The present invention relates to a cable support, and in particular to a bracket for securing electrical cables within a vehicle.

Body panels such as doors for passenger vehicles typically comprise a main body forming the structure of the door or other panel, and an interior trim panel assembly. The trim panel assembly provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the interior surface of the door that also enables the mechanical and electrical elements of the door to be concealed from view. It is known to use trim panels for obscuring and protecting electrical wiring. Wiring is supported and channelled behind the trim panel. It is important that the wiring is held securely in place within the void behind the trim panel to avoid rattle and to protect the wiring and associated connections from damage. The inner surface of a door panel, as with other body panels, is typically devoid of connection features such as eyes for cable ties that could be used to secure the wiring in position.

A trim panel includes an inner surface facing into the void towards the main body panel, and an outer surface facing outwardly into the vehicle. A known solution is to secure the wiring to the inner surface of the trim panel. Small eyelets and holes required for fasteners such as cable ties present difficulties in moulding. Therefore, a common solution is to mould a stud projecting from the inner surface of the trim panel, and to secure to the stud a substantially flat, elongate support bar to which the wiring may be secured via adhesive tape or other means. Figure 1 shows a moulded plastic cable support of the prior art. The cable support 1 includes an elongate bar 2 and a clip portion 4. The clip portion 4 extends from an edge of the support bar 2 in a substantially perpendicular direction, with the bar 2 and clip section 4 defining a substantially T-shaped arrangement. The wiring is aligned along the length of the bar 2 and taped to the bar to hold it in position. The clip section 4 includes a cylindrical mount 6 having an inner bore that is arranged to receive a corresponding cylindrical moulded stud of the trim panel. A substantially square shaped chamber 8 is located at one end of the mount 6 through which the bore continues. A slot 10 is formed in the lower edge of the chamber 8 into which a metal insert 12 is received. The insert 12 has a square shape corresponding to the shape of the inner volume of the chamber to prevent movement of the insert 12 within the chamber 8. The insert includes a central aperture 14 that aligns with the bore. The diameter of the aperture 14 is selected provide an interference fit over the stud of the trim panel. As the cable support 1 is pushed onto the stud, the edge of the aperture 14 of the metal insert bites into plastic stud causing linear scoring of the stud as the locking member is moved axially into position. More problematically, any rotational forces applied to the support bar cause the bar and the locking member to rotate relative to the stud. During rotation the locking member rotationally scores the stud, leading to loosening of the locking member and potential failure of the stud.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved cable support which addresses the above described problems and/or which offers improvements generally.

According to the present invention there is provided a cable support as described in the accompanying claims. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cable support comprising a support member for supporting a cable or cables secured thereto. A mounting section is provided for securing the cable support to a corresponding mounting spigot, the mounting section comprising a bore for receiving said spigot. A locking member is provided having an aperture formed therein for receiving said spigot, the locking member being connected to the mounting section in axial alignment with the bore. The locking member is rotatably connected to the mounting section such that the mounting section and support member are rotatable relative to the locking member. In this way any rotational forces applied to the support member and/or the main body cause the support member and/or the main body to rotate relative to the locking member, while the locking member remains rotationally fixed relative to the mounting spigot. Preventing the support member and/or the main body from imparting a rotational force to the locking member ensures that the locking member does not rotationally score the mounting spigot, thereby preventing the locking member from loosening over time and/or causing failure of the mounting spigot. Preferably the support member is an elongate blade that provides a support surface of substantial length to which the cables may be secured by adhesive tape or otherwise.

The cable support has a support surface to which the cable or cables are secured, and the cable support surface preferably has a concave profile in a direction transverse to the length of the blade. The concave profile corresponds to the curved surface of the cables, and increases the surface contact between the blade and the cables.

The locking member is preferably annular having an inner diameter configured to provide an interference fit with the mounting spigot when inserted thereon. The annular shape provides a circular outer peripheral edge that is able to rotate within the corresponding circular cross section of the bore allowing relative rotation between the locking member and the main body, while the circular inner peripheral edge corresponds to the circular cross section of the mounting spigot The locking member comprises a plurality of radially extending elongate slots extending radially outwards from the radially inner edge defining a plurality of annularly arranged teeth.

The bore of the main body includes an innermost opening and an outermost opening with an insertion direction being defined in a direction extending from the outermost opening towards the innermost opening which in use is the direction in which the mounting section is inserted onto the mounting spigot, wherein at least the radially innermost portion of the teeth are angled in the axial direction with the locking member being mounted to the mounting section such that the teeth are angled in the opposite axial direction to the insertion direction to inhibit axial removal of the locking member from the mounting spigot. The annular locking member is preferably formed of metal, which allows the locking member to lock into the surface of the softer plastic mounting spigot.

The locking member is preferably mounted within the bore of the mounting section. The locking member may inserted into the mounting section in the insertion direction with the mounting section including one or more stop members to limit axial insertion of the locking member located at the inner end of the bore. One or more retaining members are also provided to prevent removal of the locking mem ber in the opposite direction once inserted, with the locking member being retained between the retaining member and the stop member or members.

The one or more retaining members is preferably a retaining clip arranged to flex in the axial direction from a retaining position to an insertion position, the clip being arranged to flex to the insertion position on insertion of the locking member, and to return to the retaining position following insertion of the locking member. The retaining clips preferably have a tapered leading outer edge. The axial spacing between the stop member and retaining member is preferably substantially equal to the thickness of the locking member to limit axial movement of the locking member within the bore. The locking ring preferably includes a wall at its peripheral edge extending axially away from the planar surface of the ring, the thickness of the locking member being defined by the height of the wall.

The at least one stop member preferably includes an curved inner surface having a radius corresponding to the inner radius of the locking member such that the inner edge of the locking member at the stop member are radially aligned. The mounting section may include one or more radially extending engagement tabs arranged having an engagement surface which in use faces away from the insertion direction, the one or more tabs arranged to allow pressure to be applied thereto by the user in the insertion direction to force the cable support onto the spigot.

The engagement tabs are preferably arranged on diametrically opposed sides of the mounting section, and preferably extend radially outwards in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the support bar.

The mounting section includes a lower surface and an upper surface which surround the bore. The height of the mounting section and the spigot are selected such that when the mounting section is secured to the spigot the spigot does not project past the upper surface of the mounting section.

The engagement tabs are arranged to project laterally from the upper end of the mounting section.

Preferably the upper surface of the mounting section is spaced vertically above the upper surface of the cable support member. The mounting section preferably includes a body section having a cylindrical collar section extending upwardly above the height of the support member with the engagement tabs extending laterally from the upper end of the collar section.

The height of the mounting section is selected to be greater than the effective height of the spigot, the effective height being the height to which the spigot projects from the support substrate to which it is mounted.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following illustrative figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a cable support of the prior art;

Figure la shows the metal insert of the cable support of Figure 1; Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a cable support according to

an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a reverse view of the arrangement of Figure 2; and

Figure 4 shows a cable support according to an alternative

embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a reverse view of the arrangement of Figure 4; and

Figure 6 shows the cable support of Figures 4 and 5 inserted on a support spigot of a vehicle panel; Figure 7 is a side view of a cable support according to another

embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 8.

Referring to Figure 2 there is provided an electrical cable support 100 including an elongate rectangular bar section 102 defining a support blade, and a clip section 104 for mounting the wiring support to a corresponding mounting stud or spigot. The stud may be integrally moulded with or mounted to a support substrate. The support blade 102 has an elongate rectangular form with a longitudinal axis A-A. The blade 102 includes a mounting surface 106 which in use faces away from the trim panel, and away from the insertion direction, and a corresponding inner surface 108. In use the wiring is secured to the mounting surface 106. The mounting surface 106 has a concave scalloped profile in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis for accommodating the curved profile of a wiring bundle. The clip section 104 extends from the lower edge 110 of the blade 102 and is located centrally along the length of the blade 102. End portions 112 of the blade 102 extend longitudinally outwards of the clip section 104 in opposing directions.

The clip or mounting section 104 includes a front flange section 114 that secures at its upper edge to the lower edge 110 of the blade 102. A cylindrical main body section 116 extends from the rear surface of the flange section 114. A bore 118 extends through the outer flange section 114 and cylindrical body 116. The bore 118 is open at both ends. The diameter of the bore 118 is sized to receive a metal locking disc 120 in a close fit in which there is little or no lateral movement between the bore 118 and the peripheral edge of the disc 120, while the disc 120 is able to rotationally move relative to the bore 118.

The locking disc 120 includes a peripheral reinforcing wall 122 and an annular planar surface 124 extending radially inwards from the wall 122. Aperture 126 is defined by the inner edge of the annular planar section 124. The plurality of teeth 128 extend radially inwards from the inner edge of the annular planar section 124 into the aperture 126. A series of circumferentially arranged slits 130 interspace the teeth 128. The locking ring 120 includes a radial axis and a rotational axis which in use is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the stud, and which extends through the centre of the aperture 126 perpendicular to the radial axis. The radial axis of the locking ring 120 defines the insertion axis, which in use is the axis along which the locking ring and bore are inserted over the mounting spigot.

The teeth 128 are angled in the axial direction such that they slope away from the planar annular portion 124. The teeth 128 are angled rearwardly relative to the insertion direction of the locking ring. The radially inner edges of the teeth 132 define an inner diameter to the locking disc 120 which is configured to have an interference fit with the stud. As the locking wheel 120 is inserted onto the stud in the insertion direction, the teeth 128 are able to flex away from the surface of the stud due to their rearwardly angled configuration to prevent or mitigate linear scoring along the length of the stud, with the teeth having a return bias that urges them against the stud. Once inserted to the required longitudinal position any attempt to withdraw the locking ring in the opposing direction causes the inner edges 132 of the teeth 128 to dig into the surface of the stud to axially lock the ring in position. The interspaced arrangement of the teeth 128 also allows the teeth 128 to key into the surface of the stud which prevents rotation of the locking wheel 128 relative to the stud.

Rear stop members 134 are located at the axially rear end of the bore 118 at the insertion end. The stop members 134 extend radially into the bore axially locate the locking ring 128 within the main body 104 and stop the locking ring from passing through the bore 118. As shown in Figure 3, the stop members 134 are diametrically opposed and each extend in a circumferential direction around approximately one quarter of the bore edge. This arrangement advantageously reduces material. The curved radially inner edges of the stop members have a radius substantially equal to the radius of the inner edge of the teeth 128 to provide a two-point contact along the length of the spigot. Retaining clips 136 are located at the opposing end of the bore 118. The retaining clips 136 include a tapered leading edge 138 which is engaged by the locking ring 128 as the locking ring 128 is inserted axially into the main body 116. The retaining clips 136 are flexible and able to axially flex as the locking ring 128 is inserted. Once inserted the retaining clips 136 return to their original position and the upper edge of the wall 122 engages against the axially innermost edge of the retaining clips to prevent retraction of the locking ring 120.

The axial spacing between the axially outer facing surface of the stop number 134 and the axially inner facing surface of the retaining clips 136 is selected such that are substantially equal to the height of the wall 122 of the retaining clip 120 such that the locking ring 120 is axially retained with limited movement between the retaining clips 136 and the stop members 134

The locking ring 120 is held between the retaining clips 136 and the stop members 138 within the bore 118 with the axial and radial fit being selected as such that the locking ring 120 is able to rotate within the bore 118. As such, the main body 104 and blade to which it is attached 102 are able to rotate relative to the blocking ring 120 while the locking ring remains rotationally fixed relative to the spigot. In use the locking ring 120 is inserted into the bore 118 and retained therein. The wiring support 100 is then inserted over the mounting stud with the mounting stud being inserted into the bore 118 and through the locking ring 120 retained therein. The wiring support 100 is urged along the stud to the desired axial location with the locking ring 120 then locking the cable support in this axial position. In this location the rearward surface of the main body of the wiring support 100 abuts the trim panel from which the stud extends.

The rear surface of the main body section 116 extends rearwardly of the rear surface of the main part of the blade 102. Therefore when the rear surface of the main body section 116 abuts the trim panel the rear surface of the blade 102 is spaced from the trim panel. To avoid stress on the join between the flange section 114 and the blade 102 if the blade 102 would be forced rearwardly the blade 102 is provided with a abutment members 140 that extend rearwardly from the blade 102 to provide abutment surfaces that engage the panel and limit any bending movement of the blade 102 rearwardly. As the support 100 is inserted onto the stud the blade 102 and clip section 104 are able to rotate relative to the stud by virtue of rotation relative to the locking disc 120 to an arrangement in which the blade 102 hangs beneath the clip section 104. The blade section 102 may of course be rotated to any required angular position for securement to by the wiring.

In use, during installation or once installed, any rotation or force supplied to the blade 102 by the wiring or otherwise causes the blade 102 to rotate relative to the locking ring 120. As the two components are relatively rotated the movement of the blade 102 does not impart any rotational forces to the locking disc 120. As such, in contrast to the rotationally fixed arrangements of the prior art, any rotational forces applied to the blade 102 do not result in rotation of the locking disc 120 and therefore do not cause rotational scoring of the plastic stud by the blocking disc 2120. Therefore, the cable support 100 is able to be held securely on the mounting stud with no degradation or loosening of the securement over time due to rotation of the metal locking disc 120 about the mounting stud. The mounting disc 120 also provides the additional benefit that a series of mounting discs 120 may be provided having varying inner diameters to allow the wiring support to be mounted to studs of varying sizes.

An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 4 in which the cable support 201 includes a pair of tabs or wings 240 extending laterally from either side of the cylindrical body 216 of the clip section 204 in a radial direction. The tabs 240 taper inwardly towards a curved outer edge 242. The tabs 240 each include an outer engagement surface 244 facing away from the insertion direction. The engagement surface 244 of the tabs 240 increase the surface area available to which the user may apply pressure in the insertion direction to force the cable support 201 over the stud. The increased surface area increases the distribution of force across the user's fingers thereby increasing comfort. In addition, the tabs 240 allow pressure to be applied at an increased radial distance, thereby mitigating the risk of the stub striking the user's fingers and causing injury as the cable support 201 is forced into the stud.

As shown in Figure 5, the reverse side of the tabs 240 include a recessed region 246 surrounded by a thicker peripheral section 248. Similarly a recessed region 250 is defined between the body section 216 and the blade 202. The recessed regions 246 and 250 reduce material and therefore cost of the cable support 201.

Figure 6 shows the cable support 201 inserted on a stud 252. The stud 252 is an elongate cylindrical member having a distal end 254. In the installed position the stud 252 extends through the inner aperture defined by the inner edges 232 of the teeth 228 of the locking ring 220. The teeth 228 are held in an interference fit with the stud 252, which

rotationally and axially fixes the locking ring 228 to the stud 252. Meanwhile, the body section 216 and blade 202 are free to rotate relative to the locking ring 228 and the stud 252. At the same time the locking ring is axially fixed within the body section 216 and hence the body section 216 is axially fixed relative to the stud 252 to prevent axial removal. In another embodiment shown in Figure 7 the height of the main body 316 of the clip section 304 is extended to provide protection for the user's thumbs. In the previous embodiments the clip section is pressed over the stud and the stud projects out through the upper end of the clip section. In use, the projecting stud may contact the user's thumbs as the clip is pressed into place, causing inconvenience and potentially injuring the user. The body section 316 is therefore provided with a collar section 360 that extends upwardly above the height of the blade 302. The collar section 360 is cylindrical with the bore 318 extending therethrough. The upper surface 362 of the collar defines the upper edge of the body section 316, and the body section 316 also has a lower edge. The press tabs 340 project laterally from the upper edge 362 of the collar 360 and are spaced vertically above the upper surface of the blade 302. The height of the body section 316 is the distance a between the upper surface 362 and lower surface 364. The body section 316 is connected to the blade 302 at its base 317 such that the lower surface 364 is substantially level with the lower surface of the blade 302.

The height a of the body section 316 is selected such that it is greater than the height b of the stud 352 from the substrate 363 to its tip 365. Thereby, as can be seen in Figure 8, when the clip section 304 is seated on the substrate surrounding the base of the stud 352, the stud 352 remains within the body section 316 and does not project above the upper surface 362. Therefore, even if a user allows their thumb to extend over the bore 318 it will be shielded from contact with the stud 352 during insertion by the extended height provided by the collar section 360. In an alternative arrangement the stud 352 may be provided with a locating flange located proximate its base. The locating flange may be a disc having an enlarged diameter greater than the diameter of the bore 318. As such, when the clip section 304 is located over the stud 352 the lower surface 364 seats on the locating flange which acts as a stop member and vertically locates the clip section 304 on the stud 352. The locking ring 320 is located within the bore 318 proximate the base of the bore 318 such that it locks to the stud 352 close to the locating flange 366. The effective height of the stud is the height of the stud from the upper surface of the locating flange to its tip.

It will be appreciated that while the above description of the specific embodiment refers to use of the cable support in supporting electrical cables, the term cable may incorporate any cables such as data cables, mechanical cables etc. or any other elongate flexible members. In addition, the use of the cable support is not limited to use in a vehicle interior and may be utilised in any situation where securement of cables to a surface having a suitable stud or spigot is required.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.