GB2600159A

GB2600159A - Clamp for a flat cable and clamp arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2600159A
Application number: GB2016915.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hunley Bret; Lange Kenneth; Hilbish James
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2020-10-26
Filing date: 2020-10-26
Publication date: 2022-04-27
Also published as: GB202016915D0

Abstract

A clamp 10 for a flat cable 12, the clamp comprising a base (Fig 1, 18) and a plurality of legs 20, 22, 24, 26, extending from the base, wherein the clamp is configured to accommodate the flat cable 12 such that the flat cable passes through a space provided between at least one pair of the legs and such that the flat cable (12) is arranged on a first side of the base (18), wherein the base comprises a second side which is opposite the first side, and wherein the clamp comprises at least one structural element on the second side, characterized in the at the at least one structural element is configured as at least one recess (Fig 1, 40), wherein the at least one recess is configured to prevent a rotational movement of a bracket 14 configured to be attached to the clamp 10 by means of a zip tie 16 for securing the flat cable 12 to the clamp 10 by passing the zip tie 16 around the base (18) and the flat cable.

Description

CLAMP FOR A FLAT CABLE AND CLAMP ARRANGEMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a clamp for a flat cable. The clamp comprises a base and a plurality of legs extending from the base. The clamp is configured to accommodate the flat cable such that the flat cable passes through a space provided between at least one pair of the legs, and such that the flat cable is arranged on a first side of the base. The base comprises a second side which is opposite the first side. The clamp also comprises at least one structural element on the second side. The invention further relates to a clamp arrangement comprising such a clamp.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] JP 2011 024357 A describes a clamp for a flat cable, wherein the flat cable is routed in an automobile, and the clamp is fixed to a vehicle body panel. The clamp comprises a flat, rectangular main body and four side plates extending from an underside of the flat main body. When the clamp is utilized, the flat cable passes through an insertion space provided between a first pair of the side plates and a second pair of the side plates. The cable is attached to the underside of the flat main body by means of two strips of adhesive tape which are wound around the main body and the flat cable. On an upper side of the flat main body, which is opposite the underside, the clamp has a locking portion. By means of this locking portion the clamp can be fixed to the vehicle body panel.

[0003] The fixation of the flat cable in the clamp described in JP 2011 024357 A is rather laborious and time-consuming, in particular because of the utilization of the strips of adhesive tape by means of which the cable is attached to the main body of the clamp.

[0004] For routing flat cables in a vehicle, for example in an electric motor vehicle, it is further possible to use a zip tie and bracket arrangement. Herein, the flat cable is fixed to the bracket by means of the zip tie, and the bracket is then fixed to the vehicle at a location where the flat cable can be installed. However, when such a zip He and bracket arrangement is utilized, it can occur that the bracket which serves as a fixing element for fixing the cable to the vehicle is twisted or rotates with respect to the flat cable. This makes it difficult to install the flat cable at a desired location. Therefore, also the utilization of zip tie and bracket arrangements for the installation of flat cables can be rather elaborate.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamp for a flat cable, which facilitates the installation of the flat cable, and to provide a clamp arrangement comprising such a clamp.

[0006] This object is solved by a clamp having the features of claim 1 and by a clamp arrangement having the features of claim 9. Advantageous configurations with further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A clamp for a flat cable comprises a base and a plurality of legs extending from the base. The clamp is configured to accommodate the flat cables such that the flat cable passes through a space provided between at least one pair of the legs. The clamp is further configured to accommodate the flat cable such that the flat cable is arranged on a first side of the base. The base comprises a second side which is opposite the first side. The clamp comprises at least one structural element on the second side. Herein, the at least one structural element is configured as at least one recess. The at least one recess is configured to prevent a rotational movement of a bracket, wherein the bracket is configured to be attached to the clamp by means of a zip He. In utilizing the clamp for the flat cable, the zip tie is used for securing the flat cable to the clamp by passing the zip tie around the base and the flat cable.

[0008] Due to the at least one recess or depression provided in the base on its second side a corresponding structural element of the bracket can be inserted into the at least one recess such that the structural element of the bracket is received in the at least one recess. This engagement of the at least one structural element with the corresponding at least one recess prevents the bracket from rotating with respect to the base. As the bracket is attached to the clamp by means of the zip tie when the clamp is utilized for holding the flat cable in place, a rotational movement of the zip tie with respect to the clamp is also prevented. Therefore, an orientation of the bracket with respect to the flat cable and of the zip tie with respect to the flat cable rests stable. Thus, the clamp facilitates the installation of the cable.

[0009] This is due to the fact that the bracket is not able to twist once the at least one structural element of the bracket is received in the at least one recess of the base, and the base is fixed to the clamp by means of the zip tie. In other words, as the at least one structural element such as at least one protrusion of the bracket fits with the at least one recess or inset of the base, an undesirable rotational movement of the bracket with respect to the flat cable is prevented. As a consequence the bracket can be easily fixed at a desired location along which the flat cable passes, when the flat cable is routed. This is in particular useful, if the flat cable is routed within a vehicle, for example within an electric motor vehicle. The clamp allows for a streamlined management and routing of flat cables in a manner that saves time and space.

[0010] A profile or layout of the at least one recess can be easily adapted to a profile or layout of the at least one structural element of the bracket the rotational movement of which is prevented, when the structural element of the bracket is nested in the at least one recess or inset having the anti-rotation performance. Consequently, the bracket is not able to twist or turn once the bracket is attached to the clamp by means of the zip tie.

[0011] The clamp arrangement according to the invention comprises the clamp according to the invention. The clamp arrangement further comprises a flat cable arranged on the first side of the base, wherein the flat cable passes through the space provided between the at least one pair of the legs. The clamp arrangement also comprises a zip tie securing the flat cable to the clamp. The zip tie is passed around the base and the flat cable. The clamp arrangement further comprises a bracket which is attached to the clamp. Herein, the bracket is attached to the base by means of the zip tie, and at least one structural element of the bracket is received in the at least one recess provided on the second side of the base. This clamp arrangement facilitates the installation of the flat cable at a desired location, wherein the bracket can be utilized as holding element or fixing element for routing the flat cable.

[0012] The advantages and preferred embodiments described with respect to the clamp according to the invention also apply to the clamp arrangement according to the invention and vice versa.

[0013] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings show in: [0015] Fig. 1 a perspective view of a clamp for a flat cable, wherein an upper side of a base of the clamp comprises an inset or recess; [0016] Fig. 2 a further perspective view of the clamp according to Fig. 1, wherein an underside of the base is shown; [0017] Fig. 3 a first side view of the clamp according to Fig. 1; [0018] Fig. 4 a second side view of the clamp according to Fig. 1; [0019] Fig. 5 a top view of the clamp according to Fig. 1; [0020] Fig. 6 a view towards the underside of the clamp according to Fig. 1, wherein the flat cable is fixed to the clamp by means of a zip tie; [0021] Fig. 7 a perspective view of a clamp arrangement comprising the clamp, the flat cable, the zip tie and a bracket attached to the clamp by means of the zip tie; and [0022] Fig. 8 a further perspective view of the clamp arrangement, wherein the flat cable is shown in an orientation which is different from the one shown in Fig. 7.

[0023] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0025] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0026] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by "comprises" or "comprise' does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0027] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a clamp 10 for managing and routing a flat cable 12 (see Fig. 7) or flat conductor. The clamp 10 is utilized in cooperation with a bracket 14 and a zip tie 16 (see Fig. 7 and Fig. 8). The flat cable 12 can be an electrically insulated cable or an electrically non-insulated cable. In a further embodiment, the clamp 10 may be used for both rigid and flexible conductor construction.

[0029] As can be seen from Fig. 1 the clamp 10 is a single piece having a base 18 and four legs 20, 22, 24, 26 extending from the base 18. The clamp 10 is configured to accommodate the flat cable 12 such that the flat cable 12 passes through a first space 28 provided between a first pair of the legs 20, 22 and through a second space 30 (see Fig. 2) provided between a second pair of the legs 24, 26.

[0030] As can be seen from Fig. 2 the base 18 comprises a first side 32 or underside against which the flat cable 12 comes to lie when the flat cable 12 is fixed to the clamp 10 by means of the zip tie 16 (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). The base 18 further comprises a second side 34 or upper side (see Fig. 1) which is opposite the first side 32.

[0031] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 7, the bracket 14 is attached or fixed to the clamp 10 by means of the zip tie 16, when the clamp 10 is utilized to hold the flat cable 12 in place. In this arrangement the zip tie 16 secures the flat cable 12 to the base 18 of the clamp 10, wherein the zip tie 16 is passed around the base 18 and the flat cable 12 which is in contact with the underside or first side 32 of the base 18 (see Fig. 6).

[0032] The bracket 14 can be utilized to fix the clamp 10 (and therefore also the flat cable 12 held by the clamp 10) at a desired location, for example within a vehicle. To this end the bracket 14 can comprise fixing means such as a through hole 36 or the like (see Fig. 7 and Fig. 8). In the configuration of the bracket 14 exemplarily shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the bracket 14 can be installed at the desired location in the vehicle by passing a bolt, a holding pin or the like trough the through hole 36. Such an installation of the bracket 14 is facilitated by the clamp 10, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0033] In a clamp arrangement 38 shown in Fig. 7 and in Fig. 8 the clamp 10 prevents a rotational movement of the bracket 14 with respect to the clamp 10 and therefore also with respect to the flat cable 12. For preventing this rotation between the bracket 14 and the clamp 10, the clamp 10 has at least one recess 40 or inset on the second side 34 or upper side (see Fig. 1) of the base 18.

[0034] In the specific configuration shown in Fig. 1 this recess 40 or profile is substantially formed like the capital letter "H". Accordingly, the recess 40 comprises a first groove 42 and a second groove 44 which is spaced apart from the first groove 42. The second groove 44 is substantially parallel to the first groove 42. Further, the recess 40 comprises a connecting groove 46 extending from the first groove 42 to the second groove 44.

[0035] However, this particular shape or profile of the recess 40 can be varied depending on the corresponding profile or layout of a structural element 48 of the bracket 14 (see Fig. 7). In other words, the shape or profile of the recess 40 is adapted to the specific shape or profile of the structural element 48 of the bracket 14. For example, the shape or profile of the recess 40 may be in the shape of a square or rectangular.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 7 and in Fig. 8, the structural element 48 of the bracket 14 has a layout or profile which corresponds to the H-shaped layout or profile of the at least one recess 40 provided on the second side 34 or upper side of the base 18. Consequently, the structural element 48 comprises a first web 50 which is received in the first groove 42 of the recess 40 (see Fig 7) and a second web 52 which is received in the second groove 44 of the recess 40 (see Fig. 8). Preferably, a connecting web (not shown) which is part of the structural element 48 of the bracket 14, is received or accommodated in the connecting groove 46, if the recess 40 is configured as shown in Fig. 1.

[0037] However, the particular layout or profile of the at least one recess 40 or inset provided in the base 18 on the second side 34 can be easily modified in order to accommodate the corresponding structural element 48 of the specific bracket 14 to be utilized within the clamp arrangement 38.

[0038] As can be further seen from Fig. 7 and from Fig. 8, when the bracket 14 is nested in the recess 40 having the anti-rotation performance, and when the bracket 14 is attached to the base 18 of the clamp 10 by means of the zip tie 16, the zip tie 16 passes through an opening 54 provided in the bracket 14.

[0039] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 1 and from Fig. 2, the four legs 20, 22, 24, 26 of the clamp 10 are arranged at respective corners of the base 18, wherein the base 18 is substantially rectangular in a top view (see Fig. 5). Further, each one of the legs 20, 22, 24, 26 can have a protrusion 56, 58, 60, 62 or projection extending beyond the second side 34 of the base 18. These protrusions 56, 58, 60, 62 are beneficial for arranging the zip tie 16 with respect to the clamp 10, when the zip tie 16 is passed around the base 18 and the flat cable 12 in order to fix the flat cable 12 to the first side 32 or underside of the base 18. This is due to the fact that the protrusions 56, 58, 60, 62 prevent the zip tie 16 from slipping off the clamp 10, when the zip tie 16 is passed around the base 18 and the flat cable 12 (see Fig. 6) and is then tightened for fixing the flat cable 1210 the base 18.

[0040] The base 18 comprises a first edge region 64 extending between the protrusion 56 of the leg 20 and the protrusion 58 of the leg 24 (see Fig. 1). Further, the base 18 has a second edge region 66 extending between the protrusion 60 of the leg 26 and the protrusion 62 of the leg 22. In the exemplary embodiment of the clamp 10 shown in Fig. 1 these edge regions 64, 66 of the base 18 are curved, in particular rounded. This also facilitates the arrangement of the zip tie 16 which comes in contact with the first edge region 64 and the second edge region 66 of the base 18, when the zip tie 16 is fixed to the clamp 10 (see Fig. 8).

[0041] As can be seen from Fig. 1 in combination with Fig. 2 in particular, the first side 32 or underside of the base 18 is substantially flat, wherein the second side 34 or upper side of the base 18 may be convexly curved. Consequently, despite a certain rigidity of the zip tie 16, a good contact between the zip tie 16 and the base 18 can be established. In an alternative embodiment, as can be seen in Fig. 7 or 8, the second side 34 or upper side of the base 18 may be flat. In another alternative embodiment, the second side 34 or upper side may comprise a concavely curved portion in order to support mounting of the clamp 10 to an ovoid member. An ovoid member may be, for example, a pipe, cable, air line or bundle, or a harness. In an alternative embodiment, the underside or first side 32 of the base 18 may not have a flat surface or profile. For example, the underside or first side 32 may comprise protrusions and/or indentations. The protrusions and/or indentations may for example provide benefit in establishing a nesting fit with the zip tie 16.

[0042] The exemplary embodiment of the convexly curved shape of the base 18 can also be seen from the side view in Fig. 3. In an embodiment, a width of the first space 28 between the first pair of legs 20, 22 and a width of the second space 30 between the second pair of legs 24, 26 can be the same width. In a further embodiment, a height 68 (see Fig. 3) of a respective leg 20, 22, 24, 26 can be smaller than the width of the first space 28 and the second space 30.

[0043] In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, a central portion 70 of the second side 34 may be elevated with respect to further portions 72, 74 of the second side 34, wherein the further portions 72, 74 are adjacent to the central portion 70. The elevated central portion 70 is beneficial in fixing the bracket 14 on the second side 34 of the base 18.

[0044] A width 76 between the legs 20, 24 (see Fig. 4) as well as a corresponding width 76 between the legs 22, 26 (see Fig. 2) can be the same width. It should be appreciated that all the measures, lengths and relations of the clamp 10 depend on the specific use case, in particular on the size of the flat cable 12 and on the size of the zip tie 16 utilized within the clamp arrangement 38.

[0045] As can be seen from Fig. 7 and Fig. Bin particular, the bracket 14 of the clamp arrangement 38 is not able to twist once the bracket 14 is fit with the inset or recess 40 of the base 18 and fixed to the base 18 by means of the zip tie 16.

[0046] Further, the flat cable 12 or flat conductor rests in the spaces 28, 30 created or provided between the legs 24, 26 and between the legs 20, 22 on the underside or first side 32 of the base 18. Herein, the zip tie 16 fits between the legs 20, 24 and between the legs 22, 26 and clamps the flat cable 12 or flat conductor to the underside or first side 32 of the base 18 (see Fig. 6).

[0047] In Fig. 7 a locking element 78 of the zip tie 16 can be seen particularly well. In a manner known as such a free end 80 of the zip tie 16 is passed through an opening of this locking element 78 in order to tighten the zip tie 16.

[0048] The flat cable clamp 10 can in particular be utilized for routing flat conducting cables 12 in a vehicle, for example in an electric motor vehicle.

List of reference signs clamp 12 cable 14 bracket 16 zip tie 18 base leg 22 leg 24 leg 26 leg 28 space space 32 side 34 side 36 through hole 38 clamp arrangement recess 42 groove 44 groove 46 groove 48 structural element web 52 web 54 opening 56 protrusion 58 protrusion protrusion 62 protrusion 64 edge region 66 edge region 68 height central portion 72 further portion 74 further portion 76 width 78 locking element free end

Claims

CLAIMS1. A clamp (10) for a flat cable (12), the clamp (10) comprising a base (18) and a plurality of legs (20, 22, 24, 26) extending from the base (18), wherein the clamp (10) is configured to accommodate the flat cable (12) such that the flat cable (12) passes through a space (28, 30) provided between at least one pair of the legs (20, 22, 24, 26), and such that the flat cable (12) is arranged on a first side (32) of the base (18), wherein the base (18) comprises a second side (34) which is opposite the first side (32), and wherein the clamp (10) comprises at least one structural element on the second side (34), characterized in that the at least one structural element is configured as at least one recess (40), wherein the at least one recess (40) is configured to prevent a rotational movement of a bracket (14) configured to be attached to the clamp (10) by means of a zip tie (16) for securing the flat cable (12) to the clamp (10) by passing the zip tie (16) around the base (18) and the flat cable (12).
2. The clamp (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamp (10) comprises four legs (20, 22, 24, 26) arranged at respective corners of the base (18), wherein each leg (20, 22, 24, 26) has a protrusion (56, 58, 60, 62) extending beyond the second side (34) of the base (18).
3. The clamp (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that a first edge region (64) of the base (18), which is arranged between a first pair of the legs (20, 24), and/or a second edge region (66) of the base (18), which is arranged between a second pair of the legs (22, 26), is curved, in particular rounded.
4. The clamp (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first side (32) of the base (18) is substantially flat, wherein the second side (34) of the base (18) is convexly curved.
5. The clamp (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one recess (40) comprises a first groove (42) and a second groove (44) spaced apart from the first groove (42), wherein the second groove (44) is substantially parallel to the first groove (42).
6. The clamp (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one recess (40) comprises at least one connecting groove (46) extending from the first groove (42) towards the second groove (44).
7. The clamp (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that a width of the at least one connecting groove (46) is bigger than a width of the first groove (42) and/or a width of the second groove (44).
8. The clamp (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a central portion (70) of the second side (34) is elevated with respect to further portions (72, 74) of the second side (34), which are adjacent to the central portion (70).
9. A clamp arrangement (38) comprising the clamp (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a flat cable (12) arranged on the first side (32) of the base (18), wherein the flat cable (12) passes through the space (28, 30) provided between the at least one pair of the legs (20, 22, 24, 26); a zip tie (16) securing the flat cable (12) to the clamp (10), wherein the zip tie (16) is passed around the base (18) and the flat cable (12); and a bracket (14) attached to the clamp (10), wherein the bracket (14) is attached to the base (18) by means of the zip tie (16), and wherein at least one structural element (48) of the bracket (14) is received in the at least one recess (40) provided on the second side (34) of the base (18).