Snap-in fixture with enhanced pull-out force for cylindrical objects, such as vehicle brake pipes

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening device for fastening a cylindrical object to an external load-bearing structure, the fastening device having a clamping portion configured to attach the object to the fastening device by inserting the cylindrical object in an insertion direction through an opening of the clamping portion into a receiving region, the opening size of the clamping portion being small in a closed state, in the open state, the size of the opening is large, and after the object is inserted, the opening is reshaped back to the closed state. The fixing device further comprises a frame part for fixing the fixing device to an external bearing structure; the spring element part is movably connected with the clamping part and the frame part; when the clamping part is connected to the frame part through the spring element part, the clamping part moves from a middle position to a locking position, the outer side wings of the clamping part do not make contact with the frame part in the middle position, and the outer side wings of the clamping part make contact with the frame part in the locking position, so that a tool-free fixing device is provided. The fixing device is used for fixing a cylindrical object to a bearing structure with high reliability and vibration damping performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fixing device for securing a cylindrical object, particularly a pipe or cable, to an external load-bearing structure, particularly a vehicle. The device includes: a snap-fit ​​portion configured to attach the cylindrical object to the fixing device by inserting it into a receiving area of ​​the snap-fit ​​portion through an opening in the insertion direction; wherein the snap-fit ​​portion is configured to deform during insertion by the cylindrical object, deforming from a closed state to an open state, with a smaller opening size in the closed state and a larger opening size in the open state, and the snap-fit ​​portion is configured to reshape back to the closed state after the cylindrical object is inserted; the device further includes: a frame portion configured to secure the fixing device to the external load-bearing structure. Background Technology

[0002] In most technological applications, whenever vibration occurs, it is necessary to detach at least some objects from the vibration. Rigid pipes, such as vehicle brake lines, or rigid cables, such as busbars in electric vehicles, are particularly susceptible to annoying noise and even damage from vibration, thus requiring detachment from the load-bearing structure, such as a vehicle. However, flexible pipes or cables may also require vibration isolation from the load-bearing structure. In the following text, both flexible and rigid pipes or cables will be referred to as cylindrical objects. Regardless, it is crucial to reliably secure these cylindrical objects to the load-bearing structure to prevent loosening of the pipes or cables. Furthermore, the securing should be simple and easy to implement, ideally without the need for tools.

[0003] Therefore, for example, conventional rigid brake tubes (e.g.) Standard plastic brackets are typically used as mounting devices on vehicles as load-bearing structures. These brackets are installed in the vehicle by welding studs, cedar-type clips, or arrowhead-shaped parts. The brake pipe is then inserted into an omega clip or V-shaped clamp, which serves as the locking part of the mounting device. Because the tube has a circular cross-section and a smooth surface, it is difficult to achieve both sufficiently high pull-out force and low assembly force simultaneously. For example, for a standard omega clip, the locking force and pull-out force are almost equal. Furthermore, the brackets are prone to bending and cracking over time, especially at higher temperatures.

[0004] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a tool-free fixing device for securing cylindrical objects to a load-bearing structure, which has high reliability and vibration damping performance, and in particular, requires a pull-out force greater than the push-in force. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings.

[0006] One aspect relates to a fastening device for securing a cylindrical object, particularly a pipe or cable, to an external load-bearing structure, particularly a vehicle, that is not part of the fastening device. The cylindrical object can be rigid or flexible. The fastening device includes a snap-fit ​​portion, a frame portion, and a spring element portion. Preferably, the spring element portion is more flexible than the snap-fit ​​portion, and / or the snap-fit ​​portion is more flexible than the frame portion.

[0007] The snap-fit ​​portion is configured to attach a cylindrical object to a fixing device by inserting it into the receiving area of ​​the snap-fit ​​portion through its opening in the insertion direction. The snap-fit ​​portion is configured to deform during insertion of the cylindrical object into the receiving area, changing it from a closed state to an open state. Specifically, this deformation limits the flexibility of the snap-fit ​​portion. In the closed state, the opening size is smaller, while in the open state, the opening size is larger. The snap-fit ​​portion is configured to reshape back to the closed state after the cylindrical object is inserted, thereby preventing the cylindrical object from being removed by narrowing the opening.

[0008] The latching portion (i.e., when the frame portion does not prevent the latching portion from unfolding, as explained below) can be configured to release the cylindrical object when it is pulled out of the receiving area of ​​the latching portion through the opening of the latching portion in the release direction. The release direction is oriented opposite to the insertion direction. Therefore, the mechanical contact between the frame portion and the latching portion will multiply the force required to deform the latching portion and thus the force required to disengage the cylindrical object from the fixing device. Thus, the proposed concept can be considered as a synergistic connection based on two different locking mechanisms: a first locking mechanism that locks the cylindrical object into the receiving area, for example, between the leg elements of the latching portion; and a second locking mechanism that locks the latching portion, particularly the leg elements, to the frame portion to prevent the cylindrical object, particularly the leg elements described below, from unfolding (laterally in the insertion direction) when its outer wings abut against the frame portion in the locked position described below.

[0009] The snap-fit ​​portion is movably connected to the frame portion via a spring element portion, meaning that the snap-fit ​​portion and the frame portion can move relative to each other while connected by the spring element portion (without damaging the fastening device). The frame portion is configured to secure the fastening device to an external load-bearing structure. Preferably, the snap-fit ​​portion is connected to the frame portion only via the spring element portion. The spring element portion is configured to provide damping for the snap-fit ​​portion, thereby providing damping relative to the frame portion when a cylindrical object is inserted (“clamped”) into the snap-fit ​​portion. Preferably, the damping function of the spring element portion is achieved through its geometric properties rather than material properties; that is, preferably, the spring element portion is made of the same material as the frame portion and / or the snap-fit ​​portion. Therefore, the spring element portion can be considered as flexibly connecting the snap-fit ​​portion to the frame portion, i.e., in a manner that allows the snap-fit ​​portion to move repeatedly (i.e., non-destructively) relative to the frame portion.

[0010] Therefore, the spring element portion connects the snap-fit ​​portion to the frame portion, thereby allowing the snap-fit ​​portion to move (non-destructively) from at least one (one, several, or more) intermediate positions to at least one (one, several, or more) locked positions while connected to the frame portion. Specifically, the deformation of the spring element portion during this movement can limit the flexibility of the spring element portion. In the intermediate position, the outer wings of the snap-fit ​​portion do not contact the frame portion. In the locked position, the outer wings of the snap-fit ​​portion contact the frame portion. The outer wings and / or related elements, such as leg elements, are more flexible in the direction transverse to the insertion direction than the area of ​​the snap-fit ​​portion contacting the frame portion, particularly the inner wings and / or related elements, such as the frame leg elements described below, when pulled into the locked position (in the direction opposite to the insertion direction). The locked position can be closer to the opening of the frame portion than the intermediate position, through which the cylindrical object must slide when inserted into the snap-fit ​​portion. This has the effect of achieving vibration damping in the intermediate position and automatically activating the locking function in the locked position, especially when the cylindrical object and the snap-fit ​​portion move in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0011] Preferably, the frame portion includes two inner wings converging in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, such that when the engaging portion moves in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, the engaging portion, particularly the inner wings, contacts the two outer wings of the frame portion. The direction opposite to the insertion direction can also be referred to as the release direction. The outer wings can be opposing wings, i.e., oppositely oriented wings. The outer wings can be oriented away from the engaging portion. The inner wings can be oriented towards each other and / or towards the engaging portion. The two inner wings converging in the release direction correspond to a free space between the inner wings that narrows along the release direction (i.e., has a smaller width in the width direction perpendicular to the release direction and the main extension direction of the cylindrical object). The narrower portion of the free space can be referred to as the top or top segment, and the wider portion of the free space can be referred to as the bottom or bottom segment. At the middle position of the engaging portion, the engaging portion is at least substantially located at the bottom of the wider free space. This allows the engaging portion to move freely within a predetermined boundary, i.e., the engaging portion can move without contacting the frame portion. Preferably, the inner wings of the frame portion extend along the main extension direction of the cylindrical object. Here, and in the remainder of this disclosure, the orientation of the plane / flank can be determined by the corresponding orthogonal vectors.

[0012] The free space shape (wide at the bottom, narrow at the top) combined with the spring element portion has the following technical effects: When a cylindrical object is clamped into the locking portion, the locking portion is located at the wide bottom (middle position) of the free space. The bottom is wide enough to allow the locking portion to expand in the width direction, i.e., deform, thus sufficiently to receive the cylindrical object in the receiving area via the subsequently enlarged opening. The high flexibility of the spring element portion does not cause damage here, because during insertion, the locking portion can press against the frame portion defining the bottom of the free space. After the cylindrical object is inserted, the locking portion reshapes to its (at least almost) original shape, and the cylindrical object has a damping function due to the spring element portion being attached to the fixing device. When the cylindrical object is pulled in the release direction, the locking portion moves into the narrow top portion of the free space (locked position). This narrow space is narrow enough to prevent the locking portion from expanding in the width direction, i.e., deforming to the point of loosening the cylindrical object. Specifically, the flexibility of the frame portion can be limited by its deformation, particularly by the unfolding of the inner wing and / or the widening of the narrow space within the frame portion. Therefore, the cylindrical object automatically locks into the latching portion at the locking position, while maintaining vibration damping in the intermediate position. This provides a tool-free fixing device for securing a cylindrical object to an external load-bearing structure, offering high reliability and vibration damping. A range of different push-in to pull-out force ratios can be achieved by adjusting the geometry of the inner wing of the frame portion and / or the outer wing of the latching portion. The vibration damping function of the spring element portion (unaffected by the frame portion) and the self-locking function of the frame portion engaged with the latching portion (achieved by the spring element portion allowing movement of the latching portion, but largely unaffected by the specific characteristics of the spring element portion) allow for very specific adjustments to the fixing device for specific applications, thereby improving the fixing device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​portion is defined as an Omega clip or includes an Omega clip. An Omega clip, due to its resemblance to the Greek letter Ω, can be understood as a clamping element characterized by a semi-circular shape surrounding a cylindrical object, with legs (the legs of an Omega clip) at the semi-circular ends defining an opening in its receiving area. Additionally or alternatively, the snap-fit ​​portion may include two leg elements (e.g., the legs of an Omega clip) extending from a base element (e.g., the base of an Omega clip), wherein opposing outer wings of the snap-fit ​​portion are each part of a corresponding leg element, and / or a spring element portion is connected to the base of the snap-fit ​​portion. During insertion into the cylindrical object, primarily the leg elements are pushed away from their original orientation, while the base element retains its original orientation. The inner wings of the free ends of the leg elements (e.g., the legs of an Omega clip) may define the opening of the snap-fit ​​portion. Therefore, a receiving space with a circular diameter (e.g., in the case of an omega-type clamp) or a rectangle or any other diameter can be formed. In particular, the V-shaped inner wings converging along the insertion direction are similar to barbs, which helps to increase the pull-out force relative to the pushing force.

[0014] In another embodiment, the spring element portion comprises two or more spring elements, preferably two spring elements, each connecting the snap-fit ​​portion and the frame portion. The spring elements may be spaced apart from each other and / or have sufficient flexibility to allow the snap-fit ​​portion to contact the frame portion when a cylindrical object is inserted, i.e., when the cylindrical object is pushed into the receiving area of ​​the snap-fit ​​portion. Therefore, the force required to widen the snap-fit ​​portion as it moves in the insertion direction can be greater than the force required to bring the snap-fit ​​portion into contact with the frame portion. This improves the reliability and repeatability of the installation conditions, thereby enhancing reliability. Furthermore, the arrangement of individual spring elements saves space in the insertion direction.

[0015] Therefore, in another embodiment, the spring element portion or one or more spring elements are specified to be more flexible than the snap-fit ​​portion, i.e., more easily deformable, especially when the cross-sectional area of ​​each spring element in the spring element portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​each leg element in the snap-fit ​​portion. This facilitates a clear functional distinction between the vibration damping and fixing functions of the fixing device, thereby enabling design tailored to specific applications.

[0016] In another embodiment, one or more, preferably all, of the spring elements are specified to be more easily deformable along the insertion direction than along one or two other directions perpendicular to the insertion direction. This offers the advantage of achieving a specific level of stability and reliability while maintaining the damping function. Therefore, this also helps to functionally differentiate the damping and fixing functions of the fixing device.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the spring element portion is specified to hold the latching portion in a middle position at the (relatively) wide bottom of the free space, especially in the absence of any external force. In this middle position, the relatively outer wings of the latching portion do not contact the frame portion, and in particular, the rest of the latching portion is also spaced apart from the frame portion. Thus, a freely movable latching portion is achieved, which contributes to vibration damping.

[0018] In another embodiment, the shape of the inner wing of the frame portion is adapted to the shape of the outer wing of the latching portion, such that when the latching portion moves fully in the release direction, a form-fit connection, particularly a planar contact form-fit connection, is established between the frame portion and the latching portion. This helps to achieve a reliable locking function because the form-fit connection is particularly suitable for preventing deformation of the latching portion, thereby preventing accidental release of cylindrical objects.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the inner wing of the specified frame portion includes one or more edges that may separate portions of the wing that converge at different angles and / or portions forming undercut wing sections and / or non-converging wing sub-sections. It should be noted that converging wing sections may include non-converging sub-sections. This allows the wing to achieve additional functions, such as an improved form-fit connection between the latching portion and the frame portion and / or the stop function described below, when the latching portion moves in the release direction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the frame portion includes two frame leg elements extending from a frame base element, wherein the inner wings of the frame portion are each part of a corresponding frame leg element, and / or spring element portions are connected to the frame base of the frame portion. The frame leg elements can have any shape and may even have other functions / features that depend on or are not dependent on the cylindrical object for fixation. Crucially, the aforementioned free space is defined by the frame leg elements and the frame base element, regardless of other features of the leg elements and / or base elements.

[0021] Attaching the spring element portion to the frame base is particularly advantageous because the desired locking and damping functions can be easily achieved in this case. This also allows the spring deflection direction of the spring portion to be aligned with the insertion / release direction (i.e., at least substantially along the insertion / release direction), thereby preventing damage to the spring element portion during insertion. Aligning one or more directions of spring deflection of the spring portion with a radial direction extending from the center of the receiving area of ​​the snap-fit ​​portion facilitates the damping function. Aligning one or more directions of spring deflection of the spring portion with the insertion / release direction helps prevent damage to the spring portion during insertion / removal. Therefore, preferably, the angle between one or more directions of spring deflection and the insertion / release direction is equal to or less than 45°.

[0022] The frame can be configured with leg elements, particularly the free ends of the leg elements away from the frame base, defining openings in the frame portion through which a cylindrical object is guided when inserted into the snap-fit ​​portion (preferably before insertion). These openings in the frame portion can be larger, i.e., their diameter in a cross-section perpendicular to the main extension direction of the cylindrical object is greater than that of the opening in the snap-fit ​​portion. Therefore, this opening provides additional guidance for the cylindrical object before insertion into the snap-fit ​​portion. This is a space-saving method that simplifies the insertion of cylindrical objects.

[0023] Therefore, in addition to attaching the spring element portion to the frame base, or alternatively, the spring element portion can also be attached to the corresponding end section of the frame leg element away from the frame base element (these end sections can be referred to as free ends). The spring element portion can be attached to the frame portion near the opening of the frame portion. In this case, the snap-fit ​​portion can be attached to the spring element portion at the corresponding end section (free end) of its leg element away from the snap-fit ​​base element.

[0024] The frame section may include corresponding stop elements at the free ends of the frame leg elements. This can significantly increase the pull-out force. Additionally or alternatively, the frame leg elements and frame base elements may define a free space in which the locking portion can move in any direction to a given degree without contacting the frame section. This achieves a particularly significant amount of vibration damping.

[0025] In another embodiment, the snap-fit ​​portion, frame portion, and spring element portion are integrally molded. For example, the snap-fit ​​portion, frame portion, and spring element portion can be made of plastic or have an injection molding device with plastic. Preferably, the different portions and / or fasteners are manufactured in the same step and / or using the same type of plastic. This has the advantage of faster and simpler manufacturing of the fasteners, allowing them to be easily adapted to different applications with fewer free parameters.

[0026] The aforementioned features and combinations thereof, including the inventive description in the specification, and the features and combinations thereof disclosed in the detailed embodiments or individual drawings, can be used not only individually or in the described combinations, but also in conjunction with other features, or without some of the disclosed features, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, embodiments not explicitly shown and described in the drawings but which can be produced by individually combining the various features disclosed in the drawings are also part of this disclosure. Therefore, embodiments and combinations of features excluding all features of the initially proposed independent claims are also considered disclosed. Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features that differ from or extend beyond the feature combinations described in the dependent claims will be considered disclosed.

[0027] In this disclosure, "lateral / along" can be understood as "at least substantially vertical / parallel," that is, "vertical / parallel" or "substantially vertical / parallel," meaning vertical / parallel except for a predetermined deviation. For example, the predetermined deviation can be at most 35°, preferably at most 15°, and particularly preferably at most 3°. Therefore, "opposite orientation" in this disclosure can be understood as "at least substantially opposite orientation," that is, "at least substantially antiparallel orientation." The limitation of "substantially" can also refer to a predetermined maximum permissible percentage deviation, for example, at most 15%, preferably at most 5%, and particularly preferably at most 3%. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the illustrative accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the fixing device is shown in a side view;

[0030] Figure 2 Shown in 3D Figure 1 Examples;

[0031] Figures 3A-3D The vibration damping and self-locking functions of the fixing device are shown;

[0032] Figures 4A-4B Another embodiment of the fixing device is shown in the form of a side view and a sectional view;

[0033] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the fixing device is shown in a simplified side view.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, features that are identical or have the same function are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0035] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the fixing device is shown in a side view; the fixing device 1 includes a frame portion 2, a snap-fit ​​portion 3, and a spring element portion 4 for connecting the respective snap-fit ​​portion 3 to the frame portion 2. This example is a dual type with two identical independent snap-fit ​​portions 3, which is particularly suitable for, for example, a brake pipe with a return pipe as a cylindrical object 6. Figure 3A However, the fixing device 1 may include any number of snap-fit ​​portions 3. In the figures, for clarity, each feature may be labeled with reference numerals only on one of the same clamping portions 3. Furthermore, some features, such as the left frame leg element 2d, may be labeled with reference numerals only at one location on the corresponding portion, while other features, such as the left edge 2z and the right edge 2z', are labeled with reference numerals at both locations on the corresponding portions.

[0036] Frame part 2 is constructed such that, for example, bolts (not shown in the figure) are used to fix the fixing device 1 to the external load-bearing structure. Clip part 3 is constructed such that a cylindrical object 6 ( Figure 3A The cylindrical object 6 is inserted into the receiving area 3b of the locking part 3 with a diameter of d, through the opening 3a of the locking part 3 with a width of u along the insertion direction I (in this case, the negative y direction), thereby fixing the cylindrical object 6 to the fixing device 1. Here, the width u is smaller than the diameter d.

[0037] The snap-fit ​​part 3 is configured to deform from a closed state to an open state during the insertion of a cylindrical object. In the closed state, the size or width u of the opening 3a is smaller, and in the open state, the size or width u' of the opening 3a is larger. Figure 3B Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​portion 3 is configured to reshape into a closed state after the cylindrical object is inserted. This is in Figures 3A-3C A more detailed description is provided in the text.

[0038] In this example, the snap-fit ​​portion 3 includes two leg elements 3c, 3c' extending from the base element 3d, wherein the opposing outer wings 3e, 3e' of the snap-fit ​​portion 3 are each part of the corresponding leg element 3c, 3c'. Here, the wings 3e, 3e' are located at the free ends of the leg elements 3c, 3c' away from the base element 3d. In this specific example, the snap-fit ​​portion is an omega-type clamp (Ω-shaped clamping part), but it can also be any other shape, for example... Figure 4A , Figure 4B or Figure 5 The shape shown.

[0039] In this example, the spring element portion 4 includes several spring elements for the corresponding snap-fit ​​portion 3, specifically two spring elements 4a, 4a'. Preferably, the snap-fit ​​portion 3 is connected to the frame portion 2 only through the spring element portion 4, i.e., the spring elements 4a, 4a' here. The spring element portion 4 is connected to the snap-fit ​​portion 3 at this base element 3d. The two spring elements 4a, 4a' are spaced apart in the width direction (here, the x direction). This is advantageous because it saves space in the insertion direction I. The spring elements 4a, 4a' are more flexible than the leg elements 3c, 3c', i.e., more easily deformable. They extend primarily in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing (here, the z direction), which further saves space in the insertion direction I, and in Figure 4B The cross-sectional view shows this in more detail. Therefore, spring elements 4a and 4a' are more easily deformed when parallel to the plane of the drawing (here, the x and y directions) than when perpendicular to the plane of the drawing (here, the z direction).

[0040] Therefore, without any external force, the spring element portion 3 holds the latching portion 3 in the shown intermediate position within the free space 5 defined by the frame portion 2. In this intermediate position, the opposing outer wings 3e, 3e' do not contact the frame portion 2, and preferably, the remaining portion of the latching portion 3 is also spaced apart from the frame portion 2 to disengage the latching portion 3 from vibrations of the frame portion 2. In other words, the latching portion 3 can move freely in any direction within the free space 5 to a given range without contacting the frame portion 2.

[0041] Frame portion 2 includes two inner wings 2a and 2a' that converge in a release direction R opposite to the insertion direction I, such that when the latching portion 3 moves in the release direction R (in this case, the positive y-direction), the two opposing outer wings 3e and 3e' of the latching portion 3 contact frame portion 2. By contacting frame portion 2, the widening capability required for the release of the latching portion 3 is limited, and the locking function is automatically activated when the latching portion 3 moves in the release direction R (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 3A-3D The converging flanks 2a and 2a' cause the width of free space 5 to decrease from the bottom section to the top section (i.e., in the positive y direction), as shown by different widths v, v', v” and v”’. Figure 2 ).

[0042] In this example, the shapes of the inner wings 2a and 2a' of the frame portion 2 are adapted to the shapes of the outer wings 3e and 3e' of the latching portion 3, so that when the latching portion 3 moves in the release direction R, a form-fit connection can be formed between the frame portion 2 and the latching portion 3, such as... Figures 3A-3D As shown. Therefore, a flat contact surface can be achieved between the outer wings 3e, 3e' and the inner wings 2a, 2a' (see...). Figure 3D ).

[0043] Here, the inner wings 2a, 2a' of the frame portion include one or more edges 2x, 2y, 2z, 2x', 2y', 2z', which separate the portions of the wings 2a, 2a' that converge at different slopes. It should be noted that if the sub-parts of the wings 2a, 2a' located between the edges 2y, 2z and 2y', 2z' respectively do not converge but diverge (i.e., the width v of the free space 5 increases in a specific segment between the corresponding sub-parts of the wings 2a, 2a'), then an undercut can be formed.

[0044] In this example, frame portion 2 includes two frame leg elements 2d, 2d' extending from frame base element 2e (one set for each snap-fit ​​portion 3). The inner wings 2a, 2a' of frame portion 2 are each part of the corresponding frame leg elements 2d, 2d'. Furthermore, in this example, spring element portion 4 is connected to the frame base element 2e of frame portion 2. Here, frame leg elements 2d, 2d' define an opening 2f in frame portion 2 through which a cylindrical object is guided when inserted into the snap-fit ​​portion 3. Preferably, the opening 2f of frame portion 2 is larger than the opening 3a of snap-fit ​​portion 3. Therefore, the width v”' of the top of the free space 5 is greater than the width u of the opening 3a. This prevents frame portion 2 from deforming during insertion. This makes frame portion 2 particularly stable, robust, and resistant to deformation, thereby improving the reliability of the locking mechanism.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the frame portion 2 may further include corresponding stop elements 2g, 2g' located at the free ends 2h, 2h' of the frame leg elements 2d, 2d'. The stop elements 2g, 2g' restrict the movement of the locking portion 3 in the release direction R (regardless of the presence of the cylindrical object), because the locking portion 3 will suddenly abut against the stop elements 2g, 2g' at a certain point. Therefore, when the locking portion 3 is pulled along the release direction R, the stop elements 2g, 2g' prevent damage to the spring element portion 4.

[0046] Figure 2 Shown in 3D Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment is provided, wherein the width of the free space 5 gradually decreases from bottom to top and is represented by different widths v, v', v”, v”’. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the description in this disclosure of the relative arrangement of different parts and / or elements may relate to side views / sections perpendicular to the main extension direction of the cylindrical object.

[0047] Furthermore, the locking portion 3 may include protrusions extending above the frame portion 2 in the positive z-direction and / or negative z-direction. These protrusions allow the locking portion 3 to be held in the (wider) bottom section of the free space 5 when the cylindrical object 6 is pulled in the release direction. In this way, the automatic locking function can be overturned when needed, even without tools.

[0048] Figures 3A-3D The vibration damping and self-locking functions of the fixing device are shown;

[0049] exist Figure 3A In the middle, the cylindrical object 6 moves along the insertion direction I through the opening 2f toward the locking part 3. Here, the width v of the opening 2f is... Figure 3B The diameter s of the cylindrical object 6 is greater than that of the cylindrical object 6. Figure 3CTherefore, when the cylindrical object 6 is inserted into the fixing device 1, the frame part 2 does not need to deform. Figure 3A In the middle, the snap-fit ​​part 3 is in the middle position.

[0050] exist Figure 3B In the process, the cylindrical object 6 has passed through the opening 2f and entered the free space 5. Since its diameter s is greater than the width u of the opening 3a, and the locking portion 3 is movably positioned in the free space 5, when the cylindrical object is further pushed along the insertion direction I, the locking portion 3 is pushed into the bottom section along the insertion direction I towards the frame base element 2e. During this process, the leg elements 3c and 3c' unfold along the width direction (here, the x-direction) until the width u of the opening 3a matches the diameter s, allowing the cylindrical object 6 to enter the receiving area 3b. The spring element 4 is compressed, i.e., its length is shortened. The locking portion 3 is in the open state.

[0051] exist Figure 3C In the middle, the cylindrical object is inserted into the locking part 3, i.e., it is "clamped". Since there is no external force and the elastic force of the spring element part 4 disappears, the locking part has returned to its original position. Figure 3A The intermediate position is shown. The spring element portion 4 has also returned to its original length. The snap-fit ​​portion 3 has been reformed into a closed state, and the width u of the opening 3a is again smaller than the diameter s of the cylindrical object 6. Due to the snap-fit ​​portion 3, the cylindrical object 6 is mechanically connected to the frame portion 2 only via the spring element portion 4, thus achieving vibration damping. The snap-fit ​​portion 3 can be considered to be in the intermediate position here.

[0052] exist Figure 3DIn the process, the cylindrical object 6 is pulled along the release direction R. Since the holding force of the spring element 4 is less than the holding force of the locking part 3, the locking part 3 moves toward the opening 2f (top) of the frame part 2, while the spring element 4 extends, i.e., its length increases. The locking part 3 remains closed. At some point, the outer wings 3e and 3e' contact / touch the frame part 2, specifically its inner wings 2a and 2a'. In this example, the movement of the locking part 3 along the release direction R is stopped by the stop elements 2g and 2g', with the free end of the locking part 3 abutting against these stop elements. Because the outer wings 3e and 3e' are in contact with the frame part 2, even if the cylindrical object 6 continues to be pulled along the release direction R, the leg elements 3c and 3c' cannot unfold (the frame part 2 will not deform, and the strength required for the frame part 2 to deform is much greater than that required for the deformation of the locking part 3 / leg elements 3c and 3c'). Therefore, the locking part 3 remains closed, and the cylindrical object 6 is automatically locked in the fixing device 1. Force is transmitted from the snap-fit ​​portion 3 to the frame portion 2, potentially increasing the force required to pull out the cylindrical object 6 (which, despite being locked, would damage / deform the frame portion 2) to a level far exceeding the force required for assembly. For example, the pull-out force could exceed three times or more the assembly force. The snap-fit ​​portion 3 can be considered to be in the locked position here.

[0053] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Another embodiment of the fixing device is shown in side view and sectional view. From Figure 4A It can be seen from this that, with Figure 1 The main difference in the example in Figure 3 is that there are no converging flanks 2a, 2a' at the edges, and the spring elements 4a, 4a' are arranged more closely. These two differences can be implemented independently of each other.

[0054] Since there are no edges, there are no stop elements. In this example, the outer wings 3e and 3e' of the snap-fit ​​portion 3 also have different shapes. The reduced distance and orientation of the spring elements 4a and 4a' result in different damping characteristics.

[0055] Figure 4B The cross-sectional view shows that the spring element 4a extends primarily along the main extension direction of the cylindrical object (here, the z-direction). This saves space in the insertion / release direction (here, the y-direction) and allows for longer spring elements 4a, 4a', thereby improving vibration damping.

[0056] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the fixing device is shown in a simplified side view. The main difference between this embodiment and the one described above lies in the design of the snap-fit ​​portion 3 and the spring elements 4a and 4a'. Figure 5 The embodiments show that the proposed self-locking, vibration-damping fixing device scheme is compatible with any known snap-fit ​​design.

[0057] and Figures 4A-4B Similar to the example in [the previous example], spring elements 4a and 4a' are arranged close to each other. However, here spring elements 4a and 4a' have more curves, thus achieving more suitable damping characteristics.

[0058] In this example, the snap-fit ​​portion 3 has parallel, straight outer wings 3e, 3e', which define the width u' of the snap-fit ​​portion 3 at least at their top portions. The frame portion 2 has a width v'" at its top portion away from the frame base element 2e. Ideally, this width is the width of the parallel sub-portions of the inner wings 2a, 2a', which matches the width u' of the snap-fit ​​portion 3. Therefore, when the snap-fit ​​portion 3 is pulled in the release direction, the sub-portions prevent the leg elements 3c, 3c' from unfolding. Here, the stop elements 2g, 2g' prevent the snap-fit ​​portion 3 from detaching from the frame portion 2.

[0059] Furthermore, the leg elements 3c and 3c' have V-shaped inner wings 3f and 3f' at their respective free ends away from the base element 3d, which converge along the insertion direction I. Therefore, the portions of the leg elements 3c and 3c' that form these wings function similarly to barbs, which further contributes to increasing the pull-out force relative to the pushing force.

Claims

1. A fixing device (1) for securing a cylindrical object (6), particularly a pipe or cable, to an external load-bearing structure, particularly a vehicle, comprising: - Snap-fit ​​portion (3), the snap-fit ​​portion (3) is configured to attach the cylindrical object (6) to the fixing device (1) by inserting the cylindrical object (6) through the opening (3a) of the snap-fit ​​portion (3) in the insertion direction (I) into the receiving area (3b) of the snap-fit ​​portion (3), wherein the snap-fit ​​portion (3) is configured to deform from a closed state to an open state by the cylindrical object (6) during insertion, wherein the opening (3a) is smaller in the closed state and larger in the open state, and the snap-fit ​​portion (3) is configured to reshape back to the closed state after the cylindrical object (6) is inserted; -Frame portion (2), the frame portion being configured to fix the fixing device (1) to the external load-bearing structure, in, - Spring element portion (4), which is operablely connected to the snap-fit ​​portion (3) and the frame portion (2); and When connected to the frame portion (2) via the spring element portion (4), the snap-fit ​​portion (3) can move from the intermediate position to the locked position, in which the two outer wings (3e, 3e') of the snap-fit ​​portion (3) do not contact the frame portion (2), and in the locked position, the two outer wings (3e, 3e') of the snap-fit ​​portion (3) contact the frame portion (2).

2. The fixing device (1) according to claim 1, Its features are, The frame portion (2) includes two inner wings (2a, 2a') that converge in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (I) such that when the snap-fit ​​portion (3) moves in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (I), the snap-fit ​​portion (3) contacts the frame portion (2) through the two outer wings (3e, 3e') of the snap-fit ​​portion (3).

3. The fixing device (1) according to the preceding claim, Its features are, The shape of the inner wing (2a, 2a') of the frame part (2) is adapted to the shape of the outer wing (3e, 3e') of the snap-fit ​​part (3), so that when the snap-fit ​​part (3) moves in the opposite direction to the insertion direction (I), a shape-fit connection is established between the frame part (2) and the snap-fit ​​part (3).

4. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding two claims, Its features are, The inner wing (2a, 2a') of the frame portion (2) includes one or more edges (2x, 2y, 2z, 2x', 2y', 2z') that can separate portions of the inner wing (2a, 2a') that converge at different slopes and / or portions of the inner wing (2a, 2a') that form undercuts and / or non-converging sub-parts of the wing.

5. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The snap-fit ​​portion (3) is an Omega-style snap-fit ​​portion or includes an Omega-style snap-fit ​​portion.

6. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The snap-fit ​​portion (3) includes two leg elements (3c, 3c') extending from the base element (3d), the outer wings (3e, 3e') of the snap-fit ​​portion (3) being part of the respective leg elements (3c, 3c'), and / or the spring element portion (4) being connected to the base element (3d) of the snap-fit ​​portion (3).

7. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The spring element portion (4) includes two or more spring elements (4a, 4a'), each of the spring elements (4a, 4a') connecting the snap-fit ​​portion (3) and the frame portion (2).

8. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, One or more, preferably all, spring elements (4a, 4a') of the spring element portion (4) are more easily deformed along the insertion direction (I) than along one or two other directions perpendicular to the insertion direction (I).

9. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The spring element portion (4) is more flexible than the snap-fit ​​portion (3), in particular the cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding spring element (4a, 4a') of the spring element portion (4) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding leg element (3c, 3c') of the snap-fit ​​portion (3).

10. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The spring element portion (4) holds the snap-fit ​​portion (3) in the intermediate position without any external force, and in particular, the remaining portion of the snap-fit ​​portion (3) is spaced apart from the frame unit.

11. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The frame portion (2) includes two frame leg elements (2d, 2d') extending from the frame base element (2e). Preferably, the inner wings (2a, 2a') of the frame portion (2) are each part of the corresponding frame leg element (2d, 2d'), and / or the spring element portion (4) is connected to the frame base element (2e) of the frame portion (2).

12. The fixing device (1) according to the preceding claim, Its features are, The frame leg element (2d, 2d') defines the opening (2f) of the frame portion (2), through which the cylindrical object (6) is guided when it is inserted into the snap-fit ​​portion (3), and the opening (2f) of the frame portion (2) is preferably larger than the opening (3a) of the snap-fit ​​portion (3).

13. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding two claims, Its features are, The frame portion (2) includes corresponding stop elements (2g, 2g') located at the free ends (2h, 2h') of the frame leg elements (2d, 2d').

14. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding three claims, Its features are, The frame leg elements (2d, 2d') and the frame base element (2e) define a free space (5) in which the snap-fit ​​portion (3) can move in any direction to a given degree without contacting the frame portion (2).

15. The fixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The snap-fit ​​portion (3), the frame portion (2), and the spring element portion (4) are integrally formed.

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