Line distributor

Abstract

The invention relates to a line distributor (2) for providing a line body (4). It has a base body (6) which has a guide channel (12) formed between an inlet opening (8) and an outlet opening (10). There is also a locking device (14) arranged on the base body (6) for producing a locking action on a line body (4) introduced into the guide channel (12) via the inlet opening (8), by which locking action the locking device prevents movement of the line body (4) in the direction of the outlet opening (10). The invention is characterized in that the locking device (14) is arranged and configured in such a way that it automatically adapts the locking action to the line cross section (16) of the line body (4) introduced into the guide channel (12) by its configuration, so that the setting of the locking action takes place without auxiliary means and without intervention. The locking device (14) has a plurality of legs (18, 18', 18'', 18''') of which at least two have different spacings to the guide channel (12) and are arranged along the guide channel (12) in such a way that the free ends of the legs (18, 18', 18'', 18''') are arranged in increasing order of the spacing to the guide channel (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a line distributor for providing a line body as described in the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] Line distributors of this type are used to provide line bodies, for example and especially to enable them to be provided in a simple manner for subsequent processing.

[0003] Such a line distributor can also be constructed, for example, according to the type of clamping device. This line distributor has a base with a guide channel formed between the input and output ports for the line body. The guide channel is used to guide the line body between the input and output ports. Thus, the movement of the line body on the base is also guided by the guide channel.

[0004] The circuit body is an elongated cylinder, such as a strip, hose or cable, or a flexible cylinder.

[0005] Commonly known line splitters include DE1440738A, DE102015013791A1, DE19544963A1, and FR2811818A1. Additionally, line splitters of this type are known from WO2022207689A1. Furthermore, line splitters of this type are also known from CA486331A, US6310290B1, WO2016133966A1, and WO2015148908A1. To hold the line body in one position or prevent it from slipping, line splitters known in the prior art are equipped with a locking device mounted on the base to lock the line body introduced into the guide channel via the input port. This locking action prevents the line body from moving towards the output port.

[0006] Line distributors known from the prior art are capable of holding line bodies in one position. It has been shown that, while they provide sufficient locking to ensure the line body's position on the line distributor for a specific line cross-section, they produce only a reduced locking effect for line bodies with different cross-sections. Therefore, they are limited to use on a specific range of line cross-sections. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide a line distributor for providing line bodies that provides improved locking for a wide range of different line body cross-sections, while being simpler to operate compared to known line distributors.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a subject matter having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Therefore, according to the present invention, in order to achieve its stated purpose, the locking devices are configured and constructed such that they automatically adapt the locking action to the cross-sectional area of ​​the line body introduced into the guide channel. This means that, through automatic adaptation, no additional auxiliary means or intervention or manipulation is required to adjust the locking action.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention specifies that at least one of the locking devices automatically adjusts its locking effect on the line body through its configuration. This results in the advantage that no additional auxiliary means or intervention / operation are required to adjust the locking effect. This adjustment is based on the configuration of the locking device, thereby achieving simplified operation and cost savings for the line distributor according to the present invention.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention achieves automatic adaptation, so that the adjustment of the locking action is set and constructed without auxiliary means and intervention, and is implemented or carried out in this way.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention specifies that at least two of the plurality of legs have different distances from the guide channel, and they are arranged along the guide channel such that the free ends of the legs are arranged in a sequence in which the distance from the guide channel increases in a particularly continuous manner. The other legs, or multiple legs, or all legs of the plurality of legs may also be constructed or arranged accordingly in the same manner as the at least two of the plurality of legs.

[0013] This provides a simple way to achieve the locking function that adjusts the cross-section of the line, while also preventing collisions between the legs.

[0014] According to the present invention, the line body can be understood as an electrical conductor, multiple electrical conductors, or an electrical wire with, for example, plastic insulation, which may also be referred to as a cable. Alternatively, the line body may also be constructed as a conduit or hose, for example made of a flexible material, for guiding fluids, such as for using compressed air in a pneumatic system, or for using liquid as a working medium in a hydraulic system.

[0015] The substrate can be made of, for example and particularly of, plastic or insulating material, preferably constructed as a plastic part.

[0016] The substrate has inlet and outlet ports, which, for example and particularly, can be located on opposite sides of the housing element for allowing the circuit body to pass through a guide channel formed between them.

[0017] Therefore, the two openings can also be called through holes, through which the circuit body is introduced into the guide channel or led out.

[0018] The opening can be arranged in the surface of the housing element and completely surrounded by the material of the housing element, or only partially surrounded by the material of the housing element, for example, open to one or more sides, thereby allowing the line body to be introduced from the side.

[0019] Guide channels are used to guide the line body along or through the substrate. Guide channels can, for example, be configured in a groove shape. According to the invention, guide channels are formed between and extend between an inlet and an outlet. Furthermore, guide channels can have at least a segmental cylindrical profile.

[0020] Within the scope of this invention, the locking effect should be understood as a directional resistance to movement of the line body introduced into the guide channel. This prevents undesirable or automatic movement of the line body relative to the base of the line distributor and reliably holds the line carrier in one position on the line distributor. Within the scope of this invention, the locking effect can also be overcome in the locked direction of movement by applying sufficient tension to the line body. However, according to the invention, this may, for example and particularly, result in damage to the line distributor and / or the line body introduced into the guide channel.

[0021] Advantageously, the line distributor according to the invention also allows for reliable holding of the line body with a defined clamping force to prevent accidental slippage of the line body relative to the base of the line distributor, while allowing the user to pull the line body out of the output port, for example, when wiring a switch cabinet.

[0022] Another advantage of the line distributor according to the invention is that its locking action is automatically set for different line cross-sections, and thus generates sufficient locking action according to the line cross-section of the line body introduced into the guide channel without additional interactive operation.

[0023] According to the present invention, the substrate may be integrally formed or composed of multiple components. Within the scope of the present invention, "multiple" should be understood as at least two or more.

[0024] A favorable improvement of the invention is characterized in that the locking device has at least one leg that, in the abutting state, acts with a spring force on the line body and presses it against the guide channel. Due to the spring force, the permissible range of line cross-sections for line bodies that can be used with the line distributor according to the invention is very large. Using a leg that forms abutment with the line body introduced into the guide channel in the abutting state helps to further simplify the structure of the line distributor according to the invention.

[0025] Therefore, within the scope of this invention, the legs are configured and constructed such that movement of the circuit body in the direction toward the input port causes wedging or clamping, and thus also stops the circuit body in this direction. This achieves simple introduction of the circuit body into the guide channel.

[0026] Therefore, in an advantageous improvement of the invention, it is specified that at least one or more legs, or all legs, are initially positioned at an angle relative to the guide channel. This achieves a desired locking effect in a simple manner or method by means of the position or arrangement of the legs relative to the guide channel, by which movement of the circuit body in the direction toward the output port is released and prevented in the opposite direction. The angle is chosen, for example and particularly, such that the legs are positioned at an acute angle relative to the guide channel.

[0027] Furthermore, in an advantageous improvement of the invention, it is determined that at least one leg or a plurality of legs or all legs have a free end that rests against the line body in a mating state, wherein the free end has a tapered, particularly wedge-shaped, configuration.

[0028] The attachment state has already been described above, so the explanation for it applies to this situation in the same way and regardless of the previously described cases. Therefore, a repetitive explanation is omitted here.

[0029] This design of the outrigger or its free end allows the outrigger to be at least partially attached to the line body in a contact state via its free end.

[0030] The wedge-shaped configuration of the free end is achieved by the two sides of the free end converging at an acute angle. This supports the locking action in a simple manner and method, and advantageously further enhances the locking action.

[0031] Further enhancement of the locking effect can be achieved by having the outriggers have independently elastically deformable sections at their free ends. Therefore, an advantageous improvement of the invention is characterized in that at least one or more outriggers, or all outriggers, have multiple teeth at their free ends.

[0032] According to the invention, the teeth can be constructed in a variety of different ways and methods. In a simple way, the teeth are constructed using a slot on the free end of the leg. This advantageously allows the free end of the leg to better fit the outer contour, thereby enhancing the locking effect. Furthermore, this allows for additional guidance of the circuit body. The teeth can also be constructed as a sheet and facilitate conforming to the outer contour of the circuit body. Other designs are permitted by the invention, therefore the above embodiments should not be construed as closed.

[0033] It has been shown within the scope of this invention that larger line cross-sections require a higher locking force to achieve the desired fixation of the line body on the substrate compared to smaller line cross-sections. For smaller line cross-sections, excessive locking force may damage the line body, which needs to be avoided.

[0034] In this context, an advantageous improvement of the invention specifies that at least one leg or a plurality of legs or all legs generate spring force through elastic deformation of the legs, wherein the legs are particularly constructed, and especially shaped, such that the elastic deformation capacity increases at least segmentally toward its free end.

[0035] Therefore, the spring force can advantageously be set by an adapted configuration, such that the spring force increases with the increase of the line cross-section and decreases accordingly for smaller line cross-sections. Within the scope of the invention, this can be achieved, for example and particularly, by tapering the legs toward their free ends.

[0036] According to the present invention, the arrangement of the outriggers can be achieved through force-fitting and / or shape-fitting in various ways and methods. To reduce costs and simplify operation, an advantageous improvement of the invention specifies that at least one, several, or all outriggers are integrally connected to the base. This achieves a simple implementation while the outriggers are held to the base in a way that prevents them from being lost.

[0037] According to the present invention, locking for different line cross-sections can be achieved by using multiple legs. Therefore, in another advantageous improvement of the invention, at least two or more of the multiple legs of the locking device are arranged and constructed such that they act on the line body introduced into the guide channel with different spring forces.

[0038] Different spring forces can be achieved through the configuration of each leg and the arrangement of the legs relative to each other. By using multiple legs according to the present invention, a locking effect is achieved through simple adaptation according to the line cross-section of the corresponding conductor. This adaptation is achieved not only by using multiple legs, but also by the aforementioned configuration and arrangement of the corresponding legs.

[0039] The configuration and / or arrangement of each leg can differ from one another, or they can be the same for some or all of the legs. In particular, the tilt angle of each leg can be achieved individually, such that the legs contact the line body with different degrees of tilt and / or have different configurations. Furthermore, this can be achieved in a simple manner: depending on the line cross-section, one or more legs or all legs act on the line body.

[0040] In this context, the present invention includes: one leg not applying a spring force to or contacting the circuit body introduced into the guide channel. Thus, the spring force of one or more legs may have a zero value, while another leg has a different spring force value and acts on the circuit body with that spring force value.

[0041] To further improve the locking effect, another advantageous improvement of the invention specifies that the guide channel has a profile with at least one recess and / or protrusion, on which the line body introduced into the guide channel abuts. Accordingly, multiple recesses and / or protrusions may also be provided. Thus, the guide channel may at least segmentally have a corrugated profile and / or a rubber coating, by virtue of which the locking effect can be enhanced in a simple manner and method.

[0042] To achieve reliable fixation of the line distributor, an improvement of the invention specifies that the base has a locking base, which is configured and constructed to hold the distributor on a support rail, particularly a cap-type rail. Various implementations are known for this, and the present invention benefits from these implementations in terms of simplicity and reliability.

[0043] For example, and particularly, the locking base can be configured and arranged to hold or secure the substrate to a standardized cap rail. Furthermore, the locking base can also be configured and arranged to secure to other known profile rails. In one embodiment, the housing element is configured to be arranged on a terminal block of serial terminals.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the invention, the substrate may have a receiving portion for one or more marking elements. Advantageously, the markings enable easy identification of the circuitry introduced into the guide channel.

[0045] Furthermore, the invention may, by an advantageous improvement, include a line body internally configured and constructed for conducting energy and / or fluid media between its two ends—the line body extending longitudinally between these two ends—where the line body is particularly a cable.

[0046] According to the invention, the line body can therefore also be constructed as a conduit or hose, for example made of a flexible material, and is used, for example and particularly, for the use of compressed air in pneumatic systems or for the use of liquid as a working medium in hydraulic systems. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments representing line distributors according to the invention, and through these embodiments the invention will be explained.

[0048] All claimed, described and illustrated features, whether individually or in any combination thereof, constitute the subject of this invention, without regard to their references, descriptions, or illustrations in the accompanying drawings.

[0049] The features illustrated by the embodiments are not limited to the cases described below, but can also characterize the line distributor according to the invention independently of each other and in different combinations or cases.

[0050] The figures in the accompanying drawings schematically illustrate corresponding embodiments of the line distributor according to the present invention.

[0051] Therefore, the illustrations in each figure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the scales chosen for each figure may also be different from each other.

[0052] To make it more intuitive, the diagrams are simplified into elements / parts / components that are easier to understand.

[0053] In each figure, the same or corresponding parts / components or elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0054] For greater clarity, not all components / parts / components are always labeled in the figures; the correspondence is determined by the same diagram or a diagram that matches one of the viewpoints.

[0055] in: Figure 1 A first embodiment of the line distributor according to the present invention is shown in a side view and schematic diagram. Figure 2 With Figure 1 The same side view and schematic illustration show a second embodiment of the line distributor according to the invention; Figure 3 A third embodiment of the line distributor according to the invention is shown in perspective side view and schematic illustration. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a line splitter 2 for providing a line body 4 according to the present invention is shown. Corresponding embodiments of the line splitter 2 according to the present invention are also simply referred to as line splitter 2 below.

[0057] The line distributor 2 has a base 6, which has a guide channel 12 formed between the input port 8 and the output port 10, and has locking devices 14 provided on the base for locking the line body 4 introduced into the guide channel 12 via the input port 8. By locking, these locking devices prevent the line body 4 from moving toward the output port 10.

[0058] According to the present invention, these locking devices 14 are arranged and constructed such that they automatically adapt the locking action to the cross-sectional area 16 of the line body 4 introduced into the guide channel 12.

[0059] Therefore, the locking device 14 has a configuration in which it automatically sets a locking effect on the line body 4. Specifically, the locking device 14 has multiple legs 18, 18', 18'', 18''', 18''', which, when in a contact state, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a spring force is applied to the circuit body 4 and presses it toward the guide channel 12.

[0060] The corresponding support legs 18, 18', 18'', and 18''' are initially positioned at an angle of 20° relative to the guide channel 12 (when no line body 4 is introduced into the guide channel 12). Figure 1 The image shows one of the legs 18, which does not act on the line body 4 and applies a spring force to it.

[0061] from Figure 1 As can be seen, each leg has a free end 22, 22', 22'', and 22'''. Among them, the free end 22'' of the leg 18''' is in a contact state, and in this contact state, the leg is in contact with the line body 4. The free end 22''' has a tapered, wedge-shaped configuration in this embodiment. The other free ends 22, 22', and 22'' are also formed in the same way.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is specified that the corresponding legs 18, 18´, 18´´, 18´´´ generate spring force through elastic deformation, wherein the corresponding legs 18, 18´, 18´´, 18´´´ are shaped such that their elastic deformation capacity continuously increases toward their free ends 22, 22´, 22´´, 22´´´.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is also specified that the corresponding legs 18, 18', 18'', 18''' are integrally connected to the base 6. Here, this is achieved by injection molding, wherein the base 6 and the corresponding legs 18, 18', 18'', 18''' are made of plastic.

[0064] The legs 18, 18', 18'', and 18''' are arranged and constructed such that they act with different spring forces on the circuit body 4 introduced into the guide channel 12. The legs 18, 18', 18'', and 18''' are arranged along the guide channel 12 such that the legs 18, 18', 18'', and 18''' act with spring forces on the circuit body 4 according to the circuit cross-section 16 of the circuit body 4.

[0065] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows at least two of a plurality of legs 18, 18', 18'', 18''', 18''', with each leg having a different spacing from the guide channel 12 in this embodiment.

[0066] In addition, Figure 1 As shown, the legs 18, 18´, 18´´, 18´´´ are arranged along the guide channel 12 such that the free ends 22, 22´, 22´´, 22´´´ of the legs 18, 18´, 18´´´ are arranged in an increasing order of distance from the guide channel 12.

[0067] Figure 1 The base 6 of the line distributor 2 shown has a locking base 24, which is configured and constructed to hold the line distributor on a support rail (not shown).

[0068] and Figure 1 The first embodiment is different, Figure 2 The second embodiment of the line distributor 2 according to the invention shown has a guide channel 12 with a profile 26 having four recesses 28 (in) Figure 2 (The circuit body 4 introduced into the guide channel 12 is attached to these recesses).

[0069] The line distributor 2 shown in the above figures includes a line body 4, which is configured and constructed inside to conduct energy, wherein the line body 4 is a cable.

[0070] Figure 3 The third embodiment of the line distributor 2 according to the present invention shown differs from the first embodiment in that the legs 18, 18', 18'', 18''' are configured with a plurality of teeth 30 formed at their respective free ends 22, 22', 22'', 22''', and the corresponding legs 18, 18', 18''', 18''' conform to the contour of the line body 4 by means of these teeth. For clarity, one tooth 30 is represented by a reference numeral 30 as a representative of the remaining teeth.

[0071] Furthermore, the base 6 of the third embodiment of the line distributor 2 according to the present invention has two receiving recesses 32, 32' for marking carriers (not shown) so as to enable quick and clear identification of the corresponding line body 6 introduced in the line distributor 2.

[0072] With the help of Figure 3 The initial state is shown, in which no line carrier 6 is introduced into the guide channel 12.

[0073] This invention allows for a variety of implementation options, and the proposed embodiments only show a portion of the options; the invention is not limited thereto.

[0074] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0075] 2 line splitters

[0076] 4-line body

[0077] 6 matrix

[0078] 8 input ports

[0079] 10 output ports

[0080] 12 guide channels

[0081] 14 Locking devices

[0082] 16-line cross-section

[0083] 18, 18´, 18´´, 18´´´ Supporting legs

[0084] 20° tilt angle

[0085] 22, 22´, 22´´, 22´´´ (free end of the supporting leg)

[0086] 24-card lock base

[0087] 26 outlines

[0088] 28 recesses

[0089] 30 teeth

[0090] 32, 32' Accommodating Recess

Claims

1. A line distributor (2) for providing a line body (4), said line distributor: It has a substrate (6) having a guide channel (12) formed between an inlet (8) and an outlet (10). It has a locking device (14) arranged on the base (6) for locking the line body (4) introduced into the guide channel (12) via the input port (8). By locking, the locking device prevents the line body (4) from moving toward the output port (10). Its features are, The locking device (14) is configured and constructed such that its configuration automatically adapts the locking action to the cross-section (16) of the line body (4) introduced into the guide channel (12), thereby enabling the locking action to be set without auxiliary means or intervention. The locking device (14) has a plurality of legs (18, 18', 18'', 18'''), and at least two of the plurality of legs (18, 18', 18'', 18''') have different spacings from the guide channel (12), and the (18, 18', 18'', 18''') are arranged along the guide channel (12) such that the free ends of the legs (18, 18', 18'', 18''') are arranged in order of increasing spacing from the guide channel (12).

2. The line distributor (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the legs (18, 18', 18'', 18'') acts on the line body (4) with spring force in the abutment state and presses it toward the guide channel (12).

3. The line distributor (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the legs (18, 18', 18'', 18''') is initially positioned at an angle (20) relative to the guide channel (12).

4. The line distributor (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one of the legs (18, 18´, 18´´, 18´´´) has a free end (22, 22´, 22´´, 22´´´), which is attached to the line body (4) in a contact state, wherein the free end has a tapered, particularly wedge-shaped configuration.

5. The line distributor (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one of the legs (18, 18´, 18´´, 18´´´) has a plurality of teeth (30) on its free end (22, 22´, 22´´, 22´´´).

6. The line distributor (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one of the legs (18, 18´, 18´´, 18´´´) generates a spring force through the elastic deformation of the legs (18, 18´, 18´´, 18´´´), wherein the legs (18, 18´, 18´´´) are constructed, and especially shaped, such that the elastic deformation capacity increases at least segmentally toward its free end (22, 22´, 22´´, 22´´´).

7. The line distributor (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one of the legs (18, 18´, 18´´, 18´´´) is integrally connected to the base (6).

8. The line distributor (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least two of the plurality of legs (18, 18', 18'', 18'') are arranged and constructed such that the legs (18, 18', 18'', 18'') act on the line body (4) introduced into the guide channel (12) with different spring forces.

9. The line distributor (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The at least two legs (18, 18', 18'', 18''') are arranged along the guide channel (12) such that the number of legs (18, 18', 18'', 18''') acting with spring force on the line body (4) introduced into the guide channel (12) depends on the line cross section (16) of the line body (4).

10. The line splitter (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The guide channel (12) has a profile (26) with at least one recess (28) and / or a protrusion, and the line body (4) introduced into the guide channel (12) rests against the profile.

11. The line distributor (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The base (6) has a locking base (24) which is configured and constructed to hold the support rail, particularly a cap rail.

12. The line distributor (2) according to any one of the preceding claims includes a line body (4) disposed and constructed therein for conducting energy and / or fluid medium between its ends, the line body (4) extending longitudinally between the ends, wherein the line body (4) is in particular a cable.

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