Holding device

Abstract

Holding device (1) for at least one installation cable with a. comprising a first leg (3) of a bow (2) and a second leg (4) opposite it, which are connected to each other via a bow back (5); b. a closure tab (6) opposite the back of the bar (5), which in a closed state of the bar (2) connects the first bar leg (3) to the second bar leg (4) via at least one connecting element (7); c. at least one first fastening element (9) arranged on the first leg of the stirrup (3) and at least one second fastening element (10) which can be operatively connected to a further first fastening element (9) and which is arranged on the second leg of the stirrup (4); wherein d. the first fastening element (9) is an opening (11); and e. the opening (11) comprises an insertion area (14) for inserting a second fastening element (10) and a fastening area (15) for laterally inserting this second fastening element (10) from the insertion area (14).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device for holding at least one installation cable.

[0002] Various holding devices are known from the prior art. Such holding devices typically have a bracket that can be closed into a ring via a connecting element, with at least two bracket legs and a bracket back connecting them. The holding devices are generally mounted to a building wall or the like using fasteners to hold at least one installation line, such as a cable, pipe, or conduit, and to guide it along a wall or ceiling.

[0003] An example of such a holding device is DE8602798U1, published in 1987 on behalf of Obo Bettermann OHG. The holding device features a bracket that can be closed to form a ring. A fastening element for securing it to walls, ceilings, or similar surfaces is provided in both the upper short leg of the bracket and the back of the bracket. The fastening element on the back of the bracket is designed as a keyhole. A T-shaped profiled groove extends along the length of the upper leg of the bracket, into the opening of which a cap screw can be inserted and held securely. A similar holding device is shown in EP0556572A1, published in 1993 on behalf of Kleinhuis Hermann GmbH. Another holding device is shown in EP2236885A2, published in 2010 on behalf of Bettermann Obo GmbH and Co KG.This holding device can be connected via a connecting section arranged on a bracket back with an alignment contour to a second holding device, which carries a connecting section with a complementary alignment contour. The joining direction for connecting the two holding devices is directed longitudinally along one of the two alignment contour sections. Further holding devices are known from DE4311765A1 and DE9109806U1.

[0004] One disadvantage of the holding devices known from the prior art is the complex mounting on the wall or ceiling, or the mounting of the holding devices to each other.

[0005] One object of the invention is to facilitate the assembly of the holding device. A further object of the invention is to provide a reliable holding device that securely holds the installation cable(s) even under increased load.

[0006] A holding device according to the invention is intended for holding at least one installation line, such as a cable, pipe, or conduit. The holding device according to the invention comprises a bracket with a first bracket leg and a second bracket leg opposite it, which are connected to each other via a bracket back. Opposite the bracket back and connecting the first and second bracket legs, a locking tab of the bracket is arranged. The locking tab closes the bracket into a ring-shaped structure (viewed from an axial direction) by means of at least one connecting element. The bracket extends substantially in the axial direction. In the closed state, the bracket encloses a mounting space surrounded by it. The mounting space also extends in the axial direction.When open, the installation space is accessible via an opening released by the locking tab. At least one installation cable can be inserted laterally into the installation space through this opening. When installed, the cable(s) extend primarily in the axial direction.

[0007] To attach the bracket, or rather the mounting device, to a building surface (such as a wall or ceiling) or the like, the mounting device has at least one first mounting element arranged on the first bracket leg. For universal application and installation, it is advantageous if at least one first mounting element is also arranged on the back of the bracket. Furthermore, at least one second mounting element, which can be connected to a (further) first mounting element, is arranged on the second bracket leg. The second mounting element primarily serves to connect the mounting device to another mounting device of the same design, so that two (interconnected) mounting devices can be held by the first mounting element (arranged on the first bracket leg and / or the back of the bracket).

[0008] Advantageously, the first fastening element is a receiving element for the second fastening element (female fastening element). The second fastening element, on the other hand, is advantageously a protruding element that can be inserted, at least partially, into the first fastening element (male fastening element). The female fastening element is an opening, for example in the bracket, into which the second fastening element can be attached or hooked. The first fastening element, in the form of an opening, comprises an insertion area for passing through a portion of the second fastening element and a fastening area in which the second fastening element forms an undercut with the bracket. The second male fastening element can, for example,The fastener comprises a neck with a head mounted on it, which has a larger cross-sectional area (perpendicular to the surface on which the second fastener is located) than the neck. In an assembled state, the head of the second fastener can thus form an undercut with the bracket of the functionally connected (second) retaining device. During assembly, the second fastener can be inserted through the insertion area (perpendicular to the opening) and then slid laterally into the fastening area to form the undercut. This design allows for quick and easy assembly of the fasteners in a confined space. For mounting on a building wall, the first fastener is preferably designed as a female, i.e., receptive, element. This means that the fastener on the first leg of the bracket, as well as, if applicable, on the back of the bracket, is advantageously designed as a female, i.e., receptive, element.This arrangement has the advantage that the mounting device can be attached to the building wall as close as possible and in a space-saving manner.

[0009] For easy wall mounting, the mounting device can include a base plate for contact with the wall, with at least one second mounting element arranged on it, as described above. The base plate is advantageously thin-walled. For wall mounting, the base plate can be nailed to the wall. However, it is also conceivable to screw it in or fasten it in another way. For example, the base plate can have a through-hole for a screw or similar fastener at least at one point. For good force transmission to the building wall, it is advantageous if the through-hole passes through the second mounting element arranged on the base plate. It is advantageous if the base plate is molded onto the bracket via a parting line in its initial state before assembly. In this way, the bracket and base plate can be manufactured together, e.g., by injection molding.The mounting plate can be attached to a wall or ceiling, and the first arm and / or the back of the stirrup can be quickly mounted to the mounting plate using the attached fasteners. Alternatively or additionally, the mounting plate can have a second fastener on each of two opposite sides. This mounting plate allows, for example, two stirrups or holders to be connected at their respective backs. The second fastener can, as described above, include a head and a neck extending from the mounting plate.

[0010] To close the bracket after the installation of at least one cable, the mounting device includes a locking tab. For easy installation, it is advantageous if the mounting area of ​​the bracket is easily accessible. For this purpose, the locking tab can, for example, be designed separately and connected at its respective ends to the first and second bracket legs via connecting elements. It is also possible to mold the locking tab at one end onto either the first or second bracket leg. However, it is advantageous for the locking tab to be molded onto the second bracket leg. In this way, when mounted on a wall or ceiling, the locking tab points in the opposite direction to any load acting on the bracket. The load on the bracket essentially comprises the weight of the at least one cable.On the other hand, installation cables placed in the retaining device in this way cannot fall out of the device again, or only with great difficulty, when the bracket is open. A locking tab molded on one side also advantageously has a longitudinal taper in its cross-section, making it as soft and flexible as possible. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining device can also comprise two different plastic components. The locking tab can include a soft, elastic (second) plastic component to make it flexible. For improved stability of the retaining device under load, the first bracket leg and / or the second bracket leg and / or the back of the bracket can be designed with two walls and intervening ribs.

[0011] To connect the closure flap to the stirrup legs on one or both sides, the retaining device can have at least one connecting element. As explained above, one connecting element is preferably located at the end of the first stirrup leg. This at least one connecting element can include a snap hook. The snap hook is designed to engage behind a shoulder. The shoulder can be located on the stirrup leg and the snap hook on the closure flap (or vice versa). Advantageously, the snap hook is operated by a release element so that the connecting element can be opened or released behind the shoulder. Advantageously, in the closed state of the stirrup, a support element extends alongside the snap hook. This support element can be located either on the closure flap or on the (first or second) stirrup leg.The support element serves two purposes: firstly, it acts as a stop in the closing direction of the locking tab; and secondly, it prevents the snap hook from bending under high loads (the weight of the installation cables inserted into the bracket). To achieve this, the support element relieves the snap hook of the weight of the installation cables when closed by transferring a large portion of the forces acting on the connecting tab to the bracket leg, independent of the locking mechanism (snap hook). This force transfer advantageously occurs between a first support surface and a second support surface of the support element. If the support element is located at the locking tab, the second support surface is located on the bracket leg, specifically the first leg. If the support element is located on the bracket leg, the second support surface can be located on the locking tab.In the closed state, a receiving space for the deformed snap hook can be arranged between the snap hook and the support element, allowing for easy and repeatable opening and closing of the snap hook behind the shoulder. For easy opening of the shackle, the locking tab can include a gripping element. Advantageously, the release element described above is arranged on the gripping element. In a preferred embodiment of the connecting element, the locking tab is integrally formed on the second shackle leg and can be connected to the first shackle leg via a connecting element. Here, the shoulder and the support element are advantageously arranged on the shackle leg, and the snap hook is arranged on the locking tab.Good force transmission from the locking tab to the first leg of the buckle is further enhanced if the snap hook (in the closed position) is advantageously positioned between the support element and the locking tab. To make it more difficult for the snap hook to bend open, it is also advantageous if the shoulder is positioned between the snap hook and the locking tab. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first support surface is located on the side of the support element facing away from the shoulder.

[0012] Depending on the application, the holding device can further include a separate bracket that can be attached to the bracket and serves to hold a single installation cable. Advantageously, the bracket (at least in its inner contour) is C-shaped to securely clamp the single installation cable. The bracket can be attached to the second leg of the bracket. The bracket can be attached to the bracket via the second fastening element. For this purpose, the bracket can have a first fastening element. Alternatively, the bracket can also have a third fastening element, which can be connected to a fourth fastening element. The third fastening element can, for example, be a male fastening element that can be inserted and / or slid into the fourth fastening element, at least partially.For example, the fourth fastening element can be designed as a groove into which the third fastening element can be inserted. Advantageously, the groove is T-shaped. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the third fastening element can be inserted laterally into the groove from the axial direction. The third fastening element can have a neck and a head for fastening and can be inserted at least partially into the groove. For example, the third fastening element can be mushroom-shaped.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the second fastening element, arranged on the second leg of the bracket, can encompass the fourth fastening element. That is, the fourth fastening element is a portion of the second fastening element that does not impede a functional connection between the second fastening element and a first fastening element. As described above, the fourth fastening element can be a groove. The groove can extend at least partially through the second fastening element. If the second fastening element comprises a head and a neck, the groove can extend at least partially through the head and, if applicable, the neck. Advantageously, the groove extends in the axial direction. The groove is designed such that, when the fourth fastening element is inserted, it forms an undercut with it.

[0014] Depending on its design, the bracket may also have a fourth fastening element, in particular a groove, on one side opposite the third fastening element. This allows several brackets to be mounted one above the other. For a clean and stable connection, it is advantageous if the fourth and third fastening elements are arranged on opposite, essentially parallel (outer) surfaces of the bracket.

[0015] Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and the accompanying description. The figures show: Fig. 1 A first variant of a holding device according to the invention in an open state in a perspective view; Fig. 2 The holding device according to Fig. 1 in a side view; Fig. 3 A section of the functional connecting means of the holding device in a closed state according to Fig. 1 in a sectional view. Fig. 4 Two holding devices attached to each other according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view; Fig. 5 A second variant of a holding device according to the invention with a holder from the side.

[0016] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a first variant of a holding device 1 according to the invention in an open state. Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of the holding device in a closed state. Fig. Figure 4 shows two holding devices attached to each other according to Fig. 1. The first embodiment of the holding device 1 according to the invention comprises a bracket 2 with a first bracket leg 3 and a second bracket leg 4 opposite it. The first and second bracket legs 3, 4 are connected to each other via a bracket back 5. Opposite the bracket back 5, a locking tab 6 is arranged, which, in a closed state, connects the first bracket leg 3 to the second bracket leg 4 via at least one functional connecting element 7. In the illustrated case, the locking tab 6 is integrally formed on the second bracket leg 4 and can be functionally connected to the first bracket leg 3 via a functional connecting element 7. In this way, the locking tab 6, when mounted on a wall or ceiling, points in the opposite direction to a load direction 27 in which a load acts on the bracket 2.For improved stability of the holding device 1, the first bracket leg 3 and / or the second bracket leg 4 and / or the bracket back 5 can be double-walled with intermediate ribs 26. The locking tab 6 also has a longitudinal cross-sectional taper 20, making it as soft and flexible as possible. For easy opening of the bracket 2, the locking tab 6 can also have a gripping element 19. With the connecting elements 7 open, installation cables can be inserted into a mounting space 24 of the holding device 1 via a mounting opening 25. Depending on the application, the bracket back 5 can, for example, be attached to a wall or the first bracket leg 3 to a ceiling.

[0017] According to the invention, at least one first fastening element 9 is arranged on the first bracket leg 3. Furthermore, at least one second fastening element 10, which can be operatively connected to a (further) first fastening element 9, is arranged on the second bracket leg 4. In the example shown, the first fastening element 9 is female and the second fastening element 10 is male. In particular, the first fastening element 9 is arranged on the first bracket leg 3 in the form of an opening 11. Another first fastening element 9, also in the form of an opening 11, is arranged on the back of the bracket 5. The second fastening element 10, which can be operatively connected to the (further) first fastening element 9, is arranged on an outside of the second bracket leg 4.The openings 11 of each first fastening element 9 each comprise an insertion area 14 for inserting and passing through the head of the second fastening element 10 and a fastening area 15 for receiving the neck 12 of the second fastening element 10 to form an undercut with the head 13. That is, the second fastening element 10 is inserted through the insertion area 14 (perpendicular to the opening 11) and from there moved laterally into the fastening area 15 to form the undercut.

[0018] To attach the mounting device 1 to the building wall, the mounting device 1 can, as in the case shown, include a support plate 18. A second fastening element 10 can be arranged on the support plate 18. The support plate 18 serves for attachment and support, e.g., on a wall or ceiling, and can initially be attached separately to the wall or ceiling during assembly. Subsequently, the bracket 2 can be hooked onto it using the first fastening element 9. In the initial state shown ( Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) Before assembly, however, the support plate 18 can be molded onto the bracket 2 via a separation point 17.

[0019] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a detailed section of the functional connector 7 in a closed state. The functional connector 7 comprises a snap hook 8, which can be locked behind a shoulder 29. To open the functional connector 7, the snap hook 8 can be released by pressing a release element 32 behind the shoulder 29. The release element 32 is located on the gripping element 19. Next to the shoulder 29, which is located on the first leg of the yoke 3, a support element 16 with a first support surface 21 is arranged. The first support surface 21 is located on a side of the support element 16 facing away from the shoulder 29. In the closed state of the yoke 2, both the shoulder 29 and the support element 16 extend into a locking opening 28 of the locking tab 6.A second support surface 22 is provided in the locking opening 28, which, in the closed state, interacts with the first support surface 21 of the support element 16. In a closed state of the bracket 2 and a loaded state of the holding device 1, the force from the locking tab 6 is transmitted to the first bracket leg 3 via this surface, without excessively loading the snap hook 8.

[0020] Fig. Figure 4 shows two interconnected holding devices 1 according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. In the illustrated case, the first (upper) holding device 1 is attached to a wall (not shown) via the support plate 18. The second (lower) holding device 1 is connected to the upper holding device 1 by means of first and second fastening elements 9, 10. A second fastening element 10 is arranged on the second bracket leg 4 of the upper holding device 1 and engages in a first fastening element 9 on the first bracket leg 3 of the lower holding device 1. As previously explained, the first fastening element 9 is a female fastening element 11 and the second fastening element 10 is a male fastening element 12, 13. Fig.Figure 5 shows a second variant of a holding device 1 according to the invention. The bracket 2 of this holding device 1 differs only in its dimensions, but not in its functionality, from the variant shown previously. In contrast to the first variant, the holding device 1 in the second variant includes an additional support 23. The support 23 is C-shaped and can be used to hold a large installation cable, e.g., a pipe (not shown). The support 23 has a third fastening element 30, which can be connected to a fourth fastening element 31. The third fastening element 30 can, for example, be an element (male fastening element) that can be inserted and / or slid into the fourth fastening element 31, at least partially. In the case shown, the fourth fastening element 31 is designed as a groove into which the third fastening element 30 can be inserted.The third fastening element 30 is mushroom-shaped and also comprises a neck and a head. In the second variant of the holding device 1 shown, the groove 31 extends at least partially through the second fastening element 10, which is arranged on the second bracket leg 4. The fourth fastening element, or rather the groove 31, forms a partial area of ​​the second fastening element 10. The presence of the fourth fastening element 31 does not affect a potential operative connection between the second fastening element 10 and a first fastening element 9. To connect and link several holders 23 to one another on the holding device 1, a holder 23 opposite the third fastening element 30 comprises a further fourth fastening element 31. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 Holding device 2 hangers 3 first stirrup leg 4 Second stirrup leg 5 ironing backs 6. Closure flap 7. Active connecting agents 8 snap hooks 9 First fastening element 10 Second fastening element 11 Opening / female fastening element 12 Neck / male fastener 13 Head / male fastener 14 Insertion area 15 Mounting area 16 support element 17 Separation point 18 Support plate 19 Gripping element 20 Cross-sectional reduction 21 First support surface 22 Second support surface 23 bracket 24 assembly room 25 Mounting opening 26 ribs 27 Load direction 28 Locking opening 29 Shoulder 30 Third fastening element 31 Fourth fastening element / groove 32 Release element

Claims

Holding device (1) for at least one installation cable comprising: a. a bracket (2) comprising a first bracket leg (3) and a second bracket leg (4) opposite it, which are connected to each other via a bracket back (5); b. a closing tab (6) opposite the bracket back (5), which, in a closed state of the bracket (2), connects the first bracket leg (3) to the second bracket leg (4) via at least one functional connecting element (7); c. at least one first fastening element (9) arranged on the first bracket leg (3) and at least one second fastening element (10) which is arranged on the second bracket leg (4) and which can be functionally connected to a further first fastening element (9); wherein d. the first fastening element (9) is an opening (11); and e.the opening (11) comprises an insertion area (14) for inserting a second fastening element (10) and a fastening area (15) for laterally inserting this second fastening element (10) from the insertion area (14). Holding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one further first fastening element (9) is arranged on the back of the bracket (5). Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening element (9) is designed such that it can accommodate a second fastening element (10) at least partially. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second fastening element (10) comprises a neck (12) with a head (13) arranged on it, which has a cross-sectional area that is larger than that of the neck (12). Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (1) comprises a support plate (18) for support and fastening to the building wall with at least one further second fastening element (10) arranged thereon. Holding device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the support plate (18) is formed on the bracket (2) via a separation point (17). Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one connecting means (7) comprises a snap hook (8). Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one connecting means (7) is arranged between the first bracket leg (3) and the closure tab (6). Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one working connecting means (7) comprises a support element (16). Holding device (1) according to claims 7 and 9, characterized in that the support element (16) extends next to the snap hook (8) in a closed state of the working connecting means (7). Holding device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the support element (16) comprises a first support surface (21) for transferring a load of the at least one installation line along the bracket (2). Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking tab (6) is formed on the second bracket leg (4). Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking tab (6) has a cross-sectional reduction (20) along its longitudinal direction. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (1) comprises a holder (23) that can be connected to the bracket (2) for a separate installation line. Holding device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the holder (23) can be operatively connected to the second bracket leg (4) via the second fastening element (10). Holding device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the second fastening element (10) comprises a fourth fastening element (31) which can be operatively connected to a third fastening element (30) arranged on the holder (23) for fastening the holder (23). Holding device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the fourth fastening element (31) is a groove extending through the second fastening element (10).

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