Cable duct system connectors

Abstract

Connector (1) for a cable duct system, with a base element which has a first receptacle (2) for one end of a first cable duct segment and a second receptacle (5) for one end of a second cable duct segment (3), and the first and second receptacles (2, 5) are each formed by a base and two opposite side walls, wherein the base element for anchoring the connector to the ground comprises two laterally projecting fastening tabs (8), which are arranged between the first and the second receptacle (2, 5) and are designed to be foldable relative to the base element, that they can be transferred from a transport or storage position into an assembly position aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction of the connector (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector for a cable duct system.

[0002] Cable duct systems are used in a wide variety of infrastructure applications, such as along roads, railway lines, or industrial supply routes. Such systems are particularly suitable for laying utility lines, such as power cables or fiber optic cables, which are routed in prefabricated duct sections.

[0003] Currently, axial connection systems are frequently used, in which the cable duct segments are inserted into a connector from both sides and then fixed in the ground, for example, using ground anchors. Published patent application EP 4 528 951 A1 describes a connecting element for modular housings that provides a snap connection with an elastic locking arm that engages a corresponding recess when two housing parts are joined together, also enabling vertical installation.

[0004] The existing systems are generally relatively wide in their geometry, which is detrimental to handling and storage. Assembly is often laborious, and there is no defined positional fixation of the segments within the connector. The lack of differentiation between fixed and floating bearings leads in practice to undesirable longitudinal displacement of the cable ducts, which increases installation effort and complicates reproducibility. Pre-assembly or stackable storage of such systems is hardly possible due to their design.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a connector and a cable laying system that allows for time-efficient, preferably screwless, and automated assembly.

[0006] The object is achieved according to the invention by a connector having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description, which may each individually or in combination represent an aspect of the invention.

[0007] According to the invention, a connector for a cable duct system comprises a base element which has a first receptacle for one end of a first cable duct segment and a second receptacle for one end of a second cable duct segment, the first and second receptacles each being formed by a base and two opposing side walls. The base element comprises two laterally projecting fastening tabs for secure fixing of the connector in the base area. These are arranged between the first and second receptacles and are designed to be foldable relative to the base element such that they can be transferred from a transport or storage position into an assembly position oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the connector.

[0008] A key advantage of such a design is that the connector has a compact, stackable geometry for storage and transport thanks to the foldable fastening tabs.

[0009] To enable defined positioning in the transport or assembly position, the fastening tabs can be designed to lock into place in these positions. For this purpose, locking projections can be provided on the tabs, which interact with corresponding locking receptacles on the base element, particularly on the side walls or the base. This locking connection ensures safe handling during transport and reliable assembly in use.

[0010] For ease of manufacture and compact integration, it is preferred that the two fastening tabs be formed by a one-piece plate that is hingedly connected to the base element. The hinged plate can be connected to the base element, for example, via an axle bearing. For this purpose, a bearing pin can be provided that is rotatably held in a bearing receptacle or bearing tab formed in the base area of ​​the base element.

[0011] The width of the plate is preferably dimensioned such that, when folded in, it can be accommodated substantially completely under the base element, whereby the connector has no protruding elements and enables stacking of several units.

[0012] In order to be able to fix the cable duct segments in a form-fitting manner in the vertical direction, it can be provided that the side walls of the first and / or second receptacle each comprise a projection forming an undercut.

[0013] To achieve screwless assembly, which allows for a defined positional fixation of the cable duct segments, an elastically flexible hooking element can be provided in the base of the first receptacle. This element is designed in such a way that it is deflected from its rest position when a cable duct segment is inserted and then returns to an engaged position by restoring force, where it forms a positive and / or non-positive engagement with the cable duct segment base. This engagement secures the cable duct segment against axial displacement.

[0014] Preferably, the hooking element is designed as a spring-elastic tab that is integrally connected to the base of the first receptacle. This tab can be pointed or sharp-edged at its free end, forming the engagement zone, so that a defined engagement with the channel wall occurs, in particular to enable reliable, screwless fixation. To implement this function, the tab can be formed, for example, by punching and bending it out of the sheet metal material of the base, with the remaining material composite being elastically deformable.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous design, the free end of the tab points in the axial insertion direction of the cable duct segment. This allows the hooking element to deflect downward when the segment is inserted without impeding its movement. However, when the cable duct segment is moved counter to the insertion direction, the tapered end is pressed into the base area of ​​the cable duct segment and forms a counterbearing, generating a positive and / or non-positive retention force. This allows the cable duct segment to be fixed in a defined position without the need for additional fasteners.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the base element additionally has a second receptacle for a further cable duct segment. This second receptacle can also comprise two side walls, each with a projection forming an undercut, thereby creating a detachable holder for the further segment. To achieve the advantage of stable vertical installation, the undercuts of the second receptacle can be formed by spring-elastic, inwardly projecting locking elements which are elastically deflected when a cable duct segment is inserted and return to an engaged position once the segment has been fully inserted. In this position, they secure the cable duct segment in the vertical direction against unintentional movement out.

[0017] To form the undercuts, it is preferred that the undercuts be formed by protruding, inward-facing legs located on the upper inner edge of the side walls. These legs can be an integral part of the side wall or be formed by targeted deformation, for example, by bending or embossing.

[0018] To connect multiple cable duct segments, the connector can also be designed as an angled connecting element, with the base element having at least two receptacles arranged at an angle to one another. This allows, for example, T-, L-, or Y-shaped connecting elements. To ensure secure fixation in multiple directions, at least two of the receptacles can each contain a hooking element as described above, by means of which a respective cable duct segment can be fixed in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, in particular without screws.

[0019] A further aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a connector according to one of the above-described embodiments and at least one cable duct segment. The cable duct segment has at least one projection or one outer notch at each of its two axial end regions, which, when properly installed, are positively engaged by one or more undercuts of the connector. The projections or notches can extend in the longitudinal direction and be designed either as a circumferential shoulder or as a localized locking geometry.

[0020] The cable duct segments are preferably made of a polymeric material, in particular high-density polyethylene (PE-HD), polypropylene (PP), rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP).

[0021] For factory preparation or easier assembly, a first cable duct segment can be provided at the factory already inserted into the first receptacle and axially secured, thus creating a pre-assembled assembly unit. In combination with foldable mounting tabs according to one of the embodiments described above, this results in a transportable and storable unit.

[0022] Particularly preferably, several such assembly units are arranged in a common magazine, with the fastening tabs in the folded position and the assembly units stacked one above the other. The geometry of the connector and cable duct segment, as well as the compact arrangement of the tabs, ensure high stackability, creating a magazine suitable for automated processing. This enables particularly efficient handling, transport, storage, and installation in industrial or construction-related applications.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the magazine is designed in a pallet-shaped geometry, making it easy to stack, transport, and handle. Alternatively or additionally, the magazine can be designed to be robot-compatible, in particular with standardized pick-up points or gripping edges to enable automated removal and assembly of the individual connector-cable duct units by handling devices or robotic systems.

[0024] The cable duct system is primarily used for laying supply lines, especially fiber optic cables or power cables.

[0025] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0026] In the drawings shows: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a first embodiment of a connector in perspective views with first and second receptacles and fastening tabs, Fig. 3 to 5 different views of the connector in interaction with inserted cable duct segments, Fig. 6 a variant of the connector with two axially aligned receptacles, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 an angled version of the connector with double-sided accommodation of cable duct segments, Fig. 9 to 12 views of the design and function of the pivoting fastening tabs with snap-in connection, Fig. 13 a variant with insertion aid in the area of ​​the first receptacle, Fig. 14 to 16 further views of the assembly of the cable duct segments and the interaction with the positive locking means, Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 a stacking of several connector cable duct units to form a magazine suitable for storage or transport.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the connector 1 in perspective. The connector 1 has a base element comprising a first receptacle 2 for the axial insertion of a cable duct segment 3 and a second receptacle 5 for the vertical reception of another cable duct segment 3. The first receptacle 2 is provided with an elastically flexible hooking element 4 arranged in the base of the receptacle. The side walls of the first receptacle 2 are provided with inwardly directed, undercut-forming legs 6. The second receptacle 5 has two opposite side walls on which spring-elastic, inwardly projecting locking elements 7 are provided, enabling a vertical snap connection with a cable duct segment 3 to be inserted. In addition, pivotable, laterally projecting fastening tabs 8 are integrally connected to the base element on both sides and are intended for floor anchoring.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows the connector 1 according to Fig. 1 from a different perspective, in which the hooking element 4 of the first receptacle 2, the opposite second receptacle 5, and the legs 6 for forming the undercuts are more clearly visible. The hooking element 4 is designed as a spring-elastic tab with a pointed end in the shape of a claw. This tab is preferably formed by punching out the base plate of the base element and erected in a bending process, whereby the remaining material composite enables an elastic restoring force. The tab is aligned such that its free end points in the insertion direction of the cable duct segment 3 to be inserted into the receptacle 2.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows the connector 1 with a cable duct segment 3 inserted into the first receptacle 2. The cable duct segment 3 basically consists of an elongated, trough-shaped base body that can be closed with a removable or hinged cover. In the lower area of ​​the base body, cable duct projections 11 are provided on the outside thereof, which serve to form a positive connection in the vertical direction with the connector. When the cable duct segment 3 is inserted, the hooking element 4 is elastically deflected downwards and then returns to an engaged position in which it engages in the base of the cable duct segment and forms an abutment against axial withdrawal. In addition, the legs 6 grip over the cable duct projections 11, so that an overall screwless fixation is achieved.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 shows the connector 1 in the state before inserting another cable duct segment 3 into the second receptacle 5. The directional arrow indicates the vertical mounting direction. The cable duct segment 3 is lowered from above between the two side walls of the second receptacle. The spring-elastic locking elements 7 are initially deflected elastically outward and then lock behind the cable duct projections 11 formed on the cable duct segment, ensuring a positive fixation in the vertical direction as well.

[0031] Fig. 5 shows the connector 1 according to Fig. 1 in fully assembled condition with cable duct segments inserted on both sides 3.

[0032] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the connector 1, in which the second receptacle 5 is also designed for the axial insertion of a cable duct segment 3. Both the first receptacle 2 and the second receptacle 5 have inwardly directed legs 6 on their side walls, which form undercuts for positive reception.

[0033] Fig. Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the connector 1 in an angled design. The two receptacles 2 are arranged at an angle to each other, allowing two cable duct segments 3 to be connected in different directions. Hooking elements 4 are provided in both receptacles for axial fixation.

[0034] Fig. 8 shows the angled connector 1 according to Fig. 7 with cable duct segments 3 installed on both sides. The axial fixation is achieved by the hooking element 4 and the positive engagement of the cable duct projections 11 by the undercuts formed by the legs 6.

[0035] Fig. Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the connector 1 with pivoting fastening tabs 8 in the folded transport position. The tabs 8 are connected to the base element via an axle bearing and can be moved from the transport position to the assembly position about a horizontal pivot axis. Locking is achieved via locking projections 9 and corresponding locking receptacles on the base element.

[0036] Fig. 10 shows the same connector 1 from Fig. 9 in an intermediate state when unfolding the fastening tabs 8. The tabs 8 are pivoted around the axle bearing and moved out of the interior of the base element. Also visible here is one of the locking receptacles 10 in the side wall of the second receptacle, which interacts with a locking projection 9 to lock the fastening tab 8.

[0037] Fig. Figure 11 shows an enlarged detailed view of an extended fastening tab 8 in the area of ​​the locking connection. The locking projection 9 is clearly visible, which engages with the corresponding locking receptacle 10 and thus ensures secure locking in the mounting position.

[0038] Fig. 12 shows the connector 1 according to Fig. 9 in the fully unfolded state with fastening tabs 8 locked on both sides. The locking connections are formed by the interaction of the locking projection 9 and the locking receptacle 10.

[0039] Fig. Figure 13 shows a variant of the first receptacle 2 with an additional, downwardly angled insertion aid 12 in the front area of ​​the base element. This facilitates the axial insertion of a cable duct segment 3 and supports centered positioning.

[0040] Fig. 14 shows the connector 1 with the cable duct segment 3 inserted in the first receptacle 2. The fastening tabs 8 are located within the base element in the folded transport position.

[0041] Fig. 15 illustrates the vertical mounting of another cable duct segment 3 into the second receptacle of the connector 1. The fastening tabs 8 are already moved into the mounting position.

[0042] Fig. 16 shows a side view of the connector 1 with the cable duct segment 3 inserted. The cable duct projections 11 engage positively behind the spring-elastic locking elements 7 for vertical fixation.

[0043] Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of a magazine consisting of stacked assembly units, each with a connector 1 and a connected cable duct segment 3. The compact stackability is achieved by the flat design of the basic elements and the folded-in position of the fastening tabs 8.

[0044] Fig. 18 shows a front view of the Fig. 17, which shows the dense, vertical stacking of the modular units. List of reference symbols: 1 connector 2 first recording 3 cable duct segment 4 hooking element 5 second shot 6 legs 7 locking element 8 mounting tab 9 locking projection 10 locking holder 11 Cable duct projection 12 downward angled insertion aid QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 4 528 951 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Connector (1) for a cable duct system, with a base element which has a first receptacle (2) for one end of a first cable duct segment and a second receptacle (5) for one end of a second cable duct segment (3), and the first and second receptacles (2, 5) are each formed by a base and two opposite side walls, wherein the base element for anchoring the connector to the ground comprises two laterally projecting fastening tabs (8), which are arranged between the first and the second receptacle (2, 5) and are designed to be foldable relative to the base element, that they can be transferred from a transport or storage position into an assembly position aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction of the connector (1). [2] Connector according to claim 1, wherein the fastening tabs (8) are designed to be lockable in the assembly position and / or the transport position, wherein a locking projection (9) is preferably provided on one of the fastening tabs (8), which interacts with a corresponding locking receptacle (10) on the base element, in particular on a side wall or on the bottom. [3] Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening tabs (8) are formed by a one-piece plate which is hingedly connected to the base element. [4] Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the width of the foldable plate is dimensioned such that, in the folded state, it is substantially completely received under the base element. [5] Connector (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the plate is connected to the base element via an axle bearing and the axle bearing is formed in particular by a bearing pin, which is rotatably held in a bearing receptacle or bearing tab formed in the base area of ​​the base element. [6] Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls of the first and / or second receptacle each comprise a projection forming an undercut. [7] Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an elastically yielding hooking element (4) designed as a spring-elastic tab is provided in the base of the first receptacle (2), which hooking element is designed in such a way that it is deflected when the first cable duct segment (3) is inserted and then returns by restoring force into an engagement position in which it forms a positive and / or non-positive engagement with the base of the cable duct segment (3), by means of which the cable duct segment (3) is secured against moving out in the axial direction. [8] Connector (1) according to claim 7, wherein the hooking element (4) is formed integrally with the bottom of the first receptacle (2) and is formed with a pointed or sharp edge at its free end forming the engagement zone. [9] Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the undercuts of the first receptacle and / or second receptacle are formed by projecting, inwardly directed legs (6) which are located on the upper inner edge of the side walls. [10] Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the undercuts of the second receptacle (5) are formed by spring-elastic, inwardly projecting locking elements (7), which are designed for vertical mounting of a cable duct segment (3), are elastically deflectable when a cable duct segment (3) is inserted into the second receptacle (5) and return to an intervention position after insertion, in which they secure the cable duct segment (3) in the vertical direction against moving out. [11] Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed as an angular connecting element, wherein the base element has at least two receptacles (2, 5) arranged at an angle to one another, each for a cable duct segment (3). [12] Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein in at least two of the receptacles (2, 5) a hooking element (4) according to claim 7 or 8 is provided, by means of which a cable duct segment (3) can be fixed in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, in particular without screws. [13] System comprising a connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one cable duct segment (3), wherein the cable duct segment (3) has at least one cable duct projection (11) or an outer notch at each of its two axial end regions, which are positively engaged behind by one or more undercuts of the connector (1) when installed as intended. [14] System according to claim 13, wherein a first cable duct segment (3) is inserted into the first receptacle (2) of the connector (1) and axially secured and forms an assembly unit therewith. [15] Arrangement of several systems according to claim 12, wherein the fastening tabs (8) of the mounting units are in the folded position, and the assembly units are stacked on top of each other to form a magazine suitable for automated processing.

Images