Spring clip for holding a threaded nut without twisting, and threaded nut assembly and tension clamp including such a spring clip

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spring clip (1) for rotationally mounting a polygonal threaded nut (2), a corresponding threaded nut assembly and a clamp equipped with such a spring clip. The spring clip (1) is essentially U-shaped and has a base (3) and two legs (4a, 4b). Each leg (4a, 4b) has at least one step (5a, 5b) and a free end (6a, 6b), with latches (7a, 7b) formed between the step (5a, 5b) and the free end (6a, 6b) of each leg (4a, 4b). The free ends (6a, 6b) of the legs (4a, 4b) are bent away from each other.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spring clip for non-rotatably mounting a polygonal threaded nut according to the preamble of claim 1. The present invention also relates to a threaded nut assembly comprising such a spring clip. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a tension clamp comprising a threaded nut assembly comprising such a spring clip. [Background technology]

[0002] In the context of this application, the terms "cage nut assembly" and "threaded nut assembly" are used interchangeably, unless anything else arises from the respective context. These terms are understood to mean essentially an assembly comprising a cage or spring clip and a threaded nut housed therein. The terms "cage nut" and "threaded nut" are therefore also used interchangeably, unless nothing else arises from the respective context.

[0003] The threaded nuts arranged in the spring clips are used in particular for tightening tension clamps, where the threaded nut is mounted together with a tension screw in front of the tension head of the clamp, where the spring clip or cage serves in particular to place the threaded nut on the tension head and facilitate the tensioning mechanism.

[0004] For this purpose, for example, DE 10 2011 009 536 A1 discloses a spring clip for rotationally-proof receipt of a threaded nut. However, the embodiment described there is disadvantageous, since the threaded nut is already arranged in the spring clip during the molding of the spring clip. Subsequent introduction of the nut into the spring clip, i.e. after the spring clip has been molded into the cage, is not possible or is only possible by using additional tools. A further disadvantage resulting from the previously known solutions is that the latch grooves of the spring clip cannot be adapted for clamping straps of different thicknesses without using additional tools, so that various spring clips can only interact with certain types of tensioning heads.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to provide a spring clip for receiving polygonal threaded nuts, which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art and in particular facilitates the assembly of the threaded nut assembly, as well as its mounting on a pulling head provided for this purpose. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main features of the invention are set out in claim 1. Improvements are the subject matter of claims 2 to 10. Further aspects of the invention are given by claims 12 and 13.

[0007] To this end, according to the invention, a spring clip for non-rotatably receiving a polygonal threaded nut is provided, the spring clip being substantially U-shaped in configuration and having a base and two legs, each leg having at least one step and a free end, a latch portion being formed between the step and the free end of each leg, the free ends of the legs being bent away from each other, the spring clip being characterized in that the bent free ends have an external angle with respect to the latch portion that is greater than 100°, in particular greater than 120°.

[0008] By using the spring clip thus configured, the spring clip, and thus the threaded nut assembly, can be easily introduced into the corresponding opening of the tensioning head of the tensioning clamp and latched thereto. Here, in particular, the substantially bent free ends ensure that the legs of the spring clip are bent towards each other under the action of a slight force during the insertion of the spring clip into the opening. In other words, during the insertion of the spring clip into the opening of the tensioning head, the free ends of the legs are pushed inwards in the direction of the latching part, so that the external angles α, α' of the free ends become larger and the internal angles δ, δ' of the free ends become smaller. However, it is also possible that the bent free ends to form a tip transmit the force acting inwards (i.e. in the direction of the passage) to the inwardly bent legs instead of the free ends. In this case, the external angles α, α' or the internal angles δ, δ' of the free ends remain substantially constant. This reduces the maximum width of the spring clip, which can be pushed through the corresponding opening of the tensioning head. As soon as the free ends of the legs pass through the opening, the legs elastically return to their original position. The free end prevents the spring clip from backing out and acts as a safety device.

[0009] Thus, firstly, the legs serve to guide the spring clip through the corresponding opening in the tensioning head when the spring clip is used correctly. Secondly, the portion of the legs configured substantially perpendicular to the base acts as a safety for the polygonal threaded nut. Once placed in the spring clip and between the legs, the polygonal threaded nut cannot rotate around its own central axis. As a result, it can absorb high torques.

[0010] With the free ends of the legs bent outwards, i.e. away from each other, it is also possible to introduce the threaded nut into an already formed spring clip. This would not be possible if the legs were bent inwards (i.e. towards the central axis). Thus, the manufacture of the threaded nut assembly is significantly easier, since the process of molding the spring clip does not depend on the presence of a threaded nut. Instead, the threaded nut can be introduced through a passage into a receptacle provided for this purpose after the spring clip has been manufactured. In this way, the spring clip according to the invention can be manufactured significantly more quickly than before.

[0011] The latching parts of the legs may also each be inclined relative to a central axis extending perpendicularly to the base. In particular, the latching parts may here be inclined relative to the central axis A in such a way that the passage formed between them tapers in the direction of the base. Such an inclination of the legs, in particular the latching parts, also serves to facilitate the insertion of the threaded nut into the receiving part of the spring clip after the latter has been manufactured. Finally, such a configuration of the legs results in the passage formed between the legs extending at least partially in the shape of a funnel in the direction of the base of the spring clip, which facilitates the guiding of the threaded nut.

[0012] Advantageously, each leg may also comprise a first bend, a second bend and a third bend, where the first and second bends respectively form a step in each leg, and the third bend is configured at the transition from the latch to the free end of each leg, which increases the springiness of the legs compared to legs without bends. The bends also increase the stability of the legs.

[0013] One advantageous refinement provides that the distance B between the second bends of the legs is smaller than the distance C between the third bends of the legs. With this embodiment, the passage of the spring clip tapers in the shape of a funnel downwards, i.e. in the direction of the first bends of the legs. This makes it even easier to insert the threaded nut into the spring clip. At the same time, it also makes it easier to insert the spring clip into the opening of the tensioning head.

[0014] According to one development, the free ends may be bent away from each other in the region of the third bend, so that they are bent, folded or folded by an external angle of more than 90°, preferably more than 100°, in particular more than 120°, relative to the latch part. In the free region, the legs are thus configured like arrowheads. Due to this configuration, the legs can be inserted in a simple manner into the corresponding openings of the tensioning clamp. This also means that the maximum width of the entire spring clip can be minimized. As a result, the spring clip can be guided with less force into the corresponding openings of the tensioning head.

[0015] A further advantage of the free end being bent outward at an acute angle is that the force of the free end against the end face of the opening of the pulling head is increased since the free end exerts a spring force on the end face as a result of the preload directed downwards (i.e., towards the bottom or towards the end face of the opening of the pulling head), so that the spring clip can be reliably attached or latched to the pulling head.

[0016] Furthermore, advantageously, the legs may each be provided with a latch groove in the region of the latch part, which is adapted to cooperate with an opening in the tension member. Here, the latch groove can cooperate with the inner edge of the opening in the tension member and can hold the spring clip and thus the threaded nut fixedly on the tension member. Here, the latch groove can have an extent such that the spring clip can be pivotally latched on the tension member. Here, the latch groove advantageously has a variable latch height E due to the free ends bent outwardly and downwardly at an acute angle. The latch height E is to be understood as the distance between the free ends and the first bend of each leg. The free ends have a spring force due to their bent shape. This allows the latch groove to grip tension heads of different material thicknesses reliably.

[0017] Thus, a spring clip with such a latch groove can be used, for example, for tension clamps with a clamping band thickness of 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 2 mm. Such a configuration of the latch height allows for an increased freedom of movement and, moreover, a certain degree of freedom and flexibility during assembly and the introduction of the screws, which increases the flexibility during assembly and the introduction of the screws. Advantageously, the latch height E should be kept as small as possible relative to the sheet metal thickness (material thickness) in order to prevent the spring clip from falling out of the opening.

[0018] The spring clip preferably comprises at least one, in particular at least two, retaining brackets for fixing the threaded nut against rotation. According to a further development, it is conceivable that the retaining brackets are each arranged on the side of the bottom part on which the legs are not arranged.

[0019] Furthermore, the retaining bracket preferably extends vertically, in particular from the bottom, so that together with the foot it constitutes an at least partially closed receptacle for the threaded nut. This type of arrangement has the advantage that the threaded nut is not separated from the spring clip perpendicularly or transversely to the insertion direction of the spring clip or the screwing-in direction of the tension screw. Rather, the threaded nut is molded or accommodated in the spring clip and is fixedly held in the receptacle of the spring clip. Furthermore, in addition to the foot, the retaining bracket can absorb torque that may occur when the tension screw is screwed into the threaded nut. The retaining bracket therefore also serves as an anti-rotation guard for the threaded nut.

[0020] Furthermore, the spring clip with the base, the legs and the retaining bracket may be constructed in one piece. Various materials can be used. For example, the spring clip can be manufactured from metal. However, embodiments made of plastic material are also conceivable. Furthermore, it is also possible for the spring clip to be manufactured from a material different from that of the tension member and / or the threaded nut. Also, a combination of materials on two or more types of sheet metal (e.g. bimetal) is also conceivable. It is also possible to provide metal sheets of different thicknesses.

[0021] The latching connection between the spring clip and the tension member allows for most material combinations.

[0022] Advantageously, the edge of the spring clip is configured as an open edge. In other words, the retaining bracket is not connected to the leg except via the bottom. Instead, the receiving part of the spring clip is open in the edge area so that the corner of the threaded nut protrudes from the receiving part of the spring clip. This allows the spring clip to be manufactured with relatively high tolerances and facilitates manufacturing by bending.

[0023] According to a further development, the first bend may define a first interior angle β, β', the second bend may define a second interior angle γ, γ' and the third bend may define a third interior angle δ, δ'. The first interior angle β, β' and the second interior angle γ, γ' may each be an obtuse angle (i.e. greater than or equal to 90°) or an acute angle (i.e. less than 90°). The third interior angle δ, δ' is preferably in each case less than 90°, in particular less than 60°.

[0024] A further aspect of the invention relates to a threaded nut assembly for tightening a tension clamp, comprising a spring clip according to one of the above embodiments and a threaded nut cooperating with a tension screw, the threaded nut being non-rotatably disposed within the spring clip when used as intended.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention relates to a tension clamp with a tension screw cooperating with a polygonal threaded nut, the tension clamp comprising a threaded nut assembly according to one of the above embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of embodiments, based on the claims and the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first schematic side view of a spring clip according to a preferred embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a second schematic side view of the spring clip according to FIG. 1; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a first schematic side view of a threaded nut assembly comprising a spring clip and a threaded nut according to FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a second schematic side view of the threaded nut assembly according to FIG. 3; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are respectively provided with the same reference numbers and will not be described again, unless appropriate. Features already described will not be described again to avoid repetition and will apply to all elements provided with the same or corresponding reference numbers, unless expressly excluded. The disclosure contained throughout this specification may be applied mutatis mutandis to identical parts having the same reference numbers or the same part names. Details of positions selected in this specification, such as, for example, top, bottom, side, etc., shall also refer directly to the described and illustrated figures and, in case of a change in position, shall be transferred analogically to the new position. Moreover, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent themselves, independently, inventive or inventive solutions.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a first schematic side view of a spring clip 1 for rotationally non-receiving a polygonal threaded nut according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 2 shows the spring clip 1 of Figure 1 in a second schematic side view. Thus, the description of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 also applies to the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[0029] In the side view selected in Fig. 1, the U-shaped configuration of the spring clip 1 can be seen. The illustrated spring clip 1 has a base 3 and two legs 4a, 4b, where each leg 4a, 4b has a step 5a, 5b facing inwards (i.e., towards the vertical central axis A of the spring clip) and a free end 6a, 6b facing outwards (i.e., away from the vertical central axis A of the spring clip). The portion of each leg 4a, 4b between the step 5a, 5b and the free end 6a, 6b of each leg 4a, 4b is configured as a latch portion 7a, 7b.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the free ends 6a, 6b of the spring clip 1 are bent away from each other to form tips. The free ends 6a, 6b therefore have external angles α, α' of approximately 135° relative to the latch portions 7a, 7b of the respective legs 4a, 4b. The free ends 6a, 6b are therefore bent to define internal angles δ, δ' of approximately 45° each.

[0031] Here, the external angles α, α' and the internal angles δ, δ' of the free ends 6a, 6b are complementary to each other so as to form 180°, i.e. the external angle α and the internal angle δ together form 180°, and the external angle α' and the internal angle δ' together form 180°. Such an arrangement allows the spring clip 1, and thus the threaded nut assembly, to be easily introduced and latched into the corresponding openings in the tensioning head of the tensioning clamp. Finally, the maximum width C of the spring clip 1 can be kept relatively small due to the free ends 6a, 6b bent outwards at an acute angle.

[0032] During the introduction of the spring clip 1 into the opening, the free ends 6a, 6b are pressed inwards towards the latching parts 7a, 7b, so that the external angles α, α' become larger and the internal angles δ, δ' become smaller. At the same time, during the introduction of the spring clip 1, the legs 4a, 4b move slightly towards each other. As soon as the free ends 6a, 6b pass through the opening of the pulling head, the legs 4a, 4b elastically return to their original position and the free ends prevent the spring clip from falling out.

[0033] According to the example shown in Fig. 1, the latching portions 7a, 7b of the legs 4a, 4b, respectively, are inclined with respect to a central axis A extending perpendicularly to the base 3. In particular, the latching portions 7a, 7b are inclined with respect to the central axis A such that a passage 8 formed between the latching portions 7a, 7b tapers towards the base 3. The bevel or inclination of the latching portions 7a, 7b serves to facilitate the introduction of the threaded nut 2 into the receiving portion 13 of the spring clip 1 after manufacture of the spring clip 1.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the legs 4a, 4b preferably each comprise a first bend 9a, 9b, a second bend 10a, 10b and a third bend 11a, 11b. Here, the first bend 9a, 9b and the second bend 10a, 10b form an inwardly directed step 5a, 5b of the legs 4a, 4b. The third bend 11a, 11b is formed at the transition from the latch 7a, 7b to the free end 6a, 6b of each leg 4a, 4b. The bends 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b increase the pivoting ability of each leg 4a, 4b compared to a leg without a bend. Here, the distance B between the second bends 10a, 10b of the two legs 4a, 4b is smaller than the distance C between the third bends 11a, 11b of the two legs 4a, 4b. This configuration results from the funnel shape of the passage 8 of the spring clip 1 and makes it even easier to guide the threaded nut 2 into the spring clip 1 .

[0035] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first bends 9a, 9b, the second bends 10a, 10b and the third bends 11a, 11b each have an acute configuration, i.e. each has an interior angle less than 90°. The first bends 9a, 9b define interior angles β, β', the second bends 10a, 10b define second interior angles γ, γ' and the third bends 11a, 11b define third interior angles δ, δ'.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the latching parts 7a, 7b are provided in their respective regions with latching grooves 14a, 14b, which are adapted to cooperate with an opening in the tensioning member. Here, the latching grooves 14a, 14b are adapted to cooperate with the inner edge of the opening, so that the spring clip 1 and thus the threaded nut 2 can be fixedly held on the tensioning member. Here, the latching grooves 14a, 14b can have a range such that the spring clip 1 can be pivotally latched on the tensioning member. Here, the latching grooves 14a, 14b have the advantage of having a variable latching height E due to the outwardly and downwardly bent arrow-shaped free ends 6a, 6b. The latching height E is understood as the distance between the free ends 6a, 6b and the first bends 9a, 9b of the respective legs 4a, 4b. Due to this special configuration, the free ends 6a, 6b have a spring force, which allows the latching grooves 14a, 14b to grip tensioning heads of different material thicknesses reliably.

[0037] 1 and 2 also show that the spring clip 1 may comprise at least two retaining brackets 12a, 12b for fixing the threaded nut 2 against rotation. Here, each of the retaining brackets 12a, 12b is arranged on one side of the bottom 3 on which the legs 4a, 4b are not arranged. As shown in FIG. 2, the retaining brackets 12a, 12b preferably extend vertically from the bottom 3 so as to form together with the legs 4a, 4b an at least partially closed receptacle 13 for the threaded nut 2. Such an arrangement has the advantage that the threaded nut 2 can be fixedly held in the spring clip 1. Furthermore, the retaining brackets 12a, 12b, in addition to the legs 4a, 4b, can absorb torque that may occur when a tension screw is screwed into the threaded nut 2.

[0038] 1 and 2, the edges of the spring clip 1 are configured as opening edges 15a, 15b so that the corners of the threaded nut 2 protrude outside the receiving part 13 of the spring clip 1. As a result, the spring clip 1 can be manufactured with relatively high tolerances and can be easily manufactured by a bending process.

[0039] Figures 3 and 4 respectively show a threaded nut assembly 16 comprising the spring clip 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and a polygonal threaded nut 2 disposed therein, whereby the threaded nut 2 is fixedly received in the receiving portion 13 of the spring clip 1.

[0040] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be modified in various ways. All of the features and advantages apparent from the claims, detailed description, and drawings, including design details, spatial arrangements, and method steps, may be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 Spring Clip 2 Threaded Nuts 3 bottom 4a,4b Legs 5a,5b Stepped section 6a,6b Free end 7a, 7b Latch section 8 Passage 9a, 9b First bend 10a, 10b Second bent portion 11a, 11b Third bend 12a,12b Retaining bracket 13 Receptor 14a, 14b Latch groove 15a, 15b Opening edge 16 Threaded nut assembly α,α´ Exterior angle β,β´ First interior angle γ,γ´ Second interior angle δ,δ´ Third interior angle A center axis B First Distance C Second Distance D Maximum width E Latch Height

Claims

1. A spring clip (1) for rotationally receiving a polygonal threaded nut (2), said spring clip (1) being substantially U-shaped and having a base (3) and two legs (4a, 4b), each of said legs (4a, 4b) having at least one step (5a, 5b) and a free end (6a, 6b), said step (5a, 5b) of each of said legs (4a, 4b) and each of said free ends (6a, 6b) having latch portions (7a, 7b) formed between said step (5a, 5b) and said free ends (6a, 6b) of said legs (4a, 4b) being bent away from each other, A spring clip (1), wherein the bent free ends (6a, 6b) have an external angle (α, α') greater than 100° relative to the latch portions (7a, 7b).

2. 2. The spring clip (1) according to claim 1, wherein the latch portions (7a, 7b) of the legs (4a, 4b) are each inclined with respect to a central axis (A) extending perpendicularly to the bottom (3).

3. 3. The spring clip (1) according to claim 2, wherein the latch portions (7a, 7b) are inclined with respect to the central axis (A) such that a passage (8) formed between the latch portions (7a, 7b) tapers towards the bottom (3).

4. 4. A spring clip (1) according to claim 1, wherein each leg (4a, 4b) comprises a first bend (9a, 9b), a second bend (10a, 10b) and a third bend (11a, 11b), the first bend (9a, 9b) and the second bend (10a, 10b) forming a step (5a, 5b) of the leg (4a, 4b), and the third bend (11a, 11b) being arranged at a transition from the latch portion (7a, 7b) to at least one of the free ends (6a, 6b) of the legs (4a, 4b).

5. 5. The spring clip (1) according to claim 4, wherein the distance (B) between the second bends (9a, 9b) of the legs (4a, 4b) is smaller than the distance (C) between the third bends (9a, 9b) of the legs (4a, 4b).

6. 6. A spring clip (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the free ends (6a, 6b) are bent away from each other in the region of the third bend (11a, 11b) such that they are bent respectively by an external angle (α, α') greater than 90°, preferably greater than 80°, relative to the latch portions (7a, 7b).

7. A spring clip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one, in particular at least two, retaining brackets (12a, 12b) for fixing the threaded nut () against rotation.

8. 8. The spring clip (1) according to claim 7, wherein the retaining brackets (19, 30) are each arranged on one side of the base (3) and extend vertically from the base (3) so as to form, together with the legs (4a, 4b), an at least partially closed receiving portion (13) for the threaded nut (2).

9. The spring clip (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the spring clip (1) comprising the base (3), the legs (4a, 4b) and the retaining brackets (12a, 12b) is integrally formed.

10. The spring clip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the legs (4a, 4b) each comprise, in the region of the latch portion (7a, 7b), a latch groove (14a, 14b) adapted to cooperate with an opening in a clamping member.

11. 11. The spring clip (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the first bent portions (9a, 9b) define a first interior angle (β, β'), the second bent portions (10a, 10b) define a second interior angle (γ, γ') and the third bent portions (11a, 11b) define a third interior angle (δ, δ'), the first interior angle (β, β'), the second interior angle (γ, γ') and the third interior angle (δ, δ') being each less than 90°, in particular each less than 60°.

12. 12. A threaded nut assembly (15) for tightening a tension clamp, comprising a spring clip (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a threaded nut (2) capable of cooperating with a tension screw, the threaded nut (2) being arranged so as not to rotate within the spring clip (3) when used as intended.

13. A tension clamp comprising a tension screw cooperating with a polygonal threaded nut (2), said tension clamp comprising a threaded nut assembly (15) according to claim 11.

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