Assembly for coupling two cable ducts and corresponding coupling device

Abstract

This invention relates to an assembly for connecting two cable troughs made of polymer material, and a connecting device (6) as part of the assembly. The open ends of the cable troughs are introduced into a receiving portion (11) at the periphery of the open end (10) of the connecting device (6), thereby forming a continuous channel. The connecting device (6) includes a movable clamping body (12) and an actuator (13) that can be manually operated to move the clamping body (12) to a locked position. The clamping body (12) is a rigid plate made of polymer material and has a planar support surface at its end. In the locked position, the support surface is pressure-flattened against the sidewall of the cable trough to prevent movement of the open ends of the cable troughs within the receiving portion (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to the field of cable trays, which are commonly used to guide cables in space. This invention is particularly applicable (but not exclusively) to guiding fiber optic cable bundles and other cables in data centers.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an assembly for connecting two cable trays, comprising: - A first cable trough and a second cable trough, each made of polymer material, each include a section with a U-shaped cross-section, a bottom wall, two opposing side walls, an open top surface, and at least one open end; and - A connecting device for interconnecting the first cable trough and the second cable trough, the connecting device being in the form of a straight channel in the longitudinal direction, having a U-shaped cross-section, a bottom wall, two opposing side walls, an open top surface, and two opposing open ends; the connecting device includes a receiving portion along the periphery of each of the open ends, the open ends of the first cable trough and the second cable trough being introduced into the receiving portion in the longitudinal direction to connect them to the connecting device, such that the first cable trough, the second cable trough, and the connecting device form a continuous channel in the longitudinal direction; the connecting device further includes a movable clamping body and an actuator in each of its two side walls, the actuator being manually operable to move the clamping body to a locked position, in which the clamping body is pressure-supported on the side wall of each of the first cable trough and the second cable trough, located at the open end introduced into the receiving portion, thereby locking the connection between the first cable trough and the second cable trough and the connecting device.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a connection device as part of the component. Background Technology

[0004] EP1606866B1 discloses an assembly for connecting two cable trays of the aforementioned type. The clamping body of the coupling device is a tongue with barbed ends. The clamping body is pressure-supported against the sidewall of the cable tray by the barbed edges of the tongue. Each of these barbed ends of the tongue forms an acute angle with the sidewall of the cable tray and is oriented such that it does not resist relative movement of the sidewall of the cable tray to engage it with the coupling device, but prevents relative movement in the opposite direction, which is necessary for separating the cable trays. This locking is due to the relative movement of the sidewalls of the cable trays along the separation direction causing the barbed edges of the tongue to engage with the sidewall. This locking system is effective, but has the disadvantage that the force applied by the barbed edges of the tongue can damage the surface of the sidewall of the cable tray, leaving permanently visible marks on the surface. In practice, the cable trays are typically made of polymer materials, the tongues are metal, and the barbed edges of the tongues have serrated protrusions to better engage with the surface of the cable tray, thus exacerbating the aforementioned disadvantage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for connecting two cable trays of the above type, wherein the cable trays are locked in the connection position without damaging the surface of the cable trays, without reducing the locking effect or complicating the connection device or increasing its manufacturing cost.

[0006] This objective is achieved by an assembly for connecting two cable trays of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the clamping body is a rigid plate made of polymer material, having at one end a first support surface extending in a plane at least along the longitudinal direction of the connecting device, and at the opposite end a second support surface extending in a plane at least along the longitudinal direction, such that in the locked position, each of the first and second support surfaces is pressure-flattened against the sidewall of each of the first and second cable trays, supported at the open end introduced into each receptacle, thereby generating friction on the sidewalls that prevents movement of the open end within the receptacle. This flat support via the support surfaces allows the actuator to apply a significant force to the clamping body formed by the rigid plate, which is directly transmitted by the rigid plate to press against the sidewall of the cable tray without damaging its surface. The extension of the support surfaces, particularly in the longitudinal direction, provides a large frictional force against separation movement, thus providing a robust lock. Advantageously, to achieve this secure locking, it is sufficient to provide a unit consisting of a clamping body and an actuator in each side wall of the connecting device, without the need for any locking system in the bottom wall.

[0007] Preferably, in the sidewall of the connecting device, the receiving portion is a space laterally defined by the sidewall of the connecting device and the rigid plate constituting the clamping body, the rigid plate being arranged facing the sidewall of the connecting device. This configuration simplifies the structure of the connecting device. Furthermore, it allows the rigid plate constituting the clamping body to have larger dimensions, and the first and second support surfaces can also have larger dimensions, thereby obtaining more stable support for the rigid plate on the sidewall of the cable trough.

[0008] Preferably, the first and second support surfaces are discontinuous and consist of raised ridges formed on one side of the clamping body. Therefore, higher pressure is achieved in the areas where these protrusions contact the cable trough sidewalls, resulting in more reliable locking without damaging the sidewall surfaces, as the protrusions are all supported on the same plane. Preferably, the protrusions are elongated ribs. This solution prevents the formation of point-support areas that could damage the surfaces. More preferably, the elongated ribs extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, thereby providing maximum frictional resistance to relative movement in the longitudinal direction. In a preferred embodiment, there are two to ten elongated ribs on each of the first and second support surfaces.

[0009] Preferably, the actuator is a knob supported on the clamping body and rotatably assembled about a shaft that extends from the side wall of the coupling device and passes through an opening in the clamping body, such that when the actuator rotates relative to the shaft, the actuator moves toward the side wall of the coupling device, pushing the clamping body. This type of component requires few parts and is particularly robust.

[0010] Preferably, the actuator includes a cylindrical inner wall coaxial with the shaft and a helical track formed by a flange projecting from the cylindrical inner wall; and the shaft includes at least one journal at its end, which is supported on the cylindrical inner wall and the helical track, such that when the actuator rotates relative to the shaft, the journal slides along the helical track supported thereon. In this solution, the mechanism formed by the helical track and the journal is entirely located inside the actuator, which allows a comfortable grip to be formed on the outer surface of the actuator, allowing the user to rotate the actuator. Preferably, the journal travels on the helical track relative to the shaft for more than half a circumference, more preferably at most a quarter circumference. Therefore, the user can easily rotate the actuator with one hand in a single action to bring the clamping body to the locked position.

[0011] Preferably, a protrusion is formed in the helical track, which interferes with the journal as the journal slides in the helical track, such that when the clamping body reaches the locked position, the journal overcomes the protrusion by force, and once the journal overcomes the protrusion by force, the protrusion holds the clamping body in the locked position. This is a simple and sufficiently robust solution for holding the actuator and clamping body in the locked position.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting device includes a snap-fit ​​mechanism, distinct from the receiving portion, which engages with the corresponding snap-fit ​​mechanism of the first and second cable troughs when the open ends of each of the first and second cable troughs are introduced into the receiving portion to connect the first and second cable troughs to the connecting device. This configuration simplifies connection and locking: the user first performs the connection and snap-fit, resulting in the two cable troughs being connected to the connecting device in a stable relative position, and then locks them by manually operating an actuator. Simplifying the assembly operations that the user must perform is important because cable troughs can be large, complicating their operation, and may be located in spaces difficult for the user to access.

[0013] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​device of the connecting device is arranged at the top of its sidewall (opposite to its bottom wall), and the snap-fit ​​devices in the first and second cable troughs are also arranged at the top of their sidewalls (opposite to their bottom walls); and, at least in the bottom wall of the connecting device, the receiving portion is formed by a space defined between an outer partition and the bottom wall of the connecting device, the outer partition being arranged such that it cannot reach the end of the bottom wall of the connecting device in the longitudinal direction. This configuration allows for connection by first introducing the bottom wall of the cable trough into the receiving portion, wherein the cable trough is slightly inclined, and then rotating the cable trough to introduce the top of the sidewall into the receiving portion to achieve snap-fit ​​engagement. This method of connection is easier for the user.

[0014] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​mechanism in the connecting device consists of two opposing lugs formed in each sidewall of the connecting device, extending longitudinally and having a cross-section that tapers towards its ends; and the corresponding snap-fit ​​mechanism in the first and second cable troughs consists of tubular flanges located at the upper ends of each sidewall of the first and second cable troughs, such that each lug is introduced and snap-fits onto the tubular flange of each of the first and second cable troughs. This solution has the advantage of using flanges for snap-fit, which are typically arranged at the top of the sidewalls of the first and second cable troughs and are used for other functions, particularly for securing covers or other components to the cable troughs.

[0015] Preferably, the coupling device includes a pin at the top of each of its sidewalls, the pin extending longitudinally and forming one of the lugs at each end. This construction is particularly robust and allows the user to more easily understand the operating mode at a glance.

[0016] Preferably, the pin includes a central portion of a separating lug that is exposed when the first and second cable trays are connected to the coupling device. The lug is introduced and snaps into the tubular flange of each of the first and second cable trays. Furthermore, preferably, the assembly includes a bridging member with claws at its ends. The shape of the claws is complementary to the shape of the central portion of the pin, such that the claws detachably snap into the central portion of the pin, and the bridging member closes the central section of the open top surface of the coupling device. This solution allows for the optional placement of the bridging member to constrain cables laid in the cable trays without altering the geometry of the cable trays.

[0017] Preferably, the bridging element is formed such that when engaged with the central portion of the pin via its claw latch, the central section of the open top surface of the closed connection device is closed, and the bridging element does not protrude from the open top surface of the connection device. An advantage of this solution is that the bridging element does not change the height of the connected cable tray.

[0018] The invention also includes a separately considered coupling device, which is part of the aforementioned components. Therefore, the invention includes a coupling device for interconnecting a first cable trough and a second cable trough, the first and second cable troughs being made of a polymer material and each including a U-shaped section having a bottom wall, two opposing side walls, an open top surface, and at least one open end; the coupling device is in the form of a straight channel in the longitudinal direction, having a U-shaped cross-section, a bottom wall, two opposing side walls, an open top surface, and two opposing open ends, each of the open ends forming a receiving portion along its periphery for introducing the open ends of the first and second cable troughs in the longitudinal direction to connect them to the coupling device, such that the first and second cable troughs and the coupling device form a continuous channel in the longitudinal direction; the coupling device includes a movable clamping body and an actuator in each of its two side walls, the actuator being manually operable to move the clamping body to a locked position, in which... In the locked position, the clamping body is pressure-supported on one of the sidewalls of each of the first and second cable troughs, supported at the open end (when the open end is introduced into the receiving portion), thereby locking the connection between the first and second cable troughs and the connecting device; characterized in that the clamping body is a rigid plate made of polymer material, having a first support surface at one end extending in a plane in at least the longitudinal direction, and a second support surface at the opposite end extending in a plane in at least the longitudinal direction, so that in the locked position, when each of the first and second support surfaces is introduced into each of the receiving portions, each of the first and second support surfaces is pressure-flattened against the sidewall of each of the first and second cable troughs, supporting the open end (when the open end is introduced into each of the receiving portions), thereby generating a frictional force on the sidewall that prevents the open end from moving in the receiving portion.

[0019] The coupling device according to the invention may optionally include each of the preferred features described above with respect to the coupling device of the component.

[0020] The present invention also includes other detailed features shown in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings of embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are described in a manner that does not limit the scope of the principal claims, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of two cable trays and connecting devices in an unconnected position.

[0023] Figure 2 and Figure 3These are the front view and perspective view of the cable trough, respectively.

[0024] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the sequential steps of connecting two cable trays using a connecting device.

[0025] Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 These are the top perspective view, bottom perspective view, front view, and side view of the connecting device.

[0026] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the connecting device viewed from two different angles.

[0027] Figure 13 and Figure 14 These are a front view and a partial perspective view of the main body of the connecting device, without the clamping body and actuator.

[0028] Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 These are the front perspective view, rear perspective view, and top view of the clamping body.

[0029] Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 These are the front perspective view, rear perspective view, and sectional perspective view of the actuator.

[0030] Figure 21 This is a partial perspective view showing the connecting body and the two cable trays attached to it, with the actuator and clamping body in the unlocked position.

[0031] Figure 22 It is similar to Figure 21 The view shows the actuator and clamping body in the locked position.

[0032] Figure 23 It is a partial perspective view showing the connecting body and the two cable trays connected to it, with the bridging element in place before being placed and snapped into place.

[0033] Figure 24 It is similar to Figure 23 The view shows the bridging components snapped together. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The assembly for connecting two cable trays, described below by way of example, is primarily used for guiding fiber optic cable bundles in data centers. The assembly consists of two cable trays 1A and 1B and a connecting device 6. Cable trays 1A and 1B are made of polymeric materials, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer). In the example shown in the accompanying drawings, the two cable trays 1A and 1B have the same cross-section but may have different lengths. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, each cable trough 1A, 1B is a straight profile section with a U-shaped cross-section, having a bottom wall 2, two opposing side walls 3, an open top surface 4, and two open ends 5. The free top end of each side wall 3 forms an outwardly projecting tubular flange 26. In other embodiments of the invention, it is possible that the cable troughs 1A, 1B are not straight U-shaped profile sections. For example, at least one cable trough may be an elbow or T-branch with its end section having the aforementioned U-shaped cross-section.

[0035] A coupling device 6 is inserted between two cable trays 1A and 1B for connecting them through their open ends 5. It is a straight channel in the longitudinal direction L, having a U-shaped cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the cable trays 1A and 1B, and has a bottom wall 7, two opposing side walls 8, an open top surface 9, and two opposing open ends 10. The coupling device 6 is formed of five components: a body 31 having the aforementioned U-shaped cross-section, two clamping bodies 12, and two actuators 13, which can be manually operated to move each clamping body 12 to a locked position, as seen below. There are two identical assemblies consisting of clamping bodies 12 and actuators 13, each assembled onto a side wall 8 for a locking connection on each side wall 8. Each of these components 31, 12, and 13 is made of a polymer material, such as PVC or ABS. Figures 7 to 12 The connecting device 6 is shown as a whole; Figure 13 and Figure 14 The main body 31 is shown; Figures 15 to 17 The clamping body 12 is shown; Figures 18 to 20 Actuator 13 is shown.

[0036] Receiving portions 11 are formed along the periphery of the two open ends 10 of the connecting device 6 for receiving the open ends 5 of the cable troughs 1A and 1B in the longitudinal direction L, thereby connecting them to the connecting device 6. Figures 4 to 6 The diagram illustrates the sequential stages of the connection process, wherein the cable trough 1B is first connected to the open end 10 of the connection device 6. Figure 5 Then another cable tray 1A is connected to another open end 10 of the connecting device 6 ( Figure 6 ).exist Figure 6As shown, the two cable trays 1A and 1B and the connecting device 6 to which they are connected form a continuous channel along the longitudinal direction L. In the bottom wall 7, the receiving portion 11 is formed by the space defined between the outer partition 24 and the bottom wall 7 of the connecting device 6. The outer partition 24 is arranged such that it cannot reach the end of the bottom wall 7 along the longitudinal direction L. Preferably, the outer partition 24 and the receiving portion 11 defined thereby also extend to the corner between the bottom wall 7 and the side wall 8, as shown. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown. In the sidewall 8, the receiving portion 11 is formed by the space laterally defined by the sidewall 8 and the rigid plate, as described below, the rigid plate constitutes the clamping body 12 and faces the sidewall 8.

[0037] The two sidewalls 8 of the connecting device 6 are identical, and each sidewall has elements formed on its outer surface for assembling the clamping body 12 and the actuator 13. Figure 14 As shown, each sidewall 8 has a shaft 18 extending perpendicularly to its outer surface. Two opposing journals 22 are formed at the free ends of the shaft 18, which mate with the actuator 13, as will be seen below. Furthermore, each sidewall 8 has an upper guide 33 and a lower guide 34 parallel to each other on its outer surface, which define a sliding engagement space for the clamping body 12, allowing the clamping body 12 to slide relative to the upper guide 33 and lower guide 34 in said space, moving away from and towards the sidewall 8. Preferably, as Figure 10 As shown, the side of the clamping device 12 is aligned with the side of the upper guide 33 and the lower guide 34 as well as the side of the outer partition 24, so that none of them reach the end of the bottom wall 7 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0038] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the clamping body 12 is a rigid plate with a generally rectangular shape, having a first support surface 14 extending at one end in a plane in the longitudinal direction L and a direction orthogonal to it, and a second support surface 15 extending at the opposite end in the same plane. The support surfaces 14 and 15 are discontinuous and are formed by ridges 16 of protrusions 17, which are formed on the plane of the rigid plate constituting the clamping body 12. Figure 16 and Figure 17 Not all reference numerals for the protrusions 17 are shown in the accompanying drawings to avoid affecting the clarity of the figures. The protrusions 17 are parallel elongated ribs extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. For example, as shown, there are four elongated ribs on each support surface 14, 15, and the elongated rib closest to the center of the rigid plate is interrupted at its central portion. The rigid plate forming the clamping body also has an opening 19 for the passage of the shaft 18 and its journal 22. The outer surface opposite the surfaces forming the support surfaces 14 and 15 includes a circular frame 35 for accommodating the actuator 13.

[0039] The actuator 13 is a knob, rotatably mounted on the end of the shaft 18 extending through the opening 19, and supported on the clamping body 12 to push the clamping body 12 against the side wall 8. Figures 18 to 20 As shown, the actuator 13 includes a circular base 36 on which a gripping portion 32 is formed. The circular base 36 is fitted into a circular frame 35, thereby forming a rotational assembly of the actuator 13 relative to the clamping body 12. The actuator 13 includes a cylindrical inner wall 20 coaxial with the shaft 18 and two helical tracks 21 formed by flanges projecting from the cylindrical inner wall 20. The shaft 18 is introduced into a cavity defined by the cylindrical inner wall 20, such that each journal 22 is supported on the cylindrical inner wall 20 and the corresponding helical track 21. When the user rotates the actuator 13 relative to the shaft 18, the journal 22 slides along the helical track 21 supported thereon, thereby moving the actuator 13 toward the side wall 8 of the connecting device 6, pushing the clamping body 12, which in turn moves toward the side wall 8. The journal 22 travels a quarter circumference relative to the shaft 18 along the helical track 21. Two protrusions 23 are formed in the cylindrical inner wall 20. As the journal 22 slides along the helical track 21, the two protrusions 23 interfere with each journal 22, such that when the clamping body 12 reaches the locked position, each journal 22 overcomes each protrusion 23 by force. Once the journal 22 overcomes the protrusion 23 by force, the protrusion 23 holds the clamping body 12 in the locked position.

[0040] The connecting device 6 includes a pin 27 at the top of each sidewall 8 opposite the bottom wall 7, the pin 27 extending longitudinally L and forming a lug 25 at each end. Each lug 25 extends longitudinally L and has a cross-section that tapers towards its end. The two lugs 25 are separated by the central portion 28 of the pin 27. When the open ends 5 of each first cable tray 1A and second cable tray 1B are introduced into the receiving portion 11 to connect the first cable tray 1A and second cable tray 1B to the connecting device 6, each of the two lugs 25 is introduced and snaps into the tubular flange 26 of each first cable tray 1A and second cable tray 1B, and the central portion 28 of the pin 27 is exposed, as... Figure 21 As shown. Alternatively, as Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, a bridging member 29 can be placed to close the central portion of the open top surface 9 of the connecting device 6. The bridging member 29 has a claw 30 at its end, the shape of which complements the shape of the exposed central portion 28 of the pin 27, such that the claw 30 detachably snaps into the central portion 28 of the pin 27. Figure 24 As shown, when the bridging member 29 engages with the central portion 28 of the pin 27 via its claw 30, the bridging member 29 does not extend beyond the open top surface 9 of the connecting device 6.

[0041] The method for connecting cable trays 1A and 1B to the connecting device 6 and subsequently locking this connection is described below. First, the cable tray 1B is moved along the longitudinal direction L to insert the open end 5 into the receiving portion 11, while the lug 25 is snapped onto the tubular flange 26, thus connecting the cable tray to the connecting device 6. Figure 5 Then, perform the same operation on another cable tray 1A. Figure 6 This completes the connection of the two cable trays 1A and 1B to the connecting device 6. Advantageously, the above-described embodiments of the invention allow for the use of alternative methods (not shown) to connect each cable tray 1A and 1B to the connecting device 6. This alternative method involves first introducing the bottom wall 2 of the cable trays 1A and 1B into the receiving portion 11, keeping the cable trays 1A and 1B slightly inclined relative to the connecting device 6, and then rotating the cable trays 1A and 1B to introduce the top end of the side wall 3 into the receiving portion 11, while simultaneously introducing and snapping the lug 25 onto the tubular flange 26.

[0042] The cable trays 1A and 1B are connected to the connecting device 6 via two actuators 13 (one actuator 13 on each side wall 8). Figure 21 The operation is performed in the unlocked position, in which each clamping body 12 is in the retracted position, and no effective pressure is applied to the sidewalls 3 of the open ends 5 of the cable trays 1A and 1B introduced into the receiving portion 11. To lock the connection, the user manually grips each actuator 13 using the grip 32 and rotates the actuator a quarter turn until it reaches the desired position. Figure 22 The locked position is shown, in which the user must provide sufficient torque at the end of the quarter turn to overcome the resistance of the protrusion 23 to the journal 22. In this locked position, the clamping body 12 has been pushed against the side wall 8 by the actuator 13 and is pressure-supported against the side wall 3 of the open ends 5 of the cable trays 1A and 1B introduced into the receiving portion 11. The support surfaces 14 and 15 are flatly pressure-supported against the side wall 3 of each cable tray 1A and 1B, supported at the open ends 5 introduced into each receiving portion 11, thereby generating friction on the side wall 3 that prevents the open ends 5 from moving within the receiving portion 11. To disengage from the locked position and thereby allow the separation of the cable trays 1A and 1B and the coupling device 6, the user rotates the actuator 13 one quarter turn in the opposite direction, wherein the user must provide sufficient torque at the beginning of the quarter turn to overcome the resistance of the protrusion 23 to the journal 22.

Claims

1. An assembly for connecting two cable trays, comprising: - A first cable trough (1A) and a second cable trough (1B) made of polymer material, each comprising a section having a U-shaped cross-section, a bottom wall (2), two opposing side walls (3), an open top surface (4), and at least one open end (5); and - A connecting device (6) for connecting the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B) to each other, the connecting device (6) being a straight channel in the longitudinal direction (L), having a U-shaped cross section, having a bottom wall (7), two opposing side walls (8), an open top surface (9), and two opposing open ends (10); the connecting device (6) includes a receiving portion (11) along the periphery of each of the open ends (10), the open ends (5) of the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B) being introduced into the receiving portion (11) in the longitudinal direction (L) to connect the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B) to the connecting device (6), such that the first cable trough (1A) The first cable duct (1A) and the second cable duct (1B) and the connecting device (6) form a continuous channel in the longitudinal direction (L); the connecting device (6) further includes a movable clamping body (12) and an actuator (13) in each of its two sidewalls (8), the actuator (13) being manually operable to move the clamping body (12) to a locked position, in which the clamping body (12) is pressure-supported on one of the sidewalls (3) of each of the first cable duct (1A) and the second cable duct (1B) and supported at the open end (5) inserted into the receiving portion (11), thereby locking the connection between the first cable duct (1A) and the second cable duct (1B) and the connecting device (6); The clamping body (12) is characterized in that it is a rigid plate made of polymer material, having a first support surface (14) at one end extending in a plane in at least the longitudinal direction (L), and a second support surface (15) at the opposite end extending in a plane in at least the longitudinal direction (L), such that in the locked position, each of the first support surface (14) and the second support surface (15) is pressure flatly supported on the sidewall (3) of each of the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B), supported at the open end (5) introduced into the receiving portion (11), thereby generating a frictional force on the sidewall (3) that prevents the open end (5) from moving in the receiving portion (11).

2. The assembly for cable troughs according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the side wall (8) of the connecting device (6), the receiving portion (11) is a space laterally defined by the side wall (8) of the connecting device (6) and the rigid plate constituting the clamping body (12), the rigid plate being arranged facing the side wall (8) of the connecting device (6).

3. The assembly for a cable trough according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first support surface (14) and the second support surface (15) are discontinuous and are formed by ridges (16) of protrusions (17) formed on one side of the clamping body (12).

4. The assembly for cable troughs according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion (17) is a long strip rib.

5. The assembly for cable troughs according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elongated ribs extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).

6. The assembly for a cable trough according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The actuator (13) is a knob supported on the clamping body (12) and rotatably assembled around a shaft (18) extending from the side wall (8) of the connecting device (6) and passing through an opening (19) of the clamping body (12), such that when the actuator (13) rotates relative to the shaft (18), the actuator (13) moves toward the side wall (8) of the connecting device (6) and pushes the clamping body (12).

7. The assembly for cable troughs according to claim 6, characterized in that, The actuator (13) includes a cylindrical inner wall (20) coaxial with the shaft (18) and a helical track (21) formed by a flange protruding from the cylindrical inner wall (20); and the shaft (18) includes at least one journal (22) at its end, the journal (22) being supported on the cylindrical inner wall (20) and the helical track (21) such that when the actuator (13) rotates relative to the shaft (18), the journal (22) slides along the helical track (21) supported thereon.

8. The assembly for cable trays according to claim 7, characterized in that, A protrusion (23) is formed in the cylindrical inner wall (20). When the journal (22) slides along the spiral track (21), the protrusion interferes with the journal (22), such that when the clamping body (12) reaches the locking position, the journal (22) overcomes the protrusion (23) by force, and once the journal (22) overcomes the protrusion by force, the protrusion (23) holds the clamping body (12) in the locking position.

9. The assembly for a cable trough according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The connecting device (6) includes a snap-fit ​​device different from the receiving portion (11), which snaps into the corresponding snap-fit ​​device of the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B) when the open end (5) of each of the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B) is introduced into the receiving portion (11) to connect the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B) to the connecting device (6).

10. The assembly for cable trays according to claim 9, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​device in the connecting device (6) is arranged at the top of its side wall (8) opposite to its bottom wall (7), and the snap-fit ​​device in the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B) is arranged at the top of its side wall (4) opposite to its bottom wall (2); and at least in the bottom wall (7) of the connecting device (6), the receiving portion (11) is formed by a space defined between the outer partition (24) of the connecting device (6) and the bottom wall (7), the outer partition (24) being arranged such that it does not reach the end of the bottom wall (7) of the connecting device (6) in the longitudinal direction (L).

11. The assembly for a cable trough according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​device in the connecting device (6) is two opposing lugs (25), which are formed in each sidewall (8) of the connecting device (6), extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and having a cross section that tapers toward its end; and the corresponding snap-fit ​​device in the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B) is a tubular flange (26) at the top of each sidewall (3) of the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B), such that each lug (25) is introduced and snap-fitted onto the tubular flange (26) of each of the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B).

12. The assembly for cable trays according to claim 11, characterized in that, The connecting device (6) includes a pin (27) extending along the longitudinal direction (L) at the top of each of its sidewalls (8), and forms one of the lugs (25) at each of its ends.

13. The assembly for cable trays according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pin (27) includes a central portion (28) separating the lug (25), the central portion (28) being exposed when the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B) are connected to the connecting device (6), the lug (25) being introduced and snapped into the tubular flange (26) of each of the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B); and the assembly includes a bridging member (29) having a claw (30) at its end, the shape of the claw (30) being complementary to the shape of the central portion (28) of the pin (27) such that the claw (30) is detachably snapped into the central portion (28) of the pin (27), and the bridging member (29) closing the central section of the open top surface (9) of the connecting device (6).

14. The assembly for cable trays according to claim 13, characterized in that, The bridging member (29) is configured such that when it engages with the central portion (28) of the pin (27) via the claw (30), it closes the central section of the open top surface (9) of the connecting device (6), and the bridging member (29) does not protrude through the open top surface (9) of the connecting device (6).

15. A connecting device (6) for an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the connecting device (6) being in the form of a straight channel in the longitudinal direction (L), having a U-shaped cross section, having a bottom wall (7), two opposing side walls (8), an open top surface (9), and two opposing open ends (10); the connecting device (6) including a receiving portion (11) along the periphery of each of the open ends (10), the receiving portion (11) for introducing a first cable groove (1A) and a second cable groove (1B) of the assembly in the longitudinal direction (L) to connect the first cable groove (1A) and the second cable groove (1B) to the connecting device (6), such that the first cable groove (1A) and the second cable groove (1B) are connected to the assembly in such a way that the first cable groove (1A) and the second cable groove (1B) are connected to the assembly in ... A) The second cable trough (1B) and the connecting device (6) form a continuous channel in the longitudinal direction (L); the connecting device (6) further includes a movable clamping body (12) and an actuator (13) in each of its two sidewalls (8), the actuator (13) being manually operable to move the clamping body (12) to a locked position, such that the clamping body (12) is pressure-supported on one of the sidewalls (3) of each of the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B), supported at the open end (5) inserted into the receiving portion (11), thereby locking the connection between the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B) and the connecting device (6); Its features are, The clamping body (12) is a rigid plate made of polymer material, having a first support surface (14) at one end extending in a plane in at least the longitudinal direction (L), and a second support surface (15) at the opposite end extending in a plane in at least the longitudinal direction (L), such that in the locked position, each of the first support surface (14) and the second support surface (15) is pressure flatly supported on the sidewall (3) of each of the first cable trough (1A) and the second cable trough (1B), supported at the open end (5) introduced into the receiving part (11), thereby generating a frictional force on the sidewall (3) that prevents the open end (5) from moving in the receiving part (11).

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