Mounting device for securing and routing elongated articles

Abstract

A mounting device (100) configured to attach an elongate article (4) to a substrate (2) includes a base portion (102) and an attachment portion (104) extending from the base portion (102). The attachment portion (104) is configured to be received within an opening (6) in a substrate and has a plurality of branches (106) extending therefrom. The mounting device (100) also includes a cap portion (108) spaced from the base portion (102) and defining an aperture (110) in which the attachment portion (104) is received. The plurality of branches (106) engage the aperture (110) and are configured to prevent the attachment portion (104) from moving away from the aperture (110). The mounting device (100) also includes a plurality of legs (112) extending between the base portion (102) and the cap portion (108), the legs configured to retain the elongate article (4) between the base portion (102) and the cap portion (108). A method of attaching an elongate article (4) to a substrate (2) using such a mounting device (100) is also described.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 237,050, filed on August 23, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a mounting device for securing and routing an elongated article, such as a cable, to a substrate. Background Art

[0003] Securing a flat flexible cable (FFC) and / or a flexible printed circuit (FPC) to a substrate such as a body panel of a vehicle, and routing the FFC or FPC along the substrate and / or through the structure, can be problematic because the FFC and FPC can buckle if they are not properly contained at the attachment points. Other issues with FFCs and FPCs are that they are typically folded to make turns or bends in a horizontal plane. However, the indexing of the conductors is swapped by the folds. This requires careful consideration of the number and location of the folds to ensure proper indexing of the conductors in the FFC or FPC. Additionally, current mounting devices for FFCs and FPCs are not well suited for automated installation. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a mounting device configured to attach an elongated article to a substrate includes a base portion and an attachment portion extending from the base portion, the attachment portion being configured to be received in an opening in the substrate. The attachment portion defines a plurality of branches extending therefrom. The mounting device also includes a cap portion spaced apart from the base portion. The cap portion defines an orifice in which the attachment portion is received. The plurality of branches engage the orifice and are configured to prevent the attachment portion from moving away from the orifice. The plurality of legs extending between the base portion and the cap portion are configured to retain the elongated article between the base portion and the cap portion.

[0005] In some aspects of the mounting apparatus described in the preceding paragraphs, the elongated article is a flat cable.

[0006] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the mounting device is configured to retain the flat cable between the base portion, the attachment portion, the cap portion, and at least one leg of the plurality of legs.

[0007] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the attachment portion and the aperture are sized, shaped, and arranged so that the attachment portion is aligned with the aperture in a single specific orientation.

[0008] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the attachment portion has a rounded triangular cross-section and the aperture has a corresponding rounded triangular shape.

[0009] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, a plurality of legs extend from the cap portion.

[0010] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the plurality of legs extend through holes defined in the attachment portion.

[0011] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, a plurality of legs are connected and extend between the cap portion and the attachment portion.

[0012] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, pairs of legs in the plurality of legs have joints configured to allow the pair of legs to flex away from each other.

[0013] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, a plurality of legs extend from the attachment portion.

[0014] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the plurality of legs extend from an edge of the attachment portion and beyond the cap portion.

[0015] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the substrate serves as the cap portion.

[0016] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the mounting device further comprises an elongated article that is a first elongated article located between the base portion, the attachment portion, the cap portion, and m of the plurality of legs. The mounting device further comprises a second elongated article located between the base portion, the attachment portion, the cap portion, and m+n of the plurality of legs, wherein m and n are non-zero integers.

[0017] In some aspects of the mounting device described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the first elongated article has a first radius of curvature about the attachment portion, and the second elongated article has a second radius of curvature about the attachment portion that is shorter than the first radius of curvature.

[0018] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method of attaching an elongated article to a substrate comprises the following steps: A mounting device is provided having a base portion and an attachment portion extending from the base portion. The attachment portion defines a plurality of branches extending therefrom. The mounting device also has a cap portion spaced from the base portion. The cap portion defines an aperture in which the attachment portion is received. The plurality of branches engage the aperture and are configured to prevent the attachment portion from being removed from the aperture. The attachment portion also has a plurality of legs extending between the base portion and the cap portion and configured to retain the elongated article between the base portion and the cap portion. arranging the elongate article in the mounting device such that the elongate article is located between the base portion, the attachment portion, the cap portion and m legs of the plurality of legs, wherein m is a non-zero integer; and • Inserting the attachment portion into the opening in the substrate, wherein the plurality of branches engage the opening and are configured to prevent removal of the attachment portion from the opening.

[0019] In some aspects of the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the attachment portion and the aperture are sized, shaped, and arranged such that the attachment portion is aligned with the opening in a single specific orientation.

[0020] In some aspects of the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the attachment portion has a rounded triangular cross-section and the opening has a corresponding rounded triangular shape.

[0021] In some aspects of the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the elongated article is a first elongated article, wherein the method further includes routing a second elongated article through the mounting device so that the second elongated article is located between the base portion, the attachment portion, the cap portion, and m+n legs of the plurality of legs, wherein n is a non-zero integer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a mounting device;

[0025] Figure 3 A method for retaining a flat cable according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Isometric view of the installation device;

[0026] Figure 4 is the retention ratio according to one embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 The narrower flat cable shown Figure 1 Isometric view of the installation device;

[0027] Figure 5 is a side isometric view of a mounting device having a plurality of flexible legs extending from a cap portion according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a mounting device;

[0029] Figure 7 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 A top isometric view of a mounting device;

[0030] Figure 8 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 An isometric view of a mounting device of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the plurality of flexible legs are in a flexed state;

[0031] Fig. 9 A method for retaining a flat cable according to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 Isometric view of the installation device;

[0032] Fig.10 is an isometric view of a mounting device for retaining a flat cable according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig.11 is the retention ratio according to another embodiment of the present invention Fig.10 The narrower flat cable shown Fig.10 Isometric view of the installation device;

[0034] Fig.12 A device for holding a plurality of flat cables according to another embodiment of the present invention Fig.10 Isometric view of the installation device;

[0035] Fig.13 A device for holding a plurality of flat cables according to another embodiment of the present invention Fig.10 A top view of a mounting device, wherein a radius of curvature of one flat cable is smaller than a radius of curvature of another flat cable;

[0036] Fig.14 According to another embodiment of the present invention Fig.10 A top view of a mounting device comprising a cable support device attached to the flat cable to maintain a radius of curvature;

[0037] Fig.15 According to another embodiment of the present invention, a cap portion and a substrate are provided. Fig.14 A top view of the mounting device; and

[0038] Fig.16 According to another embodiment of the present invention Fig.15 Isometric view of the mounting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figures 1 to 4A first non-limiting example of a mounting device 100 is shown, which is configured to secure a flat flexible cable (FFC) and / or a flexible printed circuit (FPC) to a substrate 2, such as a body panel of a vehicle, and to assist in routing the FFC and / or FPC, for example, along the substrate or through a structure. Hereinafter, the flat flexible cable and the flexible printed circuit will be collectively referred to as the cable 4. The mounting device 100 includes a disc-shaped base portion 102 and an attachment portion 104 extending generally perpendicularly from the base portion 102. The attachment portion 104 is configured to be received within an opening 6 in the substrate 2 by a plurality of branches 106 extending from the attachment portion 104. The plurality of branches 106 are bent or angled away from the free end of the attachment portion 104. The base portion 102, the attachment portion 104, and the plurality of branches 106 form a structure very similar to what is commonly referred to as a fir tree or Christmas tree fastener, so called because the shape of the barbed protrusions extending downward along the length of the fastener resembles the branches of a fir tree. The mounting device 100 also includes a movable cap portion 108 spaced apart from the base portion 102. The cap portion 108 is also disc-shaped and defines an aperture 110 in which the attachment portion 104 is accommodated. The cap portion 108 is configured to move along the attachment portion 104. Due to the configuration of the plurality of branches 106, the plurality of branches 104 engage with the edge of the aperture 110, thereby preventing the attachment portion 104 from moving away from the aperture 110. The mounting device 100 also includes a plurality of legs 112 extending from the cap portion 108. The plurality of legs 112 are accommodated in holes 114 defined in the base portion 102. The plurality of legs 112 form a cage-like structure that is configured to hold the cable 4 between the base portion 102, the cap portion 108, and the attachment portion 104.

[0040] The attachment portion 104, the orifice 110, and the opening 6 in the substrate 2 are sized, shaped, and arranged so that the attachment portion 102, the orifice 110, and the opening 6 are aligned in a single specific orientation. To provide this feature, the attachment portion 104 has a cross-section having a width greater than a length. A first width at one end of the cross-section is less than a second width at the other end of the cross-section. In the example shown, the attachment portion 104 has a generally triangular cross-section, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 The aperture 110 and the opening 6 have corresponding rounded triangular shapes to accommodate the plurality of branches 106. The attachment portion may alternatively have a cross-sectional shape in which the width at one end is smaller than the width at the other end, such as a trapezoidal shape.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the distance between the base portion 102 and the cap portion 108 can be adjusted to accommodate cables 4 having different widths. The insulator between the conductors in the cable 4 can be cut to gather the conductors, thereby reducing the width of the cable 4 in the installation device 100, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown.

[0042] Figures 5 to 9 A second non-limiting example of a mounting device 200 is shown that is configured to secure a cable 4 to a substrate 2 and to assist in routing the cable 4. The mounting device 200 differs from the mounting device 100 primarily in that the plurality of legs 212 extending from the cap portion 208 do not extend through an opening in the base portion 202, but rather abut against the base portion 202. The plurality of legs 212 are flexible and arranged in pairs, configured such that when the cap portion 208 moves closer to the base portion 202, the legs flex away from each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 8 shown.

[0043] Figures 10 to 16 A third non-limiting example of a mounting device 300 is shown, which is configured to secure a cable 4 to a substrate 2 and to assist in routing the cable 4. The mounting device 300 differs from the mounting device 100 primarily in that a plurality of legs 312 extend from an edge of the base portion 302, rather than from the cap portion 308. The plurality of legs 312 are flexible and flex outwardly by contact with the edge of the cap portion 308, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.11 shown.

[0044] like Figures 13 to 16 As shown, the mounting device 300 can hold more than one cable 4. The cables 4 can be routed so that the radius of curvature of the first cable 4A is smaller than the radius of curvature of the second cable 4B. This can be achieved by the second cable 4B being held between more legs of the plurality of legs 312 than the first cable 4A. The first cable 4A and the second cable 4B can also include Figures 14 to 16 The cable support device 8 is shown to help maintain the radius of curvature of the first cable 4A and the second cable 4B.

[0045] Mounting devices 100 and 200 may also be used to retain more than one cable 4, similar to Figures 13 to 16 An example of a mounting device 300 is shown in FIG.

[0046] The mounting devices 100, 200 shown herein provide multi-directional wiring capabilities for the cable 4 and the unidirectional attachment portion 104. The cable 4 enters and exits the mounting device 100, 200 at multiple locations allowing a high degree of application flexibility. The single specific orientation of the attachment portion 104 allows the mounting device 100, 200 to be oriented in a specific direction to facilitate more precise cable routing while minimizing the number of mounting devices 100, 200 required. The mounting devices 100, 200 are configured to allow the cable 4 to be routed without folding the cable 4. The insulation between the wires in the cable 4 can be cut, i.e., divided, as shown in the various figures, to allow the wires in the cable 4 to be bundled together and to provide a more compact height of the cable 4 and the mounting device 100, 200. If desired, additional features can be added to the mounting device 100, 200, such as a lug or shoulder to limit the lateral movement of the cable 4.

[0047] The examples described herein relate to mounting devices 100, 200 and components thereof configured to cables 4. However, other embodiments of mounting devices 100, 200 are contemplated that are suitable for holding other elongated articles and products, such as fiber optic cables, pneumatic lines, hydraulic lines, cables, ropes, vines, etc., or any combination of these items.

[0048] Although the present invention has been described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto, but is only limited by the scope set forth in the following claims. For example, the embodiments described above (and / or their various aspects) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, various modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its main scope. The dimensions, types, orientations of the various components described herein, and the number and position of the various components are intended to define the parameters of a specific embodiment, are not meant to be limiting, and are only prototype embodiments.

[0049] After reading the above description, many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents encompassed by these claims.

[0050] As used herein, “one or more” includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element, such as in a distributed fashion, several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0051] It should also be understood that, although in some cases, the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments, the first contact can be referred to as the second contact, and similarly, the second contact can be referred to as the first contact. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not identical contacts.

[0052] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and encompasses all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items. It should also be understood that the terms "comprise", "contain", "include" and / or "include" used in this specification specifically refer to the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0053] As used herein, the term "if" may be alternatively interpreted as "when" or "in" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting", depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or "if [the state or event] is detected" may be alternatively interpreted as meaning "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [the condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]", depending on the context.

[0054] In addition, although the terms of regulations or directions may be used herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. Unless otherwise specified, all regulations or directions are used to distinguish one element from another element, and unless otherwise specified, do not represent any particular order, order of operation, direction or orientation.

Claims

1. A mounting device (100) configured to attach an elongated article (4) to a substrate (2), the mounting device (100) comprising: a base portion (102); an attachment portion (104) extending from the base portion (102), configured to be received within the opening (6) in the substrate (2), and having a plurality of branches (106) extending therefrom; a cap portion (108) spaced from the base portion (102) and defining an aperture (110) in which the attachment portion (104) is received, wherein the plurality of branches (106) engage the aperture (110) and are configured to prevent the attachment portion (104) from being removed from the aperture (110); as well as A plurality of legs (112) extend between the base portion (102, 202, 302) and the cap portion (108), the plurality of legs being configured to retain an elongated article between the base portion (102) and the cap portion (108).

2. The mounting device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elongated article (4) comprises a flat flexible cable.

3. The mounting device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elongated article (4) comprises a flexible printed circuit.

4. The mounting device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting device (200) is configured to hold the flat cable (4) between the base portion (102), the attachment portion (104), the cap portion (108) and at least one leg of the plurality of legs (112).

5. The mounting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The attachment portion (104) and the aperture (110) are sized, shaped, and arranged such that the attachment portion (104) and the aperture (110) are aligned in a single specific orientation.

6. The mounting device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The attachment portion (104) has a rounded triangular cross-section, and the aperture (110) has a corresponding rounded triangular shape.

7. The mounting device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of legs (112, 212, 312) extend from the cap portion (108, 208, 308).

8. The mounting device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of legs (112) extend through apertures (114) defined in the attachment portion (104).

9. The mounting device (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of legs (212) are connected to and extend between the cap portion (208) and the attachment portion.

10. The mounting device (200) according to claim 9, characterized in that: Pairs of the plurality of legs (212) have joints configured to allow the pair of legs to flex away from each other.

11. The mounting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of legs (112) extend from the attachment portion (104).

12. The mounting device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that: The plurality of legs (112) extend from an edge of the attachment portion (104) and beyond the cap portion (108).

13. The mounting device (300) according to claim 11, characterized in that: The substrate (2) serves as the cap portion (308).

14. The mounting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: an elongated article (4), the elongated article being a first elongated article (3) located between the base portion (102), the attachment portion (104), the cap portion (108) and m legs of the plurality of legs (112); and A second elongated article (4) located between the base portion (102), the attachment portion (104), the cap portion (108) and m+n legs of the plurality of legs (112), wherein m and n are non-zero integers.

15. The mounting device (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that The first elongated article (4) has a first radius of curvature around the attachment portion (104), and the second elongated article (4) has a second radius of curvature around the attachment portion (104) that is shorter than the first radius of curvature.

16. A method of attaching an elongated article (4) to a substrate (2), comprising: A mounting device (100) is provided, the mounting device comprising: a base portion (102); an attachment portion (104) extending from the base portion (102) and having a plurality of branches (106) extending therefrom; a cap portion (108) spaced from the base portion (102) and defining an aperture (110) in which the attachment portion (104) is received, wherein the plurality of branches (106) engage the aperture (110) and are configured to prevent the attachment portion (104) from being removed from the aperture (110); and a plurality of legs (112) extending between the base portion (102) and the cap portion (108), the plurality of legs being configured to retain the elongated article between the base portion (102) and the cap portion (108); arranging the elongated article (4) in the mounting device (100) such that the elongated article is located between the base portion (102), the attachment portion (104), the cap portion (108) and m legs of the plurality of legs (112), wherein m is a non-zero integer; and The attachment portion (104) is inserted into an aperture (110) in the cap portion (112), wherein the plurality of branches (106) engage the aperture (110) and are configured to prevent the attachment portion (104) from being removed from the aperture (110).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The attachment portion (104) and the aperture (110) are sized, shaped, and arranged such that the attachment portion (104) and the aperture (110) are aligned in a single specific orientation.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The attachment portion (104) has a rounded triangular cross-section, and the aperture (110) has a corresponding rounded triangular shape.

19. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The elongated article (4) is a first elongated article (4), wherein the method further comprises routing a second elongated article (4) through the mounting device (100) such that the second elongated article is located between the base portion (102), the attachment portion (104), the cap portion (108) and m+n legs of the plurality of legs (112), wherein n is a non-zero integer.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The elongated article (4) is selected from the group consisting of a flat flexible cable and a flexible printed circuit.

Images