Cable grommet

Abstract

According to the invention, a cable grommet comprising two identical support bodies is provided. Each carrier body comprises an approximately funnel-shaped base body formed from a soft part and a clamping element formed from a hard part, the carrier bodies being connectable to one another along a connection surface by means of the clamping element in order to form the cable grommet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable grommets, particularly cable grommets for sealing one or more cables in a cable strand against a support component (e.g., a motor vehicle). Background Technology

[0002] Use cable grommets to abut against support components, especially one or more cables in a sealed cable strand in a motor vehicle.

[0003] Cable grommets are typically formed integrally from a flexible component and include a through opening extending in the installation direction for sealing abutting against one or more cables in a cable strand.

[0004] Figures 1(a) to (c) show examples of well-known cable loops, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) and (c) are cross-sectional views. As shown in Figure 1, these cable loops are mostly one-piece or integral designs. To place such a cable loop on one or more cables in a cable strand, it is necessary to interrupt automated production and / or installation processes to pass one or more cables through the corresponding through-hole of the cable loop, or to place the cable loop on one or more cables. This requires time and additional resources. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an easy-to-install cable grommets.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cable loop that offers an alternative to cable loops known in the prior art.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cable loop that is simple in construction and safe and reliable in operation.

[0008] One or more of these objectives are achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous constructions are specifically described in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0009] According to the present invention, a cable loop comprising two identical carriers is provided. Each carrier includes...

[0010] A nearly funnel-shaped substrate formed by soft components, and

[0011] Clamping elements formed from rigid components,

[0012] The carrier can be connected to each other along the connection surface by means of the clamping element in order to form the cable loop.

[0013] The inventors of this invention have discovered that by providing a two-part cable loop constructed according to the invention, it can be arranged on one or more cables in a cable strand without interrupting the corresponding manufacturing and / or installation process.

[0014] Therefore, during the automation process, since the cable loop according to the invention is formed by two identical carriers that can be connected to each other, the cable loop can be placed on one or more cables in the cable strands at any desired location without interrupting the process.

[0015] In particular, the present invention is characterized in that the cable loop is formed from two identical carriers, so that only a single tool is needed to manufacture the two carriers. This can significantly reduce manufacturing costs.

[0016] Furthermore, this two-part cable loop provides an alternative to cable loops known in the prior art.

[0017] The cable loop according to the invention is also very simple in design, because two carriers can be easily connected to each other by means of clamping elements. Therefore, assembly does not require special tools or knowledge.

[0018] The substrate may include a funnel-shaped portion, wherein an annular disc-shaped flange portion extending generally orthogonal to the mounting direction is molded on the flared end of the funnel-shaped portion, and wherein a tangential circumferential sealing element extending in the mounting direction for sealing against a support member is molded on the flange portion.

[0019] The sealing element can preferably be constructed as an O-ring.

[0020] It is possible to seal the cable loop against the support component using a sealing element.

[0021] O-ring sealing elements are preferred, but sealing elements constructed in different ways, such as sealing lips, can also be provided.

[0022] A tangential circumferential lip-shaped cover portion extending generally in the mounting direction and formed by a rigid component may be provided in the edge region of the flange portion to protect the sealing element when the cable loop is impacted by water during operation or during the corresponding pressure washer test.

[0023] Therefore, a cover is provided to prevent water from seeping into the cable loops from the outside, and thus also to prevent water from seeping into the corresponding support components where the cable loops are arranged. In particular, the cover meets the requirements for corresponding pressure water testing.

[0024] The cover portion can protrude orthogonally to the installation direction on the side of the connecting surface opposite to the substrate, and offset from the substrate by the same length on the other side of the connecting surface, such that the separation plane of the cover portion is radially offset from the separation plane of the sealing element, so that the cover portion covers the interface of the sealing element.

[0025] Because the cover portion is offset relative to the separation plane of the sealing element or arranged to overlap with it, water seepage into the cable loop according to the invention is prevented even more safely and reliably, since the separation planes of the cover portion and the sealing element are offset from each other. This makes it more difficult for water to seep into the cable loop.

[0026] In addition, the cover portion can be a component of the clamping element, or it can be integrally connected to the clamping element.

[0027] At the free end of the clamping element extending orthogonally to the mounting direction, the clamping element may include latching members configured to correspond to each other.

[0028] The two carriers can be easily and reliably connected to the cable grommets via the snap fasteners of the clamping elements.

[0029] In addition, the base formed by the soft component can withstand compressive forces, for example, acting in the radial direction, so as to seal the two carriers together.

[0030] The connecting surfaces of the substrate may include a first connecting surface forming a groove and a second connecting surface forming a spring, the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface being configured to engage with each other accordingly.

[0031] Grooved and spring-shaped connecting surfaces allow two carriers to be sealed together, especially by overlapping.

[0032] The spring on the first connecting surface may be slightly larger than the groove on the second connecting surface, so that the two carriers can be sealed together by means of a press fit.

[0033] Alternatively, the spring on the first connecting surface may have a protruding lip, and the groove on the second connecting surface may have a corresponding recess, so that the two carriers can be sealed together by means of a form fit.

[0034] Advantageously, the groove of the second connecting surface can be formed by a clamping element combined with the base, and the spring of the first connecting surface can be formed by a clamping element.

[0035] Alternatively, the first and second connecting surfaces may be configured to correspond to each other, and the connection may or may not be made using adhesives.

[0036] The additional adhesion to the sealing surfaces ensures better sealing and retention of the two carriers of the cable grommets throughout their service life.

[0037] In addition, a latching element extending in the installation direction can be arranged on the clamping element to connect a cable loop to the wall defining the through opening of the support member.

[0038] In addition, in order to abut against the cable seal, the end opposite the flared end of the substrate is configured to be generally conical in the installation direction, wherein this area is referred to as the cable seal portion, and wherein the cable seal portion may optionally be wrapped with tape, particularly tape for sealing abutment on the cable, wherein beaded portions may optionally be molded on the free end of the cable seal portion to secure the tape to prevent slippage, and / or a snap-fit ​​connection may be provided in this area.

[0039] With the help of the above-mentioned equipment, the sealing of the cable sealing part by one or more cables in the cable strand can be significantly improved and increased.

[0040] In addition, according to the present invention, a method for manufacturing the cable loop as described above is provided. The cable loop can preferably be made from a hard component and a soft component by means of a two-part injection molding process, particularly in a single manufacturing apparatus.

[0041] For example, the two carriers of the cable loop according to the invention can be made of two different plastics, or made of soft and hard parts in a single manufacturing device.

[0042] As a hardware component, for example, PA or PA66 can be provided.

[0043] As a software component, it can be provided, for example, as TPE, TPV, or TPS.

[0044] In addition, according to the present invention, a method for installing a cable loop according to the present invention is provided, wherein, in an automated process for producing cable strands, the cable loop can be connected to the cable strands at almost any point in time by arranging and subsequently connecting a carrier of the cable loop on both sides. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The invention will now be described in more detail based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate:

[0046] Figure 1 is a diagram of a known example of a cable loop, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) and (c) are cross-sectional views;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective side view of the carrier of a cable loop according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3This is another schematic perspective front view of the carrier of the cable loop according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of the carrier of a first embodiment of the cable loop according to the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5 It is the latching pin of the latching element arranged on the clamping element and Figure 2 A schematic perspective detail of the grooved connection surface of the cable loop shown for connecting two carriers;

[0051] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the spring-shaped connecting surface of the cable loop shown in the figure being arranged on the snap-on receiver of the clamping element;

[0052] Figure 7 This is another schematic perspective view of the grooved connection surface of the carrier;

[0053] Figure 8 This is another schematic perspective detail of the interface between the covering portion and its carrier according to the present invention;

[0054] Figure 9 This is a representation of a second (preferred) embodiment of the cable loop according to the invention before assembly, wherein (a) is a schematic perspective view and (b) is a top plan view;

[0055] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The carrier of the cable loop, wherein (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a top view;

[0056] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic perspective detail of the carrier, wherein (a) is a grooved connecting surface and a snap pin, (b) is a spring-shaped connecting surface and a snap receiver, (c) is a fastening buckle, (d) is a snap receiver and a cover portion, (e) is a spring with protrusions / lips arranged on the spring-shaped connecting surface, and (f) is a groove with recesses arranged on the grooved connecting surface.

[0057] Figure 12 It is a schematic perspective representation of (a) a matrix formed of a soft material and (b) a clamping element formed of a hard material, and

[0058] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 Schematic perspective cross-sectional views of the carrier (a) along the AA cross-section and (b) along the BB cross-section. Detailed Implementation

[0059] A first example of the cable loop 10 according to the invention is formed by two identical or identical carriers 12. Figures 2 to 8 Cable grommets 10 are provided for receiving one or more cables from a cable strand (not shown) so that they can be arranged in a sealed manner in a support member (not shown) (e.g., a motor vehicle).

[0060] The two carriers 12 are therefore constructed as half-shells, which can be connected to each other to form cable loops 10.

[0061] The carrier 12 includes an approximately funnel-shaped base 14 formed of soft components and a clamping element 16 formed of hard components. The two carriers 12 can be sealed to each other along the connection surface 18 by means of the clamping element 16 to completely form the cable loop 10.

[0062] The substrate 14 includes a funnel-shaped portion 20. The funnel-shaped portion 20 includes a flared end 22.

[0063] An annular disc-shaped flange portion 26, extending approximately orthogonally to the mounting direction 24, is molded onto the flared end 22. The flange portion 26, being a component of the base 14, is therefore also formed of a soft component, wherein a tangential circumferential sealing element 28 extending in the mounting direction 24 is molded onto the flange portion 26. The sealing element 28 is constructed as an O-ring seal, and therefore has an approximately circular cross-section (similar to a sealing bead), at least in the region adjacent to the support component.

[0064] The clamping element 16, formed by a rigid component, includes a flange portion corresponding to the flange portion 26 of the base 14. The flange portion includes a lip-shaped cover portion 30 that extends tangentially circumferentially over the outer edge region and generally in the mounting direction 24, and is formed by the rigid component. The lip-shaped cover portion is configured to protect the sealing element 28 when the cable loop 1 is subjected to water impact, for example, during a pressure washer test.

[0065] The cover portion 30 is preferably integrally connected to the clamping element 16, or is an integral part of the clamping element 16. The cover portion 30 is configured to protrude orthogonally to the mounting direction 24 on the first side of the connecting surface 18 opposite to the base 14. Figure 3 and Figure 8 Conversely, on the other second side of the connecting surface 18, the covering portion 30 is offset from the base 14 by the same length. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0066] In this manner, the corresponding separation surface or interface 32 of the covering portion 30 is offset tangentially or radially from the separation line or surface 34 of the sealing element 28, so that the covering portion 30 covers the interface 34 of the sealing element 28.

[0067] At the free end of the clamping element 16 extending orthogonally to the assembly direction 24, the clamping element 16 includes latching members 36 configured to correspond to each other. The latching element 36 includes a latching pin, a strip or ridge 36a, and a correspondingly formed latching receiver 36b. The latching receiver 36b is also provided with latching teeth (not shown, but see [reference needed]) to secure the latching pin 36a. Figure 11 (Second exemplary implementations in (c), (d), and (e)).

[0068] Since the base 14 is formed of a soft component, it can also be specified that, in the connected state, the clamping element 16 impacts the two bases 14 with a compressive force acting, for example, in the radial direction inward, so as to seal the two connecting surfaces 18 together.

[0069] At the free end of the base 14 extending in an orthogonal direction, the connecting surface 18 includes a first grooved connecting surface 38, and at the other end includes a corresponding spring-like connecting surface 40. The grooved connecting surface 38 and the spring-like connecting surface 40 can be configured to fit precisely so that they can be connected in a sealing manner by means of the clamping element 16.

[0070] Alternatively, it may be specified that the spring of the first spring-shaped connecting surface 40 has a slightly larger size than the groove of the second groove-shaped connecting surface 38, so that the two carriers 12 can be sealed to each other by means of this press fit.

[0071] Alternatively, the spring on the first connecting surface 40 may have a slightly smaller size relative to the groove on the second connecting surface 38. It is then specified that the two connecting surfaces 38, 40 are further connected by an adhesive so that the two carriers 12 can be sealed together.

[0072] The clamping element 16 extends tangentially circumferentially around the base 14 in a semi-shell manner, wherein the clamping element 16 of the first embodiment of the invention is configured in a strip manner to connect two latching elements 36 (i.e., latching pin 36a and latching receiver 36b) to each other.

[0073] In addition, one, two, three or more fastening latches 42 extending in the installation direction 24 are molded onto the clamping element 16 to connect the cable loop 10 to the wall defining the through opening of the support member.

[0074] The cable sealing portion 44 is located at the end opposite to the flared end 22 of the base 14. The cable sealing portion 44, used for sealing abutting one or more cables, is configured to be approximately conical in the installation direction 24. The conical cable sealing portion 44 can be sufficient on its own to seal abutting one or more cables.

[0075] To further improve the sealing effect relative to one or more cables, it may be specified that a strip is radially and circumferentially provided on the outer side of the cable sealing portion 44, particularly by means of tape wrapping.

[0076] In addition, the bead-shaped portion may be molded onto the free end of the cable sealing portion 44 (not shown, but see [reference]). Figure 10 In the second embodiment, the corresponding belt or tape is positioned to prevent slippage during its service life.

[0077] In addition and / or alternatively, the two halves of the base 14 in the region of the cable sealing portion 44 may also include corresponding snap fasteners to improve the sealing effect and / or connect the two halves of the cable loop 10 and / or the two carriers 12 to each other.

[0078] The preferred second embodiment 100 of the present invention is in Figures 9 to 13 The basic features shown are those corresponding to the first embodiment. The relevant differences are described in further detail below.

[0079] Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b) shows two identical carriers 102 of the cable loop 100 before assembly onto a cable or cable strand, i.e., the two base halves 102 are still arranged separately and opposite each other. In each case, the carrier includes a base 104 formed of a soft material (e.g., an elastomer) and a clamping element 106 formed of a hard material (e.g., a thermoplastic, such as polyamide), which partially surrounds the base 104 and is partially penetrated by the base in an engaging manner.

[0080] For example, from Figure 10 It can be seen that, compared with the first implementation scheme (see...) Figure 2In contrast, the clamping element 106 extends axially toward the distal end (i.e., toward the conical end). The axially extending clamping element 106, together with the soft substrate 104, forms a groove-shaped connecting surface 128 and a spring-shaped connecting surface 130 in each case. The groove-shaped connecting surface 128 includes a groove 136 formed by an inner edge 138 of the substrate 104 projecting orthogonally to the mounting direction 114 and an outer edge 140 of the clamping element 106 projecting orthogonally to the mounting direction 114, wherein the outer edge 140 projects orthogonally to the mounting direction 114 relative to the inner edge 138. An edge region of the clamping element 106 forms a spring 142 on the spring-shaped connecting surface 130 corresponding to the groove 136. The spring 142 is subjected to impacts on the inner and outer sides, wherein the inner edge 144 and the outer edge 146 of the substrate 104 are offset orthogonally to the mounting direction 114, respectively. The offset of the corresponding inner edge 144 and outer edge 146 of the substrate 104 corresponds to the protruding offset between the inner edge 138 and outer edge 140 of the groove 136 of the groove-shaped connecting surface 128.

[0081] In the example shown here (see Figure 11 and Figure 13 The spring 142 includes a longitudinally oriented protruding lip 148 that can engage in a form-fitting manner with a corresponding recess 150 arranged longitudinally on the inner side of the outer edge of the groove 136.

[0082] Due to the corresponding offset edges of the connecting surfaces 128 and 130 to be connected, the combination of the soft substrate 104 and the hard clamping element 106 used to form the groove-shaped connecting surface 128 and the spring-shaped connecting surface 130, as well as the additionally arranged lip 148 and corresponding recess 150, the sealing quality and holding force of the connection of the two-piece cable loop 100 are significantly improved when the two carriers 102 are combined together.

[0083] According to a first embodiment of the cable sling 10, in the second embodiment 100, the clamping element 106 extends tangentially circumferentially around the base 104 in a semi-shell manner, wherein a latching element 126 is formed at the free end, each latching element having a latching pin 126a and a latching receiver 126b (see [link]). Figure 11 The latch receiver also includes latch teeth 126c that lock the latch pin 126a in the connected state.

[0084] In addition, one, two, three or more resiliently deflectable fastening latches 132 extending in the mounting direction 114 are molded onto the clamping element 106 to connect the cable loop 100 to the wall defining the through opening of the support element.

[0085] A cable sealing portion 134 is disposed at one end opposite to the flared end 112 of the substrate 104. The cable sealing portion 134, used for sealing abutment against one or more cables, is configured to be approximately conical in the mounting direction 114. The conical cable sealing portion 134 can be sufficient alone to seal abutment against one or more cables. To further improve the corresponding sealing effect with respect to one or more cables, a strip, particularly wrapped with adhesive tape, may be provided radially and circumferentially on the outer side of the cable sealing portion 134. In the second embodiment, at the free end of the cable sealing portion 134, a beaded portion or beaded section 152 is further molded to prevent the corresponding strip or tape from slipping during its service life. To improve the adaptability of the soft substrate 104 to various diameters of cables or cable strands, the cable sealing portion 134 includes a groove 154 extending axially from the distal end to the beaded section 152.

[0086] In addition, according to the present invention, a method for manufacturing the cable loop as described above is provided. The cable loop can preferably be made from a hard component and a soft component by means of a two-part injection molding process, particularly in a single manufacturing apparatus.

[0087] For example, the two carriers of the cable loop according to the invention can be made of two different plastics, or made of soft and hard parts in a single manufacturing device.

[0088] As a hardware component, for example, PA or PA66 can be provided.

[0089] As a software component, it can be provided, for example, as TPE, TPV, or TPS.

[0090] The rigid component (clamping element 106) is also equipped with a hole in the flange portion (see...). Figure 12 (b)) such that the soft component (substrate 104) is connected to the hard component in a form-fit manner during manufacturing and the hard component is encapsulated on both sides.

[0091] In addition, according to the present invention, a method for installing cable loops 10, 100 according to the present invention is provided, wherein, in an automated process for producing cable strands, the cable loops 10, 100 can be connected to the cable strands at almost any point in time by arranging and subsequently connecting the carriers 12, 102 of the cable loops 10, 100 on both sides.

[0092] List of reference numerals

[0093]

[0094]

Claims

1. A cable loop comprising two identical carriers, each carrier including A nearly funnel-shaped substrate formed by soft components and clamping elements formed by hard components. The two carriers can be connected to each other along the connecting surface by means of the clamping element to form the cable loop.

2. The cable grommets according to claim 1, Its features The substrate includes a funnel-shaped portion, wherein an annular disc-shaped flange portion extending generally orthogonal to the mounting direction is molded on the flared end, and wherein a tangential circumferential sealing element extending in the mounting direction for sealing against a support member is molded on the flange portion, wherein the sealing element is preferably constructed in the manner of an O-ring.

3. The cable grommets according to claim 2, Its features A tangential circumferential lip-shaped cover portion extending generally in the mounting direction and formed by a rigid component is provided in the edge region of the flange portion to protect the sealing element when the cable loop is impacted by water, and wherein the cover portion is preferably a component of the clamping element.

4. The grommet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features The covering portion protrudes orthogonally to the mounting direction on the side of the connecting surface opposite to the base, and is offset from the base by the same length on the other side of the connecting surface, such that the separation plane of the covering portion is radially offset from the separation plane of the sealing element, and wherein the covering portion covers the separation plane of the sealing element.

5. The cable sling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Its features At the free end of the clamping element extending orthogonally to the mounting direction, the clamping element includes latching members configured to correspond to each other.

6. The grommet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features The connecting surfaces include a first connecting surface forming a groove and a second connecting surface forming a spring, the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface being configured to engage with each other accordingly.

7. The cable grommets according to claim 6, Its features The spring on the first connecting surface is slightly oversized relative to the groove on the second connecting surface, so that the two carriers can be sealed together by compression fitting, or The spring on the first connecting surface has a protruding lip, and the groove on the second connecting surface has a corresponding recess, so that the two carriers can be connected to each other in a sealing manner by means of shape fit.

8. The cable swivel according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that, The groove on the second connecting surface is formed by the clamping element combined with the base, and the spring on the first connecting surface is formed by the clamping element.

9. The grommets according to any one of claims 2 to 8, Its features To ensure a secure, sealed connection with the cable, one end opposite the flared end of the substrate is configured to be generally conical in the mounting direction; this area is referred to as the cable sealing portion. The cable sealing portion may optionally be secured by means of a tape, particularly adhesive tape for sealing adjacent sections on the cable, wherein beaded portions may optionally be molded onto the free ends of the cable sealing portion to fix the tape in place and prevent slippage, and / or Install a snap fastener connection in this area.

10. A method for manufacturing a cable loop according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cable loop can preferably be made from a hard component and a soft component by means of a two-component injection molding process, particularly in a single manufacturing apparatus.

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