Buckle for receiving cable

Abstract

A collet (1) for receiving a cable, such as a wire harness of a vehicle, comprises a sleeve body (2) of flexible material, the sleeve body (2) having two opposite openings (4; 6), characterized in that the first opening (4) has a propeller-shaped cross-sectional shape as seen in the axial insertion direction in the unloaded condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a grommet for a cable, in particular for sealing a cable or for sealing a cable harness, such as in automotive applications. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the automotive industry has been faced with a shift towards electric vehicles. This has been accompanied by an increasing number of electrical and electronic devices that need to be connected, which has led to a rapid increase in electrical cables and / or wiring harnesses in order to provide electrical connections. In its simplest form, a grommet is a tube or ring through which a cable is passed. Grommets are usually inserted into a hole in some material, such as, for example, a vehicle's bulkhead, in order to protect the cable passing therethrough, improve friction or seal it from possible mechanical or chemical attack.

[0003] The ever-increasing demands on process quality, repeatability and production efficiency force the introduction of automation and improvement of production processes. Currently, the production process associated with the application of bulkhead buckles, for example, for vehicles, is one of the most complex, time-consuming and quality-critical steps associated with the construction of electrical harnesses. It is cumbersome and requires a lot of time and effort from the operator.

[0004] In view of the foregoing, it is necessary to improve the buckle. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome some or all of the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, an improved buckle is provided which allows cables and / or harnesses with connectors to be easily received and guided therethrough in a flexible manner. Other objects which may be overcome by the present invention are to reduce the burden on the production line operator by reducing or eliminating all difficult and cumbersome steps in the process for producing the harness and / or to provide an opportunity to automate the process of building the harness (e.g., by allowing the connectors to be assembled before the harness is placed in the buckle).

[0006] This object is at least partially achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims, and a person skilled in the art will find indications of further suitable aspects of the invention from the overall disclosure of the application.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a buckle for receiving a cable such as a wiring harness of a vehicle. The buckle comprises a sleeve body made of a flexible material, the sleeve body having two opposite openings, wherein at least one opening has a propeller-shaped (hereinafter also referred to as "propeller-shaped") cross-sectional shape as seen in an axial insertion direction under an unloaded condition.

[0008] Typically, the buckle has two opposing openings for inserting the cable, wherein at least one of the openings has a size such that the opening portion is tightly wrapped around the inserted cable(s) to achieve a better sealing engagement. Thus, under no-load conditions, the opening has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the cable to be inserted. Due to the flexibility of the buckle material, the opening is stretched when the cable is inserted.

[0009] The standard grommet material currently used in, for example, the automotive industry can be stretched up to 400%. The inventive design of the propeller-shaped opening allows the clearance of the grommet to be significantly increased without the need to stretch the material, since the propeller-shaped opening can be expanded, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening for receiving (one or more) cables or harnesses. This makes it possible, for example, to adjust the opening to cable / harness diameters even exceeding 50 mm and advantageously provides a simple way of assembly without the need to use great forces. This in turn eliminates the risk of damage to the grommet material and the components received by the grommet. The solution allows the current size of the mounting opening to be maintained or made smaller, while allowing the use of harnesses with much larger diameters than in the prior art.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the propeller shape includes at least two blade portions. The blade portions preferably allow the opening to be expanded, thereby increasing the free and available cross-sectional area when inserting components. The opening can be increased compared to the substantially circular opening of the prior art without having to stretch the material. However, those skilled in the art will understand that stretching of the material is also desirable for the present invention because it improves or enables the sealing engagement of the buckle with the inserted component. However, the structural shape of the propeller-shaped opening provides an additional method of increasing the free cross-sectional area (i.e., the available, unobstructed area into which components such as cables can be inserted).

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the propeller shape comprises at least three blade sections, preferably exactly four blade sections.

[0012] By increasing the number of blade sections, the free cross-sectional area in the deployed state can be increased. Furthermore, when the propeller shape is deployed, the closer the cross-sectional area of ​​the deployed shape is to a circle, the greater the number of propeller blades. This advantageously facilitates the insertion of the component into the sleeve body of the buckle.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the blade portion is curved. The provision of a blade portion with a curvature increases the flexibility of the device. In other words, the curvature facilitates the opening and increases the free cross-sectional area that can be achieved.

[0014] More preferably, the blade portion has a convex edge and an opposite concave edge. These shapes facilitate the development of the propeller shape and increase the free cross-sectional area.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the propeller shape includes a central hub portion and blades extending radially outwardly from the central hub portion.

[0016] The central hub portion facilitates the initial insertion of components through the buckle and also provides the possibility of providing a relatively large free cross-sectional area in the folded condition. A person skilled in the art will understand that the folded condition is the initial default configuration of the buckle when no external force is applied to the buckle. Therefore, in this specification, the term "unloaded condition" is also used as a synonym for "folded condition".

[0017] Preferably, the sleeve body has an axial extension and comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a propeller-shaped cross-sectional shape as seen in the axial insertion direction and the second portion preferably has a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0018] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the sleeve body of the buckle extends axially in the direction of insertion of a component such as a cable or wiring harness. The total axial extension of the sleeve body is from one opening to the other opening. It is generally preferred that the propeller shape is not only provided in the opening itself, but that the sleeve body itself has a propeller-shaped cross-sectional shape over a considerable part of its total length. Therefore, the cross-section of the sleeve body is not the same over the entire length of the sleeve body, but different parts have different cross-sections, in particular the second part is circular and the first part is propeller-shaped. Preferably, there is a short transition area between the first part and the second part, where the propeller shape merges with the circular shape of the second part.

[0019] Preferably, the opening opposite to the propeller-shaped opening has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. More preferably, the circular opening has a larger diameter and / or a larger free cross-sectional area than the opposite opening, so that the buckle tapers from one opening to the other propeller-shaped opening. This tapered shape facilitates the insertion of the component from the circular opening to the opposite propeller-shaped opening.

[0020] In this context, it is preferred that the first portion has an extension of at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80% of the total axial length of the sleeve body.

[0021] By extending the cross-sectional shape of the propeller form along most of the axial length of the sleeve body, the deployment of the propeller shape is facilitated. In addition, by having a large part of the sleeve body have a propeller-shaped cross section, the insertion of the component into the buckle is facilitated as a whole, because the advantageous effects of the propeller shape can be used for a larger part of the sleeve body.

[0022] Preferably, the first portion has an extension of at most 95%, preferably at most 90%, more preferably at most 80% of the total axial length of the sleeve body. Although it is advantageous that the propeller-shaped cross section is provided over a considerable length of the sleeve body, it is preferred that it does not extend over the entire length, but that the second portion, which preferably has a circular cross section, also has a certain minimum extension. Thus, an optimized cross section can be selected for the two openings of the respective sleeve body of the buckle. For example, advantageously, a relatively large and circular opening can be used on the insertion side of the buckle, while the portion of the sleeve body behind the insertion side opening correspondingly uses a propeller-shaped cross section as the opposite opening. Thus, the initial insertion of the component through the buckle is facilitated.

[0023] Preferably, the first portion starts from the propeller-shaped opening and extends in a direction opposite to the opening of the sleeve body.

[0024] As also mentioned above, it is preferred that the propeller-shaped cross section is not only provided at one of the openings, but that the sleeve body itself has a propeller-shaped cross section over a considerable axial length thereof. Most preferably, the propeller-shaped cross section starts at one opening and extends a certain length towards the opposite opening, as described above. At a certain point, the propeller-shaped cross section merges into a different cross section, in particular a circular cross section, which can then form the opposite opening of the corresponding sleeve body of the buckle.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion preferably increases steadily from the propeller-shaped opening in a direction towards the opposite opening of the sleeve body.

[0026] It is generally preferred that the sleeve body tapers from one opening to the other, in particular from one opening to an opening having a propeller-shaped cross section. In embodiments where the propeller-shaped cross section extends over a considerable length of the sleeve body, it is also preferred that the overall shape of the sleeve body tapers from one end to the other, with the propeller-shaped opening being located at the end of the sleeve body where the diameter is smallest. It is further preferred that this increase in cross-sectional area from the smallest diameter to the largest diameter is steady, i.e. without any large steps or interruptions which could have a negative impact during the insertion of the component into the buckle.

[0027] Generally preferably, the open propeller shape is adapted to be deployed, with the cross-sectional area increasing in the deployed condition compared to the folded condition.

[0028] As described above, the folded configuration is the default configuration of the buckle when no external forces are acting on the buckle. Thus, the folded configuration is the buckle shape without external forces. Due to the specific shape of the propeller cross section, the free diameter can be increased by unfolding the propeller shape into a more circular cross-sectional shape without having to stretch the material (although the invention does not exclude stretching of the material, but if a tight seal between the buckle and the component is required, stretching the material is a desirable additional means to increase the free cross-sectional area and is essential).

[0029] Preferably, the open propeller shape has a folded cross-sectional area A in the folded (i.e. unloaded) condition, and a cross-sectional area in the unfolded condition of at least 1.5*A, more preferably at least 2*A, even more preferably at least 2.5*A, and most preferably at least 3*A, without stretching the material.

[0030] This means that in the fully unfolded but not stretched state, the free cross-sectional area is greater than the folded default configuration. For example, if the folded cross-sectional area A is 100 square millimeters, the unfolded configuration may be at least 150 square millimeters, more preferably at least 230 square millimeters, etc.

[0031] Preferably, the circumference of the propeller-shaped cross-section is substantially the same in the folded and unfolded configurations.

[0032] One advantage of the propeller shape is that the cross-sectional area is rather small compared to the circumference in the folded configuration. Thus, space can be saved if it is not needed. In the unfolded configuration, it is advantageous that the cross-sectional area is rather large compared to the circumference. Thus, cables requiring a larger volume can be received in an improved manner. Thus, since the circumference is maintained, the free cross-sectional area can be increased without stretching the material (e.g. from the folded to the unfolded configuration).

[0033] In all embodiments described herein, it is generally preferred that the flexible material is a polymer, preferably a rubber, in particular ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), or a rubber-like material, in particular TPE or TPU.

[0034] The advantage of a flexible material is that the collar can be easily stretched to a certain size (in addition to the increased free cross-sectional area due to the propeller shape), thus facilitating the insertion of one or more cables into it, especially if the cables have connectors attached. The advantage of rubber is that it is easy to purchase and is a cost-effective material. Thus, the manufacturing of the collar can be improved. In addition, it has proven to be beneficial to use a material that is already accepted in different industrial fields.

[0035] Preferably, the second part comprises a latch collar having a tapered surface and a flange for mounting the buckle in a mounting hole of the vehicle. The buckle can be mounted into a mounting hole of the vehicle, preferably a mounting hole in a partition wall or a firewall of the vehicle, by the latch collar by pushing the buckle into the mounting hole, wherein the tapered surface of the latch collar latches with the edge of the mounting hole. In the latched state, the flange abuts against a surface around the mounting hole, preferably a surface of a partition wall or a firewall.

[0036] Preferably, the latch collar further comprises a spring element for increasing the rigidity of the latch collar. The spring element increases the rigidity of the latch collar to increase the retention force of the installed buckle.

[0037] Preferably, the spring element is made of a metal or plastic material that is more rigid than the latch collar material. Thus, the spring element supports the latch collar without taking up too much space. In addition, the material of the latch collar and the material of the entire buckle itself can be very soft to improve the sealing performance and allow easy introduction of wire harnesses.

[0038] Preferably, the latch collar further comprises an annular stiffness improving section opposite to the tapered surface, wherein the stiffness improving section is integral with the latch collar and comprises a wall portion and a hollow portion. The stiffness improving section also increases the stiffness of the latch collar, but is advantageously made of the same material as the latch collar and the entire buckle. The wall portion supports the latch collar from the inside, and the hollow portion provides the flexibility required for the second part to be mounted on the buckle.

[0039] Preferably, the wall portions extend in the axial direction and are arranged in an annular shape around the stiffness-improving section in a harmonica-like manner. The wall portions arranged in the harmonica-like manner have a triangular cross-section around the hollow portion. This arrangement provides an optimized relationship between stiffness and elasticity of the second part for mounting the buckle.

[0040] Preferably, in other embodiments, the wall portion extends in the axial direction and has a hollow circular or elliptical cross section. Other shapes for the wall portion and the hollow portion are also possible and are conducive to increasing the latching force of the latching collar.

[0041] Preferably, the buckle further comprises an annular plastic clip arranged at the second portion for mounting the buckle in a mounting hole of the vehicle, wherein the plastic clip comprises a clip element extending radially outwardly for latching with the mounting hole of the vehicle. The annular plastic clip can replace the latch collar to further improve the latching force, because the plastic clip can be made of a harder material than the latch collar.

[0042] Preferably, the plastic clip consists of two clip pieces having a snap-lock connection element for locking the two clip pieces together when the plastic clip is mounted to the second part. The two-piece arrangement of the plastic clip enables the plastic clip to be easily mounted to the second part P2.

[0043] Preferably, in another embodiment, the plastic clip is partially overmolded by the latch collar, wherein the clip element is not overmolded. Thus, the latching force of the latch collar can be increased by the integrated plastic clip with free clip element.

[0044] Preferably, the sleeve body also includes a third portion extending in an axial direction from the second portion opposite to the first portion. The third portion can also be used to support and / or install cables or wiring harnesses on the opposite side of the first portion, i.e. the other side of the bulkhead or fire wall of the vehicle.

[0045] Preferably, the third portion has a substantially circular cross-section and comprises an axial groove. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] FIG. 1 : shows a buckle according to the prior art in a partial side perspective view.

[0048] FIG. 2 : shows the prior art buckle of FIG. 1 in a top view.

[0049] Figure 3 : A first embodiment of a buckle according to the present invention is shown in a three-dimensional view.

[0050] Figure 4 : Shown in top view Figure 3 The buckle.

[0051] Figure 5 : Shows Figure 4 The arrow indicates the stretching direction.

[0052] Figure 6 : Shows Figure 4 , with the arrow indicating the direction of expansion.

[0053] Figure 7 : shows a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of a buckle according to the present invention.

[0054] Figure 8 : Shown from different perspectives Figure 7 3D view of the middle buckle.

[0055] Fig.9A : Shows Figure 7 A cut-away side view of a buckle.

[0056] Fig. 9B : Shows Fig.9A Detailed view of the embodiment of the present invention showing the mounting area of ​​the buckle in more detail.

[0057] Fig.10 : shows a three-dimensional view of a third embodiment of a buckle according to the present invention.

[0058] Fig.11 : Shown from different perspectives Fig.10 3D view of the middle buckle.

[0059] Fig.12 : Shows Fig.10 Axial cross-sectional view of the buckle.

[0060] Fig.13A : Shows Fig.10 A cut-away side view of a buckle.

[0061] Fig. 13B : Shows Fig.10 A three-dimensional detailed cross-sectional view of a buckle showing the mounting area of ​​the buckle in greater detail.

[0062] Fig.14 : shows a three-dimensional view of a fourth embodiment of a buckle according to the present invention.

[0063] Fig.15 : Shown from different perspectives Fig.14 3D view of the middle buckle.

[0064] Fig.16 : Shows Fig.14 Detailed 3D view of the center buckle showing the connection area of ​​the two-piece annular plastic clip.

[0065] Fig.17 : Shows Fig.14 Axial cross-sectional view of the buckle.

[0066] Fig.18A : Shows Fig.14 A cut-away side view of a buckle.

[0067] Fig.18B : Shows Fig.14 Detailed cross-sectional and side view of a buckle showing the mounting area of ​​the buckle in more detail.

[0068] Fig.19 : shows a three-dimensional view of a sixth embodiment of a buckle according to the present invention.

[0069] Fig. 20 : Shown from different perspectives Fig.19 3D view of the middle buckle.

[0070] Fig.21A : Shows Fig.19 A cut-away side view of a buckle.

[0071] Fig. 21B : Shows Fig.19 A three-dimensional detailed cross-sectional view of a buckle showing the mounting area of ​​the buckle in greater detail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The term "wiring harness" as used herein may also be referred to as a cable harness, a wire harness, a wire harness, a cable assembly, a wire assembly. The term may be understood as an assembly of cables or wires used to transmit signals or power. A wiring harness may include one or more cables / wires. The cables / wires may be bundled together.

[0073] As used herein, the term "stretching" in terms of a material may refer to the elongation of a material, causing the material to expand and / or stretch. As a result, stress is generated in the material. For example, if the material behaves according to a linear elastic stress-strain curve, the increase in stress is proportional to the strain, and vice versa. As used herein, "expanding" in terms of a material may refer to a change in the shape of a material, but without substantially causing stress.

[0074] In the following paragraphs, the present invention is described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that other embodiments are of course possible, and the following explanation is provided by way of example only and not by way of limitation. In the drawings and description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all embodiments. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and descriptions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

[0075] FIG. 1 shows a buckle 100 according to the prior art in a partial side perspective view. The buckle 100 has a sleeve body 102 made of a flexible material such as rubber, which has two opposite circular openings 104 and 106. It can be seen that the opening 106 has a much larger diameter than the opposite opening 104, and therefore a much larger free cross-sectional area. Therefore, the opening 106 is the insertion opening through which the component is inserted through the buckle 100. The sleeve body tapers from the opening 106 to the opening 104 along its axial direction. The axial direction is indicated by a dotted line, with the reference number x in FIG. 1. A person skilled in the art will understand that the axial direction is the insertion direction of the component.

[0076] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the prior art buckle of FIG. 1 , viewed from the opening 104 along the axial direction x.

[0077] Figure 3 A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective side view of a buckle 1. The buckle 1 comprises a sleeve body 2 of flexible material and has two opposite openings 6 and 4. The buckle 1 is shown in a folded, unloaded state without external forces acting. The opening 4 has a propeller-shaped cross-sectional shape when viewed in the axial direction.

[0078] from Figure 3It can also be seen in the perspective view of the sleeve body 2 that the sleeve body 2 has an axial extension and essentially comprises a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The first portion P1 has a propeller-shaped cross-sectional shape, and the second portion P2 has a circular cross-sectional shape. There is a transition portion 10 between the portions P1 and P2, in which the propeller shape merges with the circular shape of the second portion P2. Although the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, it can be seen from the figures that the first portion P1 is significantly larger than the second portion P2. In the embodiment shown, the first portion P1 has an extension of about 80% of the total length of the sleeve body 2 measured in the axial direction.

[0079] The first portion P1 starts from the opening 4 and extends in the direction of the opposite opening 6 of the sleeve body 2. From the perspective view, it can be seen that the overall shape of the buckle tapers from the opening 6 toward the opening 4. In the first portion P1, the sleeve body 2 has a propeller-shaped cross-sectional shape, and the cross-sectional area increases steadily from the axial opening 4 of the sleeve body 2 toward the opposite opening 6.

[0080] Figure 4 The view from the axial direction and from above the propeller-shaped opening 4 is shown. Figure 3 A top view of the middle buckle 1. It can be seen that the propeller-shaped opening 4 comprises a hub 16 from which four propeller blade sections 11, 12, 13 and 14 extend radially outwardly. The blade sections are curved, each having a convex edge 20 and an opposite concave edge 21 (in the figure, only one edge of a blade section 11 is marked with a reference numeral for improved clarity).

[0081] The propeller-shaped opening 4 has a peripheral edge 18. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the propeller shape can be developed by arranging the walls of the first portion P1 outwardly by pushing or pulling the peripheral edge wall 18 outwardly, respectively. In this case, for example Figure 4 The propeller shape visible in the figure will be transformed into a circle, thereby increasing the free cross-sectional area, without increasing the length of the periphery 18. In other words, the wall does not need to be stretched to increase the free cross-sectional area, but this can be achieved by deforming (unfolding) the propeller shape.

[0082] Obviously, since the material of the sleeve body 2 is flexible and preferably made of, for example, a rubber-like material, the material can also be stretched to further increase the free cross-sectional area, thereby allowing easy insertion of cables or wire harnesses of large diameter.

[0083] The stretching of the material can be accomplished by, for example, Figure 5 This is done by pulling the outer wall of the first portion in the direction indicated by the arrow. For example, by applying Figure 6 The rotational movement shown can achieve deformation or expansion of the propeller shape.

[0084] Figure 3An extension plate 19 extending from the edge of the propeller-shaped opening 4 of the first portion P1 in the axial direction x is further shown. As shown, preferably four extension plates 19 may be provided, wherein the number of extension plates 19 corresponds to the number of the four propeller blade portions 11, 12, 13 and 14. However, other numbers of extension plates 19 may also be used. The extension plates 19 are used to better seal or connect the buckle 1 to a wiring harness (not shown) inserted in the buckle by means of an adhesive tape. The adhesive tape (not shown) may be wrapped around the extension plates 19 so that the adhesive tape adheres well to the extension plates 19 and the adhesive tape adheres to the wiring harness in the area between the extension plates 19. Thus, an improved sealing of the buckle 1 to the wiring harness may be achieved.

[0085] Figures 7 to 9B A buckle 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The buckle 1 of the second embodiment basically corresponds to the buckle 1 of the first embodiment, but also includes a third part P3, which extends from a second part P2 opposite to the first part P1 in an axial direction x. The third part P3 is used to support and / or install cables or wiring harnesses on the opposite side of the first part P1, that is, on the other side of the vehicle's bulkhead or fire wall (not shown). The third part P3 has a substantially circular cross-section and includes an axial groove 60. In addition, the third part P3 tapers towards its opening 62. Preferably, the third part is made integral with the first part P1 and the second part P2, and is made of the same elastic material as the sleeve body 2.

[0086] In addition, the second embodiment of the Figures 7 to 9B More details of the second part P2 are shown, which is the mounting part of the buckle 1. The elements of the second part P2 of the second and further embodiments may also be present in the first embodiment. The second part P2 comprises a latching collar 23 with a tapered surface 22 and a flange 30 for mounting the buckle 1 in the mounting hole. The tapered surface 22 tapers in the axial direction x and has a smaller diameter towards the propeller-shaped opening 4 and a larger diameter towards the flange 30. Therefore, when the buckle 1 is inserted into the corresponding mounting hole, the latching collar 23 latches with the edge of the mounting hole, and the flange 30 abuts against the edge of the mounting hole from the other side. Thereby, the latching collar 23 and the flange 30 form an annular gap 40 for the wall of the mounting hole (not shown). Therefore, the buckle 1 is firmly held at the mounting hole of the partition or fire wall (not shown).

[0087] In order to increase the holding force of the buckle 1, the latch collar 23 further comprises a spring element 24. The spring element 24 is arranged at the latch collar 23 to increase the rigidity of the latch collar 23. Fig. 9B As particularly shown in FIG. 2 , the spring element 24 is arranged at the inner diameter of the latch collar 23 below the tapered surface 22 .

[0088] The spring element 24 is preferably a flat annular element. It is made of metal or plastic material, and its rigidity is higher than the material of the latch collar 23 to improve the rigidity of the entire latch collar 23.

[0089] The flange 30 is preferably annular and made integrally with the sleeve body 2 from the same material. During the insertion of the buckle 1 into the mounting hole, the flange 30 prevents further movement of the buckle 1 in the assembly direction, which corresponds to the axial direction x. Preferably, the flange 30 and the latch collar 23 generate a pressure therebetween to keep the edge of the mounting hole without significant gaps. To this end, the flange 30 preferably includes a sealing or compensating ring or rib 32, which can be slightly compressed after installation to compensate for any material tolerances. In addition, the flange 30 can include an inner lip 34, which seals the buckle 1 relative to the inner diameter of the mounting hole. In addition, the flange 30 can include an outer lip 36, which seals the buckle 1 relative to the side of the mounting wall.

[0090] Figures 10 to 13B A buckle 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The buckle 1 of the third embodiment basically corresponds to the buckle 1 of the second embodiment, but it comprises an annular stiffness-improving section 26 instead of a spring element 24 to increase the stiffness of the latch collar 23. The stiffness-improving section 26 is arranged at the latch collar 23 opposite to the conical surface 22. The stiffness-improving section 26 is integral with the latch collar 23, so it is made of the same material and can be manufactured in the same manufacturing step. Therefore, no additional spring element is required to increase the holding force of the latch collar 23. In the third embodiment shown, the stiffness-improving section 26 comprises a wall portion 27 and a hollow portion 28. The wall portion 27 extends in the axial direction x and is arranged in an annular shape around the stiffness-improving section 26 in a harmonica-like manner, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 and Fig. 13B shown.

[0091] As an alternative to a flat wall portion 27 in a harmonica arrangement, other hollow elements may be used to form the annular stiffness-improving section 26, such as a series of wall portions extending in the axial direction x and having a hollow circular or oval cross section.

[0092] Figures 14 to 18BA buckle 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown. The buckle 1 of the fourth embodiment corresponds substantially to the buckle 1 of the second and third embodiments, but it comprises an annular plastic clip 50 arranged at the second portion P2 instead of the spring element 24 or the annular stiffness improving section 26 to mount the buckle 1 in a mounting hole of a vehicle. The plastic clip 50 comprises a radially outwardly extending clip element 52 for latching with the mounting hole of the vehicle. The clip element 52 comprises an inclined surface 53 which allows clamping with the edge of the mounting hole (not shown). The plastic clip 50 can be made of a more rigid plastic material than the sleeve body 2 to achieve a more reliable latching with the mounting hole.

[0093] Preferably, the plastic clip 50 is a two-piece element to facilitate mounting the plastic clip 50 to the second portion P2 of the buckle 1. The plastic clip 50 is composed of two clip pieces 54, 56 having a snap-lock connection element 58 for locking the two clip pieces 54, 56 together when the plastic clip 50 is mounted to the second portion P2.

[0094] like Fig.18B As specifically shown in FIG. 5 , the clamping element 52 may further include a centering extension 55 , which extends substantially in the axial direction and is used to center the buckle 1 in the mounting hole.

[0095] Furthermore, the plastic clip 50 comprises an annular ridge 57 on its inner side, which extends into the annular groove at the second portion P2 for holding the plastic clip 50 in place.

[0096] Figures 19 to 21B A buckle 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown. The buckle 1 of the fourth embodiment corresponds essentially to the buckle 1 of the second and third embodiments, but it comprises, instead of the spring element 24 or the annular stiffness-improving section 26, another annular plastic clip 50 which is partially overmolded by the latch collar 23, wherein at least the clip element 52 protrudes from the latch collar 23. Since the annular plastic clip 50 is partially overmolded by the latch collar 21, the plastic clip 50 is inserted into the mold of the buckle 1 before injection molding. Therefore, no further assembly steps are required to integrate the plastic clip 50.

[0097] In this fifth embodiment, the plastic clip 50 is preferably a one-piece element. The non-overmolded plastic clip element 52 increases the latching force of the latch collar 23.

[0098] Reference numerals list

[0099] 1 Buckle

[0100] 2 Sleeve body

[0101] 4 First opening

[0102] 6 Second opening

[0103] 10 Transition

[0104] 11,12,13,14 propeller blade part

[0105] 18 weeks

[0106] 19 Extension plate

[0107] 20 convex edge

[0108] 21 Concave Edge

[0109] 22 Conical outer surface

[0110] 23 Latch collar

[0111] 24 Spring elements

[0112] 26 annular plastic segments

[0113] 27 Wall part

[0114] 28 Hollow part

[0115] 30 Flange

[0116] 32 Seal / Compensation Ring / Rib

[0117] 34 Inner lip

[0118] 40 Clearance for mounting holes

[0119] 50 plastic clips

[0120] 60 slots

[0121] 62 openings

[0122] 100 Prior Art Buckle

[0123] 102 sleeve body

[0124] 104 Circular opening

[0125] 106 Circular opening

[0126] P1 Part 1

[0127] P2 Part 2

[0128] P3 Part 3

Claims

1. A buckle (1) for receiving a cable such as a wiring harness of a vehicle, the buckle (1) comprising: A sleeve body (2) made of a flexible material, the sleeve body having two opposite openings (4; 6)， The invention is characterized in that the first opening (4) has a propeller-shaped cross-sectional shape when viewed along the axial insertion direction in a no-load state.

2. The buckle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The propeller shape comprises at least two blade sections (11, 12, 13, 14) or at least three blade sections, preferably exactly four blade sections (11, 12, 13, 14).

3. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sleeve body (2) has an axial extension and comprises a first portion (P1) and a second portion (P2), wherein, viewed from the axial insertion direction, the first portion (P1) has a propeller-shaped cross-sectional shape and the second portion preferably has a circular cross-sectional shape.

4. The buckle (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first portion (P1) has an extension of at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80% of the total axial length of the sleeve body (2).

5. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The propeller shape of the opening (4) is suitable for unfolding, wherein the propeller shape of the opening (4) has a folded cross-sectional area A in a folded state, i.e. in a no-load state, and in an unfolded state, without stretching the material, has a cross-sectional area of ​​at least 1.5*A, preferably at least 2*A, more preferably at least 2.5*A, and most preferably at least 3*A.

6. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second part (P2) comprises a latch collar (23) having a tapered surface (22) and a flange (30) for mounting the buckle (1) in a mounting hole of a vehicle.

7. The buckle (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The latch collar (23) also includes a spring element (24) for increasing the stiffness of the latch collar (23).

8. The buckle (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The spring element (24) is made of a metal or plastic material that is more rigid than the material of the latch collar (23).

9. The buckle (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The latch collar (23) further comprises an annular stiffness-improving section (26) opposite to the conical surface (22), wherein the stiffness-improving section (26) is integrally formed with the latch collar (23) and comprises a wall portion (27) and a hollow portion (28).

10. The buckle (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The wall portion (27) extends in the axial direction and is arranged in an annular shape around the stiffness-improving section (26) in a harmonica-like manner.

11. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It also includes an annular plastic clip (50, 51) arranged at the second part (P2) for installing the buckle (1) in a mounting hole of a vehicle, wherein the plastic clip (50, 51) includes a clip element (52) extending radially to the outside for latching with the mounting hole of the vehicle.

12. The buckle (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that: The plastic clip (50) consists of two clip pieces (54, 56) having a snap-lock connection element (58) for locking the two clip pieces (54, 56) together during mounting of the plastic clip (50) to the second part (P2).

13. The buckle (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that: The plastic clip (51) is partially over-molded by the latch collar (23), wherein the clip element (52) is not over-molded.

14. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sleeve body further comprises a third portion (P3) extending from the second portion (P2) opposite to the first portion (P1) in an axial direction (x).

15. The buckle (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that: The third portion (P3) has a substantially circular cross section and comprises an axial groove (60).

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