Attachment element for cables

Abstract

The present invention relates to an attachment element for electric conductors of a cable (1) enclosed by an electric insulation, said electric conductors being exposed at one cable end, wherein the attachment element is formed from at least one receptacle (2) and a rotary element (4) and / or a sliding element (3) and / or a switch element. Furthermore, the receptacle (2) has at least one guide opening (5) in which at least one cable (1) can be guided and wherein a guide channel (6) adjoins the guide opening (5). Furthermore, the at least one guidable cable (1) can be force-locked and form-locked in the receptacle (2) as a result of a deformation of the cable (1) caused by the rotary element (4) being rotated and / or as a result of a deformation of the receptacle (2) caused by the sliding element (3) being displaced and / or as a result of a deformation of the receptacle (2) caused by the switch element being actuated.

Description

[0001] Attachment element for cables

[0002] The invention relates to an attachment element for electrical conductors exposed at one end of a cable enclosed by electrical insulation.

[0003] 5 bels.

[0004] The secure and, if possible, splash-proof or watertight closure of cable ends is not only a problem in automotive and mechanical engineering, but also a general problem in every household. A quick, practical, and secure closure of cable ends prevents dangerous situations such as injuries from electric shocks, short circuits, and fire hazards. In modern electric vehicle construction, cable protection is more essential than ever.

[0005] 15 In practice, this problem is usually solved provisionally.

[0006] Luster terminals are used, which are plugged onto the cable ends. Heat-shrink tubing and insulating tape are also common solutions in practice. The disadvantage of the above-mentioned solutions is that they cannot guarantee true protection against splash water and water resistance. Furthermore, these variants are not easy to handle, significantly increasing the risk of improper installation or attachment. Furthermore, the durability of these temporary solutions is limited, e.g., if the screws are not tightened properly. In this case, the temporary solutions can become loose due to movement or mechanical stress, thus rendering them inoperable and thus posing a serious hazard.

[0007] To solve these problems, DE 10 2008 008 267 A1, among others, discloses a protective cap for cables which has a guide for several cables. The cables are locked in the protective cap by means of a positive locking mechanism or a non-positive connection by adhesive bonding. The disadvantage of the positive locking connection by adhesive bonding is that it only achieves the desired effect with specially provided locking projections in combination with locking recesses. According to the document, a positive connection without these additional features is not possible. Furthermore, the protective cap cannot be easily removed from the cable, particularly with a non-positive connection by adhesive bonding. This requires the application of considerable force, which means there is a risk of damaging the cable or touching the unprotected cable.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the object of proposing an attachment element for electrical cables which enables easy fastening and detachment of the attachment element, while nevertheless preventing accidental detachment.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by an attachment element for electrical conductors exposed at a cable end according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] An attachment element for electrical conductors exposed at one end of a cable enclosed by electrical insulation is formed from at least one plug-in sleeve device and a rotating element and / or a sliding element and / or a switching element. The plug-in sleeve device has at least one guide opening in which at least one cable can be guided, and a guide channel adjoins the guide opening. In addition, the at least one guideable cable can be locked in the plug-in sleeve device in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner as a result of a deformation of the cable resulting from the rotation of the rotating element and / or as a result of a deformation of the plug-in sleeve device resulting from the displacement of the sliding element and / or as a result of a deformation of the plug-in sleeve device resulting from the actuation of the switching element.

[0011] The attachment element significantly increases safety by shielding electrical cables from environmental influences and accidental contact by humans. This helps prevent accidents caused by electric shocks. Furthermore, the attachment element, with its plug-in sleeve and rotating element and / or sliding element, is designed in such a way that the attachment element can be placed on the cable and locked in place with one hand. This simplifies handling of the attachment element and also enables its use on cable ends that are difficult to access.

[0012] The attachment element preferably has a length of less than 50 mm and particularly preferably a width of less than 20 mm.

[0013] As a result of a deformation of the cable resulting from the rotation of the rotating element and / or as a result of a deformation of the plug-in sleeve device resulting from the displacement of the sliding element and / or as a result of a deformation of the plug-in sleeve device resulting from the actuation of the switching element, it is possible to lock the cable in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner within the plug-in sleeve device. This enables the attachment element to sit securely on the cable and prevents accidental detachment of the attachment element. "Actuation" can be understood as any mechanical process in which the switching element undergoes a tilting or rocking movement in order to be moved from one position to the other. In addition, the plug-in sleeve device can be designed in several parts, in particular in two parts. A multi-part construction of the plug-in sleeve device makes it possible to produce more complex geometries, which, among other things,can offer advantages in handling.

[0014] In addition, the receptacle device can be made of a material that is impact-, break-, and tear-resistant. In particular, the material should be able to withstand an impact energy in the range of 0.1 to 1 J. This corresponds to a protection class of IK01 to IK06 according to the CEI EN 50102 standard. The breaking strength should preferably be in the range of 10 to 100 MPa.

[0015] By using such resilient materials, the cable end can be effectively protected against external mechanical forces. This prevents damage to the sensitive cable ends and ensures the cable's functionality. Elastic and electrically insulating plastics can be used for the receptacle device. In particular, plastics can have a tensile or tear strength of 10–200 N / mm². 2Plastics are particularly preferred for the rotating element and the sliding element, as they have a higher hardness than the material of the receptacle device. This makes it possible to achieve the desired deformations and thus lock the cable. It is also possible to use elastic molded rings, which are particularly preferably made of elastomers, so that the cables are better protected against splash water.

[0016] Furthermore, the rotating element can be mounted eccentrically, which facilitates rotation. The eccentric mounting refers to the longitudinal axis of the cable, which is guided in the receptacle device.

[0017] The plug-in sleeve device can also preferably be spherical, hemispherical or cylindrical. These designs have the advantage that the attachment element is easy to handle. Furthermore, the surface of the plug-in sleeve device and / or the rotating element or the sliding element can be designed such that it is roughened in order to improve the feel for the user. The use of rough surfaces can prevent the user from slipping during handling and thus reduce the risk of injury. Other profiles of the surface of the plug-in sleeve device, such as punctures, are also conceivable in order to further improve handling. In addition, the profiling can be designed such that it functions as a locking device and thus the rotating element and / or the sliding element can be fixed in a certain position.

[0018] In addition, the receptacle device can have an optically transparent area for visible light in a wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm. The use of transparent areas or viewing windows allows the cable and, in particular, the locking mechanism inside the attachment element to be inspected. This makes it possible to check the locking mechanism and thus prevent the attachment element from becoming detached due to inadequate locking.

[0019] In addition, a deformable, soft material, preferably made of plastic, can be formed inside or within the interior of the receptacle device, which typically differs from the material of the receptacle device. The use of such materials inside the receptacle device improves shielding, particularly against moisture. Furthermore, it prevents the formation of condensation within the attachment element, which could potentially lead to short circuits. Elastic and electrically insulating plastics are particularly preferred for this purpose.

[0020] Furthermore, the locking mechanism can be designed to be releasable. A releasable locking mechanism is understood to mean a locking mechanism that can be easily released without special aids or tools, allowing the attachment element to be removed from the cable end. This design further ensures that the attachment element can be removed from the cable ends without damaging the attachment element itself or the cable ends. Thus, the attachment element can be reused without the need for reprocessing or similar measures.

[0021] Furthermore, at least two cables can be routed through the guide opening. This allows for at least two cables to be routed, allowing the cables to be protected compactly with a single attachment element. This reduces the space required for complete cable protection by using a single attachment element for multiple cables.

[0022] In addition, two guide openings can be formed, each of which can be used to guide a cable. This means that a separate cable is routed through each guide opening. The attachment element can thus function as a safety connecting element. The guide openings are particularly preferably located opposite one another, i.e., one guide opening is located at one end of the plug-in sleeve device, and the second guide opening is aligned with the first guide opening at the other end of the plug-in sleeve device. However, the two guide openings can also be offset.

[0023] Embodiments of the device are illustrated in the drawings and are described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Recurring features are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0024] They show:

[0025] Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of an attachment element with a cylindrical plug-in sleeve device and a sliding element,

[0026] Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of an attachment element with a cylindrical plug-in sleeve device and a rotating element,

[0027] Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing of an attachment element in the unlocked state with a two-part, spherical plug-in sleeve device and a rotating element; and

[0028] Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing of an attachment element in the locked state with a two-part, spherical plug-in sleeve device and a rotating element.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the attachment element with a cylindrical plug-in sleeve device 2. The contour of the plug-in sleeve device has a conical shape, i.e. the outer diameter of the cylindrical plug-in sleeve device 2 decreases along the guide channel 6 running within the plug-in sleeve device and not shown. Furthermore, the plug-in sleeve device 2 has a profiled surface (here a line) so that the handling of the attachment element is improved. In addition, an optically transparent region 7 for visible light in a wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm is formed at one end of the plug-in sleeve device 2. This makes it possible to check the correct positioning of a cable 1 guided in the attachment element. The possibility of visual inspection ensures that the cable 1 is actually firmly locked in the attachment element.

[0030] In this exemplary embodiment, the cable 1 is locked in place via a sliding element 3, which can be moved parallel to the guide direction of the cable 1 in the guide channel 6. This means that the sliding element 3 can be moved between a guide opening 5 (not shown) and the transparent area 7. The sliding element 3 can be moved continuously along the direction just described. It is also possible for the sliding element 3 to perform a rotary movement in addition to the translational movement. In this case, a rotary / sliding element can be assumed. The rotary movement occurs as a rotation of the rotary / sliding element around the longitudinal axis of the attachment element. Alternatively, the locking can occur as a result of a deformation of the plug-in sleeve device resulting from the actuation of a switching element, e.g., by a tilting or rocking movement.

[0031] After the cable 1 has been inserted into the attachment element so that the end of the cable can be seen from the outside by the user through the transparent area 7, the sliding element 3 can be moved against the direction of insertion of the cable 1 towards the guide opening 5. By moving the sliding element 3, the conical plug-in sleeve device 2 itself is compressed by the sliding element 3. This results in the diameter of the guide channel 6 being reduced and thus the cable 1 is held in the guide channel 6. This prevents the cable 1 from slipping out and also shields the cable 1 from splash water. The sliding element 3 itself is held in position by a locking device 8 so that the sliding element can be fixed in one position. The locking device 8 can also be formed by profiling the surface of the plug-in sleeve device 2.The state in which the sliding element 3 is fixed by the locking device 8 and the cable 1 is thus locked in the attachment element is referred to as the locked or alternatively closed state. Accordingly, the attachment element is referred to as an open state as soon as the cable 1 is not locked in the attachment element and thus can be inserted into or removed from the attachment element.

[0032] In this exemplary embodiment, the plug-in sleeve device 2 is made of an elastic and electrically insulating plastic. Any material is considered to be an "elastic" material if it can be deformed by the force exerted by the displacement of the sliding element 3 and returns to its original shape upon release, i.e., as soon as no more force is exerted by the sliding element 3 on the plug-in sleeve device 2. This means that the deformation of the plug-in sleeve device is reversible. "Insulating" is to be understood in particular as meaning that the material has a high electrical resistance value. In particular, the resistance values ​​are in a range of 10 9 - 10 12 Ohm.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the attachment element with a rotating element 4, wherein the rotating element 4 is designed such that it is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the plug-in sleeve device 2. In this embodiment, the guideable cable 1 is inserted through the guide opening 5 into the guide channel 6 and, analogous to the previous embodiment, inserted into the attachment element until the end of the cable 1 can be seen from the outside through the transparent area 7.

[0034] In this case, the guide channel 6 also has a profile in the form of a sectionally bent guide. The bending angle is a maximum of + / - 45° from the longitudinal axis of the plug-in sleeve device 2. In addition, the interior of the plug-in sleeve device 2 is provided with a soft material, i.e. the guide channel 6 is formed in the soft material. In particular, an elastic and insulating plastic is provided. Analogous to the previous exemplary embodiment, "elastic" is understood to mean a material which, in this case, can be deformed as a result of the rotation of the rotating element 4. Here, too, it is provided that the deformation of the material is reversible. In this exemplary embodiment, the use of this elastic material in the interior of the plug-in sleeve device 2 also improves the shielding, in particular against moisture. This also prevents the formation of condensation within the attachment element, which maycould lead to short circuits.

[0035] The locking of cable 1 in Fig. 2 is caused by the rotation of the rotating element. As a result of this rotation, cable 1 deforms and is pressed into the recesses of guide channel 6, creating a positive and non-positive locking action. Here, too, the "closed state" is referred to as soon as cable 1 is locked.

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the attachment element, wherein the plug-in sleeve device 2 is now formed from two hemispherical parts that are connected to one another via a rotating element 4. Fig. 3 shows the open state of the attachment element, i.e. the state in which the cable 1 is not locked. Analogous to the previous embodiments, here too, a cable 1 is guided through the guide opening 5 into the guide channel 6, which extends through the first hemispherical part of the plug-in sleeve device 2 and through the rotating element 4 into the second hemispherical part of the plug-in sleeve device 2. The multi-part and hemispherical design of the two parts of the plug-in sleeve device 2 allows the attachment element to be made more compact as a whole. This improves the handling of the attachment element to the extent that one-handed operation is possible.

[0037] Fig. 4 also shows the same attachment element as in Fig. 3, whereby the "closed state" of the attachment element is shown in Fig. 4. This means that in Fig. 4, the cable 1 is locked in the attachment element. Here, the locking takes place via the rotation of the rotating element 4, which results in the cable 1 being deformed in the guide channel 6. In this exemplary embodiment, the rotation of the element also means a rotation of the two parts of the plug-in sleeve device 2 relative to one another.

[0038] In principle, all embodiments allow the attachment element to always be converted from the open state to the closed state. Furthermore, the attachment element can be adapted to the size of the cable 1 to be secured, so that the geometric dimensions are based on the dimensions of the cable 1. Ideally, the guide channel 6 in the attachment element is only slightly wider, preferably less than four times the width of the diameter of the cable 1 to be secured.

[0039] To further monitor the functionality of cable 1, a sensor could also be provided within the attachment element. Upon contact with the electrical cable 1, it emits an optical signal, indicating that the cable 1 is live. This addition would not only verify functionality but also serve as a warning function for the user.

[0040] The attachment elements shown all offer easy-to-handle and simple-to-use contact protection and connection protection for electrically conductive cables. The attachment element significantly increases safety, especially against moisture. The design also allows for safe handling without the use of additional tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, or other specialized equipment. Furthermore, the attachment element can be mass-produced inexpensively.

[0041] In addition, it is possible to route two cables 1 through a guide opening 5 in a guide channel 6. The ability to secure two cables 1 reduces the space required to fully secure all cable ends. This is particularly advantageous where, for example, installation space is limited or the cable ends are difficult to access.

[0042] Furthermore, it can be provided that the two cables 1 are guided in two separate guide channels 6. In this case, the two guide channels 6 are accessible via the guide opening 5. However, it can also be provided that each guide channel 6 is accessible via a separate guide opening 5. Furthermore, several cables 1 can also be guided in a larger guide channel 6. In any case, the guide channel 6 is accessible via at least one guide opening 5. This makes it possible, among other things, to connect two different cables 1 to one another via the attachment element.

[0043] The attachment element is therefore suitable for various applications: as a safety closure flap, as a safety closure flap for special cables and connection elements, as a safety closure flap for at least two cables, cable ends or connection elements and as a safety connection element between at least two cables or connection elements.

Claims

Patent claims 1. An attachment element for electrical conductors exposed at one end of a cable (1) enclosed by electrical insulation, wherein the attachment element is formed from at least one plug-in sleeve device (2) and a rotating element (4) and / or a sliding element (3) and / or a switching element, and the plug-in sleeve device (2) has at least one guide opening (5) in which at least one cable (1) can be guided, and a guide channel (6) adjoins the guide opening (5), and the at least one guideable cable (1) can be locked in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner in the plug-in sleeve device (2) as a result of a deformation of the cable (1) resulting from the rotation of the rotating element (4) and / or as a result of a deformation of the plug-in sleeve device (2) resulting from the displacement of the sliding element (3) and / or as a result of a deformation of the plug-in sleeve device (2) resulting from the actuation of the switching element.

2. Attachment element according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug-in sleeve device (2) is designed in several parts, in particular in two parts.

3. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-in sleeve device (2) is made of impact-, break- and tear-resistant material.

4. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating element (4) is mounted eccentrically.

5. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-in sleeve device (2) is spherical, hemispherical or cylindrical.

6. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-in sleeve device (2) has an optically transparent region (7).

7. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior of the plug-in sleeve device (2) is formed from a deformable soft material, preferably from plastic.

8. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device is designed to be releasable.

9. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two cables (1) can be guided through the guide opening (5).

10. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two guide openings (5) are formed, through each of which a cable (1) can be guided.

11. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-in sleeve device (2) is profiled, wherein the profiling fixes the rotary element (4) and / or the sliding element (3).

12. Attachment element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor is formed in the attachment element in such a way that an electrical current flow can be detected.

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