Cable fixing clamp and cable connection assembly including same

Abstract

The present application relates to a cable fixture comprising at least two components connected together, each component being movable relative to an adjacent component and the cable fixture being capable of assuming a use configuration in which the components are arranged side by side in a first direction, each pair of adjacent parts of the at least two parts has a first surface (14) and a second surface (24) which, when arranged oppositely at a predetermined pitch (P) in the use configuration, define at least one cable channel having a size and shape capable of gripping a cable passing through in a second direction (Z), each of the at least two components includes a body and a guide feature disposed on the body and configured to guide mounting of the each component to a cable connector in a second direction, and at least one of the at least two components includes a mounting feature for connection with a cable connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a cable fixing clamp and a cable connection assembly including the cable fixing clamp. Background Technology

[0002] Current cable connectors typically consist of a connector housing and cables extending from the housing, such as one or more rows of cables. The connector housing has cable sockets of a certain depth corresponding to each cable, and a large gap exists between the inner surface of the cable socket and the outer circumference of the cable (e.g., the insulating sheath). In applications with vibration loads, this gap causes the cable to move around within the cable socket, which can lead to poor electrical connection between the cable and the electrical terminals inside the cable connector, and can also easily damage the cable, shortening its lifespan. Replacing this type of cable connector with a sealed connector with a cable socket would significantly increase costs, which is undesirable for users. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a cable clamp for use with cable connectors to prevent cable swaying or to secure cables.

[0004] This objective is achieved by the cable fixing clamp of this application and the cable connection assembly including the cable fixing clamp.

[0005] The cable clamp of this application includes at least two components connected at their respective first ends by a connecting portion, such that each component is movable relative to an adjacent component and the cable clamp is arranged in a side-by-side configuration in a first direction. Each pair of adjacent components has a first surface and a second surface, which, when arranged relative to each other at a predetermined interval in the usage configuration, define at least one cable channel of a size and shape capable of clamping a cable passing through in a second direction. Each of the at least two components includes a body and a guide feature disposed on the body and configured to guide each component to a cable connector for installation in the second direction. At least one of the at least two components includes an installation feature for connection with a cable connector.

[0006] In one embodiment, the at least one cable channel includes a plurality of cable channels spaced upwards on a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0007] In one embodiment, the cable channel is defined by a first surface portion of the first surface and a second surface portion of the second surface, each of the first surface portion and the second surface portion including at least one of the following: one or more planes, one or more concave surfaces, one or more convex surfaces; and the cable channel has a projected profile on a plane perpendicular to the second direction, wherein: the projected profile contacts the cable at at least three circumferential locations of the cable, at least one of the at least three locations being provided by the first surface and at least another being provided by the second surface; and the projected profile is either a closed profile when the predetermined spacing is 0, or an open profile when the predetermined spacing is greater than 0.

[0008] In one embodiment, each of the at least two components includes the mounting feature.

[0009] In one embodiment, in the usage configuration, the first side component of the first side component and the second side component that are furthest apart in the usage configuration of the at least two components includes the mounting feature and includes a locking arm extending toward the second side component at the second end opposite to the first end, the free end of the locking arm being connected to the second side component.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least two components further include one or more intermediate members located between the first side component and the second side component in the usage configuration, the locking arm extending through a slot formed on at least one of the one or more intermediate members to the second side component.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connecting portion is a flexible connecting portion, or the connecting portion is a pivotal connecting portion connecting two adjacent components such that the two adjacent components can pivot about an axis extending in a second direction. In one embodiment, the cable clamp has at least one of the following features: the mounting feature is configured as one of the following: a cantilever extending in the second direction and having a barb at its free end, and an engagement surface for engaging with the barb; the guiding feature is a leg extending from the body in the second direction; the cable clamp is an integrally formed component; the cable clamp is a rigid plastic part.

[0012] The cable connection assembly of this application includes: a cable connector comprising a connector housing and at least one row of cables extending from the housing surface of the connector housing, each row of cables comprising at least one cable; and the aforementioned cable fixing clamp, wherein the connector housing includes a corresponding guide feature and a corresponding guide feature for engaging with the mounting feature and the guide feature of the cable fixing clamp, respectively.

[0013] In one embodiment, one of the mounting feature and the corresponding mounting feature is a cantilever extending in the second direction and having a barb at its free end, and the other is a mating surface engaging with the barb; and / or the guiding feature is a leg extending from the body in the second direction, and the corresponding guiding feature is a cable socket recessed into the connector housing from which a cable extends, the leg extending into the cable socket.

[0014] In one embodiment, the at least one row of cables includes one row, two rows, three rows or more rows of cables, and the at least two components of the cable fixing clamp include two, three, four or more components.

[0015] Depending on the number of rows of cables included in the cable connector (each row includes one or more spaced-apart cables), the cable clamp of this application includes two or more components connected at their respective first ends by a connecting portion, allowing each component to move relative to its adjacent component. This enables the cable clamp to be arranged side-by-side in a first direction. In this configuration, the first and second surfaces of two adjacent components, arranged at a predetermined interval, define a cable channel through which the cable connector's cable extends. The minimum cross-sectional inner contour of the cable channel contacts (preferably in a sliding fit) the outer circumferential surface of the cable at at least three locations in the circumferential direction, satisfying the requirement that at least one location is provided by the first surface, at least another by the second surface, and at least two locations are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the cable's diameter along the first direction. This allows the cable channel defined by the adjacent components to secure the cable in all directions in a cross-section perpendicular to the cable's extension direction, solving the problem of cable wobbling caused by the presence of a cable socket in the cable connector. Preferably, each component further includes legs adapted to be inserted into one or more, preferably all, cable sockets. The legs can at least partially contact, preferably completely fill, the inner wall of the respective cable socket to guide the cable retaining clamp (the corresponding component) to the assembly of the cable connector and prevent the corresponding component from moving relative to the cable connector perpendicular to the cable extension direction. The legs can also define a portion of the cable channel to increase the contact size between the cable channel and the cable, thereby improving the cable retention effect. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other features and advantages of this application will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments that can implement the principles of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 An exemplary configuration of the cable fixing clamp according to the first embodiment of this application is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 The configuration of the cable fixing clamp.

[0019] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A cable connection assembly in which cable clamps and cable connectors are connected together.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cable connection assembly.

[0021] Figure 5-8 Indicate Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the steps involved in installing the cable clamp onto the cable connector.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a cable fixing clamp according to a second embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of one step in the installation of cable clamps and cable connectors.

[0024] Figure 11 It includes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a cable connection assembly consisting of a cable clamp and a cable connector.

[0025] Figures 12a-12f Some examples of the minimum cross-sectional inner contour of the cable channel of a cable fixing clamp are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This application relates to a cable clamp for use with a cable connector, and a cable connection assembly including the cable clamp and the cable connector. Specifically, the cable clamp, when secured or connected to the cable connector, provides a function of securing a cable extending from the cable connector to prevent it from swaying. Specifically, it is used to clamp or secure the cable in at least two mutually perpendicular directions in a cross-section perpendicular to the cable's extension direction to prevent the cable from swaying in all aspects of that cross-section. It should be noted that in this application, the cable clamp is used to "clamp" or "secure" the cable in each direction in a cross-section perpendicular to the cable's extension direction, but does not restrict or allow sliding along the cable's extension direction. For example, the engagement of the cable clamp with the cable can be a gap engagement or a slidable engagement along the cable's extension direction.

[0027] The cable fixing clamp of this application can be made of rigid plastic material. The cable fixing clamp can be formed into a single piece by processes such as injection molding, but this application is not limited to this. The cable fixing clamp can also be formed by connecting multiple independently supplied components together.

[0028] Now for reference Figure 1-8 The first embodiment according to this application is described, wherein, Figure 1 and 2 These are schematic diagrams of two configurations of the cable fixing clamp 100 constructed according to the first embodiment of this application; Figure 3-8 These are different views of a cable connection assembly including a cable clamp 100 and a cable connector 200.

[0029] The cable connector 200 used with the cable retaining clamp 100 of this first embodiment can be drawn from... Figure 3-8 See the cable connection assembly diagram. (Special reference) Figure 5 The cable connector 200 is a dual-row cable connector, comprising a connector housing 210 and two rows of R1 and R2 cables 220 extending from the interior of the connector housing 210 via a housing surface 212. The connector housing 210 includes cable sockets 230 recessed into the connector housing 210 from the housing surface 212, with each cable 220 extending from its respective cable socket 230. Correspondingly, the cable retaining clamp 100 of this application is configured to provide each cable 220 of the cable connector 200 with a corresponding cable channel that allows it to pass through and be clamped and secured therein when secured to the cable connector 200 (a housing side surface 214 different from the housing surface 212). Each cable channel effectively prevents the cable from swaying in all directions of the cross-section by securing the cable in two mutually perpendicular directions in a cross-section perpendicular to the cable extension direction.

[0030] The structure of the cable fixing clamp 100 is described in detail below. In describing the cable fixing clamp 100, some directional terms are used: for example, in... Figure 2 The directions Z, L, and A are indicated in the text. In this document, directions Z, L, and A are mutually perpendicular and, when the cable clamp 100 is installed onto the cable connector 200, correspond respectively to: the direction of cable 220 extension, the arrangement or spacing direction of each cable 220 in each row of R1 or R2 cables 220, and the direction in which the two cable rows R1 and R2 are spaced apart. Those skilled in the art will understand that although these directional terms are used for convenience in describing the cable clamp 100, these directions do not constitute a limitation on the structure or construction of the cable clamp 100.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 and 2The cable clamp 100 generally includes an intermediate component 10, a first side component 20, and a second side component 30. The first side component 20 and the second side component 30 are respectively connected to the intermediate component 10 via pivoting connections 40 and 50, thereby enabling the first side component 20 and the second side component 30 to pivot relative to the intermediate component 10, for example, about an axis extending in the Z direction in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the cable clamp 100 including the three components 10, 20, and 30 can present multiple configurations, including those such as... Figure 2-4 The usage configurations shown in 7 and 8, and the non-use configuration in which at least one of the first side component 20 and the second side component 30 is removed from the intermediate component 10, Figure 1 , 5 Figures 6 and 7 illustrate one of the exemplary non-use configurations.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 and 2 Each of the three components 10, 20, and 30 of the cable clamp 100 generally includes a body 15, 25, 35 and legs 45, 55, and 65 extending from each body. The bodies 15, 25, and 35 of the three components 10, 20, and 30 can all have a substantially hexahedral shape as shown in the figure, but this application is not limited to this. Each body 15, 25, and 35 has a bottom surface 12, 22, and 32 ( ) facing the same side in the Z direction. Figure 1 Each bottom surface 12, 22 and 32 is configured to abut against the corresponding surface 212 of the cable 220 extending from the cable connector 200 when the cable clamp 100 is connected to the cable connector 200.

[0033] The intermediate component 10 and the first side component 20 have the following characteristics when in such a state: Figure 2 When used in the configuration, surfaces 14 and 24 are opposite to each other. Figure 1 The cable channel 104, defined by the opposing surfaces 14 and 24 and extending in the Z direction, is configured to allow a corresponding cable 220 to pass through. In the L direction, the number and arrangement of the cable channels 104 correspond to the number and arrangement of cables 220 in the first row of R1 cables 220 of the cable connector 200, and each cable channel 104 has a size and shape capable of clamping or securing a corresponding cable 220 passing through it in a cross-section perpendicular to the Z direction. Similarly, the intermediate component 10 and the second side component 30 have [specific features] when in [specific conditions]. Figure 2 When used in the configuration, surfaces 16 and 26 are opposite to each other. Figure 1The cable channel 106, defined by the opposing surfaces 16 and 26, extends in the Z direction and is suitable for the passage of the cable 220. In the L direction, the number and arrangement of the cable channels 106 correspond to the number and arrangement of the cables 220 in the second row of R2 cables 220 of the cable connector 200, and each cable channel 106 has a size and shape for clamping or securing the corresponding cable 220 passing through it.

[0034] The cable channel 104, defined by the intermediate member 10 and the first side member 20, is a channel extending in the Z direction to allow a corresponding cable 220 to pass through. The cable channel 104 has a height dimension in the Z direction. To provide sufficient fixation for the cable 220 passing through it, the cable channel 104 has a minimum cross-sectional inner profile for clamping the cable 220 over at least a portion of its height dimension, preferably a large portion of its height dimension, and more preferably over its entire height (here, the term "cross-section" specifically refers to a section perpendicular to the cable extension direction). For each cable channel 104, its minimum cross-sectional inner profile is defined by the opposing first surface portion 14a and the second surface portion 24a of the opposing surfaces 14 and 24 of the intermediate member 10 and the first side member 20. To provide fixation for the cable 220 passing through it in each direction of the cross section perpendicular to direction Z, fixation is required in at least two directions (e.g., directions L and A) of the cross section. Therefore, the minimum cross-sectional inner profile of the cable channel 104 is designed to be tangent to an imaginary circle with a predetermined radius (corresponding to the outer periphery of the cable 220) at at least three locations, i.e., to contact or abut against the cable 220 at at least three circumferential locations. These three locations must satisfy the following conditions: at least one is provided by a first surface portion 14a of the surface 14 of the intermediate member 10; at least another is provided by a second surface portion 24a of the surface 24 of the first side member 20; and at least two are located on opposite sides of a diameter extending parallel to direction A. Thus, the cable channel 104, having a certain length in direction Z and a minimum cross-sectional inner profile that satisfies the above requirements, can achieve the technical effect of fixing the cable 220 passing through it and preventing the cable from swaying in a manner deviating from its extension direction. In some embodiments, each of the first surface portion 14a of the first surface 14 and the second surface portion 24a of the second surface 24 may comprise any one or more planes, one or more concave surfaces, one or more convex surfaces, or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the cable channel 230 may be described as having a projected profile in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction, the projected profile contacting the cable at at least three circumferential locations, at least one of which is provided by the first surface 14 and at least another by the second surface 14. The projected profile may be a closed profile when the first surfaces 14 and 24 are in contact, or an open profile when the first surfaces 14 and 24 are not in contact.

[0035] exist Figure 1-8 In the first embodiment, on one hand, the surfaces 14 and 24 of the intermediate component 10 and the first side component 20 are such that Figure 2In its configuration, the cable channel 104 directly contacts and has a minimum cross-sectional inner profile that conforms to the outer periphery of the cable 220 passing through it. On the other hand, the cable channel 104 is defined by the bodies 15, 25 and legs 45, 55, and thus has a maximum height dimension in the Z direction, and a minimum cross-sectional inner profile over its entire height dimension. This embodiment provides optimal fixation for the cable 220 passing through it. If the circular minimum cross-sectional inner profile of the cable channel 104 is described as including a first portion provided by the surface 14 (first surface portion 14a) of the intermediate member 10 and a second portion provided by the surface 24 (second surface portion 24a) of the first side member 20, then the first portion and the second portion are respectively semicircular arcs defining half of this minimum cross-sectional inner profile. In this embodiment, the surface 14 of the intermediate component 10 can be described as including a plurality of recesses arranged in the direction L in the same manner as the cable spacing of the first row of R1 cables 220 of the cable connector 200, and a plurality of cylindrical first surface portions 14a defined by the plurality of recesses. Correspondingly, the surface 24 of the first side component 20 includes a plurality of recesses arranged corresponding to the plurality of cylindrical first surface portions 14a, and a plurality of cylindrical second surface portions 24a defined by the plurality of recesses. The first surface portions 14a and the second surface portions 24a opposite to each other in the direction A define a cable channel 104 having a minimum cross-sectional inner profile.

[0036] As previously mentioned, in this example, in direction Z, each cable channel 104 is defined by the bodies 15 and 25 of the intermediate member 10 and the first side member 20, as well as the legs 45 and 55, to have the maximum height dimension or to form the maximum contact area with the cable 220. Each pair of legs 45 and 55 aligned in direction A of the intermediate member 10 and the first side member 20 are configured to be inserted into the corresponding cable socket 230 of the cable connector 200, which provides guidance during the installation of the cable retaining clamps 100 (the corresponding members 10 and 20) into the cable connector 200.

[0037] Particularly preferably, in this example, the legs 45 and 55 of the intermediate component 10 and the first side component 20 are respectively configured to have shapes and sizes that are complementary to and fill the entire cable socket 230, and have outer contours that are complementary to the inner contours of the respective cable sockets. This also serves to secure the cable retaining clamp 100 (the corresponding component) relative to the cable connector 200 in directions L and A (or in cross-section). Furthermore, the legs 45 and 55 of the intermediate component 10 and the first side component 20 both contact the through cable 220 and provide cable securing.

[0038] This application also envisions that, for either the leg 45 of the intermediate member 10 or the leg 55 of the first side member 20, the leg may only (by its outer contour) serve to guide the installation or insertion of the respective member 10 or 20, but may only partially or not at all contact the cable in the circumferential direction surrounding the cable. In this case, the inner contour of the cable channel 104 in the height dimension of the leg may be larger than the minimum cross-sectional inner contour, which may be provided only by the bodies 15 and 25 of the respective members 10 and 20. This application also envisions another scenario where the minimum cross-sectional inner contour of the cable channel 104 may be defined only by the legs 45 and 55 of the intermediate member 10 and the first side member 20, and the inner contour of the cable channel 104 segment (or opening) defined by the bodies 15 and 25 of the members 10 and 20 is larger than the minimum cross-sectional inner contour of the cable channel 104. This application may also modify other details of the legs; for example, the legs may be designed to have any possible outer contour independent of, for example, different from, the inner contour of the cable socket 230, while still being able to be inserted into the corresponding cable socket 230. Alternatively, each leg may also be provided with multiple independent sub-legs capable of being inserted into the same cable socket 230. This application also envisions that component 10 or 20 may be designed to include any number of the aforementioned legs, including one or more or fewer than the number of cables 220.

[0039] The above description of the intermediate component 10 and the first side component 20 details the cable channel 104 defined by the intermediate component 10 and the first side component 20 of the cable retaining clamp 100, which provides a securing function for the first row of R1 cables 220 of the cable connector 200. The details of the cable channel 104 are entirely applicable to the cable channel 106 defined by the intermediate component 10 and the second side component 30 for securing the second row of R2 cables 220 of the cable connector 200, but they do not necessarily have to be exactly the same. The cable channel 106 will not be described again here.

[0040] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 The view of the cable clamp 100 also shows that the first side component 20 is provided with mounting features for mounting to the cable connector 200. Specifically, the first side component 20 has an outer surface 17 that is opposite in direction A to the surface 14 defining the cable channel 104. Figure 2 ), a cantilever 18 extending from the outer surface 17 in the Z direction, and a barb 28 disposed at the free end of the cantilever 18. Figure 4 Accordingly, the connector housing 210 of the cable connector 200 provides an engagement surface 29 configured for engaging the barb 28, for example, the engagement surface 29 is provided via a protrusion 27. Figure 4After the cable clamp 100 is installed onto the cable connector 200, the cable clamp 100 is secured to the cable connector 200 by means of the barb 28 of the first side component 20 engaging with the mating surface 29 of the connector housing 210, preventing the cable clamp 100 (component 10) from moving away from the cable connector 200 in the Z direction.

[0041] Furthermore, the first side component 20 of the cable fixing clamp 100 also includes a locking arm 48 extending from a second end opposite to the first end where the connecting portion 40 is located (e.g., Figure 1 and 2 The locking arm 48 extends in direction A toward the second side component 30. Although not shown in the simplified diagram, the free end 49 of the locking arm 48 has a connecting feature that engages with a complementary connecting feature on the second side component 30 to connect the first side component 20 and the second side component 30 together. For example, the free end 49 of the locking arm 48 has a barb-like feature 28 protruding toward the second side component 30, and the second side component 30 accordingly includes a protrusion-like feature 27 for deflecting the locking arm 48 during installation and an engagement surface-like feature 29 for engaging with the barb on the locking arm 48. Of course, the connection between the locking arm 48 of the first side component 20 and the second side component 30 is not limited to this exemplary snap-fit ​​feature, and any feature in the art that can achieve a mechanical connection function can be used.

[0042] Although not shown in the figure, it is conceivable that the intermediate member 10 through which the locking arm 48 extends may include a protrusion defining a groove through which the locking arm 48 extends, and this groove through which the locking arm 48 extends may prevent the intermediate member 10 from moving relative to the locking arm 48 (and thus relative to the first side member 20 and the second side member 30), for example, in the direction Z.

[0043] The assembly process of the cable fixing clamp 100 and the cable connector 200 according to the first embodiment is as follows: Figure 5-8 The following are shown in sequence. Figure 5 In this arrangement, the first side component 20 and the second side component 30 of the cable clamp 100 open from the intermediate component 10, which is positioned to align with the two rows of R1 and R2 cables of the cable connector 200, and the cable clamp 100 (specifically, the legs of its components) is spaced apart from the cable connector 200. Moving the cable clamp 100 along direction L, the intermediate component 10 is inserted between the two rows of R1 and R2 cables 220 until its legs align with the corresponding cable sockets. Figure 6During this process, before moving into place along direction L, i.e., before each cable enters its corresponding cable channel, cable 220 may be deflected by intermediate component 10. The first side component 20 and the second side component 30 are pivoted relative to intermediate component 10 until the locking arm 48 on the first side component 20 engages or locks to the second side component 30. Figure 7 At this point, the legs on the first side component 20 and the second side component 30 are aligned with the corresponding cable sockets in direction Z. Moving the cable retaining clamp 100 along direction Z, inserts the legs of each component 10, 20, and 30 into the corresponding cable sockets. Simultaneously, the cantilever 18 of the first side component 20 is deflected by the protrusion 27 of the connector housing 210 of the cable connector 200, and its barb 28 engages with the mating surface 29. Figure 8 At this point, the cable clamp 100 is fixed to the cable connector 200, and each cable is clamped and fixed by the adjacent parts of the cable clamp 100, forming a cable connection assembly.

[0044] The above is based on a reference. Figure 1-8 The cable fixing clamp 100 of the first embodiment has been described in detail. Those skilled in the art should understand that the details disclosed in the drawings and the above description are not limiting, and any modifications can be made to the disclosed details while providing the same functionality. Some possible modifications are listed here.

[0045] In the above embodiments, the mounting feature for mounting the cable clamp 100 to the cable connector 200 is provided on the first side member 20. Obviously, the mounting feature can also be provided on the second side member 30, and the locking arm 48 can also be modified to be provided on the second side member 30 and extend toward the first side member 20. The mounting feature can also be provided on the end surface of the second end of the intermediate member 10 opposite to the connecting portion. In this case, the cable clamp 100 can include two locking arms that extend from the second end of the intermediate member 10 toward the two side members 20 and 30 respectively and are connected to the two side members 20 and 30.

[0046] Although the mounting features (cantilever 18 and barb 28) for mounting to the cable connector 200 and the connection features for connecting the various components of the cable clamp 100 (e.g., side components 20 and 30) can all adopt a snap-fit / clamp-on structure in the cable clamp 100 described above, this application does not limit this. Any feature in the art capable of achieving a connection function can be used.

[0047] Although the cable clamp 100 described above has mounting features and connection features for connecting the components together on the same component, those skilled in the art can conceive that all components of the cable clamp 100 could be provided with mounting features for connecting to the cable connector 200, thus eliminating the need for a structure that connects the components together (the locking arm 48 shown in the figure). Alternatively, in a cable clamp 100 including two side components 20 and 30 and multiple intermediate components 10 for use with a cable connector including more than two rows of cables, mounting features can be provided on some of the components, and other components can be directly or indirectly connected to at least one of these components with mounting features, for example, through a locking arm similar to that of this application.

[0048] Although in the illustrated embodiment of the cable clamp 100, each component includes a number of legs corresponding to the cable channel, each leg has a structure corresponding to a corresponding cable socket, and each leg defines a cable channel, the applicant also envisions that each component of the cable clamp 100 may have any number of legs and the legs may be configured to have an outer contour that contacts at least a portion of the inner contour of the corresponding cable socket or is complementary to it, to achieve installation guidance and securing action of the cable clamp 100 to the cable connector 200 in mutually perpendicular directions L and A. In the sense of providing only installation guidance and securing action, each component of the cable clamp 100 may not include any legs, but instead provide one or more protruding guide posts at any suitable location (e.g., any location away from the cable channel), and correspondingly, the connector housing 210 of the cable connector 200 may have a recessed feature at a location corresponding to the guide post for receiving the insertion of the guide post. Some variations regarding the leg features have been described above in the description of the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0049] As just mentioned, the cable clamp 100 according to the principles of this application can be configured for use with cable connectors having two rows of cables. Figure 1-8 It can also be configured for use with cable connectors that have only one row of cables (in which case the cable clamp 100 includes only the first side component 20 and the second side component 30), and can also be configured for use with cable connectors that have more than two rows of cables.

[0050] exist Figure 9-11 In the second embodiment shown, the cable clamp 100 includes a first side component 20, a second side component 30, and two intermediate components 10 and 10' located between them. Adjacent components are connected at their respective first ends by connecting portions 40, 50, and 60. The cable clamp 100 is adapted to... Figure 10 and 11It is used in conjunction with a cable connector 200 comprising three rows of R1, R2, and R3 cables 220. Note that components that function or have the same structure as those in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals in the description of this second embodiment.

[0051] exist Figure 11 In the configuration, the first side member 20 and the intermediate member 10 define a first row cable channel 104 for securing the first row of R1 cables 220; the intermediate members 10 and 10' define a second row cable channel 106 for securing the second row of R2 cables 220; and the intermediate member 10' and the second side member 30 define a third row cable channel 108 for securing the third row of R3 cables 220. Mounting features for attaching the cable clamp 100 to the cable connector 200 are still provided on the first side member 20, and a locking arm 48 extends from the first side member 20 through the two intermediate members 10 and 10' to the second side member 30 and connects to it. For further details, please refer to the information about... Figure 1-8 The first embodiment described herein will not be repeated here.

[0052] Figure 12a -f illustrates some possible variations of the minimum cross-sectional inner profile of the cable channel for clamping the cable, defined by adjacent components of the cable clamp 100 in the usage configuration. Figure 12a Indicates in the appendix Figure 1-11 In the two embodiments of the cable channel (taking cable channel 104 as an example): the surfaces 14 and 24 of adjacent components 10 and 20 are in contact, the minimum cross-sectional inner contour of cable channel 104 is a closed circle, and the first and second parts of the minimum cross-sectional inner contour provided by the first surface portion 14a and the second surface portion 24 are both semicircles with a radius equal to or slightly larger than (to facilitate relative sliding during installation) the outer diameter of the cable. Figure 12b yes Figure 12a Variation: The surfaces 14 and 24 of adjacent components 10 and 20 are opposite each other at a predetermined distance P. The minimum cross-sectional inner profile of the cable channel 104 is an open profile. The first and second portions of the minimum cross-sectional inner profile provided by the first surface portion 14a and the second surface portion 24 are both parts of a semicircle with a radius approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cable. The cable is clamped between the opposing surface portions 14a and 14b (in the directions A and L, and thus in the directions in the cross-section). Figure 12c In the cable channel 104, the minimum cross-sectional inner contour is a closed square with a side length equal to the outer diameter of the cable. Surfaces 14 and 24 are in contact. The first and second parts of the minimum cross-sectional inner contour provided by surfaces 14 and 24 are combinations of multiple straight lines that define half (or complementary parts) of the square, respectively. Figure 12dIn the middle, surfaces 14 and 24 are spaced apart by a distance P. The minimum cross-sectional inner contour is an irregular open shape. The first part and the second part of the minimum cross-sectional inner contour provided by the first surface parts 14a and 24 are respectively a combination of circular arcs and multiple straight lines. Figure 12e yes Figure 12c In another variation, the cable channel 104 is essentially entirely defined by the second surface portion 24a of the second surface 24 of the first side member 20, and the first surface 14 of the intermediate member 10 acts together with the second surface 24 to press and secure the cable. Figure 12f In the figure, the first surface portion 14a and the second surface portion 14b respectively define triangular cross-sectional regions, where the minimum cross-sectional inner contour of the cable channel only contacts the four circumferential positions of the cable. Although not shown in the figure, it is conceivable that the minimum cross-sectional inner contour of the cable channel can be a closed ellipse or polygon or any other shape, or an opening form of a portion of these shapes.

[0053] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this application to any particular form. The terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the foregoing teachings, and this utility model can be practiced in ways different from the specific descriptions.

Claims

1. A cable fixing clamp (100), characterized in that, It includes at least two components (10, 20, 30), which are connected at their respective first ends by connecting parts (40, 50, 60) such that each component can move relative to the adjacent component and that the cable fixing clamp can be arranged in a side-by-side configuration in a first direction (A). Each pair of adjacent components in the at least two components has a first surface (14) and a second surface (24), wherein the first surface (14) and the second surface (24), when arranged relative to each other at a predetermined spacing (P) in the usage configuration, define at least one cable channel (104, 106, 108) having a size and shape capable of clamping a cable passing in the second direction (Z). Each of the at least two components includes a body and a guide feature disposed on the body and configured to guide each component to the cable connector for mounting in a second direction (Z), and at least one of the at least two components includes a mounting feature for connection with the cable connector.

2. The cable fixing clamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one cable channel includes a plurality of cable channels spaced apart in a third direction (L) perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

3. The cable fixing clamp (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cable channel is defined by a first surface portion of the first surface and a second surface portion of the second surface, each of the first surface portion and the second surface portion including at least one of the following: one or more planes, one or more concave surfaces, and one or more convex surfaces; and The cable channel has a projected profile on a plane perpendicular to the second direction (Z), wherein: the projected profile contacts the cable at at least three circumferential positions of the cable, at least one of the at least three positions being provided by the first surface and at least another being provided by the second surface; and the projected profile is a closed profile when the predetermined spacing (P) is 0, or an open profile when the predetermined spacing (P) is greater than 0.

4. The cable fixing clamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the at least two components includes the mounting feature.

5. The cable fixing clamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the usage configuration, the first side component of the first side component and the second side component that are furthest apart in the usage configuration of the at least two components includes the mounting feature and includes a locking arm extending toward the second side component at the second end opposite to the first end, the free end of the locking arm being connected to the second side component.

6. The cable fixing clamp (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least two components also include one or more intermediate members located between the first side component and the second side component in the usage configuration, the locking arm extending through a groove formed on at least one of the one or more intermediate members to the second side component.

7. The cable fixing clamp (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that... At least one of the following: The connecting part is a flexible connecting part, or the connecting part is a pivotal connecting part that connects two adjacent components so that the two adjacent components can pivot about an axis extending in a second direction; The mounting feature is configured as one of the following: a cantilever (18) extending in the second direction (Z) and having a barb (28) at its free end, and a mating surface (29) for engaging with the barb (28); The guiding feature is a leg extending from the body in the second direction (Z); The cable fixing clamp (100) is an integrally formed component; The cable fixing clamp (100) is a rigid plastic part.

8. A cable connection assembly, characterized in that... include: A cable connector (200) includes a connector housing (210) and at least one row of cables extending from a housing surface (212) of the connector housing, each row of cables including at least one cable; The cable fixing clamp (100) according to any one of claims 1-7, and The connector housing (210) includes a corresponding guide feature and a corresponding guide feature for engaging with the mounting feature and the guide feature of the cable fixing clamp, respectively.

9. The cable connection assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: One of the mounting features and the corresponding mounting features is a cantilever (18) extending in the second direction (Z) and having a barb (28) at its free end, and the other is a mating surface (29) engaging with the barb (28); and / or The guiding feature is a leg extending from the body in the second direction, and the corresponding guiding feature is a cable socket recessed into the connector housing from which the cable extends, the leg extending into the cable socket.

10. The cable connection assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The at least one row of cables includes one row, two rows, three rows or more rows of cables, and the at least two components of the cable fixing clamp include two, three, four or more components.

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