Grounding clamp with lateral anti-rotation protection

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a grounding clamp for fastening and electrically contacting two cables on a separate surface. State of the art

[0002] Grounding clamps are used in the automotive industry to secure electrical wires or cables at specific points within a vehicle and to connect the cable's ground wire to the vehicle body, i.e., to ground it. Cables routed within a vehicle include, for example, antenna cables for a radio and can be coaxial cables. Securing the cable ensures it follows a predetermined path through the vehicle. Connecting the cable's ground wire to the vehicle body, which is electrically conductive, places the ground wire's potential at the body's ground potential, thus grounding the cable.

[0003] In previous applications, a separate grounding clamp was used for each cable to secure two cables, especially those running parallel to each other. During installation in the vehicle, the two grounding clamps were then inserted into one another. However, using two separate grounding clamps increased the complexity of installing the wiring harnesses in a vehicle.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2006 008 056 B4 describes a grounding plate for fixing and grounding coaxial cables. The grounding plate has at least one plate at one end of which two coaxial cables can be accommodated. Spaced apart from the cable mounting area, the plate has a screw hole through which a screw is inserted to fix the grounding plate. If torques occur on the grounding plate, e.g., due to tensile forces on the cables, the screw connection at the screw hole can unintentionally loosen or come undone.

[0005] The publication DE 10 2015 205 276 A1 relates to an earthing connection with a first earthing connection and a second earthing connection. In an assembled state, the first earthing connection and the second earthing connection are arranged one above the other.

[0006] Publication JP 2003 187 884 A concerns a grounding connection piece formed by a base with a bolt hole in the center. A wire retaining element extends at one end, with the base as its center, and an anti-rotation projection extends at the other end.

[0007] The publication DE 11 2014 002 495 T5 relates to a connection structure for metal terminal connectors. The connection structure for metal terminal connectors comprises a first metal terminal connector to which a plurality of first electrical wires are connected, and a second metal terminal connector to which a plurality of second electrical wires are connected, wherein one of the first metal terminal connectors and the second metal terminal connector enables a connection and fixation exclusively with a corresponding terminal connection section or a grounding section corresponding to the number of first electrical wires and the number of second electrical wires.

[0008] The publication EP 1 863 129 B1 concerns an earthing clamp for shielded cables and a method for its installation. The earthing clamp consists of at least two parts. Accordingly, the earthing clamp can first be attached to or on the respective shielded cables.

[0009] The aforementioned state of the art has at least the disadvantages already mentioned, namely that several components are used on one grounding clamp, and / or that a connection area of ​​cables or wires is always arranged at a distance from a fastening device, so that unwanted torques can act on the grounding clamp, leading to a loosening or detachment of the fastening. Description of the invention

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a grounding clamp which, in the mounted state, is protected against unintentional twisting and has a clearly visible orientation.

[0011] The aforementioned problem is solved by a grounding clamp with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0012] In particular, the problem is solved by a grounding clamp for fastening and electrically connecting at least two cables to a separate surface. The grounding clamp has a plate with a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge, both longitudinal edges extending in a first direction along the plate. The plate also has a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge opposite the first transverse edge, both transverse edges extending perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal edges in a second direction along the plate.Furthermore, the grounding clamp has a first cable fastening area for securing and electrically contacting a first cable to the plate, the first cable fastening area extending along the first transverse edge, and a second cable fastening area for securing and electrically contacting a second cable to the plate, the second cable fastening area extending along the second transverse edge. It also has an opening between the first and second cable fastening areas for inserting a fastening element, a web extending from the first or second longitudinal edge in the second direction such that the web is parallel to the first and / or second cable fastening area, and a tab extending at a free end of the web parallel to the first and / or second longitudinal edge and perpendicular to the plate plane towards a bottom surface of the plate.

[0013] The grounding clamp is manufactured as a single component. This allows two separate cables to be secured and electrically connected using only one clamp. This saves time during installation, and the number of components is reduced compared to, for example, an arrangement of two grounding clamps, one for each cable. The two cables are held at a distance within the grounding clamp that essentially corresponds to one side length of the clamp. This distance prevents unwanted entanglement of the two cables. Furthermore, the two cables are accommodated in cable clamping areas. For simplified cable clamping, these areas preferably each feature a cable guide and at least two U-shaped or V-shaped receiving areas, each with at least two crimp tabs. These receiving areas, each with at least two crimp tabs, also serve as the crimping areas for attaching the cables to the grounding clamp.

[0014] The opening in the grounding clamp's plate allows for the insertion of a fastener, such as a screw or bolt. This fastener enables the grounding clamp to be easily, quickly, and securely attached to a separate surface. Because the opening is located midway between the two cable clamping areas, any unintended torques, such as those caused by tensile forces on the cables, have short lever arms and are therefore less effective than with an opening positioned further away from the cable clamping areas.

[0015] The rib extends visibly from the plate, providing a clearly visible orientation for the grounding clamp. This visible orientation facilitates alignment of the grounding clamp during installation. The rib extends in the direction of the cable fastening areas, i.e., also in the direction of the cables to be fastened. Specifically, the rib lies parallel to both the cable fastening areas and the cables being fastened. If cables attached to the grounding clamp are subjected to tensile or compressive forces along their length, these unwanted forces do not generate torque on the rib due to the parallel alignment of the cables with the rib. This improves the mounting of the grounding clamp to a separate surface. In particular, the rib lies below or between the cables to be fastened, resulting in a space-saving arrangement.

[0016] The tab protrudes towards the underside of the plate, particularly vertically. During installation, the tab engages with a corresponding recess or opening in the separate surface to which the grounding clamp is to be attached. The depth of the tab is designed to ensure that it engages securely in the recess or opening and does not pop out, for example, due to twisting or slight movement of the grounding clamp. After installation, the tab is positioned in the recess in a rotationally secure manner, preferably with a locking mechanism, so that in the installed state, the tab provides anti-rotation protection for the grounding clamp.

[0017] Optionally, the bridge has at least one recess. This recess increases the bridge's stability. Therefore, the bridge can be made thinner while maintaining the same stability, saving both material and weight. In particular, when tightening a fastener, such as a nut, to the grounding clamp, the recess prevents unwanted deformation of the bridge due to torque applied to the clamp.

[0018] Optionally, the recess extends in the second direction over at least half of the web length, preferably at least ¾ of the web length, and even more preferably at least 7 / 8 of the web length. The longer the recess extends along the web, the greater the stability provided by the recess. In an alternative embodiment, the web has a plurality of smaller or shorter recesses along its length.

[0019] Optionally, the bridge has a rectangular shape. The rectangular shape across the entire length of the bridge increases stability compared to shapes where, for example, the bridge width varies or decreases with the bridge length towards the free end.

[0020] Optionally, the tab extends across the entire width of the bridge. This provides a wide connection between the tab and the bridge, making the connection more stable. Furthermore, the wide connection gives the tab the longest possible first side surface, resulting in a larger overall bearing area. A large bearing area simplifies installation and leads to better force distribution, thus increasing the durability of the grounding clamp.

[0021] Optionally, the depth of the tab is more than 1 / 8 of a web length, preferably more than 1 / 4 of a web length, and even more preferably more than 1 / 2 of a web length. In particular, the depth of the tab is greater than the maximum depth of the recess on the web so that the tab can securely engage in the recess or opening of the separate surface. The larger the contact area of ​​the tab, the better the force distribution and the longer the service life of the grounding clamp.

[0022] Optionally, one of the openings is circular. Because the grounding clamp is attached to the separate surface via this circular opening, it can be placed onto a fastener, such as a bolt, in a first assembly step, thus being (pre-)fixed at one point. In a further assembly step, the grounding clamp can be rotated on the bolt until the tab can be inserted into the corresponding opening on the separate surface. This initial fixing of the grounding clamp facilitates the final assembly.

[0023] Optionally, the diameter of the opening corresponds to 6 / 10, preferably 7 / 10, and even more preferably 8 / 10, of the web width. The larger the opening for the fastener, the larger the fastener can be. A larger fastener results in a more stable and / or durable attachment of the grounding clamp. Because the opening for the fastener is located in an area between the two cable fastening areas, and not on the web itself, a comparatively large opening diameter relative to the web width is possible. The stability of the web is not affected by the diameter of the opening.

[0024] Furthermore, additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described there and above can be implemented individually or in combination, provided that the features do not contradict each other. The following description of the preferred embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of the grounding clamp; Fig. 2 a top view of the first embodiment of the grounding clamp; Fig. 3 a side view of the first embodiment of the grounding clamp along a first direction; Fig. 4 a side view of the first embodiment of the grounding clamp along a second direction; and Fig. 5 a representation of the first embodiment of the grounding clamp in the assembled state.

[0025] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the grounding clamp 1. The grounding clamp 1 has a rectangular plate 10 with a first and a second longitudinal edge 12, 14 in a first direction, i.e., longitudinal direction, X, and a first and a second transverse edge 16, 18 in a second direction, i.e., transverse direction, Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The edges 12, 14, 16, 18 of the plate 10 are considered without the cable fastening areas 30, 32. In another embodiment, the plate 10 can also have a square shape.

[0026] The grounding clamp 1 is designed to accommodate one cable, preferably a coaxial cable, in each of the cable mounting areas 30, 32. The first and second cable mounting areas 30, 32 extend along the first and second transverse edges 16, 18 of the plate 10, respectively. A crimping area 38a, b, c or d is arranged at each end of a cable mounting area 30, 32 in the transverse direction Y (see figure). Fig. 2To attach a cable to the grounding clamp 1, the cable is aligned in the first or second cable fastening area 30, 32. A first or second cable guide 34, 36 simplifies the cable arrangement. Furthermore, the crimp areas 38a, b, c, d have a U-shaped or V-shaped taper towards the cable guide 34, 36 of the respective first or second cable fastening area 30, 32 (see Figure 1). Fig. 3The tapered section in each crimp area 38a, b, c, d is formed by at least two opposing crimp tabs 37. The length of the crimp tabs 37 is preferably adapted to the cable thickness. The thicker the cable to be attached, the longer the corresponding crimp tabs 37 are. To attach a cable, the crimp tabs 37 of both crimp areas 38a, b and 38c, d are bent towards the center of the cable, and the cable is crimped to the crimp tabs 37. Preferably, the crimp areas 38a, b, c, d have a structured surface to achieve better, and in particular more durable, attachment during crimping. The crimping process firmly connects the cable to the grounding clamp 1. The crimped crimp tabs 37 can also have direct contact with a ground wire of the cable. Preferably, the ground wire of the cable was stripped in the crimp areas 38a, b or 38c, d for this direct contact.Direct contact results in an electrical connection between the cable's ground wire and the grounding clamp 1.

[0027] Furthermore, the grounding clamp 1 can be attached to a separate body or surface 100 via a fastening element 110, such as a screw or bolt, which is guided through the opening 20 on the plate 10 (see figure). Fig. 5 The fastening element 110, like the grounding clamp 1, is preferably electrically conductive and, in particular, made of metal. Due to the electrical conductivity of the components, an electrical connection can be established between the cables attached to the grounding clamp 1, especially the ground wires of the cables, and the surface 100 on which the grounding clamp 1 is attached.

[0028] The illustrated embodiment of the grounding clamp 1 further comprises a web 40 on the second longitudinal edge 14, which extends away from the plate 10 in the transverse direction Y. In an alternative embodiment, the web 40 can extend away from the first longitudinal edge 12. The web 40 is formed integrally with the plate 10. The web 40 has a recess 42 that extends along the web 40 in the transverse direction Y.

[0029] The recess 42 is preferably formed in the web 40 by mechanical methods such as pressing and / or embossing. These or similar methods enable the simple and cost-effective manufacture of an earthing clamp 1. In particular, the recess 42 is a deformation and not a removal of material. Removals of material, especially through abrasions and / or openings, lead to reduced stability.

[0030] In one embodiment, the recess 42 has a depth T1 of 1.4 mm or less in a direction Z towards the underside U of the plate 10 (see figure). Fig. 4 The recess 42 preferably has an oval, bowl-shaped form to avoid sharp edges. Sharp edges pose a risk of injury during assembly. In another embodiment, instead of a recess 42 with a length L2 as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 As shown, several smaller depressions may also be arranged along the web 40, preferably over length L2, to increase the stability of the web 40. In an alternative embodiment, the depression 42 may be shorter than length L2, provided that the web 40 remains stable against twisting and / or deformation.

[0031] The web 40 has a free end 43 on its side facing away from the plate 10. The free end 43 forms an edge of the web 40 to which a tab 44 is attached. The tab 44 extends by a depth T2 in the direction Z towards the underside U of the plate 10, preferably perpendicularly (see figure). Fig. 4 Preferably, the tab 44 is formed by bending the web 40 at its free end 43. The tab 44 is particularly formed integrally with the web 40 and the plate 10.

[0032] Furthermore, the inventors recognized that the stiffness of the web 40 increases with a greater length L2 and / or greater depth T1 of the recess 42. In an alternative embodiment, the recess 42 extends further around the free end 43 onto the tab 44. In this alternative embodiment, the tab 44 also has the recess 42 in addition to the web 40. The recess 42 on the tab 44 increases the stability of the tab 44, particularly against twisting and / or deformation.

[0033] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a top view of the first embodiment of the grounding clamp 1. The grounding clamp 1 is symmetrical about a mirror axis S. The mirror axis S runs through the center of the opening 20 and is parallel to the two transverse edges 16, 18. Due to the symmetrical design, the two cable fastening areas 30, 32 run parallel to each other at a distance corresponding to the length of the first and second longitudinal edges 12, 14, respectively. The symmetrical design of the grounding clamp 1 compensates for or prevents torques that can occur when tensile forces act on the cables and / or the distance between each cable and the opening 20 varies.

[0034] Fig. 2The figure further shows an offset of opposing crimp tabs 37. This offset improves the crimping result and strengthens the fastening of the cables to the grounding clamp 1. In particular, a clearance 39a, b, c, d in the respective crimping area 38a, b, c, d improves the crimping result, as it allows the material to flow during the crimping process.

[0035] The opening 20 has a diameter D. The diameter D is adapted to the fastener 110 to be used and preferably receives the fastener 110 radially. A larger diameter D allows the insertion of a thicker fastener 110, which is more stable with the same properties. The diameter D is also 6 / 10, preferably 7 / 10, and even more preferably 8 / 10 of the width B of the web 40. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter D is 7.2 mm and the web width B is 9 mm. If the opening 20 were arranged symmetrically on the web 40 with the dimensions just mentioned, the web 40 would be reduced to 0.9 mm in two opposite areas of the opening. Particularly in these areas, the stability of the web 40 would be greatly reduced, and deformation and / or damage to the web 40 would be very likely under the applied forces or torques.

[0036] The web 40 also has a length L1, by which the web 40 projects from the second longitudinal edge 14 in the transverse direction Y. The web length L1 is preferably equal to or greater than the length L3 of the first and / or second transverse edge 16, 18. Due to the length of the web L1, the grounding clamp 1 is easily accessible on the web 40, which simplifies installation. The web length L1 is also greater than the length L2 of the recess 42 on the web.

[0037] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the grounding clamp 1, in which the tab 44 is clearly visible. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 44 has a rectangular, in particular square, shape. The tab 44 is easily identifiable both visually and by touch, which is advantageous during the installation of the grounding clamp 1.

[0038] The first and second cable fastening area 30, 32 in Fig. 3It has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section. The legs of the U- or V-shape are formed by at least two adjacent crimp tabs 37 in a crimp area 38a, b, c, d. A connecting piece between each adjacent crimp tab 37 at the level of the plate 10 forms a cable guide 34, 36 in the form of a channel. The channel facilitates cable arrangement. The cable guide 34, 36 in the form of a channel connects the two crimp areas 38a, b and 38c, d, respectively, in each cable fastening area 30, 32 (see figure). Fig. 4 ).

[0039] Fig. 5Figure 1 shows the first embodiment of the grounding clamp 1 in its assembled state. The grounding clamp 1 is arranged on a bolt or threaded stud 110 and fixed to the threaded stud 110 with a nut 112. The threaded stud 110 is firmly connected to a separate surface 100, such as a vehicle body. A recess 102 is arranged in the separate surface 100, spaced apart from the threaded stud. In one embodiment, the recess 102 is an opening. In another embodiment, the recess 102 can be a depression to engage the tab 44 in a rotationally secure manner. In the assembled state, the tab 44 is engaged with the recess 102 in a rotationally secure manner. In particular, the tab 44 engages the recess with more than 1 / 8, preferably more than 1 / 4, and even more preferably more than 1 / 2 of its depth T2 to achieve a secure hold. The recess 102 preferably encloses the tab 44.In one embodiment, a gap can be formed between tab 44 and recess 102; in an alternative embodiment, the recess 102 surrounds the tab 44 flush.

[0040] The grounding clamp 1 is preferably made of a lightweight material, in particular a light metal. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0041] 1 Grounding clamp 10 Plate 12 First longitudinal edge 14 Second longitudinal edge 16 First transverse edge 18 Second transverse edge 20 Opening 30 First cable fastening area 32 Second cable fastening area 34 First cable guide 36 Second cable guide 37 Crimp tab 38a, b, c, first, second, third, fourth crimp area 39a, b, c, first, second, third, fourth clearance 40 Web 42 Recess 43 Free end 44 Tab 100 Separate surface 102 Cutout 110 Bolt 112 Nut B Width D Diameter L1 Web length L2 Length of recess L3 Length of first and / or second transverse edge O Top S Mirror axis T1 Depth of recess T2 Depth of tab U Bottom X First direction, longitudinal direction Y Second direction, transverse direction Z Direction to underside the record

Claims

1. Grounding clamp (1) for fastening and electrically contacting at least two cables on a separate surface (100), having: a plate (10) having a first longitudinal edge (12) and a second longitudinal edge (14) opposite the first longitudinal edge (12), wherein both longitudinal edges (12, 14) extend in a first direction (X) of the plate (10), and a first transverse edge (16) and a second transverse edge (18) opposite the first transverse edge (16), wherein both transverse edges (16, 18) extend perpendicularly to the first and the second longitudinal edge (12, 14) in a second direction (Y) of the plate (10); a first cable fastening region (30) for fastening and electrically contacting a first cable on the plate (10), wherein the first cable fastening region (30) extends along the first transverse edge (16); a second cable fastening region (32) for fastening and electrically contacting a second cable on the plate (10), wherein the second cable fastening region (32) extends along the second transverse edge (18); an opening (20), disposed between the first and second cable fastening regions (30, 32), for introducing a fastening means (110); characterized in that the grounding clamp is made as an integral component and furthermore comprises a web (40) extending from the first or the second longitudinal edge (12, 14) in the second direction (Y) in such a way that the web (40) runs parallel to the first and / or the second cable fastening region (30, 32); and a tab (44) which extends on a free end (43) of the web (40) so as to be parallel to the first and / or the second longitudinal edge (12, 14) and perpendicular to the plane of the plate in the direction (Z) of a lower side (U) of the plate (10).

2. Grounding clamp (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the web (40) has at least one depression (42).

3. Grounding clamp (1) according to Claim 2, wherein the depression (42) extends in the second direction (Y) to at least half of a web length (L1), preferably at least ¾ of the web length (L1) and even more preferably at least 7 / 8 of the web length (L1).

4. Grounding clamp (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the web (40) has a rectangular shape.

5. Grounding clamp (1) according to Claim 4, wherein the tab (44) runs over a complete width (B) of the web (40).

6. Grounding clamp (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein a depth (T2) of the tab (44) is more than 1 / 8 of a web length (L1), preferably more than ¼ of a web length (L1) and more preferably more than ½ of a web length (L1).

7. Grounding clamp (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the one opening (20) is circular.

8. Grounding clamp (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein a diameter (D) of the opening (20) corresponds to 6 / 10, preferably 7 / 10, even more preferably 8 / 10, of the web width (B).