Electrical assembly

Abstract

An electrical assembly (1) comprising: a housing (2) having a housing wall (3) defining an interior space (4); an electrical component (5) arranged at least partially in the interior space (4); at least one cable (6) having at least one electrical wire (7) electrically connected to the electrical component (5) and an electrically insulating cable sheath (8) surrounding the at least one electrical wire (7); the invention relates to a cable clamp (1) comprising a housing (2) having a receiving region (10), and at least one cable stress relief element (9) arranged in the receiving region (10) in the housing (2), the at least one cable stress relief element (9) having a u-shaped configuration with at least one base section (11) from which two clamping sections (12) extend, the clamping sections (12) being arranged at a distance from one another such that a clamping space (13) is provided, the cable (6) extends through the clamping space (13) between the two clamping sections (12), and wherein at least one of the clamping sections (12) is provided with at least one rib (14) which extends into the clamping space (13) and protrudes into the cable sheath (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical component according to claim 1 and to a method of assembling said electrical component according to claim 21 . Background Art

[0002] Electrical assemblies having strain relief elements for fixing a cable to a housing are known in the prior art. For example, DE 200 18 199 U1 discloses such an assembly. GB 2 068 176 discloses a similar assembly. Summary of the invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical assembly with enhanced strain relief, or with alternative strain relief.

[0004] This object is achieved by an electrical component according to claim 1. Therefore, an electrical component comprises: a housing having a housing wall defining an interior space; an electrical component which is at least partially arranged in the interior space; at least one cable having at least one wire electrically connected to the electrical component and an electrically insulating cable sheath surrounding the at least one wire; and at least one cable strain relief element which is arranged in a receiving area in the housing. At least one cable strain relief element is of U-shaped construction having at least one base section from which two clamping sections extend. The clamping sections are arranged spaced apart from each other so that a clamping space is provided. The cable extends through the clamping space between the two clamping sections. At least one of the clamping sections is provided with at least one rib which extends into the clamping space and into the cable sheath.

[0005] With the cable strain relief element located in the accommodation area, forces acting on the cable can be absorbed by the cable strain relief element so that the forces do not act on the connection between the electrical component and the electrical line. The U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped configuration of the clamping element and the at least one rib extending into the cable sheath thus enhance the clamping effect between the cable and the cable strain relief element. This means, in particular, that greater forces can be counteracted.

[0006] Due to the U-shaped structure of the cable strain relief element, the cable strain relief element can be installed perpendicular to the center axis of the cable.

[0007] The clamping sections are arranged at a distance from one another, so that the distance defines the width of the clamping space.

[0008] Preferably, the housing and the cable strain relief element are made of an electrically insulating material, for example plastic.

[0009] Preferably, the receiving area is a part of the inner space.

[0010] Preferably, the inner space is a cylindrical space which has a constant cross section, in particular over its entire length.

[0011] Preferably, the clamping sections extend from opposite sides of the base section.

[0012] Preferably, the cable strain relief element is in contact with a stop surface. The stop surface may be part of the housing, or the stop surface may be part of another element, such as a cable gland and / or a sealing element as described below.

[0013] The term that the electrical component is at least partially arranged in the inner space should be understood to mean that the electrical component is completely arranged in the inner space, or that the electrical component partially extends in the inner space and partially extends out of the inner space.

[0014] Preferably, both clamping sections comprise at least one rib, wherein the rib on one clamping section is arranged displaced relative to the rib on the other clamping section, viewed from the cable or along the cable's center axis, respectively. In other words: the ribs are arranged on opposite sides of the cable.

[0015] The cable thus meanders through the clamping space, which further enhances the clamping effect.

[0016] Preferably, one of the clamping sections comprises two ribs arranged at a distance from each other, and wherein the other of the clamping sections comprises at least one or exactly one rib arranged between the two ribs. Alternatively, one of the clamping sections comprises one rib or two ribs arranged at a distance from each other, and wherein the other of the clamping sections is not provided with a rib.

[0017] Regarding the orientation of the ribs, it is preferred that

[0018] At least one of the at least one rib extends in the clamping space perpendicular to the central axis of the cable; and / or

[0019] At least one of the at least one rib extends in the clamping space parallel to the central axis of the cable; and / or

[0020] At least one of the at least one rib extends in the clamping space at an angle to the center axis of the cable, in particular at an angle of 1° to 90°.

[0021] Preferably, the base section is not provided with ribs. This means that the base section is of flat construction without any raised structures. This construction has the advantage that deformation of the cable can be limited to the extent necessary to provide the clamping effect.

[0022] Alternatively, the base section comprises at least one rib extending into the clamping space. In such a configuration, the clamping effect can be enhanced.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one rib is gradually narrowed so that its cross section becomes smaller as the distance from the clamping section increases. The rib is arranged in a wedge-shaped structure. The cross section is a cross section observed from a direction perpendicular to the extension of the rib.

[0024] Preferably, the free end of the at least one rib extending into the clamping space is arranged as a concave rounded edge; and / or wherein the free ends of the ribs are arranged parallel to each other.

[0025] Preferably, the clamping segments have a free end opposite the base segment, so that a clamping space is accessible between the clamping segments opposite the base segment.

[0026] Preferably, the free end of the clamping section and the clamping section are arranged such that an access opening is provided through which a cable can be inserted into the clamping space.

[0027] The cable can be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the center axis of the cable.

[0028] Preferably, the distance between the clamping sections decreases towards the base section, so that the width of the clamping space decreases towards the base section. This has the advantage that the cable can be guided very easily into the clamping section.

[0029] Preferably, the clamping sections extend substantially parallel to each other when viewed from the center axis direction of the cable in the space.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one cable strain relief element is a one-piece element provided separately from the housing.

[0031] Preferably, the receiving area is provided as a cylindrical section, and wherein the base section and the clamping section, in particular with their free ends, are at least partially in contact with the cylindrical section.

[0032] Preferably, the free end of the clamping section is provided on the outside with a concave rounded portion, which preferably has the same radius as the cylindrical section.

[0033] Preferably, the base section has a concave rounded outer side, preferably having the same radius as the cylindrical section.

[0034] Preferably, the electrical component further comprises at least one cable gland which can be mounted to the housing by means of a snap-in connection.

[0035] Preferably, the electrical assembly further comprises at least one sealing element, which surrounds and contacts the cable jacket and contacts a sealing surface of the housing.

[0036] Preferably, the cable gland and / or the sealing element has a stop surface which provides a stop for the cable strain relief element.

[0037] Preferably, the electrical component is a fuse element having a receiving opening to receive the at least one wire. Alternatively, the electrical component is a socket side or a plug side of an electrical connector. In this embodiment, the housing is preferably provided with a corresponding mechanical interface so that an electrical connector can be provided.

[0038] Preferably, the housing comprises two receiving areas, which are arranged in opposite positions with respect to the interior space, and wherein the cable strain relief element is located in each of the receiving areas.

[0039] Preferably, the assembly further comprises two said cables, which are electrically connected on opposite sides of the electrical component, and wherein the inner space preferably has a constant diameter between the receiving areas, so that one of the cables and the electrical component can be introduced in the direction of one of the receiving areas, and wherein the cables can be passed through the inner space during assembly. Thus, the electrical component will be placed in the inner space.

[0040] Preferably, the cable is provided with an electrical connector on a side opposite to the electrical component.

[0041] Preferably, two of the cable glands and / or two of the sealing elements are arranged.

[0042] A method of assembling the electrical assembly according to the above description, wherein the at least one cable strain relief element is mounted on a cable jacket, the at least one wire is electrically connected to the electrical component, and the electrical assembly, the cable strain relief element and a portion of the cable are inserted into an interior space.

[0043] In case a sealing element and / or a cable gland is present, the sealing element will also be placed on the cable jacket and introduced into the inner space and the cable gland will be mounted to the housing.

[0044] Further embodiments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are used to illustrate the current preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. In the accompanying drawings,

[0046] Figure 1 shows a perspective partially exploded view of an electrical assembly according to a preferred embodiment;

[0047] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 Details of a partially exploded perspective view of an electrical component;

[0048] Figure 3a-3d Shown according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Different views of the cable strain relief element;

[0049] Figure 4a shows a cross-sectional view of an electrical assembly according to the previous figures;

[0050] Figure 4b Shows Figure 4a Details;

[0051] Figure 5 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an electrical assembly according to the previous figures; and

[0052] Figure 6 Another perspective view of an electrical assembly according to the previous figures is shown, with an optional connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The drawing shows an electrical assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0054] The electrical assembly 1 comprises a housing 2, an electrical component 5, at least one cable 6 and a cable strain relief element 9. In the present embodiment, two cables 6 and two cable strain relief elements 9 (ie one for each cable 6) are arranged.

[0055] The housing 2 comprises a housing wall 3 which delimits an interior space 4. The interior space 4 is accessible via an opening 26 at the front side of the housing 2. The housing wall 3 comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs 27 on the outer side.

[0056] The at least one electrical cable 6 has at least one electric wire 7 for electrical connection to the electrical component 5. The at least one electric wire 7 is surrounded by an electrically insulating cable sheath 8.

[0057] At least one cable strain relief element 9 is arranged in a receiving area 10 in the housing 2 and is in contact with the cable 6 or the cable sheath 8 , respectively, as described below.

[0058] An electrical component 5 is arranged in the inner space 4. In the present embodiment, the electrical component is a fuse. The electrical component 5 may also be any other electrical component. In the present embodiment, the electrical component 5 is in electrical contact with at least one wire 7 of the cable 6 on opposite sides.

[0059] The illustrated embodiment further comprises a cable gland 22, which can be mounted to the housing 2 by means of a snap-in connection. In the present embodiment, two cable glands 22 are arranged. In addition, the electrical component further comprises a sealing element 23. In the present embodiment, two sealing elements 23 are arranged. The sealing element 23 surrounds the cable sheath 8 and is in contact with the cable sheath 8. In addition, the sealing element 23 is in contact with a sealing surface 24 of the housing 2. Preferably, the sealing surface 24 of the housing is provided by the inner surface of the inner space 4. Preferably, the inner space 4 is provided with a tapered surface before the actual sealing surface 24, so that the insertion of the sealing element is enhanced. The diameter of the tapered surface decreases as the distance to the sealing surface 24 becomes closer.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 , 2 , especially with reference to Figures 3a to 3d , explains the structure of the cable strain relief element 9. The cable strain relief element 9 is of U-shaped construction with a base section 11, from which two clamping sections 12 extend. The clamping sections 12 are arranged spaced apart from one another, so that a clamping space 13 is provided. The cable 6 extends through the clamping space 13 between the two clamping sections 12. At least one of the clamping sections 12 is provided with at least one rib 14, which extends in the clamping space 13 and protrudes into the cable sheath 8. Therefore, due to the interaction with the at least one rib 14, the cable 6 is clamped in the clamping space 13.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, three ribs 14 are arranged. Two ribs 14 are arranged on one of the clamping sections 12, and one rib 14 is arranged on the other of the clamping sections 12. Therefore, the two ribs 14 are spaced apart from each other, and the one rib 14 is arranged opposite to the clamping space 13 between the two ribs 14. Preferably, the one rib 14 is arranged in the middle of the two ribs 14. This configuration has the advantage that the cable 6 meanders through the clamping space 13, thereby enhancing the clamping effect.

[0062] The cable jacket 8 is preferably elastic, so that when the ribs 14 extend into the cable jacket 8 , the cable jacket 8 is slightly compressed in the region of the ribs 14 .

[0063] In the present embodiment, no ribs are provided on the base section 11. The base section 11 is provided as a flat surface.

[0064] For example, from Figure 3c As can be seen in the figure, the rib 14 is tapered. Thus, the rib 14 is tapered so that its cross section decreases as the distance from the clamping section 12 increases. In other words, the rib 14 is arranged in a wedge-shaped structure. The free end of the rib 14 is arranged here as a concave rounded edge. This has the advantage that the cable sheath 8 is not damaged when forces are applied to the cable 6.

[0065] Figure 3d It is shown that the free ends 15 of the ribs 14 are oriented parallel to each other. Furthermore, the clamping segments 12 are arranged such that the distance between the clamping segments decreases towards the base segment 11. Thus, the width of the clamping space 13 decreases towards the base segment 11.

[0066] Figures 3a to 3d It is also shown that the free end 17 of the clamping section 12 and the clamping section 12 itself are arranged so that an access opening 18 is provided. Through the access opening 18, the cable 6 can be inserted into the clamping space 13. This Figure 3d Indicated by arrow T.

[0067] The cable strain relief element 9 is a one-piece element provided separately from the housing 2. Preferably, the cable strain relief element 9 is made of plastic.

[0068] The receiving area 10 is designed as a cylindrical section 19. Figure 3d , the receiving area is schematically indicated by a dashed circle C. The cylindrical section 19 and the base section 11 and the clamping section 12 of the receiving area 10 are arranged such that the base section 11 and the clamping section 12 (here with their free ends 17) are in contact with the cylindrical section 19. In the present embodiment, the base section 11 has a concave rounded outer side 21, which has the same radius as the cylindrical section. In addition, the free end 17 is also rounded in a concave manner.

[0069] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown. In this embodiment, the cable strain relief element 9 is in contact with a stop surface 25. The stop surface 25 is provided by the sealing element 23. In case a force acts on the cable 6, the cable strain relief element 9 will be held in its position by the stop surface 25.

[0070] from Figure 4b 2 shows a snap-in connection between the cable gland 22 and the housing. The snap-in connection is provided by a projection 28 and a groove 29 engaged by the projection 28. The projection 28 is arranged on the cable gland 22 and the groove 29 is arranged on the housing 2. An angled surface 30 is arranged in front of the groove 29, which supports the connection when the cable gland 22 is mounted to the housing 2. The cable gland 22 is arranged such that the sealing element 23 is held within the interior space 4.

[0071] As described above, the electrical component 5 is located between two cables 6 which are introduced from opposite directions into the inner space 4. On each side are arranged a cable strain relief element 9, a sealing element 23 and a cable gland 22. The electrical component 5 is located between the two cable strain relief elements 9.

[0072] use Figure 1 , Figure 4a and Figure 5 The assembly process is shown. In a first step, at least one wire 7 of each cable 6 is electrically connected to the electrical component 5. Two cables 6 are provided here. Then, the cable strain relief element 9 is positioned at a suitable position on the cable sheath 8. Then, one of the cables is guided through the inner space 4 and the electrical component 5 and the cable strain relief element 9 are inserted into the inner space 4 and the receiving area 10. This is done in Figure 1 This is indicated by arrows P. Finally, the sealing element 23 and the cable gland 22 are mounted on both sides.

[0073] Figure 6 An assembly as described above is shown, wherein the end of the cable 6 is provided with an electrical connector 31 .

[0074] Reference numerals list

[0075] 1 Electrical components

[0076] 2 Housing

[0077] 3 Shell wall

[0078] 4. Internal Space

[0079] 5 Electrical components

[0080] 6 Cables

[0081] 7 Wires

[0082] 8 Cable sheath

[0083] 9 Cable strain relief elements

[0084] 10 Accommodation Area

[0085] 11 Base section

[0086] 12 Clamping section

[0087] 13 Clamping space

[0088] 14 Rib

[0089] 15 Free end

[0090] 16 Concave rounded edge

[0091] 17 Free end

[0092] 18 Enter the opening

[0093] 19 Cylindrical section

[0094] 20 Concave round part

[0095] 21 concave outer side

[0096] 22 Cable gland

[0097] 23 Sealing element

[0098] 24 Sealing surface

[0099] 25 Stop surface

[0100] 26 Opening

[0101] 27 Reinforcement ribs

[0102] 28 Bump

[0103] 29 grooves

[0104] 30 Inclined Surface

[0105] 31 Electrical connector

[0106] M Cable centerline

[0107] C Circle

[0108] T Installation direction

[0109] P Arrow

Claims

1. An electrical component (1), comprising: A housing (2) having a housing wall (3) defining an interior space (4); an electrical component (5) which is at least partially arranged in the inner space (4); at least one cable (6) having at least one electric wire (7) electrically connected to the electrical component (5) and an electrically insulating cable sheath (8) surrounding the at least one electric wire (7); as well as at least one cable strain relief element (9) arranged in a receiving area (10) in the housing (2), The at least one cable strain relief element (9) is of U-shaped construction with at least one base section (11), from which two clamping sections (12) extend, the two clamping sections (12) being arranged spaced apart from one another so that a clamping space (13) is provided, wherein the cable (6) extends through the clamping space (13) between the two clamping sections (12), and At least one of the clamping sections (12) is provided with at least one rib (14), which extends into the clamping space (13) and into the cable sheath (8).

2. The electrical component (1) according to claim 1, wherein: Both clamping sections (12) comprise at least one rib (14), wherein the rib (14) on one clamping section (12) is arranged displaced relative to the rib on the other clamping section (12), viewed along the cable.

3. The electrical component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: One of the clamping sections (12) comprises two ribs (14) arranged at a distance from each other, and wherein the other of the clamping sections (12) comprises at least one or exactly one rib (14) arranged between the two ribs (14); or wherein one of the clamping sections (12) comprises one rib or two ribs (14) arranged at a distance from each other, and wherein the other of the clamping sections (12) is not provided with a rib.

4. Electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, At least one of the at least one rib (14) extends in the clamping space (13) perpendicular to the central axis of the cable (6); and / or wherein at least one of the at least one rib (14) extends in parallel to the central axis of the cable (6) in the clamping space (13); and / or At least one of the at least one rib (14) extends in the clamping space (13) at an angle to the center axis of the cable (6), in particular at an angle of 1° to 90°.

5. The electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The base section (11) is not provided with ribs; or wherein the base section (11) comprises at least one rib (14) extending into the clamping space (13).

6. Electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one rib (14) is tapered such that the cross section decreases as the distance from the clamping section (12) increases.

7. The electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The free end (15) of the at least one rib (14) extending into the clamping space (13) is arranged as a concave rounded edge (16); and / or wherein the free ends (15) of the ribs (14) are arranged parallel to each other.

8. The electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The clamping sections (12) have a free end (17) opposite the base section (11), so that the clamping space (13) is accessible between the clamping sections (12) opposite the base section (11).

9. The electrical component (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The free end (17) of the clamping section (12) and the clamping section (12) are arranged such that an access opening (18) is provided, through which the cable (6) can be inserted into the clamping space (13).

10. The electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The distance between the clamping sections (12) decreases toward the base section (11), so that the width of the clamping space (13) decreases toward the base section (11).

11. The electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one cable strain relief element (9) is a one-piece element arranged separately from the housing (2).

12. The electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The receiving area (10) is designed as a cylindrical section (19), wherein the base section (11) and the clamping section (12), in particular with their free ends (17), are at least partially in contact with the cylindrical section (19).

13. The electrical component (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The free end (17) of the clamping section (12) is provided with a concave circular portion (20) on the outside, the concave circular portion (20) preferably having the same radius as the cylindrical section (19); and / or The base section (11) has a concave circular outer side (21), and the concave circular outer side (21) preferably has the same radius as the cylindrical section (19).

14. The electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The electrical component (1) further comprises at least one cable gland (22) which can be mounted to the housing (2) by means of a snap-in connection.

15. The electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The electrical component (1) further comprises at least one sealing element (23), the at least one sealing element (23) surrounding the cable jacket (8) and in contact with the cable jacket (8) and in contact with a sealing surface (24) of the housing (2).

16. The electrical component (1) according to claim 14 and / or 15, wherein: The cable gland (22) and / or the sealing element (23) has a stop surface (25) which provides a stop for the cable strain relief element (9).

17. The electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The electrical component (5) is a fuse element having a receiving opening (26) for receiving the at least one wire (7); or wherein the electrical component is a plug side or a pin side of an electrical connector.

18. Electrical component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The housing comprises two receiving areas (10) which are arranged in opposite positions with respect to the inner space (4) and wherein a cable strain relief element (9) is located in each of the receiving areas (10).

19. The electrical component (1) according to claim 18, wherein The assembly further comprises two cables (6) which are electrically connected on opposite sides of the electrical component (5), and wherein the inner space (4) preferably has a constant diameter between the accommodation areas (10), so that one of the cables (6) and the electrical component (5) can be introduced in the direction of one of the accommodation areas (10), and wherein the cable (6) can pass through the inner space (4) during assembly.

20. The electrical component (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein: Two of the cable glands (22) and / or two of the sealing elements (23) are arranged.

21. A method of assembling an electrical assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: installing the at least one cable strain relief element (9) on the cable sheath (8), electrically connecting the at least one electrical wire (7) to the electrical component (5), The electrical component (5), the cable strain relief element (9) and a portion of the cable (6) are inserted into the interior space (4).

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