Holding device for cables

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding device (10) for cables, in particular ribbon cables. One exemplary embodiment of the holding device (10) has at least two holding elements (100). The at least two holding elements (100) are arranged relative to one another and stacked one on top of the other along a stack longitudinal axis (S). Each of the at least two holding elements (100) has: a holding section (120) that extends at least substantially transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the stack longitudinal axis (S); and at least one spacer section (140) that extends from the holding section (120) in a side region of the holding section (120) at least substantially along the stack longitudinal axis (S). The holding section (120) and the at least one spacer section (140) are formed in one piece with one another. The at least two holding elements (100) are arranged relative to one another such that the at least one spacer section (140) of a first of the at least two holding elements (100) and the holding section (120) of a second of the at least two holding elements (100) are in direct contact with one another.

Description

[0001] Cable holder

[0002] The invention generally relates to a holding device for cables, in particular flat cables.

[0003] Flat cables for highly flexible applications are often secured with a clamp to ensure the flat cables are held in place as effectively and securely as possible. If multiple flat cables are to be used together in a single installation, such clamps are usually stacked to form a multi-clamp arrangement.

[0004] In the prior art, an upper and lower plate are typically held apart by separate spacers to form a terminal compartment, and the spacers are then connected to each other. The terminal compartment serves to clamp the flat cable. However, such a design results in a relatively high overall height, which is disadvantageous due to the limited space available in many applications.

[0005] Such a clamp and such a clamping arrangement with several clamps stacked one above the other is known, for example, from DE 11 2017 000 173 T5. This describes an upper clamp and a lower clamp, which are connected to each other via connecting elements to adjust the coupling height between the upper clamp and the lower clamp.

[0006] WO 2021 / 209819 A2 also describes an end fastening device in which two plate connectors provided as separate components are provided to grip and connect two clamping plates in pairs at each of two lateral end regions of the clamping plates.

[0007] In view of the cited prior art, there is therefore a need to provide a holding device for cables, in particular flat cables, which requires as little space as possible, in particular a space which is reduced compared to the prior art.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a holding device for cables, in particular flat cables, is provided. The holding device has at least two holding elements. The at least two holding elements are arranged relative to one another along a stack longitudinal axis and stacked on top of one another. Each of the at least two holding elements has a holding section and at least one spacer section. The holding section extends at least substantially transversely to the stack longitudinal axis. For example, the holding section extends at least substantially perpendicular to the stack longitudinal axis. The at least one spacer section extends in or from a side region of the holding section at least substantially along the stack longitudinal axis from the holding section. For example, the at least one spacer section extends in or from a side region of the holding section at least substantially perpendicular to the holding section.Regardless of the exact design, arrangement and / or extension of the holding section and the at least one spacer section relative to each other, the holding section and the at least one spacer section are formed integrally with each other.

[0009] The at least two holding elements are arranged relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the stack such that the at least one spacer section of a first of the at least two holding elements and the holding section of a second of the at least two holding elements are in direct contact with one another. Due to the direct contact, no intermediate elements, such as intermediate plates, are present. This reduces the space requirement. This arrangement contrasts with the prior art mentioned at the outset, in which, for example, separate spacers are in contact with one another. In this way, the space requirement, in particular the overall height, of the holding device can be reduced compared to the prior art.

[0010] Due to the one-piece design of the holding section and the at least one spacer section, additional separate elements, such as separate spacers and associated connecting components, can be dispensed with. The holding element according to the first aspect therefore enables a holding device with the smallest possible space requirement, in particular the smallest possible overall height. In particular, a holding device with a reduced overall height compared to the prior art outlined at the outset is provided. It can also be said that the holding section and the at least one spacer section are integrated or integrated with one another. Furthermore, the holding section and the at least one spacer section can be made of the same material, i.e. from the same material.Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the holding section and the at least one spacer section to be formed integrally, but not from the same material. A one-piece design can be understood to mean that the holding section and the at least one spacer section are not separated or separated from each other during normal use and / or stress.

[0011] The at least two holding elements can also be referred to as carrier elements, support elements, or fastening elements to express that the at least two holding elements are designed to carry, support, and / or fasten cables, in particular flat cables. Accordingly, the holding device can be referred to as a carrier device, support device, or fastening device. In line with the prior art, the holding device can also be referred to, for example, as a clamping device and the holding elements as clamping elements. For example, it is conceivable that the cables to be held, in particular flat cables, are arranged between two clamping elements and clamped by them, thereby being held.

[0012] According to one possible embodiment, each of the at least two holding elements can have exactly two spacer sections. In general, however, any number of spacer sections can be provided per holding element, in particular one, two, three, four, or more than four spacer sections. According to one example, regardless of the exact number of spacer sections, each of the at least two holding elements can have the same number of spacer sections, for example, exactly two spacer sections.

[0013] The at least two holding elements can be arranged relative to one another in such a way that a receiving space for receiving a cable, in particular a flat cable, is formed or delimited by two holding elements of the at least two holding elements. To form the receiving space, the two holding elements can be arranged in such a way that they essentially form the shape of a hollow cuboid. In this case, the cavity of the hollow cuboid can be considered a receiving space. The walls of the hollow cuboid can be formed by the holding elements. In cross-section, the shape of a frame can then be seen.

[0014] In other words, the receiving space can be understood as a cavity or space which is, for example, circumferentially surrounded by the at least two holding elements and which can have an inlet opening through which a cable, in particular a flat cable, can enter the receiving space, as well as an outlet opening through which a cable, in particular a flat cable, can exit the receiving space. In a square design, the receiving space can be delimited on the outside by several, for example four, walls or surfaces and can have an opening on each of two sides through which the cable, in particular the flat cable, can be guided. The four surfaces or walls can be formed by two holding sections and two spacer sections. The dimensions of the receiving space can be adapted to the cable to be accommodated, in particular the flat cable to be accommodated.For example, the height of the receiving space can substantially correspond to the height of the cable, in particular of the flat cable, so that the cable, in particular the flat cable, is at least partially held by a force fit, in particular a friction fit, with the at least two holding elements in the longitudinal direction of the cable, in particular of the flat cable, and so that the cable, in particular the flat cable, is held in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the cable, in particular of the flat cable, by a form fit with the at least two holding elements.

[0015] According to a first possible embodiment, the at least two holding elements can be arranged relative to one another in such a way that a receiving space for receiving a cable, in particular a flat cable, is formed or delimited by two holding elements of the at least two holding elements in each case by: (i) the holding section of a first of the at least two holding elements, (ii) the holding section of a second of the at least two holding elements, (iii) a first spacer section of the at least one spacer section, which extends from the holding section of the first of the at least two holding elements to the holding section of the second of the at least two holding elements, and (iv) a second spacer section of the at least one spacer section, which extends from the holding section of the first of the at least two holding elements to the holding section of the second of the at least two holding elements.In this way, a receiving space is delimited by two spacer sections of the same holding element, namely according to the exemplary counting of the first holding element. The resulting advantage becomes particularly clear when the two holding elements are stacked with at least one other holding element.

[0016] If a third holding element is stacked in addition to the two holding elements, a further receiving space is formed or delimited by: (i) the holding section of the second of the at least two holding elements, (ii) the holding section of the third of the at least two holding elements, (iii) a first spacer section of the at least one spacer section, which extends from the holding section of the second of the at least two holding elements to the holding section of the third holding element, and (iv) a second spacer section of the at least one spacer section, which extends from the holding section of the second of the at least two holding elements to the holding section of the third holding element.

[0017] It is clear that with three holding elements, at least two receiving spaces can be formed—in the example mentioned, exactly two receiving spaces. This is not achieved in the prior art. In the prior art, at least four clamping elements or clamping plates are required to form two receiving spaces. This further reduces the space requirement, in particular the overall height, of the holding device compared to the prior art. Accordingly, the addition of further holding elements is possible, with each additional holding element creating a further receiving space. This, too, is not achieved in the prior art.

[0018] In other words, the at least two holding elements can have three holding elements or be configured as three holding elements. The three holding elements can be arranged relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the stack in such a way that at least two, in particular exactly two, receiving spaces for each receiving a cable, in particular a flat cable, are formed or delimited by the three holding elements. In the prior art, only one functional clamping space can be formed with three clamping elements or clamping plates. This reduces the space required for the holding device compared to the prior art.

[0019] When further holding elements are added and stacked, additional receiving spaces are formed. However, a single receiving space is not, for example, completely delimited. To finally delimit this receiving space, an end plate can be used and added to the holding device as part of the holding device. In other words, the holding device can further comprise an end plate which is arranged relative to one of the at least two holding elements such that a receiving space is formed or delimited by: (i) the holding section of one of the at least two holding elements, (ii) the end plate, (iii) a first spacer section of the at least one spacer section extending from the holding section to the end plate, and (iv) a second spacer section of the at least one spacer section extending from the holding section to the end plate.The end plate can be used to close off a previously unclosed receiving space in the holding device.

[0020] Depending on the direction in which the non-enclosed receiving space is open, the end plate can be designed as a base plate or a roof plate or can serve as a base plate or a roof plate. For example, it is conceivable for the holding elements to be arranged relative to one another in such a way that a receiving space is open downwards when the holding device is viewed when standing on a flat surface. In this case, the end plate can serve as a base plate and delimit the receiving space downwards. Likewise, it is possible for the holding elements to be arranged relative to one another in such a way that a receiving space is open upwards when the holding device is viewed when standing on a flat surface. In this case, the end plate can serve as a roof plate and delimit the receiving space upwards.According to a specific embodiment, it is possible to delimit each receiving space of the holding device, except for a single receiving space, by holding sections and the associated spacer sections. The receiving space not delimited by this can then be delimited by a holding section, the associated spacer sections, and the end plate.

[0021] The at least two holding elements can be arranged relative to one another such that the at least one spacer section of a first of the at least two holding elements and the at least one spacer section of a second of the at least two holding elements are oriented in a stacking direction along the longitudinal axis of the stack and are aligned with one another. The stacking direction is to be understood not only as a basic position, but also as an orientation. The stacking direction is thus located / arranged along the longitudinal axis of the stack, but also indicates one of two possible orientations. When it is stated that two spacer sections are oriented in a stacking direction along the longitudinal axis of the stack, this is to be understood to mean that both have the same orientation, i.e. point in the same direction, namely the stacking direction, starting from the associated holding section.The stacking direction can indicate the direction in which the holding elements are stacked on top of each other.

[0022] At least one spacer section of a holding element can be in direct contact (in direct contact) with the holding section of an immediately adjacent holding element. The at least one spacer section of a first of the at least two holding elements and the holding section of a second of the at least two holding elements can be in direct contact with one another, for example, in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the stack. For example, the at least one spacer section of a first of the at least two holding elements and the holding section of a second of the at least two holding elements can be in direct contact with one another in the stacking direction. For example, the at least one spacer section of a first of the at least two holding elements can point in the stacking direction and be in direct contact with the holding section of a second of the at least two holding elements.

[0023] To connect the at least two holding elements to one another, one or more connecting holes can be provided in each of the at least one spacer sections. The one or more connecting holes can run along the stack's longitudinal axis, for example, they can at least partially penetrate the at least one spacer section in a direction parallel to the stack's longitudinal axis. A detachable connection of the at least two holding elements, for example, of all holding elements, can be achieved by inserting one or more suitable connecting elements into the one or more connecting holes or by arranging or receiving them in the one or more connecting holes.

[0024] According to a second possible embodiment, the at least two holding elements can be arranged relative to one another in such a way that exactly one receiving space for receiving a cable, in particular a flat cable, is formed or delimited by two holding elements of the at least two holding elements.The precisely one receiving space, in particular an inner surface of the precisely one receiving space, can be formed or delimited by: (i) the holding section of a first of the at least two holding elements, (ii) the holding section of a second of the at least two holding elements, (iii) a spacer section of the at least one spacer section of the first of the at least two holding elements, which extends from the holding section of the first of the at least two holding elements to the holding section of the second of the at least two holding elements, and (iv) a spacer section of the at least one spacer section of the second of the at least two holding elements, which extends from the holding section of the second of the at least two holding elements to the holding section of the first of the at least two holding elements.In contrast to the prior art mentioned above, a receiving space is essentially delimited on both flat sides by only a single spacer section. This allows, in contrast to the prior art, the overall height of the holding device to be reduced, which advantageously reduces the space required for the holding device during use.

[0025] At least one spacer section of a holding element can be in direct contact (in direct contact) with the holding section of an immediately adjacent holding element.

[0026] The at least two holding elements can be arranged relative to one another in such a way that the at least one spacer section of a first of the at least two holding elements and the at least one half-spacer section of a second of the at least two holding elements form a positive connection acting transversely to the longitudinal axis of the stack. For example, the at least two holding elements can be arranged relative to one another in such a way that the at least one spacer section of a first of the at least two holding elements and the at least one half-spacer section of a second of the at least two holding elements form a positive connection acting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stack. The positive connection has the effect that the holding elements are / are at least partially fixed in a direction transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the stack, without the attachment of fastening elements.Furthermore, the positive locking mechanism allows the retaining elements to be nested and stacked one on top of the other, thus reducing the overall width of the retaining device. This allows for a reduction in space requirements, particularly due to the reduced overall width and / or the reduced overall height. Furthermore, the positive locking mechanism allows the retaining elements to be secured to one another in the region of the positive locking mechanism. If two spacer sections are provided per retaining element, two positive locking mechanisms can be formed accordingly.

[0027] The at least two holding elements can be arranged relative to one another such that the at least one spacer section of a first holding element of the at least two holding elements and the at least one spacer section of a second holding element of the at least two holding elements are offset from one another in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the stack. The offset arrangement of the at least one spacer section of the first holding element and the at least one spacer section of the second holding element allows the aforementioned positive locking to be formed in a simple and / or efficient manner.The at least two holding elements can be arranged relative to one another such that a spacer section of the at least one spacer section of a first of the at least two holding elements and a spacer section of the at least one spacer section of a second of the at least two holding elements are in direct contact with one another in a direction transverse to the stack's longitudinal axis. The at least two holding elements can be arranged relative to one another such that a spacer section of the at least one spacer section of a first of the at least two holding elements and a spacer section of the at least one spacer section of a second of the at least two holding elements are in direct contact with one another in a direction perpendicular to the stack's longitudinal axis.This direct contact differs from the prior art mentioned above, in which, if a contact / connection is present, spacers contact each other in an area extending along the stack's longitudinal axis. Compared to this prior art, this reduces the overall width and / or height of the holding device, thus reducing the space required during use. Furthermore, it allows the holding elements to be secured to one another in the area of ​​the contact / connection.

[0028] A first of the at least two holding elements and a second of the at least two holding elements can be connectable or connected to one another or can be or be fastened to one another via at least one connecting hole. The at least one connecting hole can penetrate the at least one spacer section of the first of the at least two holding elements and the at least one spacer section of the second of the at least two holding elements in a direction transverse to the stack longitudinal axis. For example, the at least one connecting hole can penetrate the at least one spacer section of the first of the at least two holding elements and the at least one spacer section of the second of the at least two holding elements in a direction perpendicular to the stack longitudinal axis.In the prior art cited at the outset, connecting elements such as screws are guided through a plurality of clamping elements along the longitudinal axis of the stack in order to connect the clamping elements to one another. This requires a certain amount of additional width in the edge region of the clamping elements through which the connecting elements can be inserted, which in turn reduces the available clamping space compared to the overall width. In contrast, the connection hole provided transversely to the longitudinal axis of the stack reduces the required width, if not at least makes it almost superfluous. This leads to a reduced space requirement for the holding device, in particular to a reduced overall width of the holding device. The reduced overall width of the holding device allows more installation space to accommodate additional components in an installation space (or receiving space) in which the holding device can be arranged.Alternatively, the width of the receiving space formed by the holding elements can be made correspondingly smaller, thus saving material and weight.

[0029] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures schematically show:

[0030] Figure 1a shows a first embodiment of a holding device in a perspective front view;

[0031] Figure lb shows the first embodiment of a holding device from Figure la in a perspective rear view;

[0032] Figure 1c shows a variant of the first embodiment of a holding device from Figure 1a in a perspective front view;

[0033] Figure ld shows the variant from Figure lc of the first embodiment of a holding device from Figure la without an end plate in a perspective front view;

[0034] Figure 2a shows a second embodiment of a holding device in a perspective front view; and

[0035] Figure 2b shows the second embodiment of a holding device from Figure 2a in a perspective rear view.

[0036] In the following, specific details are set forth, but are not limited to, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments that may differ from the details set forth below. Furthermore, the figures are for illustrative purposes only. They are not to scale and are intended only to reflect the general concept of the invention by way of example. For example, features included in the figures should by no means be considered necessary components.

[0037] Before discussing the two exemplary embodiments schematically illustrated in Figures 1a to 2b in detail below, the commonalities of the two exemplary embodiments will first be briefly outlined. The first exemplary embodiment is shown in a perspective front view in Figure 1a and in a perspective rear view in Figure 1b. The second exemplary embodiment is shown in a perspective front view in Figure 2a and in a perspective rear view in Figure 2b.

[0038] The holding device 10 according to both exemplary embodiments is a holding device 10 for cables, more precisely in the specific exemplary embodiments shown, for flat cables, so that in the following reference is mainly made to flat cables as a specific example of cables. The holding device 10 has at least two holding elements 100. Both in the first exemplary embodiment according to Figures 1a and 1b and in the second exemplary embodiment according to Figures 2a and 2b, the holding device 10 has, by way of example, exactly four holding elements 100, without being limited to this exemplary number of holding elements 100. Accordingly, in the variants of the first exemplary embodiment according to Figures 1c and 1d, only two holding elements 100 are provided by way of example.

[0039] The at least two holding elements 100 of both exemplary embodiments are arranged relative to one another along a stack longitudinal axis S and stacked one on top of the other. Each of the at least two holding elements 100 of both exemplary embodiments has a holding section 120 and at least one spacer section 140. In both exemplary embodiments, purely by way of example and without being limited thereto, exactly two spacer sections 140 are provided per holding element 100. The holding section 120 extends at least substantially transversely, and in both exemplary embodiments shown substantially perpendicularly, to the stack longitudinal axis S. The at least one spacer section 140 extends in a side region of the holding section 120 from the associated holding section 120 at least substantially along the stack longitudinal axis S, or in other words substantially perpendicularly to the holding section 120.The holding section 120 and the at least one spacer section 140 are formed integrally with one another. The first exemplary embodiment of the holding device 10 according to Figures 1a and 1b is described in more detail below.

[0040] The exemplary four holding elements 100 of the holding device 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a receiving space 160 for receiving a flat cable is formed or delimited by two holding elements 100 of the exemplary total of four holding elements 100. More precisely, the exemplary four holding elements 100 are stacked one on top of the other. In the following, the uppermost holding element 100 of the stack is also referred to as the first or upper holding element 100, the holding element 100 located below it (second from top) is also referred to as the second holding element 100, the holding element 100 located below it (third from top) is also referred to as the third holding element 100, and the holding element 100 located below it (fourth from top = bottom) is also referred to as the fourth or lower holding element 100.

[0041] Each receiving space 160 is delimited by a holding portion 120 of a holding element 100, a holding portion 120 of a holding element 100 located directly below it, a first spacer portion 140 extending from the holding portion 120 of the holding element 100 to the holding portion 120 of the holding element 100 located directly below it, and a second spacer portion 140 extending from the holding portion 120 of the holding element 100 to the holding portion 120 of the holding element 100 located directly below it.

[0042] In the specific case of the four receiving spaces 160 of the holding device 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the uppermost receiving space 160 is delimited by the holding section 120 of the uppermost holding element 100, the holding section 120 of the second uppermost holding element 100, a first spacer section 140 which extends from the holding section 120 of the uppermost holding element 100 to the holding section 120 of the second uppermost holding element 100, and a second spacer section 140 which extends from the holding section 120 of the uppermost holding element 100 to the holding section 120 of the second uppermost holding element 100.The second-topmost receiving space 160 is bounded by the holding section 120 of the second-topmost holding element 100, the holding section 120 of the third-topmost holding element 100, a first spacer section 140 extending from the holding section 120 of the second-topmost holding element 100 to the holding section 140 of the third-topmost holding element 100, and a second spacer section 140 extending from the holding section 120 of the second-topmost holding element 100 to the holding section 120 of the third-topmost holding element 100. The same applies to the third-topmost receiving space 160.

[0043] In contrast, the lowermost receiving space 160 is formed differently, namely with an end plate 200. The end plate 200 is arranged relative to the lowermost holding element 100 such that a lowermost receiving space 160 is formed or delimited by the holding section 120 of the lowermost holding element 100, the end plate 200, a first spacer section 140 which extends from the lowermost holding section 120 to the end plate 200, and a second spacer section 140 which extends from the lowermost holding section 120 to the end plate 200.

[0044] As can be seen in Figures 1a and 1b, the four holding elements 100, for example, are arranged relative to one another in such a way that their respective two spacer sections 130, for example, are oriented along the stack's longitudinal axis S and are aligned with one another. Furthermore, it can be seen that the spacer sections 130 not only run along the stack's longitudinal axis S, but also always have the same orientation, i.e. they always point / are oriented in the same direction. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this direction runs downwards along the stack's longitudinal axis S and is referred to as the stacking direction, since a stacking process takes place downwards by guiding an upper holding element 100 downwards in order to be stacked on a lower holding element 100.

[0045] Furthermore, the spacer sections 140 of a holding element 100 are each in direct contact (in direct contact) with the holding section 120 of a holding element 100 located immediately below it. For the example shown, this means that the spacer sections 140 of the uppermost holding element 100 are each in direct contact with the holding section 120 of the second-highest holding element 100. Furthermore, the spacer sections 140 of the second-highest holding element 100 are each in direct contact (in direct contact) with the holding section 120 of the third-highest holding element 100. The spacer sections 140 of the lowermost holding element 100 are each in direct contact (in direct contact) with the end plate 200.In this respect, the holding section 120 of the respective holding elements 100 can be understood not only as the free section which, in the case of a flat cable received in the associated receiving space 160, is in direct contact with the flat cable, but rather as the entire part of the respective holding element 100 extending substantially transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the stack's longitudinal axis S. In other words, a spacer section 140 of a respective holding element 100 extends, for example, from a side region of a holding element 100, which may not be in direct contact with the flat cable, to a side region of a holding section 120 of a holding element 100 immediately below it, which may not be in direct contact with the flat cable. Nevertheless, these side regions can be regarded as part of the respective holding section 120.Therefore, in the first embodiment, the two spacer sections 140 of a holding element 100 are in direct contact with a holding section 120 of a holding element 100 located directly below.

[0046] As can be seen in Figures 1a and 1b, this is achieved, among other things, in that a lower boundary of a receiving space 160 simultaneously serves as the upper boundary of a receiving space 160 located directly below it. In this way, the overall height of the holding device 10 is reduced / minimized. This means that the lower boundary of the uppermost receiving space 160 is the holding section 120 of the second-highest holding element 100. The holding section 120 of the second-highest holding element 100 also serves as the upper boundary of the second-highest receiving space 160. In the example shown, however, no holding section 120 of a holding element 100 is used for the lowest receiving space 160, but rather the end plate 200. The orientation, design, and arrangement of the holding elements 100 therefore reduce / minimize the space required by the holding device 10.

[0047] To connect two or more, for example, all, holding elements 100, additional connecting holes 300 can optionally be provided, into which suitable connecting elements can be received in order to connect two or more holding elements 100 to one another. The connecting holes 300 can extend parallel to the stack longitudinal axis S through the respective spacer sections 140, as shown by way of example with reference to Figures 1a and 1b. The end plate 200 can also be provided with corresponding connecting holes 300.

[0048] Figure 1c shows a variant of the first exemplary embodiment of the holding device from Figures 1a and 1b. Figure 1c shows a front view of the holding device 10. The holding device 10 from Figure 1c differs from the holding device 10 from Figures 1a and 1b in that only two holding elements 100 are provided, or more precisely, they are arranged one above the other. This means that the holding device 10 from Figure 1c has two holding elements 100. Each of the holding elements 100 has a holding section 120 and two spacer sections 140, as was described with reference to Figures 1a and 1b. The spacer sections 140 of the upper holding element 100 are in direct contact with the holding section 120 of the lower holding element 100.The holding section 120 of the upper holding element 100, the two spacer sections 140 of the upper holding element, and the holding section of the lower holding element 120 define an upper receiving space 160. A lower receiving space 160 is defined by the holding section 120 of the upper holding element 100, the two spacer sections 140 of the upper holding element 100, and an end plate 200, as also described with reference to Figures 1a and 1b. The variant shown in Figure 1c illustrates that two receiving spaces 160 can be formed with just two holding elements 100.

[0049] Figure 1d shows the variant of the holding device 10 from Figure 1c without the end plate 200. This illustration illustrates that even without an end plate, a receiving space 160 can be formed with two holding elements 100, and that, accordingly, a further receiving space 160 can be formed by adding a further holding element 100.

[0050] In the following, the second embodiment of the holding device 10 according to Figures 2a and 2b is described in more detail.

[0051] The exemplary four holding elements 100 of the holding device 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment are arranged relative to one another in such a way that exactly one receiving space 160 for receiving a flat cable is formed or delimited by two holding elements 100 in each case. The exactly one receiving space 160, in particular an inner surface of the exactly one receiving space 160, is in each case formed or delimited by: a holding section 120 of a holding element 100, a holding section 120 of a holding element 100 located directly therebelow, a spacer section 140 of the holding element 100, which extends from the holding section of the holding element 100 to the holding section 120 of the holding element 100 located directly therebelow, and a spacer section 140 of the holding element 100 located directly therebelow, which extends from the holding section 120 of the holding element 100 located directly therebelow to the holding section 120 of the holding element 100.

[0052] That is, the uppermost receiving space 160, in particular the inner surface of the uppermost receiving space 160, is formed or delimited by: the holding portion 120 of the uppermost holding element 100, the holding portion 120 of the second uppermost holding element 100, a spacer portion 140 of the uppermost holding element 100, which extends from the holding portion 120 of the uppermost holding element 100 to the holding portion 120 of the second uppermost holding element 100, and a spacer portion 140 of the second uppermost holding element 100, which extends from the holding portion 120 of the second uppermost holding element 100 to the holding portion 120 of the uppermost holding element 100.The second uppermost (=lowermost) receiving space 160, in particular the inner surface of the second uppermost (=lowermost) receiving space 160, is formed or delimited by: the holding section 120 of the third uppermost holding element 100, the holding section 120 of the fourth uppermost (=lowermost) holding element 100, a spacer section 140 of the third uppermost holding element 100, which extends from the holding section 120 of the third uppermost holding element 100 to the holding section 120 of the fourth uppermost (=lowermost) holding element 100, and a spacer section 140 of the fourth uppermost (=lowermost) holding element 100, which extends from the holding section 120 of the fourth uppermost (=lowermost) holding element 100 to the holding section 120 of the third uppermost holding element 100.

[0053] Furthermore, as described with reference to the first embodiment of Figures 1a and 1b, at least one spacer section 140 of a holding element 100 is in direct contact (in direct contact) with the holding section 120 of an immediately adjacent holding element 100. For the example shown in Figures 2a and 2b, this means that, for example, the left-hand spacer section 140 of the uppermost holding element 100 in Figure 2a is in direct contact (in direct contact) with the holding section 120 of the second-highest holding element 100. Furthermore, the right-hand spacer section 140 of the second-highest holding element 100 in Figure 2a is in direct contact (in direct contact) with the holding section 120 of the uppermost holding element 100. In addition, the left spacer section 140 of the third uppermost holding element 100 in Figure 2a is in direct contact (in direct contact) with the holding section 120 of the fourth uppermost (=lowermost) holding element 100.Furthermore, the right-hand spacer section 140 of the fourth-highest (=lowest) holding element 100 in Figure 2a is in direct contact (in direct contact) with the holding section 120 of the third-highest holding element 100. The holding section 120 of the respective holding elements 100 can therefore be understood not only as the free section which, in the case of a flat cable received in the associated receiving space 160, is in direct contact with the flat cable, but rather as the entire part of the respective holding element 100 extending substantially transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the stack longitudinal axis S. In other words, a spacer section 140 of a respective holding element 100 extends, for example, starting from a side region of a holding element 100, which mayis not in direct contact with the flat cable, to a side region of a holding section 120 of an immediately adjacent, for example, underlying or overlying, holding element 100, which may not be in direct contact with the flat cable. Nevertheless, these side regions can be regarded as part of the respective holding section 120. Therefore, in the second exemplary embodiment, at least one of the two spacer sections 140, in particular the two spacer sections 140, of a holding element 100 is in direct contact with a holding section 120 of an immediately adjacent, for example, directly underlying or overlying, holding element 100.

[0054] As can be seen in Figures 2a and 2b, the spacer sections 140 are arranged partially offset from one another in the direction transverse to, and more precisely perpendicular to, the stack longitudinal axis S in Figures 2a and 2b. This offset arises because the holding elements 100, although exactly identical, are arranged alternately rotated relative to one another (about an axis perpendicular to the stack longitudinal axis S). When counting from top to bottom, the even-numbered holding elements 100 are arranged rotated relative to the odd-numbered holding elements 100 in the stack. With reference to Figure 2a, this means that the right-hand spacer section 140 extends downwards further outwards from the holding section 120 of the uppermost holding element 100 than the right-hand spacer section 140 of the holding element 100 immediately below it, which extends upwards further inwards from the holding section 120.Accordingly, the left spacer section 140 extends downwards further inward from the holding section 120 of the uppermost holding element 100 than the left spacer section 140 of the immediately underlying holding element 100, which extends upwards further outward from the holding section 120.

[0055] In this way, a positive connection acting transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the stack's longitudinal axis S is formed, specifically on the left side of the uppermost holding element 100 and the holding element 100 immediately below it by the left spacer section 140 of the uppermost holding element 100 and the left spacer section 140 of the holding element 100 immediately below it. Furthermore, a positive connection acting transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the stack's longitudinal axis S is formed, specifically on the right side of the uppermost holding element 100 and the holding element 100 immediately below it by the right spacer section 140 of the uppermost holding element 100 and the right spacer section 140 of the holding element 100 immediately below it.The positive locking prevents a displacement of the holding elements 100 transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the stack longitudinal axis S at least in one direction and allows a nesting of the holding elements 100 into one another.

[0056] The respective positive connection further results in the spacer sections 140 forming the positive connection being in direct contact with one another in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the stack's longitudinal axis S. More precisely, with reference to Figure 2a, on the left side, the inner side of the left spacer section 140 of the second-to-top holding element 100 and the outer side of the left spacer section 140 of the top-most holding element 100 are in direct contact with one another. Furthermore, on the right side, the outer side of the right spacer section of the second-to-top holding element 100 and the inner side of the right spacer section 140 of the top-most holding element 100 are in direct contact with one another.

[0057] The direct contact means that the holding elements can be connected to one another in the overlapping area. For this purpose, in the example from Figures 2a and 2b, two connecting holes 400 are provided in each of the overlapping areas, which penetrate the respective spacer sections 140 in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the stacking direction S. More precisely, two connecting holes 400 are provided, which penetrate the right spacer section 140 of the uppermost holding element 100 and the right spacer section 140 of the immediately underlying holding element 100. Furthermore, two connecting holes 400 are provided, which penetrate the left spacer section 140 of the uppermost holding element 100 and the left spacer section 140 of the immediately underlying holding element 100 (seen in Figure 2b). Via connecting elements introduced into the connecting holes 400, e.g.Two retaining elements 100 can then be connected to each other using screws. Pairs of retaining elements 100 can be formed by connecting two retaining elements 100 via the connecting holes. To connect these pairs of retaining elements 100, additional connecting holes 300 can optionally be provided, into which suitable connecting elements can be accommodated to connect two or more such pairs.

[0058] As can be seen in Figures 2a and 2b, the connecting holes 400 ensure that two holding elements 100 can be connected to one another transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the stack's longitudinal axis S. This reduces the overall width of the holding device 100, since no regions need to be provided through which a connection is made along the stack's longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the nested arrangement of the holding elements 100 relative to one another reduces / minimizes the overall height of the holding device 10. The orientation, design, and arrangement of the holding elements 100 therefore reduce / minimize the space required by the holding device 10.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Holding device (10) for cables, in particular flat cables, wherein the holding device (10) has at least two holding elements (100), wherein the at least two holding elements (100) are arranged relative to one another along a stack longitudinal axis (S) and stacked one on top of the other, and wherein each of the at least two holding elements (100) has: - a holding section (120) extending at least substantially transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the stack longitudinal axis (S); and - at least one spacer section (140) which extends in a side region of the holding section (120) from the holding section (120) at least substantially along the stack longitudinal axis (S); wherein the holding section (120) and the at least one spacer section (140) are formed integrally with one another, and wherein the at least two holding elements (100) are arranged relative to one another such that the at least one spacer section (140) of a first of the at least two holding elements (100) and the holding section (120) of a second of the at least two holding elements (100) are in direct contact with one another.

2. Holding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two holding elements (100) has exactly two spacer sections (120).

3. Holding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two holding elements (100) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a receiving space (160) for receiving a cable, in particular a flat cable, is delimited by two holding elements (100) in each case by: the holding section (120) of a first of the at least two holding elements (100), the holding section (120) of a second of the at least two holding elements (100), a first spacer section (140) which extends from the holding section (120) of the first of the at least two holding elements (100) to the holding section (120) of the second of the at least two holding elements (100), and a second spacer section (140) which extends from the holding section (120) of the first of the at least two holding elements (100) to the holding section (120) of the second of the at least two holding elements (100).

4. Holding device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding device (10) further comprises an end plate (200) which is arranged relative to one of the at least two holding elements (100) such that a receiving space (160) is delimited by: the holding section (120) of one of the at least two holding elements (100), the end plate (200), a first spacer section (160) which extends from the holding section (120) to the end plate (200), and a second spacer section (160) which extends from the holding section (120) to the end plate (200).

5. Holding device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least two holding elements (100) have three holding elements (100) which are arranged relative to one another in such a way that at least two, in particular exactly two, receiving spaces (160) for respectively receiving a cable, in particular a flat cable, are delimited by the three holding elements (100).

6. Holding device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least two holding elements (100) are arranged relative to one another such that the at least one spacer section (140) of a first of the at least two holding elements (100) and the at least one spacer section (140) of a second of the at least two holding elements (100) are oriented in a stacking direction along the stack longitudinal axis (S) and are aligned with one another.

7. Holding device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one spacer section (140) of a first of the at least two holding elements (100) and the holding section (120) of a second of the at least two holding elements (100) are in direct contact with one another in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the stack, in particular in the stacking direction (S).

8. Holding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two holding elements (100) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that exactly one receiving space (160) for receiving a cable, in particular a flat cable, is delimited by two holding elements (100), wherein the exactly one receiving space (160), in particular an inner surface of the exactly one receiving space (160), is delimited by: the holding section (120) of a first of the at least two holding elements (100), the holding section (120) of a second of the at least two holding elements (100), a spacer section (140) of the first of the at least two holding elements (100), which extends from the holding section (120) of the first of the at least two holding elements (100) to the holding section (120) of the second of the at least two holding elements (100), and a spacer section (140) of the second of the at least two holding elements (100), which extends from the holding section (120) of the second of the at least two holding elements (100) to the holding section (120) of the first of the at least two holding elements (10).

9. Holding device (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 8, wherein the at least two holding elements (100) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the at least one spacer section (140) of a first of the at least two holding elements (100) and the at least one spacer half section (140) of a second of the at least two holding elements (100) form a positive connection acting transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the stack longitudinal axis (S).

10. Holding device (10) according to claim 1, 2, 8 or 9, wherein the at least two holding elements (100) are arranged relative to one another such that the at least one spacer section (140) of a first holding element (100) of the at least two holding elements (100) and the at least one spacer section (140) of a second holding element (100) of the at least two holding elements (100) are arranged offset from one another in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the stack longitudinal axis (S).

11. Holding device (10) according to one of claims 1, 2 and 8 to 10, wherein the at least two holding elements (100) are arranged relative to one another such that a spacer section (140) of a first of the at least two holding elements (100) and a spacer section (140) of a second of the at least two holding elements (100) are in direct contact with one another in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the stack longitudinal axis (S).

12. Holding device (10) according to one of claims 1, 2 and 8 to 11, wherein a first of the at least two holding elements (100) and a second of the at least two holding elements (100) are connectable or connected to one another via at least one connecting hole (400) which connects the at least one spacer section (140) of the first of the at least two holding elements (100) and the at least a spacer portion (140) of the second of the at least two holding elements (100) in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the stack longitudinal axis.

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