Cable bridge and connecting element

Abstract

Cable bridge (1a; 1b) for protecting cables, with an elongated base body (2a; 2b) in which at least one longitudinally extending and upwardly open channel (3a; 3b) for receiving a cable is arranged, and with a cover (4a; 4b) pivotably fastened to the base body (2a; 2b) for covering the channel (3a; 3b), characterized in that a device (7; 7'; 8b; 8b') for mutual connection with further cable bridges is provided on at least one end face (6a; 6b) of the cable bridge (1a; 1b).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cable bridge for protecting cables, in particular a floor channel, according to the preamble of claim 1, and a connecting element for a cable bridge.

[0002] Such a cable bridge is known from US Patent 5,095,822 A. The cable bridge comprises an elongated base body in which several longitudinally extending and upwardly open channels for receiving a cable are arranged. To cover the channel and protect a cable located therein, a cover pivotally attached to the base body is provided, which, in a closed position, covers the channel from above.

[0003] The purpose of the invention is to create a cable bridge that enables particularly simple and safe handling.

[0004] This problem is solved by providing a device on at least one end face of the cable bridge for mutual connection with other cable bridges. The device can, in particular, comprise a connecting element that projects from the end face and has a cross-section that increases section by section along the longitudinal direction of the cable bridge. This allows for a positive engagement with a corresponding recess in an adjacent cable bridge, thereby securely connecting the neighboring cable bridges.

[0005] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the connecting element can have side surfaces with a convex contour in cross-section. The plane of the cross-section can be chosen to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bridge. The convex, i.e., bulbous, curvature of the side surfaces ensures that, when two cable bridges are placed flush against each other, the projecting, bulbous part of the side surfaces rests precisely or with an overlap against the wall of a corresponding recess in the adjacent cable bridge, thus enabling a play-free connection. However, if one cable bridge is tilted relative to the adjacent cable bridge about its longitudinal direction, the bulbous part of the side surfaces loses contact with the wall of the corresponding recess in the adjacent cable bridge, allowing the cable bridge to be detached without misalignment.Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide the convex side surfaces of the connecting element in a cross-section whose plane is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cable bridge. This allows the cable bridge to be released by lifting it at the free end and thus pivoting it around a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bridge.

[0006] Particularly preferably, the connecting element can be designed as a separate component, which is arranged in a recess in the base body of the cable bridge and is preferably held by a positive locking element.

[0007] To further facilitate the mutual separation of two cable bridges, at least one end face of the cable bridge may be designed to have an angle other than 90° with respect to the underside of the cable bridge. In particular, the lower edge of the end face, which adjoins the underside of the base body, may have an obtuse angle in longitudinal section.

[0008] Advantageously, the base body for the device for mutual connection with other cable bridges can have at least one vertical recess extending from the underside to the top on one end face, and at least one recess can be provided on the opposite end face, which extends only partially over the height of the base body from the underside. A connecting element can preferably be inserted into the latter recess from the underside. The connecting element is preferably secured via a lateral recess in the hole, into which the locking element of the connecting element engages in a form-fitting manner.

[0009] The connecting element preferably has a stepped top surface, in particular with a centrally arranged through-hole. Due to the stepped top surface, a section of the connecting element projects up to the top surface of the cable bridge and is thus accessible from above.

[0010] For the pivotable attachment of the cover to the base of the cable bridge, a hinge socket can be provided in the base, in which a hinge of the cover is rotatably mounted and which is partially closed at the bottom, in particular by a centrally arranged support strip. On opposite longitudinal sides of the descent plate, an opening to the underside of the base can be provided, allowing the drainage of liquids and contaminants.

[0011] The support strip can advantageously have at least one locking cam that projects upwards. At least one corresponding recess can be provided on the lid's hinge, enabling the lid to lock into a defined angular position. For example, if several recesses are radially spaced apart in the lid's hinge, locking can be achieved in any of the angular positions defined by the recesses.

[0012] To secure the lid in the closed position, the lid can have a protruding retaining element for snap-fit ​​engagement with a corresponding receptacle in the base body. The retaining element preferably has a height-to-width ratio greater than 1 / 1.5, and in particular greater than 1 / 1. This narrow design of the retaining element ensures a secure, complete engagement with the corresponding receptacle without tilting.

[0013] At least one recess can be provided laterally next to the receptacle in the base body, in which a clamping element is preferably arranged. The recess adjacent to the receptacle increases the elastic deformability of the area surrounding the receptacle, thus facilitating the insertion of the retaining element into the receptacle. If a clamping element is also provided in the recess, the elasticity of the area around the receptacle for the retaining element can be adjusted by selecting the appropriate material for the clamping element. This allows for the setting and adjustment of an optimal force for releasing and locking the retaining element at any time.

[0014] Furthermore, a recess with a clamping element can be provided on each of two opposite sides of the receptacle in the base body, so that the elasticity of the area around the receptacle can be influenced from both sides. The recess(s) can be arranged at a distance of less than 4 cm, in particular less than 2 cm, from the receptacle.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the retaining element has a fir tree profile in cross-section, in which locking projections protrude laterally, with the width of the locking projections decreasing towards the free end.

[0016] Furthermore, a connecting element for the aforementioned cable bridge is also claimed, wherein the connecting element has side surfaces with a convex contour in cross-section, as previously described.

[0017] The connecting element can be made of a hard plastic, such as PA6 polyamide. The other components can consist of an elastomer, for example TPU – thermoplastic polyurethane (hardness 88-95 Shore A).

[0018] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the adjacent end sections of two cable bridges with connecting elements for connecting the cable bridges to each other; Fig. 2 a cross-section through the cable bridge of Fig. 1 at the level of the connecting elements; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the underside of the cable bridge of Fig. 1 with only one connecting element; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the underside of the cable bridge of Fig. 1 without connecting elements; Fig. 5 a side view of the cable bridges of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 a perspective view of a connecting element; Fig. 7 a perspective view of a hinge of the cover and a hinge socket of a cable bridge according to a first embodiment; Fig. 8 a detailed view of the socket of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 a cross-section through the socket of Fig. 7; Fig. 10 a perspective view of a hinge of the cover and a hinge socket of a cable bridge according to a second embodiment; Fig. 11 a detailed view of the socket of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 a cross-section through the socket of Fig. 10; Fig. 13 a perspective view of part of the cable bridge with a cover section and a locking element arranged on it and Fig. 14 a longitudinal section through the cable bridge in the area of ​​the locking element.

[0019] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the adjacent end sections of two cable bridges 1a, 1b. The remaining section of these cable bridges 1a, 1b is not shown due to space constraints. However, the cable bridges 1a, 1b are identical in design; the two end sections shown are also present on each of the cable bridges 1a, 1b. The elongated base body 2a, 2b of each cable bridge 1a, 1b extends longitudinally along the cable bridges 1a, 1b over a length that is a multiple of the width shown. Several channels are arranged in each cable bridge 1a, 1b, extending longitudinally along the cable bridges 1a, 1b, of which channels 3a, 3b are numbered here as examples. Channels 3a, 3b are open at the top and designed to accommodate, for example, a cable. Each of the base bodies 2a, 2b has a pivotably attached cover 4a, 4b for covering the channels 3a, 3b.Each cover for 4a, 4b has several joints, of which joint 5 of the cable bridge 1a is numbered here.

[0020] For the mutual connection of cable bridges 1a and 1b, a device for mutual connection is provided on the end face 6a of cable bridge 1a facing cable bridge 1b. This device comprises two connecting elements 7 and 7'. The connecting elements 7 and 7' project longitudinally from the end face 6 of cable bridge 1a and have a cross-section that increases section by section along the length of the cable bridge 1a. In the opposite cable bridge 1b, two corresponding recesses 8b and 8b', open upwards and downwards, are provided at the end facing cable bridge 1a. These recesses have a cross-section that decreases towards the free end. This allows the cable bridges 1a and 1b to be inserted vertically into one another at their ends, thus enabling a stable mutual connection.

[0021] In Fig. 2 is a cross-section through the cable bridge 1a of Fig. Figure 1 shows the connection elements 7, 7' at the level of the connecting elements. The plane of the cross-section is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bridges 1a, 1b. As can be seen from the illustration using the connecting element 7 as an example, the side surfaces 9a, 9b of the connecting element 7 are convex in cross-section, i.e., bulging outwards, with the greatest width located at approximately half the height. The corresponding recesses 8b, 8b' are preferably formed with vertical, straight inner walls, so that, depending on the design of the connecting elements 7, 7', either only the widest area of ​​the convex side surfaces 9a, 9b rests against the inner walls of the recess 8b, or, in the case of an interference fit, a corresponding deformation occurs and a wider section in the area of ​​the greatest width of the side surfaces 9a, 9b rests against the inner wall of the recess 8b.The connecting element 7' with the recess 8b' is identically designed, so that a play-free connection between the cable bridges 1a, 1b is ensured when they are placed flush against each other. However, tilt-free release is easily possible due to the convex shape of the side surfaces of both connecting elements 7, 7', since a mutual tilting about the longitudinal axis of the cable bridges 1a, 1b, i.e., in . Fig. 2. Perpendicular to the drawing plane, for example, the side surfaces 9a, 9b quickly disengage from the inner walls of the recess 8b (similarly for the unnumbered side surfaces of the connecting element 7' and the corresponding recess 8b'), and thus the cable bridges 1a, 1b can be easily separated from each other without tilting. The same applies to the mutual assembly of the cable bridges 1a, 1b by lateral tilting, which until shortly before the final assembly position still have a corresponding amount of play between the connecting elements 7, 7' and the recesses 8b, 8b' and only come into contact with each other at the last moment of assembly, which also considerably simplifies the assembly. It is understood that the radius of curvature of the side surfaces of the connecting elements should be smaller than the pivot radius of the cable bridges 1a, 1b. If, for example, the outermost support line of the cable bridges is taken as the pivot axis, i.e., in Fig. 2 For example, the right outermost edge of the cable bridge 1a, the radius of the side surfaces 9a, 9b of the connecting element 7 (and also the radius of the unnumbered side surfaces of the connecting element 7') should be smaller than the distance of the furthest side surface, i.e., the side surface 9a, to the right outermost edge of the cable bridge 1a.

[0022] Out of Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the underside of cable bridge 1a, where in Fig. 3 the lid 4a as well as the connecting element 7' and in Fig. 4. Additionally, the connecting element 7 is not shown. As can be seen from the illustrations, the connecting elements 7, 7' are designed as separate components, each of which is provided in a recess 8a, 8a' in the base body 2a of the cable bridge 1a. In addition to the shape of the connecting elements 7, 7', which are X-shaped or hourglass-shaped in plan view, a locking element in the form of a locking tab is provided on each connecting element 7, 7' for additional fixation in the base body 2a. Of these, locking element 10a on connecting element 7 is numbered here. Locking element 10a is designed to project laterally into a corresponding locking element 10b in the form of a locking groove in the recess 8a.

[0023] As from the Fig. 3 and Fig. As described in section 4, the recesses 8a, 8a' extend vertically from the underside only partially over the height of the base body 2a. In contrast, the recesses 8b, 8b' of the cable bridge 1b extend vertically from the underside to the top. This ensures that when the cable bridge 1b is lifted, the connecting elements 7, 7' remain in the cable bridge 1a and only the connection between the connecting elements 7, 7' and the recesses 8b, 8b' is released.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of cable bridges 1a, 1b of Fig. Figure 1 shows that the end faces 6a, 6b of the cable bridges 1a, 1b are not vertically oriented, but rather have an angle that deviates from 90° in sections with respect to the underside of the cable bridge. In particular, the angle between the underside and the respective end face 6a, 6b is obtuse, which simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the cable bridges.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the connecting element 7, which is a mirror image of the connecting element 7'. As can be seen from the illustration, the connecting element 7, like the connecting element 7' (not shown), has a further locking element 10', which is designed as a horizontally extending locking lug and serves to lock the connecting element 7 in the recess 8a in the vertical direction. The upper surface of the connecting element 7 is stepped, with the section with the lower step 11 designed for placement within the smaller recess 8a and the section with the higher step 11' designed for placement in the continuous recess 8b.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the joint 5 of the cover 4a together with a section-by-section base body 2a with a socket 13a for the joint 5. To connect the joint 5 to the socket 13a, two laterally projecting axle stubs 14a, 14b are provided on the joint 5, which taper in cross-section away from the plane of the cover 4a. Two corresponding lateral axle bearings are provided in the socket 13a, of which axle bearing 15b is numbered here. For a simplified representation, only the section of the base body 2a around the socket 13a is shown; however, the socket 13a is integrally formed within the base body 2a of the cable bridge 1a.To connect the cover 4a to the base body 2a, the cover 4a can be inserted from above into the joint socket 13a with its surface oriented horizontally. The beveled axle stubs 14a, 14b elastically deform the area of ​​the joint socket 13a until they engage in the axle bearings 15b. The bevels on the axle stubs 14a, 14b significantly hinder the cover 4a from being removed from the joint socket 13a. The joint 5 is additionally tapered on the side facing away from the surface of the cover 4a to facilitate its insertion into the joint socket 13a. The cover 4a of the cable bridge 1a preferably comprises several such joints with corresponding joint sockets to provide uniform support for the cover 4a along the longitudinal axis of the cable bridge 4a.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the socket 13a. As can be seen in the illustration, the socket 13a has a centrally located support strip 16 on its base, which provides additional support for the joint 5. Openings 17a, 17b are provided laterally next to the support strip 16, through which dirt and liquid can escape to the underside of the base body 2a.

[0028] In Fig. 9 is a cross-section through the acetabulum 13a of Fig. Figure 7 shows the design of the support strip 16. The support strip 16 extends radially around the joint socket 13a and is designed as a preferably thin-walled bridge in the base body 2a. This allows the support strip 16 to be slightly deformable in the vertical direction, which facilitates the assembly of the cover 4a.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a joint 5' according to an alternative embodiment together with a corresponding joint socket 13b. The essentially identical features are provided with the same reference numerals. As can be seen from the comparison with Fig. 7, the joint 5' differs in that several radially spaced recesses are provided on the outer circumference of the joint 5', of which recess 18 is numbered here.

[0030] As from the Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the joint socket 13b differs from the previously described embodiment in that a locking cam 19 is provided on the support strip 16'. The locking cam 19 is designed to project into the recess 18 and thereby lock the cover 4a in a defined angular position relative to the base body 2a. If sufficient torque is applied to the cover 4a, the support strip 16', which is also bridge-shaped, deforms elastically with the locking cam 19, allowing the cover 4a to rotate.

[0031] Fig. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of part of the base body 2a of the cable bridge 1a with a section of the cover 4a and a projecting retaining element 20 attached to it. The projecting retaining element 20 is designed to engage in a snap-fit ​​manner with a corresponding receptacle 21 in the base body 2a. The retaining element 20 preferably has a height-to-width ratio greater than 1:1.5, and in particular greater than 1:1. This relatively narrow design of the retaining element 20 ensures a particularly reliable connection with the receptacle 21.

[0032] The depicted positioning of the cover 4a relative to the base body 2a is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual angular position of the cover 4a relative to the base body 2a. As previously described, the cover 4a is connected to the base body 2a via joints (not shown) on the opposite side of the cover 4a and can be pivoted about this axis.

[0033] As can be seen from the longitudinal section through the base body 2a of the cable bridge 1a in the area of ​​the retaining element 20 in Fig.As can be seen from Figure 14, two recesses 22a, 22b are provided laterally next to the receptacle 21 in the base body 2a, in each of which a clamping element 23a, 23b is arranged. The recesses are each arranged at a distance of less than 4 cm, in particular less than 2 cm, from the receptacle 21 and are preferably designed as through holes from the top to the bottom of the base body 2a. The clamping elements 23a, 23b allow the elasticity of the area around the receptacle 21 to be changed, so that the positive locking force on the retaining element 20, which preferably has a fir-tree profile, can be adjusted and also changed. For example, the material of the base body 2a may be relatively soft due to high ambient temperatures in summer, so that the clamping of the retaining element 20 can be improved by using harder clamping elements 23a, 23b and / or clamping elements with a larger interference fit.However, if the material of the base body 2a is relatively stiff anyway at winter cold temperatures, an excessively high release force of the lid 4a can be prevented by using a correspondingly soft material for the clamping elements 23a, 23b or by omitting the clamping elements 23a, 23b. Reference symbol list: 1a, 1b Cable bridge 2a, 2b Basic body 3a, 3b Channel 4a, 4b Lid 5.5' joint 6a, 6b Front 7, 7' Connecting element 8a, 8a', 8b, 8b' Exclusion 9a, 9b, side surfaces 10a, 10b, 10' Latching element 11, 11' step 12 through hole 13a, 13b socket 14a, 14b axle stub 15a, 15b Axle bearings 16, 16' support strip 17a, 17b Breakthrough 18 In-depth study 19 locking cams 20 retaining elements 21 recording 22a, 22b recess 23a, 23b clamping element QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 5,095,822 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) for protecting cables, comprising an elongated base body (2a; 2b) in which at least one longitudinally extending and upwardly open channel (3a; 3b) for receiving a cable is arranged, and comprising a cover (4a; 4b) pivotably attached to the base body (2a; 2b) for covering the channel (3a; 3b), characterized by , that at least one end face (6a; 6b) of the cable bridge (1a; 1b) a device (7; 7'; 8b; 8b') is provided for mutual connection with other cable bridges. [2] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the device comprises a connecting element (7; 7') which projects from the front face (6a) and has a cross-section that increases section by section in the longitudinal direction of the cable bridge (1a). [3] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the connecting element (7; 7') has side surfaces (9a; 9b) with a convex contour in cross-section. [4] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the connecting element (7; 7') is designed as a separate component which is held in a recess (8a; 8a') in the base body (2a) of the cable bridge (1a) preferably by means of a positive locking element (10a; 10b; 10'). [5] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one end face (6a; 6b) of the cable bridge (1a; 1b) has an angle different from 90° with respect to the underside of the cable bridge (1a; 1b). [6] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the base body (2a; 2b) for the device for mutual connection with further cable bridges has at least one vertically extending recess (8b; 8b') on one end face (6b) extending from the underside to the top, and at least one recess (8a; 8a') is provided on the opposite end face (6a), which extends from the underside only partially over the height of the base body (2a). [7] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the connecting element (7; 7') has a stepped top surface (11; 11'), in particular with a centrally arranged through hole (12). [8] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cover (4a) is supported in the base body (2a) via at least one joint socket (13a; 13b), which is partially closed at the bottom, in particular via a centrally arranged support strip (16; 16'). [9] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to claim 8, characterized by , that on opposite longitudinal sides of the support strip (16; 16') an opening (17a; 17b) to the underside of the base body (2a) is provided. [10] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the support strip (16; 16') has at least one locking cam (19) and at least one corresponding recess (18) is provided at a hinge (5; 5') of the cover (4a). [11] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cover (4a) has a projecting retaining element (20) for snapping engagement into a corresponding receptacle (21) in the base body (2a), wherein the retaining element (20) preferably has a height to width ratio of greater than 1 / 1.5, in particular greater than 1 to 1. [12] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to claim 11, characterized by, that at least one recess (22a; 22b) is provided laterally next to the receptacle (21) in the base body (2a), in which a clamping element (23a; 23b) is preferably arranged. [13] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to claim 12, characterized by , that on two opposite sides of the receptacle (21) in the base body (2a) a recess (22a; 22b) with a clamping element (23a; 23b) is provided. [14] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the recess(s) (22a; 22b) is / are arranged at a distance of less than 4 cm, in particular less than 2 cm, from the receptacle (21). [15] Cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by , that the retaining element (20) has a fir tree profile. [16] Connecting element (7; 7') for a cable bridge, in particular a cable bridge (1a; 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by, that the connecting element (7; 7') has side surfaces (9a; 9b) with a convex contour in cross-section.

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