CN104806605B

CN104806605B - Fixing clamp

Info

Publication number: CN104806605B
Application number: CN201510033685.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·库姆; E·维纳
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2014-01-24
Filing date: 2015-01-23
Publication date: 2020-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-23
Also published as: FR3016937B1; FR3016937A1; CN104806605A

Abstract

The invention relates to a mounting clip (10) for mounting a component on a carrier, comprising: a fixed portion (12) on which a component can be mounted; and a locking portion (14) for mounting the retaining clip (10) on a carrier, wherein the locking portion (14) comprises a central web (16) and at least two locking tabs (18) which extend from a free end of the central web (16) facing away from the retaining portion (12) in the direction of the retaining portion (12), characterized in that each locking tab (18) is provided with a plurality of locking teeth (22, 24, 26) which are arranged on the outer sides of the locking tabs (18) facing away from one another.

Description

Fixing clamp

Technical Field

The invention relates to a mounting clip for mounting a component on a carrier, in particular for fastening to a plate, which is provided with a through-opening for receiving the mounting clip. The invention relates in particular to a fixing clip which is inserted into an opening of a body of a motor vehicle in order to fix other components (for example cables) to the body.

Background

From the prior art, a large number of fastening clips for mounting components on a carrier are known. For example, such a retaining clip can carry a retaining wing for supporting a cable or cable tie lock.

DE 202005011955U 1 discloses a retaining clip for snapping into a mounting opening with a T-shaped central body and with a locking piece resiliently arranged at the retaining clip.

DE 202007000938U 1 discloses a fastening device for cables with an edge clamp part on which a cable tie lock and a cable tie to be introduced into the cable tie lock are arranged.

DE 102008059360 a1 discloses a fastening device for cables with an edge clamp part, wherein a plurality of cable tie locks are provided at the edge clamp part.

In the known fixing devices, for example, polyamides such as PA6.6 and PA4.6 are used. These materials have a high inherent stiffness and a thickness of about 2300N/mm²Higher (traction) modulus of elasticity.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to improve the above-mentioned retaining clip in an advantageous manner, in particular: the retaining clip can be mounted safely and easily in different kinds of carriers and can be made of a material with a low modulus of elasticity, while still ensuring a high retention force.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a retaining clip having the features of claim 1. Correspondingly, a retaining clip for mounting a component on a carrier comprises: a fixed portion on which the member can be mounted; and a locking portion for mounting the retaining clip on the carrier, wherein the locking portion comprises a central web and at least two locking tabs which extend from a free end of the central web facing away from the retaining portion in the direction of the retaining portion, wherein each locking tab is provided with a plurality of locking teeth which are arranged on the outer sides of the locking tabs facing away from one another. A plurality of locking teeth are provided for safely and easily mounting the retaining clip in different carriers, in particular in openings of a vehicle body. Each of the other locking teeth provides a secure locking, depending on the condition of the carrier, in particular of carriers with different wall thicknesses. The same retaining clip can therefore advantageously be used in openings of carriers with different wall thicknesses without reducing the locking quality of the retaining clip.

The design of the retaining clip according to the present invention also advantageously uses a clip having a profile of less than about 2300N/mm²Of (traction) elastic modulus, in particular of plastics material. In particular, the (traction) elastic modulus of the materials currently used for such retaining clips can lie, for example, around 1000N/mm²To about 2000N/mm²Within the range of (1).

Preferably, the (traction) modulus of elasticity is about 1250N/mm²To about 1900N/mm²Within the range of (1); particularly preferably at about 1300N/mm²To about 1800N/mm²In the range of (1), e.g. about 1500N/mm²。

The retaining clip can be made, for example, of a thermoplastic material, in Particular Propylene (PP). The material is for inexpensive manufacture. The (traction) modulus of elasticity of the PP is about 1300N/mm²To about 1800N/mm²。

In particular, the retaining clip can be an injection molded part. This provides for easy and at the same time cheap manufacturing.

The component can be, for example, a cable tie lock and a cable tie to be introduced into the cable tie lock. The cable tie lock and the cable tie can be provided at the fixing portion. It is also conceivable that the member comprises one or more retaining wings for fixing the cable or cable strand.

The two locking tabs can lie in one plane. It can also be arranged that: the locking tabs and the central web are arranged in an arrow-shaped manner. This configuration provides improved retention and better spreading of the clip in the carrier and increases the retention force that the clip can exert.

In addition, it can be provided that: each locking tooth forms a pair with an associated locking tooth of the other locking tab. By the pair-wise locking, the holding force of the fixing clip is increased.

Furthermore, it can be provided that: three locking teeth are provided on each locking tab. Generally, only a limited number of different carriers are considered for the use of the retaining clip. The number of three locking teeth on each locking flap takes into account this fact and provides a good compromise between fewer locking teeth (which can then be designed more stably) and many locking teeth (which provide good adaptation to different wall thicknesses of the carrier).

It is advantageously also possible to provide that: the orientation of the tooth surface of each locking tooth is different. The tooth flanks are the surfaces of the locking teeth that engage the rear side of the carrier when the retaining clip is inserted into the opening in the carrier and a pulling force acts on the retaining clip, which pulling force tries to pull the retaining clip out of the opening, i.e. the tooth flanks are the surfaces that transmit the retaining force.

In addition, it can be provided that: the tooth face of the first locking tooth includes a greater acute angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central web than the tooth face of an adjacent locking tooth that is located closer to the free end of the locking tab than the first locking tooth. This provides the following advantages: each tooth surface being arranged to abut the carrier at substantially the same angle; the locking tab is bent from its starting position to the longitudinal axis to a greater extent when the first locking tooth is engaged than when an adjacent locking tooth is engaged. This different bending of the locking tabs is compensated by the differently set flanks of the individual locking teeth. As a result, the tooth flanks of the locking teeth for locking according to the wall thickness of the carrier are oriented substantially parallel to the rear side of the carrier, so that a very complete contact is achieved.

It can also be arranged that: the tip angle of the locking tooth ranges from 70 ° to 90 °, in particular about 80 °. This design facilitates reliable locking and prevents the locking teeth from being damaged when the retaining clip is inserted. The shape with such an angle also advantageously results in the situation that the tooth flanks of the locking teeth can optimally abut against the rear side of the opening of the carrier over the entire surface.

The locking tabs can also include, starting from their portion connected to the central web, a resilient portion, a thickened wedge-shaped portion and a thick support portion. The wall thickness of the resilient portion is smaller than the wall thickness of the wedge-shaped portion and significantly smaller than the wall thickness of the support portion, the resilient portion forming a resilient joint and providing resilient deformation of the locking piece in the direction of the central web. Due to the wedge-shaped portion and the support portion, the locking piece has a sufficiently high resistance to torsion in the longitudinal direction, while at the same time good elasticity and resilience is provided due to the elastic portion.

In addition, it can be provided that: the locking tabs extend linearly on their inner sides facing the central web. The locking tabs can thus bear completely against the surface of the central web. This allows a large elastic bending of the locking flap.

It can also be arranged that: two centering tabs are provided at the central web. The centering tabs prevent only one of the locking tabs from being excessively deformed to the inside during insertion of the retaining clip, which may result in the retaining clip being inserted eccentrically into the carrier opening.

Advantageously, a sealing flap is provided at the fixed portion, said sealing flap facing the locking portion. This provides the advantage that the retaining clip automatically seals around the opening in order to ensure a seal against at least splashing without further measures.

In particular, this can be provided: the wall thickness of the sealing flap increases continuously from the free edge to the fixing portion. This provides the following advantages: the sealing baffle is on the one hand very stable, but at the same time adheres well to the surface of the carrier and thus seals the carrier reliably.

In addition, it can be provided that: at the free end of each locking tab facing the fastening portion, a contact tab is provided which extends beyond the uppermost locking tooth and can abut against the central web. The contact plate can be pre-bent in such a way that a spring action is achieved when the locking plate is pivoted considerably towards the central web. In this case, the contact piece supports the spring back. The main advantage of the contact tabs is however that they prevent the locking tabs from being pressed through the openings in the carrier, resulting in them no longer being held by the inner edges of the openings, but being free to spread out behind the carrier. In this case, a certain holding force is provided, which withstands surface inspection of the fixing clip. However, for higher tensile forces, the locking flap bends in an uncontrolled manner, so that a secure retention of the retaining clip is no longer ensured. Now if the fixing clip is pressed too far through the opening in the carrier, the contact tabs contact the edge of the opening, so that the locking tabs cannot spread apart in an uncontrolled manner. When a pulling force is now exerted on the retaining clip, the contact strip slides along the edge of the opening until the foremost locking tooth is again clamped.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from the following description and the accompanying drawings referred to below. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a retaining clip according to the present invention;

fig. 2 shows a sectional view through the retaining clip according to fig. 1;

fig. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a retaining clip according to the present invention;

fig. 4 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a retaining clip according to the present invention;

fig. 5 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a retaining clip according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a retaining clip 10 according to the present invention. The retaining clip includes a retaining portion 12 and a locking portion 14.

The locking portion 14 of the retaining clip is arranged for insertion into an opening of the carrier to be locked in place therein. The fixing portion 12 is arranged for holding other components so that the fixing portion is subsequently attached to the carrier by means of a locking portion 14, which is locked in place in an opening of the carrier.

The retaining clip 10 is here an integrally formed injection-molded part. As material, preference is given to using polypropylene (PP), which generally has a density of about 1300N/mm²To about 1800N/mm²The (traction) modulus of elasticity of (c). In the example shown here, the use has about 1450N/mm²The (traction) elastic modulus of (b).

The locking portion 14 comprises a central web 16 and two locking tabs 18, which in the exemplary embodiment are formed identically. The two locking tabs 18 also have a plane of symmetry in their longitudinal direction, wherein the plane of symmetry is arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the central web 16 also lies in this plane.

The locking tab 18 extends linearly on its inner side facing the central web 16 and is stepped on the outer side.

Two locking tabs 18 extend from the free end of the central web 16 facing away from the fastening part 12 in the direction of the fastening part 12. Each locking flap 18 is provided with a plurality of locking

teeth

22, 24, 26 which are arranged on the outer sides of the locking flaps 18 facing away from one another. In the embodiment shown here, three locking teeth are used for each locking flap.

Each locking

tooth

22, 24, 26 forms a pair with the associated locking tooth of the other locking tab 18, specifically locking tooth 22 or locking tooth 24 or locking tooth 26. Because the pairs of locking teeth are all arranged at different 'heights', the fixing clamp can be inserted into carriers with different wall thicknesses; the corresponding "mating" pair of locking teeth then effects locking.

The

lock teeth

22, 24, 26 have

tooth flanks

28, 30, 32, respectively. This is the side of the locking tooth that transmits the retaining force when a pulling force is exerted on the retaining clip, which pulling force attempts to pull the retaining clip out of the opening in the carrier. The orientation of the tooth flanks 28, 30, 32 of each locking

tooth

22, 24, 26 is different.

As best shown in fig. 2, the tooth face 28 of the first locking tooth 22 includes a more acute angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central web 16 than the tooth faces 30, 32 of adjacent locking teeth that are located closer to the free end of the locking tab 18 than the first locking tooth 22. This thereby compensates for: when the different locking teeth engage, the locking tabs 18 pivot differently far toward the central web and the flanks of the locking teeth are thus inclined differently far. When the flanks of the different teeth are oriented differently in the initial state (i.e. when the locking tabs are not pivoted), it is ensured that the respective active flanks engage the rear side of the carrier substantially in parallel.

The tip angle of the locking

teeth

22, 24, 26 is in the range of 70 ° to 90 °. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the tip angle of the locking

teeth

22, 24, 26 is about 80 °.

As can be taken from the sectional view according to fig. 2, the two tips of the locking teeth 22 are the two points at the greatest distance from each other. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the two tips are spaced 9.8mm apart from each other.

Starting from the portion 34 where the locking tab 18 is connected to the central web 16, the locking tab 18 includes a thin resilient portion 36, a thickened wedge-shaped portion 38 and a thick bracing portion 40.

In the exemplary embodiment, the portion 34 here has a height of 2.6 mm.

The resilient portion 36 is thinner than the thickened wedge portion 38 and the thick support portion 40, and the locking

teeth

22, 24, 26 rise from the support portion 40. The wedge portion 38 is a portion where the cross section of the elastic portion 36 increases toward the support portion 40.

An advantageous design of the locking tabs with sections of different thickness is provided in order to use a material with a lower (traction) modulus of elasticity for the retaining clip.

Two centering tabs 42 are provided in the central web 16. This prevents the locking tabs from pivoting too far towards the central web.

A seal fence 44 is provided at the fixing portion 12, the seal fence 44 facing the locking portion 14. The wall thickness of the sealing flap 44 increases continuously from the free edge to the fixing portion 12. For example, the wall thickness can be doubled. In the embodiment shown here, the wall thickness of the sealing baffle 44 increases from 0.3mm to 0.6 mm.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sealing flap 44 is inclined at an angle of 27 ° in the direction of the locking portion 14.

The distance from the tip of the locking portion 14 to the bottom edge of the free edge of the sealing flap 44 is here 8mm and the distance to the base of the tooth rear of the first locking tooth 22 is 2.1 mm.

In general, any other dimensions can also be selected, corresponding to the desired field of application.

At the free end of each locking flap 18 facing the fixed part 12, a contact tab 46 is provided which extends beyond the uppermost locking tooth 26. The contact tabs 46 also overlap the sealing flap to ensure that at least the contact tabs 46 remain in contact with the edge of the opening in the carrier when the clip is pressed into the opening in the carrier.

At the fastening part 12, a cable tie lock 50 and a cable tie 52 which can be introduced into the cable tie lock 50 are arranged above the sealing flap 44 on the side facing away from the locking part 14.

Fig. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a retaining clip 10 according to the invention. The retaining clip 10 does not have a sealing stop 44. Furthermore, there is no substantial difference, in particular in the region of the locking portion 14. It should only be mentioned that on the side facing away from the locking portion 14, a T-shaped securing wing 54 is formed at the securing portion 12.

Fig. 4 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a retaining clip 10 according to the invention. Above the reinforcing sealing flap 45 on the side facing away from the locking portion 14, the retaining clip 10 comprises two retaining wings 56 projecting vertically from the retaining portion.

Fig. 5 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a retaining clip 10 according to the invention. The exemplary embodiment includes a reinforced locking portion 15 and a reinforced sealing flap 45. A cable tie lock 50 and a cable tie 52 are provided above the reinforcing sealing flap 45 on the side of the fixing portion 12 facing away from the locking portion 14.

The function of the retaining clip 10 can be described as follows:

the retaining clip 10 is used to mount a component on a carrier. As mentioned above, such components can be, for example, a cable tie lock 50 and a cable tie 52 to be introduced into the cable tie lock 50 (see also the exemplary embodiments according to fig. 1, 2 and 5).

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the member can include one or

more retention wings

54, 56 for securing the cable or cable strand.

During insertion into the carrier, for example into the body member, the clamping operation proceeds as follows:

a locking portion 14 having two locking tabs 18 is inserted into the opening. The resilient portion 36 forms a resilient joint and provides resilient deformation of the locking tab 18 in the direction of the central web 16.

Pairs of locking

teeth

22, 24 or 26 provided at appropriate "heights" lock into place, depending on the thickness of the carrier.

For example, the retaining clip 10 can be inserted into circular or oval holes having different diameters or sizes. The diameter of the circular hole can vary by, for example, about 1 mm.

The exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2 can be used, for example, in a circular hole having a diameter of about 6.2mm to 7 mm.

The size of the elliptical holes can vary in the range of about 1mm, i.e. for example elliptical holes of 6x12mm to 7x12mm, as is the case in the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 1 and 2.

The thickness of the carrier can likewise vary, for example by about 3 mm. However, the same retaining clip can be used because the plurality of locking teeth ensures that at least one pair of locking teeth will "fit" regardless of the particular thickness. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 and 2, the retaining clip 10 can be used in a body panel having a thickness of 0.5mm to 3mm or more.

The retaining clip 10 according to fig. 1 and 2 can be inserted into the opening with a force of less than 40N.

The retention force of the retaining clip 10 is at least about 150N.

The optimum operating temperature range for the retaining clip 10 is up to about 80 deg.c.

Claims

1. A retaining clip (10) for mounting a component on a carrier, the retaining clip having:

a fixed portion (12) on which the member is mountable; and

a locking portion (14) for mounting the retaining clip (10) on the carrier, wherein the locking portion (14) comprises a central web (16) and at least two locking tabs (18), the locking tabs (18) extending from a free end of the central web (16) facing away from the retaining portion (12) in the direction of the retaining portion (12),

characterized in that each locking flap (18) is provided with a plurality of locking teeth (22, 24, 26), which locking teeth (22, 24, 26) are arranged on outer sides of the locking flaps (18) facing away from one another, wherein the tip angle of the locking teeth (22, 24, 26) lies in the range of 70 ° to 90 °; and the number of the first and second electrodes,

characterized in that two centering tabs (42) are provided at the central web (16), and in that the centering tabs (42) prevent one of the locking tabs (18) from being excessively deformed to the inside during the insertion of the fixing clip (10).

2. The retaining clip (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip angle of the locking tooth (22, 24, 26) is 80 °.

3. The securing clip (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each locking tooth (22, 24, 26) of one locking flap (18) forms a pair with the associated locking tooth (22, 24, 26) of the other locking flap (18).

4. Fixation clamp (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that three locking teeth (22, 24, 26) are provided on each locking flap (18).

5. The retaining clip (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the orientation of the flanks (28, 30, 32) of each locking tooth (22, 24, 26) is different.

6. The securing clip (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the tooth flanks (28) of a first locking tooth (22) have a greater acute angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central web (16) than the tooth flanks (30, 32) of adjacent locking teeth (24, 26), the adjacent locking teeth (24, 26) being located closer to the free end of the locking tab (18) than the first locking tooth (22).

7. Fixation clamp (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking flap (18) comprises, starting from the portion (34) of the locking flap (18) connected to the central web (16), a thin elastic portion (36), a thickened wedge portion (38) and a thick support portion (40).

8. The fixing clip (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking flap (18) extends linearly on its inner side facing the central web (16) and is stepped on the outer side.

9. The retaining clip (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a sealing flap (44) is provided at the retaining portion (12), the sealing flap (44) facing the locking portion (14).

10. The retaining clip (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the wall thickness of the sealing flap (44) increases continuously from the free edge to the retaining portion (12).

11. Fixing clip (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at the free end of each locking flap (18) facing the fixing portion (12) a contact tab (46) is provided, which contact tab (46) extends beyond the uppermost locking tooth (26) and can abut against the central web (16).