Plastic clip and fastening method

Abstract

Locking arrangement (30) for a plastic clip (20), in particular for vehicle body construction, wherein the plastic clip (20) has two sections (32, 34) movable relative to each other which can be locked together, wherein the first section (32) is elastically deflectable in a first direction (x) with respect to the second section (34) and can be moved into a detent position due to elastic return, in which the first section (32) is held detent-like relative to the second section (34) in a second direction (y), so that a first detent position (RP1) is established, wherein the second section (34) is elastically deflectable in the first direction (x), wherein the first and the second section (32, 34) are designed such that after the first detent position (RP1) has been established, a second detent position (RP2) is established when the second section (34) is elastically deflected in the first direction (x).where the first section (32) is offset relative to the second section (34) from the first detent position (RP1) in the second direction (y) by an offset path (V).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a plastic clip for receiving an elongated object and a method for attaching an elongated object to a workpiece by means of a fastening structure and a plastic clip.

[0002] In vehicle body construction, it is known to attach elongated objects such as fluid lines or electrical cables to the vehicle body using plastic clips. In many cases, a bolt or other type of fastener is pre-attached to the vehicle body for this purpose, for example, by bolt welding or bolt bonding. The plastic clip is then attached to the fastener. An elongated object is then inserted into a receptacle of the plastic clip and locked into place. The receptacle of the plastic clip can be equipped with elastic damping elements, as disclosed in document DE 10 2017 102 331 B4. This allows vibrations of the attached object to be dampened. Objects of different diameters can be used, if necessary.

[0003] Further plastic clips are known from documents DE 198 09 741 C2, DE 697 23 527 T2, EP 2 461 047 B1 and DE 698 04 054 T2.

[0004] Document US 5,568,906 A1 discloses a fastening device for attaching rod-shaped objects of varying diameters to a substrate. The fastening device consists of a U-shaped base body into which a rod-shaped object can be inserted and which can be connected to the substrate, and a beam-shaped locking element with which the arms of the "U" can be closed. One end of the beam-shaped locking element can be connected to the base body via a toothed snap-fit ​​connection. At the other end of the beam-shaped locking element, a hinge-like tab is formed, which connects to a pivot pin on the base body, creating a hinge-like connection.The object is secured after a rod-shaped object is inserted into the base body by pivoting the locking element and engaging it at the opposite end of the joint. The teeth allow objects of varying diameters to be secured.

[0005] A clamping clamp with a first cradle-shaped bent part and a second part forming the lid of the cradle is known from document DE 27 54 697 A1, wherein the lid is pivotally connected to the edge of the cradle and is provided with elastic locking means which, by folding down the lid on the cradle, interact with supplementary locking means arranged on the edge of the cradle opposite the pivot connection.

[0006] Regarding the achievable holding forces and the transmission of vibrations between the body and the elongated object, there is still room for improvement.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to specify an improved plastic clip for receiving an elongated object such as a power cable, and an improved method for attaching an elongated object to a workpiece by means of a fastening structure and a plastic clip.

[0008] The above problem is solved by a plastic clip having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the above problem is solved by a fastening method having the features of claim 12.

[0009] The locking arrangement of the plastic clip of the present disclosure is capable of establishing two different detent positions. To establish a first detent position, a first locking section and a second locking section are moved relative to each other in a first direction of a second direction. To establish the second detent position, the first locking section and the second locking section are moved again a short distance relative to each other in the opposite direction of the second direction. This makes it possible to establish a closed position of the plastic clip in the second detent position, in which vibrations are transmitted less strongly.

[0010] In both locking positions, a positive locking mechanism is preferably provided, acting at least in the opposite direction to the second direction, thus achieving a high level of fastening security. In particular, this reliably prevents accidental opening of the plastic clip. Preferably, a positive locking mechanism is also provided in the first direction, at least in the second locking position.

[0011] The plastic clip of the present disclosure comprises a base element and a cover element, which together define a receptacle for the elongated object. The locking arrangement used in the present disclosure makes it possible to establish a very high holding force on the elongated object in the first locking position. This makes it possible, for example, to pre-assemble the plastic clip on the elongated object before the plastic clip is attached to the workpiece (e.g., car body). In the second locking position, which is preferably established when the plastic clip is attached to the workpiece, the elongated object is held with a lower holding force. This makes it more difficult for vibrations to be transmitted between the elongated object and the workpiece. In other words, the amplitude of such vibrations can be reduced.This allows for a significant improvement in the NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) characteristics of the plastic clip. In other words, the acoustics are improved by giving the elongated object slightly more freedom of movement in the radial and / or axial direction in the second detent position.

[0012] In the disclosed locking arrangement, it is advantageous if the first locking section is hook-shaped and has a hook opening designed to receive part of the second locking section in the second latching position.

[0013] This allows the second detent position to be set up in a structurally advantageous manner. Additionally, in the second detent position, a positive locking of the locking arrangement in the first direction can then be easily established. It is preferred that the hook opening is open in the second direction, so that the insertion of the part of the second locking section into the hook opening results in the offset of the first locking section relative to the second locking section.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if a hook end of the first locking section rests against the part of the second locking section in the first detent position, i.e., the part that penetrates the hook opening in the second detent position.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment of the disclosed locking arrangement, the first locking section and / or the second locking section has a stop surface that limits a relative movement between the first locking section and the second locking section when shifting into the second detent position.

[0016] This allows the offset path to be defined and set up.

[0017] Furthermore, in the disclosed locking arrangement, it is advantageous if the first locking section is elastically pre-tensioned in the direction of the second locking position in the first detent position.

[0018] This preload allows the transition to the second detent position to be easily triggered by releasing the first detent position and the first locking section being moved almost automatically into the second detent position by the elastic preload.

[0019] With the revealed plastic clip, it is particularly advantageous if the base element has a fastening element receptacle into which a fastening element can be inserted for fixing to the workpiece.

[0020] The plastic clip can be attached to a workpiece using a fastening structure. This fastening structure can include an element that is pre-attached to the workpiece. This could be, for example, a bolt that protrudes perpendicularly from a workpiece surface, such as a weld stud, an adhesive stud, etc. The plastic clip typically has a defined bolt receptacle, i.e., usually an opening into which the bolt can penetrate when the plastic clip is placed on the workpiece.

[0021] In some cases, this can already achieve a final connection between the plastic clip and the workpiece / bolt, for example through a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0022] In cases where a high degree of fastening security is required, it is preferable to attach a fastener to the bolt to definitively secure the plastic clip. For example, the bolt can have an external thread and the fastener can have an internal thread – similar to a nut – or vice versa.

[0023] The fastening element is preferably connected to the bolt after the plastic clip has been placed on the workpiece and the bolt.

[0024] The fastener is inserted into the fastener receptacle. The fastener receptacle is preferably aligned coaxially with a bolt receptacle.

[0025] It is particularly advantageous if the second locking section of the locking arrangement is positioned in relation to the fastener receptacle in such a way that the second locking section is deflected in the first direction when the fastener is inserted into the fastener receptacle.

[0026] This allows the release of the first detent position to occur almost automatically when the fastener is inserted into the fastener receptacle.

[0027] Alternatively, if the plastic clip is attached to the workpiece solely by means of a bolt (without any other fastening element), inserting the bolt into a bolt receptacle in the plastic clip causes the second locking section to deflect in the first direction. In this case, the bolt acts as the fastening element.

[0028] The elongated object, which is to be attached to the workpiece by the plastic clip, is preferably dimensionally stable, preferably at least in the radial direction substantially dimensionally stable. The elongated object can be an electrical conductor whose outer surface is formed by an insulating layer. However, the elongated object can also be a corrugated tube that is corrugated in the longitudinal direction and within which an electrical conductor is guided.

[0029] To fix the elongated object to the workpiece, it is preferred if an elastically deformable layer is formed on the lid receiving section and / or on the base receiving section, against which the elongated object rests at least section by section in the received state.

[0030] The elastically deformable layer ensures good decoupling between the elongated object and the workpiece in every case.

[0031] In any case, it is preferred if the thickness and elasticity of the elastic layer are adapted to an elongated object with a predetermined outer contour (e.g., a predetermined outer diameter). In other words, the elastic layer is preferably intended to provide secure and stable support for a defined elongated object, and is therefore not intended to accommodate elongated objects of different diameters.

[0032] It is particularly advantageous if the elastically deformable layer is elastically deformed in the first locking position, so that the first locking section is elastically prestressed in the direction of the second locking position.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferred if the elastically deformable layer is more elastically deformed in the first detent position than in the second detent position.

[0034] It is therefore preferred if the base receiving section and the cover receiving section together define a receiving with a deformable layer formed thereon, wherein the receiving is adapted to the elongated object such that the elastically deformable layer is more elastically deformed in the first locking position than in the second locking position.

[0035] This allows the plastic clip to be pre-mounted on the elongated object. In practice, for example, multiple plastic clips can be pre-mounted on an elongated object at specific intervals along its longitudinal axis. Due to the relatively high elastic holding force in the first locking position, a relative rotational position of the plastic clip with respect to the object's longitudinal axis can often be established. This significantly simplifies the assembly of the elongated object, with its numerous pre-mounted plastic clips, onto a workpiece, such as a vehicle body.

[0036] Of great importance here is the fact that the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable layer is less in the second locking position than in the first locking position. The second locking position is the position in which the elongated object is finally attached to the workpiece. In the second locking position, a certain degree of elastic deformation preferably still occurs (although it is also possible that no elastic deformation occurs at all), such that radial attachment of the elastic object is possible with axial clearance in conjunction with suitable axial damping.

[0037] In other words, the second detent position preferably allows the elongated object to move slightly or with slight damping relative to the plastic clip, while remaining securely held radially. This particular design minimizes the transmission of vibrations between the elongated object and the workpiece. In many cases, this reduces structure-borne noise. This can advantageously lead to a reduction in the airborne noise level in the vehicle interior, particularly in the frequency range of approximately 200 Hz to 1000 Hz.

[0038] Overall, the acoustics can be improved in the second rest position by increasing the degree of freedom of the elongated object.

[0039] It is particularly advantageous if the elastically deformable layer is made of a softer material than the base element or the cover element. The elastically deformable layer can, for example, be made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or similar material. The base element or the cover element can, for example, be made of PA, PP, PE, POM, or similar materials.

[0040] The elastically deformable layer can be fully formed on the base receiving section and / or on the cover receiving section, but can also extend only over a circumferential section of each.

[0041] It is particularly advantageous if the elastically deformable layer has a large number of longitudinal ribs arranged on the lid receiving section and / or on the base receiving section, against which the elongated object rests in the received state.

[0042] This allows the requirements regarding elastic deformability to be met in a particularly favorable way.

[0043] The elastically deformable layer is preferably formed on the plastic clip, as described above. Alternatively, the plastic clip can also be formed without such a layer. This is particularly advantageous if an elastically deformable layer is formed on the elongated object or if the object as a whole is radially elastically deformable.

[0044] In the disclosed fastening method, it is particularly advantageous if the setting of the second detent position takes place during the fastening of the plastic clip to the workpiece.

[0045] It is therefore preferable if the plastic clip is pre-attached to the elongated object due to its relatively high holding force.

[0046] Furthermore, it is advantageous in this process if a fastening element, such as a nut with internal threads, triggers the transition to the second detent position during insertion into a fastening element receptacle.

[0047] Preferably, this is achieved by deflecting the second locking section, which is elastically deflectable in the first direction, elastically in the first direction by inserting the fastening element in order to release the first detent position and establish the second detent position.

[0048] In summary, the present disclosure advantageously provides a cable holder with pre-fixing and automatic unlocking and decoupling during assembly. The fastening element can, for example, be a plastic nut, during which the second detent position is established. The decoupling of the elongated object from the workpiece thus occurs during assembly, resulting in improved acoustics.

[0049] Furthermore, the disclosed plastic clip allows for a high level of fastening security. The elastically deformable layer also provides a high level of abrasion resistance, even when relative axial movement is permitted.

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plastic clip attached to a workpiece, which has a locking arrangement; Fig. 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking arrangement of the Fig. 1 is in an open position; Fig. 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking arrangement of the Fig. 1 is in a closed position, with a first detent position established; Fig. 4 a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking arrangement of the Fig. 1 is in a closed position, with a second detent position provided; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a plastic clip; and Fig. 6 a sectional view of the plastic clip of the Fig. 5 is where a first rest position is established.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a workpiece 10, which is designed as a sheet metal part, in particular as a metal sheet. The workpiece can preferably be designed as a body panel for a vehicle body.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 1 further indicates an elongated object 12 in a dashed line, which may be a fluid line. Preferably, however, the elongated object is a power line, in particular a high-voltage line, such as those used to conduct electrical drive power in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0053] A fastening structure 14 is provided for mounting the elongated object 12 to the workpiece 10. The fastening structure 14 includes a fastening bolt 16, which projects perpendicularly from a surface of the workpiece 10 and is firmly attached to it, for example by stud welding, stud bonding, or the like. The fastening bolt 16 is preferably a metal bolt, but can also be a plastic bolt. Preferably, the fastening bolt 16 has an external thread.

[0054] The fastening structure 14 further includes a fastening element connectable to the bolt 16, in particular a fastening nut 18 having an internal thread. The fastening nut 18 is preferably a plastic nut that can be screwed onto the fastening bolt 16.

[0055] The fastening structure 14 serves to fasten a plastic clip 20 to the body sheet 10.

[0056] The plastic clip 20 is attached to the workpiece 10 by means of the fastening structure 14 and serves to fix the elongated object 12 in relation to the workpiece 10.

[0057] The plastic clip 20 includes a base element 22, which can be fixed to the workpiece 10 by means of the fastening structure 14, and a cover element 24. The cover element 24 is connected to the base element 22 via a hinge, in particular a film hinge 26.

[0058] The base element 22 and the cover element 24 are preferably manufactured in one piece from a plastic material, in particular a comparatively hard plastic material such as PA, PP, PE, POM.

[0059] The film hinge 26 allows the lid element 24 to be moved between a Fig. The closed position SP shown in Figure 1 and an open position can be moved. In the open position (not shown), the elongated object 12 can be inserted into a receptacle 28 of the plastic clip 20. By pivoting the cover element 24 into the position shown in Figure 1, the elongated object 12 can be inserted into a receptacle 28 of the plastic clip 20. Fig. In the closing position SP shown, the elongated object 12 is enclosed in a radial direction and held in a radial direction on the plastic clip 20.

[0060] To ensure the locking position SP can be reliably set, the plastic clip 20 includes a locking arrangement 30. The locking arrangement 30 is preferably arranged at an end of the film hinge 26 that is substantially opposite in the circumferential direction. In other words, in the locked position SP, the film hinge 26 and the locking arrangement 30 are arranged on radially opposite sides of the elongated object 12.

[0061] The locking arrangement 30 includes a first locking section 32, which may be a free end of the cover element 24. A second locking section 34 is formed on the base element 22. The first locking section 32 and the second locking section 34 are movable relative to each other and can be latched together.

[0062] To clarify the function of the locking arrangement 30, three directions (corresponding to respective axes) are defined here. A longitudinal direction of the elongated object 12 is a z-direction. A first direction x is a direction essentially parallel to a base surface of the base element 22 that rests on the workpiece 10. Here, a distinction is made between a first sense x1 of the first direction x and an opposite second sense x2 of the first direction x. A direction essentially perpendicular to the first direction is a second direction y. When the cover element 24 is moved between the open position and the closed position SP, the first locking section 32 is displaced essentially in the second direction.

[0063] To illustrate the function of the locking arrangement 30, the different relative positions between the first locking section 32 and the second locking section 34 are shown in the Fig. 2 to 4 are shown.

[0064] In Fig. Figure 2 shows an end phase of the open position OP, in which the cover element 24 is moved towards the closed position SP by means of a schematically indicated locking force F1.

[0065] The first locking section 32 is deflectable in the first direction x, e.g. due to the elasticity of the cover element 24. The first locking section 32 and the second locking section 34 each have detent ramps R which come into contact with each other when the closed position SP is reached.

[0066] The design of the detent ramps R deflects the first locking section 32 in the first sense x1 of the first direction x, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown at A.

[0067] The first locking section 32 has a hook shape with a hook base 36, a hook end 38 and a hook opening 40.

[0068] The hook opening 40 is open in the second direction y. The hook opening 40 lies on a side opposite the associated detent ramp R in the second direction.

[0069] The second locking section 34 has a part 44 projecting in the second direction y, which is opposite the associated detent chamfer R.

[0070] The deflection movement A moves the first locking section 32 with the hook end 38 past the part 44 in the second direction until an elastic restoring force of the cover element 24 returns the first locking section 32 in the first direction opposite to the elastic deflection A (in the second sense x2). This returns the upper side of the hook end 38 to a home position in which the cover element 24 is not elastically deflected in the first direction x. In this position, the upper end of the hook end 38 rests against a stop surface 46 of the part 44 of the second locking section 34, thus establishing a positive locking connection in the second direction y.

[0071] This sets up the closing position SP, specifically in a first detent position RP1.

[0072] In the first detent position RP1, an elongated object 12 held in the receptacle 28 is held firmly in a radial direction, so that pre-assembly of the plastic clip 20 on the elongated object 12 is possible.

[0073] The plastic clip 20 establishes an elastic restoring force F2 in the first detent position RP1, by which the first locking section 32 is pressed against the second locking section 34 in the second direction y.

[0074] This elastic restoring force F2, which is relatively large, can be set up in the following way.

[0075] The base element 22 has a base receiving section 50, which in this case extends approximately 180° in the circumferential direction, but can also be smaller or larger. For example, the base receiving section 50 extends over a range of 90° to 270°.

[0076] The cover element 24 has a corresponding cover receiving section 52, which in this case extends over 180°, but in adaptation to the extension of the base receiving section 50 can also extend over a different angular range, for example 270° to 90°.

[0077] An elastically deformable layer made of a material that is softer than that of the cover element 24 and the base element 22 is arranged on an inner circumference of the base receiving section 50 and on an inner circumference of the cover receiving section 52. The elastically deformable layer can, for example, be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0078] The size of the receptacle 28 and the thickness of the elastically deformable layer 54 are in this case coordinated such that an inner diameter D54 defined by the elastically deformable layer 54 (see Fig. 1) in the closed position SP is smaller than an outer diameter D12 of the elongated object 12.

[0079] In the first rest position RP1, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the elastically deformable layer 54 is comparatively strongly deformed and consequently exerts a comparatively large restoring force F2 on the locking arrangement 30.

[0080] The second locking section 34 is elastically deflectable in the first direction x, in particular in the direction of the first sense x1 of the x-direction.

[0081] In Fig. Figure 3 shows that a force F3 can be exerted on the second locking section 34 in the first direction x1 in order to disengage the locking arrangement 30 from the one in Fig. 3 shown first rest position RP1 into a in Fig. To move the second rest position RP2 shown in section 4.

[0082] The force F3 can be exerted, for example, by a fastening element such as the fastening nut 18.

[0083] In Fig. Figure 1 shows that a protrusion 58 is formed on the second locking section 34, which projects in the x2 direction into a fastening element receptacle 56, along which a fastening element such as the fastening nut 18 is inserted.

[0084] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the fastening nut 18 is inserted into the fastening element receptacle 56 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece 10, i.e. essentially in the second direction y.

[0085] When the fastening nut 18 is inserted, an outer circumference of the fastening nut 18 comes into contact with the rear protrusion 58 of the second locking section 34. This deflects the second locking section 34 in the first direction x1 of the first direction x.

[0086] The deflection of the second locking section 34 causes the portion 44 of the second locking section 34, which was previously in contact with the hook end 38, to move into a position where it is aligned with the hook opening 40 in the first direction x. The restoring force F2 acting in the second direction displaces the cover element 22 and its first locking section 32 in the second direction y when the portion 44 of the second locking section 34 is inserted into the hook opening 40. In this process, the first locking section is displaced relative to the second locking section by an offset distance V in the second direction y compared to the first detent position RP1.

[0087] The offset path V is limited in particular by a stop surface, which can be formed on the first part 32, for example in the form of a base of the hook opening 40, and by the stop surface 46. Alternatively, a corresponding stop can also be formed on an underside of the second locking section 34, so that the hook end 38 abuts against it.

[0088] In any case, setting the second detent position RP2 slightly enlarges the receptacle 28 radially. This results in slightly less deformation (or, in the limiting case, no deformation at all) of the elastically deformable layer 54, so that the restoring force F4 exerted by this is smaller than that in Fig. 3 Restoring force F2 exerted in the first detent position RP1 (F4 < F2).

[0089] The second detent position RP2 consequently holds the elongated object 12 with a lower force in the radial and / or axial direction. Preferably, the size of the receptacle 28 and the outer contour of the elongated object 12 are matched such that, in the second detent position RP2, the elongated object 12 is held radially but is displaceable in the axial direction, this axial displaceability being preferably damped by the contact of the elastically deformable layer 54.

[0090] This allows the workpiece 10 and the elongated object 12 to be better decoupled with regard to vibration transmission than in the first detent position RP1, resulting in overall better acoustics, in particular improved NVH behavior.

[0091] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a plastic clip 20' which, in terms of structure and function, is generally similar to the plastic clip 20 of Fig. 1 to 4 correspond. Identical elements are therefore identified by the same reference symbols. The differences are explained below.

[0092] The plastic clip 20' of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 Two receptacles 28a, 28b are formed on a base element 22, which are formed by two cover elements 24a, 24b together with corresponding base receptacle sections of the base element 22'. The receptacles 28a, 28b are arranged on opposite sides of the fastening element receptacle 56 in the first direction x.

[0093] The elastically deformable layers 54 in the area of ​​the base element 22 and the respective cover element 24a, 24b are each formed with a plurality of longitudinal ribs 60, which allows the different elastic deformabilities to be favorably arranged in the first detent position RP1 and in the second detent position RP2.

[0094] Furthermore, the elastically deformable layers 54 of the mounts 28a, 28b of the base element 22 are each anchored in the base section by anchor sections 62 and connected to each other by a connecting section 64.

[0095] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the elastically deformable layers 54 of the cover elements 24a, 24b can be formed in one piece with the corresponding elastically deformable layers 54 of the base element 22 by being connected to each other in the area of ​​the respective film hinges 26a, 26b, also in the manner of a film hinge.

[0096] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows the first detent position RP1, in which a lower part of the second locking sections 34a, 34b, which are arranged on opposite sides of the fastening element receptacle 56, rests against the respective hook ends 38a, 38b.

[0097] As soon as the fastening nut 18 is inserted into the fastening element receptacle 56, the second locking sections 34a, 34b are displaced essentially simultaneously in the first direction x to establish the second detent position RP2. Since the two second locking sections 34a, 34b are located on opposite sides of the fastening element receptacle 56, the deflection occurs in opposite directions, each directed towards the respective cover element 24a, 24b. Reference symbol list: 10 Body sheet (workpiece) 12. elongated object (power line, HV line) 14 Mounting structure 16 fastening bolts (external thread), bolts 18 Fastening nut (internal thread), fastening element 20 plastic clips 22 Basic element 24 lid element 26 film hinge 28 recording 30 Locking arrangement 32 First locking section (free end 24) 34 second locking section 36 hook base 38 Hook end 40 hook opening 44 Part of the second locking section 46 Stop surface (44) (34) 48 Stop surface first part (32) 50 Basic recording section 52 Cover mounting section 54 elastically deformable layer (soft material) 56 Fastener receptacle 58 Reverse side of second locking section (protrusion) 60 longitudinal ribs (54) 62 Anchor section (54) 64 Connecting section (54) 66 pressure wings X first direction Y second direction Z third direction Open surgical position SP Closing position RP1 first rest position RP2 second detent position V Offset path RP1-RP2 F1 Locking force (y) A elastic displacement 32 (x) F2 Restoring force of elastic position (y) (~first holding force) F3 Fastener actuation force (x) F4 Restoring force of elastic position (y)(-second holding force)

Claims

[1] Plastic clip (20) for holding an elongated object (12) such as a power cable, with a base element (22) which can be fixed to a workpiece (10) by means of a fastening structure (14) and which has a base receiving section (50), and a lid element (24) which has a lid receiving section (52) and which is movable relative to the base element (22) between an open position (OP) and a closed position (SP), in which the base receiving section (50) and the lid receiving section (52) together receive the elongated object (12), and a locking arrangement (30) comprising a first locking section (32) formed on the cover element (24) and a second locking section (34) formed on the base element (22), wherein, to establish a first detent position (RP1), the first locking section (32) and the second locking section (34) are moved relative to each other in a first direction (y), wherein the first locking section (32) is elastically deflected in a first direction (x) with respect to the second locking section (34) and is moved into a detent position due to elastic return, in which the first locking section (32) is held detent relative to the second locking section (34) in the second direction (y), so that the first detent position (RP1) is established, wherein the second locking section (34) is elastically deflectable in the first direction (x), wherein the first and the second locking section (32, 34) are designed such that after the first detent position (RP1) has been set, when the second locking section (34) is elastically deflected in the first direction (x), a second detent position (RP2) is set, in which the first locking section (32) is offset relative to the second locking section (34) in the second direction (y) by an offset path (V), where, when the second detent position (RP2) is set, the first locking section (32) and the second locking section (34) are moved a short distance in the opposite direction of the second direction (y) to each other, wherein the first locking section (32) is substantially displaced in the second direction (y) when the cover element (24) is moved between the open position (OP) and the closed position (SP), such that the closed position (SP) of the plastic clip (20) corresponds to the detent position. [2] Plastic clip according to claim 1, wherein the base element (22) has a fastening element receptacle (56) into which a fastening element (18) can be inserted for fixing to the workpiece (10). [3] Plastic clip according to claim 2, wherein the second locking section (34) is arranged in relation to the fastening element receptacle (56) such that the second locking section (34) is deflected in the first direction (x) by the insertion of the fastening element (18). [4] Plastic clip according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an elastically deformable layer (54) is formed on the lid receiving section (52) and / or on the base receiving section (50), against which the elongated object (12) rests at least section by section in the received state. [5] Plastic clip according to claim 4, wherein the elastically deformable layer (54) is elastically deformed in the first detent position (RP1) such that the first locking section (32) is elastically pre-tensioned in the first detent position (RP1) in the direction of the second detent position (RP2). [6] Plastic clip according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the elastically deformable layer (54) is more elastically deformed in the first detent position (RP1) than in the second detent position (RP2). [7] Plastic clip according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein - the elastically deformable layer (54) is made of a softer material than the base element (22) or the cover element (24), and / or - the elastically deformable layer (54) has a plurality of longitudinal ribs (60) arranged on the lid receiving section (52) and / or on the base receiving section (50) and against which the elongated object (12) rests in the received state. [8] Plastic clip according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first locking section (32) is hook-shaped and has a hook opening (40) designed to receive a part of the second locking section (34) in the second latching position (RP2). [9] Plastic clip according to claim 8, wherein a hook end (38) of the first locking section (32) rests against the part of the second locking section (43) in the first detent position (RP1). [10] Plastic clip according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first locking section (32) and / or the second locking section (34) has a stop surface (48, 46) which limits a relative movement between the first locking section (32) and the second locking section (34) when shifting into the second detent position (RP). [11] Plastic clip according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first locking section (32) is elastically pre-tensioned in the direction of the second locking position (RP2) in the first detent position (RP1). [12] Method for attaching an elongated object (12) to a workpiece (10) by means of a fastening structure (14) and a plastic clip (20), in particular a plastic clip (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plastic clip (20) has a base element (22) and a cover element (24), comprising the steps: Inserting the elongated object (12) into a receptacle (28) of the plastic clip (20); Setting up a closing position (SP) of the plastic clip (20) in which a first detent position (RP1) is set up such that the elongated object (12) is fixed to the plastic clip (20) with a relatively high holding force; Attaching the plastic clip (20) to the workpiece (10) using the fastening structure (14); and Setting up a second detent position (RP2) in which the elongated object (12) is fixed to the plastic clip (20) with a relatively low holding force. [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein the setting of the second detent position (RP2) takes place during the fastening of the plastic clip (20) to the workpiece (10). [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein a fastening element (18) triggers the transition to the second detent position (RP2) during insertion into a fastening element receptacle (56).

Images