[0001] The present invention relates to a cable tie having a basic body which is connected to a cable tie tongue and on which there is formed a tongue receptacle into which the cable tie tongue can be inserted in a longitudinal direction with the formation of at least one loop, wherein the cable tie tongue has a plurality of blocking depressions and wherein there is formed on the basic body a latching hook which can be elastically deflected in a first direction transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction and which has a blocking finger which engages in one of the blocking depressions when the cable tie tongue is inserted.

[0002] Such cable ties or cable straps are generally known. For example, such cable ties serve for fixing cables to one another in order to form cable runs, or in order to fix entire cable harnesses. Furthermore, such cable ties are also used in assembly and packaging technologies and also for constraining animals and humans. [0003] It is known practice in the automotive industry to provide such cable ties with fastening portions in order to fix the basic body, for example to a metal sheet or the like, and hence to fix a cable, a line or a cable run or the like to this automotive part.

[0004] The cable ties are generally produced as one-piece elements from a plastic material, in particular from polyamide.

[0005] The cable tie tongue is generally held in the tongue receptacle such that it is guided with a positive fit in a direction transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction. The blocking depressions and the blocking finger are formed such that an insertion of the cable tie tongue into the tongue receptacle is possible, with the locking hook being deflected between blocking depressions in each case. It is also known to provide suitable insertion ramps for this purpose.

[0006] However, a withdrawal of the cable tie tongue is generally not possible as a result of a suitable shaping of the blocking depressions or of the blocking finger. Cable ties can therefore only be opened again by means of destruction. However, in some cable ties it is also possible to deflect the blocking hook in the first direction using a suitable tool in order to release the cable tie again.

[0007] Furthermore, it is known to provide two blocking fingers on the latching hook in the longitudinal direction, which blocking fingers, in the blocking position, each engage in one of two blocking depressions arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction. Finally, it is known to incorporate metal elements into the latching hook in order to achieve a higher retaining force.

[0008] Against the background of this prior art, the problem set is to achieve a cable tie having higher retaining forces and/or to provide a cable tie made from a comparatively soft material.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved in the case of the cable tie mentioned at the outset in that there is formed on the basic body at least one further latching hook which can be elastically deflected transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction and which is arranged in a second direction offset with respect to the first latching hook, wherein the second direction extends transversely with respect to the first direction and transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction and wherein a further blocking finger is formed on the further latching hook.

[0010] This aspect of a cable tie according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a situation in which the cable tie tongue accommodated in the tongue receptacle can be held by means of two latching hooks, resulting in a higher pull-off safeguard.

Alternatively or in addition, the latching hooks or their blocking fingers can be designed to be more voluminous and hence to have a higher retaining force in the longitudinal direction or counter to the longitudinal direction.

[0011] Furthermore, a cable tie according to the invention of this aspect is also particularly suitable when the cable tie is produced from a relatively soft material such as, for example, polypropylene (PP) since larger blocking fingers or larger undercuts of the blocking depressions can be formed as a result of the design and arrangement of the latching hooks.

[0012] The object is thus completely achieved.

[0013] It is generally possible for the two latching hooks to be arranged next to one another in the second direction, i.e. aligned in the second direction, such that the blocking fingers of these latching hooks can engage in the same blocking depression (or in two blocking depressions arranged next to one another in the second direction).

[0014] However, it is particularly preferable if the further latching hook is arranged such that the further blocking finger is arranged in the longitudinal direction offset with respect to the first blocking finger. [0015] As a result, the latching hooks and the blocking fingers may, if appropriate, be designed to be more robust. If desired, it is possible to produce larger undercuts in the blocking depressions.

[0016] Furthermore, a redundancy with respect to the latching or blocking function is preferably obtained by means of the two latching hooks.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment which represents an independent invention in conjunction with the preamble of Claim 1 , there is formed on the basic body at least one further latching hook which can be elastically deflected transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction, wherein the first latching hook and the second latching hook are mounted such that they can be deflected independently of one another on the basic body.

[0018] A redundancy with respect to the latching or blocking function can be achieved particularly in the case of this embodiment.

[0019] Furthermore, it is possible to provide on the cable tie tongue a plurality of blocking depressions which are arranged offset behind one another in the longitudinal direction. It is also possible to provide in a respective longitudinal position two blocking depressions which are arranged adjacent to one another in the width direction of the cable tie tongue and in which there can engage the two blocking fingers of the two latching hooks that are likewise arranged next to one another in the width direction.

[0020] However, for manufacturing reasons, it is preferable if in a longitudinal position there is provided in each case only one blocking depression whose width in a direction transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction corresponds to the sum of the widths of the first and the further blocking finger.

[0021] In this case, the width of the blocking depressions is in particular greater than or equal to the sum of the widths of the first and the further blocking finger. [0022] In general, it is possible to form in each case a plurality of blocking fingers on the first or on the second latching hook.

[0023] However, it is particularly preferable if a single blocking finger is formed in each case on the first and/or on the second latching hook.

[0024] Owing to the fact that the blocking fingers can as a result be designed to be comparatively robust or voluminous, a high retaining force can also be achieved in this embodiment.

[0025] In the embodiment in which the first and the further blocking finger are arranged offset to one another in the longitudinal direction, it is preferred, in an alternative embodiment, if this offset corresponds to a pitch of the blocking depressions.

[0026] In this embodiment, the blocking fingers therefore engage preferably "simultaneously" in associated blocking depressions, specifically in adjacent blocking depressions.

[0027] As a result, an improvement in the redundancy of the blocking or latching function can be achieved.

[0028] However, according to an alternative preferred embodiment, the offset in the longitudinal direction between the first and the second blocking finger is chosen with respect to a pitch of the blocking depressions such that at least one of the blocking fingers always engages in one of the blocking depressions independently of the relative position between cable tie tongue and tongue receptacle.

[0029] This measure makes it possible to increase the functional reliability of the cable tie overall. In addition to the redundancy, it is also ensured that, independently of the relative position in the longitudinal direction, one of the blocking fingers always engages in one of the blocking depressions such that, independently of this relative position, a retaining or pull-off function or blocking function can be achieved. Any tearing out of the cable tie tongue counter to the longitudinal direction can be prevented in all cases in this embodiment.

[0030] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the offset in the longitudinal direction between the first and the second blocking finger is smaller than a pitch of the blocking depressions.

[0031] Here, the above-described function can be established such that in each case only one of the blocking fingers engages completely in one of the blocking depressions, while the other engages only partially or not at all in an adjacent blocking depression.

[0032] It is of particular preference here if the offset between the first and the second blocking finger, as seen in the longitudinal direction, is half the size of the pitch of the blocking depressions.

[0033] According to a further overall preferred embodiment, the first and the second blocking finger, as seen in the longitudinal direction, are arranged overlapping one another or directly adjoining one another.

[0034] This measure also contributes to the fact that, with a suitable pitch of blocking depressions, one of the blocking fingers can always engage in one of the blocking depressions.

[0035] According to a further overall preferred embodiment, the ratio of length (as seen in the longitudinal direction) of each of the blocking depressions to their depth (as seen in the axis of the first direction) is greater than 0.8, in particular greater than 0.9.

[0036] The blocking depressions can therefore be designed to be relatively large in the longitudinal direction, with the result that they can also accommodate a relatively voluminous blocking finger, with the result that high retaining forces can be achieved even if soft materials are used (for example PP). [0037] According to a further preferred embodiment, the ratio of length of each of the blocking fingers to its depth is greater than 0.5, in particular greater than 0.6, preferably greater than 0.7.

[0038] This measure also contributes to the fact that the blocking finger, as seen in the longitudinal direction, can be designed to be relatively voluminous and robust in order to be able to achieve high retaining forces.

[0039] The ratio of the width of each of the blocking depressions to the width of the cable tie tongue is preferably greater than 0.7, in particular greater than 0.8.

[0040] It is thereby achieved that a comparatively high proportion of the width of the cable tie tongue can be used in order to produce the retaining forces in the longitudinal direction.

[0041] The ratio of length of each of the blocking depressions to its depth is preferably less than 3, in particular less than 2. In the same way, the ratio of length of each of the blocking fingers to its depth is preferably less than 3, in particular less than 2. The ratio of width of each of the blocking depressions to the width of the cable tie tongue is preferably less than 1 such that, as seen in the width direction, a margin remains next to the blocking depressions.

[0042] The cable tie can be designed per se to form cable runs and the like, but is preferably provided with a fastening portion for fastening the basic body to a component.

[0043] As a result, the cable tie is particularly suitable for mounting cables or cable harnesses and cable runs in the automotive industry.

[0044] The preferred application area is the production of electrical systems for motor vehicles. [0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cable tie therefore has two latching hooks arranged laterally and offset to one another in the longitudinal direction and having respective blocking fingers which can each engage autonomously, i.e. independently of one another, in blocking depressions of the cable tie tongue.

[0046] The cable tie is particularly suitable for the bracing capability of the cable tie combined with soft materials (for example PP) since the design and arrangement of the latching hooks makes it possible to achieve greater undercuts in the form of the blocking depressions.

[0047] The pitch of the blocking depressions in the longitudinal direction is preferably in the range from 1 mm to 3 mm and in particular in the range from 1.5 to 2.5 mm, particularly preferably in the range from 1.8 to 2.2 mm. The offset of the blocking fingers in the longitudinal direction is preferably in the range from 0.5 to 1.5 mm, in particular in the range from 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0048] Overall, the laterally offset blocking fingers and the blocking fingers offset in the longitudinal direction make it possible to achieve blocking depressions in the cable tie tongue which are larger or larger in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the blocking fingers and the latching hooks can be made to be more robust or voluminous than in the prior art.

[0049] There result overall, if required, higher tightening forces and hence resulting displacing forces. Owing to the blocking fingers which are comparatively voluminous in the longitudinal direction, there result higher pull-off forces in the blocking or locking region.

[0050] In a preferred variant, a redundancy results such that a type of double latching system is produced which does not fail even when one of the latching hooks fails.

[0051] In the case of the preferred embodiment, in which each latching hook has only one blocking finger, the production by injection moulding preferably does not require any drag core in the locking or blocking region. Therefore, the cable tie can advantageously be produced with cost-effective tools and short cycle times.

[0052] It will be understood that the features mentioned above and the features still to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations or in isolation without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the description which follows. In the drawing:

Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view through a first embodiment of a cable tie according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a cable tie according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a detail view of the cable tie of Figure 2; and

Figure 4 shows a sectional view along the line IV-IV of Figure 3.

[0054] In Figure 1 , a first embodiment of a cable tie according to the invention is illustrated in longitudinal section and generally designated by 10.

[0055] The cable tie 10 has a basic body 12 which is connected to a cable tie tongue 14. A tongue receptacle 16 is provided on the basic body 12, which is preferably formed in one piece with the cable tie tongue 14. The cable tie tongue 14 can be inserted into the tongue receptacle 16 in a longitudinal direction LR with the formation of a loop 30.

[0056] A plurality of blocking depressions 18 which are arranged behind one another in their longitudinal extension or in the longitudinal direction LR are formed on the cable tie tongue 14. The blocking depressions 18 have a depth H _v which is preferably in the range from 50% to 95% of the thickness (not designated in further detail in Figure 1 ) of the cable tie tongue 14. Furthermore, the blocking depressions 18 each have a length L _v and are uniformly arranged with a pitch T _v on the cable tie tongue 14.

[0057] In the region of the tongue receptacle 16 there is formed on the basic body 12 a first latching hook 20 which has a first blocking finger 22 whose shape is matched to the shape of a respective blocking depression 18. The first blocking finger 22 here extends into the tongue receptacle 16 and can be deflected elastically in a first direction (deflection direction) AR with respect to the basic body 12 and out of the tongue receptacle 16.

[0058] Furthermore, there is formed on the basic body 12 a second latching hook 24 which has a second blocking finger 26. The second blocking finger 26 likewise extends into the tongue receptacle 16 and can be deflected elastically therefrom in the deflection direction AR.

[0059] The blocking fingers 22 each have a length L _F in the longitudinal direction LR. The length L _F here corresponds to the length of the respective blocking finger 22, 26 at its free end. Furthermore, the blocking fingers 22, 26 each have a height H _F which corresponds, and is in particular identical, to the depth H _v of the blocking depressions 18. Finally, the blocking fingers 22, 26 each have a base length L _F B which is greater than the length L _F in such a way that the blocking fingers 22, 26 each form insertion ramps so as to make it possible or easier to insert the cable tie tongue 14 into the tongue receptacle 16 in the longitudinal direction LR.

[0060] The base length L _FB is in this case preferably identical to the length L _v of a respective blocking depression 18.

[0061 ] The two blocking fingers 22, 26 or their latching hooks 20, 24 are arranged on the basic body 12 so as to be offset to one another in the longitudinal direction LR, specifically with an offset of T _F which, in the case of the present embodiment, is equal to the pitch T _v of the blocking depressions 18. As a result, the blocking fingers 22, 26 each simultaneously engage in two blocking depressions 18 adjacent in the longitudinal direction LR, and are also simultaneously deflected in the deflection direction AR during a relative movement of the cable tie tongue 14 with respect to the tongue receptacle 16.

[0062] The cable tie tongue 14 can be inserted into the tongue receptacle 16 with the formation of a loop 30. It is thereby possible to tighten the loop 30 with the inclusion of one or more cables or other objects, in particular elongate objects, and the loop 30 thus formed can no longer be released or widened owing to the engagement between the blocking fingers 22, 26 in the adjacent blocking depressions 18.

[0063] On the basic body 12 there can be formed a fastening portion 32 (not shown in more detail in Figure 1 ) by means of which the basic body 12 can be fixed to a component (not shown in more detail in Figure 1 ).

[0064] As seen in the longitudinal direction LR, the two blocking fingers 22, 26 can be arranged directly behind one another. In a preferred embodiment, however, the blocking fingers 22, 26 are arranged offset to one another in a transverse direction QR (second direction), with the transverse direction QR extending both transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction LR and transversely with respect to the deflection direction AR, in particular being oriented parallel to the width (not designated in further detail in Figure 1 ) of the blocking depressions 18.

[0065] Figures 2 to 4 show a further embodiment of a cable tie 10 which in terms of structure and operation generally corresponds to the cable tie 10 of Figure 1. Identical elements are therefore identified by identical reference signs. The differences are essentially explained below.

[0066] The cable tie 10 of Figures 2 to 4 has a fastening portion 32 which has a collar 34 extending from the basic body 12, which collar, as schematically indicated in Figure 3, can rest on the upper side of a component 40. Furthermore, there are formed on the basic body 12 two diametrically opposite latching tongues 36, 38 which can be elas- tically deflected radially inwardly in such a way that the latching hooks 36, 38 can engage behind a rear side of the component 40 (for example a metal sheet or the like), as is schematically indicated in Figure 3.

[0067] As is illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3, two latching hooks 20, 24 are arranged adjacent to one another in the transverse direction QR in the region of the tongue receptacle 16. Furthermore, the latching hooks 20, 24, and therefore their blocking fingers 22, 26, are arranged offset to one another in the longitudinal direction LR, as can be seen in particular in Figure 4.

[0068] The two latching hooks 20, 24 can be deflected elastically on the basic body 12 in the deflection direction AR independently of one another.

[0069] As is shown in Figure 2, the cable tie tongue 14 has blocking depressions 18 with a width B _v which is greater than 0.7 times the width B _z of the cable tie tongue 14, and preferably less than the width B _z .

[0070] The latching hooks 20, 24 and their respective blocking fingers 22, 26 each have a width B _F , as is shown in Figure 3. The sum of the widths B _F of the two latching hooks 20, 24 (or their blocking fingers 22, 26) corresponds to the width B _v of the blocking depressions 18. The width B _v of the blocking depressions 18 is preferably greater than the sum of the widths B _F of the latching hooks 20, 24. As is shown in Figure 4, the blocking depressions 18 each have a length L _v at their bottom which is less than a base length L _V B of the blocking depressions 18 in the region of the surface of the cable tie tongue 14. This results in the formation of insertion ramps which make it easier to insert the cable tie tongue 14 into the tongue receptacle 16.

[0071 ] The ratios of the length L _v of each of the blocking depressions 18 to their depth Hv is preferably greater than 0.8, and in particular greater than 0.9. The pitch T _v of the blocking depressions 18 is preferably greater than the base length L _V B of the blocking depressions 18, in particular in the range from 1 .05 ^χ L _V B to 1.5 * L _V B- [0072] The latching hooks 20, 24 are arranged offset to one another in the longitudinal direction LR such that their blocking fingers 20, 22, as seen in the width direction (Figure 4), directly adjoin one another. In this case, the offset T _F of the blocking fingers 22, 24 in the longitudinal direction LR is preferably identical to the base length L _F B of the respective blocking fingers 22, 26. The base length L _F B is greater than the length L _F , with the result that insertion ramps are also formed on the blocking fingers 22, 26.

[0073] The offset T _F in the longitudinal direction LR of the blocking fingers 22, 26 is preferably less than the pitch T _v of the blocking depressions 18, preferably half the size of the pitch T _v .

[0074] In the case of the cable tie 10 of Figures 2 to 4, it is achieved through the ratio of pitch T _v to axial offset T _F that at least one of the blocking fingers 22, 24 always engages in a blocking depression 18, specifically independently of the relative position, as seen in the longitudinal direction LR, between the cable tie tongue 14 and the tongue receptacle 16.

[0075] Furthermore, the length L _F of the blocking fingers 22, 26 can be configured to be comparatively large such that they can be designed to be robust and voluminous in order to achieve high pull-off forces even when the cable tie 10, which is preferably likewise produced in one piece, is produced from a relatively soft plastic material such as, for example, polypropylene (PP).