CLIP ARRANGEMENT FOR A WIRING HARNESS IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

A clip assembly 100 for wiring harnesses 402 in a vehicle comprises a main body 200, a holder 102 for securing a main section of the wiring harness 402, and an annular cap 106 for holding a branch 406. The cap 106 is freely rotatable and pivotable. In an open position, the branch 406 is received by the cap, and the rotational movement allows the cap 106 to be aligned with the direction of the branch. A base 110 is inserted between the main body 200 and the holder 102. The cap 106 is rotatably mounted in the base by a spherical attachment 302. The clip assembly 100 may include a vacuum mechanism with a vacuum suction cup 504, which is operated by a vacuum generating mechanism 502, to secure the clip assembly to the surface.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automotive wiring harnesses. In particular, the present invention relates to a clip arrangement used for fastening wiring harnesses in a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] The background description contains information that may be useful for understanding the present invention. It does not constitute an admission that the information contained herein forms part of the prior art or is relevant to the present invention, or that any publication to which express or implicit reference is made forms part of the prior art.

[0003] Automotive wiring harnesses connect two or more components within a vehicle to supply voltage / current and provide an interface for various types of signals. The harnesses are secured to the vehicle's body using various strapping mechanisms to prevent humming, squeaking, and rattling while driving. It is of utmost importance that the wiring harness or its branches, once attached to the body, do not obstruct or rub against the various components mounted to the vehicle's body while driving.

[0004] Conventional fastening devices such as clips and tie-down straps loosen over time, leaving the body-in-white (BiW) surface exposed. In many cases, the harness clips rotate due to the force of gravity acting on them. This leads to damage to the harness, as it is constantly in contact with other components in the surrounding area. Furthermore, strapping branches extending from the main harness compartment presents a challenge. Due to packaging constraints at the vehicle level, some harness branches must extend very close to the strapping point. However, due to limitations in cable manufacturing, a harness cannot extend at a point less than 50 mm from the strapping point.In such cases, either the layout of the wiring harness is compromised, which affects the design, or an additional plastic bracket has to be fitted, both of which are undesirable from the point of view of efficient production.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to find an efficient solution to the problem of efficiently attaching trapezoidal branches together with the main trunk.

[0006] Patent document CN209860338U discloses a cable harness branching platform comprising a rotary table supported by a rotary table support column and a branching clamp. A cable harness channel is arranged in the rotary table support column along an axial direction up to an upper end face of the rotary table support column, and a cable slot extends through the side wall to connect with the cable harness channel. The rotary table comprises a first arc-shaped ring and a second arc-shaped ring connected by a snap-fit ​​connection to form the annular rotary table. Each arc-shaped ring contains an annular first sliding groove in its inner walls and second sliding grooves on the upper end faces of the arc-shaped rings, and a plurality of wire clamps are installed in the second sliding grooves in a sliding configuration.The removable first and second arc-shaped rings and the cable slot allow for convenient pulling and insertion of the wiring harness into the wiring harness branching platform, thus improving the ease of wiring harness insertion.

[0007] As can be seen, the cited reference discloses a device for use in the manufacture of wiring harnesses, which assists in the separation, identification and marking of functional wires of each harness branch, thus preventing confusion and jumble of wires, and does not contain any teachings that may be helpful in solving the above-mentioned problem related to the routing of wiring harnesses and their branches in a vehicle.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to provide a simple, easy-to-install and cost-effective device for routing and strapping cable harnesses and their branches in a vehicle. GOALS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A general object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the problem of routing and clamping cable harnesses and their branches in a vehicle.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide a clip arrangement for fastening a cable harness including its branch cable harness.

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a clip arrangement that makes it possible to fasten both the main trunk strap and a branch strap at the same lashing point.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clip arrangement that makes it possible to fasten a branch belt regardless of its branching direction.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, easy-to-install and cost-effective solution for strapping cable harnesses and their branches.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clip arrangement that is firmly attached to the body of the vehicle without allowing any freedom of rotation... SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Aspects of the present invention relate to the field of automotive wiring harnesses. In particular, the present invention relates to a clip arrangement used for fastening wiring harnesses, including branch harnesses, both located at the same strapping point, thereby avoiding problems caused by spaced strapping of the main harness and the branch harness. Another aspect is that the clip arrangement of the present invention is adaptable to meet the requirement of the branch harness orientation and can thus be used independently of the wiring harness configuration, avoiding the need for clips with multiple configurations to meet specific requirements.

[0016] In one aspect, the disclosed clip arrangement for wiring harnesses in a vehicle comprises a main body configured to be attached to the vehicle body and defining a first axis perpendicular to a surface of the vehicle body. The clip arrangement further comprises a holder attached to the main body for securing a main compartment of the wiring harness with a first fastening strap, and an annular cap movably connected to the main body for rotation about the first axis and tilting about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.The cap is movable around the second axis between a closed position, in which the cap is folded over the main body, and an open position, in which the cap projects upwards in a plane generally parallel to the first axis. In the open position, the annular cap is used to accommodate a branch (also called a branch harness, and the two terms are used interchangeably here) of the harness. The cap's rotation around the first axis allows it to be positioned in an orientation that aligns with the direction of the harness branch.

[0017] In one aspect, the cap may have a multitude of loops around its circumference that hold one or more secondary straps for attaching the branch.

[0018] In one aspect, the tie clip can be attached to the main body via a slot on the top, so that after engaging the slot, the tie clip is slid over the main body. The slot can be dovetail-shaped or T-shaped, and the tie clip can have a corresponding engagement feature for insertion into the slot.

[0019] In one aspect, the clip arrangement can include a base that is attached between the main body and the holder.

[0020] In one aspect, the base may have an opening that corresponds to the engagement feature of the tie holder, so that when the tie holder is pushed into engagement with the main body, the base can be positioned next to the tie holder, with the engagement feature of the tie holder passing through the opening to sandwich the base between the main body and the tie holder.

[0021] In one aspect, the main body can include a tree-shaped insertion element for attaching the clip assembly to the vehicle body by inserting the insertion element through a hole in the vehicle body.

[0022] In one aspect, the clip arrangement can further include a spherical attachment fixed to the cap, and the spherical attachment can engage with a circular track provided in the base. The circular track is arranged concentrically to the first axis to allow a 360° rotation of the cap about the first axis by moving the spherical attachment along the circular track.

[0023] In one aspect, the spherical attachment can be coupled to the cap via a hinge, and the hinge can define the second axis and allow the movement of the cap between the closed and open positions.

[0024] In one aspect, the clip assembly can also include a vacuum mechanism to attach it to the vehicle body. This vacuum mechanism can comprise a vacuum cup attached to the underside of the main body for placement above the vehicle body's surface, and a vacuum generation mechanism to lift the main body from the surface, creating a vacuum within the vacuum cup.

[0025] In one aspect, the vacuum generation mechanism may include a lever and a cam configured such that when the lever is turned, the cam acts on the surface of the vehicle's body to move the main body away from the surface in order to create a vacuum in the vacuum suction cup.

[0026] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same numbers represent the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present invention and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary perspective view of a clip arrangement according to the embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2A shows an exemplary perspective view of a main body of the clip arrangement of Fig. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2B shows an exemplary perspective view of a holder of the clip arrangement of Fig. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2C shows an exemplary perspective view of a ring-shaped cap of the clip arrangement of Fig. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2D shows an exemplary perspective view of a base of the clip arrangement of Fig. 1 according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary sectional view of the clip arrangement, which shows a spherical attachment that is movably mounted in a circular path, according to the embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary schematic representation of the clip arrangement which secures the main trunk of a cable harness and holds a branch cable harness through the annular cap, according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary representation of the clip arrangement with a vacuum suction cup of a vacuum mechanism which has an anti-rotation device according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6A shows an example diagram of the vacuum suction cup of the vacuum mechanism of Fig. 5, which shows a vacuum trigger of the vacuum suction cup according to the embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6B shows an exemplary diagram of two cam areas of the vacuum mechanism according to the embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6C shows an exemplary diagram of a vacuum generation mechanism of the vacuum mechanism of Fig. 5, according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the clip arrangement attached to a plate according to embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following describes in detail embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to ensure the invention is clearly understandable. However, the intention is not to limit foreseeable embodiments with the necessary level of detail; rather, the aim is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0029] The embodiments described herein relate to the field of automotive wiring harnesses. In particular, the present invention relates to a clip arrangement used for fastening a wiring harness, including its branch wiring harness, both located at the same strapping point. This overcomes the disadvantages of conventional methods and devices that did not allow a branch wiring harness to be fastened near the strapping point of the main harness compartment. Furthermore, the disclosed clip arrangement includes an annular cap for supporting the branch wiring harness, which can be oriented in a direction corresponding to the direction of the branch, thus enabling flexible use in all cases.

[0030] In one embodiment, the proposed clip arrangement for vehicle wiring harnesses comprises a main body with a tree-shaped insertion element, a holder for securing a main section of the wiring harness, and an annular cap for holding a branch. The cap is configured for rotation about a first axis, allowing it to be aligned according to the direction of the branch wiring harness, and for tilting about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, enabling movement between an open and a closed position of the cap. In the open position, the branch is received through the cap. The cap includes a plurality of loops located around its circumference to secure the branch wiring harness.

[0031] In one embodiment, the clip arrangement comprises a base embedded between the main body and the tie holder. The base includes an opening that corresponds to the engagement feature of the tie holder, such that the base is positioned next to the tie holder, the engagement feature of the tie holder passing through the opening when the tie holder is pushed into engagement with the main body to position the base between the main body and the tie holder.

[0032] In one embodiment, the clip assembly comprises a spherical attachment that is fixed to the cap and engages with a circular track provided in the base. The circular track is arranged concentrically to the first axis to allow the cap to rotate 360° about the first axis. A hinge between the spherical attachment and the cap defines the second axis for moving the cap between the closed and open positions.

[0033] In one embodiment, the clip assembly can include a vacuum mechanism for securing it to the vehicle body. The vacuum mechanism comprises a vacuum cup attached to the underside of the main body for placement above the vehicle body surface, and a vacuum generation mechanism to lift the main body from the surface and create a vacuum within the vacuum cup. The vacuum mechanism helps prevent rotation of the clip assembly.

[0034] In one embodiment, the vacuum generation mechanism comprises a lever and a cam configured such that when the lever is rotated, the cam acts on the surface of the vehicle body to move the main body away from the surface and create a vacuum in the vacuum suction cup.

[0035] With reference to Fig. Figure 1, in which an exemplary diagram of the disclosed clip arrangement is shown, the clip arrangement 100 may comprise a main body 200 configured to be attached to a body of the vehicle; a holder 102 attached to the main body 200 for securing a trunk of the harness 402; and an annular cap 106 configured to be movable with the main body 200 for a rotational movement about the first axis X-X1 as well as a tilting movement about a second axis Y-Y1 perpendicular to the first axis X-X1.

[0036] In one embodiment, in the inverted position of the annular cap 106, a branch of the cable harness, such as a Fig. The branch cable harness 406 shown in Figure 4 is received by the ring-shaped cap to support the branch cable harness 406. By rotating the cap 106 about the first axis X-X1, the cap 106 can be positioned in an orientation that corresponds to the direction of the branch cable harness 406.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2A shows an exemplary representation of a main body 200 of the exposed clip arrangement 100.

[0038] In one embodiment, the main body 200 is configured with an inverted saucer head and a tree-shaped insertion element 204 for attaching the clip assembly 100 to the vehicle body by inserting the insertion element 204 through a hole in the vehicle body. The insertion element 204 of the main body 200 defines the first axis X-X1, which is perpendicular to a surface 702 of the body 704 (see Fig. 7) of the vehicle body to which the clip assembly 100 is attached.

[0039] In one embodiment, the insertion element 204 can have a plurality of inverted fin-shaped structures of equal and concentric diameter, made of a flexible material selected from at least PVC plastic and silicone. The fin-shaped structures allow the clip assembly 100 to be inserted through the hole, but prevent the clip assembly 100 from being removed.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2B shows an exemplary representation of a holder 102 of the clip arrangement 100 for securing the main cable harness 402.

[0041] In one embodiment, the tie holder 102 has a loop structure on one side and a T-shaped projection on the opposite side for sliding the tie holder 102 over the main body 200. The tie holder 102 is attached to the main body 200 by a slot 202 on a top surface of the main body 200, so that the tie holder 102 is slid over the main body 200 after engaging in the slot 202. It should be noted that although the projection and the slot 202 are shown as T-shaped in the examples, they can also be dovetail-shaped.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2C shows an exemplary representation of an annular cap 106 of the disclosed clip arrangement 100 for fastening the branch cable harness 406 (see Fig. 4) of the trunk of the harness 402.

[0043] In one embodiment, the annular cap 106 is movable with the main body 200 for a rotational movement about the first axis X-X1 and for a tilting movement about a second axis Y-Y1, which is perpendicular to the first axis X-X1. The annular cap 106 is moved about the second axis Y-Y1 between a closed position, in which the cap 106 is folded over the main body 200, as shown in Fig. 1 shown, and moved to an open position in which the cap 106 projects upwards in a plane that generally runs parallel to the first axis X-X1, as in Fig. 4 shown.

[0044] In one embodiment, the ring-shaped cap 106 is used in the open position to accommodate a branch cable harness 406.

[0045] In one embodiment, the annular cap 106 comprises a plurality of loops, such as loops 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, and 108-4 (here collectively referred to as loops 108). The loops 108 can be arranged at the periphery to hold one or more second straps for securing the branch cable harness 406.

[0046] In one embodiment, the annular cap 106 can have a rotational movement about the first axis X-X1, which makes it possible to position the cap 106 in an orientation that corresponds to the direction of the branch 406 of the cable harness 402.

[0047] Fig. 2D illustrates an exemplary representation of a base 110 of the exposed clip arrangement 100.

[0048] In one embodiment, the base 110 is like a plate arranged between the main body 200 and the tie holder 102. The base 110 has an opening that corresponds to the engagement feature 104 of the holder 102, so that the base 110 can be positioned next to the holder 102, with the engagement feature 104 of the holder 102 passing through the opening before the holder 102 is pushed into engagement with the main body 200. In this way, the base 110 is embedded between the main body 200 and the tie holder 102.

[0049] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view 300 of the clip arrangement 100, which shows a spherical attachment 302.

[0050] In one embodiment, the spherical attachment 302 of the clip arrangement 100 is coupled to the cap 106 and engages with a circular track provided in the base 110. The circular track is arranged concentrically to the first axis X-X1, so that the movement of the spherical attachment 302 in the circular track enables a 360° rotation of the cap 106 about the first axis X-X1.

[0051] In one embodiment, the spherical mounting 302 is coupled to the annular cap 106 via a hinge 112. The hinge 112 defines the second axis Y-Y1 and allows the cap 106 to move between the closed and open positions.

[0052] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the clip arrangement 100, which secures the main cable harness 402 and holds the branch cable harness 406 inside the annular cap 106.

[0053] In one embodiment, the trunk 402 is guided through the holder 102 by the first retaining strap 404-1. To secure the branch wiring harness 406, the branch wiring harness 406 is guided through the annular cap 106 after it has been folded into the open position, so that it projects upwards in a plane that generally runs parallel to the first axis X-X1. If the direction of the branch wiring harness 406 differs from the inverted cap 106, the annular cap 106 can be rotated in the desired direction and the branch wiring harness 406 can be guided through the cap 106 and secured, for example, with a second cable tie 404-2 through one of the loops 108 provided on the cap 106.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary diagram 500 of a clip arrangement 100 with a vacuum mechanism (see Fig. 6C), which has an anti-rotation device.

[0055] In one embodiment, the clip assembly 100 can include a vacuum mechanism to prevent rotation of the clip assembly 100. The vacuum mechanism can include a vacuum reservoir 504 attached to a bottom of the main body 200 to be positioned above the surface 702 of the vehicle body 704, and vacuum generating mechanisms, such as vacuum generating mechanisms 502-1 and 502-2 (here referred to individually and collectively as vacuum generating mechanism 502), to generate a vacuum in the vacuum reservoir 504 by lifting the main body 200 away from the surface 702 of the vehicle body 704.

[0056] Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows exemplary representations of the front and back of the vacuum suction cup 504 of the clip arrangement 100.

[0057] In one embodiment, the vacuum suction cup 504 is arranged in an inverted position beneath the main body 200 to be positioned over a surface 702 of the vehicle. A vacuum releaser 510 is configured with the vacuum suction cup 504 to release the vacuum when the clip assembly 100 is to be rotated or removed. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the suction cup 504 can comprise two sections 508-1 and 508-2 for receiving two vacuum generation mechanisms 502.

[0058] In one embodiment, the material of the vacuum suction cup 504 can be selected from at least one of the following materials: nitrile butadiene rubber, natural rubber, silicone rubber and polyurethane.

[0059] Fig. Figure 6C shows an exemplary representation of the vacuum generation mechanism 502.

[0060] In one embodiment, each of the vacuum generating mechanisms 502 may comprise a lever, such as lever 506-1 and 506-2 (here referred to individually and collectively as lever 506), and a cam coupled to the lever 506, such that when the lever 506 is rotated, the coupled cam acts on the surface 702 of the body 704 of the vehicle to move the main body 200 away from the surface in order to generate a vacuum in the vacuum suction device 504.

[0061] In one embodiment, to release the vacuum, the vacuum release lever 510 is pulled manually, thereby releasing the vacuum and releasing the cams from the surface of the vehicle body in order to move the clip assembly 100 upwards.

[0062] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation 700 of the clip arrangement 100, which is attached to the body 704 of BiW and shows the vacuum drainer 510.

[0063] Thus, the exposed clip assembly 100 is easy to attach over the vehicle body to secure the trunk 402 and the branch wiring harness 406 with a single clip assembly 100. Even the 360° movement of the ring-shaped cap 106 does not impede its alignment with the branch wiring harness 406, making the clip assembly 100 unique and cost-effective, as a single clip assembly 100 fulfills the entire purpose.

[0064] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviating from the fundamental scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person with ordinary technical knowledge to manufacture and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to such a person. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0065] The present invention offers a solution to the problem of routing and fastening cable harnesses and their branches in a vehicle.

[0066] The present invention provides a clip arrangement for fastening a cable harness including its branch cable harness.

[0067] The present invention provides a clip arrangement that makes it possible to fasten both the main trunk strap and a branch strap at the same lashing point.

[0068] The present invention provides a clip arrangement that makes it possible to fasten a branch belt regardless of its branching direction.

[0069] The present invention offers a simple, easy-to-install and cost-effective solution for strapping cable harnesses and their branches. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 209860338U

[0006]

Claims

[1] Clip arrangement (100) for wiring harnesses (402) in a vehicle, the clip arrangement (100) comprising: a main body (200) configured to be attached to a body (704) of the vehicle, wherein the main body (200) defines a first axis (X-X1) perpendicular to a surface (702) of the body (704) of the vehicle, a holder (102) attached to the main body (200) for securing a main trunk of the harness (402) by means of a first binding strap (404-1), an annular cap (106) which is movably configured with the main body (200) for a rotational movement about the first axis (X-X1) and for a tilting movement about a second axis (Y-Y1) perpendicular to the first axis (X-X1), such that the cap (106) is moved about the second axis (Y-Y1) between a closed position in which the cap (106) is folded over the main body (200) and an open position in which the cap (106) projects upwards in a plane that is generally parallel to the first axis (X-X1), wherein the cap (106) in the open position is used to accommodate a branch cable harness (406), and wherein the rotational movement of the cap (106) about the first axis (X-X1) makes it possible to position the cap (106) in an orientation that corresponds to a direction of the branch cable harness (406). agrees. [2] Clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the cap (106) has a plurality of loops (108) arranged around the circumference to hold one or more second binding straps (404-2) for securing the branch cable harness (406). [3] Clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the holder (102) is attached to the main body (200) by a slot (202) on a top side of the main body (200), such that the holder (102) is slid over the main body (200) after engaging in the slot (202), wherein the slot (202) is a dovetail slot or a T-slot and the holder (102) comprises a suitable engagement feature (104) for engaging in the slot (202). [4] Clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the clip arrangement (100) comprises a base (110) arranged between the main body (200) and the tie holder (102). [5] Clip arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the base (110) has an opening that fits the engagement feature (104) of the tie holder (102) so that the base (110) is positioned next to the tie holder (102), wherein the engagement feature (104) of the tie holder (102) passes through the opening when the tie holder (102) is pushed into engagement with the main body (200) to position the base (110) between the main body (200) and the tie holder (102). [6] Clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the main body (200) comprises a tree-shaped insertion element (204) for attaching the clip arrangement (100) to the body (704) of the vehicle by inserting the insertion element (204) through a hole in the body (704) of the vehicle. [7] Clip arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the clip arrangement (100) comprises a spherical attachment (302) coupled to the cap (106), the spherical attachment (302) engaging with a circular track provided in the base (110); and wherein the circular track is arranged concentrically to the first axis (X-X1) to allow 360° rotation of the cap (106) about the first axis (X-X1) by moving the spherical attachment (302) along the circular track. [8] Clip arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the spherical attachment (302) is coupled to the cap (106) via a hinge (112), wherein the hinge (112) defines the second axis (Y-Y1) and allows movement of the cap (106) between the closed position and the open position. [9] Clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the clip arrangement (100) comprises a vacuum mechanism (502) for holding the body (704) of the vehicle, the vacuum mechanism (502) comprising a vacuum cup (504) attached to an underside of the main body (200) for being placed above the surface (702) of the body (704) of the vehicle, and a vacuum generation mechanism (502) for lifting the main body (200) from the surface (702) in order to generate a vacuum inside the vacuum cup (504). [10] Clip arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the vacuum generation mechanism (502) comprises a lever (506) and a cam configured such that the cam acts on the surface (702) of the body (704) of the vehicle when the lever (506) is rotated to move the main body (200) away from the surface (702) to generate a vacuum in the vacuum suction cup (504).

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