U.S. patent application number 11/248568 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for harness board fixture.
Invention is credited to William A. Bernard, Robert F. Levin.
Application Number | 20060174964 11/248568 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35520678 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060174964 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Levin; Robert F. ; et
al. |
August 10, 2006 |
Harness board fixture
Abstract
A harness board fixture with improved mounting features enables
better positioning and securing of an automatic cable tie tool to
the fixture. The mounting features may be provided on the same side
or on opposite sides of an arcuate wire bundle support surface of
the fixture. When provided on a same side, multiple mounting or
locating features may be located near each other. The opposite
side, forming a front of the fixture, may be open to define a
readily accessible wire bundle entrance and exit path. The fixture
preferably includes a mounting structure for reliably receiving and
releaseably holding a push mount by snap-fit and oriented
substantially perpendicular to the fixture base or at an angle.
Inventors: |
Levin; Robert F.;
(Braceville, IL) ; Bernard; William A.; (Darien,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PANDUIT CORP.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT - TP12
17301 SOUTH RIDGELAND AVENUE
TINLEY PARK
IL
60477
US
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20060076073 A1 |
April 13, 2006 |
|
|
Family ID: |
35520678 |
Appl. No.: |
11/248568 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60618492 |
Oct 13, 2004 |
|
|
|
60692679 |
Jun 21, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
140/93.2 ;
29/755 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 13/027 20130101;
H01B 13/01272 20130101; Y10T 29/53243 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
140/093.2 ;
029/755 |
International
Class: |
B21F 9/02 20060101
B21F009/02 |
Claims
1. A harness board fixture that can readily and securely mount an
automatic cable tie tool used to apply a cable tie to a wire bundle
positioned on the fixture, comprising: a main body defining an
arcuate wire bundle support surface; a base mountable to a support
surface; and tool locating features for precisely mounting the
automatic cable tie tool to the fixture, the locating features
including at least one tool locating saddle provided on the main
body for securely receiving at least one tool locating stud on the
automatic cable tie tool and constraining fore and aft movement of
the tool; and at least one tool locating pad provided on the main
body spaced from the tool locating saddle for mating with a
corresponding locating feature on the automatic cable tool.
2. The harness board fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one
tool locating saddle includes a pair of tool locating saddles.
3. The harness board fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one
tool locating saddle and the at least one tool locating pad are on
opposite sides of the arcuate wire bundle support surface.
4. The harness board fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one
tool locating saddle and the at least one tool locating pad are on
a same side of the arcuate wire bundle support surface.
5. The harness board fixture of claim 4, wherein a front side of
the fixture opposite the tool locating saddle and the tool locating
pad is open to define a readily accessible wire bundle entrance and
exit path from the front side.
6. The harness board fixture of claim 1, wherein an angled guide
surface is provided on at least one of the tool locating features,
allowing rough initial placement of the tool and guiding of the
tool to a precise alignment position.
7. The harness board fixture of claim 1, wherein the arcuate wire
bundle support surface includes a recessed cavity that releasably
secures a push mount in the path of a cable tie.
8. The harness board fixture of claim 7, wherein at least one
sensor is mounted to the main body to detect positioning of the
push mount in the recessed cavity.
9. The harness board fixture of claim 1, wherein at least one
sensor is mounted to the main body to detect mounting of the
automatic cable tie tool to the fixture.
10. A harness board fixture that can readily and securely mount an
automatic cable tie tool used to apply a cable tie to a wire bundle
positioned on the fixture, comprising: a main body defining an
arcuate wire bundle support surface; a base mountable to a support
surface; and tool locating features for precisely mounting the
automatic cable tie tool to the fixture, the tool locating features
including at least one tool locating saddle provided on the main
body on one side of the wire bundle support surface for securely
receiving at least one tool locating stud on the automatic cable
tie tool; and at least one tool locating pad provided on the main
body spaced from the tool locating saddle on the same side of the
wire bundle support surface for mating with a corresponding
locating feature on the automatic cable tool, wherein a front side
of the fixture opposite the locating features remains open to
define a readily accessible wire bundle entrance and exit path from
the front side.
11. The harness board fixture of claim 10, wherein the arcuate wire
bundle support surface includes a recessed cavity that releasably
secures a push mount in the path of a cable tie.
12. A harness board fixture and push mount assembly that can
readily and securely mount an automatic cable tie tool used to
apply a cable tie to a push mount and a wire bundle positioned on
the fixture, comprising: a main body defining an arcuate wire
bundle support surface, the support surface including a recessed
cavity having a retention latch that releasably secures a push
mount in the path of a cable tie; a base mountable to a support
surface; and tool locating features for precisely mounting the
automatic cable tie tool to the fixture, the tool locating features
including at least one tool locating saddle provided on the main
body on one side of the wire bundle support surface for securely
receiving at least one tool locating stud on the automatic cable
tie tool, and at least one tool locating pad provided on the main
body spaced from the tool locating saddle for mating with a
corresponding locating feature on the automatic cable tool.
13. The harness board fixture and push mount assembly of claim 12,
wherein at least one of the tool locating features includes an
angled guide surface that allows rough initial placement of the
tool and guiding of the tool to a precise alignment position.
14. The harness board fixture and push mount assembly of claim 12,
wherein the main body includes at least one removable adapter that
can adapt the fixture to cable tie operations with or without a
push mount.
15. The harness board fixture and push mount assembly of claim 12,
wherein the recessed cavity is oriented to retain the push mount
substantially perpendicular to the base.
16. The harness board fixture and push mount assembly of claim 15,
wherein the recessed cavity is oriented to retain the push mount at
an angle .alpha. of between 0 and 20 degrees from
perpendicular.
17. The harness board fixture and push mount assembly of claim 12,
wherein the push mount includes an outwardly protruding retention
element and the retention latch includes at least one flexible
cantilevered arm that yields to allow insertion of the push mount
but interengages the retention element of the push mount to
releaseably retain the push mount on the fixture.
18. The harness board fixture and push mount assembly of claim 12,
wherein the push mount includes a retention cavity and the
retention latch includes at least one flexible arm that yields to
allow insertion of the push mount but interengages the cavity
within the push mount to releasably retain the push mount on the
fixture.
19. The harness board fixture and push mount assembly of claim 18,
wherein the retention cavity is elongated and the retention latch
allows limited vertical movement of the push mount relative to the
fixture.
20. The harness board fixture and push mount assembly of claim 18,
wherein the retention latch releasably secures the push mount in a
fixed vertical position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/618,492 filed Oct. 13, 2004 and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/692,679 filed Jun. 21, 2005.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The invention is directed to a harness board fixture and,
more particularly, to a harness board fixture that mountably
receives an automatic cable tie tool used to apply a cable tie to a
wire bundle positioned on the fixture. The harness board fixture
may also mountably receive a push mount to which the cable tie may
be applied by the automatic cable tie tool.
SUMMARY
[0003] It would be desirable to provide a harness board fixture
that can readily, precisely, and securely mount an automatic cable
tie tool.
[0004] It would further be desirable to provide a harness board
fixture with improved mounting features that enable better
positioning and securing of the automatic cable tie tool to the
fixture. These mounting features may be provided on the same side
or on opposite sides of an arcuate wire bundle support surface of
the fixture and may include an interengaging mounting pin that
engages a jaw of the tool. When provided on a same side, multiple
mounting or locating features may be located near each other. Also,
when provided on the same side, the opposite side, forming a front
of the fixture, may be open to define a readily accessible wire
bundle entrance and exit path.
[0005] It would be desirable to also provide a harness board
fixture with a mounting structure for reliably receiving and
releaseably holding a push mount. The push mount and a cable tie
may be applied to a wire bundle with an automatic cable tie tool.
The push mount may be supported with a snap-fit and oriented
substantially perpendicular to the fixture base or at an angle.
[0006] It would further be desirable to provide a harness board
fixture having a curved wire bundle support surface that forms a
guide for routing a cable tie around a wire bundle and into a cable
tie head of an automated cable tie installation tool without
requiring use of both jaws of the tool to guide the cable tie.
[0007] It would also be desirable to provide an automatic cable tie
tool configured to interengage a mounting pin of the harness board
fixture to more reliably and securely latch the tool to the
fixture.
[0008] It would further be desirable to provide an automatic cable
tie installation tool configured with tool locating features that
allow for simpler and/or more secure mounting. These mounting
features may be substantially aligned with corresponding mounting
structure on the harness board fixture. One of the mounting
features may have an angled surface, allowing for guided movement
of the automated cable tie tool from a rough initial placement
position to a precise mounting position.
[0009] It would also be desirable to provide a harness board
fixture having one or more sensors to ensure proper cable tie tool
operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention will be described with reference to the
following drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a harness board
fixture according to the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the harness board
fixture of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the harness board
fixture of FIG. 1, showing a wire bundle positioned therein and a
cable tie tool located thereabove;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the harness board
fixture of FIG. 3, after the cable tie tool has been positioned
therein;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded front view of the harness board
fixture of FIG. 3, with the wire bundle removed;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of
FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of
FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of
FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view of the harness board
fixture of FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a front view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
9, showing the wire bundle and cable tie tool positioned
therein;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a front view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
10, after the cable tie tool has been actuated;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a front view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
10, showing the cable tie threaded;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a front view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
10, showing the push mount being removed from the harness board
fixture;
[0024] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the harness board fixture of
FIG. 10, after the push mount has been removed from the harness
board fixture;
[0025] FIG. 15 is an exploded front perspective view of various
harness board fixtures according to the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment
of a harness board fixture for receiving a wire bundle positioned
therein and a cable tie tool located thereabove prior to mounting
on the fixture;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a side view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
16;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a front view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
16;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a side view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
16, showing the cable tie tool mountably positioned thereon in an
initial open jaw position that partially encircles a wire bundle
positioned on the harness board fixture;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a side view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
19, showing the cable tie tool mountably positioned thereon in a
closed jaw position that closely encircles the wire bundle
positioned on the harness board fixture;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a partial front perspective view of a push mount
receiving cavity of the harness board fixture of FIG. 16;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a side view of an exemplary push mount for use
with the harness board fixture of FIG. 16;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines
23-23 of FIG. 22, showing the push mount of FIG. 22 being inserted
into the push mount receiving cavity of the harness board fixture
of FIG. 16;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 22,
showing the push mount in a fully installed position where it is
flexibly retained within the push mount receiving cavity;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a side view of an alternative push mount for use
with the harness board fixture of FIG. 16;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines
26-26 of FIG. 25, showing the push mount of FIG. 25 being inserted
into an alternative push mount receiving cavity in the harness
board fixture of FIG. 16;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 25,
showing the push mount in a fully installed position where it is
retained within the push mount receiving cavity;
[0038] FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment
of a harness board fixture for receiving a wire bundle positioned
therein and a cable tie tool located thereabove prior to mounting
on the fixture;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a side view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
28;
[0040] FIG. 30 is a front view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
28; and
[0041] FIG. 31 is a side view of the harness board fixture of FIG.
28, showing the cable tie tool mountably positioned thereon in a
closed jaw position that closely encircles the wire bundle
positioned on the harness board fixture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0042] FIGS. 1-15 illustrate a harness board fixture 20 that may
receive a push mount 22 therein. Harness board fixture 20 may be
mounted onto a suitable work surface (unshown) and useful in the
fabrication of wire harnesses used, for example, in the automotive,
appliance and aerospace industries. A cable tie 24 may be applied
to a wire bundle 26 provided on the fixture using an automatic
cable tie tool 28 that is mountably received by the harness board
fixture 20.
[0043] Automated cable tie installation tools are known per se.
Examples of these tools include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,946,769; 3,976,108; 4,498,506; and 4,632,247, all assigned to
Panduit Corp. and hereby incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties. Similar tools are also marketed by Panduit Corp. under
the trade name of PAT1M and PAT1.5M automatic cable tie systems.
However, exemplary cable tie tools may include additional features
described below to mate with harness board fixture 20.
Additionally, in certain embodiments, harness board fixture 20 may
include one or more sensors 30, 44, 46 to ensure proper cable tie
tool operation.
[0044] In operation, push mount 22 is releasably inserted into
harness board fixture 20, as shown in FIG. 1. As best shown in FIG.
15, push mount 22 is releasably received within a recessed cavity
and retained by retention latches. As shown in FIGS. 8-13, sensor
30 indicates that push mount 22 is properly in place. Cable tie
tool 28 is then placed in harness board fixture 20 with rear tool
locating studs 32 (only one shown) securely positioned in
corresponding tool locating saddles 34, 36 provided on the fixture
and front tool locating studs 38 (only one shown) positioned on
corresponding tool locating pads 40, 42 provided on the fixture.
This precisely locates the tool relative to the fixture, with tool
locating saddles 34, 36 substantially constraining fore and aft
movement of tool 28 as shown in FIG. 4. Preferably, at least one
surface defining saddles 34, 36 is angled, allowing rough initial
placement of the tool and guiding of the tool 28 to a precise
mounting alignment.
[0045] As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 10, once tool locating studs 32,
38 engage tool locating saddles 34, 36 and tool locating pads 40,
42, respectively, tool locating studs 32, 38 activate sensors 44,
46, respectively, indicating that cable tie tool 28 is in proper
position to apply cable tie 24 with push mount 22. Sensors 30, 44,
and 46 may be programmed to automatically trigger cable tie tool 28
when push mount 22 and cable tie tool 28 are properly in place, or
simply enable the trigger of cable tie tool 28 for manual
operation. The lead wires of sensors 44, 46 can be connected to the
dispenser parallel port of cable tie tool 28, which is provided for
external remote control, or to the dispenser serial port, in which
case a multiplexing circuit would be required.
[0046] As best seen in FIG. 11, once cable tie tool 28 has been
actuated, cable tie 24 is sent around front jaw 48 and rear jaw 50
and through head 52 of cable tie 24. Front jaw 48 of cable tie tool
28 then rotates, threading cable tie 24 through head 52 as shown in
FIG. 12. Cable tie 24 is tensioned and cut off, pulling push mount
22 out of harness board fixture 20, as best seen in FIG. 13. When
push mount 22 is removed from harness board fixture 20, sensor 30
is no longer activated, indicating that wire bundle 26 is
completely secured (see FIG. 14).
[0047] Different styles of push mounts can be accommodated by
having snap-in adapters to hold the different sized or shaped push
mounts. A wing push mount 22 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-14. However,
an umbrella push mount 22 may also be used, as shown in FIG. 15. As
best seen in FIG. 15, an adapter 54 may be positioned within
harness board fixture 20, and a pin 56 may be inserted through
harness board fixture mounting holes 58 and adapter mounting holes
60 to secure adapter 54 within harness board fixture 20. It is
likewise contemplated that other fastening means may be utilized to
secure adapter 54 within harness board fixture 20. Moreover, it is
likewise contemplated that a blank adapter 54 may be utilized to
apply a cable tie without a push mount.
[0048] FIGS. 16-21 illustrate a second embodiment of a harness
board fixture 100 that mountably receives an automatic cable tie
tool 200. The harness board fixture 100 may mountably receive a
push mount 300. A cable tie 500 (FIGS. 19-20) is applied through
push mount 300 and around a wire bundle 400 using automatic cable
tie tool 200. Harness board fixture 100 may be mounted onto a
suitable work surface (unshown) and useful in the fabrication of
wire harnesses used, for example, in the automotive, appliance and
aerospace industries.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 16, harness board fixture 100 includes a
main body 110 and a base 120 having mounting apertures 125 for
mounting the fixture to a support surface, such as a vertically or
horizontally-oriented work surface. Fixture 100 also includes an
arcuate wire bundle support surface 130 and automated cable tie
installation tool mounting features, including a pair of tool
locating saddles 140, a pair of tool locating pads 150, and a
horizontally extending mounting pin 160 located generally below
saddles 140 and pads 150. Wire bundle support surface 130
preferably includes a push mount receiving cavity 132 and push
mount retention latches 134 for receiving and temporarily retaining
a push mount 300 (FIG. 19). Cable support surface 130 also
preferably includes a recessed channel 136 sized to receive and
guide a cable tie during cable tie installation as will be
described later.
[0050] Cavity 132 is preferably provided to support the push mount
300 in a substantially vertical orientation, perpendicular to base
120 of fixture 100. There is an ease of installation if the push
mount is installed vertically. However, the push mount needs to be
oriented correctly relative to the automated cable tie installation
tool 200. The exact orientation depends on several factors,
including the tool's jaw and handle design. Preferably, the tool
needs to be oriented so that the handle does not bump onto the
plywood or other base support on which the fixture is mounted. If
there is sufficient height in the design, the push mount can be
substantially vertically provided as shown. If there is
insufficient height to prevent interference between the tool and
base substrate, the fixture 100 can be mounted on standoffs to
compensate for the insufficient height. Alternatively, the push
mount cavity 132 can be oriented at a slight angle along support
surface 130 to properly orient the push mount relative to the tool
to enable proper operation of the tool 200. A typical push mount
can be oriented at an angle .alpha. of between about 0-20.degree.
(FIG. 17).
[0051] Automated cable tie installation tool 200 includes a handle
210 connected on one end to a conventional cable tie dispenser
(unshown) through a feeder hose (also unshown). A cable tie tool
head 220 is provided at the other end of handle 210. Head 220
includes a pair of projecting tool locating features 230 that mate
with locating pads 150 on fixture 100 and a pair of tool locating
studs 240 that mate with corresponding tool locating pin saddles
140 provided on fixture 100. The backside of tool 200 is preferably
a substantial mirror image of the illustrated side. Preferably, at
least one of the locating features on the harness board fixture
includes an angled surface that allows a rough initial placement of
the tool 200 during mounting to guide the tool to a precise
mounting alignment. This may include angled surface 145 on tool
locating pin saddles 140 and/or an angled surface on locating pads
150 as better shown in FIG. 17.
[0052] Tool head 220 also includes structure within head 220 to
feed a cable tie 500 (FIG. 19) around a wire bundle 400. To assist
in defining the path of the cable tie 500, tool 200 includes a
pivotal front jaw 250. Head 220 also includes a rear jaw 260.
However, while prior cable tie installation tools used the rear jaw
to assist in defining the path of the cable tie, this tool
primarily uses the rear jaw 260 to mate the tool 200 to fixture 100
through mounting pin 160. In particular, tool 200 is positioned on
fixture 100 by alignment of locating features. Upon completion,
rear jaw 260 can be closed to the position shown in FIG. 19 where
notch 265 securely interengages with mounting pin 160. This
securely mounts the tool 200 to the fixture 100 by locking pins 240
in pin saddles 140 and locking locating surfaces 230 against
locating pads 150.
[0053] Operation of the cable tool 200 and harness board fixture
100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19-20. A push mount
300 is optionally provided in push mount receiving cavity 132 and
releasably supported by retention latches 134. Different styles of
push mounts can be accommodated by having snap-in adapters to hold
the different sized or shaped push mounts. A wing push mount 300 is
illustrated. However, it is contemplated that a blank adapter may
be used to apply a cable tie without a push mount.
[0054] A bundle of cable wires 400 is then initially placed in a
predetermined configuration and path on one or more cable support
surfaces 130 of one or more harness board fixtures 100 to form a
wiring harness. A typical application for such a bundle 400 is in
the making of an automobile wiring harness, but can be used to make
other wire bundles. Each fixture and tool combination is preferably
sized to accept a defined wire bundle maximum size. This may
include, for example, a 1.5'' maximum bundle diameter or a 2.0''
maximum bundle diameter, which are bundled by a suitably sized
cable tie. Once the bundles 400 are suitably positioned, cable tie
installation tool 200 is mounted onto fixture 100 over bundle 400
by alignment of locating features as shown in FIG. 19. In this
position, front jaw 250 is initially open.
[0055] Cable tool 200 is then actuated, sending a cable tie 500
into tool head 220, which advances the tie around the wire bundle
400 and through push mount 300. Movement of cable tie 500 is
constrained about a path defined by the front jaw 250, which may
have a recessed interior, and by arcuate guide channel 136 in cable
support surface 130 sized to receive a cable tie therein. If a push
mount 300 is provided, the cable tie 500 is fed through an aperture
in the push mount head of push mount 300.
[0056] Front jaw 250 then rotates about pivot joint 252 to a closed
position. This force threads the cable tie 500 through the cable
tie head and cinches the cable tie snugly about wire bundle 400 as
shown in FIG. 20. Cable tie 500 is tensioned and cut off, pulling
push mount 300 out of harness board fixture 100. Upon completion,
rear jaw 260 can be retracted to release tool 200 from fixture 100,
allowing removal of tool 200. Then, once all necessary cable ties
500 are installed on wire bundle 400, the completed wire harness
formed by wire bundle 400 can be removed from the harness board
fixtures 100.
[0057] As shown, harness board fixture 100 has access to wire
bundle support surface 130 from multiple sides, such as either
side, the top or front side, allowing improved flexibility in
positioning of wire bundles 400 onto and away from support surface
130. This is because all of the cable tie installation tool
locating features may be provided for on one side of the fixture
100 as shown, allowing for the opposite side, the front, to be open
and free from obstruction. Thus, a wire bundle entrance and exit
path may be provided on the front side of the fixture to allow
removal or entry of the wire bundle. Moreover, by providing a cable
guide surface 136 that continuously extends from the front jaw 250
to a position closely adjacent a head of the cable tie, the need
for a cable tie guide using the rear jaw is eliminated, allowing
the rear jaw to be used primarily for engagement with mounting pin
160.
[0058] Various push mounts and push mount retention structures for
use with fixture 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
21-27. FIG. 21 shows a partial close-up showing cable support
surface 130, including push mount cavity 132 defined by recessed
walls, push mount retention latches 134 that mate with push mount
300, and cable tie groove 136. FIGS. 22-24 illustrate a first
exemplary mount and FIGS. 25-27 illustrate a second exemplary
mount.
[0059] Push mount 300 in FIG. 22 includes a push mount head 310
having a square central aperture 312 extending therethrough and a
wing-shaped base 314. A stem 320 extends perpendicular to aperture
312 and includes a plurality of one-way locking ribs 330, as known
in the art, that are preferably angled to allow for easy insertion
into a retaining hole (unshown), but resist removal from the hole
once inserted. In this embodiment, push mount 300 also includes a
retention element 340 in the form of an outward protrusion on
opposite sides of stem 320.
[0060] Push mount receiving cavity 132, as best shown in FIG. 23,
includes retention latches 134. Latches 134 are flexibly mounted to
walls of cavity 132, such as by cantilever mounting of one end of
the latch to the wall. Due to the elastic nature of the latch when
formed from a suitably sized plastic or metal, the latches 134 will
yield during entry of push mount 300 into the cavity (FIG. 23).
Additionally, the latches 134 will resiliently retain push mount
300 once fully inserted (FIG. 24) by interengagement of the
retention element 340 with latches 134. However, upon application
of sufficient upward force, push mount 300 can be released from
latches 134.
[0061] The use of flexible latches has various advantages over
conventional push mount retaining structures. In the past, push
mounts were held by friction fit within a suitably sized opening in
the bottom wall of cavity 132. Although this design works for a
while, because of the typical repeated use of the harness board
fixtures to assemble numerous wire harnesses, the bottom opening in
the cavity eventually increases from wear to a point where there is
no longer a friction fit. Because harness board fixtures are often
mounted on vertical walls, it is possible that loosely fitted push
mounts will fall out due to forces of gravity or the like. This can
complicate or slow down the assembly process and may result in the
need to install a new fixture.
[0062] The flexible latches 134 are capable of repeated use without
experiencing the same wear problem. Additionally, rather than
relying on a friction fit, the latches 134 can yield during
insertion to reduce insertion force yet sufficiently apply a
biasing force or snap-fit to the push mount 300 to retain the push
mount in the fixture.
[0063] FIGS. 25-27 show an alternative embodiment. In this
embodiment, push mount 300' includes a similar push mount head
310', aperture 312' and wing-shaped base 314'. However, stem 320'
includes locking ribs 330' and a retention element 340' in the form
of an elongated cavity that extends down a portion of stem 320'.
The cavity does not extend entirely to a remote end of stem 320'.
Push mount receiving cavity 132 in this embodiment includes
retention latches 134'. Latches 134' similarly yield to allow
insertion of stem 320'. However, once stem 320' is sufficiently
inserted, latches 134' are urged at least slightly into retention
cavity 340', which slidably retains push mount 300 from removal.
Although shown to have an elongated form, allowing limited vertical
movement, retention cavity 340' can be made shorter to securely
retain push mount 300 in a fixed vertical position.
[0064] FIGS. 28-31 illustrate a further embodiment of a harness
board fixture 100''. In FIG. 28, harness board fixture 100''
includes a main body 110'' and a base 120'' having mounting
apertures 125''. Fixture 100'' also includes an arcuate cable
support surface 130'' and automated cable tie installation tool
mounting features. The mounting features include a pair of tool
locating pin saddles 140'', a pair of tool locating pads 150'', and
a horizontally extending mounting pin 160'' located generally below
saddles 140''. Cable support surface 130'', as in the previous
embodiment, preferably includes a push mount receiving cavity 132''
and push mount retention latches 134'' for receiving and
temporarily retaining a push mount 300''. Cavity 132'' is
preferably provided to support the push mount 300'' in a
substantially vertical orientation, perpendicular to base 120'' of
fixture 100''. Cable support surfaces 130'' also preferably include
a recessed channel 136'' sized to receive and guide a cable tie
during cable tie installation. However, in this embodiment,
locating pads 150'' and pin saddles 140'' are provided on opposite
sides of the fixture. As shown in FIG. 29, locating pads 150'' are
provided on the left side of cable support surface 130'' on a top
portion of upstanding arms 155''. As in the prior embodiment, pin
saddles 140'' are provided on the right side of cable support
surface 130'' substantially above mounting pin 160''. Additionally,
angled locating surfaces 145'' can be provided to assist in
properly aligning the tool to pin saddles 140''.
[0065] In FIG. 28, tool 200'' may be the same as tool 200 shown in
FIG. 1, or may have a slightly different configuration. As shown,
automated cable tie installation tool 200'' includes a handle 210''
and cable tie tool head 220'' having tool locating surfaces 230'',
tool locating pins 240'', front jaw 250'', and rear jaw 260''.
Elements 240'', 250'' and 260'' remain as in the previous
embodiment. However, in this embodiment, different surfaces act as
tool locating surfaces 230'' that mate with modified locating pads
150'' on fixture 100''. In this embodiment, a front surface of tool
200'' is used as a tool locating surface 230''. Preferably, at
least one of the tool locating features on the harness board
fixture 100'' includes an angled surface that allow a rough initial
placement of the tool 200'' during mounting to be guided to a
precise mounting alignment. This may include angled surface 145''
on tool locating pin saddles 140'' and/or an angled surface on
locating pads 150'' as better shown in FIG. 28.
[0066] Operation of the cable tool 200'' and harness board fixture
100'' in this embodiment is similar to that of the assembly in FIG.
16. A push mount 300'' is optionally provided in push mount
receiving cavity 132''. A bundle of cable wires 400'' is then
initially placed on one or more cable support surfaces 130'' of one
or more harness board fixtures 100'' to form a wiring harness. Once
the bundles 400'' are suitably positioned, cable tie installation
tool 200'' is mounted onto fixture 100'' over bundle 400'' by
alignment of locating features as shown in FIG. 31.
[0067] Cable tool 200'' is then actuated, sending a cable tie 500''
into head 200'' and advanced around the wire bundle 400'' and
through push mount 300''. Movement of cable tie 500'' is similarly
constrained about a path defined by the front jaw 250'' and by
arcuate channel 136'' in cable support surface 130''.
[0068] Front jaw 250'' then rotates about pivot joint 252'' to a
closed position as shown to fully thread the cable tie. Cable tie
500'' is then tensioned and cut off, pulling push mount 300'' out
of harness board fixture 100''. Upon completion, rear jaw 260'' is
retracted as in the prior embodiment. Then, once all necessary
cable ties 500'' are installed on wire bundle 400'', the completed
wire harness formed by wire bundle 400'' can be removed from the
harness board fixtures 100''.
[0069] The disclosed invention provides a harness board fixture
that receives a push mount. The push mount and a cable tie may be
applied to a wire bundle with an automatic cable tie tool. It
should be noted that the above-described and illustrated
embodiments and preferred embodiments of the invention are not an
exhaustive list of the forms such a harness board fixture in
accordance with the invention might take; rather, they serve as
exemplary and illustrative of embodiments of the invention as
presently understood. Many other forms of the invention are
believed to exist.
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