds 1 / 8 of the length (L1) of the connecting piece.

9. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The depth (T2) of the clip (44) exceeds 1 / 4 of the length (L1) of the connecting piece.

10. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The depth (T2) of the clip (44) exceeds 1 / 2 of the length (L1) of the connecting piece.

11. The grounding clamp (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The opening (20) is circular.

12. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The diameter (D) of the opening (20) corresponds to 6 / 10 of the width of the connecting piece.

13. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The diameter (D) of the opening (20) corresponds to 7 / 10 of the width of the connecting piece.

14. The grounding clamp (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The diameter (D) of the opening (20) corresponds to 8 / 10 of the width of the connecting piece.

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