CONDITIONING CHANNEL

Abstract

A conduit channel comprising a plurality of identical link bodies (2) which are articulated on both sides in the direction of the conduit with adjacent link bodies (2), wherein the link bodies (2) each form a frame (3) which keeps a conduit opening clear and stabilizes it, and wherein each frame (3) has a substantially rectangular cross-section, which is made of opposing pivot surfaces (4) each having two pivot axes (5) and which are connected to each other via opposing spreading surfaces (6), wherein both the pivot surfaces (4) and the spreading surfaces (6) of adjacent link bodies (2) overlap each other, wherein the spreading surfaces (6) are stepped and an overlapping step (7) of a link body (2) at least partially conceals an interlocking step (8) of an adjacent link body (2), forming an outer wall that is continuously closed at every degree of bending.characterized in that the spreading surfaces (6) of the link bodies (2) are essentially S-shaped, wherein the ends of the S-shape can be used as stops for a maximum degree of bending, so that the free ends of adjacent S-shaped spreading surfaces (6) form a mutual stop.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable guide channel comprising a plurality of identical link bodies which are articulated on both sides in the direction of the cable to adjacent link bodies, wherein the link bodies each form a frame which keeps a cable guide opening clear and stabilizes it, and wherein each frame has a substantially rectangular cross-section which is made of opposing pivot surfaces, each having two pivot axes, which are connected to each other via opposing spreading surfaces, wherein both the pivot surfaces and the spreading surfaces of adjacent link bodies overlap each other, wherein the spreading surfaces are stepped and an overlapping step of a link body at least partially conceals an overlapping step of an adjacent link body, forming an outer wall that is completely closed at every degree of bending.

[0002] Such a cable routing channel is already known from DE 20 2009 005 650 U1, in which a stop for the bend in the joint axes is implemented. The problem here is that a body approaching from the side can push the side surfaces away and penetrate the cable routing channel.

[0003] Reference should also be made to DE 10 2005 010 985 A1 and DE 10 2008 010 340 A1.

[0004] Furthermore, a cable duct is known from DE 603 ​​17 131 Part 2. This document describes a cable duct consisting of individual links, in which the links interlock like puzzle pieces in a chain. While the individual link bodies define a distance to the adjacent link bodies, they do not define a fixed angle. Rather, the connecting elements are shaped to allow pivoting. However, the design incorporates a shape on the walls that only permits a reasonably complete seal of the outer wall at the tightest possible bend in the cable duct. At the same time, the maximum possible distances between the individual wall elements occur on the outer wall opposite the bend.

[0005] Such a solution generally serves to contain and protect cables, ensuring that they are not lying around haphazardly and become a nuisance or get damaged. However, due to its open design, it is more suitable for office environments where numerous cables and wires need to be installed, but are not subject to significant disruption.

[0006] Cable carriers are also known from DE 203 01 298 U1, which are connected to each other by hinges, but only allow open and accessible, but therefore unprotected, cable routing. Here, individual trough-shaped and therefore upwardly open elements are combined by connecting them to each other in a row using hinged connectors.

[0007] In industrial settings, however, significantly more robust cable ducts are required. It is common practice to manufacture metal cable ducts, which are also offered as prefabricated solutions. A particular challenge here is compensating for even minor deviations, such as lateral offsets, inclines, uneven surfaces, and the like. Prefabricated solutions can only be used effectively in conjunction with expensive custom-made products. DE 203 07 765 U1 also represents such a cable duct, which, while sufficiently stable, is inflexible.

[0008] In stark contrast to this is Wo 97 / 40564 A1. There, the cables to be laid are installed more or less loosely above the ground or at a distance from walls by erecting gate-like support frames along a cable route and laying the cables in a trough within these frames. While this system is extremely flexible, as the individual support frames are not connected to each other but positioned completely freely, it also represents a completely unprotected installation of the cables.

[0009] Against this background, the present invention aims to create a cable routing channel that simultaneously enables flexible installation and ensures high-quality protection of the cables laid in it, even in industrial environments.

[0010] This is achieved by means of a cable routing channel according to the features of claim 1. Further useful embodiments of such a cable routing channel can be found in the dependent claims that follow.

[0011] According to the invention, a cable duct consists of individual link bodies. These link bodies are designed to overlap on all sides, ensuring a continuous outer wall in every bending state of the cable duct. The individual link bodies are essentially constructed as a rectangular, wide frame consisting of two opposing pivot surfaces connected by two spreading surfaces. The link bodies allow pivoting about a joint axis running perpendicularly through the pivot surfaces, while the spreading surfaces are shaped to overlap with the spreading surfaces of adjacent link bodies in such a way that the overlap is maintained even when the outer wall is spread to its maximum extent.The intention here is not that the outer wall should be sealed, but rather that an object falling from the outside cannot easily penetrate the cable duct. It is therefore sufficient if the line of sight to the interior is obstructed by the components of the articulated body.

[0012] According to the invention, this is achieved by the fact that the spreading surfaces are stepped, i.e., they have at least two parallel, offset planes, of which the outer, overlapping steps of one link body cover the inner, interlocking steps of an adjacent link body. This results in a continuous, closed outer wall of the cable duct for every selected degree of bending, so that, due to the possibility of creating bends and the continuous outer wall, a cable duct that is both flexible and resistant is created.

[0013] Since particular emphasis is placed on the stability of the channel, the preferred material for its manufacture is metal, in particular iron, steel, and, depending on the requirements, possibly aluminum or stainless steel. In principle, however, a cable duct according to the invention can also be manufactured from other materials such as plastics while retaining all its advantages.

[0014] There are essentially two types of cable ducts: those that allow for lateral offset and those that allow for upward and downward bends. While they consist of the same basic elements, their orientation must be taken into account.

[0015] In a laterally flexible channel, a base element is assembled from several pivoting surfaces, while the side walls consist of expanding surfaces. To produce a cover element that can be placed on the base element, the expanding surfaces of each individual link can be connected to a pivoting surface, for example, welded, or optionally manufactured in one piece by bending the pivoting surface. If the link elements are made of plastic, the cover element and base element are molded to fit together, for example, using injection molding. The cover element and base element can preferably be detachably connected, so that the base element is first laid on the floor, wall, or ceiling, and the cover element, consisting of several parts, is then attached to it.

[0016] For further organization of the cables laid in the cable duct, a partition wall section can be provided in the middle of each articulated body, which is connected to the pivot surfaces or attached to the joint axes.

[0017] In the case of a cable duct whose pivot axis runs through the side walls, the functional distribution is somewhat different. Here, the base element consists of spreading surfaces and the cover element of spreading surfaces flanked by pivot surfaces. Accordingly, the spreading surfaces and the pivot surfaces have different shapes in the two embodiments mentioned.

[0018] Accordingly, a partition wall section can also be provided in the middle here, but this is then either exclusively connected to the spreading surfaces or there is an additional connection between the partition wall sections.

[0019] The connection between the cover element and the base element can be achieved in various ways. A simple option is a plug-in or clamp connection, where the base element has a connecting element and the cover element has a corresponding counterpart. However, it can also be a joining connection, a screw connection, or even riveting, the latter being appropriate if future opening is not intended. Generally, though, a detachable connection is recommended to allow for future modifications to the cable routing within the cable duct.

[0020] To achieve a particularly good and flexible seal at the expansion joints, these can be formed in an S-shape. This allows for the creation of an overlapping step and an undercut step. The ends of the S-shape can then be used as stops for maximum flexibility.

[0021] The foregoing invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] They show Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a cable routing channel for compensating for a lateral offset, but in an elongated state in a perspective view from obliquely above, Fig. 2 a single cover element of a cable duct according to Fig. 1 in a top view, Fig. 3 the cable routing channel according to Fig. 1 in a sideways bent state in a perspective view from an oblique angle above, Fig. 4 a basic element of the in Fig. 3 shown cable routing channel in a top view, Fig. 5 a second embodiment of a cable routing channel for compensating for a height offset, but in an elongated state in a perspective view from obliquely above, Fig. 6 a single cover element of a cable duct according to Fig. 5 in a top view, Fig. 7 the cable routing channel according to Fig. 5 in a sideways bent state in perspective view from obliquely above, as well as Fig. 8 a basic element of the in Fig. 7 shown cable routing channel in a top view.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cable management channel 1, which is constructed from a multitude of identical link bodies 2. Each link body 2 forms a frame 3 that surrounds a cable entry opening and protects it against external influences. Each link body 2 consists of two pivot surfaces 4, in this case top and bottom, as well as two S-shaped spreading surfaces 6 on both sides of the cable management channel 1. Several link bodies 2 are connected to each other in a row by means of a hinge axis 5 connecting adjacent link bodies 2 to each other. In this way, the individual link bodies 2 can be rotated laterally relative to each other, so that the cable management channel 1 can be laid in a free-form shape in the plane. A base element 10 is provided for easier routing of the cables within this cable management channel 1; this is first set up and laid on the ground.The cables can be laid directly on this, and then the cover element 9 can be placed on top. Of course, it is also possible, and can be advantageous, to first lay the trough-shaped cover element 9 and then place the base element 10 on top of it.

[0024] Such a cable duct 1 is composed of several identical link bodies 2. Such a single link body 2 is in the Fig. 2 without base element 10, i.e., as a single cover element 9. This includes a pivot surface 4 in which two hinge axes 5 are provided. These each serve to connect to another adjacent link body 2. The spreading surfaces 6 projecting from the plane of view are stepped and subdivided into an overlapping step 7 and an undercutting step 8. In the case of several compound link bodies 2, an undercutting step 8 engages under an overlapping step 7 of the adjacent link body 2 and vice versa. The free end of the overlapping step 7 moves in the undercut of the undercutting step 8, while the free end of the undercutting step 8 is supported in the bulge of the overlapping step 7. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the free ends of the S-shaped spreading surfaces 6 can form a mutual stop, thus ensuring that the interior of the cable duct is always completely shielded and the outer wall is continuous.

[0025] This allows for a strong bend in the cable duct 1 as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the spreader walls 6 on the inner flank of the bend are positioned so closely that only the overlapping steps 7 are visible, while on the outer flank both the overlapping steps 7 and the interlocking steps 8 between them are fully visible. However, the outer wall of the cable duct 1 still does not provide any access to its interior, except through the cable openings at the front and rear.

[0026] The overlaps could be more obvious in the Fig. Figure 4 shows the cable duct 1 without the cover element 9. The shortening on the inner flank contrasts with the complete expansion on the outer flank.

[0027] Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the cable duct 1, in which height differences are compensated for. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cable duct 1 also rests on a spreading surface 6, while the pivot surfaces 4 are located laterally. Here, too, it can be seen that the stepped design of the spreading surfaces 6 enables a completely enclosed outer wall. A connection between a cover element 9 and a base element 10 can again be made using a suitable connection 12. A central partition section 11 can be connected to the respective cover element 9; however, in this embodiment, a connection can also be made via a pivot axis under the various partition sections.

[0028] Fig. Figure 6 shows a single articulated body 2 of this second embodiment, where, again, a base element 10 has been omitted for illustrative purposes. In contrast to the first embodiment, the S-shaped spreading walls are arranged in the same direction but offset, whereas in the first embodiment they are arranged in a mirror image.

[0029] Fig. Figure 7 shows the cable routing channel 1 according to Fig. 1 now with a curve, from which it can also be seen that on the inner flank of the curve the interlocking steps are completely concealed, while on the outer flank both the overlapping steps 7 and the interlocking steps 8 are completely visible. There is again no opening in the outer wall. This too can be seen in the Fig. 8. Observe this particularly clearly.

[0030] The above description thus describes a cable routing channel that simultaneously enables flexible installation and ensures high-quality protection of the cables laid in it, even in industrial environments. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 cable routing channel 2 articulated bodies 3 frames 4 swivel surfaces 5 Joint axle 6 Spreading surface 7 overlapping steps 8 lower-level 9 Lid element 10 Basic Element 11 Partition wall section 12 connection

Claims

[1] A conduit channel comprising a plurality of identical link bodies (2) which are articulated on both sides in the direction of the conduit with adjacent link bodies (2), wherein the link bodies (2) each form a frame (3) which keeps a conduit opening clear and stabilizes it, and wherein each frame (3) has a substantially rectangular cross-section which is made of opposing pivot surfaces (4) each having two pivot axes (5) and which are connected to each other via opposing spreading surfaces (6), wherein both the pivot surfaces (4) and the spreading surfaces (6) of adjacent link bodies (2) overlap each other, wherein the spreading surfaces (6) are stepped and an overlapping step (7) of a link body (2) at least partially conceals an undercut step (8) of an adjacent link body (2), forming an outer wall that is continuously closed at every degree of bending.characterized by , that the spreading surfaces (6) of the link bodies (2) are essentially S-shaped, wherein the ends of the S-shape can be used as stops for a maximum degree of bending, so that the free ends of adjacent S-shaped spreading surfaces (6) form a mutual stop. [2] Cable routing channel according to claim 1, characterized by that the linkage bodies (2) are made of metal or plastic. [3] Cable routing channel according to claim 2, characterized by , that the spreading surfaces (6) are produced by bending or connecting with a pivot surface (4) forming the visible side and thus form a cover element (9) which is detachably connected with the second pivot surface (4) forming a base element (10). [4] Cable routing channel according to claim 3, characterized by, that each of the link bodies (2) is assigned a partition section (11) in the center, which is directly connected to the pivot surfaces (4) or to the joint axes (5). [5] Cable routing channel according to claim 2, characterized by , that the pivot surfaces (4) are produced by bending or connecting with a spreading surface (6) forming the visible side and thus form a cover element (9) which is detachably connected with the second spreading surface (6) forming a base element (10). [6] Cable routing channel according to claim 5, characterized by , that each of the articulated bodies (2) is assigned a partition section (11) in the middle, which is connected either exclusively to the spreading surfaces (6) or additionally to the respective adjacent partition sections (11). [7] Cable routing channel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the connection (12) between the cover element (9) and the base element (10) is made by a plug connection, clamp connection or screw connection, by joining or by using connecting means. [8] Cable routing channel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that overlapping spreading surfaces (6) have mutually interacting stops.

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