Cable entry for a distribution box

Abstract

Cable entry (1) into a distribution box (2) consisting of at least four walls (3) and a roof element (19), wherein at least one of the walls (3) has an opening (4) suitable for passing a cable into an interior space, wherein the opening (4) can be completely closed or completely opened by means of a flap (5), characterized in that the flap (5) - can be arranged in an initial position, suitable to fully open the opening (4), - can be arranged in an end position, suitable to completely close the opening (4), and - can be arranged in an intermediate position, suitable to partially close or partially open the opening (4).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable inlet into a distribution box according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] Distribution boxes for power and data lines are known in various designs according to the state of the art. Their primary purpose is to protect sensitive electrical and electronic components from environmental influences such as dust, moisture, or mechanical stress, while simultaneously enabling the orderly connection of cables. Such distribution boxes are commonly used in industrial applications, telecommunications networks, and private or public utility systems.

[0003] Distribution boxes are key components of modern electrical and data transmission technology. They protect sensitive components and connections from external influences such as dust, dirt, moisture, and mechanical stress. An essential feature of these boxes is the cable entry points, which allow cables to be routed into the interior without compromising the box's protective function.

[0004] In current technology, cable glands are often fitted with simple rubber grommets or seals that allow limited adaptation to different cable diameters. However, these solutions are inflexible, as each seal is typically designed for only one specific cable cross-section. If a cable with a different diameter is inserted, unwanted residual openings remain, through which moisture or foreign matter can penetrate into the interior.

[0005] Other known systems use fixed flaps or covers that can completely close the opening. However, these flaps are often only usable in two states: fully open or fully closed. An intermediate position, in which the opening width could be adjusted to the size of a specific cable, is usually not provided. In practice, this leads to the problem that the seal remains inadequate as soon as cable diameters deviate from the intended standard dimensions.

[0006] Another disadvantage of many well-known devices is their limited retrofitting capabilities. In many cases, it is necessary to extensively modify or even completely replace an existing distribution box to achieve improved cable routing. This incurs additional costs and makes it difficult to adapt existing systems to new requirements.

[0007] In summary, it can be stated that the current state of the art lacks solutions that allow for flexible, safe and easy-to-handle cable routing, which can be used both in the manufacture of new distribution boxes and in the retrofitting of existing boxes. Object of the invention

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a cable entry into a distribution box that allows for flexible and stepless adjustment of the opening width. The solution should permit both a complete opening and a complete closure, while simultaneously allowing intermediate positions to adapt the opening width to the diameter of the cable being routed through.

[0009] Furthermore, the solution according to the invention should be easy to use, robust in design, and easy to retrofit. Another aspect of the problem is to design the cable routing in such a way that even with partially closed openings, the cables are securely held and any remaining openings are largely sealed to prevent the ingress of foreign objects or moisture. Solution to the task

[0010] The features of claim 1 lead to the solution of the problem.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] The invention provides that a wall of a distribution box has an opening that can be closed by a flap. The flap is designed so that it can be arranged in three characteristic positions. In the initial position, the opening is fully open, allowing cables to be easily routed through it. In the final position, the opening is completely closed, preventing any cable routing. In an intermediate position, the opening is partially open or closed, allowing it to be adapted to the diameter of a cable to be routed through it.

[0013] The flap is slidably mounted within a frame. This frame has a first end edge oriented towards the base of the distribution box and a second end edge pointing towards the roof element. Both end edges are connected by two parallel longitudinal edges, forming a rectangular frame.

[0014] The enclosure preferably consists of an outer and an inner sheet metal panel. The flap is positioned between these two panels. The inner panel faces the interior of the distribution box, while the outer panel faces the exterior. Both panels are manufactured to form a congruent opening. This means that they each have a through-hole at the same height and with essentially the same diameter. This creates a clean, continuous opening.

[0015] The inner panel has an elongated slot located centrally between the two longitudinal edges and running parallel to them. An adjustment strip is formed on the flap, projecting into the elongated slot and extending towards the second end edge. This adjustment strip has a screw receptacle in which a wing nut is located. By loosening or tightening the wing nut, the flap can be moved along the elongated slot and then locked in place. This allows for stepless adjustment of the opening width.

[0016] To improve cable routing, the flap has a cable-receiving notch on the side facing the first end edge. This notch can be rectangular, angular, or rounded. In a preferred embodiment, it is shaped similarly to a missing slice of a pie. This notch ensures that the inserted cable is reliably secured even in the intermediate position, while the remaining area of ​​the opening remains largely closed.

[0017] The functionality of the invention is illustrated using the figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows an open view into the distribution box or onto a wall of the box in which the cable inlet is integrated. Fig. Figure 2 shows an exterior view of the scenery in the intermediate position. Fig. Figure 3a shows the interior view of the same constellation, while Fig. 3b the starting position and Fig. 3c represents the final position.

[0018] In practice, operation is as follows: First, the opening is fully opened by means of the flap. Then, the cable is fed through. Next, the wing nut is loosened so that the flap can move within its housing. The user slides the flap until the opening corresponds to the size of the cable. The cable is held slightly clamped in place, and the remaining portion of the opening is closed. Finally, the wing nut is tightened again, which pulls the adjustment strip against the inner metal plate and fixes the flap in the desired position.

[0019] This design allows for simple, safe and flexible use both during initial installation and for later modifications or retrofits.

[0020] The invention offers numerous advantages. Particularly noteworthy is its high degree of flexibility, achieved by allowing the flap to be used not only in a fully open or fully closed position, but also in intermediate positions. This enables the opening width to be precisely adjusted to the diameter of the pipe or conduit being routed. The adjusting strip, in conjunction with the wing nut, allows for stepless adjustment, enabling the user to adjust and securely fix the opening width at any time. This ensures a reliable seal and prevents any residual openings from remaining.

[0021] Another advantage is the secure cable routing. The cable retention notch ensures that the cable is held firmly in position. This not only improves sealing but also mechanical stability, as the cable cannot slip. At the same time, the interior of the distribution box is reliably protected from the ingress of dust, dirt, and moisture.

[0022] Furthermore, the device can be installed in new distribution boxes as well as retrofitted into existing ones. This opens up a wide range of applications and makes the invention particularly practical. The construction, with its outer and inner sheet metal components, gives the device high robustness and durability, ensuring reliable operation even under harsh environmental conditions.

[0023] Operation is extremely simple. Loosening and tightening the wing nut requires no special tools, allowing the technician to make the desired adjustment quickly and easily. This not only reduces working time but also increases operational safety.

[0024] Overall, the invention represents a technically sophisticated, robust and user-friendly solution that overcomes the previous disadvantages of the prior art and enables a significant improvement in the installation and maintenance of distribution boxes. Character description

[0025] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings; these show in: Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified open view into a distribution box, or onto a wall 3 of the distribution box 2; Fig. Figure 2 shows an external view of a backdrop 6 according to the invention in an intermediate position; Fig. 3a shows an inside view of the backdrop 6 according to the invention. Fig. 2 in the intermediate position; Fig. Figure 3b shows an inside view of the backdrop 6 according to the invention in an initial position; Fig. Figure 3c shows an inside view of the backdrop 6 according to the invention in an end position. Example of implementation

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified open view into a distribution box 2, or rather onto a wall 3 of the distribution box 2. An electrical / electronic device 18 is arranged on the wall 3. The wall 3 is bounded on one side by a floor surface 8 and on the other by a roof element 19.

[0027] Furthermore, a cable entry 1 is arranged in wall 3. The cable entry 1 can either be factory-installed in the wall, or it is also conceivable that a wall can be retrofitted with such a recess 6 at a later date. This also allows for the retrofitting of existing distribution boxes.

[0028] The flap 5 in the Fig. 1 and also in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 arranged in the intermediate position. Intermediate position means that an opening 4 is essentially closed or at least partially open.

[0029] The flap 5 is slidably arranged in the frame 6, with a first end edge 7 of the frame 6 facing the floor surface 8 and the second end edge 9 of the frame 6 facing the roof element 19. The two end edges 7, 9 form a rectangle by means of two parallel longitudinal edges 10, 11.

[0030] A particular advantage of the present invention is that the opening width of the opening 4 can not only be completely closed or completely opened, but that the stepless intermediate position allows for variations in the Fig. 1 to 3a an adjustment of the opening width of the opening 4 to the cables to be laid through the opening 4, whose size and diameter can be adjusted without too much of the opening 4 remaining unintentionally open.

[0031] The cover 6 consists of an outer sheet 12 and an inner sheet 13, with the flap 5 arranged between the outer sheet 12 and the inner sheet 13. When properly installed, the inner sheet 13 faces an interior of the distribution box 2, as shown in the Fig. Figures 1, 3a to 3c are shown. The electrical / electronic equipment 18 is also usually located in the interior space.

[0032] The outer sheet metal 12, on the other hand, is arranged away from the interior towards an outer side of the distribution box 2.

[0033] The outer sheet metal 12 and the inner sheet metal 13 congruently form the opening. This means that the outer sheet metal 12 and the inner sheet metal 13 each have a through-hole, which is arranged at the same height, for example, relative to the first end face 7. The two through-holes are also largely identical in diameter. In this way, the two congruently arranged through-holes form the opening 4.

[0034] Furthermore, in the Fig. Figures 1, 3a to 3c show the view of the inner sheet metal 13. The inner sheet metal 13 forms an elongated hole 14, the elongated hole 14 being arranged centrally between the two longitudinal edges 10, 11 and parallel to the two longitudinal edges 10, 11.

[0035] The flap 5 forms an adjustment strip 15, the adjustment strip 15 extending into the elongated hole 14 to the second front edge 9 of the cam 6.

[0036] The stepless adjustability and locking of the flap 5 in the opening 4 is achieved by the adjustment strip 15 having a screw receptacle, in which a wing nut 16 is arranged. The wing nut 16 clamps and detaches the adjustment strip 15 along the elongated hole 14 to the inner sheet metal 13. This means that the user, for example, first opens the opening 4 fully. Then, the cable (not described in detail) is routed through the opening 4.

[0037] The wing nut 16 is then partially loosened in its screw receptacle, allowing the flap 5 and its associated adjusting strip 15 to move within the guide 6. The user can then close the opening by moving the flap 5 to the designated position, for example, by slightly clamping the cable, while largely closing the rest of the opening 4. To re-lock the flap 5, the wing nut 16 is screwed back into its receptacle, pulling the adjusting strip 15 towards the inner plate 13 and locking it in place.

[0038] To better retain the cable and also to better close the remaining opening in the intermediate position, the flap 5 has a cable-receiving notch 17 on the side facing the first end face 7 of the cam 6. The cable-receiving notch 17 forms a rectangular recess, as shown in this embodiment, which is shaped similarly to a missing slice of a pie.

[0039] The cable receptacle 17 can be rectangular, but also square or rounded, extending into the flap 5.

[0040] In the Fig. In the initial position shown in 3b, the opening 4 is shown to be fully or almost fully open through the flap 5.

[0041] In the Fig. In the final position shown in 3c, the opening 4 is shown to be completely or almost completely closed by the flap 5.

[0042] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 3a and Fig.Figure 3b shows the intermediate position in which the flap 5 can be arranged in such a way as to partially close or partially open the opening 4. Reference symbol list 1 cable entry 2 distribution boxes 3 Wall 4 Opening 5 flap 6 Backdrop 7 First front edge 8 floor area 9 Second front edge 10 Long edge 11 Longitudinal edge 12 outer sheet metal 13 inner sheet metal 14 elongated holes 15 adjustment strips 16 wing screw 17 Cable entry notch 18 Electrical / Electronic Equipment 19 roof element

Claims

[1] Cable entry (1) into a distribution box (2) consisting of at least four walls (3) and a roof element (19), wherein at least one of the walls (3) has an opening (4) suitable for passing a cable into an interior space, wherein the opening (4) can be completely closed or completely opened by means of a flap (5), characterized by , that the flap (5) - can be arranged in an initial position, suitable to fully open the opening (4), - can be arranged in an end position, suitable to completely close the opening (4), and - can be arranged in an intermediate position, suitable to partially close or partially open the opening (4). [2] Cable inlet according to claim 1, characterized by, that the flap (5) is arranged to be displaceable in a frame (6), wherein the first front edge (7) is arranged towards a floor surface (8) and the second front edge (9) is arranged towards the roof element (19), wherein the two front edges (7, 9) form a rectangle by means of two longitudinal edges (10, 11) arranged parallel to each other. [3] Cable inlet according to claim 2, characterized by , that the backdrop (6) consists of an outer sheet (12) and an inner sheet (13), wherein the flap (5) is arranged between the outer sheet (12) and the inner sheet (13). [4] Cable inlet according to claim 3, characterized by , that the outer sheet (12) and the inner sheet (13) congruently form the opening. [5] Cable inlet according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized by, that the inner sheet (13) forms an elongated hole (14), wherein the elongated hole (14) is arranged centrally between the two longitudinal edges (10, 11) and parallel to the two longitudinal edges (10, 11). [6] Cable inlet according to claim 5, characterized by , that the flap (5) has an adjustment strip (15), wherein the adjustment strip (15) projects into the elongated hole (14) and extends towards the second end face (9) of the cam (6). [7] Cable inlet according to claim 6, characterized by , that the adjusting strip (15) has a screw receptacle, wherein a wing screw (16) is arranged in the screw receptacle, wherein the wing screw (16) can be clamped and released to the adjusting strip (15) along the elongated hole (14) on the inner sheet metal (13). [8] Cable inlet according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, characterized by, that the flap (5) has a cable receptacle (17) on the side facing the first front edge (7) of the backdrop (6). [9] Cable inlet according to claim 8, characterized by , that the cable receptacle (17) extends into the flap (5) in a rectangular, angular or rounded shape. [10] Backing (6) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 for installation in a wall (3) of a distribution box (2).

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