Fastening clip for attaching a wiring harness to an edge of a component in the vehicle's installation space.

Abstract

An edge clip is provided for attaching a wiring harness to an edge of a component in a vehicle installation space, the edge clip comprising: an outer, U-shaped housing having a retaining element for attaching the wiring harness; a U-shaped metal spring with clamping arms arranged inside the housing, which clamps the edge after installation; the metal spring and the housing each have an opening at the base of the U-shape, the openings being overlapping; and inside the housing is a flag formed from two sections, a first section being a spring element attached to the metal spring and projecting into the interior of the housing such that it is located above the clamping arms; and a second section adjoining the first section and projecting towards the openings, the end of the second section beingwhich points towards openings, serves as a display means, which does not protrude from the opening of the housing when not mounted and protrudes from the opening of the housing when mounted.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening clip for attaching a cable harness to an edge of a component in the installation space of the vehicle.

[0002] Securely fastening a wiring harness to a specific component using mounting clips is necessary to prevent the harness from moving freely within the installation space. Due to limited installation space, visibility is restricted when installing wiring harnesses or mounting clips. In such cases, the installer has no visual, tactile, or audible feedback as to whether the mounting clip is correctly positioned. Poor accessibility is another problem when installing wiring harnesses. Therefore, manual installation of mounting clips is sometimes required, depending on the available space. Furthermore, there is currently no simple solution for verifying the correct installation of the mounting clip within the vehicle's installation space.

[0003] German patent application DE 20 2021 105 096 U1 describes a method for the automated fastening of an assembly to a component using a fastening clip. The aim is to create a fastening clip that allows for the automated fastening of assemblies to a component in a simple manner and with minimal automation effort. The assembly can be a cable harness.

[0004] From DE 20 2005 018 240 U1 a plastic clip for mounting a gas bag package is known, in which a visual indication of correct mounting is provided.

[0005] Since there is still room for improvement in verifying the correct installation of a fastening clip on a component, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved fastening clip that at least visually indicates when it is correctly installed. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] An edge clip is provided for attaching a wiring harness to an edge of a component in a vehicle installation space, the edge clip comprising: an outer, U-shaped housing having a retaining element for attaching the wiring harness; a U-shaped metal spring with clamping arms arranged inside the housing, which clamps the edge after installation; the metal spring and the housing each have an opening at the base of the U-shape, the openings being overlapping; and inside the housing is a flag formed from two sections, a first section being a spring element attached to the metal spring and projecting into the interior of the housing such that it is located above the clamping arms; and a second section adjoining the first section and projecting towards the openings, the end of the second section beingwhich points towards openings, serves as a display means, which does not protrude from the opening of the housing when not mounted and protrudes from the opening of the housing when mounted.

[0007] Furthermore, it is provided that the second area is formed in such a way that the display means, when not mounted, is at least partially located within the opening of the housing.

[0008] Furthermore, it is provided that the indicator is formed as a V- or U-shaped spring, the base of which points away from the housing.

[0009] Furthermore, it is provided that the housing in the area of ​​the opening is formed as a ramp for guiding the display device.

[0010] Furthermore, it is planned that the second area is arranged essentially vertically below the openings and leads there in a straight line.

[0011] Furthermore, the retaining element is designed to accommodate an additional bracket to which a wiring harness is attached.

[0012] Furthermore, it is stipulated that the display device will have a different color than the housing.

[0013] Furthermore, a fastening system for a vehicle wiring harness is provided, comprising several described edge clips, as well as brackets designed to fasten the wiring harness and attached to the retaining element of the edge clip.

[0014] Furthermore, a vehicle is provided, comprising an installation space with components having predefined edges intended for the attachment of a wiring harness, and at least one wiring harness which is attached to a retaining element of at least one described edge clip via a separate retaining means, wherein the edge clip is attached to one or more edges of the body by having its housing placed over the edge.

[0015] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures in the drawing, which shows details of the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in any combination in a variant of the invention.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an edge clip before assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a front view of the in Fig. 1 edge clip shown. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an edge clip after assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a front view of the in Fig. 3 edge clips shown. Fig. Figure 5 shows a partial sectional view of the in Fig. 4 edge clips shown.

[0017] In the following figure descriptions, identical elements or functions are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0018] The basic concept of the invention is to provide a simpler method for verifying the correct engagement of a fastening clip for securing a cable harness to a component (a counter-structure), particularly an edge thereof. For this purpose, a fastening clip is provided that offers a visual indication of correct engagement above the edge. This is achieved by a flag that indicates to the user whether the correct insertion depth has been reached. The user can see from a distance whether the flag has reached its final position. Additionally, acoustic feedback, particularly in the form of a click, can be provided, giving the user further feedback during assembly when the final position has been reached.

[0019] The fastening clip according to the invention serves to fasten a cable harness, in particular a cable harness carrying electrical current (energy and / or signals), to a component, e.g. a body, of the vehicle by clamping the fastening clip to an edge (rib) of the component.

[0020] Such a fastening clip can also be called an edge clip or edge clamp. Edge clips of this type are already known. They typically consist of an outer plastic part with a retaining element, such as a loop or eyelet, either separate from or molded into the plastic part. A further fastener, such as a cable tie, can be attached to this retaining element, securing, for example, a wiring harness to the edge clip. The plastic part is essentially U-shaped so that it can be applied to an edge of the component to which it is to be attached, such as a body panel. Inside the U-shape is a metal clamp, which is also usually U-shaped. The legs of the metal clamp are designed as spring arms so that when applied to the edge to which the edge clip is to be attached, they are tensioned, thereby exerting a clamping force on the wall / edge of the component.

[0021] When mounting such edge clips, it is important that they are applied to the edge of the component up to their upper stop (the base of the U) to ensure that the full spring force is applied and the edge clip cannot slip back over the edge. Currently, the correct locking of a cable harness mounting clip to a component is verified using a four-eyes principle, a pull test, or a camera inspection. However, since these methods are very time-consuming, the invention provides a simpler method for verifying the correct mounting of edge clips, as shown below. Fig. 1 to 5 described.

[0022] The basic principle of the known edge clip 100 described above remains unchanged. As shown in the figures, the edge clip 100 has an outer, essentially U-shaped housing 1, which is generally made of plastic. A retaining element 11 is provided on one (or both) outer sides (legs of the U), which is advantageously manufactured integrally with the housing 1. In the figures, the retaining element 11 is shown as a through-slot. A cable tie, for example, can be passed through this retaining element 11 and attached to the edge clip 100, with a cable harness being attached to the cable tie.

[0023] The edge clip 100 is applied to an edge 4 of a component in the vehicle's installation space, e.g., a wall or a rib of the vehicle's body, via the opening of the U-shape, for fastening. This is achieved by means of at least one metal spring 2 provided inside the U-shape of the housing 1. This metal spring 2 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the interior of the housing 1. It is therefore also essentially U-shaped, with the openings of the U-shape of the metal spring 2 and the housing 1 pointing in the same direction (also referred to as the underside of the housing 1). The metal spring 2 is snapped onto the housing 1 in the area of ​​the bottom of the U-shape of the housing 1 (at its upper surface 10), e.g., by the housing 1 having a projection 12 on each leg of the U-shape inside its interior. The metal spring 2 is attached to the projection 12 with one spring arm 21 of it, e.g. clamped or locked or resting on it, as in Fig. Figures 1-4 show that the metal spring 2 is thus secured against falling or slipping out of the housing 1. The metal spring 2 also has at least one further spring arm per leg, which can be referred to as a clamping arm 22 and serves to attach the edge clip 100 to an edge 4 of a component. These clamping arms 22 are shaped to be essentially V-shaped, with the apex of the V-shape pointing towards the opening (the underside) of the edge clip 100. One leg of the V-shape rests against the inside of the housing 1 (an inner wall). The other, free leg of the V extends, when not mounted, towards the opposite inside of the housing 1 such that the ends (spring ends) of the legs of opposing clamping arms 22 point towards each other, leaving only a small gap between them.During assembly, the free legs are pressed towards the inner wall of the housing 1 by the edge 4 of the component onto which the edge clip 100 is applied. Since the spring force, due to the design, always acts in such a way that it pushes the free legs away from the inner wall of the housing 1, the edge 4 of the component is clamped between the free legs of the metal spring 2 inside the housing 1 after assembly. The figures show only one clamping arm 22 and one metal spring 2. However, several clamping arms 22 and several metal springs 2 per edge clip 100 can also be provided.

[0024] As already mentioned, it is important during assembly that the edge clip 100 is fully applied to edge 4, i.e., that the bottom of the U-shape is against the top of edge 4.

[0025] To easily indicate correct assembly, a flag 3 is provided which, in its unassembled state, is not visible outside the housing 1. During assembly, it is pushed towards the top 10 of the housing 1 (bottom of the U-shape) and, in its assembled state, protrudes through an opening 13 in the housing 1. For this purpose, the flag 3 is designed as a resilient element in certain areas and as part of the metal spring 2.

[0026] The flag 3 is attached to the metal spring 2 at a first end of a first region 31. The flag 3 can be formed as a separate part and attached to it, or preferably formed integrally with the metal spring 2. The other (free) end of the flag 3 serves as an indicator 33, which, after correct mounting of the edge clip 100 on the edge 4 of the component, protrudes from an opening 13 in the housing 1, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 to be seen.

[0027] The flag 3 has a first, resiliently formed section 31, which extends from the end attached to the metal spring 2 towards the spring ends of the clamping arms 22 (i.e., the V-shaped spring arms), thus centrally into the interior of the housing 1, and there transitions into a second section 32 projecting as perpendicularly as possible towards the top 10 of the housing 1. The end of this second section 32 serves as an indicator 33, which, after correct assembly, protrudes from an opening 13 in the housing 1, thus providing a visual and tactile signal for the installer. The second section 32 is positioned so that it lies in a line below the opening 13 in the housing 1, through which the indicator 33 is inserted during assembly.Since the metal spring 2 with the base of the U-shape (its upper surface 20) is also guided over the upper surface 10 of the interior of the housing 1, the metal spring 2 naturally has an opening 23 corresponding to the opening 13 in the housing 1 (it is thus in overlap), so that the second area 32 with the indicator 33 can also pass through the metal spring 2.

[0028] The first area 31 serves as a sliding area which, during assembly, is pressed upwards towards the top 10 of the housing 1 of the edge clip 100 by the edge 4 of the component onto which the edge clip 100 is applied, due to its spring-like properties. This pushes the second area 32 together with the display element 33 vertically upwards.

[0029] In another embodiment, the second section 32 is also formed as a spring, which, during assembly, must be pressed through the openings 13 and 23 in the housing 1 and the metal spring 2. For this purpose, the spring is designed such that one of its spring arms is part of the second section 32 of the flag 3, and the second spring arm is a free spring arm whose end points towards the opening 13 of the housing 1 and serves as an indicator element 33. This means that the spring is pushed through the openings 13 and 23 via its tip. To fit through the openings 13 and 23, the spring arms must be compressed. Upon passing through the opening 13, the spring relaxes again (the spring arms open), which produces a noise. In this way, an additional acoustic signal can be easily implemented when correctly assembled. In one embodiment, a ramp is provided in the housing 1 over which the spring-formed indicator element 33 is guided during assembly.This makes it easier to apply the edge clip 100 to edge 4.

[0030] The end of the second area 32 (i.e. the display means 33) can in any embodiment be provided with a color different from the housing 1, preferably a signal color, which simplifies visual inspection.

[0031] The dimensions of areas 31 and 32 of the flag 3 are chosen by a person skilled in the art such that the indicator 33, i.e., the end of the second area 32, protrudes from the opening 13 in the housing 1 only when correctly installed, and is thus clearly visible and palpable to the installer. In one embodiment, it is provided that the indicator 33, i.e., the area that indicates correct installation, is located at least partially within the opening 13 of the housing 1 when not installed, such that the indicator 33 is not visible from the outside, but is positioned and guided by the opening 13. This has the advantage that the opening 13 does not need to be precisely aligned during installation, but rather the indicator 33 only needs to be pushed upwards. Since the housing 1 has a certain wall thickness, the indicator 33 can engage there without protruding from the housing 1.

[0032] The indicator 33 does not protrude from the opening 13 of the housing 1 when not mounted. It protrudes from the opening 13 when correctly mounted, by sliding the second section 32 from the edge 4 of the body, onto which the edge clip 100 is mounted, towards the openings 13 and 23, and resting on the upper side of the edge 4. Thus, during mounting, at least the indicator 33 is pushed out of the opening 13 of the housing 1.

[0033] U-shapes and V-shapes are well known. Therefore, only their most important characteristics will be briefly discussed here. Both a U-shaped and a V-shaped spring have two legs that are opposite each other via a base section and act as spring arms. In a U-shaped spring, the legs are connected by a base section, which defines the distance between the two legs and is essentially orthogonal to it. In a V-shaped spring, the legs are directly connected and form a point at the base.

[0034] As mentioned, the Edge Clip 100 is used particularly for mounting a vehicle's wiring harness to the edge of a component within the vehicle's installation space. The Edge Clip 100 provides visual and tactile feedback, and in suitable versions also audible feedback, indicating correct installation, thus simplifying the assembly and verification process. Reference symbol list 100 edge clips 1 case 10 Top (bottom U) 11 Holding element 12 lead 13 Opening 2 metal springs 20 Top 21 Spring arm 22 Clamping arm 3 Flag 31 first area (springy) 32 second area 33 Display devices 4-edge component

Claims

[1] Edge clip (100) for attaching a cable harness to an edge of a component in an installation space of a vehicle, wherein the edge clip (100) has: - an outer, U-shaped housing (1) comprising a retaining element (11) for securing the cable harness, - a U-shaped metal spring (2) with clamping arms (22) arranged inside the housing (1) which clamps the edge (4) after assembly, wherein - Metal spring (2) and housing (1) each have an opening (13, 23) at a base of the U-shape, wherein the openings (13, 23) are overlapping, and - inside the housing (1) a flag (3) is provided, which is formed from two sub-areas, a first sub-area (31) of which is formed as a spring element, which is attached to the metal spring (2) and projects into the interior of the housing (1) such that it is located above the clamping arms (22), and wherein a second sub-area (32) connects to the first sub-area (31) and projects towards openings (13, 23), wherein - the end of the second area (32), which points towards openings (13, 23), serves as a display means (33), which does not protrude from the opening (13) of the housing (1) when not mounted and protrudes from the opening (13) of the housing (1) when mounted. [2] Edge clip (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second area (32) is formed such that the display means (33) is located at least partially within the opening (13) of the housing (1) when not mounted. [3] Edge clip (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indicator means (33) is formed as a V- or U-shaped spring, the bottom of which points away from the housing (1). [4] Edge clip (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (1) in the area of ​​the opening (13) is formed as a ramp for guiding the display means (33). [5] Edge clip (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second area (32) is arranged substantially vertically below the openings (13, 23) and is guided therein in a straight line. [6] Edge clip (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining element (11) is configured to receive an additional holder to which a cable harness is attached. [7] Edge clip (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display means (33) has a color different from the housing (1). [8] Fastening system of a vehicle wiring harness comprising several edge clips (100) according to one of the preceding claims and holders formed such that they fasten the wiring harness and are attached to the retaining element (11) of the edge clip (100). [9] Vehicle comprising a space with components having predefined edges (4) for attaching a wiring harness, and at least one wiring harness which is attached via a separate retaining means to a retaining element (11) of at least one edge clip (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the edge clip (100) is attached to one or more edges (4) of the body by having its housing (1) placed over the edge (4).

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